twinkelthoughts

Take Heart, Take Courage

2010-08-05T22:15:00.009-04:00

To live without regret,
To love without reservation,
To hope without hesitation:
This is courage.

The above is sort of a life mission for me but it can essentially be summarized into seven characters, two syllables and one word. It slips off my tongue almost too easily, almost as if to escape from its enormity: Courage. See, I don't need courage when evil lives in another city. I don't require courage when disappointment takes up residence in someone else's house. I don't call for courage when disaster enters someone else's camp. I don't demand courage when the sun is rising and shining brightly in my corner of the world while the other side of the globe only knows a setting sun.

At some point, each person suffers the direct force of evil and its oppression. Disappointments manifest, disasters strike and each of us becomes too familiar with the sunset that leads to the prolonged cold, damp and dark of the night. Morning is a long time coming.

Courage...I've certainly needed a good dose of it already in my life and especially during the last few years. Thankfully, I have many courageous characters from whom I can take notes...

Courage is
a guy in a hole with roaring lions.
a guy in a cell for no reason.
a virgin girl carrying God's son.
a guy stoned to death for his faith.
a grieving husband walking through the unexpected death of his wife with the kind of dignity that holds fast to the faith that brought them together in the first place.
a guy named Job.
a terminally ill woman who accepts that to be truly held by her Creator means letting go, no matter the outcome.
a little guy named David facing a big guy named Goliath

AND

THE WORLD'S ONLY PERFECT MAN, JUST 33 YEARS OLD, DYING FOR ME AND WHO SAYS:

"In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NASB

Jesus, You ARE the Love of God!

2010-06-27T13:35:00.009-04:00

"This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him."
1 John 4:9 (The Message)

A few weeks ago I was driving to work like any other typical week day morning. I had a longer than usual route this particular Thursday providing more opportunity to listen to my CD's and for the songs to penetrate my mind. One of the tunes, which I've heard quite often, included words that hit me in a new way: "Jesus, you're the love of God". Okay, I know, these lyrics are really simple but the profundity of their explosive truth evoked a deeper revelation inside my heart than before. Jesus is the perfect reflection of Father God. O, how deep the father's love for me and O, how thankful I am to know his Son for to know Jesus is to bask in the almighty and enduring love of a great God. To know Jesus is to be covered by the wings of an omniscient and sovereign King.

Does the unexpected loss of my mother make my God any less God? Does my father's cancer diagnosis deplete His power? Do my doubts and fears subtract from His magnificence? The answer is no. Very slowly, I'm coming to learn that as flood waters grow in their intensity so too does the beauty of my God. His strength, grace, mercy and peace - all by products of his perfect love - increase, intensify and magnify in splendour, leading me to rejoice in the best thing going when it seems there is little earthly good left in which I can find any sort of genuine and lasting joy. Without a doubt, this is a process - I wax and wane as I'm tossed about by the storms that come my way. However, just as certain is my position in Christ: I'm in the boat with Jesus through it all. I simply need to be aware that he's there with me.

I would much rather do without life's myriad of challenges. However, Jesus, and the love of the Father, have never been as beautiful. Jesus, you ARE the love of God.

Carpenter's Covering

2010-06-18T14:24:00.007-04:00

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."
Psalm 91:1 (NIV)

I have a roof over my head. Yes, the bathroom floor is starting to peel away from its surface, the bathtub needs an overhaul, the walls require a new coat of paint and the kitchen could use a makeover. I don't believe a lot of anything has been changed in my humble abode since it was built about thirty-five years ago, which is about the same amount of time I've been roaming the halls and exploring the rooms of earth. However, the difference is that it's impossible for the human to remain stagnant.

With the rhythm of life - awakening to the sound of chirping birds (and more often than not, the less cheerful noise of the 7 a.m. alarm), the 8:30 a.m. work start, the first coffee of the day (one cream, no sugar - been that way for a while), the monthly bills...the list goes on and on - comes change, gradual or sudden. Either way, there's no escaping it. There are the nagging whispers of emergent crevices ruining my once clean slate of membrane that is supposed to present a polished portrait. Then, there are the annoying repairs required due to structural damage by blunt force or simple degeneration. I've experienced both. However, I guess if one is going to throw oneself down a hill as one balances oneself on two narrow pieces of fiberglass without any formal training and any trace of formidable athleticism, maybe miserable repairs are just a given (thankfully, my broken foot has recovered now).

Despite the many disagreements we have with one another in this world, no human would argue that change is inevitable. Let's face it. We are born and then eventually we die and so on and on it goes. These two events catapult change into high gear. I am not a parent myself but I've been told that anyone who becomes a new mother or father deals with the most phenomenal level of change. Death, in my opinion, is no different. It's just through one experience you gain and the other you lose. Both are equally profound.

So, we enter and we exit. I typically use an elevator to get to the office. I embark and then disembark after a few seconds (except for the one time when I spent 30 minutes in there...another story for another day). Meanwhile, I dwell inside this box and trust that it will deliver me to my final destination, fully expecting to arrive safe and sound. As I dwell, I am either ascending or descending. Life's like that. I'm a surfer who experiences the highs and lows as I inherently ride the tides of change. The question is whether there's been a metamorphosis inside me as I navigate. I cannot control the inescapable but I can consciously choose how it shapes my heart.

Yes, my home needs some work but it's a safe and secure dwelling place in my name. I have faith that I will have a roof over my head when I get home from work. However, and more importantly, I have confidence that I have a covering over my heart. It's made of angel wings and the stuff of untainted, immovable and unchanging love. No need to pull out any more tools or paint because the carpenter has taken up permanent residence and his work is finished. Until my earthbound eyes can fully visualize the divine makeover through heavenly revelation, thank God this carpenter and I navigate life, with all its change, together. Meanwhile, since the red carpet has already been rolled out for me, I now eagerly anticipate arrival on the golden carpet, all the while making my dwelling place in the shelter of the Most High and my haven in the shadow of the Almighty.

Search Me

2010-06-06T17:32:00.008-04:00

A few days ago I returned home from a week away visiting family. The two-hour flight went by quickly and without incident. We even landed a little ahead of schedule.

Once through the jetway and out into the customs area, I estimated it would only take about fifteen to twenty minutes to go through customs and baggage claim. Then I'd be on my way home.

Backup...I found myself having to add one more step to the process - baggage search (I'm sure there's a more technical term for this process). I was totally expecting to get the all clear from the customs officer. Instead, I found myself being told to go see security personnel who then proceeded to go through my luggage as they simultaneously asked me all kinds of questions regarding my identity and vacation. This took about an extra ten minutes or so and then I was finally on my way.

This experience made me think of God's word to me in Psalm 139 (NIV):

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

The Message translation of this passage refers to God "investigating" my life, getting "all the facts firsthand" and "getting a clear picture of what I'm about". This could very well suffice as a good job description for the airport security employee who searched me. It was her job to make sure there wasn't "any offensive way in me". David's prayer is that God would search his heart to reveal the same.

Trust me, I didn't pray to be searched at the airport (I think, if anything, my prayer from now on should be "please Lord, don't let me be searched"! :)). However, this most recent airport experience challenged me to think more about how I should be praying for God to search the deepest places of my heart.

In today's world of distraction overload, it doesn't take much to miss what God wants to show me. I can use this as an easy excuse. However, maybe what I should really be revisiting is my vulnerability. I certainly felt completely exposed as each article in my luggage was carefully searched. When it comes to my God, am I the same way? Do I allow enough space for God to enter in? Do I wholeheartedly trust him with the big, bad and the ugly, in my life, called brokenness? These are questions with which I wrestle but it only makes sense that I should be more diligently seeking the guidance of and letting in the one who knows me the very best, my awesome Creator and Saviour! Afterall, the purpose of being searched is to ensure security. Why would I not want to be searched by the One in whom exists my ulimate, unwavering and unending security?

Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World by Dr. David Jeremiah

2009-11-15T17:33:00.002-05:00

This book addresses the mess our world is in today. Dr. Jeremiah makes no bones about the fact that we are indeed in a battle. The picture isn't so pretty but he presents readers with a game plan that provides hope on what could otherwise be an overwhelming journey. In ten chapters, he discusses the need to stay calm, compassionate, constructive, challenged, connected, centered, confident, consistent, committed and convinced in order to navigate difficult times. Both modern day and historical examples are used to illustrate Dr. Jeremiah's points, making the abstract relevant, believable and practical. Dr. Jeremiah is careful to back up thoughts with scripture and does not shy away from absolute truths.
Dr. Jeremiah presents readers with a reminder that there is victory, for those of us in Christ, over the increasingly prevalent darkness blanketing our world. When I need another reminder down the road, this may just be one of the books I'll pick up again to bring back perspective in my own life.

Music Alive Millennium Choral Organization "Angel Voices" Christmas Concert

2009-10-21T20:12:00.000-04:00

Consider making "Angel Voices" part of your Christmas celebrations this year. The concert includes familiar Christmas selections presented in a variety of different arrangements. If you enjoy choral music and marking the Christmas Season through song, come on out!

If you are (or know someone who would be interested) in attending this concert, feel free to contact me for tickets! Thanks!

Let the Children Come Unto Me

2009-09-12T20:35:00.000-04:00

"Let the Children Come Unto Me"

This photo of my nephew reminds me of what Jesus says in Mark 10:14. Check out the link http://thechurchcalledlittle.org/let_the_children_come_unto_me.htm where the following poem comes from:

My Mommy scooped me up
And hugged me very tight.
"Come, let us follow Jesus.
The day is fine and bright.

"And maybe if it’s quiet
We’ll get to talk to Him
And maybe He will bless us—
Though the chances do look dim."

For on the road before us
A crowd went walking by
As others followed Jesus
Up to a mountain high.

My Mommy held my hand now
And soon we stopped to hear
Jesus speaking softly
To those who gathered near.

Then Mommy stepped up closer.
Soon we were at His side,
And Mommy said, "Please bless him!"
And Jesus’ arms spread wide.

But then a friend of Jesus
Pushed Mommy back away.
"Don’t bother Him with children!"
Was what I heard him say.

Oh! I was disappointed
And trying not to cry
But Jesus held and hugged me
Until my eyes were dry.

Then Jesus frowned at those
Who pushed me from His side.
"Do you not understand Me?
Let children come!" He cried.

"For all my kingdom’s glory
Is made for such as these
And you must be as children
If God is Whom you’d please."

Then Jesus smiled at Mommy
And blessed us both and prayed,
Then called the other children
And at His feet we played.

Fearless by Max Lucado

2009-09-12T16:40:00.001-04:00

I just finished reading Max Lucado's newest release "Fearless".

I have always been a fan of Max Lucado's down-to-earth and inspirational presentation of biblical truths and "Fearless" did not disappoint.

In "Fearless", Lucado tackles the subject of fear using examples from everyday life and bible characters. He explores fears common to all and chapter by chapter points readers to the person of Jesus as the ultimate and only safe haven in a society riddled with overwhelming circumstances. He calls readers to face fears realistically but not to the point of paralysis.

"Fearless" is an easy and relevant read and I think it has something for everyone. The timing for this book couldn't be better due to the current global economic crisis and other looming issues such as the H1N1 virus, to which Lucado eludes, showing the book is indeed pertinent for these times.

If you are someone who enjoys the art of descriptive writing, as I do, you will like this book. Lucado's use of vivid imagery is evident in many of his writings but I think this book does a particularly good job of displaying his gift in a refreshing way. He allows the reader to identify with biblical characters from a unique perspective and includes healthy doses of scripture to convey his message. As well, Lucado reveals he is no stranger to fear himself and shares some of his own struggles which, in my opinion, makes the book more appealing.

If you are someone who likes a little bit of humour mixed in with what can become a pretty intense discussion at times, you will enjoy what I will refer to as "Lucado's Laughs". Fear is no laughing matter but Lucado handles the subject well with tasteful sprinklings of lighter moments throughout his intriguing storytelling.

Lucado presents his thoughts on the subject of fear in an authentic and thought-provoking manner. In "Fearless", he consistently inspires the reader to be hopeful and courageous in the midst of crisis. Lucado makes a point of stating that the very one we should look to during life's storms faced the ulimate fear of death himself.

While the issue of fear is common to all, probably the audience that would most benefit from Lucado's take on the topic is the typical westerner. That said though, maybe it is I, along with my fellow-westerners, who most struggles with this monster but that's a discussion for another day!