Jesus is the Bread of Life

By far the best meal I eat all year is at Thanksgiving.  Gratitude fills the atmosphere.  Food prepared and presented beautifully at my in-law’s warm and welcoming home.  Family comes together, cousins laugh and the hi-light is taking in the meal together.

Whether it’s this meal or others meals like it I am reminded of that feeling of being filled-up.  It last as long as the body can digest it.  And then I’m hungry again.  

I love to eat up good things.  Good food, good news, good conversations, good ideas, good friends!  I love good things.  After digestion I’m hungry for it again.

I then think of Jesus’ words in John 6: Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty...”

This is quoted often and to those who believe Jesus’ words it fills their hearts with hope.  For those who have come to Him, this quote reminds them of the spiritual fulfillment that has been found.  It brings a profound purpose that penetrates the deepest parts of their hearts.  A claim like this can only be an eternal promise.  Eating this bread satisfies in a way that nothing else can.  For the Christians of this day and age, these words are prophetic and profound.

But at the time Jesus said it the conversation sounded more like this...

“Luke, I am your father.”  A blow that was so big and so hard to believe it crushed Luke to the core.

“Noooooooooooooooo!”

(Example from STARWARS)

Belief.  A simple word for a really big concept.  Even Jesus’ followers could not wrap their brains around it.  On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” (John 6:60)

Translation:  Noooooooooooooo!

And yet they had witnessed miracles taking place at his hands, the power at the simple sound of his name.  

It’s hard to trust something so big and so inconceivable as this claim to being the promised savior that holds the gift of eternal life in his hands.

Just take a peek at how big this claim was:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A25-40%2CJohn+8%3A12%2CJohn+10%3A10-15&version=NIV

(John 6:25-40)

I can’t blame Jesus’ followers for questioning the validity of His claim.  For the ones who trusted Him the most, it puzzled them.

Jesus continually spoke hope into their lives.  He called for their patience as the fulfillment of this amazing claim drew near.  It was only after His death and resurrection that the scriptures were opened up and this claim all of a sudden became the most profound and truthful statement ever made in history.  It all goes back again to one thing... belief.

After Jesus’ claim was fulfilled truths from scriptures were overwhelmingly revealed: 

http://www.ovrlnd.com/Teaching/messianicprophecy.html

In Starwars Luke had to come to terms with the truth that Vador was his father... which ultimately led to balance in the force.  This is a pretend story, but what happens in hearts when Jesus’ true identity as God’s own son is revealed is not pretend at all.  He is not a lying deceiver or the blasphemer he was accused to be which led to his crucifixion.  He is The One promised who sacrificially gave himself to bring eternal life to all who believe.  Belief in this big thing brings balance in our hearts.  

Saying I’m a Christian is not a blind following or a moral statement of lifestyle.  It is saying that I believe something so big that it seems inconceivable.  It is saying that I believe the prophecies, the miracles and the fulfillment of God’s plan for reconciliation to man kind on this earth.  It’s very gutsy to make that statement.  But like Jesus’ disciples who heard this claim and then saw, touched and talked with the risen Jesus... I have come to believe Jesus is the bread of life!

I’ve eaten many good things but after eating the bread of life my spirit never hungered in the same way.  We all crave, some consciously and some subconsciously, for food that satisfies our spirit’s hunger.  Jesus holds the gift.  And all it took for me to receive it was belief. 

As my family gathers this Thanksgiving I know that I will enjoy the goodness found there.  But it can only satisfy for a time.  And it is only a sliver of satisfaction compared to the satisfaction of eternal life in Christ Jesus.  A place where we will never hunger again for the things that are temporary.  To have that filled-up feeling that will never fade and never go away.

Many Parts of Me

Yesterday morning I spoke at a MOPS group.  Just like every morning I woke up as one person, but slowly other parts of me started to emerge...  

Alarm sounds at 6:30 am.  It sounds like my son, Frederick, crying. It IS Frederick crying.  Walking down the hall I start to get into character as Molly.

MOLLY the MOM (Silly hat):

(To myself) I-I read bo-oks and bake lots of homemade cookies,  I hu-ug the ki-ids and drive away the spooky spookies. (Opening the door and into the room I sing out) Ri-ise and shi-ine and give God the glory, glory.  Bru-ush your te-eth and I’ll read you a story, story.

Frederick looks up stunned.  He was sitting up in bed reading a book and not crying at all.  A quick glance at his damp pajamas and I know that Courtney is on deck and has to pull of a quick play.

COURTNEY the QUARTERBACK (Nerf football in hand) 

The bathroom run, the bathroom run!  One, two, three, HUT!  Get out of bed, down the hall, open the toilet, good aim, flush, wash hands and FIRST DOWN!

My daughter, Shirin, calls out that she does not have any clean socks.  Wendy shows up.

WENDY the WORKER (Hard hat):

(Under breath) All I do is work, work, work all day. (Turning to my daughter) There’s some clean socks in the dryer.  I need you to get them so I can get dressed, gather up my props for my MOPS talk, make your breakfast and your lunch before it’s time to get in the car.

I walk back into my room to get dressed. Half way through I see my husband from the bed starting to wake up.  Linda’s first cue of the day.  It takes a prep talk to get into character.

LINDA the LOVE SLAVE (scarf)

(Whispering to myself) I lounge around in my lingerie and lavish love words on my husband and say things like, ‘Lover, did you Lock the door?’ (Sexy growl.  Clearing my throat, I get my “sexy” in gear) Good morning sweetheart, did you sleep well? (growl)

The growl did not come off as sexy as I had hoped, but it will do.  Onto the kitchen to make breakfast and pack lunches.  As I start to wash my hands I take a moment to hold the retractable faucet up as if it were a microphone.  

PRICILLA the PRINCESS (Crown)

Today, I wish for house hold peace, to feel pretty, lock myself in the bathroom, take bubble baths and do my nails.

My hands are clean and I get into character for packing lunches.

SARAH the SERVER (Apron)

“Serving the family, serving the family.  I give my time to serving others.  You can’t name a church committee that I haven’t been on.  I’ve helped 10 people move, built 15 houses in Mexico, fed over 1000 homeless and delivered 4 meals, all last week.

As I think about serving I also think about all the driving around I’ve done.

CHARLOTTE the CHAUFFEUR (Driver hat)

“I drove 4000 miles last week and permanently smell like French fries.”

HELGA the HOUSEKEEPER (Chef hat)

“French fries, no wonder they won’t eat my cooking, they’re always eating French fries.”

ARLENE the ACCOUNTANT (Tie)

“I’m in charge of the cash flow and French Fries are not worth the investment! I always order the healthy alternative at McDonalds.  He’s the one that orders the fries.

SUZANNE the PSYCHOLOGIST: (Glasses on the tip of my nose)

“Now why do you think he orders the fires?  What was his relationship like with his mother?”

In the middle of my momentary schizophrenia and right on cue “he” comes in the kitchen. Unaware of the therapy session I’m in and oblivious to the fact that Suzanne is staring him down, he opens the freezer.  He looks inside for some meat to defrost for dinner and asks me what I feel like having tonight.  Linda’s cue, no time to get into character, I’ll have to swing it.

LINDA:  

Oh I could peel some grapes and rub your feet.

Seeing his smile I move in with a little bit of flirting and maybe some touching.  Suddenly my iPhone sounds it’s alarm telling me it’s time to get in the car.  I give an apologetic nod as I change up characters.  From here on out my character props just pile up, one on top of the other...

MOLLY:  All right kids, time to get in the car-y car-y

CHARLOTTE: I’ll get the car.

WENDY: Let’s go, we’re late!

HELGA: I’ll get the lunches, w/o French fries!

LINDA: And without grapes, those are for later. (pathetic growl)

ARLENE: Thank God those grapes were on sale at the market yesterday!

SUZANNE: Did his mother feed him grapes?

COURTNEY: 

1, 2, 3, HUT!  Frederick go long for your lunches... Oh no, he’s covered by his sister Shirin who intercepts it.  Frederick grab the back packs!  Kids, in the car.  I’ll grab MOPS props, purse, keys and I’m driving down the field… 50, 40, drop off kids to school with Molly hugs…. 30, 20, check my iPhone map to make sure I know where I’m going, 10, cop! (throw phone) hands free! I’m at the 5 and into the church parking lot to speak at a MOPS group and TOUCHDOWN!

PRICILLA: Oh, I chipped a nail!

Taking a moment to reflect before I step up on the stage.  I can’t help but Praise God and Thank Him for the many parts of me.

Psalms 139:14

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

November Prayer

This is a note to some MITI Leaders in my area, but it has a prayer in it that is good for all of us...

Hello praying leaders,

As November begins I think of Thanksgiving fast approaching.  And with that in mind my gratitude overflows for you.  I am so thankful for you who lead women to pray in this community.

“I looked for a (wo)man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.” Ezekiel 22:30

BUT, He did find you!  

Because He found you, He’s doing mighty things in this land.  Some women just need the opportunity, the invite or the outlet.  Your faithfulness and courage is another women’s answer to prayer.

As you lead I pray for you with a grateful heart...

Dear Heavenly Father, You are our sovereign Lord.  You are above all and able to do anything.  There are no exceptions to that statement.  Jeremiah 32:17, “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm.  Nothing is too hard for you.”  Forgive us for failing to see you as sovereign over our MIT prayer groups as well as our lives.  Forgive us for our unbelief, when we forget that you are able to do anything.  We do not need to take things into our own hands but rather step aboard of what you are doing.  I thank you for MITI; a ministry that You are using to make prayer happen all across the world.  I thank you for the leaders in this area who are standing in the gap.  These women are not spectators, but they are on the field!  Thank you Lord for their strong belief in you and their desire to intercede.  These women know that prayer is not a last resort, it is the most important ingredient.  May each and every leader continue to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18.  May every leader, every saint, see your face and know your presence in increasingly new ways.  Dear Jesus, by the power of your name I ask that you will stop the enemy’s attempts to keep moms from approaching your throne.  I pray for unity in each MIT group.  Remove the distractions.  May these leaders’ confidence be in You, let them lean in on You, knowing that You are in control of all things. (From Psalm 71:5-6)  I pray that each MIT leader will claim your sovereignty fresh and new each day as you are providing them with all that they need.  We know that our children are not getting any younger.  We recognize that the battle raging in their lives is a spiritual one, may we not fool ourselves into thinking that we can stand down or stand aside for even one moment.  The enemy seeks to devour and destroy but victory is YOURS!!!!  I ask that you will renew a right spirit in each of these Leaders hearts, restore to them the joy of Your salvation!  May they witness your sovereignty, BIG TIME!  Encourage and instruct them in their roles as MIT leaders; showing them that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light.  We praise you again for all you have done, are doing and will do.  I pray all this in the powerful and precious name of Jesus, a-man.

Leaders, know that you are so precious in His sight, and mine too.  It is extremely exciting to see what God is doing in our community through each of you and your prayed-for children.  For November, leading into Thanksgiving, I am asking each of you leaders to visit our group page and write a little something on there about why you are Thankful for MIT and/or prayer.  It can be a short testimony or just a statement.  It will only take a moment to Glorify our Lord.  Let us share our gratitude with each other and proclaim His goodness for all to see.

Here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/MomsInTouch.Kim.Michelle/

Finally, I almost can’t contain my excitement when I think about the leaders rally on the first Sat. morning in 2012.  I’m not exaggerating when I say that this is 100% God’s doing for you.  (Aside: “I’m not talking to the other leaders right now...  I’m talking to YOU!  You who are reading this, who I just prayed for!”)  This is a gift that you will be happy you opened!  

Again, thank you for being the woman that God found!

My prayers for you continue as we head into the “busy” months.

All for HIM, Michelle

Afraid of What?

AFRAID OF WHAT?  

PRAY THOSE FEARS AWAY!

October and its accompanying Halloween holiday is the one time of year when the “fear monster” is allowed to run rampant.  It’s said to be just fun and games, but the “fear monster” likes to find a home in our hearts after the holiday has long since passed.

One of my favorite movies, the 1965 major motion picture “The Sound of Music”, has a scene about fear.  After hearing thunder as a storm passed by, each of Captain Von Trapp’s 7 children ends up in Maria’s bedroom for comfort.  The upbeat song, “These are a few of my favorite things” follows which seems to cheer the kids right up!  I love the song and it might help for a bit of thunder.  But when fear grips my heart in the deepest way, it’s not all fun and games!  Thinking of raindrops on roses, kitten whiskers, woolen mittens, sleigh bells or even GEESE does not cut it.  In fact, when fear is embedded in my heart the song I find myself singing sounds more like this...

Raindrops on windows and thunder unending…

Bright colored lightning and candle wicks dwindling;

Brown branches swaying, what will this night bring?

These are a few of my scariest things.

Hospital doctors and long pokey needles…

Bumble bees, sting rays and stinky butt beetles;

Black creepy spiders with red diamond spleens,

These are a few of my scariest things.

Ghosts in white dresses with blue glowing chains…

Fear thoughts that stay on my mind and my brain;

Silver stone walls that are trapped in my dreams,

These are a few of my scariest things.

When I don’t pray -

When fear gets in the way -

When I forget to trust my “Dad” …

I’m simply remembering my scariest things,

And I’m caught up in what feels so bad.

Fear beyond a few cracks of thunder is crippling.  I’ve been afraid of who might come through my children's windows, of failure, of someone not liking me.  Years ago I struggled with fear in such a way that it seemed to be a living monster in my body.  One day I gathered up the courage to tell a near stranger about my fears.  She was sitting at a boutique reading a bible and after revealing my fears to her, she promptly shared a good thing with me.  She encouraged me to memorize 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

As I memorized and constantly recited 2 Timothy 1:7, I experienced that transforming power first hand. “Dear Lord,” I would say in the face of fear, “You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  Day by day God answered my prayers and my anxious feelings were replaced with confidence in Him. 

The “fear monster” has left the premises, but it continues to peek its ugly face out of unexpected dark corners.  This past week I found myself fearing the worse would happen while my husband was away on business.  I recognized it and the powerful Word of God at work in my life sent the “fear monster” running with its tail between its legs.  

The word for "fear" in 2 Timothy 1:7 is not referring to general fear as it is commonly known, as in fearing a bit of thunder. The word in the original greek language is not 'phobos' (foboV) but rather 'deilias' (deiliaV) which means "cowardice". God has not given us a spirit of cowardice. The actual context of the words found in this passage refer to partaking in Kingdom work, that is God’s Kingdom, and not to wimp out.

Fears that keep us from Kingdom work are more crippling than a passing storm or a hunting holiday.  By praying and claiming this scripture for so many years it has led to opportunities to leave cowardice in the dumpster, where it belongs! To confidently share a good thing where I otherwise would have let fear win.  

One of the “good things” I like to share about is Moms In Touch International (MITI).  http://www.momsintouch.org/  A few years back I heard about groups of praying moms that focus on prayers for their children and for schools.  It did not take long for me to research it and find a praying partner, Julie Paik, to start a group.  It is a place where we partner with God on behalf of our children who, in turn, get to experience the same power of transformation while us moms, being aware of the benefits, actually do the praying.  Every week moms pray specific scriptures over their children’s lives that cover a multitude of concerns.  This allows the concerns to be handed over to a God that is willing and able to do more than we can imagine and definitely more than can be done on our own.  Being constant and deliberate in prayers directly effects our children with their constant and sometimes deliberate struggles.  What child does not have struggles as they walk onto their school campuses every weekday?  

When I first stepped up to be a MIT Co-Leader with Julie for our children's school (Yerba Buena)… it was an opportunity for me to set aside cowardliness and take on courage.  I remember loving the prayer time but was sort of a wimp about sharing this “good thing”.   Would people think I was “religious”?  Even worse would people think they couldn’t be real around me because I was one of those Christians?  Yes, the “fear monster” tried to keep me immobile. I remember praying for courage with Julie and He delivered a cup of courage all right!  In fact our cups overflowed and we now have over a dozen praying moms at Yerba Buena Elementary School.

I was then asked to step up to be a Moms In Touch Area Coordinator (an AC).  Why not, we had seen God's power unleashed!  "Why keep a good thing all to myself'" I prayed, "let's get every school in my area prayed over!  Lord raise up Moms with a desire to pray for their children and use me to be an encouragement to them!"   It was again an opportunity for me to set aside cowardliness and take on courage.  Right on que the “fear monster” tried to keep me immobile with a variety of fear oriented thoughts.  But if it had found a home in me concerning MIT, you would not be reading this today.  I am sharing this “good thing”!  As a MIT leader and AC  a courageous player in Kingdom work is on the field!  Taking action can be exhilarating!

Richard DeHaan put it into perspective when he wrote, "If God has given you some special work to do that frightens you, it is your responsibility to jump at it. It is up to the Lord to see you through. As you faithfully do your part, He will do His part."

My Aunt Janet (Brown) puts it this way, “When we experience tasks that are daunting... He meets us there with His sustaining power and all-consuming courage.”

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels, as the song, “These are a few of my favorite things” recites, can never compete with what God gives.  The “fear monster” can’t flee fast enough when it comes face to face with God’s immeasurable power.

Philippians 4:8 talks about how to step out of crippling fear thoughts. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

I often think about this lovely truth, us moms hold a common thread that weaves us all together.  It is a deep desire to see our children persevere through life challenges, to accomplish great things, to grow in their faith and live out their God-given purpose to the fullest.  Our mom-hearts ache when life comes in hard at them.  Our mom passion is put on fire when our child is flourishing in a talent or a unique gifting.  We share the common desire for wanting what is best for our children.  Praying for them, their schools and classmates is one of the more pro-active and “cowardLESS” parenting moves we can make.

So then...you are AFRAID OF WHAT?  What "good thing" is God asking you to do for His Kingdom's sake? Pause for a moment and lay down those fears. Lay down whatever frightens you; what you see as scary.  In short... I encourage you to PRAY THOSE FEARS AWAY!  Then we can sing a new October song...

Rainbows from heaven and courage to start…

Bright Calvary's cross and peace in my heart;

Brown leather bibles and His perfect timing,

These are a few of my God’s promised things.

Unending love and new seasons of joy…

Provision for family and healing my boy;

Spirit filled moments by praising the King,

These are a few of my God’s promised things.

Girls in white dresses dance with the bridegroom…

Forgiveness, deliverance, changed lives are in bloom;

Silver white winters that melt into springs,

These are a few of my God’s promised things.

When I need shelter -

When I seek comfort -

When I’m afraid or sad…

I get on my knees and claim God’s promised things,

And then I don’t feel so bad.

"The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it!" Thessalonians 5:24

"All honor and power to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us."   Ephesians 3:20

One Accord Praying is better than the Coffee Shop!

How can praying be even better than a chat at the coffee shop?   Well, have you ever heard the term One Accord Prayer?  There are so many ways to pray and many types of prayer groups.  One of my favorite ways to pray is praying in "One Accord" or in “conversational language.”  Moms In Touch groups pray this way!

Conversational language you say?

Think about times you have been a part of a conversation.  Let's say Pam, Sally and Julie are meeting up for coffee on a cloudy day.  In conversation we become more aware of the other person.  Sally says the weather got stormy yesterday and they had to postpone the soccer game.  Would it seem quite strange if Pam and Julie were off in their own thoughts and didn't acknowledge that Sally was attempting to engage in conversation?  If they were at the coffee shop alone it would make perfect since to be caught up in their own thoughts, but with two friends present their awareness would naturally be beyond themselves.  Good conversation implies that we take turns.  Julie then agrees with Sally and says that she heard all of the games were postponed for a full half hour.  Pam then recalls how the soccer game her child was in got canceled all together.  If only one person talks, it's a monologue.  Also, in a good conversation, everyone stays on the same subject.  This is not to say that the three ladies would spend their entire coffee time talking about soccer and the weather.  But the three of them would naturally stay on subject for a little bit before one of them introduces a new subject.  At the end of their time together they would most likely leave feeing like they had nice conversations with good friends.  And nice conversations can warm up the hearts of friends on a cloudy day!

What is one accord prayer?

Think of the benefits of a coffee shop chat plus more!  One accord prayer is Spirit-directed prayer where one subject is prayed for at a time.  It is brief, honest and to the point while the group speaks in conversational language.  Prayer should only be a few sentences because conversation is letting someone else have a chance.  It is not necessary to pray in order around a circle.  Just like Pam, Sally and Julie were aware of each other at the coffee shop and naturally took turns responding about the soccer games, conversational prayer takes on the same flow.  If a mom starts to pray on a particular subject, the other moms are keenly aware of her request, they hear her heart and then when she is finished they can feel free to pray on that subject as well. Now I know that when ladies get chatty in a coffee shop all sorts of subjects can arise.  One accord prayer has the benefits of chatting in a coffee shop but MORE meaningful because it is spirit led.   After a subject is exhausted, the Holy Spirit will lead another mom to pray a new subject.  Therefor the focus is on God and not on the approval of others.

Why pray together?

Well first, why did Pam, Sally and Julie meet up for coffee?  We are not created to be lone rangers and we all have a deep desire to be connected.  Prayer connects us to each other and to God.  God promises He will be present.  Matthew 18:22, "For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them."  When we pray together burdens shared become lighter.  Galatians 6:2, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."  When there is agreement in what is asked, no room is left for doubt or wavering. Matthew 18:19, "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in Heaven."  That does not mean that all our kids will ace every test because we ask.  It means when our hearts are connected with a common goal and in line with God's will, His power is released to work in the lives of our children.  As we pray with other moms, trust develops and we become more transparent in our prayers.  Meeting together will build each other up in faith.  I Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing." We become bolder in our requests.  Hebrews 4:16, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."  Pam, Sally and Julie left their coffee chat feeing like they had nice conversations with good friends.  The best part about praying together is that you leave knowing that you had meaningful and fulfilling conversations that warms our spirits with good friends and more importantly with a mighty God!  

Tim Sheet writes in Armed and Battle Ready:

"Being in unity and in one accord will produce an army strong like cord: an army that cannot be broken, nor divided in its determination to beat the devil.  That same unity will produce a wall that stops the work of the devil."

Ecclesiastes 4:9-19 sums it up like this:

"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.  But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.  Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."

Do you have a group of peeps that will join you in One Accord Prayer?  Send them this link and who knows, maybe your next prayer gathering will be better than a chat at the coffee shop!

Keep on doin' it

This is written by Julie Paik, who co-leads MIT at Yerba Buena Elementary School...

Ephesians 6:18 says, "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

I have to admit that prayer has always been a challenge for me, especially growing up in church and hearing so many people pray so sincerely and so eloquently.  Our church had daily early morning prayer meetings from 5:30-6:30 where people would come to pray together before heading off to work for the day. Even in my own home, I had a beautiful example.  One of the sweetest memories I have from childhood is waking up to the sound of my mom praying for us in the living room.  She had been up for about an hour or so, just praying to God.  And now, here I am, a mother of three, and have I ever spent an hour before the children rise praying to God for them?  Nope.  Do my prayers sound as powerful as my mom's did back then (and still do)? Nope.  When I could've been inspired to grow in this beautiful and necessary practice, I became too intimidated and lazy to try very hard.  I had developed an unnecessarily difficult standard of what prayer was.

And still, God is gracious (thank You, God!) and works with me where I am.  The excerpt from the book of Ephesians above really frees me to pray for anything and everything at any time of the day.  I feel free to pray for everything from my kids' on-going character issues and friends dealing with grave diseases to how do I get dinner ready tonight (!) and for patience with the driver in front of me.  I can pray at all times, and in every circumstance, whether it's in quiet meditation, or desperate whispers for mercy, or happy thanksgiving for the beauty of hydrangeas, or having a little pity party for myself and asking for help.  I can pray in the car, on the field waiting for soccer practice to be done, in line at Trader Joe's.  The beautiful consequence of praying this way has been that it keeps me connected to God all day long. Maybe this is why God teaches us to do it in the first place.

So at the beginning of this school year, when we are just starting out on our journey of prayer together, I want to encourage you (and myself) to keep on keeping on, praying at all times, and in every circumstance, and to keep at it.  It doesn't have to be eloquent, it just has to be!  In fact, we don't even have to have the words formed in our minds (Romans 8:26 says, "the [Holy] Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans")! Amazing.  God is good and great.  Let's see what happens as we keep praying.

Thanks Julie for your encouragement!

My Annoying Little Brother and The Knock Song

If you have ever experienced an annoying little brother's attempt to de-rail a moment that at the time meant the world to you, then you might like to learn about my successful recording of The Knock Song.  A song that was written by yours truly at the young and sensitive age of 10 (or maybe I was 11, not sure) I wrote it with my heart, the writing itself was saved by my grandma Reiboldt for the past 28 years.  She recently gave it to my mom and just today my mom read it to me over the phone.  Oh yes, The Knock Song!  Before she could finish reading it, I was already singing it.  How could I forget my first song?  I remember it like I wrote it yesterday... the tune to it and everything.  I also remember trying to record it on a little cassette tape recorder while my brother did the dishes in the kitchen not far from my recording space.  I remember that I kept having to stop and re-record because my brother kept interrupting me by singing along, adding a few more "knocks" to mine or saying some remark that completely made me loose my place.  "Randy, this is serious to me!  Just stop interrupting and do the dishes!" I would yell.  And then, turning from my anger I would again attempt to return to my humble and most serene place. Because after all, the content was serious and to record it I had be calm and focused.  But he couldn't help himself, he had to get his voice in one way or another at every recording attempt I made.  The more serious I sang, the more mischievous he became.  Again and again I would snap out of my serene place and yell,  "MOM!  Would you make him stop!"  Of course he got a kick out of me loosing it.  My mom stepped in to save my recording session from my annoying little brother.  Finally he was silent and I got through the whole thing.  I couldn't wait to listen to the finished product.  As the tape rewound I replayed my song in my mind.  "Oh, Just perfect," I thought.  As we listened back we enjoyed my first (and what ended up being my only) recording of a song I wrote.  About half way through something caught my attention.  Those dishes in the background were quite noisy.  Couldn't my brother do the dishes a bit more quite?  But wait, as I listened I realized that they were knocking in a very particular way.  Almost like a rhythm.  One that matched my song completely.  My brother's "silence" seemed a bit too loud and a bit too perfect to me.  It hit me fast... he was actually playing the dishes as drums and "knocking" them around to my "knock" song while I sang.  As I came to the revelation I swung my body around to face my little annoying brother who stood in front of the sink grinning from ear to ear.  At first I was upset that he was making a mockery of my honest recording.  But then we all couldn't stop laughing.  I mean, it sounded really good.  No wonder he is now a drummer in a band and I am a writer and not a singer.

At any rate, here are the words for you.  I'm sure you will be able to "hear" those clanky knocking dishes in the background as you read all of the "knocks" in my song.  Enjoy!

The Knock Song

By Michelle Jordan (10/11 years old)

Written in 1984

God wants my heart in tune, yes in tune

I hear a knock knock knock, in my room

He’s knocking on my door

Knock knock knock

He’s knocking on my door

And he sure wont stop

Knock knock knock, “Let me in”

Knock knock knock, “You’ll be free from sin”

He’s knocking on my door

Knock knock knock

He’s knocking on my door

And he sure wont stop

Knock knock knock, “Don’t be afraid”

Knock knock knock, “You’ll be saved today”

He’s knocking on my door

Knock knock knock

He’s knocking on my door

And he sure wont stop

A knoooooock-a - knock-a knooooock-a knock-a Knooooock-a knock-a Knoooock-a knock

A knoooooock-a - knock-a knooooock-a knock-a Knooooock-a knock-a Knoooock-a knock

Knock knock knock, I finally let him in

Knock knock knock, Jesus had a grin

He’s knocking on my door

Knock knock knock

He’s knocking on my door

And he sure wont stop

Knock knock knock, sin is banging on the door

Knock knock knock, he can’t take it anymore

He’s knocking on my door

Knock knock knock

He’s knocking on my door

And he sure wont stop

Knock knock knock, satin is leeeeeev-in

Knock knock knock, this is the end

He’s knocking on my door

Knock knock knock

He’s knocking on my door

And he sure wont stop

(fade voice away)

A knoooooock-a - knock-a knooooock-a knock-a Knooooock-a knock-a Knoooock-a knock

A knoooooock-a - knock-a knooooock-a knock-a Knooooock-a knock-a Knoooock-a knock...