Do what you can.

This morning I am reading in my new Mosaic NLT - a very cool version of the Bible that you can read about at www.HolyBibleMosaic.com. I am reading the suggested readings for Passion Week. (the week of Good Friday leading up to Easter)

As I began to read Mark 14:1-15:47, I made a few notes that greatly encouraged me.

Mark 14:3 depicts the story of the woman pouring out expensive perfume onto Jesus as an act of devotion. Of course she is criticized. It's good for me to remember that I won't always be understood - except by Jesus. He knows the very motivation of her heart, (I just LOVE THAT) and commends her in verse 7, "You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me." And it made me think - it's okay to not always be the most sensible one in the room. There are times when we need to live in the moment and take advantage of an opportunity that won't come our way again.

I'm actually kind prone to this kind of behavior, but there are people in my life who don't approve. Do you know what I mean? This verse was just freeing to me this morning. I want to live in such a way that I am flexible enough to pour the perfume, to live in the here and now and see what God is up to. There are moments of JOY to be found in the most ordinary places - we just have to be open to them. Ephesians 5:16 tells us to "Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days." Colossians 4:5 says the same. (read the context of those verses to see that in our actions we are to be gracious, and not act thoughtlessly) And it is also important to note that this example of spontaneity is OTHER focused. It would be easy to spur of the moment take care of ME... but this example is all about her sacrificing for another - for her Lord.

I love Mark 14: 8's wording in the New Living Translation: Jesus says, "She has done what she could..." Isn't that FREEING? What does God expect from me, from you? That we do what we can. We don't have to figure it out, solve the problem, fix the mess... it's not always our responsibility. We just have to do what we can. Jesus appreciated that, and pointed it out to those nay-saying disciples of His. I just LOVE this. Jesus so appreciated her gesture of love, even though it really did not change the gravity of the situation. He was still going to die. But in that moment He had the sweetness of intimate relationship and devotion. He appreciated that moment.

Do you ever feel hopeless in a situation: your or someone else's problem is just so big that it paralyzes you to inaction? Just...do what you can. Ease her burden for just a few moments if you can. Just be there. Do what you can. Sometimes when I am in a pit of despair, I simply need a hug, and then I feel less alone. I always need an anointing of God's Word - a simple word of hope from a friend - a reminder of WHO is in control.

We need to just do what we can when the opportunity arises. Look for an opportunity to bless someone today.

Olive Tree

If you have an iPhone or an iPod touch, you'll want to read this.

I downloaded Olive Tree Bible reader to my iPod touch, and it has changed my quiet time. Really. Whereas I used to have stacks of Bibles (versions) and books to tote about, I now use my iPod A LOT.

So far I have loaded 5 Bibles: NASB with Strongs, ESV Study Bible, Mosaic NLT, NIV with notes and Amplified.

Looking up a passage is simple. Then, with a very simple two button maneuver, I can read the same verse in a different version, or the study notes for the passage. Cross references are all electronically linked. Amazing.

I can highlight, attach notes to a certain passage, and even change the icon of the note so that I know the subject matter before opening my note. The highlighters can be programmed to different titles, so I have purple highlights for "Attributes of God," orange highlights for "Promises to Plead," etc. Likely I need to show you in person how ***cool*** this is.

My iPod fits in my purse. It's always there. Instant reading if I'm stuck at the doctor's office.

I've also downloaded the free Barnes & Noble ebook reader, and have a few daily devotional books on there, too.

It's hard to put into words how exciting this is for me. (stop smirking) Keeping track of my resources and having the right things with me at the right time has been such a challenge. Yes, I still like books and the feel of the paper and the actual hand writing of my notes. But this, this is revolutionary.

When I go to class, I have my iPod instead of my Bible. And it's FAST to look up the verses. And the Greek and Hebrew definitions. I even have Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology book uploaded on Olive Tree. That actual hardcover book is 3 inches thick and 1300 pages.

Our 22 year old was sitting next to me at church yesterday, and he was intrigued as I took notes electronically on certain verses. He told me that was very cool, and that he had iPod envy.

Okay...back to studying. Quiz # 4 tonight on Christ's work, and the Five Theories of Atonement. 10 page fully annotated page due in 3 weeks. I've chosen the subject, "Sanctification."

I would love to be a full time student and writer. Anyone want to pay me? :)

Monday Monday

I love Mondays. Usually. Of late, Mondays have been spent at work. And when I don't have Monday in which to get my ducks in a row, a lot of things suffer... including my blog.

But today, today I am off work, bustling about with a to do list in my mind, thanking God for full energy and a day off in which to use it.

This morning during my Pause (trying to find a new name for my quiet time... do you like "pause"?)(something makes me think "menopause" which of course totally ruins the mind picture) I downloaded a new resource to my iPod - the Mosaic Bible. It is a New Living Translation Bible which has a "mosaic" of reference materials such as paintings, poetry, quotes from Christians throughout the centuries and from many continents ... a unique resource.

What I really *love* is the forward information.

"On our own we are little more than bits of stone and glass. Together we are the body of Christ."

"All too often we allow the here and now to dominate our lives and define who we are. But as Christians, we are each part of something much larger than simply the here and now. We are part of a mosaic - a patchwork of people, places, times, and cultures - that depicts one person: Jesus Christ.

The purpose of this Bible is to provide a way to encounter Christ on every continent and in every century of Christian history. Why? Because when this happens, God's profound and often unexpected work on behalf of his children becomes clear in new and exciting ways. It is important to see that the body of Christ is much bigger than the small piece we each experience in our everyday lives. ... It's not about the individual pieces, as important as they are. It is about the whole picture that emerges when all these pieces come together to form the beautiful mosaic that is God's church."

Such lovely thoughts. Makes my own little world less important and more important all at once. It is not all there is. And yet, my little world and influence are a part of how the world views Christ.

More information on the resource can be found at www.HolyBibleMosaic.com

Truth

The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.

Trust in the LORD forever. For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.

Isaiah 26:3,4 NASB

Blessed

Blessed I am.

Snuggled under a down lap blanket, hot coffee to my right, windows before me with birds chirping happily at the feeder - I am in my favorite spot. In the bedroom, on the love seat facing the yard, reading, sipping, journaling, and working through my current Bible study workbook.

Having been away at a hotel for a few days, I'm cognizant of the blessing of being snugged back in. The natural beauty of our woods feeds me, even in these last grey brown muddy days as we anticipate the green of spring. This luxurious pace soothes me. I need to emerge and go walking soon, to get some exercise and fresh air; but for now...I am still.

Two children have left for school. Another is up and laughing at the TV while having breakfast. One has not yet emerged from her cocoon of sleep. Blessed.

Work awaits. I'm at an odd place in career - I sense that I could jump in with both feet and find success. For my job, and my industry, I have what it takes. It's there waiting for me. And yet... would I be fulfilled at such a pace? Money and status versus time and balance. There is no *right* answer - it is a personal journey that can be coached but not taught. There is a different solution for each of us.

Likely these thoughts are swirling because of my recent travel partner. This woman, who I came to know quite well over 48 straight hours of car travel, is immensely successful in her career. Her husband is the home base for their two teens. She is one of the most balanced highly successful women that I have met. She had many sweet calls with kids - the checking in kinds of calls. She went running from our hotel. She spoke of neighbors, of church, and of times of refreshment in the woods they call their yard. She enjoys late night swims.

She was intrigued with me and my pursuits, but I could tell she didn't quite *get it.* She told me she thought I undersold myself - that I could do *more.* She was very appreciative of my studies and pursuits, but I sensed that she didn't quite think that my flexible schedule would maximize my efforts.

Well, yes, I could push. I could be at work right now rather than here reading and writing. I could be at work 60 hours a week, and paid well for it. Yes, she's right. I could do more. I could have ignored the opportunity today for lunch with Emily before she heads back to school from her spring break. I could have worked this morning to avoid the possibility of a few hours of catch up in the office on Saturday. Or I could have worked both days!

Women are given so many options, aren't we? We are the keepers of the home, the keepers of the children, the keepers of our goals and dreams, the keepers of relationships, and the increasingly, the keepers of the workplace. A priority must be to be the keeper of balance in the very precious gift of 24 hours each day. Conscious choice. Choose where to invest my minutes.

I'm thankful for options. I realize that not everyone has them. But even as full time workers, or single moms, each woman still has the opportunity to balance the remaining time. We need to nurture all parts of us: physical, spiritual, intellectual, social... we each have 24 hours. With the options I have, I still struggle to find the right combination, and not *waste* any precious minutes. Sitting and staring at my bird feeder is not a waste. Sitting and staring at the internet - that might be. Balance. Choices. Moment by moment.

Well, now it's time for 20 more minutes in the Word. And then 30 minutes on the pavement walking and listening to the birds. Often I listen to a 30 minute podcast on my iPod while I walk, but today I might just listen to the birds - live and in person.

Enjoy your Friday. Take a minute, or ten, to put your feet up and stare out the window at the wonder of spring. Go for a walk around the block at lunch time. The pause that refreshes...thinking time...I highly recommend it!

Quiet

I've been rather quiet here lately. Sorry.

It's been an introspective period. I'm not sure I've ever spent more time in Bible study, journaling in various journals, and just taking time to pray and think. It's been good. Good and quiet.

Enjoy the photo above...it's time to think spring.

I'll write soon. Very soon.

The Principle of the Path

This morning I did something I've never done before. I went to Joyce Meyer's website and watched her TV show. I had noticed in a magazine that Andy Stanley was on her show on February 15th, and I wanted to see him. My husband has been receptive to his teaching at men's group, so my interest had been piqued.

The website it here. You go there and then scroll to February 15th on that horizontal strip of tv images below the big black box.

Andy Stanley is Charles Stanley's son. And a pastor. And an author.

The simplicity of the message of their discussion really hit me today. I took notes (of course) and the two quotes that resonated with me the most are here:

"Direction, not intention, determines destination." -Andy Stanley

"Make decisions today that you're going to be happy with tomorrow!" - Joyce Meyer

If you find yourself "stuck" in any area of life, I suggest you invest 25 minutes in this show. I also watched February 14th - fabulous guest speaker from the UK (handsome AND a great accent) speaking about living in the world. His message was that we need to have an interesting and well rounded life in order to be a part of non-christians' worlds too. No holy huddles. He makes a point of being interested in people's stories. Just like Jesus.

Good stuff. Wow there's a lot of good stuff on the web.

And now, in the spirit of doing something for which I'll be glad tomorrow, I'm going to [walk right past the doughnuts and] go to the health club! Happy Friday!

Books Books Books

Oh my. I am sitting outside the orthodontist’s office, reading an e-book on my laptop. Oh my.

On Sunday at Barnes & Noble, during my wandering time, I happened upon the Nook. I’m thinking that the makers of the Nook and Kindle and the like are attempting to make quick sales in light of Apple’s impending iPad. Barnes & Noble has an army of sales people with NOOK ribbons. A saleslady asked me if I'd like to hear about it.

Of course I would. Me, who takes more books than clothes on vacation? Me, who takes books TO the bookstore just in case I don’t find the right one to peruse there? Me, the gal who had the three inch thick Theology book in her airplane carry on bag? (ya...true story)

[At the pool in Scottsdale, a 50ish man was flanked by late teen/early twenties girls - assuming daughters - each sporting a Kindle. Those girls read there for hours with their slim and sleek little readers. I must be getting old. I didn’t envy their slim and sleek bodies as much as their sexy little book readers…]

Well, since I’m an Apple gal now, I’ll wait for the iPad. But the NOOK was intriguing. At one point the saleslady made the side remark...that the books downloaded from B&N could be read on an iPod, a Blackberry, and a laptop. Um...I have all of those. I had downloaded a book onto my iPod before, and while VERY handy, it’s a bit...small. But my laptop? WHEW.

And so, rather than buy the book I was looking at, I downloaded it. And here it is on my Mac. I just turned to page one. Immediately I wanted to highlight something, and VOILA… I can! And I can make notes. It's very very simple.

Oh my. Oh my. Oh my. My laptop is usually with me, and now there will be books to read, whereever I am, without pre-thought and without adding weight and bulk to my bag. I hope some of my friends catch on to this, because you can "lend" electronic books too - for three weeks they are available to a friend but not to you on your computer. AMAZING.

I’m gonna love this.