God wrecked my life...

It was May 2015. I sat in the kitchen of my friend's home. It was her birthday. Friends gathered around a beautiful hand crafted wood table and we celebrated her.

Birthday conversation turned into a conversation about what was on her heart: a blog she'd recently read by Ann Voskamp. It wrecked her and she shared how she was learning to process all she now knew. That night and many times since she has acknowledged, "You can't un-see what you have seen."

After the birthday shenanigans, I went to my car, preparing to drive home, but first... I pulled up the blog.

Ann's blog was about Yezidi women and their children, living in Iraq in shipping containers. The stories were gut-wrenching. The suffering, the loss and the violation these children experienced made me sick to my stomach.

In Iraq, Christian and Yezidi girls (ages 1-9) were being sold for a mere $172. That's less than a trip to Costco for me, or a really nice Harvey's Seat Belt Bag.

Often, these little girls, after being married off, sometimes over 20 times... were forced to have "surgery," believed to restore their virginity, so they can be sold off again... this time as a virgin.

Ill. I was physically ill. It is the 21st century, and human beings are still treating others so viciously, so violently and so inhumane.

That was the turning point for me.

From that day on I have been on a journey to love the "other." I have been on a journey to be with people different from me. I promised myself that I will advocate for and be in community with the oppressed, the lost, the forgotten, the orphan and the foreigner. I committed to waging peace, in my home, my family, my neighborhood, my community and my world.

Because here's the deal... all people on this planet were created by God. All people on this planet, whether you believe it or not, are loved by God. He loves you as much as He loves me. That mean's we are the same, you and I. We are loved equally and passionately by the Creator of the universe.

As the days passed I held close to that disturbing blog. I couldn't let it slip my mind for fear I would go back to my middle class, suburban home and get caught up in the laundry and the school lunches, and the impending Sandals vacation. I promised myself I would never forget.

Seemingly overnight, my quiet time became times of prayer, asking the Lord, "what am I supposed to do?" How can I justify my life and the things I have and want knowing nine year old girls are living in shipping containers and are sold for less than a pair of Nike shoes?

If I was willing, there would be no going back. In the pit of my stomach I knew...somehow these bold prayers would wreck my life. And it did.

God wrecked my life.

God has wrecked my how I spend my money. I've allotted portions of each paycheck to sponsor boys and girls through Compassion and Food for the Hungry. These kiddos have captured my heart and taught me more about sacrifice than I ever imagined.

God has wrecked my retirement plans. Suddenly working for days for a future of rest, golf, beaches and margaritas suddenly isn't so appealing any more. I find myself dreaming about my next trip to the farm fields in the Middle East where water is scarce, not because it's literally scarce but because water is withheld from neighbors over conflicts in water agreements. 

God has wrecked my vacation plans. Suddenly a trip to Jordan to serve in a refugee camp with my kids or sitting in the homes of undocumented workers and sharing a meal is more appealing that an all-inclusive vacation to the Caribbean.

God has wrecked my shopping habits, as I have begun to trade in my big-box shopping lists for that of fair trade items. And He's wrecked my social media time as I have shied away from popular and loud news outlets and now prefer that of NGO's making real progress in the world for peace. 

I have given up my craft room, (first world problems, I know), to make space for displaced loved ones, a foster child and a new friend, no, a new family member, from across the globe. Each vacancy in that room gives me a chance to clean and pray for the next inhabitant. Only the Lord knows who'll lay their head there next. When they show up, we'll be waiting.

God has wrecked everything... and it's more than I could have ever asked for.

It's Messy

Meals are messy. Legitimately messy. Recently I had dinner planned in my home with friends, where children outnumbered the adults. As we made our way into the dining room to a table lit with candles and dishes strategically set with matching plate chargers, I heard a voice from the other room…

“Are you sure you want the children eating spaghetti sauce on your carpet?”

And just like that, the candles were blown out and we made our way to “normal” and very un-fancy kitchen table, with remnants of chunky peanut butter from breakfast, crusted on the table. This is not how I imagined the meal going.

Messy.

Maybe you’ve experienced it. The collateral damage left from opening your home to friends and strangers alike. Cilantro smeared on the floor, Kool-Aid spilled on the carpet, a grease stain on your favorite blouse. Can I get an Amen? And I grumble about it. Shocking, I know. 

But then I realized something…

All of this is overshadowed by the community and nourishment which comes from being around a table together. When you open your home, you are inviting people to come, messiness and all. They bring the messiness of life, relationships, financial struggles, and more. They are bringing it to you, friend. What an honor you have to sit in the mess with others.

Jesus shared a table with hundreds of people during His ministry: disciples, tax collectors and more.

One messy dinner occurred when Jesus set a table for Peter after the Resurrection. If you recall, Jesus foretold that Peter would deny Jesus three times, (see Matthew 26: 31-35). Peter does in fact deny Him, (Luke 22: 60-62).

Jesus is about to appear to Peter. But first, Jesus prepares a table for Peter, at the beach no less, (that’s how I want to enjoy dinner with my Savoir!) Fish roasting on the fire, fresh baked bread, burning coals to keep them warm. And Jesus speaks.

“Come and have breakfast.”

This is the first time Peter and Jesus have a conversation since Peter’s denial. How fitting that they would sit together and share a meal as they resolve what happened.

During this meal, Jesus actually launches Peter into ministry during this meal. It’s pretty incredible. Read John 21:15-25.

Around 30 years after this messy meal, Peter is now teaching us what he witnessed firsthand from Jesus.

The early church met together and ate. And it’s messy. It’s work, but it is never in vain. Paul commands us to sit together and wait for one another. “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.” 1 Corinthians 11:33.

When you sit around the table with others, you offer them (and yourself) a moment of rest. Don’t rush, honor one another by waiting until everyone has gathered. The purpose of gathering around a table together is not just for the physical satisfaction of a meal.

When you share your story of messiness, you set the tone for others to share their stories too. You can share how God works in your messiness and what sin and grace look like.

Suddenly, messy meals don’t look quite so messy. It looks beautiful.

Sharing a meal together is more than the perfectly baked cake, a clean home and fancy dishes or centerpieces.

It is providing a space for the Spirit of God to move in people. Every table setting, cooked meal and washed dish helps others feel loved and welcome, and God’s Spirit begins to move.

Have you ever used excuses to justify not entertaining others in your home? If so, write them down.

When is the last time you opened your home to others?

What two or three things can you do this week, initiate sharing a meal with others?

I'm a Follower of Jesus

“I’m a follower of Jesus.”

I never expected to hear those words from a devout Muslim. These words were not uttered quietly or nervously but proudly proclaimed, to a room full of Christians, Muslims and Jews. 

What’s more… it wasn’t just one man who announced this. During my week at the National Prayer Breakfast, numerous people of different faiths boldly confessed they are followers of Jesus, and followed his teachings.

In fact, I have never heard the word “Jesus” more than I did that week in Washington DC.

I attended the National Prayer Breakfast, all the festivities leading up to and following the breakfast with a handful of people from Central and a few thousand religious leaders, government leaders and politicians from over 140 countries.

This gathering, started over 60 years ago, is made up of people who agree to pray for world leaders, and to come together on the things we have in common… mainly, the teachings of Jesus.

While not all religions understand Jesus as grace and salvation, most accept him as a prophet, or at least a pretty great teacher.

When we meet at tables with others who look different, sound different, dress different and worship different from us, it is easy to assume we have nothing in common.

My world was rocked when I heard the way Muslims talked about Jesus. They shared about their love, honor and respect they have for him. I heard things like:

“I love Jesus.”

“You aren’t a Muslim if you don’t love Jesus.”

“Growing up in Islam, I missed Jesus in the Qur’an. But now, I see he is everywhere in the Qur’an.” 

The thought crossed my mind, “these Muslims might love Jesus more than most Christians!”

Yikes! How does that make you feel? Are you uncomfortable? Are you outraged? Are you regrettably shaking your head in agreement?

Here’s the deal, I’m not out to incite anger or uproar, but… Our Muslim friends and neighbors are open to hearing about the Jesus we love. They are already loving, serving, encouraging and praying for one another, as Jesus commands. They are open to hearing that salvation comes through him and not by works. They are anxious to talk about him.

The last commandment Jesus gave his followers is Matthew 28:19-20. 

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you until the end of the age.”

As followers of Jesus, we should be pretty passionate about this. When Jesus says “all nations,” he means ALL NATIONS. All people groups, all cultures, all faiths. People across the globe and people across the street.

No one is exempt from this command.

When questioned, Jesus also summed up all of the Old Testament laws in two commands, check out Matthew 22: 36-40:

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

It’s pretty clear, right? So, now what?

• Ask the Holy Spirit for help. Ask for eyes to see all people as beings created in the image of God. Ask for discernment to know whom Jesus needs you to spend some extra time with each day. Ask for any blind spots, hardness or un-forgiveness in your heart to be revealed to you and be ready to address them.
• Create margin in your life. Shop slower. Walk to your mailbox instead of driving by on the way home. Move some patio furniture to your front porch and read your newspaper, mail or enjoy coffee there instead of inside. Slow down and put yourself in situations to run into others.
• Greet everyone! Make eye contact and smile at everyone you pass. Take time to really see people.
• Invite people to your table. Meals are not just for physical nourishment. More soul nourishment happens around a shared meal than we can ever completely comprehend. If you cannot invite people to your table, get creative. Meet at a park, at a coffee shop, pick up take-out and head to the neighbors or a community center to meet up with others, or venture out and grab dinner at a restaurant together.
• Start conversations. You have already asked the Holy Spirit for help and created margin in your day, so now you have time to engage in conversation with any of these people who made need more of you today. 

     Who, in your neighborhood, place of work or local hangout is open to talking about Jesus? What if all they are waiting for is someone like you to start the conversation?

~ Becky

 

Finding Simplicity

Tired and busy are two words which have hijacked my vocabulary. I am very conscious when I use either of those words and I am terribly irritated when I let them slip out, (which has only happened once today. Yay me.) 

Mainly because tired and busy are each a self-inflicted state of being. I'm busy because I have either consciously or subconsciously not managed my calendar well, and I'm tired, because, well, I have either consciously or subconsciously not managed my calendar well. 

This is why finding simplicity is my goal this year. 

Longer walks, conversations that linger, margin in my day to be available to others and quiet time to hear from God. I know I can do this. 

I have found in my two short weeks of finding simplicity that it's not so much simple that I crave, but light. Lightness, the opposite of heavy. 

When I am tired and/or busy, things feel heavy. My feet are heavy and my body hardly has the strength to put one foot in front of the other. My counter tops are weighed down by the papers telling me what to do and who to pay. 

I would even venture to argue that dust is heavy. For reals. You didn't see the amount of dust I cleaned from behind the vase on my dresser last week!

When I am tired and/or busy I laugh less, hustle more, and have unrealistic expectations of those around me. After all, if I'm hustling, certainly you should hustle with me. (I'm only half-kidding).

A life of simplicity doesn't mean living a life without. 

"A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life." Proverbs 13:7

A life of simplicity means I get to fill it with Jesus. And I'm trying.

If you want to join me, try this: spend 20 minutes of solitude with Jesus each day. 

• Find a space that is peaceful and without distraction. 
• Get into a posture where you'll be comfortable to 20 minutes. (On your knees sounds like a great idea for about 17 seconds! A comfy chair high enough to support my head is my go-to choice.) 
• I suggest limiting music or any versions of audio prayers. The point is to hear His voice, not the voice of others. 
• Resist the urge to start talking. What if you were quiet and allowed Him to speak first? 
• Don't bail! Twenty minutes sounds like a long time, but you can do it! In my experience, 12-15 minutes in is when it gets good. If you bail early, you may miss what God has in store for you. 

I never, ever, walk away from time with my Savior tired, heavy or weighed down with burdens. Never. 

My bet? You won't either. 

Simplicity: Soup

On my journey to live a life of simplicity this year, I am on the hunt for recipes which offer simple preparation while it providing the greatest nourishment for my soul and my body. 

After three days down with "The Crud," (can I capitalize that? I feel like he's a very unwelcome guest), I hadn't eaten in days and knew I needed to put something in my body besides Tylenol PM and DayQuil. 

A sweet text from the hubby asking if he could get me anything while at the grocery store was my invitation... without delay, I googled simple soup recipes. I found a soup that required only two ingredients... cauliflower and bone broth. 

It can't be more simple than that!

Because I don't believe in a meal without butter. I threw some butter in there for good measure. 

This soup was incredible! Please know, this creamy bowl of heaven got me through some of the harshest days of fever, cough and body aches. It was easy to make, between coughing fits and rest breaks from standing up too long. Not to mention the health benefits of organic bone broth, (have you heard about this stuff? If not, google it right now. Don't worry, I'll wait right here.)

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
1 head of cauliflower, trimmed, cut into florets
1 1/2 cups of bone broth (organic, or pull some out of your freezer, because you know... you make your own. More on that to come.)
1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions:
Fill a dutch oven or large pot, with water and place cauliflower inside. Make sure water covers all the cauliflower. 
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer around 15 minutes. Check florets with a fork to make sure they are tender.

Drain pot and move cauliflower to a food processor. Add bone broth and butter. Blend well. 
If you can't fit it all in the food processor at once, start with half the cauliflower and bone broth, then repeat. 

Sprinkle a little salt and pepper into the food processor and mix thoroughly. Keep salt and pepper handy, as you'll season to taste once you pour your bowl.

Voila! And... you're welcome. 

Simplicity

2017 started by committing myself to one word... Intention.

I committed to simple acts of living that would make a difference in my life, my family and those around me. I hope those closest to me noticed, but for myself, as I reflected on 2017, I know that living with intention marked my decisions, my interactions, and the things I spent the most time doing.

Last year was littered with the loss of family and friends, yet new friendships were woven in between losses. Last year we faced financial challenges and watched as God is faithful during the waiting. Last year we rose to the call of intentional discipleship and peacemaking and we gratefully and joyfully are watching the fruits of those encounters.

2017 was hard, there's no denying it. But in the difficulties, I found that on my knees was sometimes the safest and most hopeful times of my year.

Now as I usher in 2018, I can't escape the word "simplicity."

I can't continue living a life of intention without letting go of the clutter around me. The clutter on my calendar and on my counter tops. The chaos in my Tupperware drawer and in my soul.

While chaos, mess and general hodge-podgeyness (yes, I made that up) are somewhat of "buzz" words, I am spending 2018 resting in what Jesus has taught me.

When I am weary and in need of rest... turn to Him. (Matthew 11:28)
When I am feeling empty and alone... He will carry me. (Isaiah 46:4)
When my calendar and to-do list literally take over my life... I will be still. (Psalm 46:10)

So here's to 2018. A year I trust will be filled with fireplace conversations, invitations to the table for stories and soul nourishment, family board games, simple meal planning, a withdraw from technology overload and good 'ole fashion homesteading.

May you find a life of simplicity in 2018.