When I Remember

Happy Friday. Weekend’s here.

Yet as I write, there’s a big part of me that’s not happy at all but extremely sad as I reflect on the deadly terrorist attacks in London yesterday and the families that are left devastated today in the wake of such cold blooded murder. My heart goes out to the families, as I know yours does, too, who lost someone yesterday they love, or to those who were injured. I was moved by the fact that so many of our world leaders stood together and called yesterday’s terrorist attack for what it is—evil.

And who’s ultimately behind this evil? Satan himself. Oh, those who were responsible, who continue to be responsible, will be held accountable. If not in this life than in the one to come. Make no mistake. We must—I must—be vigilant in praying for our country and for all those through the world who stand for freedom and for righteousness, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. This was already top of mind for me celebrating the 4th of July last week and now the vacancy on the Supreme Court with Sandra Day O’Conner’s resignation.

Grave times. But exciting times, too. I see evidence of God working all over the world.

I have an older brother, by a year and a half. Jeff has grown into a very nice man and I love him dearly. But when we were kids, he was a little snot. He loved to tease me incessantly. I suppose like most brothers do.

I could be enjoying a perfectly nice day playing by myself, and Jeff would come up to me and take my doll away, or muss my hair, or hit me; not hard enough to hurt me but just enough to infuriate me. I’d chase after him. He’d giggle, I’d whine, and soon I was rolling on the floor with him, trying to beat him up. He was strong, I was not, and so I always lost. I would cry, he would laugh, and soon my mother would send us both to our rooms.

“If you just ignore him, Gayle, he’d leave you alone,” my mom and dad would tell me. And I really did understand this in principle. But for the life of me, I just couldn’t seem to do this. Every single time, I walked into Jeff’s trap and he would get the reaction he wanted.

Satan knows how to get to me too. He hounds me, harasses me, teases me, and shames me. He tries to set me off balance by stirring up fears and insecurities. Unlike my brother, whose job description as an older brother is to be a pest and not really hurt me, Satan is out to destroy me. Since I’ve placed my trust in Jesus Christ, he can’t do that and he knows he can’t. But he certainly can make my life miserable if I’ll let him. He’ll strive to destroy my testimony and rip to shred any sense of peace, joy, and well being. As a result, now I can’t think about others. I can’t think about what God has called me to do. I’m too upset for that. Now I can think only about me.

Is the answer to ignore Satan and hope that he’ll get bored with me and move on to something else? Absolutely not! None of us can afford to ignore Satan. But we can’t fight him either. Not in our own strength. He’s too strong for us. But through Christ, we can and must be vigilant to stand against him through the power of prayer and the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:10-17).

Today I have new resolve. The devil is not going to beat me. I will not ignore him but I will not focus on him, either. I will keep my eyes firmly focused on Jesus Christ. For God is my refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. In Him is always the assurance of victory and I plan on being victorious today. How about you?

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (1 Peter 5:6-9 NIV)

Hope y’all have a great 4th. I did.

My heart is not proud, O LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.
O Israel [oh Gayle], put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore.
(Psalm 131 NIV)

As I read this, I wonder. How do I still and quiet my soul? How can I know my heart is quiet? King David wrote this psalm. It’s not like the guy didn’t have anything going on in his life. He was responsible for the welfare of a nation. He did so concern himself with great matters…daily. Didn’t he?

What I believe David was saying is that he didn’t concern himself with matters that were out of his control. He couldn’t be spending his energy trying to figure out things that were just too big for him. Just as an infant trusts its mother to take care of him, God wanted him—and He wants me—to completely rely on Him daily to take care of me and meet all my needs—spiritual, physical, emotional.

Long ago I established a habit in my life to spend the first moments of my day in prayer and Bible reading. It’s not a “rule.” It’s spiritual breakfast. I’m not going to die of starvation if I skip breakfast. Nor will my relationship with God automatically turn sour and I’m guaranteed to have a rotten day if I don’t do this. Rather, just as a nutritious breakfast gives me fuel to begin my day, so does reading my Bible and prayer with my heavenly Father give me the spiritual nourishment, a right perspective, about the day ahead.

Sometimes my heart starts out quiet. Maybe because I had an extra good night sleep or had a wonderful time of fellowship with a friend the night before. Maybe things are good and my heart is light. Conversely, life might be extra hard and I’m so desperate for God’s help that I just wake up already poised for a rich time with Him. Almost like He must have been talking to me all night in my sleep so when my “quiet time” begins, I’m just continuing the conversation I’ve already been having with Him all night.

On those mornings, seems from the moment I awaken and sip my first cup of coffee, I’m ushered into the throne room of God’s grace. I’m focused on the Lord and everything I read makes sense. My heart is so quiet I can hear the refrigerator buzz.

It’s not always like this, though. Sometimes as soon as I sit down, I jump back up again it seems. I decide to check my e-mail. Then I suddenly have a hankerin’ to browse through yesterday’s junk mail I forgot to open. Should I keep the pizza coupons? Do I recognize the child on the Advco ad? Do I need to pay that bill today? Before I know it, I’ve opened my Quicken program and am reviewing my checking account.

I did not set my alarm for 5:00 a.m. to sort through coupons!

So, I sit back down on my couch—after I’ve poured that second cup of coffee. After all, I rose early to give my Lord my freshest hour of the day. Though I may be distracted and He may seem far away, I know the truth. God is with me and He delights being with me. I’ll never get that, but I know it’s true.

Even if I’m reading a portion of Scripture that doesn’t minister to me emotionally, I know it’s ministering to my soul. About 20 years ago, I was reading my Bible in a coffee shop when I ran into my pastor and dear friend in Seattle, Wayne Taylor. I told him I’d just read an Old Testament passage that I didn’t understand. Said it did nothing for me emotionally and yet I felt better for having read it anyway! Wayne told me that’s because God’s Word always ministers to our spirit even if it doesn’t minister to us emotionally. I’ve always remembered that! This doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t study to gain understanding in those difficult passages. It just means that even when I don’t get what I’m reading, God’s Word is still working. It’s never a waste of time to read the Bible.

Interesting. David said he quieted his own soul. Yet it happens as he focused on God. Any choice I make to draw closer to Christ is aroused by His wooing me with His love. In the deepest part of me, I know that no matter what I’m feeling, especially in turbulent times, the way to get and keep a quiet and peaceful heart is to spend time with the One who knows and loves me so much!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-6)

Blessings on this wonderful day of celebration. Soon I’ll be off to enjoy a barbecue with dear friends about 1-1/2 hours away. There had been talk of rain earlier last week but the sun is shining now. It’s going to be a beautiful day.

Yesterday at church as part of our worship we sang patriotic hymns. America, God Bless America, America the Beautiful. While I’ve sung these songs since my youth, for years I hadn’t paid close attention to the words. Usually we’d only sing the first verse or two. I didn’t realize the deep spiritual and Scriptural basic of these songs. Yesterday I sang them with more passion that I’d ever sung before. These songs are prayers. They speak of gratitude and honoring God for our nation. Our heritage. We can help standing a little straighter when we sing the words. At least I couldn’t. I felt humbled. Proud. The very words themselves remind me that this country was built on a foundation that acknowledged the Lord God as our creator.

When I was a kid, I understood our freedom to a certain degree, at least intellectually. But I didn’t really get it. I didn’t see how people lived throughout the world. All I ever heard was “Finish your dinner. Think of the starving people in Africa.” I had no idea that our blessings extended far beyond the rich physical resources we enjoy. There may be those reading my blog who were not born in this country. I was. I didn’t deserve to be but here I am. How I thank God for that.

For me, the 4th of July for too many years was more about food and fireworks—a day off from work—than thanking God for the freedoms I enjoy. Maybe it’s because I’m older now, maybe because we’re at war. Part of it to be sure is because I see our country’s freedoms slipping away. What’s with all the fighting about the Ten Commandments being posted in public places? How is it that we’ve strayed so far from Truth, that we think we’re gaining freedom all the while, we’re losing it? We’ve gotten this whole “Separation of Church and State” issue so turned around we seem to think that our highest goal is to have not a freedom of religion but freedom from religion. Our forefathers could not have dreamed that we would twist our Constitution in such a way.

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” (Psalm 53:1)

God has been reminding me lately that freedom is so precious it cannot be fought for just once. We need to keep fighting for it. It doesn’t just happen. Righteousness never just happens—not for a nation nor for an individual. If we want to act rightly, we need to purpose in our hearts to do so. And this can never happen on our own. It happens only as we receive the righteousness of Jesus Christ. We just don’t have it in ourselves.

Yet the wonderful thing about God is that with each day is a fresh start. And actually, fresh starts happen by the second if we choose to look to God. He wants to continue to bless the United States of America but He expects something from us, too. He expects us to acknowledge Him as the Creator of this incredible country. He requires a heart of gratitude. Does He not deserve this? Absolutely He does!

And isn’t our birthday the perfect day to start? I think so. Reflection should accompany our celebration. As I enjoy the fun and fellowship of this day, I want to remember our soldiers serving throughout the world and especially Iraq. I want to remember the families who are experiencing their first 4th of July without their loved ones because he/she died this year in battle. In short, I want to be mindful of why we are celebrating. Cultivate in me a grateful heart, Father, I pray.

Can somberness and joyfulness and a light-hearted attitude co-exist? Of course, it can!

Have a terrific day. And don’t forget the sunscreen!

“Thus may the 4th of July, that glorious and ever memorable day, be celebrated through America, by the sons of freedom, from age to age till time shall be no more. Amen and Amen.” (the Virginia Gazette on July 18th, 1777)

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 10:10)

Happy Friday and a wonderful Fourth of July holiday to you!

Since I seem to be on a theme this week regarding athletics and exercise, I thought I’d share one more recent observation.

Each morning while sipping my coffee and reading my Bible, I love to glance out my window. By nature, I’m such a people watcher. When most of my neighbors glance out their windows, all they see is the adjacent apartment building. But not I. God in His tremendous graciousness chose my particular apartment because He knew how much it would bless me. I glance out at a sub division with a beautiful neighborhood park. Walking paths weave through the streets.

So as I read each morning, I peer out my window. A bit like Jimmy Stewart in Rear Window except I don’t need any binoculars. Even as early as 5:00, I see some people walking alone or with friends, others jogging. Still others cycling. I don’t know any of these people, know nothing about them. Except for one thing: they obviously make exercise a priority.

Their discipline encourages me. I know later in the day, I, too, will walk or go for a bike ride, but there’s something to be said about doing it first thing, if time allows. And for me, it would allow, if I were just a bit more organized. Like maybe writing this blog a day early instead of an hour before my goal of posting by 9 am each morning.

But here’s my point. These folks walking and jogging and cycling don’t have a clue I’m watching them. They’re not exercising for my benefit but for theirs. Obviously. They have no idea that I am encouraged and emboldened by their daily routine.

For those Christians who take their relationship with Christ seriously, they—I—want to be a good testimony to who Christ is. Though I flounder and fall short terribly sometimes in my example, my hope is that overall, when folks look at my life, they see Christ. I want to be a witness to who He is.

But the thing is, I think sometimes we can make this more complicated than it is. Yes, we want to take the opportunity to share Christ with those who don’t know Him as the opportunity arises. But most often, at least for me, this isn’t exactly the focus of my days. My focus is simply to keep my eyes on Christ—to follow Him the best I can.

I have a feeling when I simply do this, Christ is glorified. Doesn’t mean I’ll know it, any more than the early exercisers are aware that I am watching, but nevertheless, I am and am blessed by their diligence.

Just seems God’s fingerprints on Planet Earth are everywhere. When I want to find Him, I just don’t have to look far. There are times, where He appears quiet and distant in our own life for sure. But if we really want to see evidence of Him somewhere, we don’t have to look far. That comforts me.

Have a great weekend, everybody!

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

(Psalm 145:3 NIV)

Mid week. Gray here. Supposed to warm up to 78. Good. It’s summer after all. Been cold this week.

Monday I shared a little about the Coeur d’ Alene Ironman triathlon. Reminded me of my one official day of being an athlete! Thought I’d share—

My parents hugged me and my siblings patted me on the back. “Good luck, Gayle,” they said, then left to take their seats up in the bleachers. I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful Saturday morning for my first and only track meet I would run in junior high. I diligently performed my warm up exercises, eagerly waiting for my race to be called—the 660. For weeks I had trained after school for this one race. Besides my family, many of my classmates were in attendance. I was proud to sport my red and gold school colors. I already had the red shorts, but my mom bought a package of Ritz Dye and dyed my T-shirt gold so it would look official.

My coach, a college sophomore, was so handsome and had been extremely supportive of me right from the start. With the race soon to begin, Brian now placed his arm firmly around my shoulder. He talked to me about good sportsmanship and doing my best and having fun. His final instruction was the same as he had given to me each day in practice: “Pace yourself, Gayle, this is a long race.”

“I will,” I nodded.

“Don’t forget,” Brian said again.

No way would I forget after hearing this every single day of practice for weeks. My race was then announced and so with those parting words, I quickly withdrew to the track, assuming my lane position among the other seventh grade girls.

The shot was fired and we were off. With unbridled enthusiasm, I bolted as if running the 50-yard dash. I instantly took the lead and ran even faster! But after about 150 yards, my pace slowed considerably. I’d spent all my energy in the first few seconds of the race.

My opponents began passing me one by one. With a third of the race still to run, the other girls started crossing the finish line. One gal had run close behind me but just quit and retreated from the track. I felt humiliated, totally stupid, and wanted to quit. I wanted to run and hide, not run around this track. But my pride and self respect demanded that I finish. I jogged the rest of the distance and finally crossed the finish line . . . alone and in last place.

On Monday morning in Home Room, one of the boys came up to me. “It’s too bad you lost, Gayle, you sure started out great!” I just shrugged my shoulders and said, “Thanks.”

But had I really started out great? No, not at all! This was a distance race, a race of endurance—not a sprint. I wasn’t a fast runner and I hadn’t expected to win. What upset me was that in my adrenaline rush I had forgotten the most important thing Brian had taught me, the very thing I was just so positive I would not forget.

Pace yourself.

Running circles around the back field of my junior high play ground had been necessary practice. Still, it could not prepare me for the pressure and excitement of an official track meet with friends and family watching. Brian knew this. That’s why he reminded me over and over of the one thing he suspected I would forget.

Similarly, it’s possible to allow our zeal in serving Christ cause us to forget His instruction in the everyday experiences of life. Some circumstances may become so familiar that when the Lord “puts His arm around our shoulder” and gives us last minute counsel concerning a matter, we may dismiss Him saying, “I know, I know.” Yet if the God of the Universe thinks we need to be reminded of something, we best listen to Him as intently as if He had never told it to us before.

The Holy Spirit is our “coach” and He’s cheering us on. He wants us to finish life well and is always close by, shouting out pearls of wisdom from the sideline. We forget so easily, though, and must constantly ask Him to remind us of His precepts. Otherwise in the midst of the race, we may find ourselves lagging far behind—long before the task in which He’s called us to is completed.

“I think the one lesson I have learned is that there is no substitute for paying attention.” —Diane Sawyer

Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. (Proverbs 8:33)