Sitting by the fire on the anniversary of Steve’s death this month,
my daughter Sally and I remembered one of the ways God ministered to us in our
grief was through the story of the lamb, a story that runs throughout Scripture.
I have often told of how God led Sally to paint Aslan, just a month before Steve’s fatal diagnosis, for God was preparing to uphold us when the earth gave way.
As a little girl Sally had always loved Narnia, and the scene where the children first heard about Aslan, “the King of the whole wood,” came to mind:
“Is he a man?” asked Lucy.
“Aslan a man!” said Mr. Beaver sternly. “Certainly not! I tell you he is the King of the wood and the son of the great Emperor-beyond-the-sea. Don’t you know who is the King of Beasts? Aslan is a lion – the Lion, the great Lion.”
“Oooh,” said Susan, “I’d thought he was a man. Is he – quiet safe?”
…”Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; …”Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”
Sally asked God to help her paint the paradox – a Lion that was not safe, but was good.
Here is Sally, fourteen years ago, telling that story.
I have told this story so many times, but that night we talked about the “back” story, and I heard things I did not know before — especially about what Sally learned when she was at Covenant Seminary concerning the relationship between faith and art, and how that impacted what happened when she painted Aslan.
Two years before Steve’s death, Sally had come home to heal after going through a severe trauma in Krakow, Poland. Sally expressed her pain at her easel, producing painting after painting of menacing darkness, painting the sorrow that had saturated her very being. As she painted she was lamenting to God, as the psalms model for us. In time, shafts of light began to filter into Sally’s paintings and she began to find strength to express her pain verbally. Not only had she experienced personal pain, but she was now seeing that pain was everywhere in the world.
Living in Krakow had made her acutely aware of the tremendous evil in the world. She visited the death camp of Auschwitz.
She often walked through the old Jewish quarter of Krakow which, though beautiful, felt “haunted,” holding the memory of Jews that had been herded there to await being transported to the death camps.
The poor lived there now, since all the Jews had been exterminated.
Sally had also walked down the street where her grandmother Brestin had lived as a little girl. Steve’s adoptive parents, a Jewish couple, had adopted Sally’s father, a blond blue-eyed Gentile baby. Sally remembered how her Jewish grandmother had told her that her immediate family got out of Krakow and had come to America before Hitler came to power, but all of the rest of her relatives had died in the death camps of World War II.
The age-old question of a good and loving God allowing such suffering plagued Sally. Sally made the decision to go to Covenant Seminary that next year. At Covenant, in addition to Bible courses, she continued her painting, and studied the mysterious relationship between faith and art. That would turn out to be pivotal not only in impacting her as an artist, but in helping her with the hard question of suffering. We see now, how clearly God’s hand was on our child, guiding her through this storm, as only One who made her, knew her, and understood her could. He is the Wonderful Counselor.
I’m eager to tell you what Sally learned at Covenant about the relationship between faith and art. It has caused me to ponder our mysterious God.
Sunday:
1.What stands out to you from the above — and why?
2. How has the Lord been “not safe” but “good” to you?
3. In what areas do you often create? (Think beyond the box!)
Monday-Friday: Faith and Art
(On a personal note, I’m headed to the Texas prisons where my son is going to film me teaching on He Calls You Beautiful. I’ll be there Friday through Tuesday and would love your prayers.)
At Covenant Theological Seminary, Sally was introduced to the works of Madeleine l’Engel, the Newberry Award winner of “A Wrinkle in Time.” Madeleine was a free spirit, who loved Jesus, and often thought outside the box, challenging us all to get out of our ruts. Here’s a short clip of Madeleine to give you a taste of her heart:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCdeMcAnlN0
4. What stands out to you from the clip, and why?
One text that impacted Sally profoundly was Madeleine l’Engle’s: Walking on Water: Poet Luci Shaw was my first editor and had a deep friendship with Madeleine. Luci told me that when she would edit Madeleine’s manuscripts they would often have heated theological discussions, but the Lord helped them come to agreement, and at the end Madeleine would say, “Now we will rise and sing the doxology!” And they would. When Luci wrote Madeleine’s obituary in Christianity Today, she told of one Advent, attending a service with Madeleine in a grand Anglican cathedral, when Madeleine suddenly stood up, and like an archangel, proclaimed: “FEAR NOT!”
Once I kept writing Madeleine to get permission to use stories Luci had told me for my book The Friendships of Women, and I didn’t hear back – until I got a Christmas card. I wouldn’t have even known who it was from, had it not been for the return address of Crosswicks. I opened it and in a flourishing script was simply:
Whatever, Darling!
I smiled. That was permission from Madeleine.
In Walking on Water, Madeleine talked about what she learned from Hawaiian Christians, who would sit before the Lord listening, to “breathe life” into their prayers. The non-Hawaiian Christians prayed so briefly they began to call them haoles, meaning “without breath.”
For Madeleine, meditation, listening to God, and breathing LIFE into her prayers before she wrote was vital. In the same way, we need to breathe life into our prayers before we create: a sermon, a poem, a letter to a friend, a painting, a dance, a home, a table setting, even a meal… We also need to be better listeners in general when we pray.
5. What stands out to you from the above and why?
6. Read Psalm 119:9-16
A. How quickens you from this passage?
B. Summarize the main point in a sentence.
C. How might this teaching help you to breathe breath into your prayers?
I’m not crazy about the pictures in this youtube version of Psalm 5, for pictures of Jesus are challenging. But I love the song. So listen, please:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y_R7DnMc2I
7. Read Psalm 5:1-3
A. How do you know the emotional state of the psalmist? (verses 1-2)
B. How do you sense that the psalmist is listening as well as talking? (verse 3)
C. From this passage, how might you “breathe breath into your prayers?”
8. Action Assignment:
Imagine God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit creating the world. They did it together. The Spirit was hovering over the face of the deep. Look at the pronouns: “Let us make man in our image.” In the same way, when we, who are in His image, create, we must do it together with our Triune God. What are you going to create today? A letter? A meal with meaningful conversation? A lesson plan for Sunday School? How could you do this with God, by breathing life into your prayers? Try it — and report — I am praying for God Sightings as you, be faith, ask God to guide you.
Madeleine is controversial. I learned that when I was criticized for quoting her in The Friendships of Women. I went to Luci about Madeleine’s theology and Luci defended her fiercely as a woman who loved the Lord deeply, but often, as is true with other right-brained artists, she jolted people with her words. Luci said that was good — we need to be jolted out of our ruts. We need to exercise “sanctified imaginations.” We hold to the Word and the truth, but we also have faith in the Spirit who guides us. You may find this next story from Walking on the Water to fit in that category — but we, through the painting of Aslan, have experienced its truth. I have also experienced it as a writer — not to the same degree — but sometimes I am amazed what appears on paper and know that it was not me, but the Spirit of the living God. I think, Did I write that? And I know I wasn’t alone.
Here is the story — something that happened to Madeleine when she writing “The Arm of the Starfish.”
Her protagonist, Adam, woke up one morning after being plunged into a deep sleep, and there, sitting in a chair looking at him was Joshua. Madeleine wrote: “Adam was very surprised to see Joshua. Madeleine was even more surprised to see Joshua. There had been no Joshua in my plot at all.” But now he was there, and Madeleine had to rewrite 150 pages to accommodate him. It turned out he was a Christ-figure, and indeed, the name Joshua means Jesus. Madeleine had not intended to put a Christ-figure in – but there he was. She could have refused him into the story, but she wanted to have faith in the creative process and the God to whom she had breathed her prayers. She knew Joshua was probably going to have to die, which indeed he did. One day Madeleine was reading aloud the story to her mother and her ten-year-old son was sitting on the bed listening. Madeleine read aloud of Joshua’s death and her son became very upset and agitated.
“Change it,” he demanded.
“I can’t. That’s what happened.”
“But you’re the writer. You can change it.”
“I can’t. I didn’t want Joshua to get shot either, but that’s what happened, I couldn’t stop it.”
“But you can. You’re the writer.”
But Madeleine couldn’t nor could she help her young son understand. Though today as an adult she says: “he understands that the artist cannot change the work at whim but can only listen, look, wait, and set down what is revealed.”
Every morning when Sally was painting Aslan, she sat before the Lord, asking for wisdom, asking Him to take over, to breathe life into the painting, and into her, as the artist. She endeavored to “breathe” life into her prayers through listening, meditating on Scripture, and waiting before Him.
Sally did not even know she painted a bound lamb into her work. We are convinced God did that. For two weeks later Steve would be diagnosed with terminal cancer.
9. What stands out to you from the above, and why?
Saturday: Report on your Action Assignment if you have not already!
205 comments
1.What stands out to you from the above — and why?
“the anniversary of Steve’s death”
“grief was through the story”
“God was preparing”
“Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King”
“severe trauma”
“sorrow that had saturated her very being”
“she was now seeing that pain was everywhere in the world”
These things stood out to me.
I have had an experience of suffering, I can look back, seeing how the Lord prepared me for it. I know Him now in ways I really didn’t before, both my fear and my trust are bigger now.
I have said before that grief is like putting on an awful uncomfortable hair shirt everyday, I will wear it for he rest of my life. But it has made me notice other people who also have on the awful hair shirt, I know they were always there, but now I see them.
I know Jesus sees us too.
Chris ~
Thank you for your post here this morning and for these words ~ But it has made me notice other people who also have on the awful hair shirt, I know they were always there, but now I see them.
I know Jesus sees us too.
Thank you my lady friends, thank you.
Chris-I just read through all your posts and as always you lift me up. This morning I see how His power in you has led you away from bitterness making your heart more and more tender to hear Him, and His fruit in you through the years-oh. You are SO other centered and VERY approachable and that is SO important. I remember when you first came here, your honesty-your anger, your asking why, your tears, your sorrow as you pressed into Him, and you are still pressing in in your pain now..Your confidence in God is so evident through your humility.
Chris, your post is beautiful….you picked out these phrases and strung them together like pearls on a string, as meaningful to you, in the way you have suffered. The hair shirt is also a beautiful metaphor, and how you now have eyes to see those who wear it.
I want to thank everyone who was kind to me on the blog last week. It was a really rough week. My best friend from elementary schools mom died, I interacted with my sisters which has its own pain. A fellow deaconess at church fell ill with pneumonia, which meant I absorbed a dinner she was setting up, among other duties I have. I had doctors appointments and meals to take to a family and work was less than a joy this past week. Topping it off I felt wounded by my husband and unable even to unpack why. The blog topic left me wishing for an extended period in which I could be reflective but there just hasn’t been time. I am feeling really lonely. Anyways, I read your all comments and I cried, I am grateful for you sisters, more than I can say.
So sorry you have had a rough week, Chris. Me too. I wish we could sit down to a warm cuppa and really share our hearts. Your words make me cry want to cry for you and for my own pain as well. Hugs to you!
“Grief is like putting on an awful uncomfortable hair shirt everyday, I will wear it for the rest of my life. But it has made me notice other people who also have on the awful hair shirt, I know they were always there, but now I see them.
I know Jesus sees us too.”
Sorry about your week, Chris. Life isn’t kind sometimes. How well we all know this 😔. I hope you have a nicer week this week. I will pray.
I hope you’re having a better week, Chris, and I am sorry for your feelings of loneliness. I feel that a lot, too. Praying for you.
2. How has the Lord been “not safe” but “good” to you?
I suppose safe in my mind equates with everything going smoothly. My life has been anything but smooth and perfect. But I can see how the hardest things have been used by God to knock the hard edges off of me. I think I am kinder, less confident in my self and more confident of God.
3. In what areas do you often create? (Think beyond the box!)
I often say that food is my only creative outlet 🙂
But in “thinking beyond the box” I find humor in things, I suppose that is sometimes creative.
3. In what areas do you often create? (Think beyond the box!)
I really like to cook as well. I am constantly trying new recipes and adapting old ones.
I used to write as well, but that creative impulse seems to have been pushed down in the last years. I feel like my writing was criticized and I was too tender and I stopped. I’m not sure how to revive it, though sometimes when I am desperate, I write for myself.
I hope I can encourage you to try again with your writing Diane 🙂
Chris, you are sweet! I will begin to pray about possibility writing again. Only he can give me the confidence and also the creativity.
Oh Chris.
Gems from you: But it has made me notice other people who also have on the awful hair shirt, I know they were always there, but now I see them.
I know Jesus sees us too.
And I’m so sorry about so much suffering seeping into your life — may the Lord keep meeting you.
And about your cooking — which I have experienced firsthand — amazing. I’m excited to see what happens as you breathe life into your prayers before you create a meal! (This will make more sense as you continue the study)
Dee, the Bonhoeffer quote on grief that you shared last week is dear to me. I sometimes send it to people who have suffered a deep loss.
1.What stands out to you from the above — and why?
Sallys video. It makes me cry every time I see it. How wonderful and what’s blessing!
2. How has the Lord been “not safe” but “good” to you?
I understand what you’re saying here, but I’m not sure I get how to apply it to my life. After all we have been through with our kids the past 10 years, much of what hasn’t been safe, he continues to bless us. But, that is us not being safe on earth. How has He been unsafe to me? I don’t really get that. I guess just that He is seemingly far away at times? Would that mean He isn’t safe to be near me (kind of like Moses when he talks to God on the mountain)?
3. In what areas do you often create? (Think beyond the box!)
Sometimes I create in dance, but I’m better with firm choreography really. I love creating dance to scripture; it’s my favorite kind of dancing now. Thinking outside the box….I can be funny at times. I might be good at creating something comedic. I come up with interesting lesson plans at times for my classes, like making paint with minerals. I’m really not a very creative person though generally speaking.
You are a creative person, Laura!
I think what Lewis means by “not safe” is that God allows, even brings, hard things into our lives. But He is in control and will make all things beautiful in His time.
Thoughts?
Yes Dee, I think that is it. We shall see if it pans out in my scenario. As I have said before, I love when little things happen that make me know He is here. We need a big thing to happen in our lives and I’m just not sure He deals in big. He seems to work piecemeal, or that’s what it seems like to me. I’m sure His view is much different than mine.
I agree with Dee Laura, I think you are super creative.
I think the God not being safe thing, for me, comes into all the promises of safety and protection in scripture that combine with our pervasive American ‘christian’ culture of health and wealth sort of teaching, clashing with what we experience in our lives.
It has been helpful to me to realize that this verse was spoken to people who were living in exile.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
This world is not our home, we are strangers and aliens here. The making things beautiful, the prospering we are promised is more of an ultimate, eternal thing. When I stop being so shocked at the hardness of life in this fallen world, then I begin to more greatly appreciate the good things I do get to enjoy in this life.
I needed to unpack this, I am preaching to my own heart today.
Chris, this is so true. Amen. Need to remember this each and every day.
1. What stood out?
Sally’s picture and pondering how God is not safe but He is good. It is amazing how God works sometimes – like as Sally painted. Also Madeleine and breathing life into our prayers. How often we get into the ritual of praying prayers “without breath”? We often pray words without thinking, automatic. How do we dare to approach a holy God this way?? I wonder if I could get ahold of Madeleine’s book ‘Walking on Water’.
I’d imagine you could get from the library = she’s pretty well known.
Yes, Diane. Good thoughts on prayer.
“sorrow that has saturated her very being”
“she was now seeing that pain was everywhere in the world”
These stand out to me because I have experienced it first hand. It was encouraging to hear how Sally with the help of the Holy Spirit had processed the pain. Her paintings gradually welcoming of light of His love and the healing that can only come from Christ.
Carrying pain is an ardent task but to the believer who surrenders, it becomes a fellowship in His sufferings when we take it to Him in prayer:
To fellowship in His sufferings is to joy in His presence.
I need to pray God’s breath into my prayers that His higher purposes might prevail. Thank you for bringing light to this subject of pain and suffering.
So good Patricia. To fellowship in HIs suffering is to joy in His presence.
1. What stands out? Sorrow, mystery, pain, triumph, God’s sufficiency. These things are all swirled up in my mind and heart during the course of this thing called life. They are like facets on a gem, or something irredescent but not quite definable. It is easy for my finite mind to wonder if at some point I would get bored in eternity. But then I catch a glimpse, or a hint of fragrance, and know that could never be. There will always be more of Him to learn and comprehend.
2. The Lord is not safe, for as you said to Laura, Dee, He can choose to let you go through really tough times with no explanation. He did it with Job. But He is good, for He never leaves you totally alone. No matter how rough it gets, He is there with you. As Betsy Ten Boom said to Carrie, “we must tell them, for they will believe us. There is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still.”
The Lord has helped me get through a dysfunctional family of origin, three miscarriages, two colicky babies sixteen months apart, a rough white water time in our marriage, and burning out in a job I knew I was made for. But He also carried me when I couldn’t stand, and beckoned me on closer with Him all the way.
3. Creativity. Primarily with my hands. Cooking, knitting, quilting, tatting, making cards. But also with words, as He gives me word pictures to share with others.
Dee, not sure you know, but there are two question three’s.
Life is certainly full of challenges and sorrow, but wonderful times too.
Thanks for catching the two number three’s, Mary.
1.What stands out to you from the above — and why?
So much stands out to me. And though I’ve heard some of Sally’s story before, I am reading through fresh tears. The trauma she endured. And yet, “As she painted she was lamenting to God,…In time, shafts of light began to filter in…”
I am in awe, here, and more and more in my own life, of the generous graciousness of God. He led Sally to paint, and used it as a venue, the path that would lead to healing. He brought her to Covenant Seminary, to equip her for what lay ahead. I do struggle with the ‘whys’ of suffering. Just today, hearing the story from Susan of the 5 year old boy, and remembering the trials of her mom’s dementia, I find myself asking “why?”…”is this really necessary?” My oldest sister has always had one of the gentlest, kindest hearts, and yet she suffers from a severe mental disease, and if not on her medication she can act cruel and dangerous. I don’t understand why God has allowed that.
I can only find peace in reminding myself there is not a satisfactory answer on this side. My view is too limited, my mind is too small. I live in the finite and am incapable of understanding. I do not like the suffering around me or what I have endured. But it’s like, in order to not live in a pit of depression, in order to have hope–I have to make my brain stop going the path of looking for answers to those questions. I must actively pursue answers to what I can know–I can know God. I can know His character, His heart. No, He is not safe, in the ways we want Him to be. Yet His perfect “goodness” means I am never more safe than when I am in His arms.
Lovely Lizzy. “I am never more safe than when I am in his arms.”
GOLD, Lizzy!
Chris & Diane & Laura, ……. I’m so sorry for your pain & hard times. May the Lord sustain & refresh u as only He can!
Oh what stood out to me was Sally’s pain & how the Lord led her THROUGH it to Himself. I think He always wants to reveal more of Himself to us & to take us deeper, but we resist. So sad but wonderful that Sally could go back to her Father’s roots in Poland. Beautiful that Steve was adopted by a Jewish couple &that they were spared the holocaust. Sally is also blonde & blue eyed like her dad? What a beautiful girl she is, inside & out! I love the picture of Aslan but am having some trouble seeing the lamb in it. I think I see part of it, so will pray to see it better.
How has He been “not safe” for me? Oh He has allowed me to go thro storms in my marriage over the years, lost dreams of raising a family that would walk with the Lord together. He has made me see hard times & lonely times, but He is Good, because He has used it to draw me to Himself & reveal His tenderness & compassion to me. Our Great Shepherd. He has been my Hiding place & Refuge & Strength.
In what ways do I create? I used to knit & sew but don’t have time for that now. I also used to sketch faces yrs ago. I s’pose singing is my creative outlet in this season…I never stop! I’m always humming or singing a song to the Lord 🙂
Wonderful you are always singing!
I prayed before Sally was conceived that she would look and be like her dad, and she is his clone. Sweet kiss, especially now that he is gone to be with the Lord.
How precious Dee, that the Lord would bless you with that! Sweetest kiss indeed 🙂
Oh i love that that prayer was answered, it makes her smiles in the video even sweeter to know how much she is like her dad!
Jenny thank you for your kindness to me, I don’t always have the time to respond to comments but I read most of them…thank you 🙂
Sunday:
1.What stands out to you from the above — and why?
The story of Sally and the painting. Only God can orchestrate the coming together of the Lion and the Lamb. What a poignant story and what grace God has given Sally in her journey through pain.
2. How has the Lord been “not safe” but “good” to you?
Again, gleaning from my experience this past week or so at school, the “not safe” part was the uncertainty of the what ifs, that God will not spare me the pain, though I want Him to, the fear of not coming out of it unscathed. I wanted the issue resolved as pain-free as possible. But I found that through the painful process of loving confrontation (which I often dread) with the mom, there is sweet release and peace. I still don’t know what will happen this week, but I am stepping out in faith in the “not safe” plan of God knowing He is good in all that He does.
3. In what areas do you often create? (Think beyond the box!)
I like to bake and play with the ingredients. I use to do cross-stitch. I also like to write poems, or make something by hand to give to others. I play the guitar and sing. And I like to be funny, in fact I wouldn’t mind being in a comedy if I get a chance. Sometimes, when I watch people on shows like the food channel or talk shows, I thought of doing that and making other people laugh and have fun doing normal stuff on a day to day basis. Hah! Dream on, Bing! LOL
Definitely, He is not safe according to our human expectations. But He is safe. Like Lizzie said. I did a study once on the wings of God, and there I can take my refuge and be safe next to His heart. My own dear friend Sally lost her young husband to cancer earlier this year. She was just beginning to come out of the mist and reeling pain and feeling like she could finally start to live again when her adult daughter committed suicide. Sally’s frequent prayer in my presence had been that her daughter would have a relationship with Jesus. Instead, she died in despair and without Christ, as far as we know. I just cannot fathom this kind of pain for my dear friend. She remarked that her life had been a relatively happy life and suddenly everything changed and will forever be changed on this earth. How does one ever get over these horrific losses this side of Heaven? My friend Sally is such a testimony to me in the midst of her deep grief as she reminded me that God sees the bigger picture. My precious adopted daughter, now age 17, doesn’t know Jesus. The thought of her dying without Christ has almost sent me over the edge with anticipated grief. If only in this life we have hope, we are of all men most miserable. In the end, we know that God will wipe away all tears with His own nail scarred hand. Until then….nestling beneath His wings until the storm of this life is past. It’s so warm and cozy there listening to His heart and hearing His whispers in my ear. May He create His image in me through the sufferings that He allows in my life and the lives of His children. I love you ladies, and get so much encouragement from Dee and you all even though I don’t usually contribute any thoughts.
Wonderful you are always singing, Bing!
I prayed before Sally was conceived that she would look and be like her dad, and she is his clone. Sweet kiss, especially now that he is gone to be with the Lord.
Miriam — I don’t understand that pain either, but have come to trust. I do pray for your daughter!
Oh Miriam, this is a hard post. I’m so sad for Sally and for those of us who have these far away children. I am encouraged that Sally still sees God in the midst though. I can’t imagine her situation. I will keep her in my prayers.
4. What stands out to you from the clip, and why?
It brought tears, my heart has been so restless lately. I watched a documentary called Human Flow about the huge numbers of refugees in the world right now. The scope of the problem, the amount of suffering is overwhelming. So many tragic stories, unending misery. I was left hoping the day will quickly come when the Lord roles up the earth like a garment and will make all thing new.
When she talked about the Lord wrapping us up and saying ‘there there’ I thought of you teaching Steve that that was what you needed Dee.
I am rambling but I think I resist the need for that from God sometimes. I have been thinking lately of the picture that Susan shared of the women who washed Jesus feet with her tears, of her deeply drinking in his grace. (I’m sure I am not sharing it as well as she did) But I want to be the one who drinks up the grace, not the one who thinks it will run out if I use too much.
Chris — you have a good memory. And I love how you use scripture in your conversation!
Chris, yes may u drink deeply of His grace & may your heart overflow!
When reading others comments, I so often want to push a ‘like’ button!
4. Madeline L’Engle…God cannot be proved or disproved. Anger with God means that He is near because you can’t be furious with someone who doesn’t exist. God holding us tight when we are losing it, telling us it will be alright. Why these things? I know we can’t prove God to a nonbeliever, but I never thought about it in these terms, and it intrigues me. Then, I remember holding my son tight when he, as a toddler, would totally lose control of himself. Telling him gently that we would hold him until he had calmness again. How special to think of God holding me like that when I panic or get anxious.
5. Breathing life into prayer before creating…I think my best prayer times are when I breathe life into the very act of prayer. To get centered in Him, and if you will, leave my life behind. There was a time several years ago where God showed me what happens in prayer. It was a white room…floor, ceilings and walls. Prayer was like putting a shoulder to pushing out a wall to make a door or a hallway to a new place. But you never actually touched the wall. It was for me, an understanding that effective prayer means you put your all into it, enough to tire you out. But the results are a combination of faith and God’s will, not your efforts.
Mary, I too liked you can’t be angry with someone who doesn’t exist!
I would like a “like” button too!
4. What stands out to you from the clip, and why?
oh! what a sweet bit of reasoning here! I’m not familiar with her, just have heard of the book and her name before. I love when she says she would hold her little boy until the “…monster left and the loving little boy was back.” We have a two year old (his birthday is this Friday – can you believe it?) grandson and I have contemplated how time out should look. I remembered using the hold technique old our oldest son a few days ago. Her description is so good.
5. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I love how Madeleine is described here. She seems full of life. So funny, I have 2 alarms set during the day that sound like chimes, to remind me to “breathe deeply and stretch.” I learned this from a book I read last year in a class I was taking at the time. Your body needs periodic breaks (once every 90-120 min) even when you are awake. Many of us don’t tend to do that and are missing great relaxation that we need. I love the idea of breathing deeply before we create.
Wow, Laura-d: 2 already!!! Happy Birthday to him 🙂
😍😬
That’s good, Laura. My Apple watch tells me it is time to stand or breathe — but if I forget to take it off at night it dings telling me “Time to stand!”
LOL! Do you have “do not disturb” on the watch? If so, you can set it for, say, 9 pm – 7am, or whatever time range you need. It works that way on the iphone anyway. Good luck!
My kids read Madeleine L’Engle’s books & I didn’t know she was a Christian! Yay! I love how she said that if someone gets angry with God & doubts, it means He is there & close by; cause “you can’t be angry with someone who isn’t there”! I think my husband has been angry with God, & that gives me fresh hope. Lord, break thro!!
I know I need to be a better listener in prayer & in my relationships. There have been times when I’ve been very “centered” in His Presence, & that’s when I hear Him best. I’m a high energy person so its hard for me to sit still. Sometimes I’ve heard from Him while on a walk in nature, or at the Lake & drinking in His creation. Yes, love the idea of asking Him to breathe life into my prayers & all my activities.
Ps 119:9-16 By taking heed, keeping, storing up, delighting in, declaring & meditating on His Word, my heart is kept from sinning against Him, & I can rejoice. May we “breathe in” His Presence today! 🙂
Just read Lamentations 3 this morning and to me it was a perfect example Of the “not safe” but good.
Just experienced a fierce storm here last night and in the midst of it the peace of God was here.
I am sorry I am not good at following up on posts. I see many in storms of life and pray you can feel the peace of God in the midst of it.
Thank you to those who reach out to me. I want to be reaching out to others all around me here.
I just struggle to keep up with posts.
I love the passion I saw in Sally. Praying for His breath on my prayers and on all that I do. I want His passion.
Liz–great reminder of Lamentations 3, so fitting. I am so sorry for your own terrible pain. Love having you hear with us–no pressure to keep up with posts, I used to be better at it but have failed lately! We’re just thankful you’re here.
Amen to Lizzy’s comments. We are glad to have you do whatever works — we’re fighting approval idols here! 🙂
I feel the same way Liz about not following up, mostly I just can’t. But I want so much what this study provides, so I do what I can when I can 🙂
My goodness—this study—so many thoughts! These studies lately almost feel like being on a tennis court, running, out of breath, trying to keep up with each ball coming at you! So much to unpack in each one! They are so deep & rich, I imagine all of us in a circle around a glowing, warm fireplace, talking, sharing, crying, comforting each other well into the wee hours of the morning!
First, I scroll quickly past the image of the little lamb, it’s tiny feet bound & it’s haunting eyes, at the total mercy of what’s to come. Animal lover that I am, it sickens my stomach. As horrendous as it is to deal with human suffering, I cannot bear to read/hear of animal suffering. They have no voice, only eyes & body to show their feelings. Company coming this weekend, & our friend’s Scottie dog Angus is invited, I will be making special meatballs for him for dinner.
Sally’s story is nothing short of miraculous. I share her struggle with “the age old” dilemma of a good & loving God allowing so much pain & suffering. I grapple with it still and I probably always will. Scores of people have walked away from believing in God b/c of this much debated issue. Someday in heaven, when I sit at the feet of Jesus, I look forward to hearing the full, perfect explanation. I surely do not understand, at all.
Madeline L’Engle–“Fear not!” , “Whatever, darling!” Oh goodness!! This sounds like a woman I would love, love to meet. What I wouldn’t give to have witnessed the “Fear not!” outburst in the cathedral! That is just–um–wow! Not many of us would have the courage (or whatever it was she had) to do that! This woman fascinates me & I must read more about her, her books. Had no idea she authored A Wrinkle in Time.
I also find it completely fascinating that so often I hear this / read of authors talking about their characters ‘leading the way’ in their stories, telling them things, appearing, leaving, just “becoming alive” in a way that the author has little to no control over what happens in their stories. I can’t quite wrap my head around that. But it must be entirely true for it to happen so often, to so many.
And last, but certainly not least, Chris. Oh to be able to just step into this space we call cyberspace & reach out & hug you. For a long, long time. Please know you are not alone, that although we have not walked in your shoes & know your pain, we care. I send love out to you today.
Wendy…you truly have a way with words!! Yes, wouldn’t it be wonderful to be all sitting around a fire & sharing our hearts & encouraging eachother? The Blog is the next best thing!
I also loved the way Madeline yelled out “Fear Not”! I’m sure the Holy Spirit compelled her to do it! Wow. I love the freedom of spirit she embodies 🙂
Wendy — your note is my kiss from the King this morning!!! I’d love to use some of it to tell others of the blog. May I? I loved a lot — but maybe this:
My goodness—this study—so many thoughts! These studies lately almost feel like being on a tennis court, running, out of breath, trying to keep up with each ball coming at you! So much to unpack in each one! They are so deep & rich, I imagine all of us in a circle around a glowing, warm fireplace, talking, sharing, crying, comforting each other well into the wee hours of the morning!
You made me weepy Wendy, thank you and bless you.
I love that you were making special meatballs for Angus!
Thanks for encouragement to re-engage!!
1.What stands out to you from the above — and why?
Sally’s Aslan painting/story. Sometime in 2009 (I think!), I was looking for an Aslan gift and found a poster of Sally’s painting. Around the same time, I was looking for an online Bible Study — got on Dee’s email list and when she offered the God of All Comfort study in Jan 2010, I came to the blog. SO, yesterday when I read this intro on my cell phone from bed (have to stop sleeping with that thing!!), I saw the connection between coming to the blog in the first place and coming back here now.
2. How has the Lord been “not safe” but “good” to you?
a lot of ways 😉 😉 😉 and I’m in the midst of another one now. The difference is that I can see that HE IS GOOD even earlier in the unsafe process — still kinda annoyed by the situation though.
Renee--I think you win for the best story of how you found the blog! I love that it was Sally’s painting that led you here! And so glad you re-engaged : )
Thanks for welcoming me back 🙂
I didn’t know that story, Renee!
Something else that stood out: That Steve was adopted by a Jewish couple. I thought of the Gentile families who took in Jewish children as their own during WWII (and learned more about this from a Polish roommate who wasn’t able to track her family history for a grad school project). Curious if/how Steve’s parents connected this?
Love this too Renee….and, I’m SO glad you’re back 😬
So glad to have our wonderful Renee back.
I’m not sure I understand your question, Renee. Part of the history is that there weren’t many Jewish babies available for adoption — there was less premarital sex among Jews at that time. I know that’s not your question but not sure what your question is.
3. Creativity: I like messing around with ideas — connecting the dots between different areas of study, playing with paint colors for walls — and concocting my own colors from mis-tints when I am going cheap. And experimenting with new plants — One time, I wanted something DIFFERENT from a plant catalog and ordered a plant with a fancy Latin name. It was MILKWEED, and the only plant that survived that era of “different” experimentation. And playing with play doh and fabric and textures, just haven’t done a whole lot of it for years.
4. What stands out from the clip:
Oh my — most of it. (Love many of Madeleine L’Engle’s books. But I got kinda bored with the Crosswicke Trilogy). The following are thought provoking — and reminded me of what I loved about her writing: “The value of doubt is to keep you open to God’s revelations. If you don’t doubt, you don’t change. if you have to have finite answers to infinite questions, you’re not gonna move.”
“The second I’m furious with God I’m totally close.”
I STILL sometimes get my “hands slapped” for asking questions, especially if it is perceived that my questions challenge the status quo. What she said is affirming and encourages me to go to God with my doubts, questions, and fury. The following quote (or maybe paraphrase) is just plain HAPPY. It also reminds me that I can’t reason EVERYthing.”The idea that the God of the universe limited his power to become a tiny human baby is not reasonable at all. Faith is not reasonable. Faith is marvelous.”
5. What stands out to you from the above and why?
the whole idea of breathing life into our prayers and the Bible verse in the image (Ps 80:18). Pondering…
I just got this scary looking big red X saying that I’ve been blocked from the blog 😀 So, I made the quotes less official looking and am trying again.
Renee is back and we’re smiling more. Scary red X. Only Renee.
I add my voice to the chorus hailing your return Renee. My Daniel was a philosopher at heart, he asked big questions that gave his youth leaders a run for their money! But not everyone welcomes that sort of dialogue.
What stood out for me? …
As I watched the video of Sally and her painting of Aslan and reflected on my own suffering in this life, conviction grew as I considered the 2 characterizations of our Messiah in Scripture … as Lion and Lamb. There was a point in time in my discipleship when I was grieved and in truth, sickened by the extent of my carnality (read: disobedience to God and His Word, idolatry and rebelliousness). There came a tipping point for me when I knew that deliverance/healing would come only by humble surrender of a most profound kind. It was then that I cried out to the Lord asking Him to, by pressing/crushing, remove that which was of my flesh (Yes, I knew exactly what I was asking Him for and I would do it again and again). In the many years which followed my prayer and even to this day, He was/is faithful to answer in the most excruciatingly exquisite ways. It wasn’t until I watched Sally’s video that I realized how needful a clear and biblically true understanding of Messiah as Lion ‘and’ Lamb is for the (my) journey in/through trauma, suffering and woundings.
Very briefly, I realized that to intentionally seek the intimate companionship of Messiah the Lion while walking through suffering invites the comfort, protection and strength of His absolute victory over evil, sin and darkness. Even if we never receive answers to ‘why,’ we can rest in what is both now and not yet … His victory. Likewise, to seek the intimate companionship of the Lamb in such times invites a humble surrender, only those who belong to Him will choose, that brings the very same comfort, protection and strength.
We cannot separate the Lion from the Lamb as if Messiah were one or the other. He is both and walking intentionally and intimately with the Lion and the Lamb through suffering will always bring the kind of glory to the Father that Messiah Himself lived and died to bring.
I thank the Lord’s Spirit for using Sally’s painting to speak such beautiful truth to me. I want to spend the rest of my life mindful that it is The Lion AND The Lamb Who will never leave me nor forsake me.
Beautiful first entry Layn. Welcome!
Welcome Layn!
The page in Walking on Water where she writes about breathing life into prayers. https://books.google.com/books?id=bSAyDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA174&lpg=PA174&dq=hawaiian+breathing+life+into+prayers&source=bl&ots=aPXZiqhegw&sig=wfVPTIR0yf7do50MSNkSQafQgUE&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwji9OvA7JjXAhVl9IMKHdSND-YQ6AEIRjAI#v=onepage&q=hawaiian%20breathing%20life%20into%20prayers&f=false
This is descriptive: “letting go of that dictator self which constantly tries to take over the controls.” Ugh! I can relate 🙁
2. How has the Lord been “not safe” but “good” to you?
My own list of trials floods through my mind. No one “gets of easy”. I don’t mean that to sound cynacal, but true. We all here have various, hard, gut-wrenchingly painful trials. But I have never felt His absence linger. I have felt it, at the moment a harsh blow hits and the sting is fresh and I feel that gasp for air–and I question why, and then in the worst of times, I have begged Him to take me Home or come back now. But the darkness does always lift, and the dawn does eventually come, and I see that while He was quiet and felt even cold, He was there.
One of my children has never trusted us. We do not see where she has trusted anyone. And trust is vital for building relationship. I am convinced that without it–there really is only a role, but not relationship. I believe one day she will trust Jesus, but I realize it may (continue to) be a very rough journey. But when I think of it in terms of “what will it take to get her to trust?”–I instinctively answer with “going through something really hard”. I don’t mean to sound too simple, but isn’t that how He uses our trials? That feeling of having the rug pulled out from under me and I’m reaching for something to balance me–and I realize all I can reach for is Him. And then when the dawn does come, my trust in Him has grown. It seems like really, the only way to build trust, which is foundational for relationship, is to be in a weakened state where our dependence is realized. Those “un-safe” moments have depend my trust in Him, my relationship with Him, and that is His gracious, generous, “goodness” to me.
3. In what areas do you often create? (Think beyond the box!)
Not really beyond the box (what is the box?) but I do love to be creative with painting, drawing, any craft-y medium. But I’m not patient so I generally just make it “good enough” and do things my own way 😉 And I’m not sure how this fits but I do love teaching my kids–my brain is always thinking up object lessons to teach a Spiritual truth or hands-on crafts with some deeper truth woven in…I probably drive them crazy with it, but I feel like my brain finds a “teachable moment” at every turn! I think lately I’m being creative with my long-winded answers–sorry!
🙂 “What is the box,” asks Lizzy.
Lizzy, I was going back to reread what you said about “what is the box” because of Dee’s comment and, this time, I slowly read the previous paragraph about your untrusting child. So much pain expressed in your words, Lizzy, and years of deep heartfelt anguish on your part expressed in a few words! My prayers continuing to go out for your child and you! Thanks so much for honestly sharing your heart! But it was the next part that hit me between the eyes personally because trust is right now an issue between a close personal friend and I.
If a close relationship, the trust is broken, it is a very hard thing to rebuild. Only by God’s grace… but He is always at work … so there is hope. In the meantime, I have found the hard broken relationships of this world, when my rug is pulled out from under me, I too have found that I can reach for Him as you put so well here.
“I have begged Him to take me Home or come back now. But the darkness does always lift, and the dawn does eventually come, and I see that while He was quiet and felt even cold, He was there.”
“That feeling of having the rug pulled out from under me and I’m reaching for something to balance me–and I realize all I can reach for is Him. And then when the dawn does come, my trust in Him has grown.”
Yes and yes Lizzy, with tears I say ‘me too’
I am praying for your daughters trust to sprout & ours to flourish.
Lizzy, When I read what you have written here I feel like my answers are so shallow at best. What wonderful insights and transparency of heart.
Miriam, I’ve come back to your post several times to read, re-read. I know what you mean when you say, “…the thought of her dying w/o Christ has almost sent me over the edge with anticipated grief.” I’ve felt that for my prodigal son, & from what I’m learning here on the blog, there are others in this group walking down this same road. There is comfort knowing that we are not alone in this pain for our loved ones. And there is hope where the end of the story has not yet been written.
That’s what I love the most about this blog, Wendy. We are not alone.
Thats right ladies! This is a place that has saved me when children have gone overboard. I am in a season today of just that. I come here and I gain insight and know that I am lifted up by the women here. So glad you are with us. I have written a few chapters to a book about our family (names changed) with the hope that people reading it will know hope. I want to finish the book however I am lacking time (as usual; my enemy). Then again, the “end” so far hasn’t been pretty to date. We are still in the midst of fire 😩.
Notes on Madeline:
If you have finite answers to infinite questions, you can not move
You do not approach faith with reason-it is marvelous, exciting and new.
Love her enthusiasm and her child like faith in our God who knows what He is doing and always ready to encircle us in His arms and tell us, “there, there-it is going to be allright.”
6. Read Psalm 119:9-16
A. What quickens you from this passage?
I am struck with how many times the writer says he won’t forgot God’s word.
B. Summarize the pain point in a sentence.
The writer is trying to keep himself pure.
C. How might this teaching help you to breathe breath into your prayers?
Maybe repetition is part of it? We should repeat the part we long for several times. Jesus always repeats important points. I am thinking when He says, “…truly, truly, ….”
5. What stands out to you from the above and why?
The disagreements then standing to sing the doxology…I LOVE that!
I have a friend who came from a very experience driven church, she now sees the doctrinal errors that were present there but I believe her pendulum has swung much too far in the opposite direction. She would be very wary of Madeleine, she veritably pounced on me when I posted a quote from Henri Nouwen. I also had an intense discussion with her about Ann Voskamp’s use of the language of intimacy.
I struggle with where theological lines get drawn. I know it is important to study the scripture seeking out truth, but sometimes people seem to stand on their right doctrine instead of on Christ. I want to be friendly with people with whom I disagree, so many humans seem unable to make that leap.
I would like to hear Hawaiian Christians pray 🙂
The FEAR NOT also stood out to me.
Chris, I am not following you about these writers. I am not very well read I anything but textbooks; the only thing I have time (and have to) to read. What’s wrong with Madeleine and Henri Nouwen?
Laura, their theology doesn’t line up exactly with hers so she views them as off limits. Book burning sort of mentality at play.
She definitely needs the FEAR NOT message 🙂
Lizzy the storm was a literal one we had the strongest winds I have ever experienced in my lifetime.
I am living in a 1968 mobile home. I heard 2 very large trees fall out behind me and the winds were like that of a train. I still had the greatest peace it amazed me. He is amazing!!!!!!
He does the same to calm all of life’s storms. So grateful and so filled with His peace I so want my husband to know this great peace. Believing one day he will.
Yes Liz! it was very bad down here…nearly 80 mph winds (hurricane force). Power lines and trees down. I was afraid a tree would go through our roof. We have debris everywhere and school was canceled yesterday due to the power outages/trees across the roads. We are fine. Glad you made it through as well!
A. How quickens you from this passage?
I thought about all the actions of the writer, he is guarding, seeking, storing up, declaring, delighting meditating, fixing his eyes, not forgetting, but under it all is dependance, let me not wander, teach me the rules of your mouth, your testimonies, your precepts, your statutes. He is moving towards God, but with the understanding that he can’t manufacture what he needs, he is trusting that the Lord has provided and is going to be his Shepard.
Dee is this supposed to be main point?
B. Summarize the pain point in a sentence.
I am having trouble figuring out the “pain” point?
Yes, Dee, I noticed the “pain point” as well – think it is supposed to be “main” … 🙂
Sometimes the main point is the pain point, but no — thanks gals for catching that typo!
Wow, this site is flooded with comments this morning! Talk about a kiss from the King–there are kisses flying all over the place! (and to your question, a humble yes, Dee)
What I mentioned earlier about being fascinated by authors/characters, having little to no control over them—I had to smile to myself when I turned on the radio yesterday pm to listen to Chapter-a-Day on public radio. As Jim Fleming began reading from a new book, this is what he read aloud: “Why did you write the poem?” “It demanded to be written. I simply happened to be sitting at the particular desk on a particular morning when it chose to make its demands.”
Laura, I am doing the same thing! I am in the process of writing a little “Salvation Story” for my 4-year-old granddaughter. Tossing in a little fiction with Biblical facts & Truth!
Thank you , Dee , for your kind note. Here I am !! I copied my comment to you and pasted it below.
I’m so looking forward to being here.
Hello , Dee ,
I heard your interview on Faith Radio . I always said that I wouldn’t read Song of Songs until someone said it was more about intimacy with God versus always being about sex. 🙂 So then I heard you and looked up your blog. Is it okay if I join in ? You all know how loved you are by God!! I need to hear that so much. He’s been teaching me that this past 6 years but I need encouragement. I’ve been in several Bible Studies the past 5 years , all the ladies are so nice but no one talks about His great Love ! About His Grace. It’s always about how we are suppose to be Doing more and more. I lived Religion my whole life until 2012. It was a Tough , horrible time and in the midst of it Jesus said ” you’re missing out ” Jesus has been Faithful to lead me to His Truth , I believe He has lead me here. I know that He does the good work in me but it would sure be nice to hear a Sister remind me.Thank you so much!Kind regards Sue
Sue-seeker, welcome! I love this whole post! So good to have you join us! Blessed by your joy and LOVE that you will be getting “He Calls You Beautiful” tomorrow!
Welcome to you Sue!
Thank you , Chris ! I’ve been reading All the comments , even past weeks of study . I’ m looking forward to knowing each and every one of you
Good morning , Dee
My copy of ” He Calls You Beautiful ” arrives tomorrow . I just know He lead me to it
Thank you , Lizzie . I’m so glad to be here .
If anyone is interested in a letter writing campaign for Deanna, I am sending a card tomorrow. Her address is on the private facebook page. I asked Nanci for an update but we haven’t heard anything 🙁
Clarification….Nanci has not heard anything and passed that on to me.
Welcome to our new ladies!
6.C. How does this breathe life into prayer? I’ve often pondered this Psalm, and how every verse is about God’s word/law, and how life giving it is. At first, to me, it seemed paradoxical. Paul says that the law brings death, and here it is saying it breathes life. But little by little I began to see that God’s law is a reflection of His character. As such, His law, His standards, His Word, let us know Him. So when I open His Word to read now, it is not to read the print on the page, but to enter the mystery of God revealing Himself to me.
7.C. This is a good reminder to lay our prayers before Him and then not rush off, but wait in expectation and listening. I find I do much better at this when I remember Ps 100:4. To enter His presence by prayer with thanksgiving, and then even deeper with praise.
7. Read Psalm 5:1-3
A. How do you know the emotional state of the psalmist? (verses 1-2)
He is distressed. He is begging for Gods attention. The words “groaning” and “crying” give it away.
B. How do you sense that the psalmist is listening as well as talking? (verse 3)
He is praying and waiting.
C. From this passage, how might you “breathe breath into your prayers?”
I could say similar words as I pray to God. “God, I am distressed by our family life and our daughters lack of commitment to her children and family. I have been patient in waiting for this situation to come to an end. We will continue to be patient and wait. You seem to be taking your time in helping her come to a clear decision on what she should do. We have tried to stay out of Your way. Thank You for the many small blessings You have brought to us; You are reminding us that You are present and in control. We need to know this! Help us to continue in our patience. Lord, I cannot do this alone. Please draw near to my husband so his physical body is well. As You well know, our situation is very stressful and he tends to not take care of himself. Help him realize that he needs to exercise, rest, and to eat properly during this time. In Your Holy Name I pray. Amen.”
B. Summarize the main point in a sentence.
Fidelity, the writer’s aim is to remain faithful, clinging to the Word of the Lord and relying on God to keep his heart and mind fastened on the only things that really matter.
C. How might this teaching help you to breathe breath into your prayers?
I bring my myself, often times a mess and beat up, I can come asking the Lord to help me realize that he is a very present help and He wants to speak to me. I can focus on what really matters, eternal things, letting all the other stuff go back to it’s right size. I can store up good things so that I have something worth sharing. I can trust that God will hem me in and keep me for the day of salvation.
I keep thinking about a Keller sermon where he says more than once, we come to the Word of the Lord to meet with the Lord of the Word. At the CCEF conference one of the speakers said our mindset as we read the Bible should be relational. Come expecting to be in communion. I have been steeping those things in my mind. I have heard them before but they are starting to take root more deeply.
Welcome, welcome Sue-Seeker — you are already a kindred spirit!
Chris — love this — our mindset when we read the Bible should be relational.
9. What stands out…that there are times when God moves with you to create, and you know it was Him and thru you. I have had that experience and love it. It is such a gift to me that our Father would allow me to “help” Him, when He could much easier and better do it Himself. Like a child who’s hands are held to ‘create’ a picture, and they are so proud, yet it is not as good as the adult could do. But the adult showed such love, affection and joy in the child thru the process.
6. Read Psalm 119:9-16
A. How quickens you from this passage?
v. 10 “with my WHOLE heart” and “let me not wander” I tend to get VERY passionate about “whatever,” throw my whole heart into it and then burn out. This passage provides a prescription of how to seek the Lord whole heartedly.
B. Summarize the main point in a sentence.
Just saw previous comments. I’ve been thinking about a pain point for a couple of days 🙂 and turned the main point into a pain point! My Pain point is: aaahhh, but I am an old woman; what does “young man”‘s ways have to do with me?
Main point is how to stay on right track of living a pure, God-honoring life — through the Word of God
C. How might this teaching help you to breathe breath into your prayers?
by focusing on Him, on Scripture (vs. an “empty mind”-type meditating); letting God be God, knowing that he is in control. I keep thinking of the phrase “words of life.” (will dig a little deeper)
Psalm 5: wow — haven’t heard that song for a long time. It used to be a “regular.” It is helping the passage soak in.
7. Read Psalm 5:1-3
A. How do you know the emotional state of the psalmist? (verses 1-2)
He says that he is groaning and crying.
B. How do you sense that the psalmist is listening as well as talking? (verse 3)
The psalmist says that God hears his voice (psalmist is talking) — and then he watches/looks up (psalmist is listening)
C. From this passage, how might you “breathe breath into your prayers?”
by listening, waiting for Him to speak/to work, resting in Him (vs. God bless what I am about to do to take control of the situation!)
Two things stood out to me from the above. First this comment about Sally:
In time, shafts of light began to filter into Sally’s paintings and she began to find strength to express her pain verbally. Not only had sheexperienced personal pain, but she was now seeing that pain was everywhere in the world.
The reality of pain in this world and the struggle to process and make sense of it can only be done as shaffts of light (the Light of the World) begin to filter into our lives as we spend time alone seeking His face.
The second thing that impressed me was this comment:
In Walking on Water, Madeleine talked about what she learned from Hawaiian Christians, who would sit before the Lord listening, to “breathe life” into their prayers. The non-Hawaiian Christians prayed so briefly they began to call them haoles, meaning “without breath.”
That last comment of prayers being with out breath resonated with my own prayer life. I have prayed with and hear individuals who have the “breath” of the Spirit in their prayers but mine often feel like shallow breathing at best.
2. How has the Lord been “not safe” but “good” to you?
My son in his preaching occasionally refers to God as “wild”. It’s when I have been in a place viewing Creation in it’s incredible magnitude like sitting and taking in a vista of high mountains or standing by and seeing and hearing the roar of the ocean that I feel the “wildness” of God. It’s then and at the same time of feeling He is not safe but yet the goodness and beauty reveals Him. Seeing Him in Creation feels like a gift.
In what areas do you often create? (Think beyond the box!)
I have been pondering this for several days and have been trying to get out of the box. But I haven’t gotten very far. (-: I grew up in farm and ranching country with grandmothers who were wonderful cooks. Good tasting home cooked kind of food. I have the ability to make a beautiful and good tasting Caramel Apple Pie with a lattice top crust. For my husband’s birthday I make a three layer German Chocolate Cake from scratch and for my kids a large from scratch Reeses Peanut Butter Cheesecake is a family favorite. I can create with my baking but in a health conscious world such “creations” are not really acceptable anymore. I am left with mixed emotions about it all. I envy and appreciate those who are true artist with an innate gift to draw or paint or write. I love observing a teacher of children create ways to draw them into learning or even observing the ways my son has prepared and delivers his sermons every Sunday. I don’t have the hands on skills that I see in many but I am an appreciator of those who are gifted and try to express that to them.
Bev I relate to your grieving the loss of baking. I used to love to make cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, pies and such. One of our kids friends once said my black bottom cupcakes could be used as money 🙂
I can eat very little of those thing now and I feel lousy when I do. I feel guilty making then for others when I know now how not good for them they are.
I have transferred my creativity to other food areas now. I make a beautiful fruit tray instead of a birthday cake. I make soups and salads with all sorts of things in them. I have wandered into making curry, there are so many variations. Roasted vegetables have become a mainstay for us. I feel a lot better eating this way, but a part of me will always miss the baking of beautiful sweets!
Chris and Bev, this will be my first Christmas since diagnosed with diabetes type 2. Since March, when diagnosed I stopped eating almost all sugar – refined and otherwise, as well as going fairly low carb. But Christmas will be hard. I used to enjoy cooking and eating all kinds of goodies. I have discovered a few sweets that are reasonable, good tasting and acceptably low carb and low sugar. Like you, Chris, cooking is one of my favorite creative outlets. I also feel a lot better eating this way, but the holidays and special occasions are HARD!
4. & 5.
The clip of Madeleine speaks to a vibrant assured faith in Who God is. A God who is wild and not bound to the logic or reason. I love her description of faith as marvelous, exciting, wonderful and new and open. She basically says God can handle our doubts and in the end He proves He is there for us. It would seem to me part of the problem is for me to quiet myself long enough to listen. Really listen. “Be still and know..” the need to breathe life into my prayers. Often my prayers have been haoles with out breath. Dee’s comment we need to breathe life into our prayers before we create and she gives a list. I am slow to gather my thoughts. I realize I have created a home but I have minimized in my mind what I do by comparison. That nasty approval idol letting myself think what I do isn’t as good as others so it isn’t as accceptable. Being reminded here that God doesn’t care what I have or don’t have. It’s that I give to Him what I do have with an open heart of faith in Him to use and multiply it. Faith and creating something good coming together.
Laura– 7 C, love your oh so transparent prayer! Sue–yes, religion==tedious, tiresome; relationship (w/Jesus)==rest, relief, restoring! Bev–“the clip of Madeleine speaks to a vibrant assured faith in who God is”– good insight, very true. Mary B– “there are times when God moves with you to create, & you know it was Him and thru you.” true!!
question: Being new here, I’m not sure if I’m doing this right—my above post seems the ‘wrong’ way to address everyone; do I click on “Reply” when responding to someone’s post?
Hi Wendy I’m new , too, I clicked the Reply button in hopes that my comment would be directed right back to you .
I think that’s right 🙂 We will learn together !
Yes , religion was so empty and caused lots of anxiety within me. You described it perfectly Jesus is Rest and Relationship
Okay, thanx Sue, “testing 1-2-3” we’ll see if it works! Your post landed right underneath mine, so maybe that’s how it works… (this is why my IT mngmt son cringes when I ask him tech questions, throws up his hands & rolls his eyes…) (and the “dummies” books years ago didn’t help out much either!) thanx again!
It worked , Wendy ! Your comment back was right under mine 🙂
2. How has the Lord been “not safe” but “good” to you?
I had never really thought about this though I always loved the quote from Narnia ” Is He safe ?”
I know that when we experience pain and suffering that Jesus does not feel safe. Mary says ” If you were here , LORD , my brother would not have died” If Jesus is for us therefore we should be safe, right? But ….. we live in a fallen world that will deliver pain and sorrow. I didn’t know that we were warned of it when Jesus tells His disciples this! It may have changed my view of God earlier 🙂
What I have learned is that the sorrow and the suffering allows GOD in because you know, all the brokenness. He can’t get through all those walls you build up in your heart until they all come crashing down ! So in His Mercy what didn’t / doesn’t feel safe is actually a Blessing , sometimes here on earth but other times I think the outcomes are eternal blessings. Sometimes I am shortsighted on the Eternal side. Jesus is safe even when I thought differently , He is here with in what seems the ” not safe” , making all things new and bringing beauty out of ashes.
Yes, Sue! I agree that He doesn’t seem safe when we are suffering, or when He isn’t doing what we want. So often we don’t tell people the whole truth about God. We tell them that He is Love and that He has a good plan for them, but we leave out the very real part that the really good plan for them is heaven, and we may need to go thru many trials and pain on the way. Once you know Him, and walk with Him for some time, you start learning that when you quit resisting what He is doing in your life, even the suffering gets sanctified. It is a good place to be, as I have to tell myself often when it is happening to me.
Once you know Him, and walk with Him for some time, you start learning that when you quit resisting what He is doing in your life, even the suffering gets sanctified. It is a good place to be, as I have to tell myself often when it is happening to me.
Even suffering gets sanctified ,that is so true. But not something that is talked about much.
I used to wrongly think that God was punitive , not Loving. Now I see that when life is not “comfortable ” that He is Working , He is training me in Steadfastness ! I need to embrace what He is doing. Sadly , sometimes I still say ” why isn’t this easier ? ” . He gently reminds me and I’m moving forward – GOD is a forward moving God .
Thank you for the encouragement , Mary .
1-3there are so many ways in which God is not safe! HE cant be understood, controlled, put in a box…WE can know HIM only in as much as we let HIM know us! And being known is scary! ML is one of my very favorite authors and her book “A wind in the Door” is my favorite of hers. there is a line in this book that goes like this….
“Well, then, if I’m a Namer, what does that mean? What does a Namer do?”
The wings drew together, the eyes closed, singly, and in groups, until all were shut. Small puffs of mist-like smoke rose, swirled about him. “When I was memorizing the names of the stars, part of the purpose was to help them each to be more particularly the particular star each one was supposed to be. That’s basically a Namer’s job. Maybe you’re supposed to make earthlings feel more human.”
isn’t that wonderful! I can picture Holy Spirit wanting to “name” us, wanting to show us who THEY made us to be. The only way we can become who we are particularly supposed to be is to listen. To open our hearts up to hear HIM. I am not very creative but I love to decorate my home. the repeditive motion of painting is calming and helps me to slow my thoughts enough to listen to HIS.
two more favorite quotes form ML
“Deepest communion with God is beyond words, on the other side of silence.”
“When we were children, we used to think that when we were grown-up we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability…. To be alive is to be vulnerable.”
Cyndi,
You have described well how God isn’t safe. That is how my pastor son describes Him. He can’t be understood or controlled. Can’t be put in a box. As I said earlier he describes God as wild. But yet… as you said WE can know Him only as in as much as we let HIM know us! And being know is scary. All so true.
The comments on how God is not safe has me in deep thought this past week. As I’ve shared before, I grew up with–what I now believe to be–an unhealthy fear of Him. That every time I messed up, God was going to get me, & “get me good”. That belief points to the legalistic environment I lived in. But I still sorta waffle back & forth with what’s what! I mean, I know Jesus took care of all sin–past, present, future–but yet, there are still consequences that result from that sin. It feels like punishment, but maybe it is not, it’s just simply a consequence from our fallen nature. I get so confused. There are verses, even in the NT, that bother me & do not reassure me. What you said, Cyndi, about God, that He cannot be understood or confused, or put in a box–yes. I’ve always felt like Jesus was “my best Friend”, and that God was just too far away to understand…He’s too big, too holy, too everything. And yet, that’s why He sent Jesus! So we could understand and know Him! Oh, I go round & round & round with this one.
I guess, bottom line for me is this: I feel that God is not safe b/c He is omnipotent, holy, untouchable. And also b/c He judges sin, on very real terms. (When I read through the Bible the first time, it amazed me @ how angry God was through so much of the OT, & it scared me) He is not safe in that God’s Word talks about hell, which is real & not imagined, as the world today would have us believe. But I know–I must believe–even though I don’t often feel it, or understand it–that He is good.
Wendy , when I read through the Old Testament the first time I wanted to tear my Bible in half and just keep the part about Jesus 🙂 I was afraid of God, not in the good , fear and Awe way .
But Jesus kept pursuing me to tell me the Truth about the Father. That He is Love . He does discipline His children but He isn’t doing it from anger but from Mercy, because He wants His best for us. I think its hard to grasp if your growing up years were in deep contrast to that
I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 34. I stoically accepted it as punishment for my sins. Isn’t that awful ? !! I look back and see how that must have hurt the Father’s heart as I believed that lie. But , again , out of His great Love for me He did not allow me to continue to believe the lie , though it did take years and a Very deep correcting before I started to understand that because of Christ’s full payment on the Cross that when the Father looks at me He sees Jesus and His Righteousness. My debt is paid in full .
I still slip back into legalism at times but His Spirit gently corrects me . I believe the enemy wants us to misunderstand God so we keep ourselves from intimacy with Him
Sue, I just got home, sat down to put my feet up & I have to say, your post was the best part of my day today. I needed to hear that, my friend. I am going to copy it out & keep it, for quick easy reference! Thank you!
Oh how sad that is how you thought about breast cancer. So glad He is rescuing you from that kind of thinking. So good to have you here, Sue.
Oh , Wendy , that is so kind. I am Thankful that He ministered to your heart . That must have been a kiss from the King !
Thank you Dee . I now know that that He sings love songs over me ❤️ Zephaniah 3:17
Cyndi and Bev, you say it so well! We can’t control Him and He doesn’t fit into our understanding. But if He did, He wouldn’t be much of a God!