Dinner at the Rescue Mission

Last night I accompanied our boy's modified soccer team to serve dinner at the Rescue Mission. The coach, Mr. Murphy, wanted to add a service project on to the end of the season. I quickly offered to drive and attend - I didn't want to miss something this meaningful.

And it was. Our boys did everything from serve, clean tables, wash dishes, pull turkey off the bone and more. I was given the privilege of scooping and serving ice cream. It was no easy task to hold back the tears from time to time. Mostly when I let my mind wander to what their lives really are like.

It was a particularly cold day, too. The manager said they have record numbers for free dinner when the temps drop. My heart went out when I saw how many children came in. I do believe I have a new page to add to my prayer journal.

The experience also reminded me of a book I read this summer and loved - and highly recommend: "Same Kind of Different as Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. Don't hesitate to get this book and add it to your library.

I'm happy that our Sunday School class will be heading to the Mission again to serve and clean up dinner 2 days after Thanksgiving. All 3 of my kids will be there then. I pray God uses it to change us, make us more giving and appreciative.

Called on the Carpet

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A special woman made the following statement to me this past weekend. I bet she didn’t know it would become a “quote”, but here it is. “Knitting socks isn’t for wimps.” I believe she was trying to encourage me not to give up despite several errors, but I got to thinking about my walk with God.

Regularly (if not daily), I give God permission to search my soul with a fine-toothed comb. To discipline and correct me as He sees fit. I do this because I’m more fearful of who I’ll become if He doesn’t point out hypocrisy, sin, self-focus than I am interested in being comfortable with who I am and how I live. This practice is not for wimps! The past two weeks have been very rough as God has called me on the carpet and graciously (it’s always for my good) revealed some areas in my life that are not pleasing to him and need immediate attention.

There are some really hard verses of Scripture that I’m afraid I’ve given the once over for too long. Clearly, I’ve not been taking God’s tone in these verses seriously.

“Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” Eph. 4:29-30

So many verses address how we use our words. Of course this is intentional on God’s part. Our words define us. Our words are contagious – both positive and negative. Our words reveal what we believe about God. Now that’s a biggie.

Here are a few of the things I wrote in my journal recently to reinforce what God is revealing:

1. No more talking about others. Especially negatively. It can be gossip. It can be hurtful. It is judging and assuming. It is not godly. And also, it causes me to justify and elevate myself because I am right, right? Pride – don’t you hate how many ways it manifests itself?
2. No more worrying by leaning on my own understanding. We really do this all the time especially when we predict how a situation is going to go or judge in the middle of it. The question needs to be: ‘How big is my God?’. When I worry about situations I can’t change I’m making God a pretty small God and putting my trust in man or the situation. Is He sovereign or not? If He is then I shouldn’t worry.
3. No more complaining about what I don’t have or can’t afford. This is an insult to my Jehovah Jireh (God who provides). Not once in my life can I remember a time when I have gone without a life surviving need. He is generous and good and on time. Even though I’m joking about what I think is lacking I hear Him whisper, “Is there something you need that I have failed to provide?” Ugh.

Sometimes I go over a recent conversation I’ve had and cringe at how negative I can sound. The part of Eph. 4 that really challenges me is the phrase “so it may benefit those who listen”. I know how negative talk and complaining make me feel when I’m hearing it from someone else – so I have to turn the tables and realize I can sound the same way. And it benefits no one! The verse says our words should “be helpful for building others up according to their need”. I need to pray these verses before I leave the house in the morning or answer the phone.

I preach others first in every other area. Why not when it comes to my speech? Do I cause other people negative feelings or stress because of my complaining, judging, etc.? This is “grieving the Holy Spirit of God”. Would He participate in my conversations? I should be focusing on building others up according to what their need is for the day. I want to be a positive influence leaving a good taste in people’s mouths.

The worst part of this – what is going on in my heart? The Bible says the two are connected. I’m so grateful that God has addressed this in His Word, too, and given someone like me a solution.

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

I realize I need to make a choice. I can really relate to Prov. 10:19 “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.”

I choose to put foolishness and childishness behind me because I want to grow in maturity in Christ so badly. Maybe I won’t be as much fun and may even talk less, but I hate staying the same. I believe God has afforded me another opportunity for growth that I don’t want to ignore or give little importance to. I want to please Him in this area.

Yesssssssssssssssss!

It was the right decision. A long 8 1/2 hour endeavour - but right. And freezing cold, but right. Drew not only played, but played well. And we won! So sectionals continues. Scott will be able to be at tomorrow's game.

I'm glad I was there for him and could share all his reactions with him as an eyewitness. Those of you who did - thanks for encouraging me to go. Oh and I hear Bible study went great too. God is good!

The Dilemma

I know sometimes I can make a big deal out of something that should be small and today is no different. It's Wednesday and I lead a Bible study at church. But, Drew's got a sectional soccer game - heading toward championships. It's in the 1,000 islands (2 hours away). He hasn't played the last 2 games. So I didn't feel like I need to go if he's not going to play. Problem: he's starting tonight as striker (front line). Scott can't go because of his church responsibilities (it is his job). What's a mother to do?

I know 99% of my friends would say just go with your son. As one other parent (and pastor, I might add) said "How many sectional games do you think Drew's going to play in? This is a no brainer - get yourself replaced." If they win tonight - they play Friday and I won't be able to go to that because I'll be away this weekend.

But there's that one percent I think I'm worried about. The one who will judge me. Who will think I've sold my soul to the god of sports because I'm missing Wed. night church. Perhaps this comes down to the old struggle of being a people-pleaser.

We've tried hard not to raise our kids in a child-centered household, but I don't think putting my boy first in this instance counts as child-centered. I think God would say - 'GO! Your kids need to know they (and their interests) are important to you.' This boy is out of the house in 1 and 1/2 years and I will probably lead Bible studies (Lord willing) for the rest of my life. Bottom line - it's a 20 minute discussion and the rest of the time we are watching a one hour video.

Or I could share a special moment with my boy, his friends and their parents. Seems so simple. That's it. I'm going. One friend's advice "Dress warm."

O Happy Day

Sunday was awesome. I love going to church. This last week was an especially meaningful day. And it had pretty much nothing to do with what was going on in the service - at least up on the stage. I hope it's ok to write that.

Before entering the sanctuary, I was busting with pride (the good kind) as I heard what my daughter had been up to. Without any prompting for me or others, she got the lesson material for the class of the young girl she works with one-on-one and made copies to be prepared in case they needed her in that class on Sunday. And they did! She was ready. So responsible. Not only that, but previously, she had helped make the coffee for the main foyer as well. She was shining for sure.

During "big church", both of my boys sat with me. One on either side. This is very rare, because they are usually working for their Dad running sound or screens for the service. What I noticed as we sat there and worshipped together was how close they sat to me. OK, I'm sorry if this sounds queer, but I was loving it. They were so close I would have been claustrophobic if that bothered me. But it didn't. I was actually thinking - how much longer will this happen? I believe these days are slipping by so quickly since one is 16 and one is 13. So I just praised God and was living in the moment. Hoping there would still be many more of these experiences in the future - or at least a few.

It made my day. A loving family. All in church together on the Lord's Day. He is good!

I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God....

Ok, so that can be a hokey, church-y kind of song. But I've been thinking about it a lot as I reflect on how I've been blessed this past week.

It's not enough that I feel as though I have my own personal medical team - you know who you are - GS, DZ, MJM and DB, but so many others have wowed this family.

Surgery was Tuesday and the Family of God kicked in. You name it - we received it! (look at my kitchen table and see for yourself.) We are all overwhelmed. Talk about feeling the love - we are swimming in it and so blessed.

It's not fun or our desire to be "needy", but I wonder if these seasons are a gift from God to us to show us that we matter to others and are loved. And that our friends and family can shine for God in the way they take care of us.

So I just want to say thank you to all of you who have extended an effort to bless or take care of us in any way. And for all of you who offered and we turned you down!! And for those of you who shared your stories of your similar experience. It gives me a chance to share one of my favorite passages of Scripture on your behalf.

"You will be made rich in every way so that you (family of God, dear family and friends of ours) can be generous on every occasion, and through us (Burtis family) your generosity (love, care concern, prayers) will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service (offers of help, hospital visits, taking care of kids, bringing meals, leading Bible study, making life easier for Scott) by which you have proved yourselves, men (Burtis family) will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the Gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else." 1 Cor. 9:11 - 13

I praise God for each of you!!! Way to live out the Scriptures! Our family humbly thanks you and is singing God's praises w/your names attached. Truly the Family of God is a gift from Him as he never intended us to live life alone and uses others to provide for our needs.

Now that I'm feeling better - I prayed this morning that God would direct me to someone I could bless the same way. See - you're contagious!!