Telling my story

04 Thursday Jun 2020

Posted by in Time for Change

≈ 2 Comments

Everyone has a story.  Everyone has moments in their life where they were scared, confused, excited, sad, or misunderstood. I love to tell my story.  I’m one of those people who will share my testimony at any time if asked and sometimes when not… Oh there’s how I came to know Christ as my Lord and Savior and stopped holding on to my family’s coattails and made my decision to trust Him and follow Him.  There’s the testimony of what led me to quitting my IBM job and joining a musical theater ministry for two years.  Oh the stories I could share on those two years….There’s the crazy story that lead me to my husband…There’s the testimony of how becoming a mom 17+ years ago humbled me and continues to humble me.   There’s the joyful retelling of how my little recordings of hymns have helped others…also incredibly humbling.   I could tell you of the Spirit’s voice that I hear as I study His Word and grow in my faith…there is so much more to learn – so much more I need to know and place in my heart!

What you won’t hear in my story are times of great fear for my life; no one has ever pointed a gun at me.  My story does not have any times I was thrown in jail for protesting peacefully. My story doesn’t have any times I was thrown in jail without cause and left there because I didn’t have bail money to get out of jail for a crime I never committed.   I have never been followed through stores because of a threat of me stealing something because of my skin color.  I have never been pulled over and yelled at like I was a felon for anything.

Oh the list goes on.  This is not ok. I want to be part of the solution and no longer silent.

Black Lives Matter!

And so the last week I have done all I can to find books and interviews. I have watched Neflix’s 13th and on Amazon Prime, Just Mercy.  I have watched the 3rd hour of the Today show have an open conversation about race, ordered a book from a local bookstore, and on the waitlist for 10 more at the Austin Public Library. I am following black leaders on social media who are giving advice and hope.  I have prayed through tears for my many black friends and for the countless others I don’t know.  I have prayed for forgiveness for my lack of effort in the past – for my missteps – for any way I was part of the problem as a privileged, white female.

Ignorance. My husband says I grew up under a rock. Maybe I did. Maybe throughout my life I went back to that comfortable place under the rock or in my sand pile with my feet sticking out.  It’s time to shake the sand out of my hair and throw out the rock.

BLACK LIVES MATTER!

Educate!  Listen!  Have the conversations! VOTE!!!

Amy

Bring my coat, would you?

17 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in New Normal Living

≈ Leave a comment

My community bible study teaching director encouraged all to be still and know God the week before our 1-week Spring Break.  Not having any other spring break plans, I decided to take a chapter-a-day of the writings of Paul and study them using my inductive study bible. Bring on the colored pencils and thought provoking questions!  I quickly found myself jumping out of bed by 4am to go upstairs to study God’s Word – a chapter at a time.  Now 9+ weeks later, I’m still studying.  Today I finished the last book Paul wrote, II Timothy.  When I started the book, I was chatting with the Lord about what could be next.  I studied all the letters of Paul except the big 3 and not even thinking about Hebrews….

I suggested John.  He suggested 1 Corinthians.

I suggested Esther.  He suggested 1 & 2 Corinthians.

I suggested Nehemiah.  He suggested 1 & 2 Corinthians and Romans.

Sigh…The thing is – those 3 books are more than a few chapters!  

So I go back to thinking about 2nd Timothy and especially Paul’s words to Timothy…’Bring me my coat.’ (2 Tim 4:13)  I laughed at how sometimes we like to place Paul and the disciples up on a pedestal, but here we see a man not so unlike us.  It’s cold.  Timothy, can you stop by Troas on your way and get my coat… Reminds me of the trips to Wisconsin where my mom would pick her TX family up with winter jackets and/or gloves or boots for the kids, or you name it…

I have treasured this time with Paul. I feel like I know him a bit better.  But do I have to do the big books of Paul?

I turned on the Village in Baldwin, WI’s service not only because I know most of the praise team but also because their pastor, Stu, is a character who loves the Lord.   He began to speak from his garage and low and behold, on his sweatshirt…. I Cor. 6:19-20. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit … You are not your own…glorify God in your body.  (But….)

Thru Stu’s message, I began to realize that I am indeed on a sabbatical right now. God has drawn me to Himself by waking me early for time with Him.  The time in God’s word has strengthened my beliefs and drawn me closer to Him.  In short – I feel like I have been experiencing a revival of sorts.   Isn’t that exactly why we need sabbaticals?  To be refreshed?

But being in the Word has kept me away from things of this world. I haven’t spent hours in Netflix binges or Amazon Prime watching. I haven’t craved things of this world and more than anything, I have a peace that passes all understanding guarding my heart. (Phil. 4:7)

I am not anxious but instead give my worries to the Lord (Phil. 4:6.)

I am not fearful because I have God’s Holy Spirit in me and He is NOT a spirit of fear but of POWER, LOVE and a SOUND MIND/DISCIPLINE/SELF-CONTROL. (2 Tim. 1:7)

I am not growing weary from doing good but instead rejoice in the ability to bring joy to others by using my gifts given to me from God for encouragement – to build up.  I am part of the body – trying to do my part for unity.  (Eph. 4:8-16)

God’s Word in me is protecting me by letting me focus not on the world but on Him.   It is giving me life, joy, love, and building my faith. 

I am in no rush to gather in groups.  I have no problem wearing a mask in public places when I go.  I show my love for my neighbor by doing my part to keep others safe. It may not be perfect, but I do what I can.

Tomorrow is a new day and a day of new beginnings, namely delving into I Corinthians.   I do long to see friends – just as Paul longed to see so many.  Perhaps I could put out the plea, bring me an iced latte when you come.  Coats aren’t needed now in Austin, TX.  

Amy

 

Starting a new normal

24 Friday Apr 2020

Posted by in Blessings, New Normal Living

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

My sister, Carrie Koh (Carrie Koh Consulting, LLC), posted another webinar about pivoting into our new normal.  This got me thinking about the many times in my life where things took a change for the better, worse or a little of both.  Thinking back here are some that come to mind:

  1. Moving to the middle of nowhere from main street of Chetek.  For those wondering, gone were the days of walking to the grocery store, biking a block or two to my friend’s house, going to have peanut butter crackers with Sybill, cooling off whenever I wanted in Lake Chetek (well – when Mom said it was ok ..), walking to school, riding my bike to the beach, and walking to Ben Franklin’s with Grandma to buy ‘Whatever we wanted!’  I can’t imagine life not on the farm now.  The acres to roam on snowmobile, weeding the seemingly football field sized garden, learning to drive on roads with tractors, riding the school bus for HOURS!  So many changes but it turned out to be pretty special.  Weddings/birthdays/parties at the Bannister farm are second to none.
  2. Graduating high school and then college. Taking the step into independence – to see the world and be a part of different communities. Anywhere I lived was a big change from Chetek, WI, but that just made coming home that much sweeter.  I can’t imagine what life would have been like had I let fear take over and not take chances.  Where would I be without taking 2 years to be a part of a musical theatre ministry?  Where would I be without taking a job that put me on the road more weeks than not?  Life changed – but I adapted and thrived!
  3. 9/11/2001.  Who can forget?  Life changed after that day.  No more meeting friends at the gate from flights.  No more shampoo bottles in carry-ons that were bigger than 3oz.  But even in me…something tried to take root.  Fear.  Fear of another attack.  Fear of the unknown.  I can honestly say, thankfully, I was not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control/discipline. (2Tim 1:7) We moved on, but I would be remiss if I didn’t count this as one of my life’s big moments.
  4. Marriage and having kids! Nothing humbles you more completely than having kids who listen to your every word and choose to repeat those words at most inopportune times! Learning a new normal of staying home with the kids and volunteering more.  It has been the best of times and the worst of times (can we talk about the all night sicknesses/lice/exploding diapers).  I can’t imagine life had I said I don’t 8/3/2002.  What a blessing.
  5. Now we have been at home since 3/14/2020. Covid-19 put a grinding halt to life as we knew it. No parties except on zoom. No movie dates except on Amazon Prime or Netflix.  No restaurant meals except the one Chuy’s take-out after Easter when Cadence found the most eggs and chose that prize.   No working with Bob currently looking and my jobs slowed or non-existent. But – what does it mean?  Dinners continue to be family times and now more than ever with no place to dash off to.  Singing and creating recordings with my husband and friends has been on the rise for sure! Doing for others has become an addiction with making fabric masks for anyone needing some.  Giving away preschool toys/games/activities to moms needing help! Zooming/writing letters/Duoing/Hangouting – connecting to more people.

So! My amazing sister, Carrie posted a webinar about steps to thriving in a new normal.  Four simple steps that she explains  much better than I can : The Push-Pull of Pivoting: 4 lessons during time of relentless uncertainty that will positively impact you!

So – what do I want to say goodbye to? Silly business. Being busy to feel better about my position in life. It sounds ridiculous when I write it down… I also want to say goodbye to adding stress to our lives. Stress comes from so many places but I think we can see now how much stress to make the perfect grade, write the perfect paper, ace the test and so on I was almost unconsciously putting on my kids! Nagging doesn’t make for great parenting.

What do I want to do more of?  Time for bible study/journaling and worship is top on my list. For the last 6 weeks I have been waking early to study the bible and taking time to just drink it in.  It’s been amazing for me and has changed my attitude and outlook for sure!  I also want to do more connecting! I don’t want to wait for the next crisis to talk to my college friends.  I don’t want to continue to ‘connect’ with a like to a facebook or insta post.   It’s time to go deeper.  Connect/support/love my friends, family and neighbors!

What am I resisting? Hmm…I’m not sure I want to put that in a public blog.  I’m still wrestling but there are a few things that I’m looking at namely for my career.  Also leading a bible study at my church…

How have my strengths and weaknesses magnified!?  Easy.  I am singing more.  I am studying more. I am connecting more. My weakness is falling into the trap of needing likes/comments on social media to be accepted.  It helps that I read a few blogs in the last few days and didn’t like or comment to a one of them…It’s not that I didn’t like them. It’s that I needed time to think on them.  So – maybe that’s why I enjoy spending so much time studying the bible…I quickly ascertain that I am not the one worthy of praise.  There is only one who is worthy of all praise, Jesus Christ.

 

Be blessed, my friends!

Amy

For such a time as this…

14 Tuesday Apr 2020

Posted by in Bible, Blessings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, ,

When I consider all that was prepared in advance for all the good works that are happening around the globe today, I am in AWE!  I stand amazed.

For such a time as this…Esther was prepared to be a queen and save the Jewish people.  God placed her in the palace – gave her favor with the king – allowed her access to her cousin to hear of the plot against the Jews – and even more.   Esther was prepared for such a time as that.

So what about me?  Was I prepared for such a time as this?  Was the world prepared for such a time as this?  I think this may be a blog post I come back to time and time again to be reminded of the greatness and faithfulness of the Lord.  So what do I see?  Let me just list a few things…

  1. My family all has cell phones to connect with family, friends, co-workers, and reunion type gatherings.  Most of the world has cell phones. 20-25 years ago…not the case.
    • But really – so you can talk…who cares!  Simple. Some can continue school; some can continue to work; all can continue to connect with others via call/facetime/duo/zoom/hangouts/Facebook!  We are not alone. I know for me I have connected with way more people that I would have normally.  I am connecting with my New Life Ministry alumni  – most not seen in 25 years!  I am chatting with family almost daily! My Saturday morning gaggle of ladies still meets to encourage, build-up and share struggles and prayer.
    • Imagine this happening in 1990.  No one had cell phones. Pay phones/calling cards were out there.  Want to reach out to people?  Write a letter….then wait…Or call and hear a busy signal if an answer at all.
    • Check!  We are blessed.
  2. Along those same lines – we have Zoom (since 2011), Google Hangouts/Meet (since 2013), Facetime (2010) and/or Skype (since 2003)
    • Seeing one another face to face is life-changing.  Thanks to Google – looks like the most popular ways weren’t around before 2003!  Covid-19 is 2020..we have so much.
    • Bible studies/churches/friend groups can stay connected and lift one another up.
  3. I have fabric/thread/2 sewing machines and time.
    • For the past 20 years, people have given me yards upon yards of fabric.  Perhaps they know that I love to sew but only craft stuff…and any fabric will do!  I know at one point I had 2 big black garbage bags full of fabric -all kinds but  a lot of cotton!
    • Because I am not a professional seamstress – I never know how much stuff I need…so when I would start the few clothing projects, I would stock up on more thread than I could possibly use…I have more than enough.  Had I touched it in the last 5-10 years? Barely.
    • Because I made purses for a charity – I had 1/4″ elastic on hand…not much but enough to get started!  Had I touched it in 5-10 years?  Barely.
    • Over 60 masks made and barely a dent in my fabric supply…I’ve gotten through some of it…but I’m a very ‘eat all of one food item before going on to the next menu item’ kind of person…I guess it translates to using fabric I have had for years.
  4. I have an inductive study bible that has been waiting for the right moment to work through…Empty chapter headers/book questions/etc… I love my bible but it is obvious that it is meant for more…It was given to me for my 40th birthday….10 years ago…Guess what – the time is now!
    • As I study Acts through Community Bible Study (highly recommend), I have been in awe of the ministry of Paul…I really did want to spend more time in his writings but …  time – not something I had a lot of.
    • Welcome to self-isolation then stay home orders, and I have nothing but time. I started to study I & II Thessalonians (seeing Christ as our Calling King) inductively and moved to Galatians (Seeing the freedom we have in Christ0 and now finishing up Ephesians (Our glorious treasure in Him)…WHOA ! I am blown away and am absolutely loving my time of study.  I am awoken in the early hours and can’t wait to get into the Word.
    • Finally – maybe it’s the non-English-loving part of me, but I am really bad at coming up with key word markings…Thank you to other people willing to share their mark ups with people like me! Do I know them?  NOPE!  But I so appreciate them!  Thank you internet!  (Again….20 years ago? )
  5. And finally – music. From the moment I was born I was exposed to music – probably prior to birth actually.  It’s been a huge part of my life. How cool is it that we get to hear so many talented musicians live-stream just for encouragement…for the love of community! My husband has had recording equipment for years….but in the last 5 or so years,  upped his game to an 8-track recorder.  What a blessing to create music to share and bring joy!   We got the time.  We have the equipment.  God gave us gifts and talents to share….

I am guessing in the coming weeks, I will think of many more ways we were prepared for such a time as this. Internet shopping…curbside pickup…delivery…you name it.  This was not a surprise to God. He saw this moment at the beginning of time and knew what we would need and wanted each of us to look to Him for everything we would need.   He is our Provider, our Comforter, our Healer, our All in All, the Great I AM!  He is everything you need.

And so – do as our great Mr. Incredible did  on the way to his wedding…declare…  ‘I got time!’  😉  My favorite movie quote – also coincidentally probably the only quote I remember off the top of my head… Be blessed!

Amy

Sing Hymns and Psalms and Spiritual Songs

31 Tuesday Mar 2020

Posted by in Hymns, Singing to the Lord!

≈ 1 Comment

I love to sing. This time at home has me upstairs in the early morning hours worshipping with the help of Spotify or Youtube.  So many worship songs are available and so many  bring me into His presence where I find rest, peace, comfort, love, strength …basically more of Him. It’s been hard to not have a church to go to every Wed. and Sunday.  I miss our praise band and making a joyful noise together in worship.

There is another side of my worshipping though that I have realized isn’t as readily available. Singable Hymns.  Hymns sung with the sole purpose of letting others join in and sing together in worship. I think of Chetek UMC when I was a kid.  Mrs. Hight would be on piano, Jennifer on organ, or maybe my mom.  The best used to be when my sister, Heather, and I would sing together…harmonizing these wonderful hymns.  There’s no doubt that hymns are rich and beautiful songs of worship and prayer.

So – then Covid-19 stops the world. I’m good. Like I said, I’ve got my spotify playlist that includes Hillsong, Bethel, All Sons and Daughters, David Crowder Band, Chris Tomlin and more. I spend hours singing…I have it playing in the background as I  go  through my day. What a blessing.

But then I realize…there’s something missing. What about the common man who just wants to worship but  doesn’t like that ‘new modern stuff’ or just wants to go back to what they know and love. I thought about my parents and aunts and uncle. I  thought about those in my home church in Chetek, WI, and those in my home church here in Austin, TX, who love the traditional service. I asked …what can I do..I am at home. I can’t play piano and sing…I can’t play tambourine and sing…If I sing…that’s all I can do.  So  … there. End of story.

Ha! As if.  The verse that came to mind over and over…”Speak to one another with Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph 5:19  You know how He works…People would mention the verse in chatting, write it in an email, or whatever…It wasn’t long before I realized that I had means of recording music…just not accompaniment. Good thing I  love a cappella!

And so the recordings started. They are not perfect because most (99%…the Summons was a hard start) are 3 takes…1 for each track..1 for each singer (Me, Myself, and I).  I decided that creating a perfect recording would  lead to stress…it is more important to sing together…mistakes and all.   (God bless the piano/organ which hides a multitude of mistakes I’m figuring out pretty quickly.)  So! I will keep recording with the help of a glockenspiel for a starting note and an amazing sound engineer.  He’s really cute…oh —  and also my husband!  I have also started a song sheet of sorts –  so  if you are singing at home and don’t have a hymnal …I got  you covered. Song Sheet

IMG_20200330_185507

I am blessed to know that my small offering of music is bringing joy to others. I pray that you would share it with others who might enjoy some at-home worship.  If you have requests,  I  take them!  Add a comment here or on FB!   I try to tell you a little something about each song in the song sheet…Amazing Grace which is an all-time favorite for many, was requested by my dad.  When you are doing this for your parents and your dad suggests a song…you do it.

All I will say –  it’s  easier to harmonize when you have the piano or organ filling in the notes…but pick a note…any note…let’s sing to the Lord.  You can find the music on Sound Cloud in the same playlist   or if you would rather download the MP3’s from dropbox, you can go here.  Don’t forget to get your song sheet to sing along!  Send your requests and I’ll try to fulfill them!  Wishing I had an old Cokesbury hymnal….feel free to drop one on my porch if your request is found in there!  I’ll try and will record as long as Bob will keep helping!

The Acts church alive today

22 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

What a beautiful day. God is so faithful and this is truly a day He made…I will rejoice and be glad in it. Social distancing has done amazing things.  In isolation, I have turned to God and had time with Him in prayer, worship, and study.  My prayer as I study Acts with CBS this year has been to see the church of Acts alive and well today. Honestly I prayed that prayer with a laugh of …yeah..not going to happen but wouldn’t it be nice?

But friends! Have you seen it? Have you heard it? People all over the world are reaching out to their neighbors, friends, family. We are sharing what we have with others! We are spending time connecting with family. We each have gifts given through the Spirit – and isn’t it crazy to see so many using their God-given gifts and talents to love our neighbors!

I have spent some time this morning in church with Daniel Martin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VeBBq2nbUs&t=6s) and was reminded that we can be CALM in these times.  Let’s Celebrate who God is!  Let’s Ask God for help! Let’s Leave our concerns with Him and Meditate on good things…true things…lovely things. The Lord is in control ALWAYS.  The Lord is here ALWAYS! Jesus is sovereign, always! 

Then curiosity got the best of me and I went to see what his wife taught…also so thankful that I finally get to hear her teach… and so my friend walked me through the goodness of Psalm 23. What a comfort to the soul.  You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aHfv4T3eRU&t=8s

Of course, my longing is for my own church and so I went in search for Pastor Jon’s message and was blessed to hear him encourage us to serve one another with our gifts and talents!  Connect during this time. Reach out to those who may be lonely.  Do what you can to ease the burden of others. You can see Pastor Jon here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_bD5EXmPW4&t=0s

But one of the many treasures of the church is Emma.  She took us in her backyard to see if we could see ways to celebrate who God is..He is worthy of praise and we see that even in the dirt!  See her message to the young disciples here (and yes…I consider myself young as you should as well) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVeNJFHUVWc

If you know me, you know that I love to be a part of the praise band at Covenant and love to worship not only on Sunday mornings but during our time of practice on Wednesdays as well!   What a blessing to see a spotify playlist (https://open.spotify.com/album/0NGmtUx2BoGIxzfaCmLj4O) for the congregation as well as some youtube videos of awesome praise and worship.  God is so very good.  He is a Way Maker, Miracle worker, Promise Keeper, light in the darkness – I could go on. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJCV_2H9xD0)

Just when I thought it was time to get out of my jammies and make some breakfast for the hoodlums in the house – I got an email from my BIL to check out the church service at Village Church in Baldwin with Pastor Stu…(or Shtu? 😉  The time in prayer blessed me.  But when I realized that my sister, Aaron, and sweet Marah were there in worship… Praise the Father, Praise the Son, Praise the Spirit 3 in one!!  To be a part of 3 part harmony to the Lord with my family was indeed a sweet time of worship….maybe not to my sleeping family but …God is so good and and will NEVER leave or forsake us.  God is 100% in control.  We can believe in God!

But friends – no surprise that Psalm 23 was read again.  No surprise that the same themes came through the worship songs and messages and prayer.  And thank you Chris Tomlin for writing the song I needed today!

Do you feel the world is broken? (We do)
Do you feel the shadows deepen? (We do)
But do you know that all the dark won’t stop the light from getting through? (We do)
Do you wish that you could see it all made new? (We do)
Is all creation groaning? (It is)
Is a new creation coming? (It is)
Is the glory of the Lord to be the light within our midst? (It is)
Is it good that we remind ourselves of this? (It is)
Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
He is David’s root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave
Is He worthy? Is He worthy
Of all blessing and honor and glory?
Is He worthy of this?
He is
Does the Father truly love us? (He does)
Does the Spirit move among us? (He does)
And does Jesus, our Messiah, hold forever those He loves? (He does)
Does our God intend to dwell again with us? (He does)

Through it all – It is well – let our eyes be on the Lord, the author and perfecter of our faith. May this be a time that we cling to Him.  He is able to do exceedingly more than we could ever ask or think. Can we pray together?

Father,

We praise you for you are our creator, our sustainer, our mighty warrior, our healer, our all in all! We look to you in this time and pray that as we seek you, you will build in us the faith and love to move mountains in our communities and homes. May we be prompted by your Spirit to see ways we can serve friends, neighbors, and family during this time of uncertainty. There is nothing that has surprised you.  Nothing that you don’t know. We call out to you for our country, our world, our leaders, our communities, our loved ones.   Help us be the church that you began so many years ago..A church that seeks to give of our gifts and talents freely.  A church who loves and encourages and reaches out to those in need. Let us be a light to those in the darkness.  Let us see ways to serve and bless others. Help us be your hands and feet!  It is in Jesus’ holy and precious name we ask these things.  Amen.

Friends, God is with us. You only need to call out.  We are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God. But God is ABLE! 1 Jn. 1:9 – if you confess your sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  What must you do to be a child of God?  Believe in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ who was the perfect lamb of God.  He made a way for each one of us to be made right before God.  The blood of Jesus washes over each of us and covers us when we make the decision to ask for forgiveness and believe in Jesus.  God looks at believers and does not see any sin.  He doesn’t see the shame, but He sees a person washed whiter than snow by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus came to save you and me.

For God so loved you, my friend, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.  John 3:16

Be blessed this day, my friend.

From Broken to Beautiful – a creamer’s journey

13 Sunday Nov 2016

Posted by in Middle School lessons on Forgiveness

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Back in September, I opened my Middle School Sunday school lesson to find that I was to teach about David and Bathsheba.  My heart did a bit of a flip – teach 11-14 year old kids about adultery and attempted murder?  Thankfully, on further study, the focus was on David’s repentant heart. We looked at Psalms 51 and read his words of pleading and saw the origin of so many songs on change and forgiveness.

The object lesson was to break something breakable to show the brokenness that comes from sinning.  Thanks to a Ziplock, green reusable HEB grocery bag and a wooden hammer meant for getting to crab meat…we crushed a beautiful tea creamer.   Why a creamer?  Very simple.  After 30 minutes of looking at breakable stuff in the back of T J Max…the creamer was the one with the most colors and not made of glass.  Oh – and it was well under $5.

But God didn’t stop with David’s brokenness…when David came to God with a repentant heart, God forgave him.  He made something beautiful from his brokenness…David is referred to as a ‘Man after God’s own heart.’   And so we didn’t end with our broken creamer…I gave them a task of creating something beautiful…carefully … from it. All I did was handle the hot glue gun…and make the shape of a cross on a piece of parchment paper-covered cardboard. The word of  the cross is folly to those who don’t believe…would this creation be folly?  Or  would be it powerful as I Cor 1:18 says.  I only hoped.

The thing  is, God’s still in the restoration business today. The kids and I talked about how there was no sin to great, that God couldn’t forgive. When we confess our sin and repent…God is faithful to wipe the sin away.  There may be consequences here on earth…but in the heavenly realm – we are good!

It was a POWERFUL lesson to talk to the kids about. The end product … incredible … stunning … amazing… Definitely not what I expected…I was thinking nice little stepping stone… No  stepping on this…

I was moved to tears as I thought through the message later. Do you remember my audience though?  Tough crowd.  The words and smiled are often saved for times alone with their friends…not for an old teacher…especially one who has 2 kids in the class.

Then I watched as kids were taking their parents to see the creation and heard different kids start to talk about it and why it was made… I also knew it was dangerous to little hands so found a shadow box to protect it.

The students decided to give it away. The cross they made would go to Pastor Stella and then they wanted to make a second for the youth director.  So 3 weeks later, our class got  out the crab hammer again and thanks to TJ Max, we were able to use the same creamer design. The most amazing part was the fact that the kids who made the first cross were not all the kids who made the 2nd. So in our class, I let the ones who made the first cross talk about why we made it, the story and the lesson it taught.  They were teaching each other. I was … amazed.

My heart hurt.  I had no idea how such a beautiful gift could be given.  It wasn’t so much the cross – it was the lesson the kids learned and talked about.   It was so much more than a beautiful cross to be put on a wall or even wrapped in Christmas paper…

I prayed. And I prayed…And …prayed…Three weeks later – at 3 am, I was awoken and couldn’t stop writing what was flooding through my mind. But it was only half the story.  It was the broken part…so I prayed…and the next week…again in the wee hours of morning, I wrote what I was prompted.   Mark Schultz once said of one of his songs, ‘I was just in the room when God wrote this.’ I get that.

From Broken to Beautiful 2016-10-07-05-14-15

This is me… Do you see my designs?  I love blue.  Don’t you like the flowers? Man – I would say I’m the best looking in the cupboard and of course, SO useful. Best creamer out there really.

Just look at me!  You can’t see any imperfections… (Thankfully!)  There is a mark at the bottom of my cup, but I work hard to keep that covered up with cream.  If you can believe this, at some point, someone put a sticker on me!  I got a little sticky from it…but really – not my fault – who puts stickers on something as nice as me?  I’m still gorgeous, so giving and handy!

Do you know how much I can pour out to others? As creamers go, you can’t get much better than me.  You should see how full I can get.

(God did…)

One day, I did get a tad angry with coffee.  He filled those cups too full…Hello!  I need room to pour the best cream in the world! How rude!  I slammed onto the table…CRACK… A chip flew. Thankfully – not very noticeable.

AND it wasn’t my fault – coffee should have known better.

And THEN… I just could NOT believe it when the tea pot came and sat down WAY too close to me. She started heating up my cream. UGH! I showed her.  I shoved her over with a quick bump.  Man – she was so hard.  Geez!  Did you see?  Another chip from me went flying!  Who does she think she is? She needs to know her place.

Not sure where those chips went.  (God knows…)

At dinner, you cannot imagine the abuse I went through.  Can you believe they left me empty for an HOUR! An HOUR! I simply couldn’t believe it. I jumped over to the refrigerator to see if I could fill myself, but hit the door too hard and my handle got knocked off as well as a few chunks of my side.  Not a big deal.  You know, somebody should have filled me. Tsk.

Course now it looks like I’ve been more or less forgotten. Everyone looks at me and thinks they might get hurt using me…I’m fine!  Good as new…almost. Well, I showed them.  I took a flying leap to the half-and-half to refill myself because I asked myself…how hard could it be?

Hard… Very hard in fact.

Now in pieces, I felt the soft nudge of a broom gathering me and depositing me into a basket.  I heard all the pieces drop in.  I even saw what I had thought were lost, my chips and handle, tumbling into the basket.  Broken.  A cloud of dust billowed…oh wait – that’s me…crushed to the point of dust!

It got dark in the basket.  I was quite sure I was heading for the garbage ….

Still dark…..  Did they forget me?

Can’t pour much now.  What use am I?

Why did I have to be so selfish? Why did I put myself out there as the best and show off my brilliant colors?   Not so brilliant now.  Couldn’t I have just asked for help once in a while!?  I should have.

If only I could do it all over again…No. This is probably it for me….

Have you ever observed the sugar bowl?  She just sits there and gives and gives…A servant really.

Servant.  Like those galley-rowers in the old ships…servants. They never heard praise.  They never received thanks… Did you know, Paul once said that we should be servants like that!  I know.  I couldn’t believe it either…but now I guess I’m seeing a point.

Oh – you wonder how I know about Paul?  Where do you think I live but at the church!  I have been to too many bible studies to count.  Too many church functions. I’ve heard the songs through the air.  I’ve heard the talk.  I just wish I had listened and straightened up when I could have been of use!

It’s really not about us, is it… We are nothing but dust. So I was once a beautiful creamer.  I didn’t do anything when I was empty…I can’t even be filled now…broken as I am.

Did you see how I was? Thinking back, I guess I deserve this.  I really thought only of myself.

I heard someone crying one day.  I didn’t really think about it at the time, but for some reason, it’s all I can think about now.  She could barely get the words out…weeping.  At the time, I found it so embarrassing.  Now I wish I could remember what she said!  I remember the kind words of a comforter, telling her about forgiveness.  With a repentant heart, there is no sin too great – no sin too horrible – that the blood of Christ can’t cover…wash away…

Do I believe Jesus can do that?  I have heard it a million times…Jesus – perfect in every way – took on the sins of this world so that we might have life in Him forever!  He died.  He rose again!  He knew about me. He knew I’d …break apart on my own.

Me. I wish I had listened…because now in the dark – I understand.  His talk of loving one another is a better way. Serving one another – who cares about a creamer….without coffee…

I was wrong. The world is not all about me. I need the blood of Christ, just like the rest of the broken.  But it’s too late…I’m beyond repair…

If it weren’t too late, I would cry out, “Lord, forgive me.  I believe in you and wish I could be useful for you so that others could know of your glory and goodness.”

I must still have a bit of cream on my pieces, because I just felt something warm… Wait!!!  Who’s moving me!?  WAIT!  Don’t throw me away! STOP! I can tell others! Let people see my broken pieces and see what could become of them!  STOP! PLEASE!!

“You are mine.”

Who said that!?

“You will be a sign to others of my power and restoration.”

Lord?

“I am the one who makes beautiful things from dust.  I am the Potter.  I am the creator of masterpieces for my kingdom.  I am giving you My Spirit to hold you.  You are loved.  You are forgiven.  You are mine.  I am with you always. ”

I am… speechless.

 

“But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done.” 1 Jn. 1:9 (NCV)

The youth shared this with an over-sized illustration for youth Sunday at our church and then presented the crosses to their new owners.

The crosses are beautiful, but they have some VERY sharp points. Just like us, eh?  Even when we are forgiven, there are some sharp edges that need some refining.. Ah – perhaps that’s for the next lesson.

 

 

Momical Musings Begins

28 Monday Oct 2013

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

So many of my friends have written down the fun moments of their kids’ life.  I’m a mom!  I have kids too! Of course I don’t really appreciate reading about other kids all the time….so let’s mix it up!

Perhaps I’ll write a bit about my 3rd grader who was SHOCKED to discover what a trickster his teacher was: “Mom! I figured out why Ms. Smith gives us all these spelling activities! She is trying to make it fun!” Is it working? “YEAH!”

Or – maybe I’ll talk about how much fun it is to work in math again! (Ok – so I just help other 3rd graders with 3rd grade math issues…but still!) It may not be the Differential Equations I loved in college – but fun!

Or – perhaps you’ll hear stories of the musical crazies like singing with 2 other 40ish year old moms dressed like shepherds…telling the story of the shepherds hearing news of Jesus’ birth from the angel…How hard is it to not laugh when you look over and see your friend holding a stuffed sheep and barefoot!  🙂  Good times…good times!

But! Now a time-out for the Packer game!  Go Pack Go!!