And finally, two poems that speak volumes-
They are HIS waves, whether they break over us,
Hiding His face in smothering spray and foam;
Or smooth and sparkling, spread a path before us,
And to our haven bear us safely home.
They are HIS waves, whether for our sure comfort
He walks across them, stilling all our fear;
Or to our cry there comes no aid nor answer,
And in the lonely silence none is near.
They are HIS waves, whether we are hard-striving
Through tempest-driven waves that never cease,
While deep to deep with turmil loud is calling;
Or at His word they hush themselves in peace.
They are HIS waves, whether He separates them,
Making us walk dry ground where seas had flowed;
Or lets tumultuous breakers surge about us,
Rising unchecked across our only road.
They are HIS waves, and he directs us through them
So He has promised, so His love will do.
Keeping and leading, guiding and upholding,
To His sure harbor, he will bring us through.
Annie Johnson Flint- Streams in the Desert
Blessed is he whose faith is not offended,
When all around his way
the power of God is working out deliverance
for others day by day;
Though in some prison dark his own soul does fail,
till life itself be spent,
Yet still can trust his Father's love and purpose,
and rest therein content.
Blessed is he, who through long years of suffering,
Not now from active toil,
Still shares by prayer and praise the work of others,
and thus "divides the spoil."
Blessed are you, O child of God, who does suffer,
and cannot understand
The reason for your pain, yet will gladly leave
Your life in His blest Hand.
Yes, blessed are you whose faith is "not offended"
By trials unexplained,
By mysteries unsolved, past understanding
Until the goal is gained.
Freda Hanbury Allen- Streams in the Desert
Saturday, November 24, 2007
When I was growing up, my mom had the habit of putting verses up around our house. They were her little way of reminding us of truth without having to lecture us. On the TV was a little note card that said, "I will put no evil thing before mine eye". The one that I remember best was above the sink. I hated (and still dislike) to wash dishes. Written in red ink on a tiny index card was the verse, "When the people complained it displeased the Lord, and the Lord heard it and His anger was kindled." Nothing like a little guilt to make time pass while washing dishes. There I was, scrubbing the pots and rinsing the soap meditating on that verse. And it stuck.
Complaining. I fall so easily into it. There have been some big changes at work- and some meetings have not gone as I anticipated, and I've been angry. I've been complaining. It is so wrong- not necessarily my frustrations but the way I've gone about handling it. Not talking to the right person who can fix the problem. I need to work at holding my tongue and using it to build up my team instead of chiming in with the grumbling.
Thanksgiving has come and gone and it is good to take time to reflect on God's goodness. In the last four weeks- I have seen God's goodness so clearly. In my time of need, He showed up big time and made Himself apparent. He hasn't alleviated the pain or fixed the situations- but He has demonstrated His power to bring comfort, clarity and peace. He has provided insights and clear answers to questions plaguing my heart.
Last night we took the teens to Superbowl. God so abundantly provided an amazing bus to transport our crew of 41. He gave safety and clarity-focus for our driver and keen attention from our teens during the message. Three girls went forward for dedication, one for salvation (though I'm not sure where she is at- pray for her) and one of our guys to cement his decision. It was awesome to hear that he had been reading the Word and coming to a place of surrender but wanted to "make it a clear memory" last night. Kim had the opportunity to share with him and want a blessing it was to see his smile as he relayed the conversation. I sit back, humbled and amazed at our kids. Last year we took under twenty- this year we doubled. We have so many new faces amongst our group. Many do not know the Lord and yet they are so real. They are open with their questions- open about their doubts. And....they keep coming back. I'm floored. We've got something- they may not know they want it yet, but they sense a difference. They sense a safe place and they know they are loved. One girl said, "The first time I came here, I almost walked out- everyone was so holy!" But, she keeps coming back (and we are far from holy....). Last week, when she said she didn't know why she kept coming, I was able to share with her that I believe God has a calling on her heart. I encouraged her to keep seeking, asking questions and asking God to show up. How amazing to sit with her and pray that very prayer. And- to send her home with a Bible and quiet time. Pray she begins to read God's Word and that it speaks to her heart. What an amazing privilege we have to work with these teens. It is not to be taken lightly. They have been a source of blessing and encouragement to me.
His Word has been soothing to my soul and I find myself anticipating my time with Him everyday. Sadly, that has not always been the case. So easily I fall into the trap of fitting in my quick quiet time to ease my conscience and suffice "the requirement". In the last two months, my quiet times have deepened- the Word has pierced my heart with challenge, conviction and comfort. His Word is sufficient to calm all our anxieties, to answer each question, to give direction and hope.
In school this week, we listed what we were thankful for...
I am thankful for....
- Family and friends: who listen, hold me, cry with me, challenge, remind, soothe, laugh, give solace, say the things I wish I could
- For daily provision: to meet my obligations, to provide for my needs and to enjoy the activities around me
- For a job: that satisfies my intellect, gives purpose, meets real needs, provides ministry
- For ministry: provides challenges to my character and ability, allows for creativity and risks, creates opportunity to be in the middle of God's Work
- For my teens: whose hunger and desire is contagious, who want to serve, who have great ideas and enthusiasm, who hold me accountable, who question, explore and want what's real, who challenge me to be authentic, who force me to know and live Truth
- For the simple pleasures: holding a baby in awe, hearing laughs and giggles, watching smiles and camaraderie, hearing a teen pray, watching someone take a risk, seeing someone blessed through service, the beat of a drum, new flannel sheets, moments to escape in creativity, a song that speaks to my soul, dinner with a friend, extra time to catch up, extra time to relax, parents that listen and come alongside of you, a thank-you, my cat's purr, a brother who runs that last-minute errand I can't get to, being able to ask for help
- For the confidence: of knowing that nothing happens to us that has not first passed through God's hands- it is given to us with His full knowledge and with purpose. All that we experience has the fundamental purpose to increase our desire for God and to draw us to Himself.
- For the assurance that:
"God is faithful" Psalm 89:1
"No good thing will He withhold from the people who walk upright." Psalm 84:11
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." Psalm 37:23
"Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave." 1 Kings 8:56
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our heart knows, the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." Romans 8:26-27
"All things work together for good to them that love God." Romans 8:28
"Is anything to hard for the LORD?" Genesis 18:14
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline." Revelation 3:19
"Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." Philippians 3:7
"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed." Romans 4:18
"Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." John 12:24
"....so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again." Psalm 71:20
"Blessed is the one who waits." Daniel 12:12
"Commit your way to the Lord." Psalm 37:5
"Do you believer that I am able to do this?" Matthew 9:28
"Be still and KNOW that I am God." Psalm 46:10
May you know that HE is God
Always~
Elisabeth
Complaining. I fall so easily into it. There have been some big changes at work- and some meetings have not gone as I anticipated, and I've been angry. I've been complaining. It is so wrong- not necessarily my frustrations but the way I've gone about handling it. Not talking to the right person who can fix the problem. I need to work at holding my tongue and using it to build up my team instead of chiming in with the grumbling.
Thanksgiving has come and gone and it is good to take time to reflect on God's goodness. In the last four weeks- I have seen God's goodness so clearly. In my time of need, He showed up big time and made Himself apparent. He hasn't alleviated the pain or fixed the situations- but He has demonstrated His power to bring comfort, clarity and peace. He has provided insights and clear answers to questions plaguing my heart.
Last night we took the teens to Superbowl. God so abundantly provided an amazing bus to transport our crew of 41. He gave safety and clarity-focus for our driver and keen attention from our teens during the message. Three girls went forward for dedication, one for salvation (though I'm not sure where she is at- pray for her) and one of our guys to cement his decision. It was awesome to hear that he had been reading the Word and coming to a place of surrender but wanted to "make it a clear memory" last night. Kim had the opportunity to share with him and want a blessing it was to see his smile as he relayed the conversation. I sit back, humbled and amazed at our kids. Last year we took under twenty- this year we doubled. We have so many new faces amongst our group. Many do not know the Lord and yet they are so real. They are open with their questions- open about their doubts. And....they keep coming back. I'm floored. We've got something- they may not know they want it yet, but they sense a difference. They sense a safe place and they know they are loved. One girl said, "The first time I came here, I almost walked out- everyone was so holy!" But, she keeps coming back (and we are far from holy....). Last week, when she said she didn't know why she kept coming, I was able to share with her that I believe God has a calling on her heart. I encouraged her to keep seeking, asking questions and asking God to show up. How amazing to sit with her and pray that very prayer. And- to send her home with a Bible and quiet time. Pray she begins to read God's Word and that it speaks to her heart. What an amazing privilege we have to work with these teens. It is not to be taken lightly. They have been a source of blessing and encouragement to me.
His Word has been soothing to my soul and I find myself anticipating my time with Him everyday. Sadly, that has not always been the case. So easily I fall into the trap of fitting in my quick quiet time to ease my conscience and suffice "the requirement". In the last two months, my quiet times have deepened- the Word has pierced my heart with challenge, conviction and comfort. His Word is sufficient to calm all our anxieties, to answer each question, to give direction and hope.
In school this week, we listed what we were thankful for...
I am thankful for....
- Family and friends: who listen, hold me, cry with me, challenge, remind, soothe, laugh, give solace, say the things I wish I could
- For daily provision: to meet my obligations, to provide for my needs and to enjoy the activities around me
- For a job: that satisfies my intellect, gives purpose, meets real needs, provides ministry
- For ministry: provides challenges to my character and ability, allows for creativity and risks, creates opportunity to be in the middle of God's Work
- For my teens: whose hunger and desire is contagious, who want to serve, who have great ideas and enthusiasm, who hold me accountable, who question, explore and want what's real, who challenge me to be authentic, who force me to know and live Truth
- For the simple pleasures: holding a baby in awe, hearing laughs and giggles, watching smiles and camaraderie, hearing a teen pray, watching someone take a risk, seeing someone blessed through service, the beat of a drum, new flannel sheets, moments to escape in creativity, a song that speaks to my soul, dinner with a friend, extra time to catch up, extra time to relax, parents that listen and come alongside of you, a thank-you, my cat's purr, a brother who runs that last-minute errand I can't get to, being able to ask for help
- For the confidence: of knowing that nothing happens to us that has not first passed through God's hands- it is given to us with His full knowledge and with purpose. All that we experience has the fundamental purpose to increase our desire for God and to draw us to Himself.
- For the assurance that:
"God is faithful" Psalm 89:1
"No good thing will He withhold from the people who walk upright." Psalm 84:11
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." Psalm 37:23
"Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave." 1 Kings 8:56
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our heart knows, the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." Romans 8:26-27
"All things work together for good to them that love God." Romans 8:28
"Is anything to hard for the LORD?" Genesis 18:14
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline." Revelation 3:19
"Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." Philippians 3:7
"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed." Romans 4:18
"Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." John 12:24
"....so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again." Psalm 71:20
"Blessed is the one who waits." Daniel 12:12
"Commit your way to the Lord." Psalm 37:5
"Do you believer that I am able to do this?" Matthew 9:28
"Be still and KNOW that I am God." Psalm 46:10
May you know that HE is God
Always~
Elisabeth
Saturday, November 03, 2007
The blog has been silent for a few days now- basically because I wasn't sure how to formulate all that has been swirling around in my mind. My journals have been a source of release and maybe some day I'll be in a place where I can share them.
What I can say is that God is good. Simply that. He is good. It doesn't all feel good, appear good or that the circumstances are even good. But- GOD is good. What we are experiencing at this moment is HIS best for us. It boggles my mind to think that the pain I see others experiencing: the loss, the hurt, the unanswered questions, could in anyway be good. When I hear from friends that continue to struggle with loneliness, when I see friends in terrible circumstances that they themselves did not create. When I see my teens struggling to make their faith their own and having so many questions. When I see a student body that is so lost and blinded. When I know I have loved ones that go to bed hungry every night and wondering if there will be money to feed their children tomorrow.....
It doesn't seem so good.
And then I look at my situation- and realize that it is all so petty in light of the pain and suffering in the world. Simply not having things the way I wanted them, having my needs unmet, my dreams unfulfilled- so small in terms of the greater picture.
But- pain is pain. Hurt is hurt. It may look different, appear in varying degrees- but it is real. It is present. And it has to be worked through. Not on a specific timetable- but given the time to ooze and ebb until is has been satisfied in God.
I've been immersing myself in reading these last two weeks- the Word, books to bring comfort, books to bring perspective.
One book that has been incredible (and I highly recommend you reading it....though I haven't finished it yet)- is "Shattered Dreams" by Larry Crabb. A pretty dramatic title....but most definately the best book I've read on dealing with loss and pain. Nothing sugar coated here- and he says everything you and I wish we could say (a couple of times I had to stop and say....this is a Christian book? because his comments were so "unchristian" but exactly what you and I are thinking)
Let me give you one quick quote:
"Our fondest dreams for this life, the ones we naturally believe are essential to our happiness, must be fully abandoned if we are to know God well. But we cannot abandon without help. The help we need, most often is suffering, the pain of seeing at least a few of our fondest dreams shattered. Shattered dreams are necessary for spiritual growth."
Ouch- not a comforting quote. But quite possibly a very true statement. We'd all like to coast through the Christian life comfortably- doing our thing, helping others, enjoying a few minutes of "the daily bread". But, it is suffering that brings us to our knees- that propels us to His Word for comfort, that ignites true worship- enabling us to see that God is good. And, we should not hide during these times of suffering. Our initial reaction is to curl up in our darken bedroom and escape from the questions, pressures- from life. It is by far harder to experience suffering in the marketplace- in the midst of ministry- in the midst of life. And yet doing so allows others to particpate and to see God's work in us.
Suffering also allows us to have a clearer perspective- I've seen amazing things of God in these last two weeks. Seeing Him working in our youth group, drawing my teens closer to Him, seeing two girls make professions of faith, seeing the hunger for truth, the enthusiasm to serve the Lord. His Word has been a soothing balm and times of worship have been moving, refreshing and healing (if you haven't heard the Integrity iWorship 24:7 cd- you have to get it......I think it was produced just for me and this season). And the reminder of the amazing relationships/friendships that God has brought into my life- that minister to my heart and soul- providing comfort, listening, offering reminders of God's faithfulness and speaking truth. It allows you to truly experience community.
One song that has become my heartsong is "None But Jesus" (sung by Christy Nockels on 24:7)
In the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call I won’t refuse
Each new day again I’ll choose
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
In the chaos, in confusion
I know You’re Sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
When You call I won’t delay
This my song through all my days
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord
Forevermore
Praying that your delight is in the Lord- regardless of your circumstances, regardless of your shattered dreams. It isn't easy and God knows that. Ask Him to be your delight- Ask Him to help you make those choices. And, I have feeling He will meet you there- because He delights in You. Because He wants His best for you- and sees far beyond what we can.
Always~
Elisabeth
What I can say is that God is good. Simply that. He is good. It doesn't all feel good, appear good or that the circumstances are even good. But- GOD is good. What we are experiencing at this moment is HIS best for us. It boggles my mind to think that the pain I see others experiencing: the loss, the hurt, the unanswered questions, could in anyway be good. When I hear from friends that continue to struggle with loneliness, when I see friends in terrible circumstances that they themselves did not create. When I see my teens struggling to make their faith their own and having so many questions. When I see a student body that is so lost and blinded. When I know I have loved ones that go to bed hungry every night and wondering if there will be money to feed their children tomorrow.....
It doesn't seem so good.
And then I look at my situation- and realize that it is all so petty in light of the pain and suffering in the world. Simply not having things the way I wanted them, having my needs unmet, my dreams unfulfilled- so small in terms of the greater picture.
But- pain is pain. Hurt is hurt. It may look different, appear in varying degrees- but it is real. It is present. And it has to be worked through. Not on a specific timetable- but given the time to ooze and ebb until is has been satisfied in God.
I've been immersing myself in reading these last two weeks- the Word, books to bring comfort, books to bring perspective.
One book that has been incredible (and I highly recommend you reading it....though I haven't finished it yet)- is "Shattered Dreams" by Larry Crabb. A pretty dramatic title....but most definately the best book I've read on dealing with loss and pain. Nothing sugar coated here- and he says everything you and I wish we could say (a couple of times I had to stop and say....this is a Christian book? because his comments were so "unchristian" but exactly what you and I are thinking)
Let me give you one quick quote:
"Our fondest dreams for this life, the ones we naturally believe are essential to our happiness, must be fully abandoned if we are to know God well. But we cannot abandon without help. The help we need, most often is suffering, the pain of seeing at least a few of our fondest dreams shattered. Shattered dreams are necessary for spiritual growth."
Ouch- not a comforting quote. But quite possibly a very true statement. We'd all like to coast through the Christian life comfortably- doing our thing, helping others, enjoying a few minutes of "the daily bread". But, it is suffering that brings us to our knees- that propels us to His Word for comfort, that ignites true worship- enabling us to see that God is good. And, we should not hide during these times of suffering. Our initial reaction is to curl up in our darken bedroom and escape from the questions, pressures- from life. It is by far harder to experience suffering in the marketplace- in the midst of ministry- in the midst of life. And yet doing so allows others to particpate and to see God's work in us.
Suffering also allows us to have a clearer perspective- I've seen amazing things of God in these last two weeks. Seeing Him working in our youth group, drawing my teens closer to Him, seeing two girls make professions of faith, seeing the hunger for truth, the enthusiasm to serve the Lord. His Word has been a soothing balm and times of worship have been moving, refreshing and healing (if you haven't heard the Integrity iWorship 24:7 cd- you have to get it......I think it was produced just for me and this season). And the reminder of the amazing relationships/friendships that God has brought into my life- that minister to my heart and soul- providing comfort, listening, offering reminders of God's faithfulness and speaking truth. It allows you to truly experience community.
One song that has become my heartsong is "None But Jesus" (sung by Christy Nockels on 24:7)
In the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored
When You call I won’t refuse
Each new day again I’ll choose
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise
In the chaos, in confusion
I know You’re Sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will
When You call I won’t delay
This my song through all my days
All my delight is in You Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You Lord
Forevermore
Praying that your delight is in the Lord- regardless of your circumstances, regardless of your shattered dreams. It isn't easy and God knows that. Ask Him to be your delight- Ask Him to help you make those choices. And, I have feeling He will meet you there- because He delights in You. Because He wants His best for you- and sees far beyond what we can.
Always~
Elisabeth
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Last weekend was amazing. Both of our events (STORM and the Youth Rally) were well attended. They ran incredibly smoothly- there were moments were I stood back in complete amazement.
For the STORM event- the teens are asked to go out an invite their friends back for an evening of games, food and speaker. It forces them to step out of their comfort zone and take risks. Our teens were amazing! Some were reluctant and learned some powerful lessons as a result. Others were so excited! We had a total of 57 teens attend- with 29 of them being friends! The evening ran well and the gospel presentation was really clear. Our teens were really encouraged by what they saw. One boy, who was quite the heckler at the event- actually had the opportunity to win a free weekend at snow camp. The speaker was able to talk to him individually afterwards and he even returned to club this week. We are so excited about what God is going to do in him life. We are also praying for the seeds planted and that our teens will continue to have the courage to invite their friends to youth group and other events.
Sunday we hosted a youth rally- I invited 14 youth groups to attend but only heard back from 5. I was nervous about numbers- hoping that we would have a good turnout. We ended up having 117 teens/adults attend. When they started arriving, I was pleased with the number of kids I saw- then I went outside and saw a mass of 40 kids playing football- I was overwhelmed! We had a worship band from a neighboring church come and they did an amazing job. The worship time was sweet and allowed our teens to experience something outside of their comfort zone- it was also the first time drums were used in our church (sad)- but so awesome! I can not wait to do another rally. I hope next time we are able to encourage even more interaction between the youth groups. One of the best parts was seeing a young man who came this time last year and got saved- stand up and challenge the entire group to stand for Christ in their schools. The change in this boys life has been amazing!
These events took a lot of planning and so many hands. In the end, I had to relinquish my plans and let God have full rein. And- it is amazing to see what happens when you do that.
Looking forward to a day of rest~
Always
Elisabeth
For the STORM event- the teens are asked to go out an invite their friends back for an evening of games, food and speaker. It forces them to step out of their comfort zone and take risks. Our teens were amazing! Some were reluctant and learned some powerful lessons as a result. Others were so excited! We had a total of 57 teens attend- with 29 of them being friends! The evening ran well and the gospel presentation was really clear. Our teens were really encouraged by what they saw. One boy, who was quite the heckler at the event- actually had the opportunity to win a free weekend at snow camp. The speaker was able to talk to him individually afterwards and he even returned to club this week. We are so excited about what God is going to do in him life. We are also praying for the seeds planted and that our teens will continue to have the courage to invite their friends to youth group and other events.
Sunday we hosted a youth rally- I invited 14 youth groups to attend but only heard back from 5. I was nervous about numbers- hoping that we would have a good turnout. We ended up having 117 teens/adults attend. When they started arriving, I was pleased with the number of kids I saw- then I went outside and saw a mass of 40 kids playing football- I was overwhelmed! We had a worship band from a neighboring church come and they did an amazing job. The worship time was sweet and allowed our teens to experience something outside of their comfort zone- it was also the first time drums were used in our church (sad)- but so awesome! I can not wait to do another rally. I hope next time we are able to encourage even more interaction between the youth groups. One of the best parts was seeing a young man who came this time last year and got saved- stand up and challenge the entire group to stand for Christ in their schools. The change in this boys life has been amazing!
These events took a lot of planning and so many hands. In the end, I had to relinquish my plans and let God have full rein. And- it is amazing to see what happens when you do that.
Looking forward to a day of rest~
Always
Elisabeth
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