iona's blog 12/4 - 12/10/2005

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Sunday, December 4, 2005

Changes of Attitude
Dr. Fermin Whittaker was our special guest in church this morning. His sermon was excellent overall, but one aspect had a particular impact on me. That's the work of the Spirit of God who speaks to each heart differently through the same sermon, Bible verse or circumstance... for God sees us as unique and deals with each as if we were an only child.

So, this morning, I came away with something I knew I needed to talk over with my Father. I've been having sort of a running dialog with Him about it almost all day. I am zealous for the Word of God, picky about translational accuracy and skeptical of paraphrased "Bibles." I can get my dander up in a hurry if I think someone is misusing scripture, using quotes out of context, etc. to prove an invalid point.

No, that is not all bad. The purity of the Gospel message is of vital importance, and we are to be ever vigilant lest false doctrine develop or a perverted Gospel be propagated. But it can be a very short step from that to the point of disputes over wordings, and petty arguments leading to factions, etc. or simply wasting a lot of time and energy on what doesn't really matter.

Dr. Whittaker and the Lord reminded me that in the final analysis, the only issue of eternal importance is the personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Of course, this is not a new lesson for me, but I have recently been discussing my personal thoughts on Bible translations and paraphrases in rather strong terms. Oh, my points were valid to be sure... but would the time not have been better spent studying what the Word says rather than how it was presented?

Yes, it's true, one could err on the other end of that spectrum as well and end up not caring if they have a credible representation of God's Word. To this and all other points, I must rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit.

So, I had intended to discuss some of our family's Christmas traditions today and to tell you how God has blessed us with two wonderful cats who at this point consider us an enemy to be avoided at all costs... but I felt instead led to discuss this morning's sermon... and we can get to traditions and cats on another day.

I've served on a number of committees in my day. Political committees; school committees; committees at church and work... and I agree with Dr. Whittaker's comments about committees, and would add the observation that sometimes (certainly not always) church boards and committees lose sight of the dynamic power of God at work through the Holy Spirit.

I have not had anything to do with church government here in Galt and don't even know how the church board is selected or what committees exist. I have not read the bylaws, nor do I have a copy. At Harvest (our old home church in Alabama), they had a Membership Class every month or so (depending on growth rate) where people were taught not only what the church believed, but its history and a bit on how it operated. I liked that!

Yet, except for a few questions when we first came, I have not queried anyone about the structure and workings of FBC... that is odd for me.... and remiss. This is my church home, and I am part of this body. I will talk to those who know, and I will get and read a copy of the by-laws. I have read everything (I think) here on the web site, but will become a more informed member.

I've always had a heart for evangelism... next door and around the world, but Dr. Whittaker has inspired me on the two fronts above and I am asking the Lord to work in me a change in attitude about some things. That's an on-going process for me. I am so thankful for His patience!

Monday, December 5, 2005

It's Christmas, Let's Not Fight About It
We have finished all our Christmas shopping except for each other. Because our family is so large, our list is long and each gift must stay within a certain price range. I had less shopping to do last year because I made custom calendars for my children and grandchildren. Sadly, I didn't quite finish, then we moved and I lost much of what I had done. I don't want to try a home made project again unless I know I can get it done for everyone.

This year, Richard and I shopped together. We did all our shopping at the Stockton Wal-Mart Supercenter. I don't do well in a busy environment or when I have a lot of choices to make, but Richard helped keep me focused and we got it done. We were armed with a list of all the people we were buying for and we knew our price limit for each gift, but I believe the chief reason it went so well was a lot of prayer... which God hears and answers... this time the answer was "yes."

Oh, and by the way, when we walked in, a cheery greeter in a Santa hat chimed, "Merry Christmas and welcome to Wal-Mart." As we chatted a few minutes, she told us her store management had instructed them to use "Merry Christmas."

I have written a number of merchant chains about their deletion of "Christmas" in their marketing and their sales dialog, but when I go into a store or am greeted elsewhere with "Happy Holidays" as a way to avoid saying Christmas, I don't give them a lecture (a few years back I would have) but smile and say "Have a blessed Christmas." The greeters or even store managers have little say about company policies, but we as believers have a great opportunity to reflect God's love.

I am getting a lot of e-mail about this whole issue and I am of the opinion that if we take our business to stores who continue to honor Christmas and avoid those who do not, we will effect far greater change than could be had with heated words and pointed fingers.

I love the Christmas season. I love the preparations and the decorations. I love the food and the shared joy of Jesus. I don't want Christ taken out of Christmas, neither do I want a dispute over it to mar the message of love this holiday is about. There I used the other word, "holiday."

Tuesday, December 6, 2005

My Intentions Were Good... God's Were Better
I have been more faithful about using my Planner. Without in my life is so disjointed nothing ever gets done. It's easy on a good day for me to believe I am "normal" and don't need all the fail safes, strategies and programs I am supposed to us to fend of the chaos a broken brain can lead to.

Today, even with the planner, almost nothing was accomplished even though I was very busy all day. Looking at my list, I see I did three things. I went to the doctor, paid one bill and managed to get a dinner of leftovers on the counter (we ate them in the office tonight).

The day was long, I am worn out, and I got three things done. I started on a dozen others, forgot or was sidetracked to the point that none were finished and starting where I left off is harder than starting over... except that is often not an option.

I call days like this Bad Brain Days. They come without warning and on some of them I get nothing at all done. I consider them a loss... but God is showing me He has other ideas.

Tonight, as I lamented my lack of productivity to the Lord, God showed me a bit of how He saw my day. I brought glory to His name as I talked with people in the doctor's waiting room (I was in there over an hour). I shared praises for Him with my doctor and the receptionist. I spoke a Christmas blessing to every person I met. I let God's love shine through my smiles and waves to tired people in a traffic jam. I prayed, at times on my knees, at times silently, at times aloud as I walked around getting nothing done all day... Best of all, within the limits of my capacity, I loved God and my neighbors.

Each day, I ask my Father to sift me and show me anything unpleasing to Him. Today, He let me know a few things He is pleased with... Today, I really needed that encouragement.

Wednesday, December 7, 2005

Today is Pearl Harbor Day
I let it sneak up on me. The above link takes you, in a new window, to my Pearl Harbor Day tribute. I hope you will enjoy and be blessed by it, and I pray that it may remind you of the great sacrifices our military men and women have made and still make for the sake of freedom.

I have another doctor's visit to make today... Different doctor, but will take up much of the afternoon... but if today is another bad brain day, I don't care... so long as it is a Good God Day.

I was created for a purpose... the rest is incidental.

Well, I need to get Pearl Harbor Day e-mails out, so this may be it for my blog today, but maybe God will have more for me to say later tonight. Meanwhile, I just gotta say L love you. I feel quite close to you, dear readers. I know some of you, but even if I don't know who you are, through God I can and do have a genuine love for you.

Friday, December 9, 2005

Keeping the Peace
I went to bed early yesterday and was actually too tired to think by 9:00 p.m. Unusual for me, normally a night person. I decided it was better not to write rather than just force something out in the midst of mental and physical fatigue. Today feels better.

I am now finished with all my Christmas shopping and today did most of my cards. This is probably some sort of record for me, but I decided not to let myself be stressed out trying to do a lot of last minute things. By being ready early, I can keep my mind and spirit at peace and more fully experience the joy of this holy season.

This my favorite time of year. I keep some Christmas decor out all year long. There is a Christmas tree topper angel on my dresser. She stays out all year. I also have some Easter items out year round. The beauty of these two wondrous days lies in their significance, for they both celebrate the beginning of a special time of Christ's life.

Christmas is all about Jesus leaving the glory of heaven to walk among men. Fully man yet fully God was He. Nothing like that had ever happened nor will it ever happen again.

Easter commemorates the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Scripture tells us He was the "firstfruits." His resurrection is a guarantee of the resurrection of all believers. It was also the beginning of a new era for Him, an aspect or role that He had not theretofore experienced.

So my Christmas and Easter reminders stay out to be enjoyed during all seasons. I have a lovely friend in Dothan, Alabama whose house speaks beautifully of Christmas all year and during the Christmas season, her home literally sings of the joy of Jesus.

My prayer for you as we enter this beautiful and blessed time of year is that you might experience more fully than ever before the wonder of that holy birth and the depth of the love that brought Jesus to this earth, sent expressly to die for you... There is a picture of that concept here.

Saturday, December 10, 2005

Just Driving Around
We love taking long drives and do it fairly often. One of the best things about it is that we talk longer without me getting distracted. There is no television, computer, housework, pets, etc. to usurp our attention. We focus more on each other.

Driving time is good prayer time, too, and great music time. Since my brain injury I can't listen to music while I work around the house or on the computer, but driving and music work well for me.

Every year Richard and I spend at least one evening driving around to look at Christmas lights. We did that this evening, taking our time and meandering around Galt in a delightfully haphazard way, laughing when we found ourselves at houses we had already seen.

Some houses had little or no decorations, others were ablaze with lights and giant balloon-like Santas, snowmen and all manner of holiday icons. There were yards meticulously and artfully presented and others aglitter with layer upon layer of color and mixed motifs scattered with wild abandon almost as if the components were dropped from the sky. I love that! It shows a childlike joy and exuberance that is all too often lost as we mature.

As believers, we have cause to rejoice... like David, we have reason to dance, sing and celebrate. Our Savior is come! We are set free forever! "Tis the season... to praise God... to consider our many blessings... to be... jolly!

So why so many long faces? Why is Christmas a time when many feel so alone or unloved? God is real and He loves you and me... He's promised never to leave us. We are always loved and are never alone.

We had a great ride and a long cozy chat. It's great to be alive and to enjoy the family.... the family of God into which I have been adopted along with all other believers. It's wonderful to be inspired to praise by Christmas lights.

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