I am a huge fan of this author. She pointed me in the direction of some ancient spiritual disciplines with her previous book, "Invitation to Solitude and Silence", several years ago. It gave me the desire to be more of a contemplative, than a "doer"; admitting that all of my "works" were nothing if I didn't have a listening, yearning heart.
Because of my position on the Navigation Team at church, I picked up this book to "re-boot" as a leader because I had been out of the mainstream of leadership since our departure from full-time ministry in 2013. Ruth bases this book on Moses' life and leadership, which I love. I have always been a fan of character studies, and she develops this fully. Her basic premise is that we not simply give lip service to prayer, but we develop rhythms of solitude (as did Moses) and lead out of those sacred silences. As we are transformed in the stillness, God gives great freedom to lead. The chapter on "Finding God's Will Together" was particularly insightful as we head into such a season at our church; but the most compelling was the last chapter "Reenvisioning the Promised Land". Speaking directly to my heart as I have been struggling with my "next" role; she brings us to Moses' last days, how he stands on the mountain and looks over the Promised Land, which he can't enter. Am I at the place of utter contentment with where God has me? Am I longing to be with Him? Do I really need one more "hurrah"? Can I simply live these remaining days in serving in simple ways, not being a mover & shaker? Not called to an activism or "bigger" purpose (such as refugee care?). Am I done with such things? I don't know--but the author gives me the challenge to let some dreams go (as Moses let go of his desire to physically lead the people into the land), and lean into Him, resting in areas of service with calm and serenity, not striving or angst. I Timothy 6:6: "But godliness with contentment is great gain".
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Monday, May 29, 2017
Just a building?
Stately and solid on the main four corners of town it sits. Renovated in 1953 after a fire demolished its upper floors, it became Kalamazoo Savings and Loan, where my parents secured a $5500 loan to expand our small home in 1957, as more babies were anticipated. Of course, at age 6, I wasn't necessarily interested in this bank...until a few years later when my mother insisted that each of us kids open an account so we could begin "saving". It seemed like an austere and pristine place, with high ceilings--it evoked the need to be on your best behavior, and speak in whispers to the tellers as you stood on tippy toes to hand over the money and the "book".
Now as I relax in this same building, "Mezzo Coffee", drinking my tea infused pineapple coconut smoothie; I reminisce. It was here that I deposited those checks and tips from my work at Judy's Restaurant. It was here that I emptied my account each fall before heading back to college, tuition payment in hand. It was here that I returned to apply for employment as a teller after getting married and needing some supplemental income. It was here that my first pregnancy terminated, as I turned with stricken face to Manager Loretta Kling when my water broke at 13 weeks.
Today our town is mourning the loss of Kathy Misner, mover and shaker of Otsego. When we returned almost 20 years ago, this building had become Decorator's Plus. It was here that I met Kathy for the first time. It was here that I came for advice on our new home, insisting that we buy expensive Benjamin Moore paint, much to my husband's chagrin! It was here that I requested Kathy's help to visit my home and give me some new ideas, as she did for hundreds of people.
And now, it is here that I rest and remember. Sue Cramer named this spot "Mezzo", referring to "middle". Middle of town, middle of activity, middle of life. She bought this building from Kathy to carry on the tradition of life in Otsego. Life in a community of people. A community that shares history, a community that remembers people, a community that comes together over coffee.
This building has fostered life and community and growth...it is not "just" a building.
Now as I relax in this same building, "Mezzo Coffee", drinking my tea infused pineapple coconut smoothie; I reminisce. It was here that I deposited those checks and tips from my work at Judy's Restaurant. It was here that I emptied my account each fall before heading back to college, tuition payment in hand. It was here that I returned to apply for employment as a teller after getting married and needing some supplemental income. It was here that my first pregnancy terminated, as I turned with stricken face to Manager Loretta Kling when my water broke at 13 weeks.
Today our town is mourning the loss of Kathy Misner, mover and shaker of Otsego. When we returned almost 20 years ago, this building had become Decorator's Plus. It was here that I met Kathy for the first time. It was here that I came for advice on our new home, insisting that we buy expensive Benjamin Moore paint, much to my husband's chagrin! It was here that I requested Kathy's help to visit my home and give me some new ideas, as she did for hundreds of people.
And now, it is here that I rest and remember. Sue Cramer named this spot "Mezzo", referring to "middle". Middle of town, middle of activity, middle of life. She bought this building from Kathy to carry on the tradition of life in Otsego. Life in a community of people. A community that shares history, a community that remembers people, a community that comes together over coffee.
This building has fostered life and community and growth...it is not "just" a building.
Saturday, May 20, 2017
The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman
I was excited to read this book, as my appetite had been whetted by advertisements for the movie. After reading the last two WWII novels, this was somewhat of a let down--not because of the great content and the very meticulous recording of details by the author--but because it read like a textbook, a bit devoid of the emotion and feelings of the characters. It made me realize that I need the "storybook tale" not just the stark facts.
Antonina was a generous and gifted woman, truly humble and unassuming as she went about her very unusual life during WWII in Warsaw. Her insights about animals and people, her sixth sense of danger, and her ability to courageously speak and act as if she were in a very normal setting--all worked together in her life to save over 300 Jewish "guests" at the Warsaw Zoo. I particularly enjoyed the human element of the various characters and how they managed to escape the trains or the slaughters by the ruthless Germans. Over and over, the resilient spirits that God gave to these people, in the face of brutality, oppression and fear; left me in amazement.
Antonina was a generous and gifted woman, truly humble and unassuming as she went about her very unusual life during WWII in Warsaw. Her insights about animals and people, her sixth sense of danger, and her ability to courageously speak and act as if she were in a very normal setting--all worked together in her life to save over 300 Jewish "guests" at the Warsaw Zoo. I particularly enjoyed the human element of the various characters and how they managed to escape the trains or the slaughters by the ruthless Germans. Over and over, the resilient spirits that God gave to these people, in the face of brutality, oppression and fear; left me in amazement.
April Musings @ Nazareth
An intentional date with Jesus~ three hours of listening, singing, observing, smelling, hearing, touching; it was walking slowly with a Friend, being in the moment, give and take. As I headed to the prayer labyrinth on this cloudless perfect day, I came across a dead, brittle lifeless tree...and stopped. Having just "sat" in John 15-17, my head was full of "the Spirit gives life...if there is no life, there is no Spirit". What a clear picture of what happens to my soul when deadness creeps in--empty, stark, ready to fall or give up, form but no substance.
My senses were heightened as I continued on the prayer path--and next discovered a half-dead pine. One half seemed to be turned to the sun, with green growth while the other side held barren branches buried in another growing tree. What are you saying to me, Lord? Is this also me sometimes? A kind of half hearted life, desiring the growth--but not always leaning into Jesus? Sitting on the fence of my blessed life, but not always living the freedom or not straining hard to hear His words more clearly...perhaps leaning into someone else's growth, or into my past years of growth?
OK, Lord--you have my attention! Anticipating, searching, sitting on the edge of my seat--and there it was: a perfect tree, full of light green buds shooting out, stretching upward, excited to be fully in bloom soon...as April was turning into May. Oh wow, can my life be like this? Is it possible to be so alive to the Holy Spirit that my "blooming" is more visible than I ever realize? My head so believes this-- that there is abundant & overflowing life, transformed by the Spirit; touch my heart, let me SEE your work, and feel your energy, your LIFE. Grow me into that green tree.
My senses were heightened as I continued on the prayer path--and next discovered a half-dead pine. One half seemed to be turned to the sun, with green growth while the other side held barren branches buried in another growing tree. What are you saying to me, Lord? Is this also me sometimes? A kind of half hearted life, desiring the growth--but not always leaning into Jesus? Sitting on the fence of my blessed life, but not always living the freedom or not straining hard to hear His words more clearly...perhaps leaning into someone else's growth, or into my past years of growth?
OK, Lord--you have my attention! Anticipating, searching, sitting on the edge of my seat--and there it was: a perfect tree, full of light green buds shooting out, stretching upward, excited to be fully in bloom soon...as April was turning into May. Oh wow, can my life be like this? Is it possible to be so alive to the Holy Spirit that my "blooming" is more visible than I ever realize? My head so believes this-- that there is abundant & overflowing life, transformed by the Spirit; touch my heart, let me SEE your work, and feel your energy, your LIFE. Grow me into that green tree.
Monday, May 8, 2017
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
As I read books, I am always looking for the reference as to why/how the author titled the book; so assumed that it was named after Isabelle, who was code-named the Nightingale for her many nocturnal ambulatory flights over the mountains to aid British pilots downed in France during World War II. But this reference was only one aspect of the title.
Sisters Vianne and Isabelle had a rocky relationship, mostly due to the death of their mother in their youth--Isabelle felt rejected by both her sister and father when she desperately needed their love and care. Because she needed purpose and a "cause" she actively sought how to make a difference in this terrible war, knowing that this was in direct opposition to Vianne's need for security, sameness and protection for her daughter.
As the story plays out, from a flashback perspective of Vianne's memories, it turns out that the daughters and the father all became key players in their opposition efforts to the Nazis--they just were not aware of each others' activities. Julius used his skills to create illegal papers and propaganda; Izzy choosing to assist hundreds across the border; and Vi, after much loss and hardship, began working with the Church to save Jewish children.
An outstanding read, realizing that "Nightingale" also signifies love and loss --so much loss in each character's life, but reconciliations made to one another before it was too late. The theme of love recurring: love of family, love of France, love of the church, love of Truth. Again, I am always wondering if I am strong enough to stand for Truth--would I risk my life or my family's lives to aid and assist, or to stand against our government if they chose against Biblical principles....or would I be blinded and hesitate as did Vianne?
Sisters Vianne and Isabelle had a rocky relationship, mostly due to the death of their mother in their youth--Isabelle felt rejected by both her sister and father when she desperately needed their love and care. Because she needed purpose and a "cause" she actively sought how to make a difference in this terrible war, knowing that this was in direct opposition to Vianne's need for security, sameness and protection for her daughter.
As the story plays out, from a flashback perspective of Vianne's memories, it turns out that the daughters and the father all became key players in their opposition efforts to the Nazis--they just were not aware of each others' activities. Julius used his skills to create illegal papers and propaganda; Izzy choosing to assist hundreds across the border; and Vi, after much loss and hardship, began working with the Church to save Jewish children.
An outstanding read, realizing that "Nightingale" also signifies love and loss --so much loss in each character's life, but reconciliations made to one another before it was too late. The theme of love recurring: love of family, love of France, love of the church, love of Truth. Again, I am always wondering if I am strong enough to stand for Truth--would I risk my life or my family's lives to aid and assist, or to stand against our government if they chose against Biblical principles....or would I be blinded and hesitate as did Vianne?
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