The Bible Coming To A Screen Near You!

My inner child has come alive. I am so thrilled that Roma Downey and her husband Mark Burnett have made a mini-series on The Bible for the History Channel.

It starts this Sunday, March 3rd. The first episode will run from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Texas time. There will be ten episodes total, the last one, as I understand it, will be Easter weekend.

This is a wonderful video, but I couldn't insert it: Preview on History Channel's player

We're going to grab our usual Sunday night fare of popcorn, a hunk of white New York style cheddar cheese, fruit, cookies and ice cream. Our tradition started out in John's home when he was young. The TV was a special treat and was turned off most of the week. The McEwen children played outside, practiced their piano [mom being a piano and voice teacher] and had to be caught up on their homework. On Sunday evenings they got to watch the Wonderful World of Disney with a bowl of popcorn and some cheese as Sundays were a light day on activity.

The Huff clan watched a little more TV than the McEwens. One of my favorite shows was Lost in Space. I loved to see  what technology could do in that campy but futuristic series! So, to celebrate my childhood TV experience as well, we will come home from church having missed the first few minutes of the show, but we will fire up the DVR, a device I am sure the Robinson family would appreciate.

I will end with the beginning lines of Scripture, one of the most awesome, chilling and sobering narratives ever, Genesis 1:1-2. It is His story about our story...

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters..."

A Man in Whom There Is No Guile

"Honey, what are you wearing tonight?"

I rounded the corner, dressed in a black turtleneck, fall print skirt, brown boots and a yellow shawl amidst the late winter chilly weather that had just blown in.

John took one look and said, "Okay, that means a t-shirt and jeans for me," in typical McEwen humor.

Tonight was John's first real exposure to my alma mater. They played a college here in San Antonio this past Saturday night. We missed the game as we were driving in from Houston, not knowing all of this was going on. But on Sunday we got word that there was going to be a gathering on Tuesday (tonight) for alumni and potential students.

Little did we know when we showed up that it was going to be a full OC entourage, complete with the President of the college as well. There were faithful who hailed from the days when I attended college. I believe there were at least four or five more representatives, including the Dean of Students. I have been out of touch with my alma mater, but after tonight, I am very happy to be reconnected. My aim going forward is to be more kind to this school that was kind to me. I remember so many professors who influenced my studies and thinking and am forever grateful.

It was a relaxing evening where we got to speak one on one with the reps, and hear a bit about the good that the college is doing these days, namely keeping costs affordable for students. The hosts were a delight as usual. Their family has been instrumental in connecting San Antonio with the college and sending many students its way.

John didn't go to a Christian college, and though his and my values are the same, our experiences have been very different. It does my heart good when I get to share a positive experience from my past and John understands and appreciates it, especially since I grew up in another country and my family came from a different part than his family did in these United States.

John is a Yankee, born and bred on the streets just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, cuttin his teeth on the culture that founded this country, some eight generations removed. They are a rowdy lot for sure with stomachs tough enough to weather swimming in the ocean and eating ice cream during the winter! But John is a man of integrity as well, a good work ethic and a nature that can laugh at anything, so much so that we've caught ourselves straightening up our act after realizing we might not be acting our age upon getting tickled, even in church.

He is a man full of the joy of life, and a man acquainted with some real sorrow. Yet, he is upbeat to be around, he steps up when asked, puts his best effort forward and knows how to relax. He is a man of great faith and humility. Jesus said of his disciple Nathaniel, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile." I think of John when I read those words. John is the first to admit he has many faults, but as his wife of eighteen and a half years, I can say he is one of those persons with no guile.

What a joy then to see him milling around with former collegues and faculty, as comfortable as if he had graduated from there and "making my joy complete," if I can borrow a phrase from the apostle Paul. John has earned a well-deserved reputation among the college since he works a couple of times a year with groups coming from the college. I thought it was cute that someone at the party claimed John was "the man" when it came to building houses.

Again, I am amazed that I got to be on the sidelines watching a wonderful episode of life unfold before my eyes. On the way home, John and I spoke about how thankful we are for the opportunities we've been given, though we like to be quiet and understated. I hope this note does not come across as self-congratulation, but for what it is, gratitude for my college experience and for a husband who has been so good to me.

John, this post is dedicated to you as you serve the community. I pray that you know how valuable you are to me as well.

I love you! Denise

A Good Apology

As a Christian I am amazed at how much a good apology among friends, acquaintances and even adversaries can keep the peace, and even change the course of things headed for disaster. Randy Pausch, author of the book, The Last Lecture says that "a bad apology is worse than no apology." A bad apology looks like:

"1.  ' I'm sorry you feel hurt by what I have done.' (You are not really wanting to put medicine on the wound.)
 2.  'I apologize for what I did, but you also need to apologize to me for what you've done.' (You really wanting an apology and not asking for one.)"

Dr. Pausch says that he learned the mechanics of making a good apology from his parents, and that it is a three-step process:

"1.   'What I did was wrong.'
 2.   'I feel badly that I hurt you.'
 3.   'How do I make you feel better?'"

I speak only my opinion and experience here on this matter: To say that as Christians we follow Christ's example of not apologizing is inaccurate at best, and foolish at worst. Christ was perfect. We are not. We need to learn the heart and wisdom of apologies.

I have searched my house for my copy of Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost for His Highest," and searched the online version and cannot find the quote. Mr. Chambers said something to the effect that if I have injured Christ's name, I must take the injury to my own name so that Christ's name remain clear. In other words, when others see that I have been wrong and call myself a Christian, I better make it right, but only in light of what Scripture says, not according to my feelings.

It is to my dismay that I am writing on this matter only because I've found myself at the apologizing end more than I would like to admit. But the good news is that the Lord forgives, as have others, and my hope is that these thoughts can save someone unnecessary grief, or a remedy to patch things up with loved ones correctly.

When we really wrong another, even in good conscience or because we are stronger, the end is the same, we've made a mistake. We can tell ourselves our versions of the story ignoring how we affected another, even telling the story in a way that makes it sound as if we were simply standing up for Christ.

But let's be honest, when we're wrong, we need to make things right. Now, at the other end of the spectrum, let's not apologize to seek the favor of others, to insure popularity or financial gain. Let's apologize because it's right, let's do it immediately and humbly. If it's a complex issue, let's take it to the Lord in prayer, asking His wisdom in helping us relay our apology, asking His timing for the apology and above all, asking Him for the right heart.

One last thought, if we talk about our failings to those whom we have not injured while those we've injured [and we know we've injured] are awaiting apology, this is not the same as apologizing. The hard work is looking the one in the eye [or speaking over the phone if it is the best way] who is injured and making amends. We are then better positioned to speak on the matter once we've humbled ourselves, if we need to speak at all.

The Lord forgave us, He will continue forgiving us as we ask sincerely and humbly, and He will guard us when our humble attempts are rejected by others. He will also teach us to love others despite fractures in relationships so that we may unlatch any baggage that hinders our spiritual race.

Verses for thought, though not exact matches for apologies, they offer some wisdom on the matter. If you have verses to contribute, I would love them in the comments section.

Proverbs 17:9
Proverbs 18:21
Ecclesiastes 10:4
Matthew 5:25
Matthew 12:36 
II Corinthians 13:11
I John 4:20

Psalm for February 20, 2013

I love the Psalms and their rich tapestry of emotion. Its example gives me the freedom to let the Lord hear the depths of my heart from my own mouth, though He knows everything anyway. His goal is relationship, conversation, conversion and replication of His Son in us. Here is the psalm that flowed from my heart today...

O Lord, if I have been arrogant in any corner of my heart, forgive me. You have elevated me, and You are bringing me low. I know You discipline with perfect love those whom you love.

You've given me abundant friends and family whose arms are never too short to cheer me or to help me move mountains.

You give me Your Word of salvation and truth implanted with wisdom, offering forgiveness to all.

You honor Your people and give them great latitude in learning, great compassion in failings and greet them when it is time for them to rest with their fathers.

How great is this love that You have shown to mankind, and who are we to deny You? But in Your great love and perfect justice, you allow us even this folly of following our own minds.

How merciful You are to take us back into Your fold when we've strayed even beyond our imaginations' ability to envision reconciliation. Yet, You are there to take us back when we but humbly turn from our ways and seek Your Face, fixing our eyes on Your Son.

Bless my family and friends. Comfort the hurting. Open the eyes of the blind. Strengthen Your people with the helmet of Christ, the bullet-proof vest of doing right, the belt of truth, the shield of faith, the sword that is the Bible and the shoes that bring the Gospel of Peace that Jesus preached and died for, and now lives sitting at Your right hand. 

I humbly come to You in prayer asking that Your Kingdom come to all men.

Thank you for hearing my heart.

Today's treasure is Psalm 8

This post is dedicated to Lynn Anderson who taught me to treasure the Psalms in his book Talking Back to God: Speaking Your Heart to God through the Psalms.

Greater Works

"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." - John 14:12 (NIV)

[Note: Links are to verses, which may be partial verses. Please take the time to read above and below verses if the stand-alone verse does not make total sense. I too am seeking and growing and not the ultimate authority; I appeal to God's authority through Christ and say this so there be no doubt in your mind as to where I am coming from.]

I will defer to the theologian on any error, but as an everyday Christian, I find great strength knowing I can be part of Christ's works even 2000 years later.

What are the greater works?

Simply stated, going from Christ's world forward into ours, some examples are:

1-Peter's preaching on Pentecost resulting in 3,000 people being immersed into Christ by faith in Him.
2-Paul's establishing many congregations thereby increasing God's Kingdom on earth.
3-Those who grow God's Kingdom in number and in correct teaching that another generation be trained to spread God's Kingdom on earth.

We too can be a part of these greater works by co-operating with a right heart and works. Allowing the fruit of the spirit to be present in our attitude always, Being hospitable and by giving so that God's Kingdom can spread, among many other simple, quiet and oftentimes ridiculed things. But as Christ took undeserved ridicule, so we too can find strength through a good conscience to withstand the world's misinterpretation of Christ in us.

I thank God for giving us the Good News of Christ and for those who gave it to me, and want to be a part of God's work that others may find their way to that narrow gate.

This post is dedicated to my parents, Lynn and Phyllis Huff who were missionaries in Brazil for 13 and a half years teaching me what it was to take the Great News of Jesus to other parts of the world, and encouraging the body of Christ wherever we are. Thank you Mom and Dad.

Thank You For Being A Friend

This is a short and sweet piece.

Every time I read the book Job I wonder, "What if his friends said, 'Job, we don't understand why you are going through what you're going through, but we will be here with you. What can we pray for and what can we do for you?'"

I don't presume to know the end of the story had it started out this way, but I know that a response like this one is a wonderful prescription for someone in any kind of pain, whether the pain comes by one's own hand or whether it was unwarranted. I don't have control over the outcome, but do have control in my choices -- will it be a servant's heart, or a judge's heart?

The servant's heart always pleases the Lord. No one knows one's trials more than the one under trial, so a reminder of what may have or actually did cause one's pain only adds more pain.

But some say, "Don't we have to speak up when wrong is done?" Yes, to the one who has injured an innocent party, not to the party injured -- even those who injure themselves are in need of mercy, particularly if they have in the past given mercy to others. They simply need a reminder that they have not been forgotten in their suffering. Christ-like servanthood teaches us mercy, not judmentalism.

I don't know that I've ever really experienced the pain a Job's friend would inflict. I've been blessed to have friends in the Lord who pray with me and build me up in times of trial. There have even been times when God has sent non-believers into my life, but who speak God's wisdom [per the Scriptures I continue studying] unknown to themselves and help me through a trial. In these cases, I cannot reject the non-believer's wisdom, but I consider it in light of Scripture. I also thank God for sending that person into my life at the time with the words I needed. God always wins!

This post is dedicated to all of my family and friends whom God has given me to watch over me, pray for me, speak truth in love and pray with me. I especially dedicate this post to Lisa and Priscilla. You all are gems in my life! May I in turn bless you with the manner in which I go through any trial.

Tongue Tangled and Tied or Tongue Treasured?

Read Time: About 5 minutes. Read time plus looking up links, maybe 30 minutes.

I have been meditating on the following Bible verse lately, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21) What person does not love to use their tongue? Talking is part of living. But what I speak will come back to bless or haunt me.

I love the parable of the house swept clean because it is the best wisdom on behavior change. Concurrently get rid of bad habits ("spirits" per the text) by replacing the former tenant with good habits. Because a house, or mind and behaviors, swept clean is an open invitation for the bad spirit to return bringing with it seven spirits [habits, behaviors, thought patterns, etc.] who are worse than before, my paraphrase. In other words, I don't subscribe to what I will call "punishment-motivation," only giving the bad news without directing one's mind to the good news that is available to all!

Heads Up! The links may have one obvious verse, other links will have several verses from all over the Bible and yet other links will require reading several verses until you find the end of the sentence.

• Gossip is dishonest but speaking humbly to an offender will bring the most good
• Slander is hurtful but considering others better than ourselves is healing
• Talking about what we don't know is meaningless but gentleness and doing good are acceptable anywhere!
• Talking too much is selfish but listening pleases God
• Not speaking up appropriately is cowardly but right judgment honors God in whose image we're made
• Bringing up subjects others can't relate to is foolishness but encouragement and humble curiosity create bonds that last
• Bragging about oneself is a relationship killer but bragging about others builds everyone up
• Nagging is a marriage killer but humbly praising a spouse in person brings marital unity
• Berating reveals the insecurity of the one berating but silence builds inner strength and humble confidence
• Boasting presumes we know God's mind but trusting God keeps us in check
• Giving glory to materials and media shows spiritual ignorance but thanksgiving for God's gifts sets men free from materialism
• Excessive Venting, complaining, arguing, regretting and lamenting add more trouble but venting, complaining and arguing, regretting and lamenting in confession to God first, then a confidant if necessary bring God glory

Yet even haunting words don't have to have us trapped if we honestly confess to God our wrong and apologize to those we've offended, to the best of our recollection. I've been known to pick up the phone or email someone years later when words have come back to haunt me. Things that long ago I spoke innocently believing them to be true for good reason at the time have a way of returning to judge or bless me. So far I have always been met with grace from the other person. The irony is my friend usually remembers something they did to me that has haunted them. What a delight when two mutually confess before each other and God! Bonds are strengthened, even if you never see each other again. A weight which once hindered is now gone and one can live freely! Our words bless or they curse. I never cease from having to chose.

Training in the Valleys and on the Mountaintops

Having walk/run three half-marathons at this point, it's important to be faithful in training for a successful race. But faithfulness does not mean perfect adherence to the rules of training, but obedience to one who has obeyed all the rules and now has authority to teach those rules.

I follow Hal Higdon's training advice on half-marathon preparation because he wants people to finish their race regardless of whether they are strong or struggle the whole way. As a disciple of Christ, I follow Christ who followed God perfectly. So I listen. He is also my Coach, my Partner and Encourager as I train spiritually.

He is a good coach and teacher who teaches understanding that a new student grows into being a good student. No student starts as strongly as their teacher, but in time, students can grow to be strong in the traits the teacher is conveying.

Now that I have my coach, how do I deal with my questions and doubts? Some thoughts from my arsenal of mental gymnastics which have also served to help me spiritually.

Isn't training unnatural? Yes, but the new habits formed eventually become natural.

If I start training during a mountaintop season of life, what will I do when I come to a valley? You'll set up good habits when you find a valley before you. One rule to count on: Valleys are always unexpected, but there will always be at least one in any training period of your life; be it small or great.

If I start training during a valley season of my life, what do I do if I never come to a mountaintop? You will build muscles that allow you to run faster when you're on top of the world again, having been set free from former bondage!

If I succeed where others have failed, won't I become arrogant? Not if you harness the arrogance, turn it into genuine humble thanksgiving to God for the opportunity to grow strong and use it as a tool in God's service. And when people compliment you, just hug them (if you're a hugger), say thanks and no more.

Every day is going to be different, but there is something every day that can train us to become better at who we are as humans and as followers of Christ if we allow it. Physical training requires cross training, as does spiritual training.

In physical training, cross training pays attention not only to the major muscle groups and motions used in an activity as well as the seemingly minor ones. If a minor one is weak, it tends to affect even the strong muscles and motions of the body. So cross training works different body parts with different exercises under different conditions at different intensities for the sole purpose of becoming stronger and better at your activity.

Spiritually speaking, this means that we are always in training. That is, training different spiritual disciplines against different life backdrops for God's glory. Feeding our minds on what is important spiritually plays into how we work out our life practically. The apostle Paul says that physical training does some good, but Godly training is the best training!

Does this mean it's always an either/or proposition; meaning if I have time to work out or read the Bible I should always chose the Bible? Maybe.

One idea is to exchange the comfort food of media surfing for some hearty reading of God's Word and a walk or weight training. You can do both if you have a Bible or other good Godly books, sermons, thoughts and music downloaded on your smartphone.

It is best to train what we have, while we can, when we can, even if it's a small amount of time, for it eventually gives great returns.

But what about that guilt that comes because I wasn't prepared for my work out? I should have been doing this all along and then it wouldn't be so hard! What I've learned is that even guilt can be used for good if processed correctly. But this only works if it's Godly guilt, and not that nagging guilt that likes to hold us back.

Godly guilt may be a good and necessary motivator to start any discipline, but once the new habit is started, Godly guilt has done it's job. The guilt one feels going forward is just plain old unGodly baggage guilt. This guilt is a horrible coach. It is now our loving Christ's job to step in and finish the job!

Jesus helps us to get rid of any regret and other baggage once starting on any new regime. Remember to be thankful and glory in the ability to finally do the thing you should have been doing all along! As it becomes habit, you will now be prepared for the next challenge, whether a mountaintop or valley, and the new lessons it will bring.

This post is dedicated to my friend Denell Dennis who is on a fantastic journey of lifetime fitness!

Addendum to the Saga of Lance Armstrong

I only have a few words.

I am sad that Lance doped.

I am glad he confessed.

I hope he can redeem himself in some way in this lifetime having been a fighting example for cancer survivors.

I mostly hope he finds ultimate redemption.

Lance, all the best to you and prayers are with you.