Lenten Experiment - Day 5

Between the Rains -

As I mentioned a couple of days ago, my latest foray into Bible study with Beth Moore and a group of precious ladies at my church has once again opened up my mind to what is actually going on in my life--not just what I think is going on.

Many times no matter how hard I try I simply can't figure out what God's trying to say for all the static I hear or the fog that clouds my vision.

So with all that said, I really need to share today about my life right here, right now because I'm "between the rains."

Lent itself is a condition of being "between the rains"--between the haphazard hullabaloo of Mardi Gras and the rejoicing of Resurrection Sunday. The sermon in church this morning, though, looked at Lent a different way as getting increasingly darker and darker until Good Friday when the whole world darkens upon Christ's death on the cross, then of course brightens full force on Easter morning when He rises from the dead.

I'm seeing it right now as a time of dryness within a large patch of parched ground. Deep down buried within the ground, my land is seeded and prepared for growth. Deep, rugged furrows of trials clawed their way across my land. The seeds are dormant, awaiting spring, awaiting the end of this season, waiting for the glory of a wondrous rain. Patiently waiting for water.

Now--I know it's my responsibility to look for the rain, to wait expecting a refreshing rain. The rainy season is coming. I just know it!

Are you ready for the rain?

"So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; and He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth." (Hosea 6:3 NASB)

Lenten Experiment - Day 4

The winter of 2011-2012 has been unusual throughout the world. Extreme weather patterns seem to the be the norm. Whether it is the excessive cold and snows in Europe or the parching dryness we have experienced here in Kansas and throughout the upper Midwest. Even into Canada snowfalls have been practically non-existant. And while most of the adult population are thankful for the lack of snow, I'm not in that majority.

Even at my advanced age, I still revel in the frigid winds and marvel at the wonder of billions of microscopic ice crystals clinging together in the web called "snow." It really is amazing to me to watch a fluffy snowfall and to hear its crunch beneath my feet as I walk out into the prairie grasses.

And, that's what I have missed this winter--the wonder and beauty of a world wrapped in white - a world pure and clean. The chill of air filled with ice crystals refreshing, cleansing the earth.

And then I have to step back today and remember the words of Isaiah the prophet:

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it." (Is 55:8-10 (NASB))

Sometimes I get ahead of myself before I realize that God's thoughts and ways are higher than mine - His purposes and plans are true--He knows when the earth needs rain and snow. He waters the earth in His time, not mine. And, while I miss the snow this winter, I'm learning patience.

Well, it's not yet March - there is still hope for some snow before the spring blooms. Ever hopeful, ever watchful - I'll sit out here on the prairie and wait on the snow; wait on God to accomplish His desires. His timing is perfect.

Lenten Experiment - Day 3

As some of you may know today, February 24, is my dad's birthday. It suddenly hit me today that he's been gone now for 20 years. It feels like a lifetime. My oldest daughter was only three and my second daughter was only 6 months old when he died. Daughter #3 wasn't even born yet. His 82 years were full, rich with adventures, friends and family.

Many times I wish my daughters could have known him as a grandfather and friend. But they didn't and that can never be changed. Instead we can remember him through stories, photos, and passing on memories of joys experienced with him. Even this little blog can be a tribute to the loving father I knew for but a fraction of my life.

While he was not outwardly a man of faith, and I don't pretend to know the man's heart, he possessed faith - faith in people and circumstances. He had that "never give up" attitude so characteristic of his generation and those who lived through The Great Depression. I learned determination, perseverence, hard work, loyalty, and optimism from him. And, probably a host of other things.

I inherited my love of learning and reading from him as well. It always amazed me that the man, the farmer, who never went to college was a voracious reader. His library included a daily diet of The Wall Street Journal and The Kansas City Star. Then it expanded to every known farm magazine of the day - the Missouri Ruralist, Successful Farming, Farm Journal - and National Geographic and Arizona Highways. He also read every book he could on the Civil War and World War II.

He was a complicated man in the sense that he was a deep thinker, but his tastes were simple so indicative of the hill-top farmhouse where he was born along with ten other children. I can't remember him ever coveting a new car or the latest gadget. His whole focus was always to provide for my mom and I no matter the personal cost. Christmas mornings saw him unceremoniously opening present after present from my mom who thought lavish gifts could solve the world's problems. It always took a lot of persuasion to get him to participate in the annual ritual of receiving new clothes he didn't really need or want. Poor mom, she was well meaning and gifting was one of her love languages--I'm just sure of it. LOL

So, Day 3 this Lent has been an exercise in memories--recounting where I've come from, who shaped my early days, life lessons learned and applied. Thanks Dad - I'm a better person for knowing you, for being loved by you. Happy Birthday!

Lenten Experiment - Day 2

While I committed myself to this writing/reflection goal for Lent, no real, heavy thoughts went into the whys or the hows or the "what was I thinking?" when I embarked on this journey yesterday.

It is now Day 2 and as I look back over the last several weeks, I have been encouraged in so many ways through Beth Moore's study of the Book of James. It is a powerful, yet small book of the Bible that is veritably bursting with conviction.

James was a man who didn't mince words--he spoke to his reader directly and with a forcefulness that the people of our culture would probably find offensive. I, on the other hand, have always felt secure with those who speak plainly, who speak the truth in love--directly. Personally, I appreciate those who are honest with me.

So, I'm going to be honest with you today. The Lenten journey is not an easy one-- it's a dark journey sometimes, and really must be if we are to fully benefit. Not dark in the sense of evil or negative, just challenging, maybe even mysterious as we navigate through the waters of self-denial and penance.

However, it all begins with communion. That sacred sharing of thoughts and feelings with the one who created us. Think about it. Only through this sacred act can we truly understand Him and His ways. It opens up a way for forgiveness, brings healing and growth and empathy for others. While prayer is the beginning of the journey, sacrifice, giving, self-denial all evolve as I give myself over to the journey.

Prayer - Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (James 5:16, NASB)

Penitence - For Thou does not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; Thou art not pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. (Ps. 51:16-17, NASB)

Almsgiving - If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of your says to them, "go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. (James 2:15-17 NASB)

Self-Denial - And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life shall lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake shall find it. (Matthew 10:38-39, NASB) Be encouraged today, dear friends! The journey is just beginning and God has so much to tell us.

Lenten Experiment - Day 1 (Ash Wednesday)

Day 1 of Lent – Ash Wednesday

As I reflect upon the first day of the new beginning of Lent, I am reminded that for many people Lent is simply a time “to give up something.” It is superficial, at best, just a way to go with the crowd, to follow a time-honored tradition, to exhibit a holiness that may or may not be living down in the deepest wellspring of our heart.

My intention is not to be critical--it is simply an observation and I am just as guilty of a hypocritical nature that is not very attractive.

While to deny the selfishness that enchains all of our hearts is a noble task, what does it truly accomplish in the space of a mere 40 days? For many, it does not become a habit—we simply look forward to Easter morning when we can be released from the burden of the denial and return to our selfish ways. I’m told that it takes 30 days to establish a habit. But does it really?

So what are you giving up this Lenten season? Social media? Chocolate? Fast food? Cussing? Drinking?

Or, will you--like me--think “outside of the box” and step out of your comfort zone and do something out of the ordinary? Serve someone each day, love in extraordinary ways or begin the journey of healing for your own heart? Maybe take a risk like none other. Our life on this earth is so very, very short--don't waste it.

My challenge to myself this Lent is to write a reflection each day focused on these thoughts and many more than consume my brain cells – all in hopes that I am well prepared to meet my Savior this Easter—face-to-face; mind-to-mind; heart-to-heart. Honestly, I’m not sure I’m up for the challenge. I need help each and every day, minute-by-ugly minute to process through the inadequacies of this life.

This is my Lenten Experiment.

I hope you will join me from time to time whether it be for a short read, encouragement, or to help me maneuver through the richness of the Scriptures and the vastness that is our Lord.

PRAIRIE SNOWY WONDERS

Snow is wondrous! Despite the fact that I'm a bit "over the hill," I still rejoice in the snowy wonderland we call winter. Most folks my age are complainin' about the cold and how it does havoc on the aches and pains of their youth.




I, on the other hand, revel in Jack Frost's world. Icicles, crunchy goodness underfoot, powder sugar snow, and then there's the brightness that lights up our world both day and night. The whiteness shines its sparkling face upward in stark contrast to the blackness of the night sky.



As the frosty blanket covers the landscape, it chills the air and somehow calms the winds that we experience so much here on the prairie. Now, I don't mean it totally negates the winds, but somehow it brings an uncanny peace; a shivery blessing of purity and silence all packaged neatly together.


What can we learn from the snow? As I ponder my routine snowy treks to the barn to care for my horses, I think on the deep breaths of frigid air that pierce the inner depths of my fragile lungs and then leaves me gasping for breath--reminding me I'm alive in God's kingdom. Watching that breath escape in visible smoke, I revel in the miracles that are my lungs—God-designed and remarkably functional.

I know it's probably an insignificant thing to think about, but there you have it. I ponder a lot of God's little details and then make them into huge lessons for myself.



It seems sometimes that I feel most alive in the winter because the frosty air and snowy roads stretch my capabilities - they challenge me to work harder at life. And, then I truly feel alive!




So, my advice - for what it's worth - Get yourself outside and into the cold. Take a snowy walk, lick an icicle, go sledding down a hill (wwwwwhhhheeeee!), breathe in & breathe out and watch the smoke rise, experience that awesome tingling feeling of frozen toes and fingers that come just before frostbite, and above all revel in the silence and listen to the voice of God in His snowy kingdom.

Seize Your Own Moment of Wonder!

2011 is upon us. Remember to make the most of every breath He's given you; seize the wonders around you; and don't be afraid to share His love to the fullest. There will never be another year like this one!


This little thought was from my own little mind a couple of days ago as I was reflecting on our family, the new year, and new dynamics that are impacting our family life. I wrote and posted this on my Facebook status on Tuesday, January 4. To-date, no one has commented on it or left a "thumbs up" like. For some reason, that is kind of bothering me. While I know I shouldn't look for affirmation from friends alone, I really thought I had something meaningful to share that could encourage others. I mean, my identity and my feelings of acceptance really should come from the Creator of the Universe, right?

I'm still fascinated by "Wonder" and every day God opens my eyes to new wonders around me. Whether it's the series of dead mice in our horses' water buckets or the pink glow of an ever-changing, amazing sunset I see each night as I drive home from work. I'm sure you're wondering what I could possibly learn from the dead mice. Well . . . let me tell you.

We've had a lot of dry weather out here on the prairie this past summer and fall and I'm sure the little micekins are thirsty—seeking out water. However, their tiny mice brains just can't fathom the peril involved in perching atop the lip of a water bucket and bending over for a tasty drink. Aren't we as frail humans a bit like that sometimes as well? Something we're craving drives us to ruin because we can't see the perils that potentially lie ahead. We don't take the time to consider the risks, to analyze the outcomes—we just scurry around and around and jump head-long without abandon into the water bucket only to find ourselves drowning in our own selfish depravity. Okay, enough of the downer observations.

I originally intended this blog entry to captivate your imagination; inspire to love. So, here goes round 2 of this particular blog entry. Sorry I got distracted with the micekins. I'm just a crazy goofball who seems to always see some lesson in every little incident I encounter.

Since the vegetation has dried up and winter is upon it, sometimes we give up looking for the joy in nature; even joy in life. Instead, my mind has turned to seizing the wonders all around me whether it's a crooked smile, an outburst of laughter, or a knowing look, God wants me to experience His wonders. The wonders of relationship, the miracles of God's love.

Moments slip by in a cadenced march that we never seem to be able to catch up to. And, sometimes this makes me sad wondering whether I'm missing out on an opportunity to witness a miracle or catch God's ultimate vision for me in that particular moment.

So with all that said, I encourage each and every one of you to "seize your own moment of wonder." Don't miss an opportunity to love; an opportunity to serve; an opportunity to witness the wonders God has placed within your vision. The moment that truly matters to you or someone else may never come this way again.

The Immeasurable Heavens

Vast, endless, infinite, massive, incalculable--the immeasurable heavens.

Indeed that's what I experienced tonight on my quiet, dark walk to the barn to feed my horses. The moon had taken a respite from its usual place in the sky--hiding its face from view and the only light was from distant stars dotting the heaven's canopy.

What a wonder are the stars! We may never see them as they truly are--on fire, burning up their life force so far away. Scientists say that by the time their light reaches us, they are but a memory in their part of the galaxy.

I'm so glad that the Light of our World is still here shining for me. Is He shining for you tonight in the darkness?


Lift up your eyes on high
And see who has created these stars,
The One who leads forth their host by number,
He calls them all by name;
Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power
Not one of them is missing. (Isaiah 40:29, NASB)

Newsboys - In Wonder

Hope you enjoy this video of the Newsboys song "In Wonder." Seemed so appropriate to share it here on my blog. Loved the lyrics coupled with the photos.

The Eye of God

"For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." (2 Chronicles 16:9)


Well, it's been quite a long time since I've posted to my blog. I'm ashamed to say, I've neglected it as so many others neglect their blogs as well. I've had lots of insights over the past few months that deserved to be given breath upon this page, but I neglected them.

Maybe it's now time to play catch up.

Today, however, my imagination was captured by talk of the lunar eclipse and the blood red image said to be seen tonight. I walked to the barn around 9:45 p.m. to feed our horses. It was a cool night, but not unbearably cold. A full moon lit my path, yet a luminescence permeated the moon in an eerie glow. As I returned from the barn and stood outside watching the great ball of light in the sky, I stood spellbound by the patterns of patchy clouds that continued to flow across its face. It was almost magical the way the light continued to pierce through the clouds, pushing them aside. They circled around it as if in a mysterious dance.

Could this be the eye of God, unblinking, all-seeing, separating light from dark?

"The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands." (Psalm 19:1)