The Book Sort

Therefore, prepare your minds for action… since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. – 1 Peter 1:13, 4:1

During the school year, our books somehow multiply to twice the capacity of the available shelving. Sorting is imperative during the summer, but difficult.

We have books for everything in our family. They’re an accurate record of each interest, age, and stage. Their appeal fades relentlessly as the kids grow, leaving me holding volumes of memories. The annual book sort is my personal EmotionsFest, triggering a wrenching nostalgia.

Today, Anne Frank smiled up at me from atop the history pile. This amazing girl died in a concentration camp at 15, having seen and experienced horrors that don’t bear thinking about. As I tried in vain to reconcile her reality with the tender closeting of an ideal childhood, Anne smiled her message at me: Reality cannot be stiff-armed. The kids are growing up into a world that can be overwhelmingly hostile. I’d do well to deal with it.

Of course, it would be unhealthy to obsess on the worst possibilities. But having a watershed battle of acceptance is actually very freeing. If we decide to raise our children in God’s ways and to be faithful to Him no matter what, we no longer have to dread those worst-case scenarios. We’ve already laid them to rest, accepting that life can potentially be extremely hard.

Then it hit me that this world is not our home. My children have an eternal destiny. They have gifts and talents and a high calling. No other individual can impact the world and eternity in the unique ways that God has prepared for them.

Furthermore, nothing can stop God from fulfilling His plans for them. He is sovereign over the good and the bad. I already know from experience that God will use everything for their growth and benefit. We’re a divorced family, after all. I believe that “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Cor. 4:17). I decided to not just accept the future, but to embrace it. A fresh wind of excitement and hope blew in.

I’m sure it’s OK to shed a few tears during my annual book sort. It’s fine to stash away those treasured books I just can’t part with. But I don’t want to forget the whole point. No matter what happens, I’m raising my kids for their eternal purpose.

Hmmmm.… Maybe it’s time for a few new books!

Holier than God

For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. – Romans 6:14

When we forget grace, we try to become holier than God. And, frankly, we don’t do a very good job. Once, I was literally one penny short on the change I needed to pay for copies at the UPS store. How embarrassing! Of course, the guy was really nice and told me to just make it up next time. (Not that I wanted to show my face there again!)

Later, I mentioned it to some Christian friends. They felt I should go back to the store and paid off my debt. The reasoning was twofold: I should pay back what I owe, and this would show that Christians are honest. I dutifully paid it back, thus proving that Christians are honest, but also quite weird. I think perhaps we were getting a little caught up in religious law keeping.

It’s uncomplicated to be holier than God when not much is at stake. It’s not so straightforward when lives are on the line. For example, most Christians would agree that lying is wrong, plain and simple. Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch lady who hid Jews during World War II. For a time, she and her family lived a lie, hiding people behind a cleverly designed fake wall in their home. Were they sinning? Of course not! They were loving – the heart of God’s Law.

They were finally caught and sent to concentration camps, where all but Corrie died. During Corrie’s release, she was asked to sign a document that stated she had received humane and fair treatment during her stay. Although this was a lie, she signed it. Somehow, I doubt God had a problem with that one.

Have you ever been so tired and broken that the finer points of lawkeeping are just beyond you? Happy condition! Here we encounter God as the real Person He is – not a Law Machine – and it’s very freeing.

There are examples of righteous law-breakers in Scripture. In Joshua 2, a heathen woman named Rahab hid some Israelite spies on her roof. “So the king of Jericho sent this message to Rahab, ‘Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, because they have come to spy out the whole land.’ She said, ‘Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from…. They left. I don’t know which way they went.’” So saying, she lied.

How did God respond? Rahab was welcomed into the nation of Israel (Joshua 6:25). In Hebrews 11:31, she is commended for her faith.

When righteous living becomes disconnected from loving motives, we have the holier-than-God problem. We strive to keep the smallest religious laws. The irony is that in doing so, we completely fail to fulfill the Law. We become hard and unloving.

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees of His day for this tendency. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices – mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”

Jesus also told His disciples, “apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) The truth is, we simply cannot fulfill God’s righteous Law without the empowering of His indwelling Holy Spirit.

And what is this Law? “The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’” states Ephesians 5:14. If we choose to love, by the Holy Spirit’s life in us, we fulfill the Law without even trying!

Focus, Mom - Focus!

I kicked the bay quarter horse into a canter and turned him toward the first fence. He thudded across the arena, flicking up clumps of wet sand. His jumping style was not smooth, and my primary intent was to stay on board. I was never an outstanding rider, just another girl with a passion for horses.

“Look where you’re going!” screamed my red-faced instructor, as we lurched awkwardly over the fence. I thought I was, I rejoined silently; but one didn’t answer back, even if one didn’t understand. I had no idea she meant look at the next fence you’ll be jumping.

A well-schooled horse follows the direction of the rider’s eyes. It’s partly because the tilt of the rider’s head effects the balance of both horse and rider. Similarly, our spiritual condition follows our focus. Each day, we are heading towards either growth and victory or confusion and defeat. It’s all about our focus.

“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things,” instructs Paul in Philippians 4:8.  Our focus, of course, is determined by our thoughts. If you’re like me, your thoughts can weave you into a pretty tight slump. This is a constant battle for some of us.

The other day, I read a horrifying article about the growing problem of parent abuse by teens in the UK, facilitated partly by laws that undermine parental authority. It was heartbreaking. After that, I read two news stories about situations that must have triggered unimaginable levels of grief. Then I took my daughter and her friend to choir practice.

The parking lot near the church has only one meter, and several people were lined up to pay. To my amazement, the young European man behind me casually stepped in front of me, ostensibly to read the rates sign. Then, turning his back to me, he remained in position, overtly taking my place in line. I might have missed something. Maybe I inadvertently cut him off as we walked across the parking lot? Whatever his motives, he was clearly determined to have his way. I did not say anything for one reason: he was bigger than I am. And I sensed that he wouldn’t mind  wielding that advantage.

That night, I was depressed. The climate of our world was really getting to me. I did not see much hope and I felt defeated, even worthless. I decided to read my Bible anyway.

“Live as children of light… Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs… Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord… Husbands, love your wives… Children, obey your parents…” (from Ephesians 5 and 6). God did not leave us alone down here, abandoning us to the consequences of sin. He guides us along the way of peace and love, empowering us to live differently. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. (John 14:6)

At first, I wasn’t sure why I felt so uplifted after reading these passages. Then it dawned on me that God had changed my focus. Instead of looking at the terrible results of rejecting God’s ways, I had remembered Jesus.

When we focus on Biblical truth, God lifts us out of fear and hopelessness. It’s true that we see a lot of tragedy, sadness, and brokenness. But God doesn’t want this to consume our thoughts. He wants us to focus on Him. When we do, we’re empowered to reach out, sharing His hope with others.

The Stylish Blogger Award!

Here it is, folks! The Stylish Blogger Award! Thank you so much, Amber, for honoring my blog with an award! Readers, you will love Amber’s blog at http://confessionsfromboystown.blogspot.com/! She’s very smart and extremely funny. I read her posts when I want insights delivered with a laugh. Today she has a great post called “I’ve Got My Kid on a String.”

Now I get to share seven things about myself, and then I’ll introduce the next ten bloggers to receive the Stylish Blogger Award.

About me:

Deep down, I always believed eventually someone would realize I’m stylish. I had hoped they would get a good look at my wardrobe first, but this late in life I’ll take what I can get!

I’ve homeschooled my kids since day one.

Very few plants survive me.

 I love doggies! Wish I could have one. My favorite dogs: Rhodesian ridgebacks, German shepherds, greyhounds.

I love horseys! Wish I could have one of those, too. (Some girls never grow up!)

My housecleaning standards have gone down as my age has gone up.

In an alternate universe, I’m a movie star!

And here are ten fabulous blogs you’ll want to visit right away.

Katherine at http://giftsbykatherine.com/. Gorgeous stuff – start your Christmas shopping today!

Nekky at http://life-reflexions.blogspot.com/. Nigerian lady living in Germany. And yes, she is very stylish!

Stephanie at http://stephanie-thejourney.blogspot.com/. Courageous mom!

Courtney and Betina at http://mommyladyclub.blogspot.com/. Very stylish! And there’s even a Mr. Darcy page!

Becky Jane at http://riseaboveyourlimits.blogspot.com/. Leave a comment on her blog and be entered in a drawing!

Kim at http://stuffcouldalwaysbeworse.blogspot.com/. Very inspiring lady!

Catherine at http://lovelivingsimply.blogspot.com/. Organic gardener, homeschooler, more. That’s very stylish, especially if you’re in Santa Cruz!

Jill at http://thywordisalamptomyfeet.blogspot.com/. Today, learn how to set up a clothesline!

Susan at http://avagracescloset.blogspot.com/. Of all people, she certainly deserves the stylish award!

Janiece at http://dsgnmomonline.wordpress.com/. Latest post is BEAUTIFUL memoir by a soldier about his return.

Take Your Medicine

Every circumstance in your life is for your healing and growth, under God’s sovereignty.

I realize that statement could cause some rolled eyes and exasperation. I would not consider myself qualified to make it if my life did not verify it. But as a cult survivor, a divorcee, a single mom, and a woman who doesn’t get enough chocolate, I assure you it’s true.  

This is not a gripe session. I dislike whining, and I steer clear of what I call “sob story contests.” I love this quote by Elizabeth Prentiss: “People make too much parade of their troubles. We are all born to tribulation and to innumerable joys. There’s no sense in being too depressed or too elated by either.”

Anyway, the other morning I was trying to get myself into “servant mode.” I gradually realized that my expectations of myself were a bit ridiculous. No one can be all and do all for everyone; but sometimes we moms try. Sadly, the message out there reinforces our efforts. We may even sense that people expect the world of us.

God is not like that. Our circumstances are not the assignment of a harsh taskmaster who will condemn us if we don’t get through them “right.” Far from it. He has designed our situation for us. He’s all about our growth and healing. His motive is always love.

God’s sovereignty is a peculiar thing. We’ve all seen terrible things happen to the best of people. God does not always prevent this. Instead, He transforms the arrows of affliction in midflight. When they hit us we suffer – and emerge to discover our healing and freedom.

Let’s face it – we live in a broken world. This process happens to most people more than once. Peter advises us, “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin…” (1 Peter 4:1) We are warned many times in Scripture to expect suffering. It’s part of the program.

We’ve all read the bumper sticker: “Pain is inevitable. Growth is optional.” To receive God’s healing, to mature in our faith, we will want to stay with Him through the trials. Pilots, when flying through a storm, may see only clouds. They must rely completely on their instruments. If you’re flying through a storm, keep following the instruments. Go through your trial with Jesus. Read your Bible, pray, and attend church. Follow the Bible’s instructions – don’t believe the lie that sin will bring relief. That “answer” only compounds the problems.

It’s all about surrender, brokenness, the end-of-the-rope admission that we need the Saviour. At that point, it’s out of our hands, which is where God can do His deepest work.

If life seems overwhelming, God’s looking for surrender. We learn to lean on Jesus. "Save me O God, for the waters have threatened my life." (Psalm 69:1)

If life seems unfair, God invites us to a decision to love. This produces maturity and eliminates the petty covetousness that can sour our days.

If life seems uncertain, God’s looking for trust. “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.” (Psalm 50:15)

If life seems too hard, God calls us to intimacy with Himself. Richard Wurmbrand was a Romanian pastor who spent 14 years imprisoned and tortured by communists. He wrote, “I did not mind communism; I did not even notice it. I was in the embraces of the heavenly Bridegroom.”

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28.

Elizabeth Prentiss biography

Richard Wurmbrand biography

Changes to Susanna's Apron

Happy summer! This is still Susanna’s Apron. I just tweaked the design a little. (I like green a whole lot better than orange!)

I’ve also combined my other blog, Late Nights and Latin, with this blog. This way, I should have time to sleep occasionally! You’ll notice the posts from Late Nights are now available on Susanna’s Apron. If you enjoyed Late Nights and Latin, please consider following Susanna’s Apron, where I’ll continue to offer Biblical encouragement in the context of everyday mommy life. Let me know if you have any questions or input!