Christian Culture snob

Wednesday's Word

I came across this quote in my Internet perusings, "Christian Culture Snob"

"A Christian culture snob is a Christian that makes fun of people and things that are deemed Christian.”

As I read the article I understood this blogger attempting to make restitution for mocking Christianity and it's culture. And believe me I see this type of predjudice on a daily basis as do you, I'm sure.

But that's not what I want to write about... (though I could write a book). I want to talk here about the COUNTER kind of snobbery. Christian arrogance and entitlement.

You know, the kind... "I am on the church board, have been a part of the congregation for 20+ years, I have built this church, I have played at this piano for a generation" and so on and so forth, kind of Christian vanity.

Yes I said it, We Christians can be right down stuck up in routines and traditions. So caught up we lose sight of our First Love! We lose sight of our dirt while pointing to the next pew over.

"Oh, how horrible our sins look when they are committed by someone else"

Chuck Smith

I can take this tone because I myself have been guilty. The moment God revealed this root of pretentiousness in my heart was the moment I made a promise to myself.

That promise was to never forget whence I came.

I pray the Lord summons my memory as oft as He see fit to keep fresh the recollection of the muck and mire He pulled me from.
To not forget the importance of regularly acknowledging my roots as a Christian. To flee from judgement and his brother  pride.

But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women.It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love,And don't take yourself too seriously— take God seriously.

I pray Lord you will keep fresh bare in my minds eye that Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future!
Your mercies are new EVERY morning.

Of Death and Dying…

My dear friend Laurie is traversing down similar paths and life rhythms with me in this moment. Terraced with rocks and cliffs, valleys, mountain tops, weeds as well as flowers, tears of joy and sorrow all in one space.

Attempting to allow life to infuse it's circle into our understanding and soak in every ornamental detail. Walking with loved ones as they breathe their last of this earthly air and inhale deeply their first taste of His kingdom is a daunting task that can only be understood in the journey.

Today is her expression of this journey...

Darrol and Glenda

It’s been a difficult week.  You see, my husband’s father was diagnosed with the “C” word last week… and the “C” is aggressive – it has started invading many of his vital organs and, according to the doctor, this sweet man has very little time left here on this earth. 

This news not only thrust my heart into grieving  - both for my loss and, even more so, my

husband’s – but it touched a nerve causing feelings to resurface relating to my own experience of

losing a parent.  Ten years ago this month – yes, a month where holidays are in full swing, a month

sanctioned for ‘giving thanks’ - my mom was also diagnosed with cancer..stage 3 lung cancer.  I could

not imagine getting worse news – it tore all of our hearts in two – and left my dad’s in pieces. 

I went on to watch her go through treatments and occasionally see glimmers of hope, only to have those hopes dashed as time marched on with no apparent bodily healing in store for her.  I watched her lose her appetite and slowly fade away.  As the cancer took more and more, she became less and less.  As she lay in the hospital in a coma, I felt compelled to remain with her and witness her exiting this life and entering the next.  And then…the last breath…and I felt like all the breath in my body went with her – her gasp was my gasp… – not unlike having the wind knocked out of you.  For those of us who have been privileged to know and love our mothers and be loved back, their death can feel almost like a second cutting of the umbilical cord…only this time you are very, very cognizant of the separation.  It’s so indescribable, and, as odd as this sounds, I think the writers of Grey’s Anatomy really captured it best in the clip below…

“I don’t know how to exist in a world where my dad


doesn’t…”

These words described perfectly how I felt losing my mom.

The other night I tried to insist to my husband that he should ‘let me in’ to his grief - that I knew what he was going through – but does anyone really know what someone else is going through at the core of their being when death makes its grand entrance into their life?  Even though I had gone through similar circumstances, I quickly realized I don’t know.  As I’ve watched him processing his pain and imminent loss so differently than I processed mine, it suddenly seems presumptuous and preposterous to even make such a declaration.

There’s a  clandestine nature to death by cancer – the way it creeps in silently, snatching everything within its greedy reach, then leaves loudly, taking hostage the one you loved so deeply.  Death is like Satan’s lover.  It brings with it a wave of darkness affecting everyone in its path by its thievery, and, in some cases, dredging up raw emotions as if it were digging graves in our very souls.       

BUT…

Jesus conquered this villain and death’s defeat is our

 victory. 

And this victory ushers in a host of opportunities…opportunities to mend relationships; opportunities to heal spiritually even when physical healing doesn’t come; opportunities to move into the “L” word – LOVE.  A space of time is created to allow us to love deliberately and with abandon.  There is nothing left to lose.  And then, within the ugliness of death, emerges love-drenched life. 

Laurie

God’s way of taking care of us

“Friends are God’s way of taking care of us”

I honestly don't know what I would do without true friends during this season. They have scooped me up and held up my arms high. Filled me with laughter and generous joy.

Of course I know God has delivered them to me and I am so in awe and gratitude!

God knows our heart. He knows all our struggles and weaknesses. He knows what we have been going through. He knows all the frustrations, all the stress, all the temptations we have battled. He knows all our hopes, desires, dreams and aspirations.
He understands the plans and goals we have set for ourselves. He knows everything about us, and he cares about our life.
I am learning that if I will only give Him myself fully, He will make Himself fully known to me. He will care for me and provide more than I ever could myself...more than I could ever imagine!
Some of that care and provision He pours right through our friends.

 

This week I have been giving glorious thanks for those angels we call friends!

Who are the dear ones in your life that are there not just for the joyful laughter, but also the tears streaming down the face? Who is there for every heartbreak, every hurtful moment, and who has forgiven even when you have been the cause of pain? Who will be there for you when the body may begin to fail and the memories fade? Who will hold your hand, stroke your hair, and offer silent prayers even when they cannot find words?

#186-201

(Grab the button and join in)

• Being silly with my family
• The beginning of a months worth of Christmas movies
• Decorating
• Thanksgiving with my best friend and her family. I love how she takes care of me.
• Watching my son run yet another race
• Awesome shoes...that I will never wear
• New lip gloss (because 300 tubes are not enough)
• Watching my son bake
• Slumber party for the after 40's
• Birthday parties
• Early morning breakfast on a farm
• Spontaneous limo ride through the Oregon Vineyards
• A beautiful elderly couple with the joy of the Lord. I love hearing and seeing how she is loving him and holding his hand as he slips from his earthly uniform into his Glory robes!
• Sheep grazing
• Another blessed Seattle trip to see my baby girl (18) have the honor of performing at the Western International Band Clinic with amazing leaders and conductors.

Reece you are an amazing baker!

A Crazy Lady’s Guide to Black Friday

I've recently bumped into a new favorite. In fact she is new to me completely. I feel like yelling out...Gurl where have you been, all my life!? I must have been under a rock!

Her name is Margaret and I can tell I like her a lot. I think we could sit to coffee and chat for a couple of hours no problem. She is smart and witty and has a glorious gleam in her eyes that reflect humor and Jesus.

Somehow I bumped into her in the Twitter universe then found my way to her blog

Drop by Margaret Feinberg's place and sit a spell.

Typically Wednesday's at Laughtershock are about His word or impressions on my heart. My attempt at a short study of a scripture or idea. Something that has piqued my interest or moved me...and such :-)

As we approach Thanksgiving season, like every Thanksgiving, I feel quite inept. Not so much with the cooking and baking. It's the BLACK FRIDAY HOLE of no return I run from.
I've tried it and after several failed attempts I've determined I just don't have what it takes to be part of the gang.
I'm not a morning person, I hate crowds...especially in the morning, I don't like being stepped on in the morning, I don't like when people are grumpy...in the morning, I don't like buying socks 1/2 off...early in the morning. I have yet to see a deal yet that would have me pitch a tent on a cold, wet and dreary Oregon night just to get the ONE UP on those who are willing to pry their eyelids open at 4 am. YUCK!!! Besides all of that I've yet to hear a person stand up in church to share how Black Friday changed their life, healed the sick or led others to the Lord!!
Did I mention I'm not a morning person?

THEN

I bumped into Margaret's blog on the subject and now feel better about myself. I'm not alone and maybe there are even others out there that are like us.
I will pass the baton to her now and enjoy.........

Margaret’s Monday Musing: A Crazy Lady’s Guide to Black Friday

Black Friday is that glorious day after Thanksgiving which marks the first day of the holiday shopping season. In the past several years, the Friday has been the busiest day of the shopping year. Where did “Black Friday” come from? Philadelphians first began using the term before 1966 to refer to the thick mob of pedestrian and car traffic. Black Friday also refers to the black ink used in retail stores to show a profit.
Follow my guide to ensure you save the most money!

1. Scope out stores several days ahead of time. Create a to-scale model with building blocks and foam to ensure the best accuracy. How many steps are between the checkout and that screwdriver kit? Is it a 46 or 47-degree angle between the fuzzy snowman socks and the replica of your grandmother’s antique teapot? These are the questions you need to ask; every second wasted is an extra penny spent. Don’t be afraid to ask an employee for blueprints. As you case the joint in the days leading up to Friday, keep an eye out for any white-haired lady or Jr. Higher you see more than once. Chances are, they’re also scoping out the store.

2. Pour over every catalogue or newspaper ad. The Internet is your friend; it may hold a treasure cove of further discounts. Now is when you whip out that homemade raven-colored coupon holder. Take loads of time at the register to sort through all your un-alphabetical and un-categorized coupons. Especially if the man behind you picked up those fake diamond earrings you wanted for your wife. He’ll grow so frustrated he’ll throw them to the ground and stomp away. Now the earrings are finally yours and, justasec-wait, one second…I’ve got a coupon for those…

3. Brush up on your rollerblading skills. Traversing the mall will be faster on numerous wheels than on your own ground-bound feet. Besides, elbow and kneepads will allow you to shove a path through the crowds. If you want a competitive edge, pull the bottoms off of soccer cleats and attach them to your pads. Watch how smoothly a path now forms in front of you.

4. Bring camping equipment when you stand in line the night before. A tent will keep your toes toasty and your secrets safe as you review your plan. Bring hot chocolate with big fluffy marshmallows; the drifting aroma will cause slight madness in your competition, making it easier to out wit them. With any luck, the cold will freeze off your more daunting rivals.

5. Paint black streaks underneath your eyes for an air of ruthlessness. Also, refrain from showering a week in advance. The stench and grunge-look will strike fear in others’ hearts.
Be tough. Be callous. GO! GO! GO!
Have loads of fun.

I’m sleeping in.
(I'm with you Margaret =)

Thank you Margaret for an awesome post and letting me share!

Proverbs 32 1/2 Woman

For only five short, bold, beautiful minutes. Unscripted and unedited. We just write without worrying if it’s just right or not.

OK, are you ready? Give me your best five minutes on:



Grow…

GO

I was so worried about being a good mother and a good wife. I had nothing to draw from and was a blank canvas.
Knowing not one lullaby and having such distrust in men, I felt overwhelmed and ill prepared. 


I would break out in a cold sweat every time the preacher would teach about the "PROVERBS 31 woman"


I would always think to myself... 

"Father that just isn't me, so Lord is there a Proverbs 32 1/2 woman? One who doesn't keep things real tidy, doesn't sew, doesn't know the first thing about cooking or canning or ANYTHING but will love on her family and grow into a woman whose heart beats after you?

I will be that one.

Well fast forward 20 years and well...
I still am not very tidy, I hate sewing but have adapted real well to a glue gun, I don't get canning but am a real quick draw opening one with my handy dandy Pamper chef can opener and most importantly I have a heart that beats after Him.


My husband and children have taught me how/what love is. They have helped me grow from a trembling insecure wreck of a woman into a mom and a wife that would give her very life for them.
Oh and I know a few lullaby's now too =)

STOP

Running the race

1,000 Word Thursday

Be Yourself

Wednesday's Word


Ran across this tweet yesterday:


RT @MatthewBarnett: Never let a few people that don't get you, shape you, into their limited knowledge of what you can become. // YES!!

Matthew Barnett is the Pastor of the L.A. Dream Center and author of the New York Times Bestselling Book "The Cause Within You".


It got me thinking...

WHEN PEOPLE'S OPINIONS MATTER TOO MUCH!

We can fall somewhere between

• having no self identity. 
• Shape shifting into those in our near vicinity (like a chameleon). 
• Smiling & nodding only to later stew...

• THEN OTHER TIMES we carefully remove all  jewelery, our glasses and purse and roll up the sleeves to allow the inner SHANIQUA's release like the KRAKEN. The poor souls had no idea this would be the last day they took a breath! (I tend to fall into this category =()

Hopefully we fall somewhere in the middle.

In any case, as I pondered this tweet I came to this conclustion.

How can we best witness the TRUTH in our lives if we don't even know the truth.

Seriously could write a book on this.

Not everyone has the proper judgment in determining when we are right, wrong or indifferent. There is truely only One!

It's next-to-impossible to be yourself when you're caught up in constantly wondering "Do they think I'm funny? Does she think I'm fat? Do they think I'm stupid? Am I good/clever/popular enough to be a part of 'whomever'?"
To be yourself, you've got to let go of these concerns and just let your behavior flow, with only your consideration of others as a filter — not their consideration of you.

Matthew followed up with another tweet on the subject:

RT @MatthewBarnett If you are ruled by people's opinion then you refuse to let God have dominion.

Amen and Amen!



I wonder if this is what we look like to God as we labor to be someone we are not?

Oscar Wilde once said with his usual wit: Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.

It's ok to be wrong

Tuesday's quote

 

“To live a creative life

We must lose our fear

Of being wrong.”

Joseph Chilton Pearce







 

Warm embers of sweet freedom!

WAHS!



Oregon gov John Kitzhaber with Oregon mounted Governors guard

ACROSS THIS GREAT NATION!

Honor Guard at Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C

US Marine Corps ROTC in PA

Shelva Border in Gulfport Miss. Dtr of Chief petty officer Raymond Border

WW2 vetreran wished to go unnamed in New York NY

#177-185

I love this great nation that I live in. There is no country like it in the world. No country offers the privileges, the freedoms and the rights that the United States offers. Not all countries allow for their citizens to elect their leaders. Not all countries allow for their citizens to bear more than one child.

This nation holds great opportunities that no other nations possess.

I am incredibly thankful that I live in a country that allows me to speak and believe what I feel. I am incredibly thankful that I live in a nation with a government that cannot dictate my life. I am incredibly thankful that I live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Thankful to the veterans who stepped forward and stood tall when we needed their service.

Without our veterans, this country never would have become the country it is today. God bless our troops, God bless our veterans, and

God bless the United States of America.