The legacy we leave

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Jesus as recorded in John 14:27

I'm feeling a bit melancholy today as I try to write, and I'm trying to put my finger on the source. It's not the weather. Here in the canyon the sky is a gorgeous blue, and there are hints of spring already beginning to show. I don't think it's lack of sleep, or health, as I've gotten plenty of rest and finally beat the bug that was threatening to knock me down. Having had more time at home recently, I don't think it's caused by the greater organization I'm managing to bring to our home either.  I have been sorting through mementos from my brother's estate though, and just realized this is the anniversary of the day when my Daddy went home to the Lord. All of this has caused me to deeply miss those who have finished their race. It has also made me take a closer look at the things I still want to purge from our home to lighten the load on our children when my husband and I cross the finish line. Even though the subject isn't pleasant or comfortable, it is one that I've begun discussing with the kids and the older grandchildren. 

There is a deep desire to instill confidence that the separation is temporary and to ease their minds and sorrows when the time comes.

It makes me think of the sermons over the last few weeks at church where our pastor has been discussing Jesus's final days with His disciples. He was telling them of His deep love for them, and how would send a Comforter to be with them.(see John 13-17 for greater insight)
Going through things from my brother's estate and looking at mementos left from other family members has brought a ton of memories, but the comfort comes from knowing I will see them again when I cross the finish line. I want to be certain my children and grandchildren know that death is imminent for all of us, but that we can rejoice knowing we will be reunited on the other side.
I want the message that I leave behind to bear testimony of God's deep abiding love and the access He has provided for all who are willing to accept the gift He offers through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
I want the sorrow of those I love to be temporary, and their joy to be in the confidence of reunion on the peaceful shores of eternity.
There will be plenty of "stuff" for them to sort through and share, but giving them hope is the best legacy I can leave.

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? hall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."  Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angles nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39

What's that smell?

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in ever place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death to death, and to the other the aroma of life to life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of in Christ." 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

"For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Be we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us."
 2 Corinthians 4:5-7

A sweet memory crossed my mind this morning while chatting with a friend on social media.  She was telling me about the cabin she had inherited from her parent's estate and had posted a picture of the outhouse among other pictures. I immediately thought of the cabin my family owned when I was a child and the outhouse there.  Although the memory of the cabin was sweet and even funny as the outhouse had space for two, the memory of the noxious smell wasn't pleasant. I learned to hold my breath for a long time in those days.

It's interesting how smell is such a powerful sense which can cause either a positive or negative response.

Some of my favorite scents create strong emotions.  I love the smell of rain, the ocean, pine trees, fresh baked bread, meat grilling on the BBQ, lavender and peppermint essential oils, and the list goes on. These scents make me smile even thinking of them

The memory of the outhouse however does not make me smile.  It stunk, as do many things that cause us to recoil even at the thought of them. I won't post them here, but I'm sure each of you immediately thought of the smell of things that were unpleasant and even may have made you feel nauseous.

I was recently given a necklace that holds essential oil.  I love being able to smell the peppermint throughout the day, and enjoy the reaction of others who are in near proximity to me.  They often smile and remark at how they enjoy the scent of peppermint as well.  Things that smell good draw people while things that smell bad, repulse and push away.

So it is with our walk with Christ. The sweet fragrance of Christ draws those who recognize it, or are longing to remove themselves from the stench of sin and death.

The question arises; are we being a vessel that allows the sweet fragrance of His mercy and grace to be shared?

As we step into yet another year I encourage all to take a moment to reflect on the message you want  presented to your sphere of influence. Do you want those around you to be drawn to the Savior? Is the message in your every day walk one that draws or repels?

Breathe deeply of the love which God richly pours out and allow the peace that you feel be motivation for sharing it with others.  May the response be one of delight and desire that draws all into a deeper relationship with Him.

Into the new

This morning as I looked out my window I was reminded once again of the numerous blessings the Lord has bestowed on us.  I love foggy mornings in the canyon, because the stillness always causes me to reflect more deeply upon the nearness of my Savior.  It is always humbling to realize that He desires intimacy with me.  Far too often I get caught up in the rush and crush of the world and fail to spend adequate time sitting at His feet, listening to the love song He is always singing. Mornings like today help me to slow down and really listen.

As I was sitting at the table doing my morning devotional and pondering the close of another year and beginning of a new one, my eyes were drawn to Isaiah 57:15 "For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who as a contrite and humble spirit. To revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." I was then drawn to Isaiah 66:1&2 "Thus says the LORD: "Heaven is my throne, and earth is My footstool, where is the house that you will build me? And where is the place of My rest? For all those things My hand has made, and all those things exists" says the LORD. "But on this one thing will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word."

What an awesome and amazing thought!

The God of all creation, Elohim, Who sits with heaven as a throne and Whose footstool is the earth, yet He looks on the one who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at His word. 

Think about that for just a moment.

I mean, really think about it.

Today the reality of His greatness and my insignificance in the realm of all creation settled just a bit deeper in my soul.

You see, I am not always as grateful for the things He brings into my life.  Although I know Scriptures remind me to be thankful in all things (Ephesian 5:20) and to be joyful in all circumstances (James 1:2), I still struggle. In many ways I am like the children of Israel who He delivered from captivity, only to have them whine in the desert...even in the midst of blessings. (For a quick synopsis read Psalm 78). When He first moved us to the canyon, I sadly admit to being a bit like Lots wife who looked back over her shoulder to see what was being left behind. (Genesis 19:26) Thankfully He didn't turn me into a pillar of salt, but gently and graciously revealed to me the blessing He was pouring out.

Realizing this always humbles me.

So many times I have whined in the midst of being stretched spiritually, or held my hand out asking for greater than He has already provided.

Forgive me Lord.

Whenever I look at His enormous grace towards me always creates a deeper love for Him and greater security and peace of spirit than I can describe.  It is the what I always find when I choose to dwell in the place of contentment in the hollow of His hand.

As the new year begins to unfold before me, my only desire is to go deeper into my relationship with Him.  I am so very thankful for the love He has lavished on me and those I love. I pray earnestly that each will comprehend the vastness of His love, and will desire greater fellowship as well.

The message of Christmas is that God brought hope into the world for all mankind through His Son Jesus Christ.  The message needs to go out boldly in the new year. There are still so many who don't know.

May each of us have eyes to see the path God puts before us, ears to hear the love song He is always singing and hands that are willing to do His will. May He be glorified in everything we say and do.