Saturday, October 24, 2009

Hard Pressed

My favorite book in the Bible is Philippians. There are so many wonderful verses of affirmation or conviction or encouragement.

I love the reminder that I'm a work in progress (1:6), that I can do all things through Christ (4:13), that He'll give me a peace beyond understanding (4:7).

Two of my life verses (3:13-14) come from this book.

Lately, though, my heart has been resonating with a handful of verses from chapter one. You're probably familiar with these verses, but maybe you, like me, can relate more and more with them as this world continues its downward spiral.

In chapter one, verses 12-18, Paul writes about the confidence he has that everything that's happened to him has been for a purpose: so that Christ is preached (v. 18).

Paul goes on to pray that he will never be ashamed of sharing the truth of Christ and that his Savior would always be "magnified . . . whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (vv. 20b-21).

He recognizes that as long as he remains on earth, it's because God has a purpose in his remaining, and he's content to remain. But he makes his heart very clear . . . and this is where my heart resonates.

"For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better" (v. 23).

I mean, I'm perfectly content to continue to do God's work here on earth, but more and more I know that this world really isn't my home (to paraphrase from an old gospel song). My heart longs more and more for my real home, that place where I really belong (3:20).

Can you relate?

Friday, October 09, 2009

Thank Goodness It's Friday!

It's been a loooooong week!

Started on Sunday night with a quick flight to Oakland, CA, where I met my dad and his wife for dinner. I was up there to host an event for ECCU on Monday in Livermore. I love hosting these events, and it's such fun to meet ministry leaders. And I get a real kick out of being the emcee.

But even fun stuff can be exhausting.

I flew home Monday night (a slightly delayed flight) and fell into bed, only to get up Tuesday morning to host the same event at ECCU's headquarters in Brea. Ditto all of the above.

But even fun stuff can be exhausting.

Wednesday was an in-the-office day, and by the time I got home that evening, I was completely wiped. Completely. And yesterday? Let's just say it was only by the grace of God that I had any energy to get anything done.

Ah, but now it's Friday! Time to relax and rest. And a weekend ahead to rest some more (well, except for seeing Robin Hood at Lifehouse tomorrow! So excited to see some of my friends! And church on Sunday, of course!). Thank goodness!

You know something? Friday's are a gift from God. Really. He gave us an end to our workweek, and since many of us "work" on Sundays, Friday really is the end of our work. We're given the gift of Sabbath rest. But how often do we not accept that gift? Sabbath is a break from our work. A day to enjoy rest and rejuvenation (and for me, that includes going to Lifehouse!).

Can you say "Thank goodness it's Friday" knowing that tomorrow you can really rest.

You have my permission. More importantly, you have God's permission.

Friday, October 02, 2009

Too Tired to Type

Ever feel that way? Just too tired to do much of anything??

It's been a hectic week at work as I prepare for a couple of events next week. And although my new dosage of medication does seem to be helping the pain, the fatigue is just at maximum levels.

So, my few faithful readers, I'd love to share words of wisdom or some pithy comments . . . but I'm just too tired to type.

But one thing I'm not too tired to do: I'm praying for you!!

Have a great weekend, and may you (like me) get some rest!!