BFF International: SONG OF SONGS
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The Journey for Breiter Futures Foundation....Transforming the lives of our youth through Faith, Hope & Love...
Friday, November 26, 2010
SONG OF SONGS
Journey for Breiter Futures:
In Chapter 2 of this book a marvelous love story begins to unfold...well actually in chapter 1 but whose counting. In these pages great, unconditional and quite requited love unfolds in magnificent and beautiful ways. Love that not just speaks to the heart but also to the very soul of the reader. Today, I had what I would call a truly Unexpected day. It started it with the usual feed the dogs, throw a load of laundry in and prepare to take the wookies (my dogs Asa and Kiah) on a hike in the woods. I was bound and determined that if did nothing else today, Thanksgiving, I would commune with God and with my dogs. And I was up against the weather, rain was heading in and as I got to the bottom of my front stoop, drops of rain began to fall. Now in Oregon this would be a normal things but out this way it hasn't been something I have missed much. As I looked up at the sky, dogs sitting patiently with goo goo eyes at Mama, I asked God please just give me an hour please. Since it was just a few drops I said no worries, this is nothing but a spit of rain and I am a native Oregonian....so off we walked to the garage to get in the car to go to the woods.
Time with Mama Mary is rare during the day so excitement run a muck between the two. As I pulled out of the garage a few more drops but then nothing...it would be gray and threaten to rain but I would get my hike in with my two babies. I was also bound and determined that I would teach these two unruly, happy go lucky dogs some manners when they are walking with me alone on and off leash. So off we rode with treats in my pockets and a smile on our faces to the woods. As I parked the car and prepared to get us going the slightest snow flurry graced my windshield. And for those who know me best I love the snow - light or heavy, I always take a child like delight in the unpredictable white flakes as they fall from above.
As we walked the trail, and I have attached some video and pictures to this blog for effect (and well just plain bragging on my gifts of joy), I of course needed to find a Jesus stick. Most of my sisters back home know about this little thing I got going on with God and the Jesus sticks. But for those of you who don't, the story is too long to tell but imagine the song "Lean on Me" and crank it up a notch - the Looking Up not Out way of living. So as the wookies frolicked and played, wrestled and came when called, we set out to enjoy some solitude with each other and with God. Even with my knees as rickity as they are, we managed to get pretty much through to the end of the trail where of course there was a perfectly appointed log to rest at and watch them play. And as the fall leaves in their brilliant colors graced the ground beneath our feet, and the bare branches reminded me of stick people for those of us not blessed with that talent, the small white flakes began to gently fall over the woods. It wasn't a lot and no one else but myself was there to witness it; we sat and I prayed.
Nothing real fancy and tried to do more listening than talking; and that still quiet voice whispered "beloved, you are mine". As I just experienced and practiced the presence of God, poetry began pouring out of my thoughts and I knew I needed to get it on paper. As the flurries became a little heavier, and knowing that the weather could go either way, we set out to return so I could share these breathtaking moments for all time. It was perfect.
When we got back, everyone sufficiently tuckered out, I sat down for some quiet time and scripture. As I opened my electronic version, it opened where I had last been "Song of Songs". As I slowly, carefully read the words of chapter 2, all verses, I was captured by the meaning behind each word and let it speak to my heart. I stopped long enough to be reminded of the greatest love affair we can ever have, a love like no other, filled with the stuff dreams are made of. Perfect love, filled with all the fire and passion that God has for us unfolded and I felt a heaviness leave me and a still gentle smile come over me. I stopped long enough; lingered long enough; took a rest just long enough to be reminded that I have this perfect love everyday....Thanksgiving began. Go to chapter 2, silence the TV or the stereo and linger over every verse...spend time in the flurry of God's Love.
pebble out....
Thursday, November 25, 2010
THANKFULNESS
Journey for Breiter Futures:
It seems fitting that as I lay sleepless in the wee hours of Thanksgiving morning that Thankfulness be the blog of the day. So many things can fall under this heading and it could take a lifetime for any one person to give an account of the myriad of blessings that have been in abundance through our lifetimes. Whatever you believe, being thankful is not only important but also a lesson in humility. Some of you out there are blessed with an abundance of so much that you have become complacent, save on this one day of the year dedicated to giving thanks. While others have so little and yet seem so thankful all year round despite dire circumstance or position. And most of us fall probably in the middle some where - counting our blessings more than not and ever hopeful for tomorrow.
Lately my pity party of one has bogged me down into an endless blah blah blah. But really as I write this I must confess that I have more to be thankful for than I sometimes want to see or accept. God has proven time after time that when I rest in his palms, I have all the shelter and comfort I need. He feeds me, cloths me, nurtures me, will heal me one way or another, and because I know my King I am forever confident that He will never let me wither, in spite of what I might think. So as I reach out to everyone, hopefully producing fruit for eternity, I want to share briefly what it means to me to be thankful.
To be thankful is to be willing to be satisfied with what you have and not begrudge what you do not. Being thankful is gratitude paid forward. Thankfulness is an act of appreciation for what others have given and done for you - OR not because we live in a world mired down in poverty, homelessness, hopelessness, hunger and so many lost people. Floundering about wondering what to believe or not believe; what to go after and what not to, etc. But in thankfulness we give and receive grace fully and deeply from others/to others. When I am thankful I am no longer looking at the little picture but rather the big one. And while God may only give me snippets and previews I always know with a little bit of humble pie and a lot of Faith, I can always find things to be thankful for.
So as you all sit down for Thanksgiving Dinner shared between family and friends; as you sit around the table giving thanks aloud to one another, I challenge you to be unique in how you count your blessings. Be creative, and with abundant joy reach out and show others how thankful you are when someone says your welcome in a real and genuine way. Or when someone offers a prayer for you, unsolicited and with genuine concern for you, be thankful. Or perhaps as you look down at what you don't have - do a 180 and Look Up at what you do have. I am ever thankful and with gratefulness even when I feel my worst, that I am the daughter of a King. I have love, kindness, grace and mercy; He gives me the strength to walk Faith, Hope and Love. And while I will fail every day at every one of these things at least once, I AM thankful for the wounds he took for my sins, for my inadequacy and for yours. I am thankful that He died for my inequity so that I, and all of you may know eternal life.
pebble out..
Sunday, November 21, 2010
SURGERY
Journey to Breiter Futures:
As some of you know I just spent 8 days in the hospital and another 4 at home recouping from massive pain medication, pain itself and the idea that surgery will ultimately be required. As I lay in my hospital bed, feeling pretty much afraid and alone, I started to think about Surgery and when we remove one thing to save another. And it simply reminded me of the importance for us, as children of Christ, our King, to remember that we are all part of the body that is and will be the kingdom of heaven. By not having a new church to call home until late last month, I have very much felt like a chicken with its head cut off. I was floundering around, and the imagery of mock horror movies where bodies run around without heads and the laughter built up, I stopped for a moment to actually give real thought to the importance of each of us in the church.
Without my head I am simply oozing blood and serving no good purpose. I need my head, really I do! But I also need my pinky toe and my left shoulder my right hand and every thing in between. When we come to have an intimate relationship with Christ, a surgery begins to take place. First we begin to understand the nature of God, of His love for all His children regardless! Then as time goes on we begin to delve into the very concepts of Faith, Hope and Love and not tenants of religion. As we do this, we begin to understand what we must let go of in order to have the fullness, the rich and flavorful life that God wants for us (has planned for us). It isn't that we don't have choices, it is are we willing to make the right choices in order to find all of God's promises for out lives?
Are we ready to begin the surgery that is necessary to draw closer to God? Are we ready to do a blood transfusion in order to cleanse, so to speak, our lives of the things that only further us from Him? Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:12 and again in 10:23 "all things are permissible - but not all things are beneficial. And even though I am allowed to do anything, I mustn't become a slave to anything." (NLT)
God wants the very best for each of us. He desires to give us the desires of our hearts. He is unconditional in his love and mercy, grace and kindness. But first we need to do some self-applied surgery of sorts in an effort to live a life more abundant. We must say goodbye, cut out, say Adios amigo to the things that are not beneficial in our lives. Not because He's the big bad dictator or puppet master or master manipulator as I have heard so many say. But rather, He's the big great Dad that wants the very best but like a every good Dad (or Mom) knows - usually from experience, sticking your hand into the fire is permissable but really not very beneficial. Shoddy example but I think the point is made. God is not doing the surgery, we are. Each of us, as we come to know the heart of Jesus, as we draw closer into His Presence, begins to see that surgery to remove certain things is not a requirement for His Love and Approval; but rather it is a surgery or labor of love for Him!
As I look back on when I believe I truly accepted Christ into my life, surgery took place. I gave up the things that I knew were not beneficial even though it was always up to me to choose it over Him. Once again, on this new journey I find myself back at a place of needing surgery - and while it may hurt for a bit or sting for a while, ultimately the body is restored and ready to receive new blessings, share His message with others free of the dead limbs - we can do it boldly knowing that loving God and all His goodness is a give and take relationship....and it seems to me, that the surgery we face will never end because we are human and our weakness and frailties will always try to take a front seat until we recognize that very thing! God is the great healer, I trust in His hands over my body, mind, soul and spirit...take it away Doc!
pebble out...
As some of you know I just spent 8 days in the hospital and another 4 at home recouping from massive pain medication, pain itself and the idea that surgery will ultimately be required. As I lay in my hospital bed, feeling pretty much afraid and alone, I started to think about Surgery and when we remove one thing to save another. And it simply reminded me of the importance for us, as children of Christ, our King, to remember that we are all part of the body that is and will be the kingdom of heaven. By not having a new church to call home until late last month, I have very much felt like a chicken with its head cut off. I was floundering around, and the imagery of mock horror movies where bodies run around without heads and the laughter built up, I stopped for a moment to actually give real thought to the importance of each of us in the church.
Without my head I am simply oozing blood and serving no good purpose. I need my head, really I do! But I also need my pinky toe and my left shoulder my right hand and every thing in between. When we come to have an intimate relationship with Christ, a surgery begins to take place. First we begin to understand the nature of God, of His love for all His children regardless! Then as time goes on we begin to delve into the very concepts of Faith, Hope and Love and not tenants of religion. As we do this, we begin to understand what we must let go of in order to have the fullness, the rich and flavorful life that God wants for us (has planned for us). It isn't that we don't have choices, it is are we willing to make the right choices in order to find all of God's promises for out lives?
Are we ready to begin the surgery that is necessary to draw closer to God? Are we ready to do a blood transfusion in order to cleanse, so to speak, our lives of the things that only further us from Him? Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:12 and again in 10:23 "all things are permissible - but not all things are beneficial. And even though I am allowed to do anything, I mustn't become a slave to anything." (NLT)
God wants the very best for each of us. He desires to give us the desires of our hearts. He is unconditional in his love and mercy, grace and kindness. But first we need to do some self-applied surgery of sorts in an effort to live a life more abundant. We must say goodbye, cut out, say Adios amigo to the things that are not beneficial in our lives. Not because He's the big bad dictator or puppet master or master manipulator as I have heard so many say. But rather, He's the big great Dad that wants the very best but like a every good Dad (or Mom) knows - usually from experience, sticking your hand into the fire is permissable but really not very beneficial. Shoddy example but I think the point is made. God is not doing the surgery, we are. Each of us, as we come to know the heart of Jesus, as we draw closer into His Presence, begins to see that surgery to remove certain things is not a requirement for His Love and Approval; but rather it is a surgery or labor of love for Him!
As I look back on when I believe I truly accepted Christ into my life, surgery took place. I gave up the things that I knew were not beneficial even though it was always up to me to choose it over Him. Once again, on this new journey I find myself back at a place of needing surgery - and while it may hurt for a bit or sting for a while, ultimately the body is restored and ready to receive new blessings, share His message with others free of the dead limbs - we can do it boldly knowing that loving God and all His goodness is a give and take relationship....and it seems to me, that the surgery we face will never end because we are human and our weakness and frailties will always try to take a front seat until we recognize that very thing! God is the great healer, I trust in His hands over my body, mind, soul and spirit...take it away Doc!
pebble out...
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
FAITH
Journey to Breiter Futures
Faith is an interesting decision, choice, is emotional and spiritual in all practices. Not everyone who believes in God has Faith and not everyone who has Faith believes in God. We put our faith into the tangibles; the seen versus unseen; in people and power and position! We demonstrate faith in every way imaginable often overlooking what it truly means to have faith, be faithful and reflect faith.
As we wind down from our week and for those of you out celebrating Halloween with parties or kids trick or treating; I want to ask where does your faith lie? Where do you find yourself leaning towards when you think about faith? What do you think faith is? Faith is amazing! It's amazing and wonderful and a tremendous quality to have. When walking by faith, we truly allow God to work in our lives, our hearts and in what we can share with others through the reflection of that faith in all we do.
But faith is not easy, nor is it natural as it once was during the time in the garden of Adam and Eve. And, even then, because of a desire to believe that they knew better than God, they took of the fruit that was the catalyst to where we are today. The bible tells us to have the faith of a child but how do we do that or come to a place in our lives where we CAN do that - consistently? Well, I think that as we mature in our walk with Christ; as we grow weary of the battles that rage within and without, and turn to God for guidance Faith gets easier. I think that while we are not all given the spiritual gift of Faith, the gift of faith lies within us and all we have to do is believe. Many of us have a great deal of faith in ourselves. We trust ourselves to follow the rules, or play nice with others, or have faith in friendship. But as I look around, I see people who, because of circumstance, bad experience or who have witnessed, or experienced first hand horrific trials, have little or no faith. I have heard more times than not "that we are mere puppets with God as the ultimate puppeteer", but I disagree. And history past and present have examples and demonstrations of people like me, disagree.
I believe GOD! Period. no explanation or debate required. I believe GOD because God has never failed me. My parents failed me, my family has failed me, friends have failed me, but most of all I have failed me, and in doing I have failed so many others. And the consequences of each and every action, or lack of. We are so quick to blame our problems and bad choices on something we cannot see, yet when asked if we have faith of a child most of us cannot say we do. We say we believe there is a God; we say we believe in God; but if we say these things then should we not also respond to trials and triumphs in a manner that reflects that very claim? Perhaps time spent reflecting on this particular gift would be insightful, meaningful and bring answers where none were before.
If you believe you can blame God for all the wrong in the world and that He is a vengeful God then you are a hypocrite. You cannot blame God with one hand and then turn around and say you have faith there is a God in the other. Wanna know why? Because those two statements contradict each other. If God is the Father then His decisions in our lives are a direct cause or consequence of our choices. If I decide to lie to keep from getting into trouble and to protect my sorry butt, then as a good Dad, I would hope he would allow me to face the consequence of the situation so that I might learn, grow and develop a deeper understanding to know the Father Heart of God, and His will in my life. Well that same logic applies to all things great and small. I would rather have the FAITH of a child, than go through my life being a hypocrite to the very faith I write about. I love God with all of my heart. I love to share His message of faith, hope and love in all that I do. Will I always be successful, definitely not. But I would rather go through this life fighting the good fight (Romans 20:24) and walking by faith not by sight (Hebrews 11:1) because in that I learn to trust and believe and treasure and behold all that is God's.
It is odd to me that in all this time, I did not write something about FAITH even though all of my blogs are about precisely that. Kat once said to me, back in the Tektronix days, "first you get the facts, then you get the feelings, then you get the faith"...I'll never forget that or her...God used her to give me something wonderful; something that would stay with me for the rest of my life. I may not always have faith in friends, or love, or life or myself; but my faith in God is what matters most & He will never let me down; never leave me barren; never find me without hope; and will always fill me with love when my cup is empty. Hebrews 11:1 is my life verse...and I pray everyday that I live that!
pebble out
Faith is an interesting decision, choice, is emotional and spiritual in all practices. Not everyone who believes in God has Faith and not everyone who has Faith believes in God. We put our faith into the tangibles; the seen versus unseen; in people and power and position! We demonstrate faith in every way imaginable often overlooking what it truly means to have faith, be faithful and reflect faith.
As we wind down from our week and for those of you out celebrating Halloween with parties or kids trick or treating; I want to ask where does your faith lie? Where do you find yourself leaning towards when you think about faith? What do you think faith is? Faith is amazing! It's amazing and wonderful and a tremendous quality to have. When walking by faith, we truly allow God to work in our lives, our hearts and in what we can share with others through the reflection of that faith in all we do.
But faith is not easy, nor is it natural as it once was during the time in the garden of Adam and Eve. And, even then, because of a desire to believe that they knew better than God, they took of the fruit that was the catalyst to where we are today. The bible tells us to have the faith of a child but how do we do that or come to a place in our lives where we CAN do that - consistently? Well, I think that as we mature in our walk with Christ; as we grow weary of the battles that rage within and without, and turn to God for guidance Faith gets easier. I think that while we are not all given the spiritual gift of Faith, the gift of faith lies within us and all we have to do is believe. Many of us have a great deal of faith in ourselves. We trust ourselves to follow the rules, or play nice with others, or have faith in friendship. But as I look around, I see people who, because of circumstance, bad experience or who have witnessed, or experienced first hand horrific trials, have little or no faith. I have heard more times than not "that we are mere puppets with God as the ultimate puppeteer", but I disagree. And history past and present have examples and demonstrations of people like me, disagree.
I believe GOD! Period. no explanation or debate required. I believe GOD because God has never failed me. My parents failed me, my family has failed me, friends have failed me, but most of all I have failed me, and in doing I have failed so many others. And the consequences of each and every action, or lack of. We are so quick to blame our problems and bad choices on something we cannot see, yet when asked if we have faith of a child most of us cannot say we do. We say we believe there is a God; we say we believe in God; but if we say these things then should we not also respond to trials and triumphs in a manner that reflects that very claim? Perhaps time spent reflecting on this particular gift would be insightful, meaningful and bring answers where none were before.
If you believe you can blame God for all the wrong in the world and that He is a vengeful God then you are a hypocrite. You cannot blame God with one hand and then turn around and say you have faith there is a God in the other. Wanna know why? Because those two statements contradict each other. If God is the Father then His decisions in our lives are a direct cause or consequence of our choices. If I decide to lie to keep from getting into trouble and to protect my sorry butt, then as a good Dad, I would hope he would allow me to face the consequence of the situation so that I might learn, grow and develop a deeper understanding to know the Father Heart of God, and His will in my life. Well that same logic applies to all things great and small. I would rather have the FAITH of a child, than go through my life being a hypocrite to the very faith I write about. I love God with all of my heart. I love to share His message of faith, hope and love in all that I do. Will I always be successful, definitely not. But I would rather go through this life fighting the good fight (Romans 20:24) and walking by faith not by sight (Hebrews 11:1) because in that I learn to trust and believe and treasure and behold all that is God's.
It is odd to me that in all this time, I did not write something about FAITH even though all of my blogs are about precisely that. Kat once said to me, back in the Tektronix days, "first you get the facts, then you get the feelings, then you get the faith"...I'll never forget that or her...God used her to give me something wonderful; something that would stay with me for the rest of my life. I may not always have faith in friends, or love, or life or myself; but my faith in God is what matters most & He will never let me down; never leave me barren; never find me without hope; and will always fill me with love when my cup is empty. Hebrews 11:1 is my life verse...and I pray everyday that I live that!
pebble out
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