Tuesday With Teri

   I like my oranges “orange” in color, smooth with slightly dimpled skin and blemish free…even it takes injections of chemicals and dyes to produce this appearance.   I did not know this about myself until recently.

I ordered a box of Florida oranges from a friend’s daughter who was selling them as a fundraiser. When the huge box arrived I was thrilled. The scent of citrus permeated from the cardboard crate. I opened it and discovered quite sampling of oranges. Some were pale orange, some had a green tint and some were indeed “orange”. All were marked or scarred to some degree. They were kind of ugly.

My dismay was quickly alleviated when I saw an insert from the owner of the grove from which they arrived.

The letter assured us the color variations, specifically the greenish hues, were due to a lack of cooler temperatures in Florida this fall and not indicative of ripeness. The scar marks were also a natural result of branches from the trees brushing against the fruit in the wind. They promised we would not be disappointed with their oranges, they were surely ripe and juicy. They were proud of their effort to NOT use chemicals or dyes to alter their appearance.

I had reservations as I cut the first orange in half. Sure enough, the fruit inside was bright, sweet and very juicy. As a matter of fact, every orange thus far has been wonderfully ripe and yummy. Still, every time I set my knife to make the first cut in another ugly orange, finding it to be perfectly delectable is entirely unexpected.

As I hold one of the oranges in my hand, I think of all the unexpected things in my life, and am reminded of the blessings and joy that often can be found even in the unexpected.

This season we celebrate a JOY unexpected.

 Unexpected, would surely describe how Joseph saw the news that his young bride-to-be was pregnant.

Goodness knows Mary handled her unexpected pregnancy with grace and obedient courage.

The Shepherds had no reason to expect an angelic encounter in the field.

The people in the town of Bethlehem had no expectation for the child born while they slept.

The wise men, who even studied prophecy, could not have expected to meet this “king” as a toddler in simple surroundings.

In an unexpected place, in an unexpected way, at an unexpected time, He came to us.

JOY to the world!

This season I will look at oranges differently. A perfect orange or an ugly orange…each is a reminder of that first Christmas long ago…a baby…wrapped in swaddling cloth, tucked in the arms of a young mother not of noble birth, in a place meant for cattle and sheep…the King of kings, our Savior, the hope of the world.

“And the angel said unto them, fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great JOY, which shall be for ALL people, For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10&11

Perhaps you have not met Charlie, he is our newest four legged companion.  Charlie is a 9mo Portuguese Water Dog.  He is 40 pounds of floppy, furry, fun.   He is also the recipient of the well-deserved nickname, “Charlie Chaos”.  To say he needs constant activity is an understatement, which is why we found ourselves on a wooded trail the other day.

We ventured to a local jogging/walking trail.  It is well kept and a popular place for avid runners and novice hikers.  The day could not have been any prettier.  The leaves on the trees had begun to turn and several were losing their battle to hold onto their branches.  Each small gust of wind sent multicolor leaves floating to the forest floor like huge snowflakes.  Of course, this particular beautiful sight would prove to be a bit of a distraction for Charlie Chaos.  Charlie is still in training when it comes to jogging on leash, so am I.

There are a few things to consider when jogging with your dog:

#1 You actually have to run…not just plod along as I usually do.  We had to work hard to find a good pace, fast enough for him/slow enough I did not have a coronary or trip over a tree root.

#2  Your dog’s ability to focus is important.  Charlie’s puppy level of attentiveness was a bit of a challenge.  Any forward momentum would be easily halted or redirected each time Charlie saw a falling leaf, squirrel or bird. (which was OFTEN)

Over all, I’d say our adventure was a success.  I define success by the fact that we both made it back to the car at the same time and no knees were scraped or squirrels harmed.

There were a few moments when we were jogging like pros…Charlie was scurrying a little ahead of me but with the leash still slightly loose.  It was during those times that I noticed something.  Charlie kept looking back over his shoulder for me.  He was excitedly running and eager to see what was around each bend, but he wanted to be certain I was with him still.  He did this throughout our entire jog.  Never going too long without checking on me.  I kind of laughed to myself as I wondered what he would do if he looked back and I was gone.

What if he looked back and I was on the ground, having fallen and hurt myself?  I have NO DOUBT what would NOT happen.  My goofy puppy would NOT run like Lassie to get help.  There would be no use in telling him, “go get help boy” especially if there were a squirrel sighting at that moment.  He is no Lassie!  But that is okay.

His quick caring glances encouraged my effort to keep up.  I was reminded I was not alone on the path.  I liked that he wanted to know I was there, it made me feel good.  I did not need him to do anything other than that.  All I needed was for him to run and keep an eye on me, to care if I was there.  It was enough.  More than enough.

I have been thinking lately that sometimes our walk in life is like that…sometimes all we need is someone to look back for us.   We do not always need someone to fix things or even say the right thing at the right time.  Sometimes all someone needs us to do is to let them know we see them and we care.

I have been having a tough few months spiritually.  Not an uncommon struggle, just losing my way sometimes and giving in to debilitating lies, self-doubt and discouragement.   It is a personal struggle and difficult to share.  It is also something no one else can fix for me.  There is no “Lassie” prancing though fields to find my rescuer.  There is no need.  I know who my Rescuer is and He knows where I am.   What I did need was to know someone was looking back for me.

It came in the form of a text.  A simple text, like Charlie’s backward glance, letting me know I was on a dear friend’s heart.  That was what I needed.  Just a reminder I was not alone on the path, encouragement to keep up, and mindful of sweet companionship.  She was no Lassie, but that is okay.  She looked for me, she cared, and that day,  that was enough, more than enough.

    I love sharing this post each Easter and remembering the lesson God brought to us that year.  This lesson will be with me forever.  God’s grace is truly amazing,  I cannot earn His forgiveness, I do not need to, He offers it to us all because He loves us….I never want to forget at what cost this gift was given.  I pray this Easter you too accept His precious gift of forgiveness and know you are loved by a grace giving God!

“Abigail”

      I’ve lost track of how many years ago it was, yet each Spring I can’t help but recall my introduction to Abigail.  I was a high school science/Bible teacher for a small Christian school at the time. One of my students was a football sized young man named Nick.  He worked for a local farmer who had offered him a young lamb to take home.  Nick’s mom, apparently destined for sainthood, not only allowed him to bring the lamb home, but he got to keep it in his room!  Early that Spring Nick brought photos to share.  To my amazement, there, wedged beside his bed and amid typical teenage squalor, was a carefully built pen, complete with wood rails, chicken wire and hay.  Abigail the lamb had found a perfect home.  Over the next few weeks Nick would have numerous stories to tell of Abigail’s antics.  I couldn’t wait to see her for myself, so I invited Nick to bring her to school one morning.

I ushered my entire class outside and we waited like giddy preschoolers for Abigail’s arrival.  I am certain I will never be able to adequately describe what I saw that day.  I will do my best.  We watched as Nick emerged from his vehicle with Abigail cradled in his big burly arms.  We stood transfixed by the sight of what can only be inadequately referred to as “precious”.  Her pure, white coat seemed almost translucent, radiating light under the bright blue, cloudless sky.   Her tiny nose was a perfect, pink velvet triangle perched just above her little pink mouth.    As I placed my hand on her sweet little head she looked at me.  I found myself staring into the depths of clear, brilliant blue eyes.  I realized I had been holding my breath in awe.  We were expecting to see a cute lamb, somewhat off white in color.  I had not considered that, unlike the lambs at the local petting zoo, Abigail had been living in a clean, loving, environment.  After everyone had made Abigail’s acquaintance, Nick left to return her home and we settled back into Bible class.

We soon realized the relevance of Abigail’s visit as we continued our study of Passover.  The original Passover took place when Moses was leading the Israelites out of Egypt.  God instructed them to mark their door post with the blood of a male lamb.  This was to protect them from the final plague which was the death of all first born in any home not so protected. (Exodus 11&12)  The yearly commemoration of this event required the father to select the best, blemish free lamb and set it apart for the Passover…four days prior to the celebration.  My students and I began to consider something quite startling.  There was a good chance that the lamb would have been brought into the house or yard during that time.  This perfect little lamb, probably as precious and sweet as our Abigail, may have clamored under their feet while they did chores, fed out of their hands and shared a living area.  After four days, this lamb, which by now had become even more precious to the family, was to be sacrificed.   Suddenly one can imagine the cries of the children, the quite sob of their mother, the sorrow in the eyes of the father who knows a blood sacrifice is required.   For the first time, since meeting Abigail, we could truly envision the “sacrificial lamb” of the Scriptures.

The continued observance of Passover was a powerful object lesson for generations of Israelites.  Every family member would be reminded not only of God’s protection and provision when He freed them from slavery, but also of the cost…the blood of their most precious lamb.  This Easter we consider the final sacrifice.  Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, perfect and precious beyond description, was sacrificed for our sin.  Many movies and videos have stirred the heart of man as they depict the brutal crucifixion of our Christ, yet none can compare to the vision of Abigail.  As we celebrate our freedom from sin and death through the resurrection of our Lord, let’s never forget the cost.  Praise God His love and grace make us worthy of such a sacrifice!

1 Peter 1:18-19  “knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold…but with precious blood, as a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”

Over the course of raising my two kids, there were MANY times I lost “Mother of the Year”, one particular April Fools day would be remembered always as one of those times.   My daughter was perhaps in her early teens, I am bad with dates and times, when the opportunity for this prank presented itself.

Picture  if you will a lovely young lady with long flowing blonde locks  getting ready for her school day.  She sits on the floor in front of a floor length mirror, straightening her hair.  She calls out to her mother for some help reaching a section of her hair with a flatiron. I suppose this is where a normal mom would have simply helped.

As I stood behind my daughter and prepared to render assistance, I  paused to look into her trusting blue eyes reflecting back at me in the mirror.  That is when the idea hit me.  I mustered all the seriousness I could manage in my voice and pretended to look carefully at the roots of her hair.  I think I could have earned an Oscar for my performance as I leaned in closer and gave her a worried look over her shoulder into the mirror. “um, okay now…don’t panic Ashley, but I think you may have lice”, I said in an unnaturally calm tone.   Yep, the reaction was priceless……her expression was a mix of fear, panic and desperation….”Noooooooo, Mom!” she cried out.  “April Fools!” I responded with a glee unbecoming a good mom.  Yep, pretty sure she still does not think this as funny as I do.  Today, and each April Fools day since then, I can’t help but think of her.  I think of my sweet, amazing daughter and the young woman she has become and I smile.

Today I wondered if God was playing an April Fools day prank on me.  From my window it looked like a perfectly sundrenched Spring day….but upon leaving the warmth of my home, a fiercely chilly wind slapped me in the face and sent me back into the house for a heavier jacket.  The warmth of the season may not be upon us yet, but that has not stopped God’s creation for pushing forth in all its glory.  My yard is dotted with determined daffodils and the early shoots of what will soon be tulips.  I’m thinking I need to learn from this example.  It is time to stop waiting for perfect conditions, situations, or time.  Like my resolute daffodils and tulips, I need to push through the barriers I have placed around myself.  Maybe, like me, you too need to push through some stuff that has kept you burdened or distracted form your goals.  I pray we find encouragement in every spring flower we see in this season.  May we find more than foolishness in this wonderful time.

“for behold, the winter is passed, the rain is gone and over.  The flowers have already appeared in the land…”

(Song of Sol. 2:11)

 This is the fourth week of Advent. Each week, four leading up to Christmas, we pause in remembrance of the birth of our Savior. In some households a candle will be lit in recognition of each of the Advent themes. This week we light the candle of LOVE

          I was thrilled to receive the box! It contained the manger scene from my youth. As kid I always enjoyed putting up the manger scene. Each year I would set the wooden stable on a prominent table and spread a bed of hay at its base. Careful thought went into placement of the plastic sheep, cow and donkey. Mary, Joseph, the wise men and one lowly shepherd would be arranged around a tiny manger. The last item to be placed, and my favorite, was the itty bitty plastic baby Jesus. I never got too old to enjoy setting them up.   In our home, our daughter Ashley took on the task of setting up our manger scene each year. Even though she is now 25, if she is in town, she sets it up. I hope someday she is as happy to receive our manger scene into her home as I was to receive this one.

I did not know what was in the box at first, but it was soon apparent that whatever it was, was definitely precious. Someone obviously wanted to be certain the shipped item made its journey intact. I have NEVER seen so many packing peanuts in my life!   As I pulled apart the oddly combined boxes, static filled, little tufts of pink Styrofoam floated all over our dining room. Eventually I discovered the another box nestled within and immediately recognized it.

I carefully pulled out the larger inner box holding the wood framed stable. Below this I found a smaller box, which held the various manger scene figurines. It was partially open and the contents had shifted out of their protective nooks. I immediately began taking inventory and inspecting each piece. As I held each piece I felt a warm familiarity.

Two cream colored sheep posed as if in the middle of baying, check.

One donkey with perky ears and tired eyes, check.

One brown disinterested cow, check.

Three wise men of varying ethnicities and clutching gifts to their chests, check.

One balding, barefoot shepherd posed in a kneeling position, check.

Mary and Joseph, both with adoration painted on their faces, check.

Little plastic manger with tufts of hay glued inside, check.

Baby Jesus…..Baby Jesus? Wait, where is baby Jesus? I lost baby Jesus!

My heart thumped rapidly as I realized the tiniest, most important, figurine was lost. I pushed down the urge to panic. It had to be in the box somewhere. It figures, my plastic baby Jesus is itty bitty with light pink skin and tiny white swaddling cloth, the packing peanuts which filled the depths of the box before me just happened to be mostly light pink. Finding baby Jesus was going to be like finding a needle in a haystack. I plunged my hand and arm into the box, swirling around trying to feel for my Jesus. I was up to my arm pit in packing peanuts when I felt the little thing under my fingers.  I scooped him to the surface and let out a sigh of relief.

(can you find the baby Jesus in the picture included here?)

This week I have been thinking about losing baby Jesus. It’s not like I am the only one who’s ever lost Jesus. Mary and Joseph lost Him once. Jesus had accompanied his folks to Jerusalem for Passover each year. The year He was twelve, apparently they forgot to be sure He was with the group when they headed home. “…and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. AND HIS PARENTS WERE UNAWARE OF IT…” Luke 2:43

I can only imagine the panic that filled their hearts when they realized they had misplaced Jesus. They returned to Jerusalem and found Him in the temple hanging out with the teachers. When his mother asks Him why he would worry them like that, His response is VERY important. You see, in His response He affirms what angels and prophets proclaimed. In His response we hear the truth of who He is… ”Why is it that you are looking for me? Did you not know that I had to be in MY FATHER’S HOUSE?” Luke 2:49   Jesus is the Son of God. This is why we celebrate the birth of Christ each year, not because a child was born, but because Jesus, the Son of God, came into the world. We celebrate this amazing act of LOVE.

“By this the LOVE of God was manifested in us, that God sent His only Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is LOVE, not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (cancelation) for our sin.” (1 John 4:9&10)

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father…for His fullness we have all received grace upon grace…grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:14-17)