January 30, 2012
Reading from John 9


Jesus knew the Pharisees would have major issues with the healing of the blind man. They would either have to take him at his word that he was the Son of God or they would have to deny the truth. They chose door number 3- get rid of the evidence. Rather than face the face truth, they booted the evidence. Out of sight, out of mind, right? When faced with disturbing truths in my own life, how am I apt to respond to them? Will I face my own inadequacies and repent, deny the truth about God, or toss the evidence and pretend nothing happened? I every instance-either good or bad- I should choose Jesus. Denial or indifference does not change facts. Lesson of the day: When Truth confronts you, embrace it and repent. Do not deny or hide from it. Learn from mistakes and allow the Lord to change you from the inside out.


Dear God,
Open my eyes to truth about myself and ways I need to change. Speak to the lost and heal their blindness.
Amen. 

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Skin Deep

June 21, 2012
Not long ago I came across a story that I have not been able to get out of my head. It featured an eighteen year old model with a dark secret. Underneath that flawless complexion was a severe case of acne. Speaking directly to the camera as if talking to an old friend, she demonstrated the step-by-step process she used every morning to cover up her blemishes. Starting with a clean, make-up free face she shared her secrets to attaining the appearance of perfect skin. The transformation was remarkable! Despite the fact that the video lasted more than hour, it went viral and eventually made the news. Apparently teens will go to any lengths to hide their imperfections. Because I still battle the blemish war even in my 30s, this subject got me thinking. Wouldn't it just be easier to treat the problem rather than continue to cover it up?


I recently learned that someone close to me had been hiding her own dark secrets. For years this person had  been covering up a huge part of herself, hiding behind a thick layer of self-preservation. When the truth finally came out I was stunned and heartbroken. I thought we trusted each other. I thought we knew each other. A couple of days later when I was able to simmer down we talked. We truly listened to each other's thoughts and feelings and gained a new understanding of how the other person operates. I learned that when a person hides behind a layer of betrayal, it's because significant damage has occurred and needs to be dealt with. I also learned that trust is a precious commodity that cannot be taken for granted. My friend learned that sometimes it's ok to take off the mask and just be real. When all the layers are stripped away it's always easier to get to the grime beneath the surface. 


I know the problem won't get fixed overnight but I also know that we're making a lot more progress without all those extra layers holding her hostage. Interesting thing about that teenage model with acne. A face full of pimples couldn't hide the fact that she was still beautiful. 

Be Careful What You Ask For

June 18, 2012
All this time I've been "waiting for direction". Maybe that's my whole problem. If I'm really supposed to delight myself in the Lord, why am I still sitting here not delighting? Don't sit, just do. Well ok, then. I guess it's time to get busy...


King David was an intriguing man. He made his mistakes but he also paid dearly for them. He  understood that everything we do affects everyone around us and that consequences for bad choices are just a part of life. I guess what really hits me between the eyes the most is his appreciation for sacrifice. He understood on a very real level that sacrifice is just lip service unless you back it up with solid action. If it doesn't cost anything, why bother?

A couple of days ago I was aimlessly wandering, in need of answers and a job to keep my hands busy. Today I see a well lighted path with plenty of work to do along the way. I am fully prepared to get down and dirty and give up a huge part of myself in the process. God sure has a funny way of answering prayers.