Why I Choose to not Burn The Shack Up or Down

Faith is a Journey

As a writer, I know how difficult it is to write from my Christian worldview—from a faith that is ever growing in truth and grace.

As a Christian, I know how hard we can be on one another.

As a Caring for the Heart coach, I know how damaging emotional pain is to our ability to give and receive love, even the perfect love of our Triune God. When someone touches our pain, we react.

Those three perspectives motivate my thoughts.

In deciding whether to enter the fray over the merits/demerits of William Paul Young’s novel The Shack and the recently released movie The Shack Official Movie Trailer, I wondered if anything I had to say could enhance the discussion. I don’t like controversy, but I do enjoy an amicable debate. Most of what I’ve seen written surrounding the movie’s release qualifies as highly contentious in my book—though I admit my meter tends to run on the sensitive side.

I almost kept silent on this one. The ruckus is just too loud for my liking. I don’t like name calling. I don’t want to be called names. So can we agree to not do that here?

I’ve read Young’s book more than once and went to see the movie on opening weekend. I’ve read many of the reviews written by the pros and my Facebook friends. I’d say if I took a poll, it’s about a 50/50 split. Both sides adamant they are right.

But then I heard Paul Young tell his own story. Those who know me know I love to hear personal stories and love them even more if the storyteller includes God’s activity in the story. I don’t ordinarily watch TBN, but tuned in when I saw that Paul Young would be telling the story behind The Shack. Restoring the Shack  

As Mr. Young spoke, I tried to understand his heart. I listened to him relate his story of childhood sexual abuse and spiritual abuse as a son of missionaries. My Caring for the Heart training and experience heightens my awareness of how what happened to us as children influences our relationships as adults—with our spouse, our children, and especially our God.

Young acknowledged being the victim as a child; I can respect that. But he didn’t stop there. He continued by confessing his own sinful behavior as an adult and the explanation of his process of repentance and reconciliation. He was clear to point out that he had been the perpetrator; I respect that. I listened to his heart yearning for redemption of the pain from his past.

I will not condemn this man, his work of fiction, or the resulting movie. What I see is a man who is trying to explore difficult topics, sharing with others how God met him where he was and loved him through the hard places. I can’t cast the first stone, because I walk this same path. Sometimes failing. Other times succeeding. Nonetheless, walking with my God who is forever faithful in helping His children unlearn the lies we have believed and teaching us His truth.

It is my prayer that the Lord will use the message of The Shack to start dialogues with Him in the midst. He is perfectly capable of correcting any misconceptions. Mine. Yours. We don’t have to defend God, but we do need to allow space for Him to speak. And for us to listen.

I want to be a part of the healing conversations. How about you? Can we agree to not use words as weapons?

Does healing always have to hurt?

I've gotten kind of used to going to doctors these days and hearing them say, "It's part of the aging process" or "Now that you're getting older . . ." So when I scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist for my first cancer screening, I was prepared to hear the same.

But I was not prepared to hear his recommendation. I knew I had some age sports. Just part of getting older, right?  I didn't have any areas I was concerned about. Yes, family members have had to have spots removed and biopsied. Thankfully, those were never the "bad" kind of cancer.

The good news was he completed the examination without finding any major problems. Then came the not so good news. He presented me with a choice.

He wanted me to be proactive and complete a four-week regimen to attack any precancerous cells on my face. He warned I would need to be brave and once I started it, I needed to complete it. He also warned the medication was expensive and some insurance would not cover it. The choice was mine.

I prefer to meet challenges head on. I'm not much of a gambler. I've learned it is better to catch things early and nip them in the bud, rather than ignore warning signs and hope they go away. However, I also like to know what to expect before I say, I'm all in.

I left his office with the prescription in hand and went to my pharmacy to start the process. My insurance did cover the cost, so that wasn't a game changer. They didn't have it in stock, but I could pick it up the next day.

That bought me some time to do some research.

I found many blogs and vlogs of others who had taken this journey. The pictures and descriptions matched my doctor's words.

So with my eyes wide open, I chose to follow this course of treatment.

Two weeks into it I wanted out.

My face looked exactly like the online pictures. No surprises there. What I wasn't prepared for was the pain. I'm not a wimp. I've given birth twice without an epidural. My first was over eight pounds and the second was butt-first breech. Those same children each talked me into getting a matching tattoo. Both times I was warned  the spot I selected was one of the more painful locations, might I want to reconsider? No.

It wasn't the threshold of pain that bothered me, it was the duration of this treatment that messed with me. Neither of my pregnancies required a long labor. Both tattoos were small. (The design matched, but I chose the miniature versions.)

Two weeks into the treatment, I contacted my doctor to see if maybe my case was special and I wouldn't need to go the whole distance. I'd read other people's accounts of their doctor allowing them to stop after two weeks. The medication insert even stated that the normal treatment was 2-4 weeks. Surely two weeks would be enough for me.

I called his office to speak to a nurse. The receptionist put me on hold and I was surprised when the doctor came on the line. He listened to my plea and reasoning for stopping early. Then he explained that studies have shown that stopping too soon can cause the precancerous cells to come back stronger.

Once again the choice was mine.

He continued by encouraging me that once I stopped applying the cream the recovery period was relatively short. I knew this to be true from the internet testimonies. They also claimed that the skin not only healed quickly, but also healthier than before. Younger in fact.

Hmmmmm, I liked the sound of that. Enduring would reap rewards.

I decided to continue.

I'm now in the final stretch. Twenty-one days down and only seven to go. I'm setting my sights on the goal and pressing forward. Precancerous cells eradicated. Cancer avoided. Not to mention a younger looking me!

Five Lessons Learned

1. Sometimes problems can go undetected unless you allow someone else to take a look. The medication only attacks precancerous cells; healthy cells are not affected. I had more dangerous cells under the surface than I suspected
2. Short cutting the process may make things worse. Stopping early might have caused me to either start all over again later or deal with the full blown skin cancer resulting in visible scarring.
3. My previous poor decisions put me in this place. My earlier choices to soak up the sun and visit tanning salons were not wise.
4. I now have an opportunity to  make different choices. What will I do now? One blogger was undergoing this for the second time--admitting she drove a convertible with the top down for ten years after her first treatment. I don't want a do over.
5. Damage--whether physical, emotional, or spiritual--hurts when it is healing. I tried to think of a time in my own life when additional pain was not required for a wound to heal. I couldn't.

Ironically, the most soothing part of my treatment during the final stages was when I first applied the cream. What caused the pain, also brought the healing and offered momentary relief in the midst of the process.

I wonder if the same is true when the damage is emotional. What brings the healing may cause the pain. Deep wounds must heal from the inside out. Unless the root cause is addressed it festers underneath the surface like a cancer.

Cancer is a threat to our  bodies, while relationships can damage our emotions. How healthy are your relationships? Has time taken its toll?

Over time have you accumulated some warning signs from poor choices that either you or someone else has made? Would it be wise to ask someone else to take a look?

I might be able to help. I've recently started working with a ministry that cares for the emotional pain in our hearts. I'd love to tell you more about it. Just ask.

to my unborn granddaughter

To: Nora who remains in the womb

From: Nana who remains in the world

From one who has gone before…

Dear Nora,

Beautiful baby girl, you will soon be joining us here in your new world. Our current world.  I know that must sound odd. You probably have so many questions. What is it like? How will I get there? Why do I have to leave what I know for the unknown? Is the next place better? Is it the final place?

Please don’t ever think that Nana is unkind for not answering every question. It is not because I do not love you, but because I do that I answer your questions only in part at this time.

Don’t get me wrong, I could answer your questions with many details. I have words to describe the world you are about to enter. I have lived here for many years and have seen many things. The challenge is how do I describe it to one who has never seen?

So I will answer your questions in part. As one who has gone before, I will try to help you understand what is to come by associating it to what you currently know.

Now you experience our world through the filter of the womb. In your new world you will still hear heartbeats and feel warmth. Voices will still speak and sing to you. You will feel the touch of your father and the encompassing embrace of your mother.

And more.

In our world your ears will hear more clearly. Your skin will register a direct yet tender touch. Light will enable your eyes to focus on many splendid things. And your body will be free to venture and explore.

Do not fear the passing over from your world into ours. The process actually prepares you for what is to come. There are many who love you, anxiously waiting your arrival. Eager to care for you and train you in your new surroundings. Excited to share with you the many sights, sounds, and sensations. It will take a lifetime to explore all the vastness of this place!

Yes, precious one, you must leave your current home in order to experience the next. In so many ways it is better than your current environment. If given the option, would I return to the womb? No. Not after experiencing this world.

Is it your final place? No. There is one other world awaiting you. It has a special name. Heaven. Can I describe it to you? No.

I have not been there. I know in part because God has mentioned it in His book. In this, Nora girl, I am like you. Trusting the One who has gone before. Accepting what little He tells me. Believing that even though I don’t know, One who loves me does. I choose to trust Him to fill in the details when I arrive.

With much love and great anticipation,

Nana

Armor Across the Ages--a writer dressing for battle

I don’t know what to wear! I must have repeated that refrain a dozen times while packing, unpacking, and then repacking for the weekend. Fashion is not my forte and the weather forecast was changing faster than my whims. Finally on the morning of the event, I threw a few mix-n-match sweaters and leggings in my luggage and zipped it. I hoped I hadn’t forgotten any of the essentials. Like underwear.

I was on my way to the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove in Asheville, North Carolina. The writing workshop theme was a Boot Camp. Participants were challenged to advance—not retreat--
to boldly follow the LORD in our individual assignments. It got me thinking about being adequately dressed for battle .

As a literature teacher and avid reader, I love tales from other times. One of my favorites is Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe. He dressed for battle in the kind of armor displayed in castles and museums.

I did some research and found some interesting facts about a knight’s protective clothing that I think can be applied to those of us who write.

• It was designed for warriors.
• It was tailor-made
• It came at a cost.
• It required a support team.
• It required training.
• It was restrictive.

Armor was made for warriors. Writing the next chapter or even the next sentence can be a battle. Distractions and doubt are formidable foes.

A knight’s suit was tailor-made. The metal was fitted specifically for that warrior. As writers for God’s kingdom, He calls and equips each of us for our individual assignments.

It comes at a cost. Writing well is hard work and the time required to complete the task seems ever elusive.

 A knight needed others. A warrior submitted to extensive training and putting on that gear was a group activity. Writers are wise to surround themselves with a support team and seek training.

Finally, the gear was both protective and restrictive. It was not designed for running. A hasty retreat was not possible, but a knight could advance as ground was gained. He couldn’t sit down or fall asleep on the job. The only comfortable position was to stand.

As Christian writers we are to put on the full protection of God, purchased by the blood of Christ, custom-made for each of us. Trained and supported, we can stand our ground.

The next time you sit down to write, dress appropriately for the battle, Mighty Warrior!

A final word: Be strong in the LORD and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT

 

Uphill Journey

"But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill" Psalm 3:3-4 ESV.

I choose to run--not because I want to--because I need to. It's the most time- efficient way I've found to burn calories.
 

I live in the Piedmont Region of the Carolinas. Rock Hill is my current home, so my course involves inclines.
 

As I ran up that long hill in my neighborhood for the fourth time, I considered stopping. It was hard. My mantra has always been "three miles or it doesn't count." Recently most of my runs fell short. I wanted this one to count, so I continued.
 

I set my sights on the summit. The tree-topped hills were beautiful. Tiered to display their array, set against a brilliant blue backdrop, the trees flaunted their flaming foliage. I was tempted to just park myself at the bottom and gaze up at them. However, few calories get burned when I rest on my haunches.
 

I thought about my current journey with God. It's pretty much uphill these days. I've lived in three different states in three years. In the midst of the moves, I cared for my husband through surgeries and cancer treatments, welcomed children back into my once empty nest, and bid farewell to my earthly father.
 

Some days I'm tempted to quit.
 

It occurred to me the same principle of choice applies in my spiritual journey. I can be content to gaze upward, or accept God's invitation to journey with Him. I don't want to settle for gazing at Him. I want to be with Him. I decided to continue to travel this road--even when it's uphill--because He travels with me.

 

So I stood and started taking steps.

 

It is during our uphill journeys that our eyes naturally incline toward heaven.

Called to Comfort

 “All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 MSG

Autumn is in the air! Even here in the South the heat and humidity are reluctantly retreating. As I anticipate the entrance of an array of fall foliage, I envision evenings around a fire, see myself sporting sweats and sweaters, and contemplate sleeping, snuggled under a downy comforter.

I love how God designs seasons. A season for everything. The previous ushers in the next, encouraging us to leave the old and welcome the new. Summer sun strengthens, while heat and humidity heighten. Then autumn announces its arrival with a soothing sigh.

We all experience seasons. Granted, some are subtle, others outlandish. Yet each season has a purpose. Nature illustrates this through cycles of life, death, rest, and rebirth.  So, also, our seasons of life have purpose. God prepares us for our calling by counseling us in our most challenging seasons.

He calls His people to be comforters. We provide comfort when we share our seasons and show compassion to those experiencing hard times.

SHARE YOUR SEASONS—Authentic Christianity requires us to honestly address the reality of our own lives. Human nature likes to take a highlighter to the deficiency in others while covering our own in correction fluid. Yet a Comforter will cover another with a layer of love to shelter them. Exposing our own seasons of failures and fears creates a safe place for courageous confession, not condemnation.

SHOW COMPASSION TO OTHERS—Vulnerability on our part creates a conduit for compassion. There is no opportunity for self-promotion when we expose our own faults and highlight the compassion our God provides.

So let’s not cower under the comfort God has provided, but be courageous comforters who cover others in love.

Relish the Response

 People

Relationally
Approaching
Yahweh
Expecting
R......

what response do you hunger for?

 
God extends a personal invitation to each of us to enter into a dialogue with Him. The God who created the universe desires to talk to us. How amazing is that?

He invites you to call on Him. He knows you and listens as you speak. He is eager to respond.

What kind of response are you yearning for today? Are you facing overwhelming circumstances and pray for rescue? Maybe you need His help to relinquish yourself from guilt or release forgiveness on someone else. Is your plea that He will redeem a situation that has caused pain? Reconciliation in a relationship? Perhaps a reminder of who you are or whose you are. A review of His promises? Could it be that you are feeling numb and only He can refresh and bring revival to a weary soul. Do you long for a deeper relationship with Him?

Listen for His voice and follow. He is a God who speaks. Whatever it is that you request, His reply will comfort you.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

Growing Up not Old

photo by Jen Griffin

I was a baby Christian for twenty some years. That is way too long to be in diapers! Unfortunately, all I saw were other baby Christians, so I didn't know what it looked like to mature spiritually.

A church with only spiritual babes has a high energy level, but no one to teach them. They are an easy target for the enemy. On the other hand, a church family of only mature members has a wellspring of knowledge and experiences with God, but no heirs to receive the legacy. Just as families need the different generations, the church family needs members at different spiritual maturity.levels.

Baby believers should be the new reborns, not those who have been adopted into God's family and just never grew. Together we can help each other mature by welcoming new additions and consistently encouraging and challenging each other as we learn to live like Christ. As a member of His church we should want to group up, not just get old.

No prolonged infancies among us, please. We'll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love--like Christ in everything. Ephesians 4:14-15 MSG

Walking Under the Influence

Walking Under the Influence

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…” Acts 1:8a

School shootings and stabbings, deadly disasters, AWOL airplanes. News stories abound with scary situations. There is much to be afraid of in 2014 A.D.

Two thousand years ago, the disciples and early church also had much to fear. The Bible records and history supports that early believers were speared, stoned, beheaded, and crucified. John, the beloved, disciple, died a natural death; yet, it is believed that he was boiled in hot oil before being exiled to Patmos. Scary scenarios.

The ESV uses the phrase “do not be afraid” thirty-three times. God also encouraged His people to “be strong and courageous” ten times in the OT. Yet we do not see either of these phrases after the book of Acts in the NT. After Christ’s ascension, we are told Paul was encouraged not to be afraid. Only two times.

Why the shift? Times are still terrifying.

The transition came when the Spirit came. We are now under His influence. He indwells. When Christ’s followers receive His salvation, they also receive His Spirit. No longer does the encouragement come from on high, it comes from within.

The epistles do not tell us to “fear not”, but show believers who walked in the Spirit became bold. The Spirit within enables our actions to speak as well as our words.

Times are tough, yet we do not have to cower in fear. We can boldly walk with the Spirit in His enabling power, knowing our purpose is to be Christ’s witness to our world.

“… and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31b

photo by Jen Griffin

Missing my dad

Because of Jesus, death has lost its sting.

 

I'm missing my dad today. This is my first year for not having him here to send a card to, call him from another state, or celebrate Father's Day with him at home. I also found out a high school classmate died last night. Today my husband updates me on his mother's health condition.

 

Anger is the emotion I am feeling. No, I am not angry with God. Quite the opposite. I am angry at death.

 

Tears are burning down my cheeks and anger is burning in my chest when I think: This might be how Jesus feels about death. Maybe that is why Jesus left His heavenly home, lived a life, and exited the grave. The reason He took on my sin, slayed its hold on me, and gives me hope in death.

 

One day I will join Him.

 



One day Jesus is coming! Oh, glorious day.

Knowing Jesus

Ya'akov--a younger brother of Yeshua

In five chapters James confronts some of the toughest questions that confuse Christians—then and now. Paradoxical, not easily reconcilable, yet he seems to “get it” not grapple with it.

Godhead bodily                                   Jewish Christianity                                        Performing faith

Just mercy                                                        Joyful trials

What strikes me as I read the words he penned is that he is not struggling with understanding. Not a “how can this be?” line of thinking, but a “this is how it is” attitude.

And I have come to this conclusion: he gets it because he knew Jesus. He was the second born of Mary’s children. He lived in Joseph’s house. He bunked with Jesus as a boy and continued to tag along after him into early adulthood. He tried to make Jesus behave and bore the frustration of all who have tried and failed to do so. Then he was visited by the resurrected Messiah and put two and two together and saw the trinity--the fullness of the godhead bodily.

 

James wasn’t a disciple of the great Rabbi. He was kin to him all along--following in His footsteps since birth and now a witness of the resurrected One. He had been listening to what his brother had to say from the cradle. Now that the spiritual eyes were open to the truths embodied in the Word made flesh and dwelling among us, James did not need to grapple. He was compelled to lead others to understanding. He no longer invoked nepotism, but declared himself “a slave to God and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah.”

 

His words are humbly powerful, knowledgeable, and challenging. Worth anyone’s while to read.

Extreme. Balance.

Still testing the whole teeter totter theory...(see two earlier posts)

I was reading a book the other day that said Christians like to balance grace with the law. Does that mean measure out some grace? Measure an equal part of the law. Stir until well blended?

As humans do we try to balance things by mixing? It may seem easier that way. Once mixed we only have to hold one thing. 

Yet God illustrates balance using extremes. More like a teeter tooter than a mixing bowl. Jesus is both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God. (Not a mixed breed, new creature hybrid.) He is the alpha and omega--first and last--beginning and end. He is grace and truth, truth and love.

As Christ walked through the lamp stands in His Revelation to John, He challenged the church of Laodecia to be either hot or cold--not lukewarm.  Hot and cold each have healing properties. A mixture makes a tepid drink.  Jesus said, "So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot or cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Revelation 3:16 NASB.

Questions? I have many. Answers? I'm still digging. But it seems that once again, we must rely on our God to be our fulcrum and our extremes. Ecclesiastes 3:1 CJB tells us that "For everything there is a season,a right time for every intention under heaven."

I recognize that there is a place for both grace and the law as with hot and cold. It is my desire to be both hot and cold for the purpose of healing. Not mixed so that I become lukewarm, but at "the right time for every intention under heaven." I will embrace both the Old and the New Testaments. And I will acknowledge that Jesus extends grace and does not abolish yet completes the Law. For purposes of healing.

I sure would love to hear your thoughts...

Testing the Teeter Totter Theory

A previous post discussed how I came up with this teeter totter theory. I'm no scientist, but I know theories beg to be tested to decide if the theory can be practiced.

As a short recap, I'm operating under the assumption that God does not create and require without also equipping. I'm also thinking that He provides the platform for us to stand on when He calls us to something. With that in mind, I'm going to look at a few common issues I face as I try to live a life of faith.

I will start out theoretically. In governmental politics as well as religious politics we often talk about the left and the right. The terms right and left are often preceded by adjectives such as extreme, far or moderate. People are often encouraged to take a stand and pick a side.

What does that do to the teeter totter theory?  If the fulcrum is the opinions of the issue, we can get a variety of outcomes based upon the number of people who jump on board on the side of their position. The more people you can get to join you, the better chance you have of tilting things in your favor.

Did anyone besides me ever play that game on the playground? Someone was always trying to leave someone else hanging up there in the air. In order to accomplish that, you'd solicite others to help you hold your end down. Ever been the one left hanging in the air? The only way down was to join the others at the other end, or jump off...or,convince the others to come to your end. That works too and the game goes on until the bell rings.

What happens, however, if the fulcrum is not personal opinions but God's position?

Opinions are about as fickle as weather forecasts in an unstable atmosphere. However, Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

I'm thinking that I'd rather stand

with Christ as my fulcrum.

 

Six Moves...six things learned.

Six moves. Five different states...well, six if you count South Georgia to North Georgia. Twelve years. One family.

As we begin the countdown for move number six, I started thinking about what I have learned over the years about moving.

6~It was easier when I could take my kids with me.

5~They pack everything, so empty all trash cans.

4~The more stuff I have, the longer it takes.

3~Not all moving crews are created equal.

2~Some boxes never get unpacked.

1~God is always in the timing.

This final lesson has been one of the hardest to learn, but most valuable. Sometimes God pauses so I learn patience or of His provision. Other times He performs at head-spinning speeds and I learn of His power and precise placement of particulars. Above all, whether at a snail's pace or hyper speed, I have learned that I can trust Him as the creator and keeper of time.

A lesson I treasure and plan to pack for every move He requires of me.



Accident Forgiveness

"It's not what happens to you that's important. It's what you do when that disaster comes that makes all the difference in the world."  ~Kathryn Kuhlman
 

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Come down Grand."
"I had an accident."

"Are you okay?"

"I am. But I'm not sure about everybody else."

What began as a routine evening had just turned into a parent's nightmare. And I was the parent.

Our seventeen-year-old son had just left the house to go across town to eat homemade ice-cream with his cross country buddies. He had four friends with him in his late-model 4-Runner.

That night involved hospitals, tornadoes, and a trip to Iowa City. Four walked away with minor injuries. One was taken by ambulance to the university hospital a couple of hours away for surgery. Her hand had hit the pavement and would be disfigured for life.

Her response would speak life or death into my son's broken and guilt-ridden heart.

After her first of several surgeries to clean the wound of glass fragments and road gravel, her first words to our son were, "You know we will have to be best friends from now on." To me she said, "I'm not mad."

That choice makes her a hero in my book.

 

Starting a new chapter...

A clean sheet of paper can be refreshing...and intimidating to an author. A fresh start and a clean slate represent so many possibilities and the freedom to imagine. New chapters are especially exciting when the previous one has been filled with plot twists, suspense, and conflict. Perhaps the new chapter will bring resolution. However, new chapters can also be accompanied by a heap of uncertainty. So many plot possibilites with so many options for endings.

I didn't do much writing last year. I had big plans and possible opportunities that were forced to the bottom of my to-do list and replaced by visits to the doctors' offices, hospital rooms, and funeral pews.

You see, I have this series of novels I plan to write. They are still in my brain, waiting for my fingers to unleash them onto the page. I think about them often. I have outlines and charts and timelines with story ideas galore. Funny thing. Many of my ideas seem to have hopped off of the storyboard and into my life since I jotted them down.

People have suggested I need to stop brainstorming so that that trend stops. My first inclination was to agree. Then I began to think, maybe God was requiring me to live the thing out before I write the things down. (Slightly more comforting than jinxing myself.) And then the other day as I was considering all of this, a new thought came to me.

We were right in the middle of one of my plot scenarios--in a hospital room talking to a doctor about possible causes of some odd symptoms. I began asking questions that were very good. Good because I had spent some time researching this exact thing for one of my characters.

That's when the thought hit me: Could it be that the topics for my novels are part of a bigger story. A personal story. A story written by Someone Else. Maybe I didn't invite the circumstances by listing them, but that God was preparing me for what He knew was going to be part of my story.

Life brings new chapters complete with options and angst.

My life last year was one of those chapters that held many twists and sorrows. Relocation, illness, death,  absence, and uncertainty all made appearances on my pages.

The final page of 2012 has been turned and 2013 is just beginning to reveal itself. Another relocation is on the horizon. Sunny Florida in January looks appealing as I gaze out of my bay window at a snow-frosted Michigan lawn. But I am not the author of my own story. I don't control my own circumstances, just my responses. Life happens and fortunately the Author of the Ages continues to write.

Tetter Totter Theory

I've been thinking about teeter totters. They used to be on every playground when I was growing up. I'm sure we had some at Flat Rock Elementary. We even had a maypole. If you are not familiar with those, it was simply a pole with handle bars on the end of chain links. We would race out to get one of the coveted handles, then run around the pole, holding on for dear life, and become a human tetherball. If it sounds dangerous, it's because it was!

However, I not only survived, but even enjoyed the playground and have been spending some time thinking about teeter totters. Finding a teeter totter to photograph for this blog entry was hard. Almost as hard as trying to find the words to express the purpose of the entry.

I've been thinking about teeter totters recently because I have been yearning for some balance and this piece of playground equipment seems to best illustrate what I am trying to describe.

I want to live a life that is balanced and I think God desires that for me as well. When I look at His creation, I see that balance is required. My flowers need water. Too much water and they rot; too little water and they wilt. Our bodies need food. Too much and we are obese; too little and we are malnourished.  Unfortunately, we live in a world that doesn't make balancing easy.

Could it be that although balance is required for physical health, our soul desires the extreme. Could it even be that God created us to crave the extreme? Consider this paradox: God created us to yearn for extremes yet requires us to live in balance. Does that sound downright cruel to anyone?

Yet, I know He is not cruel; I know He is kind. And knowing this has made me ponder this paradox. And that is why I have been contemplating teeter totters and here is what I've been thinking...

I know that my God does not create and require without also equipping.

And this is where the teeter totter comes into the picture. God is three-in-one: Father, Son, and Spirit. And although there are many faults with this analogy and my majestic, wonderful, powerful, loving LORD cannot be summed up in a mere piece of playground equipment, it has helped my feeble mind to picture the trinity functioning the same way as a teeter totter.

 One function with three distinct features

that equip me to satisfy my craving for extremes

while maintaining a healthy balance.

Let's look at the teeter tooter: a plank with seats on opposite ends with a middle support that serves as the fulcrum. If the weight on both ends is equal, the plank will be balanced.

I desire balance.

Which left me with this question,

"Where do I fit into this picture?"

I believe God invites me to stand on His balance.

He is my fulcrum and my extremes.

Anyway, that's my theory.