Beautiful In Its Time

These delicate little flowers grow on a shamrock plant. There are purple shamrocks with light purple flowers and green ones with white flowers.

They are very active plants - each day the leaves open in the morning and close when it gets dark. My green shamrock became overgrown, so I cut it back and as you can see, it is already blooming and baby leaves are quickly growing back! 

The leaves will last awhile, but the flowers bloom delicately then wither quite soon. Grass and flowers of the field are often used in the Bible to remind us of the brevity of life. For example:

 ^"13As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
¹⁴ for he knows how we are formed,
    he remembers that we are dust.
¹⁵ The life of mortals is like grass,
    they flourish like a flower of the field;
¹⁶ the wind blows over it and it is gone,
    and its place remembers it no more.
¹⁷ But from everlasting to everlasting
    the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
    and his righteousness with their children’s children—
¹⁸ with those who keep his covenant
    and remember to obey his precepts."  (Psalm 103:13-18)

 and again here:

²³ "For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. ²⁴ For,

“All people are like grass,
    and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
²⁵     but the word of the Lord endures forever.”

And this is the word that was preached to you."  (1 Peter 1:23-25)

Like grass, people seem to flourish without effort for a time. It's quite hardy - grass regrows when mowed or chewed down, and springs back when stepped on. And flowers of the field are plentiful and beautiful:

“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." (Luke 12:27)

 

It's humbling to be compared to grass, yet in our hearts we sense the truth. As time goes by we notice that people pass on, but the world continues. 

 

However the word of the Lord is not temporary, like our lives. It endures forever, and so does His love. We can take hold of something more powerful and lasting that makes part of us imperishable. We can read God's word and seek His love, taking within ourselves something that endures and is everlasting.

 

We each have our own beauty in our time - just like the flowers of the field, just like my shamrocks.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Eternity is set in our hearts for a reason, so that we will reach for and take hold of that which lasts.

 

* References are from the NIV
 

 

 

The Best Way Forward

Houseplants are common, but I recently realized I've owned this one since 1991... it has been around for more than half my life!

I discovered it left on the shelves at my (then) new office in an icecream pail, and wanting my space to look more professional I transplanted it to a nicer pot that my mother had stored in her basement. When I left that job a couple years later, the plant came along and has been with me since. 

Though we begin things with good intentions, we never know what will last. "Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well." (Ecclesiastes 11:6) 

Sometimes the path to follow will seem clear to us, especially if we invite God to help with our decisions: "This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." (Isaiah 48:17) 

At other times it's hard to discern the best way forward, but this should not stop us from trying. "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." (Proverbs 16:9) and "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21). So even if our plans happen to point us in the wrong direction, the Lord will be involved in the outcome. For Christians, this can reassure us that we will never stray far off if we stay in relationship with God. For people who don't want His involvement, it may be a more cautionary verse - but still applies. 

There is yet another thing we can do to make our plans more successful: "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."(Proverbs 15:22). So it is wise to run our ideas past someone else before we proceed with them. 

In summary, I never imagined this plant would outlast the job I had, the career I spent years pursuing, and the business I worked for back then. Nor did I ever think I would be writing about it years later. It seems the Lord had quite different purposes in mind for me than I planned for. So imagine a good future, talk to others and pray about it, and then begin to move forward. The Lord will either establish your steps, or intervene and redirect you in a new direction if that is what's best.

 * All references from the NIV

The Sure Foundation For Your Times

I studied Isaiah 33 for awhile, but there was a section I couldn't understand. Since the pandemic (Covid 19) started, it suggests new meaning to me which I would like to share. Here it is (Isaiah 33:10-14 NIV):

10 “Now will I arise,” says the Lord.
    “Now will I be exalted;
    now will I be lifted up.
11 You conceive chaff,
    you give birth to straw;
    your breath is a fire that consumes you.
12 The peoples will be burned to ashes;
    like cut thornbushes they will be set ablaze.”

13 You who are far away, hear what I have done;
    you who are near, acknowledge my power!
14 The sinners in Zion are terrified;
    trembling grips the godless:
“Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire?

    Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?”

The phrase "your breath is a fire that consumes you" makes me think of this pandemic, the virus is like a fire that takes our breath away.

Is it perhaps a judgement on our global condition, that humans have of late conceived and birthed so many ideas that are not of substance - but worthless and "flammable" the way chaff and straw are flammable shells with no nutrition? I don't mean it's a judgement on individuals who are ill, because it refers to "the peoples" being set ablaze like cut thornbushes (eg. high contagion among everyone) and being "burned to ashes" (eg. many consumed, many cremations). The virus seems indifferent to who it infects.

I imagine everyone across the world will hear of what is happening (see Isaiah 33:13). Those in places more affected will notice changes that seem surreal in their countries. A short time ago, I could not have imagined anything that could cause such profound changes as these in such a short time:

• Vast economies throughout the world slowed and shutdown. 
• Huge cities quickly locked down and halted, except for essential services.
• Massive retailers and industries indefinietly closed.
• Sporting empires worldwide with delayed and cancelled events.
• The entertainment industry unable to film programs and movies, and theatres closed.
• The hospitality industry with empty rooms and vacant buildings.
• Weddings, funerals, conferences, concerts, churches, families - gatherings of all types put on hold.
• Restaurants and bars closed (except for drive throughs and delivery).
• Schools and universities closed, students learning online or at home.
• Airlines and transportation curtailed, highways empty.
• Cruises and travel - formerly a privilege, now a potential source of infection and stranding.
• Places renowned for longevity suddenly dangerous places for the aged to be.
• Powerful people equally as vulnerable as others to this disease.
• Stock markets and oil prices plummeting and erratic.

In short, the most popular - and populous - places and businesses suddenly became places to avoid. And in a world where the "outgoing" are often celebrated, people are suddenly encouraged to "stay home"!

Nothing I have ever witnessed has had such rapid and widespread influence over all the nations of the world, and all the institutions of power within it.

And as a result, people are reaching out to the Lord. It's good news in Isaiah 33:10 that the Lord says He will arise, be exalted and lifted up. I imagine there are many who, in their fear due to sickness or circumstance, will look to the Lord like never before. Perhaps some in their final hours,  but also I hope many who will recover and move forward with new respect for the Lord. I hope it changes this generation in a lasting and positive way by generating renewed interest in and respect for Him. By reaching out to God in this troubling time, people are acknowledging His power (see Isaiah 33:13)

I also hope we will recognize how the Lord works this for good in the lives of us believers. Ways he guides us, strengthens us, restores us, comforts us, changes us, and cares for us through this time and beyond. Isaiah 33:6 says:

6 

6 6       He will be the sure foundation for your times,
          a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
          the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

This is in the same chapter (Isaiah 33) as the other verses, so it is referring to these times, our times. The chapter is titled "Distress and Help" in the NIV Bible, and also mentions a time beyond this. So take heart, the Lord is with us, is drawing many to Himself, and is a sure foundation for us in these present times. 

Are All God's Gifts To Us Spiritual?

I have long had a penchant for school and office supplies. Gel pens, journals, calendars, computers, calculators, cute sticky notes - I regularly scan these aisles to see what new designs there are. 

It's true that most of this can be done digitally now, but the manual items still intrigue me. Maybe the "nouns" in our lives tell us something about ourselves, (besides how materialistic we are)!

From a young age preferences can often be seen toward certain objects, and also a disinterest in others. For example, I always loved toy animals but rarely played with dolls. Loved nature, was bored with kitchen utensils. So do these interests suggest our future jobs?

They could, but how the item is used is not always what attracts us. It may be more abstract, such as it's beauty, complexity, sleekness, orderliness, simplicity or newness. Does this mean we're materialistic if we like "things" so much?

Like an eager dog with a meaty bone, we can become possessive of our possessions. "Stuff" can trigger sins in us such as envy, greed, hoarding, overspending, debt, idolatry, theft, or selfishness. Should we then avoid the very things that excite us?

At times perhaps, but merely liking or enjoying something is part of life - it's a matter of degree. And also sometimes a matter of timing if our abilities change in the future.

Personally, I think we can learn about who God designed each of us to be by allowing ourselves to enjoy the material gifts He provides during our lives. All good things are from God, but when an item really touches your heart or shows up at a special time when it is especially appreciated - if you feel in your spirit it was sent to bless you, it probably was:

“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:9-12)

Hope Inn

I was sketching this motel for fun and named it Hope Inn because I've been thinking about that topic lately.

I used to feel optimistic about most things, like job interviews and dating for example.  Sure I felt nervous, but opportunities often seemed to work out. Over time, however, my feelings began to change. The positive outcomes didn't always remain positive.

After several such changes, I began to lose confidence in things working out. Gradually my past mistakes led me to become more cautious, like the person in Proverbs 26:13 NIV who says, “There’s a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!” Not literally a lion of course, but various dangers. For example, as mentioned in a prior post, I was troubled watching the news. Though statistically news events may be rare, they show awful things that happen to ordinary people.  I realized my stress was a problem from scriptures like this one: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV). Yet, night and day, anxious thoughts could trouble me and despite much prayer and effort, I was not sure how to change the way I felt.

Then one day after journaling about my concerns, I suddenly began to write line after line and page after page, starting with "I hope..."! Since then, I try to counter fearful, anxious thoughts with what I hope could happen instead. After all, best case scenarios are possible too.

I never imagined "hope" would require such effort and determination though. Anxiety can surface like a bad habit, while forcing my thoughts from imminent fears to "wishful thinking" still feels unnatural. However, with practise it gets easier and I'm starting to discover that many hopes actually come to pass.

These scriptures help assure me that hope is both a sign of growth, and a good choice:

Romans 5:3-5 (NKJV)  3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Proverbs 10:24 (NIV) What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted.

Disaster, With a Chance Of Rain.

One night I watched the news for a few minutes before bed, and felt so troubled afterward I wasn't sure I could sleep! Then I changed channels to check the weather forecast, and saw disasters happening around the world. Even when I avoid the news for awhile, I still hear heart wrenching stories from people around me, which add to my own worries. Yet I know the Lord wants me to love others, so how can I maintain faith and hope in the face of risks, disasters, and tragedies like we hear about each day? And how can I stop worrying when there is so much that can go wrong?

One way I interrupt troubled thoughts is to use this verse:

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8 NIV. 

It helps to choose each word and think about something that fits that description. For example, can I think of something "admirable"?

Also I consider these 2 scriptures, and what they mean to me when read together:

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6 NIV

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 NIV

So I remind myself that God rewards those who earnestly seek him, and works in all things for the good of those who love him. When facing a bad situation, I say to myself "God will bring good out of this." Granted, thinking it does not always make me 'feel' the certainty I would like to! But as I begin to align my thinking with the scriptures I will see examples of it happen, then more faith will grow.

Why Some People Stop Believing

I recently watched a documentary about clergy people who are apostate, who formerly had faith but no longer believe in the supernatural aspect of Christianity - which of course means they no longer believe in God. Some continued to perform their clergy jobs in secret or defiance, others joined humanist or atheist movements, and some missed the fellowship of church life and started Sunday gatherings like church services without reference to God or the Bible. I watched this wary of deception, but curious about what caused their loss of faith.
One idea expressed was this: "If there is a loving God, why would He allow this ________________  (fill in blank with something awful witnessed or experienced) to happen? Since [awful things] happen, I don't believe in God." Their thinking had led them to judge God, rather than the other way around. Some chose a humanist view, believing in the value of fallible but visible humans, while God was blamed or dismissed for not stopping evil as if this were an evil in itself, or proof of non-existence.
I admit that when fears and horrors arise, it can be hard to sense that God is present or responding to prayer. And yet, I've never read a scripture that says "everything will be perfect on earth all the time, and by the good fortune of everyone there, you will know God exists." This is not heaven, it is earth! Rather than disproving God's existence, these actually prove EXACTLY what the Bible talks about - that sin exists. We are warned that man is sinful, and that other unseen evil forces are also at work here encouraging this.
I believe that God has the power to stop whatever He wants to. He created it all, and it is within His ability to end or control it all, or parts of it. Many times, for example, God intervenes and people are guided to safety*, or obstacles stop sinful acts from being carried out.
Other times He does not intervene, and far be it from me to presume to answer why. It could be that a greater good we don't know or appreciate will result from the event, or perhaps that God has built in certain bodily responses during trauma or dying that prevent it from being unbearable and unending, despite being frightening to witness.
I hope fear and disappointment never derail my faith (or yours). I hope that we pray often enough in good times that God's blessings strengthen our faith, so that when challenging times come the gratitude in our spirit does not give up to the doubts in our mind.

* Matthew 2:13 NIV [ The Escape to Egypt ] "When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

Psalm 14:1 NIV [ For the director of music. Of David. ] "The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good."

A Quiet, Vivid Dream

I awoke from an interesting dream one morning. I dreamt I was sitting in a library to write an exam for which I had not studied - a common theme of my dreams when I feel unprepared for what life involves at the time. The test had 4 small photos per row, which I was supposed to classify as showing N (nouns), V (verbs), or 2 other categories WW or EE.

I thought to myself "To finish faster, I will go through the whole page and identify the nouns first”. 

There seemed to be quite a few, and I decided before long that I should check what the other categories meant first. I discovered in the chapter before the test that WW meant "things that seem to be bad at first, then turn out to be good". EE represented "things that appear good, but then turn out to be bad". I now wished I had read the examples in the chapter to understand the pictures, but it was too late - the test was now, and time was limited.

At this point there was an interruption by someone in the dream whose comment reminded me it was recently the anniversary of my mother's passing, and implied that I was too old to have a mom anymore. I disliked both the interruption and the remark, so I decided not to call him later as I had been asked to do.

Returning to the exam, 4 pictures on the bottom row were now brief video clips of rain. One showed rain dripping on romaine lettuce leaves, and another rain falling into a puddle with brown leaves off a tree. I reasoned that rain might enable romaine leaves to stay fresh, which could be good. But what did rain falling on brown leaves mean? And with rain in all 4 frames, when was it a noun vs a verb? It became quite confusing, and I started to think this test could take more time than I had! So to work faster, I decided to think of examples, and then look for pictures of them on the test. 

I thought of peony plants: how ants that crawl on them may appear to be bad, yet are helpful for the flowers to open. I began to search for an image of a peony, then I awoke. Was there an interpretation to the dream?

Ecclesiastes 5:7 NIV tells us that "Much dreaming and many words are meaningless" so not every dream holds wisdom, but sometimes we do glean from them. The Bible verse I thought of was: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28 NIV)

So like a riddle, the answer to the question in the dream "Will this turn out neutral, good or bad?" may lie in the answer to this: "It depends who is asking". If it is someone who loves God then all things, no matter how they seem, will be used for our good.

It Happens In Thousands of Livingrooms!

"If you only had one week to live, and could write something guaranteed to impact 1000 people, what would you write?" This question was posed at a writers' workshop I attended, and this was my response: "I would write about Bible Study groups, and why I like them so much". As an introvert they really suit my style, and here is why:

• I like to learn, and as the name implies these studies focus in-depth on topics or sections of the Bible. Excellent study guides and videos are also available for leaders and members which encourage participation and consistency.
• Study groups are often small, which makes it comfortable to interact and share. It's fun to hear spiritual insights from others.
• It's encouraging to hear others pray aloud and pray with them. I learn from this too.
• Often groups meet in homes, which can strengthen friendships.
• Whether a collection is taken is up to the group, and many do not.
• There's always something new to study regardless how long a group meets, whether for a season or years.
• I find it easier to invite a friend to a small group than to a large church service. 
• For a change of pace, invite someone to share their testimony as a speaker.
• Bible studies are a way to find wisdom, solve problems, gain insight, and feel loved by God and others.

I don't know whether this will impact 1000 people - and sadly not everyone is free to gather this way - but I would love it if blessings I've received from such groups would be multiplied to others. Plus, these small gatherings greatly resemble the way Jesus' followers met with Him and continued to spread the word.

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 NIV

Is Fasting 'Just Another Diet'?

Okay I'll admit it, losing a couple pounds over 24 hours is a definite motivator when I fast, but I have noticed other benefits as well. 

A glass of water can help relieve hunger when fasting.

The period I choose begins after breakfast, then I just have liquids until lunch the next day. I like this timing because it only requires one night of fasting instead of two. Sometimes I barely feel hunger while fasting and it passes quickly, while other times I may get a little shaky. Eventually there's a point when my body begins to convert more stored energy from itself instead of food. Skipping only one meal doesn't seem to get me to that point, and often just makes me eat more the next meal. The longer fast is needed, and here are other benefits I notice:

• Even though I only lose a couple pounds fasting, it seems to improve my metabolism for a few days afterward.
• During the fast my appetite settles down, and I realize I am not a 'slave' to food.
• Fasting also shows me how dependant I am on eating for reasons other than hunger. Do I snack to cheer myself up while working? How do I use the extra time while fasting, do I enjoy other things in life when food is absent?
• Fasting allows time for my body to recover from food sensitivities. Apart from this, a break from genetically modified or artificial foods and preservatives might benefit anyone.
• Fasting improves my weight and appearance.
• In addition to my own health, I sometimes dedicate a fast to 'a cause'. To avoid the "I'm fasting so you owe me" attitude, I may instead ask God if there is something He would like me to fast on behalf of.*

I definitely don't fast perfectly, or as regularly as might be best. Sometimes to coax myself, I allow tea in addition to water. Or I may promise myself something special for lunch the next day, as an incentive. For me it's about the willingness to try, and then see what happens.**

*(Isaiah 58:6 NIV) “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?"

**(Matthew 6:16-18 NIV) 16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Note: I am not a medical professional and this is just my personal experience with fasting, not a recommendation.

What Everyone Knows About, But Nobody Can Do.

Have Christians got exclusive knowledge about right and wrong? I think even a quick look at other religions and philosophies (even atheism) would suggest that we all share many beliefs about moral behaviour. Studies show that even babies react when they witness unfair or hurtful actions. So if all people have a knowledge of right and wrong, what difference does Christianity make? There are many answers to that, but here is just one.

Despite their knowledge about right and wrong, people often act unethically in order to get by, or to gain an advantage. No one except Jesus avoided this. However, Christian faith can improve the ability to carry out moral decisions. How does this happen? Well, "...faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). We grow to believe that God will take care of our needs, safety, and purpose, which enables us to live with less fear*. And each time we experience God's provision of these things, our faith is reinforced. This enables Christians to rely more on God and less on themselves over time, and as a result to act with less fear and selfishness than they did before. 

*So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV

If It Could Happen For This Tomato, Why Not Us?

 It didn't look like much at first, just a little tomato plant supported by a chopstick! I wasn't even sure whether to plant it because I'd had dismal results trying to grow one two years ago. The pot kept tipping over, and when the tomatoes began to grow they developed a blight and rotted. Sigh.

So I researched this time, and this is what I learned: apparently you can either use stakes or cages to support tomatoes, or let them sprawl if there is room. Caging helps the whole plant hold itself up, while staking helps keep individual tomatoes off the ground while they grow. Left to itself the tomato can still grow fruit, but may face more challenges touching the ground such as insects or wet soil.

Suddenly I thought "Can you imagine being able to make so much happen, or having an idea so huge that you couldn't easily support it alone?" Sure, I have participated on teams and group projects before, but I never thought about anything large originating from me.
However, if God grows tomatoes from a scrawny plant like the one shown, imagine what he plans for each of us? Or maybe we'd rather be the stakes or supports for someone else's big idea. Either way, the fact remains that great things can grow from small beginnings, when given the right support.

Tomatoes are coming!

" I will look on you with favour and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you." Leviticus 26:9

Postscript: When we finally harvested, this single plant produced over 70 tomatoes! Amazing :)

A Present From The Past

I actually forgot I asked for it until the gift arrived, but once I saw it I knew just who it was from.
As Christmas was approaching, I thought often about my mom. It was a few years ago that she died, after a prolonged illness. The condition had slowly affected her muscles to the point that she couldn't walk, speak, focus her eyes, or finally even swallow. However she could still smile and squeeze my hand, to show she loved me.
As I grew up, she was the one who decorated our house, bought us lovely presents, and made delicious Christmas dinners. Not in a pretentious way either, that wasn't Mom. More in a loving, faithful way. But as her illness took those abilities from her, our family each did what they could to continue the gatherings.
But this year, my memory of Mom in earlier times seemed less clear. So privately, I asked God to make her memory more vivid. I had no idea how this could happen - through a dream perhaps? And as I got busier preparing for Christmas, I soon forgot my request.
Christmas Day arrived, and we were visiting my family when my brother invited me to watch a video on his computer. "Here is something I'm giving you", he said. The short clip was originally filmed to send our Christmas wishes to my niece in 2007, when she couldn't come home. As the camera panned across the room, each of us gave a little wave and our greeting. The end of the video focused on Mom, seated in her wheelchair. Dad said "C'mon Grandma, ..." and she turned, looked right into the camera, smiled, waved, and said Merry Christmas!
We were all moved watching it, and my heart was touched even more when I recalled my prayer, and recognized this beautiful gift was the answer.

9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11 NIV

The Perky Impostor

A hollow, plastic squirrel sits at the base of a tree in our yard. It's perky, more realistic than cartoonish, and is located where actual squirrels frequent. Of course, like all manmade replicas of nature, there's a sad, lifeless quality to it. But it also represents a cheerful scene, so consequently it stays (for now).
Like that imitation squirrel, I sometimes feel like an introverted replica of what an extraverted person is supposed to be. Not 'real' enough as myself to measure up, as though the world were an expensive, exclusive store where the salesclerk looked me over, and was not impressed. That fragile outer shell can seem so important. But now, as I grow more aware of what's inside me - the eternal conscious part - I feel less breakable and misfit. What others see is not all there is to consider. I am spiritually alive, and can sense it.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

Rx For A Better Life

Karl Marx once said of religion, "It is the opium of the people. The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusion about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions." (in "Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right"). 
This seemed to suggest religion is an empty way to calm the emotions and numb the pain like an opiate would, giving an illusory hope of future well-being, and inward ideas that help overlook actual problems.
Calm feelings, peace amidst trials, and hope may indeed accompany spiritual beliefs, but I question this general view about religion for a few reasons;

• First, not all believers are oppressed or economically distressed. Some current (and historical) believers have prospered and lived comfortably.*
• It's notable that oppressive governments tend to persecute rather than promote Christianity. Clearly, they don't believe it creates compliant, sedated individuals who are easy to control, as the term 'opiate' would imply.
• Inward ideas about religion don't always calm the emotions. Some people put a lot at risk when they venture to become a Christian, and may face added persecution.
• Lastly, the idea overlooks actual changes wisdom can bring about. A few really good decisions can alter one's course in life. People who put wisdom into practice experience actual changes, not just abstract ideas that make them hopeful**.

If there really was a pill that could deliver character as Christianity does, people would line the streets to get it! When Christians show character during tough times, it is not because they are in denial about the suffering. It's because they persevere in their faith in spite of it, and this strengthens their relationship with God.***

* Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. 13 The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy. Genesis 26:12-13 NIV 

** Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it. Ecclesiastes 7:12 NIV

*** 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 NIV

Has A Prayer Been Answered If A Miracle Doesn't Occur?

A person who rated a Christian movie wrote that, in their opinion, it did not contain enough supernatural events for a movie about God, that the things shown "could have happened anyway". Another thought the movie "brilliant". This challenged me to consider how I would explain to someone why I believe God is involved in everyday events that are not miraculous in the literal sense, but rather unfold in ordinary ways. When I first heard Christians refer to coincidental events as "God-incidences," I thought it a quaint way to explain how answers to prayer often seem. But occasionally I felt confused by the way prayers were answered; such as when events were underway before the prayer was even spoken, or when they clearly granted a long held - but unspoken - 'heart's desire*'. Were they still answers to prayer?
My understanding later broadened to accept that while we are within time and space, God - the Creator of it all - is not constrained by those same limitations. He entered our world and lives within us, but also exists outside of time to arrange when things unfold, and can use any channels at His disposal (eg. all of creation and more**) to answer a prayer or need. Viewed this way, it seems odd that we would expect Him to be uninvolved with what we experience as everyday life. Miracles, then - when the laws of nature related to time and space are momentarily suspended - are more likely to be the exception.

*"You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing." Psalm 145:16

**"But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation." Hebrews 9:11 NIV

An excellent book on the topic is "Miracles" by C.S. Lewis.

How The Ice Cube Melted

I used to feel so confused by peoples' behaviour, constantly questioning why people did or didn't do certain things. I really wanted to know, but no one would explain it to me. They would listen, then move on to something else.

Had they told me people often acted as they did because of feelings, I would likely have argued the point. I thought we were rational creatures, guided by the mind and ways we were taught to behave.

Then a mentor entered my life who began to ask me about my own feelings, and listen. I thought it odd that she was unnecessarily concerned about such things. But I really liked this person because she took such an interest in me, and her attention felt great.

Over time she helped me work through problems, taught me to treat myself well, and to pay attention to my own feelings. Suddenly the world made more sense to me: whether in constructive or destructive ways, mindfully or not, people were acting on their desires. So was I, and aware of it now I felt more alive, more self esteem, and more capable of loving others.


"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of our father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought." - 1 Chronicles 28:9 NIV