"Do you really think you can make a difference? I mean, each time you rescue one girl from being sexually exploited, doesn't the exploiter just go take another young girl?"
"I'm not qualified to answer that question."
"What do you mean you're not qualified to answer that question?! You spend your life rescuing young girls from sex trafficking?"
"You will have to ask one of the girls who was saved if it made a difference."
I apologize in advance that I cannot build a Table of Contents into this blog post as I am quite aware of the hardwork in scrolling that you are going to have to do. I assure you that it's worth it, and well, if it's not, feel free to stop reading (but just pretend you did by graciously giving me a smile and a wink the next time you see me). ;) I've also made sure to BOLD the names of the speakers in case you want to browse the blog post that way.
"We are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice, we are to drive a spoke into the wheel itself." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Beyond privileged and yet feeling rather under qualified, I had the opportunity to attend The Justice Conference in Portland last weekend. Now, I have been to many conferences and do believe that God has created (and revealed) within me a deep (and sometimes overwhelming and even paralyzing) desire to, yes, I'm going to say it, "change the world," or better said as , "contribute to changing the world." But I was not prepared for the life flip that this weekend had in store for me. (It really didn't/doesn't seem possible for my life to be flipped anymore then it currently is for those of you that know what's going on but God always seems to have a surprise party up His sleeve). And as I've always said, "Life is weird," which by the way, even Francis Chan felt compelled to borrow my quote and share it from the stage during the closing session - I mean, it's just so profound and unique in it's sentence structure and depth, how could he have not? ;)
No amount of time spent reflecting, re - reading pages of notes, or re - listening to podcasts would be able to do the conference justice (no pun intended). So I will refrain from even trying to paint an accurate picture of the conference itself and simply share some of the wisdom that is seemingly starting a new revolution in my heart.
The conference kicked off with Ken Wytsma - the founder of the Justice Conference. Ken spoke to the wholeness of the term "Justice" and that it was universal by encompassing things like social justice, love, ethics, law, etc. It wasn't pigeon holed as one particular, but as what he described as a "cluster complex." He posed this challenge: Spend less time cautiously avoiding sin and more time courageously and actively doing God's will. He re - stated the great Augustine, "Charity is no substitute for justice withheld." Justice surfaces the need for and is made complete by grace. Prior to walking off the stage, he left us to answer two questions as we journeyed through the weekend:
What breaks your heart? || What makes you angry?
Miroslav Volf, the Director of Yale's Center for Faith and Cultuer took the stage and spoke to the Scripture in 1 Peter where it says "Honor everyone." He explained that in light of all the injustice in the world, it was important for us to ask ourselves if we give honor (or tolerate, which is different than honor) to others by mimicking the honor (tolerating) that they give us, or if we honor them without conditions. Do we seperate the doer from the deed? What does this mean when the doer did the deed of murdering your cousin, raping your daughter, or exploiting your sister?
"Are you emotionally inept to see that the world around you is out of bread?" I don't think I was able to ever answer that question, but surely Walter Brueggemann, one of the world's most important Old Testament scholars knew exactly what he was asking and the train of thought that he wanted to challenge all of us with. He went on to explain that Jesus was a huge threat to the status quo because of His transformational power that led followers to act out justice. (Insert pause: Is Jesus still a threat to the status quo and do we allow or even make room for His transformational power to move us to act out justice?) Part of His transformational power resulted in an emotional upheavel. This emotional upheavel is also defined through the word compassion. As God held not even an ounce of anything back from us, He commissioned us with the call to also empty ourselves for the world. "The righteous person puts their body where need is, where there's no energy or room for people to be respectable." He proclaimed that we are far overdue and it has been "time to cast our lots with these people for the sake of changing the neighborhood" (a term used to describe the particular area God has currently called us to).
"Everytime you give yourself away, you get yourself back, enhanced." ~ Walter Brueggemann
Speaking of neighborhoods, it was only fitting that the Pastor of Imago Dei, a church in the local Portland neighborhood, Rick McKinley, take the floor. "How do we resurrect the dream of the neighborhood? Especially when the vision of me, of self interest, blinds us from our neighbors? And even more so when the self interest attitude in me is the same claim that a pimp makes over a woman or a trafficker makes over a child? Are we letting the neighborhoods go to hell without even the most remote awareness of it?" Pastor McKinley explained that when we can be released from hyper - individualism, we are then free to be a part of God's revolution.
"We need a radical infusion of the grace of God to get our eyes off ourselves and on to somebody else. Because in an environment of grace, nothing is earned. All is given." ~ Rick McKinley
Am I a courageous neighbor, willing to re - stucture my life on others' behalf? Am I infused with compassion and do I genuinely care about the outcome of the story? Am I willing to overcome apathy and create a mico - revolution as an ordinary, under - qualified, and unlikely person?
Am I willing to follow the dust of the rabbi?
If you are still with me, I hope you are thinking what I was thinking. It was only 1:00 P.M. on Saturday afternoon and I was full. Over full. Not only did I believe I received my money's worth, but I couldn't imagine how anything else was going to fit inside of me. Questions and thoughts and reflections and prayers were being stored and not limited to my ankles, extending all the way up to and through my arm hairs and the pores on my faces.
But when I learned that John Perkins was taking the stage next, I found some extra room in my neck and welcomed his wisdom. "The Gospel itself is the definition of justice. You leave out justice and you leave out the Gospel." Dr. Perkins challenged us to identify the pain in our lives. "The greatest initiatives and movements come out of the pain of the people, the ones with the problems. And this is what begins to change the one neighborhood at a time and eventually the world." Do I have a sense of urgency or does urgency come only when it affects me? "Great leaders are moved by the concerns of others, the things that far outweigh their own."
Rachel Lloyd was the next speaker to approach the podium. Founder of GEMS (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services), the nation's largest organization offering direct services to domestic victims of commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking, I was not prepared for Rachel's testimony. A cheerful and confident woman, you would have never known that such a deep scope of pain, exploitation, danger, and abuse filled the first half of her life. Making the decision to leave her hometown of England at age 15 in search of something different in Germany, it wasn't too long after arriving that she realized the magnitude of the decision she had made. With a one way ticket, no money, no friends, and no family, she continued, "I didn't have a father that I could call and say, 'Daddy, fly me home. I messed up.'" Before she could even finish this sentence, I not only found myself with frogs in my stomach, but there was zero chance that any amount of tissue rolls was going to stop the flood emerging from my eye sockets. And in that moment, I (believing I have for the most part - minus a few teen years - been aware of how blessed I am with such an incredible father), found myself soaking in that blessing times ten million. Having a father that she could have called, could have made the difference. Changed the outcome of what the next years were going to bring. Saved her from rape(s). From beatings. From being chased around and strangled almost to death on more occasions then worth counting. It was in this moment that though I've always known that my heart beats a little extra for young girls, the discipling and mentoring thereof, I knew God was taking me to a deeper place, a deeper breaking. And here, we had a live visual of using one's pain to make it one's greatest ministry. It clicked: I want to connect my deepest passions, my deepest pains, with the deepest pains of the world.
As Stephen Bauman, the President and CEO of World Relief continued, "The solution to suffering is right there. The resources are next to the pain." He challenged us to be a "community of faith wrapping ourselves around a community of pain." He gave the example of the women in the Congo. 97% of the people in the Congo consider themselves a Christian, and yet 9 out of 10 women are brutally raped. How does that even make sense?! He shared that because women are among the most oppressed people group in the world, that also makes them (us) the most un - tapped resource in the world. I believe he presented that not only as a fact, but as an urgent and desperate plea to every woman sitting in and outside of that room.
And if at this point, you don't feel challeneged enough, Francis Chan stood up to take the stage for the closing event. "So let me ask you all, shouldn't we be doing crazier things with each passing year or is it only an emergency when it's your daughter being trafficked? Why do we make safer decisions the older we get - or really at any point in life that isn't considered our 'twenties?' Because you get married? Because you start having kids? Because you're saving for retirement? This life as a Christian isn't about playing it safe." Chan went on to tell the story of a 60 year old couple, a hair stylist and a mechanic, who recently adopted 11 children. They even sought more but the state said, "We were only supposed to give you six and we already threw in a few extra!" A perfect example of a crazier decision made. Why? Because if we are walking with the Lord, we will experience more and more of His faithfulness, making those 'crazy' decisions less and less crazy. And even if they are crazy, it should essentially mean that the success of your day depends on the work, answer, and response of the Holy Spirit. Being that the majority of us (myself included), can manuever our days successfully without relying on the Holy Spirit for the deliverables, it begs the question, am I living boldly and courageously, and making crazy decisions, at all?
Chan paused and within a few seconds, began reading.
"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow..." Duet. 10:18
"If there is any poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted and tightfisted toward your poor brother..." Duet. 15:7-8
"He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth; He saves them from the clutches of the powerful. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth..." Job 5:15-16
And it continues, but this list doesn't even come close to the end of all the Scripture that points to the causes of justice.
Proverbs 21:13
Proverbs 14:21
Proverbs 31:8-9
1 John 3:17-18
James 1:27
Psalm 82:3-4
Psalm 140:12
Is. 58:10
Is. 41:17
Is. 1:17
Is. 58:6-7
Job 29:12
Job 30:25
Luke 12:33
Jeremiah 22:16
If you are anything like me, I almost wanted to shout, "Stop. Okay. I get it. What do you want me to do?!"
"It's time for everyone to start living according to Scripture. Read it simply and take it literally. Don't back down or shy away from the boldest, most courageous, and crazy things that God is calling you to do. Even when people tell you it's crazy."
There doesn't seem to be a fitting end to this blog post because there's isn't really an end to the conversation or realities of justice and injustice in general, but I do thank you for your grace in length and simply allowing me to use this post as an opportunity to flush out the many things that are still circulating my h & h (head and heart). I want nothing more and nothing less than for this to be anything but a conference high. I want this to change my life and cause me to live differently - whether by means of adopting 11 children at the age of 60, serving teen mom's in the city, working with young girls in the sex trafficking industry, or moving to the Congo. Who knows (well God does so that's silly of me to ask), but I hope and pray that my heart is postured in such a way that I recognize the crazy, respond and obey the crazy, and that the crazy rules my life, and only gets crazier.
Oh the days when jumping on your bed and TPing your neighbor's house was craaaaazy. ;)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Ladders in the Daylight.
If you haven't heard of him, I'm granting you a wish tonight that you didn't know you had.
|| Andrew Belle ||
|| Andrew Belle ||
"I'm repairing my heart for you."
And my second favorite.
"On a ladder from here to there, I'll climb. All this clatter between my ears I find. Does it matter if I can't clear my mind?"
I won't give up on us.
"I won’t give up on us (or you).
Even if the skies get rough (the times when the windshield wipers don't even offer assistance).
Cause even the stars, they burn. Some even fall to the earth (and crash, over and over and over again). We’ve got a lot to learn (an understatement).
And God knows we’re worth it (and so do I)."
Even if the skies get rough (the times when the windshield wipers don't even offer assistance).
Cause even the stars, they burn. Some even fall to the earth (and crash, over and over and over again). We’ve got a lot to learn (an understatement).
And God knows we’re worth it (and so do I)."
What it is.
Following Jesus |
Less about cautiously avoiding sin and more about courageously and actively doing God's will.
Justice |
Surfaces the need for and is made complete by grace.
The Voice of Justice from The Justice Conference on Vimeo.
Less about cautiously avoiding sin and more about courageously and actively doing God's will.
Justice |
Surfaces the need for and is made complete by grace.
The Voice of Justice from The Justice Conference on Vimeo.
Ben Howard.
I forgot how much thee comforted this soul of mine.
"We stood, steady as the stars in the woods."
Prepare for croc rocking.
“When we believe more than regret and let each other be, we set each other free.”
“I love you but I don’t trust you. I miss you but I can’t need you anymore. I want you, but I want you to be happy. The way we were happy, when we were happy.”
You cannot afford to refrain from purchasing this CD.
Minute 3, seconds 13 will knock your Northwest crocs off.
And if you are ever in the same state where they have a show, you should absolutely drop every single thing that you have going on, cancel every single plan that you have made, and go. Your joy will reach new heights and you’re life will be complete. This is a guarantee. I also can guarantee that the first man that gets them to play at my wedding, is the man I will marry. Okay, maybe.
It’s also beyond worth it to check them out as individual artists.
Kyler England | Rob Giles | Adrianne Gonzalez | Gabriel Mann
“I love you but I don’t trust you. I miss you but I can’t need you anymore. I want you, but I want you to be happy. The way we were happy, when we were happy.”You cannot afford to refrain from purchasing this CD.
Minute 3, seconds 13 will knock your Northwest crocs off.
And if you are ever in the same state where they have a show, you should absolutely drop every single thing that you have going on, cancel every single plan that you have made, and go. Your joy will reach new heights and you’re life will be complete. This is a guarantee. I also can guarantee that the first man that gets them to play at my wedding, is the man I will marry. Okay, maybe.
It’s also beyond worth it to check them out as individual artists.
Kyler England | Rob Giles | Adrianne Gonzalez | Gabriel Mann
I consider them my closest friends (maybe not in the typical close friends way), but their lyrics have the ability to so very much mirror my heart, making this close friend consideration possible. Expect to hear more about them from me. Forever. As long as you know me.
You can thank me later.
Greg Laswell and Sara Barielles.
Go ahead, I give you permission to be obsessed.
Go ahead, I give you permission to be obsessed.
Serving Breakfast Now
Cereal just got a whole lot better.
For you.
1 Cup of Sliced Almonds
1 Cup of Pumpkin Seeds
1 Cup of Walnuts
1 Cup of Pecans
1 Cup of Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
1 Cup of Dried (and Unsweetened) Cranberries
1 Tblsp. of Cinnamon
Mix all of these ingredients together and store in Mason Jars.
OR |
If you’re fiercely loyal to your cereal box (or have a spouse that doesn’t want you to touch his/her cereal), you can pull a little fake on him/her and store all of these ingredients in a large, plastic, ziplock bag, and put that inside your (or his/her) favorite cereal box.
Disclaimer: I’m only suggesting that you do this because I believe so deeply in the health benefits. Though as merely a suggester, I do not take responsibility for any “what happened to my cereal” anger. Only the joy that will sure to come with each passing bite.
When you are ready for consumption, pour/scoop 1 cup of the mixed ingredients into a bowl. Slice a piece of your favorite fresh fruit (I recommend bright red strawberries) to throw on top, followed by Coconut milk to your desired level of wet - ness (yes, that sounds weird by you know what I mean). The Coconut Vanilla milk is especially good with this. One of the best parts about this cereal is that it never gets soggy. You heard me folks, never. Sit there distratced by Facebook, forget about it while you scroll through your Instagram, or call your mother (which for most of us, can be a lengthy chitty chatty), and come back to your cereal to still hear the crunch between your teeth.
Get after it.
For you.
1 Cup of Sliced Almonds
1 Cup of Pumpkin Seeds
1 Cup of Walnuts
1 Cup of Pecans
1 Cup of Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
1 Cup of Dried (and Unsweetened) Cranberries
1 Tblsp. of Cinnamon
Mix all of these ingredients together and store in Mason Jars.
OR |
If you’re fiercely loyal to your cereal box (or have a spouse that doesn’t want you to touch his/her cereal), you can pull a little fake on him/her and store all of these ingredients in a large, plastic, ziplock bag, and put that inside your (or his/her) favorite cereal box.
Disclaimer: I’m only suggesting that you do this because I believe so deeply in the health benefits. Though as merely a suggester, I do not take responsibility for any “what happened to my cereal” anger. Only the joy that will sure to come with each passing bite.
When you are ready for consumption, pour/scoop 1 cup of the mixed ingredients into a bowl. Slice a piece of your favorite fresh fruit (I recommend bright red strawberries) to throw on top, followed by Coconut milk to your desired level of wet - ness (yes, that sounds weird by you know what I mean). The Coconut Vanilla milk is especially good with this. One of the best parts about this cereal is that it never gets soggy. You heard me folks, never. Sit there distratced by Facebook, forget about it while you scroll through your Instagram, or call your mother (which for most of us, can be a lengthy chitty chatty), and come back to your cereal to still hear the crunch between your teeth.
Get after it.
A Gem
For so many different reasons.
Mason Jar Music Presents... Josh Garrels from Mason Jar Music on Vimeo.
Mason Jar Music Presents... Josh Garrels from Mason Jar Music on Vimeo.
Pancake On Up
As if pancakes were not already good, right? But should one have the desire to eat pancakes everyday (not saying or implying that you will), this recipe is for you. And even if this is not you, this recipe is still for you. Before I explain, please exhaust yourself of any awkward looks, eye rolling, or second guessing now. Done? Okay.
These are Paleo pancakes. (You should have no awkward looks, eye rolling, or second guessing left in you to insert here).
For those of you that aren’t familiar with the Paleo lifestyle of eating, it is simply cooking, eating, and enjoying natural foods (foods that our ancestors used to chow on before we started processing everything). It eliminates dairy, salt, refined sugars, grains, and processed oils. Some of you may be smirking, “all of the good stuff, huh.” But as quite the foodie myself, I am here to testify to the delightful tastes of Paleo. I’m guaranteeing that your palette will be immensely enriched, in addition to all the other health benefits that I will only bore you with, should you ask. ;)
On to actual recipe. Amazing taste does indeed come from something this easy, yes.
2 ripe bananas
1/3 cup coconut flour
6 eggs
1/4 cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1) In a medium-sized mixing bowl smash the bananas until smooth.
2) Add the remaining ingredients and whisk together until well blended.
3) Grease a large skillet or griddle with coconut oil and heat over medium
heat. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mix per pancake onto the hot griddle or skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side.
They make about 10 pancakes, so if you enjoy planning your meals in advance (join the club), this batter is easily preservable by placing it covered and protected in the fridge until the next morning you would like to pour them over the griddle. Top them with some almond butter and 100% maple syrup and you’ll be talking about them all day - even to strangers.
Not a fan of bananas? Strawberries, blueberries, and raw cocoa powder make a great substitute, or addition. ;)
Sister, have I told you lately that I love you and our Paleon ways?
These are Paleo pancakes. (You should have no awkward looks, eye rolling, or second guessing left in you to insert here).
For those of you that aren’t familiar with the Paleo lifestyle of eating, it is simply cooking, eating, and enjoying natural foods (foods that our ancestors used to chow on before we started processing everything). It eliminates dairy, salt, refined sugars, grains, and processed oils. Some of you may be smirking, “all of the good stuff, huh.” But as quite the foodie myself, I am here to testify to the delightful tastes of Paleo. I’m guaranteeing that your palette will be immensely enriched, in addition to all the other health benefits that I will only bore you with, should you ask. ;)
On to actual recipe. Amazing taste does indeed come from something this easy, yes.
2 ripe bananas
1/3 cup coconut flour
6 eggs
1/4 cup coconut milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1) In a medium-sized mixing bowl smash the bananas until smooth.
2) Add the remaining ingredients and whisk together until well blended.
3) Grease a large skillet or griddle with coconut oil and heat over medium
heat. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mix per pancake onto the hot griddle or skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side.
They make about 10 pancakes, so if you enjoy planning your meals in advance (join the club), this batter is easily preservable by placing it covered and protected in the fridge until the next morning you would like to pour them over the griddle. Top them with some almond butter and 100% maple syrup and you’ll be talking about them all day - even to strangers.
Not a fan of bananas? Strawberries, blueberries, and raw cocoa powder make a great substitute, or addition. ;)
Sister, have I told you lately that I love you and our Paleon ways?
Is my normal, your normal?
Do you ever wake up thinking that you live on the wrong planet? Not because planet earth isn’t breathtaking or filled with wondorous things, but because nothing, absolutely nothing, seems to jive with, for, in, amidst, or among your day(ssssss)? If this is you, then you would be familiar with the following: Is this real liiiiiiife? Coined by the popular YouTube character, David, from David and the Dentist. But seriously, is this going to be forever?
Take this quiz to find out if your life resembles something other than normal. Or maybe, this is normal?
1. When teaching someone to use mace, you manage to spray yourself.
2. When loading your new Pottery Barn desk that you managed to find at a Thrift Store for a mere $10, into your Honda Civic, you ding your glass window. Glass window replacement: $135.
3. When street sweeping occurs, you are likely to be the only car on the wrong side of the street and find yourself standing on the corner in a floral nightie and towel turban (because of course this had to happen instantly after stepping one foot out of the shower) arguing your way out of a ticket with the parking officer.
4. You manage to pick up the one bag of flour in the grocery store that has a hole in the bottom, thus resulting in an aisle explosion.
5. Your Yogurtland lunch finds a way to line every crease in your purse before it reaches your mouth.
6. The home of your license is in your friend’s wallet, two states away, on more than one occasion.
7. You’re likely the target of getting a cell phone violation ticket while sitting in your driveway.
8. A good looking fella asks for your phone number, but you’re in an argument with your dad on your phone and yell “No!” at the precise time he asks.
9. You’re either overwhelmed or underwhelmed. Plain whelmed doesn’t exist.
10. You usually find out that your favorite band is playing one day after they’ve played.
11. You exchange your “yes” with a “meow” when talking to your barista because you just came from nannying. Or you just say meow too much.
12. You’re laptop music startles everyone in the coffee shop because you have your headphones plugged into the wrong jack.
13. When on E, you’ve thought about mixing water with your fuel to extend that E just a wee bit longer.
14. Though you won’t admit it, you have slipped in the shower due to the stellar dance moves you were practicing. Your loofa has also been your microphone.
15. You have to suppress the urge to throw pasta noodles when cooking, because you find it humorous to think about them sticking to the wall (or your roommate’s face).
Please tell me I’m not alone in the world.
Take this quiz to find out if your life resembles something other than normal. Or maybe, this is normal?
1. When teaching someone to use mace, you manage to spray yourself.
2. When loading your new Pottery Barn desk that you managed to find at a Thrift Store for a mere $10, into your Honda Civic, you ding your glass window. Glass window replacement: $135.
3. When street sweeping occurs, you are likely to be the only car on the wrong side of the street and find yourself standing on the corner in a floral nightie and towel turban (because of course this had to happen instantly after stepping one foot out of the shower) arguing your way out of a ticket with the parking officer.
4. You manage to pick up the one bag of flour in the grocery store that has a hole in the bottom, thus resulting in an aisle explosion.
5. Your Yogurtland lunch finds a way to line every crease in your purse before it reaches your mouth.
6. The home of your license is in your friend’s wallet, two states away, on more than one occasion.
7. You’re likely the target of getting a cell phone violation ticket while sitting in your driveway.
8. A good looking fella asks for your phone number, but you’re in an argument with your dad on your phone and yell “No!” at the precise time he asks.
9. You’re either overwhelmed or underwhelmed. Plain whelmed doesn’t exist.
10. You usually find out that your favorite band is playing one day after they’ve played.
11. You exchange your “yes” with a “meow” when talking to your barista because you just came from nannying. Or you just say meow too much.
12. You’re laptop music startles everyone in the coffee shop because you have your headphones plugged into the wrong jack.
13. When on E, you’ve thought about mixing water with your fuel to extend that E just a wee bit longer.
14. Though you won’t admit it, you have slipped in the shower due to the stellar dance moves you were practicing. Your loofa has also been your microphone.
15. You have to suppress the urge to throw pasta noodles when cooking, because you find it humorous to think about them sticking to the wall (or your roommate’s face).
Please tell me I’m not alone in the world.
For Crying Out Loud
1 Samuel 22
The Cave of Adullam, meaning a “sealed off place” rested in the crevice of a mountain and was the place where David fled to, looking for a sense of refuge.
It was but two days ago that I found myself doing the same thing. Except, instead of being 20 miles southwest of Jerusalem, I was 20 miles south of Santa Monica, on the cliffs of the rock formations that rest on the coast of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. A full moon and sprinkling of stars dotted the majestic sky as the white crested waves crashed below the rocks.
It was in the Cave of Adullam that David wrote Psalm 142. A prayer that came from an overwhelmed, conflicted, and desperate heart. Much of what mine is feeling today. And yet, though I wish I would have understood what this cave represented to David and the prayer that resulted from being in there while I was in my own Cave of Adullam, I find it no coincidence that I opened my Bible Study to this today. (God must know that it takes me a wee bit to process things and thought it best to spoon feed me).
“I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him, before him I tell him my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. ” (Psalm 142:1-3).
I don’t know what I love more - a) that David and I would have probably been decent pals being that we both seek out creation (aka, caves) to find refuge, or that b) he didn’t “speak” aloud to the Lord, he cried. He didn’t “shy” his voice to the Lord, but lifted it up. I imagine that means it got louder and louder and louder. He didn’t “drizzle” out his complaints, he poured them out as if dumping a pitcher of your grandma’s homemade southern tea. His spirit wasn’t just pained or comparable to a softly aching muscle, he was faint. Faint. About to pass out, fall over, done. Or lastly do I love more that c) despite the crying, yelling, voice lifting, pouring, and fainting, David still managed to say, “it is you who knows my way,” as if to affirm that despite the ish of what was happening in his life, David was still going to trust the Lord.
He continues in verse 5 to say, “I cry to you Lord, you are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need.”
And it was in reflecting on this passage that I spotted a sobering truth - I often believe God can save me from my sins, but not often enough believe that he can save me from my situation.
And all of this coming from a man who had killed a lion, a bear, and Goliath? He was overwhelmed? He was desperate, pained, and faint? And ultimately, it is this guy that is going to rise to the throne as the forerunner of Jesus, with a kingdom that would be known throughout the world, favored and anointed by the living God? What the huckleberry. And well, if God was going to have to bring David down to a lowly position before He could raise him up to stand on solid ground, then I suppose I’m not remotely excused from this either, am I?
(Insert sigh).
Is it awful that sometimes, even knowing how the story of David unfolds and seeing promises fulfilled,it somehow doesn’t negate the pain that accompanies the preparation, the hacking down that brings that tree to the ground, or in this case, me to my knees, to be small so that God can be big, to be low to be raised?
So, even though I feel caught in those white crested waves below the rocks, wrapped up in the undertow that feels stronger than even the God I’m choosing to trust in at times, I was physically positioned on the rocks above those waves just days ago. And this I will try and remember even if for now, it’s only my physical body that was seated on those rocks as I watched my heart trapped in the waves.
The Cave of Adullam, meaning a “sealed off place” rested in the crevice of a mountain and was the place where David fled to, looking for a sense of refuge.
It was but two days ago that I found myself doing the same thing. Except, instead of being 20 miles southwest of Jerusalem, I was 20 miles south of Santa Monica, on the cliffs of the rock formations that rest on the coast of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. A full moon and sprinkling of stars dotted the majestic sky as the white crested waves crashed below the rocks.
It was in the Cave of Adullam that David wrote Psalm 142. A prayer that came from an overwhelmed, conflicted, and desperate heart. Much of what mine is feeling today. And yet, though I wish I would have understood what this cave represented to David and the prayer that resulted from being in there while I was in my own Cave of Adullam, I find it no coincidence that I opened my Bible Study to this today. (God must know that it takes me a wee bit to process things and thought it best to spoon feed me).
“I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him, before him I tell him my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. ” (Psalm 142:1-3).
I don’t know what I love more - a) that David and I would have probably been decent pals being that we both seek out creation (aka, caves) to find refuge, or that b) he didn’t “speak” aloud to the Lord, he cried. He didn’t “shy” his voice to the Lord, but lifted it up. I imagine that means it got louder and louder and louder. He didn’t “drizzle” out his complaints, he poured them out as if dumping a pitcher of your grandma’s homemade southern tea. His spirit wasn’t just pained or comparable to a softly aching muscle, he was faint. Faint. About to pass out, fall over, done. Or lastly do I love more that c) despite the crying, yelling, voice lifting, pouring, and fainting, David still managed to say, “it is you who knows my way,” as if to affirm that despite the ish of what was happening in his life, David was still going to trust the Lord.
He continues in verse 5 to say, “I cry to you Lord, you are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living. Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need.”
And it was in reflecting on this passage that I spotted a sobering truth - I often believe God can save me from my sins, but not often enough believe that he can save me from my situation.
And all of this coming from a man who had killed a lion, a bear, and Goliath? He was overwhelmed? He was desperate, pained, and faint? And ultimately, it is this guy that is going to rise to the throne as the forerunner of Jesus, with a kingdom that would be known throughout the world, favored and anointed by the living God? What the huckleberry. And well, if God was going to have to bring David down to a lowly position before He could raise him up to stand on solid ground, then I suppose I’m not remotely excused from this either, am I?
(Insert sigh).
Is it awful that sometimes, even knowing how the story of David unfolds and seeing promises fulfilled,it somehow doesn’t negate the pain that accompanies the preparation, the hacking down that brings that tree to the ground, or in this case, me to my knees, to be small so that God can be big, to be low to be raised?
So, even though I feel caught in those white crested waves below the rocks, wrapped up in the undertow that feels stronger than even the God I’m choosing to trust in at times, I was physically positioned on the rocks above those waves just days ago. And this I will try and remember even if for now, it’s only my physical body that was seated on those rocks as I watched my heart trapped in the waves.
Dunamis
The Greek word is Dunamis. We call it dynamite. And it’s the word used to describe the power that comes upon us through the Holy Spirit. I think I understand where I get my exaggerations from. Dunamis is bigger and better than power. It’s highly explosive. It’s any person or thing having a spectacular effect. To blow up, shatter, and destroy.
Here’s the back story.
Saul’s jealousy of David is growing by the second - especially after David marries Saul’s daughter Michal. Thinking Michal will destroy and make David’s life miserable, Saul finds himself outraged when he learns about Michal’s deep love for David. (Essentially making his plan irrelevant and moot). When Michal learns that her father is going to have David killed, as a good wife should, she helps her hubby escape. And off David trots - to find Samuel - (and I’m sure ask him what the bleep is going on being that Samuel was the one God used to anoint David as the leader of Israel).
1 Samuel 19:19 - 24.
Word came to Saul: “David is in Naioth at Ramah” so he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came upon Saul’s men and they also prophesied. Saul was told about it, and he sent more men, and they prophesied too. Saul sent men a third time, and they also prophesied. Finally, he himself left for Ramah and went to the great cistern at Secu. And he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” “Over in Naioth at Ramah,” they said.
So Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the Spirit of God came even upon him, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth. He stripped off his robes and also prophesied in Samuel’s presence. He lay that way all that day and night. This is why people say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
It is terrible that I find myself snickering when reading this passage? It truly is kind - of humorous. Okay, rewind to the top.
The Greek word is Dunamis. We call it dynamite. And it’s the word used to describe the power that comes upon us through the Holy Spirit.
I love this story for the following reasons:
1. Love is more dunamis than jealousy.
2. Godliness is more dunamis than wickedness.
3. And the Spirit of God is more dunamis than anything.
And because of this dunamis quality we have, 1 John 4:4 gave me a swift kick more than it had before: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater (or more dunamis) than the one who is in the world.”
Here’s the back story.
Saul’s jealousy of David is growing by the second - especially after David marries Saul’s daughter Michal. Thinking Michal will destroy and make David’s life miserable, Saul finds himself outraged when he learns about Michal’s deep love for David. (Essentially making his plan irrelevant and moot). When Michal learns that her father is going to have David killed, as a good wife should, she helps her hubby escape. And off David trots - to find Samuel - (and I’m sure ask him what the bleep is going on being that Samuel was the one God used to anoint David as the leader of Israel).
1 Samuel 19:19 - 24.
Word came to Saul: “David is in Naioth at Ramah” so he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came upon Saul’s men and they also prophesied. Saul was told about it, and he sent more men, and they prophesied too. Saul sent men a third time, and they also prophesied. Finally, he himself left for Ramah and went to the great cistern at Secu. And he asked, “Where are Samuel and David?” “Over in Naioth at Ramah,” they said.
So Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the Spirit of God came even upon him, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth. He stripped off his robes and also prophesied in Samuel’s presence. He lay that way all that day and night. This is why people say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
It is terrible that I find myself snickering when reading this passage? It truly is kind - of humorous. Okay, rewind to the top.
The Greek word is Dunamis. We call it dynamite. And it’s the word used to describe the power that comes upon us through the Holy Spirit.
I love this story for the following reasons:
1. Love is more dunamis than jealousy.
2. Godliness is more dunamis than wickedness.
3. And the Spirit of God is more dunamis than anything.
And because of this dunamis quality we have, 1 John 4:4 gave me a swift kick more than it had before: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater (or more dunamis) than the one who is in the world.”
Getting What You Asked For (Literally)
I’m participating in a Bible study and it is becoming more and more obvious how thirsty my soul was for devoted and uninterrupted time in the Word. Not to mention, it’s been days and I’m still thinking about it. And not to mention again, (and let’s be honest), I need more friends here in Seattle. So, in an effort to capture the small facts that have left me completely fascinated, I am going to document some of them here.
We are studying the “utterly typical in some ways and so completely atypical in others,” life of David.
And though we actually didn’t read of David’s name yet, I’m fairly certain that this past (and first) Tuesday will stand as one of my favorites.
Samuel, Israel’s last Judge. Saul, Israel’s first King. Two figures that both loom in David’s introduction.
When Samuel retired as a judge, the Israelites found themselves absolutely consumed by the desire to have a King, like everyone else had. Joel and Abijah (Samuel’s sons), weren’t exactly King material, so they were out of the picture.
“So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel. They said to him, ‘You are old, and your sons do not walk in your way; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” (1 Samuel 8:4 - 5).
Sidenote: 1) Who wants to actually hear they are “old” when they know they are old?! 2) So, wanting the things others have (jealousy) started way back then, now did it? Hmm.
Samuel headed out to have a little heart to heart with the Lord.
“And the Lord told him: ‘Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.’” (1 Samuel 8:7 - 8).
Off Samuel went, to relay the message (with probably a stronger step in his stride after his chitty chatty) to the people “who were asking him for a king.” (Vs. 10).
“This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve (in war), they will run in front of chariots (bullets). Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands (and be gone from their families for months at a time), others to plow his ground and reap his harvest (slaves), others to make weapons of war (power). He will take your daughters. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards (all things you have worked hard for)…” (Vs. 11 - 17).
He will take, he will take, he will take, he will take.
“When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the Lord will not answer you in that day.” (Vs. 18).
And like many of us, when simply put, we want what we want, the people refused to listen.
“We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” (Vs. 19 - 20).
Fine. Give them the king that they are so desperately asking for.
Samuel summons the people for another chat. “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says, ‘I brought you out of Egypt and I delivered you from the power of Egypt and all the kingdoms that oppressed you. But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your calamities and distresses. And you have said, ‘No, set a king over us (but I was your King!).’ So now, present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and clans (aka, let’s get this show on the road).’” (10:18 - 19).
Tribe of Benjamin, please stand up.
Matri’s clan, please stand up.
Son of Kish, please stand up.
Please meet, the very one that ya’ll have asked for, Saul, son of Kish, from Matri’s clan, and the tribe of Benjamin.
Great story, right? Na, hold on, here comes the kicker to all of this.
The name Samuel is a compound of the Hebrew words for name (shem) and God (el), and means he over whom the name of God has been said. In Hebrew the name also sounds very similar to the verb ask (sha’al).
The Hebrew name Saul (sha’ul) is drawn from this very same word and literally means asked for.
Sidenote: You can clearly tell that I love a play on words, especially in instances like this.
God gave the Israelites (literally), exactly what they asked for.
It’s through this that I made a couple of realizations:
1. I now know where my detail oriented-ness comes from.
2. How many different things do I ask for in my life, that God maybe even gives me, when in actuality, I should be asking for more of Him?
3. If the Israelites couldn’t even recognize that they already had a King, what areas in my life am I failing to see that I already have the very thing I am asking for?
4. If I’m going to have any blog followers, I’m going to have to learn how to write shorter posts.
It is with these thoughts, that I ponder and excitedly await what’s to come.
We are studying the “utterly typical in some ways and so completely atypical in others,” life of David.
And though we actually didn’t read of David’s name yet, I’m fairly certain that this past (and first) Tuesday will stand as one of my favorites.
Samuel, Israel’s last Judge. Saul, Israel’s first King. Two figures that both loom in David’s introduction.
When Samuel retired as a judge, the Israelites found themselves absolutely consumed by the desire to have a King, like everyone else had. Joel and Abijah (Samuel’s sons), weren’t exactly King material, so they were out of the picture.
“So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel. They said to him, ‘You are old, and your sons do not walk in your way; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” (1 Samuel 8:4 - 5).
Sidenote: 1) Who wants to actually hear they are “old” when they know they are old?! 2) So, wanting the things others have (jealousy) started way back then, now did it? Hmm.
Samuel headed out to have a little heart to heart with the Lord.
“And the Lord told him: ‘Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.’” (1 Samuel 8:7 - 8).
Off Samuel went, to relay the message (with probably a stronger step in his stride after his chitty chatty) to the people “who were asking him for a king.” (Vs. 10).
“This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve (in war), they will run in front of chariots (bullets). Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands (and be gone from their families for months at a time), others to plow his ground and reap his harvest (slaves), others to make weapons of war (power). He will take your daughters. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards (all things you have worked hard for)…” (Vs. 11 - 17).
He will take, he will take, he will take, he will take.
“When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the Lord will not answer you in that day.” (Vs. 18).
And like many of us, when simply put, we want what we want, the people refused to listen.
“We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” (Vs. 19 - 20).
Fine. Give them the king that they are so desperately asking for.
Samuel summons the people for another chat. “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says, ‘I brought you out of Egypt and I delivered you from the power of Egypt and all the kingdoms that oppressed you. But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your calamities and distresses. And you have said, ‘No, set a king over us (but I was your King!).’ So now, present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and clans (aka, let’s get this show on the road).’” (10:18 - 19).
Tribe of Benjamin, please stand up.
Matri’s clan, please stand up.
Son of Kish, please stand up.
Please meet, the very one that ya’ll have asked for, Saul, son of Kish, from Matri’s clan, and the tribe of Benjamin.
Great story, right? Na, hold on, here comes the kicker to all of this.
The name Samuel is a compound of the Hebrew words for name (shem) and God (el), and means he over whom the name of God has been said. In Hebrew the name also sounds very similar to the verb ask (sha’al).
The Hebrew name Saul (sha’ul) is drawn from this very same word and literally means asked for.
Sidenote: You can clearly tell that I love a play on words, especially in instances like this.
God gave the Israelites (literally), exactly what they asked for.
It’s through this that I made a couple of realizations:
1. I now know where my detail oriented-ness comes from.
2. How many different things do I ask for in my life, that God maybe even gives me, when in actuality, I should be asking for more of Him?
3. If the Israelites couldn’t even recognize that they already had a King, what areas in my life am I failing to see that I already have the very thing I am asking for?
4. If I’m going to have any blog followers, I’m going to have to learn how to write shorter posts.
It is with these thoughts, that I ponder and excitedly await what’s to come.
Who We Be
As I mentioned in my previous post, I live with three outstanding ladies in an abode that is sometimes referred to as Primetime (we say “sometimes” because we are trying to maintain a level of humility in the rations of our cool - ness). But let’s be honest. Primetime is not only where the action happens - we arrrrrrre the action. And if you know us or knew us, you probably wouldn’t understand. Because what makes us the action, welp it’s the combination of us. Just think for a moment, about the days as a tot when mixing cereals was all the hype, 100% acceptable, and the most delightful thing to touch your lips (assuming you hadn’t kissed that cutie at recess). Ya, well we’re even better than that. (Insert humility here). Take a peek for yourself.
Roommate # 1: Cruising to us all the way from Northern California, she will do anything spontaneous as long as you give her a couple hours of notice. This does indeed exclude sharing wisdom, tacos, margaritas, smiles, and good reads. These things are always readily available. You should also bring her a can of green beans when you meet her. They are her favorite. She may “like” you after this, but you have to work harder for her to “love” you. Though, that won’t stop her from giving you a hug.
Roommate # 2: Coming to us all the way from Astoria (you may not even know where this is), she will infect you with her contagious laugh, surprise you in the living room at 5AM participating in a P90X session, and test your slope skills by boarding the mountains silly. She is so delightful that she makes you feel as though you met back in the womb.
Roommate # 3: Hailing to us from the distant land of the east side, Issaquah Washington, she will serve you a homemade breakfast and freshly brewed coffee in the shower (if you woke up before she could serve you in bed). And as a lover of paleo, there is never any question regarding the mere five minute gap between when the apple was picked from the tree and when it reached her mouth. The best part about her is that she is my sister and though it’s been 9 years since being under our parents roof, we have found ourselves re - united under a new roof, where the reality of our sisterisms shall be setting in at any moment.
There you have it folks.
Oh wait, did I mention that we all love to cook barefoot? It’s true. We welcome visitors and only charge a bottle of wine per entrance upon witnessing our Primetime show.
Disclaimer: Primetime really evolved because our address contains all prime numbers, something only one roommate noticed. Another roommate thought it was referring to a maternity term, another one didn’t question it, and the last one made an impulse decision to finalize it when the Cable guy was over installing our WiFi and needed a network name.
Roommate # 1: Cruising to us all the way from Northern California, she will do anything spontaneous as long as you give her a couple hours of notice. This does indeed exclude sharing wisdom, tacos, margaritas, smiles, and good reads. These things are always readily available. You should also bring her a can of green beans when you meet her. They are her favorite. She may “like” you after this, but you have to work harder for her to “love” you. Though, that won’t stop her from giving you a hug.
Roommate # 2: Coming to us all the way from Astoria (you may not even know where this is), she will infect you with her contagious laugh, surprise you in the living room at 5AM participating in a P90X session, and test your slope skills by boarding the mountains silly. She is so delightful that she makes you feel as though you met back in the womb.
Roommate # 3: Hailing to us from the distant land of the east side, Issaquah Washington, she will serve you a homemade breakfast and freshly brewed coffee in the shower (if you woke up before she could serve you in bed). And as a lover of paleo, there is never any question regarding the mere five minute gap between when the apple was picked from the tree and when it reached her mouth. The best part about her is that she is my sister and though it’s been 9 years since being under our parents roof, we have found ourselves re - united under a new roof, where the reality of our sisterisms shall be setting in at any moment.
There you have it folks.
Oh wait, did I mention that we all love to cook barefoot? It’s true. We welcome visitors and only charge a bottle of wine per entrance upon witnessing our Primetime show.
Disclaimer: Primetime really evolved because our address contains all prime numbers, something only one roommate noticed. Another roommate thought it was referring to a maternity term, another one didn’t question it, and the last one made an impulse decision to finalize it when the Cable guy was over installing our WiFi and needed a network name.
White Walls & Empty Halls
I live in a humble abode near the shores of Greenlake, with three outstanding ladies (more to come). The walls are bare and there is minimal furniture. The perfectionist tendencies in me are found to be slightly restless at times because of this, but soothed upon entering any neighborhood coffee shop. Yes the java is divine (especially when locally brewed and the owners give you their extra burlap coffee sacks), the people watching is good, the WiFi usually runs at high speed, but it’s the wall boards in particular that have become my new favorite thing. And thus, my reason for writing the following letter:
Dear Owner of Coffee Shop,
In at what times can be a hopeless world, you my friend (can I call you that?), have given me hope. Now, many most likely thank you for brewing a delightful steaming cup of java, or maybe the ambiance, cleanliness, and friendly staff. All of those things are indeed true, but that is not why I am writing you today. I would like to thank you for being a proprietor of the marvelous and truly helpful community board you have posted near the restrooms. As a marketer in the business world, I recognize that this board may not directly be maximizing scone sales and you are risking quite a bit allowing random community strangers to post jargon, text, content, and images that at times, have not gone through any sort of approval process. (You never know what crazy things people will do and though I am writing you this alphabet filled letter, I vow I am not one of them). But it is these precise thumb tacked notes, sometimes professionally designed and other times handwritten, that have led me to find some of the very treasures that are starting to make my naked casa, a clothed casa. (No, I’m not Spanish, but sometimes foreign language words are more fun than ours). Anyway, I’m thankful for the direction, wisdom, and avoidance of rabbit holes that this community board offers, and I look forward to not only the markets and mad deals matting the board, bidding for my mula, but the music and social delights that are sure to enhance my social calendar as well. I wish you all the best up sells (coffee and a pastry) and would pick no other shop de java to spend my greens at.
Forever committed to your roasting,
Ms. Taylor
Dear Owner of Coffee Shop,
In at what times can be a hopeless world, you my friend (can I call you that?), have given me hope. Now, many most likely thank you for brewing a delightful steaming cup of java, or maybe the ambiance, cleanliness, and friendly staff. All of those things are indeed true, but that is not why I am writing you today. I would like to thank you for being a proprietor of the marvelous and truly helpful community board you have posted near the restrooms. As a marketer in the business world, I recognize that this board may not directly be maximizing scone sales and you are risking quite a bit allowing random community strangers to post jargon, text, content, and images that at times, have not gone through any sort of approval process. (You never know what crazy things people will do and though I am writing you this alphabet filled letter, I vow I am not one of them). But it is these precise thumb tacked notes, sometimes professionally designed and other times handwritten, that have led me to find some of the very treasures that are starting to make my naked casa, a clothed casa. (No, I’m not Spanish, but sometimes foreign language words are more fun than ours). Anyway, I’m thankful for the direction, wisdom, and avoidance of rabbit holes that this community board offers, and I look forward to not only the markets and mad deals matting the board, bidding for my mula, but the music and social delights that are sure to enhance my social calendar as well. I wish you all the best up sells (coffee and a pastry) and would pick no other shop de java to spend my greens at.
Forever committed to your roasting,
Ms. Taylor
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