Love God - 2021 Ornament

My involvement in crafting a new mission for our church, Grace Chapel, inspired this 2021 “Love God” ornament. After months of prayer and deliberation, we excitedly landed on a 9-word mission based on Jesus’ greatest commandment and great commission.

“Love God. Love People. Make Disciples of Jesus Christ.”

The Greatest Commandment - Love God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. [and] Love your neighbor as yourself. (See Matthew 22:36-40)

Back of ornament

The Great Commission - go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. (see Matthew 28:18-20)

Our team realized that everything hinges on loving God “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” - with the entirety of our beings – all in.

Which brings us to this - If Christians are the banner-bearers of this manifesto, how are we’re doing? More importantly, how would unbelieving people say we are doing?

I titled this ornament, “Love God” because, as I already noted, everything hinges on doing as Jesus directed with entirety - with all our heart, soul and mind. Imagine where we would be if only we all could start and stay there?

(Grace Chapel mission, adopted September, 2020)
“Love God. Love People. Make Disciples of Jesus Christ”

The ornament depicts the larger heart(s) encompassing the smaller one(s). Love God feeds into love people that feeds into make disciples. Should not the “formula” also work in reverse? A person invited to become a disciple would be drawn by the loving disposition of the believer engaging with him/her, right?

Arguably, LOVE gets the most press and, given its origins, is also the most bastardized. Love is everywhere, sells everything, legitimizes all forms of intimacy and can be nuanced to flavor every story ever told. However, the love we encounter day-to-day is typically detached from God.
To love God or anyone with our whole heart, soul and mind is to know what God (or a person loved) wants and then do it.

Said Jesus, ““If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15)

One command is to trust God and not rely on ourselves.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Engaging with the mission project while so many around me were spiraling through wave after wave of anxiety, unrest and antagonism helped me to reconnect with God’s love that fanned the sputtering flame of my love for him. Along the way, I “re-resolved” to be more discerning about incoming information and to trust God first and wait on him to direct me instead deciding on my own what seems right. The Bible often warns that what seems right is usually wrong.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (Proverbs 14:12, ESV)

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. (John 6:3, ESV)

I’ve been a committed Christ-follower for nearly 40 years so this revival in me is more a nuance than a stretch. However, I sympathize with those who struggle to believe in God or Jesus or who are dismissive of him or even rebellious against him. Perhaps their preferences are more rooted in nature and science. If so, consider that nature and science are very much at home in the Biblical narrative, too.

“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you…. In (the Lord’s) hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:7-10, ESV)

The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Jesus calming the sea - Matthew 8:27, ESV)

Even so, the biblical battleground is not waged with nature or science but in humans - to win the hearts, souls and mind of people that God loves. This is why God, in Jesus, became human to sacrifice himself to redeem people.

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

God leads the love parade…. We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

The making of Love God
Hearts within hearts was the design I had in mind. The outer heart, Love God, encompassing the middle heart, Love People that, in turn, encloses the innermost heart, Make Disciples.

I found a three hearts design on Etsy by Anton, owner of KDEstudio21 based in Cheboksary, Russia. I reached out to Anton with some specs and, long story short, “Loving God” arrived in April, 2021 – my earliest completed ornament ever!

Original laser cut heart design by KDEstudio21on Etsy

Final “Love God” ornament



Cindy's Santas - 2020 "Ornament(s)"

After 20 consecutive years creating an annual ornament, I did not make one for 2020. Instead, I dedicate this space to “Cindy’s Santa’s”- her 12-piece Christmas project that spanned 26 years.

When our first child finally arrived in 1987, our ninth year of marriage, Cindy and I intended to bring many of our cherished childhood traditions into our own family. Santa Claus, however, was not one of them.

A few years earlier, we both underwent a transformation of sorts in our Christian faith that changed our perspective about life in general, including Christmas. We resolved that our family’s Christmas would focus on the far greater wonder of Jesus’ birth.

A way Cindy retained the magic of the season was by reading Bible-oriented Christmas stories to our children. Always on the lookout for good ones, “Santa’s Favorite Story” by Hisako Aoki and Ivan Gantshev; “The Greatest Gift of All” by Kimbery Rinehart; and, “Waldo, Tell Me About Christmas” by Hans Wilhelm were popular reads.

Cindy’s favorite was “Santa, Are You for Real?” by Harold Myra* about the “real” St. Nicholas who lived in the third century. Known for his dedicated faith in Christ and selfless service to others, Nicholas was appointed Bishop of Myra* in Asia Minor while still a young man. A story about him leaving gold coins in stockings or shoes to fund the dowries of three young women in his village gave rise to the legend of Santa Claus many years after his death in AD 343.

1st Santa, 1990

1st Santa, 1990

While gift-shop browsing during our family vacation in 1990, Cindy fell in love with a little figurine of Santa kneeling in prayer over the Christ child in the manger. The following summer, a Norman Rockwell inspired figurine entitled, “Santa’s Workshop” also struck a note with her. A third Santa that she found in 1992, was “bishop-looking” with a whimsical expression.

Cindy’s Santa collection grew to ten during our family-raising years from 1990 and 2004. Whereas in 1990, Adam was 4 and Laura 6 months old, by 2004 they were 18 and 15 respectively, on the cusp of high school graduation, then on to college and beyond.

Despite that she and I foraged for Santas together, I never did lock into her selection criteria. Like a little dog intent on pleasing his mistress, I brought many Santas for Cindy’s inspection but the only one that met her approval was one I found in 2008. So thrilled to find one she actually liked, I gifted it to her so I can forever claim a role (like I’m doing now).

Last Santa was a gift from Barb in 2016

Last Santa was a gift from Barb in 2016

The last Santa initially belonged to our friends, Ron and Barb, who in 2016 hosted a holiday gathering at their home. Each year, Barb transforms their house into a Christmas wonderland of stunning decorations, trees, lights and greenery. Two, large, luxuriously-robed Santa’s captivated Cindy. At our weekly men’s prayer meeting next morning, Ron gave me a gift bag to pass along to Cindy that contained one of those Santas.

As I decorated this year, I thought about that period after 2004 when Cindy’s Santa-collecting all but halted. Some pretty significant challenges arose during a 15 year span that we navigated with God’s guidance and the love and strength we drew from each other. However, Cindy’s unexpected death in April 2019 from leukemia left me torn from the “each other” component of us and pondering anew how God is guiding me through the balance of my life.

Cindy’s Santas that were prominently featured in our Christmas decorating during her life remain a fixture for me now. As I consider the collection as a whole, that my beloved’s selection criteria is as much a mystery as ever matters nothing. Rather, I tap into the inexpressible joy that was in the journey we shared together.

“Cindy’s (12) Santas, 1990 - 2016”

Notes:

  1. While I did not create an ornament this year, I purchased a replica of Cindy’s first Santa kneeling over Jesus’ creche from EWTN’s Religious Catalogue. Actually a 2-inch tall figurine, I “converted” it into an ornament.

  2. *Only a coincidence that the last name of the book’s author and the place St. Nicholas was appointed Bishop are both called Myra.

  3. St. Nicholas’ feast day is December 6. For more about the patron saint of Santa Claus, click on: Who is St. Nicholas?

  4. Two Santas were also gifted to Cindy in 1992 and 1994 by my sister, Cherie.

Just In Time

I propped a bluetooth speaker on the porch ledge last week to play Christmas music while putting up outdoor holiday lights. A version of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by the band, Casting Crowns, drew me into the season’s sentiments.

(CHORUS:)
And the bells are ringing (peace on earth)
Like a choir they're singing (peace on earth)
In my heart I hear them (peace on earth)
Peace on earth, good will to men

The song then ruminates on the dark mood of the world in 1863 when Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned the poem that later became the song.*

And in despair I bowed my head
There is no peace on earth I said
For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men

The mood of 2020 seems similarly somber. Between COVID-weariness, including restrictions that have all but obliterated family/friends celebrations, and having just emerged from a bitterly contentious presidential election, I wonder if anyone is feeling the peace the bells want to celebrate? Pile on all the normal abnormal challenges life brings and maybe we should put the bells away until our situation improves.

20-12 Cmas lights (1).jpg

The song turns again to draw attention to a hope that Christmas unveils. Despite all the despair and hopelessness, the bells keep ringing, persisting, insisting that an all but forgotten promise from long ago is in fact emerging from behind the scenes..

Then rang the bells more loud and deep
God is not dead, nor does he sleep
(peace on earth, peace on earth)
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men

Less than 60 years after the first Christmas, the apostle Paul reflected in his letter to the Galatians,

“But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law.
(Galatians 4:4, NLT)”


Then, as now, just in time, at just the right time and repeatedly down through history, Christmas descends to cast an extraordinarily luminous glow onto the scene of the otherwise bleak condition of humankind.

2020 seems another right time for Christmas to arrive on our scene to show us that the broken record of humanity can be mended and redeemed. The lights that I string on and around my house and yard are one of my own little ways to rejoin and call attention to the hope the bells herald - of Jesus arriving on our scene to anchor a promise made long ago.

Notes:

1) Two of my favorite versions of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day:”
By Casting Crowns, 2008, “Peace on Earth” album
By Mercy Me, 2006, “Christmas Sessions” album

2) * Song origins: "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" is a Christmas carol based on the 1863 poem "Christmas Bells" by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.[1] The song tells of the narrator's despair, upon hearing Christmas bells during the American Civil War, that "hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men". The carol concludes with the bells carrying renewed hope for peace among men. See Wikipedia

Leaves Longings

Roadside color, 2014 Fall Ride

Michigan’s lush, green forests and woods and stands of hardwoods and evergreens turn to oranges, rusts, reds and yellows in autumn. Then the hardwoods drop their leaves to be raked and bagged, piled or burned by homeowners tidying up for winter.

In late October or early November, my wife, Cindy and I would take an all-day, autumn color drive that we simply called our “Fall Ride.” What started out as just the two of us later included our children when they were little. When the kids got older and lost interest, we invited a couple friends to join our annual ride. More recently, our group morphed to Cindy and I and her mom and sister, Norma and Judy.

Camera ready, we stopped often to snap pictures of the radiant foliage or pause driving to stroll in a park or pumpkin patch. Many years, we perused roadside stands for pumpkins, corn stalks, gourds and even hay bails to decorate our porches. Whenever we noticed traces of smoke along the way, evidence of leaf-burning going on, Cindy insisted we crack the car windows to sniff the aroma.

As another Michigan autumn wanes, I think often of Cindy who died 18 months ago. We loved to rake leaves together in our yard. She was better than me running a leaf blower, even prided herself to clamber up to our roof to blow the leaves piled there onto the ground.

I tried a couple fall rides since she passed but they are not the same without her. However, when I notice a trace of smoke as I’m driving along, evidence of leaf burning going on, I hear her plea in my mind to crack the car window to sniff the aroma.

And as I do, I longingly remember her.

“You have made my heart beat faster, my sister, my bride;
You have made my heart beat faster with a single glance of your eyes.”
— Song of Solomon 4:9; NASB

2015 Fall Riders: Cindy, Norma, Judy (and me, the picture taker)

Notes:

The post banner photo is Cindy and mom, Norma raking and burning leaves in Norma’s yard in October, 2009. (Again, I was there as well, a helper and picture taker!)

Forever Young-ish

My wife Cindy would have marked her 64th birthday today. Instead, she is forever young-ish, locked into the age when she passed, exactly one month shy of her 63rd birthday. So at 62, she is forever - young-”ish” as our daughter might say (who is known for her “ish” endings that seem quite appropriate here.)

When Cindy and I married at ages 23 and 22, respectively, 62 seemed pretty old to us, even “over the hill.” Nevertheless, as with all couples on the day they marry, we were committing to each other for life, vowing to mark our “old age” birthdays together until “death do us part.”

Well, death did part us just a little while after we marked our 40th wedding anniversary at Beaumont Hospital where Cindy was receiving treatment for leukemia. Seven days after that anniversary, Cindy achieved remission, a first necessary milestone on the way to survival and resumption of life that was not assured but she resolved to give it her all.

She gave it her all but an infection arose at an inopportune time when her immune system was at rock-bottom and all of a sudden, she was gone.

A little more than a year now since her passing, I am muddling through living solo while sorely missing being part of the couple that she was the other, better half of. She was the center of our family and I am sorely lacking in much she did so naturally and well. In her work, her roles in our church, her nurturing of our family and hers and mine, her absence is a ginormous, jaggety void.

My frequent thoughts of her are sobering and sad but also good. Living in the house we shared for 25 years, she graces every nook and cranny and I find myself speaking aloud as if to her about something she would have waded in about.

I’ve devoted considerable time to organizing our lifetime of memories and photos. Although she was not much a keeper of memorabilia, I have many pictures of her that I am turning into various keepsakes to preserve and celebrate the wonderful legacy of her in our lives.

She would have been 64 today but, sadly, she is forever dialed in at 62, forever young-ish. I would prefer to celebrate with her but, alas, I celebrate her and also my missing her.

Here are some of my "last” pictures of Cindy at her “Forever Young-ish” age of 62 (except for one - can you guess which?).

No final goodbye

I dreamed about my wife, Cindy last night. Since her death a little more than a year ago, she is constantly on my mind but this dream is a first.

In the dream, she was going away and we did not know if we would ever see each other again. We tried to quell our anxiety about her leaving by absorbing as much of each other as possible - spending all our time together, talking, walking, eating, touching, hugging, holding each other.

Ultimately, none of that made the final goodbye any easier. The actual parting was very hard as was the insatiable longing for her after she was gone. This was where the dream left me.

In truth, we didn’t have any of that. When we went to the hospital that night, we had no inkling whatsoever that she would never return home again. No final goodbye.

At least I was at her side when she died, although she was long unconscious by then so I don’t know if she was aware of me. A few others were with us too - a couple of my sisters, her sister, her mom…..

Why this dream now? Perhaps a subconscious response to the gripping stories of so many families losing a loved one to the COVID-19 virus, also with no final goodbye? Imagine dropping your loved one off at a hospital to never see them alive again. Then, no visitation, no funeral or burial ceremonies after. At least we had all those ceremonies for Cindy. Might not seem important but I can tell you it was very important then and still.

All in all, even with no final goodbye, I’m doing OK. How? I generally credit my faith in God who is steady and unshakable and who provides and supports me in multiple ways, including a wonderfully supportive network of family and friends. I tend to see my entire life in the context of Him. To endure the loss of Cindy without God seems unimaginable.

God’s word, the Bible, has much to say about God sustaining his people through life’s many difficulties. As a seasoned believer and follower of him, I’ve found his assurances dead-on often (pun intended). Such as….

… they who wait for 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, ESV)

Perhaps this dream is God’s way of prompting me to pray for families who lost a loved one to COVID-19 - that they would discover God holding them up, sharing their grief and loss.

Even when we are left with no final goodbye, God is more than able to hold us up. Best of all, He is willing and eager to do so.

Notes:

Banner photo by Kristina Tripkovic on Unsplash

Letters to mom 1 & 2

Our daughter, Laura was very close to her mom, Cindy whose passing on April 8, 2019 was especially devastating for her. People ask often how Laura and her brother, Adam are doing after their mom’s death. In short, they are living their lives as best as they can without the mom they dearly love and miss.

Laura has waded into her grief to disclose some of her private feelings in a couple letters that she posted on her personal website. With her permission, I offer links to both her letters:

1) Dear Mom: Part 1 posted May 8, 2019

2) Dear Mom: Part 2 posted April 8, 2020

They stand alone quite well so I will leave you to read them on your own.

“Thank you, Laura for sharing yourself this way.

Love, Dad”



"Cindy"

Today marks one earthly year since the beloved person we know as Cindy passed from our lives into another existence about which humans hold various beliefs. Cindy and I believe in Jesus Christ and we thus apply the beliefs of the (Christian) Bible regarding where she is now.

For this first anniversary of her passing, I share a re-worked rendition of her memorial/funeral service held April 12, 2019 at Ward Church in Northville, MI. “Re-worked” because I added and synced images to the audio recorded that day to coincide with the songs, readings and messages presented by participants in the service.

What we have now is something more, my visual interpretation of the audio recording that not only illustrates what was spoken, read and sung but also presents a series of snapshots of Cindy’s life as represented that day.

I pray that you who knew her will find that this presentation represents Cindy well, albeit incompletely. If so, then you who did not know her will gain an understanding about her that is inspiring, encouraging and hopeful in this very challenging time on planet earth. Furthermore, I pray it offers a winsome view into and about Cindy’s faith in Jesus Christ that is at least intriguing if not much, much more.

I’m pretty sure that no one is more embarrassed about all of this fanfare about Cindy than Cindy herself. Therein lies the beauty of this project, as well as my motivation for bringing it to you. As eulogist Julie said about her, “She lived simply, loved abundantly, protected fiercely, and savored the life that God gave her.” Julie also noted, “Cindy’s life took many dramatic turns... She responded admirably in ‘un-dramatic’ ways—reflecting her steadfast faith & practical nature.”

People like Cindy - simple, steadfast, practical, undramatic - don’t make the pages of our world’s histories. Rarely do their funerals feature seven eulogists. But in God’s world, Cindy is known, very well known. I am grateful that she and I share “being known” by God.

While experiencing this service again may be difficult for some, know it is here at Road Report Journal to be found if or when you are ready.* I do not intend to fan or resurrect the pain you are trying to get beyond due to Cindy’s passing but to hold this woman, so vibrant in the life we enjoyed with her, as still alive and vibrant and still able to inspire us to receive and be moved by the Person that gave her life when…
and Who still gives her life now.

Click here to begin: CindyT’s Memorial Service, 4/12/2019

Service Order:

(YouTube format; 1 hour, 24 minutes; you may drag cursor to any section in the program to view selected parts vs. all at once)

  1. Call to Worship - Psalm 121 - Pastor Doug Walker - where does my help come from….?

  2. Welcome & Prayer - Doug

  3. Song - “Salt & Light” - by Lauren Daigle, sung by Heather Yanke Lunneberg

  4. Readings ( Char, Deb, Brian)

  5. Eulogies ( Bryan, Emma & Lindsey, Karen, Kim, Mamie, Julie, Glenn)

  6. Message - Doug - John 14: 1-7 - in my Father’s house are many rooms…

  7. Song of Reflection - “And Now My LifeSong Sings” - by Casting Crowns, sung by Heather

  8. Psalm 23 - Doug - The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want….,

  9. Credits

* Note: This is an unlisted YouTube video so you need this link to access the presentation. It is not findable by searching on YouTube.

Producer’s note: Not included in presentation are 2 songs sung at the service - “In Christ Alone” and, “Trust in You,” a Cindy favorite that was the third song performed at a special night organized by Heather in honor of Cindy’s many years as a vocalist with the Grace Chapel Worship Team. To see the video of that performance, click here: Night of Worship held on June 15, 2019


Heavenly Song

Has it been almost a year since my beloved wife Cindy slipped away? Turns out, I’m the one left behind in the “until death do us part” agreement we struck on our wedding day in February 1979. Even though we both knew that death would one day part us, I thought she promised I would go first!

I was not ready for her departure and wish we’d had the chance to say goodbye. Then again, is anyone really ready to lose someone loved so dearly?

I miss so much about her but her voice is near the top of my list. I really miss her voice - all the conversations we had, the laughter, the playful banter, the discussions, sharing, life-processing, gushy love talk, decisions and, of course, her singing. How do I not have even a small recording of her singing?

Everyone who knew her knew she loved to sing and that she was in her element participating in various choral groups in junior high and high school and church. Informally, she enjoyed singing at Sunday services and impromptu sing-a-longs with family musicians during holidays and around a lifetime of campfires.

She particularly LOVED being a vocalist with our church, Grace Chapel’s praise team for fourteen years. Just a few months after she died, her friend and praise team leader Heather Yanke Lunneberg organized a special night of worship in Cindy’s memory. Below is a link to the video of that amazing performance for your viewing and listening enjoyment.

“Night of Worship” was an inspiring tribute to God who Cindy revered greatly. I pray listeners receive a welcome boost in the midst of this dreary COVID-19 pandemic, reminding you that God is still in complete control and, best of all, you matter to him beyond measure.

Many of the songs sung during “Night of Worship” were Cindy’s favorites. So connect to a decent speaker, crank up the volume and let it roll. If you are especially attentive, maybe you will catch a few strains of Cindy’s sweet harmonies floating down from heaven…

Link: Night of Worship - “Giving Glory to God for the life of Cindy Trevisan”
June 19, 2019 at Grace Chapel Church, Farmington Hills, MI

Thank yous…

1) To Heather for putting this night together and all the performers who brought their best for the Lord and to honor Cindy (see credits scroll at end of video)

2) To songwriters whose music was played that lifted us to beautifully worship our amazing God.

3) Finally, thanks to our (Cindy’s and my) daughter, Laura Trevisan Mosher for painstakingly syncing the audio and video portions of this night to create this production for YouTube for all of us to enjoy.




Goodbye Again

A poem I wrote to Cindy after one of our first dates - sitting together near the water on an autumn Saturday at Deerfield Park in Mt. Pleasant, MI.

A poem I wrote to Cindy after one of our first dates - sitting together near the water on an autumn Saturday at Deerfield Park in Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Yes, I have indeed dedicated much thought to Cindy since her passing on April 8. I even made a “Cindy” playlist of songs that remind me of her, some new since her passing but most that I played for her as a loving endearment….

“Goodbye My Friend” by Linda Ronstadt; “I Know You By Heart” by Eva Cassidy; “Anywhere We Are” by Nichole Nordeman; “Treasure” by Ruth Fazal; “Angel” and “Broken Together” by Casting Crowns; “Was It This Lifetime” by William Ackerman; “Love In Not A Fight” by Warren Barfield; “The Sweetest Gift” by The Piano Guys; “Where Dreams Are Born” by Douglas Trowbridge; “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor...

So far, 29 songs….

Now, another ending and beginning. While time is nebulous, I willingly participate with most of my fellow humans to use time to measure and mark age and milestones. So as we bid 2019 goodbye, I reluctantly part with the year when I last saw and held my dear Cindy whose name I could attach a dizzying string of glowing descriptors and superlatives.

I know she was trouble for me often enough during our 42 years together including 40 as married partners but for the life of me, those memories now seem lost and forgotten. Only her sweetness remains and the ache of my love for her as she has slipped from my grasp to God’s.

By faith I hold to the assurance that she is safely home, whole and full of a joy that encompasses and consummates our Lord’s purposes for her while enveloping all that she was and is to me and others she encountered in her journey through life. Grudgingly, I trust that her going now was not untimely to God even if difficult, even tragic, for those of us left behind.

So without further adieu, goodbye again my dearest, most precious, beloved Cindy. Until we meet again.

Notes:

  1. Banner Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

  2. “Saturday Shelter” poem by Glenn Trevisan, 10/23/1977



Angel Herald (named "Cindy")

New angel I named “Cindy”

New angel I named “Cindy”

I’ve decorated with outdoor Christmas lights for as long as we’ve owned a house. Lights complement our celebration of the season while hinting to passersby that Jesus is our reason for the season.

Of course, lights alone are a pretty subtle hint. Plenty who don’t believe in Jesus decorate their house with Christmas lights. Like many well-worn symbols in our world, a Christmas lights display presumes no belief by the homeowner.

For several years, I wanted to add something to our outdoor lights display that would more emphatically represent the true meaning of Christmas, that the Messiah has now come. A manger scene would do it but our next door neighbors already have a very nice, front-lit, cut out manger scene. Rather, I wanted something simpler and also unique from theirs so our two, side by side houses could present the same message differently. If just one figure, what?

A couple grapevine angels in our church’s Christmas decorations a few years ago first sparked my interest in a heralding Christmas angel. Technically, heavenly angels appeared to shepherds in the field outside Bethlehem to announce the Savior’s arrival as reported in Luke 2:8-20. Note the angelic heralds were the only really “supernatural” indication that something was up that first Christmas night.

Inspiration: Grapevine angels at church

Inspiration: Grapevine angels at church

Works for me!

While I figured grapevine material like the angels at Church would withstand the outdoor elements, these were not only hard to find but more expensive than we were prepared to spend. Then we found one in a store constructed from wire and lights that was perfect but also pricey. We balked to buy but also found it on Amazon, stuck in my wish list and there it sat for three or so years.

My wife’s sudden death in April after a too-brief battle with leukemia triggered something in me. As shopping for this angel was something we did together, finally getting one this first Christmas helped me to keep her sweet spirit close as I grieved her passing.

Drum roll please as I hereby introduce my Christmas angel, named “Cindy” in honor of my beloved wife to herald the arrival of the Messiah “moving into the neighborhood” to redeem us and gather us all to himself.

I believe she is with our Savior now and, soon enough I will join her. Meanwhile, I pray my Christmas angel, “Cindy” sparks something in your heart to seek the Savior “she” announces.

God sent angels as yet another way to tell us how much we matter to him.

Light of the World - 2019 Ornament

Last Christmas, my wife Cindy stoked excitement for our then-upcoming Trevisan family reunion in July by gifting each family of “littles” with the book, “When Lightning Comes in a Jar” about the family reunions of author Patricia Palacco.  In January, her routine annual physical uncovered Acute Myelocytic Leukemia (AML) that resulted in Cindy’s death just 76 days later. 

 Stunned? Sad? Grieved? Yup, all that and more; But also amazed and inspired by Cindy’s  light that has transcended her mortality. 

 Turns out, she didn’t make the family reunion last July so I gifted each family member with a lightning jar keepsake in honor of her Christmas/reunion book project and of the beautiful light in Cindy that she readily attributed to her faith in Jesus Christ, her Savior.

 Now I bring you this “Light of the World,” ornament, my 20th annual, inspired by Cindy, my beloved wife of 40 years who I dearly miss.  I pray this ornament and its lesson brings Light to your life as well.

Glenn Trevisan (Christmas 2019)

“Light of the World” - 2019 Ornament

“Light of the World” - 2019 Ornament

Light, both physical and spiritual, is a prominently associated with God in the Bible. God’s declaration, “Let there be light” launched creation. (Genesis 1:3) As a pillar of fire, God guided Israel’s exodus from Egypt (Exodus 13:21). Through the prophet Isaiah, God invoked light to stake His sovereign rule over all lived experience, asserting, “I form the light and the darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things” (Isaiah 45:7)

Spiritually, God as Light illuminates, guides and empowers all who declare Him Lord. “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1) … “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105) … “You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light “(2 Samuel 22:29) …

Light metaphors illuminate Messianic prophecies too. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2). “Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.” (Micah 7:8b).

Light factors prominently in Jesus’ birth stories. “An angel of the Lord appeared to (the shepherds), and the glory of the Lord shone around them….” (Luke 2:8-9). Later, Wise Men seeking the newborn Messiah reported following “his star.” (Matthew 2:1-2)

“I am the light of the world,” declared Jesus. “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

In his second letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul depicted darkness as spiritual blindness that only the light of Jesus’ salvation can heal. When we acknowledge our sin nature, accept Jesus’ saving grace and submit to his Lordship of our lives, his salvation takes root in us and WE become the light of Jesus’ gospel that combats spiritual blindness in the world. (see 2 Corinthians 3:15-4:6)

Matthew 5:14-15, the ornament’s theme verse, presents a noted twist to the Biblical light narrative. “YOU are the light of the world,” said Jesus to His followers. Just as people do not light a lamp and put it under a bowl but put it on its stand to give light to everyone in the house, “In the same way, let YOUR light shine before others, that others may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Yes, Jesus came to be our light but, more importantly, to plant His light in US, his disciples. Believers’ “good deeds” that show Jesus’ light include being counter-cultural in a world openly dismissive of God, readily identifying as Christ followers and that God is our “light source,” honoring God by being kind, serving, generous, and peace-making and grounding our relationships in Christ (versus being right).

Death failed to extinguish or even dim Cindy’s light. Rather, her light still touches us – in shared condolences, testimonies about her, “lightning jars” gifted to family and friends, this “Light of the World” ornament and in the myriad ways that God lovingly moves in our lives as we cherish and nurture our memories of her.

Let’s follow Cindy’s example whose fresh, sweet faith brightened the lives of everyone she encountered. We can do likewise by letting our little lights shine to chase away darkness with the light of God’s redemption and love.

“…”my God turns darkness into light”
(Psalm 18:28b)”

Notes:

COMMENTS: Are WELCOME and ENCOURAGED here about how the ornament and/or message struck you ESPECIALLY from ornament recipients. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE a 2019 “Light of the World” ornament, simply request one at RoadReportJournal@gmail.com. My "extras" supply is limited but if I can get one to you, I will - Free unless shipping is required in which case I may ask you to cover those costs.

Acknowledgements:
1. Jars: 1 oz. clear with metallic silver flat top ordered from Beauticom via Amazon

2. Stainless steel engraved charm ordered through Etsy, made by Beadboat1

3. “Candle” body was made at Sherwood Pattern Company with the help of Rich Button by cutting 3/8 inch slices from a 1.25 inch diameter dowel rod. Using a lathe, we drilled a 9/16 inch hole to make a cavity for the candle light. The candle bottoms are 1.25 inch diameter card stock circles pressed on the Hytronics #1 machine at Champion Gasket and Rubber Company.

4. The candle lights are Accmor LED Mini Round Ball light available through Amazon.

5. See the original “Lightning in a Jar” story in the “Insights” section of this website: “When Lightning Comes in a Jar and Cindy”

Making the “Light of the World” Ornament


"When Lightning Comes in a Jar" and Cindy

As a para-educator at Hillside Elementary School in our local Farmington, Michigan school district, my wife Cindy helped struggling first grade readers to read better. During the 2018 school year, she came across Patricia Polacco’s book, “When Lightning Comes in a Jar” about her family’s reunion held annually in Michigan. The book title regards catching lightning bugs in jars – an after-dark reunion activity.

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With our Trevisan family reunion set for the following July, Cindy was inspired to share the story that Christmas with our family’s current group of “littles,” as we call them. Excitedly, she ordered a book for each of the five families with up and coming readers, composing this note for each one.

Our family reunion is coming up this summer (2019). This story is about the family reunions of the author, Patricia Polacco. It talks about the importance of traditions that tell the story of your family. What makes this story even more fun, is it takes place in Michigan! Looking forward to our reunion in July and sharing stories with you from this family of ours. Let’s make our own jars of lightning this summer!

Merry Christmas
Love and Blessings, Aunt Cindy

Sadly, less than a month after Christmas, Cindy was diagnosed with Acute Myelocytic Leukemia (AML). As she launched into treatment in her typical, matter-of-fact manner, our daughter found a medical update website that we named “Cindy’s Village” to keep our vast network of family and friends informed about Cindy’s progress. Responding to one of my updates, Sarah commented:

“Our prayers for your complete and total healing are with you daily! … as we know it is difficult to stand by during such an ordeal … It’s settled. Trevisan Reunion 2019 is the perfect health goal! You must be there, vibrant and healthy to enjoy all the shenanigans!”

Cindy’s Village enthusiastically took that goal on. In the spirit of a verse in the Bible (Ephesians 3:202), I invited our readers to imagine* in our prayers God granting Cindy sufficient recovery to attend the July reunion, to hang out with her beloved nieces and nephews and enjoy “all the shenanigans” including catching lightning (bugs) in jars.

Initially, our desires seemed achievable as Cindy gave her all to the demanding treatment regimen, maintaining positivity while her doctors indicated favorable progress. Then, on day 75, an infection came on while her immune system was severely compromised that lead to Cindy’s death just 12 hours later, on April 8.

Suddenly our hope turned to grief even as we clung to the promise that our faith in Christ assures, faith that challenged us to believe that our prayers for Cindy were answered in a way that was beyond what we imagined* for her and ourselves – bypassing the Trevisan reunion to be reunited with her Lord, Jesus Christ. Even so, we are stunned and sad.

Nevertheless, in the spirit of this hope, rooted in a faith Cindy and I shared, I wanted to do something at reunion to honor her indomitable zest for life and Christ. Turns out, Cindy’s “lightning in a jar” initiative sparked my creativity (pun intended) thanks to a jar gifted to my sister Julie by her friend, Patty. After reading my February 13 post about a Cindy’s book project, she sent Julie a mason jar with a solar cell lid that powers a string of little lights. When lit, they look something like lightning bugs - lightning in a jar!

Reunion Lightning Jar, July 2019

Reunion Lightning Jar, July 2019

I ordered a bunch of them and found a perfect, mason-jar-shaped tag on Etsy that I had inscribed for the reunion. Our daughter, Laura wood-burned recipient names on the back of each tag. The lightning jar keepsakes were presented on the July 21 opening night of reunion along with other jars and butterfly nets for catching lightning bugs.

We anticipated several, exciting nights of lightning bug catch-and-release fun. However, the lightning bugs must have been on vacation as well because we never saw a single one all week. Turns out, the only lightning bug activity the whole week was our Cindy lightning jars bobbing around our reunion complex each night.

After reunion, my brother Neil texted me this note:

Since we have been home, the lightning bugs have put on a magnificent display every night…nature’s beauty, much like our faith and beliefs, isn’t a tangible, “catch-able” thing. More like a feeling or an experience in our heart…. a sense of wonder hard to articulate or capture, but powerful to create emotions and feelings. For the rest of my time on this earth, lightning bugs will always remind me of Cindy and will feel like a heavenly embrace.

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” If not tangible, certainly real and perhaps more catchable than we generally think.

While we didn’t see any lightning bugs at reunion, the idea of them that our lightning jars brought to life was wondrous, as Neil expressed.

The story of Cindy is that she let her little light* shine brightly, something each of us can also do. How amazing to see how many were and continue to be touched by how she glowed.

2019 Trevisan Family Reunion that Cindy missed

2019 Trevisan Family Reunion that Cindy missed

* Footnotes:
1. This story draws from on two “Cindy’s Village” posts: Lightning in a Jar (2/13/2019) and Cindy’s Lightning, (8/4/2019); See Cindy’s Village at https://posthope.org/cindy (if site is still active)
2. (God) is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, (Ephesians 3:20, NIV)
3. “…A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see … and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 54:14-16, ESV) … we have this treasure in jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7a, ESV)

My Shepherd - 2018 Ornament

The 2018 “My Shepherd” ornament was inspired by a sobering condition touched upon in the Old Testament story of Joseph that unfolds in Genesis 37-50.

“for all shepherds are detestable* to the Egyptians.” (Genesis 46:34b, NIV)

‘Detestable’ was a prejudicial view of the livelihood of Joseph’s family that Pharaoh used to justify settling them in Goshen, distant from Egyptian society. Such practices are still prevalent, “Pharaohs” brandishing prejudicial views and influence to restrain or shut out those they find unsuitable.

Two thousand years ago, an unlikely player pushed into this fray. Not another Pharaoh but one who embraced the role of shepherd, “My Shepherd,” taking on detestability to find and redeem all who become lost under Pharaoh’s various schemes. Said Jesus,

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10: 27-18, ESV)

Oddly, this story hit me as I found myself in a kind of Goshen. Read on. I hope this ornament and its message blesses you.

Glenn Trevisan (Christmas 2018)

My Shepherd - 2018 Ornament

My Shepherd - 2018 Ornament

Detestable shepherds in Goshen…

Joseph’s story is found in Genesis 37-50. Second youngest son of Jacob, Joseph ‘lorded’ his most favored son status over his older brothers until their resentment of him erupted when they sold him to traveling desert traders then lied to their father that he died from an animal attack. (Genesis 37:12-36)

Landing in Egypt, Joseph initially earned favor with his master until he was falsely accused for sexual misconduct and imprisoned. Distinguishing himself as a model inmate, his ability to interpret dreams brought him to interpret Pharaoh’s dream who pardoned than appointed him to guide Egypt through the famine foreseen in the dream. When his brothers journeyed to Egypt for famine relief, Joseph tested them with a series of trials before reconciling with them.

Encouraging them to resettle in Egypt to ride out the famine, Joseph scheduled his brothers for an interview with Pharaoh. Preparing them for their meeting, he counseled them to tell him they are shepherds so Pharaoh will settle them in Goshen “for all shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians.”’ (Genesis 46:34b).

Why Goshen? Probably because Goshen was away from Egyptian society in the eastern Delta of the Nile in northern Egypt. Despite that they were not allowed to settle among the Egyptians, they flourished in Goshen, literally becoming the nation of Israel until their “Exodus” many generations later, opening another chapter in God’s grand plan for all humanity.

This story tugged at me all year as I settled into Goshens of my own due to being found unsuitable by certain Pharaohs. Estranged from longstanding havens of familiarity and strength, I made some “adjustments” to move on with my life.

Drawing from the Lord’s assurances in Scripture, learning to swallow my pride and to submit to being lead, like a sheep, has not come easily. Neither has accepting that what is going on with me is not observable or knowable by me or anyone but “My Shepherd,” the Lord.

Recall the history leading up to Joseph’s story; how God formed a people (Israel) who were nomadic shepherds (Genesis 12:1-3 and 13:2), an identity considered ‘detestable’ by societies of those times but that God and Christ readily attribute to themselves, thus the ornament’s anchor verses, Psalm 23:1 and John 10:11, arguably the Bible’s best known shepherd metaphors.

Regarding God the Father, the psalmist David wrote, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1, NKJV)

Said Jesus about himself, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, NIV)

Shepherds also have the distinction of being the first witnesses and heralds of the newborn Savior in the Christmas story as told in Luke 2:8-18 – Christmas Shepherds!

Whatever the causes, including self-inflicted, for the ground caving in beneath us, leaving us displaced in various “Goshens” to find new footholds each day, all who trust in Christ have his solid assurance of rescue and restoration, no matter how dim the view seems to us or others. (See John 6: 38-40 and Matthew 18: 12-14, NIV)

This is the message of Christmas – that Jesus came to rescue and restore all who receive him as Lord and to erase every stain of detestability, no matter its source or cause. The Lord is My Shepherd, your shepherd, the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep, me and you - because we matter so much to him.

Notes:

  • The word translated “detestable” in the NIV is translated abominable or loathsome in other modern translations.

COMMENTS: Are WELCOME and ENCOURAGED here about how the ornament and/or message struck you ESPECIALLY from ornament recipients. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE a 2018 “My Shepherd” ornament, simply request one at RoadReportJournal@gmail.com. My "extras" supply is limited but if I can get one to you, I will - Free unless shipping is required in which case I may ask you to cover those costs.

Daughter, Laura was a welcome painting elf

Daughter, Laura was a welcome painting elf

Acknowledgements:

  1. Helpers - Thanks to our daughter, Laura Trevisan Mosher for painting assistance and to my wive, Cindy for allowing me many uninterrupted hours in my ornament workshop and for patiently editing versions of the ornament copy.

  2. Materials:

    1. Wood figure - Little People Dad 2-3/8 x 7/8 inch from Woodworks, Ltd. at Craftparts.com

    2. Sheep - Bulk 50 Sheep Silver Tone Charms from LorettaBeads on Etsy

    3. Bead for hand - Brown 6x5mm Rondellle Wood Bead from SleepingSpirit on Etsy

    4. Staff - Covered wire #5188412 from Hobby Lobby in Novi, MI

    5. Other supplies:

      1. Hooks, spray paint for hooks, tiny drills bit, sheep hanger brads, etc purchased at Alexander True Value Hardware in Farmington, MI

      2. Paint for figures is Grumbacher, Academy Acrylic from Michaels Crafts in Novi, MI - Raw Sienna (outer cloak), Warm Gray (inner robe), Unbleached Titanium White (Skin) and Mars Black (Hair and beard)

The Making of "My Shepherd"

Kind of like the featurettes on DVDs about "how this movie was made, " I offer this pictorial featurette on the making of the "My Shepherd" ornament for those of you who like that kind of thing.....

Plowing and tilling

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“reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;”
— from Hosea 10:12, NIV

Seems like after 63 years of life including 35 following Christ, I would have no unplowed ground in me.  But I do.

“To God, our lives are like fields that need to be worked. Once we have worked one field of change, we move on to the next plot, where He bids us to get back to work on other character flaws by tilling weed-infested soil.  Sometimes this takes more time that we’d like, but we have to keep driving that tractor back and forth across the (stingy) soil.”*

Pulled this from a daily devotional I recently started following again.  “Driving that tractor back and forth,” struck me.  Back and forth, over and over again captures the arduous process well, of working on an ingrained problem or sin. Drawing from farming, tough, unforgiving work under a hot, relentless sun...when tilling only seems to churn the dirt into dust that coats and clogs everything.  

I’ve got this “unplowed field” to somehow make ready for tilling and another “field” that is under-performing.  

While I’m resolved to toil, I discourage easily, more inclined to quit than continue.  The rough field is so set in its manner, resistant and synced to my brokenness. Ofttimes the process seems to cause more worsening than correction.

Meanwhile the underproductive field tempts me to abandon further trying because it is in fact yielding a decent crop, even if short of its potential.

The devotional draws from Biblical stories to offer hope for continuing.

“Change will happen, and the Bible gives us insight into how it happens.  Think of Joseph in an Egyptian jail. Moses in the desert. David’s fugitive years. Jonah in the whale.  Gideon in a cave. Job’s catastrophes. Elijah’s encounter with the widow. King Nebuchadnezzar’s riches-to-rags-to-revelation.  The apostle Paul’s blinding encounter with God.”*

Seeing these stores cast this context, many of my favorites, the analogy of driving a tractor back and forth, back and forth, over and over settles into me.  Guess that’s what I’m doing as well. Imagining God's watchful eye, supervising from the deep blue sky overhead is evenly oddly romantic. 

Sow righteousness for yourselves,
   reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
   for it is time to seek the Lord,
until he comes
   and showers his righteousness on you
(Hosea 10:12, NIV)
--------------------------------------------------

Notes

1. * Excerpts from devotional “Every Day for Every Man” by Stephen Arterburn, Fred Stoeker and Kenny Luck, May 25.

2. Image source site: Tractor plowing a field

 

 

Guided Detours

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

Nearly ten years after being dismissed from a 30-year endeavor that, at the time, defined my entire career and much of my calling, my new normal continues to evolve. Somewhat comforting is that setbacks and detours and the sense of having lost my way is a widely shared experience with those I most admire.

In his book, “Detours, the unpredictable path to your destiny,” Tony Evans insists that “Everyone has a destiny and a purpose to fulfill.  Each member of the body of Christ has a unique role to play.”

He cited several of my favorite Bible heroes whose life purposes are virtually indisputable…

  • Abraham, patriarch of Israeli people
  • Joseph, saved Israel from famine
  • Moses, rescued Israel from enslavement
  • and Paul, evangelist to the Gentiles

In none of their stories was the line between purpose and fruition straight or short.  Each endured a series of detours that prepared them for their purpose. Drawing from Joseph’s story and many of his own experiences, Evans offers insight about how the path to purpose may unfold and  factors that may influence the duration and difficulty encountered along the way.

Purpose realization is often influenced by the degree that we trust and obey God and accept and submit to the challenges he allows or leads us to face.  

While no one who knows me well would hesitate to label me stubborn, I find my own stubbornness more than a little frustrating because God has always provided and proven his goodness to me over and over.  What’s with my resistance to “let go and let God?”

I recently prayed about the vagueness I feel about my life purpose.  Several years ago, I developed a personal mission statement to guide my search for a new career.  A Lent project in 2011, version one emerged in April of that year. Since then, I’ve revisited and tweaked it often.  Here is its present form (with footnotes in [brackets]):

“GLENN’S PERSONAL MISSION[1]
“We matter to God”

How God regards human beings[2] informs my calling[3] to engage and exhort people to “know[4]” Him and to convey how much we matter to Him. I acknowledge certain gifts such as creative expression, encouragement, administration, leadership and humor to engage people I encounter along life’s roads.[5]

I labor[6] to responsively encourage people to recognize our world as “God-bathed and God-permeated”[7] while, with fellow believers, I “work out my salvation with fear and trembling.”[8]”
— revised 4/21/2018

For all the effort devoted to developing this mission, my search suffered a series of setbacks before I retreated from mission guidance to simply securing a job to help pay the bills.  Having tweaked our lifestyle to balance our means with our needs, we are doing OK now. Meanwhile, I emotionally vacillate between simply being content and wondering whether God has something more in mind for me.

This “Detours” book was recommended by a friend, prompting me to consider that my personal mission statement may speak more toward my life in general than my career in particular.  Indeed, experiences and detours have altered my perspective.

Noted Evans, “it took forty years in the wilderness to develop Moses” and “Abraham was on a twenty-five year detour...The greatest apostle in the New Testament, Paul, went on a three-year detour to the desert” before launching fully into ministry. Then we have the convoluted story between Joseph’s dream at age 17 and being elevated by Pharaoh to  prepare Egypt for famine…

My latest thought is that all my setbacks including my present “just pay the bills” job is all part of how God is guiding my life.  

I suspect my story is similar to yours, that purpose is more often vague than clear, more meandering through agonizing detours than zooming fast and straight to a stunning destiny..  

Only when I pause, take a slow, deep breath and tend to God’s still, small voice do I recognize and appreciate how his hand is guiding me..

Mission footnotes

[1] This Mission Statement was inspired  by Dan Walker who spoke at a Career Ministry workshop on 2/24/2011 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church.  I began the project on 3/9/11 (during Lent). The first version emerged 4/20/11.

[2]  People engagement is a prominent theme in my life. It is reflected in an idea I’ve titled One Cor36 based on 1 Cor 3:6 “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God makes it grow.” (NIV).  Also, “ the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a human being. (Genesis 2:7).

"It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare…There are no ordinary people.  You have never met a mere mortal.” (C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory, pg 15.)

[3]   I am guided by a conviction that processes and people are the “soul and heart” of all worthy enterprises (organizations, companies).   Jim Collin’s books, “Good to Great” and his companion monograph “Good to Great and the Social Sectors” (read in 2006) articulates ideas that resonated with me along this line.

[4]  To “know” in the “biblical” sense.  My 2006 ornament, “Bride of Christ” expounded on this inspiring principle.

[5] “roads,”  specifically curvy, black-topped “back roads” with a freshly painted yellow centerline. I so enjoy driving roads like these with my wife that I have many road photos taken during these drives. Black-topped road driving inspired the name and banner of this "Road Report" blog, launched in 2012.

[6]  “labor “ as in “my effort in concert with God’s will and empowerment” Vs default to “forget” to engage God as I push into life thus rendering me more critical  than joyful and more guarded than engaging.

[7]   “Jesus’ good news about the kingdom can be an effective guide for our lives only if we share his view of the world in which we live.  To his eyes this is a God-bathed and God-permeated world. It is a world filled with a glorious reality, where every component is within the range of God’s direct knowledge and control—though he obviously permits some of it, for good reasons, to be for a while otherwise than as he wishes.  It is a world that is inconceivably beautiful and good because it is of God and because God is always in it. It is a world in which God is continually at play and over which he constantly rejoices. Until our thoughts of God have found every visible thing and event glorious with his presence, the word of Jesus has not yet fully seized us.” (by Dallas Willard, Divine Conspiracy, page 61)

[8] Philippians 2:12, ESV

 




 

Lost to Found

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The day after I die, God’s prayers inbox will be so greatly reduced that He might take a day off. 

Not because I’m a prayer warrior, quite the contrary.  Lots and lots of little prayers seeking guidance to find stuff absentmindedly misplaced .

I generally think myself organized. All the items I routinely misplace have a home base where I keep them when not in my possession - car keys, glasses, cellphone, favorite pens, journal and wallet. However, when something else is on my mind, I put stuff down in an odd places. Invariably, I don’t discover the loss until I need them next , often when I am hurriedly flying off to somewhere.

After quickly searching primary and secondary home bases where the item(s) should be, my anxiety builds as the item remains lost.  Prayer is often a last resort.

The apostle Paul offers a great insight for how to approach all forms of lostness encountered in life.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4: 6-7, NIV)

By “anything,” I presume all the little items I mentioned earlier are included.  Seems to me he’s saying that a properly postured prayer draws God’s peace that “transcends” whatever I think is important at the time. When God’s peace reigns in me, lost priorities change.

So far, I’ve never lost something that was necessary for my next breath.  If I ever do, God would still be in control ensuring my good and His glory. (See Romans 8:28)

 Lost to found was particularly on my mind because I celebrated another birthday last weekend. Birthday on Friday followed by Easter on Sunday. The close proximity and order of the two celebrations this year really struck me.

My birthday marks the path of my life that gained an entirely new context when 35 years ago, I was presented with and accepted an invitation to align with the one, true God.  Easter marks the reality of that encounter for me.

Every person born is seemingly “alive” but, in reality lost and dead until we encounter and submit our life to Christ.  We can mark a lot of birthdays but if we don’t also mark Easter, we sadly miss the essence of true living no matter how we measure or are measured according to the standards of this world.  

Embracing this reality has taken me a long, long while to grasp and appreciate because, quite frankly, my natural inclination and preference is to fit in, be relevant and liked by the people, community and society where I live.

See, the radical gospel that Jesus Christ came to reveal is that worldliness and godliness are mutually exclusive. This was what he lived and sacrificed himself to make a way for you and me to discover, embrace and enter into. Welcome to the upside down gospel.

A birthday without an Easter is like hanging tinsel on a gallows. Thanks entirely to the grace and mercy of Christ, I gratefully mark this and every birthday with an even more significant Easter. (See Romans 5:8)

Thanks to Easter, every lost item presents a new opportunity to give thanks for the finding that redeems the losing.  Even so, I’m a work in progress toward STARTING the next loss with prayer instead of ENDING there.

Lost to Found is something worth celebrating!

 

40 Days of Decrease

 

As Lent draws to a close, I thought I would share some highlights from the guide I used this years that was recommended by a new friend, Jessica - “40 Days of Decrease - A different kind of hunger. A different kind of fast  by Alicia Britt Chole (pronounced show-lee). Each features a themed reflection about Jesus' journey "cross-ward," a fast and a reading from John's gospel.  Unusual, refreshing, intriguing, and sobering.  

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Days 34 & 35: Seven distinct groups surrounded Jesus at His crucifixion:

1) passersby who hurled insults;
2) unnamed disciples who observed from a distance;
3) watchers who occasionally taunted;
4) rulers - chief priests, teachers of the law and elders;
5) named disciples - his mother, mother's sister, and Mary Magdalene and the apostle John;
6) the two thieves crucified beside him and
7) the soldiers for whom Jesus was their job, not their God.

That five of the seven groups incessantly mocked and taunted Jesus prompted this caution by the author, "Though occasionally accomplished constructively, criticism is often a cowardly act. Criticism knows a little, assumes a lot and airs judgments with conviction."

Today, fast criticism. "Seek to know more, assume less, and air prayers" instead of judgments. (pages 177-180)

Day 33:  To fast willful sin is not a simplistic call to stop sinning. No, this is a sincere call for us to start loving Jesus to a degree that compels us to walk away from sin where we can and get help where we cannot....Savior, am I caressing anything you were crucified for? If so, I repent: forgive me, heal me, send help to me, and strengthen my love for You. When I am tempted, may I see Your cross, remember Your cost, and let love "bind my wandering heart" to You. (page 175)

Day 30: Earthquakes reveal faultlines that were previously unknown. We think we know our strengths and weaknesses but even though we don't, Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves - like how we predicted Judas' and Peter's betrayals. But to falter when you think or even pledge we won't is HUMAN. So when the ground shakes and 'we fall into our own disillusionment, we need to remember to get back up, receive forgiveness and call upon our newly acquired humility to strengthen others.' Today's fast: self confidence. (from pages 154-155)

Day 27: Recall the Last Supper scene described in Matthew’s gospel when Jesus mentioned that one the apostles would betray Him.  

“Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Judas inquired.  To which Jesus replied, “You have said so.” (Matthew 26:21, 25)

Judas’ betrayal was a manifestation of satanic opposition. We expect satanic opposition from the world. But when it comes from around the table, it takes our breath away.” (page 136)

Having been on the business end of betrayal from around the table on a few occasions, the weight of her remark settled in my chest. I can testify that not only does it take your breath away but getting back to breathing normally again can take a long, long while.

That Jesus forgave, readily and unconditionally paved the way for me to do likewise.

Day 25: "Is there another way?" asked Jesus of his Father, God, praying, deeply distressed that fateful night in Gethsemane.  Along with, "If so, I want to take it."  Three times he asked. (See Matthew 26: 39, 42, 44)

Indeed, "Is there another way for mankind to be reconciled to God?" queried  Chole.

"Within our global culture, it sounds enlightened and egalitarian to believe in many ways to God, which makes wrestling with this text all the more critical."

We moderns who revisit this moment on the other side of it know how the question was answered.

"Clearly, by the events that follow, Father's answer was 'no' - another way did not exist.  Jesus was and is 'The Way' (John 14:6)."

Fortunately, the Father's "no" was Jesus' "yes.".

Day 21:  "Obedience is not a moment: it is a process connected by countless moments."

This remark regarded Jesus stating his heart was "troubled" as he shared deep thoughts about his "hour" that was soon to arrive. Although troubled, he was nevertheless obedient to see the redemptive plan to its earth-shaking conclusion.(See John 12:20-28) ...[from pages 104-105]

From Day 17 - Twice, Jesus cleared the temple of merchants and moneychangers. "Jesus no doubt witnessed many injustices during His life on earth, but He did not turn over many tables....Taking action because there is a need is a very different motivation than taking action because there is a God. In addition to being exhausting, the former is led by what our eyes see and what our hearts feel. The latter is led by loving listening and dependence-inspired discipline...Said Dr. Beth Grant, friend of the author, 'Choose carefully what you are willing to die for because you can only die once.'" [from pages 79-82]

From Day 13: I am challenged by today's fast: Stinginess. "...seek an opportunity to be irrationally lavish toward someone who cannot possibly return the favor."

Day 8: Today's fast, Fixing it is for life's many miscarried miracles, the "this could only be from God" openings that later close leaving us to wonder, "What gives, Lord?"

Lazarus, raised from the dead, later died again; a long-awaited pregnancy that ends in miscarriage; fired from a promising job....We panic, search for explanations and "scurry clumsily about to prop up God's sagging reputation." (page 34)

Day 9: Fast rationalism - the belief that reason is king.  Our lack of understanding cannot sabbotage the power or the purpose of His voice.  It is not possible to prove with the mind what is born in the Spirit. (pages 38-39)

Day 1: Fast Lent As Project.  Instead, consider Lent as less a project and more a sojourn. A sojourn is a 'temporary stay at a place,' And a 'stay' is about presence, not productivity. For the next forty days, fast measuring your "success" statistically... Instead, invest your energy in seeking to remain present to the sacred history of Jesus' walk to the cross....enter Lent as experience.  (page 3)

Prayer: Lord, you are truly amazing, unpredictable, striking, scary and so very attractive.  Thank you for coming to rescue me and opening life and eternity for me and all who truly seek you.

Notes:

Banner Photo by Mario Calvo on Unsplash

Betrayal ... Redeemed

Holy Week.  The annual Lenten journey descends to the darkest of all moments before culminating next Sunday in the most ascended moment ever.

This Lent, I’ve followed along a book by Alicia Britt Chole, “40 Days of Decrease.” Each day, Chole (pronounced show-lee) offers a reflection, reading, and fast.  Although adaptable for times other than Lent, she dedicates about a half-page at the end of each chapter/day to the history of Lenten practice.

The word “different” in the book subtitle, “A different kind of hunger. A different kind of fast” understates how different a journey Chole offers.  Consider the fasts:

Day one: Lent as a project
Day two: Regrets
Day three: Collecting praise
Day four: Artificial light…

I found her reflections unusual, refreshing, intriguing, and for Day 27, sobering.  The focus was betrayal by Judas, the apostle who made a deal with the Jewish leaders leading to Jesus’ arrest and execution. Recall the Last Supper scene described in Matthew’s gospel when Jesus mentioned that one among them would betray Him.  

“Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Judas inquired.  To which Jesus replied, “You have said so.” (Matthew 26:21, 25)

Judas’s “betrayal was a manifestation of satanic opposition,” Chole remarked.  “We expect satanic opposition from the world. But when it comes from around the table, it takes our breath away.” (page 136)

Chole then pressed into this betrayal by depicting Jesus and Judas’s final interaction during the arrest sequence that ended, she wrote, “with some name-calling.”

“The last name Judas called Jesus was Rabbi.  The last thing Jesus called Judas was friend.”

That word rendered as “friend” is the Greek hetairos, “used culturally to refer to a colleague, comrade, fellow worker, or friend. It appears only three times in the New Testament, exclusively in the gospel of Matthew.* In biblical context, ‘the implication [is] of a distinct relationship in which there is generosity on the one part and abuse on the other.’ To the point: a co-worker’s betrayal.” (page 137)

So this particular betrayal “from around the table” is betrayal by someone close, someone we trust, who we let our guard down with, who we never even slightly suspect would betray us.  

Having been on the business end of betrayal “from around the table” on a few occasions, the weight of her remark settled in my chest. I can testify that not only does it take your breath away but getting back to breathing normally again can take a long, long while.

That I still feel so raw about my own experiences of having been betrayed took me by surprise. Then came a dawning of how others in my life must feel and still feel raw about due to betrayal by a spouse, a niece, a grandchild, a brother, a buddy, a colleague, a neighbor….

Here is yet another iteration of the depth and detail of Jesus’ humanity.  While this particular betrayal factors hugely in Jesus’ story, what is most said about Him is that and how He redeemed betrayal and all the dismissal, rejection and injustice heaped onto His huge shoulders.

But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

“And by His stripes we are healed.”
— Isaiah 53:5, NKJV

Sobering. Indeed. We must really matter to Him.

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Referenced pages from “40 Days of Decrease - A different kind of hunger. A different kind of fast” by Alicia Britt Chole