Taking Inventory

I do not work in retail, or marketing but I I have been inundated with advertisements. Through all this stimulus, I have come to the conclusion that store owners are trying desperately to rid themselves of their overstocked items. Whether it is cars, clothes or couches, it appears that the priority is to clean out the warehouses. As I look around my own house, this is not a bad tactic. My closets could do with a bit of re-organization, as well as culling the superfluous items on shelves that have just been gathering dust. In order to clean out, we really need to take a good look at what we have. In some cases, it is like a treasure hunt. That once prized sweater may have been buried under a pile of shirts and then when freed, it is as if we have a new wardrobe! The lost “whatsit” to the “gizmo” makes the “do-hickey” functional again! Even more exciting finding a $10.00 bill in a pair of pants or an old purse!

                                                        

In the realm of our spiritual lives, there is an interesting phenomena that occurs when we take inventory of our own “stock room”. We may be completely clear about the catalogue of blessings, daily aware of each gift from God. On the other hand, we may be more like a 5 and 10 shop near my house that is packed wall to wall with merchandise; which makes it impossible for them to locate specific items, much less take inventory.

As we begin this New Year, let’s take a moment and do some organizing. It may be surprising to find out what we already have and may indeed shine some light on what we need to acquire.The Bible offers a running list of the blessings we have at our disposal. In this blog, I will only mention 3. The question is, are we actively incorporating them into our personal spiritual inventory?

                                                    

1. Perfect Peace: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3

In the store-room of my mind, am I relying on the perfect peace of God- or the momentary “peace” of the world? It is so easy to caught up in our circumstances and not remember that we have perfect peace that is not contingent on the daily occurrences we face.

                                                      

2. Power of God: “We have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” II Corinthians 4:7.

How often is this essential element ignored in the Christian walk? I will be the first to admit that instead of being a “Jar of Clay” I want to be a “Platinum Package”. Invincible, impenetrable, and invulnerable! Yet, as I consider what my power produces as opposed to what God can do, I am silenced! My self-sufficiency is no match compared to the limitless power of God.

                                                    

3. Prepared Place: “In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, you may be also.” John 14:2-3.

This world is not our final home as believers. Knowing this future hope gives enormous joy as we face disease, discouragement and difficulty. As the stress of living in an imperfect world mounts, do we focus on the here and now or on the age to come? In addition, what are we doing to share with others the “Good News” of a Heavenly home?

                                                    

One of my favorite characters in literature is Sherlock Holmes. This brilliant sleuth described our brains like an attic. He was such an amazing detective because he never allowed irrelevant information into his brain; he just used the power of observation and deduction to guide him.

In the same way, as Christians, we need to observe the blessings and not allow extra stuff to accumulate. When we focus on the negative, we do not have room for the truth.

Maybe it is time to throw out the old boxes of memories that take up space. It may be that the photos of ancient worries or anxieties that need to be tossed. Once the space is cleared out, we might be surprised by the inventory in our warehouse. Perfect peace, God’s power and the promise of a prepared place will certainly give us a fresh beginning for the New Year! Grace & Peace!!

Soli Deo Gloria!!

Are you walking barefoot?

Imagine if you will, a lone runner silhouetted by blue, smoky, mountains. The winded messenger arrives at a village with a single response- “We are saved!” The crowd cheers as the herald continues on, with feet swiftly moving to the next town. A collective sigh permeates the square and peace replaces anxiety.

Now plug into your imagination that same scenario. What message do you need to hear today? How would you feel if you heard those words?  Where are your thoughts drifting…peace or anxiety?

Our Prince of Peace, the Messenger of Grace has arrived- and we can experience that peace every moment of our lives.

Isaiah 52:7 tells of one who will bring Good News, the Gospel to the World:

“How beautiful upon the mountain are the feet of Him who brings Good News, Who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things; who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns!”

Is that surprising? Our Prince of Peace has “Beautiful feet.” He brings us the Good News that we are not alone, but that God is in Control, no matter what!

Luke 1:79 reiterates this theme as Zacharias shares the purpose of the coming Messiah- Jesus.

“To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

The word guide in this passage gives the idea that one will make a straight path, remove hindrances. We, who know Jesus as our Lord and Savior have had the privilege of experiencing that guidance.

So, the question must be answered, “Are you walking through life barefoot?”  If Jesus is our Prince of Peace-the one who guides our feet into the way of peace, then why are so many of us not experiencing that security?

Let’s take a look at the prescription for acquiring Peace. Ephesians 6:10-18

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints..”

We have to actively put on the shoes of Peace. Some versions say that our feet must be, “shod” or “fitted”. The image is of one binding a pair of sandals to their feet. If our feet are not properly fit with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace, then we walk through life “barefoot.”

Again, imagine our runner traversing through miles of uncharted territory without shoes! What agony, and how could they continue to run with wounded feet? Or how many of you have walked a day in ill-fitting shoes only to suffer the next day from blisters?

As we begin each day, our Prince of Peace has equipped us with a valuable  piece of armor, shoes of peace. This peace comes from the knowledge that the Gospel, the truth that God’s “Shalom” which passes all  understanding of our circumstances, is available.

Now putting on these shoes is a choice. If I am in a hurry and do not take time to “bind” these shoes properly, then I run the risk of tripping (both spiritually and physically) and not being a peace bearer to others or experiencing peace personally. The Gospel of Peace, the Good News that comes from the salvation message of Jesus has the power to transform my mind, my heart, my words and my actions.

The passage in Ephesians has a common thread. Paul encourages us four times to “stand”. Have you ever stood for a long time in uncomfortable shoes? We must have support in order to stand firm. As soldiers and daughters of the King- we are equipped to face each day with peace. The ups and downs, the good and the bad can all come under the jurisdiction of peace because of the Gospel.

Today, are your feet feeling the support of the peace that comes from the Gospel? Do you walk into your day confident that you will be a peace herald? If not, look down. Check your feet. Maybe you are barefoot. Go back and put on those shoes of peace and stand firm in the promises of God!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Welcome Home!!!

As I have said to each person who shares this greeting with me, “What sweet words!” Being in a third world country for 2 weeks gave me an eye opening opportunity! I am sharing this letter to fill you in on my trip and to say thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

                                                   

                         Two Countries- One Lord…. A story of partnered prayer

June 2011

Dear Friends and family,

I have reflected over the last week about the lessons I learned and the memories I wanted to share with all of you who supported me through your prayers and financial giving. There are so many of you, and it felt as each of you were with me in Liberia.

The teacher training and the pastor training sessions were excellent. Our team leaders prepared us so well- and we were able to present clear, sustainable lessons for this war torn country. We had about 40 pastors and close to 100 teachers for the multiple days of training. As a result of the weight of the commentary bibles we were originally to bring for the pastors, we had to ship them separately- so they did not get them at the conference. This did not seem to be a disappointment. They were so excited about receiving a commentary and did not mind the wait! Many of these pastors were planting churches and reaching hearts with the gospel of Jesus. Their impact was tangible as we visited with one village about 45 minutes away where 14 Muslims were baptized. It was an honor to meet these godly men and women.

         

Many of the teachers we worked with during the training had little university experience as much of the educational system was disrupted during the civil war. We tried to provide tools that they could easily replicate with little or no resources. The students they teach often are “self-supporting”. In other words, they are on their own without a family to help provide for them. If they do have a family, there are usually many tasks that the children have to perform and education is not a priority. When I asked these teachers how many were in their classes, I heard incredible numbers- 45, 50, 60 and higher. I will never complain about class sizes again! Some of the teachers who attended the training days, traveled for hours by foot or in a rented taxi. Their only complaint about the training sessions was that they only 2 days and not 2 months!

  

At one school, we had the privilege to meet John Sondah- principal at Prime School. He proudly stood in front of his school and shared that because they were at full capacity (400 students), they would offer an afternoon session, so more students could attend as well. Most of his students come from the area of the rock quarry in Monrovia. It is very labor intensive work, and the children are expected to help their families. An exciting element of this school is that it is a partner school with Vision Trust. This ministry comes along side schools in poor countries to help meet the physical, educational, emotional and spiritual needs of orphaned and neglected children.

     

IF you are interested in sponsoring a student at Prime school- just visit: www.visiontrust.org and click on the country of Liberia. For only 35.00 a month, you may sponsor a student who attends the Prime school. They will receive education, nutrition and health care. Seeing this school with my own eyes was such an encouragement, but it also made me count my many blessings! This photo was just one of the crowded classes at the school. Principal Sondah was filled with compassion for his students and knew the truth that good education transforms a community.

The second role I participated in was teaching at the Women’s Conference. As I shared in my first letter, this was the first time a conference had been held for women in this area of Liberia. We had 66 women attend both days. I reviewed with them that they all were receiving a bible, journal, pen and a prayer bracelet. I explained that these were NOT gifts, and that they were to lift in prayer the woman whose bracelet they had received. There was immediate understanding. These precious sisters in Christ are praying for you just as you prayed for them! It was such a sweet moment to watch as these women gathered into small groups with our women’s team acting as facilitators- and observe them sharing in small group bible study.

          

This was a strange concept for them, but they seemed to grasp the intent. We also provided the means for them to be fed over the course of the conference and it was beautiful to witness them sitting with each other and enjoying fellowship. As they shared their prayer request, you would have thought that this was an American church setting:

“Please pray for my son who does not know the Lord. Pray for my health, pray for a husband for me, pray for me to have a child. I need help with my temper; pray that I will listen before I speak.” Can I get an AMEN? We are all sisters in Christ- no matter what part of the globe we hail-if the Lord is our Lord, then no distance can separate our bond!

                         

This trip would never have been as successful as it was without your financial and prayer support. I thank you from my heart as I contemplate the events of the trip. Whether it was meeting the Deputy of National Security at the Brussels Airport (whose wife is also a James Madison Alum) and being escorted through customs in Liberia without even a blink, to conversing with the daughter of the former President of Liberia who was slain in the 1990s coup- Mrs. Christine Tolbert Norman in the airplane, to receiving pineapple from a newly baptized Muslim woman to tying ribbon in the hair of a little deaf girl, I felt the concentrated effect of an army of prayer warriors! It was my honor to be chosen to travel to Liberia with my team and to participate in what God is already doing in Liberia! I praise God for each of you and your partnership with me!

As we left- we could not say “good-bye” only, “see you later”! I pray that as God wills I will be able to return to this amazing country. When you get the opportunity- take it! You may be greeted in the Vai language with: “Y a kune-e” Good Morning! To which comes the Vai response: “Kasee bee Kamba mai” Thank God I slept well! The literal translation of that response is, There is NO rust on God! In other words, God is always shining! He is always watching over you!

I pray that you will experience that great truth personally! Again- my Love and thanks!

Soli Deo Gloria!!!

Heading to Liberia!

Dear Friends-

It has been a month or so since we have posted new material here at Kardia-

So sorry for the lag! Judy and I are wrapping up our school years and will be giving more updates this summer. I will be leaving with a team from my church to participate in a teaching trip to Liberia.

The town where we are teaching is called Vonzua. It is about 1 hour east of Monrovia. We will have 50 pastors, 75 teachers and 100 women for each conference. Our team has also raised the funds to feed each of the people who are coming. It is the FIRST women’s conference for this town. Each Liberian woman will receive a bible, journal, pen and a bracelet made by different American women! I am so excited to see how God will use this conference! We are emphasizing that each woman is valuable, unique and special. They will be told that an American woman has thought of them and is praying for them as they made their bracelet. Their role with the partner bracelets is to pray for you as you pray for them.These “prayer partner” bracelets have come in from, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and soon West Virginia!

 

These women have the same needs and desires and hopes as American women, the only thing that truly separates us, is the Atlantic ocean!

I will be thinking of you all from the other side of the Atlantic !

Here are a few specifics that I am asking you all to pray for, as we leave:

* safety as we travel (this is a 2 day journey)

* health of the team (hot weather, no electricity, and bugs)

* the hearts of the women to be open to hear this encouragement (years of Civil war and a culture of oppression have left many women un-valued)

* That we would effectively communicate with the teachers, pastors and women ( everyone speaks a dialect of English)

* that the team would be flexible and gracious in the midst of a hectic schedule

* For the stamina of the village church workers who will be cooking meals for so many

* that our families will be well as we are gone

* Above all that God would be glorified!!

When I return, I will be posting stories and photos- thank you in advance for your partnership through prayer!!

Grace & Peace-

Amy

More than Able

Fifty-one years ago in Valdivia, Chile, a catastrophic event occurred. One of the largest earthquakes ever recorded, struck this region. It registered at 9.5 on the moment magnitude scale. Within the context of loss, the homeless numbered in the millions, but loss of life was significantly less as there were warning shocks before the actual quake and many people fled from their homes.

Our world has yet been rocked again by a similar record. The earthquake that battered Japan registered at 9.0 on the Richter scale. The loss of life and livelihood is beyond most of our comprehension. Incredible stories of grief and loss pour in daily on the news outlets. One particular piece I read in World Magazine was from an eye-witness account of a young missionary in Japan. He likened the destruction to an atomic bomb.

When we are faced with such enormous tragedy, our initial response is often, “Where are you God?” I am amazed at the tenacity of the human spirit, but I’m even more in awe of the Holy Spirit in times of crisis. As I read accounts of the heroic efforts in Japan, I realize that God is there, in the midst of this devastation. The army of people who have raced to assist, the native Japanese who have not looted or created panic as they waited hours in line for daily bread, the missionaries and pastors who are choosing to stay and minister to the inhabitants are all evidence that God is able.

The word able is a word that gives me hope. It is found numerous times in the Old and New Testament. In the New Testament, it is usually in the form of the Greek word, “dunamai”. It means: capable, strong, powerful, mighty, having power to do something. From this word comes the root word for “dynamite”. I find it fascinating that the same man who invented dynamite was the founding sponsor of  the Nobel Peace Prize, the pacifistic Alfred Noble. Can power and peace co-exist? I believe that God intended for us to comprehend both through His word. It is often that when we remember God’s power, we receive peace.

Matthew 9:28  Jesus is able to heal….

Romans 16:25 God is able to establish us….. (see past blog 02/02/2010)

II Corinthians 9:8 God is able to make all grace abound to us……

Ephesians 3:20 God is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine…….

Jude 24 God is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless in His presence……

This word able, “dunamai”, reminds us that God is powerful, mighty, strong, and capable.

But what do we do with the hurt in the world, the pain and at times what appears to be the absence of God? One word: TRUST! If we trust in the dunamai of God, then we have to trust Him even when life does not seem fair. Nowhere are we ever promised fairness, but we are promised that God will never leave us and that He is able to save us (Daniel 3:17). Trusting God’s power will bring you His peace even in the midst of the storms of life! The Apostle Paul gives us this truth:

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the present nor  the future, nor any powers, neither height, nor depth, nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus Our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39)

Reflect on God’s dunamai today!  His Power and Peace will never leave you. Trust this promise!

Soli Deo Gloria!

The Cinderella Complex

                                                                 

It may be a new thought to you- but did you realize that there is a “Cinderella” type story in almost every culture? The Chinese Cinderella, “Yeh-Shen” is even hundreds of years older than the European version. We have various names for our heroine as well; everything from “Tattercoats” in England to “Pear Blossom” in Korea. Most of the stories contain similar characters: sweet young lady, evil step mother, fairy god-mother and a prince. The storylines vary slightly, but generally follow the traditional plot. So why is this common theme universal? Many of us have the false belief that we are worthless, our lives are drudgery and we do not deserve better treatment. If we are not careful, we may wear the telltale signs of sitting near the cinders on our faces!

                                                                     

Nothing could be further from the truth as a Christian. The Bible tells us repeatedly that we are God’s children if we have placed our faith and hope in Him. Listen to this beautiful truth from I John 3:1

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”

There is a classic book written by Robert McGee called “Search for Significance”. The premise in his work is centered around Four False Beliefs:

1. I must meet certain standards about myself in order for me to feel good.

The Bible clearly refutes this. While it is true, we can do nothing to earn our “goodness”, the wonderful promise is that Jesus has already made us perfect! You are precious to God- He sent His only Son to establish a relationship with you.

Listen to this from Romans 5:1:

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

2. I must be approved by others to feel good about myself.

This is a lie from the pit of Hell! You are the daughter of God- he has already set His seal of approval on you. No one can remove that seal. We may try to live for the praise of other people, but in the end, it will leave us empty. We have been reconciled- made right with God, there is NO other approval needed. If you are living to please God, then His face will be the only one you need to seek.

“And you who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death to present you holy, and blameless and above reproach in His sight.” Colossians 1:21-22

3. Those who fail are unworthy of love and deserve to be punished.

Precious one- this is the key! The glass slipper if you will. You are loved by God and as a result, it is not about failure in tasks, it is about your faith through the journey! We all make mistakes, Jesus took the punishment. God offers a new life with Him- no strings attached! you are worthy to be loved!

“In this, the love of God was manifested toward us, that God sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved Him, but He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (payment) for our sins.” I John 4:9-10.

4. I am what I am, I cannot change, I am hopeless.

As with any good “Cinderella” story- the poor young girl must change into the princess at the end! The exciting truth about being the daughter of God is that He has made that a reality! No longer are you required to sit in the “cinders” of sin. You are not at the mercy of any evil step-mother or sister. You are the child of a King- live today as that beautiful daughter God intended and shake off the “Cinderella Complex”!

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, she is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.”                             II Corinthians 5:17.

                                                            

As our Kardia anniversary in February approaches, Judy and I want to thank each of you for reading, encouraging and posting your thoughts on the site. We have been so blessed as we have journeyed down these past 2 years with you all!

Grace & Peace, Judy & Amy

Soli Deo Gloria!

. . . as Christ loved the Church

Isn’t it amazing how often we can read a passage of the Bible and even hear it preached about, but somehow totally miss the point? Sometimes it takes a real life example to bring it home. I know this is primarily a blog for women, but I’m sending it out especially to my sons and my sons-in-law. Maybe you’ll find a way to lovingly share it with some of the special men in your life, but please don’t miss the message God had for you!

A husband should love his wife as much as Christ loved the church. Eph 5:25

I’ve never been totally sure what that looks like in our world today. I know all about the preceding verse. Anyone raised as a Christian evangelical knows that wives should submit to their husbands as the head of the home. Interestingly, I have been privileged to observe this verse in action and I’d like to share my uncle’s story with you.

Uncle Larry was one of those people who accepted Christ as a young man and never looked back. He was a star football player in high school and played college ball at Kent State where he first joined Campus Crusade for Christ. He later met Joan while working as a staff member of CCC and God miraculously confirmed to both of them that they were to be man and wife.

They served together on staff at Campus Crusade for several years. My uncle was a great teacher of the Word and their future was bright. A few years after their marriage,  Aunt Joan became pregnant with their first and only son, Joseph. It was also during this time that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The disease is incurable and affects the central nervous system. Symptoms vary from person to person. In my aunt’s case, she has been bed-ridden for many years.

I tell you all of this so you will understand the commitment my uncle made. When the bible said, “Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church, and gave his life for it”, he took that very literally. While, most would have placed their spouse in a long-term care facility, so they could continue to work and provide for their family, my uncle chose to become her primary care-giver. Homeschooling their son (who is now a successful Chiropractor and doctor of holistic medicine) and living in poverty, he tended to her needs. They spent hours talking and studying the word. He read to her and played music for her. The doctors were amazed that while most patients deal with the pain and discomfort of bed sores, Aunt Joan never had one. My uncle rose several times during the night to turn her and make sure she was comfortable. The care did not end when he was tired or depressed or irritable; and believe me, he was all of these things at various times.

Aunt Joan was physically incapable of returning the care so lovingly provided by her husband. So how did he get his needs met? The same place Christ did as he prepared to give the ultimate sacrifice – his Abba Father.

After more than 30 years, Aunt Joan continues to decline. She doesn’t recognize her husband any more, yet he serves faithfully by her side. Since they live in the west, Uncle Larry as not seen any of his family in decades.

I’m not suggesting that you, my sons, would make that same decision about how you care for your wife. What I am suggesting to us all, is that sometimes we skim over scriptures. We create doctrine and dogma and still we miss the principle.

I want to give you the whole scripture (to both men and women – the underlining is mine).

 Honor Christ and put others first. A wife should put her husband first, as she does the Lord.  A husband is the head of his wife, as Christ is the head and the Savior of the church, which is his own body. Wives should always put their husbands first, as the church puts Christ first.  A husband should love his wife as much as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. He made the church holy by the power of his word, and he made it pure by washing it with water. Christ did this, so that he would have a glorious and holy church, without faults or spots or wrinkles or any other flaws. In the same way, a husband should love his wife as much as he loves himself. A husband who loves his wife shows that he loves himself. Ephesians 5:21-28

Now, forget what you’ve been taught about who is the “boss”. You will totally miss the point of Paul’s teaching if you don’t . Read it again. What does it say to you as a child of God? It tells me that true love is sacrificial. It tells me that my wants (that I sometimes call needs) are less important than the needs of my spouse and the wellness of my marriage. Wives, look to your husband for leadership (I struggle with this) and serve him as you would Christ. Husbands, your call is even greater. Are you giving your life for your wife? Is your body (wife) healthy because you have nurtured and cared for her sacrificially?

I don’t want to paint my uncle and his marriage in an unrealistic light. He was the youngest of seven children and the delight of my precious grandmother – maybe just a tad spoiled. I remember him as being zealous for Christ, if just a little judgmental. I remember Aunt Joan as somewhat fearful and insecure. In my ignorant youth, I thought my Uncle needed to use a little “tough love”. I didn’t see the calling to love his wife to this extent as psychologically healthy (I was a psychology major, so I should know). Now, I realize that he took God at his word. With much prayer, he determined what this scripture meant for his life. My uncle’s ministry did not stop because he took time out to care for Aunt Joan. It lives on in the example he set for his son and long after Aunt Joan goes home to be with her Lord, my Uncle’s ministry will continue with the grace born of experience and suffering.

Christmas in two part harmony

“Joy to the World….”   “Away in a manger……”              “The Old Rugged Cross….”

Which of these three songs does not belong? We’ve played this association game many times.  Initially, one might say, “The Old Rugged Cross” because it is not a Christmas Carol. But maybe it should be.  When we consider the true meaning of Christmas, there is a harmony between the sweet innocent Nativity scene and the brutal reality of Golgotha. One of our family’s most interesting ornaments is a single nail. This reminds us that while Jesus came to earth as a baby, His purpose was to eventually die on a cross for our sin.

Our pastor shared this thought one Sunday:

“The human heart is big enough to hold both joy and pain at the same time.”

Christmas offers the capacity to draw both of these emotions from us.

Think of Joseph. He was in love with a beautiful girl. They planned to marry and then the unspeakable occurred; she became pregnant. Through an Angel, he was told of the miraculous baby that his fiancé carried. His heart held both sorrow and then later joy, as he came to trust God’s direction.

Mary was also harmonizing as she held her first born son in her arms. When she considered what His future would be, she had to balance carefully the joy and pain of her heart. She knew this was God’s son, but as any mother can testify, we want our children with us always. The ultimate test would be the surrender of her will to God’s.

Humans are the only created beings that have the ability to experience such varied emotions at the same time. This harmony is unique, but also beautiful. Without this combination, we would never comprehend the true meaning of Christmas.

Many of us have lost loved ones, are experiencing financial difficulties or are facing devastating sickness. Life does not always make sense. Christmas does not necessarily bring happiness, but it can bring Joy!

The message of Christmas is filled with harmonies:

A baby who is a Mighty King…..A peasant girl chosen as the mother of God….A husband loving through the unexplainable….

As you consider the harmony in your own Christmas memories ask God to direct your heart:

“Teach me your way, O Lord; I will walk in your truth; Unite my heart to fear your name, I will praise you., O Lord my God with all my heart, And I will glorify your name forevermore. For great is your mercy toward me, and you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” Psalm 86:11-13

 God unites and creates our harmonies into the song he desires for his glory. Sing loud and clear for all to hear that God has come to your heart this year!

Soli Deo Gloria

Freedom to be Thankful!

One of my favorite local authors stated on her FB wall for election day:

“I am thankful that when I went to cast my vote, the biggest threat I faced was the traffic between my home and the church that serves as our polling place.”

Truly, we have much to be thankful for! As Americans, we live in a country where peaceful elections and transition of power occur on a regular basis. Children are educated regardless of sex or ability to pay for schooling. Our streets are kept safe by patrolling officers and for the most part, citizens who desire the best in each other. We have the right to assemble and to pray without repercussion. The American spirit continues to be unique and unbroken- in spite of difficulty. What freedom we enjoy!

As the season of Thanksgiving is celebrated around the world, those of us who claim the name of Jesus must be the most vocal in our Thanks. Grace that is indescribable, Peace that passes all understanding, Joy that is complete, Love that is abiding. All these and more are the gifts that God generously lavishes on us.

God actually commands this of Christians:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18.

The little article “in” keeps this verse a reality rather than just pious words. “In everything” not “as result” of everything that happens in our lives —- we can give thanks to God. We live in a day and age where it is so easy to forget the tremendous gift that has already been given – Jesus!

“And God raised us up in Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God!” Ephesians 2:6-8

This gift, salvation through faith in Jesus, gives us a freedom that surpasses our rights as American citizens. We are heaven bound and so the freedom we experience now is just a glimmer of what we will experience later with God. As a result, we have freedom to be thankful regardless of what we may be experiencing!

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1.

What is this slavery? Forgetting that we are free to say thank you to God “IN” everything we experience! This year, remember that our biggest threat is not the economy, terrorists, healthcare or even death. The greatest threat comes from becoming ungrateful.

Happy Thanksgiving from Kardia!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Another 4 letter word!

Now, before you completely delete this blog- there will be no discussions using traditional profanity! But as Christians, we need to consider a real “bad” word in the vocabulary we use. You may be as guilty as I have been in using it:  The other 4 letter word is- “can’t”!

All you wordsmiths will have to give me a little slack- I know that this word is a contraction, SO- technically it is 2 words! Yet- it is so common place that I am not sure that we are even aware that it is actually the words- can not. If we reflect on the fact that the word “not” is connected with “can”, we may not be so apt to use it. Many may have heard similar phrases:

“I just can’t take another minute in this relationship.”

“I have tried everything, but I can’t change ______.”

“I can’t get my kids to listen.”

“Life is just too hard- I can’t do this anymore.”

The primary pronoun for most of, if not all uses for the word “can’t” is within the context of “I”.  When I and can’t are used together, then several internal conversations may occur.

“Since I can’t fix this, I will leave.”

“I am hopeless, worthless.”

“I give up and give in.”

“I am so tired of this….”

These negative mental monologues are destructive and so discouraging. We are often at the mercy of our minds when “can’t” thoughts take hold. Our human nature is easily swayed by this debilitating thought process. The exciting truth is, we were never designed to live this powerless existence. God’s plan is and has always been for Christians to live victorious through the “can’t” circumstances of life.

The prophet Isaiah was called by God to perform an impossible task. He was to be the voice of reason and truth in an age of moral and spiritual decline. Sounds like his words may fit in our generation as well. Obviously, he met opposition and unpopularity from his people. Yet in the midst of this “can’t” situation here are his words:

“The LORD is the everlasting God…He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” Isaiah 40 28-30.

Isaiah had much in his life that would have caused him to use the “c” word- he chose to trust God’s power and “soar”, rather than his own and “faint”.

Another example of someone who persevered through “can’t” experiences in life was Paul. He endured beatings, hunger, loneliness, fear, weakness, and more. Yet his words are the rallying cry for the Christian who needs to break through the curse of “can’t”:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.

Notice that Paul does not say, “ I can be excused from bad circumstances, that hardship will be eliminated, or that I will never experience difficulty.” When he reminds us that we can do all things “through” Christ, we have to remember that Jesus gives us His power through the gospel message alone, so that we may be victorious through our situations. This power is not a result of harder boot strap pulling, a perfect “Zen” moment, or worldly advice. Even the words in this blog are useless apart from the power of Jesus Christ.

So- what do you think? Should “can’t” be an official 4 letter word? Maybe- even if it is just within the circles we touch. The next time the world’s darkness tries to envelop you, try this thought instead of “I Can’t”.

“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love may have power together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high and deep  is the love of Christ…” Ephesians 3:16-18.

Soli deo Gloria!