Category: ordinary

Change:To Become Different; To Undergo Transformation

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed —  in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 
(1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NKJV)

In the midst of the ordinary, the beauty and mystery of God breaks through. 

One day Jesus took Peter, John and James for a hike into the nearby mountains. And upon this occasion, Jesus changed before their very eyes. They were engulfed in the bright, white purity of God’s presence. Peter wanted to live there forever. Moses and Elijah broke through time. John and James were stunned into silence. 

In the midst of Ordinary Time, we stop for a moment to recall the Transfiguration, which transports us to an otherworldly experience. An experience the disciples  kept to themselves, until after they witnessed the cruel death and triumphant resurrection of our beloved Teacher, Friend and Savior.

Remembering that Jesus was not only flesh and blood, but also fully divine, transports me to the day, when we shall be like Him. I needed this reminder today, because it is way too easy to get anchored in the tangible. I muddle through until the long awaited vacation or hurry ahead to the next season of life. When the blessings are flowing here, I drift away from the best promise of God: eternal life.

At other times, I let the griefs of living here and now overtake me. I wonder if I will have to face more sorrow than happiness here on this earth. Sadness engulfs me, when all I can think about are the people who have already passed on and the ones who will leave me behind in the years ahead.

I cannot stay there. I must look ahead to that day, when “we all shall be changed.” We will no longer care about menus, laundry and dirty dishes. Unfinished projects and clutter will fade away. No more tearful good-byes. 

On that day, I will be so caught up in the beauty and mystery of our Risen Savior and the scenes of heaven that I will want to dwell there forever, just like Peter, but this time Jesus will gladly welcome me to stay. I won’t have to return from the mountain top experience.

In the meantime, the glimpses of glory that I see in the golden profusion of wildflowers can bring a smile to my face. Or a yard sign, that seems like a text from God can remind me how much He loves me. While I was running the other day, I read this message: “God loves you. Always has. Always will.” And if I could text God back, I would say: ” I love you, too! Thanks for always loving me.” Oh, how He loves you and me eternally!

What glimpse of glory has He offered you recently?


Linking up with the Soli Deo Gloria Sisterhood.
Posted on by kelrohlf 6

Ordinary: The Regular Course of Things


Teach us to make the most of our time,
so that we may grow in wisdom.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy
to the end of our lives.
(Psalm 90:12 & 14 NLT)



In the regular course of things, school ended for the year. And now it’s time for summer camp (aka “Ant Kamp”) with Aunt Kel. Spending the month of June with my two nieces and two nephews, who range from ages eleven to six, will be the joy of this summer.

We started the week out celebrating my birthday. The day started with donuts, then brownies for lunch, and ending with a frozen cake made by my sister. It was a sweet day!




Each day has been packed with fun. I wake up with the sun to squeeze in a few minutes of solitude with my journal. Then the troops arrive before breakfast, and so we begin the day together with a meal. After that we gather in the quiet corner for a little prayer time, followed by each child choosing a “place” to go to for their own time of solitude. It could be the porch swing, the hammock, the living room, the gazebo, the quiet corner or the art room.

They have surprised me, in that, they are willing to stay by themselves reading, drawing, creating art or music for close to an half hour. The girls often want me to join them. So I divide my “quiet” time between them. After solitude, we just let things happen. Play a game. Go to the pool. Eat lunch. Rest. Watch Scooby Doo. What more can a kid ask for?!

Are we learning some great spiritual lesson? Maybe? As I think about it, my youngest niece presented us with a great truth today.

When I asked what her favorite part of “Ant Kamp” was so far, she said:

 
Being with you!



And that’s the truth: God’s favorite part is being with us.

Photos from the last three days of “Ant Kamp”



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Posted on by kelrohlf 10

Ordinary:The Regular Course of Things

We plan the way we want to live,
but only God makes us able to live it.
(Proverbs 16:9 The Message)
 


After the observance of Epiphany, the church calendar returns to Ordinary Time. Not plain time, but ordinal, as in numbering our days.

Last week, I was mulling over my word for the year:
 
 

As I considered desire, I recorded a list of seven desires for 2013 in my planner. Each word ended in the suffix of “–ation” or a form of it, which means the act of something. As I observed this commonality, my heart ignited with hope for intentional, creative action this year.

 
 

I often do not do what I want. My life has been formed more by oughts and shoulds, rather than wants. Caring for others drove my plans as a young mother. Today, with grown children, my planner is wide open for new adventures and uncharted territories.

So, the other day I courageously wrote in my journal, “I want to . .  .”

Saying, “I want to” out loud was quite liberating. (And saying “I don’t want to” can be just as freeing. Try it sometime.)

So here’s a glimpse into  some of my heart desires and creative pursuits for 2013:

I want to join a book club.

I want to participate in community theatre.

I want to take a yoga class.

I want to clean out the fridge.

I want to pray more for my friends.

I want to inspire creativity with others.

I want space to write.

I want to learn more.

I want to be an entrepreneur.

Some lofty aspirations, some recreational outlets and some ordinary tasks came to mind. But even the ordinary task of cleaning out the fridge felt more like joy than drudgery. I used to think saying “I want to” was selfish, but this little exercise showed me that wanting or desiring things can be very healthy and fulfilling. I feel like a tree flourishing in season, producing life for itself and others.

Linking up with:

MonthlyOneWord

Posted on by kelrohlf 10