A New Article . . .

Well, it's been a long time since I've posted here, but I thought I would take a moment to share a link to an article I was asked to write for a wonderful blog.

It's How to Have a Joy-Filled Christmas ~

Check it out at: www.likeabubblingbrook.com

Celebrate Wormanhood

Published in the May/June 2011 Reflections magazine

All men are worms (Job 25:6). It’s a lowly station, but there’s no denying this Scriptural classification includes you and me. With that in mind, ladies, for the duration of this article, we shall call ourselves wormen, a linguistic blend of women and worm, as we examine lessons from the sisterhood of wiggling worms.

LESSON 1: You are a cherished creation of God.

Everything God makes is good (Genesis 1:31), and most of His creation agrees. Look at Anna the earthworm. She thinks her segments are sweet and her shape is totally tubular. Fluffy is fine for Wanda the woolly bear worm; while Sally silkworm thinks her fibers are fabulous. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. For wormen, the most important Beholder is our Creator!

You are the worm in the apple of God’s eye. He keeps you “as the apple of His eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10). The word translated apple means “pupil” or “little man of the eye.” God has His eye on you. He looks beyond your present worminess and sees His lovely Bride. You, precious worman, are the reflection in God’s adoring eye.

LESSON 2: Accept yourself; God does.

God made us one by one. He spoke creation into existence, but reached into dirt with divine fingers to fashion mankind. Since then He has wonderfully “knit” individuals in their mothers’ wombs (Psalm 139:13-14, NIV).

God knew you and I would never be perfect, still He made us. You may not be Wonder Worman, but God made you wonderful! As you mature and grow in God, work in harmony with the talents and passions you discover within. Thank God for your “haves” and don’t focus on “have nots.” Utilize and develop your gifts and abilities to their potential.

Once wormen understand we have unique purposes in God’s Kingdom, we can live more fulfilled, peaceful lives. I’m not talking about ignoring our flaws and limitations, but when it comes to the unchangeable (species, bone structure, artistic ability, etc.), we can choose to make the best of what God has provided. Remember, Jesus loves you, and so should you.

LESSON 3: There’s no comparison.

Most of my growing up years I wanted to be someone else. My older sister was beautiful, talented, and skinny to boot. Then there was Rhonda, the gorgeous cheerleader with the perfect hair and porcelain complexion. Every boy in Lone Oak High would have done back flips down the hallway to get her attention. Oh, to be like the beautiful people . . .

It’s human nature to compare, even as adults, but it’s not wise (2 Corinthians 10:12). God made us to be one-of-a-kinds—originals (Ephesians 2:10). He could have used a heavenly press to shoot people out in identical shapes and sizes in uniform color and flavor, but He likes variety; so He made you.

Live your life to the fullest. You won’t be a happy “you” if you’re trying to be someone else. In the times you feel dissatisfied, remind yourself that you are God’s unique creation. He loves you, is with you, and is for you!  If others make you feel lower than a worm’s belly, learn to live above their opinions and under God’s. 

LESSON 4: Be your redeemed self.

Spending time and energy trying to be something or someone we’re not can damage relationships with God and others. Be your redeemed self (not your carnal self). See the beauty of God’s handiwork at every stage of development in your life. Thankfully, God isn’t finished working on us; but that doesn’t mean he’s finished with us. You are who you are, and God knows you and loves you unconditionally each step along your journey. You can be real with Him and others—not a fake, plastic worman.

If there are broken things in your life that need healing, allow God access to work in those areas. At the same time, don’t make them your primary focus. Rejoice in what God has already done and His promises for the future. When you mess up, and we all mess up, don’t give up—get up!

Each person has external and internal triggers that can send them spiraling downward if they’re not careful. Jesus came to set captives free, and if you’ve been held captive by past hurts or your own thoughts about yourself, God wants you to truly overcome and walk in victory!

LESSON 5: Indulge in wormatherapy.

Among worms, one might be considered more attractive than another. I’ve never seen a Miss Invertebrate pageant, and confess I am no judge of their cylindrical, non-appendaged beauty. Worm beauty treatments seem a bit far-fetched, but there are some things we wormen can do to feel better about ourselves should we become discouraged.

Encourage yourself in the Word. Receive the Word of God as a personal message from Jesus to you. As the song Beautiful declares: “You are treasured. You are sacred. You are His. You’re beautiful.”

Focus on the eternal. There’s no goodness in any flesh—super-models to maggots (Romans 7:8). Instead of focusing on the outer person, concentrate on beautifying the inner person. Wear things like honor and integrity—virtues that outlast outerwear, including flesh, which will all become worm food should the Lord delay His return

Spend time with God. If you feel unbeautiful, there's nothing like fellowship with a beautiful God to make you feel special--to give you a radiant countenance and joyful smile that beautifies like nothing else. In His presence we exchange all we are for all He is; and we get to wear a bit of His glory, as well. Audrey Hepburn knew this secret, "Happy girls are the prettiest." Being in relationship with Jesus makes people happy, and happy girls are pretty girls--not a hollow pretty, but a true, eternal glorious beauty that comes from God. Since we have to be worms, let's be glow worms and light up our world. 

Whipped Cream Sentiments

The evening sun cast dazzling pink atop an aerial cloud forest

While lower level puffs wore gray

It seemed I should be able

To reach out the window

And scoop handfuls

That would sit in my palms like mounds of whipped cream

Released from God’s unending charger

The forest gave way to a river flowing

Waves rolling

As I and my fellow passengers sailed high above

Short moments passed and the pink that had scattered

Gathered on the horizon

Marching in formation

Preparing to salute the end of another day

Farewell

Goodbye

To the day and my new friends

I will not forget you, dear sisters far away

Who only days ago I did not know

But who are now ingrained in my heart

Part of my eternity

Soon the plane will dip below the cloud line

Where my family waits for my return

I will share with them our experiences

Our tears, laughter, songs and prayers…

And the goodies you so kindly sent

Now tucked inside my travel bag

I will think of you often

When I look to the sky and remember your sweetness

Like sparkling mounds of whipped cream

Objects That Teach

This article was published in the Winter 2011 edition of the Christian Educator magazine. Thought I'd share it with you. Blessings...

Objects That Teach

Is your classroom filled with glassy-eyed pupils? Do you need help engaging students in discussion and connecting them with lessons? Using objects that teach in the classroom adds some oomph to instruction—and a little oomph can go a long way when it comes to imparting biblical principles to your students.

Seeing is better than just hearing; and “gizmos,” “doodads” and “things” have the ability to convey ideas, morals and concepts where words alone fall short. Concrete, tangible objects can help teachers communicate abstract concepts.

Teachers who introduce the unexpected or unusual arouse curiosity in their students. Questions, even those unspoken, help young people develop critical thinking skills and spiritual discernment. Good teachers don’t just give hungry students “fish” (lessons); they teach them “how to fish” by opening their eyes to the world around them—seeing God in His creation, His Word and the everyday things of life.

FIRST STEPS

To effectively use objects that teach, begin by becoming a student yourself. Ask God to awaken in you a fascination with the world around you—that you would see the lessons in His creation and how to apply them in life and in the classroom.  The parables of Jesus are an excellent source of material, as well.

Keep in mind kids love hands-on learning. Experiments and projects transmit physical concepts that can be used to convey spiritual principles. For example, a simple bouncing ball illustrates the ever present force of gravity. Once the natural example is proven, use it to relate the pull of gravity on creation with the pull of the world on the spirit. If possible, give each student their own bouncy ball to help them remember your lesson.

EXAMPLES

Thumbs Up! Of course, we need to be age appropriate when teaching, but some lessons have universal appeal. To teach the importance of walking with Jesus, masking tape and a coin will do the job for almost any age. Lightly tape students’ thumbs down, then have them try to pick up a coin from a table with one finger. After everyone tries, explain that no matter how strong and healthy a finger is, it still needs a thumb—and in this illustration, the thumb represents God.

Plant a Seed! Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. This parable provides a great teaching opportunity that’s both easy and inexpensive. Round up seeds of any kind. If it’s not planting season, you can get some from the spice or bean aisle at the grocery. These will show your students something very small can grow into something very big and useful…just like them! Include seeds or nuts in your treat; and for a craft, make seed packets out of paper students can decorate and fill. These make fun sounds and will remind them of your lesson with every shake.   

It’s in the Genes! A DNA model illustrates God’s divine order. Order begins at the base level of cellular structure and affects so many areas of life, including the roles of husbands and wives—Christ and the Church. A game where students follow patterns (audible or visual), Tinker Toys, or play dough and straws, will get them interacting with this important biblical concept.

Lights Out! A flash light is a wonderful teaching tool. No batteries = no light. No Jesus = no Light. We need the Holy Ghost inside just like that flashlight needs batteries: for our own direction and to bring light into our world. Darken the classroom and make cardboard stepping stones for children to follow with their flashlights, some with batteries and some without. They’ll get the picture.  

Fringe Benefits! Some objects could be used for multiple lessons. Muslin cut into prayer shawls could teach:
- the importance of personal prayer time,
- the Shema [Deuteronomy 6:4-9],
- God’s call to holiness represented by fringes [Numbers 15:37-40], and
- the Old Testament names of God often embroidered on the edges. Grab a permanent marker and go for it!

A Rock in a Hard Place! Something as simple as a bag of rocks could be used several ways:
1. Build a memorial to show the importance of remembering God’s words and deeds. Let students write on their own stones—creating personal memorials of special words, promises or things God has done or given them.
2.     Teach on the importance of foundation stones.
3.     Tell them about the Rock in the desert that provided water to the Israelites.
4.     There’s a lesson in the rocks David used to overcome Goliath.
5.     Finish the series with smooth colorful stones—an illustration of polishing “rough edges” and becoming something beautiful in God’s hand.

With a few rocks, the Word and a bit of creativity, you can put something in a young person’s hand and heart—a physical object that reveals spiritual truths. Some may throw their stones in the driveway on the way out of church, but others may cherish them for a lifetime.

There’s almost no limit to what you can use. Look to the seasons and holidays. A nativity set provides great teaching objects—Mary, Joseph, wise men and shepherds exemplify obedience, trust, loyalty, giving, worship and compassion. Meditate on the spiritual lessons in snowflakes, dogwood trees, butterflies, chlorophyll, and more. Be sensitive as you go through your days and the Lord will show you what objects will touch the lives He brings to your classroom.

Five Keys to Public Ministry

I have received several notes in my inbox from people asking advice about speaking or doing other types of ministry. So I thought I'd share my thoughts in a note for anyone who feels God calling them to step out in a new arena (mostly focused on public ministry, but applicable to all):

#1) Repent...cleanse your heart of any hindrance and ask God to purify your motives...to be in alignment with what He wants to do as you speak, write, sing or otherwise minister. (I do this continually...and especially before I step in front of a group of people who have come expecting spiritual encouragement or teaching from me...a humbling thought and huge responsibility.)

#2) Be prepared (good notes, practice) and prayed up. (Most messages don't come as a result of looking for a message, but as a result of personal prayer, Bible study and experience. Just walk with God each day and listen as He speaks, and you will be surprised at the wonderful things He will give you to share with others.)

#3) Have those in authority over you pray for you before you speak. (I never speak or accept a speaking engagement without having my husband pray with and for me, and I also keep my pastor and pastor's wife informed. They pray for me, too, as well as my ladies prayer group. I post my schedule online and ask friends to join with me in prayer as I speak out. It's important to have good prayer covering and be in agreement with your spiritual leadership if you want to minister with authority and anointing.)

#4) If you're nervous (and believe me, I have been), do it scared...and don't be intimidated to speak what God gives you (although that doesn't mean we don't use wisdom and temper our words in ways the people we are speaking to won't receive the message...the goal isn't to shock or rebuke, but to encourage and equip).

#5) If God calls you...and your spiritual leadership authorizes you...go for it! It doesn't matter your education, your pedigree, or any feelings of inadequacy. WALK IN AGREEMENT WITH GOD'S PLAN AND PURPOSE and see what He will do . . . even through you!

Blessings,

Lori

Hope you had a Joy-FULL Christmas!

I love Christmas—all the sights, sounds, and smells that make the holiday cheery and bright. I even love the shopping, though I rarely darken the doors of the local malls the rest of the year. Why? Well, when else can you walk into a department store and hear songs about our wonderful God with us, Emmanuel, Jesus Christ the Lord? In the grocery or in the middle of Walmart, glorious hymns and silly seasonal songs mingle with a message that declares joy to the world! The Lord is come! So I don’t let cold cashiers or commercialism
or ridiculous renegade reindeer songs deter my holly jolly celebration of the season. Christmas is supposed to be merry, isn’t it?

Amidst all the hustle and bustle, baking and taking, shopping and mopping, wrapping and flapping, festive music accompanies every holiday activity. To me, Christmas and Christmas carols are like peanut butter and jelly. They just go together. In yuletide songs of yesteryear we find lessons and messages for today. We hear words like joyful and rejoice, but let’s stop for a minute, “selah,” and think about these words. Instead of glossing over joyful, consider for a moment that its meaning is “joy full” or full of joy. It means we have joy all the way to top, to the edge of the cup. We aren’t filled to the rim with grim, but with gladness.

When you hear or read rejoice this holiday, think “re-joy” as in having joy again and again and again! We’ve heard the songs and sayings so many times, it seems we may have lost some of the impact of the true meaning of their words. But remember, my friend, Christmas brings tidings of comfort and joy! That’s greetings of peace and happiness for you and me and all humanity! Across the ages and generations we join the cast of the Christmas story and respond to the message of Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 9:6, and John 3:16—passages of Scripture telling of the Son given to redeem sinful mankind to a holy God.  Did you ever notice in Luke 1:47 that Mary rejoiced in God her savior before the conception of the promise? Consider, also, the wise men from the East. They rejoiced with exceeding great joy when they had only seen the star. This was before they saw the babe lying in a manger. They celebrated the sign, the direction God gave prior to the fulfillment of their hopes and efforts made to find and worship the newborn King (Matthew 2:10). As we go through our days, we likely have promises yet unfulfilled in our lives, but Mary and the wise men give us great examples to follow in these times. Rejoice now! We have the promise! We have the Word to show us the way. Hallelujah!

What does Jesus have to say about joy? In John 15:11, He said, “these things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” The joy of Jesus is the joy that remains for us today. He’s given us His Spirit, His comfort, to abide with us as we journey through this weary world. “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth: and with my song will I praise him” (Psalms 28:7). Oh, come, let us adore Him. In Christ, we are joyful and triumphant!

That’s all well and good for us, and I like well and good, by the way, but did you ever wonder what gives Jesus joy? Luke 10:21 tells us that Jesus “rejoiced in His spirit” when His disciples returned from going out in the land ministering in the power and authority of His name. What a wonderful opportunity Christmas brings for us to do the same. Doors are open that are often shut throughout the year. Hearts may be, even if unconsciously so, more open to thoughts of Jesus—the reason for the season. Along with churches of all denominations, secular facilities and organizations join in the Christmas spirit of giving and reaching out to those in need.

More than a basket of goodies, or a utility bill met, Jesus was and still is the best gift ever—the Son given for all mankind—a gift wrapped in swaddling clothes in Bethlehem’s manger and unwrapped on Calvary’s cross. And while we’re talking about joy, think about this: It was the joy set before Him that enabled Jesus to endure the shame and the pain of the cross.

Calvary behind, Jesus now looks forward to another joyous occasion. We read in Jude 1:24 that the One Who is able to keep us from falling anticipates presenting us “faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.” Wow. That’s something we can all be joyful about, don’t you agree? Just thinking about being faultless is more than I can wrap my mind around. Maybe that’s why we read in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared
for them that love him.” Oh, how I love Him!

Amidst all the carols and celebrations, there’s no denying that some people experience misery with the memories of Christmases past. Bitter, sweet or bittersweet reflections of previous holidays affect the way we feel about Christmas today. I can understand some of that from my own experiences. Not every Christmas in my past holds sweet memories, and I cry when I unwrap mementos from loved ones now passed—my Dad who died the day before my first child was born and my first husband who preceded me into glory after only
seven years of marriage.

It’s an undeniable fact that holidays magnify emotions—positive and negative. If you or someone you know is struggling to find joy, I encourage you to spend some time thinking about the Lord. Before Mary rejoiced, she first said, “My soul doth magnify the Lord.” Sure, that was easy for her to say, right? She had just received an angelic visitor and the best news ever. But with Mary’s acceptance of the Christ child in her womb, she faced the hardship and ridicule of becoming an unwed mother and the very real possibility of rejection by her betrothed. Her future was precarious, at best. It was a mixed blessing, we might say, yet she chose to be joyful.

Good Christian men (and women), rejoice! We have been redeemed and have the promise of heaven to celebrate. When we magnify the Lord, instead of our emotions and challenges, looking to God’s Word, His character, His faithfulness, His provision, His power, His friendship, His sacrifice, His great love—I believe we can enter, even now, into the joy
of the Lord. If we’re in Christ and He’s in us, joy is part of the equation. It’s a joy that lasts and a joy that gives us strength. It’s the joy of fellowship with God, even in sufferings.If joy seems a long way from where you are right now, I want to encourage you today. If you had joy once, you can “re-joy” again. If you just have a little joy tucked away in a dry corner of your soul, I pray that your joy is renewed as you magnify the Lord with me. He is great! He is mighty! He’s an awesome God! He’s worthy of our praise and He is our exceeding great reward! May the joy of Jesus bubble up in your spirit like a dishwasher loaded with the wrong kind of soap. Have you ever done that? Oh, those bubbles just can’t be contained—they ooze out all over the place!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas season. That as you shopped, wrapped, baked, decorated and commemorated the birth of Jesus, your heart was truly full to overflowing with the abiding joy of Jesus. And in the new year, may we give joy in return to the Lord by ministering to those around us, reaching out in His name with a helping hand, an encouraging word, an
impacting prayer.