We Change and He Stays the Same

 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 

Hebrews 13:8 

If I could describe 2020 and even 2021 so far in a word, I would simply say, "change". I thought of it as we drove through the small village near our home after the 2 dam breaches that caused a devastating flood of 3 towns, leaving two popular and heavily populated lakes completely drained. There is no park anymore where we used to have family reunions and took our kids to play and get ice cream. It is now  a desolate sand-covered area. There are missing houses we used to drive by where people used to be sitting on porches. There are missing businesses, and some boarded up completely, never to return. There are still trees stuck high up under the bridge that goes over where the river used to flow, water usually up over the banks at this time each year. There are no longer 4 busy ball fields, full of families, kids playing and people fishing at the dam. Whenever we drive through, I just say the same thing. "Wow. I just can't get over how much this has changed." Because all other words just escape me. And as much as the change has affected my occasional exposure, I can't even imagine all the lives that have been changed. And what I've seen the communities do with this heartbreaking tragedy has been nothing short of amazing. 

 The word "change" can represent different things to all of us, depending on our perspective. Some changes are frightening and some are exciting, but all of them require a degree of our cooperation and faith. Some changes knock us right off our feet, and even out of homes and businesses, like the people of Sanford and Wixom lakes. Some people will get right back up, as they did. But some people take one peek at change and run scared. 

Change can be a threat, as it has for some people, as not every change experienced in this past year has been a pleasant one. Some of us have realized that the pressures of the pandemic and the issues in the world surrounding it negatively changed our relationships with others. For me, I have changed the way I see social media, news media, and any kind of information source in general. My view of the world in general has changed. I have lost trust and faith in many people. But that's not such a bad thing, I don't think. It has resulted in a stronger trust and faith in God. I have found strength and trust in myself and I have become closer to my some of my family members, in spite of our strict  following of the distancing recommendations. Having my husband home working was a huge change for us both, but we eventually figured out how to carve out space for us both, and we have enjoyed the extra time together. As I learned from losing a brother in law at 58 and a brother at 50, any extra time together is an appreciated bonus. 

 People have been known to say that the old pair of slippers always feels best, the favorite chair is the most comfortable, and if everything would just stay the same, life would just be so much easier. It's just easier to live in our little bubble of familiar, isn't it? It can be for awhile, but we all know that slippers and chairs wear out, bubbles pop, and nothing ever stays the same-including us. Change can be upsetting because it sometimes requires us to face something unpleasant or take action. I've gained a bit of "extra me" during this time of world change, and I've had to adapt the way I eat and move. It's not fun giving up the things I enjoy, but I'm finding new things I like to eat, and moving my body is giving me new changes-strength, for one! I used to pound out as many push-ups as my age number. (insert loud HAH laughter here) Now I'm lucky to make it through 25 without calling 911, however it is on speed dial.  When you refuse to change, especially when you know it's required in order to improve, you're only denying yourself the chance to let change work for your good and enjoy the success that your efforts can bring!

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 

Something change does is it kind of takes the wheel out of our hands for awhile. I can't and won't speak for those who have lost spouses or children, but I have lost a parent and a brother, and it changes you. How can it not? But something I learned is that I can take the things my dad taught me and use them to make me stronger.  I can feel his spirit and recall his memory and brighten my life instead of wearing a heavy cloud of sadness. It doesn't mean I don't miss him, because I certainly do. But if God is working for our good, then he will bring us good things throughout the hard times where we are grieving too. I am reminded every day of the beautiful home where my dad now lives with Jesus, and it gives me peace. That is the work of God, who has been helping me through this most difficult change in my life so far. 

The good news is, even though we are not in control of most change, God is. He knows about all the unexpected challenges we will face. Even the ones we created ourselves. We can either choose to panic in the face of change, or we can choose to trust God for the outcome. I have always been in awe of the person who is facing a great challenge or even a tragedy, and in the midst of the storm, they say, "I'm trusting God." And isn't that what we as believers are supposed to be doing? If we really believe in Him and trust Him for everything else, then why wouldn't we trust Him even more when our world seems to be falling apart? 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 

Proverbs 3:5-6

If we depend on him for the "humdrum daily", then we should certainly count on Him during changes. Good changes, like new jobs, new relationships, a move to a new city, etc. And more difficult changes, like a pandemic, floods, a sickness, a loss of a loved one, marital issues, and complications on every level. He is there. 

Some changes require attention. We resist change sometimes because it makes us fearful. We are fearful of unknown things because we are relying on ourselves and not trusting God. And we are either that fearful person or we know someone who just refuses to change anything even though they are miserable about everything! They don't like their weight but they won't eat better or try exercise. They are sick but won't see a doctor, follow wise advice, take the right supplements, eat well, or a host of other things they need to do to be healthy. They are in an unhealthy relationship and complain about it constantly, but won't do anything to repair themselves or the relationship, or leave if necessary. They hate their job, their living arrangements, their whatever and whoever, but they just. won't. change. anything.  They stay stuck and paralyzed, seemingly comfortable in their discomfort, and are way too willing to continue to live in a very unfulfilling, unchangeable life. Lots of things can keep a person stuck, but one thing can get us un-stuck-a complete reliance on God, who can help us make changes in every area of our lives if we trust Him to help us. Even the person who is most fearful of change can change with God's help! 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 

2 Corinthians 5:17 

What does it look like to trust God when we either need to make changes, or trust Him in the midst of many confusing or overwhelming changes? It starts with prayer and a simple ask for help. When we involve Him in plans that line up with His will for us, whatever we are hoping to achieve will become doable with His strength. He enables us to cope with unexpected changes, make changes that are hard to make, and the best outcome is bringing God the glory with everything we do. With God's perfect help and plan, there is no change on this earth that we can't handle. 

True Beauty

 The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 

1 Samuel 16:7 

When is the last time someone got a good look at the inside of your heart? It's an interesting question because we are fickle beings and it depends on the day sometimes. If you were to look at my heart in the middle of the election season, you would have thought I was kind of ugly. However, after talking to God about it and having a heart cleaning session, my heart is looking cleaner again. Don't get too excited though, because after all, I am human, and I may think or say something you don't agree with or like and you may consider me "ugly" all over again. 

 Only God knows who we truly are inside, and He deals with us on a constant basis. People may hold our mistakes and ugly words or deeds against us, but when we go to God with a repentant heart, He loves us back to beauty again. He forgets how ugly we were just one minute ago. 

Unfortunately, people judge all of our "uglies".  Sometimes you can look righteous on the outside and be nasty on the inside. Perfectly put together on the outside, and quite ugly acting on the inside. We have a choice. And others have a choice too. Wouldn't it be nice if others would forgive our inner ugliness the way God does? Wouldn't it be nice if we did that for others too? Well, we can. It's a choice to see beauty where it isn't as easy to see and it's a choice to turn the ugliness over to God so he can help us turn it around. 

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 

1 Peter 3:3-4 

I have two daughters, so yes, I have talked and preached about inner beauty ad nauseum for years and years! But we also love to dress up and put on makeup here too! I follow a few fashion and beauty bloggers, as I'm now tipping into my fifth decade of life, and I'll be honest, aging does not sound like a fun party to me. I have a young spirit! I like to play, and sometimes I honestly forget how old I am, like that time I did a cartwheel and my entire right side did this burning ripping thing I will never forget! Ha Ha...thank you, years of gymnastics, where were you that day? My fear of getting old is that I won't be able to act like the child I think I still am. Ha Ha

Anyway, I've been learning all kinds of tips about what to wear and how to wear it to best accentuate or hide this or that, and I've been having some fun watching packages come to the front door as my new fashions arrive. (I'm smiling as I write this because it's just a hoot. Faux leather leggings. Can you imagine? With me, you won't have to!) I've been trying new anti-aging creams, serums, and taking collagen and vitamins. I use essential oils for hormone "flips" and "flops", and I'm working out 6 days a week. Aging and I are in quite the battle for my body, mind, muscles, skin, and attitude. When I see an ad for "aging gracefully" with pretty green leaves and a beautiful silver-haired lady, I honestly just laugh. That is not me. I am not graceful at all. I will go down fighting with every gray hair, wrinkle, and whatever else it hands me, but oh no, I will not be silent, at least not yet! When I see ladies in their 70's and 80's in the same skin care aisle with me picking out the same products, you can bet I won't give up! Ha Ha 

And I will still be carrying you when you are old. Your hair will turn gray, and I will still carry you. I made you, and I will carry you to safety. 

Isaiah 46:4 

There is such hope in that verse. I hope I always feel like a child in the eyes of the Lord, no matter how old I get on this earth. I share all of this with you because while inner beauty is of course so much more valuable and important, it is also important to feel good on the outside too. It is fun to try new fashions as your body changes or the color of your hair becomes a color you never imagined. Life is meant to be enjoyed as we grow, and feeling both inner and outer beauty combined is a bonus. We are to inspire others and help them become the best version of themselves. That can only happen if you are becoming the best version of your own self too. 

So if people judge your outsides, who decides who is beautiful? It's the whole broken "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" concept. Here's some news. I'm no J-Lo, but if I had reconstructive surgery, a personal trainer, a personal chef, a makeup artist, hairdresser, and a whole host of other miracles, I could be J-Ro. (laughing out loud) Well, here's the receipt on that-and it is simple. God doesn't make junk. If we could see ourselves the way that God sees us, we would think we were looking at the most beautiful person we've ever seen. Isn't it much like the parent who sees her child and describes her as the most beautiful child in the world? Mine were, weren't yours? Yes, that's how God sees us. 

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 

Psalm 139:14 

The world has its own idea of what "beautiful" may be, but God already tells us that he created us in his image and that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made". It doesn't get any more beautiful than that. 

A beautiful person is one who radiates kindness, wisdom, joy, thankfulness, and contentment. Ever notice that? I can bet you can think of one person who you would consider beautiful just because of the way he or she lives his or her life. I think back to something my dad used to say to me when I had something ugly on the tip of my tongue. He'd say, "you might better say it as to think it." And he was right. I was just as ugly to think it as I would have been to say it. I used to argue with him about how that didn't make sense! It makes perfect sense. What we think in our hearts can easily show up on our "skin". As I have always said, beauty is as beauty does. 

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 

Romans 8:6 

Is it time to clean up what we have on our minds? Has it been ugly lately while our outsides have been busy with clothes, serums, makeup, and workouts? We can invest just as much if not more time cleaning up and polishing our hearts and lining them up with who God says we are, and I will guarantee you it will result in a wrinkle-free beautiful heart, mind, body, and soul. 100% guarantee! We just have to keep putting in the time and He will keep giving us what we need to grow in Him and reveal the true beauty He created us to be, inside and out. 

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 

Proverbs 31:30 

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes."

Luke 12:22-23

Life in the Wilderness

 In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye. 

Deuteronomy 32:10 

At this time last year, word was starting to roll in about the dangers of an oncoming virus. At the same time, my daughter was getting ready to leave the country. Everything in my soul told me she should stay behind, but this was a kid who wouldn't have taken my advice at that time anyway. Within two weeks, we were already in lockdown and travel bans began, stranding her in that country, making it very difficult to get her back home. 

This was only the beginning of what would become the wilderness. 

After some very touch and go situations and failed plans, she eventually did make it home, as I described in a previous blog last year. What we all learned, would learn and are still learning since that time has been head-spinning at times. 

A wilderness is described as a place without form, uninhabited, and uncultivated. I picture the state of Alaska, where several million acres is still untouched by human civilization. Beautiful, breathtaking, yet desolate and wild, a home to only animals. It sounds isolated and scary, but it's just the kind of physical wilderness I am craving after the kind of world we have been experiencing this past year. 

As the virus took on pandemic status and panic took over households and lives, there began a shift in every aspect of living, it seemed. As more information became available, a divide became clear between political parties, which also placed a divide between friendships and family members.  Isolation took the place of socialization. Fear took the place of freedom. Sickness and death took the place of health and living. Watching the death toll and wondering if someone you loved or you would be next was a real concern. Voicing your thoughts or opinions became unpopular, though, because people began fighting over the who, what, and where of the virus, instead of the fact that people were actually dying. 

There was a heavy disappointment in the air as the divide grew, and as our concerns grew deeper, we felt less and less connected to the outside world. Steve was forced to work from home and Natalie was forced to leave college and miss out on graduation. Serena made it home from Peru, but was forced to leave all of her things behind in her dorm room. We were forced to stay home. Forced to accept the reality that was before us, and forced to keep quiet because everyone was so upset all the time. Upset if we were taking it seriously or upset that others were not. Upset because they felt it was a hoax and upset at the government. I withdrew like a child who is tired of hearing her parents fight non-stop. Quite honestly, I was tired of all of the opinions, tired of all the upset, and I just wanted things to be the way they were before. 

Thus, I entered the wilderness. A place where I had never been before. An unchartered territory of wondering what was true, who was right, what was real, and when it would end. Nothing to build on, nothing solid to grasp, and no direction in sight. Just wandering, wondering, and wringing of hands, and silence. And questions, lots of questions, as I would ask God what all this was for, why it was all happening, why it wasn't getting any better, and then more things would just keep happening that would add fuel to the already exploding inferno. 

There were few, if any people to relate to, as I started learning what "side" people were on. The fact that a "side" had to be chosen blew my mind. I chose the side of wanting to solve the problem and it sure felt like I was on a thorny, vine-covered, ankle-grabbing trail nearly by myself. I have never said, "Am I in the twilight zone?" so many times as I have said in this past wilderness year. Nor have I ever kept so many thoughts to myself. As this year changed, so have I and I'm not sure I will return to who I was before. 

Not only did the events surrounding the pandemic affect the world, but they affected every single person's personal being. I think that is lost on many people. I think compassion was forgotten many times.  What was saddest and immensely baffling to me is that it became so intensely important to elevate a single person over all other people that all others were left behind. Families, friends, suffering people, and on and on the list goes. In my world, the only One worth that kind of elevation is God Himself. And I have never missed God more than I have in this past year, and I don't mean in my personal life. I missed seeing Him all around me in this world and in the places and people I saw Him before this happened.

Wilderness. What does that mean to you? Have you felt alone when you've been going through something huge and it just seems like no one understands, sees, or really feels it with you? It's SO big but no one knows it but you? I will tell you this and you can be assured, there is Someone who does see it, gets it, understands, and is walking it with you. The reason you didn't trip over those ankle-grabbing vines is because He was with you on those thorny trails. God will walk where no man can see, where no man can understand, or perceive your pain.  

If God has allowed you to enter the wilderness, then it is because He chose you. He is preparing you for a greater calling. This time has been difficult and quiet, but I have learned and have been transformed by the difficulties around me. This is how we are to grow in Christ. This is how we become able to serve Him and live a life pleasing to God. It doesn't mean this will be any easier to bear, but I know there is a purpose to all of this, and that is what gives me the faith to keep going no matter what is ahead in the trail.