Rest For The Weary

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Stretch 2011 started last night, and it went great.  I’m co-leading the games again this year with a new friend.  Let me just say that we have an awesome Games Team this year.  Everything went very well last night.  And it was obvious as I walked around that the kids were having a great time.  I don’t know the numbers, but it seemed like it was the biggest opening night we’ve had since Stretch began several years ago.

After cleaning up and driving home, I didn’t get to bed until 11:30PM.  This is late for me.  So when my alarm went off this morning at 4:50AM, it’s no surprise that I was exhausted.  I managed to get out of bed and out for my morning run despite my fatigue.  As I ran, this verse from Matthew 11 came to me.

I don’t know what you’re going through right now.  Maybe you volunteered at Stretch last night, and you’re feeling weary.  Maybe you just drove half way across the country.  Maybe you are fighting illness.  Maybe you’ve poured your energy into a project that seems unending.  You’re feeling worn-out, tired, exhausted, weary.  The verse above is a reminder that we can come to Jesus when we’re weary.  He promises to give us rest.

How are you feeling today?  When was the last time you faced exhaustion?

Faith Stretch

Here is a guest post by Beck Gambill.  Beck is an author, mentor, wife, mother, and Christ-follower.  I have enjoyed following Beck on her blog for the past month, and she graciously agreed to share her thoughts and talents with us today.  Her writing is inspired and beautiful, and I love what she shares below and how she says it.  Please chime in on her questions, and don’t forget to get connected with Beck.  Besides her blog, you can follow her on Twitter.

(If you’re interested in guest posting on my blog, please drop me a comment.  I’d love to connect with you.)

Lately the very fibers and sinews of my heart are being pulled tight in a deep faith stretch. Three months ago my husband, Chris, and I took a risky step of faith. After serving as worship pastor for four years in a Wyoming church, due to some difficult circumstances and God’s leading, we left our place of ministry trusting God had a plan. My human assumption was that the plan would be revealed quickly and before long we would be serving in a new place of ministry. I was wrong.

We are thankful for dear friends who have graciously opened their home providing a place for us to stay while we wait. Yet I’ve learned it’s not good for a man to live without fulfilling work or a woman to be without a home. God knows this.

There are moments in the waiting that fear and hurt swell, choking off my breath. There are also moments of deep joy. The difference, I find, lies in the abiding. A tenacious sitting at Jesus feet decides if I will sink in despair or soar on wings of faith. Time in the word of God fills my heart with life-sustaining truth that counteracts the lies I would otherwise believe. Lies that say; God doesn’t see you, he has abandoned you, you’re not good enough, you have failed, you will never know fulfillment.

Daily I come, I press on, my spiritual muscles stretched and strengthened. As I come Jesus is always faithful to meet me. He recently revived my heart with the words of Psalm 18. Are you weary from the journey of life, stretched by your limitations or circumstances? Let me share some of those verses with you.

But in my distress I cried out to the Lord;
yes, I prayed to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
my cry to him reached his ears…

He opened the heavens and came down;
dark storm clouds were beneath his feet.
Mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew,
soaring on the wings of the wind.
He shrouded himself in darkness,
veiling his approach with dark rain clouds.
Thick clouds shielded the brightness around him
and rained down hail and burning coals.
The Lord thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded
amid the hail and burning coals…

He reached down from heaven and rescued me;
he drew me out of deep waters…

He led me to a place of safety;
he rescued me because he delights in me.

 Can you see the God of heaven leap to his feet at the sound of your voice crying out in need. Imagine him take flight on the wings of an angel, thundering his approach, reaching down his mighty hand to rescue you! Like a mother stalking across the playground, determined eyes focused, set to rescue her child from the bully, so is our God with his own children. In a purely physical sense we may not see God on the move but we can be sure when we call out in need he hears and acts.

In the midst of messy circumstances God is stretching my heart to trust him. He challenges me to show up daily to sit at his feet to be fed. As I obey, my heart is comforted that God sees me, he rescues me and it’s his delight to do so.

Are you being stretched through difficult circumstances? How has God reminded you of his care?

God in the Spaces

Today, I have the honor of presenting my dad, Norman Stolpe, as my guest blogger.  I have so many things that I could write about in describing my dad.  He has probably been one of my biggest writing influences.  Dad helped me through my senior year of Honors English in high school.  Writing has always surrounded Dad as he has written books, stories, curriculum, poems, and countless sermons.  He is a true inspiration to me.  Today, he shares about finding God in the Spaces.  I think you’ll enjoy what he has to share.  To read more from my dad, you can follow him on his blogs:  Christlink and Writing Workshop.

(If you’re interested in guest posting on my blog, please drop me a comment.  I’d love to connect with you.)

Monastery of St. Scholastica - "Ora et Labora"

My son Jon asked if I would write something for his Stretched blog about how I am being stretched by my current transition. After 35 years of ordained ministry and long-term relationships with three churches (one exception was 2 years), I “retired” from Central Christian Church in Dallas, Texas where I had been the pastor for almost 11 years. I am viewing this as a transition to a new phase of ministry as an interim pastor. I am in conversation with a couple of congregations, and the prospect of serving one of them by September is encouraging, but nothing is definite yet.

I believe I am being stretched as I watch for the presence of God in this in between space. Though I have intentionally described this as a transition, I am learning to accept that other people label it “retirement.” I am anticipating several years of active, full-time ministry, but I am adjusting to recognizing how major this transition is.

My wife, Candy, and I consciously started down this path couple of years ago and worked with Central Christian Church for a transparent, smooth, healthy transition for their pastoral leadership. My last Sunday to preach was May 29, and my successors (Revs. Drs. Steve and Debbie Chisolm) will preach for the first time July 10. God’s hand in that process was gentle but clear to us and the congregation.

I have been amazed at how many seemingly minor details have fallen into place for exactly the right timing as our transition has unfolded so far. I have felt that this has stretched my faith to expect the details will continue to fall into place at just the right time as it becomes clear which congregation we will be serving next. We know we will have an income gap of at least a month, hoping to fill it with supply preaching and temp work. So far we seem to have navigated the uncertainties and ambiguities with minimal anxiety.

However, reflecting on that is stretching me in another direction. I have to ask myself, “Why should I expect my path to be smooth with everything provided at just the right time? Other people who are at least as faithful to Jesus have to endure hardship and deprivation on their paths. I certainly don’t deserve to be exempt.”

In this in between space, I feel the tension between trusting God, perhaps presumptuously, and the pull of frantic activity to bring in income and perhaps force a premature decision about where we will serve. I believe I have to take responsible steps as acts of faith that God is the one actually orchestrating events. I am reminded of the inscription above the door of the Monastery of St. Scholastica (St. Benedict’s sister) in Subiaco, Italy (and other Benedictine monasteries). “Ora et Labora” pray and work. The priority is to pray first. Then work finds its place in harmony with God’s activity.

My patience is being stretched, not in the sense of anxious impatience, but recognizing that church processes move slowly. God is patient too, not just with our individual foibles, but also with the unhurried unfolding of history. With this stretching patience, I am learning to watch for God to slip the smallest details into place at just the right time. As I recognize God’s hand in the details, I am also learning that God’s story doesn’t revolve around me and having my journey unfold smoothly, but that I am privileged to play some part in God’s greater plan. If I will be patient, I will discern just how the details fit at just the right time.

How have you seen God in the spaces of your life?

Detours

Today, I have the privilege of presenting my wife as my guest blogger.  Leanne and I will be celebrating our 15th anniversary in less than two weeks.  We’ve been through a lot together over the years, and I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead.  Her thoughts below are extremely insightful while being very transparent.  Leanne doesn’t blog at the moment, but your comments and feedback may help spur her on to share more of her life and story.

This week I took a day off and went to the beach. This is something I used to do a couple of times a year but recently haven’t done for quite some time. So, it was a big deal to me. I filled up my tank with gas. I packed a picnic lunch, and figured out my directions. I put my tunes in the cd player and started on my trip. I didn’t even get on the turnpike when there was a detour – right at the start of my trip!

It reminded me of how this past year seemed like a detour in many ways.

1. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after being treated for a bipolar/postpartum psychosis diagnosis for 10 years. My doctor encouraged me to get a second opinion and when I did, the diagnosis was postpartum psychosis. So, I came off my medicine and gradually began having symptoms which led to a severe reaction. I have spent a lot of the year recovering but have found a greater understanding for people who deal with mental illness but also special needs in general, especially as they relate to children.
2. I decided to resign as my position of our church preschool director because I missed the children. I found myself spending most of my working hours behind a desk instead of with the children I love. Through tutoring and subbing this year, I have rediscovered a passion to be with students in the public school.
3. We had to put the trip of my dreams – Africa – on hold, but we have a greater resolve to make a difference in our local community as a family. We are excited for our service group to start-up again this fall. It was also a lesson of control. We quickly learned how much we are not in control of our lives.

In all these things, I am now able to look back and see God working for the good in all things. At the time, life seemed like a series of detours.  A friend asked me the other day if life made sense and for the first time in a while I was able to say that yes, right now it actually did. That doesn’t mean that life is without problems and everything is perfect but there’s faith, recovery, hope, and the support of family and friends.

What detours have you experienced in your life?  How have you seen God working good in your life through the ups and downs?

(I’m looking for guest bloggers to share their “stretch marks” here.  If you’re interested in becoming one of my guest bloggers, please drop me a comment, so I can get in touch with you.)

Zach’s Adventure

In a way, this is a first guest post by my son, Isaac.  Every year at his school, the 5th grade students are assigned a 1st grade buddy.  At the end of the year, the 5th graders get to write and publish a story for their buddy.  Isaac wrote the story below, and I asked him if I could share it here (I’ll tell you a little more at the end).

Once upon a time, there was a monkey named Zach.  He lived in a hut in the jungle.  One of his best friends was named Isaac.  They were always working together.  One day, there was a race for tree swinging.  When Zach didn’t enter, Isaac knew he had to do something.

When Isaac found out Zach was afraid of heights, he requested to Zach that he should go to the King of the Jungle.  So, Zach took a hike to the King.  The King sent Zach on a quest!  Zach has always loved quests.  The King gave Zach a map and sent him on his way.

First, Zach came to a long, old, creaky bridge.  Well, Zach was afraid of heights, so he decided to swim the river of bananas and soccer balls.  While we was swimming, he decided to eat a few bananas and kick a few soccer balls.  Zach finally got to the other side.

Next, Zach came up to two big doors.  He tried to open them, but of course, they were locked.  So, Zach had to go all the way across the river of bananas and soccer balls to retrieve the keys from the King.  Again, Zach had to go all the way back across the river and he got the big doors.  The keys worked!

Then, Zach came upon a pond of crayons.  There was a tree swing over it, but Zach was afraid of heights.  So, Zach swam through.  When Zach was in the middle, pieces of paper fell down from the sky.  When Zach looked on them, they were mystery pictures!  Zach decided to stop and do some mystery pictures.  After a while, Zach got to the other side.

Finally, Zach got to a cave.  When Zach looked real closely, he could see that the cave was made of ice cream!  He could even smell it.  Zach rushed inside and started eating away.  After an hour, Zach noticed a light and made a wish.  Suddenly, Zach had this feeling and started to climb a tree.

Zach was amazed.  His fear is over with.  Zach started to go home, so he swung across the pond of crayons, through the door and across the bridge over the river of bananas and soccer balls.  Then, Zach told his whole family about his experience.  Zach finally lived happily ever after.

I think my son has an incredible imagination, and I look forward to seeing where it takes him.  Isaac’s story hits home for us as Isaac deals with a couple of fairly significant fears himself.  Without going into detail, Isaac occasionally misses out on some fun activities, because he is too afraid.  I think we both wish it was an easy fix, but the reality shows that it’s not that simple.  I think Isaac’s story about going to the King for help is appropriate.  We often look for easy, quick fixes, and we sometimes think it’s as simple as just getting over it.  But many times, we need to bring our fears and worries to the King of kings.

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

Isaac thanks for sharing your story with me and with my readers.  May God continue to help you through this journey.  I love you!

My Psalm

God, You are my God.

I come to You with all that I am.

I bring my pride.  I bring my apprehension.

I bring my anxiety.  I bring my desperation.

I lay all these and more at Your feet.

Take these things that weigh me down.

Take these things that cause butterflies to circle endlessly in my stomach.

Take these thoughts and cares and worries.

I come to You for relief.

Thanks!

Thanks for caring for me.

Thanks for uplifting my soul.

Thanks for giving me strength.

Thanks for giving me courage.

Thanks for giving me peace.

These things could only come from You.

God, You are my God.

I come to You with all I am.

Make me what You want me to be.

On The Right Track

 

I took this picture before the start of Isaac’s last Pinewood Derby.  It was a fun morning, and Isaac took 3rd place overall to our surprise.

I like this picture.  It kind of reminds me of the importance of being on the right track.  It is so easy to get on the wrong track through the distractions of life.  We often let the busyness of life steer us of course and away from where our focus should rest.  Whether we get caught up in work or we get sidelined by some sort of defeat or setback or we get distracted by some sort of hobby, we all can find ourselves on the wrong track.

I think the author of Hebrews had this in mind when he wrote the first three verses of Hebrews 12.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

By keeping our focus on Jesus, we are sure to be on the right track.

You Are Here

I took this picture a couple of months ago while on a Cub Scout field trip to the Franklin Institute.  This sign was located in a stairwell between exhibits.  I just thought it was funny.  What can I say?  This is my humor, and you’re stuck with it if you’re still reading by blog.

As I think about the sign, “You Are Here,” I think it’s a good reminder for me.  Sometimes, it can be easy to get stuck in our past -  where we dwell on either our victories or defeats.  Let’s face it, we often like the way things were just because that’s what we’re used to.  Does that make sense?

On the other hand, sometimes, it can be easy to get caught up in the worries (and hopes) of the future.  I think it’s good to have hopes and dreams and to go after them.  But sometimes, we deal with anxiety because we’re so focused on what might happen in the future.  We are crippled by questions which have answers that are out of our control.

As I think about this, two passages come to mind:

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”  Psalm 46:10

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:25-34

These offer great reminders to rejoice in today – this moment in time when the past is in the past, and God holds the future in His hands.

I am here.  Where are you?

Filled Up With Bread

This morning on my way to the office, I was listening to a podcast from Mosaic, out in southern California.  In the podcast, Hank Fortener, was speaking about Jesus being the Bread of Life (found in John 6:35 – Then 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.”).

Hank shared the following:

“You see.  I think there are these times in our lives where you go through these spaces where you feel like you’re spread out.  Spread thin.  Where you wonder if you’ll ever get back to normal.  Will I ever get back to better?  Will I ever get to good?  Will I ever be at awesome?  Will I ever get to the amazing part?  You see this is the part where Jesus says, ‘This is where I step in.’  Because one of God’s sweet spots is His ability to meet us at our weakest.  One of His sweet spots is His ability to be more powerful than our temporary circumstances.  So when Jesus says, ‘I am the bread of life,’ He’s saying that ‘no matter what you’ve done up to this point, no matter what you’ve experienced up until this point, it’s still going to perish.  You’re still going to die.  But I can give you something that gives you life – that fills you so full that you can barely breath.’”

As I listened to these words, I could relate.  Over the past year, I have wondered if things would ever return to normal.  I have wondered if things would ever get back to better.  I have wondered if I would ever get to the amazing part.

But I have also experienced relief – despite the chaos around me.  I have experienced healing – despite unanswered questions.  I have experienced a peace that comes from knowing that ultimately everything will be okay – despite the fact that life often seems to be swirling around me.  I believe this comes from knowing and depending on my “Bread of Life” – Jesus Christ.

Do you know Him?  Are you hungry?  Are you unfulfilled?  Are you thirsty for more?

Then 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.  John 6:35

This Is How I Roll – Blessed Be Your Name

This morning on my way into the office, I heard this song by Tree63 – Blessed Be Your Name.  This is how I’m trying to roll these days – if you hear what I’m saying!  God is good through the ups and downs of life.  Great way to start the day!

Blessed be your name

In the land that is plentiful

Where the streams of abundance flow

Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name

When I’m found in the desert place

Though I walk through the wilderness

Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,

I turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in,

Lord Still I will say…

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be your glorious name

Blessed be your name

When the sun’s shining down on me

When the world’s all as it should be

Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name

On the road marked with suffering

Though there’s pain in the offering

Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,

I turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in,

Lord Still I will say…

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be your glorious name

You give and take away

You give and take away

My heart will choose to say Lord,

Blessed be your name