P52: Spring Break Nebraska Style

Even though I'm not technically in school, I still got to have a "spring break"--not technically, because I'm a part-time graduate student who works full-time.  Anyway, my brother was planning to go home, and since I was also planning on making a trip back to "The Good Life" state, we combined them and road-tripped together!

The week at home was just as prescribed by my boss: fun and restful.  Well, mostly restful...haha!  If anyone knows my family, then you also know that we had something going on everyday, even if that was just needing to clean the house.  For late March in Nebraska, the weather was beautiful, boasting several 60s and 70s on different occasions.  There was even some green grass peeping it's head through the brown.  It won't last long however, if they get a good snow storm, which would also be perfectly normal for that area of the world.

We traveled down over the weekend, breaking up the trip in half by stopping at relatives along the way.  The drive was very uneventful--even though we took my unpredictable, yet surprisingly reliable car, Gabriella.  I only had to coax her up a few hills!  Driving across Nebraska is lovely; you see a lot more than corn-fields, and hear a lot of interesting things.  The first of much laughter came when I exclaimed to my brother to look at some sheep in a pasture!  I mean, they looked like sheep, at first glance.  He burst out that those white creatures were actually cows.  No, I haven't spent too much time in the city!  They were white cows.  I rarely see white cows.  I was also driving, and just had a moment to look at the animals (Yes, I'm trying to justify my claim; my brother didn't think it worked either!).  Anyway, it was good for a laugh, and a trip joke for the rest of the time!  A road-trip also provides lots of time for listening to music.  Somewhere in the middle of nowhere Nebraska, where all the radio stations a person can listen too are either talk-radio or country, we heard the most unique weather alert.  The DJ was reading the forecast for the next few days and was talking about the chance of rain.  However, instead of talking about a "chance for rain" or "drizzle" or "light rain", he said, "tomorrow will bring some sprinkles..."  Sprinkles??  What color?  This little slip-up made for quite the laugh--I was crying actually--and the story to tell the family when we arrived.

Time at home was wonderful.  We did some work to re-model and organize my dad's office, including moving/dusting/re-organizing all of his books to put on the new bookshelves.  It was a task, but his new library is quite stunning!  I also tried my hand a spray-painting.  No, I didn't add graffiti to a road-sign, instead the once-tan file cabinet is now covered and hidden in black.  I had lots of time to do some reading and writing, more like catching up on much needed "personal reflection/thinking" time, and most importantly extra unhindered time with the Lord through His word and prayer.  On a couple of afternoons, I headed out for a run along the highway that heads north of town.  After about a quarter of a mile, I've completely passed all the buildings and am jogging in the open country--very invigorating!  My little sisters had some basketball games over the weekend, so our family packed up and headed to cheer them on!  Oh, how, I've forgotten (and missed) the excitement of junior high basketball games.  The girls do a great job; no doubt learning all their skills from big-sister!  (Okay, not quite ALL) :)  My new nephew was another diversion from the mundane schedule.  We took a day trip to visit him and his parents; he's such a cutie and great addition to the Parker family!  One of the evenings before I left, my sisters and I decided to go to see the new "Cinderella" movie.  It was great "sister-time".  We talked and laughed and joked and teased all the way there and back (it was a 60 minute drive).  Since there is quite an age gap between us, this was probably the first time we've been able to spend time doing something we all enjoy and can comprehend.  Little sisters are the best.  And brothers are pretty cool too.  Without them, I would have been alone for the road-trip; I wouldn't have a nephew; my sisters and I wouldn't have gone out for ice-cream after the movie; and I wouldn't have had someone to tease about his "learners-permit" driving skills!

And now back to normal life--for two days!

Thank you, Lord, for family and a place to call home.  Thank you for friends and people who know know me, and have loved me since I was very little.  Thank you for small towns and the reminder of Your purpose and plan.

                     

                Grand"mom" and Grandpa with Silas

Look at that sweet face!  

we have matching facial expressions; just enjoying life! 

She's shooting a free throw.

She's playing defense.  

                          

                                          This basically sums up the trip--except that I was driving most of the time...

P52: a song

Oh Lord, let Your words be on my lips,

in my mind, 

and in my heart.

Like a distant melody, which awakens the soul;

more tender thoughts of You, Your Son, Your Spirit, Your Word.

Oh, that I may know You as You are!

Not shrouded through earthly eyes,

but with redeemed eyes behold Your majesty.

For my feeble eyes cannot begin to take in all the facets of who You are;

they must be made new to comprehend in perfection the glory of God.

That You chose to be stained for us; we cannot truly know nor grasp the sacrifice.

Ever learning, tracing the Lamb who was slain and raised so that we can have eternal life.

No work can we credit our Redeemer for what He has purchased; 

striving for our account, then seems to make His worthless.  

And His all the more 

glorious, 

beautiful, 

holy, 

gracious, 

merciful, 

loving, 

coming from the Father.  

P52: "holy" jealousy and humble pie

You know that feeling of jealousy and envy that comes over Christians when we hear someone's druggie-to-believer testimony or the daily tales of evangelizing or adventures of Bible translation in the jungles?  We hear the stories, then immediately start evaluating our own normal, 8:00 to 5:00 job and ministries at our churches.  Sometimes we start thinking--if only I could do something cool and exciting for God.  We sigh and start dreaming of what life would have been like outside of God's plan.  We justify our feelings of jealousy and envy, claiming they are "holy" because we are wanting something good.

Right?

Wrong!

Okay, maybe I'm the only one.  I'll admit that I struggle with these thoughts at times.  Especially right now, I am privileged to work in a Christian environment with great co-workers.  My job primarily consists of building relationships with other believers and encouraging them to pursue a Biblical education.  It is a very rewarding job and lots of fun at times!  It's a gift from the Lord.

But even these things, I can forget.  And start to complain and wish that I had more exciting stories to tell.

Humble Pie.

I started to pray about making connections with people, and having more opportunities to share the gospel.  The Lord answered; and for me, in a very unexpected way.  In fact, the opportunity came during a busy weekend event that my department was hosting for prospective students.  When one of them asked to talk with me about some questions she had, I assumed it had to do with my job.  It did, but not questions about education, questions about eternity.

She had so many questions.  I was caught off guard, but overjoyed.  I started to pray, asking the Lord for wisdom to know how to share the truth and encourage her battered heart.  We talked for several hours.  God knows her heart and He was working right there.  She is a new sister and new creation in Christ.

As I drove back home that night, I couldn't stop smiling.  God is so good.  He was continuing to show His faithfulness by using me to share the gospel.  Having to think through the wonderful truths of forgiveness, justification, and identity in Christ brought a whole new realization and perspective to what God has and is doing in my own heart.  There's nothing like proclaiming the gospel to others that helps remind your own heart!

My Lesson:

• The next time you're tempted with "holy" jealousy, don't fall for the trick!  Remember God's faithfulness in your life and how He has brought you to the place you are now.  Pray for opportunities to share the gospel with others, and don't be surprised by the unexpected.  Know the gospel; let it's truth be like an old friend to your heart and lips. 

Jesus paid it all; all to Him I owe, 

Sin had left a crimson stain; He washed it white as snow.  

P52: On Aunt-hood

There's this little boy who has stolen my heart, and I haven't even met him yet.  His name is Silas Landon Parker, the first son of my older brother and sister-in-law.  He is a beautiful (er..handsome) bundle of baby!

I've always heard--and now get to test the theory--that being an aunt is one of the greatest things.  It's right up there with grand-parenting.  Apparently, there is some pleasure found in spoiling your respective nephew or niece and then giving them back to the parents.  Or at least I've heard this rumor more than once!  Rest assured, little nephew, there will be no spoiling here--only cookies, presents, toys, and lots of "quality" time.

Oh, great aunts, uncles and the to-be's, take heed!

Tip 1:   Don't do anything over the top.  Simple sophistication with a thoughtful touch is sure to win over the little niece or nephew, and their parents.  While those fuzzy pink, matching hats might be cute in the store, it just looks far to cheesy once you actually put them on.

Tip 2: Food--especially desserts--speaks to Daddy; extra time to sleep, speaks to Mommy.

Tip 3: Don't worry about the competition.  Yes, you may have to fight popularity with grandmas, grandpas and zealous uncles, but it will all come out in the end.  Besides, who can resist an aunt who really takes time to listen and just be there when she needs to be.  Also, the one who plays fair might get a slow start, but they will be rewarded in the end.


Oh, the irony, I really don't know a whole lot about being an aunt.  I'm sure that I'll learn a lot over the years to have more tips and tidbits for other eager aunts and uncles.  But till then...







Tip 4: The Best Aunts are Humble.

P52: Valentine's thoughts

There is one day in February that is filled with pink, red, hearts, chocolate, and teddy bears.  Some laugh at Valentine's Day for it's commercialism--like every other "American" holiday, while others glow in the light of the love flowing on February 14.  I noticed anticipation and excitement as well as fear and loneliness.  What's the big deal about Valentine's Day?  Does this holiday really matter?

Valentine's Day for the those who know God should be a reminder of true love.  Love of and from God shows us what to celebrate.

God is Love.  

Love is patient. 

Love is kind. 

Love does not boast; it praises and glorifies God.

Love is not envious; it is thankful and rejoices with others

Love is not arrogant; it thinks of others more highly than itself.

Love is not rude; it evaluates what it does to honor the other 

Love does not insist on it's own way; it gives freely and lays down it's own rights.

Love is not irritable; it is filled with grace and truth.

Love is not resentful; it willingly forgives as it has been forgiven.

Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

Love bears all things. 

Love believes all things. 

Love hopes all things. 

Love endures all things.  

P52: Music Monday

Recent Fascination: 

I've been a little overwhelmed recently by a fascination with lyrics, story, and music.  It all started on Friday night after some friends and I attended a small concert of a new-to-me folk-pop husband and wife duo, The Gray Havens.  Their music was fun and whimsical, combining deep and clever lyrics with sweet and unusual melodies.  During the concert, they shared the goal of writing story in music to share deep truths and make realities easier to understand.  

Which, by the way, if you've never heard or checked out music by The Gray Havens, do it today!  

With this recent fascination, I've been playing many primitive lines and phrases through my head and singing them in my own way.  It's been a fun exercise; although I have a lot of work to do to create a "good" song!  One of the challenges comes from my need to expand my vocabulary with words that express thoughts and colors and sounds and feelings and pictures.  Another comes from reading and learning new, and re-learning old, ways of communicating truth presented in books, especially Scripture.  And maybe one of these weeks, I'll publish an "original"; but for the moment, I will spare you all!     

The Power of Song:

I remember having long conversations growing up and while Bible college about the significance of music and rhythm and harmony.  Does music have power?  Is it amoral?  Is there an absolute standard of musical style in Scripture?  What should we be listening too?  Does it matter?  Can you listen to music simply to enjoy it or will it subconsciously effect you?  How quickly can music affect you?  And so on... 

Though it is an interesting conversation, as I've been growing in my walk with the Lord, it isn't as much of a question.  I've realized that music does indeed effect the things I think about or contemplate.  If I am struggling with something, some genres of music actually do more to stimulate lies in my brain.  Or when I'm discouraged, other music is like a balm to my weary soul.  

I was actually laughing to myself this weekend as I was traveling by myself to visit some friends.  I grabbed a bunch of CD's to help the trip go faster (a.k.a. keep me awake).  One of them was labeled, "It's a Sunny Day", and since it was a sunny day, I popped it into the player.  Of the 19 songs on the CD, at least 80% of them were melancholy love/break-up/sappy songs.  Yes, I laughed too; so much for sunshine!  However, I did smile at the memories that came flooding back with each "sunny" song; those were almost enough to make the label accurate!  

Knowing my own sinful heart--prone to wander, Lord I feel it--I'm noticing how much care needs to be taken with what I feed my mind.  Call this an elementary, Christian-living principle, but taken at the ground-level-practical-life stage it looks like making choices to listen to things that glorify God and reflect the beauty of His character and creation.  

Jesus explained this in Mark 7, as He was talking to a group of people and Pharisees. 

He said, "And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand:  There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable.  And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.)  And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."

P52: reminiscing

C.S. Lewis once said, "Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too?  I thought I was the only one!'"

I'm cheating a little in this blog post, by only adding a smattering of pictures of dear friends instead of a story about them.  But each picture tells a story.  It's a story of friendship, different, unique relationships with others.  Friendships are a gift from God because they are one way to show the Gospel in our everyday life.  

Please comment below, and let me know about the memories that flooded into your mind once you saw these pictures.