Stripping Season

By Karen D’Amore

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.”

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)

A hush befalls summer as it slips into seasonal slumber. The transition into autumn stimulates my senses into over-drive, with bursts of brilliant scarlet, crimson and gold dotting the landscape. As Mother Nature stirs with climatic nuances… the winterization process begins its descent… one falling leaf at a time. Awed by nature’s cyclic phenomenon, I was drawn to explore the scientific intricacies of autumn.

Research disclosed that tree roots, branches and twigs can endure freezing temperatures; however, most leaves are too fragile and cannot. Plant tissue too fragile to endure the harsh winter freeze must be sealed off and shed to ensure a tree’s survival.  As the autumn sunlight decreases, veins transporting sap within the leaves will gradually close. A separation layer of cells then form at the base of the leaf stem. Once this layer is complete, the leaf is separated from the tissue that connects it to the branch…and it falls off. (1)

In the Midwest, autumn reflects vivid brushstrokes from the paintbrush of God. The landscape - - chameleon-like in its changing colors - - transforms from lush to barren as trees are stripped bare of their leaves. Learning of the necessity for the trees to be stripped of their leaves in order for them to survive drew me to see parallels in the believer’s spiritual life.

As Christ-followers, we must undergo a similar stripping process. In order to be “transformed into the likeness of Christ” (2 Corinthians 3:18b, NIV), there are attributes from our old self and old life which must be stripped from our lives. This stripping process is critical to our spiritual survival.  God’s work in His stripping process calls us to discard…not accumulate. He spurs us to toss ungodly traits or habits, purge impure thoughts, put off carnal attitudes and repent of sin. “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self…” (Ephesians 4:22a, NIV).

Just as nature eventually replaces leaf-stripped autumn trees with new leaves, we must replace our stripped away carnal traits, with new Christ-like attributes. “Be made new in the attitude of your minds…putting on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22b).

“Autumn is a symphony of permanence and change.”

--Bonaro Overstreet (2)

As you succumb to the changing season, invite spiritual revival. Be stripped for the sake of holiness and be changed!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Pray to be stripped of anything hindering your spiritual growth.

FURTHER READING:

Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthian 5:17

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and a Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility.  She also serves on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events team.

(1) dnr.wi.gov/eek/veg/trees/treestruecolor.htm

(2) http://www.allgreatquotes.com/autumn_fall_quotes.shtml

Don’t Look at the Water!

By Jen Wollner

“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, 

cried out, “Lord, save me!””

Matthew 14:30 (NIV)

Two of my children used to hate having their hair washed during a bath. They just don’t like the water running into their eyes. I keep saying, “Look at me and keep your head up,” but both of them will inevitably move and all the water goes right into their faces. They are so focused on the water that they can’t focus on me. Occasionally, they will follow my instructions and when their faces end up dry, they are glad they trusted me. But, even with this proof of success, fear and doubt oftentimes still rise up in them the very next bath time.

We read of a scenario like this between Jesus and Peter in Matthew 14. Jesus sends the disciples out on the Sea of Galilee while He goes up on a mountainside to pray alone. During the night, He goes out to meet them…by walking on the water! When Peter sees Jesus, he says, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus obliges and says, “Come.” So, Peter gets out of the boat and begins to walk on the water toward Jesus. Suddenly, though, he is aware of the strong wind and waves around him and he becomes afraid. As soon as he takes his eyes off Jesus, he begins to sink. Interestingly enough, just hours before, the disciples had witnessed Jesus miraculously taking two fish and five loaves of bread and turning them into enough food for about 5,000 people…with twelve baskets to spare! In spite of just having witnessed the Lord’s power and provision, Peter’s doubt and fear still crept in when he focused on his situation instead of on Christ.

There are many fears we are facing today, aren’t there? Maybe it’s relationship woes, financial crisis or health problems. Whatever it is, it will eventually sink us unless we stay fixed on Jesus. When we look only at our circumstances and the storms going on around us, we become filled with worry. But, when we look past the wind and waves of life and stay close to Him, we are filled with peace and joy. Our faith won’t be perfect and there will be times when we slip back into doubt and worry, but with the Lord’s help, we can refocus on Him.

As Peter was sinking in the waves, he cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out and caught him. Each time our fears begin to sink us, let’s call out to our Savior for help. He won’t let us drown!

GOING DEEPER:
1. What are you most afraid of today? What can you do to turn away from your fear and focus more on Jesus, your ever-ready Rescuer?

FURTHER READING:
Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 6:34

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three elementary-aged children. She serves on the leadership team for Mission: Hope, Oakwood’s orphan care ministry.

Lessons from Kickball

By Lexi Ellis

 

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way 

you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use,

 it will be measured to you. "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?

Matthew 7:1-3 (NIV)

 

I recently noticed something while supervising recess. During kickball, a kicker often sends the ball back to the pitcher, claiming it was too fast or not straight. Automatically, the outfield complains. "Just kick it."  "Hurry up!"  "That was straight!"   However, when the teams have switched, the once-complainers do the same thing, demanding the "perfect pitch." Now the new outfield team complains, echoing identical phrases. Back and forth, the outfield complains at the kicker sending the ball back...until it's their turn.

 

And while it's funny to watch, I realized we often do the exact same thing: We're critical of someone else, but find plenty of excuses for when we do the exact same thing. I'm annoyed when someone is running late, but justify why I'm late myself another time. I make a judgment on someone's response and then have that same attitude another day. Unfortunately, this isn't unheard of in the Christian community. We are heartbroken by past prominent Christian leaders who were vocally critical of sin...only to find out they were entrenched in that same struggle.

 

The Message paraphrase of the verse above uses "sneers" and "smudges" instead of the common "splinter" and "plank in the eye" translation. If I'm honest, there are times my thoughts quickly jump on someone else's smudge - - his or her failures or faults. And sadly, our dwelling on this smudge often is, in reality, an attempt to inflate ourselves. How foolish of us! Jesus goes on in this verse to call this what it is: pure hypocrisy. Dwelling on someone else's smudge and ignoring my own sneer is not only a lack of compassion, it reveals an uglier, judgmental condition of my heart.

 

Being critical of others' shortcomings quickly turns into something I use to boost myself up. Unfortunately, because we all have sin and things we're working on, the things I'm critical of are commonly the very things I am no better at when I remove the excuses I use to make my own faults "different" or "okay."

 

It's pretty silly seeing my kids complain and do the same thing moments later in an easy-going game of kickball at recess. But I'm thankful for the reminder to reject time and energy spent on others' smudges and choose to invest it in asking for His help in continually addressing my sneers.

 

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Take time to honestly reflect on the time and energy you spend on others' smudges.  

2.  Take time alone with your God to repent and ask His forgiveness.

 

FURTHER READING:

Luke 6:37-42; James 4:11-12

 

Lexi and her husband, Andrew, have an adorable puppy named Calvin. She teaches sixth grade at Silver Lake Intermediate School. Lexi serves with Children's Ministries and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.

Into the Valley of the Shadow of Death

By Elin Henderson

“He leads me in the path of righteousness for His name sake. Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.”

Psalms 23:3b-4a (NKJV)

What are we to do when the Shepherd’s path of righteousness leads us straight into the valley of the shadow of death? Aren’t those paths supposed to just go through the green pastures and by the still waters? Isn’t restoration, feeding, and ongoing care all part of His pastoral program for us? Then, what in the world are we doing in the valley of the shadow of death?

Oftentimes, the paths of life do not follow the plans we have in our heads. If we come upon suffering, we automatically think it must be because we strayed off the “straight and narrow” and now find ourselves on the wrong trail. We then conclude that God had to come down and put us through a few dark valleys to remind us to stay on the right path. While that could be true, I can’t help but see these two verses in Psalms 23 side-by-side and ask myself, could suffering and deep need be just what He wants for me right now? I didn’t necessarily stray off the righteous path but rather the righteous path took me straight into the valley of the shadow of death.

Many faithful servants over the years of history faced serious suffering. Not always was it a punishment, but many times it was a test of faith and a soul-strengthener. It is in these valleys full of shadows, fear, death, evil, enemies, and the unknown, that our Good Shepherd reminds us time and time again of His presence, never to leave or forsake us. From entry to exit, there is a change that takes place within us as He demonstrates His watchful care over us.

So, the next time you find yourself heading into a valley, remember that the Shepherd has led you there and He won’t abandon you. Allow Him to guide and direct you through the shadows and the death, and may you emerge on the other side, more in love with your Good Shepherd and with a deeper faith in His guidance, direction and care.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What encouragement do you find is Jesus’ purpose and example in suffering for us?
2. How can your valley experience be a help to someone else?

FURTHER READING:
I Peter 2:21, 3:18, 4:19; 2 Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 1:29

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to fourteen-year-old Callie and twelve-year-old Elias.

One Day to Live

By Karen D’Amore

“Teach us to number our days…”

Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

I was packing for vacation when I learned of my friend’s hospice placement. It’d been eighteen months since her diagnosis with stage-four pancreatic cancer; a diagnosis carrying a death sentence that doctors believed would come quickly. After being advised to get her affairs in order, Pam embraced the uncertainty of her tomorrows.  Living daily with the mindset that she had…one day to live…she used every doctor’s appointment and chemo session as a platform to point others to Jesus. With Jesus perpetually radiating from her cancer-ravaged body, she allowed Him to use her cancer for His glory.

I felt conflicted about leaving on vacation knowing Pam’s hospice status and the uncertainty of her numbered days. Thinking this over while waiting in line to board my plane, I had an epiphany. We all stood in numerical order according to the pre-assigned numbers on our boarding passes. I couldn’t board the plane and choose a seat until my number was called. As I pondered this boarding system, I saw parallels in the numbered days of our life. We’re each holding a boarding pass…to our final destination… but with an unknown number. Unlike the sequential order of our numbered boarding passes for the plane, only God knows the number we hold.  God has predestined the number of our days!

As my number was finally called, and I boarded the plane, God stirred in my heart a strong conviction regarding “time” and the brevity of life.  As I thought about Pam, I was keenly aware that God would be calling her number very soon. And as I reflected on the past eighteen months of her life, I was impacted by how she lived each one of those days as if it were her last. Living with a hypersensitivity to the briefness of her time…she allowed God to redeem her limited “time”…for His express purpose.

Regarding the uncertainty of time, I spent my vacation deeply introspective. My souvenir watch serves as a constant reminder that our days are numbered. This fact of life was reinforced when Pam’s numbered days came to an end - - just days after my return home. Reflecting on the many years that she and I were friends, I will best remember and revere how she redeemed her final eighteen months. How she profoundly impacted my perception of our “numbered days” and revealed the value of using our time wisely. I’m inspired to live with her mindset of having only… “One day to live!”

As the minutes on the clock sound…Tick…Tock…Tick…Tock…remember to make each day count for the Kingdom…as tomorrow is never guaranteed!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  How can you gain an eternal perspective regarding your time?

FURTHER READING:

 Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; Psalm 39:4; Job 14:5-7

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.

Wind

By Susan Klein

“Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hand?”

Proverbs 30:4 (NIV)

Fall has arrived in Wisconsin and with it… so have the winds. I was sitting at the table this morning, having my coffee, as I watched the leaves shower my backyard with each new gust of wind. Before I made my way out on this blustery day, I decided to ponder this mystery called “wind.”

Wind is truly amazing if you think about it. Wind cannot be seen, yet you know it is there by its effect on other things. A gentle breeze makes small ripples on a lake, blows wisps of hair around your face or brings relief on a hot day. Stronger winds are necessary to scatter seeds and remove old leaves from trees in preparation for winter. Gale force winds can leave a path of destruction in their wake, including the loss of lives. You also can’t hear the wind, but you hear its effect as it brushes against or between objects.

In Scripture, wind is known as ruah  in Old Testament Hebrew and, on occasion, pneuma  in New Testament Greek; both are also translated to mean “breath” or “spirit.” Many concur it is “the breath or Spirit of God.” Ruah first shows up in Genesis chapter one as “spirit,” where we read that “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” It appears in chapter two as “breath,” when God “breathed into his (man’s) nostrils the breath of life…”

All throughout Scripture, we read of God’s breath or Spirit coming upon people: sweeping over lands, parting waters, closing seas, bringing life and bringing death. It is important to note that in all cases, only God can control this powerful force. “He let loose the east wind from the heavens and led forth the south wind by His powers” (Psalm 78:26). “Even the wind and the waves obey Him” (Mark 4:41). “He makes winds His messengers” (Psalm 104:4).

As I watch the leaves swirl about, it gives me great peace to know that my heavenly Father sovereignly controls this mighty force. And like the wind, even though I cannot see my God, I know He is there, in Spirit, by the effect He has on me and on everything around me. And though I cannot hear Him, I know He speaks to me through the effects of His Word on my heart.

“It’s your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise to You only.” (1)

GOING DEEPER:

1. How are you aware of God’s breath in your daily life?

2. Watch and listen for Him today.

FURTHER READING:

Exodus 15:8,10; Psalm 135:6-7; Acts 2:1-4

Susan is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of the Peace Team at Oakwood and also co-leads a Wednesday Night Community small group

(1) “Great Are You Lord,” All Sons And Daughters, Integrity Music, 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHz0w-HG4iU

Toward Danger

By Tracy Smith

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

I recently saw a news headline about a former U.S. Marine who saved a baby from a smoking vehicle. The details were pretty amazing. On his way home from his wedding rehearsal, he heard a mother crying for help.  She and her daughter were trapped in their smoking car. Without a thought, he ran toward danger to help free the baby. His brother and future father-in-law also ran toward danger and saved the mom. What is even more amazing is that this young Marine had lost both legs to an IED in Afghanistan - - running toward danger was not new to him. [1]

This got me thinking about professions that require people to run towards danger: law enforcement, firefighters and the military are just a few.  I am so thankful for those who make it their job to face danger in order to save others. I do believe that some people are hard-wired to be the ones who run into danger to save others. They are the ones who become law enforcement officers, firefighters and soldiers.

As I read this article only weeks before Veterans Day, it made me think about our military and how thankful I am for their willingness to face danger to keep our country safe. And I’m thankful for the training they receive to do the jobs they do. In the article, the Marine tries to explain his actions by saying, "With the Marines, you are taught to be prepared and act.” His training overtook his conscious mind, and he was able to act in a way that saved a little girl.

May we know our Lord’s Word so well that when we are in a difficult situation our and knowledge of Scripture can automatically fill our mind and prepare us in our actions (Psalm 86:11).

The things our military men and women do to keep us free are not easy. They run toward danger on a regular basis. For that, they deserve our respect and our thanks.

If you know a veteran or someone who is currently serving in our military, please consider thanking them for their sacrifice and their service.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Do you know someone who is hard-wired to run toward danger rather than away? Are you willing to thank them for what they do to keep others safe?

2.  Do you know God’s Word so intimately that it would automatically fill your mind in a tough situation? If not, are you willing to take steps to change that?

FURTHER READING:

Ephesians 6:10-17; I Corinthians 16:13

Along with being a wife and mother to two teenage boys, Tracy is a ministry assistant at Oakwood, serves on the Women’s Ministry Special Events Team and works with a great group of Junior High girls.

[1] http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/10/17/marine-amputee-rescues-baby-from-smoking-car.html

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 family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative, serves in Oakwood Church as a Community Group leader and a High School home group leader.

Altered Box

By Lisa Boyer

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

Every couple of years at work, we set aside a few days to clean the office. A couple years ago, we were under new management and that management had a much different idea of what clean was. To her, clean was uncluttered - - everything not in use and no longer useful was being discarded. This was serious. A dumpster was literally rolled into our office which we filled several times.

During this process, my coworkers found a few metal card file boxes and I was anxious to know their fate. It didn’t take much to get permission to take them home; after all, they were antiquated office supplies that were no longer useful. But I was excited about having them. I’m sure my coworkers thought I was a bit crazy, but I just couldn’t help it. When I looked at those metal boxes, I didn’t see what they saw; I saw what they would become. The latest crafting buzzword is “altered” and that was my plan for these boxes. If I was successful, those plain metal boxes were going to become works of art.

I altered the outside of the first box with alcohol inks, scrapbook paper and ribbon. I was so happy with how it turned out…until I opened the box. I was so focused on making the outside of the box beautiful, I neglected the inside completely. I had been more concerned with impressing the recipient of the box with its appearance than with the precious possessions the box would someday hold.

It reminded me of how God alters our lives…He begins with the inside…our hearts…He even moves into our hearts in the form of the Holy Spirit. Being altered by God takes a lifetime because we are being altered into His image, from the inside out. Over time He is seen on the outside through our actions, smiles, and attitudes. We are His work of art!

By the way, I brought two of the altered boxes to work to show my coworkers…suddenly, everyone wanted one of those old metal boxes!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you been more concerned about your outward appearance than the condition of your heart? Today, will you pray and ask God to alter you into His image from the inside out?
2. As you interact with other believers, will you extend them grace, remembering that they too are in the midst of the altering process?

FURTHER READING:
1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:2

Lisa has been married to Ted for 23 years and they have two sons in college. Lisa serves in Quest 56 on Sunday mornings at Oakwood. 

Race-Pacers

By Karen D’Amore

“Therefore encourage one another…”

1 Thessalonians 5:11a (NIV)

When I registered to run a four-mile race with three coworkers, we discussed how our different paces would have us finishing the race at different times. We agreed that we’d each wait at the finish line until everyone completed the race. On race day, the dynamics changed when only two of us showed up.

My racemate was a newer, inexperienced runner. She was visibly nervous as she’d never run four miles before. She admitted to feelings of intimidation when running with friends who were faster than she. Self-absorbed as I was with finishing faster than my previous races, I still assured her I’d wait patiently for her at the finish line. I encouraged her to pace herself and just focus on finishing.

Before our race, the race promoter briefed the crowd regarding water, first-aid stations and “pacers” along the route. A pacer’s job is to set and maintain a pace that aligns with the runner’s training and experience, and helps them to stay on track in finishing the race in a specific amount of time.

As the horn sounded and I sped past my racemate, conviction welled in my self-centered race shoes. Feeling “The Nudge” to become my racemate’s pacer, I s-l-o-w-e-d down and ran alongside her. In the final mile, as the heaviness of her feet mimicked her labored breathing, her running slowed and she dropped behind me. I maintained a slow but steady pace, and when the finish line became visible, I reached back and took ahold of her hand. As we re-aligned alongside each other, we crossed the finish line…hand-in-hand…side-by-side!

Beaming with the thrill of victory, my racemate proudly displayed her race medal. Fearing she couldn’t go the distance, she shared how encouraged she was having me by her side. She expressed how following the comfortable pace I’d set enabled her to finish the race. Similarly, I - - her pacer - - was encouraged  watching her “run with endurance”…and finish the race!

As that nudge of the Holy Spirit changed my focus and slowed the pace of my personal race, God became my own “Pacer” and brought scriptural running metaphors to life. Using me as a “pacer”/encourager, He diverted my selfish focus on finishing fast…to finishing well!

The Greek root for the word “encourage” in Thessalonians is translated “close-beside.” [1] With biblical metaphors likening the Christian life to a race, we’re called to run the race together… alongside each other…encouraging one another…to finish the race!

Encouragement has different faces - - requiring different paces! As Christ-followers, let’s be “race-pacers” who stick close beside our racemates...encouraging one another to “keep running” (Hebrews 12:1) and finish well!

READY…SET…GO!!!

GOING DEEPER:

1. Find a racemate and encourage one another!

FURTHER READING:

Hebrews 10:23-25; 2 Timothy 4:7

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.

[1] biblehub.com-Strong’s Concordance

The Sacrifice

By Brita Crouse

“But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors Me.”

Psalm 50:23a (NLT)

“Forgive me, Father, for not being all here. When Your very name is I AM and You are in the present and here is where I can love You. Today, when I race ahead - - return me to all here.” [1]

I find myself doing this all the time. Future-focused, always planning one step ahead, wanting to move on to the next thing. But, by living like this, I’m essentially wishing parts of my life away.

This year I have been reading through One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. In this book, Ann explains the importance of giving thanks to God in order to slow ourselves down, live a happier life and, most importantly, to acknowledge God’s presence in our lives on a daily basis. Over the course of a year, Ann made a list of 1,000 things she was thankful for. This book is her journey through that year.

Reading Ann’s story has encouraged me to look at my own life differently. So right after I read the above prayer by Ann, I wrote my own prayer:

“God, I am so guilty of this…Living like this leaves me feeling rushed, leaves me only future-focused. But to really live, to live my life for You, I have to be living in the present. I can’t fully experience life if I am continually wishing precious seconds away…Please help me to appreciate the moments I have when I have them. I will never have a second chance at living them…”

Sometimes living in the present and appreciating moments takes sacrifice. It means slowing down. It means not worrying about the future. It means seeing God - - even in difficult circumstances. This sacrifice is not easy; it requires patience and attention to detail. But when we find things to give thanks for, we have a better view of God’s goodness, love and grace in our lives.

Maybe you are dealing with a difficult medical diagnosis? Maybe you are struggling in your marriage or in other relationships? Maybe you just received exciting news? Maybe you just got that promotion at work? God doesn’t love us any less or any more through these highs and lows of life. He loves us perfectly - - all the time. He desires to bless you, so let Him do it. Otherwise, you could be missing out on something great. 

So when you find yourself wishing moments away? Slow down, live presently, and find time to give thanks.

GOING DEEPER:

1.        Be more intentional about finding things in your daily life to be thankful for. Can you find 1,000 things over the course of a year?

FURTHER READING:

Colossians 3:17; 1 Chronicles 16:34

Brita is currently working toward her Master’s in Counseling at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She has called Oakwood her home church for the past seventeen years.

[1] Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011) 65.

The Eyes of Jesus

By Tracy Smith

“You are judging by appearances. If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do.”

2 Corinthians 10:7 (NIV)

Give me Your eyes for just one second
Give me Your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me Your love for humanity
Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me Your eyes so I can see [1]

As a junior high leader at my church, I have the privilege of attending awesome events like our recent retreat. One of the videos we watched was called “God’s Glasses” and it showed a young man frustrated with many things around him.

His internal dialogue was extremely crabby and frustrated with everyone he encountered: the pre-teen who skateboards behind his car every day as he’s leaving; a woman who cuts him off in the parking lot and steals his parking space; a barista who is overworked so he must wait for his coffee, etc.

In the midst of his internal grouching, he is given a pair of glasses to wear that give him different insight on those around him. Truths about the people around him are revealed, and his internal attitude starts to change. Some of the things he sees?

The skateboarder “…just needs someone to care.”

The parking spot stealer “…is grieving her best friend.”

The overworked (and possibly slow-moving) barista “…is fighting addiction.”

His internal dialogue, which quite frankly seemed to make sense, is suddenly revealed as short-sighted. When it is revealed what these people are dealing with on the inside, the outside behaviors are not as frustrating. The video ends with a glimpse of what he is doing to change himself and his reactions.

I’m ashamed to admit that my internal dialogue can sound an awful lot like the young man in the beginning of the video - - especially in certain situations.

I’m challenging myself to stop that negative, internal dialogue.  And even though I don’t have a special pair of glasses to show me what is really happening in someone’s life, I need to react with compassion, kindness and grace to those around me.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Watch the God’s Glasses video. Does this video challenge you in any way? If so, what is your plan to change things?

2.  Watch the video for the Brandon Heath song, “Give Me Your Eyes.” Does this video challenge you to really see those around you? If so, what is your plan to truly see others?

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 139:1; 1 Samuel 16:7

Along with being a wife and mother to two teenage boys, Tracy is a ministry assistant at Oakwood, serves on the Women’s Ministry Special Events Team and works with a great group of junior high girls.

[1] http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/brandonheath/givemeyoureyes.html

Can I Have One?

By Jeannine Sawall

  Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)

While I like to think I have taught my children to have a generous spirit, occasionally, their generosity can be called into question. While eating, I asked one of my boys if I could have one of his french fries.  He started looking in his bag of fries with diligence. I sat there waiting with great expectation; he must be searching for the best fry in the package! Finally, he pulled one out and handed it to me…a burnt little stub of a fry!!  “Really!?!…this is the best you have for me?” I asked.  “If I give you more, I won’t have enough!” was his reply. I told him he had a WHOLE bag of fries and he could share a few with his mom! He begrudgingly pulled out a couple of decent-looking fries to share.

At first, I was a little miffed at his stinginess. I mean, after all…I paid for those fries…technically, they were ALL mine. Whenever my boys ask to share something I had, I happily handed it over. Hadn’t I modeled a generous spirit to them? As I sat there with my thoughts, it came to me that oftentimes I offer the Lord that same stubby, burnt fry as well. How often had He asked for my time, my energy, my talents and I begrudgingly game Him a few minutes, a half-hearted effort or something less than my best? Everything I had came from His hand… didn’t He deserve better than that?

It’s easy to see others’ lack of generosity, but it’s more difficult to see our own. How often has the Lord asked something of us and we’ve offered him the short, burnt fry? Maybe it’s a ministry you’re being asked to be a part of and you feel you can’t spare the time. Perhaps it’s a friend who needs some encouragement and you just don’t feel you have the energy. Or maybe it’s a talent you’re being asked to share when you are feeling overwhelmed already. We need to consider all we have - - our time, our energy and our talents - - as gifts from the Lord and we need to examine our responses when asked to share them. Sometimes, it is legitimate to say “no,” but often, we are called to say “yes” despite wanting to offer only the short fry! We can trust the Lord to always provide us with enough! 

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Where in your life are you offering less than your best to the Lord?

2.  What can you do to trust Him more with your time, talent and energies?

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 22:37, Romans 12:1

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four active boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine serves in the Oakwood Cafe and is actively involved in ministry to those walking through grief.

The Gift-Giver

By Elizabeth Cole

“…and [the father] said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’”

Luke 15:31-32 (NASB)

Once upon a time, there was a really fantastic Gift-giver. He was the sort who took the time to know - - really know - - the recipients of His gifts, and would choose just the sort of gifts that would be best for them.

He also had lavish wealth and could afford to give gifts of inestimable value. He gave gifts that He Himself cherished, gifts that delighted Him and brought Him great pleasure.

And so He gave gifts to those He loved. His loved ones communicated their valuation of His gifts through the way they treated the gifts upon receiving them. Some ignored the gifts. Some were ecstatic when they first got the gifts…but stored them on the shelf in the hall closet, since the gifts could sometimes be kind of messy. Some put the gifts in a place of honor until something…anything…drew their attention elsewhere.

Then there were those who accepted the gifts in humble gratitude, recognizing them for what they were: an expression of affection and confidence from the Gift-giver - - lavish love for both the gift-receiver, as well as the very gifts themselves. Those recipients welcomed and reveled in the gifts, took time to intentionally determine where the gifts could best be protected and cared for, and shouted out an enthusiastic “thank you” to their amazing Gift-giver.

Once upon a time, there was a God who cared enough about His Church to give them “gifts” - - actual people He loved enough to die for, people who needed to experience Jesus’ love through His family, people who longed to know who He is and why it matters. And since He cares so very much for these people-gifts, I would imagine He would give them to faith communities whom He knows will welcome and steward and grow them well…and communicate heartfelt “thanks” through actions, not just words.

Our God has placed those He cherishes in our lives and in our churches this week…as precious gifts from a really fantastic Gift-giver. How’s our “thank you”?

GOING DEEPER:
1. Is God calling you to open up time in your week to intentionally care for those He’s bringing into your life or church? Will you?

FURTHER READING:
John 1:43-45,15:17; James 2:1-9

Elizabeth is a wife with three grown daughters and two sons-in-law, and is the Director of Connecting at Oakwood Church