A Risky Request

I was laying in bed last night, and as per typical, I was unable to fall asleep immediately. It really doesn't matter how tired I am, it's always at least a few minutes before I can completely doze off...

So, as I lay there--not awake, but not fully asleep--I decided to pray.

I sort of mumbled/half-breathed the prayer, "I want to be like you, Jesus."

At almost the same moment the final word exited my mouth, I felt a heavy impression on my heart and in my thoughts. It caused me to literally gasp, then exhale a deep breath of..."Whoa." Suddenly, I was AWAKE.

This impression, that I am certain was from the Holy Spirit, spoke clearly to me...

"Be careful what you pray for."

Then, my mind was immediately filled with the truth, "Yes, Jesus is holy, selfless, dedicated, impacting, a great leader, full of compassion and love, just. BUT, remember...Jesus was also scorned, scoffed at, ridiculed, rejected, betrayed, and ultimately, beaten and murdered."

Again, "Whoa."

I think I'll be processing all that implies in my life for awhile, but what I take immediately from it is the admonishment and the reality-check that Jesus' life was not just a bunch of miracles and Messiah-moments...He wasn't always surrounded by tangible success or people who appreciated the purpose He came to serve...And, if I truly desire to be like Jesus, I need to live consciously aware that my life won't be either. It may even require extreme sacrifice.

Allow me to leave you with this concept, though...No matter what, I am thoroughly convinced that a life lived smooth, but without Jesus at the center, is no life compared to one fully devoted to His likeness--even if it is full of trial and tribulation.

"To live, is Christ. To die, is gain." Philippians 1:21

Shack Attack!

If anyone has chosen to read the body of this blog based on a false assumption that they'd find info about the notorious basketball player, Shaquille O'Neal here--well, then, I apologize for any misleadings in my entry title. Sadly, I have nothing of note to offer in regards to Mr. O'Neal...I do, however, want to talk for a moment about "The Shack"; a book written by Wm. Paul Young. And, my blog title is entirely accurate, because, MAN, did this book attack me! But, in the absolute best way possible!

Now, I'm aware that I may be a little late to the playground, so to speak, by just now commenting on this book. (But, try to cut me some slack--I'm just getting my bearings back after a few month span that included my wedding, "The Big Three" winter Holidays, and exciting job adjustments!) However, if you're thinking, "The Shack?! That's SOOO 6 months ago!"--clearly, you need to read it again, because somehow the message must not have sunk in the first time. :)

This book will blow your stinkin' mind, my friend. Count on it.

It will rock your preconceptions of the world around you, God Himself, The Trinity. Bank on it.

It will make you think twice before you offer out the "But, He was Jesus!" whine to excuse coming up short in any area of life. No Doubt. (*More on this in another blog!)

Most of all, it'll move you. I don't know exactly how, as I am sure it's different for each person. And, I'm even certain some will have a negative response--but, you won't finish "The Shack" without having been affected in some way. I promise.

Reading this book was a "Wow" moment for me...Actually, it was several "Wow" moments. So, get ready--there will be more blogs about "The Shack" coming your way!

But, in the meantime...READ IT.

Unsettle Me.

I received this powerful article/prayer in my email last night. It's so good, I just had to give you all a crack at it, too!

Unsettled
by Lysa TerKeurst

Unsettle me.

These are the two words rattling about in my brain today. I almost wish it was a more glamorous prayer. Surely more eloquent words could be found for what I'm feeling led to pursue during this new year. But these are the words - this is the prayer for my 2009.

The funny thing is I've spent my whole existence trying to find a place to settle down, people to settle down with, and a spirit about me worthy of all this “settled down-ness”. All of this is good. A contented heart, thankful for its blessings is a good way to settle. I like settled, it feels good, familiar.

But there are areas of my life that have also settled that mock my desires to be godly woman - compromises if you will. Attitudes that I've wrapped in the lie, "Well, that's just how I am. And if that's all the bad that's in me, I'm doing pretty good."

I dare you, dear soul of mine, to notice the stark evidence of a spirit that is tainted and a heart that must be placed under the microscope of God's Word. Yes, indeed, “Unsettle me Lord”.

Unearth that remnant of unforgiveness.

Shake loose that justification for harshness.

Reveal that broken shard of pride.

Expose that tendency to distrust.

Unsettle me in the best kind of way. For when I allow Your touch to reach the deepest parts of me - dark and dingy and hidden away too long - suddenly, a fresh wind of life twists and twirls and dances through my soul.

I can delight in forgiveness and love more deeply.

I can discover my gentle responses and find softer ways for my words to land.

I can recognize the beauty of humility and crave the intimacy with God it unleashes.

I can rest assured though harsh winds blow, I will be held.

Goodbye to my remnants, my justifications, shards, and tendencies. This is not who I am, nor who I was created to be.

Goodbye shallow love, sharp words, self-focus, and suspicious fears. I am an unsettled woman who no longer wishes to take part in your distractions or destructions.

Welcome deeper love, softer words, unleashed intimacy, and the certainty I am held.

Welcome my unsettled heart.

Welcome 2009.

Similarities Between Obama and Jesus?

I read an interesting article this morning. It was written by one of the Bishops of my denomination--The Free Methodist Church--named David Kendall. Just thought I would share it with you!

Triumphal Entries and Salvation for the World
By Bishop David W. Kendall
As our new President journeyed to his inauguration in Washington, D.C., I’ve thought often of Jesus. There are similarities between them. Both came from relative obscurity and quickly rose to prominence. Both inspired crowds of people with soaring rhetoric and engaging presence. Both connected in ways unlike most other leaders. Both led a movement that enlivened ordinary folks with hope. Both made people think a new day had come.

Both journeyed to the capital to fulfill their destinies. Both were greeted with joyful welcome. Both entered the city in ways that re-energized a storied but threatened heritage — Jesus recharged a long but tired expectation of kingdom-come, while President Obama has embodied the dream that most embraced (at least in public) but feared might never quite come true. Both made people think that maybe this time it’s for real. Both went to the city at a time when the world really needed the good news their arrival signaled.

Of course, President Obama is not the Messiah. And, of course, much of the wild enthusiasm that attends his presidency (which has hardly begun!) is likely misplaced. Despite the enormous, even cosmic, differences between President Obama and our Lord Jesus I’m still quite sure we will look back and see that both disappointed their most enthused partisans. Let me explain.

Jesus disappointed by staying true to his Father’s kingdom-way, which is not of this world. He disappointed by insisting that serving self (whether the individual or corporate self) and seeking to save self leads only to disaster. He insisted that “pouring out” or “losing” self leads to kingdom-dream-come-true or “salvation.” Then He led his followers to the place of death, which also turns out to be the place of resurrection.

I hope and pray that President Obama will pursue Jesus’ way as he leads our nation; that he will call us to lose ourselves for the sake of others, to lay down our lives in love even for our enemies, to champion the causes that God so clearly champions in the Scriptures. I believe there are ways a nation can do such things. I hope and pray our President will lead this country to reflect the values of a kingdom-not-of-this-world.

Two things make me optimistic. First, President Obama has already acted in ways that make people from all sides of the ideological divide mad (e.g., he included religious leaders in the inaugural events from polar opposites of the spectrum). That is, he demonstrates so far a freedom from party ideology. Second, he has spoken hard truth that nobody wants to hear (e.g., it will get worse — perhaps much worse — before it gets better).

Christ-followers do not have the option of being cynical or even negative. We have the calling to pray, to remain people of hope, to speak good whenever possible, to disagree graciously, and to lean into a future that may lead to a cross in the short term, but eventually will lead to resurrection.

Why I Love the Church...

I love the church because…well, what’s not to love?! (Don’t answer that! *wink*)

Seriously, though, nothing is perfect, but wow, some things are really great! My church is one of them. I have 100% grownup here. All “almost 30” years. And, there are SO many wonderful things I could mention…but, lately, I have been really coming to a deep understanding of, and reverence towards, consistency—and the affect it has. I am who I am, and have what I have, in large part because of consistency. Not just in places and surroundings—though I wouldn’t discount that—but, mostly the consistency in people. I am grateful because my family has always shown Jesus to me, and expected Jesus from me, with equal passion in public as at home. I was sent to schools where I had daily opportunity to engage with people who challenged me and encouraged me in similar ways. And, pivotally, I’ve had the privilege of belonging to a church that has provided me family, friends, role models, prayer warriors, generous hearts…I could go on and on. The consistency in those arenas has been an unmatched blessing. The impact is remarkable. I know that without it, I would not be who, or where, I am. For over a couple decades, I have had a front seat view of people worshipping, giving, loving, challenging, needing, providing, encouraging, comforting, and ministering…My church has consistently been a beacon of God’s light and truth in my life…And, once I was old enough to choose my own way, my own standards, my own life—it was that consistency that kept me firmly rooted in the saving grace of Jesus Christ and with a passion to share it with others.

For this, I am so thankful, and say heartily, “That’s why I love the church!”

Service of Champions

Unfortunately, I don't have the power to put my church friends on the front of a Wheaties box, but I gotta tell you--our Family Day this past Sunday was awesome, and all the people who participated are champions, in my box--ahem, I mean, book! :) We patterned it after the recently concluded Beijing Olympics and if you weren't here you should really kick yourself in the behind, cuz you definitely missed out!

It all began with a torch runner entering to dramatic fanfare from out on Killian Road. Cheered and applauded all the way to the front of the Sanctuary, our hero lit Cornerstone's very own Olympic flame--igniting the start of an extremely fun, challenging morning!

The rest of our time together included Mahani, Cornerstone's Youth Dance Team pumping us up with "Dance in the River," our Children's Church Worship Team joining ranks with our Big Church team, a visit from Saturday Night Live's "Two Morons," and a message from Pastor Brenda reminding us that the goal is to pass a vital, relevant faith to people beyond ourselves--the same way you pass the baton in an Olympic relay race. And, how, if you fail to make the pass successfully, the race is over, because nothing else matters!

Who are you passing the baton to today? Or have you dropped it? Better question: Are you even in the race??...No matter what your answer to any of those questions is, I have good news! There are plenty of people who need a "pass" from you...as long as they are still here, you can pick that baton up to go at it again...and it's never too late to join the race!

You Can't Hurry Love

Well, hello. It's been a couple weeks, and I apologize for my absence. I promise I wasn't giving the silent treatment, I've just been slightly busy. You see...

I GOT ENGAGED! Very exciting times in my life right now, just very consuming also because we are planning and executing a large scale, yet on-a-budget, wedding in under 4 months time. YIKES! Are we crazy, you ask? Hmmm...probably a little. :)

Anyway, during the rush of activity over the days, and now weeks, since Aron Carpenter (that's his name) popped the question, I've realized there are some things you can hurry. Like for instance, you can microwave your dinner, you can take a short cut to the store, you can hop in a bulbed bed or go for a spray if you want a quick tan, and if you have decent connections, flexible expectations, and a bevy of generous and capable friends, you can even hurry a wedding. BUT, and this is very important, so make sure you grasp it, there are some things you absolutely can not hurry. And, as the old song goes--YOU CAN'T HURRY LOVE...or MARRIAGE, for that matter. At least not the kind God has really ordained, and will really bless.

I am 29 years old, and I have been in love before--at least to one degree. But, not the kind of love to build a marriage on, love to serve as the foundation for a lifetime. Had I hurried to the altar then, I guarantee it would have been very far less than God's best. Though painful, I am so grateful I chose (and in some ways, was forced) to wait on God's man, God's timing for my life.

There may be some of you out there right now feeling very lonely, and wishing desperately to be in a relationship, in a marriage. You desire this so much that you may just jump into something, anything that offered that future to you. I just want to encourage you to wait on the Lord. Be confident in His attention to you, His provision of you, His plan to fulfill the desires of your heart as you walk closely with Him. The Bible tells us that God is conscious of even the smallest of sparrows--so how certain can we be that He is very aware of us?!

Let me encourage you with this...Both my fiance and I waited on God, in a variety of ways, to bring us His best for our lives. It was not easy on many, many days...and there were periods when each of us faltered, choosing to pursue relationships of our own design, rather than His. But, ultimately, both Aron and I laid our hopes and dreams for a love and a life-partner at the feet of the Lord, and He has proved Himself faithful. He has so thoroughly come through for us that it is hard to explain it all in words and this limited space. God was preparing us for one another over all this time...as a matter of fact, just recently we found out a piece of history that tells me God's plan for Aron and I is 30+ years in the making--but, I'll save that for another blog. :)

I know God is preparing great things for you too! Be patient, let Him work, let Him piece everything together in just the right way to meet your wants and your needs. He'll do it...just you wait and see!

"Be confident of this, He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it." Philippians 1:6