Childhood Christmas Ponderings

When I was a little girl, we would go to Grandma and Grandpa Hentschel’s house for the big family Christmas celebration every Christmas Eve. The night was magical in every way: boxing up the presents to take along to the party; watching our breath escape from our mouths in the cold, dark, winter air; and all of us piling into the car with hats, snow-covered boots, mittens and scarves filling in all of the gaps between us kids.

When we arrived at their house, Grandpa, or "Bumpa" as he was affectionately known as by his grandkids, would greet us with the biggest hugs and kisses, and Grandma would soon follow with her greetings and love too. Then we would find our aunts, uncles, and cousins all throughout the house, talking, playing, and munching on various foods. Somehow, we kids always found the mixed nuts that were still in their shells and had to be cracked open to eat. It was always a fun game to see who could get them opened first! Of course, we also had plenty of cookies and candy canes to go around as well.

All of the grandkids would talk together in hushed tones, every one of us mesmerized by the sparkling tree, covered with colored ornaments and practically smothered – and I mean nearly literally suffocated – in tinsel. We knew there were presents under that tree for all of us, but also knew that getting close enough to see the names on the tags would certainly get a reprimand from one of the grown-ups. So we would sit... and wait... and talk about... the magical time for presents to be passed around and opened.

When every last gift was opened and all the words had been spoken, Mom and Dad would bundle us kids up and take us home to our beds where we would lie awake, unable to fall asleep because we knew in a few short hours, Santa would be coming to bring us each a very special gift that we would discover under our tree come Christmas morning. 


Isaiah 9:6-7
Peace, Love, & Cider Mugs...

Counting to One-Thousand

“Uno... dose... tres... cuatro...” I hear my 4-year-old counting away in the other room. With two older sisters in elementary school in Racine, she learns much from them, including how to count in Spanish. It blesses my heart to hear her expanding her mind, including multi-culturalism; not that she understands what is really taking place, of course.

I recently embarked on a new reading adventure. “One Thousand Gifts” is a new book by Ann Voskamp. Through each chapter–through each page–Voskamp takes poetic liberties that whisk me away into a hazy, almost slow-motion land of breezes blowing and soap bubbles reflecting God’s everyday goodness. I cry every few pages. Maybe not every reader reacts like this, but I am reading this at a similar time in my life that Voskamp was in when she wrote the book.
All of these things, in light of the season that we are coming into, have led me to ask this: how many things can you count as blessings not simply every year or season, but each and every day?

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 says “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

If the Bible commands us to do this, it shouldn’t be that hard, right? Well... maybe not so much; at least not without certain revelation from the Holy Spirit.

Many people go through bumpy patches in life ranging from a blemish on picture day all the way to a horrific tragedy like the senseless death of a loved one. So how do we obey this passage of Scripture from within the shadow of certain travesties? I think the answer is found in one Man: the person of Jesus Christ.

In Voskamp’s book, she recalls that Jesus gave thanks in all circumstances. “And [Jesus] took bread, gave thanks and broke it...” (Luke 22:19) This happened the night he was to be betrayed and arrested. Jesus did understand what was going to transpire. He knew his divine purpose, and even though he was God-man, we must remember that he was still man. Jesus wept in the garden of Gethsemane, asking God the Father to take his cup from him, because Jesus knew it would be the hardest thing anyone would ever have to endure on this planet. And even so, he declared, “yet not my will, but Yours be done,” (Luke 22:42)

Jesus gave thanks in all things. And through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do the same as well. God’s plans are more intricate than we imagine. Remember in Isaiah 55:9 the Lord speaks these familiar words to all generations: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” God’s plan will always be better than ours, no matter how highly we think of ourselves.

Sometimes it is not for us to understand the “why” of a situation, but it is always for us to give thanks in every situation. Yes, this can be a difficult thing to accomplish. I do understand the gaping hole that is left in the place of a loved one who was taken too soon. I do comprehend the grieving that takes place when little babies are seriously injured, requiring several days spent in a children’s hospital. I do recognize what sorrow in the face of financial ruin looks like.

And yet...

In spite of every evil thing in this world, God is still good. He is love. Therefore, He is patient, kind, never boastful or rude... (I Corinthians 13) The list of God’s lovingkindness goes on. And no matter what darkness, evil, or hatred can be manifested on this earth, God will always be good. For this I am ever-thankful.

Ann Voskamp, in light of her own personal battles, was challenged to count one-thousand things in life that she could be thankful for. Not only was she successful, but she learned many, many things along the way. I won’t ruin the outcome of the book for you–it’s certainly one that I encourage everyone to read–but I will say this: I have learned that through the whole of every day that I am on this earth, there is much to be thankful for. It just takes the proper frame of mind and the resolution to be present for each moment of my life.

Regardless of how many battles you are walking through today, look deep into the core and find the nugget to be thankful for. When you do, hold it close to your heart and then... give thanks.

PURPOSE.

Do you ever wonder why things happen the way they happen?

Do you ever stop and think... now, if I'd just turned right, instead of going straight, x, y, or z could've happened, but it didn't... Q happened instead.

I want to say that in life, there are no random happenings. I want to propose to you that there is no luck, no fate, and certainly no coincidence.

God has numbered the hairs upon our heads. He has also paved our own individually unique pathways for each of us. Whether they be paved with brick, concrete, or mossy-covered sharp stones and slippery pond scum here and there between the grassy knolls, God has directed each path, for a purpose.

It is here, in the path that He has chosen for us, that we can see miracles open up like the petals on a unique and glorious flower. Take a look around. Who is next to you? Who do you have a conversation with on the phone?

Are you simply canceling a doctor's appointment, or are you meant to speak and connect with that receptionist? Is there something in her life that you can nourish; provide sustenance? Have you ever stopped to think about it?

Taking our eyes off of ourselves, our agendas, our human goals... we see... them. All the people that God has singlehandedly placed in our midst. To share life with. To grow with. To encounter.

Whom have you encountered today? Last week? Month? Have you taken your eyes off of your iPhone long enough to see the hurting world? The questions in their eyes? The need for compassion? The urgency for love? The plea for something... Something more than this world has to offer?

Enjoying the beauty of God's miraculous flowers unfurling, before our very eyes, to soak up the warmth of His son... those brilliant rays of truth, those healing bands of Light... it is but a tiny miracle for us to marvel at.



So go ahead. Open up. Look around. Who do you see? What do you hear? Where will you turn? When will you begin?

Moment by moment... little by little... we endure each awkward pause, each tiny baby step into the unknown, each breath and creaky vocal strain of our infantile gestures to reach out to an unending field of unopened flower buds, just waiting, waiting, to burst forth. To share their own uniqueness with another, and to see the beauty again and again with each revealed treasure.


Always a purpose.

Always a plan.

If we simply stop to look around,

Hear the whisper on the wind.

The Gift of Trust in Troubled Times

Earlier this month I had been struggling with some pretty major decisions that would ultimately affect not only me, but my husband and kids as well. In fact, these were decisions that could affect my relationships with extended family and friends, too.

I began to worry about the future. I began to worry about how we would afford certain things, and how we would do the things that were being asked of us. Life was completely “up in the air” for us, and we weren’t sure of much at all, to be honest.

To top things off, some of my dearest friends had been struggling with various afflictions or predicaments, and were calling on me for wisdom, advice, or just for an attentive and compassionate ear. I am not the type of person to turn away from friends, no matter what my life situation is. I truly believe that we were put here, in our own unique places, to serve one another. God’s greatest gift that we can give to each other is LOVE.

Well, the day came when I finally stopped worrying about how, why, where, when, etc., etc., and I prayed. (You would think I would have started there, right? Let’s face it: many of us, no matter where you are in your walk with God, fall into worry. It’s living proof that God’s not finished with us yet.)

The next thing that happened was nothing short of miraculous. I jumped to attention, and got busy making phone calls – the kind no one wants to make – the kind that could bring devastation or despair. I couldn’t have been more relieved and grateful after a few of these calls were finished. In a way that I think most of us rarely experience, I saw first-hand how God had actually made my path straight and provided not just “a” way, but “THE” way for us. He had already taken care of each situation before I started anything!

I must say that no matter what we choose in life, when we rely on God and His ultimate plan, protection, and provision, we see beauty, care, and love in a way that is more than enough, more than what we could have “wished” for, and certainly much more than anything this world could try to offer but never delivers.

Throughout my struggles, God also provided wisdom that I was able to share with my friends in the midst of their own life situations.

God has chosen us to be His children, and has chosen a purpose for us in this life. What’s more, He has provided His guidance throughout each and every “thing” we encounter. And the most amazing part of it all: He provides things for His children that no one could ever imagine.

The most important provision, of course, was offering His Son as the way to cancel our debt of sin so that we could experience His love and intimacy. There will never be anything more wonderful and loving than what Jesus did for us at the cross.

But I want to express how much God loves us – from the mundane, everyday tasks to the biggest decisions you’ll ever have to make. Simply walking daily with Him as our Lord and Savior is a miracle, but to talk with Him and see guidance and provision is nothing short of the greatest daily experience I could ask for.

Recently, God has shown me clear, direct answers to many issues, simply from my open and honest prayer. This rarely happens how we expect; sometimes we don’t hear answers for a longer time than we had hoped. When God doesn’t answer right away, it is always for the best.

I have a mind that likes to be in control – always. I am still learning to give this over to God daily. But through His gentle leading and merciful patience, I am learning this lesson. Allowing God to decide not only what I should do, but also when I should do it is a lesson that we all struggle with.

I am here to encourage you today, that no matter what it is you are struggling with, pray. (If you’ve read my last two entries, you will remember how prayer is simply talking to God and then allowing Him to speak to you.) Ask God for His path to be made clear to you. Ask Him also for the patience to wait if that is what He has planned for you in this situation.

Don’t take your worries back; let Him carry your burdens. Once you have given your struggles over to Him, open your newly-emptied hands to receive His blessing and provision. He will never leave us nor forsake us. That is His promise.

Peace, love, and cider mugs...

An Attitude of Prayer (Part 2 of "This Thing Called Prayer")

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

Last time we took a journey into prayer, and what it really means. Today, I am continuing our journey into this place that certainly mystifies so many people in modern America and beyond. So fasten your seat belts! We are off!

The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5, to pray without ceasing. How is this even possible? What does unceasing prayer look like, and how is it attained? Well, to be perfectly frank, for many years, I did not understand this verse at all. It wasn’t until I studied at the collegiate level that I began to understand a bit more of unceasing prayer.

First of all, let’s remember that prayer is simply dialoging with God. It requires no formal guidelines, no “Thee”s or “Thou”s, and certainly isn’t some religious act that makes one better than everyone else. Prayer does, however, give a strong advantage to those who choose to open up: with each prayer uttered, a person has the opportunity to gain revelation and direction from the One who knows it all, provides all, and sustains all. So let’s take a closer look at what unceasing prayer looks like.

In college, my advisor was a quiet man who considered all things with God, as he walked through each of his days. I never understood what he was doing until my last year there. He would typically have a pause before answering, or continuing in conversation, and he never looked uncertain, confused, or like he was losing concentration. On the contrary! He always looked more intently focused on the situation at hand as he progressed through each one.

In retrospect, I understand that he was considering things with God, to know better how to proceed. It makes so much sense.

In today’s world of electronics, one way to think of prayer would be like our wonderful cell phones. For me, when I wake up in the morning, I begin a conversation with my husband. And throughout his workday and my day at home, grocery shopping, playing with our kids, fixing dinner, and so on, I text him: to keep him informed, ask for clarification, or gain a better understanding for a situation that he has more insight into. We never really “hang up.”

In much of the teaching and examples we have of prayer, there is a “dialing,” (Dear Lord), a “greeting,” (It’s me, Lauren), the “conversation,” (typically the list of wants and “please be with” situations, etc.), and then the “hang up,” (In Your name I pray, Amen).

The truth of the matter is that we never have to announce ourselves to God. We are individually known and cared for by our Heavenly Father more than we can understand in this lifetime. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and can certainly figure out who is “calling.” The next truth is that He already knows what we need. He simply desires relationship with us. When we come to God in prayer, we are offering ourselves as being open to communication with our Father. And it never should be one-sided.

One of the worst discrepancies in modern “prayer” is that we verbally spill everything we have on our agenda without bothering to take the time to listen to what He has to say to us. And no, I’ve never heard an audible James Earl Jones-esque voice booming back at me. What is most normal, for me, is the sense of peace or calm that can arise when I look down one path versus another. Sometimes the Holy Spirit can impress something upon your heart so clearly, there is no true explanation how you know it, you “just know it.” And that is okay. Whatever your situation, take the time to listen to what God has to say to you during your times of prayer.

Lastly, consider not “hanging up” next time you open up. Truth be told, “Amen” is a term that means “so be it,” and is traditionally used corporately when one person prays out loud and a group of people agrees with his/her prayer. It does not mean “I am finished,” or “goodbye.” So next time you talk with God, think about not using the term “amen” unless you are agreeing with others.

Prayer is such an amazing gift for those who are believers in Jesus Christ. Open communication with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is not only where you’ll find the best peace of mind, but also where you will find the best secrets kept just for you.

peace, love and cider mugs...

This Thing Called Prayer

Prayer. It means different things to different people. Depending on where you grew up, or what religion had the largest impact on you, prayer could look very different. Throughout my childhood, my family went to church: twice on Sundays and once on Wednesdays. I remember my sister and I being the only children in our church choir, as we came with our mother to rehearsals. It was the whole experience... On the outside. The one thing I lacked was inward revelation. I spent many years, knowing that I was “saved,” but not really knowing what that meant; besides the part where I wouldn’t spend eternity in a very hot and horrible place.

All those years I floated through my days on a cloud of ignorance. What I didn’t have, I didn’t know about, so I never set out to look for it. What I didn’t have was something called revelation. No, I’m not talking about the last book of the Bible. What I am talking about is when God reveals His ways to His people, in real, tangible, and meaningful ways.

Prayer, just like everything else in the realm of a Christian’s life, is meant to be powerful and poignant, not passive and pathetic. Feeble attempts to show oneself to be more devout than he really is does nothing for the Kingdom of God, nothing for man’s eternal spirit. Often times we think of prayer as a magic genie wish list, especially when life gets frighteningly tough. But in all things, we are to acknowledge Him – even in the good.

So how does this look to an average person in today’s incredibly busy society? I believe that in all things, we are to look to God for direction. Again, how does this look? Well, to be perfectly honest, prayer is simply the act of talking with God, and listening. You can be anywhere. You can be doing anything. You can speak out loud, sing, whisper, or do it silently. He is so much bigger than we can ever dare to imagine; He knows our thoughts – don’t ask me how, I’m not Him – but He does.

The second part is often forgotten about: listening. How do we hear the voice of God? Well, waiting is a vital part of this communication process. After we speak our mind to Him, we must wait on Him. Sit, stand, lie down, whatever you need to be doing, and wait patiently for His guiding wisdom. Oftentimes this comes from a “sense” of what to do, that we know in our heart of hearts. Other times, we are led to a scripture passage or even a sermon or teaching, to uncover truths within the mystery of our current situations. And still in other instances, we find that God’s words come from another believer in the form of advice, or a prophetic word (which is basically direction from God, being spoken through one of His children). How do we know it’s “His” advice and not “his” advice? Many times we just know, and other times we must seek more, and wait for a confirmation. God has equipped each of His believers – His children – with the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He is our helper, our advocate; and will guide us in these things.

The most important thing though, is to actually make a habit of daily, even hourly prayer. Remember that prayer doesn’t have to follow a formula, or be a certain amount of time to “count.” Just as you would speak with anyone in your life, this is how you could speak with God. Just remember that God is a mighty God that deserves nothing less than our ultimate respect and gratitude. In all things, consider your actions, and remember to consider them with your heavenly Father.

This is my prayer – my true prayer – this night: that we, as believers, will come to know a prayer life that is alive and acceptable in the eyes of Almighty God. When God’s people pray, things happen. When God’s people pray, lives change. When God’s people pray, the enemy has no option but to flee. And God’s people grow stronger, bolder, and braver in today’s uncertainties, when they simply pray.

Peace, love, and cider mugs...

Conundrum

So I sit here, typing away, and feel utterly bummed. There have been so many moments that have come and gone, since June 2nd, where a seemingly amazing idea has graced my little brain and I have not acted upon it. How many truths could I have expounded upon, pondered, discovered? How many ponderings may have enlisted you, the reader, to do some truly amazing discovering? How many personal discoveries could there have been, that would have incited much pondering out here in cyber-world?

It just so happens that I have an iPhone. And with that comes (standard) a wonderful app called "Notes." I could easily tap away on the touchscreen, at least until my idea is fleshed out enough that I would be able to pick it up later and write. I typically have paper and a pen at all times. Again, why the non-compliance with one of the top rules that any writer should live by?

I'm lazy. That's it. No excuse. No "reason." I don't have a dog. My homework wasn't eaten, it was never completed. I suffer from massive procrastinator syndrome, or MPS for short. I only tend to do these things when it involves personal things, or things that would seriously be for the betterment of my life. When I have a deadline for my writing jobs–my column, an interview for a feature article, writing said feature–I rise to the occasion and have never once missed a deadline.

So why the self-defeatist attitude? I don't know either. But this is today's pondering. This is, afterall, Ponderings and Discoveries. (Not like a friend of mine read it: Pondering Sand Discoveries. But I could do that as well some day... you just wait.) Today's writing is a pondering. With no answers. Yet. I'll get back with you all when I make a discovery...

Of course you could comment and let me know what YOU think. Or do you suffer from MPS as well? Tell me about it. That is, if you get around to it... Maybe tomorrow I will be Dear Lauren and answer all of the world's woes...

By the way, have you all made the little "discovery" in my banner? Just checking... That picture is from my front yard, actually. Have you discovered the little bonus?

Peace, Love, and Cider Mugs...