On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching.  Who can accept it?”

Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them,

“Does this offend you?  What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before!  The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.  The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.  Yet there are some of you who do not believe.”

For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.  He went on to say,

“This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him.”

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

“You do not want to leave too, do you?”  Jesus asked the Twelve.

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

Then Jesus replied,

“Have I not chosen you, the Twelve?  Yet one of you is a devil!”

(He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)

After this, Jesus went around Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life.  But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, “You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do.  No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret.  Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.”  For even his own brothers did not believe him.

Therefore, Jesus told them,

“The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right.  The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil.  You go to the Feast.  I am not yet going up to the Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come.”

Having said this, he stayed in Galilee.

However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret.  Now at the Feast the Jews were watching for him and asking, “Where is that man?”

Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him.  Some said, “He is a good man.”

Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.  But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the Jews.”

John 6:60 – 7:13

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Toddlers really are great.

I learn so much about myself watching and helping with them.

I read somewhere that their job is to figure out their boundaries.  They really need to know what those boundaries are, then know what (limited) freedom and choices they have within those boundaries.

I read a James Dobson book that compared kids’ need for boundaries with a nighttime security guard.  The guard walks through the closed building.  And, yes, he tries to open the doors.  But not because he wants them to open for him…but precisely because he doesn’t.

Yes, toddlers push the limits all the time.  Not (always) because they want to go beyond the limit, but mostly because they don’t.

Limits and boundaries make them feel safe.  They know where they stand and that someone is watching out for them.

Boundaries are good.

My man is good to me.  We had a chat about how if helping with Kids’ Kamp does not assist in my first priority to our family, then maybe it’s not the best match of gifting with service.  Wise words.

I would hate for anyone whose kids I helped with at Kamp to randomly read this and think I didn’t enjoy loving on their child for these 4 days.  Because that’s not my true heart.  He is so good and so kind.  His love in me is bigger than my sin.  And dying to myself and loving littles is a wonderful exercise in becoming more like Him.

I’d also hate for anyone who doesn’t know my true heart to think I don’t adore my family.  Some days are harder than others, but they are my heart.  My first priority.  I’m willing to give up anything I need (that God allows) to love them better and never regret these young years.  If I don’t get this right, anything else I would do is worthless. 

I’m glad it is He Who lives in me.  On my own, oh my word.  But because of Him, the Most High God, living inside of me, I have hope.

I hope you’re having a good day, too!

https://www.intentionalkingdomliving.com/545/

Good Morning!

I love how a little sleep can improve our perspective.

“Then they asked him, ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’

Jesus answered,

‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.’

So they asked him, ‘What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you?  What will you do?  Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written : ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’

Jesus said to them,

“I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.  For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives light to the world.’

‘Sir,’ they said, ‘from now on give us this bread.’

Then Jesus declared,

‘I am the bread of life.  He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty…’

John 6:28-35 (emphasis mine)

I’ve thought about this post a lot recently.  So many ditches to avoid steering ourselves into, aren’t there?

Jesus, keep us focused on You, not ourselves or any good works we could do together.  You are the Bread of Life.  We join You.  It is about You. 

Oh, thank the good goodness!

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I’m at the point today where if I’m not honest, I feel like I’m gonna explode.

Please don’t get me wrong.  Everything I said about helping with toddlers at Kids’ Kamp is true.  It is a joy.

But I’m really tired.

I do well until we get in the car to go home from KK, and I find myself (literally) covering my ears at the whining.  My brain physically hurts.  I feel like I can’t deal with one more need until I have just a few minutes of quiet. 

I wish that wasn’t true.  I wish I had an unlimited reservoir of patience with all kids. 

But I don’t.

I have to ask God, often under my breath (but definitely out loud), to be patience and love and kindness in me.  To hang on to me until I can catch my breath soon with a little alone time.  He always hangs on, but sometimes my sin wins out and I get snippy.

Does that ever happen to you?

If it’s all the same to you, here’s my prayer tonight:

Jesus, thank You for the gifts You’ve given me. 

I thank You for them even though they probably don’t include opening a daycare anytime soon. 

Thank You that so many people in my life do have gifts with little ones and regularly bless my family with those gifts.

Please, in turn, help me to bless them with the gifts You’ve given me.

We all need You and we all need each other. 

Thank You that Your grace is absolutely sufficient and that Your power shows up best in weak people.

I love you.

Amen.

https://www.intentionalkingdomliving.com/547/

You stood before creation

 Eternity within Your hand

 You spoke the earth into motion

 My soul now to stand

 You stood before my failure

 Carried the Cross for my shame

 My sin weighed upon Your shoulders

 My soul now to stand

 So what can I say?

What can I do?

 But offer this heart O God

 Completely to You?

So I’ll walk upon salvation

 Your Spirit alive in me

 This life to declare Your promise

 My soul now to stand

So I’ll stand

With arms high and heart abandoned

 In awe of the One who gave it all!

 So I’ll stand

 My soul Lord to You surrendered

 All I am is Yours!

 

Kristian Stanfield, “Stand” via www.azlyrics.com

https://www.intentionalkingdomliving.com/548/

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. 

By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them.  A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.

When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified.

But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 

Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. 

John 6:16-21

That was some boat ride.

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Well, we’ve had breakfast, watered some flowers before it gets too hot, and Caleb looked at a Lego magazine.  (Big boy is still sleeping!  I guess Kids’ Kamp and T-ball does that to a kid!)

This song was just playing:


Jesus, Friend of Sinners

We have strayed so far away

We cut down people in Your Name

But the sword was never ours to swing

Jesus, Friend of Sinners

The truth’s become so hard to see

The world is on their way to You

But they’re tripping over me

Always looking around but never looking up

I’m so double minded

A plank eyed saint with dirty hands

And a heart divided

Oh Jesus, Friend of Sinners

Open our eyes to world

At the end of our pointing fingers

Let our hearts be led by mercy

Help us reach with open hearts

And open doors

Oh Jesus,  Friend of Sinners

Break our hearts for what breaks Yours

Jesus,  Friend of Sinners

The One Who’s writing in the sand

Make the righteous turn away

And the stones fall from their hands

Help us to remember

We are all the Least of These

Let the memory of Your mercy

Bring Your people to their knees

Nobody knows what we’re for only what we’re against

When we judge the wounded

What if we put down our signs crossed

Over the lines and loved like You did?

You love every Lost Cause

You reach for the Outcast

For the  Leper and the Lame

They’re the reason that You came

Lord, I was that Lost Cause and I was the Outcast

But you died for sinners just like me

A grateful leper at Your feet

‘Cause You are good, You are good

And Your love endures forever!

You are good, You are good

And Your love endures forever!

And I was the Lost Cause

And I was the Outcast, yeah

You died for sinners just like me

A grateful leper at Your feet

Casting Crowns, “Jesus Friend of Sinners” via www.elyrics.net

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I’ve thought recently about my excitement in writing some things down, but I also want to make sure and record how at rest I feel.

This whole thing feels like such a joy!  It feels like it’s flowing from His perfect timing.  He has so changed my heart over the past 13 years that this writing – and living all the concepts – are not tendons of legalism for me.  They are my heart’s delight because of what He has done in me. 

I am not currently struggling with trying to earn His love.  He has proven that to me over and over. 

(I’m not sure what made me click on her blog again last night, but I did.  I re-read this post and found myself nodding and nodding.  He is good.)

But I also want to make sure and record how He has shown me the thrill of obedience to Him.  I don’t dare miss out on that thrill!  If this is what He’s asking me to write right now, then it is my privilege to align my life with the task.

So.  The current.  I’m helping with Kids’ Kamp at our church this week.  Talk about joy in simplicity!

We painted the cement and church walls with water, bounced in a bouncy castle, rocked when the pain of losing momma to a room full of strangers was too much, delighted in grapes, cheerios and juice boxes, giggled into the microphone as we repeated verses. 

Can you tell I’m helping with the toddlers?  They’re so great.  Not babies anymore; not quite preschoolers.  I read a book once that called them “changelings.”  I think that name is stuck in my mind toward this precious group of kids. 

It’s also my joy to help with this group since my little one is a toddler.  We get to hang together even as I help and serve.  I like to watch from a bit of a distance how he interacts with other kids.  I like to see what activities he prefers amidst options.  I like to observe whether he obeys other adults when he doesn’t know I’m looking.  I learn a lot hanging with him in a group of people.  He’s a keeper.

It is not hard to see why Jesus said,

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Simple trust.  Faith like a child.  Joy in the simple things. 

They have so much to teach the rest of us.

Okay.  My boy – you know, the actual toddler living in my house – just woke up. 

Time to live out simplicity in action!

It is my joy.

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Hi!  No, I didn’t type about simple things yesterday.  But I lived them!

– Electricity went out (the boys were disappointed that a blown transformer wasn’t a car that turns into a man) and did things like put the diapers on a line outside instead of the dryer. 

– Played with little one while big one and Dan headed to 4-H.

– Loved on some seniors who are already starting to trust and warm to me after 2 classes together.  There’s 30 of them!  I’m not used to teaching that many at once, but there’s some fun energy to it.

– Did some errands while my little date ate a PB sandwich.

– Read, read, read!

– Hung with my man after 4-H until he headed out to study before class.  We used his exit as an opportunity to head to a friend’s house whose hubs is out of town.  Together our littles splashed in a kiddie pool, ran through a sprinkler, and played with sand while we chatted and enjoyed a glass of wine as the sun lowered beyond the trees.

Yes, it was a satisfying day.

I was thinking about a quote from Foster’s book that has helped me a lot since we took the leap and bought a house:

“There is an intrinsic relationship between simplicity and prayer, especially that central aspect of prayer which is trust. 

My children love pancakes.  When they were young, once in a while I would get up early to fix them a batch.  It was interesting to watch those boys.  They would wolf down pancakes as if there were an endless supply.  They were not worried one whit about the price of eggs or my ability to provide them with pancakes.  Not once did I see them slipping some into a pocket, thinking, “I don’t know about Dad; I’d better put away a little stash so that I can be sure of pancakes tomorrow.” 

As far as they were concerned, the reservoir of pancakes was infinite.  They knew that all they needed to do was ask and, if it was in their best interest, they would receive.  They lived in trust. 

Without this spirit of trust we would find it exceedingly difficult (should I say impossible?) to live on the basis of prayer for daily bread.  No, we would need an adequate stash somewhere, just in case – and be assured that what we now have is never adequate. 

Paul counseled Christians to live free from anxiety.  That, of course, is more easily said than done.  Everything in our training and in our culture combats a carefree spirit of unconcern.  How can we be free from anxiety?  What resource is available to us?  Paul perceived the resource to be prayer:

‘Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God’ (Phil 4:6). 

Prayer frees us from anxiety because it teaches us trust.  The result is peace:

‘And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.’ (Phil 4:7). 

Prayer and simplicity are intertwined.

(Foster, pgs. 13-14)

I don’t know how I would have gotten past some generational money anxiety the past year or so without others’ prayers on my behalf.  I still struggle with fear once in a while in this category, but my people have been so good to ask God on my behalf for trust.

Do you struggle with it, too?

I know the following verse isn’t in the context of contentment or provision, but God used it to speak to my heart in this area.

“Then He said to them,

                 ‘Why are you fearful? 

                                        Do you still have no faith?’

(Mark 4:40 HCSB)

When I revert, He carefully reminds me of all the ways He’s been faithful in providing up til now and challenges me to not fear the future.

Okay, for the less calm and kind quote.  I mentioned God had me read a few more books since last time.  One of them was Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn.  (Yes, 2 Alcorn books…becoming a fan of his.)

Here’s a foretaste of the kind of stuff he has to say:

“Are we truly obeying the command to love our neighbor as ourselves if we’re storing up money for potential future needs when our neighbor is laboring today under actual present needs?”

(pg. 334)

Don’t worry.  He makes sure to talk about saving and retirement and the wisdom in those disciplines.  But he also points out that Jesus seems to think there’s a limit to that saving (see Luke 12:16-21).

Or as Jen Hatmaker says:

“Don’t imagine I’m advocating for no savings.  The Bible has several instructive nuggets on maintaining a cushion, saving for seasons of drought and hardship.  Wisdom plans ahead (that is, if she has the luxury of expendable income; this is a First World extravagance).

But the numbers are so tipped in our favor, I wonder if God doesn’t expect more from the top 20 percent (and most of us are in the top 5 percent…[make $35,000 a year?  Top 4 percent.  $50,000?  Top 1 percent]) than simply buying 86 percent of the stuff and harboring savings accounts with the rest.  I wonder if there is a graded option somewhere below our means.”

(The 7 Experiment, pages 134 and 13)

As you can see, we have some murky waters to tread together.  I know.  It’s frustrating/scary/hard…exciting?  Did I hear you think that?  Did a little part of you leap at these ideas?  At what we can do together for His glory and others’ good? 

I hope so.  That part was His spirit in you and your soul that He is refining.  I’m right there with you – about to pee my pants and yet so excited.  I don’t know why He is giving me the pleasure of being the one to pen what I’ve learned on this silly blog, but it’s my joy.  I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m grateful you’re along for the ride!

More next time 🙂

https://www.intentionalkingdomliving.com/552/

Ah.  Our pastor said something yesterday morning that made a part of my soul sigh and rest.

Here’s roughly what he said:

“Heaven isn’t the end.  The end is when God creates a New Heavens and a New Earth.  And I hope on the New Earth it isn’t excitement a minute.  I hope there are simple things like a walk down a newly-created stream.”

I have been thinking about the Simplicity series I put on hold…hmmm….a long time ago.  I would apologize for that, but it seems God wanted me to read a few more books before I continued on.  So funny, because one of the books talks all about our Ultimate Destination – a New Earth with New Bodies. 

I’m going to try to pick back up, tie up some loose ends, and add a few things I’ve learned in the last year and a half.

I love how His timing is always spot on.

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