Category: friends and loved ones

life with my loved ones

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

firefly summer

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At the age of nine, I had one of the most memorable summers of my life.  I can still remember how it felt, staying with my grandparents for a few weeks in Ottumwa, Iowa.  Hot, humid, hazy days gave way to only slightly cooler evenings.  The sunsets were deeply golden and purple, so much so that I, a nine year old little person wondered if the sky was permanently dyed through and through, never returning to the old faithful shades of blue.  You might catch a lightening storm in the distance, always a dazzling display no matter how regularly it occurred.

And then there were the fireflies.

Sitting outside on the davenport, (that was what my great grandmother (GG) called the rocking couch that was on the porch) we would watch quietly, waiting for that first flicker.  And there it was, one, two, three and another and another, their lights gently, lazily blinking when they felt like it; never on cue.  The discovery was followed by my sister, my cousins and I clammering around, begging GG for a jar, so that we could catch a few.

Nothing so simple, yet so satisfying can compare to those beautiful summer evenings, surrounded by God’s beauty and my loved ones.   The memory of it even now brings a unique peace and contentment to my heart, which is a good thing.  I find I’m in need of a firefly summer.

At nine, I didn’t remember thinking I was missing anything.  No pools or beaches, except maybe one or two trips to the city pool.  No shopping sprees for new toys or a new summer wardrobe.  Although, I did earn a Pretty in Pink Barbie Doll for completing all of my chores during the month long visit to my GG’s house.  Funny how that summer, with its simple means,  is the one that lives on in my memory.

I’m rehearsing all of this because today I find myself in a state of disappointment.  I was feeling disgraceful as a parent because this summer we will not be providing for our children a pool membership, a summer camp experience, the coolest new summer gear from Target or anything else that might be expected.  Acknowledging this reality put me in a funk.

So, I slinked around the house pouting for a while, doing the dishes, doing the laundry.  Even as the day rolled along, I heard Him saying it.  two simple words. He whispered it first in the laundry room. Later He said it while I was picking up some of Mackenzie’s toys.  He clearly reminded me again while I was making dinner preparations.   When we ran a few errands,  His words seemed to waft into the van on a breeze through my sun roof.   “Be content.”

It seems easier these days, at thirty five to notice the “haves” and “have-nots.”  Being content never seems to be the first thing to cross my mind.

How well He knows that He needs to ask me the hard questions, “Why can’t you live like it is a firefly summer all over again?  Why can’t you find joy here, in the simple things- in the gifts I’ve given you?”

As I stopped to consider, I found this one thing to be true:  I had forgotten the real source of my joy, my contentment.  Its not my stuff.  Its not my children or my husband.  Its not my work.

It is my Redeemer.

Not long ago my sweet daughter gave me a blank coffee mug, with a pen that I could use to decorate it, and then bake on the design.  She made a suggestion that I put one of my favorite scripture verses on the mug and I followed her smart advice.  Standing there in my kitchen today, holding my work of art, I stared at my mug.  and this is what I saw:

“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You, I whom you have redeemed.”  Psalm 71:23

I am able to find real peace and joy when I dwell on The One who has redeemed me.  From this place of rest, true contentment settles in and all of my cares and worries drift away.  I can enjoy the simplicity of the season, God’s best gifts to me: my loved ones and His creation.  especially the fireflies.

friends and loved ones

scout

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Scout, the turtle lives in the woods behind my in-laws home. The creek in the woods has been his home for quite some time now.  But once in a while, he comes up into the yard, probably once or twice a summer, and hangs out with Emily. He is a beloved animal; fiercely loved by my sweet girl.

On his most recent visit, over Memorial Day weekend,  Emily put him into a cage.  She tried to feed him and give him water.  But, he did not eat or drink. Rather, he made effort to escape.  It was devastating for Em; she had big plans for Scout, most of which did not involve letting him go back down to the creek in the woods.

We had an interesting conversation on the way home from grandaddy’s house, where we had left Scout in the cage.  Our talking was laced with tears and sadness.  I asked her if she thought she should let Scout head back home.  She wasn’t sure.  What if something happened to him?  What if another animal attacked him?  What if he couldn’t find food to eat?

I couldn’t press her too hard…I have my own issues with letting go of my own beloveds, my three precious children. Tightly I hold on, as if they belong to me.   I talk it  over with my Heavenly Father regularly because my questions are similar to Emily’s…

But, what if something happens to them?  What if they are in danger?  What if they can’t survive on their own?  What if there is no one to bake them brownies?  and my questions sound ridiculous, but, surely no one can care for them as well as I do, right?

wrong.  so wrong.

Well, Emily and I have come a long way.  Together we prayed over all of it.  We talked about how God created Scout and that He can care for Scout far better than she can.  As she acknowledged these truths, I had to come to grips with my own reality. After all, it is only a matter of time.  My children will not be caged here at home forever.  As their estimated time of departure approaches, all too rapidly, only these truths can comfort me:  The creator of the universe, designed and knows my children far better than I do.   Anyone with designs for their harm, He can disarm.  And, all that they need His hand is able to provide.

Job 12:7-10 says this:

7 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
or let the fish in the sea inform you.
9 Which of all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
10 In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.

Thank you Heavenly Father that the whole creation is yours and that you promise to care for each one of us.  Help me to live settled in the palm of Your hand.  Give me the grace to remember and trust that You alone are able to care for those I hold dear.  amen.

PS:  Scout is a free turtle.  He has most likely returned to his home, down in the woods.  We like to think he’ll be back for another visit soon.

 

friends and loved ones

I forgot…

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It was the end of  a long three days.  I had been stretching my brain, filling it up to its fullest capacity, trying to learn more about home education.  The classes were a necessity, to be sure.  After catching up on a few chores around the house, I sat down to drink a cold glass of tea in an attempt to unwind, before the blessed stillness was interrupted by little footsteps on the stairs.  It was then that I realized it.

I had forgotten.

So much of what I knew about my current life had crept to the back of my mind .  But in those quiet moments, it all came sweeping through my heart like a robust breeze of fresh air. Its amazing how the most obvious, every-day parts of life can become unmemorable, unnoticed.  And I began to remember a few things.

I had forgotten…

how much I enjoy being with my children, even if they are grumpy.

that I like being a home maker, and the required activities like cooking, cleaning, diaper changing, dishwasher unloading. (etc, etc, etc)

what it takes to prepare everyone to be away from home all day  for several days in a row and still keep my home running smoothly.

(and consequently) that I am grateful to live on a schedule that I create.  

why it is important to do at least one load of laundry a day, and how thankful I am when I get to follow that (self-imposed) plan.

my children need me more than I realize.  

when it comes to time with my family, I prefer quality and quantity, not just one or the other.

how blessed I am to be the mama to Emily, Isaac and Mackenzie.

what a wonderful life here at home God has given to me, such an undeserving woman. 

this gift, my everyday, is truly what I want.

and He’s reminding me daily of so many more blessings…

This past week, which required me to be away in classes for several days in a row, was good for my recollection.  The ‘out of the ordinary’ made me so grateful for our ordinary.  How very true the verses in Psalm 37:4-5 are:

4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

Sometimes I find my heart wandering, looking for new occupations, things that might bring me satisfaction.  But, as I learn to thoroughly enjoy Him, its amazing to see how His will for me, which currently revolves around my life here in our home, is what I long for the most.  On weeks like this, I’m consumed by this re-claimed desire so much that I’m almost swallowed whole by His goodness…

Thank you Heavenly Father for these reminders.  Thank you. amen.

Psalm 68:19 Blessed be the Lord who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.

friends and loved ones · home schooling

borrowing and carrying

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I was sitting at my table this morning, enjoying a delicious, giant mug of coffee.  Thinking back I couldn’t help but revel a bit in the success of my week.  I enjoyed a piece of buttermilk whole wheat toast, made by my very own hands. Our school week had gone so well.   I saw significant improvement with one of my piano students yesterday.  It was enough to make my head swell, just a bit.

The biggest triumph : math.  Emily can now borrow and carry…  its a big step for her and she is doing amazingly well!  It was a lot of work and review, but she can do it on her own now.  I’m so proud of her.

As I read a bit of Scripture this morning and talked with the Lord, I had to rethink my position, just a bit…

“Look at all I accomplished with Emily this week… isn’t it great?  I think its really huge!”

“You?”

*pause*

“Okay look at all we accomplished with Emily?”

“We?”

*longer pause*

“Okay, okay – You accomplished it….  I know…  I forgot…”

“so soon?”

*really really long pause*

He was wanting me to think deeper about the verse that He gave me this morning:

“Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished You have done for us.”  Isaiah 26:12

Ah yes!  It is a significant, but gentle reminder.  When it comes to my house work, school work, teaching piano lessons, child rearing or anything else that He gives me to do, I am not the one who can claim the victory.  In every situation, He is to be praised because the work is His and the result is His as well.

No matter what is going on in my life – the outcome does not belong to me.

If there is a mantle of success to wear, it is only borrowed from Him.  But, if there is a burden to carry when the world sees failure in progress, that is also His.  He can claim ownership of it all because He planned it and He is in charge.  It is not mine.  Not any of it.

And this is where I find peace for my life.  Acknowledging that it all belongs to Him means I can relax a bit more. Smile and laugh a lot more.  Worry a lot less. Frown over math problems much much less.

Thank you, Lord, for your mercy.  I am especially grateful for even the smallest of successes that come from your hand.  Knowing that You are in charge is the best gift you could have given me today.

amen.

(originally written October 8, 2010)

friends and loved ones · home schooling

carnivores…

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My family and I are meat eaters. Yes – you heard me. We love a good piece of meat. In fact, today, on Christmas day we have a Christmas menu planned unlike any before. No turkey for us, we are having surf and turf. Filet mignon and crab cakes are the main entree and I can’t wait.

I was so glad when I found that my husband and I shared a love for red meat. This was a blessing because my parents raised me as a meat eater. I know there are a lot of vegetarians out there and no offense intended, but I could not have married one. My dad who was born and bred in Ottumwa, Iowa was surrounded by cows growing up. It would have been impossible to grow up there and not eat meat. And so- he passed on his love for meat to me.

A bit of history for you: For my seventh birthday I was given the option of choosing my birthday meal. What did I choose? Not pizza. Not chicken fingers and fries. Not macaroni and cheese. I requested pot roast. A taste had been developed for meat – and it was definitely a favorite.

My husband and I relish a finely cut portion of meat, no doubt and we have trained our daughter in the same way. Recently we went to a steak house for dinner and Emily requested the sirloin. She also has become a meat eater apparently.

Recently we had a similar situation at home. My daughter came to me with a confession. “Mommy – guess what I did last night?” Her expression was sheepish, so I was ever so slightly nervous to ask. “What’s that, sweetie?” She told me that she was being sneaky and took her small flashlight to bed with her and was reading under her covers. “You were?” I said with a tad bit of excitement because I’ve been hoping she would develop a love for reading. “What book did you take to bed? Boxcar Children? Chalkbox Kid?” And it was her answer that almost knocked me over:

“No mommy, I read the first chapter of Genesis! It was really great! I think I’ll read another chapter tonight.”

Now, why was I so shocked? She has developed a taste for the finer things in life. We read Scripture together almost daily, or at least a Bible Story or learn a Verse or something. It shouldn’t be a surprise. Her heart and mind have been born and bred to enjoy God’s Word.

“Hallelujah! I have found Him, who my soul so long has craved.

Jesus satisfies my longings,

Through His blood I now am saved.”

It is so true that God’s Word is like a delicious, hearty cut of steak. Melting in the heart and mind of the believer, satisfying the cravings of those who desire Him, fulfilling the deepest of hunger pains.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16”

md

(originally written December 28, 2009)

friends and loved ones · who knows?

oh. my. heavens.

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We watched, our eyes glued to the television screen, me and my big girl.  The space shuttle was in countdown to lift off – on its final flight.  Emily loves to read about astronomy and space, so this was almost more excitement than a little girl can stand…

As it began to rise heaven-ward we just sat and stared, wide-eyed.  Faster and faster.  Higher and higher. Further and further… away it went.

oh. Wow.

Few words could come off my tongue to help her understand the vastness of the heavens.  I don’t understand it. Its completely out of my scope of reason.  How far away is the closest star?  Just how does it feel to travel at the speed of light?  No idea.

As we sat there together she and I, I marveled at our Creator and this universe that is His fingerprint.  The sun, moon and stars, like his very own fine, glittering, jewels…  how amazing it all is… and I wondered at His goodness and His creativity, His genius…

oh. my….

I was jolted back to reality as I realized we were late for a doctor’s appointment.  Rushed my children to the car, headed out (driving less than wrecklessly of course) to arrive at the office and be told by the nurse : “Not today. Your appointment is tomorrow…”

Red-faced, I loaded all of my children back into the van and we headed for home.  Its just one example from my day of my many, many, many shortcomings….

oh. goodness.

And I had to stop and marvel once again at this good, creative, genius – God…  How in the world did He see fit, in the midst of all of this goodness and light that are His masterpiece, to allow me to be a mother to these, my beautiful children.  heavens, I do not understand.

But, He does.  Above all, His plan is greater than my misgivings and mistakes.  Beyond the great cosmos, He sees and knows each individual, like me, and cares for each one with great love and compassion.  Again I find I am unable to comprehend this.  I know His love: it is tangible in my life, and yet to understand my significance in His plan is more than can my mind can conceive.

Psalm 8 declares His majesty and glory, not confounded by space and time, place or being…

1 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory
in the heavens.
2 Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?

5 You have made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their feet:
7 all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
8 the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Oh. My. Heavens.

Thank you, Heavenly Father that you are not held hostage by time and space, or any part of your very own creation.  I am so grateful, that even though I do not understand fully, You have still allowed me this wonderful life to live and breathe as a woman, wife and mother; as your lovely handiwork.  May I learn to live fully, in the light of your unfailing love and mercy.

amen.

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

My sweet baby doll is turning two…

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Two years ago today my life turned upside down…  But first, let me tell you the whole story, from the beginning…

There comes a time in every mama’s life when she feels its time.  Time to take down the baby crib, sort thru the teeny tiny clothes and give away all of the infant paraphernalia that has taken over the home.  Over the spring of 2008, I arrived at these same notions and decided to give most of our infant things away. Maternity clothes, infant clothes, car seat, bouncy seat, stroller, high chair: all gone.  And not just across town to a friend on loan.  No, we gave it all to missionaries taking necessities to Africa.

Michael and I were pleased to make the donation. We had Emily and Isaac.  Our family was complete, or so we thought.   That was in May.  Not long after, it seemed our thought patterns were changing, our hearts were opening…  Was there a member of our family missing?

In September we found out that indeed, someone was missing.  We were having a baby.  It was unnerving and exciting all at once… many things were out of order, a lot needed to be done, but, there was no doubt; our Heavenly Father was with us, bringing the peace that only comes with His unmistakable presence. Uncertainties were replaced with calm all along the way…

Two years ago today I went in for my 36 week check up just like normal.  My OB, a wonderful physician, came into the examining room.  He’s a good humored man, with a quick wit and always a joke on his lips. So, I knew something was wrong when he wasn’t smiling.  I was escorted to a room where I was put on a monitor for an hour.  And in case you’ve never been pregnant, I will tell you that an hour is just enough time to make a girl terribly nervous.

He came back to the room and kneeled down next to the recliner where I was trying to relax…  I’ll never forget the conversation,

“We’re going to put you on the schedule for tomorrow.”  and I said,

“Oh you want me to come back again to use the monitor?”

“No.  No – I need you to go to the hospital tomorrow and have this baby…”

silence.

But, I felt a light breeze blow through the room, that same familiar presence…

And do you know… the next day,  four weeks early, without a single complication our beautiful baby girl was born into our family.  Mackenzie Georgia Day.  I still remember holding her for the first time, and the peace that came gently whispering through the room.   It was Him – I couldn’t miss it.

Since then, its been an amazing 24 months watching our baby girl grow and learning how to be her parents. I’ve had moments where I wished I could have a “do-over”.  Other times I’ve wanted to play the “skip” card and move on to something easier.  After many sleepless nights, a few grumpy days, lots of giggles, a literal ton of dirty diapers and heaps of laundry, we are here.   two years old.

How did we make it to two?  It is only the loving kindness and mercy of a Heavenly Father who hovers in the room, bringing life and hope when we need it most.  Regardless of what else is in store with this sweet baby doll, He is with us, to help us make it to three years, to four, to five and so on, til forever.  That is His promise.

from John 14:

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

As we host our small family gathering to celebrate this lovely little girl’s life with a “pretty pink party” – not only will we rejoice in this remarkable life.  It will also be a moment for this mama to remember the goodness and love of our Heavenly Father who has kept His promise to this little family.

friends and loved ones

Collaboration

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Today my daughter and I attended a piano concert to see the Pope -Kantorski duo perform. Emily and I were entranced by their ability to play so intricately and stay together. It was a testimony to their hours and hours of playing together, learning each others thoughts, understanding intentions. What we witnessed was truly a beautiful thing.

At the end of the concert Ann Pope was explaining one of the pieces and she said, “This really is a work of collaboration.” And with those words I began to think. I am not a part of a famous piano duo, but I am a part of a collaboration.

It began on September 25, 1999. On that day I made a commitment to my husband, Michael and our journey began. I didn’t really know what my vows meant on that day. Not really.

You don’t really know who you’re collaborating with until you take three children to the beach. Someone always needs more sunscreen. Another has to potty even though they just went. One cannot keep his crocs clean enough and refuses to wear them with sand in them… Oh the list goes on and on. This kind of vacation is a true example of collaboration. My husband showed himself to be the best at working together while keeping us laughing. (He knows its the only for us to stay sane.)

There have been so many moments that I have been reminded just what those vows meant that I took with my husband. Better and worse, health or illness, wealthy or poor – a lot of highs and lows. We have found ourselves holding on tight while one or the other of us was in pursuit of a new job. Through struggles with pregnancies and health or searching for a new church family we have begun to understand each other’s thoughts, read understated nuances.

I have come to realize that this man I am in partnership is a true gift from God. But this is not the only gift from His hand. There is a third party. We, Michael and I, are not a duo. The only one who can help us to understand the delicate intricacies of our relationship, allowing us to move in unison, is the Holy Spirit. Without Him as a part of this effort we would have fallen apart long ago.

As a part of that ceremony more than ten years ago now, we took three tapestries and wove them together. Now it is a vibrant picture in my mind’s eye of our relationship – the three of us together in collaboration.

If two lie down together, they will keep warm.

But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

(originally written June 9, 2010)

friends and loved ones · home schooling

absence makes the heart grow fonder…right?

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It came time to get in the car, but I didn’t want to go.  I had been planning, my suitcase was packed, I was ready. Things at the house were prepared for my little family staying behind.  Clean clothes in the dresser drawers, a refrigerator full of food and ready to eat, things put away in their place and easy to find. Yes.  Everything was ready.

Truth is, I needed to go.  I was headed to a home school convention in Atlanta, meeting up with my sister in law, to get our plans finished up for the coming school year.  Its what we do every spring and I always enjoy it.  There are books everywhere to pick up and  review.  And there are consultants available for advice about particular curriculum.

But… There is always a tiny piece of me that hates to leave for several reasons.  Michael had taken a day off to spend with the kids while I was away and, well, I hate to miss out on anything fun.  I also worry about my kiddos missing me or needing me while I’m away.  However neither of those were my problem early Friday morning.  It seemed I was dreading coming home.  I’ll explain…

When a housewife and mom, like myself, spends so much time preparing the house to be ready to leave, its difficult to think about coming home to find that house  in disarray.  Now don’t get me wrong…  My husband does the very best job of any man I know keeping the kids on his own.  Everyone is fed, gets naps, is clothed, even bathed and in bed fairly close to time.  And the kids have a wonderful time.  But there is a blow to our home that requires house keeping to resume immediately when I get home.  and that is my least favorite part about it all…

Well all of these thoughts got me to wondering when I was driving alone in my car to Atlanta in the early hours of Friday morning.  I wonder if this is how my Heavenly Father feels.  Have I neglected the redemptive work He’s called me to, leaving such a mess that He would not feel welcomed to return? Is it possible that  maybe He doesn’t want to come back?

I feel confident I’ve made ruins of some things…  it seems, at times, like the life I have lived has been less than worthy of His return.

As my weekend progressed and I was away from my children, my heart grew stronger in its affection.  The longer I was in Atlanta, the more I wanted to be in Chattanooga with my favorite little ones and my sweet husband.  It did not matter if my house was disheveled, if there were dirty socks on the floor or dishes in the sink.  I just wanted to feel their little arms around my neck and hear their voices call out, “Mama!”   The drive home couldn’t go quickly enough.  I needed to be with my family.

And so it is with my Heavenly Father.  He longs to fully redeem the earth that He has created, and He desires to be with me and each of His children, knowing full well the mess that has been created.  When the time is right He promised to return.  Does anyone know when that will be?  No.  Am I relieved of the responsibility of living rightly before Him? well, no.  But, am I holding Him back?  I don’t think so.   The times and seasons are His alone to know.

John 14:1-4 says this:

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

This is what I do know : Some day He will return, because of His great love, not because of what we have done. He loves us with a divine, unquenchable, unsearchable love.  And, He will be back soon so that we can be with Him…

******************

One of my favorite songs, a reminder of His great love.

How He Loves Us… (by Kim Walker)

He is jealous for me
Loves like a hurricane
I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy
When all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by Glory
And I realize just how beautiful you are and how great your affections are for me

And oh, how he loves us so,
Oh how he loves us, how he loves us so

He loves us, Oh how he loves us
Oh how he loves us, Oh how he loves

We are his portion and he is our prize
Drawn to redemption by the grace in his eyes
If grace is an ocean we’re all sinking
So, heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way

He loves us, Oh how he loves us
Oh how he loves us, Oh how he loves.

friends and loved ones · in my kitchen

Taste it!

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If I could have a do-over, I think I would have given culinary school a try. But – that’s not possible for right now, so I bake. I gather ingredients, I follow instructions and like magic – I pull an ooey-gooey pan of brownies from the oven. It is a love affair, happening in my own kitchen.

And its not just the brownies or even the baking, really. It’s the end result. There is nothing better than watching the reaction of my loved ones dive into my brownies, or a birthday cake, or oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. I could go on… there’s a long list of favorites.

Every once in a while I try something new and I have to work to sell the goods, “Just try it – I know you’ll like it!” Its almost like I’m channeling every other mother who has ever had a picky child. Still, my 8 yr old looks at me with skepticism.

Its possible I was born a food lover, by nature. I enjoy food. I like how the taste of a brilliantly prepared dish explodes in my mouth. I relish a cozy dinner of comfort food on a chilly night. I‘ve developed a palate for delicious, delectable food. An emotional eater? Perhaps. But, I’m a connoisseur for sure.

Often I have a song by Israel Houghton float through my mind that I particularly enjoy called, “Taste and See.” Its taken from Scripture where the Psalmist says, “Taste and See that the Lord is good…” but Israel takes it a step further and says, “You’re never (never never) gonna know til you try…” And I can totally relate.

I nibbled in the beginning. Scripture verses were fed to me for my memorization. In my childhood Bible stories were every day fare. And so my taste for His Word was piqued.

As a young adult, I began taste-testing on my own. The menu was laced with adventure and excitement – He was becoming a reality and I was discovering whether these words offered were fact or fiction. Sometimes savory, sometimes sour, sometimes hard to digest, but I was drawn to explore and try new things from His word.

And now not only am I a consumer, I’m consumed. I can’t start my morning without a hearty helping of His Word to go along with my cup of coffee. I devour it like freshly baked bread (maybe with homemade jam) and it sustains me through each day. He is the consummate artisan baker. Every day there is a feast prepared for me. And just as I take pleasure in my family’s enjoyment of those fresh brownies – He delights when I come to him for another bite.

For me its quite complicated sometimes. How can I explain the flavors? I find myself looking on the faces of friends in need; those who don’t know or understand my Savior. They haven’t yet nibbled or taste tested. How can I convince one who hasn’t yet tried this life sustaining bread that Its good? No, Its Divine! The mom in me says, “You’re never (never, never) gonna know til you try…”

Taste and See that the Lord is good. (Ps 34:8)

md

(written November 20, 2009)