My heart has been heavy the last couple of weeks.

So many things popping up – and just after really learning and thinking through their implications.

Things like another killing. A push for stricter sentencing for nonviolent drug charges in our already-burgeoning prison system – which affects low-income and people of color most. And protests which seek not to love, but intimidate – using the very imagery of our nation’s past.

Please, please. If none of this even remotely seems to affect your daily life, you are who I’m talking to. We are the ones who must stand against it. Educate ourselves and move toward change. And, oh my, the battle in prayer needed against the spiritual forces of darkness. Evil animates much of this. We who are people of the Light must shine.

 

The Old City Gate was repaired by Joiada…and Meshullam… They laid the beams, set up its doors, and installed its bolts and bars. Next to them were Melatiah from Gibeon, Jadon from Meronoth, people from Gibeon, and people from Mizpah, the headquarters of the governor of the province west of the Euphrates River. Next was Uzziel…a goldsmith by trade, who also worked on the wall. Beyond him was Hananiah, a manufacturer of perfumes. They left out a section of Jerusalem as they built the Broad Wall.

Rephaiah…the leader of half the district of Jerusalem, was next to them on the wall. Next Jedaiah…repaired the wall across from his own house, and next to him was Hattush… Then came Malkijah…and Hasshub…who repaired another section of the wall and the Tower of the Ovens. Shallum…and his daughters repaired the next section. He was the leader of the other half of the district of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 3:6-12 NLT

Last time we looked in on the Fish Gate which was lovingly tended to by everyone but the nobles from Tekoa. Today we get to continue counter-clockwise around our wall project:

In today’s section we cover the Old City Gate (called Gate of Yeshanah on our map), sections of the wall near it, and the Tower of the Ovens. Did you notice a section is not mentioned? So have scholars. Our verses bluntly read, “They left out a section of Jerusalem as they built the Broad Wall.”

The most probable explanation is the circumference of the new wall was smaller than the original. So the builders left out a portion of the old, ruined city of Jerusalem when rebuilding the new.

What stands out most to me is the collaboration exercised by all: goldsmiths, perfumers, those of neighboring cities under other governors, women, rulers of half the city. And some of them simply began right where they were, close to home. As one commentator put it:

“The work was divided, so that every one might know what he had to do, and mind it, with a desire to excel; yet without contention, or separate interests. No strife appears among them, but which should do most for the public good. Every Israelite should lend a hand toward the building up of Jerusalem…When a general good work is to be done, each should apply himself to that part which is within his reach…Every one must begin at home; for it is by getting the work of God advanced in our own souls that we shall best contribute to the good of the church of Christ.”

That our best work would be in our homes, our own hearts. And from that grounding of walking with Him in private, we join hands in public to work for the good of all. Oh, to stay in our lane and be faithful to our post while simultaneously cheering others on. To battle in prayer not only for our own family, friends, and ministries, but those of others’. In areas we don’t understand, with people we may not agree with. If we are loving God, loving people, and loving His Word, we are allies.

There is much, much work to be done. Let’s rally together.

2nd Saturday is this weekend! Check out your favorite local shops and save.

Come to Watermark for an author talk with David Hansen and a signing of his book Native Americans, the Mainline Church, and the Quest for Interracial Justice on Tuesday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m. Important topic.

And it’s not too early to think about Camp Watermark for the summer. Kiddos can enjoy reading, learning, discussion, and hands-on activities while school is out.

Oh good! Yoga on the Lawn is back at Wichita Art Museum. Join the fun tomorrow the 13th at 9:00 am.

Also check out the Art & Book Fair Saturday at WAM. Activities of all kinds from 10-5.

International Migratory Bird Day will be celebrated this Saturday at Great Plains Nature Center. From 10-2 bring the whole family for crafts and learning.

Avenue Art Days is gearing back up. For information about future murals, to volunteer, or simply check out a map of the beauty already along Douglas, see their website here.

Mother’s Day fun:

Come by the Zoo Sunday for a pancake feed from 9-1 for $5 a plate.

Mom is free this Sunday to Botanica all day from 11-5. Treat her to local natural beauty.

For more ideas, look over Carolyn’s list of Mother’s Day freebies & deals at Wichita on the Cheap.

 

Library:

Learn more about Microsoft PowerPoint tomorrow, Saturday the 13th, from 10:30-noon at Central. Register here.

And learn more about your Windows 10 at Central this Tuesday the 16th from 1-2:30 pm. Register here.

And Summer Reading Program starts in less than a week. Get ready.

 

Have a great weekend!

Field Day

New Printable

Saying goodbye

Cousins

Beauty

My friends are amazing

Accidental Strawberries

Glory

 

Your 7 Days?

We laid to rest one of my favorite people this weekend

Beautiful bride

Classy

Our first photo together

50 Year Celebration

67 Years

With Dan. He adopted her and the feeling was mutual.

Her reaction to taking a “selfie” with me

She loved the boys well

They loved her back

Got to snag this. It reminds me of the way she loved with open hands.

Also snagged this. Reminds me of her sass.

Christmas Joy

Spring Wreath Making

Got to take home some flowers from her funeral.

Decided to spread them out among vases and friends

Just like her life. Multiplied in love.

I’m sure she loved how the family got together to celebrate her life and say goodbye. All the cousins of the younger generation. How we loved her.

Audrey was smart and sassy, servant-hearted and sensible. From what I hear, she made being a pastor’s wife look like a joy and supported her husband through a career transition in their 50’s. She cared for her aging father-in-law and her great-granddaughter in their home with equal love. She raised two ornery boys and mothered a handful of nieces and nephews. She made trips to Tulsa a delight and always made sure we were in church every Sunday we were together.

But the thing I love most is her heart for God and people. She wasn’t overly preachy, but she knew her Bible. And she loved with an openness and peace I will never forget.

I will love her forever and always be grateful she was my Grandma.

“The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and put its doors and bolts and bars in place. Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired the next section. Next to him Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs, and next to him Zadok son of Baana also made repairs. The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.”

Nehemiah 3:3-5

Last time we looked in as the first gate, Sheep Gate, was built by the brotherhood of priests. Today we see the next gate undertaken by Hassenaah’s family: The Fish Gate.

Let’s check out our map:

The Tower of the Hundred and Tower of Hananel were tackled in last week’s section, so the Fish Gate is up next in our counter-clockwise order. This gate served as one of Jerusalem’s main entrances, through which fish from Tyre or the Sea of Galilee came.

Three men are also listed taking on the next sections: Meremoth, Meshullam & Zadok, strengthening themselves for the work side by side. But the final group sticks out most because of the last sentence in our verses: The men of Tekoa took up the task, but for all time it will be noted that their nobles didn’t.

“Next were the people from Tekoa, though their leaders refused to work with the construction supervisors (NLT)…but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord (ESV)…next to him the Tekoites (except for their nobles, who wouldn’t work with their master and refused to get their hands dirty with such work). (MSG)

What a horrible way to be remembered. To have the title and power and fame but to not use it on behalf of others or the common good. To not step up with integrity knowing “to whom much is given much will be required.”

As one commentator put it, “Let not nobles think any thing beneath them, by which they may benefit their country. What is their nobility good for, but that it places them in a higher and larger sphere of usefulness?”

An interesting thing about this section is the Hebrew for “stooping…to shoulder the work” is tsavvar, meaning back of the neck, and abodah, meaning labor, service, construction. It is referring to an ox who will pull back from the yoke put upon him. And it’s where we get the term “back sliding.”

Anything you’re not shouldering? Unwilling to do because it doesn’t seem to affect you? Let’s step up together with humility. Those of us in positions to lead should be first in line to serve. And His yoke is always easy and His burden always light. There is no straining when following our Master.

Speaking of master, there is a variety of commentary about the Hebrew used for “lord, master, supervisor.” What the nobles of Tekoa were not shouldering was the work of adon – lord, master. Some say this is referring to God Himself. Others think it refers to Nehemiah.

I think it’s both.

The praying and fasting for his people, which resulted in Nehemiah’s approval from the Persian King to return to rebuild the City of God, was the doing of capital-L Lord. It was Adonay’s work.

But this God had put Nehemiah in charge of making sure the work was done. He was the governor with the king’s authority behind him. So it was adon’s work. Common work under a common leader – but any such work done with integrity honors the Leader.

Believers, it is rough out there. The temptation to argue more than serve is real. The desire to feel right is a legit drug we can get high on. We must honor and pray for authority He has placed in our lives. But we also must honor one another and serve the common good.

Church, what we are facing will refine us. Discipleship in the Word with feet-on-the-ground obedience is what it’s going to take. May we never be caught thinking we are above serving fellow human beings.

Because nothing could be further from our Master’s heart.

The 23rd Annual Herb Day will be this Saturday, May 6th, from 7-1 at the Sedgwick County Extension Office. Come learn about selecting, planting & cooking with herbs, and lots more.

The next 8 -week Stay Strong Stay Healthy exercise program for ages 60+ begins next Tuesday, May 9th. Register here.

Have you seen some of the fun One-Day and Week-Long Camps available this summer through Wichita Parks & Rec?

At Watermark:

See Camille Perri for a Cinco de Mayo celebration and presentation of her book The Assistants on Friday, May 5 at 6:00 p.m.

And catch a Special Storytime this Saturday the 6th with Elephant & Piggie!

Finally, come for a book launch of Grant Snider‘s newest The Shape of Ideas on Tuesday, May 9 at 6:00 p.m.

Check out Bike Share ICT. Very Cool.

The next Little Nature Lovers preschool program Take a Hike will be next Thursday, May 11th, from 9:30-10:15. Enjoy learning and activities for ages 3-5.

Are you gluten free? Check out the Gluten Free Festival this Saturday May 6th at Green Acres West from 11-2.

Enrollment for City Arts Summer Art Classes begins tomorrow, May 5th. Fill your summer with art.

 

Library:

Celebrate Free Comic Book Day this Saturday May 6th from 10:30-12:30 at Central with a screening of DC LEGO movies and free comic books while supplies last.

Want to learn more about Pinterest? Westlink Branch is holding a session to learn the basics this Tuesday May 9th from 2:30-4:00.

Then catch Coloring for the Fun of It also at Westlink on Wednesday May 10th from 6-7:30 pm. Grab a friend and de-stress.

 

Have a great weekend! May the Fourth Be with You.

Field Trip

Baby ducks

Boys

Cars + Little Friend

Donut Whole

Fresh

Hope

 

Your 7 Days?

“Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel. And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.”

Nehemiah 3:1-2 (ESV)Last time we listened in while our leader responded to criticism about the rebuilding work. He pushed back that he himself sought to do nothing. But in community would they arise and build, relying on God’s power in their midst. Today we see the group begin, starting with the high priest, his fellow priests, and the wall nearest Temple.Our high priest’s name is Eliashib, which means “God restores.” He is the grandson of Jeshua, the high priest who, along with Zerubbabel, led our exiles in rebuilding the Temple. Eliashib takes the lead in building and consecrating the Sheep Gate.

This seems like a good time for our map again:

Source

See the Sheep Gate at the far right of the map and how it faces Mount Zion? This made the priests the appropriate choice to be the ones to build it. This gate’s name came from the animals led through it on their way to be sacrificed before Covenant Yahweh. It is mentioned in the New Testament in John 5.

It was also noted how the rebuilding began with gates as enemy assaults were typically focused on them. Which makes sense: knock down the entrance and come on in to destroy. So what does the brotherhood of priests do? Consecrate it (qadash – set apart, appoint) and set its doors: amad – to stand, take one’s stand, abide.

How are our gates? If our enemy was looking for a way in your life, where would he look? Anything on which you need to stand? Ways He is calling you to be set apart so you are prepared for Him to flow through you?

How about us as the Body? Remember, a gate is a door. Its purpose is to keep evil out and welcome the good. No need to fear the winds of the Spirit with a Gate set apart to protect His glory. Does it show off His goodness and beauty and holiness? Welcome in. Does it lift high His flawless Word and scandalous Gospel? Entre. Is it permeated with peace and smell like self-sacrificial love and humble gentleness? That would be fruit of His orchard nothing can stop.

These priests built right next to the men of Jericho and Zaccur. Working together to restore and rebuild. Friends, there’s much work to be done during our tenure here. So much we can learn from each other. Let’s pray more than we vent, listen more than we speak.

Because there is nothing He won’t do for His glory and our good.

Final Friday is tomorrow night. Some venues of note:

City Arts is featuring work by 4 artists: Charlotte Martin, Karen Scroggins, Megan Ewert, and Sasha Chapek

And WSU’s Ulrich Museum of Art will feature New York-based artist Mary Walling Blackburn: Voltai

See all participating Final Friday Venues here

Walk Kansas is hosting a Lunch & Learn Event Wednesday May 3rd from 11:30-12:30 at the Sedgwick County Extension. Chiropractor Dr. Vicki Duke will share how to protect your back during exercise.

Watermark has so much goodness coming up:

Independent Bookstore Day is this Saturday, April 29th. Enjoy a special Storytime, trivia, and author talk with John Sandford.

Then check out Finding Momo at the Kansas Humane Society this Sunday April 30th. Andrew Knapp and his border collie Momo will sign their newest book, Let’s Find Momo at 2:00 pm.

See David Sedaris will be at the Wichita Orpheum Sunday April 30th at 8 pm.

Finally, on Tuesday May 2 at 5:00 pm, see Laura McBride for a book club happy hour and author talk of ‘Round Mindnight.

This Saturday the 29th from 9-noon, enjoy Kids Day at O.J. Watson Park. This free event features kayaking, archery, fishing and more.

Did you know Wichita is looking at launching a Bike Share Program? Intriguing.

Tree Top is offering 25% off all trees until April 30th. Plant a tree.

This Saturday the 29th at the Great Plains Nature Center, Sara will share her adventure of following the Monarch butterfly migration from Mexico to Canada – on a bicycle!

Did you know Alton Brown included Reverie in his Favorite Coffee Shops Across America? Yup.

 

Library:

Today I got to hear all about the 2017 Summer Reading Program: Build a Better World. Awesome prizes, great accountability. Starts May 18th.

Our next Candid Conversation on Race is Tuesday, May 2nd, from 6:30-7:30 pm at Evergreen. Come for Officers of Color Panel Discussion.

And see all Upcoming Events here.

 

Have a great weekend!