Last week we wrapped principal photography on a movie entitled Christmas Grace, produced by Bright Horizon Pictures and Crystal Creek Media. Doing winter scenes in summertime highlighted for me another application of being "prepared in season and out of season." Aside from accepting the physical discomfort of warm clothing in warm weather, there is a certain mental preparation to embrace the switch-up instead of rebelling against it. Seasonal confusion is not exclusive to the film industry. I had plenty of practice growing up in adapting to different situations, many times without much advance notice. I was also blessed with a large family going through it all with me, modeling and training flexibility, patience, and joy under stress. And recently, God is leading me to an greater appreciation of seasons, and the importance of living and trusting Today. God is with us in the storms that roll in and whip the hair in our face until we can't see. God is with us when the fruit that we thought should be ripe is still green with the slightest streaks of color showing. God is with us when the leaves of our dreams start to grow on branches that were bare for months and years. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens..." ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1 Here is my current version: There is a time to travel and a time to stay home, a time to pack and a time to unpack, a time to junk a car and a time to buy one, a time to stay awake driving and a time to stop and rest, a time to cry and a time to laugh, a time to grieve and a time to twirl around... A time to memorize and a time to improvise, a time to submit an audition and a time to wait for a verdict, a time to wear make-up and a time to wash it off, a time to be "talent" and a time to help as crew, a time to dress a set and a time to tear it down, a time to be outdoors and a time to stay out of the sun... A time to sleep in and a time to get up early, a time to plan ahead and a time to be spontaneous, a time to embrace and a time to step back, a time to socialize and a time to be alone, a time to keep and a time to give away, a time to call and a time to let the other call first... A time to be stubborn and a time to relent, a time to be serious and a time to be goofy, a time to hold up bravely and a time to let down, a time to be silent and a time to share, a time to remember and a time to forget, a time to forgive and a time to be forgiven. All of these seasons I have roller-coastered through in the last month, and/or I am riding them out now. Opportunities to remember the "secret" have abounded. Every moment presents a choice to live fully, joyfully. In spite of scenes that seem out of order, in spite of emotions that threaten to homestead in the suffocating prairie of Worry, in spite of plans made and unmade, choosing to live THIS day that the Lord has made, and be glad in it! No matter what the season, there is a purpose for it. And no matter how the seasons may change, or how slowly or quickly according to our minds: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." ~ Hebrews 13:8 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" ~ Romans 8:28, 31-32 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." ~ Matthew 6:33-34 "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." ~ Daniel 2:20-21 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." ~ 1 Peter 5:6-10
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![]() Sunrise over EstaciĆ³n de Cartama, Spain ~ The following is resurrected from my journal musings of over four years ago. While I did not locate a specific date for the entry, in this case the time of origin has no real bearing on the content—which is as relevant to me now as it was then. ~ I reach through layers of slumber, past troubling dreams, and lie there, blinking slowly to let go of the remnants of sleep. The nightmare isn't true, I realize...and will my mind to stop churning. It's early yet, and the birds have just begun to work their way through the Saturday morning repertoire. Some of the chirps sound quite close. Okay. I'm curious now. I work my way out of the bedclothes and get off the bed so I can look out the window. I smile, enjoying the sight. There are two of them, side by side, perched on the white rake of an antenna mounted on our roof. They have front row seats to the sunrise. I love it when I'm close enough to watch their sharp, short beaks open and close as they keep the conversation going like good football [soccer] commentators. Regretfully, I leave the winged creatures to their melodies and retreat to the bathroom mirror to reflect on my thoughts. What does it mean to have front row seats to a sunrise? - I wondered, drying my face on the short rose-colored towel. It seemed utterly presumptuous now to assume that the pair of birds I had witnessed sitting above the roof would have a better view than those swooping gently in the fresh morning air. And yet, did that mean all of them saw it equally well? Perhaps, though each of them has the unique opportunity to fully appreciate the joy of the morning right before their eyes—just perhaps, like us, there are only some who choose to watch the day's beauty unfold. Only some who acknowledge the singular creativity of this day's miracle. Who raise their eyes, their voices, their hearts, in humble thanksgiving and adoration of the One whose mercies are new every morning. I am dressed now and sitting on the edge of my bed. I close my eyes, silently making my own choice: to play in tune with heaven's melody, to watch attentively for every movement of the orchestra Conductor's hand, and so live in harmony with the theme of eternity's love song. May I remember this choice today, and always Today. ![]() And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will. So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving. ~ 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 The sluggard’s craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work. All day long he craves for more, but the righteous give without sparing. ~ Proverbs 21:26 Way back when God blessed the Hebrew patriarch Abraham, God blessed him so that he might be a blessing to all those around him, and to those who would come after him. As believers in Christ and following his lordship, we not only inherit the blessing given to Abraham, but the mission that comes along with it. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control...these harvest fruits of the Spirit of God transforming us from the inside out are not merely a state of being, but a way of living. They are meant to be expressed, a means of spreading the very grace of God so that others may taste of the blessing.
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. ~ 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 When we cultivate a giving heart, God is glorified in us. He delights in giving to us! When we give, we partner in this grace, in this offering of undeserved favor that points to the source of life-joy. And check out the side-effects of this soul protocol: A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. ~ Proverbs 11:25 A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. ~ Proverbs 22:9 "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " ~ Acts 20:35 More blessed! Isn't that what everyone seems to want? How fascinating that by taking the focus off of ourselves, our deepest longings can be satisfied. We are accustomed to special days and seasons set aside for gift-giving. But it doesn't have to stop there! Giving from the heart can become a habit. According to the Giver of scripture, it's a good habit to have. Like any habit, it takes practice to get it going. Here are some gift ideas to get you started:
Seriously. Give it a try! :-) ![]() I know, I know—I already posted once tonight. But when you learn of a secret that's meant to be shared, don't you ache to share it? Actually, this secret has been out for a while, but sometimes it is what's hidden right in front of us that takes the longest to find. How many times do we wish we had a power-boost button to push? For believers, it could be the solution is as simple as the search for the proverbial spectacles. ("Oh, lookey, they're on me head! 'Magine that!" <sheepish grin>) Paul said he had learned a secret. A secret that led to "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13) Here it is: "The joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10) Selah. (That is a Hebrew word used often in their poetry and psalms that means "now think a minute about what was just said and let it sink in before you rush on to the next phrase") Now just in case you didn't Selah, I'll say it one more time: "The joy of the Lord is your strength." In the Greek, the word translated "rejoice" from Paul's letter is "chairos." It means to "rejoice, be exceedingly glad, to thrive." To thrive. "Splendor and majesty are before Him, strength and joy are in His place." (1 Chronicles 16:27) "But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength; yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, for You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my strength, I will sing praises to You; for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness." (Psalm 59:16-17) Do you get it? Are you GETTING THIS? This is huge! I have learned the secret! "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 "...always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father..." Ephesians 5:20 "...strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father..." ~ Colossians 1:11-12 Give thanks >> choose and receive joy >> renewed strength...to do all things!! Wow. ![]() "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." ~ Philippians 4:4-5 Paul told the Philippian believers repeatedly to Rejoice. Why? What does that even mean, anyway? Okay, let's look it up. Rejoice: (intransitive verb) To feel joy; be glad, take delight in. (transitive verb) To make joyful; gladden. So...it's a verb. What's the big deal? Well, for starters, it means it's not something that "happens to me." I am not a passive player in the process of awakening Joy. Just like the holiday season has to have a reason, so does joy. No, it doesn't depend on circumstances, on everything working out how we thought it should, on being in control, on having everyone think well of us, on anything that contributes to earthly "happiness." Joy is not an earthly phenomenon! Joy has a very definite, singular reason, and it's a reason I have to choose. The act of rejoicing is how I choose the reason that ignites Joy. I have to rejoice IN something.
Joy to the world! The Lord is come. My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. (Luke 1:47) Rejoice IN THE LORD. Always. D'ya wanna hear it again? REJOICE!! "It is not so much the joy of the Lord we are seeking as the Lord of Joy Himself." ~ C. S. Lewis Rejoicing occurs in a posture of worship. It's surrendering to the glory of His splendor, delighting in the power and beauty of His grace. Falling head over heels. In Love. Delighting, drowning in Love-light that drives away all fear, all darkness, all pride...all dissolving in importance compared to giving ourselves fully to Him. "Everywhere Jesus went, joy tagged along." (Michael K. MacIntosh, The Tender Touch of God) Joy is not found stranded by itself in a forgotten corner, nor prancing amid glitzy thrill rides at life's amusement park, but flowing from a Person. To know this Person is to know joy in all it's resounding stillness and shouting glory. In his presence in fullness of joy, and my cup runs over with its sweetness. "Joy is merriment without frivolity, hilarity without raucousness, and mirth without cruelty. Joy is sportive without being rakish and festive without being cheap. Joy radiates animation, sparkle, and buoyancy. It is more than fun, yet it has fun. It expresses itself in laughter and elation, yet it draws from a deep spring that keeps flowing long after the laughter has died and the tears have come."(Sherwood Wirt, "Jesus, Man of Joy") Thirsty, I drink, and my heart is quenched at this fountain. Planted by streams of living water, my soul-leaves will not wither. (Jeremiah 17:7-8) I draw my nourishment from this vine of which love is the life-blood (John 15:1-17), and joy-sap runs, circulating nutrients that burst into fruit. Much fruit. Fullness of joy! ![]() Count it all joy, my brothers,when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. ~ James 1:2-4 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. ~ Proverbs 17:22 And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region. But the Jews incited the devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. But they shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. ~ Acts 13:49-52 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:6 Trials of temptation that test our faith...persecution for proclaiming the Gospel...feeling weak from sickness. How do YOU decide what counts as an opportunity for joy? The key in recognizing these opportunities AS opportunities may be in realizing the true nature of joy. Then those who sing as well as those who play the flutes shall say, “All my springs of joy are in you.” ~ Psalm 87:7 Serve the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. ~ Psalm 100:2 How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O LORD, they walk in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all the day. ~ Psalm 89:15-16 Joy is not merely the result of a having a good day where everything went right. Joy comes from maintaining our focus where it should be: on God! No matter what happens to us or around us, if we keep our hearts and our minds set on Him, our joy will be full. When something goes how it should, we are glad, and our thanksgiving for the blessings brings joy. When something seems to go wrong—even horribly so—we can still choose a response that leads to joy, because God is greater than any problem we can ever face. He is I AM! Our trust grows through these times as we take joy in His never-failing love toward us, rejoice in the full salvation obtained through His sacrifice, and give thanks in faith for God's power at work on our behalf. Our joy has no cause for wavering because it is founded in the unchanging person of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). NOTHING can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39). And when the world does its worst, it will simply showcase over and over that the love of God is a sure anchor, His word is eternal truth, and His joy is a solid strength. If you have the right perspective, it all counts toward joy! ![]() It was a few weeks ago when I felt it, a phrase that started to knock on my door every day at random times. Reminders began to pop up seemingly everywhere and anywhere I went. Any stores I would go to, sermons I would hear, books I was reading, music I was listening to, movies I was watching, songs I was singing, devotionals, conversations—yes, even in the silences—I could sense the pulsating invitation. Beckoning me to jump into joy. Clues collected, theological glimpses into this deep delight that is deemed inexpressible, I yearned to fathom its waves. So I jumped. Jumped into this familiar pool I've played in all my life, and found myself in an ocean to which I could no longer feel the edges. I'm in way over my head, with no sign of a bottom yet, and soaking glad about it! The shells I found on the shore days, weeks, and years behind were tantalizing, but the treasures below the surface weigh precious beyond anything I could have imagined. There is so much that can be said about Joy: the What, the Who, the How, the Where, and the Why.... Although I am fast appreciating the difficulty of articulating its radiant facets, in the weeks to follow I hope to share some of the ocean-treasures I have found. "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them." ~ Jesus (John 17:13) I am embarking on a journey to fully embrace Jesus-joy. Look for the road-signs with me! Let's tread the waves together. Given (marvelous gift!) that we can gaze always on His face, we need not fear the storms. The film is wrapped, and so are the Christmas gifts.
And there are other gifts. Gifts that sometimes I forget to see, appreciate, delight in. Smelling blossoms in October snow, watching the sun rise out my car window on a dawn well-cracked, and hearing faint strains of teasing laughter float from the kitchen. Small gifts that point to the Great Gift—breathing bundle of Love swaddled and worshiped and sacrificed—the gracious, glorious God-Gift sung about across millennia proclaiming I AM among us. Christmas: celebrating Christ Jesus, our Messiah. We celebrate Christ come to man, Power-Word wrapped in earth-skin. (John 1) We celebrate Christ the chosen Lamb, all most good and pure and innocent atoning for sin-cost beyond our repair. (John 1:29) We celebrate Christ in us, rapturous, holy mystery, the very hope of glory. (Col. 1:27) And it is right that we rejoice! And there are other days. Days that sometimes I forget to stop and wonder, revel in, celebrate. To fully celebrate HIM. There are blessings every day for the counting, gifts of wonder to unwrap, give thanks for. Cold hands prickling, thawing by air of firelight, leftovers warming twice with memories, and sore muscles promising strength on the morrow. And again I say: Rejoice! ...For indeed, the Lord is near. (Phil. 4:4-5) Behold, NOW is the day of salvation. (2 Cor. 6:2) And day after day, while it is yet Today (Heb. 3:12-13), I need the encouragement, the warning, to leave my heart soft to the touch of heaven's grace, my eyes wide open to God-glory now, my fingertips feeling the edges of planet-paper to fold—yes, even rip it back to reveal the depth of his goodness! I long to see with G-D vision. To look through God's glasses and reel from the absence of mortal myopia. To behold his Glory, his Grace, and his Goodness face to face, and live deeply in the reality of those dimensions. How I see will change how I live. And I see dimly now, know dimly now, but as I look for and gaze on his reflections around me, I am transformed from the inside out. (1 Cor. 13:12; 2 Cor. 3:18) I want to eye with heaven's measure, and prove grace to myself and others. (Rom. 12:2) Because clear sight is the difference between a light-filled life and a midnight existence. (Luke 11:34-35) Unwrapping these other-day, every-day, holy-day gifts is a treasure hunt. My resolution? Find real Treasure, and give my heart to it. (Matt. 6:21) Even if--especially if—I find it in swaddling clothes, bound in common-place wrapping. God with us. God with me. God in me and around me and wrapping me in his arms of heaven-born, down-to-earth love. What will I dare to unwrap today? |
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