La Dolce Vita

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth" (Psalm 119:103)!

Awaken from my slumber by a lawnmower's motor I mistook for a speedboat, I draw back the curtains and find no water in sight. I'm home this Labor Day weekend vacationing in my heart while my body recovers from a grueling work week. My husband sleeps peacefully beside me after his 13-hour night shift duty. As the warm sun streams in turning the night into day, I gaze out on our backyard gardens realizing there's no where else I'd rather be. Who needs a vacation when I'm already living what Italians call "la dolce vita", the sweet life?!

Reading God's Word and relishing my morning tea I'm filled with peace and contentment in the Scriptures. I have more than I need in this earthly life as I take inventory of my possessions. My cupboard is full and food is easy to grasp which humbles me in remembrance of those less fortunate. The Father has provided many human blessings for us to share with others, but the greatest treasure we have is our life in Christ. The Gospel is worth more than our bank account; it's the gift of eternal life for those who possess new life by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Culinary delights are wonderful, we need to eat to sustain our bodies. But all that I have in this life would ring hollow if not enjoyed with a loving heart transformed by the Holy Spirit. In all seasons of life it is God's Word that binds me to Him, and the reality that all I see before me on earth will one day perish. How do you deal with the certainty of death with an attitude of hopeful anticipation of eternity? By resting in the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and not on the inadequacies of your on rituals and deeds.

While time will erode the lovely gardens surrounding my house God's Word stands forever. It is the only thing that will last! Holding the Scriptures in my mind and my heart I am filled in my soul; more satisfied than anything I could put in my mouth. "I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12).

As you enjoy a respite from work with family and friends this Labor Day, may you feast on the words of the only Living God and find your joy complete. "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth" (Psalm 119:103)!

Your fellow herald for Jesus,

Mary  

The Fruitful Laborer

"Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor" (John 4:37-38).

It's hard to be the sower when the reaper gets all the glory if you're viewing your life through human eyes. Our earthly world magnifies reapers while ignoring the sowers hidden in the limelight shadows. Who values the unseen planter that brings forth the prosperous harvest another person gathers? Jesus does and His extravagant plans for your heavenly rewards far exceed any earthly bonus!

This Labor Day weekend I'm reminded that God's work never ceases, nor should we His workers. Do you dread working for the King of Kings or realize it is a privilege that God helps you with? As the Holy Spirit tames our wrong motives and anoints our work we become useful vessels and fruitful laborers. He enables us to be holy as He is holy to an increasingly decadent and depraved world. Sharing the gospel requires daily seed scattering of words and deeds, and praying that God would bring forth new life in dead souls.

This is no time to slumber! Scriptures warns us, "Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you" Revelation 3:2-3.

Which Jesus are you sharing with the world? The one who makes life easy and condones their sinfulness, or the One who died for their sins and beckons them to turn from evil and walk with Him? Pray for a sweet boldness from Christ to share the truth, not a watered down gospel that has no power to change anything. Then you will be fruitful laborers that honor His holy name with a bountiful harvest of souls that He gathers in. "Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor" (John 4:37-38).

Your fellow herald for Jesus,

Mary

The Wake-up Call

“It’s better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8).


Last Wednesday was one of those “wake-up call” moments when I learned I would be taking reduction in pay along with my work hours. Management advised us it was time for everyone to sacrifice and “take one for the team” in order to avoid downsizing of staff. Ironically, it was nearly two years ago that we began working unpaid overtime in order to keep our jobs after others were let go. Although I work for man God has once more confirmed I cannot place my trust in humans.

This cut back is not the result of a slowdown in business but a reaction to Wall Street’s projection on company stock earnings. The news stung as many of us felt betrayed by an employed we’d labored long and hard for. I am grateful no one lost their job and that I still have one. It wasn’t the loss of money I was upset about; it was the injustice of being treated so unfairly after working tirelessly for years. What a sad reflection of the values of corporate America.

In this time of economic uncertainty there have been many blessings to thank God for. One is that we have saved some money for a crisis such as this. I am more concerned about my co-workers who have not been as fortunate. There were times in my life I also lived paycheck to paycheck. It could happen again, but for now we are cutting back further on expenses and able to manage. We have a home, food to eat, and the ability to give to others in greater need. God is gracious to provide so much. He is great even when life is not!

The greatest blessing is the allotment of extra time to spend with my husband. We cherish each other’s company and are making the most of this situation. The last few mornings we have hiked in the state park up the road before work. Now that my day starts later we have this luxury when Jon’s schedule allows. As I breathe in the crisp morning air and watch the sunlight streaming through the misty speckled forest, I am struck by the beauty all around me. Slowly I relax and feel the Lord speaking to me on the trail and changing my perspective.

As I navigate the paths cluttered with fallen leaves sometimes I cannot see which way I should walk. More than once Jon has had to call me back if I am leading us astray. It’s easy to do when I’m relying on my own internal compass to get us through the wilderness instead of the signs provided for me. The trail markers are blue triangles. Sometimes they are close together and easily identifiable. Other times they are far apart. It takes a bit of faith to keep walking in the right direction until I see my next triangle.

Such is life. It’s easy to trek along without a care when our path is clear in the summer moments contrary to when it’s covered up by life’s debris in autumn. As I search for the blue triangle to keep me safe in the woods, Jesus is calling me to look to the Trinity for ultimate protection. He will never leave me stranded or change the rules about my future as my employer has done. The Father has a great adventure planned for His followers in heaven, and He helps us to endure life on earth now. What a wonderful God we love and serve!

Perhaps you are facing your own “wake-up call”. With each new challenge I pray you will join me in bringing your fears to Jesus where He can soothe and heal you. One day none of this will hurt anymore. The Lord will avenge all iniquities in this world. I am not bitter towards my employer even though I was angry last week. In the final analysis I know who I really work for, and He is not an oppressive employer. I pray you, too, have put your faith in Jesus instead of yourself or any other human to save you. “It’s better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man” (Psalm 118:8).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

You Will Find Me in the Garden

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38).

September is one of my favorite months--a time to welcome the harvest season as we savor the last kiss of summer. All my life, September represented change. It was the start of each new school year, the month I moved from familiar surroundings to begin anew elsewhere, and the month I got married. September generally finds me full of life and energy; welcoming the new beginnings I have been afforded. This year, however, some events feel more like endings. The season of plenty has been shaken up; I question what seeds I have been sowing in life’s garden.

The first jolt struck after our San Francisco trip. Prior to vacation there were three recruiters in my corporate job, whittled down from eight this spring. Last Monday I discovered I would be working solo. Grateful for a paycheck but upset over logging in fifty-hour weeks; I feel completely depleted. I want to write, want to do my Bible study, respond to social invitations all without labeling these another “project” I have a deadline to complete. The under tow of life’s current is strong right now. I have to fight to breath in God’s truth that sustains me. As if this news wasn’t challenging enough, another wave came that toppled my spirit.

A loved one is drowning financially and spiritually. My husband and I have been one of God’s lifelines for them over the last four years, supporting them in prayer, monies, words, and temporary shelter. There have been glimmers of hope along the way when employment filled the gap, but it never lasted. Neither has love for this individual. They are alone and getting harder to reach despite our best efforts. They tell us they have all but given up on life and anything good happening. Bankruptcy is in their future, and we are deeply saddened. I found myself grieving the last week or so, wondering why this torture continues to haunt our lives. I know God loves this person more than I do, yet I am conflicted over why someone I have battled for is sinking deeper. Through tearful eyes I read my Bible and wait for the Lord to answer, and then He does.

At present, God does not give me insight into why these events are happening. He only promises me peace that comes when I trust in Him, and that He is longing to gather others into His family. Surely the Lord can do this without my help. He is Almighty and needs no one. But He has asked me as His child to join Him in this task, and harvesting requires action. Taking my focus off my feelings and listening for God’s voice, I hear a stirring in my soul that has emboldened me to share His love with others like never before. With my co-workers I reveal I am praying for them, and that God will be their protection in this storm. People seem more open to hear these words of hope because they are disillusioned by the empty promises of man. In all of the brokenness of life Jesus is making a way for His light to sign into dark lives. Although I may not feel like it, He assures me I am one of His small lanterns.

As I pray for and minister to my loved one who needs a spiritual and financial miracle, I sense God asking me to have faith that He will answer my pleas. He is not guaranteeing bankruptcy for this person will be avoided, but that He can use these tragedies for good. My greatest desire is to walk beside those I love in heaven with Jesus forever. My joy is not complete in knowing I am saved when my heart’s burden is so heavy for those who are lost.

Looking out my window I see a rose bush filled with tiny pink blossoms. This variety is a fairy rose with petite petals and flowers. It blooms in every season here, and thrives in the worst of drought. Gazing upon its beauty I have often overlooked the fact that this delicate flower is surrounded by thorns, yet never stops growing and glorifying its Creator. This is where I want to be found, working alongside God cultivating His garden. With Christ’s help the thorns of life cannot choke out the beauty of His light in me. All is not in vain. Jesus at work in me will produce a great heavenly harvest where the eternal rewards are spectacular. That’s the best workforce I could be a part of! Care to join us? “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Learning Contentment in Trying Times

Previously posted on my web site in May 2009: http://extravagantlife.net/site/

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13).

The past week I have felt anything but content. I have let the stress of my everyday circumstances steal my peace. While the natural response might be to say “I am only human”, as a born again follower of Jesus Christ this is not true. Yes, I have a fleshly body and belong to the human race, but my spirit is infused with God’s supernatural Holy Spirit. While this does not make me equal with God, it does give me access to His heavenly throne where my prayers for divine intervention are heard, and answered. How quickly I forgot this truth when recently tested.

It began with the announcement of company layoffs that occurred over a seven-day span at my corporate job. Even though I was spared, the news was nonetheless devastating to our entire team. Each day tears were shed as co-workers tragically learned of their fate, and those of us left to pick up their job responsibilities were crying with them. The layoffs were random, often wiping out the best employees, like a cancer that strikes without warning. Despite their best efforts over the years, these employees could not control the outcome. It was just their turn to suffer loss.

None of this “feels” fair or just. It’s not easy seeing people struggle. I’ve been there myself having experienced half-a-dozen layoffs over my working career. No matter how much people told me it wasn’t my fault, a part of me always felt somehow I’d failed. Watching my co-workers exit this time, I can honestly say this is not a result of poor job performance, nor is it anything they manifested. In fact, a part of me wonders why I am still employed. There is only one explanation, God’s grace and His plans.

Does this mean I have more favor in the Lord’s eyes than my downsized co-workers? Absolutely not! While I am fortunate to have a weekly paycheck, my increased workload is nothing to rejoice over. The stress seems unbearable as management’s unrealistic expectations are heaped on our shoulders. The job was already difficult with adequate staff. Yet I know there are others who would trade places with me in a heart beat, and I feel guilty. I have a goal to work full-time in writing in speaking. Many have no vision for their future. They have put all their time and energy into this job; now it’s over for them.

So why haven’t I left? Why not just quit because I’m unhappy and let someone else take my place who really wants to be there? After all, who needs to stay in a situation that’s not meeting my needs (except financially)? That seems like the logical approach, until I take these thoughts and feelings before Jesus in prayer. It is there my precious Lord and Savior impresses upon my mind that something bigger is going on. Ironically, it’s the same thing He wants to teach my former co-workers—the secret of contentment regardless of life’s trials.

Four years ago I was downsized from a company due to market conditions. During my five months of unemployment, I proclaimed to everyone that God was not going to put me back to work doing the same type of job I’d done for the last ten years. I was convinced He would not give me employment in a field that I no longer felt any passion for, so I focused my energies on other pursuits. I had several interviews that produced favorable feedback, but as soon as a new door was ajar the funding disappeared. In the end, I went back to work doing the same thing I’d done for the last decade.

One day, feeling utterly defeated and trapped in my corporate job, I cried to the Lord as I prayed for help. I told God I didn’t like what I was doing; I wasn’t happy. I felt I was going to crumble under the weight of my responsibilities. Each weekend I fussed internally knowing Monday was fast approaching, and I didn’t want to go to work! I was thankful for the income, but not the job itself. My disappointment over the way God answered my prayers was evident; I told Him I didn’t understand what He had done. As is often the case when the Father touches my grieving heart He simply said, “Trust me, Mary. This is for your good despite your feelings. It’s not time to leave yet”. Today He whispers these same words.

As I seek God’s face without concentrating on the “things” I dislike in my life, something exciting is happening. I have ceased asking Jesus to make the job easier for me. Rather I’ve asked God to reveal more of His character to me. I want to bask in the warmth of His love, and trust in His provision. I am learning to surrender my plans to His. All God allows is drawing me nearer to Him for satisfaction. It is one thing to read Scripture and tell others what God can do for them, and quite another to have this belief tested in my life. He longs to show me in this ever-changing world where true happiness is found, in knowing Him personally.

My job can disappear tomorrow, relationships can end, sickness can invade my healthy body, but God is unchangeable. I find hope in that truth. He is faithful to provide the courage I need to endure hardship, and gives me joy. How does God do this? He hears my prayers and extends His matchless grace to me; to all believers of His Son. I am so encouraged the Apostle Paul wrote that he “learned” the secret of being content. It’s a process. Praise God He never gives up on those who hang in there with Him! I pray you learn to be filled with the contentment of Christ too. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13).
Your fellow sojourner,
Mary