DENA NETHERTON: GOD n me

Learn From the Trout

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:01:00 +0000

The other day, as I did my three-times-around circuit of Lily Lake, a ruckus just yards away from the lake made me jerk my head around.
Under the log bridge that is part of the trail, a small stream exits the lake and tumbles down the hill in the direction of Estes Park.

Danger!

A patch of ice lingered next to a narrow part of the stream. Here, a lucky raven had snagged a small trout and hauled him up and onto the ice.
Seconds later, two other sharp-eyed ravens swooped down to share the take.
Croaks, cackles and screeches ensued.
Apparently no one wanted to share.

Under the deadly onslaught of the three black-plumed sisters, the little trout zipped back and forth across the ice like a hockey puck.
Finally the victor snatched the now mangled fish off to a corner and greedily tore into it.
The losers flapped off and settled to watch in nearby Ponderosa trees, still voicing their outrage.

Reaction

The most interesting thing about this true-life adventure in the wilderness wasn't what happened on land.
It was the reaction of the other small trout who had witnessed their comrade's tragedy.

They hesitated between the bridge and narrow icy spot where the other trout had met his fate.
One foolhardy fish made a dash for freedom through the hazardous chute. By now, he's probably gliding with the beavers in Fish Creek somewhere near my house.
Unless an otter got him!

The other little trout appeared to weigh their decision and then opt for safer waters under the bridge.
But even that sheltered spot wasn't entirely safe.
A pair of mallards paddled under the bridge.
The trout instantly dispersed, each making panicked darts around rocks, seeking hiding places.
One of the ducks made a half-hearted dive at a trout. But the fish escaped and zipped back into Lily Lake.

We tend to think fish are pretty stupid. But what I saw that morning at Lily Lake convinced me that they're actually wise little creatures.

They witnessed the ramifications of making a foolish decision: death.
They backed away and consulted with each other: a wise action.
They took shelter behind solid structures when another danger arrived: good judgment
They prudently chose to remain in safer waters: they'll live long enough to reproduce!

I wish I was always as wise as a trout.
By the Lord's grace, He has spared me from facing many unpleasant consequences of my foolish decisions.

Application

The behavior of God's creatures can teach us a lot about right living. After all, The Lord has built into each of his birds, fish, and mammals instincts intended to preserve their species. If only we'll observe and apply nature's principles, we may spare ourselves and our loved ones grief!

Let's put this in human terms:

When faced with a risky decision—like the stream and the raven—consider what has happened to those who made the same decision.
Consult with others, especially those considered wise. ("Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Proverbs 15:22)
When danger lurks, recognize it for what it is and avoid it. ("Flee from sexual immorality." 1st Cor. 6:18)
Think about your life not in terms of what pleases you right now, but in terms of what will ultimately provide you the longest, most productive life. ("Be careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Eph. 5:15-16)

"My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment;
they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble;
when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you life down, your sleep will be sweet." (Proverbs 3: 21-24 NIV Bible)

Wednesday's (May 22) Word

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:51:00 +0000

Wednesday's Word is:

Raconteur, noun
pronounced: rah-kon-tur
Definition: a teller of interesting anecdotes, a story-teller

Can you use this word in a sentence?

Last week's words was "quail."

"My heart quails when I meet an editor."

Tuesday's (May 21) Thought

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Tue, 21 May 2013 22:15:00 +0000

Tuesday's Thought:

"He who guards his lips guards his life,
but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." (Proverbs 13:3)

Do Look Back!

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:26:00 +0000

Years ago I worked as a wilderness camp counselor in California. One of our mentors was a man who'd had training in wilderness survival.
He took us out on walks through the wilderness and instructed us about how to navigate in unfamiliar territory.
One of the the most important points he made was this:
As you make your way through the woods, always look back. That way, if you have to return the same way, the terrain won't seem unfamiliar.

Note landmarks that you have just passed.
Make a mental note of how steep the terrain is.
When you look back from where you've just come, are you facing north, south, east, west?

Look back. Look back frequently. So you remember the trail.
This excellent advice from my mentor has helped me when I'm hiking up in the backcountry of the Rockies.

The Bible has something to say about looking back, too.

The Lord told the Israelites to remember their days as slaves in Egypt. (Deut. 5:15)
They were to tell their children about what God has done to free them and to provide for them.

The psalmist states: "I will remember the deeds of the Lord....I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds."(Psalm 77)

Jesus has told us to remember His death by taking communion. Whenever I do, I stop focusing on my troubles and remember how wonderful Jesus is, how much He loves me, and how much I love Him.

It is easy to get discouraged. But when I remember all that God has done for me, His answers to my prayers, His protections and provisions over the years...
then my walk with the Lord becomes secure once more.

Look back frequently.
So you remember the trail.

"Praise the Lord, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise His holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." (Psalm 103:1,2)

Performing With God

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:02:00 +0000

This weekend our church choir and orchestra is performing Mozart's Requiem.
The score calls for soprano, alto, tenor and bass solos and quartets.
I'm the alto soloist, which is quite a thrill since I get to sing with Kara, our marvelous choir director and professional singer, Jeff, one of our extremely talented tenors, and Keith, a bass from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.
Wow!
So last night we had our first rehearsal with the conductor, Arturo, and the orchestra.
I'm a pretty good singer. Used to be really good back in the day. But as I approach my sixtieth...well you know. Doesn't the song go something like this?: "The old grey goose, she ain't what she used to be!"
However, as I stood with Kara and Jeff and Keith, their glorious voices made me sound better.

That's how Jesus is.
When He is standing with me, I sound better.
I think better.
Love better.
Understand better.

What a privilege, what an honor to partner with Jesus in "making music."
Without Him, our sounds would be rather puny, and the audience would surely hear all our inconsistencies of tone, pitch, vibrato.
But the Lord breathes life into all He has called us to do.
Enables us. Inspires us. Stays close.
His harmonies explain the meaning of our individual lines of music.
Weaving them into a comprehensible whole.

Thank Him every day that He has called you into a relationship with Him. What a joy it is to be able to accompany Him throughout His day!

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations." (Psalm 100 NIV Bible)

Wednesday's (May 15th) Word

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:30:00 +0000

Wednesday's Word:

quail, verb
pronounced: kway-l
Definition: to flinch, to be apprehensive with fear.

Can you use this word in a sentence?

Last week's word was: palaver.
Used in a sentence:
"Jane rolled her eyes at her daughter's palaver over the lead singer of the boy band."

Tuesday's (May14th) Thought

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:34:00 +0000

Tuesday's thought:

"Forget past mistakes.
Forget failures.
Forget everything except what you're going to do now,
and do it."
(Will Durant, historian)

My Guitar is Broken!

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:08:00 +0000

A couple of days ago, I had a very satisfying practice on my classical guitar, Aria.
At the end of my practice, I reached over and set her in her guitar stand, and stood to stretch out my sore back.
As I walked past my guitar, my hip lightly bumped the heavy music stand that held a couple of big guitar books from which I'd been sight-reading.
The stand toppled. It should have fallen away from me.
But no. The stand fell straight toward my guitar.
Like one of those movies where the tragic action happens in slow motion, the main character attempts—by running, diving, or springing—to avert the tragedy, all the while mouthing, "Nooooooooo!"
A corner of the stand hit Aria and she fell backward.
I made a dive for her, missed and grimaced in horror as she hit the wood floor.
Thwack!

Maybe she's okay.
Guitars do fall sometimes.
It wasn't a bad fall.
Maybe I'll be lucky.

I picked Aria up and turned her gently.
Then moaned when I saw the crack.
A big one.
Right along her shoulder.

Bruce heard my moan and came running upstairs.
"What happened?"
"Look!" I cried as I turned the guitar so he could see the crack.
I sank onto my chair, still holding Aria. Tears sprang to my eyes.
(I'm not usually a crier, but this just got to me.)

The next day I took Aria down to Boulder to my favorite Luthiers.
Don examined the guitar.
I held my breath during the suspenseful interval of time.
When Don finally looked up, he was smiling. "Yep, we can fix her."
I exhaled all the air that had been screaming to get out of my lungs for at least 60 seconds.
"But we probably won't be able to match the wood perfectly."

I didn't care. Just so long as Aria was fixed and ready to make beautiful music again.

Don quoted me a price that seemed reasonable and said it would take about 3 weeks for the repair.
What a relief. Now I'm counting down the days when I can bring my guitar back home.

Aria is a special guitar. Not custom made, but well-made, nonetheless.
With a lovely tone and lots of resonance.
It hurts not to have her close.
Her strings and her sounding board, are an extension of hands and a heart that desire to worship and praise God.
The two of us have spent many hours in the quiet and privacy of my office...
playing and singing,
offering sacrifices of praise,
finding refreshment and encouragement,
and, I believe, pleasing the Lord.

What is your instrument of choice?
Your voice, the piano, drums, tambourine?
Have you ever been separated from music?
How did it feel?

"Praise the Lord.
Praise God in His sanctuary;
praise Him in His mighty heaven.
Praise Him for His acts of power:
praise Him for His surpassing greatness.
Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise Him with the harp and lyre,
praise Him with tambourine and dancing,
praise Him with the strings and flute,
praise Him with the clash of cymbals,
praise Him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord." (Psalm 150 NIV Bible)

Tell Her!

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:09:00 +0000

My husband has the gift of encouragement.
I'm so grateful to God that He put us together.
Because I need lots of encouragement.
(Of course, my gifts build up my husband, too.)

Years ago I used to come home after a day spent with various women's groups.
I'd tell about all of my conversations and then say something like this:
"So and so sure has a special way of making all the women feel significant."

Then my husband would ask, "Well, did you tell her?"
"Tell her?"
"Yes." my husband would say enthusiastically. "It probably would have made her day to tell her what you were thinking."

Tell a person to their face what wonderful things I was thinking about them?

Now, that's a novel idea!

I wasn't raised in a family where that was done, and I never thought that my words could hold such power.
But the next time I attended another Bible study I made it a point to speak words of encouragement to a woman who demonstrated a gift for listening to others.
When I came home, I told my husband what I'd said to my Bible study friend.

By coincidence, the following Sunday, our friend, Jeff shared that he had been talking to his friend, Greg at the Seminary a couple of weeks earlier. Jeff's friend shared that he had a lot of things to think about concerning his studies and asked Jeff to pray for him. Jeff doesn't remember specifically what he said to Greg to encourage him, but they prayed together.
A few days after their conversation, Greg called Jeff and thanked him for listening to him and encouraging him.
Greg said, "I had already made up my mind to give up my plans to enter the ministry. I felt so overwhelmed and discouraged. But then you told me I had a special gift of caring for others and that I should press on. Jeff, if it hadn't been for you being there and listening to me, I would have given up."

By the time Jeff—a calm, unemotional, intellectual guy— had finished sharing his story with the Sunday School class, tears rolled down his face.
He said, "I never thought a few words coming from me could have the power to change the course of another person's life so dramatically."

Coming on the heels of my husband's nudge to start sharing encouragement with women, Jeff's story left a powerful imprint on my soul.

We may never know what is going on inside another person: the struggles, the discouragement, the fears, the doubts.
But God does.
He wants us to be His instrument to speak blessing into another's life.

When you feel a nudge to speak words of kindness, don't just think about it.
Do it!

"He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious
will have the king for his friend." (Prov. 22:11 NIV Bible)

Wednesday's (May 8) Word

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:03:00 +0000

I apologize for missing last Wednesday's word.
We had a big snowstorm and our power was out that day!

Wednesday's Word is:
palaver, noun
Pronounced: puh-la-ver, with accent on second syllable
Definition: tedious fuss and bother
trouble, red tape, commotion, bother, nonsense, carrying-on

Last week's word was "obdurate."
"I remember some students from year's back because of their obdurate personalities and the challenge I felt to help them learn to be more compliant."

Tuesday's (May 7th) Thought

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Tue, 07 May 2013 16:41:00 +0000

Tuesday's Thought:

"My motto was always to keep swinging.
Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field,
the only thing to do was keep swinging."
(Hank Aaron, Baseball player)

I'm Sorry for Hating You

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:12:00 +0000

Have you ever talked to someone whose self-concept was worlds apart from how you view him or her?
I have, too.
Then I wonder, if these people view themselves in such a contradictory way, maybe I do that, too.

Years ago when I was in college a friend and I were talking in the student lounge of the conservatory.
"See that girl with the red hair?" my friend asked while pointing at a young woman who was passing through the lounge.
"Yes," I said. "D'you know her?"
My friend leaned in toward me and whispered, "She thinks you hate her."
"What?!" I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I've always been nice to everybody and would hate to be thought of as a snob or, well, you know.
My friend continued, "She said every time you walk past her in the halls you look so mean."
I stared at the departing red-haired girl. "I don't even know her. How could she think I hate her?"

This conversation with my friend bothered me for days. I simply had to talk to that red-haired girl and straighten things out with her.
I'm happy to say that I found an opportunity to talk to her, and before long we became good friends.
Later, she told me the reason she thought I hated her was that I didn't smile at her in the hallways.
I apologized for not returning her smiles and explained that I tend to be distracted with thoughts of assignments and go right by people, not even seeing them.

I'm a friendly person; really, I am! It's just that my head is in the clouds lots of the time.
I hate that about me: I don't see people even when they're right in front of me.
Classic introvert.
Over the past three decades I've tried to keep myself more in the moment, but I don't always succeed.

It's great when you can recognize an area about yourself that needs—for the sake of better people relationships— improvement.

I'm really glad my friend helped me discover how my distracted, serious expression intimidates people who don't know me well.

I'd like to apologize to all those people I've inadvertently snubbed.
I'm sorry, truly sorry. I'm really not a snob.
When I ignored you, my eyes were turned inward.
My brain was possibly having a conversation with one of my novel characters,
or I was working out a complicated scene.
99.99 % of the time this has nothing to do with how I feel about you.
99.99% of the time I really like you... even love you.

Now that I've confessed my problem, you have my permission to get right in my face the next time I walk right by you with glazed eyes.
Get right up close and shout, "Hey, I'm here. Come out of that introverted brain and notice me!"

Bad Bird!

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Thu, 02 May 2013 19:22:00 +0000

We're under attack from a wood pecker.
I wish I'd gotten a picture of the little black and white vandal.
He's been pecking on our house for at least a month now.
And such nerve!
When I rush outside and yell, "Bad bird!" at him, he doesn't fly away.
Maybe he's waiting for me to do my crazy dance.
Hopefully the neighbors haven't witnessed me outside, hopping up and down, waving my arms while yelling at my house.

The recent snow makes for great snowballs, but my aim isn't good enough to land a bird-bomb.
Once that melts I'll probably have to buy one of those giant water guns that shoot water about twenty-five feet.

Last year it was those pesky, destructive ground squirrels that made me crazy.
This year, well, I'll most likely have to contact some wildlife expert who can advise me about the best method for repelling woodpeckers.

What amazes me about wildlife is their persistence.
God has programmed into each species what to do to survive and procreate.
And they don't stop doing what they do just because I'm upset about it.

Thursday, 10 AM
Woodpecker: drill that hole.
Me: "Bad bird!"
Woodpecker: drill that hole.
Me: "Get away from my walls!"
Woodpecker: drill, baby, drill.
Me: "Agh!"

Thursday, 10:30 AM
Woodpecker: drill that hole.
Me: "Bad bird!"
Woodpecker: drill that hole.
Me: "Get away from my house, you evil bird!"
Woodpecker: drill, baby, drill.
Me: "God, help me!"

Thursday, 11 AM
You get the drill. (Pardon the pun.)

I suppose I should admire my black and white adversary.
I could take lessons from him in focused persistence.
If I worked at all of my tasks with such stubborn assertion, there's no telling what I could achieve.

Tuesday's (April 30th) Thought

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:25:00 +0000

Tuesday's thought:

"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
(Albert Einstein, physicist)

Dancing With God

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:51:00 +0000

Last night my husband and I attended a dance recital held at my son and daughter-in-law's church.
Our three year old granddaughter danced in one of the first performances.
About ten little girls scampered onto the stage along with our granddaughter, Autumn.
The audience sighed out a collective "ah."
Of course tears welled up in my eyes at the sight of these darling three year olds in their spring green tutus. They looked like little fairies.
As the evening of dances went on, older dancers performed their routines.
The evening culminated with the most advanced dancers.
The dances and the music stirred my soul.
Oh, how I wished I were young again!
To bend and twist, leap and twirl.

I'm learning another kind of dance, though.
Infinitely more stirring and satisfying to the soul:
the dance with God.

There are many references to dancing in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament.

King David danced without reserve when the ark of the covenant was finally carried into the city of Jerusalem.
Miriam, the prophetess, older sister of Moses, led the women in dances and songs of worship to God.

I think of myself of the shy wallflower that the handsome and noble Prince notices as I sit on a chair, far from the fun and excitement of the dance.
He approaches me, and I blush that such a great man would even look at me.
And then my heart leaps when He stands before me, extends His hand and says,
"Would you care to dance with me?"
For a second I"m afraid. Will I look like a fool? What if I stumble and fall?
But He takes my hand and gracefully leads me to the dance floor.
Gently, he places his hand on my back and guides me in a waltz.
We twirl and glide, circling the floor, melting in and out of the swirl of other dancers.
I am alive, exulting in the freedom and the sublime beauty of music and the delight of movement.
I feel no inhibition, no uncertainty in my steps; I do not doubt my partner's capability to perfectly lead me in this wonderful dance.
I look up into His face and find Him smiling at me with such joy and affection that I know it was no mistake that He chose me as His partner.
He loves me!

"Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
let the people of Zion be glad in their King.
Let them praise His name with dancing
and make music to Him with tambourine and harp.
For the Lord takes delight in His people;
He crown the humble with salvation." (Psalm 149: 1-4 NIV Bible)

Eyes Up!

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:31:00 +0000

I've been teaching piano for about 35 years.
One thing that's a constant is:
beginning students do not want to look up at a musical score for fear that their hands will get lost on the keyboard.
Some kids quickly acquire the skill of looking up at the musical score, then looking down to check where their hands are, then looking back up.
Others struggle.
I had one student recently (('ll call him Jon, not his real name) who, in spite of my constant reminders, kept his eyes glued to whatever his hands were doing.
Sometimes I'd take a large notebook and place it over the keyboard so he couldn't see what his hands were doing. This helped remind him to keep his eyes up on the score.

Just like the student who's trying to build his speed and accuracy on a computer keyboard:
you don't achieve much speed if you continue to if you use the "hunt and peck" method.

Over a two year period, Jon clung to his old, safe, ineffective method of staring at his hands.
Even when he couldn't remember what notes to play.

Me: "Jon, your fingers don't know what to play."
Pause.
Jon: staring at his fingers as if waiting for them to think up the correct notes.
Me: "Your fingers are waiting for your brain to tell them what notes to play."
Pause.
Jon: still staring desperately at his fingers.
Me: "And how does your brain know what to tell your fingers?"
Pause.
Jon: "Oh, right, I have to look up at the music."
Me: "Right!"

I find myself behaving a lot like Jon at times.
In my life as a Christian, I know very well where to look when I am perplexed or troubled.
But many times, looking upward is the last thing I'll do.
I'll spend way too much time "staring at my hands," as if somehow these brainless appendages can direct me toward the right way to go.
I'm getting better at consulting the Lord, first thing.
But for me, it's still a daily challenge to break the old fleshly habit of trusting my fingers rather than the score.

The crux of my challenge is this:
The new nature that God has birthed in me knows that God knows best.
But my actions prove that I trust my old self a little bit more than I trust Him.
My "fingers" may let me down, but I've known them all my life.
And I'm still in love with my fingers.
It's a scary thing to rely on the new way of reading and following the "score."
But if I want to make music that God has designed, I'd better get my eyes up, away from the old finger method!

"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."
(Prov. 3: 5, 6 NIV Bible)

Wednesday's (April 24( Word

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:47:00 +0000

Wednesday's Word is:

Obdurate: adjective
Pronunciation: ob-dyoor-it, with accent on first syllable

Definition: 1. stubborn, 2. hardened against persuasion or influence

Wanna try to use this in a sentence? I'd love to see what you come up with.

Last week's word was nabob, a wealthy person of influence.

"All I've got to do to get this bill before the American people is to call a couple of the nabobs in my address book."

Tuesday's (April 23) Thought

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:38:00 +0000

Tuesday's Thought:

"I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games; 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life.
And that is why I succeed."
Michael Jordan, Basketball player

When God Delays

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +0000

During Sunday School, a friend shared about her son's challenges in graduate school.
I shared about my constant battle to give the Lord the reins on my life, especially concerning how long it is taking to find a publisher for one of my books.
Another friend talked about her struggle to understand God's will when her grandchild died suddenly.

Everyone of us expressed our ultimate trust in God and our submission to His will.
But our humanity cries out for the "why"s of our individual tragedies or injustices.

I said, "My fleshly eyes want to see the reasons behind God's delays to my prayers, or his "no"s.

But, scripture says:
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." (Heb. 10:38)

And this is not a blind faith. A stupid, ignorant faith that says, "don't worry, be happy."
No, this is a faith based on:

the reliability of scripture,
the faithfulness of God,
the testimony of hundreds who witnessed His death and resurrection,
the faithful testimony of Jesus's disciples,
the writings of secular historians who were Jesus's contemporaries,
two centuries of evidence of the power of God to transform lives,
fulfillment of prophecies,
archeological evidence,
and our personal experience of the work of the Holy Spirit within ourselves and those we love.

When we cannot understand God's answers or why He delays in answering a godly prayer, we cannot say that:
God is not good.
No, we already know that God is good and is never not good. (James 1:16)
We cannot say that God doesn't care.
We know that He cares for us, not only because His Son died for us, but because His word says repeatedly how He loves us. (1 Pet. 5:7)
We cannot say that God doesn't know best.
We know that the infinite, omniscient, Alpha and Omega, Ancient of Days, Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, the One not bound by time, Who always has been and always will be...
has more than just an inkling about our circumstances! (Rev. 21)

Every morning the battle begins anew. My heart and my mind begin to question and get upset about the things that I've earnestly prayed about.
"Why, God? The things that I'm asking for are such good things?
Yes, I know that you want me to learn to trust you.
Yes, I know that the work of the Spirit is to transform me.
Yes, I know that I am to live by faith and not by sight.
Yes, it is possible that you are preparing the way for others involved in my prayer,
But... "

Then I sigh, and lift my hands up toward heaven to release my prayer burdens.

For I know that when God does answer, it will be on His terms, way better than I could ask or imagine, and will be by His provision, not by anything I have done, and will be for His glory, not mine. (Gideon in the book of Judges—chapters 6 and 7— is a great example of this.)

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5: 16)

(All scripture verses are taken from the NIV Bible)

Sittin' on the Shelf

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:47:00 +0000

Years ago, as a young wife and mother, and a baby in the Christian faith, I got super involved in our church.
I was there just about every day.
Choir,
worship,
Prayer ministry,
bible studies,
children's ministry,
a touring singer,
a teacher and mentor,
partnering with my husband to lead a Young Married Sunday School class,
regularly entertaining friends and new church attenders.

When I look at my journals from that period I see a common thread of thought:
I had to do it all.
I.
Notice the focus on self.

It wasn't that my faith was not genuine.
It was.

But I think my understanding of "works" was incomplete.
I knew God loved me.
But I also felt that somehow God would love me and value me more if I kept busy in His house.

Then I hurt my neck and was laid up for months.
I felt as if God had simply stored me in a dark coat closet.
There I sat, despondently watching a slim light at the bottom of the door while the world of church ministry went on without me.

How I struggled with not being involved.
I felt so useless.
That's when I discovered an unpleasant truth about myself:
I wasn't convinced of God's love for me. I felt I had to "work" for His love.

My earthly experience of feeling devalued as a child and needing to work for my parents' love and respect had colored my faith in Christ.

Fortunately, the Lord intervened in a miraculous way and communicated His great love for me.

I sometimes wonder how great it would be if every busy server in the church were to be put on a shelf for a period of time.
It's a great way to reevaluate what you truly think about your value and significance in God's kingdom.

Have you ever been "put on a shelf?"
Did God teach you valuable lessons while you were in a condition of "uselessness?"

Here are some of the truths God showed me during my period of convalescence:

"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you." (Heb. 13:5)

"For You created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:13,14)

"...the Lord disciplines those He loves
as a father the son he delights in." (Proverbs 3:12)

"I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Eph, 3:18,19 )

I needed my time on the shelf. It was painful, but enlightening.
The Lord showed His faithfulness, His sweetness, and His goodness during this time.
And I fell more deeply in love with Him.

(All scripture verses come from the NIV Bible)

Wednesday's (April 17) Word

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:19:00 +0000

Today's word is:

nabob, noun
Pronounced: nay-bob, with accent on first syllable.
Definition: a wealthy person of influence

Have you ever used this word before?

Last week's word was:
Machiavellian:
elaborately cunning, scheming, unscrupulous

Used in a sentence:
"The senator's machiavellian plot to discredit his opponent was overheard in the men's restroom."

Tuesday's (April16) thought

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:58:00 +0000

Tuesday's thought:

"Never forget that you are one of a kind. Never forget that if there weren't any need for you in your uniqueness to be on this earth, you wouldn't be here in the first place. And never forget, no matter how overwhelming life's challenges and problems seem to be, that one person can make a difference in the world. In fact, it is always because of one person that all the changes that matter in the world come about. So be that one person."
R. Buckminster Fuller, philosopher

He's Not Like the Weather

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:03:00 +0000

Colorado weather is notoriously changeable.
Up here in Estes Park, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, seasoned hikers know to pack for all types of weather conditions.
Years ago Bruce and I and our three kids took a hike in Roosevelt National Forest. The day was sunny and warm. Not a cloud in the sky.
We didn't know about Colorado weather then, having recently moved from New York.
In the middle of our hike, clouds swiftly rolled in, drops of rain smacked our heads.
Soon thunder crashed overhead and lightning zipped alarmingly close.
Within minutes we were all completely soaked. None of us had brought jackets.
We ran the two miles back to our car, dodging lightning strikes the whole way.
Once safely inside our minivan, I said to my husband, "From now on, we never step onto a hiking trail without some kind of jacket and head covering."

Now that we've lived in Colorado for many years we know that the weather out here is treacherous.
I harbor ambivalent feelings toward our weather people. They seldom get it right.
If they forecast a big snow storm (like last week), then we get a dusting.
If they say it's going to be sunny and warm, you can bet that we'll get snow.
Last year we lost a brand new table umbrella to an unexpected bluster from the west.
The thing snapped in the sudden wind and flew several houses away.

One thing you can count on: you can't count on the weather!

Because of the unpredictable weather it's hard to plan social or sporting events.
You don't know what you're going to get.

Aren't you glad that God isn't like Colorado weather?
Isn't it great that with God you always know what you'll get?

If you cry out to Him for mercy, then mercy is what you'll get. (Psalm 28:6)
If you confess wrong-doing, He will forgive and restore. (1 John 1:9)
If you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)

He doesn't change.
He is not capricious: sometimes happy to see you and in a good mood.
Other times in a bad mood and anti-social.

Nope. God is the same.
He always loves you.
Always wants what's best.
He's not testy or moody.
He's always holy.
Always keeps His promises.
Never abandons His children.

What a God!

I guess that's why so many believers in the Bible have referred to Him as their solid, immovable "Rock."
"He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He." (Deut. 32: 4)

The weather in Colorado may change, but you can count on the unchangeable-ness of the Lord.

"I the Lord do not change." (Mal. 3:6)

You may be down one day, and upbeat the next.
Not God.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17 NIV Bible)

Praise the Lord He's not like Colorado weather!

Get Ready For The Tickle-Man!

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:53:00 +0000

When we were just little kids, my dad occasionally displayed his more playful side.
This usually involved chasing each of us down, then tickling us till we howled for mercy.
It went like this:
Dad would lunge for the oldest kid, Jay. (There were five of us.)
The rest of us would stand and watch him get dumped onto the couch and tickled.
Jay, being the oldest, and being so dignified usually only got a few seconds of tickle time.
Then it was Lee's turn. She'd make a half-hearted attempt to flee, but Daddy would catch her and give her the same treatment.
Then on to Lori, who had been watching Lee's tickle torture. Lori was obviously enjoying herself immensely.
My twin, Royce, got an extended time of tickles. Probably because he would spring away and make my dad work extra hard to catch him.
Last, I got the tickle torture.
Mine was the worst, of course, because I had to witness four people ahead of me.
The fearful expectation of tickling made me breathless. I could run fast as a small child, so my dad had to chase me down the neighborhood block until I couldn't catch my breath anymore. Laughing hard, he'd seize me, sling me over his shoulder and carry me home like a sack of potatoes.
Then...

A fun memory.
But I wonder why none of us bright children thought to hide ourselves while one of the others was getting tickled?
Maybe we thought we didn't have the right to absent ourselves from the tickle game.
We were all very obedient and compliant children...
even when we knew we were doomed by our lack of action.

Still, it seems strange that all five of us stood by, witnessing the "torture" of our brothers and sisters and did nothing to elude the calamity which was soon to follow.

Sometimes, I suspect, it's not always good to unquestioningly accept our fate.
As adults, we need to take action to ensure our safety at the first hint of danger.
Not when it has already arrived:

If it is building a nest egg, start now, not later.
If it is getting out of debt, start today.
If you have just had a baby, start today to lead him/her to Christ. Not when they're older.
If it is repairing a relationship, don't wait till the damage is irreparable.
If it is fixing something broken in the house, don't wait till it costs thousands. Fix it now.
If it is giving to a charity, or getting involved in a ministry, and you've been thinking about it for years, what are you waiting for?
If it is taking action to protect your children from a bad influence, act now. Don't wait to see how things go.

"Therefore, prepare your minds for action..." (1 Pet. 1:13 NIB Bible)

Wednesday's (April 10th) Word

noreply@blogger.com (DenaNetherton) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:47:00 +0000

Wednesday's Word is:

Machiavellian, adjective
Pronunciation: mak-ee-a-vel-ee-an

Definition: elaborately cunning; scheming, unscrupulous.

What a great word! Can you construct a sentence using this word?

Last week's word was "laconic."

"The cowboy's laconic style of speech left me hungering for more information."