You are Boy-Trapped if: You have little plastic army guys guarding your fireplace. Your decorative pillows are more often part of a fort than ambiance. There is always a little boy voice on the other side of the bathroom door. Every time you settle down to read your Bible there is a boy in your lap. Every surface in your house is covered in lego fortresses...and you wouldn't have it any other way!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
The Middle Ground - My thoughts on heaven, hell, and Mr. Bell
Last week I had the opportunity to listen to two authors talk about their experiences in the next life. One shared about heaven ("90 Minutes in Heaven") and the other about hell ("23 Min. in Hell"). I haven't read their books yet so I'm not going to say I endorse everything written in them, but I do encourage you to read them and decide yourself.
Ever since that night I've noticed two changes in how I view things:
1) Hell is a lot scarier place than I ever imagined (not that I'd ever spent much
time thinking on it)
2) Heaven is all the more sweeter bc of #1.
My kids have a "Jesus Storybook" Bible that is amazing and everyone should have one! I love it just as much (and maybe more) than they do. In it the author refers to Jesus as "the Rescuer". All this time I've read these stories and thought about all the things He has rescued me from, my sin (past, present and future), eternal death, etc. But I've never taken much time to think about the realities of hell and the anguish, hopelessness and suffering that He rescued me from. This makes His Rescue Plan all the more precious and valuable to me.
For years now I've prayed and shared about Jesus' free gift of life to others only considering how I don't want them to miss out on His love for them. But my perspective was lacking an important factor, which is that I should be equally concerned they don't go to hell. Even as I write those words I know how "preachy" and "fire and brimstone" they sound and yet I don't know how else to say it.
Another book, "Love Wins" questions all of the above and is featured on the cover of Time magazine this week. It is by a guy named Rob Bell who is a popular pastor among other things. It isn't based on any new theology, maybe just new to our generation. It is clear that Mr. Bell struggles with the idea of hell, it doesn't fit into his idea of a loving God. He isn't the only one who struggles with this concept, yet just deciding it doesn't exist is not only dangerous, it doesn't hold up to his own logic. If God is too loving to let anyone go to hell, how is forcing them into an eternity in His Presence when they openly acknowledge that they don't believe in Him, don't want anything to do with Him, and even hate Him - any more loving? That doesn't sound like much of a choice to me and it doesn't sound much like love winning out.
Don't get me wrong, I'm just as uncomfortable with the reality of eternal suffering and punishment for anyone as the next guy - but that makes me all the more motivated to pray and share His love with others so they don't end up there. It is unfortunate that instead of using his influence to join in God's Rescue mission, pointing them to the One Path to heaven he doesn't even deny, which is Jesus, Mr. Bell has just made the path to hell all the more appealing to others by encouraging them to reject the idea of it's existence all together, and in so doing condemning them to it.
There really isn't a comfortable middle ground with this issue, though "Love Wins" would try to convince you otherwise. We have to decide here and now during our time in the middle here on earth where we will go in the next life. And what better time to consider what is next than during this Easter season.
Ever since that night I've noticed two changes in how I view things:
1) Hell is a lot scarier place than I ever imagined (not that I'd ever spent much
time thinking on it)
2) Heaven is all the more sweeter bc of #1.
My kids have a "Jesus Storybook" Bible that is amazing and everyone should have one! I love it just as much (and maybe more) than they do. In it the author refers to Jesus as "the Rescuer". All this time I've read these stories and thought about all the things He has rescued me from, my sin (past, present and future), eternal death, etc. But I've never taken much time to think about the realities of hell and the anguish, hopelessness and suffering that He rescued me from. This makes His Rescue Plan all the more precious and valuable to me.
For years now I've prayed and shared about Jesus' free gift of life to others only considering how I don't want them to miss out on His love for them. But my perspective was lacking an important factor, which is that I should be equally concerned they don't go to hell. Even as I write those words I know how "preachy" and "fire and brimstone" they sound and yet I don't know how else to say it.
Another book, "Love Wins" questions all of the above and is featured on the cover of Time magazine this week. It is by a guy named Rob Bell who is a popular pastor among other things. It isn't based on any new theology, maybe just new to our generation. It is clear that Mr. Bell struggles with the idea of hell, it doesn't fit into his idea of a loving God. He isn't the only one who struggles with this concept, yet just deciding it doesn't exist is not only dangerous, it doesn't hold up to his own logic. If God is too loving to let anyone go to hell, how is forcing them into an eternity in His Presence when they openly acknowledge that they don't believe in Him, don't want anything to do with Him, and even hate Him - any more loving? That doesn't sound like much of a choice to me and it doesn't sound much like love winning out.
Don't get me wrong, I'm just as uncomfortable with the reality of eternal suffering and punishment for anyone as the next guy - but that makes me all the more motivated to pray and share His love with others so they don't end up there. It is unfortunate that instead of using his influence to join in God's Rescue mission, pointing them to the One Path to heaven he doesn't even deny, which is Jesus, Mr. Bell has just made the path to hell all the more appealing to others by encouraging them to reject the idea of it's existence all together, and in so doing condemning them to it.
There really isn't a comfortable middle ground with this issue, though "Love Wins" would try to convince you otherwise. We have to decide here and now during our time in the middle here on earth where we will go in the next life. And what better time to consider what is next than during this Easter season.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Fruits of Suffering
This morning my Bible study wrapped up our inductive study of 1 Peter. This book is full of great promises and challenges to trust God with. Is it really possible to thank God in the midst of suffering? Is all suffering from Him? Is there hope in the midst of suffering? If you wrestle with any of these questions you might benefit from a peruse through this letter from a famous guy named Peter to a group of people undergoing persecution. The study we used is here and it is free to download.
My conclusive statement after several months of study was:
Our Enemy says, "You suffer therefore God: Must hate you. Must not be good. Must not be in control. Must be evil."
BUT
God says, "You suffer...and so do I with you. AND I can bring good out of this if you will trust me with it."
We wrapped up our time by listening to a sermon on this topic by another smart fellow named Mark Driscoll. Here is the link if you have time to listen it is a good one with some great thoughts to chew on.
As much as we hate to accept it suffering comes to us all, to live in this world is to suffer. Many much more than others but none-the-less none of us are immune to the fall-out of that rebellious bite in the Garden. (I'm not trying to sounds depressing here - in fact I'm in a great place today, enjoying the balmy 67 degree weather here! It is just the topic at hand I guess.) BUT the good news is the GOOD NEWS. This isn't the end. Things do get better. And until then He can and does use these hard things for good.
Mark challenges his listeners to suffer with a purpose, don't waste the opportunity to grow. He quotes E. Stanley Jones, "Don't bear trouble, use it." Turn it into a testimony. Not my first thought when trouble comes, but a good challenge to remember. For now my suffering isn't so much personal as it is watching those I love suffer. This is the worst! And it is also driving me to my knees in prayer more than ever before - and I'd like to think that is one of the fruits of their suffering. It is bitter-sweet that I would benefit from their trials, but I'm thankful that at least some good is coming from it, better than nothing good at all.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Darth Vader vrs. Blue's Clues, in other words, we've had a couple birthdays around here recently!
Thing 2 turns 5 and Thing 3 turns 2....I think I got that right!
Thing 2's Bday Dinner - MMMM corn dogs!
Our Little Storm Trooper
Thing 2 at Preschool - he got to bring cupcakes on his actual b-day. I think that is pretty cool having a summer bday myself, I NEVER got to do this. Perhaps this is what inspired me to make the coolest cupcakes I could think of...what was I thinking!
These tie-dye cupcakes looked really cool but they were a lot of work!
T2 helping me prepare the batter.
Star Wars Party for T2
Jedi Training had lots of levels to it - this was the "anti-gravity" training.
Agility Jedi Training
T3 even talks like Yoda!
T2's self-made costume for his Star Wars party.
Even the adults dressed in character!
T3's Bday
I always have plenty of willing helpers when it comes to cleaning up the frosting beaters!
Thing 2's Bday Dinner - MMMM corn dogs!
Our Little Storm Trooper
Thing 2 at Preschool - he got to bring cupcakes on his actual b-day. I think that is pretty cool having a summer bday myself, I NEVER got to do this. Perhaps this is what inspired me to make the coolest cupcakes I could think of...what was I thinking!
These tie-dye cupcakes looked really cool but they were a lot of work!
T2 helping me prepare the batter.
Star Wars Party for T2
Jedi Training had lots of levels to it - this was the "anti-gravity" training.
Agility Jedi Training
T3 even talks like Yoda!
T2's self-made costume for his Star Wars party.
Even the adults dressed in character!
T3's Bday
I always have plenty of willing helpers when it comes to cleaning up the frosting beaters!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
"Moving"
Could it be? A post from me? I'm sure you have all given up on this blog and for all I know these words will go unread but I'm okay with that. I've missed my writing time. I've missed processing with the tips of my fingers tapping along all 26 letters (it is 26, right?). And of course I've missed all your little notes back encouraging and praying when appropriate.
Let me tell you I haven't completely forgotten about this space in my life, I just haven't had room for it lately. I've written a hundred posts in my mind since we last met here, I just never got them out. But now I'm clearing things out and moving things around and hope to be here more often - and whether you show or not I'll never know!
Sometimes that "moving" is hard work though. That wonderful conference that I sooooo enjoyed directing left me pretty wiped out - emotionally and physically. And then I went straight from that into crisis mode with a dear friend. And then I had another conference to think about planning for the fall which left me completely immobilized!
Sometimes that "moving" is just painful. Painful to my pride - like just a few minutes ago when I had to back out of a commitment I'd made. That was really hard. My people-pleasing nature does not like to disappoint. Thankfully though they were gracious in my backing down. God was good to give me wise counsel and ears to hear (though they were a bit slow to listen I admit).
Well - it is time to wake up two sleepy boys (no, I didn't drug them just so I could actually sit down and write for once, thought that is an idea...) - they were just both tired at the same time for a change! And then I'm off to get the third.
And you know, I think I'm liking the moves. Even though they are tiring and painful and times, they are helping me grow...hopefully to be more like Him and less like me.
Let me tell you I haven't completely forgotten about this space in my life, I just haven't had room for it lately. I've written a hundred posts in my mind since we last met here, I just never got them out. But now I'm clearing things out and moving things around and hope to be here more often - and whether you show or not I'll never know!
Sometimes that "moving" is hard work though. That wonderful conference that I sooooo enjoyed directing left me pretty wiped out - emotionally and physically. And then I went straight from that into crisis mode with a dear friend. And then I had another conference to think about planning for the fall which left me completely immobilized!
Sometimes that "moving" is just painful. Painful to my pride - like just a few minutes ago when I had to back out of a commitment I'd made. That was really hard. My people-pleasing nature does not like to disappoint. Thankfully though they were gracious in my backing down. God was good to give me wise counsel and ears to hear (though they were a bit slow to listen I admit).
Well - it is time to wake up two sleepy boys (no, I didn't drug them just so I could actually sit down and write for once, thought that is an idea...) - they were just both tired at the same time for a change! And then I'm off to get the third.
And you know, I think I'm liking the moves. Even though they are tiring and painful and times, they are helping me grow...hopefully to be more like Him and less like me.
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