This plenary session, from The Gospel Coalition Conference, led by Nancy Guthrie is awesome. If you are in ministry, you definitely need to listen to this. If you care about the health of your church body and how you can contribute as well as be served, then you should also tune in. It’s an hour long but incredibly rich, accurate, and well worth the time. Check it out!
Listen to: Is Your Church a Safe Place for Sad People? Learning to Walk with Each Other Through Loss
Jacob snapped this shot of me yesterday. I didn't think about it then but pearls would have been Jo's birthstone. Quite fitting, I think.
I am thankful to say that today is May 9, 2011, the spring semester of courses at UNL is over, I am employed for the summer and taking courses, and God is blessing me more and more every day. I was reminded last night at church that I need to be thankful that I am not in hell right now! Jesus lives, he is good, and his grace is sufficient for me.
With those positive things in mind, I can also say that yesterday was a tough day for me. On the fun side of things, Jacob and I celebrated our mothers with everyone together at a wonderful feast. Cards were opened, gifts were unwrapped, hugs were given, and pie was consumed. I am so thankful for the women who raised Jacob and me. We would certainly not be the people we are today and would probably not be together if it weren’t for the upbringing we had. They are fine examples of godly women and mothers. I hope to become more like them as I continue to mature into a woman of Christ.
Yesterday was unfortunately also a day of sorrow for Jacob and me. We lost a pregnancy in late November, which would have put me a little over 7 months pregnant today. This was a very awkward Mother’s Day on a personal level. It is hard not to dwell on where I could have been and what I could have had if God’s plans were different. I am a mother and have a child who I will know for eternity, but I have no child yet here on earth to celebrate with, nurture, and love. I actually was fairly composed most of the day until we got to church. Our pastor prayed at the beginning of the service for the women of the church. He prayed for those who are mothers, those who are mothers but have lost their children, and those who are longing to be mothers. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated that prayer. I wanted so much yesterday to honor and show respect to my mothers and those in our church and at the same time was hoping for a small acknowledgment of those women who do have children though they are not alive and those who desperately want children. I feel blessed to be upheld by a body of believers who not only prayed for such women but also spoke with me and sent me personal messages yesterday acknowledging the life that we lost. Such notes and words are so encouraging and cherished. I hope that I will have other children to celebrate and praise God for in the future Mothers Days.
I know having grief and sadness on a holiday is not something that only I have experienced. Yesterday I was reminded of the other women I know who have lost children and the children I know who have lost mothers. Holidays can be excruciating when the familial puzzle pieces are not in place. No amount of flowers or condolences will bring back the loved one that was lost, but, there are a few things that can help the grief and emotional well-being of the hurting person.
1. Prayer. Please pray for those who you know have heartache on a holiday (or any day). Pray that they would feel loved by God and others, that they would not feel alone, and that they would be able to celebrate the life that was given and taken.
2. Write/Speak. Write/Speak words of love to those who you know may be hurting. Sonnets are not required. Simple phrases like, “I know this day may be hard for you,” or “We’ve been praying for you and hope you feel loved today,” can do wonders for the heavy heart.
3. Show Sensitivity. This is wrapped up in numbers 1 and 2, but please consider that those who are hurting for a particular reason on any given holiday may need your understanding and compassion. They may need to avoid certain subjects in conversation that would normally come up. Just consider putting yourself in your friend’s situation and think about what words you would or would not want to hear.
I am confident that God is active in my situation and in others’ suffering. Why? The bible tells me so.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
“12Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain” (Philippians 2:12-16).
Click here to read a short paper I wrote reacting to the Illinois Student Reflection and Prayer Act, which was upheld by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on October 15, 2010. Though I am a Christian, I do not entirely support this Act mainly because I do not see its necessity. I would love to hear other perspectives on the matter!
Allison G.
I went for a long, 14 mi. bike ride this week on my day off. I left from my parent’s house (70th and Van Dorn), using their good bike and equipment, and took a street/bike path route from there to the Capitol building. I love riding past the areas of Lincoln that represent such a large majority of my childhood memories.
The real nostalgia starts at Antelope Park, or as I lovingly called it growing up, Canteloupe Park (close enough, right?). Does anyone else remember the awesome playground equipment they had before everything became plastic? I still miss the classic troll bridge that you might not be able to safely cross because of the lingering ogres underneath. Or there was the incredibly tall metal slide that got so hot from the sun your bottom felt like it was on fire by the time you landed on the sand. Of course to get all the way up to that tall slide required rope climbing, steps, and all sorts of other fun things. I think they also used to have large rectangular planks that were elevated in the middle so they could rock in any direction allowing you to practice your Midwestern surfing skills. Now that’s a playground.
After crossing A St. I rode past the Children’s Zoo. They don’t let you see much from the bike path but the camels and ponies were enough to trigger all sorts of thoughts. My mom took my sister and I to the zoo all the time growing up. She’d throw us in the burly and bike us there just about every day. In 4th grade I started a program called Zoo Crew. You pay the zoo so they can teach you a few things about handling animals but most of the summer is spent leading the pony rides in the blazing heat. Not as bad as detasseling, but certainly up there (need I remind you that you pay the zoo for this form of torture, hence a really good deal for them).
On my return route I passed The Sunken Gardens and the fountains at the corner of 27th and Normal. We would regularly wade in the fountain and walk through the gardens. We used to be close to a family that lived in the neighborhood just South of the gardens. It’s such a lovely area.
As I neared the end of my ride I went past Holmes Lake. It’s more a part of my high school memories. I often jogged or biked around the lake in search of serenity. Quite often I found it. There is something so peaceful about the contrast of water and land with the wind blowing and birds chirping. Whether I had my bible or a good book with me, or just my thoughts, I always enjoyed my alone time with God and nature.
Going past all these spots makes me so thankful for the life God has blessed me with, the mother I was given, and the wonderful places in Lincoln that we visited growing up. Whether I’m in Lincoln or not when Jacob and I have little ones I hope that I can throw them in a burly and bike to places full of all sorts of adventure every day.
Allison G.
Sometimes I wonder what our Christian singers/writers are thinking when you can’t tell if the song is more about a boyfriend/girlfriend or is referencing and praising God/Christ, a deity (and so much more). I should be able to tell by the text, right?
I am definitely not opposed to new and contemporary music but I hope that our compositions in the 21st century will still be recognizable as church music and not love songs. I think it’s great when hymns get updated and arranged to contemporary music (e.g. RUF Hymnbook). If you’re a composer and can’t come up with in-depth, theological, rich text, please just open up your bible to the Psalms or your hymnal. I’d recommend the Trinity Hymnal. Jacob gave one to me as a Christmas present a few years ago. Yes, I was laughed at in my Hymnody class at Moody when I told the class during my presentation that I requested it for Christmas. (Red, blushing cheeks were present).
Okay, back to the text issue. Below are a few songs that I would say could be sung by anyone to their significant other and would be completely applicable. Notice the lack of the names of God or Jesus Christ. There are a lot of names out there, friends. We should use them as clear identification of who we’re singing about. Really. The grammatical reality is that “you” is not supposed to be capitalized when referring to God/Jesus. Hence, I don’t consider capitalization of “You,” “Your,” or “You’re” as ample evidence of God in the text. Below are a few songs from a top 20 list on a Christian radio station (that shall not be named). It was not hard to find lyrics that fit the “girlfriend” characteristics.
Matt Maher – Hold Us Together
From the album Alive Again
It don’t have a job, don’t pay your bills
Won’t buy you a home in Beverly Hills
Won’t fix your life in five easy steps
Ain’t the law of the land or the government?
But it’s all you need
And love will hold us together
Make us a shelter to weather the storm
And I’ll be my brother’s keeper
So the whole world would know that we’re not alone
It’s waiting for you knocking at your door
In the moment of truth when your heart hits the floor
And you’re on your knees
And love will hold us together
Make us a shelter to weather the storm
And I’ll be my brother’s keeper
So the whole world would know that we’re not alone
This is the first day of the rest of your life
This is the first day of the rest of your life
‘Cause even in the dark you can still see the light
It’s gonna be alright, it’s gonna be alright
This is the first day of the rest of your life
This is the first day of the rest of your life
‘Cause even in the dark you can still see the light
It’s gonna be alright, it’s gonna be alright
Love will hold us together
Make us a shelter to weather the storm
And I’ll be my brother’s keeper
So the whole world would know that we’re not alone
NEED TO BREATHE – Something Beautiful
From the album The Outsiders
I feel the waves crashing on my feet
It’s like I know where I need to be
I can’t figure out
No, I can’t figure out
Just how much air I will need to breathe When your wave crashes over me
There’s only one way to figure out Will you let me drown Will you let me drown
Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire
Cause I just want
Something beautiful to touch me
I know that I’m in reach
I am down on my knees
And waiting for
Something beautiful
And the water is rising quick
And for years I was scared of it
We can’t be sure when it will subside
So I won’t leave your side
No I can’t leave your side
Hey now, this is my desire
Consume me like a fire
Cause I just want
Something beautiful to touch me
I know that I’m in reach
I am down on my knees
And waiting for
Something beautiful
Matt Brouwer – Sometimes
From the album Where’s Our Revolution
Sometimes I’m afraid of what I might not get to say Sometimes I believe that everything is what it seems And we’re just too scared to try Do we have what it takes when hope and clarity melt away To rise above our mistakes If we don’t know any other way And we’re just too scared to try
When it feels like there is nothing left It feels like this is as good as it gets It feels that way sometimes So let’s take a second and catch our breath And realize this isn’t over yet It just feels that way sometimes
Sometimes there can be so much more beyond what we see Sometimes I’m amazed how we see the world in different ways And were just too scared to try
When it feels like there is nothing left It feels like this is as good as it gets It feels that way sometimes So let’s take a second and catch our breath And realize this isn’t over yet It just feels that way sometimes
Meredith Andrews – Can Anybody Hear Me
From the album As Long As It Takes
I’m staring at these empty walls
Wondering when You’ll visit me again
When will You come?
If there is anything at all
Coming in between our love
Please show me, ‘cuz I am barely hanging on
Can anybody hear me?
The silence is deafening
Why do You feel so far away?
When I know You’re here with me
But I just need faith to see
Nothing can separate me from Your love
Believing what I can’t see
Has never come naturally to me
And I’ve got questions
But I am certain of a Love
Strong enough to hold me when I’m doubting You’ll never let go of my hand
I will trust in You, even in the moments I can’t find you, and I will hold on to Your promises of love You’ve never failed before
I know You can hear me
When the silence is deafening
Even though You seem far away
And I know You’re here with me
But I just need faith to see
Nothing can separate me from Your love
In our ladies’ bible study this week we are looking at Psalm 95, which references Exodus 17 in vv. 7-11. What always surprises me when I read about Israel (no matter how many times I read it) was their stubbornness and lack of faith. God had drawn them out of slavery in Egypt and they feared that they would die of thirst in the wilderness. They knew they were God’s chosen people but at times they still flagrantly sinned against him. Israel also doubted that their God-ordained leader, Moses, would be able to shepherd them well. As is the case so many times in Israel’s history, here in Exodus 17, God chooses to show mercy and he provides water for them to drink.
This story in Exodus is short, but an incredibly familiar one in my life. I so often lack the faith I need to trust in God and I choose to grumble and complain instead of looking at God’s care in my life and resting in his sovereignty. I struggle with anxiety, some of it warranted, but most of it is simply generated by my restless heart and desire to control.
I have no doubt that my life would be much improved if I had faith and trusted in God completely. I don’t know if I’ll ever fully reach that point in life, this side of heaven, but I pray that I can be reminded of Israel’s cyclical mistakes so that I can avoid them as God allows and learn to follow after his heart.
I’m also thankful for the example of Israel. It is a picture of how God’s faithfulness never ceases to his children. He will always redeem and show mercy upon them. It’s nice to know at times that even though I am a great sinner, I am still beloved by God and saved by the love, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So,
Today, if you hear his voice,
8 do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,
as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,
9 when your fathers put me to the test
and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.
Psalm 95:7b-9
This is way too familiar–and true.
“Sunday’s Coming” Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.
