Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - Spiritual Botox

Unsure what to think about her first carseat experience.

     I'm looking forward to being back in a classroom today. Children keep life simple with their unaffected and uncensored responses. When they're angry, they steam and when they're thrilled, they bounce. Newborns like Addy (and you knew she would come up again, didn't you?) are the least affected of all. Addy cries her "Stop messing with me!" cry when someone changes her clothes. When she's hungry, she opens her mouth, turns her head toward the warm body holding her and hunts for her mother's milk regardless of who's in the room. If she doesn't find it, she expresses her disappointment and frustration wherever she happens to find herself. Addy also makes wonderful faces as she tests her tiny facial muscles. She can look like she's whistling or sometimes she lifts one side of her mouth and winks.  

     We adults have learned to practice making our emotional faces privately in front of the bathroom mirror. Most of us "grown-ups" have learned to exhibit enough self-control to keep us from being socially ostracized, but many of us have gone too far and have also learned to inject spiritual Botox into our faces to cover our spiritual immaturity or need. God prefers we let go of pretense in favor of sincerely "rooting" for His Presence. He wants us in "spirit and in truth" rather than dressed in self-sufficiency, sophistication or stoicism about our needs. He commanded us to come to Him with childlike trust to stretch our faith muscles. He tells us to keep His creation in our line of sight and to thank Him for the flowers and the birds as we did when we first learned to pray as unaffected children. 

"God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." 

John 4:24

"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,' declares the LORD. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, 

so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.'" 

Isaiah 55:8-9

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? . . . And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin." Matthew 6:26,28

Father, thank You for Your beautiful world that proves Your great wisdom, power and love for us. Thank You for the honesty of children. May we come to You as children with our needs but also with our simple praise and gratitude. Thank You for the trees, the flowers, the birds, the grass, babies, and spring. Flow through me with ease today.

In the Name of Jesus Who first taught us to call You Abba (Papa)!

Inspired by My Utmost for His Highest and Jesus Calling

Addy's photo from the family album

Daylilies photo from photobucket.com

Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - The Normal Perfect Life

David and Lagene (Granddaddy and Grammy)

welcomed Addy home in style  

Perhaps no two words soothe a new parent's mind and heart more than the two words "perfectly normal." 
     It's perfectly normal for new parents to:     *feel torn between giddiness and exhaustion;
*take an inordinate amount of pictures of the baby they could pick out of a million others as their own;
*feel a possessiveness and protectiveness they can't describe.
*wonder how anyone whose looked at their baby, or any baby, couldn't believe in God.

Adalyn Faith sleeps peacefully in her daddy's arms.

It's perfectly normal for a new baby to:

*sleep most of the time; 

*prefer being swaddled and held;

*cry at the precise moment everyone else is ready to sleep;

*wrap her grandparents around her tiniest finger, making it difficult for them to think or speak of much else than the warm new joy and wonder they discovered wrapped in a typical hospital blanket. 

     The majority of Addy's delivery, birth, and homecoming has been "perfectly normal," praise God. We all pray for perfectly normal circumstances when a baby is conceived and delivered because  "abnormal" circumstances indicate serious problems. 

     Oswald Chambers describes Jesus' life up to the point of His Transfiguration as "the normal perfect life" because He lived a perfect life in normal circumstances. We're not to confuse "perfectly normal" with "normal perfect." Jesus' life as the Son of Man Who came to heal and teach and Who could feed 5,000 people with one combo meal was anything but "perfectly normal" or no one would have taken notice of Him. However, up to the point of His Transfiguration, Jesus, Son of Man, lived a perfect life in the normal circumstances of sickness, sin, death, and taxes, but on the Mount of Transfiguration He revealed He pulled open heaven's door to reveal His glory as the Son of God.  

     Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that it's "perfectly normal" to:

*struggle with temptation and sometimes fail;

*experience highs and lows in our Christian walks; 

*wish for perfect circumstances instead of dealing with the ones we face; 

*need more faith as we struggle with trusting God.

    However, using "perfectly normal" as an excuse to fail should be abnormal for a believer. Living a normal perfect life means answering the high call to let God live through us in our normal circumstances.   

Father, help us. We fail, yes, but we don't want failure as our excused norm. We need You constantly to teach us to turn to You in the moments we're most tempted to respond  in a  "perfectly normal" way. Live through us as we live by faith in You through the normal circumstances of this Tuesday. 

In the Name of Jesus, Perfectly Perfect Son of Man, Son of God! 

"We live by faith, not by sight." 

2 Corinthians 5:7

"But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 

'Be holy , because I am holy." 

1 Peter 1:15-16

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19  

Inspired by My Utmost for His Highest

photos from the family album

Thursday, May 12, 2011 - Rest: A Beautiful Four-Letter Word

Rest means different things to people in different phases of life. When God rested from creating the earth it didn't mean He was worn out or used up, but that He stopped working. In love, He established a day for us to stop working to recharge physically, spiritually and emotionally. As new parents, Julie and Nick are learning that rest means a couple of hours of sleep in a row, or simply holding a happy, well-fed Addy. Rest can also mean successfully passing certain new hurdles such as getting through labor and delivery, feeding and dressing Addy for the first time, getting Addy home, figuring out a schedule, knowing their baby's needs, having everything they need at hand, and so forth. 

     Rest also means taking care of ourselves so we can care for others well. Julie said yesterday, "I never understood why new mothers say 'I don't have time to eat or sleep,' but now I know." The doctors, midwife, lactation consultants, family members and friends have all underlined the importance of Julie and Nick getting their nourishment and rest so they're in good shape to care for Addy because it's simply impossible to give what we don't have.

     God's Word calls us to "love one another" (1 John 3:11) and Jesus said, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of Your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:44). Do I have that kind of love in me? Every believer does, but am I always alert enough to feed myself on His Presence before I try to feed or love others?  No. Sometimes the "babies" of the world cry so loudly or urgently that I rush in to feed them before accepting what God offers me. When I get my "schedule" out of kilter in this way, I'm quickly drained of the skimpy, watered-down human love I can produce alone, and nobody is satisfied. I feel like a failure. However, loving others in God's strength and power leads us to rest from this self-condemnation.

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and

how we set our hearts at rest in His presence

whenever our hearts condemn us."

1 John 3:18-19

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls."

Matthew 11:28-29

"The LORD replied, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'" 

Exodus 33:14

Father, You promise us rest in Your Presence and Promises. We're hungry for Your kind of rest. Show us how to love ourselves by letting You love us in Your ways. Open our minds, hearts and mouths like hungry birds who don't question what's placed in us. May we let Your Love flow freely through us, withholding nothing from anyone in need but remembering to let You fill us first.

In the Name of Jesus Who promised us rest for our souls!

Inspired by Jesus Calling

Photos by Eli Akin, EADesign



Monday, May 9, 2011 - Catch and Release

     Addy is almost two days old and as far as I know, she has no regrets. Don't you wish you could say the same? Maybe that's why becoming a Christian is also referred to as "being born again," - starting out fresh and without sin or regret.

     Unfortunately, buried deep inside most of us lie embarrassing, shame-filled regrets we'd give anything to erase from our past: rash decisions, wasted opportunities, spite-filled words, ugly immaturity unveiled, an unhealed or out-of-control relationship, unwarranted stinginess, ignorance for which others paid the price, and on and on the list goes. When I hear people say they have no regrets I wonder:

1) Do they really mean they would make the same wrong and hurtful choices again? or,

2) Are they saying they're happy with where and who they are in life and consider all their choices, good and bad, to be what helped them "arrive?" or,

3) Are they revealing a pride that won't allow them to admit they made any specific mistakes? It's always easier to ask God to forgive us for our sins than to go through the itemized list.

     Praise God He knows our nature to sin in monumental ways and He's big enough not only to forgive the sins but to use them to build character and compassion for others.  He calls us to catch our regrets and release them into His capable Hands. Only when we bring the "big ones,"  our deepest regrets and failures, to His mercy seat will we see the Master work miracles from mess. I wouldn't want to make the same mistakes again, but I do praise God for transforming my chaos into something He can use for His purposes.     

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, 

who have been called according to His purpose." 

Romans 8:28

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." Micah 7:7

     Thank You, God, that we don't have to live with regret because You recycle it into something useful. Forgive us when we litter our lives with the ugliness of past sins and  let regret hold us back from You. You know better than anyone our potential for evil, yet You love us most. Strengthen us to release pride and lay each failure at Your Feet to deal with before they become blockades to our spiritual growth or to our trust in Your forgiveness.
In the Name of Jesus, the Son of God Whose blood cleanses us white as snow and through Whom we live in new life.

Inspired by Jesus Calling

photo from our family album

Sunday, May 8, 2011 - Happiest Mother's Day

Julie and Nick waiting for Addy.

At 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 7,  a sharp contraction woke Julie from a deep sleep. This one was different. Another followed shortly; then another and we were, in the blink of an eye wide awake and processing the fact that "this was it."  Adalyn was in her parents' arms 9 hours and 43 minutes later. 
     Amazing. One tiny person joins humanity, mesmerizes an extended family and becomes the hub of attention.  All eyes are on Addy. Every gurgle is recorded. Every facial expression warrants analysis and every cry, interpretation. Each feature is examined for similarities to family members. We watch to see her open her eyes and look around, or better, to look back at us. We're busy bonding.
    

At last, she's everything they hoped for and more.

Twenty-three years and one week prior to Addy's birth, I woke Tom up at 4:30 in the morning to tell him "it was time."  Later that day, the doctor laid our newborn Julie Dove Noland on me and, BAM! instant bonding. Feeling her warm life wriggle in my arms and her heart beating against me triggered what parents can't describe to anyone else: a ball of fierce and tender protectiveness, joy, fear and trepidation, helplessness balanced with determination, awe, incredulity, wonder, and a severe case of nervous self-questioning and pondering.

Adalyn Faith Akin, May 7, 2011

 

 Now that Addy's made her debut, she'll hold us  spellbound as her life introduces one new experience after another. That's the way God designed us - to relive what we wouldn't remember through our children and to see life from their innocent, fresh points of view. Babies and children bring out the best, least selfish part of us when we let them.  They also keep our feet on the ground and keep us praying and bonding with the Father Who wove together these marvelous, fascinating little challenges called babies. 

Father, thank You for my own babies and what they've taught and still teach me. Thank You for the way You prove Your love and provision in their lives. Mighty God You're Master of the microscopic - planning invisible details deeper within us than we can imagine. Glorify Yourself in all the details surrounding this new family and extend them into their extended families. Thank You for a safe delivery and a healthy Addy. Your Ways, Your Designs, Your Weaving - AMAZING!!

In the Name of Jesus, Who came as one of these tiny wonders!

 "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." Psalm 139:6

"For You created my inmost being; 

You knit me together in my mother's womb." 

Psalm 139:13

Addy meets Nana and Papa.

Julie and I anticipate Addy's arrival.

"One generation will commend Your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.

They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness." 

Psalm 145:4&7

Friday, May 6, 2011 - Out of Control

Julie made Addy's button "A."

Each morning I think, "It could be today," and I list reasons the day would be a great day to have a baby. Then, when Adalyn doesn't arrive, I think, "Her birthday's not going to be on this date." As I go to sleep I wonder, "Will she come in the night?" and the next morning starts the process again.  

     At the doctor's appointment Wednesday, the doctor told Julie and Nick that when a baby will be born is one of the last mysteries on earth. Yes, we can induce them, strip membranes, or break the water all in an effort to speed things up, but still, a mother never knows how long she'll be in labor before the baby's born. Without these interventions, pinning down the exact delivery date is unlikely and without a C-section, we're completely out of control on this one. 

     Human beings have learned to control and forecast so many things,we're flustered when we stumble on anything we can't control. We're shocked at our helplessness to ward off tornadoes, tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods or to coax one baby girl out of the womb and into the waiting arms of her family who are more than "ready" to meet her. 

 Father, thank You that I'm not in control and thank You that my neighbor isn't in control. My decisions would be based on my feelings or on my sympathy (or lack of sympathy) for other people. You alone are able to rule in complete understanding, justice and grace. We're blinded by what we want to happen now. Free us from the shackles of needing to control our days and our destinies. You have the big picture before You and we submit completely to Your decisions and outcomes. Fix our eyes on You and help us trust You day by day in every possible way.

In the Name of Jesus, Who trusted You one dark Friday and now fulfills His destiny as King of kings and Lord of lords 

  "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18

Ready for some R&R - Rocking and Reading!

"I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful,  I know that full well. . .  My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:14-16

Thursday, May 5, 2011, A Sincere "Thank You!"

     I suppose every one of us has said an insincere "Thank you" for a gift we didn't appreciate. For example: 

*We open a gift and can't tell what it is (?????)

*We don't trust the person who gave the gift and can't tell whether or not it's a joke (an abstract sculpture or nose hair trimmer).

*We already have one (pair of flamingos for the yard).

*We don't appreciate what the gift says (a Gut Buster or a self-help book).

*We know what the gift is, trust the person who gave it to us, but hate the gift (hand-knitted sofa cover featuring mushrooms, carrots and Elvis. My apologies in advance to any of you who have one of these.).

     Each of God's gifts is tasteful, timely, and trustworthy because He is tasteful, timely and trustworthy. However, He does even better than that: because He's thoroughly Good, every gift He gives us does us good in ways we may not grasp when we open them. His gifts are personalized and never given from obligation but from a loving heart that knows the desires of our hearts.  

Thank You God for Your Goodness and Your Generosity. Thank You for the gifts we don't immediately understand but can trust because we can trust You. Thank You for Your perfect timing in giving them. Thank You for Your exquisite taste and for the fact that You bestow unique and original gifts on us individually and as a world full of people who don't even recognize them as Your gifts.

You are Light, Life and the Master of all Gift-giving!

In the Name of Jesus, the most unselfish Giver of all,

"Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song."

Psalm 95:2

"This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: 

God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all." 

1 John 5:5