The Summit

chapter 2

Reading another chapter in Voices of the True Woman Movement brings things up close, and personal. So get yourself a chair, sit down, take a deep breath, and calmly consider these notes of mine. Nancy Leigh DeMoss is the author of this chapter.

The second chapter is based on Romans 11. I've placed the verses Nancy speaks from at the bottom of this post as my Truth For Today quote.

When we climb the path of life, like a rocky mountain, we experience turns, rocky paths, washed out paths, overgrown paths, loose stones, thinning air, animals, weather, and harsh sun. We do so for we are seeking to reach 'the top'. In life we live with some goal(s) in mind, goals that will provide us with a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and fulfillment. As Paul writes to the Romans teaching what we believe as Christians, he reaches the summit.

And then we read Romans 11. The Summit.

Our view of life may be self-centered for that is the message the world presses upon us. In music, video, ads, magazines, t.v., friends, neighbors, and sadly today, most churches. Or we are self-centered for we have been spoiled, indulged in, pampered, from childhood to adulthood. Thus, we find life a rat race because the honest truth we discover is that the world, our jobs, our family do not focus upon us, though the world sings that song to us.

I am going to list quotes and paraphrases of what Nancy had to say in this chapter about the higher calling God offers to us. . . .

We can not understand fully the plans of God nor His purposes, no matter how we try. . .

He is not us. (ouch! but so true)

We may reach a low in our lives that is as low as we've ever been, but God has not departed.

We need not at that low point become women of bitterness and despair.

We may be in a pit but there is no pit that God is not deeper still. (to paraphrase Betsy Ten Boom) The pit we walk into, get pushed into, or slide into is not beyond God's view or influence.

God knows everything and everything about everything: past, present, and future.

He knows the details, the minutia, the big picture.

And His wisdom and knowledge are infinitely greater than ours.

We see life as about us. Life is really about Him.

Our view is limited.

God's is not.

Its like our view of things AS we climb a mountain.

Its SO different from the view at The Summit.

Until we grasp what is true, that He created us, that He gave us to be women, and that He has given us a position, opportunity, and place upon earth that is unique to our sex, life will be unsatisfactory. We'll always be reaching for more, more, more. Or trying to simplify, simplify, simplify. If we wake up to the fact that our lives are not about us and humbly bow our knees to our creator, sustainer, and redeemer offering us our lives, we'll cease to live life limping along, desperate, hopeless, and helpless. We'll no longer be aiming and straining to become what is less than our true potential as God has made us. No matter how well meaning we once were.

What is a true woman? Nancy offers these facts:

A true woman lives a God-centered life

A true woman trusts God.

She does not live as an atheist at times, thinking that He has really messed things up this time.

A true woman does not have to strive, does not have to be afraid.

She can relinquish control, she does not have to manipulate and control every one and every thing in her life. She does not have to resent or resist, or run from the cross. She lives embracing the cross with faith. (now this is something we women tend to do - controlling everyone and everything in our path: "Organizing" "helping" "assisting" "arranging" all demonstrating a need to control.

A true woman says "Yes, Lord"

She knows her life is not her own and lives to glorify God.

His Word, not the world is her compass.

She is willing to make personal sacrifices, not asking What do I want to do or become?

but rather What pleases You, Lord? (now this is truly counter cultural!

How much we have become like the world)

But you ask, dear reader, what if I dare allow God to lead? Will He drop the ball?

Will He be distracted? Will He be forgetful? Will I ever amount to anything?

Will I be a doormat? Will I lose myself if I ask God to lead me?

A great encouragement to me is the this word from John Piper:

"In every situation and circumstance of your life, God is always doing a thousand different things that you cannot see and you cannot see and you do not know.

We may not see it all now, and some things in life we will not see during our life time. . . but when we see Jesus face to face, we will then understand, agree, bow down, and praise Him for His wisdom, knowledge, love, and position.

If I live as a child of God, not childishly live, but live trusting God will protect, provide, care for, nurture, and give me things to do that glorify Him and give me purpose

I will find true purpose.

It will lead to a life of true freedom, freedom FOR life in its fullness,

not freedom FROM anyone anywhere controlling or directing my life.

It will lead to what we so long for: peace, joy, love, and much fruit!

I realize this is bits and pieces and what I've shared may seem odd and out of step with society. . . that is Nancy's point and mine. If we fit in this world it has shaped and molded us, it has pressed us to line up and follow its leading. And the world really does not care about us, nor does it have concern for us. Its a marketed life and that is not life at all.

Well, there will be more to say in the days ahead as I read on. In the meantime, consider who shapes your thinking and choices. Be honest with yourself. I will do the same.

Truth For Life

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways!

For who has known the mind of the Lord,

or who has been His counselor?

Or who has given a gift to Him that He might be repaid?

For from him and through him and to Him are all things.

To Him be glory forever.

Amen.

Romans 11:33-36

October of 2008 while many women traveled to Chicago to attend the above event, I was at home listening via streaming on the internet as we heard many speakers who encouraged and reminded women of their unique role, honor, and place as women. We had the privilege to hear such wonderful speakers such as John Piper, Mary Kassian, Joni Eareckson Tada, Fern Nichols, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and Janet Parshall.

A book has just been released that contains the content of the speaking sessions of these speakers and I'm going to share what I find of particular worth of highlighting as I read chapter by chapter.

I received a copy yesterday and read chapter 1 last night. I smiled, laughed, Amen-ed, and shared quotes with my husband. The first chapter features John Piper and he began with a 'bang'!

A quote I heard online in October of 2009 that I read again and feel is noteworthy:

"Wimpy Theology Makes Wimpy Women"

He continued to explain "Wimpy theology simply does not give a woman a God that is big enough, strong enough, wise enough, and good enough to handle the realities of life in a way that magnifies the infinite worth of Jesus Christ. Wimpy theology is plagued by woman-centeredness and man-centeredness. Wimpy theology doesn't have the granite foundation of God's sovereignty or the solid steel structure of a great God-centered purpose for all things."

I'm so encouraged and stretched to consider "... the ultimate meaning of true womanhood is this: It is a distinctive calling of God to display the glory of His Son in ways that would not be displayed if there were no womanhood. If there were only generic persons and not male and female, the glory of Christ would be diminished in the world."

Our world has swung from woman not being valued to woman as king . . . and neither brings out the best of what woman has been created to offer and represent. Our uniqueness as females adds richness, caring, and meaning to life on planet earth and we glorify Christ uniquely when we embrace and express our life as true women.

I could say more, but I will hold off.

I have another chapter to read tonight.

More to come . . . . . .

Truth For Life

God created man in his own image, in the mimage of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27

Getting ready to take in a

quick panoramic view of God's Word

from my home

Tomorrow is a red letter day

as will be August 29th

I am taking up a challenge extended to my husband and myself

to read through the entire Bible in 90 days.

Yup, 90 Days!

We do read through the Bible annually but have not done so in a mere 90 days -

not sure if we can keep our read-thru-in-a-year plan going at the same time,

we'll see how it goes.

BUT

we will read the Bible from Genesis to Revelatiom

at a pace of 12 pages a day,

(which should take from 40 minutes to 1 hour a day)

Obviously the Bible will be my summer reading.

And we are not alone in this

for we'll meet up weekly with a small group to fellowship,

discuss our questions and share our 'ah-ha's'

(this is what will make it over-the-top worthwhile!)

Curious? Check back on this blog.

I'll be sharing about it as we move along

getting a rapid & panoramic view of God's Word,

listening to God, looking for God to reveal Himself to us.

I can NOT wait!

Join me if you want to do the same,

visit the website that features the materials and gather a few folks.

Our local bookstore called Mardel has a few of their books on their shelves.

I'll twitter about it, too. More details coming.

Truth For Life

Psalm 19 - enjoy reading it!

Not a lesson on etiquette

Question:

I'm curious. Do you know what RSVP means?

Answer:

RSVP comes from the French expression "répondez s'il vous plaît", meaning "please respond".

Question:

So what do I do with an RSVP?

Answer:

If RSVP is written on an invitation it means the invited guest must tell the host whether or not they plan to attend the party. It does not mean to respond only if you're coming, and it does not mean respond only if you're not coming (the expression "regrets only" is reserved for that instance). It means the host needs a definite head count for the planned event, and needs it by the date specified on the invitation.

All this leads to the thicker envelopes we get in our mail this month. . . .

It is that time of year when invitations arrive for weddings. . . . .

The date has been chosen,

the celebration has been prepared for with much care

by the hosts.

We are invited to attend

and our part is to reply

using the card enclosed in the invitation to indicate our response to the invitation.

In the past few decades I've both sent and received invitations by mail, by email, by phone, and now by text for wedding showers, weddings, graduations, baby showers, home warmings, charity fundraisers, etc.

Not all required a formal response, but for those that ask for one I reply as soon as I can confirm our availability. I do so for I know the hosts truly do need our reply to prepare a place of us at the special occasion they have planned.

Sadly, I witness that few people practice the gracious art of etiquette. . . . particularly in the area of responding to invitations. It matters not your age or upbringing. We don't give a timely response much thought until we host something, then we expect our invitations to produce prompt responses for the desired accurate count. When we receive few replies, we become upset, angry, and frustrated at the few replies.

But when our event is over, we return to our practice of neglecting to replying to invitations we receive following our event, with nary a thought. Oh, my! We are focused so very much on me, mine, and ours to the extreme and don't recognize it.

When will we learn to care for others more than ourselves?

It takes a change of our heart. And this is not a new problem!

Now,

put yourself in the place of our heavenly Father.

He has a truly major wedding feast planned

. . . Martha Stewart could not possibly out do this event of all events.

He knows the date it will be held, though we won't until that day

He has been making plans for eons!

and

He has invited us to join Him.

and He is waiting for our response.

1.

Have you replied to His invitation?

2.

Are you preparing to attend?

Matthew 22: 1-14 tells the story.

Take some time today, read it,

meditate upon it, consider THE invitation.

And make a reply.

If you say 'yes!'

Get ready. . . every day, live today preparing for THE day.

Learn about that in His Word.

Truth For Life

"Again he sent out other slaves saying, 'Tell those who have been invited, "Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and my fattened livestock are all butchered and everything is ready; come to the wedding feast."'

Matthew 22:4

Wear Red this Sunday!

"What?????"

Answer:

This week it will be Pentecost Sunday.

So wear RED to celebrate the gift of

God's Holy Spirit!

The Church has traditionally used the color red for Pentecost to symbolize the flames of the Holy Spirit. At first, only members of the clergy wore red vestments, but now it is common to see members of the congregation wearing something red on Pentecost Sunday.

Red is not the only color associated with Pentecost. Red symbolizes the divided flame-like tongues but the Holy Spirit is symbolized by a white dove. White is also worn by people who are being baptized. Baptisms and confirmations are done throughout the year, but having them on Pentecost Sunday is in keeping with the day described in the book of Acts where 3,000 people were baptized.

So plan ahead, what will you wear?

Red dress, skirt, slacks, shirt, red accessories?

Or if you are male, a red tie?

But remember:

The most important thing about Pentecost is to learn what the Spirit does,

and to trust God's Holy Spirit to lead you.

Truth For Life

Read this passage: Acts 2:1-21

Who (with reason) despises the day of small things?

Zechariah 4:10a

Not me, that is for sure.

I'm taking my time these days, smelling the roses so to speak. Listening when others talk. Looking at them as they talk. Focusing on what they say and don't say. Trying not to think about my next comment as they are speaking.

This is not an easy thing to do but it has been a worthwhile habit to form.

It is also partnered with not interrupting others as they talk.

Yes, I have the habit of both. I admit it.

Now I want to cease to do those two things. I realize my life is becoming crowded mentally with so many things, many good, but even many good things, when too many, are

well.....

too much.

And so I am finding that those few who have God's wisdom,

calmer lives, richer relationships, and peace that passes all understanding

(yes, that last part is from a verse. . . .Philippians 4:7)

are not in a hurry. They are not harried. They are not too busy.

They aren't cussing, fussing, fretting, controlling others,

stressing, ranting, or raving.

They are living life well. They are following after Jesus

and imitating Him here, now.

So, I have begun, it is a small start, but a good one.

As a new member at church I have opportunity to listen,

to learn who is who, how they believe,

how they worship, how they study,

to observe how they live, how they speak,

how they care, how they share.

It is a small beginning but one I pray will

give me deeper roots, greater growth,

His peace, His understanding,

and Godly changes in me.

Pray for me, will you?

Truth For Life

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

Romans 11:33

What could ever be better than a grandchild?

(even our Avery whom we LOVE like crazy?

Give up?

2 grandchildren!

We learned today that our daughter and son-in-love are expecting "Baby M #2"

We received a large package just as we had been told to expect to arrive today.

We were to open it and then read a special email with an explanation . . .

I found the package on our front porch as soon as I got home from work. I was alone but still I burst into happy tears when I saw the words on the packing box for I had a clue yet I couldn't believe it was true and I had to wait until my husband was home. Sent a text message to husband asking him if his deposition was over . . . and kept waiting.

Husband arrived home an hour later and I had him read the special email as I set the unopened package before us and we opened it together -

to find a large box of newborn disposable diapers.

Diapers? Newborn sized diapers?

We have been officially assigned the task of personally delivering them to Nairobi upon the birth of their second child.

Will we deliver them?

ABSOLUTELY!

Truth For Life

For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done,

I will sing for joy at the work of Your hands.

Psalm 92:4

He is risen!

He is risen indeed!

"The early Christians did not invent the empty tomb and the meetings or sightings of the risen Jesus..... Nobody was expecting this king of thing; no kind of conversion experience would have invented it.... To suggest otherwise is to stop doing history and enter into a fantasy world of our own. "

N. T. Wright, The Resurrection of the Son of God

This is the good news which we have received,

in which we stand,

and by which we are saved,

if we hold it fast:

that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures,

that he was buried,

that he was raised on the third day,

and that he appeared first to the women,

then to the Twelve,

and to many faithful witnesses.

We believe that Jesus is the Messiah,

the Son of the living God.

He is the first and the last,

the beginning and the end;

He is our Lord and our God.

Amen

In Christ the world is gifted,

in Him the world is graced;

in Christ our hearts are lifted,

through Him we see God's face!

By Christ we're blessed with mercy;

with Him we live in joy!

Come, now, and sing His praises;

for Him your lives employ!

These are but a few items that we sang, read aloud,

or prayed in our church service this morning.

It was a grande celebration and rejoicing on this resurrection Sunday.

May we continue to celebrate His resurrection

by the way we speak, work, play, share, love, and care.

He is risen!

He is risen indeed!

Truth For Life

I have been crucified with Christ;

and it is no longer I who live,

but Christ lives in me;

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by faith in the Son of God,

who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Galatians 2:20

it is finished. . .

Easter is nigh,

we await the hours to pass until the dawn breaks

I have participated in a prayer vigil

for our church,

our ministers, the members,

the ministries within the church,

the ministries that connect with our community,

the missionaries local and global,

and for those who will attend church tomorrow,

perhaps one of the few times they enter a local church building.

Lord, give us all ears to hear

& respond to the message

of this most holy of days,

Easter

Easter will have arrived.

I have anxiously anticipated this year's Easter

with daily Lenten devotions and journaling

which has made the season more blessed, more joyful, and rich.

I have savored more of the days since Ash Wednesday,

appreciating the dark days, the rainy days,

the signs of new growth on trees, flowering bulbs

peeking up out of the dark soil,

sounds of birds singing,

kids playing outdoors,

and sun on my face that is warm

Our traditions are simpler now that the kids are grown

Attending church on Easter is the highlight for us now

Lunch with local family is valued more each year as we

lose family members one by one to death.

And we have also added a few,

new little sweet faces,

some will be near, some far,

one is very far away,

but all are close to our hearts

and in our shared prayers

Easter is also the high point in our faith calendar,

it is the HOPE filled celebration that makes

a expresses our great joy and gratefulness for the

relationship with the God of the universe

that is now possible and practical

Christ is the resurrection and the life....

He offers us life eternal,

life with all the richness, depth,

and fullness possible.

Life as we long for it, seek it, and attempt to achieve.

And He offers it to us in community,

He with the Father and the Holy Spirit,

us with them, and with fellow believers:

in our church body,

in our family's,

in our neighborhoods,

at our place of work,

in our interest groups.

Life includes ups, downs, births, deaths,

success, failure, heartache, heartbreaks,

joys unspeakable, tears, laughter,

duty, service, pleasure, and pain.

Life is best when lived as one

follows the Master,

shares with fellow believers,

welcomes in new believers,

and shares with non believers.

He has placed eternity in our hearts. . .

and He offers us eternal life through Jesus Christ.

May your Easter be one of great joy

in your heart, soul, mind, and strength!

With gratefulness to God for what He has done

through Christ Jesus.

And for anticipation in what He has planned that is yet to come.

He is risen!

He is risen indeed!

Truth For Life

Jesus said to her,

I am the resurrection and the life.

He who believes in me will live,

even though he dies;

and whoever lives

and believes in me will never die

John 11:25-26