"Good girls live obediently, but they do not know the mystery ["Christ in you, the hope of glory" - Colossians 1:27]. They obey from their mask, from their fear, from their flesh... They are obedient to the law. Jesus calls us to a new and better way. He still asks for our obedience, but it is no longer obedience to the law. Now we are called as believers to be obedient to the truth."
- Grace for the Good Girl
Friday, June 29, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Where are you?
[The portions in italics are excerpts from this week's chapter - Chapter 10 - of Grace for the Good Girl.]
It's the first question God asked in the pages of Scripture - posed to a man and woman in hiding.
Sin had left them exposed and vulnerable. They knew it; they felt it. So they hid. They made fig-leaf coverings to hide their shame, but it could not overcome the fear that held them captive.
Sin does the same thing to us - leaves us vulnerable and exposed, fills us with shame and fear. We hide, too.
"I hide behind my mask of performance so people will think I am smart, capable, and put together. I hide behind the reputation I have established rather than risk trusting an unpredictable Jesus. I hide behind my list of rules so I can check off each one, as if I'm another step closer to God because I've followed them. I hide behind my mask of strength because I'm ashamed of my weakness."
We hide behind lies like this:
"If you serve in the church, then you will be acceptable.
If you are responsible, then you will be respected.
If you follow all the rules, then you will be good enough.
If you try hard, then you'll be more like God.
If you act righteous, then you will become righteous.
If you keep your house clean, then you will be a good wife.
If you make healthy dinners every night, then you will be a good mom.
If you wake up at 5 a.m. and pray every morning, then you will be a good Christian."
It might seem to work for a while, but in this "hiding place" of our own doing, there's a lurking fear. There is fear because deep inside we know that no matter how hard we try we can never be good enough. There is fear because we often fall short, and we know it. So where does that leave us?
There is another hiding place. It's called grace.
In grace, Jesus reminds us that nothing can separate us from His love. He reminds us that our righteousness is complete; our debt is paid by His sacrifice alone. He reminds us that no, we are not enough - but that's okay, because HE is enough, and that's what it's all about.
"'Where are you?' God asks, not because He doesn't know, but because He knows I have to come out of hiding in order to be found. To be healed. To whole.
"God's desire is that we live in freedom and drink from the wide, deep, powerful River of Life."
* * *
Where are you right now...hiding behind fig-leaves, or taking refuge in the hiding place of God's grace?
It's the first question God asked in the pages of Scripture - posed to a man and woman in hiding.
Sin had left them exposed and vulnerable. They knew it; they felt it. So they hid. They made fig-leaf coverings to hide their shame, but it could not overcome the fear that held them captive.
Sin does the same thing to us - leaves us vulnerable and exposed, fills us with shame and fear. We hide, too.
"I hide behind my mask of performance so people will think I am smart, capable, and put together. I hide behind the reputation I have established rather than risk trusting an unpredictable Jesus. I hide behind my list of rules so I can check off each one, as if I'm another step closer to God because I've followed them. I hide behind my mask of strength because I'm ashamed of my weakness."
We hide behind lies like this:
"If you serve in the church, then you will be acceptable.
If you are responsible, then you will be respected.
If you follow all the rules, then you will be good enough.
If you try hard, then you'll be more like God.
If you act righteous, then you will become righteous.
If you keep your house clean, then you will be a good wife.
If you make healthy dinners every night, then you will be a good mom.
If you wake up at 5 a.m. and pray every morning, then you will be a good Christian."
It might seem to work for a while, but in this "hiding place" of our own doing, there's a lurking fear. There is fear because deep inside we know that no matter how hard we try we can never be good enough. There is fear because we often fall short, and we know it. So where does that leave us?
There is another hiding place. It's called grace.
In grace, Jesus reminds us that nothing can separate us from His love. He reminds us that our righteousness is complete; our debt is paid by His sacrifice alone. He reminds us that no, we are not enough - but that's okay, because HE is enough, and that's what it's all about.
"'Where are you?' God asks, not because He doesn't know, but because He knows I have to come out of hiding in order to be found. To be healed. To whole.
"God's desire is that we live in freedom and drink from the wide, deep, powerful River of Life."
* * *
Where are you right now...hiding behind fig-leaves, or taking refuge in the hiding place of God's grace?
Grace Prints
(Because God is constantly active in our lives...and it's good to pause when we see those finger prints of grace.)
There are fields made to be traversed in a single, breathless dash.
There are trees that draw the eye upward and fill one with a profound sense of smallness.
There are bubbling creeks that invite one to linger and join the song that Creation sings.
There are butterflies and dragonflies that flit through the air with carefree skill.
There is God, who splashes His goodness and grace throughout our days and makes everything beautiful in His time.
There are fields made to be traversed in a single, breathless dash.
There are trees that draw the eye upward and fill one with a profound sense of smallness.
There are bubbling creeks that invite one to linger and join the song that Creation sings.
There are butterflies and dragonflies that flit through the air with carefree skill.
There is God, who splashes His goodness and grace throughout our days and makes everything beautiful in His time.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Lessons
Right in the middle of all the things that aren't as we'd like them to be, in the middle of our seemingly unanswered prayers, God gives us just what we need...though perhaps we didn't even ask for it.
So, as the song says,
We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
For lessons learned in how to trust in You
That we are blessed beyond what we could ever dream
In abundance or in need...
So, as the song says,
We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
For lessons learned in how to trust in You
That we are blessed beyond what we could ever dream
In abundance or in need...
Sunday, June 24, 2012
The Weekend
Sunshine, sweet peas, peaches, garden-fresh greens, strawberry milkshakes, laughter, coffee, hugs, little cheeks to kiss, chocolate cake, joy-filled smiles.
A celebration of grace.
* * *
(And sometimes someone else says it just right.)
Saturday, June 23, 2012
HOME!
My boss let me off early yesterday, since we didn't have any campers to cook lunch for. I dashed back to the house, changed, tossed my stuff in the car, and arrived home earlier than I originally thought I'd be leaving.
It took a lot of self-control to drive at a decent speed for windy mountain roads.
Mom and I had been "arguing" about who was more excited that I was coming home. She said she was. I knew I was. (That's not a bad sort of argument to have.)
It's oh-so-wonderful being back.
It took a lot of self-control to drive at a decent speed for windy mountain roads.
Mom and I had been "arguing" about who was more excited that I was coming home. She said she was. I knew I was. (That's not a bad sort of argument to have.)
It's oh-so-wonderful being back.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Disruptive Grace
Grace is disruptive. Have you ever thought about that? I hadn't really until just the other morning.
You know, you're sailing along through life, you mostly have things figured out and under control (or at least you know how to pretend that you do), you feel pretty good about your walk with the Lord because you're doing all the right things.
And then grace bursts onto the scene...
Suddenly, you find yourself re-evaluating everything. Those comfortable, safe, black-and-white lines blur in places. Your carefully-crafted plans start to crumble. You realize you might not have all the answers, after all. What's more, there isn't always an answer. (Sometimes there's "just God"...and why are we so afraid of that?)
Grace shines the light on all our insufficiencies, our "not-enoughness", while at the same time whispering that we don't need to be enough; Jesus is enough.
Grace stops us in the midst of our striving, our struggling, our doing, and invites us to simply be. To remember that we are dearly loved children of God – and to rest in knowing that our relationship began (and continues) because of Him, not us.
Grace interrupts our self-righteous and critical attitudes with, Remember how much love and patience God has shown you? You don't deserve it any more than the next person. You are no better. That person does not owe God a greater debt than you do.
Grace peels back layers of tradition and habit to reveal the motives beneath – and they can be quite a surprise. Sometimes they're downright ugly.
Right smack in the middle of life and its busyness, our Heavenly Father is holding His arms wide open and calling me – calling you – to come.
That is the disruptiveness of grace.
You know, you're sailing along through life, you mostly have things figured out and under control (or at least you know how to pretend that you do), you feel pretty good about your walk with the Lord because you're doing all the right things.
And then grace bursts onto the scene...
Suddenly, you find yourself re-evaluating everything. Those comfortable, safe, black-and-white lines blur in places. Your carefully-crafted plans start to crumble. You realize you might not have all the answers, after all. What's more, there isn't always an answer. (Sometimes there's "just God"...and why are we so afraid of that?)
Grace shines the light on all our insufficiencies, our "not-enoughness", while at the same time whispering that we don't need to be enough; Jesus is enough.
Grace stops us in the midst of our striving, our struggling, our doing, and invites us to simply be. To remember that we are dearly loved children of God – and to rest in knowing that our relationship began (and continues) because of Him, not us.
Grace interrupts our self-righteous and critical attitudes with, Remember how much love and patience God has shown you? You don't deserve it any more than the next person. You are no better. That person does not owe God a greater debt than you do.
Grace peels back layers of tradition and habit to reveal the motives beneath – and they can be quite a surprise. Sometimes they're downright ugly.
Right smack in the middle of life and its busyness, our Heavenly Father is holding His arms wide open and calling me – calling you – to come.
That is the disruptiveness of grace.
From Camp...
[This post originally appeared on my NTM blog.]
What I said the most during my first week: “Where is…?” and “How do I…?”
First on-the-job injury: a bump to my finger which resulted in a small bubble of blood underneath my skin
What surprises me most: that there aren’t more bugs
Funny mistake: grabbing what I thought was barbecue sauce to put on my meat…it was actually chocolate sauce, and thankfully I didn’t get very much before I realized my mistake!
What keeps me on my toes: a banana-bread-stealing boss
Essential kitchen survival skill: getting in and out of the walk-in refrigerator or freezer as fast as possible (you never know if someone is lurking around the corner, waiting to lock you in or turn the light out on you)
My favorite kitchen machines: the dishwasher (it’s not your mom’s dishwasher!) and the electric slicer, which slices not only meat, but cheese, tomatoes, onions, and more…so fast, so easy!
Insect discovery #1: water striders are cool!
Insect discovery #2: banana slugs MUST be part of the curse
Bedtime prayer: that no mosquitoes try to befriend me
Favorite spot at camp: by the creek – about a 15-20 minute walk down a woodsy trail – so peaceful, green, and gorgeous! I can’t help but think of Psalm 23 – “He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul.”
What God reminds me of often: it’s a new situation, so I’ll get to see His grace in new ways
What I said the most during my first week: “Where is…?” and “How do I…?”
First on-the-job injury: a bump to my finger which resulted in a small bubble of blood underneath my skin
What surprises me most: that there aren’t more bugs
Funny mistake: grabbing what I thought was barbecue sauce to put on my meat…it was actually chocolate sauce, and thankfully I didn’t get very much before I realized my mistake!
What keeps me on my toes: a banana-bread-stealing boss
Essential kitchen survival skill: getting in and out of the walk-in refrigerator or freezer as fast as possible (you never know if someone is lurking around the corner, waiting to lock you in or turn the light out on you)
My favorite kitchen machines: the dishwasher (it’s not your mom’s dishwasher!) and the electric slicer, which slices not only meat, but cheese, tomatoes, onions, and more…so fast, so easy!
Insect discovery #1: water striders are cool!
Insect discovery #2: banana slugs MUST be part of the curse
Bedtime prayer: that no mosquitoes try to befriend me
Favorite spot at camp: by the creek – about a 15-20 minute walk down a woodsy trail – so peaceful, green, and gorgeous! I can’t help but think of Psalm 23 – “He leads me beside still waters; He restores my soul.”
What God reminds me of often: it’s a new situation, so I’ll get to see His grace in new ways
Monday, June 18, 2012
Source of Strength: Grace or "Doing"
"Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods [or by following any other outward rules or rituals], which is of no benefit to those who do so."
- Hebrews 13:9
- Hebrews 13:9
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Quotable
"I have spent most of my life avoiding weak. I don't want to look weak, act weak, or even give the hint that I am capable of weakness. But if you are feeling weak? Well, now. That's a different thing altogether. I can tell you how weakness is the door to strength and how Jesus calls us to a life of weakness so that He can be strong. And I believe it. For you."
- Grace for the Good Girl
...One of those crazy but very real gaps between what I know and what I choose to believe and act on.
- Grace for the Good Girl
...One of those crazy but very real gaps between what I know and what I choose to believe and act on.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Camp pictures
Hi! It's Wednesday, my first day off. (And what a blessing that was!)
Today I had the house to myself, worked on laundry and note-writing, listened to two sermons from the series "Shaped by Grace", and took a lovely, woodsy walk. I think I might have discovered the most beautiful spot in the camp: a peaceful little nook by the creek. Sadly, I didn't bring my camera with me - all the pictures were taken on other walks.
But I'm sure I'll return someday - hopefully soon.
---
Looking out the front door
Looking up the hill towards the right
This is taken from just in front of the house, towards the left. When I left for lunch today, I saw a little deer family right there. The fawn was so cute! (Sorry, I didn't have my camera with me then.)
I like old barns.
The woods have so many wonderful trails for exploring.
This deer just casually walked across the road in front of me, as though I were no threat at all. (Of course, I'm not.)
Isn't this cool?!
These trees are so beautiful and expansive. I felt very small.
The trail practically begs, "Keep going! Keep going!" And the further I went, the more beautiful and amazing it all seemed. (Disclaimer: my camera cannot possibly do these woods justice, but at least you get an idea.)
The evening is a really nice time to take a walk. The setting sun plays in the trees and creates the best shadows.
The towering redwoods that give the camp it's name. (I'm not used to trees this tall!!)
I think this might be one of my favorite shots.
The abundance of ferns is simply amazing!
Oh, look! There's my shadow.
At some points, it almost felt like I'd stepped into another world. The light and shadows - the quiet and the forest noises - the muffled bubbling of a creek hidden somewhere amidst all those trees - the green, green, GREEN (have I mentioned it was green?)...
On the way back, I saw another deer. Or maybe it was the same one; I have no idea.
I might also like tractors.
---
Inside there's not much to see. Really. But knowing that at least some of you would want to see my Summer living quarters...
The living room
The kitchen - which never gets used, since all our meals are provided courtesy the camp kitchen. (In which yours truly now spends half her days working.) Through that white door is one of the bedrooms, where two of the girls are staying.
The bedroom I'm staying in. I have one roommate.
(You'll notice there's no door.)
It's not particularly cosy or homey, but at least there aren't a ton of bugs. And I have my favorite picture frame with me.
---
Good night! My morning starts early, so I'd better not stay up too late tonight.
Today I had the house to myself, worked on laundry and note-writing, listened to two sermons from the series "Shaped by Grace", and took a lovely, woodsy walk. I think I might have discovered the most beautiful spot in the camp: a peaceful little nook by the creek. Sadly, I didn't bring my camera with me - all the pictures were taken on other walks.
But I'm sure I'll return someday - hopefully soon.
---
Looking out the front door
Looking up the hill towards the right
This is taken from just in front of the house, towards the left. When I left for lunch today, I saw a little deer family right there. The fawn was so cute! (Sorry, I didn't have my camera with me then.)
I like old barns.
The woods have so many wonderful trails for exploring.
This deer just casually walked across the road in front of me, as though I were no threat at all. (Of course, I'm not.)
Isn't this cool?!
These trees are so beautiful and expansive. I felt very small.
The trail practically begs, "Keep going! Keep going!" And the further I went, the more beautiful and amazing it all seemed. (Disclaimer: my camera cannot possibly do these woods justice, but at least you get an idea.)
The evening is a really nice time to take a walk. The setting sun plays in the trees and creates the best shadows.
The towering redwoods that give the camp it's name. (I'm not used to trees this tall!!)
I think this might be one of my favorite shots.
The abundance of ferns is simply amazing!
Oh, look! There's my shadow.
At some points, it almost felt like I'd stepped into another world. The light and shadows - the quiet and the forest noises - the muffled bubbling of a creek hidden somewhere amidst all those trees - the green, green, GREEN (have I mentioned it was green?)...
On the way back, I saw another deer. Or maybe it was the same one; I have no idea.
I might also like tractors.
---
Inside there's not much to see. Really. But knowing that at least some of you would want to see my Summer living quarters...
The living room
The kitchen - which never gets used, since all our meals are provided courtesy the camp kitchen. (In which yours truly now spends half her days working.) Through that white door is one of the bedrooms, where two of the girls are staying.
The bedroom I'm staying in. I have one roommate.
(You'll notice there's no door.)
It's not particularly cosy or homey, but at least there aren't a ton of bugs. And I have my favorite picture frame with me.
---
Good night! My morning starts early, so I'd better not stay up too late tonight.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Quotable
"The law is based on principles and standards to live up to, but the life of the Spirit is based on a promise. Striving characterizes the law whereas rest characterizes grace. The law places responsibility on me to do, but grace is given by the initiative of God and invites me to be. Trying to keep the law leads to bondage, forcing me to figure things out on my own and cower behind a mask when I can't get it right. But the grace of God brings freedom and power to do as He wills. Under the law, I struggle in vain attempts to control my behavior. Under grace, my life is an easy expression of the Spirit. The law says obey. Grace says believe and obedience will follow."
- Grace for the Good Girl
- Grace for the Good Girl
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Just a wee Sunday post...
Howdy!
I've taken some pictures, so I'll try to get them posted on my day off.
Wishing each of you a grace-drenched week!
I've taken some pictures, so I'll try to get them posted on my day off.
Wishing each of you a grace-drenched week!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Amen!
---
A set of "only-God-is-perfect" potholders. (Kind of like the "only-God-is-perfect" quilts I've made.) The tops were okay until I went to quilt them and put the binding on. Then they got all wonky and puckered and just...not the way I wanted them to be. I'll admit I was more than a bit disappointed. You know, it's crazy how perfectionism can invade so many aspects of life...including such trivial things as potholders.
Lord, help me give up this foolish idea that I can be perfect, that I can do everything perfectly.
It turns out applique is pretty fun. I love trying new things that end up not being too complicated - and even though it LOOKED like it would be complicated, it wasn't. Yay! A new way to use scraps.
---
Do you know what this is? It's a sweet pea plant. It should be in the ground and not in my hand, but somehow it was uprooted. I seriously have no idea how - I went to water the garden and there it was, lying on the ground. So sad.
---
"As good girls, we subconsciously label ourselves as the strong ones, the responsible ones, the sweet ones, or the right ones. We try to stand tall and capable as the good Christian, the good wife, the good mom, and the good one. But Jesus is calling us to a deeper, truer, freer identity. All He wants is simply you - minus your good works, minus your perfect attendance, minus your politeness. When you really believe that, you may discover that all you want is Jesus, simply Jesus. Not just to get to heaven or to help you be a good person or do the right thing, but to simply love and be loved by Him."
- from Chapter 2 of Grace for The Good Girl
Summer reading selections
**
Books I've read so far this year:
~ The Mitford Series by Jan Karon (Loved them!)
~ Evangelists in Chains by Elizabeth Wagler (I don't even know how many times I've read that book...)
~ Crazy Love by Francis Chan (So-so. Some good points, but not the most spectacular read of the year.)
~ Bad News Religion by Greg Albrecht (Very good! The author compares law-keeping vs. grace and points out how it infiltrates even the church. There were a few things I wouldn't necessarily agree with, but it overall was a very good book. I've read it twice and I'm sure I'll want to read it again.)
~ Slices of Life by Oretta Loving (This is a devotional-type by a missionary and Bible translation. Encouraging read!)
~ Spy Cat by Peg Kehret (A kids' book)
~ They're Torturing Teachers in Room 104 by Jerry Piasecki (Another kids' book)
Oh, I suppose I should also mention The Nose That Didn't Fit...Esther made me read it out loud when I was there.
---
This week got off to a sweet start: I got to spend a few days with Esther and Michelle.
Fantabulous!
Dear friend...
...and her little sister.
Touring the garden
This picture makes me smile. :)
Picking blueberries was fun. Partially because we could snack as we worked, but mostly because of the visiting.
So many blueberries, so little time. Or something.
Michelle's family has goats. They're one of my very favorite farm animals. (Although I don't have to deal with goat kids escaping from pens all the time...)
You girls are phenomenal. Thanks for the fun times. Love you!!
---
Packing in progress
I haven't mentioned much about my Summer job.
I'll be working in the kitchen at a nearby Christian camp. I leave tomorrow, and I'll be there for about two months.
You may remember that last year I was praying for a job and God's answer was Wait. That's changed, obviously.
God is good...through the waiting and the yes's and the unknowns.
He is faithful. Whether my faith is strong or wavering, He stays faithful. He is at work even when I don't see it, even when I fret, even when I doubt.
He is here, and He always will be. In this room, as my little nephew stated the other week in Sunday School.
---
Good night, now!
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