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Wednesday, October 3, 2007
There are benefits to living in California. Never mind the earthquakes, the fruits and the nuts, and the over priced real estate. *grin* Now let me remind you I was with my daughter, my twelve-year-old daughter. Do you think she wanted to ride the Teacups or leisurely sail through, It’s a Small World? Oh no, it was a fast-paced, head-jerking, bouncing, weaving, convulsing, scream your head off, dawn-to-dusk, thrill ride, marathon. We rode every single ride, in both parks mind you, where you panick then grab the safety railings with white-knuckled fingers and hang on for dear life. Every ride enticed us at least twice and sometimes more…. Can you see me running around to get in line again? I did! After arriving home that day with a ton of great memories, laughs and a small crick in my neck, my daughter and I collapsed into bed. The next morning is when I realized my folly. I could barely move. I was stiff all over and suffering from a king-sized headache. My shoulders were permanently stiff and gathered up around my poor neck. I hurt from the top of my head all the way to my big toes. I dragged myself to the coffee pot then shuffled to my daughter’s room to get her out of bed and ready for school. She moved slow as well, and then complained about her sore shoulders. That is when I had a V-8 minute. You know this. It’s where you smack yourself on the forehead and a distant memory dawns on you. That miniute I remembered last year’s visit to Disneyland and how the next day was horrid. I recalled my pinch-in-the-neck, headache had lasted for three days. Why, oh, why do I not remember the price I paid last year? Sometimes those unpleasant experiences I endure just don’t stick. Don’t get me wrong, spending the day with my daughter was a blast. But, why didn’t I think to bring along one of her 12-year-old friends? I have thought about this V-8 moment many times this week as I gulped down asprin. Why didn’t I learn the lesson the first time? Then I started to remember all the revisits to the Lord’s classroom. Why, oh, why can’t I get it right the first time? How frustrated God must be. For example, repeating Finances 101 is a recurring habit. God is always there to instruct me about trusting Him. He reminds me, “Lynn, remember when you were a single parent? You learned to live on $25 a week after I helped you pay the bills. Also let me remind you of the time I supplied the exact amount of money you needed to pay the mortgage and how it came from an unexpected source.” Another “do-over” course I attend regularly covers the danger of pride. He also schedules repeaters with regard to James 1:19. I think I am finally getting that one down. However, the Lord’s patient instruction over the years is priceless to me. A treasure I store in my heart. He never fails to show up even when I mess up for the third, fourth, fifth, etc. etc.…… His protection, wisdom, and love never fail. 1 Corinthians 13:4a (NIV) As for the most recent lesson learned, next year it is Dad’s turn! Have a blessed and beautiful day! See you in the classroom.  I would love to visit with you over at my place:  Spiritually Unequal Marriage.Labels: Humor, Love, Lynn's Articles, trust Leave a comment... 9 Comments Links to this post Moses assembled the whole Israelite community and said to them, "These are the things the LORD has commanded you to do: 2 For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on it must be put to death. 3 Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day." Have you ever thought what life would be like if we still lived under the law? How would this scripture apply in the year 2007? I hope the story I tell you today will intrigue you about the old ways as well as grow your gratitude for grace. _____ I love my neighborhood. We are an eclectic group of people thrown together by God’s design to “do life.” We enjoy community BBQ’s and Christmas parties. We have our resident gossip, teenagers that drive too fast, and families that help each other out. One of my favorite neighbors is a Jewish Rabbi. He lives a few streets over with his wife and six children. Their home is also the local Synagogue where the worshipers in his faith gather to observe Holy Days. Several years ago my husband and I were invited over to the Rabbi’s home. It was one of the coolest experiences ever. Our particular visit was on a winter evening and on the Sabbath or Shabbat. I remember entering the Rabbi’s home. The first thing I saw was the opulent and beautiful wooden cabinet sitting front and center in the living room. It was massive stretching from floor to ceiling. The cabinet held the Torah when not in use. That evening the Torah was lying open in front of the cabinet on a beautiful table. This particular Torah was a single scroll, perhaps the size of two overly-large rolls of paper towels put together. It was hand written in the original Hebrew language and beautifully ornate. The Rabbi told me he paid $50,000 for it. He handled it tentatively. You could see in his eyes how extremely valuable it was to him. It made me wonder if I would pay $50,000 for my Bible. Needless to say, I was Wowed! As we sat down in the family area I observed many things about this family and their home which mirror Old Testament teachings. The Rabbi’s wife told me the food on the table was prepared from scratch according to the Levitical laws. I wish I could remember some of the names of the pastries. Delicious! After visiting for an hour or so, I went into the garage to retrieve something the Rabbi’s wife needed for the kitchen. As I returned to the kitchen, I flipped the light switch off. --My mother always told me to turn out the lights when I leave a room.-- Before the door shut from the garage to the kitchen the Rabbi gently said to me, “I cannot ask you to turn that light on.” Now, I knew immediately what he was referencing. To light a fire, turn on electricity, is forbidden. If I did not turn the light back on, it would remain off until dawn. Therefore, anyone needing to go into the garage would do so in complete darkness. Needless to say, I turned the light on. For a Christian this is not a sin remember we live under grace. I will never forget this "light switch" encounter. Since that evening I have visited with the Rabbi on several occasions. I love to pepper him with questions about Israel and the Old Testament. His responses are absorbing and his intelligence is obvious. His zeal for God is undeniable. I do not hold any judgment in my heart over his beliefs but I see him as one of the many who are yet to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. In this regard he is the the same as my unbelieving spouse. I have hope for them both. I believe God allowed me to see the Old Testament laws lived out in our modern day society. He wanted me to understand grace in a whole new light. I do. I am thankful. Please visit me at: Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Labels: Grace, Lynn's Articles Leave a comment... 9 Comments Links to this post Over the past two weeks the Lord has drawn my prayers and thoughts to the people who have traveled with me on my journey toward heaven. God has brought to mind people who provided me with teaching, correction, and prayer. These individuals grew me into a deeper love relationship with Jesus. An unlikely person was Frank. Frank was a colleague at the bank where I were I worked several years ago. Not once in my entire twenty-three years of banking had I worked with another Christian. Little did I realize God was about to set me on a new journey. Over stacks of loan files Frank and I began to talk about faith and the Bible. He was wise and filled with the Holy Spirit. He began to slowly and carefully teach me new insights into God’s character and purpose for my life. I know I spent a lot of time learning about the Holy Spirit. Frank brought in books for me to read along with my daily Bible reading. He said to me, “Lynn, read the good ole’ dead guys. They had it figured out long before we came along.” He brought me books by R.A. Torrey, A.W. Tozer and Andrew Murray. I love Andrew Murray. I am currently reading two books by Murray today. Frank also recommended some of the good ole dead girls as well, such as Hanna Widall-Smith. Over a course of two years Frank challenged me. He pushed me to discover more of God’s character. He led me to a fresh indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Last week I telephoned Frank to thank him for those years of instruction. I explained how his love for Christ inspired me and grew my relationship with the King. Frank responded like Frank, “Awe shucks.” He was humble and gave all the credit to Jesus. I think God delights in those ah-ha moments when we realize He orchestrated an encounter, a friendship. It delighted the Father for me to telephone Frank and say, “Thank you. Thank you for sharing Jesus with me.” Who was your Frank? A pastor, a parent, a neighbor, the grocery clerk? Honor them with a card or a call. Then let's be Frank with someone else. Colossians 3:16 (NLT) Please visit me at: Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Labels: Lynn's Articles, thankfulness Leave a comment... 3 Comments Links to this post I don’t have anything witty or cleaver to share with you today. You will find nothing profound or insightful in the story I am about to tell. Well, perhaps or perhaps not. Let God lead your heart. This is a cornball story describing an ordinary day, a gal and her dog, and her amazing God. You may roll your eyes when you find out what I am talking about. Hang with me. The ending is good. _____ Every morning I go for a walk-and-talk with Jesus. I usually take along my dog, Peanut. He is a mutt, Chihuahua-Daschund mix. We head out the door, peanut wearing his red leash, I am in shorts, and carrying a plastic bag. Dog walkers know what we use this for. *grin* We walk a route in the common areas of our neighborhood. It is a wide loop with beautiful pathways with terrific landscaping. I find myself praising God most mornings as I take in the beauty of nature.  Thursday morning, as we started walking our loop, little Peanut decides it is time. He, ahem, hunches and does his thing. I reach into my pocket; the plastic grocery bag is gone. Rest assured I am a responsible pet owner. I don’t want to leave the evidence lying about. Along our path there are several doggie boxes containing plastic bags for this kind of an accident. I can pick one up and scoop the doo-doo on the way home. The entire time I am walking, I am praying about writing a post for today. I have made five attempts to write something and I have deleted them all. I am more than a little anxious. I pray, asking the Lord for the words. I talk to Him about my writers block for 30 minutes. Walking and talking. I completely forget to check the doggie boxes for bags. I turn the final corner of the walk and remember the dog mess is ahead. I realize I do not have a bag in my hand and there is not a dog box in sight. So, I utter these words, “Lord, could You provide a plastic bag within the next 50 feet.” I keep walking. I see something ahead in the grass. Could it be? I walk about 20 feet and there on the grass next to the sidewalk is an Albertson’s shopping bag. I hesitate. I reach down and pick it up carefully. It is wet and covered with freshly mowed grass but I shake it out and find it is clean, whole and exactly what I need. I don’t know whether to laugh, cry, or shout, “Hallelujah! It’s a miracle.” I start thanking God. I could almost feel Him standing next to me. He whispered in my ear, “I am closer than you think.” Peanut and I begin walking again. I am still in shock or awe or something. I use the Albertson’s bag and exercise my pet-owner responsibility. I scoop the poop. We walk it to the can in the park and start home. I continued praying about what just took place as we walked down our street toward home. I felt God prompting me. I said something like this, “Lord, I can’t write about dog poop.” “Lynn, you asked me for the words.” “Yes Lord, and what a story it is.” “Don’t forget what you learned today.” “I won’t Lord” I am closer than you think. I am near. I listen, I hear. No need to fear. I am near. –Sincerely, The Lord By the way, I found my dropped bag a few doors away from my house as I was walking home. God set up this amazing encounter the minute I began to pray. Please visit me at: Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Labels: Lynn's Articles, relationship with God Leave a comment... 11 Comments Links to this post  This week my thoughts have been drawn to family. My family is a wacky lot. Our family tree has its share of dysfunction and sub-plots. And on some occasions when we are all together, an elephant is likely to be present in the room. (The elephant is eventually dealt with. Usually with a large dose forgiveness.) As I reflected on the kooky characters in our clan, I smiled. Our quirks and idiosyncrasies, mannerisms and peculiarity combine to make us a complex, one-of-a-kind, zany tree. I love each of them, always will. This week I have also thought about my other family. This family tree is slightly more difficult to define. Some of my family members live on the other side of the planet. Many, I met only once. Some of my brothers and sisters, I have never met, never talked to, yet they are a profound influence in my life.  This tree is the family of God. This week in particular I am acutely aware of this subtle family who live among the masses. They are men and woman connected to me through the Holy Spirit and by their love for Jesus Christ.My brother died on Friday after a protracted battle with Melanoma. He is now living with Jesus. Throughout his struggle, I was privileged to watch God’s family in action. The family of God stepped up to help in our time of great need. The family sent cards, prayer warriors surrounded my brother, emails arrived, and everyone visited the house. I can’t begin to tell you about the hundreds of strangers from all over America who mailed my brother a card. Thousands of people prayed. It made a profound difference. In the two years since his diagnosis, his wife and children became believers. I don’t think I will understand the fullness of our family this side of heaven. To know that you and I are part of something much bigger than our little part of the world is extraordinary. I am connected with you through God’s Spirit and you to me. It's out of this world! Literally! The family of God is a mystery to the world. However, as a believer, I know this family is a reflection of our Father and His enormous love. I am humble and grateful to be related to you! I love each of you, always will. Please stop in at my place for a Sunday Smile: Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Labels: Holy Spirit, Lynn's Articles Leave a comment... 7 Comments Links to this post People and their automobiles entertain me.  I came across this one while on vacation in Yellowstone National Park. Cars are telling about a person.More delightful than a car, however, is watching people inside the car. I am a people watcher. I bet you are too. I can’t help myself. Most of us who love Jesus are genuinely interested in what makes people tick. I find it hilarious some people, sitting alone in their car, forget other drivers can see them. Thus, on any regular day you will see two or three nose pickings. You would never find a nose digger in the Supermarket (I hope). Close proximity discourages this kind of thing. But, the strangest things play out in automobiles. Here are a few crazy things people do while driving: Reading the newspaper. Yup, it happened. A man drove with his knees while holding the paper open. *Shudder* Then there are multiple accounts of women applying makeup while talking on the cell phone. How about changing clothes? I might have tried this once but I wasn’t driving. Shhhh People eat in their cars, they shave, they kiss and hold hands. They argue with a passenger. Some throw stuff out the windows. Some even dare to check their email. One of my all time personal favorites is a woman with her foot stuck out the drive’s side window. She painted her toenails while stopped in traffic. I am sure you could add a few scary tales to this list. I tend to pray A LOT while driving. I no longer drive for extended periods since leaving the work force. In fact, some days the only driving I do is to and from school to drop off and collect my daughter. This five-minute trip to school, however, has become a profound opportunity and one of my favorite driving experiences. A few years ago, God, inspired me to begin praying aloud for my daughter while we drove to school. I pray for her protection. I pray for her friends. I pray over her tests on test day. I pray that God would reveal Himself in some small way to her during the day. I pray she would remember to pray when she is stressed, afraid, or uncertain. This short prayer right before her day begins makes a giant difference in her day. If we forget to pray, her attitude is different. Troubles brew during the day. Praying God’s protection and love over her has been a profound privilege. Praying invites the King of the Universe to rein sovereign over her day. I am also teaching her how and what to pray. Ultimately, these few minutes in the car help to grow her faith. Our prayers for our little ones and grown-up ones, spoken from our heart, in the kitchen, the backyard or even the car are powerful in the ears of our Father.
Okay, if you have never turned your automobile into a prayer mobile start today. Grab a child or two or more, jump in the car, buckle up, head to the nearest ice cream store for a cold treat. While on the way, don't forget to pray! Please stop in for Marriage Monday at my place today: Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Labels: Children, Lynn's Articles, Parenting, Prayer Leave a comment... 6 Comments Links to this post Earlier today I prepared a silly post about a beady-eyed buffalo with shaggy dreadlocks and a bizarre midnight game of roadway chicken. However, I will save it for another day because God interrupted my day with an experience that leaves me humbled and at the foot of the throne. I am compelled to tell you what happened. My family returned home from a weeklong vacation in Yellowstone National Park this past weekend. We arrived home after midnight and fell into bed exhausted. I awoke early the next day expecting to get a jump on the unpacking, mountains of laundry, yard work and a zillion other chores to be completed before we leave again in three days to visit the in-laws. My husband found me this particular morning with my cup of coffee in hand, sitting at my computer reading through my email. He delicately mentioned that his cousin and very pregnant wife, twins, telephoned and would be stopping by for lunch in a few hours. It is my nature to freak-out over unexpected visitors especially when the house is a disaster. Let alone the enormous amounts of work ahead and little time to accomplish it all. However, I remained calm (inexplicable, I know) and I did not take my frustration out on my husband which has been known to happen.--Divine intervention-- I ran to the grocery store to buy sandwich fixings for lunch. While standing in the checkout line, I thought to myself, I can do this. It’s only an hour, two at most. There will be plenty of time after lunch to get all of the unpacking done as well as most of the laundry. My husband’s cousin and his very pregnant wife, twins, arrived. Had it really been five years since we last got together? We sat in the kitchen and chatted, ate lunch, chatted, moved to the family room, and chatted and then…. chatted some more. Six hours later, my husband, and I waved from our driveway as his cousin and very pregnant wife, twins, drove away. I think I wanted to be angry. I wanted to feel sorry for myself. What an imposition. What inconvenience. Wasted time. I am a true testament to the patience of our God because He impressed upon me at this moment the words of a prayer I pray often. Lord, make me available to intercept lives that need Jesus. God spoke to my heart: Lynn, I am God. I will use your life to serve my purposes and in my perfect timing. I will not cater to your schedule, but you my child, need to be available for my schedule. Lives are more important than laundry. Relationships with your family are critical as there are many who do not believe in me yet. Their lives rank higher than an unpacked suitcase. Lynn, your obedience to be available is what will change the world. As I type these words, tears flow. *Gulp* What a lesson! I will never forget it. Today, I still have one unpacked suitcase in my bedroom, the dog hair flows across the upswept tile, the ironing awaits but I will NEVER again think of relationships, of people, less than my first and foremost priority because they are God’s first and foremost priority. Please stop in for a visit at my place: Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Labels: Lynn's Articles, Relationships Leave a comment... 4 Comments Links to this post  Last weekend my daughter and I made peach cobbler together. No not an exciting detail to mention yet it was extraordinary in my life. You see, I serve the King of “Do Over.” Some of you may be aware I worked in the corporate world of finance for 23 years. I began as a teller, I retired three years ago after working in many capacities as commercial lender and manager. Five years ago, while absorbed in my corporate persona, had you told me I would be making peach cobbler, from peaches grown in my back yard, I would have said you were crazy. I told everyone I knew back then I did not have a domestic bone in my body. --Ask my mother, she can attest to this statement. Every time I made this pompus remark my Great King looked down upon my life. He knew I needed a “do over.” Boy, did I ever get one. (It’s all good!) I went from Nine West to Payless, from designer suits to Wal-Mart sweats. My power lunches morphed into a McDonald’s break after school with my tuckered out little girl. I left the fast-paced world of finance and discovered a new pace. I discovered an entirely new life. I am a stay-at-home mom and having the time of my life! God in His infinite wisdom gave me the opportunity to live a different life. He knew I was missing some of the greatest gifts this life offers. He wanted me to experience facets of life on earth I didn't know were possible. I began to take an active part in my daughter’s day and school. I began to write and to read more. I grew tomatoes and canned them all by myself. I learned to cook and I love it. I clean my own house. I am good at it too. I can pick peaches, blanch them and make homemade cobbler from scratch, okay Bisquick, close enough! Last weekend as I sat in the kitchen pealing the skin from the juicy, rip peaches, I looked up and smiled. My heart was overflowing with gratitude and wonder. With peach juice dripping from my elbow and splashing on the floor, I thanked God for His wisdom. I am a new woman. A woman with more than a domestic bone in her body, I have a new heart and a new life. I am humbled to my knees when I meet others whose lives were also changed by a God sized do over. God meets our deepest needs even when we are blind and unable to recognize them ourselves. We serve a brilliant, magnificent, holy, God! Now it’s your turn. My daughter and I invite you to make peach cobbler. The recipe follows. When you are peeling your peaches sometime this week, remember to raise a smile and a prayer of thanks to the God of fantastic do-overs. Peach Cobbler:  1 c. brown sugar 1 tbsp. cinnamon 4 tsp. cornstarch 6 c. sliced fresh peaches 12 c. milk 2 tbsp. sugar 2 c. Bisquick 1. tsp lemon rind Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in saucepan. Add peaches and toss to coat. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until boiling and thick. Reduce heat and cook 2 minutes longer. Set aside. Combine Bisquick, sugar, lemon rind. Add milk. Stir with fork until moistened. Return peaches to a boil. Pour into 2-quart oblong baking dish. Drop batter of top. Bake at 400 degrees fro 20-25 minutes. Serve with sauce. Lemon Sauce: Mix ½ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 ¼ cup milk in saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until it comes to a boil and thickens. Reduce heat and cook 2 minutes longer. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter, t teaspoon lemon rind, 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Serve warm over cobbler. I am a do over. Are you? I would love to hear your story. Please stop in for a visit at my place: Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Labels: Lynn's Articles, praise Leave a comment... 11 Comments Links to this post God intrigues me. He always finds me while I am camping to impart a new life lesson with each tent experience. Last weekend was no different. Saturday night I am snuggled in my fluffy sleeping bag, fast asleep. In the early morning darkness I become painfully aware a bathroom trip is imminent. I fumble with the tent zipper which is stuck. While struggling to dislodge the nylon from the teeth, I begin to dance the potty dance. My feet are tapping and I am tugging. Finally I give it a forceful pull while praying over the tangled mess and the zipper roles up. Whew! After I rush to the bathroom, I slowly amble back up toward our campsite. On the trek back I notice a strange phenomenon, a subtle roaring is emanating from every campsite I pass. For a second I wonder if wild animals have congregated looking for leftovers. No, I don’t hear wild beasts. I hear men snoring. I giggle, completely amused by the various pitch, gurgling, and roaring noises which fill the night air. I arrived back at our campsite to find our tent is rockin’ and a rollin’ in unison with my husband’s wood sawing. My six-foot-two, tall dark and handsome, can snore better than most. He has been known to register a 5.2 on the Richter scale occasionally. We live in California - this can be sacary. As for myself, I might breathe heavily or sigh politely in my sleep. *grin* For years I informed my spouse his snoring was perhaps a bit “over the top.” Of course, he did not believe me. Not once in his entire life had he heard himself snore. He was convinced that I was daft and suffering with oversensitive ears. Finally, it happened. While rooming with a buddy on a trip, my husband’s snoring became so loud his friend picked up and checked into his own room to get a good nights rest. At last, my husband believed. All of this snoring has led me realize, I too, have ignored loud and annoying parts of my character. I chose to believe my circumstances were an exception to specific teachings of scripture. So much of God’s Word I want to apply but have willingly left certain verses sitting idle. I have ignored God. Specifically, over the past two years, God has been pointing out several scriptures I refused to believe were for me. Today, I surrender. I cannot see my life as an exception. I must see my life through all scripture, even passages which point out my spiritual snoring. At last, I see, I believe! Slowly, patiently God waits for me to open my eyes. He never gives up, never tires, never sleeps. He waits and works, crafting my heart and soul. The Lord has an amazing future planned for me which is born out of obedience. I can’t wait to see what awaits tomorrow as I surrender willingly today. Jesus obedient: John 4:34 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." I retell this story with a hug from my husband and his encouragement.... Tall, Dark, and Handsome, thanks for allowing me to share you with my friends. Please stop in for a visit at my place: Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Labels: Humor, Lynn's Articles, Obedience Leave a comment... 9 Comments Links to this post You know this woman. It is likely you have read her story so many times she no longer speaks to you. Perhaps you feel disconnected from her life circumstance. Her life is a distant problem and your life is a sharp contrast to everything she is. Let’s take another look. Possibly we will find we are not so different after all. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. This woman, a Samaritan, is astonished to realize a Jewish man is speaking with her. The brilliance of Jesus in this scene blows my mind. Jesus crosses over the cultural barriers of the time. He still does this today. Jesus and the woman begin to talk about the ancient well and the water therein. He says to the woman, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." Why did Jesus say this? We know from scripture she is divorced for the fifth time and currently living with a man who is not her husband. Do you think Jesus wanted to expose her guilt? I think, perhaps He wanted to expose her thirst. Jesus helps her to realize her attempts to find satisfaction have left her with an ever-growing thirstiness. Each marriage was a new taste of sweet wine. Each suspended her deep longing, at least for a time. In the end, each failed to quench her thirst and left her desiring ….something else. You and I are not so different from this woman. We also struggle with longing, restlessness, dissatisfaction, and yearning. Even though we know Jesus, we still can feel a restlessness rise up in us from time-to-time. If only I could loose a few pounds, I know I would be happy. If only I had a new home, I would finally be happy. If only my husband…. If only my mother-in-law….If only…If only….If only….. Jesus does not come to condemn us and riddle us with guilt. His desire is to help us realize our own hidden longings which keep us bound in knots. He wants to free us from dissatisfaction and give us a life of contentment. I am a visual learner with a vivid imagination. I hope you can imagine the following scene. Imagine yourself walking into your kitchen and there, standing by the sink is Jesus. He is wearing a white robe and holding a crystal clear glass of water. You stop in your tracks and stare, daring not to move. He smiles. You relax and return His gaze. He holds up the glass and speaks your name then says, “I have come to give you freedom today. Surrender to me your secret longing and I will give you a carefree day of glorious living. Drink up!”  Can we see ourselves in this story? Are we truly drinking the living, sustaining, satisfying water, or sneaking a sweet wine substitute? Let's take our longings before the throne, Jesus is waiting to meet us there. Please stop in for a visit at my place: Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Labels: Contentment, Lynn's Articles Leave a comment... 4 Comments Links to this post Friday afternoon we arrived at the campground. We bailed out of the car and began to unload the gear; sleeping bags, cook stove, food bins, and the most dreaded piece of camping equipment known to marriage, the tent. This year we brought with us a brand new tent, still in the box. I spied the beast lying on the ground, knowing what must ensue. Looking around I was relived to see the campground was empty with the exception of a retired couple sitting quietly in their lawn chairs in front of their trailer about 100 feet away. I approached the box, cut the tape and out slid the biggest pile of nylon and connect-the-sticks I have ever seen. The contraption sleeps ten. Why a family of three needs a tent this size, I still cannot explain. Dragging the tent around on the site, I called to my husband for help. Thus the event commenced; the raising of the tent. This is a hotly contested battle of wit and patience between a husband and a wife. If television wanted a truly unrefined reality show, Raise the Tent, would win hands down. Two minutes into the set up, orders were shouted, my husband was obviously blind to the logic of my instructions. This became readily apparent from the look on his face. A retort from my frustrated spouse was foreseeable. The sound level increased. I glanced over at older couple who sat smiling at their reading materials, afraid to look up for fear they would break into hysterics. Precisely at this moment in all tent-raising events, children mysteriously disappear. My daughter retreated to the creek, suddenly captivated with the rocks at the bottom. I lowered my voice but the yelling continued in what I call, snake whisper. It is still yelling just at a hissing level. I am sure some of you can relate. The older couple is no longer watching covertly, they sit mesmerized by our Finally the Holy Spirit became fed up and tapped upon my heart. He reminded me I no longer needed to be in control. In the midst of our squabbling I saw my husband, a gift from God. I saw a man who has made me a better woman. The bickering diminished instantly and the tent went up quickly. My husband and I are spiritually mismatched in our marriage and although my husband has yet to discover the truth of Christ for himself, Christ is alive and active in our marriage. Christ’s supernatural power brings us through the arguing, disagreements, and tent construction. I look back upon my marriage journey and see Christ standing with us. He has been working through my nonbelieving husband to smooth my rough edges of selfishness and desire to control. My spouse and I are the ultimate odd couple. Our back grounds and beliefs are vastly different, which makes our marriage, our happy and fulfilling marriage, a miracle.  An hour later, I sat at the picnic table waiting for our friends who were joining us to settle into their campsite. Their daughter wandered over for a chat. I asked her, “Did your mom and dad getting everything set up?” She replied, “Yes, but yelling was involved.” I laughed out loud knowing God was alive and well in the next campsite! 1 Peter 3:1-4 (The Message) Please stop in for a visit at my place: Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Labels: Humor, Lynn's Articles, Marriage Leave a comment... 17 Comments Links to this post It’s the weekend! Woohoo! Over the past few weeks I’ve been busier than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Sorry, all you cat lovers. What is it about the month of May? I find this month particularly stressful as many of our ordinary activities culminate and crescendo in a finale worthy of the White House. Bible study ends next week. I must prepare for our end-of-the-year brunch. Brunch is not only a time to remember our experiences with God but an elaborate decorating contest to prove no center piece can be too large or ostentatious. ---I am centerpiece challenged! Send me your suggestions. Every May, my daughter is included in a ton of extra curricular activities. A day trip to Disney Land, birthday parties, visits to museums, field trips, and band concerts. My daughter plays the flute. From my tour around the blogosphere earlier this week, it is obvious I am not alone. Post after post I empathized and sympathized with a number of you who are stressed out, weary, drained, fatigued and just plain wacky from the pace of it all. Perhaps it is just me who is wacky (likely). So how do you know when it is time to stop, rest and spend time alone with our Savior. Some of my church friends got together and we comprised our own Top 10 list. The Top 10 reasons you know it’s time for a rest and recharge: (These are real experiences) 10. You find yourself arguing with your three-year-old and she’s winning the conversation. 9. You start cutting the person’s food next to you and you realize it’s not one of your children. 8. Going to the grocery store is the highlight of your week. 7. All you can grow, is found on the leftovers in the refrigerator. 6. You throw on a cap to avoid getting your roots done. 5. The Ice Cream truck driver knows your order but not your children’s. 4. Your date with your husband ends up at Wal-Mart, and you’re both excited about it. 3. You’re hourly telling your kids, “Mommy needs a time out!” 2. The manager at Sees Candies says, “Oh, hi, you again, the usual two pounds?” And, the number One Reason you know it’s time for a rest and a recharge: You begin calling your hot flashes, “mini tropical vacations.” Laughter and time alone with my Savior, is just the thing. With my Lord’s help, a hot Starbucks, and meaningful time alone with my bible and prayer journal, I will triumph. I will conquer the centerpiece, finish errand running, help with the birthday parties, and plan the camping trip. God is good! All the time! Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Amen, Lord Jesus, Amen! Labels: busyness, Humor, Lynn's Articles Leave a comment... 13 Comments Last week, I was intrigued by a story on a national news broadcast. The story highlighted the multiple jobs a mother performs and the equivalent compensation she would receive as a paid professional. It is a whopping six-figure salary!  Predicated on the extensive domestic duties we perform, it is estimated a mother is entitled to a base salary of $47,179. However, when overtime is included, the annual pay skyrockets to $138,645. Mothers, on average, log an astonishing 91.7-hour workweek. We multitask not because we can but because it is necessary. We cook dinner, set the table, answer the phone, wipe our toddler’s nose, all while helping our ten-year-old with math homework. Moms are long-term thinkers. We make choices every day that often won’t bear fruit for 30 years. We are cheerleaders, boo-boo fixers, and hot chocolate makers. We are the disciplinarian, the psychologist, and our child’s spiritual watchdog. We are faithful prayer warriors. Motherhood offers no monetary compensation and rarely are we encouraged with a pat on the back for a job well done. We receive no vacation time and if we are sick, we work anyway. However, the benefits are excellent.  As mothers we are privileged to peak in on our cherubs as they sleep to glimpse perfect peace and beauty. Our heart melts from a spontaneous hug and kiss. We experience a profound pride while watching our child take their first step or score their first soccer goal and rejoice the day they are baptized. We delight in their first crush, first pimple, and first date. We pray diligently over their learners permit. We are elated over a great report card, a kind word spoken to a sibling, a crayon-colored card for our birthday and a small voice that says, “I wuv you.”  We are blessed by God to be called to this profession. Motherhood opens a window in our soul to understand God’s unconditional love. Mothering brings joy as well as heartache but most of the time we find fulfillment. We are serving the Most High by serving our children and their earthly father. There is no greater calling in the world than to raise up the next generation of Godly adults.
 Labels: Lynn's Articles, Motherhood Leave a comment... 9 Comments Links to this post  Over the past several months I have enjoyed participating in an e-panel for a Christian publisher. My service on this panel will conclude this month. The final question is excellent: How does your hope of heaven impact the way you live life on earth? What a great question! I thought I would share my reply: “Mom!” my eleven-year-old, daughter drew out the word with heavy pronunciation. It sounded more like Maw-u-m. I looked up at her. She was standing in the kitchen a few feet away, staring straight at me, arms akimbo. “Don’t go to Jupiter without me,” she stated with annoyance in her voice. I smiled as I considered our conversation. Just before this stern statement, I was preparing dinner, chopping away at a head of lettuce. I was absorbed in travel imaginings I might have when I become a permanent resident of Heaven. As Mini-Me was setting the table, I off-handedly stated, “Jupiter is one the first places I plan to visit after I arrive in Heaven.” My daughter was distraught. How dare I consider going on an adventure without her while she is still living on earth? She was quite serious. You see my daughter and I talk of heaven all the time. We dream, we plan, we giggle, and we save our imagined adventures in our hearts. We plan to visit the dinosaurs, pop in to witness Paul deliver his speech in Caesarea. Experience the Orion Nebula. We plan to ride horses and pick flowers. Visit the past, explore the present see the future, and talk with everyone in-between. Moses, John, Noah, Eve, Mary, to name a few. In the New Heaven and New Earth, you won’t find me in the city, though I plan to visit often. You will find me in the garden – Eden! I have already made my request to the Master for a gardening position on the planet, thank you very much. I dream, dream, dream, fully aware my imagination can run wild. I envision myself sitting on the marble steps of the throne room for a thousand years, gazing at the King, face-to-face. I have much to ask Him. I want to talk with the angels who were my protectors on earth. What was it like for them? I want to thank each and every person who pointed me toward Jesus. I want to hug everyone there. I know heaven may not be like my dreams. It will be far more fantastic! Heaven is very real. Because of heaven I have hope for today and for tomorrow. I am free to live the impossible. I am able to forgive the unforgivable. I am empowered to love lavishly! I can live fully! I am genuine when others are deceptive. I am optimistic in a world gone mad. Hope of heaven carries me when life is ugly, cruel, unfair, and dangerous. Hope removes fear, doubt, and cynicism. Hope of heaven is my lifeline.  One of the best parts of heaven is like a sea bird. Imagine the bird flying to the shore of an ocean where it picks up a grain of sand in its beak and flies away. Every million years, the bird returns for another grain. When the sand from the beach is finally gone, the bird moves on to another beach, then another, one-grain, one million years. The day the bird picks up the last gain of sand, is only the beginning of our time in heaven. Heaven is where I will spend my days delighted with the King, living fabulous adventures, and loving His children. I have hope for today. I trust God with tomorrow. I have heaven in my heart because I know the Redeemer of mankind, Jesus, the Messiah. How does your hope of heaven impact the way you live life on earth? Labels: Heaven, Hope, Lynn's Articles Leave a comment... 10 Comments Links to this post Is it possible to have an entire week of bad hair days? I mean seven consecutive days of follicle revolt? Last week the part in my hair crossed over to the dark side. Literally. The top of my head looked like a dark river ran through it. Even my geriatric Dalmatian with cataracts could see I needed color. He barked at me as an unrecognized intruder last Thursday. But this story is not about my bad hair week. This story is about what happened during my color weave at the salon. For those of you who have never experienced a foil color weave, let me just share this. You pray a thunder storm is not brewing overhead for fear of a lighting strike. --- A warm greeting, a hug and into the chair I go. For the next 45 minutes my stylist colors and weaves foil through my hair while we talk incessantly. We cover all the hot topics such as Dancing with the Stars, the book The Secret (don’t get me going on this. Fodder for another post), husbands, marriage and finally we move to matters of faith. We chat about her children and her husband’s faith. She pronounces me ready for the dryer. I rise from the chair, the black cape swirling around my ankles, head full of foil and walk to the hair dryer. Color works faster under heat. She shoves a magazine in my hand, turns on the dryer and walks away. I read, glance around at the other patrons. I love to watch people. Just two minutes pass when she returns wearing a serious look on her face. She sits close to me in the adjacent chair, apprehension oozing. I could tell something is burning in her mind. I hold up the magazine to shield our whispered conversation. “What is it?” She stares seriously at me, hesitates then whispers quickly, “Is it true that when you sneeze you breathe in Satan.” My eyebrows shoot up. I cannot fathom why she would believe such a thing. I smile warmly and gently shake my head, “No, it is not true.” I can see her shoulders relax; her serious look is replaced with relief. She jumps up and walks into the other room leaving me puzzling under the dryer. Because of her covert questioning I realize this odd rumor is currently circulating among the stylists in the shop. I am amazed to think these intelligent, adult women believe such nonsense. That is when it happens. I am struck by lightning. Not because of the foil in my hair. A spiritual lightning bolt hits home. I hear God whisper, “These women are greatly deceived about many things. They need salt and light.” Shake, shake, shake.  We are the salt shakers. He is the salt. Only through shaking out truth can we bring light to a dark world. So many people live in fear, believing half-truths or outright lies. They desperately don’t want to be afraid but they are. Christ’s followers know the truth and can set men and women free. Free from fear!I am thankful I had the courage to discuss my faith over the last several months with my stylist. It opened a door for light to shine on deception….. Satan in a sneeze for crying-out-loud! Jesus is salt and light. He illuminates deception. We need only be available, He will do the rest. Amazing!
Labels: Faith, fear, Friendship, Lynn's Articles Leave a comment... 15 Comments Links to this post Today marks a significant day in our history, Palm Sunday. Today we remember the week leading up to the most inconceivable event in human history. The Son of God! Recorded in all four Gospels: Sunday: The Triumphal Entry; On the first day of the week Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling an ancient prophecy. Monday: Clearing of the Temple, turning the tables of the money changers. Tuesday: Controversy and parables; Jesus evaded the Pharisees traps and taught the people. Wednesday: Unmentioned. (Interesting) Thursday: The Last Supper with his disciples. A loaf and a cup of wine. The new covenant. Friday: The crucifixion and death of our Savior. Saturday: Defeats the enemy of The Ancient of Days! Sunday: Resurrection of the Messiah, Jesus the Son of God. Victory over death for all mankind. As I am typing this recap of Christ's life, I feel a lump in my throat and warm tears brimming. My soul is overwhelmed with the hope I have because of this week and what Jesus did for me. He split time in two. He is the first. He is the last. He is everything in between. He is conqueror. He is redeemer of the broken hearted. His is the restorer of relationships. He is healer of all wounds. He knows the innermost parts of my heart. My Provider. My Champion. Powerful Advocate. He is trustworthy and true. He holds the stars in His hand! Wars are waged against Him......He is victorious! Lies are broadcast about Him......He is truth! Governments try to crush Him......He is sovereign! Legislators work to erase Him......He is ever-present. Schools no longer pray to Him......He is our intercessor. The media scorns His name......His name gives life. Evil tried to kill him......HE LIVES! Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,  We are healed. We have hope. We have victory. Jesus faced the week ahead for us. We are the passion of Jesus Christ. Labels: Lynn's Articles, sacrifice, salvation, worship Leave a comment... 15 Comments Links to this post Unseasonably warm weather has been the norm this spring where I live in Southwest California. The last few weeks have held a hint of summer days spent at the beach and weekend barbeques. My apologies to everyone who is currently buried under snow drifts taller than your SUV. Stay with me and dream a bit. While enjoying the supreme temperatures on Saturday night at our first seasonal outdoor barbeque, I started thinking about the fun ahead at future cookouts. Which naturally lead me to ponder what I might bring along to the next get-together. Of course, then I thought of watermelon, that lead to seeds and on to my daughter who has probably never eaten a watermelon with seeds, and finally, stay with me here, I arrived at the Wholeness of God. No wonder our husbands shake their heads and contemplate, “How did she come up with that?” (Am I alone here?) During this visit to the various parts of my brain, I stumbled over the seeds. My daughter has been raised eating seedless watermelon. It is likely she hasn't enjoyed the fun of digging through the juicy, red fruit searching for a seed to spit at her older, grown-up brother. Seed fights and eating melon to the rind expired as seedless melons flooded the grocery stores. She will never delight in an errant vine growing in the grass or holding a slice as it drips from her elbow. For this generation, watermelon is served in precisely cut squares or in fantastic fruit bowls as melons balls.  I somehow feel sad about this lost experience. Seeded watermelon is fun. The sweet heart of the melon is the prize. The seeds are work to separate out but they offer laughs and somewhat mischievous opportunities. Thinking about the sweet, delectable heart of the watermelon made me think about God’s heart. (The brain is firing again.) It is God’s heart where we find complete security, purpose, forgiveness and love. In His heart we are made whole. It is where we always want to dwell and never leave. But, God is much more than heart. God is Holy. Sometimes I find myself completely wrapped up in God’s heart but ignoring the wholeness of God. The holiness of God: He freely forgives. He deserves our respect. He bestows mercy richly. He is worthy of honor. His grace abounds. He merits joyful gratitude. He protects avidly. We owe Him priority. He loves purely. He warrants our adoration. He blesses abundantly. Our responsibility is due. I cannot pick and choose only the sweet parts of God. To love God is to love His holiness, His wholeness and embrace all of Him. Resting securely in His love I am able to dig deep through His heart and search for those seeds of wisdom, the whole of God. There I discover His majesty, sovereignty, eminence, and limitless facets of His character. From this day forward when I see a watermelon, I will be reminded of the holiness of God. I will rejoice in His love. I will reverence His name. It is my fervent prayer that you will too. In fact, (brain going again) I think I will head to the market and search for a seeded watermelon to share with my daughter.  Be blessed with His profound nobleness today! Labels: Lynn's Articles, relationship with God Leave a comment... 12 Comments Links to this post I want to invite you to join me for coffee this morning at a small town diner. This is the same diner where my grandfather would meet all the old coots from town for a mean cup of coffee, a chat about the weather, and to share a yarn or two. I am sure every man in this small town has heard the story I am about to tell you. My grandfather, Papa, was an accomplished fisherman. He could easily pull a trout from a lake, a roaring river, or even a skinny brook. Heck, I bet he pulled a few from the gutter out front. My papa could fish. I loved to go with him. We left at dawn with poles in hand and a bag of candy. This man knew how to bribe a grandkid.  My first fishing adventure was to a reservoir. I was nine years old and confident of my fishing ability until I saw the wiggly worm. Gross! Papa fixed my line and cast it from the shore. You guessed it. I caught the very first fish, a nine-pound catfish. Okay, I may be exaggerating. This is a fish story. I was nine. Nine is what I remember. Papa whooped and clapped as he pulled the fat-cat from the line. I was beaming like a sunrise in summer. I loved this fish. It went without question; I would take it home and keep it as my pet. Grandpa agreed. He filled a large pail and placed my “new pet” inside. Into the camper it went for the trip home. Mom protested our sudden acquisition of the wet pet. Papa was deaf to her complaints. He had a hearing problem, the selective type. We proceeded home with the bucket sloshing and spilling all over the camper floor. I was ear-to-ear teeth the entire ride. Later that afternoon poor Whiskers died after my goofy brother dropped him on the patio. Whiskers went to catfish heaven (don’t try to convince me otherwise *grin*). My grandfather sensed my sadness over my lost pet and knew exactly what to do. “Get ready for a fish funeral.” he smiled. “There won’t be a fish fry tonight!” Calling the family together, he tenderly placed the stiff fish in a carrier he crafted out of an old coat hanger. Thus, the procession began. From tallest to smallest, we headed out behind the garage. I remember Mom following with her 16-millimeter home movie camera for posterity’s sake. Gently, old Whiskers was laid to rest in a shallow earthen grave. I shed a tear. As I remember this crazy catfish funeral, I smile. My grandfather’s compassion was a priceless gift to a small girl. I still carry it with me today. Gifts of compassion we seldom forget. Jesus took my prodigal years and redeemed them. Jesus said to me, “I love you” when I was alone and still defiant. Jesus walked faithfully beside me when I was a liar, even to myself. Jesus met me in the darkest pit and took the lash to save me. I still carry all of these gifts with me today. Jesus. No one can take this gift away. No one can touch it. No one can change it. The compassion of Jesus will carry me home one day. Until then, I am compelled to share His compassion and love. I want to share Him with people in extravagant, impulsively, playful, and even outlandish ways. I want to love like a man who would bury a fish. After the fish funeral while tucked in bed and fast asleep, the alley cats enjoyed a banquet. I was over the trauma by the next morning (you know kids)….. All was right with the world. Labels: Grace, Lynn's Articles Leave a comment... 15 Comments Links to this post  In the fifteenth chapter of Luke, Jesus shares a story about a lost son, The Prodigal Child. This scripture is a sweet treasure to Lynn. She would describe herself as the prodigal daughter who was also lost in the world. However, there is a small difference in the telling of Lynn’s story. When she returned home to the open arms of the Father, she brought along her unsaved husband. Lynn married her husband fifteen years ago. Throughout their spiritually mismatched marriage, God has been carefully crafting Lynn’s character and purpose. Her husband’s skepticism and hard-hitting questions push her to live her faith day-to-day to the best of her ability. She would tell you that her spiritually mismatched marriage is the cradle that grew her faith. Lynn and her husband live in Temecula, California with their daughter and two dogs. Prior to her full-time writing career, she worked in Corporate America for 23 years. Lynn retired as a banking executive in 2003. Today she also serves in Women's Ministries through her local congregation. “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” ~ Philippians 4:13 Lynn can be found writing daily at her personal blog, "Spiritually Unequal Marriage," or the with the group over at, "Laced with Grace." Labels: Lynn's Articles, The Blog Team Leave a comment... 2 Comments Links to this post
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