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As I speak internationally to English speakers as well as through an interpreter, some of my greatest joys have been speaking to groups where participation from the audience is possible. Not only do I value the input of those in my conferences, but if they are actively involved (share testimonies, participate in prayer, read Scripture aloud), it is obvious that everyone is with me. I am interested in theological study, Christian writing, historical application of Biblical principles as well as writing as a craft and the current status of the publishing industry as a whole. As a result, I find myself following blogs of those whom I have learned to trust who contribute information in those fields. It occurred to me that blogs are the internet equivalent of audience participation in a conference setting. So, this blog is a result of that discovery. As much as possible (sometimes when I travel I do not have internet access), I will be making weekly posts of how everyday life is related to what God has revealed about Himself in His Word - maintaining one focus on that most important relationship. I would welcome your participation.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

The Importance of a Good Seal

Until recently, I hadn't thought much about the word "seal." However, watching my husband install a shower where the drain had to have an adequate seal in order to keep it from leaking made me curious. It became obvious that creating a good seal was not only very important, but also takes a lot of hard work and patience.

As a noun, a seal can be an aquatic animal, a device used for stamping a document to authenticate it, something that gives credibility to something else (as a seal of approval), or a substance used to join two things together so as to prevent them from coming apart or to prevent something else from passing between them.

As a verb, a seal can mean to make tight to secure against leakage (as in sealing windows or a shower drain), close securely (as in sealing an envelope or sealing homemade jams or jellies), prevent something from escaping by closing an opening, isolate an area to prevent entry and exit (as in sealing off a crime scene), apply a coating to a surface to make it impervious (such as sealing a finish with a varnish), fry a piece of meat briefly to keep the juices intact (seal the lamb before adding other ingredients) or secure something so as to exclude the possibility of reversal or loss (as in sealing a business deal).

The definitions of seal have an application when applied to the Christian life. God the Father placed His seal of approval on His Son; God set His seal of ownership on His children and we are marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit (John 6:27, 2 Corinthians 1:21 and Ephesians 1:13). Jesus never broke the seal during His lifetime. His integrity remained intact. He never allowed anything to come between Him and His Father's will.

For the rest of us, however, it is a constant struggle to keep worldly temptations from distracting us. The apostle Paul reminded us to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit, but as my husband often says, "we leak." The presence of the Holy Spirit is real to us. We have already been "authenticated," but while we are still here on a fallen planet, we must be diligent in remembering that we have to work hard at preventing anything from entering our lives that will dishonor the Spirit that lives within us.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:30-32 NIV).

Monday, January 23, 2012

Sidewalks, Foot Paths and Stepping Stones

Walking is my favorite exercise. The best thing about walking is that you can do it practically anywhere. As I frequently travel, the only exercise equipment I need is a pair of shoes that fit properly and are comfortable - as close to "made for me" as they can get. If I don't wear a good pair of walking shoes, I pay the price for it later.

Some places make walking easier than others. Many countries offer wonderful foot paths through the forest. These paths have often been cleared of trees and fallen debris. It is therefore possible to walk through the woods enjoying the scenery rather than having to watch the ground for areas where you might trip up.

Many European countries offer pedestrian commercial areas. Without having to watch out for vehicles, you can have a very pleasant experience walking while shopping, banking, dining, or any other business you need to take care of.

Sidewalks are also provided in many places for walkers. They are even separated from designated bike paths, so that if you stay on the walkway provided for pedestrians, you are in good shape. In areas where sidewalks are not provided or are not reliable, walkers have to pay much more attention to their path. That inhibits the joy of sight seeing as you walk.

Sometimes it is up to me to provide my own walking path. While working in an area on some land that had to be leveled because heavy rains had caused unevenness in the soil, I first placed stepping stones around the perimeter. That proved to be a very good decision as the stones were the only reliable walking area for some time.

Sidewalks, foot paths and stepping stones remind me that God has provided safe paths for us in life, if we will just take advantage of them. I know that I have a choice. I can stay on His path or I can deviate from it. Life is always much more pleasant when I stay on the path He established for me. It is when I get off His path that I am prone to trip up or make wrong decisions.

Just as I only need a good pair of walking shoes to make the most of the sidewalks, foot paths and stepping stones, the only thing I need for life is to truly trust God and let Him lead me down the path He has provided for me.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path... Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight  (Psalm 119:105, Proverbs 3:5-6).

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

The Work of a Carpenter

Carpentry is hard work. I don't know this from experience, but from observation. My husband, who is not a carpenter by trade, occasionally builds things - something to make our lives easier.  Sometimes I hang around just in case I'm needed and learn a lot from watching him work.

Carpentry has to be precise. If things don't fit together the way they are supposed to, modifications have to be made and that is even more work. Unfortunately, you can't count on every piece of lumber being exactly the size you expected or that it will be perfectly straight. Some are bowed or have knots in them or some other imperfection that results in adjustments having to be made down the line. One place where I may help is at the lumber yard. I try to point out pieces of lumber that are bowed. I know that it is best to leave those behind.

Although many things made by carpenters are really works of art, that doesn't seem to be a description that is associated with the profession. Carpentry seems to be an unsung profession. Few people realize what goes into building a table, a chair, a desk, a room or a house. By the time the product is ready for use, the real work is covered up. All the nails, screws, extra support boards and all the things it takes to make the piece sturdy are hidden. Only the carpenter, who often works alone, knows what is really underneath it all.

As a Christian, I have often reflected on Jesus' choice of the man who would help raise Him. Joseph was a carpenter, evidently a quiet, faithful man who was obedient to God when he was told Mary would be giving birth to the Christ child. Children often take on the profession of their fathers. Jesus had to be about His Heavenly Father's business, but while He was in Joseph's home, surely He worked beside him and learned some lessons about carpentry. How amazing it is that the Son of God who created the world with only His Words was taught by Joseph to measure twice and cut once!

The finished product for carpenters is a nice piece of furniture, cabinetry, or an addition on a house or maybe a house itself. Sometimes the object is simple. Sometimes it is ornate. Every object that a carpenter makes, however, can bring him pride because he knows the time and effort that he put into it.

The finished product for the carpenter Jesus is a person who can glorify Him. Only He knows how much love, time and effort He put into working out the knots in our lives so that we might become someone He will be proud of.

"Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas and Simon?" (Mark 6:3).

Monday, January 2, 2012

The Chinese New Year and Christianity

My granddaughter was born in China. I have been to China and think it is a remarkable country, but my interest in Chinese traditions, especially the Chinese New Year, was sparked because of my love for this precious little girl.

The Chinese New Year, also called the Lunar New Year, is based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Unlike the New Year that is celebrated in many other countries on the first day of January, the dates for the Chinese New Year vary from year to year.

In 2012, the Chinese New Year is January 23, beginning a fifteen day observance that starts with the new moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon fifteen days later.

It is the most important of the Chinese holidays. As it officially marks the end of the winter season, it is also known as the Spring Festival.

Families gather on the Chinese New Year's Eve or "Eve of the Passing Year" for a great reunion and feast. Prior to gathering, the home is thoroughly cleaned. This represents getting rid of any ill fortune that might be in the home and to make way for the incoming good that the new year might hold. The windows and doors have already been decorated with red paper cut outs declaring "good fortune," "happiness," "wealth," or "longevity." Firecrackers end the festivities of the evening.

On the morning of the Chinese New Year, children and unmarried adults are given money in red paper envelopes. Families exchange gifts as well, ranging from items used to celebrate the season - such as lanterns - to practical gifts such as laptops and organizers. Anything to do with Chinese calligraphy are also popular gifts.

The family gathering on New Year's Eve honors both past and present generations. The Chinese celebrate the onset of the New Year as one great community - the ancestors who have died and the family members who are living. Departed members of a family are greatly respected because of the foundation they have set for the family.

I am a Christian. My observance of any holiday is seen through Christian eyes. I see the New Year as a reminder that God is a God of new beginning. Our spiritual houses should be kept clean at all times in order to be closer to Him. Every good thing in life is a gift from God. He encourages us to share with others what we have. As Christians, we make a seasonal observance of gift giving when we celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas. Our foundations were set in place by our forebears and those who have left a positive imprint on our lives should be remembered with gratitude. God promises that we will be joined again with everyone in our earthly family who is also a part of our eternal family.

There is one person I am determined to remember every day, not just on a holiday. He gave His life for mine. He saved me from my sin and made life with Him and those who love Him possible for eternity.

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19).