I'm not old—yet—but the new calendar every year tells me that I'm getting there. Here is my thought for today and the year that follows:
Some people have a subtle prejudice against those who are aging, even their very own selves! God, however, is no respecter of persons, not giving consideration to those characteristics that are only temporary and changing. In fact, His Word speaks strong words of encouragement to those who have added some years of experience to their faith.
"O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me. (Psalm 71:17, 18)
“Listen to me, descendants of Jacob, all you who remain in Israel. [God is speaking to us, as we are adoptees in this family.] I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. (Isaiah 46:3, 4)
"The godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!” (Psalm 92:12-15)
In the Old Testament history, we are told of several people who lived to "a good old age." The accounts say that they were "full of days," or "full of years"; life was complete for them. None of us can say exactly what "full of years" will mean for us—a great many years for some and fewer for others—but however many it is, God will make it complete for us. I especially like the description of Abraham who died happy at a ripe old age, having lived a long and satisfying life. Can another birthday be such a bad thing to happen to me?
MaryMartha
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Does God Always Provide "Bread"?
Some months ago, my Bible study group was using a series of lessons based on "The Lord's Prayer." I admit that I wrestled with the part that says, "Give us this day our daily bread." The author of our study guide assured us that the God who put the glittering stars in the sky would certainly not fail to give us food. God is committed to caring for us, he said, and our provision is His priority. Even though we may not have had a feast, hadn't we always had food? Perhaps there wasn't a banquet, but wasn't there at least bread? And he quoted Martin Luther who defined bread thus: “Everything necessary for the preservation of this life is 'bread'. This includes food, a healthy body, good weather, a house, a wife, children, good government and peace.” [Unfortunately, I do not have a primary source for this quote, only the repeated assertions of various writers and speakers who may, of course, be simply quoting one another.] I agree that it is fitting to ask for these things; what troubles me is the seeming assumption by many that God then is under obligation to provide them for us.
This raises some questions for me. I just cannot reconcile this expectation with suffering believers in Ethiopia and even school children in my own city who don't have anything to eat on weekends. I went through a brief period in my own life when there simply was not enough to eat, and nothing I could do about it. So, was I not in God's will, not praying correctly, or what? Or was I in company with Paul who had to learn "the secret of being happy . . . when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more than I need and when I do not have enough. I can do all things through Christ, because He gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12, 13) We have all these promises about provision, and yet . . .
If the Gospel we preach in America doesn't work in India and Africa and Appalachia, then it's not the Gospel, is it? So how should well-fed, middle-class Americans who really would like to believe that the Lord is their shepherd and they shall not want, interpret the Scriptures?
David, the shepherd boy, was not stupid. He knew that grass doesn't magically appear in a desert place; he had to lead the sheep where there was pasture. He knew he was responsible for the safety and welfare of his flock. When he wrote the shepherd poem (Psalm 23), he was acknowledging the role of God as the shepherd watching over him. "He always goes ahead of me; He is in charge of my need just as I am for my sheep." The key idea, then, in praying for daily bread is not "God, gimme," but "God, take care of me." That does not preclude times of need or even suffering, for the Scriptures don't really say that we'll never be in want. (Just read the Apostle Paul's personal accounts!) They tell us that we shall never be abandoned.
Why do we try so hard to convince those with ample supply that God will never let them down, while those whose supply ran out long ago continue to put their trust in God? We could learn something from them: "A Gospel that makes my personal comfort God's priority fails to take into account the realities of almost every other historical period the Church as experienced."
MaryMartha
You may be interested in another entry, God Sees Sparrows Fall
This raises some questions for me. I just cannot reconcile this expectation with suffering believers in Ethiopia and even school children in my own city who don't have anything to eat on weekends. I went through a brief period in my own life when there simply was not enough to eat, and nothing I could do about it. So, was I not in God's will, not praying correctly, or what? Or was I in company with Paul who had to learn "the secret of being happy . . . when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more than I need and when I do not have enough. I can do all things through Christ, because He gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12, 13) We have all these promises about provision, and yet . . .
If the Gospel we preach in America doesn't work in India and Africa and Appalachia, then it's not the Gospel, is it? So how should well-fed, middle-class Americans who really would like to believe that the Lord is their shepherd and they shall not want, interpret the Scriptures?
David, the shepherd boy, was not stupid. He knew that grass doesn't magically appear in a desert place; he had to lead the sheep where there was pasture. He knew he was responsible for the safety and welfare of his flock. When he wrote the shepherd poem (Psalm 23), he was acknowledging the role of God as the shepherd watching over him. "He always goes ahead of me; He is in charge of my need just as I am for my sheep." The key idea, then, in praying for daily bread is not "God, gimme," but "God, take care of me." That does not preclude times of need or even suffering, for the Scriptures don't really say that we'll never be in want. (Just read the Apostle Paul's personal accounts!) They tell us that we shall never be abandoned.
Why do we try so hard to convince those with ample supply that God will never let them down, while those whose supply ran out long ago continue to put their trust in God? We could learn something from them: "A Gospel that makes my personal comfort God's priority fails to take into account the realities of almost every other historical period the Church as experienced."
MaryMartha
You may be interested in another entry, God Sees Sparrows Fall
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Daily Bread
When Jesus' disciples asked Him to teach them to pray, the example He gave them included these words: "Give us this day our daily bread." Well-fed Americans probably have less understanding of this part of the prayer than many people in other parts of the world. The poorly nourished are fully aware of the meaning of daily bread since they seldom have on hand more than is needed for one day, if not for only a single meal. Praying this prayer, they literally rely on God to provide what is needed for their next meal.
By contrast, major grocery chains here vie for our patronage with 24/7 business hours, doubled coupons, and two-for-one specials. Convenience stores located every few blocks not only provide ready access to necessary items, but also promote a wide array of goods that entice one to purchase "extra's." I am very aware that there are also Americans who are truly hungry, but the average person, even if shopping on a limited budget, can still buy what is needed for the next meal or even several meals. Because this is so relatively easy, we may slide over our Lord's teaching about daily provision.
Remember the little widow of Zarephath? It was a time of terrible famine in Israel, and she had no source of provision. She was not living on Social Security, after all, or drawing her deceased husband's railroad pension. All that stood between her and starvation was the one little pancake she was going to make for her son and herself--and then they would die. The prophet Elijah, finding her gathering sticks for the fire, asked her, "Would you bring a little water for me to drink?" As the woman turned away to fill his request, he called after her, "Oh, and bring me, please, a bit of bread also."
"Sir, I don't have any bread--only a handful of flour is left in the bin and a little oil in the bottom of the jug. I am going to make one last meal for myself and my son, and when that is gone, we will die."
"Don't be afraid," Elijah told her. "Go ahead and cook your 'last meal.' But first, bake a little loaf of bread for me out of what you have. Afterward, there will still be enough food for you and your son."
Incredibly, the woman risked the flour and oil, and even her life, on the word of God spoken by the prophet. "There will always be flour in the bin and oil in the jug until the famine has ended." She did as Elijah said, and all three of them ate for many days from that handful of flour and the few drops of oil . Did God fill up the flour barrel and the oil jug so that the widow had an abundant supply? No, every time she dipped into the barrel, there was just enough. When she went back the next time, there was just enough. Whenever she poured oil from the jug, there was just enough, and when she needed oil again, there was just enough.
When we ask God for our daily bread--and by extension, all our needs for the day--we acknowledge that we are relying on Him to care for us. We never get so "spiritual" that these physical needs are of no consequence to us, and therefore also to Him. Just because they are part of the natural realm does not mean their consideration is foreign to faith. We choose to see through eyes of faith, and we choose to see Him as our source.
Sometimes we are impatient with the "dailiness" of God's provision. How about He just gives me half a million dollars, and then I won't keep asking Him every day for what I need? Most of us are okay with depending on God if we can see that we have everything we need for the present--and then some! And yes, sometimes God does work that way; for example, when Jesus fed the crowd of ten or fifteen thousand, He gave more than enough and the disciples aferwards picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. But if we are praying honestly, "Give us this day our daily bread," we are committing ourselves to receiving His supply on an as-needed basis.
MaryMartha
By contrast, major grocery chains here vie for our patronage with 24/7 business hours, doubled coupons, and two-for-one specials. Convenience stores located every few blocks not only provide ready access to necessary items, but also promote a wide array of goods that entice one to purchase "extra's." I am very aware that there are also Americans who are truly hungry, but the average person, even if shopping on a limited budget, can still buy what is needed for the next meal or even several meals. Because this is so relatively easy, we may slide over our Lord's teaching about daily provision.
Remember the little widow of Zarephath? It was a time of terrible famine in Israel, and she had no source of provision. She was not living on Social Security, after all, or drawing her deceased husband's railroad pension. All that stood between her and starvation was the one little pancake she was going to make for her son and herself--and then they would die. The prophet Elijah, finding her gathering sticks for the fire, asked her, "Would you bring a little water for me to drink?" As the woman turned away to fill his request, he called after her, "Oh, and bring me, please, a bit of bread also."
"Sir, I don't have any bread--only a handful of flour is left in the bin and a little oil in the bottom of the jug. I am going to make one last meal for myself and my son, and when that is gone, we will die."
"Don't be afraid," Elijah told her. "Go ahead and cook your 'last meal.' But first, bake a little loaf of bread for me out of what you have. Afterward, there will still be enough food for you and your son."
Incredibly, the woman risked the flour and oil, and even her life, on the word of God spoken by the prophet. "There will always be flour in the bin and oil in the jug until the famine has ended." She did as Elijah said, and all three of them ate for many days from that handful of flour and the few drops of oil . Did God fill up the flour barrel and the oil jug so that the widow had an abundant supply? No, every time she dipped into the barrel, there was just enough. When she went back the next time, there was just enough. Whenever she poured oil from the jug, there was just enough, and when she needed oil again, there was just enough.
When we ask God for our daily bread--and by extension, all our needs for the day--we acknowledge that we are relying on Him to care for us. We never get so "spiritual" that these physical needs are of no consequence to us, and therefore also to Him. Just because they are part of the natural realm does not mean their consideration is foreign to faith. We choose to see through eyes of faith, and we choose to see Him as our source.
Sometimes we are impatient with the "dailiness" of God's provision. How about He just gives me half a million dollars, and then I won't keep asking Him every day for what I need? Most of us are okay with depending on God if we can see that we have everything we need for the present--and then some! And yes, sometimes God does work that way; for example, when Jesus fed the crowd of ten or fifteen thousand, He gave more than enough and the disciples aferwards picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. But if we are praying honestly, "Give us this day our daily bread," we are committing ourselves to receiving His supply on an as-needed basis.
MaryMartha
Monday, May 25, 2009
A Day for Remembering
Today is Memorial Day in the U.S. Although originally observed as a day for honoring the war dead, it has since become a day for remembering all of our friends and family members who have died. Many people will visit the grave sites of loved ones, perhaps leaving flowers or mementos there.
Memorial Day has taken on added meaning for me as I rremember and reflect on some of the significant people and events in my life. Reading the history of God's people in the Old Testament, I find a number of them building altars or erecting memorial pillars to remind theselves and their descendants of mercies received or covenants made. I have not set up any altars of wood or stone, nor have you probably; nevertheless, there will always be, in our hearts and minds, some unforgettble, life-changing markers of our Christian faith. This is a good day to reflect on those spiritual realities.
--Perhaps the place where you stood or knelt and promised, "Yes, Jesus, I will follow You."
--Or the day you truly understood what it means to be part of the Body of Christ.
--Or looking at the miracle of your firstborn, and realizing how awesome your parenting responsibility was.
--Maybe giving that child back to God as they chose a path--for good or ill--that was different from what you had envisioned.
--Surrendering your personal claim to an astounding success--or a crushing failure.
--Memories of your own, perhaps very private ones, which you recall with gratitude.
This is a good day for remembering. "Once again I'll go over what God has done, lay out on the table the ancient wonders; I'll ponder all the things you've accomplished, and give a long, loving look at your acts. (Psalm 77:11, 12)
MaryMartha
Scripture is taken from The Message. Copyright © 2003 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
Memorial Day has taken on added meaning for me as I rremember and reflect on some of the significant people and events in my life. Reading the history of God's people in the Old Testament, I find a number of them building altars or erecting memorial pillars to remind theselves and their descendants of mercies received or covenants made. I have not set up any altars of wood or stone, nor have you probably; nevertheless, there will always be, in our hearts and minds, some unforgettble, life-changing markers of our Christian faith. This is a good day to reflect on those spiritual realities.
--Perhaps the place where you stood or knelt and promised, "Yes, Jesus, I will follow You."
--Or the day you truly understood what it means to be part of the Body of Christ.
--Or looking at the miracle of your firstborn, and realizing how awesome your parenting responsibility was.
--Maybe giving that child back to God as they chose a path--for good or ill--that was different from what you had envisioned.
--Surrendering your personal claim to an astounding success--or a crushing failure.
--Memories of your own, perhaps very private ones, which you recall with gratitude.
This is a good day for remembering. "Once again I'll go over what God has done, lay out on the table the ancient wonders; I'll ponder all the things you've accomplished, and give a long, loving look at your acts. (Psalm 77:11, 12)
MaryMartha
Scripture is taken from The Message. Copyright © 2003 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
Friday, May 22, 2009
It Could Be Worse!
My comuter is not working--the victim I think, of some online mischief. So I brought my notebook (spiral-bound paper, not a computer) and my wireless pen out to the shady front porch. I can hear the sweet notes of a wren's song and a woodpecker's drumming. A couple of squirrels are frisking about, deciding, perhaps, which of my bulbs they will "transplant" next. A robin has hopped up into the ground cover I planted last evening, anticipating a tasty snack from the freshly-turned earth. The begonias in the hanging basket are showing off, determined to outdo those in the flower boxes on the porch railing. The breeze is fragrant from the peonies blooming just a few feet away. It's a sweet spring afternoon, and my computer's not working--but what's there not to like?
On another note, I will still try to post regularly, but I'll have to do so from another location. Be patient! Things could be a whole lot worse--like trying to read, before I transcribe it, what I've written here on my "laptop"--i.e., the top of my lap!
MaryMartha
On another note, I will still try to post regularly, but I'll have to do so from another location. Be patient! Things could be a whole lot worse--like trying to read, before I transcribe it, what I've written here on my "laptop"--i.e., the top of my lap!
MaryMartha
Thursday, May 21, 2009
"Don't Confuse Me with the Facts"
I don't know who said it first. The old saw has been around for a long time: "My mind is made up—don't confuse me with the facts."
I was pointedly reminded of that again a few days ago. Every year for ten years or so, family members and I searched unsuccessfully for the River Festival medallion. This is a blue and gold disk—plastic, I think—which was hidden somewhere in a public place in our city, usually a park. During the annual River Festival in May, clues to its whereabouts were published daily in the newspaper until it was located by someone who had figured out the meaning of the obscure references to historical events, literature and art, contemporary entertainment, and local trivia, both past and present. The clues might be straightforward, or they might be nonsense unless arranged as an anagram or an acrostic, or read backwards, or interpreted by the letters on the telephone dial. You just never knew!
Always the clues have been ambiguous. Once—only once—we were actually in the right park, although we didn't locate the medallion. We usually decided fairly early where we should look, and after that we related the clues to that place, "squeezing" them into meaning something significant. Finally, as the end of the hunt neared, we would have to conclude that we just couldn't make sense of them, and that we were not at the right place after all.
After a hiatus of several years, the Medallion Hunt was returned this year as part of the Festival, a "virtual" hunt this time, and once again I joined the search. Since there was not an actual object to find, I didn't know until the contest ended that I was mistaken once again. I was so sure I knew where it was! When the hiding place was announced, I was truly amazed! Why, this time every clue definitely pointed to the place I had chosen! Yes, I could see how the real place was described by the clues, but my choice was actually better! In other words, "My mind is made up—don't confuse me with the facts."
This is a small and perhaps foolish example of a closed mind! It made clear to me once again how easy it is to determine how things are—or how they should be—and simply not consider any other possibilities. Social issues, politics, interpretation of others' words and actions, even religion—all of these tend to get trapped by an opinion beyond which we simply cannot see any alternative. The closed mind is especially dangerous when it insists on that view only and cannot allow others to think differently.
Jesus did not scold question-askers unless they had ulterior motives; He Himself was a questioner by the time He was twelve years old. It doesn't hurt to admit that we just don't have all the answers! Even though we can rightly claim to have "renewed minds" through Christ, none of us have all the facts all the time. "Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good." (I Thessalonians 5:21)
MaryMartha
Scripture is from the New American Standard Bible, used by permission of The Lockman Foundation, www.lockman.org
I was pointedly reminded of that again a few days ago. Every year for ten years or so, family members and I searched unsuccessfully for the River Festival medallion. This is a blue and gold disk—plastic, I think—which was hidden somewhere in a public place in our city, usually a park. During the annual River Festival in May, clues to its whereabouts were published daily in the newspaper until it was located by someone who had figured out the meaning of the obscure references to historical events, literature and art, contemporary entertainment, and local trivia, both past and present. The clues might be straightforward, or they might be nonsense unless arranged as an anagram or an acrostic, or read backwards, or interpreted by the letters on the telephone dial. You just never knew!
Always the clues have been ambiguous. Once—only once—we were actually in the right park, although we didn't locate the medallion. We usually decided fairly early where we should look, and after that we related the clues to that place, "squeezing" them into meaning something significant. Finally, as the end of the hunt neared, we would have to conclude that we just couldn't make sense of them, and that we were not at the right place after all.
After a hiatus of several years, the Medallion Hunt was returned this year as part of the Festival, a "virtual" hunt this time, and once again I joined the search. Since there was not an actual object to find, I didn't know until the contest ended that I was mistaken once again. I was so sure I knew where it was! When the hiding place was announced, I was truly amazed! Why, this time every clue definitely pointed to the place I had chosen! Yes, I could see how the real place was described by the clues, but my choice was actually better! In other words, "My mind is made up—don't confuse me with the facts."
This is a small and perhaps foolish example of a closed mind! It made clear to me once again how easy it is to determine how things are—or how they should be—and simply not consider any other possibilities. Social issues, politics, interpretation of others' words and actions, even religion—all of these tend to get trapped by an opinion beyond which we simply cannot see any alternative. The closed mind is especially dangerous when it insists on that view only and cannot allow others to think differently.
Jesus did not scold question-askers unless they had ulterior motives; He Himself was a questioner by the time He was twelve years old. It doesn't hurt to admit that we just don't have all the answers! Even though we can rightly claim to have "renewed minds" through Christ, none of us have all the facts all the time. "Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good." (I Thessalonians 5:21)
MaryMartha
Scripture is from the New American Standard Bible, used by permission of The Lockman Foundation, www.lockman.org
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Other Sheep
"I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd." (John 10:16)
Why did Jesus say: "I have other sheep too"? You mean there are people who are not like me that He loves and calls to follow Him? I grew up in a church group that was strongly mission-minded. There was no doubt in my mind that Jesus loved "all the children of the world," whatever their color. We must take them the Gospel, get them "saved," organize them into congregations of believers, and teach them how to behave as Christians—so I thought. When we had accomplished this, we would have little groups of people here and there throughout the world who were, except for the color of their skin and what they served for dinner, pretty much just like me.
I am constantly revising my thinking as I meet people who remind me of the woman at the well. I'm not sure she had any personal beliefs at all. "Our fathers worshiped on this mountain," she said, "and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is where one ought to worship." No confession of her own is evident here. But when Jesus told her about living water that could well up in her like a fountain gushing everlasting life, she replied eagerly, "Sir, give me this water." Even as she went back to her village, she was not sure that this was the Son of God, yet we have no problem believing that she experienced salvation.
Just today I had a lovely conversation with someone whose beliefs and traditions are quite different from mine. An ardent student of the Word, she sincerely desires to draw close to God and to please Him. No, she is not in the same "sheepfold" as I am, but if she's listening to the same Shepherd, how can I say she is not one of the same flock? Jesus' words imply that these "others" already belong to Him; they are already His because they have been given to him by the Father (see verse 29, also 6:37 and 17:6) He must bring them; there is a Divine imperative. Love is the drawing force, and when these others hear His call and respond, we are united by the shepherd into one flock. The oneness comes, not because we are alike, but because we share the life of God through His Spirit.
As I talked with my friend, she exuded light and love. I could not help but be thankful that Jesus has "other sheep."
MaryMartha
Scripture quotation is taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.
Why did Jesus say: "I have other sheep too"? You mean there are people who are not like me that He loves and calls to follow Him? I grew up in a church group that was strongly mission-minded. There was no doubt in my mind that Jesus loved "all the children of the world," whatever their color. We must take them the Gospel, get them "saved," organize them into congregations of believers, and teach them how to behave as Christians—so I thought. When we had accomplished this, we would have little groups of people here and there throughout the world who were, except for the color of their skin and what they served for dinner, pretty much just like me.
I am constantly revising my thinking as I meet people who remind me of the woman at the well. I'm not sure she had any personal beliefs at all. "Our fathers worshiped on this mountain," she said, "and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is where one ought to worship." No confession of her own is evident here. But when Jesus told her about living water that could well up in her like a fountain gushing everlasting life, she replied eagerly, "Sir, give me this water." Even as she went back to her village, she was not sure that this was the Son of God, yet we have no problem believing that she experienced salvation.
Just today I had a lovely conversation with someone whose beliefs and traditions are quite different from mine. An ardent student of the Word, she sincerely desires to draw close to God and to please Him. No, she is not in the same "sheepfold" as I am, but if she's listening to the same Shepherd, how can I say she is not one of the same flock? Jesus' words imply that these "others" already belong to Him; they are already His because they have been given to him by the Father (see verse 29, also 6:37 and 17:6) He must bring them; there is a Divine imperative. Love is the drawing force, and when these others hear His call and respond, we are united by the shepherd into one flock. The oneness comes, not because we are alike, but because we share the life of God through His Spirit.
As I talked with my friend, she exuded light and love. I could not help but be thankful that Jesus has "other sheep."
MaryMartha
Scripture quotation is taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Things Mama Taught Me: Always Put on Clean Underwear
The Boy Scouts with their motto, "Be Prepared," had nothing on our mother who believed one ought to live in preparedness. That's why she always asked, "Did you put on clean underwear?" Because what if you were in an accident and had to be taken to the hospital? What if the nurses there had to take off your clothes and put you in a bed? What if—oh, horrible thought!—they saw you had on dirty underwear!
My mother may well have been less concerned about our personal tidiness and the tender sensibilities of hospital attendants than about what nurses might conjecture about the upbringing she was affording her children! All the same, her attitude of being prepared for any contingency was not lost on me. Even today, I try to think ahead not only to
what I would like to happen but also to what might happen instead. While I can never foresee every possibility, it's likely that fewer bad things occur when I go into situations feeling prepared than when I have given no thought at all to what is ahead.
Part of preparation is an inner readiness. An anonymous pray-er said, "O Lord, help me to understand that You ain't going to let nothing come my way today that You and me together can't handle.” Confidence in ourselves and trust in God's kind providence is an underpinning when unexpected circumstances present themselves. We need not be frightened by all the "what if's," if we have these resources.
When I was a child, wearing clean clothes was my small role in being prepared. Now that I am older I still need to be "dressed" appropriately. "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness." (Isaiah 61:10) With that, I am prepared!
MaryMartha
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
My mother may well have been less concerned about our personal tidiness and the tender sensibilities of hospital attendants than about what nurses might conjecture about the upbringing she was affording her children! All the same, her attitude of being prepared for any contingency was not lost on me. Even today, I try to think ahead not only to
what I would like to happen but also to what might happen instead. While I can never foresee every possibility, it's likely that fewer bad things occur when I go into situations feeling prepared than when I have given no thought at all to what is ahead.
Part of preparation is an inner readiness. An anonymous pray-er said, "O Lord, help me to understand that You ain't going to let nothing come my way today that You and me together can't handle.” Confidence in ourselves and trust in God's kind providence is an underpinning when unexpected circumstances present themselves. We need not be frightened by all the "what if's," if we have these resources.
When I was a child, wearing clean clothes was my small role in being prepared. Now that I am older I still need to be "dressed" appropriately. "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness." (Isaiah 61:10) With that, I am prepared!
MaryMartha
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Believing and Becoming
A charming four-year-old of my acquaintance recently told her mother, "Mommy, when I grow up, I want to be a black man."
"Honey," the mother replied, "you're a little girl, and little girls grow up to be ladies. When you grow up, you'll be a lady, not a man."
"Oh. Well, then I want to be a black lady."
Mother gently explained to her fair-skinned child, "Honey, when you grow up, your skin will be pretty much just like it is now. You can't be a black lady."
"Oh." The child paused. "Well, then I'll just be an elephant!"
We are told that "if you can imagine it, you can achieve it." Does merely imagining something guarantee that it's within the realm of possibility? Obviously, the answer is sometimes no. But it is true, that if we are in fact going to become something, we must first believe it. By the time she is, say, twelve years old, the little girl will have set her sights on some other more reasonable ambition, and I have no doubt that she will believe it and achieve it
There aren't really any "secrets" to becoming who we want to be. Successful people have shared what they have discovered, and not too surprisingly, one of the things frequently mentioned is "hard work." Dreaming is not enough, although I believe in dreaming. It takes determination, preparation, sacrifice, dedication to the task, learning from failure, and usually it takes time. Famous people in spheres of work that vary from actor or journalist to movie producer or model have told us it takes a good many years to become an "overnight success." Sometimes, in our eagerness to convey confidence to our children or our students and mentorees, we underplay the price of achievement. Jesus did not make that mistake.
Jesus made it very clear that following Him would entail some cost. Sometimes, especially in the first flush of enthusiastic commitment, Christians mistake personal ambition for God's leading. When they find that the pathway to influence is not necessarily the same as the road to fame or power, they become discouraged. "If you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’ " (Luke 14:27-30) Very often, the follower of Jesus experiences the cost of discipleship with little distinction or financial gain—just the knowledge that he/she has faithfully carried the cross. If we believe that's a goal worthy of our pursuit, we can become a truehearted disciple.
MaryMartha
Related posts: I Have a Dream
Don't Give Up the Dream
The quote, "If you can imagine . . ." is from William Arthur Ward, known for his inspirational writings.
Scripture quotation is taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.
"Honey," the mother replied, "you're a little girl, and little girls grow up to be ladies. When you grow up, you'll be a lady, not a man."
"Oh. Well, then I want to be a black lady."
Mother gently explained to her fair-skinned child, "Honey, when you grow up, your skin will be pretty much just like it is now. You can't be a black lady."
"Oh." The child paused. "Well, then I'll just be an elephant!"
We are told that "if you can imagine it, you can achieve it." Does merely imagining something guarantee that it's within the realm of possibility? Obviously, the answer is sometimes no. But it is true, that if we are in fact going to become something, we must first believe it. By the time she is, say, twelve years old, the little girl will have set her sights on some other more reasonable ambition, and I have no doubt that she will believe it and achieve it
There aren't really any "secrets" to becoming who we want to be. Successful people have shared what they have discovered, and not too surprisingly, one of the things frequently mentioned is "hard work." Dreaming is not enough, although I believe in dreaming. It takes determination, preparation, sacrifice, dedication to the task, learning from failure, and usually it takes time. Famous people in spheres of work that vary from actor or journalist to movie producer or model have told us it takes a good many years to become an "overnight success." Sometimes, in our eagerness to convey confidence to our children or our students and mentorees, we underplay the price of achievement. Jesus did not make that mistake.
Jesus made it very clear that following Him would entail some cost. Sometimes, especially in the first flush of enthusiastic commitment, Christians mistake personal ambition for God's leading. When they find that the pathway to influence is not necessarily the same as the road to fame or power, they become discouraged. "If you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’ " (Luke 14:27-30) Very often, the follower of Jesus experiences the cost of discipleship with little distinction or financial gain—just the knowledge that he/she has faithfully carried the cross. If we believe that's a goal worthy of our pursuit, we can become a truehearted disciple.
MaryMartha
Related posts: I Have a Dream
Don't Give Up the Dream
The quote, "If you can imagine . . ." is from William Arthur Ward, known for his inspirational writings.
Scripture quotation is taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Without Wrinkles
While I was ironing a shirt this morning, I remembered what a wise friend told me a long time ago. I was wondering (whining?) why things were so difficult, and he reminded me that the Scripture says, "Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish." (Ephesians 5:25-27) "You know that washing gets rid of spots," he said, "but what about the wrinkles?"
I could already guess where he was heading with his question. Heat and pressure are what iron out the wrinkles. While I've been cleansed by the saving power of Christ, I know there is still work to be done. I have "wrinkles" that need to be ironed out, and it is the heat of everyday life and the pressure of my circumstances that do that.
The shirt looked pretty good when I finished. I hope God can say the same of me!
MaryMartha
Scripture quotation is taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.
I could already guess where he was heading with his question. Heat and pressure are what iron out the wrinkles. While I've been cleansed by the saving power of Christ, I know there is still work to be done. I have "wrinkles" that need to be ironed out, and it is the heat of everyday life and the pressure of my circumstances that do that.
The shirt looked pretty good when I finished. I hope God can say the same of me!
MaryMartha
Scripture quotation is taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
A Glass Darkly
"What is a glass darkly?" I asked my mother once when I was a child. I knew the Bible said that "now we see through a glass darkly" (I Corinthians 13:12 KJV), and I imagined that it must be something like the isinglass windows in our wood-burning stove. Through those little openings covered with thin sheets of mica, I could see an orange glow, but the flames themselves were indistinguishable. I just needed to know for sure what a darkly was if I was expected to see through it!
The words that puzzled me as I child, I now understand, and the truth remains the same. I am still able to see only a little this life's wonderments, to say nothing of the life beyond. The things I can never perceive clearly while I have my limited, earth-bound vision will some day be plain when I see "face to face."
My mother had a favorite poem, which she quoted so often that I learned it as well.
The words that puzzled me as I child, I now understand, and the truth remains the same. I am still able to see only a little this life's wonderments, to say nothing of the life beyond. The things I can never perceive clearly while I have my limited, earth-bound vision will some day be plain when I see "face to face."
My mother had a favorite poem, which she quoted so often that I learned it as well.
"With patient mind thy course of duty run:
God nothing does, nor suffers to be done,
But thou wouldst do thyself, couldst thou but see
The end of all events, as well as He."--Adam Clarke's commentary on Eccl 7:8,
where he credited a Dr. Byrom
He can be trusted!
MaryMartha
Monday, May 11, 2009
Name That Car--and Its Driver
I'd hate to think that the names displayed on various car models describe the person who is driving. I was following a Rogue the other day, and I started to wonder, "Is that fellow really going to turn out to be a scoundrel?" (He didn't.) On the other hand, a few days later, a driver screeched across two opposing lanes of traffic to pull directly in front of me, so that I had to brake hard to avoid him. I didn't recognize the vehicle model, but it must have been a Dart, or a Tempest, or maybe even a Demon. And I should have been equipped with at least a Challenger, if not a Ram!
We've had Broncos, Mustangs, Pintos, and Impalas. Eagles, Falcons, Roadrunners, and Skylarks. Cobras and Vipers, Barracudas and Cougars, Hornets and Beetles. Do those names mean anything? Do they say anything about the person driving them?
I drive a Honda Fit. Now there's a car/driver misnomer for you!
At least it's not a Honda Life Dunk (marketed in Japan)!
MaryMartha
We've had Broncos, Mustangs, Pintos, and Impalas. Eagles, Falcons, Roadrunners, and Skylarks. Cobras and Vipers, Barracudas and Cougars, Hornets and Beetles. Do those names mean anything? Do they say anything about the person driving them?
I drive a Honda Fit. Now there's a car/driver misnomer for you!
At least it's not a Honda Life Dunk (marketed in Japan)!
MaryMartha
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Great Reversal
The world is upside down! And hardly anyone knows it.
A great many people equate success with power. They suppose that the way to become powerful—in the home or school, in the business world, or even in the church milieu—is to fight one's way up.
"Get a good education," they say, "whatever you do. Nothing beats the proper training."
"Work hard," others say, "and you'll be successful. Nothing beats good old 'sweat of your brow.' "
"Be prepared to start at the bottom," some counsel. "Nothing beats experience."
And though they would never dare say it aloud, others believe, "Step on a few folks on your way up, if necessary. Nothing beats opportunity."
Jesus had a completely different formula for success. In fact, His definition of success was very different too—not "up" but "down."
-- “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else." (Mark 10:42-44 NLT)
-- "Anyone who sacrifices home, family, fields—whatever—because of me will get it all back a hundred times over, not to mention the considerable bonus of eternal life. This is the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first." (Matthew 19:29, 30 MSG)
-- “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep . . . No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily . . ." On the cross, "He said, 'It is finished!' Then he bowed his head and released his spirit." (John 10:11, 18; 19:30 NLT)
The Apostle Paul, the all-time great among Christians, also understood the upside-downness of the world's commonly-held view. In the press of a difficult circumstance, he asked God three times for relief. Each time, the Lord answered, " 'My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.' Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become." (II Corinthians 12:9, 10 MSG)
But what about ordinary people like us? The power of which Jesus and Paul spoke works for us too! "The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor satisfaction to the wise, nor riches to the smart, nor grace to the learned." (Ecclesiastes 9:11 MSG) Although the Teacher who made this observation concluded pessimistically that sooner or later bad luck comes to all, the truth is this: Everyone has to endure hard things, but only those who know the secret of The Great Reversal can make those difficulties generate power!
MaryMartha
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved. Scriptures marked MSG are taken from The Message. Copyright © 2003 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Of Peanut Butter, Critical Reviews, and Tuning In
I fixed a peanut butter sandwich for lunch today, and thought of "Chip" as I often do when I get out the Jif or Skippy jar. Chip was perhaps seven years old when his mother went in one evening to kiss him goodnight. "Mmmm," he murmured as she bent over him. "Mommy, you smell so good! Just like peanut butter." Peanut butter would probably not have been her fragrance of choice, but then, Chip would not have even noticed a flowery scent or the most expensive luxury perfume. He was tuned in to peanut butter.
I am a little irritated when a performance that I thought was absolutely wonderful is reviewed by the critic in what seems like condescending terms. And conversely, it's hard for me to understand the high praise a book receives when I am not able to slog through it! I know what sounds good to my own ears and what I am ready to absorb from a book, and I am tuned in to that.
Sometimes we take too seriously our personal preferences. Maybe we wouldn't dare say it, but we think,
"You watch that TV show? That's a bunch of foolishness."
"You play golf every weekend? What a waste of time."
"You paid how much?" (with raised eyebrows). "It's not worth that."
"I can't stand to listen to that –" (whatever word is appropriate to your vocabulary).
Let's consider our preferences in regard to our worship community. Somehow, when our likes and dislikes attend church, we are apt to give them an aura of rightness, or even holiness!
"It's too bad that our young people are . . ." (whatever isn't like what we were)
"The music is just . . ."
"The new translations of the Bible are . . ."
"I wish the Pastor would . . ."
"I was so surprised that . . ."
"Things are just so different." (Sigh)
Is it possible that some of our criteria for deciding what is appropriate or necessary or good could be simply our preferences, cherished as those might be? The older we are—once we get past teen years—the more experience we acquire in ordering our personal world. We get tuned in to what we like. Misunderstanding and even dissension arise when we insist that those preferences, opinions, and ideals are the standard to which others must conform. We have to let others tune in to their own priorities.
Even Chip knew that. He liked the smell of peanut butter, but he didn't expect Mom to dab it on her wrists before going out for the evening.
MaryMartha
I am a little irritated when a performance that I thought was absolutely wonderful is reviewed by the critic in what seems like condescending terms. And conversely, it's hard for me to understand the high praise a book receives when I am not able to slog through it! I know what sounds good to my own ears and what I am ready to absorb from a book, and I am tuned in to that.
Sometimes we take too seriously our personal preferences. Maybe we wouldn't dare say it, but we think,
"You watch that TV show? That's a bunch of foolishness."
"You play golf every weekend? What a waste of time."
"You paid how much?" (with raised eyebrows). "It's not worth that."
"I can't stand to listen to that –" (whatever word is appropriate to your vocabulary).
Let's consider our preferences in regard to our worship community. Somehow, when our likes and dislikes attend church, we are apt to give them an aura of rightness, or even holiness!
"It's too bad that our young people are . . ." (whatever isn't like what we were)
"The music is just . . ."
"The new translations of the Bible are . . ."
"I wish the Pastor would . . ."
"I was so surprised that . . ."
"Things are just so different." (Sigh)
Is it possible that some of our criteria for deciding what is appropriate or necessary or good could be simply our preferences, cherished as those might be? The older we are—once we get past teen years—the more experience we acquire in ordering our personal world. We get tuned in to what we like. Misunderstanding and even dissension arise when we insist that those preferences, opinions, and ideals are the standard to which others must conform. We have to let others tune in to their own priorities.
Even Chip knew that. He liked the smell of peanut butter, but he didn't expect Mom to dab it on her wrists before going out for the evening.
MaryMartha
Monday, May 4, 2009
"You Don't Trust Me"
If you're a parent, you probably have heard this complaint a hundred times. The youngster wanted to attend an entertainment of questionable value, or they wanted to take a late-evening job, or they wanted the keys to the car. With caution born of experience, you were not permitting it, or else you were laying down some strict boundaries. That's when the child may have objected, "You don't trust me," and wisely, you refrained from saying, "That's right, I don't!"
Trusting others is a balancing act. At one extreme are the individuals who trust no one. They suspect nearly everyone of evil intent, they see dark conspiracy in most actions of government or big business, they are certain our country will be ruined by . . . (people who are not like them.) On the other hand, some folks are too trusting. They let friends or family members take advantage of them, they give their bank account number to anyone who calls, they expect the best man/woman to win with or without their own vote. There has to be a place of balance somewhere between these two excesses.
Maybe this is where Jesus was taking His listeners when He said, "Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove. Don't be naïve . . ." (Matthew 10:16-17) Jesus Himself was an example of this kind of wisdom coupled with goodness. "During the time he was in Jerusalem, those days of the Passover Feast, many people noticed the signs he was displaying and, seeing they pointed straight to God, entrusted their lives to him. But Jesus didn't entrust his life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were. He didn't need any help in seeing right through them" (John 2:23-25)
I remember that the ruler I used in one of the elementary grades had inscribed on it The Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." People who are suspicious of everyone act as though the rule were, "You'd better do unto others before they can do unto you." And those who are naïve read the Golden Rule as, "Do unto others what you can then expect them to do unto you.'' The first is not kind, the second is not wise. The followers of Jesus are called to be both.
MaryMartha
Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 2003 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
Trusting others is a balancing act. At one extreme are the individuals who trust no one. They suspect nearly everyone of evil intent, they see dark conspiracy in most actions of government or big business, they are certain our country will be ruined by . . . (people who are not like them.) On the other hand, some folks are too trusting. They let friends or family members take advantage of them, they give their bank account number to anyone who calls, they expect the best man/woman to win with or without their own vote. There has to be a place of balance somewhere between these two excesses.
Maybe this is where Jesus was taking His listeners when He said, "Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don't call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove. Don't be naïve . . ." (Matthew 10:16-17) Jesus Himself was an example of this kind of wisdom coupled with goodness. "During the time he was in Jerusalem, those days of the Passover Feast, many people noticed the signs he was displaying and, seeing they pointed straight to God, entrusted their lives to him. But Jesus didn't entrust his life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were. He didn't need any help in seeing right through them" (John 2:23-25)
I remember that the ruler I used in one of the elementary grades had inscribed on it The Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." People who are suspicious of everyone act as though the rule were, "You'd better do unto others before they can do unto you." And those who are naïve read the Golden Rule as, "Do unto others what you can then expect them to do unto you.'' The first is not kind, the second is not wise. The followers of Jesus are called to be both.
MaryMartha
Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 2003 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Mayday
The beginning of May brought to my mind the internationally-known radio distress signal, "Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!" The word comes from the French m'aider—"Venez m'aider" means "Come help me"—and may be used only in a life-threatening emergency; to use it otherwise is a criminal offense.
It was not a great leap then to remember an old gospel song one of my brothers sometimes sang as a special, accompanied by his wife at the piano. The words may be old-fashioned, but then so is my memory!
If ever there is truly an emergency, it is when we need to be rescued spiritually. Certainly this applies to our experience of salvation, but not only then. Like Peter, when he was walking on the water to Jesus, we sometimes see the strong waves of our circumstances and feel the boisterous winds of our own emotions, and we become terrified. “Save me, Lord!” Peter cried out, and Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. (See Matthew 14:22-32).
Whatever our need, however we express the distress call, Divine help is on the way!
MaryMartha
It was not a great leap then to remember an old gospel song one of my brothers sometimes sang as a special, accompanied by his wife at the piano. The words may be old-fashioned, but then so is my memory!
The Old Ship of Zion
I was drifting away on life’s pitiless sea,
And the angry waves threatened my ruin to be,
When away at my side, there I dimly descried,
A stately old vessel, and loudly I cried:
“Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy!”
And loudly I cried: “Ship ahoy!”
’Twas the “old ship of Zion,” thus sailing along,
All aboard her seemed joyous, I heard their sweet song;
And the Captain’s kind ear, ever ready to hear,
Caught my wail of distress, as I cried out in fear:
“Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy!”
As I cried out in fear: “Ship ahoy!”
The good Captain commanded a boat to be low’red,
And with tender compassion He took me on board;
And I’m happy today, all my sins washed away
In the blood of my Savior, and now I can say:
“Bless the Lord! Bless the Lord!”
From my soul I can say: “Bless the Lord!”
M. J. Cartwright, 1889.
If ever there is truly an emergency, it is when we need to be rescued spiritually. Certainly this applies to our experience of salvation, but not only then. Like Peter, when he was walking on the water to Jesus, we sometimes see the strong waves of our circumstances and feel the boisterous winds of our own emotions, and we become terrified. “Save me, Lord!” Peter cried out, and Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. (See Matthew 14:22-32).
Whatever our need, however we express the distress call, Divine help is on the way!
MaryMartha
Friday, May 1, 2009
Another Blog
For more than twenty-five years, I have had a particular interest in the intersection of two subjects: women and the Church. This includes women in the Church, that is women of faith, although not necessarily part of organized religion, and women out of the Church—women who for one reason or another stay away from the Church or even leave it. Women before the Church who lived in Old Testament times, and women after the Church was formed. Women for the Church whose lives are partly defined by this relationship, and women against the Church (some are, you know.) And finally, women about the Church, that is, what women are saying about their/our place in the Body of Christ.
Busy with family responsibilities, finishing my college education, and getting established in my career(s), I did only a little research—a few papers for the classes I was taking. Now that child-rearing years are past and my formal education is complete and my professions are mostly finished, there is more time to study and think and write and I am returning to this interest in a more focused way. Some of my thoughts I will share here, but most of these specialized topics I will now cover in a second blog. If you have interests or concerns related to women's issues, I invite you to join me by reading the posts on "Claiming Our Selves," and by leaving your comments. You will locate the new blog at http://claiming-our-selves.blogspot.com
One of the things I've discovered in my life-journey is how many women fail to care for themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually. "Claiming Our Selves" is for them--and for you, if you find yourself not knowing quite who you are. This can happen to us anywhere along the way, but especially during a time of transition: adolescence, career crisis, marriage or singleness, motherhood or not, menopause, empty nesting, retirement, husband's retirement, and divorce or death of husband bringing single-again-ness. I hope you will share in the honest attempt to discover ways in which we can experience the fullness of who we are as women of faith.
Meanwhile, I will continue writing "Finding the Faith Way," and I hope you continue to find challenge and inspiration at this location. A few of the entries I have posted here are appropriate for the new blog and will be repeated there. Writing for two blogs, however, I will not post entries for both of them every day, so check back often or "subscribe" through one of the newsreaders (see below).
Do you like the update of this blog? You will find some new features: a different look, a revised profile, and the subscription links.
MaryMartha
Busy with family responsibilities, finishing my college education, and getting established in my career(s), I did only a little research—a few papers for the classes I was taking. Now that child-rearing years are past and my formal education is complete and my professions are mostly finished, there is more time to study and think and write and I am returning to this interest in a more focused way. Some of my thoughts I will share here, but most of these specialized topics I will now cover in a second blog. If you have interests or concerns related to women's issues, I invite you to join me by reading the posts on "Claiming Our Selves," and by leaving your comments. You will locate the new blog at http://claiming-our-selves.blogspot.com
One of the things I've discovered in my life-journey is how many women fail to care for themselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually. "Claiming Our Selves" is for them--and for you, if you find yourself not knowing quite who you are. This can happen to us anywhere along the way, but especially during a time of transition: adolescence, career crisis, marriage or singleness, motherhood or not, menopause, empty nesting, retirement, husband's retirement, and divorce or death of husband bringing single-again-ness. I hope you will share in the honest attempt to discover ways in which we can experience the fullness of who we are as women of faith.
Meanwhile, I will continue writing "Finding the Faith Way," and I hope you continue to find challenge and inspiration at this location. A few of the entries I have posted here are appropriate for the new blog and will be repeated there. Writing for two blogs, however, I will not post entries for both of them every day, so check back often or "subscribe" through one of the newsreaders (see below).
Do you like the update of this blog? You will find some new features: a different look, a revised profile, and the subscription links.
MaryMartha
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