Faith vs Certainty

Well, this certainly has been a study of exploring each week's truths through real life lessons, hasn't it? Last week during our study of fear, Lisa from Glad Chatter (and fellow Safari Girl) was battling fear while going through tests and biopsies for a lump in her breast.  We all prayed and fought fear beside her.  This week, while we're studying faith... our dear Lisa got the news that she's been diagnosed with cancer. When I read it Tuesday morning I involuntarily yelled out "NO!" so loud I think the walls shook in my quiet home in the wee hours.

This is the part where I want to brighten up this post and list for you some certainties... That in this many days, Lisa will be cancer free. And in this exact way this will all turn out for the best... don't worry! I want to say... I have great wisdom in this area and I am confident I will fix it!

except I can't.

If I am trying to lean on my own understanding, I am going to be indefinitely grasping at straws- desperately searching for certainties- because... well, when it comes to cancer, tangible certainty is in alarmingly short supply. Though AMAZING PROGRESS  has been made, there is still precious little to be sure of... (one of a jillion reasons I TOTALLY HATE CANCER)

However, because I know our Father, the great physician, I don't have to lose hope!  I know that if I lean on God, I have access to a different kind of certainty- the kind that is rooted in FAITH:

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

So, with that, I am going to go ahead and punch satan in the nose not by faking my way through a list of my own arrogant certainties or vainly wasting time trying to make sense of this...instead, I'm going to have faith in the certain promises of God and claiming them for Lisa in Jesus' name:

Romans 8:28- 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.

Hebrews 13:5- I will never leave you or forsake you

Psalm 91:14-16 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble.  I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.

I'm going to spend today standing in the gap for our sister Lisa.  Who wants to join me? It would please me greatly if you'd leave a scripture promise to claim on her behalf in the comment section below...

Safari Through Daniel... Week Two- Faith vs Certainty

Can you believe it? Another week has passed and now it's time to gather back together to discuss what we learned during week two!

Here's the drill:

If you are a participant, you can write your answers to one of the following questions as follows and then use the mr. linky to lead us to what you wrote:

a) on your own blog-or-

b) on your Facebook 'notes' area -or-

c) in the comments section below

OR

*NEW* come join us over at the Facebook Safari Page!  You can answer each question on the discussion page after you join the group.

If you are not a participant, you can still pipe in! You can leave your two cents in the comments section below, too!

*if you're participating... be sure to come back and check out (and comment on) at least 3 other's entries.

_____________________________________________

· Describe a time when you’ve had to rely on faith rather than on your own understanding.

-or-

· Tell of a time when you found yourself struggling with paying attention to the Word... What did you do to get back on track?

-or-

· Be bold! Take the time to outline exactly what you believe about God on your blog or social media page today.

Have fun! I'll post my own answers on Wednesdays!

(click the graphic above to add your link, and to read responses from others)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding

Proverbs 3:5

Courage vs Fear

Sometimes I am what I consider a brave girl.

I do things that I think are beyond my capabilities. I press on when I want to quit. I speak up when I want to hide. I am up for adventure... usually. I will try new things... sometimes. I am not often ruled by phobias or irrational fears. I can refrain from what I know to be sinful activity, even when all around me are joining in. I rarely think that fear is a good enough reason not to do something-once.

And other times, I am what I consider a big fat chicken baby.

I sit silently when I see that I will be judged. I watch endlessly for 'more proof' instead of putting a stop to injustice or sin. I hide behind the veil of 'wanting to be sure' instead of standing up and declaring that something is wrong. I try to be all things to all people sometimes to a fault.

Now, this is the point when I have a choice. I can sit here and pat myself on the back for the times I spoke up when nobody around me had the guts. I could also choose to beat myself up. I could bang my head on the table for all the times I should have braved up but instead stood shaking in a corner.

OR

I can use these truths to make a change.

God allowed each of these situations-opportunities if you will- for me to learn. Now, satan would love for me to get all wrapped up in the failures, or puffed up by the victories... for me to be paralyzed by fear or to be rendered useless by pride. But because I am studying the Word of God... because I am abiding in Him, I know I have a third choice....

I can do better.  I can resolve to keep my eyes open for opportunities to be brave. I can prepare my heart for those times that are bound to come. I can pray fervently for more chances to stand up for Him...

and then?

then it's time to stop using the word "I"

and start leaning on the God who never fails, who tells us that if we abide in him, He will fight FOR us, who says He will never leave us or forsake us....

*Right now I'm imagining a pretend scenario where George Foreman (the boxer, not the grill) and his tiny young son (I think there are several named George) are on the playground.  George (the son) is telling a really big bully to STOP TEASING MY SISTER! We could say that little George is really brave can't we? Sure, until we realize that his big ol' father George (the boxer) is standing right behind him.  Yes, little George would certainly have to have a good deal of courage... but the source of his courage lies in his confidence in the power of his father.

ahem.

um.

*cough*

yeah.

I'll be thinking on that one all.day.long.

oh, this safari is good for me.

Son of man, do not fear them or their words. Don’t be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are rebels. You must give them my messages whether they listen or not.

Ez 2:5-7

Safari Through Daniel... Week One- Courage vs Fear

We made it! The first week of our Daniel study is under our belts and now it's time to gather back together to discuss what we learned!

Here are the particulars:

If you are a participant, you can write your answers to one of the following questions as follows & then use the mr. linky to lead us to what you wrote:

a) on your own blog-or-

b) on your Facebook 'notes' area -or-

c) in the comments section below

If you are not a participant, you can still pipe in! You can leave your two cents in the comments section below, too!

*if you're participating... be sure to come back and check out (and comment on) at least 3 other's entries.

_____________________________________________

Describe what made you decide to follow God instead of the world… what worldly thing/s have you struggled with and found victory in giving up?

-or-

Tell of a time when you overcame fear and chose to stand apart. What did it cost you? What was the result? What scriptures encouraged you?

-or-

There are several times angels tell people in the Bible to “Fear Not.” Find them, and then compose a post or note about what you can draw from these scriptures.

Have fun! I'll post my own answers on Wednesdays!

(click the graphic above to add your link, and to read responses from others)

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

Romans 8:38

The Hope of Heaven

Today we got a phone call in the children's ministry office to let us know that CW, one of the dearest 15 year old boys ever, who has been struggling with a mitochondrial disease his entire life, went home to be with Jesus.

CW was a boy who had so much hope for heaven that he was an encouragement for all who knew him. He was a true joy to see grow up and into such an incredible young man of God. The last conversation I had with him went like this:

Yo, CW! (I talk street with teens. It makes them laugh at like me)
Hey, Missamber! (always respectful, always said it like it was one word)
How are you, buddy?
I'm tired, Misssamber. But good.
Someday, we won't be tired anymore, will we, bud?
Nope! Heaven's going to be awesome! So... how are you anyway?

Because part of his health issues dealt with digestion, CW walked around with a backback on his back, filled with essentials for his daily nourishment.  Today, he's in Heaven- with (in the words of a friend) that cumbersome backpack dropped off at the gate...every need met, sitting at the big ol' Banqueting Table, chatting it up with our Savior!

I couldn't be happier for that 24 lovin'-volunteerin' in children's ministry-dog havin'-joke tellin'-beautiful grinnin'-always polite-Jesus praisin' kid...

And couldn't be more brokenhearted for his family.

CW has 3 older sisters, an older brother, and an amazing set of parents.

Please join me in prayer this night for the comfort of Jesus to be extremely obvious to them in the days to come.

And Mommies? Will you pray a special prayer from your MommyHeart for C's mom, P?  She's gonna need some extra Jesus for certain. I can't even imagine.

*sigh* Have fun in Heaven, CW. Save a seat at the table for us....

  “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.”
  Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”
  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 14:3

Buckling up............

Today is a BIG day. This is the day 32 ladies will open their email accounts and find a link to the Safari through Daniel study that I've been writing over that last few months. 

eeek.

I can't remember the last time I felt so vulnerable. I keep reminding myself over and over and over about a piece of wisdom that I was given from my dear friend Angela.  "Amber," she told me gently... "your job is not to teach. Your job is to do your best, and the Holy Spirit's job is to do the actual ministry."

gulp.

I keep glancing at the clock, wondering at what time I should hit 'send.'  And though it's probably mostly the asthma meds I just took, my hands are shaking wildly and my heart is racing like a... well, whatever goes super, duper fast.

whew!

You wanna know a something? There's something very familiar about the nervousness I feel sending out this study. This anticipation feeling is actually less like fear and  a more like the stomach ache I get right before I board a big roller coaster...  not scared enough to chicken out... just nervous enough to shake a little and talk real fast before I get on. However, I know from experience that if I can press past the jitters, once the ride gets going.... I'll be screaming and smiling and laughing and having a fantastic time!

The thing about coasters is, the level of fun is really equal to the level of faith you have in the machine.  If you truly think you might die, that's terror, not a thrill ride. I don't like the feeling of being terrified (hence my boycott of any rides at the fair)- but I do like the feeling of defying gravity, of having to trust in this thing that makes no sense, of feeling the wind just rush by me as we rush blindly around curves. If honestly I feel like I'm at a safe park, if I see others ride and come out alive... then I'm game!

Oh, the exhilaration of shooting across the sky! Over hills and upside down! The blood pumping through your body! The joy of overcoming the fear and having fun!

I know that this metaphor is not going to get through to everyone. I know that some just are not fans of the death-defying rides, but I hope the message isn't lost in translation....

because it's so cool to know this...though I'm terrified to open myself up to criticism, failure, disappointment, and worse- I know that my level of enjoyment of this time is going to be equal to my trust in my Savior. If I trust that He can take my imperfect work and use it for His glory... then this ride, however scary it can be... is going to be THRILLING! The twists and turns that happen won't be traumas, they'll be LOOPS! and BARREL ROLLS! and FREEFALLS! I'm not really taking a risk at all, because I trust that God would never allow me to spin too far off track- He loves me enough to hold me tightly through every rise and fall.

So, I'm buckling up! I'm waiting for the green light! And then, even though it's scary, I'm going to raise my hands in praise as we take this wild ride!

WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

ps: If you asked to participate, but did not yet get an email, please let me know... it means I either don't have your email, or have it in my database wrong.  I'll fix it right away!

Que?

Last night, my BeFri Brandy and I were chatting about how frustrating it can be to attempt to have productive conversations with the people we live with. We commiserated that sometimes it's like we're from a different planet than our spouses or children- making it SO HARD to effectively communicate that often sometimes it ends up with us yelling and screaming like lunatics. (Honestly, does any mother speak Teen Boy? I need the Rosetta Stone program for Teenboyeese. His monosyllabic grunts are as indecipherable to me as my long, loud, logical ENGLISH rants are to him.)

Anyway, while we were talking, I got a picture in my head of those people (you know you've seen them) who, when they discover someone who doesn't speak English, begin raising their voices in an effort to communicate. Like that will even help! If someone don't speak English, NO MATTER AT WHAT VOLUME YOU SPEAK, they will not magically become fluent. You'd better find another way to get your point across.

Bran and I agreed that picturing the ridiculousness of the people who do that is going to help us with our own self control. Sometimes, we need to understand that our husbands, God bless their little hearts, do not speak our language. Our small children do not always get what we are saying. Our teenagers? well, they rarely do. And yelling at them is not going to make them magically fluent in 'pick up your towels off the floor before the stupid cats pee on them-ese' (oh, maybe that's just a language for my house)

The secret, it appears, is not to raise our volume... but to find another way to get our point across.... maybe we need to study ways that they communicate so that we can speak words to them that they understand without looking like complete fools.

As for me, I know I'll be picturing those ladies in the nail salon who yell at their manicurists 'NO I SAID I DON'T WANT A FLOWER TODAY' the next time I am hollering at those people in my house 'WHY DON'T ANY OF YOU CARE HOW I AM FEE-LING?' Maybe it will help me chill a little and try a different tactic instead.

isn't it cool to have friends who help you become a better person? so cool. Thanks, Bran.

As iron sharpens iron,

so a friend sharpens a friend.

Proverbs 27:17

ps: It's not too late to sign up for the Safari through Daniel study. We start 1/11/10.

Countdown to Daniel

We're just days away from our kickoff of our Safari through Daniel!
If you're considering joining us, now's a good time to gather up your materials. You'll need the following items:

• A Bible in the version you prefer. I will be using NLT, but stick with what you like best.
• A pen you enjoy writing with 
• A three-ring binder with lined paper. You'll take notes in there and if you choose to print out your weekly study guide, you can place those in there as well
• A program on your computer that can open PDF documents 
• A reliable printer, or a computer that can be with you while you do your study.
• A dedicated place & time where you will do your study (1-3 days a week)

I have posted a new sequence calendar for the study HERE. If it looks like something you're up to... now's the time to make it happen!  Here's what you gotta do:

1. Leave a comment on this post letting me know you're in!
   
2. Leave your email address (unless it's automatically attached) -or- if you want to keep it more private, send me an email by clicking HERE.
3. Wait for your first email with the link... which should arrive to you on January 11th-(the day my kids go back to school and I have to start changing out of my pj's before noon)
   

That's it!  I'm super excited about all that God will do with this study.  If you're not sure you can stick with it, no worries- go ahead and try the first week, and if you ever want me to stop sending the links, just let me know. I'm hoping this study will be more adventure than burden- and that at the end, we'll all be just a little closer to God....

I will study your commandments
      and reflect on your ways.
Psalm 119:15

So- what say you? Are you in?