The Garden Bench
By Karen D’Amore

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Mark 6:31b

My house sits on a hill tucked within the woods. The stretch of driveway from the street to the house is exceptionally long and steep. Halfway up the driveway a garden bench, flanked by towering oaks, sits nestled amongst overgrown wildflowers. The bench provides a moment of rest for those who dare to trek up the challenging grade. Constructed of wood and steel, the weathered bench personifies strength; a strength which upholds those in need of rest. At the same time, the bench embodies a spirit of gentleness, quiet and calm as it seems to whisper, “Come and sit awhile…and I will provide you rest.”

Over the past couple of years, I have collected numerous garden benches and strategically placed them throughout our acreage. By leaving the land in its natural state, God-made foliage overshadows man-made structures. Benches positioned amidst His landscape rest alongside aged trees, scrub bushes, streams and ravines. Trails carved through the dense woods invite and enable walks amid the sanctuary. With the outside world silenced by choirs of birds, the benches provoke me to stop and bask in the solitude of His garden. Like outstretched arms they beckon me to seek His warm embrace. Placed in areas I frequent, the garden benches are purposeful reminders to set aside time for quiet meditation and rest.

At times, life becomes cluttered by the noise of this world: busyness, stress, fatigue and social pressures. During these over-crowded times, our ability to hear God is deafened and our ability to feel His presence diminished. Often in Scripture we see exhortations for mediation…quiet…and rest. Contrary to the fallacies of this world, we need more open spaces in our lives…moments set aside for our souls to be open and accessible to the influence of our Lord. As Christ-followers, we need to reserve time to seek a calm retreat and sit quietly at His feet. We must designate intervals of time to do nothing, think nothing and plan nothing, but simply find rest in the quiet of His presence. Purposely place “garden benches” in your daily path where you are ensured “a quiet place to rest.”

GOING DEEPER:
1. What can you put in place to remind and promote you to carve out quiet time? Establish a “retreat” place where you can have alone time with God.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 91:1, 62:5; Matthew 11:28

Married to husband Dan, Karen is the Salon Coordinator for Intrigue Salon & Spa, the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.

M.Y.O.B.
By Jennie Pierce

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”
Luke 6:41

The word narc (or nark) comes from British descent referring to a police informer or enforcer. Its Australian context means an annoying person or thing. Unfortunately, every child has this unique gift. I’m sure most parents would agree that sibling “narking” occurs in their home as routinely as the rising and setting of the sun. “She hit me!” “He won’t let me have a turn.” “She won’t leave me alone!” “He already watched a T.V. show.” Sadly, children love to point out the wrong in each other. As its dictionary definition proves, this narking, or police informing, is truly annoying.

Early on, we tried to adapt a subtle tactic to warn a guilty child that he or she was, indeed, “narking” and needed to stop. We would simply announce, “M.Y.O.B.” which means “Mind Your Own Business.” That seemed to work (for awhile) until the children started using that line on each other.

Scripture reveals to us that, apparently, children aren’t the only ones who love to observe wrong in someone else. We are quick to see the speck of dirt in someone else’s eye, all the while dismissing the log in our own. Focusing on my friend’s issues temporarily makes me forget about mine, and actually helps me feel rather good about myself. Scripture further warns that pride is a precursor to destruction and failure. Under the guise of helping and good intentions, I find it easier to point out a wrong in someone else, rather than search the deep, dark cauldrons of my own heart. According to the Bible, I am nothing but a hypocrite! The challenge in our verse for today is to focus on myself, first, by removing the glaring wrong found in me. Not the other way around!

Maybe it’s time to start practicing what we regularly preach to our children. Stop narking. Stop tattling. And M.Y.O.B.!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you tend to judge others’ wrongdoing rather than your own? What’s stopping you from minding your own business?
2. Confess your pride, today, and ask God to help you take an honest look at yourself. “Gracious, forgiving Father, I ask that today you would search me, and know my heart. See if there is any offensive, sinful way in me. Give me the desire and strength to walk in your ways” (Psalm 139:23, 24, modified).

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 16:18; Luke 6:37; John 7:24

Jennie is a wife and mother of three. She is active in Oakwood’s musical worship ministry and works part-time for a chiropractor.

More Grace
By Dawn Weimar

“But He giveth more grace”
James 4:6 (NKJ)

I was so hurt. I tried not to be upset. I don’t cry easily, but I sobbed for almost two hours. A deep pain from the core of my being wreaked havoc within me. The pain wasn’t inflicted intentionally which made it even worse…I felt guilty for being so upset. Sometimes time heals, but it didn’t this time. Though it wasn’t deliberate, I still needed to forgive. It took weeks, but I spoke the words to my God, “Lord, I forgive.” But the pain didn’t go away. The situation didn’t change; it never will. What’s done can’t be undone. The pain nagged…like a heavy, black sack it weighed down my soul. I cried inside, please take the pain…I don’t want to cry anymore.

He didn’t take the pain, but He heard the cry.

Recently, our worship pastor was preparing in advance for a worship set and sent a song to me early. I listened to the new song and my soul knew He heard. I still cried, but I knew…

Outrageous Grace by Godfrey Birtill

Oh outrageous grace
Oh outrageous grace
Love unfurled by heaven's hand
Oh outrageous grace
Oh outrageous grace
Through my Jesus I can stand
There's a lot of pain but a lot more healing
There's a lot of trouble but a lot more peace
There's a lot of hate but a lot more loving
There's a lot of sin but a lot more grace
There's a lot of fear but a lot more freedom
There's a lot of darkness but a lot more light
There's a lot of cloud but a lot more vision
There's a lot of perishing but a lot more life (1)

There’s a lot of pain, but a lot more healing and a lot more grace. Enough grace for me to trust that He will heal the pain. I still cry. Still…I almost can’t believe it. But I have hope because He reminded me of His outrageous grace. And there is more than enough healing and more than enough grace for my every need.

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what situation in your life do you desperately need God’s outrageous grace?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 13, 61:1-4

(1) © 1999 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI#172195

Dawn is a wife and mother of three daughters, and is active in Oakwood's worship ministries. She's a pediatric nurse, currently working as VP of Business Development in Population Health Improvement.

The A-List
By Susan Klein

“God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.”
Genesis 1:31

Growing up, my son always had a passion for acting. He acted in school plays, church dramas, and community theatre. When it came time to decide on a course of study for college, he chose drama. After much thoughtful consideration during his freshman year, he realized just how difficult it would be to ever get on the A-list (most bankable actors list) in Hollywood. He opted for another career path.

My daughter recently discovered she has a penchant for tennis. She tried out for the JV team at school and was immediately put on the B-team because of her lack of prior team experience. She had to prove herself on the court to get bumped up to play in some of the A-team games.

In many areas, our society has developed a rating system to determine our value. There are major leagues, and minor leagues, varsity and junior varsity, A-teams, B-teams and select teams, The A, B, and C lists of Hollywood, corporate elites ...The list goes on and on! Wouldn’t we all like to be in the “A” category? But only a select few ever get there. Many of us just hold an “average” value in the eyes of the world.

There is one area of my life where I know for certain that my value is great. Someone actually put His Son’s life on the line for me because He values me so much. He hand-picked me for a high position, seated up there with Him in the heavenly realms. I am on my Heavenly Father’s A-list! His Word says He takes great delight in me; I am precious to Him! I don’t have to perform great feats or possess amazing talents and skills to earn my way onto this list. There was nothing I could do to get on it, even if I tried. After everything He created, (including me) He said, “It is good.” I’d like to think He said, “It is A-mazing!” “She is A-mazing!” The only reason we are on His A-list is because He created us and chose us before the creation of time to be His children. That’s it! Nothing more. He values us, as is!

And, if we truly value Him more than the things of this earth, we won’t worry if we are not on the A-lists and A-teams here on earth. We will rejoice in being on the greatest list ever developed, His A-mazing list!

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what areas of your life are you struggling with “measuring up” to someone else’s high standards?
2. What might be keeping you from believing that you are truly A-mazing to God?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 10:30-32; Luke 10:20

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She is the Coordinator of Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and one of its teachers.

Content with Weakness
By Peggy Kleckner

“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:10 (RSV)

Content with weakness? Oh no, I haven’t lived my life that way! Like most women, I have wanted to prove my worth by showing my strength. We are taught again and again to “pick ourselves up by our bootstraps” because there is work to be done! Somehow we continue the façade of looking good in front of others and falling apart in private…what foolishness!

Why is it that God wrote in His Word that we are strong when we are weak? As always, such an upside down thought from what the world believes!

When we are weak, we cry out for His strength. When we are strong, we try to move on and handle things on our own. If we are believers, we are never without Him, but when we are strong we don’t seem to stay in constant, desperate communication with Him. When we are weak, we most often feel His tender mercy and His undergirding strength.

God seems to allow weaknesses in us as reminders of our need for Him. In our great need, we see past ourselves to the all-sufficiency of Him. So, yes, I am learning to be content with my weakness. I am learning to cry out to Him and to wait on His answers.

Weakness seems to break through the sin of pride. It calls us to surrender to His plan and calls us into communion with others. When we are weak we can show His strength, His ability to deliver and redeem. What a privilege!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What weakness have you been ashamed of or denied?
2. Are you willing to surrender it to Him and allow Him to show His strength in you and to you?

FURTHER READING:
Roman 8:26-27; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - two sons and two stepsons. She is the Co-coordinator of Oakwood’s Wednesday p.m. Bible Study.

The Greatest Gift
By Jen Wollner

“…the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23

Two women: one with a desperate desire for a child, but whose womb is barren; and another, thousands of miles away, carrying a child she can’t raise herself. It’s not an uncommon story. Scenarios like this develop everyday around the world, but that doesn’t make it any less extraordinary when a birth mother gives up her child and an adoptive mother’s arms are finally full. Two women, one incredibly strong bond…linked forever through the life of a tiny baby.

This was exactly what happened for Whittney and Koleen. Whittney, the adoptive mother, had an intense desire for a child and suffered excruciating heartbreak when she miscarried four times. The birth mother, Koleen, was pregnant and unable to care for her child in the way she knew he needed, so she hand-picked Whittney and her husband, believing they were the perfect parents for her son. She knew this was what was best for him, but as the days got closer to his birth, her emotions were high…as were those of Whittney. Whittney had carried the weight of loss for so long, but now she was going to be a mother. Koleen had carried her son for nine months, but now had to say good-bye. It was a heartrending scene…joy and pain; hope and sorrow.

Through her tears Whittney cried, “Koleen has given us the greatest gift anyone could ever give another person.” Her heart was overwhelmed with the magnitude of what she was receiving. (1)

I can relate to Whittney on many levels. I have two adopted children. And, I’ve struggled through miscarriages and infertility. I felt her unspeakable joy as she held her son for the first time. But, Koleen! Oh, what misery! As she held her son, her anguish was almost unbearable. Her head told her that she was making the right choice for him, but it didn’t ease her hurting heart or heal the gaping hole left behind.

God gave up His Son, too. One can only imagine the pain and distress of His heart. He sacrificed Jesus so that He could spend eternity with us, yes, but was that enough to take away the grief, the agony? The Father and the Son had always been One and now, for that moment on the Cross, they were separate. God’s pain was to be our joy; His sorrow, our hope.

Giving up a child is a loss like no other. What God the Father gave us that day in His Son, Jesus, was truly the greatest Gift anyone could ever receive.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Take a moment to meditate on the sacrifice our Heavenly Father made as He gave up His Son for us.

FURTHER READING:
John 3:16

(1) as seen on Adoption Diaries on WE tv

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children under the age of 6. Jen heads the Fresh Start ministry and is on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

Only Time Will Tell
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:17

This time of year brings new challenges for many of us. Perhaps you are looking to rejoin the workforce with your kids now in school. Your job duties (or your family) may be expanding. Maybe you have said “Yes” to serve the Lord in a new way. These can be daunting tasks to take on in addition to all of the other responsibilities a woman carries. And if you’re like me, you want your challenge to be a success.

In the book ­Outliers: The Story of Success, the author has researched what qualities make some people achieve far more than others. He found that the key factor in success was not outstanding natural ability, money, intelligence nor ambition. The key ingredient: time. From Bill Gates to the Beatles, Olympic athletes to world-class chefs, the leaders of these fields have exhausted extraordinary amounts of time to triumph at their passion. None were identified as child prodigies or had parents who gave them exceptional privileges. But all had time to invest. (1)

The Old Testament story of Esther supports his point. Esther was taken from obscurity. She had no royal heritage, and was, in fact, a Jewish girl in the Persian Empire forced to become part of the king’s harem. However, she alone of the dozens, if not hundreds, of young ladies in the king’s court, took the time to learn from the king’s eunuch, Hegai. Hegai was the girls’ advisor, but it seems that all the other ladies dismissed his counsel. Esther took his advice to heart. She studied the king’s preferences. She applied oil, perfumes and cosmetics for at least a year. And in the end, she pleased the king and became the Queen of Persia. Esther invested and God chose to bless the time necessary to achieve this success.

So, try not to be frustrated if you don’t immediately experience great victory in your new challenge. It just might need some more time.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you facing a new challenge? Frustrated with your progress on a current challenge? Ask God to give you the resources to perform it to the best of your ability.

FURTHER READING:
Esther 2:1-18

(1) © 2008 by Malcolm Gladwell

Along with caring for her husband, two children and the dog, Carolyn is an Office Representative for State Farm Insurance, serves as a small group leader for Wednesday p.m. Bible study, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.

Extreme Make-over
By Jennie Pierce

“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice…”
1 Samuel 15:22

My daughter’s bedroom was way overdue for an updated makeover. The school year kept us so busy that the bedroom was continually ignored. When summer finally arrived, my daughter’s hopes began to soar. As is typical of any summer, our schedule quickly began to fill up…overflow, actually. And there sat the undone bedroom, once again…

…Until the day our dear friends called to say they would like to come for a visit!

With just three days to prepare, my daughter and I got down to business. We woke up early each morning and worked late into each night. Every working minute was so precious to us. It was important to us that her bedroom be absolutely beautiful and complete by the time our guests arrived (especially since they would be staying in her room). With one last-minute errand for an area rug, the room finally reached its completion, with just minutes to spare before our guests would arrive. It was a close call, but we managed, though thoroughly exhausted…almost too exhausted to enjoy our guests.

While it took a potential visit from guests to ultimately get us motivated, the truth is that these guests are so down-to-earth and easy, they would have been just as thrilled to sleep on the floor. They were coming to visit, not inspect my house.

Many times, I find myself operating my spiritual life the same way. I know Jesus wants to come for a visit…to catch up and hang out with me. Yet, I panic, thinking I have to get ready for Him first…clean up my act a little…get presentable before I can let Him in. What I often forget is that He died for me while I was a sinner! And, like my guests, He just wants to see me, to be with me, to hang around awhile. He doesn’t demand nor desire perfection as a prerequisite to fellowship.

He doesn’t want our superficial act, our meager outward attempts to impress. He desires our hearts…hearts that are honest and pure, and those that desires to obey. For that is what truly pleases Him.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you caught in the mental trap of needing to be “presentable” before you can let Jesus come for a visit? Confess that wrong thinking…and go answer the door. Jesus is knocking, wanting to come in for a chat…and He won’t even care if you’re still in your pj’s.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 51:16-17; Romans 5:6-8, 8:1; Revelation 3:20

Jennie is a wife and mother of three. She is active in Oakwood’s musical worship ministry and works part-time for a chiropractor.

The Perfect Day
By Karen D’Amore

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24

Morning came softly…no alarm clock…no phones…no clatter…just fingers of sunlight stretched through the window tickling my eyelids. Poking through my grogginess, the warm sun beckoned me from my slumber. The empty house begged me to crank up the praise music loud enough to dance and sing along.

Busyness silenced by a blank day in my appointment book, JESUS was penned across the day. No appointments or deadlines, no commitments, no to-do list…a day set aside to spend alone with Him. Suffocating from a relentless schedule, conviction cried out from my heart to stop the cycle of busyness. With the scales of balance tipped out of control, the priorities of my schedule were in need of major tweaking. Jesus had been sidelined on far too many days, left to savor the leftover morsels of my time. Though much of my busyness was in doing things for Him, I had neglected the intimacy of being with Him.

Anxious to redeem our day, I quickly retreated outdoors. Lounging in the hammock, a passing cloud cooled the sting of the intense sun. Close by, a flock of wild turkeys and a lone deer feasted together on scattered corn. Unaware of my presence, they allowed my camera to capture the precious Kodak moment. From neighboring treetops, sounds of the wild nearly drowned out the horn of a distant train. A gentle breeze flipped the pages of my Bible, coming to rest on the page with today’s Scripture boldly highlighted.

It was the perfect day! And it was a day to rejoice and be glad in. Painting Himself into every corner of the day, I felt the warmth of God’s presence and the essence of His peace. It was a simple day…quiet, restful and serene…yet rich in the fullness of His glory.

When we reflect on days in the life of Jesus, we see a man who was not ruled by His schedule. He was never in a hurry and He was not held hostage by the world’s demands. In a world that applauds achievement, God desires companionship. And in a world that focuses on what we do, He is more interested in who we are. Unlike the Army’s slogan, “Be all that you can be,” God whispers, “Be still and know that I am God.”

What does the perfect day look like to you? Turn your days over to Jesus and allow Him to fill them with Himself. Only then will you experience the truly perfect day!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you living a balanced life? What obstacles are standing in the way of intimacy with Jesus?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 34:8, 46:10; Hosea 10:12b

Married to husband Dan, Karen is the Salon Coordinator for Intrigue Salon & Spa, the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.

Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus
By Susan Klein

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4

O Soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

This song, written by Helen H. Lemmel in 1922, was derived from the Scripture passage in Hebrews 12:2: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” Helen, daughter of a Wesleyan minister who immigrated to America, was a gifted vocalist who loved music as a child and was provided with the best vocal instructors her parents could find. She eventually returned to her European roots to further her studies and fell in love with and married a wealthy European businessman. She became quite the accomplished singer and composer. However, her life was not all fame and glory. Her husband left her when she became blind. Many more heartaches were to follow.

Later in life, she recalls hearing the statement, "So then, turn your eyes upon Him, look full into His face and you will find that the things on earth will acquire a strange new dimness." As she focused on these words she claimed, "I stood still, and singing in my soul and spirit was the chorus, with not one conscious moment of putting word to word to make rhyme, or note to note to make melody. The verses were written the same week after the usual manner of composition, but nonetheless, dictated by the Holy Spirit."

Helen found true joy by putting her focus on the only One who could give it to her. Her heart delighted in the God of compassion and purpose! She no longer sought to take delight in the things of this earth, but rather, delighted in the Giver of music to her soul!

Like Helen, we all face times of great success in our lives, and times of devastation. The world tugs at our focus, trying to convince us to take delight in the visible things of this earth. But it leaves us dissatisfied, longing for more. True fulfillment comes from delighting ourselves in the Creator rather than the created, the everlasting rather than the temporal, the treasures of our Savior rather than the spoils of this earth.

And when we focus on delighting in our God, beloved, He promises to give us the desires of our heart!

GOING FURTHER:
1. What earthly distractions keep your eyes from turning to the real joy-giver?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 119:18, 37; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She is the Coordinator of Oakwood's Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and one of it's teachers.

When God Knocks
By Susan Klein

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me.”
Revelation 3:20

A story goes...One day, God promised an elderly lady that He would visit her that day. So she got ready. She scrubbed, and cleaned, and polished, and dusted, and put everything in order. Then she sat down and waited for God to arrive. Suddenly, someone knocked. She raced to the door and quickly pulled it open, only to see a poor beggar standing outside. "No, not today," the lady said. “I am waiting for God to come any minute now... I can't be bothered with you." The beggar left as hungry as he had come. A bit later there was another knock. The lady opened the door even faster than before. A poor old man stood there. "Sorry," said the lady, "I can't take care of you today." With that she closed the door in his face. Quite a bit later, someone else knocked at the door. Again, it was a ragged hungry beggar. She sent him off empty-handed and sat down to wait for her guest of honor. Evening came and still there was no sign of God. Finally she went to bed with a heavy heart. “God, why didn’t you come?” she asked as she drifted off to sleep. In her dream, the Lord came to her and said, "I came to you three times today and all three times you turned me away."

Has God ever come knocking at your door in various ways for you to see Him, but in your preoccupation with other things, you missed Him? I know it’s happened to me. Like the time I was in a hurry at the grocery store and bagged my own groceries instead of letting the mentally handicapped young man do it because he was too slow. Or the time when I saw the people with the religious pamphlets going door-to-door in my neighborhood and I pretended not to be home because I didn’t want to be bothered. I have to wonder how many opportunities I’ve missed!

God wants us to see Him, but our eyes have to be open. We need to clear out the junk so we can be focused. We also need to slow down so we don’t rush past Him in our haste. I believe that the more we see Him, the more He will show Himself to us.

The next time He knocks, let’s be ready! Let’s open the door and see Him as...

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think back on past missed opportunities to see God. What had your attention instead? How can you avoid missing Him the next time?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 25:31-46

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She is the Coordinator of Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and one of its teachers.

Shaped for the Extraordinary
By Leslie Snyder

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”
Acts 4:13

Jell-O is amazing. It can be made into almost any shape and comes in almost any flavor. Despite its use in something as simple as Jigglers for an after school snack or as the key ingredient in an elaborate dessert, Jell-O, at its core, is quite simple. Jell-O is even used to celebrate special events. For example, my 16th birthday fell during the Lenten Season, which I was observing for the first time. I had given up sweets (a critical food group for any teenager) so my mom made me a Jell-O mold garnished with fruit and candles. Although it didn’t hold its shape after the initial cut, it was a beautiful thing…the ordinary made extraordinary.

That’s how our lives are described when we spend time with Jesus. In the Scripture above, Peter and John are on trial before the ruling authorities of the day called the Sanhedrin. Peter and John have been healing the blind, crippled, and sick and were basically stirring up quite a commotion among the religious leaders. However, when they stood in front of the Sanhedrin, the rulers noticed something very peculiar. These were common men, fishermen to be exact. They had no formal titles and no formal schooling or training. Yet, they spoke and acted with a boldness and courage that obviously came from somewhere else…or more specifically…from Someone else. Take a look at what the religious leaders took note of: Peter and John had been with Jesus.

Spending time with Jesus has a way of turning the ordinary, common, everyday life into one that is dangerous, bold and courageous. Just as Jell-O takes the shape of whatever mold it is poured into, our lives begin to take the shape of the One in whom we pour ourselves. In all honesty, most of us are pretty ordinary. But, when we regularly spend time with Jesus, others will take notice, for there is no doubt that time with Jesus transforms us.

Today, maybe you feel like just another ordinary person living an ordinary life. The good news is that your life has the potential of being extraordinary. Spend time with Jesus and let him remold your life into something extraordinary.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Scripture records many instances of Jesus going off to isolated places to pray and be with His Father. For life transformation to occur, we also need this time of solitude with God. Make time today to begin this life-changing habit.

FURTHER READING:
Acts 4:1-22

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

LIFT ME UP!
By Peggy Kleckner

“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.”
1 Peter 5:6-7

I am feeling overwhelmed! So many emotions swirling that I just want to weep and yet not sure exactly what I would be weeping about. I sat down this morning and just pictured myself raising my hands to my Abba Father and saying, “UP!” Like a little girl who is overtired, worn out and perhaps frightened, I just want my Daddy to pick me up and carry me in His strong arms! When you’re a little girl, everything seems to look BIG. People seem to crowd you in, you lack understanding, you tire easily and you wear your emotions openly. Oh, to have faith as a child! “Daddy, pick me up!”

When I am ready to admit that I don’t have the answers and that I don’t know the way, then I am ready to surrender to the God who cares for me, my Abba Father. Oh, what joy to know that I can cast all of my anxiety on Him, because He truly cares for me. God wants to hear my sadness over the death of my dog. He cares that my friend’s sister passed away and it not only made me sad for her, but it reminded me of the loss of my own sister. He cares that another friend is adjusting to a life that she didn’t plan on. He cares that my son is moving back home. He understands that changes, even good changes, rock my boat, at least for a while. He cares that I am joyful that my mom’s visit was delightful, but that I am also sad that I had to let her leave again.

He cares, He cares, He cares…and ever so slowly I feel His arms surround me and suddenly I am lifted up and carried. I am comforted in His embrace. Looking down from the cradle of His strong arms, my cares now seem much smaller.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What emotions are you running from? Are you willing to stop, admit to them and surrender them to the One who cares for you?
2. Stop and picture yourself snuggled against the shoulder of a strong and loving Father, rest there a while.

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 61:1-3; Mark 10:13-16

Peggy is a wife and mother of four adult children - two sons and two stepsons. She is the Co-coordinator of Oakwood’s Wednesday p.m. Bible Study.

Lest We Forget
By Karen D’Amore

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8

The day, vividly tattooed in my mind, will impact me forever. As if it happened yesterday, the stench of terror still lingers in my nostrils. Being a police officer at the time, I was impacted differently then my civilian family and friends. Sitting in a squad room with fellow police officers, we watched in horror, as the tragic events of 9/11 unfolded. The hollow ache in the pit of my stomach festered into nausea, as I could only imagine what lay beneath the fallen rubble. My city’s streets hushed with a ghost town-like quiet as stunned Americans remained cocooned within their homes.

For months I was fixated on the video footage, re-playing and re-living the catastrophic events…over and over again. Billowing smoke, dust and debris plowing through the city streets, paralytic faces of fear. In the midst of chaos and panic, a disturbing, yet heroic fact, came to light. As sirens blared and buildings burned and collapsed, thousands of people fled in shock and horror. People tripped and trampled one another as they frantically ran from the collapsing rubble. Yet, running headlong into the carnage of the burning Twin Towers were uniformed men and women of police and fire rescue services. Without hesitation and with no regard for their own personal safety…they ran in! Fulfilling the commitment of their oath, they performed the duties for which they were trained. With people trapped and injured in burning buildings, they sacrificed their own lives in an attempt to rescue and save others.

September 11, 2001…a date which awakened America and will be forever etched in the hearts and minds of every citizen. Thousands of people lost their lives in a senseless act of terrorism. And hundreds sacrificed their lives in an attempt to save others. Yes, there will always be heroes, and let us not forget their sacrifice, but let us always remember the supreme sacrifice of our greatest Hero…our Savior. Jesus came without hesitation to rescue you and me from a lost and dying world. His death on the cross served as provision for our eternal life. Today…recognize that we have life because Jesus sacrificed His!

New York City’s Ground Zero is being transformed into a permanent World Trade Center Memorial Site. A landmark for people to reflect and remember, the memorial is entitled Reflecting Absence. As Christ-followers, let us remember the cross, which serves as a memorial reflecting…His Presence!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Contemplate the cross and consider what it means to you. Take a moment to thank God for His supreme sacrifice.

FURTHER READING:
1 John 3:16, 4:9; John 3:16

Married to husband Dan, Karen is the Salon Coordinator for Intrigue Salon & Spa, the administrator for Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and a volunteer at the Wildlife In Need Center.

How Savvy R U?
By Susan Klein

“For the word of the Lord is living and active.”
Hebrews 4:12a

Within the last twelve minutes, I’ve changed my status, edited my profile, written on my son’s wall, sent a piece of flair to a friend, planted some crops in a field, checked my notifications and events calendar, did a new pick-five and accepted two new friends. Did you get all that?!!

If you are Facebook-savvy, then this makes perfect sense to you. If you don’t have a Facebook account, this may have sounded a bit foreign. For years, I resisted the whole online chat thing. But then, two of my dear friends, who live on different sides of the country, encouraged me to set up an account so that we could stay connected by “chatting,” and “posting” photos for each other to see. I’m not very techno-savvy to begin with, so this was initially a big step for me. Now that I’ve been doing it for awhile, it’s become second nature. I can navigate through the site pretty easily and find what I’m looking for in a flash! And I so love staying connected to the people that I may not otherwise see or talk to very often.

Like Facebook, there is another Book that we should become savvy with. And if we spend enough time in it, it will become second nature as well. It is also the only Book that will help us to stay connected to the One who is far more significant than any friend or family member. Those who have not spent time in this Book will find its contents to be a bit foreign. Concepts such as, “the profound mystery,” or “the transfiguration” will not be familiar to them. They won’t be able to navigate easily through its pages to find what they are looking for.

While we live in a rapidly progressing technological world and must spend time learning new systems and lingo just to stay on top of things, we must not neglect to spend time immersed in the one Book that never changes. God’s Word is for us today! Unlike technology, it will never be out-dated nor will it need to be improved upon. We won’t have to download new applications to understand it. It is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. We can turn to it everyday and always be rewarded with the same rich nuggets of wisdom and truth! In this ever-changing world, I find this consistency quite comforting!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Be mindful of how much time you spend each day on the computer. Might some of your time be better spent elsewhere?
2. Make sure to carve out specific time to spend in God’s word so you stay savvy to His precepts!

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 19:7-10; James 1:22-25

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She is the Coordinator of Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and one of its teachers.

Star Light, Star Bright
By Jen Wollner

“God’s there, listening for all who pray…”
Psalm 145:18a (MSG)

Star light, Star bright,
first star I see tonight.
I wish I may, I wish I might
have the wish I wish tonight.

This simple poem brings back a lot of memories for me. Memories of my childhood and the countless times I “wished upon a star,” hoping my dreams really would come true. In these times, I was desperately searching for an understanding, listening ear and for someone or something to display some semblance of power over my out-of-control circumstances. If I’m being totally honest, in the depths of my heart, my desires are still the same. Maybe yours are, too. We all want to be heard…really heard…and be met with compassion and unconditional love. In the parts of our being that we rarely dare to admit, we crave security, validation and acceptance. It doesn’t take very long for us to figure out that we can’t get those needs fulfilled by talking to the brightest star in the night sky, though, does it?

As a young girl, I didn’t fully grasp that there was Someone who loved me and heard my every wish…and it wasn’t a star in the sky, but rather the Creator of all the stars! I didn’t realize back then that God desired to have an intimate relationship with me. That He desired to be the hope I was searching for and the empathetic ear I longed for. I also didn’t understand that He was the One who was sovereign and that He controlled the circumstances of my life…the good, the bad and the ugly. And, maybe the best part of all, He wanted to be right in the middle of it with me…sheltering me in the shadow of His wings, holding me in the palm of His hand. Oh, what comfort we find in knowing that the Lord listens to us when we call on Him. He cares about our every wish, dream, desire and need. And, He is powerful enough to fulfill each one.

If I were to re-write this well-known nursery rhyme to more accurately reflect the Truth, I think it would go something like this:

Wishing on a star
didn’t get me very far.
But, praying to the Creator,
well, nothing could be greater!

GOING DEEPER:
1. If wishing on a star were an effective means to obtaining what you needed, what would you wish for today, be it big or small? Take a moment now and tell God…He’s listening!

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 34:17

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children under the age of 6. Jen heads the Fresh Start ministry and is on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

Feed Me
By Elizabeth Cole

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1

It started out innocently enough. The flower shop was doing poorly, but Seymour had come across a most unusual plant. Convincing his employer, Mr. Mushnik, that this flower could be just the thing to turn business around, Seymour displays “Audrey II” (named after the girl he loves) in the window of Mushnik’s Flower Shop. And the customers stream in to see the beautiful oddity.

All’s well at this point in the story. Audrey II is the best thing that’s ever happened to Seymour. But late one night, alone in the dark of the flower shop, Seymour discovers what his beloved plant really wants from him: his blood. At this point, Little Shop of Horrors turns into a classic, dark tragicomedy. At first, Audrey II is satisfied with just a manageable amount of nourishment, but soon a band-aid isn’t nearly enough to cover the evidence. And her pretty little silence becomes a loud, booming bass voice shouting, “Feeeeed Meeee!” Shortly after that, the truth comes out: Audrey II’s intention is to completely consume both Seymour and everyone he cares for…which she proceeds to do quite successfully by the end of the musical.

Ever notice how small secrets in our lives don’t stay that way forever? Isn’t it interesting to note what we do in the darkness of night, or in the darkness of privacy? How habits that begin easy to hide behind a “band-aid” start requiring more and more and more of our lives? Like a big, ol’ alien vampire-plant, they call out “feed me” and start consuming all that matters most.

I don’t know a single person who purposefully set out to become addicted. Addictions are insidious, seeming just fine…so manageable…at the onset. But make no mistake, when fed, they will eventually kill. Kill innocence, trust, relationships, health, hope.

Makes you glad to have a Savior who’s all about rescuing, doesn’t it? A Friend who gave His blood so you wouldn’t have to. A Deliverer who sets us free. Scripture makes it very clear that we have access to a power that breaks bondage; a power that can starve an addiction and feed a life of soul-freedom. No addiction…ever, anywhere…is beyond the reach of our Redeemer.

It is for freedom that you have been set free.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are you feeding today?
2. Envision a life of soul-freedom. What will you do today, in Christ’s power, to live it?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 6:19-23, 8:1-17; 2 Corinthians 3:17

Elizabeth is a wife, mother to three teen-aged daughters, and Director of Women’s Ministries at Oakwood Church.

Bouncing Back
By Kelly McFadden

“Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.”
Proverbs 25:11 (NLT)

As a junior in high school, I was devastated when I was cut from the top volleyball team and sent to the second team. I felt disappointed, embarrassed and dejected. That evening, I spoke with a friend who passed on these words of wisdom, “It’s not how far you fall, but how high you bounce back that matters.” I wrote the quote on my mirror and committed to doing my best for this new team, instead of sulking over my personal loss. Instead of continuing to fall and spiral, I committed to bounce back.

What I learned that day is that what happens to me in life doesn’t count as much as how I react to those things. I had a choice the day I was cut from the team: I could wallow in misery and quit the team, or I could choose to fight through my circumstances and work hard to improve. Each day, choices like these present themselves. When people are cruel, I can choose to accept their apology or let my bitterness grow. When I am treated unfairly, I can vengefully plot a way to get even, or I can seek the Lord’s wisdom and demonstrate patience as He shows me what to do. When I am fired from a job, I can learn from why things did not work or I can blame everyone else around me for my misfortune and never learn, grow or change. When I am congratulated for a job well done, I can either pat myself on the back or thank the Lord for providing me with the skills to succeed.

Life throws different circumstances our way every day, both good and bad. Wherever you are in your life, it is important to remember that people are watching and looking to see how you are living your life. You will long be remembered, not only for what happened to you in your life, but for how you handled life’s circumstances. When those circumstances cause you to fall, I challenge you to bounce back!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about a time in your life when you have reacted well to a disappointing circumstance and another time when you have reacted poorly. Why do you think you reacted the way you did in those circumstances?
2. Why are our reactions as Christians so important? How can you help make sure you are someone who bounces back?

FURTHER READING:
James 5:10-11; Ephesians 5:6-9; Titus 2:6-8

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

The Voice
By Vernette Kureck

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10:27

The birth of a first grandchild is an exciting event. We had no idea if it was a boy or a girl or what names had even been considered. Everything was going to be a surprise. Our time in the waiting room seemed endless. If it was that way for us, it was even more endless for mom and dad. After 26 hours of labor, our son came to inform us that the doctor would do a C-section. Things were not going well and the baby was in distress. We fervently prayed for mother and child. I called our small group to pray and the church prayer chain was also activated. Our pastor came.

A darling little girl emerged into this world….but she wasn’t breathing well and needed help. She was whisked to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with lots of pediatric nurses and doctors, where even a specialist was called. We continued to pray to the Lord, our Specialist. The ventilator and IV’s were hooked up. And, the wait continued. Our dear daughter-in-law was stitched up, alert and following the entire process. We prayerfully gathered together.

Finally, I could observe our granddaughter through the glass window. Quite a struggle was going on. Her arms and legs were flailing all over. Was this a good sign? The doctor motioned for my son and me to come into the room. My heart was overwhelmed with love for this precious child. Why did she have to struggle so? I watched as my son tenderly put his hand down to hers and she curled her fingers around his thumb. “It’s alright, sweetheart,” he said. “Daddy is here.” The flailing stopped and there was an immediate quietness. “She knows your voice,” I said. “Keep talking.” He did, and she peacefully rested.

Emma Grace spent three days in NICU with trouble breathing from the stress of labor. We are so thankful that she is now an energetic healthy girl of seven. God has blessed us with her tender spirit and loving heart.

She knows her daddy’s voice. But more importantly, she is learning to recognize her Heavenly Father’s voice through His Word.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are you struggling with right now?
2. What has God been saying to you through His Word?

FURTHER READING:
John 10:27-28; Psalm 29:4; Psalm 95:7-8

Vernette and her husband Ken have two children and six grandchildren, with one in the works! When she’s not “grandparenting,” she’s busy as Oakwood Church’s financial secretary and as part of the leadership team for We Women’s Moms Nurturing Moms.

What Is Your Fragrance?
By Susan Klein

“For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.”
2Corinthians 2: 15,16a

Almost every woman, young or old, loves to smell good! While spending time with a friend recently, the subject of “fragrance” came up. We discussed our personal favorites. My friend enjoys Red Door, a fragrance her husband very carefully chose for her as a gift many years ago. She still wears it to this day. It’s become her signature scent, one that many people immediately associate with her when they smell it. I, on the other hand, love to wear Happy in the summer because of it’s a lighter, more citrusy scent, and the classic Chanel#5 in the winter, which my husband also enjoys and helped choose.

So, what is your fragrance? Are you an exotic floral, or perhaps a more musky scent? Do you enjoy one specific fragrance, or do you have a different one for every mood? Do you just dab a little on the wrists, or do you lavish it on generously so your fragrance permeates your perimeter? Perhaps you just enjoy the fresh, clean scent of soap and water. Or, are you a fragrance-free type of person? Whatever your preference, I bet you do enjoy smelling good, to yourself and to others.

Back in Old Testament times, the priests would burn a very specific recipe of spices in the form of incense in the temple…a pleasing aroma to God. It was required of them by God to be burned all the time as a part of their sacrificing rituals. Since Christ became the ultimate sacrifice, God now considers us, believers, to be the aroma of Christ. But, as the verse above indicates, not all find this fragrance pleasing. To those who are being saved, who are choosing to believe in Christ, our faith witness is the aroma of life. To those who are not choosing to believe in Christ, our aroma is a death reminder of their separation from Him. Are we wearing our faith fragrance for all to smell? Have we just dabbed on a tiny amount that is hardly noticeable, or are we boldly applying it so people can smell our fragrance when we enter the room?

My great-grandma wore a certain fragrance that to this day, if I smell it somewhere, invokes pleasant childhood memories of her. When I am gone from this earth, upon the mention of my name, I hope people will have fond memories of my faith-fragrance!

GOING DEEPER:
1. How are you being the aroma of Christ to others? Are you remembering to apply your faith-fragrance before you leave the house?

FURTHER READING:
Exodus 30:7, 8, 34-38

Susan is a wife and mother of two. She is the Coordinator of Oakwood’s Tuesday a.m. Bible Study and one of its teachers.

Even in the Clouds
By Leslie Snyder

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6

On the soundtrack of our family’s favorite movie is a song we’ve adopted as a sort of theme song for life. Some of the lyrics follow:

When you're feeling lonely, lost and let down
Seems like those dark skies are following you around
And life's just one big shade of gray
You wonder if you'll see the light of day

Behind the clouds, the sun is shining
Believe me even though you can't quite make it out
You may not see the silver lining
But there's a big blue sky waiting just behind the clouds

I've heard it said that this too shall pass
Good times or bad times, neither one lasts
But thinking that your luck won't ever change
Is like thinking it won't ever stop once it starts to rain. (1)

This song, while not referring specifically to the presence of God, reminds me that like the sun that is always shining, God is always with us. We may not always feel His presence or see His work, but that doesn’t mean He’s not there. Scripture gives evidence to the fact that God is eternal, and everywhere all the time. And just like the song, there will be days when His presence seems far away. It’s then that we must, like the psalmist who in desperation reaffirmed his own devotion to God when it seemed he was alone, “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me (Psalm 13:6).”

GOING DEEPER:
Even in the darkest of nights, the sun still shines. And, in difficult times, it’s good to remember, “this too shall pass.”

FURTHER READING:
Job 2:10b; Genesis 50:19-20

(1) Behind the Clouds, by Brad Paisley, Produced by Frank Rogers.

© HomeWord. Used by permission.