Open Wide!

We have all likely seen (or been) that parent who, in an attempt to get their fussy, distracted baby to eat something, tried sneakily coaxing their little one, ''Open up wide, the airplane's coming in for a landing!''

Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. Babies kinda have a mind of their own.

(cute kid!)

The thing is, for babies (and for all of us), it's difficult to receive anything when your mouth is closed.

I wish my 3-month old would catch onto that concept. Sometimes when he is hungry and frustrated, it is literally impossible to nurse him because although his mouth is open, he is crying too hard to suck. I feel bad, knowing that I have what he wants and what he needs is available to him, but he is too caught up in his own irritation to receive it.

Those of us who are parents know that there is a difference between a baby crying to communicate with us, and a cry of anger.

My child knows that I can satisfy his hunger, but he doesn't yet realize that I do it out of love and that he doesn't need to demand it from me. He gets impatient pretty quickly, which makes him unable to enjoy what he actually needs.

But can I really blame him? Don't I often do the same thing?

In Psalm 81:10 God extends an invitation: ''Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.'' He is the Giver of good gifts Who is ready to extend grace. Why do I feel like I need to force it from Him?

At times my mouth is wide open, but not to receive. Instead, my mouth is filled with complaining or self-pity. Instead of resting by my heavenly Father, trusting Him to provide me with what I need, I'm busy fighting for my ''rights'', thinking I somehow have to convince Him to give.

A baby who still nurses can be demanding. A weaned child, on the other hand, knows that they will receive what they need and is simply satisfied in being.

''But I have calmed and quieted myself,
    I am like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child I am content.''

Psalm 131:2 

Would you say you are ''weaned'' - content, trusting, patient, delighting in His presence? Or do you find yourself striving, pleading with angry cries for what you want? Remember, we are welcome to approach God with confidence, ''so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need'' (Hebrews 4:16). He wants to give.

Today, friend, let's ''open up wide'', knowing that our Father ''knows what we need before we ask him'' (Matthew 6:8).

Praying you experience His provision in the way you need it today!

When Praise is a Sacrifice

Today, October 15th, is a day of remembrance.

Two days ago, Canadians celebrated Thanksgiving with friends, family and great food. But today is different.

It's a day I wouldn't have paid much attention to if it weren't for an event that happened in my life just over a year ago.

I never imagined having to count myself as 'one of them' - the group of women with soul connections on this day.

October 15th marks the 'Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day'

As mentioned on the official website, back in October 1988, American President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. He sensitively said, ''When a child loses a parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn't a word to describe them.''

And as one of those parents, I realize there also isn't a word to describe one's emotions when you lose a child.

Yes, I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy 3 months ago. But on August 6, 2013, I also buried a baby after suffering a miscarriage at 8 weeks.

Since then, 5 friends of mine have unfortunately had to do the same.

How does one reconcile thanksgiving and trial? Love and loss? Praise and pain?

Hebrews 13:15 talks about offering God a 'sacrifice of praise.' Oh, how you and I know that praise isn't always easy. How many days is it a decision we have to make instead of a natural response flowing from our hearts?

Tim Hughes' song, ''When the Tears Fall'', is a powerful summary of the struggles and questions I was left with after my miscarriage. But it's also an intense reminder of hope, an invitation to look up.

I've had questions without answers
I've known sorrow, I have known pain
But there's one thing that I cling to
You are faithful, Jesus You're true
When hope is lost
I call You Saviour
When pain surrounds
I call You Healer
When silence falls
You'll be the song within my heart

I'm not trying to minimize anyone's pain by saying that we should just 'get over' such experiences, that we're not allowed to ask questions, or that we need to suck it up and be 'spiritual'. No, mourning IS spiritual (a whole book of the Bible is all about lamenting!)

But for me it is significant that this day of loss and remembrance falls two days after Thanksgiving. Because I can still be thankful, and praise God even when it's hard.

Praise Him for the fact that I'm not alone, since He is familiar with suffering.
Praise Him for hope.
Praise Him for life.
Praise Him for Shalom - that all-encompassing, deep, healing, life-giving peace and comfort.

Maybe you haven't lost a child, but maybe praise is still a sacrifice for you.  Maybe it's sickness, disappointment, stress, doubt.

But may I encourage you to offer a praise sacrifice even in your suffering?

And friend, if you've lost a little one, let us remember together. Know that Jesus sees your tears and is ready to offer beauty for ashes.

No Record of Wrongs

My son was wailing, and it was my fault.

He was over-tired, since I had passed him around to people eager to hold a sweet baby instead of getting him to sleep. I had pushed back his nursing time, then on top of that, I accidentally dropped something on his foot, which made him burst into painful tears all over again.

What an awful feeling as a mom.

But then, a few minutes later after some cuddles to calm him down, I laid him on his change table and apologized (even though he's only 2 months old). And suddenly he looked up at me with his bright blue eyes and gave me the BIGGEST smile ever, as if to reassure me, 'It's okay, mom. I love you anyways.'

My heart absolutely melted.  

 Image Credit: Laird Salkeld

Laird SalkeldL

Laird Salkeld

And in that moment the Lord reminded me of the true definition of love: being slow to anger, quick to forgive, and keeping no record of wrongs.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8, The Message

 

 

Another lesson learned from my son.  

 

 

The Gift that keeps on Giving

I learned an amusing new German phrase the other day. The 'Deutsch' love their complicated compound words, and this new expression I heard basically means, 'everything.'

When a product promises a lot or when you refer to someone as a 'jack of all trades', you call it an 'eierlegende-wollmilchsau.'

That's right...an egg-laying-wool-milk-pig.

It's the perfect animal! Good for food, drink, clothing. 

In other words, impossible. 

The all-giving animal doesn't exist. And neither does the all-giving person. You need to know if you're made for milk or meat!

As a mom, it's easy to feel like I am in constant demand. Nursing, changing diapers, rocking to sleep, as well as cooking and cleaning and taking care of the hubby and, and, and...it is rewarding but definitely tiring. Though everything might be expected of me, I cannot give everything. I need to set boundaries so that I have the strength (and sanity!) to give what I can. Sometimes that means letting my baby cry for 10 minutes so I can actually take a shower and get ready for the day. Sometimes it means saying no to an invitation and instead planning an evening off for my husband and I to spend together. Somtimes it means asking for help from others who can do what I can't.

There's a reason that chickens lay eggs and that cows produce milk. When you know who you are and what you're made for, it's easier to say no to things that distract you from your real calling. If you are secure in your identity, you're not tempted to be an 'eierlegende-wollmilchsau' for people, because you know that your worth isn't based on what you do.

As Christians, we often talk about being 'on fire' for Jesus. That's nice, but we have to be careful that we don't 'burn out' for Him! Saying no IS an option.

Sure, in the Bible Paul writes that he made himself a slave to everyone and became all things to all people (1 Corinthians 9), but by that he didn't mean that he gave to an extent where it was unhealthy. Instead, he simply wanted to reach people where they were at. He, like many of us, wore many hats. Paul understood what it was like to be in demand.

And yet this same Paul shares an amazing promise: ^''God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work...You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion'' (2 Corinthians 9:8,11).

Blessed:

...in ALL things
...at ALL times
...having ALL you need

...for EVERY good work
...in EVERY way
...on EVERY occasion

Sounds like a lot of grace to me!

We're not called to give everything, but we're called to give something. And God promises to enable us to do the giving.

We need to be able to say no, but also be confident in what we say yes to, knowing our Heavenly Father is able to equip us and help us do it with excellence. God's resources are rich, His mercies manifold, and His supply ceaseless.

Since being a Mama, I've learned something interesting about the way God designed us women. The more I nurse my baby, the more milk my body produces. Genius, isn't it? The more I give, the more I receive and am able to give. If I were to stop giving, the resources would dwindle.

I believe the spiritual principle of giving is the same. When we're generous, God enriches us. When we give (of our time, talents, resources), we also receive.

''A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.''

Proverbs 11:25

Giving of ourselves can be a hard thing to do. People require things from us physically, emotionally, mentally, financially, spiritually. But WE are the gift that can keep on giving, because we give out of overflow, not out of lack. We are blessed to be a blessing.

''Freely you have received; freely give.'' 

Matthew 10:8

Let's not try to do it all, but whether we're called to lay eggs or produce wool, let's do it with joy, giving freely.

 ''Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.''

Luke 6:38

Easter Treats and Truths

Our little one isn't even born yet, but I did something today that I think I want to turn into a tradition and do every year with my kids at Easter: baking with a purpose! (What can I say...I'm a teacher at heart and if I can combine a meaningful lesson with fun and food, why not? :) )

These 'Resurrection Rolls' are yummy, fun to make, and a great symbol of the true meaning of Easter. You simply wrap a marshmellow in dough, and when the rolls are finished cooking, the inside is hollow and empty - just like the tomb was!

He is not here: for he is arisen! (Matthew 28:6)

You can make these sweet treats using pre-made crescent roll or Pilsbury dough, but since we don't have that here in Germany and I like to make things from scratch anyway, I've included the instructions for everything (adapted from Love From Scratch.) Below are some snapshots of my afternoon...

To begin with, the ingredients (this makes about 48 rolls):

1 1/2 cups scalded milk 

2 eggs

6 cups flour 

2 teaspoons salt 

4 Tablespoons sugar 

3/4 cup butter 

3 teaspoons yeast 

1 cup butter 

1 cup sugar 

2 Tablespoons cinnamon 

48 marshmallows

And now, the directions (simple but time consuming):

Combine first 8 ingredients. Let rise until doubled. (I let mine rise for about an hour, and though it hadn't doubled it worked out fine)

Divide into 48 balls and flatten. 

Mix sugar and cinnamon together. 

Dip marshmallows in melted margarine, then into sugar mixture. 

This represents the oils and spices that the body was prepared with after the Savior's death. 

Wrap roll around a marshmallow, sealing completely.

This represents his body being laid in the tomb.

Sprinkle the top of the rolls with the sugar mixture. Place them in a large greased pan and allow to rise till double (approx. 35 min). Bake at 375 for about 15 minutes.

And enjoy!

(A few tips from my experience...the pans really should be greased, even if using parchment paper like I did, since the marshmellow 'bursts' and leaks, leaving a sticky mess. Also, next time I think I would use only half a marshmellow per roll - you get the same effect, without the roll popping open during the baking process.)

HAPPY EASTER! He is risen!

This is Judah...

Not all early deaths are preventable, but some are...

Reality Check

It felt like 3 little bubbles gently bursting on the inside.

Unexpected, soft, yet very obvious.

My baby's first kicks.

What a miracle! We'd had 3 ultrasounds done and could see each time how our little one was moving about in my womb - lively, active, discovering his own tiny hands and feet and sucking reflexes. Then suddenly, at about 20 weeks, this whole other world could finally be felt on the outside! I don't think there are many more wonder-filled moments than that.

Despite knowing about Baby's existence for a few months now, it is still something quite different and extremely special to feel it. It helps make the 'inner reality' more, well, real!

There's another reality that I sometimes forget the truth of. I'm reminded of it though when I read verses from the Bible like Romans 8:1 or  2 Corinthians 5:17. And that is the fact that I, like a baby in a womb, am IN CHRIST. 

Even though I haven't even met our child yet, there is already so much love within me and a bond that can't be described. This baby hasn't done anything to 'deserve' my love; it simply is. And is it any different with God? He loves us and has saved us 'not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy' (Titus 3:5). Grace isn't something we earn, and our identity as God's sons and daughters isn't dependent on us proving ourselves. 

Me being IN Christ means that I am safe, secure, loved, and provided for. HE is my source of life.

Yet this amazing reality has another aspect to it...

 Not only am I in Christ; He lives IN ME! Colossians 1:27 talks about the rich mystery of 'Christ in us, the hope of glory.'

We talk about this all the time when we mention 'inviting Jesus into your heart.' While not quite a full picture of what the Gospel is all about, this is a central and fundamental aspect. Our old and sinful selves are done away with when we surrender our lives to the Lord, and we are renewed as Christ takes up residence in us through his Spirit.

Romans 8:11 expresses this powerful reality: 'The Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you...' The same Spirit, the same power, the same potential that Jesus had is IN ME! I can love, serve, make wise decisions, and move in power because of the Holy Spirit in me.

This reality isn't something weird or psychic, and I'm not saying that we, as believers, can 'become one with God.' God remains God, and we remain human. But that's exactly the miracle - we are transformed by His power and though we can't take any credit for it, He moves through us.

I've already had well-meaning strangers rub my belly, commenting on the life growing within me. I can't make the baby move, but I am a vessel through which the movements can be felt. In the same way, I am not the one who heals, encourages, or reveals, but these works of the Holy Spirit can be demonstrated through me and touch the lives of others (if I let them get close enough!)

It truly is a miracle. Knowing my identity in Christ allows me to rest and receive love, knowing all is grace. And being aware of His presence in me helps me live boldly, building His Kingdom here on earth, knowing all I have to do is obey, allowing Him to move through me. That is the hope of the world.

Like a child...

We are an auntie and uncle again! For the 10th time :-) My brother-in-law and his wife had a baby late this past Sunday evening, and we got to see him yesterday for the first time - Baby Benjamin:

 

He's perfect! And we are thrilled :-)

I was thinking this morning about what a miracle children are. We saw Mogi's brother and his family on Saturday night, and there was Mama...big belly, ready for their new son to come any day. And less than 24 hours later, the child is out of the womb, into the world, has a name, has a family, is self-sustaining (almost). It's incredible!

And then I read this verse out of Ecclesiastes 11:5  - "As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things."

That about sums it up! One of the most mysterious attributes of God is His identity as Creator. It evokes such awe and wonder! And I believe that awe and wonder are exactly the right response. As the Psalmist said, "From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you" (Psalm 71:6). How can we not praise a God so marvelous, so beyond our understanding?

And his incredible power is coupled with his mighty love. He is pictured in the Bible as a Father, and we as his children. In this regard, little "Benni" is already teaching me some lessons. At this stage he has no choice but to rely on his Mama and Papa to provide for him, protect him, take care of him, nourish him, teach him, help him.

And though we might think we can do otherwise, we are really no different than Baby Benjamin. We are so, so dependent on the grace of God - even for our next breath! Our lives are but a blade of grass that grow up, and then are blown away by the wind. We need our Heavenly Father's protection; we need His hand guiding us and teaching us how to walk; we need His approval, his loving glances toward us; we need His provision.

And the key to receiving God's love and favor? Trust. "Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother’s breast." (Psalm 22:9) Even when God's ways don't make sense to us...even when we cannot understand his work...even when we throw a fit and wish it were our way instead...even when we have questions...letting go in surrender...choosing not to worry but being content in all circumstances...even in the pain...and also in the good times...faith.

 ...like a child.