Being Known

Being known - a condition I need to experience - regularly.

I need to know God knows me; loves me; cares for me. Being known is important.

It was a beautiful late winter day in Colorado. The kind of day that snow still hovered but my heavy sweater provided the necessary warmth. The blue sky and the strong sun invited me to join them that morning. I gratefully accepted and drove to The Broadmoor, a 5-star resort at the base of the Rocky Mountains with an abundance of the beauty and the silence I sought. I love water; and while the temperatures co-operated, I enjoyed a park bench, my coffee, and reviewed my journal near the small man-made lake. 

A few clouds appeared jostling for position with the sun. I headed inside to one of small sitting areas; an overstuffed chair in front of a lit fireplace attracted me like a magnet. I sat for a bit ensconced in the quiet and the comfort; mesmerized by the flickering yellow, blue, and red.

I pulled a book from my basket, The Furious Longing of God, by Brennan Manning that I’d been saving for just such a day. It didn’t disappoint. My eyes stilled and my heart tranquilized half way through the first page of the first paragraph. 

“I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me” (Song of Solomon 7:10)

God’s voice was obvious to my heart. I belong to God! God has desires for me! A new, fresh word from the Lord reviewing truth I know, but sometimes need to be reminded of again.

Being known! God knows me; he meets me where I am.

Being known, an aha moment in the midst of ordinary, usually appears when least expected. Sometimes while reading a book; when listening to a sermon; in the words of a friend or an acquaintance; from the lyrics of the song playing on my iPod. Whatever, I pause; I listen or read, and re-listen or re-read; I want a re-play. God comes through the fog of life. I hear new truth or old truth that I know is designed or re-phrased for me. I grab my pen and journal lest I forget.

Even remembering and recording these words this morning, my heart beats a bit faster, the goose-bumps are real. God’s message to me coming from a dead author sitting at a 5-star resort was not a new message, but a reaffirming one—one I return to regularly. And “… If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

“But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder,                                           because of the grace given me by God,” (Romans 15:15)

Tuesday's Grace Letter ~ 2

Another two second realization—much like the two second realization that floated through my heart within minutes of meeting my Mr. Right. Thank you Kara for your encouragement to put memories to ink. I knew immediately who I would write a love and appreciation letter to. Please hop over to Kara's words too.

Truly, when Bill and I were introduced to one another, we were students from Hope College attending a weekend Navigator conference in Michigan. The thought floated through my brain I want to marry this guy! Crazy—yes. Prophetic—yes as well. That was May. The following February he accompanied me to my sorority formal (yup, I did the inviting).

It was a year later on Valentine’s weekend that we voiced our commitment to one another.           Romans 15:5 and 6 has been a special scripture in our relationship since. 

Five years (and many stories) later we married. 

fall 2013

To my sweetheart,

Thank you and I love you so much seem inadequate to communicate my heart. You have loved me well. You have walked with me on this journey of life listening, encouraging, believing in me, wiping tears, sharing joys, through our hards always faithful—to God and to me. Tears again, tears of overwhelming joy threaten as I type.

You taught me to love camping. I.was.scared. I remember packing city outfits along on our first camping trip just in case we wanted to escape to civilization for pizza. They were never used. Camping became our family vacation. We never missed a summer. You kept pushing me toward the wilderness. Camping became part of the fabric of our family and the memories punctuate many good conversations.

Hiking in Moab

Parenting with you has been a treat. From your first hesitant walk into the delivery room through the many adventures of two boys to the celebrations we would have never shared if it weren’t for Dave and Jeff, mostly the good rises to the front of my brain. I especially remember the letters you wrote the boys when they graduated from both high school and college. I remember your words to Dave and Hannah when they we married. I remember your words to Jeff when he was ordained to pulpit ministry. Your love and encouragement, your wisdom and hope given to them ministered deeply to me. 

I am honored to walk our Navigator adventure for over 40 years now. “Together with one voice” (from Romans 15:5 and 6) complementing and completing each other has been the tone. There were times I struggled wanting our story to be written differently. There were never times that you did not meet me where I was and gently move me forward. You have changed my story more than anyone because you believe in who God created me to be. Thank you, sweetheart.

The empty nest brings the best of our hearts and our history together. I so look forward to our tomorrows walking with God and walking with each other continuing to do life and make memories together.

I love you!

A Lenten Invitation

Ash Wednesday was yesterday, the beginning of Lent.

Growing up, my Catholic friends celebrated Lent by getting ashes smeared on their foreheads and giving up something. This roused my curiosity and attracted me in a way I can’t explain.

This year I plan to celebrate Lent.

One definition of Lent is it is a Biblically based way to set time apart to refocus exclusively on our relationship with God. Another records, setting aside time for reflection, fasting, and repentance in recognition of the sacrifice Jesus made for me.

It sounds like Lent is a time to offer to God, once again my heart and my listening ear.

“Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear that your soul may live;” Parts of Isaiah 55:2 and 3

I am accepting this invitation. Although I didn’t announce it with ashes, I’m sharing it with you. 

Would you like to join me on this Lenten journey and see what you hear?

Following Ruth Haley Barton’s lead in her recent article for The Transforming Center, this Lenten season I’m going to pray the words of Psalm 139:23 and 24 each day and ask God what he wants to say to me.

I’m not giving up something except maybe self-protection. I’m not really adding anything. This scripture is part of my normal devotional life for Lent. I am journaling what I hear.  I’m still asking, God what does it look like to trust you today? And for these next 40 days I am using the words of Psalm 139.

Please, RSVP.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"                                                                                                          Psalm 139:23 and 24

Other friends have encouraged me on this lenten journey. Click over here for Ruth Haley Barton's words and here for the story of my friend Christie Purifoy. This link will take you to Ann Voskamp's words.