Confused of the title of this post? Do you know what the word means (or do you care to look it up) or would you rather I just tell you? I'll give you a hint--it's not Greek, it's Hebrew. Any guesses now?
Okay, I can't wait any longer. It means "asked for" in Hebrew & it was the introduction to the single ladies spring Bible study: DAVID: Seeking a Heart Like His by Beth Moore. So, what's so cool about sha'ul & what does that little Hebrew word have to do with David? Let me tell you.
Pop culture proclaims that the story of my life begins with me, but is that really true? In the introduction to week one, Beth Moore refutes this humanistic argument as she introduces us to the people who shaped David's life remarking that "A person's story never begins with his or her own. . . . Our lives are often laboriously intertwined with another we have neither chosen nor fully accepted" (8). God started molding David's life, not at his birth, but with the lives of his two counselors: Saul & Samuel.
In I Samuel 1, a woman named Hannah asks God for a son. When her request is answered, she names her son Samuel (shem'el) which sounded similar to the word "asked for (sha'ul). To show her gratitude, Hannah returnsto God what she had asked for & God uses Samuel to accomplish His will in a mighty way.
In I Samuel 8, the people of Israel demand that Samuel select a king to rule over the nation. Following the Lord's direction, Samuel anoints a tall, good-looking Benjaminite named Saul. Where Samuel's name sounds like "asked for", Saul's name literally means "asked for". God literally gave the children of Israel what they asked for! Sadly, the nation soon discoved that what they asked for, wasn't really what they wanted.
Saul eventually loses God's favor because his "position exceed his passion." He worshipped God, not because he wanted to, but because he was a Hebrew. God was part of the package deal. As Beth Moore put it, "There is a country mile's difference between pleasing & appeasing God" (9).
As Beth Moore spoke, I could remember a little too well times when God gave me exactly what I asked for &, like the people of Israel, I soon regretted my choice. That little word sha'ul (which I can surely write better than I could pronounce) has been a rebuke to me. What have I been asking God for? "He wants my whole heart--the whole splattered mess." Am I willing to give Him what He has asked for?
27 January 2012
19 January 2012
Because
I know I said that I wasn't going to answer "why?" with "because" anymore, but, let's be honest, you were expecting it. Which is interesting because I wasn't.
Why you ask? Because God is still teaching me what "because" means.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, & keep his commandments: for this is the whold duty of man." Did you catch that--the whole duty of man rests in two words: fear & obedience.
Fear is humbly bending my body down & lifting my heart & hands up to God in reverential worship--not a shaking terror of what God will do to me if I don't obey. Obedience blossoms from proper fear. If I truly fear the Lord then I will obey Him because I want to worship Him withe every action.
Even if obeying Him will bring me pain.
Paul tells the believers in Corinth to expect trials because of their faith & encourages them not to give up, "therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy [God granting us favor, benefits, opportunities, & especially salvation], we faint not [do not get discouraged or overcome with fear]" (2 Cor. 4:1).
So, why do I do what I do? Because I have received mercy & I have no reason to doubt God's love for me.
Why you ask? Because God is still teaching me what "because" means.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, & keep his commandments: for this is the whold duty of man." Did you catch that--the whole duty of man rests in two words: fear & obedience.
Fear is humbly bending my body down & lifting my heart & hands up to God in reverential worship--not a shaking terror of what God will do to me if I don't obey. Obedience blossoms from proper fear. If I truly fear the Lord then I will obey Him because I want to worship Him withe every action.
Even if obeying Him will bring me pain.
Paul tells the believers in Corinth to expect trials because of their faith & encourages them not to give up, "therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy [God granting us favor, benefits, opportunities, & especially salvation], we faint not [do not get discouraged or overcome with fear]" (2 Cor. 4:1).
So, why do I do what I do? Because I have received mercy & I have no reason to doubt God's love for me.
17 January 2012
Why?
Has anyone ever asked you why you do what you do? What was
your response—a simple response or a ten-point message explaining each
intricate thought behind the decision?
When I left home for college five years ago, I found that when others asked me, “why?” all I could do was repeat the question to myself: Why do I do what I do?
If you asked my high school classmates to describe me you would probably hear adjectives like hoity-toity, stuck-up, goodie-two-shoes, & teacher’s pet. Not only was I known for following the rules, I also had the audacity to encourage my classmates to follow them as well. I was one of those irritating students who loved school. I mean LOVED. I played school in the summer & counted down to the first day of school. Weird. People got the impression that I did right because I wanted to stay out of trouble. While avoiding trouble may have been part of my logic, it wasn’t my main motivation. I did right because, well, it was the right thing to do. Crazy, I know.
As I entered college, my mentality for obeying rules remained the same. Was my logic wrong? Well, no, but it wasn’t right either.
Between my sophomore & junior years in college I began to ask myself the question people had been asking me for years, “why do I do what I do?” I was disturbed to find that I didn’t have an answer. I wasn’t a rebel who flagrantly broke rules, but I would make allowances to bend rules when I felt they were too restrictive. I was obeying the rules, but I sure wasn’t being a Christ-like example to others.
The spring of my junior year was a spiritual low. God wanted to change me but I was content to remain spiritually stagnant. On a whim, I applied to be a camp counselor, not really believing God would send me to camp. But He did & I came face-to-face with my mediocrity. My counselor training packed required me to share my reasoning for tough scenarios--principles for deciding if something is right or wrong & principles to give to someone who wants to grow spiritually--& verses defending God’s guidelines for dating, music, friends, authority, & a plethora of other counseling topics. For the first time in my life I had to answer “Why?” with more than just “because.”
I'm not perfect--God is definitely still working on me--but God is helping me answer my own questions. I don't have all of the answers & sometimes what I do may make your head turn, but I promise, God is helping me answer "why do I do what I do" with more than just "because."
When I left home for college five years ago, I found that when others asked me, “why?” all I could do was repeat the question to myself: Why do I do what I do?
If you asked my high school classmates to describe me you would probably hear adjectives like hoity-toity, stuck-up, goodie-two-shoes, & teacher’s pet. Not only was I known for following the rules, I also had the audacity to encourage my classmates to follow them as well. I was one of those irritating students who loved school. I mean LOVED. I played school in the summer & counted down to the first day of school. Weird. People got the impression that I did right because I wanted to stay out of trouble. While avoiding trouble may have been part of my logic, it wasn’t my main motivation. I did right because, well, it was the right thing to do. Crazy, I know.
As I entered college, my mentality for obeying rules remained the same. Was my logic wrong? Well, no, but it wasn’t right either.
Between my sophomore & junior years in college I began to ask myself the question people had been asking me for years, “why do I do what I do?” I was disturbed to find that I didn’t have an answer. I wasn’t a rebel who flagrantly broke rules, but I would make allowances to bend rules when I felt they were too restrictive. I was obeying the rules, but I sure wasn’t being a Christ-like example to others.
The spring of my junior year was a spiritual low. God wanted to change me but I was content to remain spiritually stagnant. On a whim, I applied to be a camp counselor, not really believing God would send me to camp. But He did & I came face-to-face with my mediocrity. My counselor training packed required me to share my reasoning for tough scenarios--principles for deciding if something is right or wrong & principles to give to someone who wants to grow spiritually--& verses defending God’s guidelines for dating, music, friends, authority, & a plethora of other counseling topics. For the first time in my life I had to answer “Why?” with more than just “because.”
I'm not perfect--God is definitely still working on me--but God is helping me answer my own questions. I don't have all of the answers & sometimes what I do may make your head turn, but I promise, God is helping me answer "why do I do what I do" with more than just "because."
25 December 2011
Christmas Omletes
Three eggs cooked in a black Teflon pan. When the bottom of the eggs are nearly cooked add olives, cheese, cubed ham, fresh tomatoes, & a slice or two of bacon. Fold egg over enveloping meet, fruit, & vegetables in an egg-hug. Plate & drench with maple syrup. Serve with toast (butter & strawberry jam) & a glass of chocolate milk or orange juice. Don't forget your fork & a napkin.
Sounds delicious, doesn't it?
Every Christmas for as long as I can remember has started, not with sight, but with a yummy smell & homey, sizzling sounds. I wake up hearing Dad & Mom's voices drift down the hallway accompanied by the low sizzle of bacon on the grill & the clinking of a spatula on a metal pan. I lift my head off of my pillow with my eyes closed & take a deep breath of the heavenly smell of bacon & eggs. The scent of my favorite breakfast foods gives me the energy to roll out of bed & get ready for the day.
Christmas omelets are arguable my favorite Lawson family tradition. And it's not just the eggs & bacon that put this tradition on the top of my list (though, eating pig always advances a tradition in my mind). The whole experience--the sounds, the smells, the tastes, & the family togetherness--makes each Christmas omelet a special one. Christmas omelets just mark the start of a day of celebration. A celebration of the gift of Christ & the family He has given me.
Over the years, many family traditions have changed. Our family, immediate & extended, has grown & some have moved on. Get togethers aren't as practical as they used to be & this year had struggles unique to itself just as each Christmas omlet is unique from the ones that were eaten before. My selection of fillings doesn't mean that one omlet is better or worse than another, it's just different.
I love eating my omlet, but I've never been able to finish one yet. But every year I ask Dad to make me a Christmas omlet just like the year before. Sometimes when life begins to overwhelm me I think about my Christmas omlet. I can't handle a year's, or even a week;s, worth of plans in one day. I've got to take life a bite at a time & rely on God to get me through the entire meal.
When you wake up tomorrow morning, wait to open your eyes & just take a deep breath. Breathe in life & let that enticing smell motivate you to get out of bed & taste the Lord's blessings.
 |
| Are you salivating yet? |
Sounds delicious, doesn't it?
Every Christmas for as long as I can remember has started, not with sight, but with a yummy smell & homey, sizzling sounds. I wake up hearing Dad & Mom's voices drift down the hallway accompanied by the low sizzle of bacon on the grill & the clinking of a spatula on a metal pan. I lift my head off of my pillow with my eyes closed & take a deep breath of the heavenly smell of bacon & eggs. The scent of my favorite breakfast foods gives me the energy to roll out of bed & get ready for the day.
Christmas omelets are arguable my favorite Lawson family tradition. And it's not just the eggs & bacon that put this tradition on the top of my list (though, eating pig always advances a tradition in my mind). The whole experience--the sounds, the smells, the tastes, & the family togetherness--makes each Christmas omelet a special one. Christmas omelets just mark the start of a day of celebration. A celebration of the gift of Christ & the family He has given me.
Over the years, many family traditions have changed. Our family, immediate & extended, has grown & some have moved on. Get togethers aren't as practical as they used to be & this year had struggles unique to itself just as each Christmas omlet is unique from the ones that were eaten before. My selection of fillings doesn't mean that one omlet is better or worse than another, it's just different.
I love eating my omlet, but I've never been able to finish one yet. But every year I ask Dad to make me a Christmas omlet just like the year before. Sometimes when life begins to overwhelm me I think about my Christmas omlet. I can't handle a year's, or even a week;s, worth of plans in one day. I've got to take life a bite at a time & rely on God to get me through the entire meal.
When you wake up tomorrow morning, wait to open your eyes & just take a deep breath. Breathe in life & let that enticing smell motivate you to get out of bed & taste the Lord's blessings.
19 December 2011
satisfied
This fall I joined a core group of single ladies to study "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper. While I don't endorse everything Piper has published, the message of "Don't Waste Your Life" was spot on. People today are wasting their lives. Even in the amidst all the business of this life--the ball practices, workout routines, job responsibilities, & ministry opportunities--we find ourselves empty & unfulfilled. How can I live a fulfilled life?
Throughout the study, I learned that I waste my life when I live for anyone other than God. A fulfilled life is living in the light of the Cross--it's dying daily. But, like any lesson, I quickly forgot the reality of giving all for Christ. Before I knew what hit me, I was selfishly seeking my own desires, ministrying out of duty, & going throught themotions of my daily routines. Is it possible to live a satisfied life all the time?
God already knew that question was on my heart when we began preparing for "Lord of Glory." And, He already knew that I was beginning to lose my focus on living a successful, satisfied life. After the cantata on Sunday morning, several friends & church family members complimented my narration abilities. I didn't know what to say; I don't take compliments well--I blush & grow speechless. Why did the Lord choose to use me to be a witness for Him? Who am I to be worthy of spreading His Gospel to my community? I graciously thanked friends for their encouraging words & tried, with much blushing & stuttering, to return the glory to Christ.
In the midst of the buzz of blessings & blushes, one question rose in my mind & drowned out all the other questions: "how do the Lost live a satisfied life?" As a Christian, I know that I am satisfied only in Christ. The opportunity to use my talents for the Lord brings elation & joy like no other experience. What is more satisfying than using the talent God has given me for Him? If this act of sacrifice is true satisfaction, then how can someone who does not know Christ personally be satisfied in this life?
I don't know that this question has an answer, but ask yourself, "am I living a satisfied life?"
Throughout the study, I learned that I waste my life when I live for anyone other than God. A fulfilled life is living in the light of the Cross--it's dying daily. But, like any lesson, I quickly forgot the reality of giving all for Christ. Before I knew what hit me, I was selfishly seeking my own desires, ministrying out of duty, & going throught themotions of my daily routines. Is it possible to live a satisfied life all the time?
God already knew that question was on my heart when we began preparing for "Lord of Glory." And, He already knew that I was beginning to lose my focus on living a successful, satisfied life. After the cantata on Sunday morning, several friends & church family members complimented my narration abilities. I didn't know what to say; I don't take compliments well--I blush & grow speechless. Why did the Lord choose to use me to be a witness for Him? Who am I to be worthy of spreading His Gospel to my community? I graciously thanked friends for their encouraging words & tried, with much blushing & stuttering, to return the glory to Christ.
In the midst of the buzz of blessings & blushes, one question rose in my mind & drowned out all the other questions: "how do the Lost live a satisfied life?" As a Christian, I know that I am satisfied only in Christ. The opportunity to use my talents for the Lord brings elation & joy like no other experience. What is more satisfying than using the talent God has given me for Him? If this act of sacrifice is true satisfaction, then how can someone who does not know Christ personally be satisfied in this life?
I don't know that this question has an answer, but ask yourself, "am I living a satisfied life?"
Lord of Glory
I love the Christmas season. There is no other time where Christianity is so readily, albeit ignorantly, proclaimed. Nativity scenes, with the virgin Mary comforting her newborn Son & Joseph protectively watching his young bride, stand before many homes & major businesses. Though the airways are filled with songs about Santa Clause, reindeer, & blossoming or dying love, traditional carols that proclaim the true Christmas story can still be heard. And no one is suing or declaring a violation of rights.
Yesterday my church presented its yearly Christmas cantata, "Lord of Glory" (arranged by Dan Forrest), which proclaims the love & message of Christ through music & Scriptures. Being a soprano in the choir, I was already enamoured with the musical arrangement of the cantata, but I also had the priviledge of being one of the narrators. Nothing tells the Christmas sotry like the Bible (which makes sense, since the Bible is a biography of God & His gift of eternal life through Christ). Saturday morning the choir, orchestra, & narration were combined for the first time. Though I'd been singing the arrangements in my green "Lord of Glory" book for weeks, the addition of the Scripture narration made the cantata's message almost new. The narration included typical Christmas passages from the initial chapters of Matthew & Luke, but God didn't limit His message to four or five chapters. The gift of salvation through Christ is presented throughout the Old & New Testaments. While I love reading the traditional Christmas passages, the verse that struck me this weekend was not your typical Christmas verse.
The sole message of the Gospel is in that verse: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." Yes, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ--the coming of the Lord of Glory--but Christmas is so much more than that. The reason Christ came was to save sinners, like me, because we cannot save ourselves. The title of one of my favorite Christmas songs shares the message of the entire Gospel: "Born to Die."
Christmas isn't about giving the perfect gift, extreme decorations, or songs about finding the love of your life. The reason we celebrate Christmas is because Christ, the Lord of Glory, chose to leave the perfect, holy realm of heaven to live the life of His creation so He could save us from ourselves.
Yesterday my church presented its yearly Christmas cantata, "Lord of Glory" (arranged by Dan Forrest), which proclaims the love & message of Christ through music & Scriptures. Being a soprano in the choir, I was already enamoured with the musical arrangement of the cantata, but I also had the priviledge of being one of the narrators. Nothing tells the Christmas sotry like the Bible (which makes sense, since the Bible is a biography of God & His gift of eternal life through Christ). Saturday morning the choir, orchestra, & narration were combined for the first time. Though I'd been singing the arrangements in my green "Lord of Glory" book for weeks, the addition of the Scripture narration made the cantata's message almost new. The narration included typical Christmas passages from the initial chapters of Matthew & Luke, but God didn't limit His message to four or five chapters. The gift of salvation through Christ is presented throughout the Old & New Testaments. While I love reading the traditional Christmas passages, the verse that struck me this weekend was not your typical Christmas verse.
I Timothy 1:15, "This is a faithful saying, & worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."
The sole message of the Gospel is in that verse: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." Yes, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ--the coming of the Lord of Glory--but Christmas is so much more than that. The reason Christ came was to save sinners, like me, because we cannot save ourselves. The title of one of my favorite Christmas songs shares the message of the entire Gospel: "Born to Die."
Christmas isn't about giving the perfect gift, extreme decorations, or songs about finding the love of your life. The reason we celebrate Christmas is because Christ, the Lord of Glory, chose to leave the perfect, holy realm of heaven to live the life of His creation so He could save us from ourselves.
06 December 2011
lessons learned
What a wonderful semester this has been! I wish I had been more faithful in updating you in the good, the bad, & the ugly that I've experienced, but you'll just have to settle for this semester end overview. Here are a few lessons (serious & sarcastic) that I've learned over the last three months.
- God did not call me to teach elementary students. Now, don't get me wrong, I love working with younger students . . . for a short period of time. I have a growing respect for elementary teachers & I am jealous of their seemingly endless patience.
- Don't assign more than one major paper at a time. Due to my supervising teacher's schedule I had the privilege of recieving two literary analysis papers within 3 days of each other. I now understand why my English professors looked so tired the week that freshmen composition papers were due. I needed two & a half weeks to grade 30 papers; they grade twice that in half the time!
- Even teachers experience stage fright. Nerves attack everyone. No matter how prepared you are, nervous jitters will find you. Best defense: preparedness.
- So, there was this one time . . . I am easily distracted. Students have a remarkable ability to find the teacher's weakness & manipulate that weakness to their advantage. Put these two together & you get some hilarious stories that may have nothing at all to do with the lesson.
- I love English, but I still have much to learn. I may be the teacher, but I believe I've learned just as much about English this semester as my students have. In correcting my students' grammatical skills, I've found the errors in my own. I am nowhere near perfect, but I'm beginning to understand my weaknesses. No matter what the subject or experience, I always have something to learn.
- Be prepared (I hope you heard Scar singing that, because I definitely did).
Now, preparedness is not something I usually struggle with, but, when I am ill prepared I become nervous & sick to my stomach. Prepare in advance. - Without drama (the theatre kind) part of my soul is missing.The Lord has made it quite clear He intends to use drama (the theater kind) later in my life. For the first time in eight semesters I didn't attend play practices, cover people in stage make up, or offer input on theatrical direction. Yes, I designed, painted, & help raise a set, but I didn't get to direct. And I felt as though a huge portion of my life was missing.
- God answers prayer. My students & I have had the wonderful privilege to see God answer prayer in amazing ways. From little requests, like passing a test, to major requests, like seeing God heal my friend's mom, God deserves all praise & adoration.
- Everyone needs a break, including teachers.Too much of a good (or even favorite) thing can be a bad thing. Everyone needs a break; for me, that break can include reading a book just for fun, going to Bible study, chilling at a youth activity, or just sleeping in.
- Don't leave your camera on your desk--the students will photograph themselves & video you. I don't think this one needs much explanation. Hide your electronics.
- Surround yourself with experienced friends. I've learned more from the ladies I talk to during the lunch preperation time than anyone else. These wonderful women have been my cheerleaders & my shoulder to cry on, my confidants & my instructors.
- Morning devotions are not an option, they are a necessity. "Jesus Christ is made to me all I need." No matter how many times I sing that song, Christ continually reminds me that I cannot rely on myself for anything. My worst days have always started with the decision to ignore God & rely on myself. You'd think I would learn . . .
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