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.

Thanks + Giving + [Always?]

Sun shining; house cozy warm from the heat of the oven, which contains a 12-pound turkey; smell of apple cider and cinnamon candles; husband peeling potatoes and me kneading dough; table set and awaiting guests.

It's Thanksgiving. Autumn is here - my favorite time of the year!

 

There's no way to exactly duplicate a tradition, but we took joy in the newness of Thanksgiving and our first time celebrating it in Germany was a success!  I even managed to come up with a maple leaf - Canadian Pride! :)

Funny how memories are triggered. Memories of family members showing up at our house, of board games, of kids, of lots and lots and lots of (great) food, of getting to use the "special" plates and glasses, of the "go-around-the-table-and-everybody-say-one-thing-they're-thankful-for" round.

Giving Thanks. Because so much has been given to us; it's the least we can do in return. 

But Thanksgiving is more than a day; it's a lifestyle. 

If we only choose joy when we have a full plate, a full stomach, and a full house, are we really giving thanks?

This year my husband and I were confronted with the biblical mandate to REJOICE ALWAYS.

Three days before Thanksgiving, his mom took a fall outside, was rushed to the hospital where it was discovered that she had a complicated wrist and elbow break, had an emergency operation and likely has to remain in the hospital for 3 weeks now.

That wasn't exactly part of the plan. Or at least our plan.

For awhile, I felt guilty for excitedly anticipating food and fellowship, but then the Holy Spirit reminded me, "It's perfect timing to celebrate Thanksgiving." If not now, then when? 

 

The Lord called us here to help bring restoration. And it looked like restoration was happening - my mom-in-law was overcoming the effects of her stroke and was beginning to ride a bike again, re-learning how to write, and becoming more engaged in activities and conversation. And now? She's laying in a hospital bed with metal plates in her arm and can't remember what happened or why she's there.

What does giving thanks look like in this situation? I read a quote from Ann Voskamp the other day which made me think:

"My lips may have said YES to God's grace of a Messiah - 

but my life has said NO to God's gift of this moment."

How is it that we so easily receive God's GIFT of grace, His GIFT of salvation, His GIFT of a Savior...but so often reject His GIFT of each new day? What makes us think we can pick and choose what we get to give thanks for?

And so, in the middle of hospital visits, short nights, telephone calls to family, and conversations with the doctors and nurses, we choose joy.

• We're thankful that in a matter of minutes after calling emergency, we had 5 medical personnel at our doorstep.
• We're thankful for hospital staff working the night shift, so she could receive immediate care.
• We're thankful for friends and family who have stopped in to visit. 
• We're thankful for a praying community of brothers and sisters in the Lord.
• We're thankful that none of this is a surprise to God. 
• We're thankful that God redeemed the situation - my mom-in-law's "room mate" gave her life to the Lord after my husband had a conversation with her about Jesus!

And although the reality of the situation isn't nice, we're allowed to celebrate.

“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10). Joy is something deeper than circumstances. Receiving each moment with thanksgiving is what allows us to live in joy.

There is another quote that says: "Hope is hearing the music of tomorrow. Faith is dancing to it."

So we "turned up the music" yesterday and enjoyed a feast, knowing God is in control of the end of the story. We're still working on the dancing part, but we believe that God is good and that He's worthy of receiving our thanksgiving. Always.

P.S. Would you pray with us, please? For a quick, miraculous healing, for peace for us as a family, especially my husband's dad, and for the strength to dance? Thank you.

Unless a Seed Falls...

Now tell me...if this isn't a miracle, then what is?

I almost couldn't believe my eyes once I got started harvesting things from our garden last week. How incredibly, richly blessed we are! Food is something I so easily take for granted. It's a normal part(y!) of everyday life, isn't it?

It sincerely amazes me how such a variety of delicious, fresh, nutritious, and colorful fruits, vegetables and flowers can be brought forth from the earth from a single seed.

We all know that a seed needs sun and water in order to grow. But there's another important factor that we often forget...

"Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies..."

(John 12:24)

Without death, there is no fruit. Unless it "falls to the ground and dies, it remains a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." Paul commented on the same principle in 1 Corinthians 15:36 - "What you sow does not come to life unless it dies."

What if a seed had a mind of its own, and could choose it's own glory instead of bringing forth fruit? What if it could decide to become 'big and rich and successful'? It would, literally, be full of itself! Unless a seed bears fruit, it's useless.

Image from foodmate.com

Big seeds are impressive, but big fruit is what counts. The picture above shows the harvest of American pumpkin grower Ron Wallace's world record pumpkin that weighed 2,009 lbs. 

A British seed company bought an inch-long seed from the pumpkin, paying £170 on an online auction, about 400 times higher than what is normally paid by specialist growers for giant pumpkin seeds.

The only reason such enormous fruit is possible is because a seed died in order to give life. 

Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

"Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me..." is the invitation from our Savior. Give up your rights, surrender your dreams, and bear the fruit of the Spirit in your life. By refusing to build our own kingdom, selfish and limited, we participate in the building of the Kingdom of God, which is "RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, and JOY in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). Now that is something worth dying for.

Death hurts. But we are called to "offer our bodies as living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1), meaning we always have the choice of crawling off the altar. Taking the easy way out means choosing to live out of our own strength, our own striving, and seeing limited fruit. Surrendering, on the other hand, means participating in God's marvelous, loving plan and fulfilling the "good works He has prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).

This spiritual principle of a seed falling to the ground and dying gives us hope, since we can be assured that even the things that appear to be "dying" in our lives can be used of God to bring fruit, and can raise a harvest far bigger than anything we could ever do on our own. 

 

"Now this is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples..." (John 15:8). 

Joy Dare

A Challenge from Ann Voskamp to "Count 1,000 Gifts" throughout the year. I started in April, and here are a few on my list so far:


For April 9: "A Gift Held"

Surprise roses...from my father-in-law! So thoughtful of him :)

For April 10: "3 Gifts Opened Up"
 

 

The sky opening up after a morning of rain.

 

 

Opening the pages of the Word of God...gifts of wisdom, encouragement, love!

Opening our fridge and being reminded of God's provision...His abundant goodness!

Where can you witness God's glory in the details of your life this day?

Join the Joy Dare: http://www.aholyexperience.com/joy-dares/

What has inspired me this week...

These quotes are what I've been pondering this last week as I've walked through my own personal "Easter Journey" and been reminded of my weakness, and God's Grace.

 

 Jesus died so I could be made whole, live a life of fullness, receive forgiveness, and have peace. What hit me as I watched "The Passion" with a group of people on Good Friday was that Jesus didn't defend Himself. The people who mocked Him were right - He could have called down angel armies and been delivered. But He didn't.

 He could have performed miracles and made everyone standing near "oohh" and "ahhh." But He didn't.

He didn't try to reason, didn't try to stand up for Himself. He knew the final Victory was His anyway! And now, raised back to life and seated at the right hand of God, He is interceding for us (Romans 8:34). We have a Defender! And if God is for us, who can be against us? He stands behind us and there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!

 

There are days when I'm aware of my need for Him, my need for His grace, my need for healing. And there are other days where my default seems to be trying to do things on my own. Then I get frustrated, because I mess up, I'm not perfect, and I don't have answers.

 

  ("overflow with thanksgiving" - Colossians 2:7)

And, I'm discovering, the key to everything is simply being thankful. 

God's Grace is there if I would just receive it and acknowledge Christ's sacrifice for me. He doesn't condemn my imperfection or judge me for my need! His Grace is simply sufficient. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

This month I've begun Ann Voskamp's "Joy Dare" and have decided that every now and again here on my blog I will record my findings of discovering God in the ordinary and acknowledging His gifts.

Yesterday the challenge was "3 Gifts Surprisingly Found." My eyes wandered to the beautiful flower my husband brought home for me. "Just because" - my favorite :) 

Later on I was trying to plan a meal and contemplating whether to make a trip to the bakery, in walks my father-in-law with a loaf of fresh bread for us! Surprise Gift #2!

And the day ended with a reminder of grace. As I serve my mother-in-law there are times when we disagree, times when I have to be stern, and times when she doesn't want to do what I ask her to, although it would aid in her healing. I was surprised that even her short-term memory loss can be a gift, in that after a little clash she quickly returns to being so forgiving, so trusting, and so open again. 

Thankful that Jesus paid it all!

Blood Donors

Two weeks ago my husband and I went to donate blood at the German Red Cross. They spoil us here in Germany, in that they actually hire a butcher and prepare a big meal for all blood donors as a thank you! Not quite like the juice boxes and granola bars in Canada, eh? :) They are also very intentional about caring for your health (for example they gave me tablets to replenish my iron). We have begun donating regularly, as often as we're allowed, and it's actually really fun and fulfilling!

Sure the needle pricks a bit, but just the thought that we could be helping save another person's life makes it all worth it! I am amazed at the scientific research and technology that makes this all possible, and totally thankful for the complexity of our bodies and how God created us. WOW! We figure it is such a practical way to "love your neighbor."

I have a hard time fathoming how 500mL of this "red substance" can make such a difference in someone else's life. In fact how is it that blood itself holds the power of life? The Bible was way ahead of scientific data and understanding when it said: "the life of a creature is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11). No blood, no life; but new blood, new life!

Our little experience at the blood donation center reminded me of a t-shirt I once saw someone wearing:

"a blood donor saved my life!"

My life, too, was saved by a blood donor. But it didn't happen to Him through nurses and needles; instead by whips and nails. By piercings in His side, by harassment from His enemies and being spit upon. By a crown of thorns being twisted upon His head and His naked body carrying the weight of a cross up to Golgotha.

"Nothing but the blood of Jesus..."

We sing about it, we read about it, we talk about it, and every time we participate in Communion, or the Lord's Supper, at church, we soberly remember and celebrate it. But what does it actually mean that Jesus gave His blood for us?

Today is Thanksgiving Day in Canada, and I thought for this day I would like to start a series about the blood of Christ, because it is what I'm thankful for. It is the most precious gift we could receive, the foundation of our salvation. It is of course a huge topic, but here are some basics about the power of Christ's sacrifice:

It is the symbol of the New Covenant I have with God (1 Cor. 11:25). Jesus said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” Blood was also the seal of the Old Covenant that God made with His people, the Israelites...Every sacrifice the priests made and every animal they offered had to do with the spilling of blood, given "for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance (Hebrews 9:7). "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22). Sacrifices were God's way of providing salvation for His people in the Old Testament, but the blood of Jesus was what sealed the New Covenant.

The good news is that now, Jesus doesn't have to offer Himself again and again - His blood sacrifice was once for all (Hebrews 9:25), sufficient to cover our sins...and so much more.

His sacrificial death on the cross was foreshadowed by the Passover event in the Old Testament. When the Lord was about to release His people from the grip of Pharaoh in Egypt, He gave them the command to sacrifice an offering to Him, taking the blood of the animal and marking their doorframes with it. "The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you" (Exodus 12:13). In that way, the people of Egypt were struck with the judgments of God while Israel was set free. 

In the same way, the blood of Christ sets us free. When we accept Christ's gift we are marked by His blood, which offers life, protection, and healing. Here are some of the promises of God from the Bible that talk about the power of the blood of Christ and what exactly this New Covenant is:

1 Peter 1:18-19 The blood of Christ "redeems us from the empty way of life..." Before we knew Christ, we lived in death, in hopelessness, in darkness. Now we belong to Christ and are given Hope and Life and Purpose!

Ephesians 1:7 "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace." We have eternal life! The blood of Christ fulfilled the requirements of the law that nothing and no one else could. Jesus Christ gave His life as a RANSOM (Hebrews 9:15) - setting us free from the effect of sin (which is death) as the power of sin to control us and be our master (Romans 6). 

1 John 1:7 The blood of Christ "purifies us from all sin." That means we are spotless, clean, and no stain of unrighteousness is on us. God sees us as holy, forgiven, perfect in His sight!!! It doesn't matter what we've done or "how bad" we've messed up - Christ's blood was enough to offer forgiveness for ALL.

Ephesians 2:13 We have been "brought near through the blood of Christ." And Jesus reconciled to Himself all things, "making peace through his blood, shed on the cross" (Colossians 1:20). Because of sin humans are separated from God, out of relationship with Him, strangers. But the blood of Christ makes it possible for us to be in God's presence, to "approach Him with freedom and confidence" (Ephesians 3:12, Hebrews 4:16). We can have peace with God.  Jesus is standing next to God, interceding for us (Romans 8:34). What does that mean? It means he "destroyed the barrier, breaking the dividing wall of hostility" that separated us from God, and now stands in the throneroom, holding the door open for us so we may talk to God, hear from Him, be in relationship with Him and experience Him.

What precious promises! Jesus Christ willingly went to the cross, laying down His life and pouring out His blood to give us freedom from sin and peace with God.

And we can be partakers of these promises when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. But His blood has power and an effect on our everyday lives as well...

More on that in Part 2!

"At All Times"

Finding myself in a bit of a spiritual "rut" lately. I know lots in my head, that I am loved, and that Jesus deserves my praise. And I am not sad, discouraged, defeated...just somehow disengaged. But I read Psalm 95 in my devotions this morning and verse two really stuck out to me:

"Let us come before Him with thanksgiving..."

There is the key! As long as I focus inwardly I will remain stuck. But when I lift up my eyes and focus on Christ and what He has done, I am free. The best and most acceptable posture to come before Him in is thanksgiving.


Another powerful verse in the Psalms states,

"He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God." (Psalm 50:23)

When I offer thanksgiving, I prepare the way for God to work. When I give Him the glory He is due, he delights to further reveal Himself and His power. When I honor Him (even if it's a sacrifice) He meets me.

Wondering what the will of God is for your life? "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). ALL circumstances, at ALL times. Thanksgiving.

"I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips" (Psalm 34:1).

So I choose today not to focus my thoughts on my own circumstances and feelings, which change so easily. Instead, I look to God my Rock, the Faithful, Unchanging One, and what He has already done in my life.

Here are a few things I'm thankful for today:
the Love of my Heavenly Father, salvation through Christ, the gift of the Holy Spirit, my husband, my family, our church and ministry community, our home, for music, for fellowship and friends, for the Word of God, for creativity, for shelter and clothing, for financial provision, for technology like Skype so I can keep in touch with friends, for daily protection, for grace, for touch and smell and taste and sight and hearing, for sunshine and rain, for a warm cup of tea.

How about you? What sacrifice of thanksgiving can you offer today?

Miracles

Well I've been meaning to write ever since returning from our week at camp...

There is just so much to share, I'm not sure where to start! God definitely proved Himself, as I shared in the last post, to be STRONG and to be LOVING. Lives were completely changed! People were set free from depression and addictions, chose to forgive those who had hurt them in the past, and young men and women who came from difficult home and family backgrounds experienced a God who, as their Heavenly Father, loves them the way they are and is proud of them.

Powerful truths! Life-changing realities! Miracles.

Students were encouraged the whole week, and left affirmed in their gifts and calling and most of all, their identity as sons and daughters of God. They were taught to use the Word of God as a powerful weapon against the lies of our enemy that constantly face us. They experienced deep inner healing resulting in joy and peace, as well as physical healing, as they lifted up their eyes to Christ in worship. We were all reminded of the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit and his presence and power dwelling within us.

The Love of the Father, the Victory of Christ, the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit. 

What a great God we serve!

I wanted to share these things with you, my readers, as a testimony. Revelation 12:11 says we overcome the devil "by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony." When we testify to what God has done, we advance His kingdom and the enemy is rendered powerless.

God is a miracle-working God! And He displays His power still today. 

Psalm 77:13-14
"Your ways, O God, are holy.
    What god is so great as our God?  
 You are the God who performs miracles;
    you display your power among the peoples."

I also wanted to share one way God provided for me last week...
I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed, and it was literally without any problems! There was no swelling, and the same day I was able to eat and talk normally, and go to our small group that evening. Then the next day Mogi and I were involved in helping lead worship for an event, and I was able to sing. Praise God! I love reminders like this when God says, "Hey, I care about the small things in your life, too."  

I know we all walk through things that are not easy. We have doubts. Questions. Fears. Times where we just don't get it, or wonder where God is and if He really knows what He's doing!

But I want to write this as a reminder...OUR GOD IS ABLE! 

God has been speaking to me through the story in 1 Samuel 1-2 as Hannah wept and poured out her heart before the Lord. God answered her prayer, and she responded in worship through song: "For the Lord is a God who knows!"  

Praying today that you experience the peace, love, and provision of the God who sees you, the God who knows about the circumstances in your life, and the God who is able to move mountains. 

If you need a miracle, let me know and I'd love to pray with and for you! If you've experienced God's love or power, leave a comment and share your testimony!  

Top Ten

Thought I'd write a simple post about 10 things I'm grateful for today. Giving thanks always puts things into perspective:

1) Snow. We haven't really had any snow this season...until last week! It is absolutely beautiful - not too cold, and falling gently. I love it! (And it makes me a bit homesick for Canada.)

2) Music! Last night my husband and I went to a jazz concert in an old monastery - how cool is that?! I love living in Europe :-) The band was excellent. Music is such a mysterious gift...

3) Food. As I write this, my tummy is telling me it's getting anxious for supper. I really don't know how blessed I am to have a fridge full of so many options of stuff I can eat. The *majority* of the rest of the world doesn't have that privilege. Wow.

4) Skype! Of course technology has its disadvantages, but at the same time it's great. I love being able to connect with friends and family "face to face."

5) Family.What else is there to say? I love and miss you guys!

6) Community! Being part of the "family of believers." Even though I'm adjusting to life in a new culture, I am surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ, which immediately makes me feel at home.

7) The Word of God. You wanna know what I read this morning? A verse popped out at me from Judges 6 - God spoke to Gideon, and then Gideon went to prepare an offering for Him. "And the Lord said, 'I will wait until you return' " (v. 17). Maybe I'm taking it a little out of context, but I believe that God speaks the same thing to us today - He is always waiting for us to return. We may forsake Him, we may pursue our own kingdom a hundred times throughout the day, but He's always waiting for us to come back. Always.

8) The fireplace I'm sitting beside right now. Warm and cozy - 'nuff said!

9) Hope. As the old hymn goes, "Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow - great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!" God's grace keeps me going - every day.

10) You, my readers. Thanks for viewing my blog! Feel free to comment or share - I hope we can inspire each other.

So...what's on your "Top Ten Thankfulness" list of today?

Mirror, Mirror, on the...

...page?

Yes I looked into the mirror this morning (a few times) as I was getting ready for my day. But another part of me was so desperate to also be ready for this day. I spent time getting my outside ready, but my spirit on the inside also needed some work done. I had neglected to look into another mirror yesterday, and I found myself easily frustrated and discouraged, caught up in my own little world instead of focusing on what I was called to do.

So this morning I took time to look into another mirror––one that isn't on a wall, but on a page.

James wrote, in chapter 1:22-25 of his book in the Bible, that the Word of God is like a mirror. He describes it as "the perfect law that gives freedom." We experience that freedom only when we do what it says, and not merely listen to it.

And this is what I saw in the mirror of the Word of God this morning:

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity....And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."(Colossians 3:12-14,17)

When I read this, I definitely saw some blemishes in my spirit which weren't pleasant to look at. If I had asked, "Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?" I would have heard, as the Queen in Snow White did, that there was One fairer than I. But the good thing is, the Bible isn't just a mirror that points out everything that's wrong; it also provides the solution.

On that note, I should go now...I've got to get dressed with some compassion and gentleness and patience, and there's some forgiving and loving and giving thanks that needs to be done...

Five Minutes...

"When will my husband be home?" she asked. "He gets off work at 5:00 this evening," I replied for the sixth time today.

We sit down to eat lunch. "You know, I had a friend once who always complained about not having enough money, but she was so wasteful with food..." It's the same story that I've heard, without fail, every time we eat together. I respond like I'm hearing it for the first time.

At the end of the meal she comments that the food tasted great. But an hour and a half later, she wonders if we've already eaten lunch.

My mother-in-law had a stroke two years ago, and because of it, her short-term memory was affected. She recognizes her family and she remembers the past, but in the day-to-day activities she simply can't remember what happens. She can't really be left alone, because she forgets where we are or what she's supposed to be doing. One of the main reasons we moved back here is because God gave us a burden to care for my husband's family, and especially his mom.

Some days she remembers that she had a stroke, and then she recognizes that her memory isn't as it should be. I can't imagine what she goes through when she is faced with her own weakness! It destroys her emotionally when she can't find someone or something in the house, and knows she can't do anything about it. It confuses her mentally when she sees things done in a way that hasn't been done before, and doesn't realize she was the one who did it. It burdens her spiritually to care about the welfare of her children but constantly not know how they're doing. And it hurts her physically if she overuses her right arm, which was paralyzed at first after her stroke.

As I spend my days with her, sometimes I wonder why I do what I do. Why make a nice meal if, within the hour, she will forget about it? Why initiate an activity when it will only last 10 minutes and then she'll be tired? Why invite friends and family over when, after they've left, she will have no recollection of them being here? Her face lights up with joy when she's doing something she loves, like teaching piano to a student, but that joy always seems so short-lived.

God is teaching me something through my mother-in-law's condition, though. And that is,  Live in the moment. Sing, pray, laugh, play, eat, reminisce, share deeply, cry, create...make the most of all opportunities. And enjoy them as they are. Have you ever had one of those holidays where you were so caught up in trying to take pictures and preserve the memories that you didn't stop to enjoy what memories you were making in the moment? We need to slow down.

A story has been going around on Facebook lately (you can read it by clicking here) about a man playing violin at a Metro Station in Washington, D.C. He played for an hour and collected a total of only $32, and no one applauded or paid attention, except a few young children who stopped and watched curiously, but being quickly hurried along by their parents. "No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music."

No one saw the beauty of what was happening.

If that can happen so easily in a metro station, how much more does it happen in our own lives? As we go about our days, our routines, our responsibilities, how much beauty are we missing out on?

It takes situations like my mother-in-law is in to remind me to slow down and appreciate what I have right here, right now. The psalmist prayed, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). When you're in a condition like my mother-in-law is, you take things one day at a time. In fact, five minutes at a time. Every five minutes is precious, and every five minutes is new.

I know it's easy to be so eager for the next stage of life, or be worried about tomorrow, that we miss out on the joys of where we're at now. When you're young and single, you dream about being married. Then once you're married, all your friends start having babies and soon you want to be a parent. When you're a parent, you can't wait for your children to leave the house so you can have peace and quiet again. Then once the children are gone, you long for the gift of grandchildren to once again fill your home with laughter.

While no stage of life is easy, every stage of life is worth it. Take a look at this challenge in James 4:
¹³ Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. ¹⁷ Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.

We don't only sin by doing something wrong...we sin by not doing something right.

Why is it worth it for me to cook something special for my mother-in-law? Because she'll enjoy it for that hour. Why is it worth it doing an activity together? Because it's good therapy that aids in her healing. Why is it worth it for her to get together with friends? Because as humans, we need relationship, and every conversation plants seeds.

Why is it worth it to pause from your busy agenda and listen to a violin in a metro station? Because in that time, you can "stop and smell the roses" and appreciate beauty...simply because.

Why is it worth it to cancel a meeting (the third this week) and instead spend an evening with your family? Because our days are numbered. Why is it worth it to pay for the order of the person behind you in the drive-thru? Because that may be the only glimpse of hope they have that day. Why is it worth it to show extra patience with the clerk in the store when you're having trouble finding everything you need (or just want)? Because she's already been faced with dozens of customers throughout the day hastily and greedily clamoring to check things off their Christmas list. Why is it worth it to donate items to a homeless shelter, release a child from poverty, or send a goat to a family in need? Because faith, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead (James 2:17).

Every five minutes counts. Ephesians 5:15-18 says, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."

As Christians, we live in this "already-but-not-yet" tension. We have the hope of eternal life, but we haven't experienced heaven yet. We have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, but one day we will see Christ Himself face to face. Our citizenship is in heaven but meanwhile we live as strangers on this earth. Christ's death brought full victory over death and pain, but we fight every day against temptation.

In Lamentations 3 there is a beautiful passage:

¹⁹I remember my affliction and my wandering,
   the bitterness and the gall.
²⁰ I well remember them,
   and my soul is downcast within me.
²¹ Yet this I call to mind
   and therefore I have hope:   

²² Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness. 

God's grace is new every morning...and every five minutes. His well never runs dry. And I challenge you today: how do you need God's grace in this moment? What is one thing you can take thirty seconds to appreciate, simply because it's a reflection of God's goodness? Who is one person that needs caring for today? Life is too short to live in unforgiveness and bitterness. It's too precious to get caught up in consumerism and forget to slow down. It's too much about others to get distracted by our own problems.

It's likely taken you a few minutes to read this blog...what will you do with the next five minutes?

The Pattern of the Levites

About a month ago, a verse caught my attention: 1 Chronicles 16:4 -  It says that David "appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, to make petition, to give thanks, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel."

The Levites were the "worship leaders" of the Israelites, and their job description was to thank, praise, and make petition unto the Lord. I was intrigued by that pattern and decided to incorporate it into my own life and worship. It has been powerful! There are times where I don't feel like worshiping, but I choose to anyway, because God is worthy.

I begin by praising. What is praise? It has to do with adoration, and we adore God for who he is. Doing this has helped me see God in new ways. I am reminded of the verse, "the name of the Lord is a strong tower" (Proverbs 18:10). When we acknowledge who God is (the unchanging one, despite whatever our situation is), then we find refuge and shelter. The picture below is a neat illustration.

There are so many things to praise God for - he is our Creator, Sustainer, Provider, Savior, Lover, the One who Sees us, the One who Knows us, our Forgiver. And the list goes on! In what ways has God revealed himself to you lately, and how can you praise him?

And then I give thanks. This has to do with what God has done. The list here is also endless. And even on those days where I'm frustrated or disengaged, I can always find something to be thankful for. Since I've started paying attention, I'm realizing how frequently the Bible commands us to be grateful! It's not an option for Christians. And why should it be? What are you thankful for today?

Then, I make petition. I ask, I intercede. There is always something for this category too. I shake my head sometimes when I'm in group situations where we're sharing prayer requests, and I can't think of anything. The world is a needy place! There is always something we can petition the Lord for! This is part of our priestly privilege. What situation can you bring before the Lord today? Who can you intercede for?

How would your worship life (which should be a lifestyle of worship) be different if you intentionally offered praise, thanksgiving, and petitions to the Lord?

Serving our awesome God and worshiping with you,
-Kristyn & Mogi 

One-Way Tickets

Last weekend I was on a retreat for one of my classes. We had been told to come prepared with a list of a dozen or so life-events and a short description of how they impacted us. I had listed things like my grandma's death, coming to Prairie, marrying Mogi, etc. We then divided those events into three categories: our "Gifted History" (good things we experienced basically without any effort of our own), our "Suffering History" (pain we experienced that we couldn't help) and our "Shadow History" (the brokenness of our own choices/patterns). We then spent the day praying through each of these items and asking God to highlight and speak to us about one or two specific areas. (It's a great exercise - you should try it!)

I want to share what God challenged and encouraged me with that day. But it requires some background...

A few months ago, Mogi and I spent time intentionally praying and seeking God about his will for our future. I graduate college this April, and we weren't sure what we should do after that. We have absolutely loved our time here at Prairie and would love to become more involved as staff somehow. Another option was to return to Germany - Mogi working, me learning the language and getting to know his family, etc. Or of course maybe God wanted neither of those for us and had something else in mind. So one week we were desperate for an answer, wanting to know God's will so we could be obedient and begin making plans. That weekend we headed off to a conference at church, and there...God showed up. 

We had been reading in the Bible the story of Zechariah. One day as he was just doing his priestly duty in the temple, an angel of the Lord showed up and told him that he was going to have a son, who would be John the Baptist. God just invaded his world with this huge announcement!

That's how Mogi and I felt. Just before one of the sessions, God showed up in our life and spoke very clearly, revealing his will. The speaker, who didn't know us, began praying over us and said, in essence, "God is sending you back to Germany...you will bring the glory of God back to that nation and will bring restoration to your family." WOW!

That was the answer we'd been looking for. It definitely resonated in our spirits. The reason we had been considering Germany is because we wanted to help Mogi's family, as they're experiencing some struggles health-wise and emotionally. And now out of the blue we hear from a stranger that God wants us there and promises to use us there! We were so relieved.

So this event was the last on my list of "impacting life-events." As I looked at it on my sheet of paper and started praying about it, God began speaking to me. I had placed it in the category of my "Gifted History." But God showed me that I hadn't really received it as a gift. Sure, I was excited about it at first. We had our answer from God! But then doubt started creeping in. Is this really God's will? Why can't we move in another year or two? God's doing amazing things here that we want to be part of! And then I faced fear. This will be the furthest I've ever been from my family. I don't know the language! What will a new culture be like?

Weeks and months passed. God continued to speak, confirming that this is his will. He's encouraged us through friends and family. He's spoken through dreams. He's already provided furniture for us - for free!

And yet as I sat reflecting and praying, I realized how self-centered I'd become. The goal in going to Germany is to serve others, and meanwhile I'd become concerned about my own comfort. I'd misconstrued God by forgetting that every good and perfect gift is from above - from a loving Heavenly Father who does not change (James 1:17). I had not been giving thanks.

Have you ever wondered what God's will for your life is? The Bible tells us what it is in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."


Rejoice...pray...give thanks. I believe that the whole matter of where to live and what to do after graduation is secondary to learning this principle of gratefulness. God didn't have to speak so clearly, but he did. It's a gift. He doesn't have to provide encouragement and confirmation along the way, but he does. It's a gift. He wouldn't have to daily remind us of his presence and his provision, but he will. It's a gift. And the only appropriate response to his gifts is saying thank you. 


So sometime soon, Mogi and I will be purchasing plane tickets to Germany...one-way tickets. Is it scary? Sometimes. Will it be easy? Not necessarily. But is it good? Absolutely. It is a gift. 


Here's a poem we heard recently in chapel that was a huge encouragement to us, and I pray it will be for you as well: 

The will of God will never take you,

Where the Grace of God cannot keep you,

Where the Arms of God cannot support you,

Where the Riches of God cannot supply your needs,

Where the Power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,

Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,

Where the Wisdom of God cannot teach you,

Where the Army of God cannot protect you,

Where the Hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,

Where the Love of God cannot enfold you,

Where the Mercies of God cannot calm you,

Where the Peace of God cannot calm your fears,

Where the Authority of God cannot overrule you.

The will of God will never take you

Where the Comfort of God cannot dry your tears,

Where the Word of God cannot feed you, 

Where the Miracles of God cannot be done for you,

Where the Omnipresence of God cannot find you.

The will of God...is good. And worth giving thanks for. 

We ask for your prayers as we begin to embark on this journey of a new season of our lives. It is exciting! We continue to wait on the Lord to reveal more details of what our ministry in Germany will be. But we rest in his goodness and his faithfulness, proven over and over in our lives. 

Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks,

The Moglers