Making the Secular Sacred

I think as western believers we do a decent job at keeping things in categories. We separate our lives into different categories and aren't very comfortable when thing collide or overlap. Many Christians see things as "Christian" or "Non-Christian". Music, Art, movies, books....friends...fall into either category.

What about donkeys? God used an ass to communicate to Balaam. I believe God uses what we consider "secular" to reveal Himself, bring us to worship, and find Truth about Him. He is God, after all.

Today is Ash Wednesday. I want to challenge you to keep your eyes open this week, our first week of Lent, for new ways to hear from God and see His Glory around us. Let Him speak to you outside of "quiet time". Hearing from God can become another category in our lives that we don't let spill over into others. Let's look for God this week in the "secular."

I'm posting the lyrics to a John Mayer song called "Say." Several months ago I was experiencing major anxiety, mostly about Maegan's health. This song came on the radio and immediately I knew God was speaking to me. I doubt Mayer was talking about God, but God was talking to me. I felt such sweet relief hearing God tell me, "say what you need to say."

Take all of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems,
Better put ‘em in quotations

Say what you need to say [x8]

Walking like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you’d be better off instead,
If you only could . . .

Say what you need to say [x8]

Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You’d better know that in the end
Its better to say too much
Then never say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open

Say what you need to say [x24]

Get in shape at home!

I don't know if this is bad blog etiquette but I'm posting stuff for sale :)

We need to turn the office/work-out room into a nursery.

This equipment is in excellent condition. Both retail at around $1500 each.
We are selling a Body Solid home gym and a Vision Fitness elliptical (x6000DA), for $350 each. You can buy both for $650 total.

You can come over and test them out to see if you are interested.

favorite from last year

I took this picture last year to remind me of the hope of Spring.
We've received a lot of bad news and have been experiencing sorrow for different friends this past week. I found myself despairing that tradegy is around every corner and I began to get scared out how to face life with this knowledge.
But, I take refuge in God and His 100% goodness. I know that He is my only treasure and that I can rest in knowing nothing can separate me from Him.

Lenten Season

I wasn't raised in a church that observed Lent. So, my dad was puzzled when I told him that I was giving up sweets for Lent about 5 years ago. So, even though Lent isn't part of my religious tradition growing up, I think it's an awesome way to purposefully reflect, start new habits of spending time with God, and a great way to prepare my heart to celebrate Easter.
I used to try and experience Easter in one day. It's hard to process Christ's life, death and resurrection all in one church service. And, it had to be all done in the church service because when we get home we dive into the ham, desserts, and fun children's games....no time for quiet reflection :)
Doug and I have also made it a habit to observe Good Friday by either hosting a Good Friday remembrance dinner or getting together with friends to reflect.
All these purposeful things have made this time of year something to look forward to.
This year I've decided that I'm not giving up sweets, but I'm going to join some others doing a synchroblog while following a Lenten guide. So, I'll be doing some posts re: this study. Check out the guide and see if you want to do it too.

Trying to Pray

I don't know if you can identify with this scenerio. We are getting ready for church on Sunday morning and I'm shouting out orders and getting very frustrated with that lack of adherence. We are 5 minutes past the time we should be out of the house and now we are very stressed. The kids are whining in the back seat all the way to church..."put on music!" they demand..."why don't we have cable?" they inquire..."you are mean parents!" they surmise. We hurry to check them into their childcare rooms, rush to find a seat, then throw up our hands to join in the worship.
I find it hard to pray on days like today. I'm tired and mad from having my kids talk to me rudely and totally refuse to obey. I'm embarassed from having Maegan sass me in front of everyone at school and hit me. So, I'm throwing up my hands...but not to worship. Right now is my time to read and spend some time with God, but I'm so frustrated with my attitude that I'm having a hard time doing it. I know it's when I need to pray the most but it seems like all I can say is, "I'm sorry. God, please help me do better!" It's hard to approach God when I feel like filthy rags, but thankfully He already knows this and loves me anyhow.
I better start praying in the morning before I've had a chance to open my mouth.