Hot Air Balloons, Tethers, and Christmas

Like a runaway hot air balloon are my thoughts most December mornings. Before I can even prepare my first cup of coffee, my Christmas to-do list unfolds before me. Bake cookies for the neighbors, wrap gifts, prepare the Christmas menu,  write out Christmas cards, find the perfect gift for Rich, get haircuts for the boys, and on and on my list goes. All of these things are doable when done in a calm and methodical fashion. However, the craziness of the season can make them seem overwhelming, especially to someone like me, a perfectionist at heart. My thoughts seem to float around in my head unchecked and unrestrained leaving me paralyzed to do anything worthwhile other than be anxious.

As I sit down in my quiet spot these mornings leading up to Christmas, I imagine my Heavenly Father as the sole member of my minds’ hot air balloon ground crew. He grabs the ropes of my mind and firmly and lovingly reins me back in. He quiets my heart and shows me His perspective of this holy season. He speaks softly to me, influences my mind and my emotions, and shows me what He sees from His throne in heaven.

I hear Him whisper, “Remember Mary”. When hearing the angels’ news that she would bear a son and the future Messiah, Mary simply responded “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept what He wants.” (Luke 1:38) She waited for no in depth explanation, no bottom line, she had no “what’s in it for me” mentality. She simply said “yes” and obeyed. She graciously submitted to the will of the Father. My heavenly Father gently asks me “Do you do this Lynn?  Do you obey Me without knowing the outcome?”

I hear His still small voice say, ”Remember the shepherds”. God’s heavenly angelic messengers didn’t announce the birth of the Messiah to royalty or people of influence. Instead, God chose to proclaim the birth to the lowliest of the low-boys and men in the fields tending sheep. (Luke 2:8-20)  My heart quickens as I am reminded that I, too, was no one of spectacular importance yet my Abba Father chose to reveal His Son to me. Praise God-I once was blind, but now I see! 

I hear His soft voice say, “Remember the gifts of the Magi”. The wise men from the East brought gifts to worship the King. (Matthew 2:11,12) I am reminded that this season is about worshipping my Savior  and not about the material gifts I give or get or how pretty the wrapped boxes are that they come in.

I sense his Spirit in me telling me “Remember Immanuel-God with us.” I am amazed as He reminds me that it’s not “God with me some of the time”. It’s not “God with me when I’ve been good”. It’s God with me. Plain and simply- God with me always-24/7. 

I hear Him speak softly “Remember the Baby”. Jesus left the comfort of His home in heaven, took on flesh, and dwelt among us the fallen and corrupt.  “And so the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.” (John 1:14) He came for me. He came to feel human feelings much the same way I do. He experienced loss, pain, disappointment.  He came so that He could understand and relate to me and that I can, likewise, relate to Him. I am overwhelmed that He willingly took on human flesh for me and for all mankind.

Lastly, I hear whisper encouragingly “Remember Simeon and Anna.” Filled with hope and enlightened by the Holy Spirit, they both waited for years, eagerly expected the Messiah to come and rescue their precious Israel. (Luke 2:25-32,36-38) I sense God asking me “What are you hoping for, Lynn? Do you believe that I can rescue you? He emphatically says to me “I can do all things. I keep My promises. I cannot lie”.

And so, my Father, God, quiets my heart and realigns my thoughts these December mornings.  He shows me the importance of this time of the year. It’s not about singing carols, it’s not about the decorations, it’s not about the sugar cookies, it’s not the gifts. It’s about Him, my Savior. I breathe this truth in and exhale it out.  I am now ready to walk out into my day. And, like a hot air balloon, my Heavenly Grounds Crewman, releases the tethers to my renewed thoughts and I go in the direction that He has prepared for me.

“For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us.  And the government will rest on His shoulders.  These will be His royal titles.  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~Isaiah 9:6

BEAUTY FOR ASHES

I’m frequently searching for toys to keep my little shih tzu, Patrick Henry, entertained. His newest toy is a braided rope with knots on the end. He and I play a game with it daily. The game goes something like this: I throw rope, he retrieves rope, he runs back with rope firmly in mouth, he doesn’t let go of rope, I forcefully wrestle and pry rope out of mouth, I throw rope again, repeat.

All of this rope wrestling and prying reminds me of God’s promises. Now stay with me here and let me explain. When God promises us something, it’s important for us to hold on, and unlike Patrick, never let them go. 

I have a promise that I am holding onto for dear life. “To all who mourn in Israel,    He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning,    festive praise instead of despair.” Isaiah 61:3a (NLT)

I recently lost my Mom and, quite frankly, I’m tired of ashes, mourning, and despair. I’m counting on God to come through with His promise of beauty, joy, and praise. He already has in many ways. The loss of my Mom has brought my father, siblings, and me closer to each other than ever before. I now spend a couple of days a week with my Dad and I’ve rediscovered the joy that the family farm gives me. I’ve begun talking candidly with my Dad about things I put off saying to my Mom like: “I’m so glad I’m your daughter” and “You’ve done an excellent job in raising me” and “I wouldn’t change a thing about my childhood” and “You know, Dad, God has plans for you”. 

The Bible is filled with numerous promises from our heavenly Father.  Promises that are ours and should never be wrestled or pried from us. So go on, open His Word, retrieve His promises, take them firmly in your heart, and hold onto them and never let go.

BE MY VALENTINE…An Invitation From My Father

The three sugar-hungry boys tore open the small pink and red boxes and let the contents pour out in front of them.  I watched the small candy hearts bounce and slide across the table.  Each boy made short work of devouring the little pastel wafers.  Before they would pop one in their mouths, each boy would call out the saying stamped on the front.  “Kiss Me”, “Hug Me”, “E-mail Me”, “Text Me”.

“Here, Mom, you can have these,” Lucas said as he slid a group of hearts across the table to me.  As I glanced down at them it was as if God, My Father, was right beside me speaking each stamped message aloud to me.  “Miss You”, “I’m Yours”, Be Mine”, “Love You”.

The past few months have been a season of change, transition, and just plain busyness for me. Not only are my son’s sports schedules becoming more and more time consuming, but the added pressure of teaching upper level homeschooling subjects and a part-time job for me have made me feel as if I’m being pulled in all directions.  Throw three very rambunctious, large motor boys into the mix, and, well, let’s just say that there isn’t much room for quiet in my house. 

My quiet time with Him had been feeling hurried and compacted to just a few short minutes.  When I did find the time to be still and quiet myself before Him, I was unfocused with what seemed like a bad case of A.D.D.  I felt like I was giving everything and everyone else my all and giving Him my left-overs.

Who knew that four candy hearts staring up at me could speak right to me loud and clear.   If God can use people and situations as divine appointments, why not four little candy wafers?

“Miss You”   He  whispered.  “Return to Me,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.” (Zech 1:3)

“I’m Yours”  He reminded me.  “The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate.” (Ps 103:13)

“Be Mine”   He said invitingly.  “Listen to the LORD who created you.  O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)

“Love You”  He said clearly.  “And may you have the power to understand  how long, how high, and how deep his love is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (Eph. 3:18-19).

                I thank God that He knows me so well and intimately.  He is patient with me.  He knows my weaknesses and where I fall short.  He knows my dreams and my desires.  He has plans for me.  I truly am His Valentine and He is mine.