How Do You Find Rest and Peace? By Sandi Somers

 

Image by Reddit.com

The story is told of a contest in which the artists were to paint “perfect peace”. Of the many paintings submitted, the judge liked only two. One picture was of a calm lake, perfectly mirroring peaceful towering mountains and a blue sky.

The other picture was of a dark angry sky filled with flashes of lightning. Down the side of the mountain gushed a foaming waterfall. Peering closely, the judge noticed behind the surging water a tiny bush. There a mother bird sat secure on her nest. The judge chose this picture. “Because,” he explained, “peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace.” *

Don’t we long for peace and rest, free from heavy responsibilities and worries? Time to relax and renew our spirits? God does give us these needed times. Even Jesus told His disciples: “Let us go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31).

However, Scriptures focus more on resting amid storms and burdens. “Come to Me, all you who are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest,” Jesus said (Matthew 11:28).

How can we find that rest?

I can sometimes get tied in knots with worry. Several years ago I was pressured with too many duties and worried about how I would accomplish everything. My devotional reading one morning mentioned a woman who felt the same way—pressured, worried, and exhausted. The Lord whispered to her, “It's not all the work that’s wearing you down, it’s your worries.” (I don’t remember the wisdom or advice God gave her.)

I went on my prayer walk, knowing full well that God didn’t need to remind me of my worries. But what would He say? Hardly had I gone two blocks when He quietly outlined the next steps to break down my projects into manageable pieces. I walked home refreshed and began tackling the next things. I discovered that when we bring our worries to God, He gives us His word: a promise or direction or how to restfully handle our dilemmas. And then we can go on.

Several InScribe bloggers last year also gave us an insight into their agitated spirits and how they found rest and peace.

Sharon Espeseth shared what God was teaching as she cared for her husband. “We may not have all the answers about Hank’s ill health, but we are thankful for what we have.” And then Sharon listed eleven points for praise and thanks—(a “must-read”)! She knew then that giving thanks clears our minds from debilitating fear of the unknown and gives us patience and a rested heart.

 When Alan Anderson chose “Rest” for his word of 2020, he posed the question: “What is the answer to all this weariness, this reality of being ‘heavy laden?’ Is there an answer?”

 Later in the year he wrote that he was tired, tired, tired. Admitting his weariness, the Lord’s gentle words reminded him of his deep need for Jesus’ promised rest. “This is not an elusive emotional longing, but a stated result of an honest heart after God,” he added. As a writer, Alan found emotional healing and rest when he wrote, giving hope to others in their own grief and hardship. Alan illustrated the principle that doing something engaging and interesting releases our minds and bodies from weariness and tensions. Endorphins pour into our bodies and bring about euphoria and well-being. They help us relax, release energy and productivity. And then we can move forward, fulfilling part of God’s purposes for us.

Pam Mytroen shared: “The stress from my job and family situations had been building like black angry clouds, and swirling into tornadoes of anxiety. After much prayer, the Lord showed me that I was trying to meet everyone's expectations, which was impossible. He showed me that I needed a new mind-set.”

She began to stop thinking about the “what ifs” of job difficulties, to let go of unrealistic expectations, to accept that she can't be perfect and please everyone, to stop worrying about her family, and to be thankful instead. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2), Paul said. Brain science is now catching up to what God told us those millennia ago—developing new patterns of thinking regrooves the brain and nervous system with new patterns. But it takes time. Pam added,“Switching one set of thoughts for another takes self-discipline. I am amazed at the freedom and the space in my mind that was once taken up by stress and anxiety.” 

My prayer for you is that you’ll discover Jesus’ rest from worries, tiredness, and people’s expectations. Rest to a new mindset, thankfulness, and new steps in God’s purposes for you.

 What is it for you?

How has the Lord come to you when you’ve been burdened? What has he taught that you can pass on to others who are careworn?

Or perhaps now you’re struggling with an issue and the Lord is challenging you to enter into rest (Hebrews 4:11). What are you learning?

How do God’s promises in Matthew 11:28-30 (or other scriptures/insights) give you peace and rest in what you have faced and/or are facing?

Tell us your story.

 

(*Note: This story of a mother bird on her nest in a storm is only one of a number of variations I’ve read.)  

“Nothing Will Be Impossible with God” by Sharon Espeseth

The Setting

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth to visit Mary, a virgin who was engaged to Joseph, a righteous man of the house of David.

The Angel Gabriel appears to Mary.

*“Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you,” the angel Gabriel said to Mary. Perplexed, she “pondered what sort of greeting this might be.”

The Angel said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.” The angel told her that her son will be great; he’ll be called the Son of the Most High; he’ll be given the throne of David; and his kingdom will have no end.

“(But), Mary asked, “how can this be, since I am a virgin?” 

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child. . . will be holy; . . . will be called Son of God.” The Angel Gabriel also told her about Elizabeth, her elderly relative who had been considered barren, but was now six months pregnant. Mary remembered the angel’s words, “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

That’s a lot to think about! As a woman of faith, however, Mary composed herself enough to say with trust and conviction, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” Gabriel departed. *(From Luke 1:26-38 ESV)

Marriage Customs of the Time

Mary and Joseph were betrothed to one another before Mary’s pregnancy. Betrothal was a binding agreement made in front of others. This made them husband and wife, although they didn’t live together until the actual marriage. During the betrothal, the couple remained chaste and pledged to be faithful to one another. Unfaithfulness was cause for divorce. Unfaithfulness could also be cause for stoning.

Joseph’s Dilemma

*After Mary was betrothed to Joseph, “she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” Joseph, not wanting to make a spectacle of Mary, had decided “to divorce her quietly.” While Joseph was considering the situation, “an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The message was, Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

The angel further explains that Mary will bear a son and Joseph is to name him Jesus, “for he will save his people from their sins.” Awaking from his sleep, Joseph did as the angel had directed him. *(From Matthew 1:18-25 ESV)

This was the beginning of Mary and Joseph’s marriage. Mary and Joseph were poor in the earthly sense. They lived under Herod’s tyranny, which required their travelling to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. It’s an understatement to say the trip was difficult and dangerous. 

We may romanticize the celebrated birth of Baby Jesus, but we need to remember that Mary and Joseph had no modern amenities and not even the comforts of home. Still the birth of Baby Jesus in a humble stable changed the world.

An angel warned Joseph, again in a dream to take Mary and the young child into Egypt. Herod was determined to kill the Baby King. They eventually returned to Nazareth where Joseph worked as a carpenter. We don’t know exactly when Joseph died, but we meet Mary a few times during Christ’s intense years of ministry. She was with Jesus for his first miracle at the Wedding at Cana. Mary was with Jesus at Calvary. 

Mary had much to ponder and many concerns to pray about.

A Newer Favourite Christmas Song

A favourite Christmas song that speaks to me right now is “Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)”, originally written by Chris Eaten. With permission from Eaten, Amy Grant rewrote and recorded the song from the female perspective. Grant was pregnant at the time she wrote the song, which she believes helped her in personalizing the words. 

To view Grant singing this song, please google “Breath of Heaven” with Amy Grant. One video gives the lyrics. Some videos show the story of Mary and Joseph and the young child Jesus. A few videos show a young couple, presumably Jewish, wearing period costumes. 

In “Mary’s Song,” we hear her prayer. Here are a few samples.

“Breath of heaven,

Hold me together,

Be forever near me. . .

Lighten my darkness.”

* * * * *

In the lyrics, Mary asks God if he wonders if a wiser one should have had (her) place. Still she says, “

“But I offer all I can

For the mercy of your plan. 

Help me be strong.”

In Job 32:8-9 ESV, we read, 

“But it is the spirit in a man (or, in Mary’s case, a woman)

    The breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.

It is not the old who are wise,

    Nor the aged who understand what is right.”

Mary was young, but God’s breath and spirit gave her the wisdom to trust in God and follow His lead.

Lord, Bless the Children--Part 2 by Sharon Espeseth

Jenny with Newborn Baby Caleb 

For the October prompt, we were asked, “What hot button issues has God invited you to become involved in?" I also take that to mean, “What issues are you passionate about?”  In "Lord, Bless the Children--Part One," I talk about my passion for the well-being of children, which may be why I taught for three decades.

My husband and I have raised our three adopted children. Although they are all independent, they know we are here and will help as we are able. We have supported and encouraged our adult children and their spouses in the raising of their children. 

Together, Hank and I have supported one overseas child at a time since 1975. 

Could we have done more for the world’s children? No doubt. But we are thankful we’ve had the ways and means to contribute toward the well-being of some children and their families, as well as our own children and grandchildren. 

As I also mention in Part One of this writing, I am pro-life, not in the sense that I judge others who don’t have the same views as mine. I am, however, eager to advocate for the life of an unborn child. 

Looking Back

Today there is more assistance for not just unwed mothers, but any woman with an unplanned pregnancy-- any woman or young girl who is in need of counselling and/or assistance, if they choose to keep the child. We give donations to a group that supports women with unplanned pregnancies. I have walked in local pro-life marches. 

I’ve had articles, stories and articles about our family and our adoptions published in newspapers and magazines. I’ve written in the hopes that women who are in a pregnancy predicament can think of alternatives to abortion, including adoption. Below are summaries of a few of my published stories.

Lacey is one more to love

1. “One More to Love” was published in Celebrate Life Magazine.

When our daughter Christie was pregnant with her and Donnie’s third child, the doctor asked Christie if this was “a planned pregnancy.” Christie sort of giggled and said, “No, it wasn’t.”

Before the end of the appointment, the doctor picked up her appointment book and said, “We’ll have to book your abortion.”

“Abortion?” Christie said. “I never said anything about an abortion.”

On hearing this story, one of my sisters said, “I don’t think anyone in our family will ever have an abortion.” Such is the family’s respect and gratitude toward our kids’ birth mothers who chose to give them the gift of life.

2. “Special Gift, Special Delivery” was published in Celebrate Life Magazine. This story was also shortlisted in the Non-fiction category of the Word Guild Contest the following year. Another version of the story, with other details and more farm humour, was published in The Western Producer.

For Jenny’s third pregnancy, she and Rob had invited me to be with them in the delivery room when the baby arrived. The doctor had decided Jenny should be induced, so the schedule was set. I went with her for this “induction” procedure. Hank had dropped us off at the Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton. The nurse said we were free to go, but told us we should phone the nursing station every two hours. 

The rest of the adults--Rob, Hank, our daughter Christie and her husband Donnie were in charge of the kids at Jenny and Rob’s place in Leduc. Hank picked us up so we could join them. Jenny, uncomfortable at this point, went for a bath to relax her. Rob looked after her. After her bath, they came downstairs where Jenny slumped her not-so-tiny body into the closest chair. “I’m not going to make it,” she said.

Her announcement triggered a flurry of activity: 9-1-1, blankets, towels, and a pillow for making Jenny comfortable on the carpeted floor, not far from the front door. That’s when little Abbie woke up. Donnie put a coat on his daughter and whisked her off to Bella’s Hallowe’en party at Kindergarten, thus giving Jenny some privacy. Logan was still napping in the crib upstairs.

Christie, the most experienced or qualified in birthing took charge. Since she had given birth to her daughter Abbie and had delivered several litters of piglets on our small farm, no one argued. Hank sat on the floor and gently stroked Jenny’s forehead and held her hand. 

I’d been racing frantically around the house. I even suggested boiling water. “Not unless you want tea,” Christie quipped. Jenny calmly told me to sit down, shut up and hold on. (Those were her original instructions for me when I nervously about being in the delivery room.) “This is it!” she said. 

Sitting down beside Hank, I was awed by the whole experience. Just as Christie announced the baby was coming, three EMTs walked through the door. Because of the courtesy rule of “Ladies First,” the female EMT caught Baby Caleb. The professionals took it from there.

Later, I told Christie that, had the EMTs not arrived in time, she could have done this. 

Shrugging her shoulders. Christie smiled teasingly at Jenny and said, “It just like birthing pigs.”

 3. "A Gift that Keeps on Giving,” was published in “Offerings” in the Edmonton Journal. 

Updated to 2020. Our three children, now in their early forties, continue to be the gifts that keep on giving. Our two daughters are married, so we’ve also been blessed with their husbands as part of our family.

Michael and Hank

Christie and Donnie now have three children and Jenny and Rob have three children. We are, therefore, Papa and Nana to a “pride” of six grandchildren. Our Michael, who lives on his own in Calgary, is also a big part of our family. One of the kids named him “Unto Mito,” which we still hear occasionally, even though we have no more baby talkers.

                                                               

Isabella's Graduation
Proud Supporters: Caleb, Rob, Jenny, Logan

Back: Sadie, Abbie, Donnie
Front: Lacey, Teddy, Christie

Hank and I are proud of our three adult kids, the sons-in-law and the grand ones. I wrote the first version of this blog--the one my computer and/or Blogspot turned into gobbledegook--in October, which is the Canadian month for Thanksgiving. We consider our family to be one of our greatest blessings. Normally, we love to get together with the bunch. Sadly, those visits are restricted due to Coronavirus numbers rising. We pray for the day when we can freely spend time with family. For now, we are careful and follow Covid guidelines.  

Thank you, Dear God,  for our families and loved ones, for the gift of life, and for those who support life and realize its importance at all its stages. Amen.

Lord, Bless the Children--Part 1 by Sharon Espeseth

Jesus with young children
Adobe Stock Free image

Jesus Loves the Little Children

"The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: 'Don't push these children away. Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very centre of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in. Then gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them. (Mark 10:13-16 The Message).” 

 

Teaching 

For my first year of teaching, I was assigned to teach 24 grade three students in a small three-room school in a small town. I “adopted” these kids and vowed to do the best I could for each of them. Each year, I “adopted” a new batch of kids and committed myself to teaching them to the best of my ability. Knowing I needed more education to meet the varied needs of my students, I continued taking evening and summer classes at the U of A. 

Being single, I had the opportunity to live and teach in different communities in Alberta where I gained experience. My niche became the primary classroom, and maybe reading recovery programs. 

In 1974, I moved from Fort McMurray back to Edmonton, where I could take more courses at U of A. I also taught Resource Room students half-time in Alex Taylor. Teaching in this inner city school with Steve Ramsankar, a nationally recognized educator, as my principal was an amazing adventure. I loved teaching kids to read and to unlock the treasures in written material.

Sharon in the Classroom

Changes in the Status Quo

My return to Edmonton was for only one year, because 1974 was also the year I met Hank. We were married the next summer and Barrhead became my more permanent home. Hank knew I enjoyed teaching and working or spending time with kids. He listened when I told him I longed to have  children of my own. “If for any reason we don’t have children," I added, “I’d like to adopt.” He didn’t walk away.

After 18 months of marriage, we still didn’t have children. Married at 31 years, I may have been impatient. I reminded my  husband about our "pre-nuptial discussion.” When I came home from school the next day, adoption papers were on the table. We filed our application with Social Services in mid-January, 1977.

Adoption

In May of that year, I got a letter from the Department of Social Services saying I'd need to resign from teaching, effective June 30, in order to qualify for adopting an infant. We were surprised. Somebody, and we believe it was God, knew something we didn’t know. 

Realizing I’d be leaving the classroom indefinitely, I got to work with report cards, packing my own teacher files and material, and getting everything in order. On the morning of June 29th, a teacher work day without students, Hank came to school to help me take my “teaching stuff" home. 

When Hank arrived, he told me he had news to tell me, but first he asked for a private place where we coul sit down. I couldn’t read his facial expression. Was he excited? Worried? Sick? We stopped in a small workroom off the hallway. That’s where he told me we were going to be receiving a baby. Not soon, but tomorrow. 

We needed to travel several hours to pick up our first baby, almost newborn, the following morning. Our social worker had previously advised us not to buy baby things ahead of time as we wouldn’t know the size or the gender of the baby until we got the call. After a quick shopping scramble and a friend’s promise of a shower within a few days, we were on the road travelling south.

Arrival after Arrival after Arrival

Next day, we were bringing our first child, Michael, home less than six months after submitting our adoption application  His arrival caused quite a stir for us and among our family and friends. In fact, when we got home to Barrhead, the Espeseth’s had started arriving for a July 1 family reunion. Guess who was the star of that show? 

One year later, Christie, also just weeks old, joined our family without the family reunion, but with equal fanfare. She was introduced to the Augustson family at a picnic in Red Deer. Jennifer was almost six months when we were called away to receive her--our third child--into the family. The enthusiasm of Jenny’s older siblings only increased the hubbub of her arrival at Betty and Leon’s, where they waited for their new sister.

Within two years and two months from our first application, Hank and I had become the parents of three young children. God had listened to my longtime prayer, which was now our prayer, to have children of our own. 

Backyard picnic with 3 muskateers

Hank and I were ecstatic. Then came the first day Hank went back to work and I realized exactly how busy I would be. Within a week, we were moving to our new house, which would be more suitable for all of us. 

As imperfect and ordinary as we were, we had been chosen to be the parents of Michael, Christie and Jennifer. They kept us busy, but they were so much fun. Adding our three children to the family, my dad had a constant supply of new stories about his grandchildren.

Grandpa lots of stories about the grandkids

Just as God had knit each of these babies together in their respective mothers’ wombs, we believed He would give us the wisdom and grace to parent our three children. He knit the five of us together into a family.

Knit together as a family
Children are Christie, Jenny and Michael

Our Gratitude Together with Our Concerns for the Birth Mothers

Decades later, we are still grateful to these three young women, really teen at that time. Each of them had tough decisions to make when facing an unplanned and, what must have seemed an untimely, pregnancy. Each mother in her own words wrote that she wasn’t ready for the responsibility of parenting then, due to school and other concerns. For her child, each birth mother wanted a loving family with two parents who were more ready for parenting.

Hank and I and the extended family are especially thankful these three birth mothers didn’t choose abortion as a solution to an “inconvenient” pregnancy. Yes, for our sakes, we are grateful that we have the three children who were entrusted to our care. But we also realize that, but for the grace of God and the three women, our children might not have been given the gift of life. Hank and I are also thankful for the mothers themselves that they didn’t suffer the aftermath of abortion.

One of My Passions Is the Life and Well-being of Children

As Christian, most of us agree that every stage of life--from the womb to the tomb--is important. Pro-life is a personal and spiritual view for me, rather than a political one. Many times I’ve asked myself the Micah question. “. . . What does the Lord require of me? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with (my) God (Micah 6:8 NIV). 

I believe pro-life means all of the above. Saving unborn children is important, but acting justly in all our endeavours, being loving and merciful, and walking humbly with God also counts. 

Whose Children Are They?

“The children we have are never really ours. They are given to us, in trust, for a time, a short time really, and we are asked to be mothers and fathers, mentors guardians, teachers, priests, ministers and friends to them, but they are never really our children. They belong to somebody else, God, and to themselves more than they ever belong to us.”

                            Quote from Fr. Ron Rolheiser’s column “In Exile” in The Catholic Register, 2006

To be continued. . .

A Time of "Gracious Uncertainty" by Sharon Espeseth

Reminder from Friend that I am a Writer

Stymied in My Writing

The topic, "writing in the cracks,” had me stymied as I’m finding it hard to write. Period. I’m sporadic in my journal writing. When I do begin a blog or essay, it’s hard to get it finished even by using "cracks of time,” which seem to allude me.


Seek the Lord

Lynn J. Simpson’s blog, “God’s Timetable,” struck a note with me. Although God’s timetable may differ from ours, his goodness is everlasting. Lynn quotes the well-known verse: “Ask and it will be given you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 NIV) This time the word “seek” grabbed my attention.

A recent shift in our household schedule has challenged my morning routine of reading, writing and praying. I pray throughout the day, but I’m missing, or skimping on, my morning devotions. Have I, lately, been seeking enough?


Seeking through Song

“He who sings prays twice, says Saint Augustine. Although I miss singing in church, because of Covid restrictions, I can still sing and make music with all my soul. (Psalm 108:1) This too is seeking and addressing the Lord.

Here are two of my favourite hymn about seeking.

1. "Seek the Lord” by Roc O’Connor and sung by the Saint Louis Jesuits. The lyrics are based on Isaiah 55:6-9.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLjgnSKepow]

2. Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God by Karen Laffertyis based on Matthew 6:33.

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsBpM9IcBts


My Writing Plans??

Writing may not be my present priority. Since I can’t see around corners, I don’t make many commitments. I find it best to trust God for each day. I’m not perfect at laying everything before God, especially the part of leaving things there, but I believe God is teaching me to live my life that way.

James has an interesting beginning to his letter “to the twelve tribes scattered to Kingdom Come,” as Eugene Peterson says in The Messenger. He questions why we say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money.” As writers, we may say, "I will write such and such and make a profit." Yet we don’t know with any certainty what tomorrow will bring. James reminds us that our life is transient, that we are a mist that will soon vanish. James suggests, we ought to say, "If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this and that.” (James 4:13-14 ESV)

"Gracious Uncertainty”* (From My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers)

It is our natural inclination,  Chambers explains, to be so precise in our planning and forecasting the future “that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing.” Our common sense may have us planning and plotting, but, he says, “We cannot presume to see ourselves in any circumstance in which we have never been.”

These past few years, due to my husband’s health concerns, the two of us are learning that we are better off not to presume too much.

Chambers also says, “Certainty is the mark of the common sense life--gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life.” We can be uncertain about our next step, but we can be certain about God. “As soon as we abandon ourselves to God and do the task He has placed closest to us, He begins to fill our lives with surprises.”

The Norwegian and I in Another Season

My Present Task

Caregiving my husband is the present task God has placed closest to me. My writing must take a lesser place. My natural instinct is to analyze, observe, question, plan and schedule. That includes matters regarding Hank's health and daily living. This organizing can be time-consuming and sometimes discouraging and frustrating for both of us. Plans often fall apart when one is feeling poorly.

I must remind myself that I am not in charge.

One day Jesus  called a child and set the little one among his followers. Holding the child he said,  “Truly, I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3 ESV) We need to become humble, instead of self-righteous (always right), overly critical, and limited in our view.

Instead we need to seek the Lord and leave everything to Him. Then we will become, as Chambers says, “gloriously and graciously uncertain” about how God will work in our situation. We can be certain, however, that He will come if we remain faithful to him.*

*(Between the asterisks above, I am quoting and paraphrasing ideas from the devotional, “Gracious Uncertainty,” in My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers.

As for Hank’s health, we still have our struggles, but we are thankful for answered prayers, a diagnosis, God’s direction, and for family and friends who pray and support us.

Writing Between the Cracks

Hank is well enough to enjoy a bit of TV watching in the evening and he is back to his night-owl” habits, so I watch with him. . . Although it’s enjoyable and important to spend this time together, I need to pull back enough to get my sleep, so I can regain my early-bird ways. This is when I am best at reading, writing and praying.

I pray that I will follow God’s guidance and live well in this time of gracious uncertainty. You are welcome to join me in this prayer for yourselves.

Awakening Our Spirits During Lent by Sandi Somers

Our prompt for Lent was framed with the following questions: “How do you observe Lent? What impact does the time of leading up to Easter mean to you, your faith and your writing?”

In past years, my Easter preparation has been to read a Gospel, or read books such as Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ. This year, however, I wanted to engage more deeply in the meaning and beauty of Lent. Not coming from a Liturgical background, I researched both the history and regular practices of Lent. One helpful resource was SharonEspeseth’s earlier blogs on Lent. She challenged us to wake up our souls for Lent through goals, reading devotionals, prayer, repentance, fasting, and almsgiving.

Sharon’s concept of “waking up” resonated with me. It’s pre-spring, and in spring we wake up to new life after the cold, dark days of winter. Birds will soon return, and early spring flowers will poke through the soil. Just so, Lent is meant to awaken our spirits to its meaning. (The word “Lent” actually comes from the Old English meaning of “spring”!)

While we’re only a few days into Lent, God is already awakening me to focus on several important components.

Time with God

Several days ago, God prompted me to spend extended time with Him. Doing so fits into Lent’s second meaning: “slow” in Latin, a time we slow down to put our lives in order and to clarify priorities—like spiritual housecleaning. Without first spending time with God, I could become too absorbed in Lent’s self-examination, and my spirit can become heavy with my needs and the needs of others. How much I need to be reminded of Nehemiah’s words to his people: “The Joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). 

Confession and Repentance

God has awakened my spirit to greater confession and repentance, common practices of Lent. "Search me O God," the psalmist David wrote (Psalm 139:23-24). While self-examination is important, the Spirit points to areas that I need to confess. The Book of Common Prayer sums it up well: “We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.” We also confess things that have become too important—idols--including vices outlined in Galatians 5:19-21 and Ephesians 5:3-15

Collective Confession

Confession for me means going beyond myself to confess and call Canada back to God, especially during the current and past turbulences. My prayer has become, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Self-denial

A good friend described self-denial as a sacrifice, giving up something that’s hard to do. Perhaps excesses or preoccupations or distractions. For me, that means cutting cut down on coffee. Also, with living alone, I have a lot of time to myself. God has prompted me to spend more time with my extended family—through phone calls, emails/texts, visits, and invitations. I know there will be more self-denials to come.

         

Fasting to “Give It up for Freedom”

Scriptures teach that through self-denial and fasting, we can free ourselves and others from injustice and oppression (Isaiah 58:6-12). The International Justice Ministry has challenged me this Lent to “Give it up for freedom”, giving what money I save from my excesses to help stop slavery. 

As I’ve begun formal practices of Lent, I’m focusing more and more on why I’m observing this season. “Jesus came to defeat the Devil and Death,” wrote Barry Krammes, “but He also came to apply His victory to our daily lives. As we carefully examine ourselves we become keenly aware of our short-comings and sins but at the same time we are filled with overwhelming joy as we meditate on Jesus’ life and how He endured the cross for our salvation.”[i]

God is ready to awaken our spirits, not only during Lent, but also throughout the year. I pray you would have a listening ear and tender heart to respond to the “deep, deep love of Jesus”. 

For reflection:

As you describe your pre-Easter or Lenten journey this year, what principles help you most to focus on what Christ has done for you? How can your blog encourage your readers? 

·        

---

[i] Barry Krammes in “About” in http://ccca.biola.edu/lent/2020/#day-feb-27

Images by Pixabay

Wait Patiently on the Lord by Sharon Espeseth

January 2020


Patience Is My Word for 2020

This year, before searching or consciously praying about a word for 2020, the theme of patience came to mind. Yes, I thought, I definitely could use more patience. Dealing with Hank’s medical concerns sometimes overwhelms me and makes me impatient--with dates and details, with more questions than answers, with no diagnosis and with no improvement in Hank’s health. Then I become impatient with myself for becoming impatient, because I know God is watching over us.

A Song to Go with My Word

When the word patience entered my mind, the song, O Rest in the Lord, also came to me. I didn’t know where the song came from, nor where I had learned it, but I could sing it by heart. The lyrics seemed short, so I wanted to find out more. Digging through my hymnals produced nothing. Searching online, however, I discovered this hymn was from the Oratorio of Elijah by Felix Mendelssohn.

This beautiful hymn has been stalking me like an ear worm--a good one--and pushing me to learn more about patience. I couldn’t find an url for the hymn to post here, but I found a beautiful rendition of it on YouTube: David Wigram, Boy Soprano, Mendelssohn, O Wait on the Lord.”


The Seed Is Planted

Seedlings by Markus Spiske of Unsplash

God had planted the seed and I knew I needed to learn more about patience and cultivate it in my life, which isn’t an easy one-shot effort. Patience is one of the fruits or “gifts” of the Spirit--along with love, joy, peace, kindness. . . (See Galatians 5:22 NRSV.) In the Amplified Bible (AMP), we get this amplification of patience: “not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting.

Did you read that, Sharon!

As a gift, patience, isn’t something we build on our own, although our participation and a thankful attitude will point us in the right direction. Even when we pray for this virtue, it may not come immediately. The framework is a gift from the Holy Spirit, but we need to nail on some boards ourselves. Soul searching and prayer would make good building material.

The first board might be to ask God’s forgiveness for my present impatience. Done. Another board, or maybe a whole wall, would be to stay close to God and fervently ask him, often, for patience in our present circumstances. This is where I see myself.

Why was I so impatient?

My husband, in his elder years, is overcome with weakness, vertigo, weight loss, disabling fatigue, and not surprising, depression. At 82 years, he is no longer well, and the way he feels isn’t entirely about his age.

Although we are supported by the kindness and prayers of friends and family, I am the one who is home with Hank. I feel his anguish and frustration and keep notes of observations that might help in discussions with doctors.

I am Hank's spouse, friend and confidante, lover, and caregiver. And Hank is all of these things to me as well. Having God’s blessing in the Sacrament of Marriage these past 44 years, we are thankful for each other and for the good relationship we continue to have--in spite of our challenges.

Royalty Free Vector Image

As caregiver, I look after him to the best of my knowledge and ability. I try to figure out foods that might tempt him to eat. I make and keep track of appointments, which sometimes need canceling or postponing when Hank isn’t up to attending. I do research about symptoms and meds. I enter into discussions with Hank's family doctor, specialists, pharmacists, and his psychologist, whom we see for talk therapy.









Reading between the lines. . .

You might gather that I’m trying to “fix” Hank’s health problems, which I know isn’t my job or in the realm of my capabilities. I also know that such “fixing,” even if it worked, wouldn't make him live forever.

Still I am hoping and praying for improved quality of life while he's here. Obviously, the fixing will be up to the doctors and God, of course, for intervention and healing, according to God's will. I pray that Hank will have strength for his days. I pray for God’s guidance for both of us and for the doctors.

I also pray for patience for me. . . 

Some days are harder for Hank than others. Those days are harder for me too. Sometimes the tears come. A diagnosis might lead to a medication or treatment that would help Hank or give us information on how to manage his symptoms better. We’ve been hoping and praying. . .

This is where my impatience comes in. (Lord, forgive me.) Hank has had so many tests and so many appointments and sometimes we seem no further ahead. We've had many appointments in Edmonton for tests and seeing specialists. These trips are exhausting for Hank and I am back in the driver’s seat after years of Hank being the main driver.




Giving Thanks

We may not have all the answers about Hank’s ill health, but we are thankful for what we have:

• faith in God who hears and answers pray

• that God is in charge and I am not

• support and prayers of family and friends

• good care in the hospital, which is about six blocks from home

• a good and caring doctor

• Hank's swallowing problem repaired 

• recently discovering that we can have more of Hank’s tests and specialist appointments through Telehealth at our local hospital

• sufficient funds for the necessaries of life

• that we still have one other and we can manage at home

• that I am healthy enough to care for Hank and to do what needs doing 

• that God has blessed us in the Sacrament of Marriage and in our commitment to one another 

Prayer: May we remember at all times to stand on God’s promises and patiently wait for him. Amen.

Dear Friends, 

Through this writing, which hasn’t been easy, and through the Holy Spirit, I believe my faith and patience have been strengthened. Last month, I was unable to write about this, so I have given you two blogs in one. Please forgive me for the length of my blog. 


February 2020

Where Do I Find Refreshment? 

Lifting my eyes to the mountains reminds me that God is watching over us.

Unsplash Photo by Lokansh Alma

As the psalmist says,

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains--

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

(Psalm 121:1-2 NIV)

As I read this and other Psalms, I’m reminded that God watches over us and will keep us from harm. The Lord is my strength and my shield, my light, my stronghold and my salvation. . . I am encouraged.

Building More Patience and Understanding (Additional/Optional References)

“For I know the plans I have says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

* * * * * * 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And he shall direct your paths."

(Proverbs 3: 5-6 NKJV) 

* * * * * * * 

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. (2 Peter 3:8 NIV)

* * * * * * * 

“The Lord will keep you from all harm--

he will watch over your life;

The Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore."

(Psalm 121: 7-8 NIV)

* * * * * * *

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 4:6-9 NRSV)

Prayer: May we, O Lord, trust in you and lean not on our own understanding. Help us to acknowledge you, Our Omniscient God, in all things, so that we may allow you to direct our paths. 

Beyond the Basic Wish List by Sharon Espeseth

Free Image of Sears Wish Book

Depending on your age, my readers, you may be familiar with Eaton’s or Sear’s Christmas Wish Book. You may remember times in your childhood, or your children’s childhood, when the arrival of the Christmas Wish Book delivered delight and anticipation to your home.

Unsplash Photo by

Annie Spratt

Now, in a more senior season of my life, I am looking forward to the coming of Christmas, still with delight and anticipation, but knowing full well that I don’t need the toys, jewels, or clothes that once turned my head.











What Do I Want for Christmas?




Any time with family is a special time. At Christmas this is especially important. The presence of family is a true gift--one for which we give thanks. Being with and connected to family and loved ones at Christmas is something one can never take for granted.


This Christmas I also want to be mindful of the gifts God gives us--the important, everlasting gifts, like unconditional love, forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. These are gifts, but we need to claim them. St. Paul tells the Ephesians, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)





Spiritual Bonuses

Besides these overwhelming, destiny-changing presents, God gives us spiritual snacks and supports for our heavenward journey. If we want to live abundantly, or travel first-class, we merely need to ask. Jesus reminds us that, compared to earthly fathers who want to give good gifts to their children, God the Father has more resources for giving gifts to those who ask. The gift, may or may not be a new car, but God knows what we truly want and need before we ask.

Praying for the Holy Spirit would be a wise choice. Christ promised he would send the Holy Spirit to be with us and comfort us. If we ask, the Comforter will bring us all kinds of gifts: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

Promises, Promises. . .

God promises blessing to make our lives more abundant. We’ve all heard, "Promises, Promises. . . ,” sarcastically spoken. But God delivers on his promises. In all circumstances, God works for the good of those who love him.” (Romans 8:28)

We’ll still have our hills and valleys, but God can take care of this too. Isaiah prophesies that every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. (Isaiah 40:4)

Then there are times when God in his wisdom sees that it is better to leave us with our impediments. Paul pleaded with the Lord to take away his “thorn in the flesh,” but the Lord replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) Grace is another promised gift that is ours for the asking. God’s grace doesn’t depend on our strength or worthiness.

Be Careful What You Ask For

Solomon, young and anxious about becoming king, asked God for “a discerning heart to govern (God’s) people” and “the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.” God was so enthused about his request that he promised Solomon he would be wiser than anyone before him and anyone after him. God’s gift of wisdom made Solomon’s reign unforgettable.

We too can ask for wisdom. In the New Testament, James advises us that if we feel lacking in wisdom, we should ask God. (James 1:5)

Jesus tells us we only need to ask and then we will receive. (Matthew 7:7-8) James warns his new-Christian readers, “You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (James 4:2b-3)

How Do We Ask for Worthy Gifts?

Jesus taught us how to ask for worthy gifts. We begin our prayer with praise and honour to God, Our Heavenly Father. Then we ask for our daily needs. It is wise to ask for deliverance from evil. We can ask forgiveness, but Jesus reminds us that we should also be willing to forgive those who wrong us.

How Can We Grow in Our Spiritual Lives?

Regularly “eating” our spiritual fruits will make life easier. Reading God’s Word and praying will help us grow. Asking for help to be more loving, joyful, patient and kind will foster better relationships with others. Although we can’t regulate how others treat us, we can ask for control over our reactions.

Satisfaction Guaranteed?

By appreciating God’s gifts, we will store up treasures in heaven where thieves can’t get at them. Fancy clothes, furniture, vehicles, gourmet foods--maybe these aren’t the big-ticket items. Christ says, “Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? (Matthew 6:25b) Still, Jesus suggests we ask for “our daily bread.” And if we love our neighbour as ourselves, we will share what we have with those who are in need.

As Christ followers, we will be happier if we seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness first. The rest will be added on. (Matthew 6:33) The real gifts are the ones that bring us closer to God, closer to our brother and sister, and closer to heaven.

One of the greatest gifts is our adoption into God’s family. As God’s children, we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. To share in his glory, however, we are expected to appreciate and share in Christ’s sufferings. (Romans 8:17)

Thank You Notes

With all these spiritual gifts available, let’s remember always, and maybe especially at Christmas, to be grateful that God sent his only Son to come into the world to live among us and to die for our sins. Let us rejoice and be glad that God planned so well for us, his children.

Creche Scene at St. Anne’s Catholic Church
in Barrhead

Paul advises, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) These gifts that come down from the Father are the good and perfect ones. (James 1:17) Choose well, my friends, and we will be ready to greet Emmanuel when he comes.

Prayer: During this busy, but holy season, Lord, I pray you will teach us to judge earthly matters wisely, to set spiritually meaningful priorities, and hold firmly to heavenly matters. Bless each of our InScribe colleagues and their families and loved ones, especially during this season, when we welcome Christ Emmanuel into our hearts and homes. Amen. 



* Scripture verses are from the New International Version of the Bible.

Revised by Sharon from previous iterations published in Our Family, Offerings in The Edmonton Journal 

Are you still writing? by Sharon Espeseth

Yes, I’m still writing, but. . .

Are you still writing, Sharon?

When I run into friends or acquaintances I haven’t seen for a while, they often ask me, “Are you still writing, Sharon?" Then the person might refer to a story of mine they read in a certain publication. I feel,  apologetic--to them or to myself--for not having a book of my own out there.

In conversation, I may add that I write a blog for InScribe Writer’s Online once a month. That doesn’t seem like much, but it is an accumulation of work. The present period of my life has been busy, but then each decade of life has had its time gobblers. That’s what I’ve always told myself. But I come up defenceless, against Julia Cameron’s chapter, “The Time Lie” in the Right to Write.

Cameron claims, “The myth that we must have ‘time'--more time--in order to create is a myth that keeps us from using the time we do have. If we are forever yearning for ‘more,’ we are forever discounting what is offered.” Single parenting, along with full-time teaching and full-time writing, she says, taught her “to grab for time to write instead of wait for time.” As prolific as Ms. Cameron is in several art forms, she has learned to live beyond the convenience of the “'if-I-had-time’ lie.” (pp. 14-15)

But I write not to criticize myself, but to celebrate! 

Today, being November 9th when I’m writing, I am celebrating my birthday and I am also celebrating what Susan Barclay referred to as my “oeuvre." Today's blog is my 82nd blog on IWO. I have written, I believe, each month since I began on June 10, 2012, except for two months when I was ill.

Celebration: Photo by Frame Harirak of Unsplash

I do have a body of work. My blogs above, for example, all 82 of them, but what should I do with them? I wonder. I have stories published in six anthologies.

Stories in Six Anthologies

I have five hefty binders filled with my stories, anecdotes, articles and poems that have been published in Western Producer, Grainews, Edmonton Journal, Western Catholic Report--which no longer exists, Devo’zine, and other places. I worked for four years with Alberta Distance Learning, where I worked on developing primary course material. I have a box with stories that I hope to develop into a memoir. And I have a start on a devotional book for writers.

Potential Memoir

Where did all these ideas come from? 

Julia Cameron, in The Right to Write, wrote a chapter called, “Let Yourself Listen.” She talks about listening rather than speaking, about getting things down on paper rather than straining to think things up. “Julia,” one of my favourite writers on writing, claims that writing then becomes "the art of taking dictation rather than giving it.”

Listening: Photo by Luve Christian of Unsplash

When one's writing becomes an act of listening rather than an act of speaking, “. . . a great deal of the ego goes out of it.” We become less self-conscious about our writing. We write with more ease. And we become “the vehicle of self-expression.” I like the conclusion to her chapter on listening: “When we are just the vehicle, the storyteller and not the point of the story, we often write very well--we certainly write more easily.” (pp. 10-11)

I try to listen before I write. Sometimes it’s a quote I’ve read, a book I’m reading, a discussion I’ve had with a friend or writing buddy. I scratch things down in my notebook. Then I hear something else and it connects to what I’ve just discovered or a theme I keep bumping into. A blog, devotional or an article may start to gel. It’s  not quite set, but I pick up my pen or settle down at the keyboard and I begin to write. At that point, I might hear, or feel,"This is the way. Write about it."


Adjustments and Moving Forward in Faith and Writing

Hank (aka Dad and Pap) hanging out with some of the crew

Some of you know my husband has been ill the last few years, so the two of us continue to make adjustments to our lives and habits. While Hank was in hospital recently, my early morning writing and devotional time didn’t work. Now, he’s home and feeling somewhat better. Mornings allow a more reflective pace. I’ll try again to write and use my time wisely, while remaining mindful that I am a caregiver and a writer.

I’ve been reading and marking up my copy of The Right to Write, as far as I’ve read. I knew I wanted to refer to this book in my blog. Previously, The Artist’s Way, also by Julia Cameron, energized my writing. Following the exercises and activities helped me get back into writing then. I plan to do the same with this book.

For me, “Julia’s" writing provides spiritual insights as well as writing perspective. Devotional time works well for me when I read the Bible, pray and write. Writing often becomes prayer and prayer often turns into writing.

Closing Thought: “Few souls understand what God would accomplish in them if they were to abandon themselves unreservedly to him and if they were to allow his grace to mould them accordingly.” St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)

May it be so, Lord. May it be so.