Sheri's Thoughts on God

Who Is God .... And How Do I Find Him?

2009-07-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

The bible says that God:

*is Holy

*is All-knowing

*Understands Everything

*can be Trusted

*Doesn't make Mistakes (we just think He does because we don't have His understanding)

*is our Father

*is our Shepherd (He leads us, protects us, provides for us)

*is the great Creator

*is our Savior

*is Lord (He calls the shots)

*Works for the Good of those who live Him

*Loves us, Yearns for us, and wants us to Know him

As to how to find him, you could start by listening to this excellent sermon by David Nelson, lead pastor at K2TheChurch here in Salt Lake City.

Or you could blow the dust off your bible and start reading it.

"God," says Nelson, "is always waiting for us to engage him. Every morning he's sitting there in your living room waiting for you."

Waiting for you.

Waiting for me.

Wow.

Because He really wants us to know him -- so that we come to know who we are and the purpose He has for us here on earth.

Cool!

Overheard HA!

2009-07-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

Do you play golf? If so, do you love it -- or hate it?

Here's what I overheard my pastor say: "Golf is from Hell, I think ... to frustrate us to no end."

HAAAAAAA!

Pride Cometh Before the Fall

2009-06-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

The sermon at church this morning, titled "Peace With Each Other" by Pastor Christian Kocherscheidt, rocked. Kocherscheidt, who hails from Germany and was there to personally witness the felling of the Berlin Wall, reminded us that much of the world is in conflict, and for one single reason: pride.

Peace, he said, requires humility. But pride demands justice -- or what we individually decide is justice.

Proving this point, Kocherscheidt shared the story of a domestic dispute that occurred, I believe, in California. Ultimately, a man murdered the couple living next to him -- all because he believed their dog had pooped on his lawn.

Despite both parties being cautioned by their lawyers to humble themselves, to let the escalating squabble go, neither side was willing to back down. Yet I bet the phrase "Do over!" is what they'd like to cry with the same passion now.

"Peace," added Kocherscheidt, "is not the absence of conflict. It's the presence of Jesus in a situation. Because Jesus IS peace."

The basic gist of his message: that I can't offer peace to you, my neighbor, if I don't first allow God's peace to fill my heart and mind. And that takes a daily reconnecting with Him, to get -- and keep -- my head and heart right.

Seeking peace, above all else, is what we're here to do, Kocherscheidt added. We're supposed to function like a symphony. "Playing" in harmony because we're all reading from the same musical score. I really like that. Just keeping that mental image in mind helps a lot. ;-)

To listen to a podcast of the sermon, click here. Or watch for it to be upload to the k2thechurch sermons available on YouTube.

His Eye Is On the Sparrow (and Me!)

2009-06-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

Sooooo....moving to a new city isn't the hardest thing in the world, at least if you don't have to make the move solo. Having a husband come with me obviously gives me a built-in support system.

Still, there's a bit of stress in trying to find the grocery store, the post office, and the gas station -- all within a grid of perplexing directional streets based on Salt Lake City's ground zero, the Mormon Temple. I mean, seriously, does an address of 145 South 600 West sound sane to you? HA!

Too, there's the stress of trying to find myself a job, as we're now a couple on a budget thanks to the hubby studying at the "U" (University of Utah) full-time this fall.

Add in the torrential rain storms we've experienced (supposedly very UNcommon in June) almost daily in the two weeks we've been here, and well, things could start to seem depressing.

But God has been kind to show me not once, but twice (and with a DOUBLE rainbow the second time), that he's got me in his sights -- a reminder that he'll take care of everything, EVEN the job.

He also presented me with my first Salt Lake City friend, a fantabulous (and gorgeous) gal who originally hails from Nigeria. Tola works in IT at GE Health, so of course she and the hubby instantly hit it off.

Below are pics of the gorgeous rainbows. ;-)

A Little Habakkuk, Anyone?

2009-05-01T12:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever stumbled upon the last chapter of the book of Habakkuk?

Experts agree the book was written by a prophet, though they're not sure which one. They believe he lived in the Babylonian period, most likely during the reign of evil king Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim reigned in Jerusalem for 11 years, before losing his throne and life after rebelling against the great Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar.

The last bit of this very short bible book, in Chapter 3, reads:

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no

grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

he makes my feet like the feet of deer,

he enables me to go on the heights."

Sooo, to put that in modern context ... that's like my saying:

"Though I have no job,

and my health insurance is cancelled,

and I ain't got 5 bucks for a cafe latte at Starbucks,

still will I sing my little heart out in praise of Almighty God."

Woa. That's quite possibly the loftiest position I could hope to attain: trusting God through thick and thin, and remaining hopeful and joyful, despite the circumstance.

That's exactly where I want to be. In the center of God's will. In the center of his care. Neither worrying, nor fretting, but telling God he rocks.

I'm Moving to Mormon Country

2009-04-21T00:39:00.000-07:00

Yup, another month and I'll be hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah -- home to some of the best skiing in the country.

Of course, my friends have been ribbing me about becoming a "first wife," teasing me that my husband, Greg, will surely feel the pressure to take on additional (younger, prettier, richer??) wives. HA! Fortunately for me, I KNOW that Greg would become as wobbly as melting jello if there was another woman in the house bemoaning her cramps, demanding his attention, and nagging him with her honey-do-right-now list.

The Mormons who make up a good chunk of the spiritual population in Salt Lake City no longer practice polygamy. Haven't for years. Yes, there are some splinter Mormon groups who have continued the practice (which inspired the widely-popular HBO drama Big Love), but the modern Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints does not condone the practice -- though it was handed down as a right by church founder Joseph Smith.

Mormons believe many things I'm having trouble getting my head around (ie: the fact that Joseph Smith rewrote the bible to "correct" it, that Mormons put so much stock in the Book of Mormon, and that God is not the architect of the universe), but I'm looking forward to making some good Mormon friends -- if they'll let me.

Word on the street is that if you're not Mormon, it's not likely you'll be invited into their circle. Not that Mormons are rude or unfriendly. It's that they like to hang out with peeps who share a common vision of what life -- and the afterlife -- is supposed to be about.

But maybe I'll get lucky and be offered a cup of iced lemonade by some of them. Which would be lovely, as I hear the Salt Lake summers swelter! ;-)

Growing My Box

2009-04-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

I have been seriously depressed lately, mostly because I've allowed my "box" to get too small.

Yet in a weird way, I've also felt an undercurrent of hope (if that makes sense!), a singing in my soul that God longs to hand me a much bigger box -- one perkily gift wrapped, with a big, floppy bow. ;-)

So I totally agree with Joyce Sequichie Hifler, who writes in her uplifting book Think on These Things: Thoughts to Enrich Your Days, that "We should open this day with as much reverence as if it were gift wrapped and presented to us personally, which it is."

The primary obstacle to receiving this box, of course, is ourselves. We MUST face the day with confidence, and do all we can mentally to not get derailed by fear.

Confidence, says bestselling Christian author Joyce Meyer in her persuasive book The Confident Woman: Start Today Living Boldly and Without Fear, is "all about being positive concerning what you can do--and not worrying over what you can't do. A confident person is open to learning, because she knows that her confidence allows her to walk through life's doorways, eager to discover what waits on the other side."

That's exactly right: climbing whatever mountains present themselves because we CHOOSE to maximize our strengths, not concentrate on our weaknesses.

The bottom line in all this, for me, is believing that God has my back. That God is for me, and wants to bless me -- if I will stop trying to put the kabosh on that!

Joyce says there are seven secrets to being a confident woman, the first being that a confident woman KNOWS that she is loved. That we should daily shout, "GOD LOVES ME UNCONDITIONALLY AND I RECEIVE HIS LOVE!"

Some days I don't get there (not even at a whisper), thanks in part to my upbringing (my church taught that we lowly sinners daily teeter on the brink of hell). But I'm finding the courage to let that box grow. ;-)

Sigh

2009-02-16T20:21:00.000-08:00

I just *love* it when God shows me what a hypocrite I am. (About as much as I love sticking hot pokers in my eye.) Sigh. Oh, well, He does so to make me into a better person.

Onward and upward, right? ;-)

Once the Heart's Committed, There's Really No Choice

2009-02-09T16:36:00.001-08:00

I've been really interested in the Maya ever since I wrote a book about this ancient civilization for young readers. So I was happy to stumble upon Archaeology magazine at my local library. The January/February 2009 issue features an article on the ancient Maya, focusing on just one aspect of their fascinating culture: their quest for physical beauty. What's interesting is that this quest wasn't based on vanity, as is prevalent in our modern society. Rather, the Maya sought out physical perfection as a way to honor their creators.

The ancient Maya were deeply religious, as are the Maya today. The ancients, however, worshipped hundreds of gods, including the gods of rain, lightning, even the sun. According to Maya legend, humans were created from corn (maize). Thus, the Maya sought to align their features with that of a corn stalk. So they elongated their foreheads, and then piled their hair atop their heads so that it flopped about -- much like corn silk spills from an ear of corn.

Changing the shape of their skulls happened early, typically soon after birth, while the skull bones were still soft. Mothers would position their baby's skull between two long pieces of wood and apply pressure. Eventually, the skull flattened.

As adults, the Maya elaborately tattooed themselves, and even drilled holes into their teeth, so they could plug the holes with pieces of jadeite. Jadeite, found in the highlands of what is now Guatemala, is a very hard stone that ranges in color from blue-green to nearly black. The ancient Maya prized its green color, in particular, because it reminded them of fields of green corn stalks.

Too, the ancient Maya pierced their bodies, so that their life-sustaining blood flowed. Why? Because the Maya believed blood offerings strengthened the gods, enabling them to keep the world from spinning out of control.

While I hold none of these same beliefs, I am awed by and deeply respectful of the Maya's commitment to their ideals. But the question I most want answered is "Why were they so committed?"

Were the Maya motivated by love and gratitude? Or was it fear? Because when you serve so many gods, there's gotta be one main worry that ricochets around your brain 24/7: "Who did I forget to honor today?"

The ancient Maya greatly feared death, and considered an "ordinary" death to be the worst way to die. In fact, they believed that dying from disease or old age doomed them to an eternity in the cold and unhappy underworld. The honor of living in paradise, they believed, was only guaranteed to warriors who died in battle, to women who died in childbirth, and to sacrificial victims.

So, when Spanish conquistadors and priests threatened death as the single alternative to the Maya not accepting Christianity, the Maya didn't shake in their sandals. Most likely envisioning the paradise awaiting them, many willingly chose the torture and death. (Not a great moment for the church, by the way. Christ never forced anyone to follow him; he is all about freedom of choice.)

Perhaps their tragic end, in the hands of those who should have demonstrated God's love, is what most captures my imagination about the ancient Maya. I'm inspired by the commitment that flowed through their veins. The Maya were certainly into physical beauty. But I find their hearts and souls incredibly beautiful, too.

note: Here's an excerpt of the Archaeology article, Extreme Makeover, by Mary Miller. It includes a photograph of a skull that has been manipulated into the shape sought by the ancient Maya.

Just Following Orders, Sir!

2009-01-09T09:03:00.000-08:00

I chose the following scripture, Proverbs 3:5, back in December as my mantra for 2009. Already I'm being tested on it:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

I don't know why certain things are happening in my life, but this scripture lets me off the hook from worrying. God wants me to trust him. And He promises to be there when I do.

Fine. You asked for it, God. Deliver!

;-)

Whew!

2008-12-06T21:41:00.001-08:00

Trust God. Trust God. Trust God. Trust God.

Whew. Mini panic attack over!

;-)

The "C" Word

2008-11-19T16:57:00.001-08:00

The older I get, of course, the more I get to thinking about my parents' demise. I have hoped that they, like my lucky grandmother, will simply lie down to take an afternoon nap -- and not wake up.

Is that the way to go, or what? So much preferable to being hit by a bus! Or worse: being diagnosed with colon cancer.

Like my mom was this week.

Only God knows how her path will meander forward. But what I know is that He promises to tag along on the journey. So that when we are weak, He can be strong.

Cool.

Learning to be Generous

2008-10-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed that when you are stingy, you end up feeling kind of bad?

But when you share, you experience a delicious sense of grandness? The joy that comes from really connecting with another person ... if not the very universe itself?

I started out a generous kid, freely sharing my "stuff" with others. But by the sixth grade, I'd formed a hardened shell, the result of being taken advantage of one too many times by kids who labeled me an easy mark.

My "I gotta keep what's mine" philosophy stayed with me a long time. So breaking free of that prison, when I eventually decided to do so, took a very long time as well. Change is never easy. In fact, I'd say I've only become a truly generous person in the last five years.

The motivation to do so came about from watching my little sister, Dona. She's the kind of person who typically grabs the check when she's lunching with someone. And she tips REALLY well. But that's just the small stuff. I once saw Dona buy a couch for someone simply because the person needed one. A couch, people!

And one time I visited her, Dona marched me into the mall and bought me a pair of $80 jeans. Because she knew I wanted them, but would never fork over that much cash for denim.

I was floored by her generosity. But then I began to feel really shallow. And evil. Because I didn't have the same desire to gift her back.

Still, Dona affected change in me: I began to literally ache within my soul to be as free with my stuff as she was with hers. The problem was, in the back of my mind I was always tallying up how much things cost -- and whether my expenditure on another person was "worth" it.

Pretty selfish, huh?

But I'm here to testify that we (you and I) can change, especially with God's help.

It was hard in the beginning, but I forced myself to buy one person I knew something each week. It didn't have to cost a lot. That wasn't the point. The point was that I was training myself to give away that which I was most tightly holding on to. This became easier when I realized that everything I have is because of God's generosity. And that He expects me to use what He gives me to make the world a better place.

I still have a long way to go in regards to generosity. I'm still not moved every time to give after reading a sob story in the paper. Or even to give to every panhandler I pass in downtown Buffalo. But I did loan a complete stranger $50, on the promise that she return the money a couple of hours later, after she had time to get to a bank. SHE DID!!

I wasn't sure she'd come through. But if she didn't, I had already decided she was a wise investment. A deposit in the Bank of Generosity.

Truth be told, there's one thing I've noticed about taking risks like that: when I give without expecting return, God rewards me big time. I think just to show me how big He really is. ;-)

I'm Liking This

2008-10-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

A friend sent these words to me. I don't know who wrote them ... but if I could, I'd tell the author he or she is pretty darn wise. ;-)

Sow a thought, and reap an act.

Sow an act, and reap a habit.

Sow a habit, and reap a character.

Sow character, and reap a destiny.

Feeling Grateful for the Hubby

2008-10-05T19:17:00.000-07:00

Tonight, as I listen to the soundtrack of the musical Wicked, I'm feeling especially grateful that God has gifted me with such a stellar husband.

Actually, that kind of cracks me up, because at one point in our marriage (by "point" I mean FIVE long years!!), I couldn't stand his guts. Or his face. Or his stinky gym shoes. Or his hair clogging up the bathroom sink. Or ... well, I think you get the picture. ;-)

To put it bluntly, our relationship had come to such a grinding halt, it was frozen in place. Hell has never had such low temps, trust me.

And all because we slowly got complacent over the years, allowing grudges and disappointments and misunderstandings (and a painful miscarriage) to make us forget what made us so great together.

It wasn't until I finally picked up a phone to call a lawyer that a miracle happened: we started fighting our way back to each other, instead of fighting against each other.

I don't suggest this route to any couple looking to strengthen their marriage bonds. It works, IF you get through it. But the physical and emotional pain is nearly unbearable. Your heart literally feels like it's being crushed. By an elephant. Stomping around in spiked boots.

And yet, through God's grace, we've again become best friends. My hubby is my pillar of strength, the person I most admire and want to be like (unfortunately, I lack his brain cells!).

Thank you, God, for keeping us together; for hovering over us with whispers of encouragement and love and peace. And thanks so much that you're using him to daily mold and shape me into a better person. ;-)

<<Like a ship blown from its mooring by a wind off the sea. Like a seed dropped by a skybird in a distant wood. Who can say if I've been changed for the better?

But because I knew you, I have been changed for good.>>

*from Because I Knew You, by Stephen Schwartz, composer and lyricist of Wicked

The One Thing I Wish I Could Remember....

2008-10-04T20:20:00.001-07:00

If I had one wish, it would be this:

That I would always remember to love my neighbor as much as I love myself.

Wishing ain't gonna get me there, I suppose.

Help me, Lord. I just can't do it on my own.

Is God Too Big?

2008-10-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

I really love reading the Old Testament. Perhaps because I love the tenacity of the prophets. The many miracles. The examples of great, and dismal, leadership. (That's a big "Yay!" for King David; a big "Boo!" for King Solomon, supposedly the wisest man to walk the planet.)

Mostly I love reading the stories that help me to understand God's greatness. Many of the Old Testament stories hammer home the truth that we can trust God, because He is so big.

One group of Old Testament people, in particular, struggled with trusting God. I'm talking about the Israelites, God's chosen people. The Israelites were really good at whining, complaining, and turning their backs on God.

God repeatedly demonstrated His trustworthiness to the Israelites. He split the sea in two so they could cross it. He sent quail by the wind and manna with the dew. He promised them a bright future in a land "flowing with milk and honey" if they would only follow after Him.

Yet it seems that God's bigness was just too mind-boggling for them. They wanted a god they could get their arms around. One they could box up in a safe little package. With a bow.

So they threw their gold jewelry into a hot fire and got all happy when a shiny gold calf jumped out.

Now they had a god they could see and touch. A god who didn't make all kinds of scary promises and big demands. (Ever see an idol talk back?!) A god small enough for their fearful brains to trust in.

I just don't get that rationale. It's like when people say to me, "I can't believe in God, because I can't see, smell, or touch Him."

But you believe in oxygen? And viruses? And emotions? And thoughts?

Everyone tries to put God in a nice little box. Personally, I'm glad He's just way too big.

Three "To-Dos"

2008-09-21T09:24:00.000-07:00

Today my pastor was all fired up, so passionate about his message that I'm sure the folks sitting in the front row felt some flecks of spit on their cheeks. ;-)

His message, which continues his series on justice, can be distilled into three action items for those who say they love God:

1) Act Justly

2) Love Mercy

3) Walk Humbly with God

As you might have noted, all three require ACTION. That to make a difference, we can't be bystanders.

Meaning that to be God's hands and feet, we must do more than simply occupy our favorite pew on Sunday mornings.

That, says my pastor, is SITTING with God.

I appreciated this reminder that God expects me to do what I can to make the world a better place.

* * *

Ironically, this message ties in with a movie the hubby and I watched last night. A movie about a man who fought the issue of slavery for nearly 50 years before finally seeing it abolished throughout the British empire.

Titled Amazing Grace, the movie focuses on the political career of William Wilberforce, an 18th Century English politician. Wilberforce fought for 20 years to see passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1807, which outlawed slave trade. Though a huge victory, it didn't end slavery.

So Wilberforce, fueled by the belief that God made all men equal, continued the fight, finally seeing passage of the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833. Wilberforce died three days later.

Can you and I achieve a similar impact?

Can we make life so drastically better for others?

God knows that answer now. We'll only know it AFTER we step into the ring. ;-)

*to watch podcasts of my pastor's sermons, tune in here.

Free Choice: Sucks??

2008-09-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

Some times I get so angry at the state of the world -- that children are beaten, that women are raped, that we have to lock our doors. (I also have very bad feelings towards dog-kickers and litterbugs.)

And then I get mad that God doesn't step in and do something about it. NOW. Not later, when Jesus comes back and sets the world right.

The argument I've heard for why God allows sin to continue -- even seemingly thrive -- is that He refuses to take away our freedom of choice.

My choice to muck up my life. Your choice to muck up yours. Even though every single one of our actions has a direct effect on those around us.

He actually allows us to inflict pain and suffering on each other.

Freedom of choice is a good thing if your head and heart are in the right place. But if you're a person who operates from a "me first" or a "get you before you can get me" mindset, then a lot of pain will follow. Rippling out like a pebble thrown into a pond.

Which is why I daily pray that I am able to surrender my will to His will. My purposes to His purposes. And function as God's hands and feet, so that I make life better for those I come in contact with. Even if it's just a smile.

On the days I fail (unfortunately, I have lots of selfish moments), I feel terrible.

Because I want my freedom of choice to be a right I've earned.

We're to Be Dump Trucks

2008-09-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

I really like this analogy, which I read in one of Billy Graham's daily devotionals.

Graham says we're to be dump trucks. Meaning we're to dump ... unload ... get rid of our loads by handing them over to God.

"The driver simply pushes a button or pulls a lever and the heavy load is discharged at the prescribed spot," writes Graham. "The truck would be of no use if it carried its burden forever."

And yet we (okay, I) love to hold on to them. Nurse them. Turn them into mile-high worries. Instead of asking God to deal with them.

"We were never meant to be crushed under the weight of care," adds Graham. "We can push the button of faith or pull the lever of trust, and our burden is discharged upon the shoulder of Him who said He would gladly bear it."

I like that.

I'm going to start thinking of myself as a dump truck. Pushing that button of faith, pulling that lever of trust.

Woa! What if I float right out of my chair?! ;-)

The Revolving Door

2008-09-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

I've been to many, many churches, a good number of them while still living under my parent's roof. That's because my mom, an adventurer at heart, was always searching for -- well, something. An authentic experience, perhaps?

To that end, she dragged me and my three sisters down the carpeted aisles of many congregations.

So I've been up close and personal with hand-raising, tongue-speaking Assembly of Goders (AOG's), sleepy Methodists, get-saved-every-week Baptists, and stately Presbyterians - AKA "God's Frozen Chosen." I've also spent time on my knees in Catholic pews. And clapping during lively worship songs with "Down with dogma, Up with Jesus!" Non-denominationalists.

As a kid, I hated this ongoing whirl through church doors. But I now find myself incredibly grateful.

Thanks, Mom, for teaching me that to really get to know God, I must diligently seek Him out.

I Know I'm Old Because....

2008-09-05T14:26:00.000-07:00

...I remember at time when:

*stores were closed on Sundays

*everyone went to church on Sunday because they didn't want to be gossiped about on Monday

*girls who had sex with their boyfriends were "easy," and girls who got pregnant outside of marriage embarrassed their families

*churches were always unlocked because thieves respected their sanctity

*people knew "right" from "wrong," thanks to their churches, schools and families

*television didn't blare anti-family, anti-God, anti-authority messages (or mind-dumbing crap) 24/7

*Jesus was cool and Eastern religions were wacky

Times have really changed!

Solomon Slacked Off

2008-08-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

King Solomon was supposedly the wisest man who ever lived. The bible says God gave him "a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore." Dude!

The son of King David and Bathsheba (whom David had an affair with while her hubby was off fighting in David's war), Solomon ascended the throne upon David's death. But not before David warned him to follow God if he wanted Israel to continue being blessed and his bloodline on the throne.

While Solomon was green behind the ears, he did just that. He was humble. He followed God with all of his heart, telling God, "...there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below."

In return, God blessed him, making him so rich and so wise that nations from around the globe sought face-time with him. Even the infamous Queen of Sheba.

Then Solomon lost his focus, and with it his foundation. He ultimately brought 700 wives and 300 concubines into his household (good grief, Charlie Brown!) -- many from countries that God specifically told the Israelites not to intermarry with, because their hearts would go stray.

Solomon did stray. In his old age he willingly worshipped these foreign gods -- despite having had such an intimate relationship with God for many years.

The bible says these women led Solomon astray (yeah, yeah, it's always the women's fault!). Maybe Solomon simply just wanted his wives and concubines to shut the heck up!

Solomon's story reminds me not to lose focus. To not get distracted by all the yammering around me. To toe the line until my own toes are five feet under and being gnawed on by worms.

note to self: gross thought about the worms. get cremated!

Speaking of Locking Eyes With God...

2008-08-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

Some of the most interesting stories in the bible have to do with ordinary humans being allowed to converse directly with God. One Old Testament figure who had God's ear was Moses.

Yeah, the murderer/stutterer/reluctant leader through whom God dished out awful plagues on the Egyptians. All so that the Israelites would break free of their chains, after eons of slavery.

Because he was pleased with Moses, God granted Moses's demand to "Show me your glory!"

God's reply: "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live."

Yowza! That part always gives me goosebumps!

Then the Lord said, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen."

I think I love this passage, in particular, because God is suggesting that He pretty much has the same body parts as you and me: hands, face, legs that walk, even a backside.

His words of commonality help me to "see" Him as more than a hazy, hovering vapor, or blinding sunray. I like that. Because the times I really need to feel His love, it helps to picture His loving arms encircling me in a bear hug. ;-)

*Taken from Exodus 33

To Ape or Not to Ape? That is the Question

2008-08-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, so Darwin says we came from apes. The bible says we came from dust.

Having just returned from a week in Portland, OR, I had the opportunity to peruse the August issue of Spirit, the inflight magazine of Southwest Airlines. One of the featured stories was a profile of Patti Ragan, a big-hearted ex-millionaire who has funneled most of her money into establishing an ape refuge (The Center for Great Apes), a place where a lucky handful of orangutans and chimps, some rejected by Hollywood once they moved beyond cute and cuddly, can live out their lives in a safe, supportive environment (albeit behind bars).

The article, by writer Mike Darling, is accompanied by gorgeous, full-color shots of the Center's residents.

Looking deep into their eyes, I see the intelligence, the wariness, the curiosity, the cunning. So taken with this cover shot, I tacked it to my office wall. Where I see it every day.

I often catch myself glancing over at the hairy, orange beast, trying to imagine myself in any way related to the big lug.

Nope. Sorry. I just can't make the leap. Maybe because humans have moved on, while he's still stuck in hairy land.

And yet I find it easy to believe that a mysterious God -- whom I can't smell, touch, or deeply lock eyes with -- spoke humans into being simply because he wanted our company.

Is that crazy or what?!