When I sit at the feet of Jesus, in his beautiful presence, I don’t see the face of a particular actor portraying Him or even a face painted by a skilled artist.
I see
Mercy
Forgiveness
Nail-scarred palms
Blood mixed with perspiration
Kind eyes…sometimes brimming with tears, sometimes looking upward
I see
Light
Hope
Truth
Power
Victory
I see
Rescue
Shelter
Shalom
The Way Home
Last year I added a portion of a prayer offered by my Jewish friends to my early morning: Modeh ani (fem. modah.) Thanks I [offer] I love the prayer order; the action , gratitude and surrender, is spoken before ever acknowledging myself. Before my feet hit the floor, gratitude to the Giver is my first utterance.
Most often I’m giving thanks for his rescue plan: Jesus, but the more I limp down life’s rocky path, the more often I thank Him for the unpleasant. Hard things, adversity, the unexpected and yes, humility.
My flesh loves to complain so beginning my day with a mindset of gratitude in all circumstances empties me to make room for Him. It’s not a natural thing for me; it’s a deliberate act of surrender and trust. Bottom line: I’m deeply dependent on his power in me.
This weekend before busy VBS I’m battling insane fatigue, a new arrhythmia and brain fog from a recent virus. “Thanks I give” for this unexpected interruption as it’s another race to run, not by my might, but his Spirit in me. Zechariah 4:6
I sat alone on a balcony, watching gentle waves crash upon the NW Florida shore and uttered: God, is this all there is? Emptiness?
It wasn’t despair, just a profound sense of futility. I didn’t realize at the time that Rob’s mental fatigue was really undiagnosed Stage 4 cancer, but I did wonder if he might be asking the same frightening question.
Yesterday, I sat with someone else pondering the same thoughts. Twelve years later, not listening to the lie any longer, I so wanted to blurt out the encouragement I had found in Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. I refrained, choosing to quietly listen; most often one must personally discover the narrow path to indescribable joy. It takes time to digest, don’t you think?
This morning I am feasting on Philippians 4:6-9 once again, the very chunk of Scripture that refocused my view on life, the diet that has since fed my brain through a decade plus of loss, trauma and solo living. Oh sure, I have slipped and crawled back to ‘begin again,’ but Paul’s prescription always leads me to deep treasure.
Listening and conversing with my Father 24/7…counting the gifts-all of them…consuming “set apart” that magnifies His character.
That means eliminating life’s junk!
Paul admonishes: “Keep putting into practice ALL you have learned and received from me.” End result?
Mother’s Day 2025: I’ve found my joy, I’ve found His Peace. That’s enough!
If I could tell my younger self just one thing, it would be to look toward the perimeter, not the center. Think back to middle school parties, everyone looked to the middle of the dance floor where popularity took center stage. No one seemed to be scanning those holding up the wall. Adult life is often the same, even at church.
Months ago, out of obedience, I intentionally refocused my gaze. Who was sitting alone at a social function or standing in the background at church week after week? At times, it was awkward and it often took a few approaches before a person began sharing their story, but it’s been worth it. One woman now shines a beautiful smile when she sees me coming down Heslip Hall.
Jesus most often looked past the inner sanctum to focus on the dismissed; of course, we would expect Him to do so, but doesn’t He expect us to intentionally shift our gaze?
I am reminded that Jesus longed to gather all of his chicks; He knew everyone had a need to be seen, healed and forgiven. Jesus positioned himself in a manner which made Him approachable, even if it made for some late night visits. Right, Nicodemus? (Hmm…imagine me skipping the usual lunch plans to visit with someone waiting for the late Metrolift.)
So, young self who emerges all too often, there’s little to gain in desiring entrance to the “In Crowd.” Extend your sightline; your life is about to become so much richer and most importantly, a real blessing to others.
It’s etched in my planner, fellowship intentionally set aside. Even though it frequently requires rising very early, it’s alway worth it. And this Monday after Easter is my favorite, the New Year’s Day of my faith journey.
I refuse to let go of the joy felt on Resurrection Sunday; I need to carry it forward. Not as a party as is the tradition of the Eastern Church, but as a day of quiet reflection and gratitude.
A Psalm 126:3 day…The LORD has done great things for [me], and [I am] filled with joy.
Things I ponder this day after:
The cost, yes, always the great cost of tetelestai, the life-changing “paid in full” work of the Cross.
The Victory of the empty tomb, full of hope, assurance, future.
What does it look like to be an Easter people?
And where is Jesus calling this Easter Person to go?
Lord, help us remember all You have done for us for more than a mere 24 hour period and mold us into a beautiful reflection of your Light. Make us 365 Easter People!
Recently, a 6 year old entered my classroom full of well-planned activities. I bent down, asking him which center would he like to explore first. He softly answered, “I would like to look out the window for a while.” “Okay, buddy, go for it” and I whispered to myself, “ Oh, how I wish I could join you.”
At a very young age, he’d learned the skill of ‘slow down; you move too fast,’ the very one I can’t seem to remember.
The rest of the day, I followed in his footsteps and you know, that intentional rhythm made space for an important conversation, full of life-changing potential, with an old friend.
This morning, I, too, am staring out the window. There’s a long to-do list, but enjoying my cardinals play in my Crepe Myrtle may just be the better plan.
…but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42
I’ve been thinking a lot about the original garden sin this first week of Lent…the spiraling separation, the unraveling that one act of disobedience caused and continues to do so. “Where are you?” states Creator God. Of course, He knew their hiding place; His question surely had a purpose. I think He was pursuing them, drawing them out, fear, shame and all. He has always pursued us!
This next week, I’m contemplating this same question: Where are you, Robin? Is there anything I’m not bringing before Him; what pulls me away from the intimacy He so desires; do I stop long enough for my Abba to gather me up in his love, his grace, his plan for my life?
I think I’ve grown a little wiser. If I had a do-over, I’d skip the dinner, suggest we flee to the Hill Country, and file an extension!
I sat in bed covered in warmth this cold morning. I sipped on fresh organic coffee as I read Scripture from a Bible I did not need to hide. In contrast, a good portion of the world returned to refugee camps, searched for clean water and held worship in secret. Some still huddled in pitch-black tunnels!
Modah ani l’fanecha /Thanks I give You.
For You lavish me with an easy life; I am not blind to that, Abba Father.
I had no idea that accepting a weekly teaching assignment would radically change the way I perceive the world. I’m learning Hebrew in order to better understand how difficult it is for my lovely students to speak English. I’m also immersing in the culture and history of my new “other language” as well as those of my new friends’ homelands. It is a dangerous undertaking! Blinders are off and my heart has been ripped wide open You see my “people” have endured unimaginable struggles; I have not.
They are teaching me to be thankful in all circumstances, even the most evil ones, to look at every moment as a God-given gift and to “pray my knees raw,” sharing their burdens. Our conversations are not empty or frivolous and my heart collects the burdens each new friend carries.
This morning, John again reminds me to remain in the One who is Light. This world is filled with darkness; I have a front row seat to it every week, but the Light always overcomes it.
Modah ani
This morning, I awoke to a Father who pursues me with a crazy love, to a Savior who calls me friend, and a Comforter who fills me with love for both.
I could live out my Mondays, only reflecting on the honor of knowing them and never needing any other truth or focus.
I finished my second course in the Gospel of John last Thursday; I love this conversation between Jesus and his Abba:
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” John 17: 24-25 NIV
Knowing and believing, what a wonderful privilege and one day we will see Jesus in all his glory in Heaven. Who could ask more?
Yet, I have a beautiful suspicion that the more I sit with Jesus, the more I’ll bump into Abba, Father. Hebrews 1:3 tells us Jesus is the exact imprint of his Father’s nature (ESV) so of course, I want to spend even more time hearing Jesus in the Scriptures this year. I want to move so close to God that my heart can’t help but approach Him with deep adoration and submission. Even this morning upon arising, I heard myself whisper, I love you, Abba. It’s going to be a profound journey!
I chose “Enough” for 2024 and that guiding word proved life-sustaining and life-changing. One of the hardest years of my family’s life with another cancer diagnosis, but our Triune God was enough. We kept running to the Father, Jesus, and the Comforter….cradled in such love was enough!
The sweetest unexpected gift of 2024 was aloneness. I’m sure that sounds strange; who desires such?
As a people person, I crave relationship, but God gifted me with long stretches without my people. Perhaps this was God’s plan to draw me closer to Him, proving He truly was enough. And it made my time with others much sweeter.
Now on to 2025…a new signpost word to guide the new year. Next week I’ll unpack.
I turned back the pages to Luke this morning and sat by the manger. I’m very acquainted with home births, but the thought of bringing forth life in a filthy stall blows this nurse’s mind. I am overwhelmed by God’s divine protection of this mother and babe.
This verse from Mary’s song especially caught my attention this morning: He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty. Luke 1:53
Oh, how hungry am I; humble me, Lord, so I can recognize all that You have done. Feed me, fill me.
I never want to walk away empty.
I’ve been sitting quietly in wonder the past couple of Mondays. This morning, I’ve wondered what the Father/Son reunion was really like when Jesus ascended to Heaven. I can only imagine!
I’m still immersed in the Gospel of John. I would love to sit with him and ask when did he begin to really understand the grandeur of his Rabbi. How did it change this thunderous young man?
I’ve begun to ask for a guiding word for 2025. I think I have one; hint: Aramaic. Do you start the year with a word? It’s been a great practice for me. In any case, I hope we begin 2025 with the Word. He’s been my faithful “Enough” for 2024 and will be beyond.
I’m again planted back in John 1 today- verses 16 and 17. Grace upon grace! Oh, what I have received from my Savior: pardon, forgiveness, rescue, patience, mercy, truth and kindness. Kindness upon kindness! That profound thought moves me to tears. How often did Jesus show kindness to young John, impetuous Simon Peter…the whole lot? I’m pretty sure He received much less in return. And I’m guilty of it now.
Oh, please let me not forget to thank and praise Him for his grace, his kindness and let me show the same to everyone during this season. Not to just those who are lovable, but most importantly, to those who neither initiate or respond in like. Kindness without expectation.
Through the lens of jewish John, I’m on a great adventure with my Lord Jesus. Messiah captured me long ago and now again, in the first verse: In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
Imagine young John, eyewitness to the encounters, the miracles, the festivals, and most importantly, the illumination of who Jesus really is. I didn’t plan to spend the last two months in John’s Gospel, but God often leads us down a road to reveal Himself in a fresh and profound way.
The timing coincides with my two hardest months of the year; memories of saying my goodbyes to Rob still revisit me during this season. It is a path I never expected to travel, but honestly, I think I would have never found Jesus with such intimacy without a sudden thrust into this uncharted wilderness.
So, Jesus and John are taking me along for what I anticipate to be a powerful ride of renewal.
Where have you been planted for the remainder of the year?
Oh the voices…so many trying to drown out the Truth. Shutter my ears, Jesus, to the rambling, the opining, the gaslighting…to the celebrities and political pundits competing for air space. For that’s exactly what it is: AIR! And fleeting.
Jesus, help me to listen to the one in the wilderness: turn, prepare, swim against the others. Incline my ear and my whole heart to you, Jesus, for you are the Word, truly there in the beginning and most victoriously appearing in the end.
Maranatha.
I bumped into a couple of statements this weekend.
“The truth is most often quiet; lies are loud.” Source unknown.
It does seem like lies shout the loudest; half-truths, misrepresentations, and outright lies, meant to create doubt within us, do overshadow truth. I’m not good enough, I need _____ to be complete, and most dangerously, it’s really about me. How many more could we add to this list of deception?
Truth, often whispering, waits for us to find it; it doesn’t rely on exaggeration or manipulation. I’ve also found truth speaks a lot louder when we quiet our souls and plug into a reliable source. A lot of my “Mondays with Jesus” posts morph into letters I’m leaving my grandchildren. I’ll emphasize this one and the need to always plug into the only reliable source for all life’s decisions: the Triune God. Acts 17:11 comes to mind: Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. And of course the words in Jeremiah: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you…Jer.29.
And the other thought comes from Father David Guffey: Jesus can look into somebody’s heart and see what they need most. He was referencing the healing of the paralytic when Jesus says, after acknowledging his friends’ faith, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” He knew what the man really needed: redemption; the ability to walk was but an extra dose of compassion.
So on this Monday, I can’t take my eyes off of my Savior who sees my inmost need. The volume’s turned up, drowning out the lies.
Yesterday, I stopped for a few minutes to watch my pastor engage with his people. He had traveled much of the week to the island to preach revival services. The drive through afternoon traffic after a busy day can be exhausting; I make it often. No one would have judged him for slipping out after services, but there he was, making space for those he loved and others he would grow to better know.
Making space…it’s a rarity these days. Sure, we each have so many demands on our day that we’ve simply run out of room for anything else. Lately, I’ve been taking inventory of my 24 hours, discovering a lot of what fills them is desire-led and ego-driven. Like when I pour extra time into a project just to make me look better or chase a new want or temptation, each eating away at the limited day and adding not one precious thing to eternity. Ouch! So what’s my point? Some things are of course, non-negotiable, but that includes making room for God to use us for his purposes. When I examine the Gospels, I find Jesus living a rhythm that welcomed interruption and spontaneity and was relationship-led.
Take the time Jesus was on his way to heal a synagogue leader’s daughter when a woman with a 12 year bleeding problem touched his garment and she was instantly healed. Now, that’s an interrupted schedule. I suppose I would have kept pushing on to my “important” meeting, but not Jesus. He made space for a soul changing conversation, taking time to commend her for her faith, clear up any misconceptions about her healing and offer this woman a blessing of peace.
And then, there’s the Gentile woman who begs Jesus to heal her daughter. (By the way, Jesus was not calling her a dog, but simply clarifying his mission. Oh those pesky Greek words!) Again, He stretched time to explore her intentions and observe her faith. Her soul was forever changed as well.
What if I intentionally freed even 10 minutes in between each obligation and let God run with it. Ask Him to own that space. Whose soul would be touched? This I do know, others would be seen! Just like yesterday in the church’s coffee spot…a shepherd with his flock.
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