Table of Olives

 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

This verse is being quoted often these days as a constant reminder that we are engaged in a battle. It also helps us remember that it is not people we are fighting, but an unseen enemy. Sometimes we swing at the ones we can see. As believers, we are to “…have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11). The question is, how do we do this without sinning? How do we not “grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed on the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)?

When we look to scripture, we find the help we need as “imitators of God as dear children.” (5:1). We are to, “…walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God…” (5:2). Paul also writes specifically about our words when he says, “Let no corrupt word proceed from your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (4:29). Also, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” (4:31). So, I have to ask us, how are we doing as followers of Christ?

One of my girls and I discussed this topic. She said maybe it has to do with our intentions. When we disagree or want to expose darkness, is our tendency to clamor to be heard and prove ourselves right? Things can get heated pretty quick when we are passionate. Maybe we need to ask ourselves if we are edifying, giving grace, speaking truth or simply bashing someone we disagree with? Have you ever been won over to another way of thinking because of angry words being shouted at you? Yeah, me neither. We know “the days are evil” (5:16) and should respond accordingly, even when it comes to our words. Perhaps this will cause us to stand out as light and not contribute to the ever increasing darkness of hate.

Let’s shine bright, friends!

 

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15

Sitting with friends yesterday was good. We talked about what was on our hearts and studied the Bible together. I always leave better than I came and I discovered the reason why. These friends are not trying to fix me. They are good listeners and this is an incredible gift to me. It makes me want to be a better listener too. So often I have offered my opinion or “this is what I have done” advice. If someone wants my opinion or asks what did you do in a particular situation, then perhaps there is freedom to answer. Maybe more damage is done to an already hurting heart when answers or opinions are fired instead of silence. I need to remember how I felt yesterday and do the same the next time I am given the privilege of hearing someone’s heart. If they are rejoicing, we listen and do the same. If they are mourning, we listen and do the same.

This is easier when it comes to kids because they talk so much. If I do not listen to the small things often, they will not share the bigger things later. As a mom, having the opportunity to talk can release days of thoughts and words a mile a minute. Add in my excitement over scripture and it takes some serious self-control to listen. Thankfully, this is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit living inside and I can ask for help.

You know everyone has something in their lives that causes them to rejoice or mourn, especially during these days. Sometimes the day is filled with both. It appears we are being presented with a great opportunity to practice listening, rejoicing and mourning. Maybe this will be the gift that causes someone who does not yet know the Lord to consider Him. So, do you want to join me in the beside ministry?

“…rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.”                1 Peter 3:4

I did something on Saturday that should have happened the minute our oldest daughter was born. I threw out our bathroom scale. That small light up machine was  getting too much power handed to it. A pound up or down was able to hold a place in my mind that influenced my worth. A number should not have that kind of control. This is not me giving up being healthy or deciding to eat everything in sight. No, this is putting weight and appearance both in their proper place. There is such freedom found in letting that indicator go and remembering what is precious in the sight of God.

Think about it, when you look back over your life and the older people that have loved you well, do you know how much they weighed? It is not the first thing that usually comes to mind is it? No, it is how they made you feel, the fun memories you made together and the kind words they spoke to you that make you smile. The ones with an “incorruptible beauty” seem to stand out in my mind. Perhaps we can also remember  the truth and “know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Maybe then taking care of ourselves looks more of taking care of what belongs to God. We can be a good steward of His temple without obsessing over the ideal number we come up with.

This might have just been for me, but maybe you needed the reminder for yourself. Either way I hope we remember the truth about beauty and lets get busy making good memories with those we love.

 

Dear Damon,

Today is your special day and I wanted to honor you with a few words. I hope it is ok with you that a few others will read this little note too.

When I first met you I thought you were cute. I watched you serve all day long beside high school boys in the hot sun and never heard a word of complaint. You had this way of being very comfortable behind the scenes and making sure others shined. You remind me of a quote I read recently that said something like bright lights not needing spotlights. It takes a humble man to live serving others and not desiring praise for yourself. I like that about you.

In our years together, your quiet strength is something I find very comforting and honorable. You are easy to trust. You do not waste time sowing seeds that do not matter, but make the most of your time. I think of your car conversations with the kids, you and Maggie’s breakfast dates and our weekly date nights. How many words of love and kindness have you made sure took root? How many hours have you spent listening?

You live with integrity because you know that is right and pleasing to your Heavenly Father. I thought the group you were asked to be apart of called Better Man was quite fitting. It makes me smile to see others recognize your heart. And you know, our family knows the truth better than most and we would all agree you are one of the best.

So, happy birthday and know how much I love you. There is not any better man I would want by my side.

 

“For this our God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.” Psalm 48:14

I have absolutely no sense of direction, none. Right and left can be hard for me. Many a time I have called my husband to help me get back home. Yes, I am aware of the whole map thing on our phones and GPS in the car, but I would much rather hear his voice leading me home. I trust him.

The same is true with our God. While we have many options available, only one will take us home. Knowing His voice, while we are moving closer everyday, keeps us on the narrow road. When a crossroad appears, we can hear His voice telling us which way to go. He truly is better than any system the world has to offer. And you know what is such a blessing along the way? Having others on the road with you.

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

Since today we remembered it has been 22 years since our first date, we had to celebrate. We may not have been able to go to the pizza place in downtown Asheville for lunch or to a movie, but we made time for just the two of us.

With 22 years behind us, I had this thought about how incredible it would be to go back in time and have a conversation with my younger self as I was getting ready that day. I would not give all the details about what was ahead, but it would be hard not to smile a lot. What I would like to say to that younger girl in the mirror would be to stop trying to earn your worth by trying to act and look perfect. You can either please people and ultimately serve their ever changing expectations or aim to please the Lord and serve Him. The amazing part is you will be serving people in love and truth in the most beautiful way by setting Him as your first love. I would just look into those unsure eyes and tell her that He is trustworthy. Then I would take a post it and write Galatians 1:10 to stick on that bathroom mirror as a daily reminder of loving truth.

Since time travel is not on the itinerary for today, I will pass this verse on to you. Put it up on your mirror or screensaver if you need it. If you want to be a servant of Christ, pleasing Him should be your top priority. Do not worry if He will accept you as one of His own, for the cross already answered that question. Remember how much He loves us and get busy living loved. You will be stunning!

 “For the LORD will not reject His people; He will never forsake His inheritance.” Psalm 94:14

Only the Lord truly knows us. He alone knows exactly what we need and orchestrates our lives accordingly. He knows the brokenness and the goodness we encounter. He knows the choices we make, the good and the bad, and how it can all work together for our good and His glory. The One who made us wrote our story before our day of birth. Why He allows some parts, I do not know, but we can trust Him. Some days of the story are overwhelming good and some are equally as bad. Each part of the story He knows, but what we do with it is up to us.

Doing some Bible study homework today, brought back a memory I had not thought of in years. It was early in elementary school and I went to a meeting to join a club. Moms and daughters were there and we separated into the two groups. The daughter of the mom in charge did not like me and pulled my pony tails. She said some mean things in front of everyone. A few sentences of rejection were apart of my story that day. Just a small event I know, but it left a mark. What makes kids do mean things?

Sometimes the painful parts, even the small lines of our story stay hidden and never brought out. We let those build up and damage is done. As the Lord would have it, I read the verse today about the Lord not rejecting those who belong to Him. It reminded me of the truth and that small wound was healed.

If you feel rejected or hurt in anyway, I pray the Lord lets His word write over the lines of hard parts of your story that were allowed. It might be a small sentence like the one I remembered today or it might be pages long, but let Him do what only He can do. He knows how to take care of what belongs to Him.

“Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard…” 2 Kings 22:19

The Bible is so full of hope and instruction. As I read certain passages, it could have easily been written today. There is so much to learn from how people responded when they were confronted with truth. Some responded in humility and others responded in arrogance. We tend to do one or the other don’t we?

During King Josiah’s reign of Judah, the Book of the Law was found and read to him. When he heard the words his first response was heartbreak, he tore his robes and then sent someone to pray for him and the people. He heard enough to know the consequences of not following God’s word and he wasted no time. The Lord spoke through a woman and her message was honest. The Lord saw Josiah’s heart filled with humility and how he responded. He was spared seeing the disaster of the people.

Perhaps during this pandemic we have also been warned. May we all respond like Josiah with humility, repentance over our sin, heartbreak and turn to the One true God. He is the only One who can save us.

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” Mother Teresa

While we may not be spending time in large groups of people right now, perhaps the smaller gatherings give us wonderful opportunities to listen. With less voices we can hear the one who needs to be heard. We are having to be creative with socializing, but we seem to be figuring it out. We are not running short of chances to love others.

Yesterday I spent time with a precious lady and arrived with fruit salad and a few cookies. I left having had scripture read, prayers said on our families behalf and a bag of books. I came with little and left with much. Isn’t this a wonderful example to copy?

Today our neighbor came to share a story with our family on the back porch. We listened to her heart and she left us with a tangible gift to remember the time and invited us to be apart. We were left better from her visit.

In a short amount of time I saw this quote from Mother Teresa in action. When we read stories of Jesus, we see time and time again He did the same thing; the ultimate act being the cross. We are eternally grateful for His great act of love. May we follow His example.

Our oldest and her dad came home this morning from their weekly breakfast date with wide eyes. Apparently, on their way home the driver of a van swerved off the road and slammed into a deep ditch. They pulled over and the driver was okay. Another person had already called 911. My husband told me our daughters first response was to pray out loud for the driver. Her dependence and trust on her Heavenly Father was made evident.

This might not seem like a big deal to anyone, but she is the one going off to college in a matter of weeks. There will be many situations that are bigger than her and this dependence will be necessary. One could argue that independence is best, but I will have to disagree. For I have tried that stubborn approach and can tell you it is riddled with fear and insecurity. There is a better way and that is the way of the cross. I will warn you, some will think you foolish, but love does that to people doesn’t it?

*Photo by Anna Kate