Beauty for Ashes
By Kelly McFadden

“…and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.”
Isaiah 61:3

A friend of mine was asked by a young couple to perform a memorial at sea for their stillborn child. The three of them planned to spread the baby’s ashes at sea. The morning they chose was overcast and glum, reflecting their feelings of loss. They huddled together on deck, praying through swollen, tear-stained eyes while they pulled away from the shore. When the time drew near to spread the ashes, the young couple did not want to remove the ashes from the small satin box, but instead intended to throw the box overboard. The captain explained to them that it was better to open the box and release the ashes to the waves. With reservation and tears, the couple stood at the railing, releasing their baby’s ashes over the sea. They stood together watching the ashes float away and spread across the rolling sea.

At this moment, something unexpected happened. The clouds parted enough to let a beam of sunlight shine down where the ashes drifted. For an instant, the ash began to sparkle in the sunlight. As my friend shared her story with me, she described the moment as surreal. For what she saw in that moment was beauty for ashes, gladness for mourning and praise for despair. She understood a deep truth about the Lord.

Each of us hides pain inside. Whether it is a shameful past, a break-up, the loss a loved one or bad decisions, we all have “ashes” hidden in a box. We try to cover our loss with a beautiful exterior, attempting to make what resides inside less painful than it is. Yet, to experience healing, we need to let those hidden things go. God sees our deepest parts and inmost thoughts. He wants to turn our mourning to praise and give us hope, but we can prevent this healing process from taking place if we hold on too tightly to our pain.

Like the young couple on the boat, we, too, need to be willing to scatter our pain into the Lord’s hands so He can make beauty of our ashes.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think through an area in your life that lacks healing. Why is it easier to cover up the past than release it to the Lord?
2. What are ways you can give your pain to the Lord, so He can make beauty for ashes?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 42; John 9:1-7; 1 Corinthians 4:12-19

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Your Life is the Only Bible Some People Read
By Pamela Blattner

“Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that hinders, slows us down or holds us back.”
Hebrews 12:1 (The Living Bible)

Often when I go and visit my mother, who is an elder resident at a local memory care unit, one of our favorite and feistiest caregivers is there, observing our relationship. One particular day I had a dear friend of mine come with me. My mom recognized her and we all visited happily in the living room. When it was time to leave, I hugged and kissed my mom good-bye. As my friend bent down to do the same, my mom whispered in her ear, “Anne, will you pray for my eyes? I can only see out of one now. I believe that you can pray and God will hear you.” Without hesitation, my friend gently touched my mother’s brow, kissed her face and began praying. The nurse walked passed us and was startled, raised her eyebrows in disbelief, and resumed walking. My friend just kept praying until my back started to feel the strain of her lengthy prayer. That same nurse came in again, and saw us all in the same huddled position, and said, “Are you o.k. Dorothy?” My friend ignored her and kept praying. The nurse came past us a third time and became impatient and issued an enormous sigh. I began to feel uncomfortable! Eventually my friend’s prayer subsided. My mom’s face looked rested and hopeful. We hugged and kissed good-bye again.

The following Wednesday, that same nurse approached me and asked, “Will you pray with me? I know you are a Christian because of the Christian magazines and Christian cards you send to your mother and the friends you bring. I need prayer very badly.” I stepped outside on the porch and prayed with her. I also invited her to church and Café Chocolat, a women’s event at Oakwood, which she attended. After she left, I bowed my head and prayed, “Father, thank You that our nurse has never had to deliver anything to my mom’s room or mailbox that would reflect badly on our testimony to You. Keep our lives and our future visits pure from ungodliness.”

Someone once said, “Our life may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” What a good reminder that not only are “people of faith” watching, but also people with weak or no faith. Let us get rid of all that may hinder our witness or hold us back from glorifying God.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are others reading in your life and actions today? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strength to walk uncompromisingly with Him.

FURTHER READING:
Romans 2:15; Acts 22:15; Proverbs 14:25

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and two grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care Ministries.

Blinders
By Kelly McFadden

“That is why I use these parables, for they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand.”
Matthew 13:13

As my dog, Peanut, got older she began to lose her sight. I remember watching her walk down the hall of our family’s home feeling so sad because she kept bumping into the walls due to her poor vision. After a few weeks of this, Peanut went to the groomers. She came back ready for the summer with a new short haircut. I watched in awe as Peanut trotted in a straight line down the hall, never running into a wall once. Then it hit me: Peanut wasn’t going blind. Rather, the hair in front of her eyes had gotten so long it was blocking her sight.

In Matthew 13, Jesus tells the parable of the four soils. Jesus used this analogy to give unique insight into the ways of God. In this parable, Jesus showed how differently people hear the Word of God. For some, they hear but do not understand. Others hear it, accept it, but fall away quickly because there is no depth to their faith. Still others hear the message, but the worries of life and lust of the world leave no room for God. There are some, however, who hear and understand, producing a harvest that extends beyond them.

Which soil are you? Sometimes, I think I fall into all four categories. There are times when I am thirsty and searching, and it is easy for God’s Word to burrow deep into my heart. Still, there are other times I am too busy to pay attention to the lessons God is teaching me. I am blinded by an outward distraction or worry. It is at those times I become spiritually blinded, stumbling until I am willing to take care of the root problem: the blinders blocking my eyes.

I do not believe spiritual blindness must be a permanent problem. We have the opportunity to see more clearly by removing the blinders from our hearts. We must humble ourselves and ask God to give us a pliable and understanding heart…which is work that He wants to do in our lives. Then, we must follow through and do what we know we need to do.

Trust God to be faithful to continue the work He has begun in you. As a result, you will have eyes that see and ears to hear the greatness of our Lord.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What hinders God’s Word from rooting deep in your heart?
2. What are ways you have seen God’s Word take root in your life when your heart was open to understanding?

FURTHER READING:
Matthew 13:1-23; 1 Corinthians 2:6-10; Ephesians 3:3-9

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.”
Luke 1:38

A child’s development challenge. The collapse of a marriage. Financial devastation. The loss of a loved one. A son or daughter’s addiction. Life-changing diagnosis. Self-loathing over choices in the past.

Many of us have faced life-shattering moments. I think of these as “It” moments. They are moments that forever define our history and alter the course of our lives. The before “It” is marked by comfort and familiarity. The after “It” is marked by brokenness and change. There is no going back to the moment before “It” – as much as we may yearn for that time.

Perhaps no other woman in the Bible displays how to move forward from life’s “It” moments better than Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary experienced situations many cannot fathom: an unplanned pregnancy, a flight into Egypt to prevent harm to her child, her gut-wrenching grief at the crucifixion and her participation in the earliest community of believers.

Mary’s actions are contrary to how many would react. When she did not understand God’s plan, she chose trust. When forced to leave her homeland and live as a foreigner, she apparently chose perseverance. When crushed by grief and despair at her son’s circumstances, she chose to stand by the cross. Others have surrendered their faith over much less strenuous circumstances.

In the book, ­A New Kind of Normal, author Carol Kent quotes Ken Gire: “When suffering shatters the carefully kept vase that is our lives, God stoops to pick up the pieces. But he doesn’t put them back together as a restoration project patterned after our former selves. Instead, he sifts through the rubble and selects some of the shards as raw material for another project…a mosaic that tells the story of redemption.”(1) What a beautiful picture of our broken selves being used and filled in with the mortar of God.

For each of us, a past, current or future “life-shattering moment” leads to a point of personal choice. Will we choose trust…. perseverance… faithfulness? Contrary to what seems the only option, Mary’s example stands out: “Oh God, may it be to me as you have said.” Allow God to take the brokenness and use it to tell a contrary story, a story of redemption.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Does the “vase of your life” seem cracked or shattered? Seek support in allowing God to use the pieces for His mosaic.
2. Think back to your personal “It” moments. Have you come to a place where God can use you to help others in their brokenness?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 5:3-5; Luke 2:41-51; Acts 1:12-14

(1) © 2007 Carol Kent

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.

Wanted: Stretcher Bearers
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn't find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus.”
Luke 5:18-20 (MSG)

Imagine the classified ad: “Help Wanted: Stretcher Bearers. Individuals needed to help carry someone who cannot carry himself. Job requirements include a good sense of balance and a strong back. Patience and compassion are a must. The desired candidates will display creativity in problem solving. No salary is offered, but the benefits are priceless.”

The men in this portion of Scripture demonstrate great characteristics of being a Stretcher Bearer:

• They recognized the man could not help himself.
• They interrupted their own activities and got involved.
• They physically carried the paralyzed man.
• They encountered a big obstacle when they got to their destination…a huge crowd blocked their access to Jesus.
• They got creative. Carrying the man up the likely stairs (how precarious that must have been!), they made an opening in the roof over the spot where Jesus was.
• They worked together as a team to lower their friend through the roof.

Most of us will need a Stretcher Bearer at some point in our lives. My friend, Karen, described Stretcher Bearers that came to her aid when her husband John was nearly killed in a car accident. Karen was five months pregnant with their second child when John was taken by Flight for Life with serious injuries. Stretcher Bearers drove Karen to the trauma hospital an hour away, made meals, babysat her daughter, sat with her in the hospital, decorated their Christmas tree, wrapped her Christmas gifts, cleaned up after their four dogs, did laundry, grocery shopped, and ran an endless number of other errands. Her Stretcher Bearers continued their work for weeks, taking John to rehabilitation appointments, and later, caring for Karen and the new baby. Just as the paralyzed man’s Stretcher Bearers took him to Jesus, Karen’s Stretcher Bearers brought her closer to Jesus as well.

Today, John is fully recovered with only a slight limp when he tires. Baby Xander is an active toddler. And Karen shares her stories of the miracles performed in this crisis, giving praise to God and His provision for her through His people.

Being a Stretcher Bearer may not be a glamorous job, but witnessing a miracle is a priceless benefit!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Think of a time when you have needed a Stretcher Bearer. Send a note of appreciation.
2. Is there someone whose burden you can help to carry for a while?

FURTHER READING:
Galatians 6:9-10

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.

Look Grandma, God did it!
By Pamela Blattner

“He will defend the afflicted among the people…He will endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations.”

Psalm 72:4-5

I drove my granddaughter, Izzy, home after a day of babysitting. It’s become a habit to say “good night” to the moon and stars. I picked up that smiley little cherub in my arms, smelled her hair, and spent the next five minutes leaning against the car and observing the magnificent night sky. I wrapped her in her blanket and savored the embrace. A while back we saw a pale yellow moon that was brilliant and fully round. Izzy must have remembered an earlier moon that was just a crescent, because she became very quiet and looked like she was surveying the heavens, and then burst into excitement looking at the full moon saying, “Look Grandma, God did it!” She then looked at me, gave me a “high five” and shouted, “OOOO-Whooooooo!” That’s Blattner talk for “great job!”

I hugged her and paused to enjoy the last portion of our evening together. Isn’t it wonderful when God delivers lessons of his faithfulness through our little ones? It’s effortless for children to call out and relate to God through His creation. Believing that God is able to grant what they pray for is never a problem for them. Yet sometimes I have a problem believing He will do it for me. I know it’s right to pray expectantly. Still, I’m often surprised when I receive the miracle of answered prayer. A shadow of doubt may limit my expectation, but in no way does it limit a limitless God.

Whatever may be going on in your life today, know this God loves you and He is eternally faithful in His character. Give Him the control of your circumstances. Speak to Him and then listen for His voice. Expect Him to take over the situation and know with great assuredness in your heart that He is going to meet your needs. Don't doubt or question His ability to provide for you. Look and listen for His direction. God is still speaking today...through Creation, through His Spirit, through His Word and through His children.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What can we learn about God from His creation? 2. What do you need from God to get through your day? Ask Him!

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 1:1-2; Job 38:4-12; Psalm 100:3; 2 Timothy 2:13

Pam and her husband Richard have two adult children and two grandchildren. She serves Oakwood through its Family Care Ministries.

A Fishy Story
By Leslie Snyder

“When I had lost all hope, I turned my thoughts once more to the Lord.”
Jonah 2:7

Most people are somewhat familiar with the story of Jonah. Who doesn’t love a “big fish story?” Modern day anglers continue to discuss the mystery of a fish large enough to swallow a grown man.

In the above scripture, Jonah is in the belly of a large fish. He had been there for three days and three nights. At this point some would argue about whether or not it was a literal fish, or if it was really three days and three nights, or even if this story is fact or allegory. However, to stumble around these arguments seems to trivialize the larger lesson at hand. Verse 7 reads, “When I had lost all hope, I turned my thoughts once more to the Lord.” One has to wonder why it took Jonah so long to realize his desperation and his need for God. How long does one have to be fish food before seeking a little help? If it had been me, I think I would have called out immediately…or would I?

Chances are my pride would have kicked in much like Jonah’s appeared to do. Pride screams, “I can do it myself,” “I don’t need anyone’s help,” or “I got myself into this mess, I’ll get myself out.” Why is it that instead of immediately turning to God when things get messy we turn to our spouse, neighbors, co-workers, counselors, or even horoscopes and psychics? Can we not trust the Living God of the Universe who knows us, loves us and is waiting to help us? Unfortunately most of us must answer no. Pride is truly an ugly monster.

The Old Testament book of Proverbs is full of sayings regarding pride but Proverbs 11:2 stands out. It reads, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Sharing our burdens and concerns with those who love us and know us well is important. But, when we find ourselves in trouble we shouldn’t make God our last resort. In fact, 1 Peter 5:7 reads: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Once Jonah returned his thoughts to God, his prayer was answered. Jonah 2:10 reads, “Then the Lord ordered the fish to spit up Jonah on the beach, and it did.” It’s never too late to call out to God and ask for help. Perhaps you feel like Jonah, surrounded in darkness, swirling in confusion, and honestly, you’re starting to smell like three-day-old fish food. Turn your thoughts once more to God. Seek his help and come out of the storm.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What areas of life do you demonstrate that you have pride issues? What action(s) can you take to become more humble?
2. What situation in your life do you need to give to God today?

FURTHER READING:
Jonah 1-4

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

You Are Special!
By Susan Klein

“The Lord takes delight in you.”
Psalm 149:4

When my children were young, one of our absolute favorite bedtime stories was Max Lucado’s You Are Special. It is a heartwarming tale about a village of small wooden people (Wemmicks) who spend their days sticking gold stars or gray dots on each other, depending on how they value that person. For example, if a person is pretty or talented, she gets a gold star. If one is clumsy or dull, he gets a gray dot.

The story centers on a small boy who seems to get more than his fair share of gray dots. Then he meets a girl with no stars or dots. They just refuse to stick to her! He inquires about her lack of stickers and she refers him to Eli, the woodcarver who created all the Wemmicks. The boy decides to pay him a visit. Eli tenderly picks him up and calls him his child. He lets the boy know that he thinks he is very special! It doesn’t matter what he can or can’t do, just the fact that Eli created him makes him special. Eli tells him that the more he trusts his love, the less he’ll care about the stickers. He gently reminds the boy that he is special because Eli made him, and he doesn’t make mistakes!

I’d always end up in tears at the end of the story when the dots started to fall off the boy as he finally realized how special he was! What a great story to fall asleep to…knowing that you are special to God! Perhaps, like the boy in the story, we could use a reminder of how special we are. Try some of these truths on and let them stick!

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing! (Zephaniah 3:17)
He created you in His image! (Genesis 1:27)
God has made you an heir! (Galatians 4:7)
He gives you eternal life and you shall never perish; no one can snatch you out of His hand! (John10:28)
He knit you together and created your inmost being! (Psalm 137:13)
God loves you with an everlasting love and has drawn you with loving-kindness! (Jeremiah 31:3)
He is enthralled by your beauty! (Psalm 45:11)
God has plans to prosper you, to give you hope and a future! (Jeremiah 29:11)

GOING DEEPER:
1. Which of these truths do you need to focus on today to know that you are very special to your Creator? Spend time in His Word discovering new truths and promises that he has in store for you!

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.

Happy Campers
By Jennie Pierce

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever . . . [He made] the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever”
Psalm 136:1, 9

Although cold drizzly weather, dark rainy nights, and scary noises can all make for one miserable camping experience, truly, nothing sours the fun of camping more than those dreaded midnight bathroom runs. It’s no fun to have to get out of a warm, cozy sleeping bag only to be smacked in the face with the night’s cool, damp air. I struggle to adjust my eyes, aimlessly wandering toward what I hope is the restroom!

This night was no exception. I was awakened by my daughter requesting my company as she needed to use the less-than-ideal campground facilities. Mumbling and grumbling (all on the inside, of course), I unwillingly took the potty trail with her. Walking with my eyes still half-closed and my head dropped down toward the ground, I couldn’t think of anything else but being reunited with my comfy bed.

My daughter’s sudden gasp of air as she seized my arm jolted me out of my sleepy stupor. Surely we were about to wrestle a grizzly bear! My daughter was pointing up toward the skies in awestruck wonder as she exclaimed, “Mom! Look!” Turning my gaze upward, I saw the blackest night sky ablaze with bright, twinkling stars unlike anything I had seen in a long time. We couldn’t help but temporarily forget we were cold and shivering. Somehow I forgot about my comfortable bed waiting for me. All I could do was pause and gaze at the beautiful display of God’s glory, which I almost missed because I was too busy grumbling and hanging my head down low.

An old adage claims, “The darker the night, the brighter the stars.” In our darkest nights, when life is scary, cold, and unwelcoming, God longs for us to see His goodness shine brighter still. In our dark times, when we run to Him, we will find Him to be faithful, beautiful and good, as He showers on us His love that endures forever. It’s then that we can find ourselves singing midnight praises.

Thanks to the keen awareness of my child, God revealed the goodness of Himself to me in the midst of that dark, miserable night, making the journey so very worth it all.

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is your life so dark right now that you find it difficult to see God’s goodness? Ask God to give you the courage to look up, and to give you eyes that are open to see His goodness already revealed for you.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 63:6-7; Psalm 136

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

Where Do You Spike?
By Elin Henderson

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 12:4

Which one of us as believers is not interested in knowing our “spiritual gifts”? We take tests and personality quizzes, go to seminars and read books…all in an attempt to discover our gifts. I was recently at a meeting featuring Stuart Briscoe and he had some interesting insights into this area of gifts. He started by saying that we are each called to two sets of gifts. The first gifting is the “Christian giftings,” the things that we are all called to do. Then he spoke of a “second gifting or calling,” or what we would term our “spiritual gifts”—those gifts the Holy Spirit chooses to give each believer. I like to call them our “spikes” because they are areas where we really excel…like those significant points on a graph where the line leaps up dramatically.

Almost every gift of the Spirit mentioned by Paul in both 1 Corinthians 12 and in Romans 12:6-9 is also stated as a mandate for all believers. For example, we are all called to give, to encourage one another, to be hospitable and to teach each other. While we are all called to each of these areas, it is clear that some of us particularly spike in some of those areas. These are our “second giftings.” These verses also show us that we need to be involved in the lives of others to truly know our spikes. Our God is all about people, reaching out to them through human vessels like ourselves, so His giftings are given for the sake of building up others.

How do you figure out your spikes? I think by practicing the things that we know we are all called to do and being available to the Lord each and every day to use you in the lives of people. As we practice those “giftings,” we will soon come to see which areas we spike in. In our own strength, we cannot replicate a genuine spike. We can try to be extra-giving or extra-encouraging on our own, but it will only be through the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us that we will genuinely spike if he has indeed gifted us in a particular area.

So, my advice…try them all out and see where you spike the highest! Or, ask a friend or family member, “Where do you think I spike?” And, when you identify your spike, start using it. Ask the Lord to open opportunities for you to reach out and spike into the lives of others!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you know your spiritual gifts?
2. Have you been practicing those gifts as the Lord has directed you?

FURTHER READING:
Romans 12:6-9; 1 Corinthians 12

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to nine-year-old Callie and six-year-old Elias.

In the Stillness
By Janet Byrne

“Be still before the Lord, all mankind…”
Zechariah 2:13

My family recently spent quality time with close friends. We were at a cottage “up north.” Two hours in a car can go by delightfully with children that are sleeping. Our children were wide awake. Potty breaks, “Are we there yet” and the occasional “I’m hungry,” plagued us. I was less than relaxed when we arrived. Vacations tend to start out that way, don’t they? The hustle and bustle of packing, leaving, driving and arriving rarely equate to stillness.

After a picnic lunch we were off to the beach…a private beach. With every step closer, I was becoming more and more relaxed. The wind blowing through the canopy of trees calmed me. We would soon have the beach all to ourselves. As my girlfriend and I sat down in lounge chairs, we enjoyed God’s beauty all around us...the blue sky, the lake in front of us, nature, etc. Stress found a new home as we welcomed stillness to sit with us. In that stillness, God revealed Himself to us by sending a bald eagle. It made two graceful passes directly over us. His majestic poise and powerful claws were a sight to behold. I encountered incredible beauty and power in my place of stillness.

God desires to bless you and me, and reveal Himself to us in the stillness. He desires for us to slow down and look for Him. Jesus went away to a quiet place often because He knew distractions would keep Him from hearing His Father’s voice. He wanted to be still before the Father so that He could give Him His full attention. I would have never experienced seeing the bald eagle had I not stopped and been still that day.

Today, we are so busy. We sometimes miss the many ways God wants to make Himself known to us. It may be through a rainbow, meditation on His Word, a quiet time of prayer or an eagle. The following is an excerpt from a book entitled Too Busy Not to Pray, by Bill Hybels.

“No one can become an authentic Christian on a steady diet of activity. Power comes out of stillness; strength comes out of solitude. Decisions that change the entire course of your life come out of the Holy of Holies, your times of stillness before God.” (1)

May God draw you into stillness today and reveal Himself to you. May you experience stillness…may you experience the Father.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What is keeping you from becoming still before the Father? Are you willing to withdraw to a quiet place this week and allow Him to reveal Himself to you?

FURTHER READING:
Acts 10:9-20; Mark 1:35

(1) ©1988 by Bill Hybels, InterVarsity Press

Janet is the Women’s Ministries Prayer Coordinator and balances her time caring for her husband Yancy and their two sons, working at Waukesha State Bank, and serving on the Moms Nurturing Moms leadership team.

The Best Worst Gift
By Carolyn Hulliberger

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
2 Corinthians 5:17

Every year for Mother’s Day, my children have a tradition of giving me a hanging plant for our front porch as a gift. I look forward to seeing what they select…will it be vibrant pinks or brilliant purples? Maybe soft blue buds with cheery yellow flowers? This year was a little different. As my son brought in the plant…covered for its grand unveiling…he left a trail of disintegrating foliage from the garage to the kitchen. His pride was evident as he removed the bag covering a large plant. “Look what we picked out, Mom. Isn’t it great?” I thought to myself, “Is he talking about this mostly-dead, dried up, bloomless piece of organic material, which the tag says is supposed to be a fuchsia?” It was the Charlie Brown Christmas tree of hanging plants.

That afternoon, I hung my new gift with a bit of internal grumbling. I had to put it up or risk hurting the kids’ feelings. They didn’t see that this neglected plant was ugly and struggling for life, only that it was their gift to me. With severe doubts that salvage was possible, I grabbed the pruners and started to work. As I pulled off dead blooms, trimmed back hardened ends, and untangled the branches of this plant, I heard a whisper in my heart that said, “It’s kind of like that for Me…with you.”

That plant is like our lives. Before we submit to God, many of us have lives of tangled, half-dead messes. But once we allow Jesus to take the pruners and cut out the dead leaves, pinch off the lifeless blooms, and pour onto us overflowing Living Water, He promises that new life will fill us. He never doubts that salvage is possible. What was once disintegrating and dying becomes beautiful and alive again under the care of the Master Gardener.

And, the fuchsia, you wonder? It’s still blooming!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Are there areas of your life that need a gardeners’ touch? Some attitudes that need to be cut out? Allow God to start pruning.

Further Reading:
John 4:4-15

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.

His Loving Guidance
By Dawn Weimar

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

GPS- Global Positioning System. Truth be told, my first experience with GPS was nerve-racking. But I was motivated to find Santa Monica Beach as my love for the ocean was stronger than my fear of getting lost. After a beautiful few hours at the beach, it was clear that I would not witness a sunset as the hills were blocking my view. So, it was time to find my hotel before dark. Soon, my GPS had me on a breathtaking route called Topanga Canyon Road. Indeed breathtaking as I found myself “holding my breath” as I wound around the canyon roads climbing higher and higher. Just as I reached the top of the canyon and around another curve to the left, the sky opened to a most magnificent sunset. I gasped as I drove (which was good as I needed to breathe by this time), completely blessed knowing that what I could not plan on my own, but was an unspoken desire of my heart, was given to me as a gift at the precise moment of the apex from a perfect venue! And what a moment it was!

My heavenly Father taught me such a lesson from my experience using a satellite hovering over His creation. I knew and manually entered my destination into the GPS; the satellite in the heavens:

• knew where I was
• planned my route
• prepared me to turn,
• instructed me to turn, and
• even rerouted me when I went the wrong way

GPS has turned a fearful traveler, unwilling to rent a car, into a fearless soul ready to greet a day behind the wheel into unknown territory with confidence and zeal. GPS is smarter than my natural ability and is something upon which I can rely when I am in unfamiliar territory. I am simply there to enjoy the ride.

In every day, in every moment, from the routine to the unexpected, our Heavenly Father has given us tools…empowered us with wisdom from the heavenlies…to guide us through the paths of our lives. Every moment to trust Him. Every moment to seek and to see Him. Every moment a blessing that we draw our next breathe. He is there. Look for His touch, His presence in your moments. His wisdom and guidance are so much more than our natural ability. And His capabilities are as useful and precious when we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory, as in the familiar. He’s better than the GPS!

GOING DEEPER:
1. In what simple way has God revealed His care and direction for you recently? Pray for God to freshly reveal His presence to you.

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 121

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.

“I Can’t Get No... Satisfaction”
By Susan Klein

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed...”
2 Corinthians 4:8a

Ever have a day (week, month, year...) where nothing seems to go right? It feels as if everyone and everything are against you, and everything that could go wrong does! In all your well-meaning effort and striving, things just don’t seem to go right. You begin to question the reason for getting out of bed another morning!

For those of us born longer ago than we care to admit, the 1965 Rolling Stones song, “Satisfaction,” may ring a familiar bell. In the chorus, Mick Jagger belts out, “I can’t get no satisfaction, ‘cause I try, and I try, and I try, and I try...” (1) The lyrics repeat this repetitive phrase, implying that no matter how hard we try, things just don’t go the way we want them to.

Okay, so perhaps you weren’t a Rolling Stones fan or are just too young to remember that song. Surely you can relate to David in the Psalms. “Relent, O Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servant.” “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?” Haven’t we all been in David’s shoes, crying out to God in our desperation and wondering why He is tarrying in answering us? “God, I’ve been struggling with this for quite some time now! Why aren’t you helping me? How long do I have to bear this burden?”

Notice that our trying gets us nowhere. Our human efforts cannot rescue us from our demise. Even asking our heavenly Father to remove our affliction doesn’t always appear to work. I recall Paul going through a similar scenario in 2 Corinthians chapter twelve. He had an unnamed affliction that he petitioned God to remove not once, but three times. And what was God’s response? “My grace is sufficient for you...” Or, in the Greek language it actually reads: “Sufficient for you, is my grace.” In other words, I will give you what you need at this present time to sustain you through this particular trial. It will be enough. Notice He doesn’t promise to give us what we want, but rather what we need for today.

Next time you want to bury your head under the covers in resignation, meet with your Maker and accept the grace He is offering for that day. Don’t venture out on your own efforts, or run ahead of Him. Let His grace be sufficient!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there a lingering trial or affliction that has been keeping you down?
2. Can you accept God’s grace for this day and not worry about what tomorrow holds?

FURTHER READING:
2 Corinthians 4:16-18; James 1:2-4, 12-18

(1) © 1965, London Records; written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards; produced by Andrew Loog Oldham

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.

Soaring
By Kelly McFadden

“But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31

When I was a kid, I shared with my grandmother that I wanted to be a ballerina. She made sure I knew what a horrible idea that was, so I didn't even try. I never have forgotten the deflated feeling I experienced at that moment. Looking back, ballet was simply a dream, and maybe a silly one. But it was my dream, and it was taken away by a simple comment.

Think about a time when you heard the words, "You can't..." I am not talking about when you were a kid and your mom wouldn't let you stay out late on a school night. I'm talking about dreams. Think of a time when you shared a dream or a goal with someone and the response was "impossible." No one likes to hear "You can't," "You mustn't," "You won't." No one likes to hear "impossible." Unfortunately, it gets said far too often.

Our Lord offers a different message. He invites us to "soar on wings like eagles, to walk and not be weary, to run and not be faint." Jesus looks us squarely in the eye and tells us, "YOU can do all things through Me." (Philippians 4:13) What if Mother Teresa had felt that the problem of poverty was too big to do anything about? What if Billy Graham had been told that he would never be a good preacher? What if these leaders believed the naysayers instead of believing in what God had in store for them?

Know that the Lord has something special for your life. Seek out your dream. Listen to the Lord saying, "You can, I am with you." Push through the hard times, and cling to the promises of God. He will help you soar like an eagle. He will help you get exactly where you need to go, no matter what anyone else says.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What dream has the Lord put on your heart? How can you move forward and reach it?
2. How can you better encourage others to become and to do all that God desires for them?

FURTHER READING:
1 Corinthians 1:25; Philippians 4:13; 1 Peter 4:11

© HomeWord. Used by permission.

Lane Ends, Merge RIGHT!
By Susan Klein

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14

There was a time in my life when I was driving in the wrong lane. It was a broad road, with several lanes, and many people drove it regularly. It really didn’t matter which lane I chose to drive in because they all led to the same place: self-destruction. We were all heading in the same direction on this broad road, not even fully aware of our final destination.

Then, one day, God put a sign in my view. It read “Lane ends, merge right!” At first, it didn’t make sense. I was going the right way, wasn’t I? If not, I was sure I had plenty of time before I had to change lanes. But the sign was correct, and I saw my lane coming to an end in the near distance. I needed to merge, or risk running off the road and facing the destruction that awaited me. I had to get in the RIGHT lane, and I had to do it quickly!

I hurriedly obeyed the sign, and merged right. There weren’t as many people in this lane. It was a bit bumpy at first, and much narrower, but soon I adjusted. I could feel the Holy Spirit guiding my vehicle in the way it should go. I felt a new sense of direction and purpose to my journey. And, now I knew for sure where my final destination would be! Why weren’t more people merging?

Every now and then, when I’m just coasting along with cruise control on, I find my steering wheel trying to veer toward the other lanes. I know I should stay in the right lane, but it’s not always easy. Then the Holy Spirit reminds me where those lanes lead to and I turn my focus back on the road ahead of me. Sometimes, I want to get out of my vehicle and warn the others, “Merge Right! Death and destruction await you in those lanes!” But then, the Holy Spirit whispers to me, “It’s up to God when and where to show them the sign, just like He showed you. But you need to be an example for them to follow by staying in the right lane!”

GOING DEEPER:
1. Do you know for sure that you are in the right lane with God?
2. What kind of example are you being for those in the “wrong lanes” that lead to destruction? Do they see a difference in you that they want to follow?

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 4:11, 15:10, 24

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.

Whose Interests?
By Jen Wollner

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…”
Philippians 2:4-5

My husband is a patient man who rarely complains about anything. One of his particularly selfless acts speaks volumes about his character: He gets up with our “early risers” everyday and has never once griped about it! Now, if you are a morning person, this might not seem like a big deal to you. But, if you are a night-owl like I, well, it’s a precious gift to be able to stay in bed a few extra minutes, if the schedule allows. But, it’s more than that. See, we often go to bed at the same time. Some nights he even stays up later than I do. So, it’s not that he’s an “early to bed, early to rise” kind of guy. He would love to stay in bed and catch some more Z’s, too, but he doesn’t…and he never grumbles, never asks me to get up instead and never complains about how tired he is. He just does it, attending to the needs of his children and, in turn, honoring his wife.

We all know people who serve tirelessly, looking out for the interests of someone beyond themselves. The soldier who risks life and limb to defend the freedoms of a nation. The friend who clears her busy schedule to be a listening ear and shoulder to cry on. The missionary who gives up personal comfort and safety to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the poor and needy. The wife who cares for months, or years, for her ailing husband.

I’m ashamed to admit that my own attitude is too often dictated by my moods, circumstances and selfish desires. I’m eternally grateful that we have not only a forgiving God, but also the living example in Jesus Christ of what kind of sacrificial attitude is pleasing to the Lord. And, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can rise above our selfish nature and add others’ needs into the mix.

I’m so grateful to my husband for the ways he cheerfully “looks to the interests of his family.” And, until our children are teenagers who sleep the morning away, he will have many more opportunities to display a Christ-like attitude in our home!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What do you find yourself grumbling about? How can you change your attitude about this situation and, instead, be a better representative of Christ?
2. Who in your life has put your interests before his/her own? Write a thank you note to that person.

FURTHER READING:
Colossians 3:17

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.

Seeing the World through Dusty Windows
By Elin Henderson

“That the eyes of your understanding be enlightened…”
Ephesians 1:18

Have you ever let your car go a little too long without a washing? Ice, snow, and salt in the winter and dirt and mud the rest of the year can coat the vehicle and pretty soon you look like you are driving a clump and not a car! With all the dust here in Africa, our car is perpetually reddish brown instead of the taupe color it should be. A mere brush with my truck right now could result in an instant trip to the laundry!

This dust is particularly bad for seeing out of the windows, except perhaps through the “Wash me!” that someone has graciously written on the rear window. In fact, the dust can get so bad that we start perceiving reality wrong. For example, I have wondered why there was a grove of trees in a large opening in a field, then realizing that it was a village of huts. Or, why a local boy was herding dogs down the side of the road, only to find out they were goats.

I recently came across this beautiful and very old poem:

“The man that looks on glass.
On it may stay his eye:
Of, if he pleaseth, through it pass.
And then the heavens espy.” – Herbert (1)

At times, the “glass” of our view of life becomes so dirty that we start to perceive things incorrectly. We focus on the dust and lose sight of the view beyond. Instead of seeing the Lord’s gracious hand teaching us through trials, we wonder why He is picking on us or punishing us. He allows a mishap into our life so that we will lean upon Him, but we become angry with Him and perceive it as an obstacle we must overcome in our own strength. The reality is there, but because of misperception, we miss out on the blessing.

I believe that as long as we are in these fallen bodies, our glass will always be slightly obscured. However, when we want to know what’s truly going on behind the glass, it is best to ask the Lord to remove the haze and reveal the reality of what He has in mind. Often, He removes it and gives us a clear view of reality, but then again, sometimes He allows it to remain and says, “Walk by faith.” Either way, let’s keep in mind that we often see the world through “dust-covered windows.”

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there a situation in your life that you aren’t seeing clearly? Ask God to give you a clear view.

FURTHER READING:
Ecclesiastes 6:12, 7:13, 24; 2 Corinthians 5:7

(1) Let Go, Archbishop Fenelon (17th century Archbishop), Published by Whitaker House, USA, 1973, page 27.

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to nine-year-old Callie and six-year-old Elias.

‘Til the Last Drop
By Elizabeth Cole

“‘Leave her alone,’ said Jesus. ‘Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me…She did what she could…’”
Mark 14:6, 8a

Do you love perfume? The waft that lingers after a friend leaves the room. A promise of spring coming from the lilac candle in the living room. Pass by a stranger, and if she’s wearing your mother’s old scent, you’re immediately transported to another place and another time.

Three of the four gospels record a tender moment between the Lord Jesus and his friend, Mary of Bethany, a short time before Christ’s death. While He’s at dinner, Mary arrives and proceeds to pour an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume on his head. A rather unexpected turn of events, to say the least. The gospel of John adds that she also poured the perfume on his feet, then wiped them with her, apparently, unbound hair.

I’ve been thinking about that moment. Trying to play it out in my mind. I wonder where Mary got the perfume; how long had she had it? I wonder what she did the first time the thought came to her to pour her perfume out over Jesus’ feet. Did she push it aside, appalled at its audacity? Did she busy herself with something—anything—else to make the thought go away? What went through her mind as she resolved to follow through? I have to imagine that the walk from where the perfume was kept to the point at which she fell at Jesus’ feet felt, regardless of the distance, as if it were an eternity long. I even wonder how many weeks the fragrance lingered in the home following that evening.

She did what she could, when she should, with all that she had…regardless of what those around her murmured. And her Savior read her heart. Turning to those around them, He prophesied, “I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

He prepares us in advance for good works in Christ. He gives us the design, the desire, the resources and His results. May we follow Mary of Bethany’s example, pouring out our all for Him. May we, in fact, be “to God the aroma of Christ” and the fragrance of life to those around us.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What part of Mary’s story resonates most with you?
2. Where is God calling you to pour out your all for Him?

FURTHER READING:
John 12:1-8; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16; Ephesians 2:8-10

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

Persevere!
By Susan Klein

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
Hebrews 12:1

Riding the exercise bike at the fitness center, I had my MP3 player tuned in to the news station being televised on the screen in front of me. (Watching it relieves some of the monotony of pedaling my heart out for 30 minutes while going nowhere!)

“We are in a real recession, folks!” pronounced the newscaster. “Jobless rates have hit a new high, as have bankruptcy filings,” he continued. And then followed the reports of the national deficit that keeps climbing, taking us deeper into debt. It was depressing! I wanted to get off the bike and run down the sidewalk to drown my sorrows in a white chocolate mocha at Le Café Bistro. But I didn’t. I tuned out the TV, tuned in to some praise music, and biked with my eyes closed.

We are in an age of uncertainty, to be sure. There is no guarantee that we will still have a job tomorrow, that our retirement funds will remain intact, or that there will be any money left in Social Security when it comes time for us to draw on it. Our air and water quality continue to worsen, and health care choices may soon be out of our hands altogether. So, what do we do about it?

Well, as I see it, we have only one option. We RUN! I’m not talking “head for the hills!” kind of running, or abandoning the bike for the coffee shop, but getting up and running the race marked out for us with every fiber of our beings. We don’t give up on that job we hate, or the marriage that is so unfulfilling, or the wayward son that has strayed so far that we don’t know how he’ll get back. We ENDURE with the steadfastness that God is trying to build in our lives. We accept that this is where He has us and believe that He is running with us. And every bump on the path just serves to strengthen our running legs!

When life has you down, and you’re tempted to cry, “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” Don’t just get up, get up and run! Put on your running shoes and fly like the wind until you get to the finish line! The prize will be so worth it!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What obstacles are keeping you from running the race?
2. Hand off any hindrances or confess any sins to God and trust that He has taken them away from you. Then, get up and get back in the race. RUN!

FURTHER READING:
James 1:12; 5:11

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.

Wrestling Match
By Peggy Kleckner

“So Jacob was left alone and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, ‘Let me go, for it is daybreak.’

“But Jacob replied, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’”
Gen 32:24-26

Left alone with a wrestling match. I’ve been there with God. I have gone to prayer whining and complaining and wanting my way. I have gone to prayer trying to hide behind my “success,” at least to all outward appearances. God, in His grace, kept me wrestling, wearing away my pretenses, and still I stubbornly hung on. Like Jacob, I haven’t even wanted to admit a new weakness that God has pointed out. Finally, light begins to dawn in my darkness and I won’t let God go because I know I need Him. I want His blessing and He is willing to give it when I come out of denial and admit who I am, or at least who I was, before the wrestling began.

I remember in the movie You’ve Got Mail, the woman is given advice from yet another movie, The Godfather. She is told to “go to the mats.” Apparently, to fight for what she wants, she should give it her all until she has nothing left for the fight. Well, here we are on the mat with God! Kind of funny, if you were posting the marquis “God vs. (insert your name).” It certainly sounds silly, yet we each do it more than once in our lifetime. We want what we want. We stubbornly hold on to our plan. We think we can persuade God to agree with us, to let us win this one particular match.

The key to a win in this, or any other, wrestling match with God is our surrender. In surrender, we are blessed. We are called to release our plans, our hold, and allow Him to lead us.

Jacob left the match blessed with humility and a changed heart. May the same be true for each of us.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What dream or plan are you holding on to?
2. Have you considered surrendering it to God?

FURTHER READING:
Genesis 32; Jeremiah 29:11-13

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 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.