I recently read a book intended to challenge and stimulate discussion on the Christian faith, especially as it pertains to American society. It’s called “Crazy Love” and is written by Francis Chan, pastor of Cornerstone Community church in Simi Valley, California. It is definitely a thought-provoking book and has made me re-think about my relationship with God.
The first three chapters describe God - His attributes of holiness, power, omniscience, and immortality, as well as His magnificent creation. Chan talks about the “craziness” of God’s love for us - He knows us and desires an intimate relationship with us even though we continually sin. He ends chapter three with these words: “The greatest good on earth is God…The best things in life are gifts from the One who steadfastly loves us. But an important question to ask ourselves is this: Are we in love with God or just His stuff?...Our love for Him always comes out of His love for us. Do you love this God who is everything, or do you just love everything He gives you?” (p. 62-63)
Chapters 4-8 deal with our response to God’s love. Chan’s goal is to make us think about how we live our lives - do we “just let life happen, which is tantamount to serving God your leftovers, or actively run toward Christ.” (p. 113) In discussing Jesus’ parable of the sower, he cautions us: Don’t assume you are the good soil. And then he goes on to talk about “lukewarm” Christians, asking if you can be a Christian and be lukewarm, reminding readers that God said He would spit the lukewarm churches out of his mouth. Wow - talk about convicting! These chapters go into much greater detail, showing the difference between living a typical American life and actively living like Jesus, loving both God and other people sacrificially.
As I read through the middle of the book, I began to question how I really live my day-to-day life. Feelings of guilt ran through my mind. By the end of the book I renewed my desire to live more completely following Christ. He talks about true faith as holding nothing back; totally trusting in God to keep His promises. I think it’s very difficult in our affluent American society (compared to the rest of the world) to live this way. After all, money is king here and independence and self-reliance are the American way. In some ways, maybe it’s more difficult to be an authentic Christian here where we don’t have to depend on God for survival.
In the final chapter, Chan talks about what will happen at the end of our lives. “What will people say about your life in heaven? Will people speak of God’s work and glory through you? And even more important, how will you answer the King when He says, “What did you do with what I gave you?” (p. 174) I tell my second graders that my hope is that when I die people will say, “she did what was right in the eyes of the Lord,” but do I really live my life that way?
Although it was a difficult (challenging and convicting) read, I do recommend this book as it brings an important reminder that Christians need to live differently than typical Americans. It would be a great book for a book club; at times I wished I could discuss some of the chapters with others. Chan also has several short videos dealing with each chapter online at www.crazylovebook.com. Reading this book has renewed my thankfulness for God’s “crazy love” for us, and my desire to live for Him.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thankful
Although I have so much to be thankful for, this year my heart has been heavy with thoughts of so many who are suffering and I’ve found it hard to get in the thankful mood. Families who are struggling with severe and/or terminal illnesses by either a parent or young child, premature babies dealing with health issues, and others recovering from surgery remind me that we can’t always be thankful for good health.
But after reading a blog by a mother whose 5 year old daughter is fighting brain cancer, I was struck by something she wrote: “I am reminded that some times, some seasons of life, we must be thankful simply for who God is.” And I remembered we can also be thankful for our salvation through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Almost everything can be taken away: our health, family, job, money, etc. But once we are part of God’s family that can never be taken away. And God - and His power and love - will never change.
So I will give thanks - for the many blessings I still have, but also for who God is and the salvation He has given me.
But after reading a blog by a mother whose 5 year old daughter is fighting brain cancer, I was struck by something she wrote: “I am reminded that some times, some seasons of life, we must be thankful simply for who God is.” And I remembered we can also be thankful for our salvation through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Almost everything can be taken away: our health, family, job, money, etc. But once we are part of God’s family that can never be taken away. And God - and His power and love - will never change.
So I will give thanks - for the many blessings I still have, but also for who God is and the salvation He has given me.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Autumn Afternoon
Yesterday was beautiful and sunny - a perfect autumn day. Since report cards and conferences are finished, I decided to put off my normal weekend schoolwork and go for an afternoon hike with Tosca. We went to Hemlock Crossing, one of the county parks in Port Sheldon Township along the Pigeon River. It was my first visit to this park, which has over seven miles of hiking trails through pine forests, meadows, marsh/swamp areas, and along the river.
Growing up, I was not an “outdoorsy” person; in fact, my first choice was always sitting on the couch with a book in my hands. You would never find me participating in any outdoors activity unless it was required. While I still love to read, I’ve grown to appreciate the experience of hiking and enjoying God’s creation. It also provides the quiet opportunity to pray and just reflect on God and life.
Hemlock Crossing is a great place to hike. As we started down the trail, the first thing I noticed was the bright blue of the sky above. Then, as we walked a ways, I became aware of the lack of color everywhere else. Piles of leaves, all various shades of brown, blanketed the ground and all around were empty tree branches. As I thought about the coming winter season, the surrounding scenery reminded me of the fall and winter seasons in our lives. I thought about the difficult times both in my own life and in the lives of people I know and have been praying for recently. As I started silently praying for these family members, friends, and acquaintances again, “why” questions came to my mind: Why, God, do parents of young children need to deal with a terminal illness? Why do children struggle with cancer? Why do tumors exist? Why does the AIDS crisis and poverty affect so many innocent children in African countries? Why does life have to be so difficult?
I know it’s through the difficult (“fall and winter”) times in our lives that we often grow the closest to God, but I wish it were easier. I thought about how I want to grow ever closer to God, but I’m also afraid to go through the difficult experiences that will bring me closer. I don’t want to pray the prayer that says “use me” because I know He will but in a way I don’t expect and that will probably stretch me in a way I don’t want to be stretched.
As I kept thinking, my mood became more gloomy, and I suddenly realized how quiet it was. When I go hiking in the summer or early fall, the air is usually filled with the sounds of birds and insects are buzzing around. But I hadn’t heard or seen any birds in the park. I stopped to listen, and only heard silence.
And then, as if in answer to my questions of why, I heard a birdcall…and then another answer. I watched two tiny chickadees flit from tree to tree; calling out an answer that God is indeed present and does care. I also caught a glimpse of a woodpecker. Although it seemed as if the birds were all gone, they were still there, waiting for the proper time to show their presence. It reminded me that even though we go through difficult times, God is still here and will use those times to bring us closer to Him if we let him. It truly was a holy moment for me and brightened my mood. God won’t always answer our “why” questions, but I don’t need to be afraid. I can put my trust in Him.
I also gradually became aware of several bright green patches of moss peeking out from the drab, dead leaves. A sign of life and growth, amidst the decaying leaves. A bright reminder of spring and the colors it brings and another visual aid that God is indeed with us in our difficult (“brown”) times.
The final gift God gave me was the beautiful sunlight - a reminder of the presence of God’s Son in my life. I even strayed off the trail and climbed on a fallen tree trunk leaning over the river to get a picture of the sun before it set.
What a wonderful way to spend time with God … and exercise the dog at the same time!
P.S. Tosca slept really good last night! And no, I didn't take the photo of the chickadee. My phone doesn't have that good of a camera - I don't think my camera is even that good of a camera.
Growing up, I was not an “outdoorsy” person; in fact, my first choice was always sitting on the couch with a book in my hands. You would never find me participating in any outdoors activity unless it was required. While I still love to read, I’ve grown to appreciate the experience of hiking and enjoying God’s creation. It also provides the quiet opportunity to pray and just reflect on God and life.
Hemlock Crossing is a great place to hike. As we started down the trail, the first thing I noticed was the bright blue of the sky above. Then, as we walked a ways, I became aware of the lack of color everywhere else. Piles of leaves, all various shades of brown, blanketed the ground and all around were empty tree branches. As I thought about the coming winter season, the surrounding scenery reminded me of the fall and winter seasons in our lives. I thought about the difficult times both in my own life and in the lives of people I know and have been praying for recently. As I started silently praying for these family members, friends, and acquaintances again, “why” questions came to my mind: Why, God, do parents of young children need to deal with a terminal illness? Why do children struggle with cancer? Why do tumors exist? Why does the AIDS crisis and poverty affect so many innocent children in African countries? Why does life have to be so difficult?
I know it’s through the difficult (“fall and winter”) times in our lives that we often grow the closest to God, but I wish it were easier. I thought about how I want to grow ever closer to God, but I’m also afraid to go through the difficult experiences that will bring me closer. I don’t want to pray the prayer that says “use me” because I know He will but in a way I don’t expect and that will probably stretch me in a way I don’t want to be stretched.
As I kept thinking, my mood became more gloomy, and I suddenly realized how quiet it was. When I go hiking in the summer or early fall, the air is usually filled with the sounds of birds and insects are buzzing around. But I hadn’t heard or seen any birds in the park. I stopped to listen, and only heard silence.
And then, as if in answer to my questions of why, I heard a birdcall…and then another answer. I watched two tiny chickadees flit from tree to tree; calling out an answer that God is indeed present and does care. I also caught a glimpse of a woodpecker. Although it seemed as if the birds were all gone, they were still there, waiting for the proper time to show their presence. It reminded me that even though we go through difficult times, God is still here and will use those times to bring us closer to Him if we let him. It truly was a holy moment for me and brightened my mood. God won’t always answer our “why” questions, but I don’t need to be afraid. I can put my trust in Him.
I also gradually became aware of several bright green patches of moss peeking out from the drab, dead leaves. A sign of life and growth, amidst the decaying leaves. A bright reminder of spring and the colors it brings and another visual aid that God is indeed with us in our difficult (“brown”) times.
The final gift God gave me was the beautiful sunlight - a reminder of the presence of God’s Son in my life. I even strayed off the trail and climbed on a fallen tree trunk leaning over the river to get a picture of the sun before it set.
What a wonderful way to spend time with God … and exercise the dog at the same time!
P.S. Tosca slept really good last night! And no, I didn't take the photo of the chickadee. My phone doesn't have that good of a camera - I don't think my camera is even that good of a camera.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Jeans
I love wearing jeans! They are so comfortable and relaxing. I just feel happy wearing my jeans. They are definitely my apparel-of-choice on Saturdays and any school days that I attend workshops or staff development activities. And I love the last Friday of the month when teachers can wear jeans to school. All the teachers know I'll try almost anything to get another "jean day," so at our parent-teacher conference dinner this past Tuesday I asked our principal if we could wear jeans the day after conferences. Although the answer was no, she did give the okay to a jean day next Friday (the last Friday of November that we'll be at school).
So I was a little surprised when a couple teachers whispered to me on Thursday that they were going to wear jeans Friday and encouraged me to do so as well. The thought was "if everyone wears them, our principal can't say anything." After all, we couldn't all get in trouble. Besides, it's been an extremely busy couple of weeks dealing with report cards, conferences, and extra curriculum meetings. It sounded like a great idea to me, except I had specifically asked about jeans and was told no.
Thursday night I even had a phone message from a teacher, reminding me about jean day because she knew how much I love wearing jeans and she didn't want me to feel left out. I was torn about what to wear: do I wear the jeans along with other teachers, wear regular "school" clothes and bring jeans along (just in case it's really all right), or disregard the message.
The other issue involved laundry. Since I'd been gone every night the last couple of weeks I actually was caught up on laundry but all the clean clothes were sitting in laundry baskets in the basement after coming out of the dryer and most everything needed to be ironed. I really wasn't in the mood to do any ironing on Thursday night.
So, I wore regular school clothes to work yesterday, thinking that maybe a few brave teachers would be wearing jeans. I was actually quite surprised to find all the other teachers in jeans. I wondered if our principal would notice and, if so, would she be upset. Some teachers were surprised to find me not wearing jeans, but I explained I didn't feel right about it since we hadn't had permission.
But then, at our morning break time, the principal asked to see all teachers for a brief meeting. For a few seconds I wondered if it was about jeans and was glad I hadn't caved in (although I was the only one). I didn't really want the other teachers to get in trouble, but I was glad I wasn't wearing them. When all the teachers were assembled, our principal came in and began talking about how disappointed she was that all the teachers were breaking the school dress code by wearing jeans. She sounded really upset and mentioned that she should send them all home, but instead she was going to ... reward Melanie for not wearing the jeans. Huh???
It turns out the whole thing was a joke on me that they all concocted the day before at staff devotions while I was outside on recess duty. They wanted to see if they could get me to wear jeans - most were convinced I would wear them and the plan was for the principal to call only me in her office for breaking the dress code. The principal was in on the whole thing! In fact, she was trying to figure out a Plan B that morning when she saw I wasn't wearing them. In the end, she gave me a certificate for my own Jean Day sometime in the year and I can also choose an extra Jean Day! So I guess it paid to obey the rule!
I'm definitely looking forward to Jean Day next Friday! (Now, if I could just get pizza and chocolate for lunch, the day would be perfect.)
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Update
Thanks so much for your prayers for my sister-in-law. She had surgery to remove the tumor in her spine last Friday. Thankfully the surgery went well and they were able to remove the tumor. She is able to walk, so there is no paralysis - praise God! She has a long recovery ahead of her and is still suffering from headaches and other pain, although she hopes to be released from the hospital soon. They haven't received word yet if the tumor was benign, so we're still waiting on that. Some of the other questions we had are also still unanswered as of yet. It definitely makes me appreciate our health care here in the United States. The H1N1 virus is also affecting the city of Krasnoyarsk as almost every school system in the city has been closed for several weeks. So hopefully both Peter and Olya can stay clear of that. They are very appreciative of all the prayers from the States. We continue to pray for both of them - for continued healing for Olya and that they'll feel God's love and presence in a new way.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Prayer Request
I am so thankful for the power of prayer and the fact that Christians can support and uphold one another in prayer. I'm so grateful that God listens to and answers our prayers, although it's not always the way we want Him to. Blogs and care pages are wonderful uses of technology that can be used to share information regarding special prayer needs for people we love and care about.
And so, this morning, I'm sharing a prayer request from our family. My sister-in-law, Olya, has a tumor in her spine. It is a fast growing tumor and there is also a possibility that there is an additional tumor in her abdomen. She and my brother, Peter, live in Krasnoyarsk, a large city in Siberia (Russia). The health care standards there are not quite the same as those in the United States, but we're grateful that she was admitted to a hospital and they're hoping to do surgery tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 6). Please pray that they can remove the tumor, that it is benign, that there will be no complications (including no paralysis), and that no other tumors are present.
It's difficult having them so far away. In addition, Peter and Olya were planning to come to the US for Christmas next month. We're hoping that if everything goes well, they will still be able to come.
Thanks so much for your prayers. Here is a photo of Olya and Peter.
And so, this morning, I'm sharing a prayer request from our family. My sister-in-law, Olya, has a tumor in her spine. It is a fast growing tumor and there is also a possibility that there is an additional tumor in her abdomen. She and my brother, Peter, live in Krasnoyarsk, a large city in Siberia (Russia). The health care standards there are not quite the same as those in the United States, but we're grateful that she was admitted to a hospital and they're hoping to do surgery tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 6). Please pray that they can remove the tumor, that it is benign, that there will be no complications (including no paralysis), and that no other tumors are present.
It's difficult having them so far away. In addition, Peter and Olya were planning to come to the US for Christmas next month. We're hoping that if everything goes well, they will still be able to come.
Thanks so much for your prayers. Here is a photo of Olya and Peter.
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