Gather the pieces that are leftover. Let nothing be wasted.

We are 4 days post Easter and, true to form, I'm a little under the weather. Truth be told, I always feel somewhat discouraged after some big ministry event, sick or not.

"Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." John 6:12

That time Jesus fed 5000 with just one boys lunch. "Obediently, and no doubt in continued amazement, the 12 disciples collected exactly 12 baskets of leftovers generated by a mere five barley loaves. All 12 disciples held tangible evidence of Jesus's overflowing provision in their hands. A basket for each disciple visibly attested to Jesus's diving power and care for their needs. He provided an opportunity to trust Him, recognize His provision, and exercise wise stewardship. God calls churches and Christian ministries to do the same." - BSF Study of John

The basket of leftovers we hold may not appear lavish - there's not a bigger house, finer clothes, or tropical vacations in it. But it holds something greater than gold - wisdom, steadfastness, the fortitude to continue, peace with the present, and the righteousness of God which leads to a quiet confidence. He pours out His oil on us. 

And it's not just churches and ministries. He calls all of us to 'gather the pieces that are left over' from our hard places and hurts. Let nothing be wasted!

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God - who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Sunday's Set March 10

A lot of factors go into putting together a worship set for Sunday service - the message, the tempo, the instruments we have and the people we are serving with, the songs the congregation are familiar with, what our community is going through, and always a song that adores Him with no "I' in it, something that gives glory for who He is alone. 

Another aspect that drives me is how God is speaking to me during the week prior in my time with Him. What music has God used to move me personally closer to Him? Using where I am at and what is ministering to me has shifted Sunday from being more of a performance and leading to just my intimate offering to Him - in front of others. Authentic. Heartfelt. Inviting others into my private space with God. 

Anyway, I thought it might be interesting to, every so often, explain the reasoning behind the sets that are presented on Sunday. Sometimes we share why we have put songs together and sometimes we don't. 

This was the context for our music choices:

The night Jesus was betrayed by Judas, the soldiers came to arrest him. And Peter, in defense of his Father, drew his sword and cut the ear off of a soldier. John 18:10

Jesus healed the ear and then told Peter, “put your sword away! Am I not to drink the cup the Father has given me?” The cup he was talking about was the cup of God’s wrath. When Jesus died, the cup of wrath we were all supposed to drink for our sins was, in a moment, exchanged for the cup of salvation. 

The cup of God’s wrath for the cup of salvation! Meaning you and I no longer have to face the judgment we deserve. Our future is dependent, not on our lack of holiness, but on the perfect holiness of God. 

Psalm 116 

How can I repay the Lord for all the good He has done for me? I will take the cup of salvation and call on the Name of the Lord. 

What battles are we trying to fight with human methods and strength (like Peter did in the garden) rather than relinquishing it to the Father? Lord, forgive us for trying to take on a spiritual battle with a human weapon. 

This morning let’s divert the effort and energy given to that battle and instead put it in a more useful place - we call on the name of the Lord. 

The Set 

Authority

I Speak Jesus

Do it Again 

The Steadfast Love of the Lord

LENT - A broken Alleluia

I learned something new (to me) about the practice of Lent. 

Did you know that, dating back to the 13th century, some church denominations have abstained from saying "Alleluia" during the 40 days of Lent? In Hebrew, Alleluia means "Praise God" in a celebratory and joyous way. @littlechapelway (an excellent resource on Lent for kids) said "it is a way we remember with our words that we are in a season of repentance, of turning from and putting to death our sins. There is something poignant about that and yet I think for me, this year, I respectfully break from this symbolic tradition of not saying Alleluia and instead I offer a broken one. 

I will whisper Alleluia through my brokenness and darkness. 

Fully aware of my lack.

Fully aware of my faults.

Fully aware of my mistakes.

Fully aware of my failures. 

And in deep contrast, fully aware of His holiness. 

His glory. 

His grace. 

His love.

In my brokenness, I say through gritted teeth and tear stained cheeks, Alleluia.

I will say it even though

I will say it even if

Alleluia

Church and Haggai

We recently had our annual society meeting at church where we cover the budget from the year previous and approve one for the current year. There was record giving for our little church last year and, while money isn’t everything, it usually is an indication that something good is happening. 

I was reminded of the book of Haggai when God announced, “The final glory of this house will be greater than the first.” 2:9 He was talking about His temple that was in ruins in the city. The temple had been destroyed when the Israelites were conquered and exiled by an enemy. But eventually the Israelites were allowed to return to their homeland, and it was time to rebuild God’s house.

“The final glory of this house will be greater than the first.”I really hope that the glory from our church is greater still to come.

But the promise also comes with a warning. God saw that His people were busy rebuilding their own lives while his house stood in shambles. “…My house still lies in ruins, while each of you is busy with his own house.” 1:9 So on your account I have summoned a drought on all that your hands produce. 1:10-11

God warns: “Think carefully about your ways.” 1:7 because “The silver and gold belong to me.” 2:8

People often talk about serving in the church. And in a small church, it’s all hands-on deck or else it doesn’t happen. Burnout is common. Josh and I have felt this tension as well - trying to faithfully tend to our own house while also serving God’s house. And yes, to finding a balance, but this was a three-fold reminder to me. 

1. God is calling us to build His house.

2. The effort given to God’s house has not been in vain. 

3. Woe to us who’s primary focus is building our own stuff. 

And the reward that comes to those who have the order right?  “I will provide peace in this place.” 2:9 

Lord, may it be so in my family AND in our church. 

Recap 2023

The book that lingers in my mind still - Jungle Pilot, Nate Saint

Most Riveting Audiobook - The Light in Hidden Places, Sharon Cameron

Most Played Album - The Narrow Way, Steffany Gretzinger

Most Impactful Kid's Devotionals

God's Names - Sally Michael (elementary)

A New View from the Zoo - Gary Richmond (mid + upper elementary) This was a true delight for us all!

A Child's Book of Character Building - Ron Coriell (younger elementary)

What worked in my pursuit of God

BSF (Bible Study Fellowship)

Gospel in Life Podcast, Tim Keller messages 

Verity Podcast, Phylicia Masonheimer

The Bible Project Podcast, Tim Mackie

Psalms in 30 Days, Trevin Wax

Rhythms that changed

Taking a step back from volunteering at the kid's school beginning in the fall and it really took the unhurried out of a hurried life. 

Every weekday morning with God in my bible. The book that is my right hand side.

Every weekday workout.

Early to church before practice and before service to sit in silence and prayer. 

Emerson and Landon getting ready for school by themselves.

Josh back in the office 3x a week

Date night every quarter or so

Travel

Most memorable was our first family trip to Oahu.

Most life giving was the overnighter with Josh to Napa.

Most laughter (and tears) was the girls trip to SLO.

Significant Events

Abbys first foray into team sports (soccer)

Emerson took her rec softball team to State. (so. many. games. so. many. weekends.)

Landon and Josh twice a week for bball

piano for the older two

Awana for Landon

Some health diagnosis's

Abby grew up this year. She was Timon in the PS4 production of Lion King and Mary in the Christmas program. She was prepared, poised, and did what she was supposed to when she was supposed to. \

Took Emerson on a girls' overnighter to talk about growing up.

26 Things I Learned About God in 2023

God taught me so much in 2023 through my pursuit of Him - not glib  and random thoughts but truths forged in the fire and written through tears and/or awe. God is His great mercy, still willing to teach me, come alongside me, reveal himself to me. to us. Wow. Here are 26 of them:

1. The KJV got it wrong, the famous saying "Peace on Earth, good will towards men!" is actually translated "Peace towards men, to whom God has good will, on whom His favor rests". Subtle change but major shift in theology. Jesus brought peace WITH God. Peace WITH God. Sheesh! (Tim Keller)

2. Jesus wept - death was not God's original design for us. So when Lazarus died and Jesus wept He was mourning how far we had come from God's original intent for us. (Tim Keller)

3. God is always working for our good and His glory. (Psalm 145:17-21)

4. Just facing the truth won't heal us, it is facing the truth in light of God's truth, that sets us free. (BSF)

5. We won't understand the why until we understand the WHO.

6. Jesus always left room for people to return to Him, even in His dealings with the Pharisees. We, too, must leave room for those who have gone astray or done wrong or turned away, to return. Truth and grace must go hand in hand. (Study of John)

7. When we believe that Jesus' love has overcome death itself, joy becomes reasonable in the darkest of circumstances. (Tim Mackie)

8. We don't want to violate scripture in an effort to defend scripture. (Muddamale)

9. Worship is an offering to the Lord in response to the glory of the Lord. It is a means of articulating our gratitude for who He is and in humility a chance to assume heaven's posture now.

10. We do not seek God's hand, we seek His face. (Phylicia Masonheimer)

11. Legalism replaces a living relationship with a list of rules. We can do this. We can't do that. It's a shortcut to the walk go faith. Why do we do this? Because following rules are the easier route than seeking the quite approval of Jesus. Legalism removes the necessity of a daily relationship with God because we just "have to follow the rules" Legalism drives a wedge between the truth of God and our hearts. (Isaiah 29:13) Satan loves legalism. he loves separating our hearts from the Father. (Genesis 2 & 3)

12. God will bring down anything that isn't giving Him glory. Woah to me. Woah to my family. Woah to my church. 

13. Satisfaction in God is a discipline of the Holy Spirit. (Phylicia Masonheimer)

14. What God has called you to, He will sustain you for in obedience and service to Him (1 Kings 19)

15. God upholds the faithful but frail. (BSF)

16. I'm responsible for the depth of my ministry, God is responsible for the breath of the ministry. (Rick Warren)

17. I am responsible for the obedience. God is responsible for the outcome.

18. If I've got to walk through it, then I am bound and determined that I am going to make the enemy regret that he messed with me. (Lisa Terkeurst)

19. Our vision must be the face of the Lord.

20. If we do our part for one generation, He'll do His for a thousand! (Isaiah 38 & 39) If I am willing to be the link through whom God works to bring greater faithfulness and effectiveness, then my life could affect every generation in your family until He comes. (Beth Moore)

21. No good thing does He withhold. (Psalm 84)

22. It isn't the big events in your life where your character is forged. No, those reveal who you have become. our character is formed in the mundane, day in and day out pursuit of God. (Tim Keller)

23. For the work in the end, as well as the labeling, is all God's. (Elizabeth Elliot)

25. I want to be burned up by others so they can find the Jesus that I have fallen in love with. (Joni Erikson Tada)

26. The Names of God - Elohim, Jehovah Yahweh, El Shaddai, El Elyonm, El Kana, Jehovah El Emeth, Adonai, El Row, Jehovah Shaman, Jehovah Sabbath, Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Shalom, Jehovah Maginnenu, Jehovah Rohi (Sally Michael) 

 

What I'd Buy for Myself in the After Christmas Sales

If I was shopping for myself this Christmas, this is what I would buy.

I would buy boxes and boxes of beautiful vintage (or new) glass ornaments for my tree so I could have something like this. Oh, and a gigantic tree with the perfect shape to hold them.

I would buy velvet ribbon, in all colors, to wrap all of my Christmas presents. 

I would update Josh's wardrobe and start phasing out the shirts he's been wearing for 10 years. 

And buy him the very specific catchers glove he's been eyeing.

I would buy a new workout outfit, new Everjey lounge pants, and three of Retailcheapskate's outfit ideas. 

Tiny tiny, but thick! gold hoops that I wouldn't have to take off, ever.

A new couch

Airfryer, blender, 

This new-to-me hair tool. 

This Merit make-up, brush, and this hyaluronic serum!

This sure was fun, thank you for humoring me. But y'all, I don't need any of it. I am perfectly content with the bountiful, overflowing, blessings that are already in my home, the tiny humans being number two and Josh, oh boy, I tear up thinking about the gift God has given me through Josh. I couldn't ask for more. 

I've been listening to the Audiobook of The Light in Hidden Places by Sharon Cameron. A book someone recommended to me on Instagram. A book about hiding Jews during WW2. They go years with terrible hardship and the girl hiding them saves up her rations and for Christmas (for her) and Hanukkah (for them) buys canned pears, cigarettes, coffee! and surprises them. The moment is joyous and, although their circumstances stay the same, in that one moment is joy! in that one moment is hope! in that one moment is reprieve. 

None of these gifts, given to myself, would come close to eliciting that same response in me. But a gift given has a different weight doesn't it? Here's to hoping one of my gifts given this year gave someone that momentary but oh-so-important feeling - hope! joy! reprieve!

A wide open space and a thing about Josh

Josh and I did one night away last month together. The first in a long time - and boy was it wonderful. 

We used our points and flew up north, rented a car, and stayed in Yountville. It had everything packed in to 48 hours -  good food, a relaxing time, trying new things, and visiting new places. He finally drove an electric car and I finally rode an electric bike! We laughed, held hands, savored our food, sat for a long time at meals, slept in. It was heaven. 

And then we had a sweet reunion with the rascals. 

Here's a thing about Josh - he is so much more than he seems. People often joke that I'm "tied down" because Josh has set up our credit cards so that every time a purchase is made (his or mine) he gets a ping. Mostly for fraud control. He doesn't use it to control me. He isn't questioning my purchases. And because he does that, I don't have to worry about it - like, at all. 

What looks like control is actual freedom. 

One of his hidden gifts to me is the freedom he gives me to pursue Jesus. I can do it how I want and when, and he just works around it. He doesn't question my process. He doesn't rush me when I'm in the Word. He'll watch or listen to something that touched me, even when he's doing his own study, so that we can have meaningful conversations about it. He isn't embarrassed by my zeal or afraid of my intensity. 

Every response of his to my pursuit of Christ is a display of his great love for me. The wide open space he gives me is a constant fresh breath in a complex life. I cherish this beyond what I can express with words.

Closing out the year grateful for the time with him - and HIM.