Processing.... Part 2

My cousin, Jill, picked me up from the airport. We met my mom and our grandma in Centralia (my hometown). I spent much of the week with Grandma, Mom, my Uncle Roger and Aunt Monica. I also spent some time with my childhood friend, Christine. I spent the day of Grandpa's memorial service with most of my cousins, aunts, and uncles. And something happened within me.

Looking back at the week as a whole, and at the day of the memorial service in particular, a new purpose sprouted in my soul. As I process, I believe God began this new work in me, and around me, long before I can precisely articulate. God divinely chose the events surrounding my grandpa's passing to reveal it to me more clearly. It is not just about me, though. It is about family, and glorifying God uniquely through family.

I have this unique personality that is sometimes outgoing, and sometimes shy - the side of my personality that shines on any given day is largely related to the circumstances surrounding me. In my shy moments, I miss out on opportunities to experience life more fully. In my outgoing moments, I bulldoze over moments that require a delicate touch. Both sides of my personality have pros and cons; and neither side is perfectly suited to the whole person of me.

When I arrived at the private, family graveside service, my shy side wanted to control me....

Processing.... Part 1

You know that little icon on our computers that lets us know that it is still processing? Some programs even use the word, "Processing...". Well, that describes me to a "T" for the last few months - at least. I am processing so many real life happenings, thoughts in my brain, and actions. It has been exhausting, frustrating, exciting... you name it. Some things I can process aloud for the public to hear, and some things are very private. The fog is starting to lift, and I wanted to share one way that God is working within me.

I was profoundly moved by my grandpa's passing - profoundly. Some may think this is odd because my grandpa was 90 years old, and expected to die. In addition, I have lived half way across the country from him for over 20 years.

Death is a powerful motivator of processing - at any life stage.

I flew to Washington State after his passing in a very weak state of mind. I was discouraged about nearly every aspect of my life - deeply disappointed by lost expectations. And then, I spent 5 days with my extended family....

I'm back! And, Lent is coming - my favorite season!

This may have been the longest period of time I have gone without writing a blog since I started blogging one year ago. Professional bloggers will tell you that this is "taboo." Professional bloggers blog every day, or at least keep regular intervals. Well, it's official, I am not a professional....

So much has been happening in this little brain of mine, and none of it is translating into a blog entry. Maybe those thoughts will seep out in the coming days, and maybe they won't. Regardless, I only blog when I feel drawn to blog - it is not a job for me; sometimes it is therapy, and sometime it is ministry, and sometimes there are just no words to describe the lessons I am processing.

Here are a few updates:

1. I am participating in a book club relating to Beth Moore's newest trade book, "So Long Insecurity." Check it out here on Beth Moore's blog. It is not too late - in fact, I do not have my book yet. Hurry up, Amazon!

2. I am also participating in a Lenten Study here. This study is taking place at my "home" church in Prairie Village, Kansas. Pastor Ken Lightcap's sermons are available here. Should anyone choose to participate in this study, contact the church office to inquire about purchasing the accompanying devotional book. Rumor has it that I may or may not be contributing to the Lenten blog.

3. In looking forward to Lent, I am pondering how to simplify life in order to prepare the way for experiencing God during this special season. My initial thoughts revolve around the time I spend at my computer in the evenings. First, I believe I will limit my blog reading to 3 inspirational blogs that I am committed to for spiritual purposes. Beth Moore - for the "So Long Insecurity" study, Lysa TerKuerst - for the spiritual retreat that I coordinate during Lent, and the Nall Avenue Lenten Study for obvious reasons. Second, I will limit Facebook to communication only (i.e., no lurking). Third, I will limit checking my email - in any form - to once a night during the week, and twice a day when I am home all day.

Don't laugh at me! You think I should give up all of these things completely for Lent, don't you? In my estimation, that would be like never answering the phone or the door during Lent. It just wouldn't work....

What will change as a result of these ideas? IDK, but I plan to make more room in my life for God to spontaneously direct my path.

I am still in the consideration and praying phase of making these determinations, so the plan is tentative.

Won't you consider how to approach Lent in such a way that God might personally meet you. It's exciting!!!

Here begins the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. In the book of the prophet Isaiah, God said, “Look, I am sending my messenger before you, and he will prepare your way. He is a voice shouting in the wilderness: ‘Prepare a pathway for the Lord’s coming! Make a straight road for him!’” Mark 1:1-3 (NLT)

In Memory of My Grandpa: Rev. Warner B. Keller (Revised)

 
I’ve spent countless hours with my grandparents. When I was young, it seems like I stayed with them for a week at a time during the summers, and for many a weekend during the school year. For a few years, I think that I knew the children's workers at their church better than those at my own church. Many grandparents shower their grand children with expensive gifts, but not my grandparents. They showered me with devoted quantities of time – in the every day life kind of way.

When I think of my grandpa, I think of him here – in a church, behind the pulpit. I loved hearing his voice preaching; this memory gives me comfort. During those summer visits, I attended more weddings and funerals than I could ever re-count – of people I will never personally know. In fact, one summer in Omak, I had the traditional wedding ceremony memorized. I remember this because I dutifully practiced my new-found knowledge on the dogs.

I also think of my grandpa puttering around. He enjoyed so many ordinary things. He loved animals, gardening, boating, the beach, making things with his hands, and cooking. He made the best clam chowder and the best apple cider! I am sure his oyster stuffing was really good too, but I was too scared to try it! I remember my grandpa’s stories; he was the best story-teller (and joke-teller). I loved his “Indian Stories” and would repeatedly ask him to re-tell them. His stories always vividly illustrated how faith in God provided for and protected people. Grandpa showered me with everyday experiences that I will never forget!

When I think of my grandpa, I remember a man devoted to God and his family. As a child, every morning my grandparents would begin their days with devotions together. I didn’t appreciate this time so much until I grew older. But, now I know, from experience, that their prayers were consistent, and specific, and full of tenderhearted love for each member of our family - no matter what kind of choices we were making at the time! I am certain that my grandpa’s initial days in heaven are filled with meeting one after another, after another – people whose lives he touched because of his deep devotion to God. As I look to my aunts and uncles and cousins here today (and those that are not here in person), I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Grandpa wants nothing more than for each of us to experience God as personally, and as fully, as he did on this earth. My Grandpa was a self-educated man; he did not need a fancy degree to know God, to preach His Truth, and to share God with others. He showered us with this consistent example.

On Monday morning, Grandma and I had devotions together. It was a memorable experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I shared with her a few things from my Bible study, and I shared two Bible verses that I thought she could use at this difficult life transition. Then, she asked me to pray. She said, “Heidi, I love to hear you pray.” I agreed to pray, but only if she would pray, too – because I love to hear my grandma pray. As we finished, I said, “Grandma, I want to pray for each member of our family just like you and Grandpa used to do.” I had no plans to do this; I know it was the prompting of the Holy Spirit. So, I prayed specifically for each one of you – each son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, great-grandson, great-daughter, and all the spouses. Whew, that is a lot of people! Later Grandma said, “Heidi, I think God has given you a burden for the family like He gave Grandpa.” In my mind, there could be no greater privilege.



Dear Family, I can’t stand here today and guarantee the same level of devotion to you that Grandpa exemplified, but I can tell you that I’ve experienced his example and I learn best by example. Grandpa has showered us with a living model of Christlikeness on earth. He showered us with the gift of love for God and family – it is gift that has no price tag; a gift that no one can choose to simply purchase. He lived well, and touched many lives for the glory of God. Grandpa also died well, and touched many lives for the glory of God. I know that as Grandpa stood before God he heard the voice of God saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” And, this is how I will remember my grandpa.

A Theology For All

All people have some sort of theology (Harris, 2010). Even atheists have a theology. Theology is not relative; there is a right and a wrong theology. I am not convinced that my theology is 100% accurate, as I am continually growing in my knowledge and understanding of God. As a result, I am passionate about personally “Unearthing What I Belief and Why It Matters” (subtitle).

I agree with Harris’ (2010) statement:

“Theology matters, because if we get it wrong, then our whole life will be wrong” (p. 11).

In other words, the inaccurate beliefs I have about God will negatively impinge upon my ability to hear Him and follow Him. Harris (2010) articulates this truth alongside his personal journey to discern God’s Truth. He states:

“Our faith is not just a state of mind, a mystical experience, or concepts on a page. Theology, doctrine, and orthodoxy matter because God is real, and he has acted in our world, and his actions have meaning today and for all eternity” (p. 15).

Harris’ pursuit of Godly knowledge is based on his pursuit of understanding theology, doctrine, and orthodoxy. He describes this fascinating journey using personal stories and interesting examples. Such a format is strikingly similar to that of Jesus Christ’s parables and student-centered teaching style. I believe this format is effective, and I highly recommend Dug Down Deep for believers and seekers alike.

Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe & Why It Matters is available here.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah.

Christian Theology 101 – Conversational Style

I listened to a couple of podcasts yesterday that detailed the difference between a conversation and a debate. Feel free to listen here and here. The difference is most important when it comes to issues that people are passionate about –their personal belief systems. I don’t enjoy participating in debates because I am highly emotional. Generally, the emotions that debates evoke in me are not helpful. At the same time, I enjoy engaging in deep conversations with people of differing viewpoints when we heartily respect one another and all participants truly listen. Reading the thoughts of people with unique life experiences and perspectives is another way that I enjoy learning about the differences in people's belief systems.

Last summer, I read two books describing the authors’ atheistic belief systems in relation to their study of Christians and the Bible. I found the books fascinating! Both authors freely and eagerly shared their thoughts. Having never known life apart from Christ and Bible, I enjoyed reading these perspectives. There are many experiences and traditions that I simply take for granted because they are so normal in my world. I love considering such things with new eyes and ears.

Reading Joshua Harris’ personal encounters with Christian Theology and tradition in Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe & Why It Matters parallel the previous two books in that his writing is engaging and humorous. Harris’ work is different because he sincerely embraces the Christian faith; therefore, he experiences life transformation. I appreciate the deep questions that Harris attempts to address, and I appreciate his down-to-earth language. I have read numerous theological works with a dictionary by my side thinking, “Why is it necessary to use all these long and complicated words to study God?” Jesus didn’t teach in such a fashion, and I don’t think we should either! If reading such a work floats your boat, then read away; however, don’t judge those of us who seek to study God using everyday language. The study of God (Theology) is for every person on earth. Dug Down Deep encourages Theological knowledge and understanding for everyday kind of people.

Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe & Why It Matters is available here.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah.

Superficial Christianity: It Should Be an Oxymoron

In “blogging for books,” I choose the books that I review. Over the course of a month, Multnomah Books might send me information for five or more titles. I am immediately drawn to agree, or not. The next title I am reviewing is Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe & Why It Matters, by Joshua Harris. The title intrigued me, but the author made me skeptical. Joshua Harris authored I Kissed Dating Good-bye, and several other books that I have not read. Rather than reading his previous books, I just labeled them as “stereotypical Christian legalese,” and ignorantly determined that I was not interested.

Dug Down Deep caught my attention, however, via these descriptive words:

“I know from experience that it’s possible to be a Christian but live life on the surface. The surface can be empty tradition. It can be emotionalism. It can be doctrine without application. I’ve done it all. I’ve spent my share of time on the sandy beaches of superficial Christianity” (back cover).

I do not consider myself superficial. But, I battle the urge. Having been born and raised in a conservative Christian home, having graduated from a conservative Christian liberal arts university, having been employed by the same denomination my entire adult life, and having had very little “rebellion,” I could easily fall into the trap of superficial Christianity. Superficial Christianity may be convenient, but it is unfulfilling. I actively avoid this common trap, so you can see why Dug Down Deep caught my attention!

Inside the dust jacket, the publishers write:

“With startling transparency, Joshua Harris shares how we can rediscover the relevance and power of Christian truth. This book shows how a young man who rose quickly to success in the Christian evangelical world before he realized his spirituality lacked a foundation – it rested more on tradition and morality than on an informed knowledge of God.

“For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris’s humorous and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn’t just for scholars – it is for anyone who wants to know the living Jesus Christ.”

Even though “transparency” is one of the most overused words in 2009 (thereby an abused word), I value true transparency. I am also passionately driven to find “Truth” by God’s definition, rather than by man’s definition. I know the personal experience of God building a foundation of “informed knowledge” within me – it is like no other form of knowledge, and I desperately desire to help other believers experience God in this way. And finally, to read an author’s “humorous and engaging reflection on Christian beliefs” reminds me of two books that I enjoyed last summer - written by self-proclaimed atheists. The contrasts are interesting and relevant. So, you can see why Dug Down Deep caught my attention!

For now, I hope I have presented you with an appealing appetizer. There is more to come….

Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe & Why It Matters is available here.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah.