The Blitz

As I type Trevor is greeting a bunch of middle school students who are arriving for Bair Lake's Winter Retreat - THE BLITZ http://www.blbc.com/ . He will be speaking this weekend and I look forward to hearing what God does through him. This is such a critical time in their lives and they are here this weekend because God wanted them to be here. I wonder what long-term impact these 3 days will have. In the midst of all the joy of these students coming, our family is dealing with the flu. Actually, another family on camp is too. So, I go now to hold a wimpering boy and pray for Trevor and the kids at The Blitz.

The beauty of the assist

Basketball has probably been used as metaphor for life too many times already, so I won't go down that trail. I did, however, see a powerful truth in Tater's game today. The gym where he plays is set up in such a way that spectators watch from a balcony that surrounds the gym. There is wisdom in this design - it keeps angry parents at bay. It also allows for a pretty good view of the court. I was really proud of many aspects of Tate's game today. All his ball-handling practice has paid off and now, when it counts, he's able to withstand defenders. But the part of his game that really impressed me was his assists. He'd fake, bounce-pass to the open man and that player would have the open shot. Everyone cheers for the basket made! Few cheer for the assist because few notice. But those who love the game do notice and smile at the beautiful assist. It's about using your talents to make someone else shine.
It's about using your talents to make someone else shine.
It's about using your talents to make Someone else shine.
Oh that I would use my talents to bring Him glory and make Him shine.

this one caught my attention

A desire for happiness is natural, a desire for holiness supernatural.

-John Mason

We just can't muster a desire for holiness, can we?

I want to tell a funny story about Tate and Jay, but they won't let me. Now they're smiling...Apparently they're always smiling (?) Tate thinks he needs a bath. Stinky basketball players. Actually he takes showers, not baths. We can't decide what to do tonight. So to get Tater pumped up for his game, we're going to watch a classic basketball movie. What does this silliness have to do with the above quote? Nothing. Except maybe that Tate wants to be a light at his game tomorrow. Where'd the boys go? I think they are spying on me once again. They think I can't hear them breathe or giggle... but I can. So, hi-ho, hi-ho it's off to make popcorn I go. WE go (Jackson said).

confession of a sad heart

The kids had to watch the inauguration yesterday. Their assignment was to record their thoughts about the festivities, procedure and speeches. It's funny what catches their attention. They had a hard time getting past Aretha's bow.
The boys just went out to play their part in the Bair Lake bob-sled team. The BMX course doubles as a bob-sled run in the winter. At least it's not so cold today.
Today I'm remembering a quote from a Canada trip I went on with the Alma COG youth. Our fearless youth leader, Diann, would frequently say, "life is difficult". It is. Now, I'm not in a situation that warrants feeling sorry for myself, but life is difficult. Right now I just want to scrap it all and give 100% of my time to sharing this treasure I have. It's difficult to teach my kids to divide fractions when so many are walking outside of a covenant with Jesus. Today's been difficult. Actually yesterday was too. The seen and the unseen have been mis-prioritzed. I am malnourished. He's supposed to be my daily bread; not my occasional bread. I need you, Lord. I have been trying so hard on my own. I can't have joy without you. I have ceased to worship you and I miss you. Father, please forgive me for hurting you by forgetting you. Everything and everyone else in my life has pushed ahead of you. What kind of example am I? I talk the talk, but you are like a long-neglected friend.

Blogging is strange. It helps me process though. It's a personal prayer that I'm tempted to delete, but I'm not going to. We're too good at putting our best face forward. We are ugly without Him. And I think we should be about disclosing our weak moments and our sin. My sin is this: forgetting my first love.

failed attempt #1635

I went to bed like I said I would, but the next morning I justified staying warm under the covers while I prayed instead of getting up and having my posture more adequately reflect my heart. I seem to be characterized by failure in early morning prayer. My friend, Amy, would be disappointed in me - it's been almost 4 years since she was spurring me to be obedient and get up early to pray. Last night I had a very unusual dream and then woke suddenly and was called to pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ who are part of the Frontiers organization. http://www.frontiers.org/ It is an amazing organization and the workers are few... Also, check out http://www.digitaltrekker.com/ for a beautiful glimpse into other cultures.

various brain waves

I'm debating what to do with this blog in 2009. So far it's been a mix of funny kid stuff, ideas and sharing ways God's revealed Himself to us. But I'm not sure what to do with it. It seems to be a good way to stay connected with people we don't see often enough, but I've been reading some other blogs that really pack a punch and I'm wondering if I'm supposed to move in a new direction. I want to make people aware of great things that are happening in the Kingdom - like organizations that exist to bring clean drinking water to remote places in the world. Because it's the internet, I have guarded what I've said, but I'm wondering if I need to be bolder. In light of all that, let me throw this out there: I just heard on the news that a majority of americans are appalled with Israel's attack in the Gaza Strip. I then went to the top Israeli news website to get their perspective. Very interesting. http://www.israelnationalnews.com/ Anyway, I wonder if I'll ever be forced to choose between supporting Israel and supporting the U.S. After the Precepts Bible study I did on the book of Revelation, I have a whole new perspective on God's chosen people and the covenant He has with them. These are things we need to think about and yet I get pretty caught in the comfy american life which leads me down a globally-oblivious path very quickly. Sometimes God's heart for the world overwhelms me and I am tempted be be mentally and emotionally paralyzed, but I will not be apathetic or worse; oblivious. But seeing what He sees brings me grief and a burden in my spirit that is so heavy I have to pray. Pray, pray, pray. That word drives me crazy sometimes. I think it's definitions are too numerous to count. When I say that being broken for the world pushes me down to prayer I mean laborious, lamenting, heartache prayer. But, it hurts my heart and I have been resisting "going there". It's much better to stay happy. That's a lie. Today I was very frustrated with Jackson because he would not complete his math assignment. I was ready to come unglued. (hope he will forgive me for posting about him without asking him first, but he's asleep already) The most frustrating aspect was his continual repetition of the phrase, "I will Mommy". So, as OFTEN happens, I see myself in this same scenario. I keep telling God that "I will" pray - but the assignment is set aside uncompleted. I want to change. I know He wants me to pray for His hurting world. I'm not sure what this blog will become, but it's time to be bold and it's time to reveal weaknesses and it's time to go to bed so I can get up and embrace His heart for His world.