What is so Good about Friday?

“What’s so Good about Friday?”

My children ask so boldly

“If that’s the day that Jesus died?”

I smile, sweetly smile,

Knowing first appearances

Are how the devil plants a lie

Am I able to look at a bank balance red;

a sinking soul dead;

a temptation in my head;

And know the resurrection power?

Can I face a storm so fierce;

an insulted heart pierced;

a devil’s reminder hissed;

And know that ‘It is finished’?

I smile, gently smile,

Knowing first appearances

Are how the devil plants a lie.

“What’s so Good about Friday?”

My soul declares from within:

“My Jesus is alive!”

You give them something to eat!

I wanted to run away.

I was tired.

I had juggled three kids, a marriage and not sleeping more than 3 hours in a row, for more months than I could remember.

“I have no strength or energy left” I told God.

He smiled and asked me:

“What do you have?”

“You know it is not even enough to get me to lunchtime, don’t you?!” I replied.

_______________________________________

The crowds were beginning to irritate the disciples. The people were shuffling uncomfortably and the children beginning to misbehave. (You know, throwing small pebbles at the backs of the disciples heads, running in and out of their feet, making Peter play ‘hunt the sandal'…)

The disciples were losing their patience and they had been very patient sitting there with Jesus all day.

“What we need,” piped up one, “is a break, some team time, a change of clothing, a dip in the lake, some food and a nice long sleep. Perhaps when we have rested we can minister more effectively to these people. Right, Jesus? All the people are soooo hungry, (and so are we, hint hint) so perhaps you could wrap it up now?!”

Jesus looks at them with that glint in his eye which they all know means He has a different plan.

“You give them something to eat. What do you have?”

_______________________________________

“I have nothing left.” I told God. “Why did you make life to be so overwhelming at times?! Maybe I could survive until lunch if I knew I could then take a break!”

“Ah, so you do have a little energy left then! Give it to me!”

I surrendered. Jesus smiled. He took what I had, blessed it and then gave it back to me.

Then He told me to carry on.

Another puddle of water on the floor. The doorbell ringing. The baby just awoken. The pasta overboiling.

Another set of clothes sinking in the paddling pool.

Another tidy room dismantled.

“I will supply all your needs according to my riches…”

I choose to embrace rather than resist.

Surprisingly, a foreigner emerges from within:

Thank you for the children I have and their joyful play!

Thank you for the arms to replace the sofa cushions for the third time today!

Another evening filled with activity as soon as the children are asleep

Another floor filled with beach sand and dirt

Another broken plate

For He will supply ALL my needs with His RICHES….

I recognize that foreigner again:

Thank you for the privilege of having a house full of people praising you!

Thank you that someone is doing the washing up!

A tired, sick husband

A whiney teething infant who wants to be held

A child who has declared he no longer wants to have baths or sleep. Ever again.

For He will supply ALL my needs with His RICHES…

That foreigner is becoming my friend:

Thank you for a loving, growing, overcoming precious family!

Thank you for the joy of embracing rather than resisting!

For somehow His grace is such that it begins by just acknowledging the crumbs that I do have and offering them to Him and then carrying on, supernaturally, they are transformed into a banquet.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19

Confronting Fear

This week, I have the privilege of writing for Anna and Rich Robinson's blog about confronting fear since living in Peru, so please head over to their blog to have a look!

(Rich and Anna write some great posts so you might want to read back and check them out too!)

A Missionary Mother’s Beatitudes

How blessed I am when I admit I have nothing of value to give

For my Father sprinkles my day with His riches

How blessed I am when I embrace endings

For in that soil new shoots spring forth

How blessed I am when I lay down my pride

For new territory can be won and occupied in my life

How blessed I am when I endeavor to do the right thing, although others may complain

Their complaints, turned to thanks, bless my heart

How blessed I am when I quickly forgive and extend grace

Then I understand God’s grace and my unworthiness to judge as I too am quickly forgiven

How blessed I am when all the distractions are held back (my complaints, the internet, my worries)

For God dwells in my day

How blessed I am when I choose to come alongside those who are struggling

For when I do, God affirms me as His child, being like my Daddy

How blessed I am when storms arise and arrows are launched at me

For they are opportunities for breakthrough for God’s glory to be manifest in my life

How blessed I am when I am misunderstood, bad-mouthed and misrepresented to others

My heart’s intentions and focus will be made clear in heaven – I am not alone – it is the same of all those who seek to proclaim God.

The seasons of a day

God has been talking to me a lot recently about rhythm. Right from the beginning, God set stars and the moon and in the sun in the sky for seasons, and for the ebbs and flows of day and night. His original creation, before the fall spoke of rest and work, in a harmonious flow. But modern life speaks of productivity and more productivity, without time to properly rest or embrace the natural rhythms of the day.

Below is an art response reflection on the four seasons of a day using photos from our recent trip to Callaria, a Shibipo community in the Amazon jungle where there is no electricity so the day is influenced by the rising and the setting of the sun...

Learning trust from the flamingos

Be like flamingos

Standing in the sea

Fish in abundance

Whenever food-time be

There is no need to flutter

Create a feathery fuss

The fish go streaming by

They’ll always be enough

They don’t cram each last fish

Into their darkened beaks

Instead they wait patiently

To claim one within their reach

As you start your day today

Don’t forget to wait

For the provision God has in store for you

It will never be too late

Don’t grab at fish in your own strength

There really is no need

For fish there are a plenty

When it is time for a quick feed.

If I...

If I homeschool to win love, I become disappointed when the children don’t engage with my activities or my plan.

If I homeschool through love, I am patient, encouraging and persevering, and willing to change the plan.

If I cook to win love, I feel it has been pointless if someone does not like the food, or criticizes a part of it.

If I cook through love, I am satisfied that hungry mouths are fed and any complaints are between them and God.

If I love my husband to win love, I feel resentful, cheated and justified in angry words when he doesn’t respond in the way I hoped.

If I love my husband through love, I am able to truly love, no matter how he responds or how long it takes for him to receive that love.

If I do the washing up to win love, and no one notices or acknowledges it, I feel unappreciated.

If I do the washing up through love, I remember that what is done in secret, my Heavenly Father will reward.

If I speak to win love, my words become messy and I say too much, trying to convince others of my point of view.

If I speak through love, I spend more time listening and only humbly offer an encouraging word or a timely challenge.

If I teach to win love, I forget that the Spirit has a purpose for each person listening and I try to impress rather than listen closely to His prompting.

If I teach through love, the talk flows surprisingly and despite my efforts, people connect with something I thought insignificant.

If I lead others to win love, hoping they’ll respect me more or recognize how gifted I am, I feel ashamed at the emptiness when I begin to pray, and I am scared to release others least they become better than me.

If I lead others through love, I see divine appointments happen, people released into their destinies and raised up to go beyond anywhere I could go – I see a legacy in heaven.

Oh, Lord, please only let me look to you to win love!