Freedom's Song

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. - Psalm 40:3

A very special song, one that I thought was saved for the morning, is carried in at evenings around my neighborhood. One lonely little mockingbird begins his melody just as the sun starts to set. Belting out a tune from the deep parts of his little heart - the noise fills the empty space of our cul-de-sac.

It is my understanding that mocking birds can be quite a nuisance, especially for folks who are trying to get some sleep. Our little neighborhood entertainer does not carry on all night, he just seems to pay his respects to the sun, as it slips down behind houses and trees. Then he flies off, to I don't know where, to nestle in for the night. (Or maybe he carries on all night in somebody else's neighborhood.)

Today is the 4th of July. And as we prepare for some good eating and the fireworks show, thoughts of what it really means to be free bounces around in my brain. The song of this feathery friend really paints a picture of liberty for me.

Mockingbirds caught singing at night (or when the sun begins to set) are generally males who have not yet found a mate. This song, so lovely, calls out into the night, with hopes of finding the one to share life with -one that will make this little bird's heart complete.

My freedom song sounds similar. The melody belts out loudest when it starts to get dark - even if I don't feel like singing. Uncertainty surrounds me through a slew of circumstances, and I long once again to feel the companionship of my Savior, to feel complete.

"A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song." - Maya Angelou

Worship is what you and I were made to do. Love awaits us, in the shadows and breezes of life. And nothing is sweeter to the Father, than when our song is discovered in the dark.

Scum

I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. - Isaiah 61:10

I married into a family that loves to play games. Board games, card games - you name it. It is how we spend our holidays, lazy summer afternoons, and pauses during a traffic stop. Munching on goodies and shooting the breeze - ah yes, this is family.

We were gathered around the table last night tackling a new card game called, "Scum." While it carries some characteristics of Rook, and mirrors that of War, this particular card game adds the element of rank to make things more interesting.

After the initial hand, each player is given a rank that represents how well they played. It goes from King, to Queen, to Prince . . . all the way down to Peasant, and lastly Scum.

For whatever reason, I could not get a good hand to save my life last night. Sitting in a pile of slop, I slumped in the scum position, feeling powerless to pull myself up. My hands did not sport anything higher than a nine (all night), and after a while, I didn't really feel the need to participate. After all, I was an outsider. I was scum.

But for the sake of being a good sport, I stuck it in. Counting the minutes until bedtime, I let my daughter sit on my lap and help me play my hands. She wanted so much to help me out of my pit. But it was no use.

Then it happened. Out of nowhere, my nephew, who sat in the position of Queen offered to switch spots with me. "No, that is okay. Thanks anyway," I said. But kindness and compassion continued. He insisted. He wanted to relieve me of this burden. He wanted me to re-enter the game. He was willing to sacrifice his right standing so that I could be lifted up.

Later on, I couldn't help but think about how Jesus did the same for me. There was a season in my life, when life was dealing me some pretty gruesome hands. I was powerless to break the cycle of pain. Every attempt I made at crawling out of this unending pit, only solidified my depravity.

But then, out of nowhere, Jesus stepped into the picture. Without hesitation, and with absolute insistence, He stepped in and took my place in the dirt. All of my sin and stain was placed on the King of Kings, and I, a lowly peasant girl was given a robe of righteousness.

I felt moved by my nephew's compassion yesterday . . . Christ's reflection through an ordinary game of cards.

Clamor

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. - Hebrews 4:9-11

The ringing doorbell sent a parade of barks down the hallway toward the front door. Our family stayed silent and still. Being up late the night before, made for a good sleeping-in morning.

It rang again. I felt no need to jump out of bed, sporting my polished morning look, as I knew who leaned on our doorbell. It was a neighbor kid, one lonely little boy, up early to tackle the day's adventures.

"Ahhh . . . silence once again." Our dog Ginger had decided she was done protecting the house, and the sound of chirping birds filled the room through an open window. I turned over, feeling so warm and cozy - so safe.

Then another sound jarred me. The telephone began a morning song of it's own. Blaring through the house, I was sure this one would wake my little ones up. But after a series of two separate rings, and a pretty full bladder, I decided it was time to get up.

Let's face it, life is noisy. There are constant demands on each of us for our time, energy and resources. And if we are not careful, we can burn out. Taking time for yourself for the sake of refueling is God's idea. We are encouraged to set one day a week aside, in honor of a Sabbath-rest. Have you given it an honest try?

Through a really difficult season in my life, God has been teaching me a lot about the importance of taking care of myself. I am human, and so are you. Therefore, our time, energy and resources are limited. Getting an ample amount of rest is vital if we are going to be any good to anybody else.

Are you feeling weary today? Tired of all the noise? Does sitting in bed with a good book sound like a good idea? A trip to the beach? A park in front of the TV? It's okay to give yourself a break. Give yourself permission to simply "be."

Jesus set a perfect example of rest, as He would move away from the crowds (from the noise) to spend time alone with His Heavenly Father. If Jesus needed it, how much more do we?

That phone call can wait, your email, and the knock at the door does not need your immediate attention. But your relationship with God does.

Be good to yourself today, and invite God's non-intrusive presence into your silence.

Alarm Clock

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
- Matthew 18:21, 22

I woke up this morning, feeling angry about something that didn't even happen. Dreams can be like that. The scenario was so real, I was clearly being taken advantage of. I fought to get my point of view heard - surely justice would prevail. But the more I spoke, the more my feelings were ignored, my own needs pushed aside.

As I stumbled out of bed (late because I forgot to set my alarm), I realized something. The dream, while it was not real, was linked to some very real hurts in my life. The characters of each role in this tormenting dream, were people who have hurt me in a similar way, while I have been awake.

There are hurts from our childhood that can run pretty deep. But nothing is too wounded for God. I can continue to huff and puff around today, letting unresolved hurt poison my attitude and sour my love for others. Or, I can talk to God about it, being honest about the repeated offense. And then I can choose to forgive - again.

The real alarm did go off this morning.

Dear friend, hanging on to hurts only hurts yourself. Is there somebody your heart needs to forgive today? I know, it isn't easy. But God can, and wants to help.

After all, He has forgiven you. The pain our sin caused is immeasurable . . . and God chose to love anyway.

Amazing.

Milk Cap

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. - Psalm 63:1

The cereal had just been poured when an unusual request filled the kitchen. "Mom, could you not buy the milk with the red cap anymore? It doesn't taste good. I like the one with the orange cap better."

I stood perplexed. How my son could tell the difference was a mystery to me. Both milks were whole, both homogenized with Vitamin D. After all, milk is milk, right? But not to Mikey. He has always been my little milk connoisseur.

I am the same way with bottled water. I drink water with my meals, and have been off soda for years. As a result, I can really tell the difference between various brands of water. A few weeks back, I was given a bottle of water made in Fiji. The decorated bottle was enough to sell me, but after sipping on that all afternoon, my Crystal Geyser has been a disappointment ever since.

Just as we can consume drink with our bodies, ideas and concepts get poured into our minds the same way. When we saturate ourselves with God's Word, our sensitivity to the poor quality around us goes up. Only His Living Water can hydrate us with the promise of hope, love and light. Too often, we settle for a "good book" or whatever is on TV - even a good conversation with a friend, instead of getting the cool clear nourishment that can only come from Him.

So what will it be for you today? Red, orange, green or blue? Spend some time in God's Word. Ask Him to create an unquenchable thirst for it.

You will never be disappointed.

Heart Patch

I will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain. - Isaiah 4:6

Patches of sunlight dance across the grass as we try to avoid the heat. The baseball game begins. We search for a spot in the shade. An ice chest filled with water for hydration, and a squirt bottle filled with water for misting, keep the one hundred plus heat bearable.

But more than trickles of water, are the large and lazy trees shading the sun. These delicate giants offer relief for onlookers. A mild breeze blows in, creating a haven. My daughter pulls out a library book, and begins to read. The book is about hugs. A smile rises from deep within as I rest underneath God's protection.

There are seasons of life that sometimes bring blistering heat. Our hearts seem to sweat blood underneath the scrutiny of unbearable conditions. A job is lost, a loved one dies, a ministry falls flat, a relationship ends. As I sat there yesterday enjoying sunflower seeds and cheering my son on, I realized something.

God's embrace through the difficult times feels very much like that spot in the shade. The temperatures may continue to rise, but if I will let Him, God will bring the shade to rest my weary soul.

The gentle breeze of the Holy Spirit carries a true sense of peace and comfort. And light that once burned, miraculously begins to dance.

Time for Feeds

Something amazing about the Christian writing industry, is the help writers are willing to give one another in the face of competition. Since the moment I decided to join my first critique group, I've had new friends go out of their way to show me the ropes. Hours have been volunteered in order to help me get on my feet.

Recently, I subscribed to a blog that has proved to be wonderfully refreshing with every post. The author shares details about her day, lessons she picks up, with a willingness to look at the difficult parts about life - all with a dynamic message of God's grace! I am truly changed by her prose.

This friend (without even knowing it) has inspired me to set up an RSS feed and to work toward posting daily again. A year or so ago, I had disciplined myself to post to my blog every day. I was amazed at the material God was giving me, not to mention the great practice I was getting at writing.

(Now I cannot make a commitment like that without having some kind of a plan in place. So . . . I will discipline myself NOT TO CHECK MY EMAIL until I have posted for the day. Gulp.)

I send a shout out Holley - your ministry is an inspiration! I hope to follow in your footsteps by discovering the girl inside, and having the courage to give her a voice.

To view Holley's posts, visit http://holley.dayspring.com/