Category: Uncategorized

Fall Uphill

My husband has been riding motorcycles since he was a preschooler.  His bike is just an appendage, maneuvering it is as natural has walking and breathing. The world rocketing past in a blur brings him rest and restoration. Testing his agility and speed against others, that’s part of the exhilaration. Years ago when he began racing, one of the more seasoned riders always broadcast at the starting line, “If you’re gonna fall, fall uphill.” There’s a phenomena, called off-camber, every rider must learn to overcome. It is not always practical or possible to go straight up or down a mountain side. While winding up a trail the rider must fight gravity pulling him and his bike down the mountain. The trick is to concentrate on leaning toward the uphill, keeping the bike moving and finding secure places to put your feet down if you absolutely must stop.

The summer after we were married Keith surprised me with a small dirt bike to call my very own.  Who needs roses and chocolate? I smiled the bewildered smile of a woman wondering where the white picket fences were hiding, but I hopped on and kick started that little machine anyway.  Keith had dreamed of wedded bliss where he and I, husband and wife, would spend endless hours riding through the backroads and forests of places far and near.  Me? Climbing roses on white fences!!!!  But I also desired to be Keith’s dream girl. Three days after receiving my gas burning bundle of fun, I was carried to the mountainous countryside near Greers Ferry Lake, Arkansas.  The trails were predominantly narrow, with a steep bluff to one side and mountain side to the other.  I was frightened and overwhelmed. Keith just kept saying, if you start to fall, fall uphill.  Ummmmm. Thanks, but WHAT?!

There was a huge gap between Keith’s practiced and perfected ability to spot and plan for events that would need feet on the ground and my inexperience. I was so engulfed in the many functions of shifting gears, balancing, correcting speed and avoiding immovable obstacles that I panicked and made many mistakes.  My bike spent more time on its side with me kicking dust in frustration, than it did flying through the woods as Keith had imagined. It was disappointing and painful for both of us. To put it gently, I failed terribly at biking.

The trick to remaining upright and moving forward is leaning toward safety and security, and putting your feet on something stable. Successful Christian living is the same.

           Turn you ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Psalm 31:2-3

People that live victoriously aren’t just the lucky ones.  They work hard at making strong choices, always knowing where they’re heading and making sure they are focused on higher, solid ground.

I would like to add, while the racers are out in the wilderness chasing the wind, no rider ever goes down helpless and hurt except that many stop and assist, or in some instances, comfort until medical professionals arrive. At the end of the day, someone always brings the injured rider’s personal gear to the truck, securing it and getting it all home.  Why? Because you just don’t let bad things happen when you have the power to help.

When the way becomes treacherous, find The Rock and solid footing. Fall uphill and if you miss, good and capable help is on the way.

Blessings,

Gretchen

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.  Philemon 1:7

It was the practice of the conquering Roman army to capture the brightest and best among indigenous peoples and sell them into slavery.  Such was probably the case for Onesimus, slave of Philemon, a wealthy, prominent citizen, friend and convert of Paul’s. 

This single chapter book tells the story of Onesimus, who stole money from his master and ran away.  Probably out of money and destitute, he went searching for Paul while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. Onesimus became a Christian and Paul loved him like a son, but they both knew he was the legal property of Philemon. Even though there were great consequences for runaway slaves, the decision was made to do the ethical and Christian thing, Onesimus must humble himself and return to his rightful owner, trusting Philemon will do the right thing and give him his freedom and make him a brother in Christ rather than one man’s captive.

Peace among people is more important than property. Paul decision was centered relationships rather than the legal system. He trusted Philemon, a man sharing his same faith, would act in love and mercy, proving that the human Onesimus was far more important than enslaving someone for personal gains.

Never underestimate the power of your single act of love. People everywhere are watching and it just might be the game changer they’ve been looking for.

Happy Weekend!

Gretchen

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I Corinthians 2:1-2

Corinth was in the vicinity of Athens. The people of this ‘Modern’ metropolis considered themselves to be thinkers and philosophers rivaling those of Greece.  Paul himself was a scholar, a pharisee, an educated Jewish man.  This new testament church was not lacking in cognitive ability.  How can this be a bad thing? Well, there was no consistent place to meet in large groups corporately, so people divided into small groups and met in homes under various leaders.  Theology was discussed and debated and suddenly the small stuff was bigger than the only thing that really mattered, a Risen Savior.

Humility, an important commodity in short supply, goes the distance when giving witness to the things Christ has done. Knowledge is a tremendous asset but it is only the beginning of wisdom. Paul’s intellect did not lead him to the mission field of gentiles, his ‘up close and personal’ encounter with God did.

The only thing that really matters is this: Jesus is the Son of God and by His own choice, made Himself a sacrifice, to die for the sins of all mankind.  He rose from the dead, securing victory over sin and death and assuring eternal life for all who believe.

Salvation does not come with title, I.Q. or charisma, but faith alone. And that IS all that matters!

Love,

Gretchen

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate, when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. I Peter 2:23-25

Tradition tells that Peter, like Christ, was crucified, although there is no confirming documentation.  However, the early Christians in and around Rome suffered tremendously under Nero’s persecution. These new converts had given up the cult religions of their families and communities. Their new faith was complicated by the grief of persecution and its friends, doubt and desperation. Peter reminds them hope is found in a Savior that suffered most and a God that knows best.

It is a great step of faith to allow God’s justice to play out, both for the believer who’s hope is in eternity and that same believer who is exploited, neglected or compromised daily on earth.  We spend great energy and resources tending to humanity’s perception of equality and justice. Man is often short sighted, far sighted or just completely wrong and will never perfect something only God can. 

Christians are called to walk this earth as upright, model citizens, making no excuses with or for prejudice and abuse. Our behavior represents and therefore, should reflect the One who gave Himself into the hands of God’s great plan, wisdom, love and justice.

Love,

Gretchen

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Matthew 28:5-6

The Jewish sabbath is observed from sunset to sunset, Friday through Saturday. Jesus’ body might have hung in public through the sabbath had it not been for Joseph of Arimathea, who asked for His body.  He hurriedly wrapped it in a clean cloth and placed Jesus in his own family’s newly carved tomb, before evening arrived. There was no time to thoroughly prepare the body for burial as Jewish law did not allow for this once the sabbath had begun.

Early on the morning after the sabbath, Mary Magdalene and another Mary went to pay respect and begin washing and embalming the body of their friend. They were distraught, but intent on leaving Jesus in a dignified state of permanent burial. Instead they found an angel, Heaven’s divine messenger, in human form, delivering the news that Jesus is risen, He is not dead. 

I like to think that because women’s minds have the ability to multitask, God knew they would quickly recognize and connect the dots of past prophecy, present events and hope to the future, and this is why He gave these two servants the precious authority to begin the perpetuation of Good News.  It’s really irrelevant, Jesus was not in the tomb, but waiting to greet those who believe, and He still is today.  He is Risen!

He is Risen Indeed!

Gretchen

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When He had said this, He breathed His last.” The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” Luke 23:46-47

Throughout the humiliation and injustice of Jesus’ conviction and sentence, He held no resentment.  He displayed self-control when praying for those who murdered Him and offered kindness, grace and mercy to those present.  After facing down the pains of hell, so that we would never have to, Jesus breathed His last and returned to His Father.

The threat of our sin and the darkness of our imminent death was broken. Satan was defeated once and for all! Heaven and nature responded.  The inanimate earth shook, a curtain was torn and the graves of the righteous opened (Matthew 27:51-52). God gave a grand salute and welcomed His Son home.

We stir the air with simple words, but on this day over 2,000 years ago, a thief joined Jesus in paradise and a soldier became a believer, all because love meant more than heartache and suffering.  Yes, Heaven rejoiced and it hasn’t stopped since!!!!!

You are Loved!

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Luke 23:44-45

Devised for cruelty by a hard hearted and inhumane age, death by crucifixion was torturous.  The victim often hung for days before death came, serving as an object lesson for all who passed by. For Jesus, it was over in approximately six hours.  Within that time He was offered a stupefying gall to ease His pain. He chose to remain clear headed. He asked forgiveness for those who persecuted and mocked Him, gave eternal life to a thief hanging beside Him,  and secured an earthly home for His mother. He loved!

So that Jesus’ act of atonement could be complete, God withdrew His presence and darkness fell. Human’s will never know an agony like the final hours on the cross, a literal hell on earth. It was meant to be this way so you and I never have to experience separation from God. He loved!

A curtain hung in the temple between the sanctuary and the Holy of Holies.  Once a year the High Priest would pass beyond the curtain and intercede for the sins of the people.  At the moment of Jesus’ death there was no longer the need for an intercessor. We now have direct access to God through His son Jesus the Christ. He loved!

The most incomprehensible injustice of all generations, brought about the most poignant giving of love man will ever know.  Ponder until you understand just how loved you are!

Happy Monday,

Gretchen

This is the complete, unauthorized accounting of my daughters’ response to perfect parenting. I suspect neither one of them reads my blog, which frees me to be totally biased and opinionated about things I could just leave alone, but won’t.

I gave birth to two exceptionally intelligent, strong and beautiful daughters.  From the moment they first drew breath I knew they were just what the world had been waiting for.  Naturally, I  made plans, followed by plans for the plans.  My vicarious dreams had no boundaries. Lucky for them, I had it all under control.

AND THEN……

Somewhere between the terrible twos and Kindergarten they demonstrated in action and deed, they were not in accord with my agenda. Thing 1 had no interest in looking like a catalogue mannequin every time she stepped out of the front door.  Thing 2 had no desire to engage in the many perfect playdates I choreographed. They each had a free will and they weren’t afraid to use it.

As Things 1 and 2 grew and matured I began to see the indelible blend of DNA on their personalities.  SCARY!!  Amongst all their talent and grace, they were a lot like their father and I. I did everything in my power to stop this generational spiral. They were meant to be greater than us, not like us!

AND THEN……

My children became ordinary.  Thing 1 spends hours in the dirt. She hated school, mornings, clothes that touched her funny and most anything else I consider moderately civilized. Thing 2 loves education, logic, order and the arts, but she can be annoying with her perfectionism. Still they had great potential to make their mother and father look like a really great parents if they would just cooperate!

AND THEN……

One sleepless night my adolescent child and her younger sister cried the tears of hopelessness.  They discovered vicious people take the lives of innocents and it’s hard to discern between friend or foe.  Terrified, they wanted all of us to stay close to home and create a cloistered world of surety and safety. 

AND THEN…….

I knew I had to build faith, not walls, not success, not grandeur, just a simple faith in the One that created them, loves them most and knows best.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23

These children of mine, so much like me, struggling with anxiety and depression, wondering if all their dreams will come true or whether life is vain, just as I did and still do, need only Jesus. I have great confidence that the God who found me in my despair will always be available to them in the same comforting and sustaining way and they will figure it out because….they really are exceptional in every way! And your children are too.

AND THEN…….

I look upon my girls and say, “Thank you!” followed with, “What were You thinking?” because they are brave, bold, and adventurous and I sometimes wish I had built those walls…….but not really.

Love,

Gretchen

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people. Ephesians 1:18

The focus of Ephesians is the character of the Church.  It is believed to have been a letter written by Paul, a prisoner in Rome, as a circular to many churches in the Ephesus area. These words from their very first writing were meant to give encouragement and show gratitude for Christian fellowship among those facing difficult circumstances in their daily faith journey.

The gift of salvation is just the beginning. Accessing the power of the resurrection and bringing Heaven to earth is what the church is called to do. 

Happy Weekend!

Gretchen

But they shouted, “Take Him away! Take Him away! Crucify Him!” “Shall I crucify you king?” Pilate asked, “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. John 19:15

The determination of mankind to halt God’s work of Grace is astounding. God’s infinite persistence to continually offer Grace is amazing!

The Sanhedrin was the ruling court for the Jewish people of Judea/Jerusalem. It had great power over civil issues, but was subject to Roman governors. This counsel consisted of elders, lawyers, Pharisees and Sadducees.  These men were far more interested in protecting their cultural and monetary advantages than acknowledging that Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus’ trial was highly unusual and technically invalid according to Jewish law!  There were no witnesses, it was done in the dark of night and the death sentence was pronounced and carried out immediately when the law says there is a waiting period of at least a day.

The offense Jesus was charged with was blasphemy, claiming He was the Son of God.  The very evidence that He was and is God’s Heir is what got the Jewish authority so angry and anxious about their own future.  Rome didn’t care who Jesus said He was so the Sanhedrin concocted the charge of sedition, the act of creating an uprising against the state. Still, Rome wasn’t all that worried, but the Jews would not stop until they forced the Roman judicial system to over look normal protocols and carry out the death sentence they wanted.

Evil was exhaustively determined to rid the world of this man called Jesus.  BUT!!!! The Good News, The Gospel……is the rest of the story, AN EMPTY TOMB and life everlasting!

Have a Lovely Friday!

Gretchen