John

I am currently working my way through the book of John in the Bible. In the past, I have stayed away from this book because it was confusing to me, but I must be in a different place personally because I am so encouraged by it lately.

Anyway, I was at my favorite Starbucks this morning reading and came across the story in chapter 9 where Jesus encounters a man who was born blind. In the process of healing him, Jesus spits into the dirt on the ground and makes some mud (um, odd to anyone else?). He takes this mud and rubs in onto the man's eyes. Then, he instructs the man to go wash in a pool. The man returns home to his family able to see for the first time in his life. A miracle, awesome right?

However, as you read on you find that the Pharisees badgered this once-blind man regarding his relationship with Jesus and his "sins" before he was healed. Eventually this leads to the Pharisees throwing him out of the city. Now, here is the really cool part. In verse 35 the Bible says that Jesus heard of this and came back to find him. JESUS CAME TO FIND HIM after hearing of his calamity. I remember the spit-mud on the eyes part of this Bible story from memory, many of us probably do. I don't ever recall reading the latter section of the story. Jesus heard he was struggling then came personally and affirmed his faith (verse 38).

This week ends a season of calamity for my family. I am so grateful for being delivered out of it. However, I can recount throughout this season Jesus affirming me that He was right by my side. "I am here, you are not alone, do not fear..." Just like this blind man, Jesus didn't ignore my struggle, he just affirmed my faith. He is so faithful.

Be encouraged and blessed!

in the middle of it all

I was just doing some Bible reading this morning and came across John 6, the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. We have all read this before but this morning a couple of pieces just jumped out at me (which seems to be how God speaks to me lately, or the way I am willing to listen).

All of these people are assembled to hear Jesus speak or to receive miraculous healing. Realizing the physical needs of this multitude, Jesus asks one of his disciples where they can buy bread to feed them all. So here are these disciples, not entirely yet sure who Jesus is, young, not wealthy faced with feeding 5,000+ people. I have done enough event planning to know that even with a team of caterers, this is no small task. The noise level involved with feeding that large of a group without a PA system, would be daunting alone. Then, verse 6 says, "He asked this only to test him, for He already had in mind what he was going to do."

I thought, "Hmmm, here I am in my life faced with some large tasks just ahead of me and I bet that God knows already what he is going to do about them." I need to just relax a bit, ease up on my reigns and seek Him a bit more to find out how we are going to handle this. HE ALREADY HAS A PLAN.

Then, just after that in verses 16-21 the disciples are in a boat heading to Jesus' next speaking engagement in Capernaum. :) [I am so funny I know.] There was a strong wind and the waters were rough. They were ROWING (thank you Father for motorized boats) for 3 to 3.5 miles and then they saw Jesus approaching, walking on the water. So just like I would have, they freaked out and were afraid. But then Jesus spoke to them and said, "It is I; don't be afraid.". Verse 21 was the interesting one to me, "Then they were willing to take Him into the boat,". OK, so I assume that before that they were like, "Row faster, he's catching up." Right? But, it was the voice of God that quited them down so they were able to receive Him.

Boy, this is me right now, rowing and rowing and rowing just trying to get out of the storm and away from the things that scare me, when I just need to hear the voice of God to understand and receive. Thank you Father for your word, for my church so that I can receive of you and not be in fear.

Hopefully this encourages you as it has me this morning. SLOW DOWN AND LISTEN, GOD ALREADY HAS A PLAN. And, stop rowing so quickly... aren't you tired?

Pajamas

This past Saturday our Junior squad spent an evening at my house for a pajama party. It was a great last fun time before the riggors of competition season begin. I was so proud of the girls as I watched them interact and mingle. I laughed at their answers during the games we played. I was frightened at times by the volume and ferocity of their interactions. I apologized to my neighbors the next morning.

Growing up with a brother, these girl sessions are sometimes foreign to me. I find that I watch them with the detail of a scientist or wildlife expert watching animals in the wild. "Hmm, wonder what that means? Is that aggressive or friendly behavior? Should I keep hidden or run for my life?"



In all seriousness this is a great group of girls and we are going to be fierce competitors this season!