The Meandering Mind of a Christian Woman

            When I wake, one of the first things I do is say, “Good morning God!” Some days are more enthusiastic than others. When I greet another human being, I usually follow that greeting with, “how are you?” This morning it occurred to me that I don’t ask God how he is. I have been contemplating this idea, how are you God? Obviously, given his attributes of omnipotence, omnipresence and omniscience it is easy to follow the train of thought that he has everything in check. Despite that; I think of him in human terms and I can’t help but feel he is; not mad but disappointed (cringe). When he looks at creation, like a parent gazing on the wreckage of a kid’s toy room, wouldn’t there be disappointment?             As I contemplated that, my meandering mind led me to consider guilt. The guilt that leads to the disappointment of others. Every culture I have known lays claim t...

            This is my least favorite time of year for a handful of reasons. Ten years ago we learned that my husband and love of my life was dying of pancreatic cancer. Seven years ago, my middle daughter was confined to a wheelchair and dependent on others for her care and we learned that she has MS. Six years ago I had started chemotherapy for my own breast cancer. These were all significant challenges and even now, they affect me deeply. The memories flood my mind frequently this time of year and Facebook memories confront me too. Human nature is to fall into the pit of negative emotions.             Yet, here I am, still standing, still living and still believing that God has a plan for me. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 I lean on this verse more often than I can count. God has been good to me, he has g...

            You’re doing your best to live the good, Christian life; spending time in the word, praying steadily, spending time in worship, doing all the things you’re supposed to and now you are waiting on God. Life feels like you’re sitting in the waiting room of a doctor’s office. Perhaps there is a major life change on the other side of the door, or you find that where you are is where you’re supposed to be. It feels random and out of your control and ever so frustrating.             Waiting is not a passive event. It is active faith and trusting God’s plan for you. In 1 Samuel 13 we see Saul waiting to go into battle. He had received specific instructions to wait for Samuel to offer sacrifice. Saul’s men were getting restless and leaving so he took it upon himself to offer the sacrifice; he didn’t trust. Of course, Samuel arrives just after Saul does this. As a result ...

        In my bible time this past week the message that spoke to me is, God means what he says. Now, this may seem an obvious statement. But consider your every day actions, the little things you do without thought or consideration, the things on autopilot. Perhaps, it’s holding onto the extra quarter the cashier gives you by mistake. It could be the cigarette butt you throw out your car window. Or (as in my case) it isn’t using your turn signal. I was driving to work in the wee hours of the cold, snowy morning, there was only one other car on the road approximately a quarter mile behind me. Unbeknownst to me it was a police car. I was in a right turn lane, the type with a curb so turning right was the only option, after making my turn it was only about thirty seconds later that the red and blue lights of the police car began flashing. Fortunately, I received a warning and not a ticket.         Initially, I was b...

            What is it about the human mind that immediately heads to the direction of the worst-case scenario? We hear about a snow storm coming and everyone stocks up groceries as if it were the apocalypse, in reality, the norm is that we might be inconvenienced for a day. I admit there are some storms the necessitate such provision but overall, that is rare. Facing health challenges causes a similar mindset for many or people might go to the other extreme and not take their health seriously. Then they become bitter and complaining when their bodies respond to the lack of care. Women are especially guilty of not caring for themselves and there are industries dedicated to playing on that guilt. Whatever health issue you are facing there is a business that will capitalize on it. But I digress. I have been contemplating; what is the worst-case scenario? Many consider it death. Is that really true though? For the Christian, deat...

                         When do you ask for help? Do you wait for all options to be spent? Or are you quick to realize that help is needed? I have been meditating on Psalm 46:1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”             I have been contemplating the words, “an ever-present help in trouble.” It may just be semantics, but I keep wondering why wait until we are in trouble?   I am particularly fond of the song by Matt Maher, “Lord, I need You,” I especially connect with the refrain; “Lord, I need You, oh, I need You Every hour I need You My one defense, my righteousness Oh God, how I need You .”...

            It’s Christmas morning. The words that repeatedly come to mind are; awe and wonder. For the Christian, this is a day to remember the awe and wonder of God’s great love for us. There are those who would argue that Jesus wasn’t born in December, but it doesn’t change what he has done for us. It is about remembering the most perfect gift the world ever received.             During my childhood our tradition was to attend the children’s Christmas program on Christmas Eve and when we returned home, we would have our gift opening. The excitement and anticipation were palpable. I also recall the awe and wonder of the Christmas program, the church was filled with smiling, happy people, eager to see what the children had prepared. The glow of the lights from the tree created an ambiance of the holy, the sacred. And the message! We children had the great privilege of sha...