Joy's Jazz

When absence just means "forgotten!"

2011-10-08T08:23:00.000-04:00

Blogging is just an elongated "tweet" or facebook post, right? Then, why is it that I have so much trouble having something to say worthy of a blog? Maybe it's because a comment is rarely posted on a blog and I like feedback. We used to call that - conversation! Now we text using abbreviations and "textese" (the language of text that completely ignores grammar and punctuation for the sake of 160 characters). Don't get me wrong - I LOVE being able to get in touch with someone by text. And Facebook, Google+ and Twitter are a great way to "stay in touch" with friends and family. I just miss having back and forth dialog!

Call me! Better yet, let's meet for coffee and TALK! My vocabulary is getting rusty and I'm growing tired of alphabetical exclamations!

BTW - IMY and need a good LOL!

A Moment In Time Can Change Everything

2011-06-28T09:50:00.000-04:00

2 Samuel 11 & 12

It was a beautiful spring afternoon. The air was clear, the sun was shining and the roof was the perfect place to freshen up. Another month passes and no baby. Uriah was off to war with the king’s army. It will be a long time before her husband returns. No matter, life has a way of righting itself.

On a nearby balcony, the king, who had chosen to stay at the palace instead of going to battle with his troops, sees an unusually beautiful woman bathing on her rooftop. “Does she know I’m here? I’ve not seen such beauty! Who is this woman?” The messengers sent to inquire of her return with the news that she is Bathsheba, the daughter of a trusted friend and granddaughter of one of his advisors. She is also the wife of one of his most loyal soldiers, a member of his royal guard.

In that moment the king had the opportunity to walk away from the lust in his heart and honor the vows this woman had made to her husband. But he didn’t.

A messenger was sent to the woman, calling her to the king’s chambers. She quickly responded and went immediately to the king. We don’t know the conversation but it is quite certain that the king made his wishes of her known. In that moment she had a choice to make, surrender to the king’s wishes or honor her vows to her husband.

Can you imagine what it would be like to be desired by the king? The flattery of being called to him, the honor of serving the highest authority in the land, it must have taken her breath away. Thoughts must have been turning in her head, “The king has many wives and yet, he wants me!” A blush of embarrassment and a schoolgirl’s giggle may have been the reaction. Or, had there been a devious plan on her part.

Did she know the king had not gone to war? It is most likely the whole city knew. Did she know her rooftop was in full view of the king’s balcony? Probably. Did she desire the privilege of the palace, the luxury of being one of the king’s women? Did she mean for him to see her? She went to him and slept with him and then returned home.

The moment had passed. It might have been a one-time encounter but she became pregnant. Now what? Uriah will be dishonored, the king has no obligation to her – she’s married. What can be done? The law demands death for both David and Bathsheba. Bathsheba decided to leave it up to King David sending word to him of her pregnancy and the cover up begins. Uriah was brought home but in his loyalty to his king and his brothers in battle, he refused to spend time with his wife. Even when the king got him drunk, Uriah was a man of honor. The only way out was to kill Uriah and marry Bathsheba. Uriah was sent to battle with the understanding on the part of his superiors that he was to be placed in the “front line where the fighting is fiercest so her will be struck down and die”. Uriah died defending his nation and his king.

How different things would have been if in those moments of decision, David and Bathsheba had followed the laws of God known well by both of them. Because of one moment’s weakness, David, a man after God’s own heart, broke the sixth, seventh, ninth and tenth commandments*, the very law he said was his delight, (Psalm 40:8)

The opportunity for this sin may have presented itself many times but it only took one surrender to the moment to change everything.

God in his justice, allowed David to marry Bathsheba but the baby born of their sin died. David’s heart was broken. He pleaded with God for the child’s life but God said “No.” (2 Samuel 12:15-24)

The good news to this story is God did forgive David and Bathsheba and gave their union a son, Solomon that ruled the nation with great wisdom and was loved by God (2 Samuel 12:24). Bathsheba was honored and loved by her husband and her son.

David was allowed to rule bringing his nation into the promise God had given their father Abraham.

We are given “moments” everyday that will determine our futures. We have to choose to make the right choices based on God’s commandments. It would be easy to allow the words or look of flattery to turn us. We may even be putting our livelihood and futures at risk by refusing to give in to those “moments” but God’s promises NEVER fail us. When we make the right choice IN THAT MOMENT, we are secure in the promise David knew to be true:

“ ⁷³ You made me; you created me.
      Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
   ⁷⁴ May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,
      for I have put my hope in your word.
   ⁷⁵ I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair;
      you disciplined me because I needed it.
   ⁷⁶ Now let your unfailing love comfort me,
      just as you promised me, your servant.
   ⁷⁷ Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,
      for your instructions are my delight. Psalm 119:73-77

*The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:13-17)

Just Because

2011-05-09T15:44:00.000-04:00

I recently received an unexpected check that had "Just because" written in the memo. It surprised me mostly because the givers have never given me a personal gift before and really have no reason or obligation to be blessing me with a gift of any kind. That is what made it even more surprising and special.

God does things like that for us all the time. He sends a cooling rain on a hot summer day, He warms the winter days with sunshine, He gives an encouraging song to the birds and smiling faces to the flowers just because He loves us.

My five year old granddaughter understands just how special she is to God. Here is her story written by her mother:

Pink Clouds

by Piper Hawkins Koeppen

I took Addison to McDonald's today and let her get a soda...I know, it's not good for her, but she was really good today and I just couldn't help it; she's my sweetheart. Later this afternoon we were driving home and she was whining about something. I finally had to say in a stern voice, "Addison, that's enough! No more whining!" Shortly after, she was still whining a bit and I decided I needed a Starbucks. She wanted a steamer, I knew I shouldn't get her one, she'd already had a soda AND she was being naughty....but I got her one anyway...I couldn't help it, she's my sweetheart. As we pulled away, with her steamer in hand, she whispered, "Mommy look!" I turned to see what she was pointing toward and there was the horizon with the sun beginning to set. Smiling she simply said, "See Jesus painted me pink clouds today." Right then I heard Him whisper, "I couldn't help it, she's my sweetheart."

God has chosen you to be his own special treasure. (Deut. 7:6) You don't have to take my word for it. It is all through the Bible how much God loves us. We are His treasure. He keeps us safely tucked away from harm in His "treasure pouch" 1 Samuel 25:29

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 (NLT)

God doesn't have to do anything for us, but He does just because!

Additional scriptures:

John 3:16 (Whole Chapter)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Ephesians 1:4 (Whole Chapter)
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

Exodus 19:5 (Whole Chapter)
Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me.

Deuteronomy 7:6 (Whole Chapter)
For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.

Deuteronomy 14:2 (Whole Chapter)
You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.

Deuteronomy 26:18 (Whole Chapter)
The Lord has declared today that you are his people, his own special treasure, just as he promised, and that you must obey all his commands.

1 Samuel 25:29 (Whole Chapter)
“Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling!

Malachi 3:17 (Whole Chapter)
“They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child.

Dusted for Fingerprints

2011-02-08T13:43:00.000-05:00

Call me crazy, but I truly enjoy all the forensic based shows on television. CSI, NCIS, NCIS-LA, CSI-NY, even Bones, (we can skip Horatio from Miami!). My husband doesn’t understand my attraction to these shows. To him it’s all guts and gore. I don’t care for that part of the show either – when they do an inside the body scope-like journey to follow the track of the bullet or whatever. However, the mystery – the search for answers based on only the facts of the evidence is very intriguing to me. It is amazing the equipment that has been developed to determine chemical compounds and fiber matches. They have machines that can break down fluids into a number of chemicals; they have scopes and databases to tell the exact car a fiber came from or where a bit of dirt originated. It’s almost sci-fi in nature! But the old reliable “dusting powder” hasn’t changed and is still used to determine the very unique markings of fingerprints. Any time a person handles or just touches something we leave behind a fingerprint, a print that is undeniably our mark. Some fingerprints bring blessing; some bring destruction.

The power of Jesus’ fingerprints is revealed in the Biblical books of Matthew, Mark and Luke when He touched people at their point of need bringing healing and comfort to them.

· Matthew 8:15
But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.

· Matthew 9:29
Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.”

· Matthew 17:7
Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.”

· Matthew 20:34
Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.

· Mark 1:41
Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!”

· Mark 6:56
Wherever he went—in villages, cities, or the countryside—they brought the sick out to the marketplaces. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.

· Mark 7:33
Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone. He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue.

· Mark 10:13
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

· Luke 4:40
As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one.

· Luke 7:14
Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped. “Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.”

· Luke 13:13
Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God!

· Luke 14:4
When they refused to answer, Jesus touched the sick man and healed him and sent him away.

ALL these lives were changed by the touch of Jesus. His touch left the fingerprint of God’s mercy and restoration.

Paul, a disciple of Jesus Christ, knew the importance of baring the marks or fingerprints of God in his life. In ancient times the Greek word for “marks” was used of the brand that identified slaves or animals. Paul’s suffering (stoning, Ac 14:19; beatings, Ac 16:22; 2 Cor 11:25; illness, Gal 4:13-14) marked him as a “servant of Christ”.* The touch of God on Paul’s life so marked him that “When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his (Paul’s) skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.” (Acts 19:12)

The fingerprint of God on Paul’s life included pain and suffering but he fully understood the favor of God’s touch as well. When arguments arose among the first century Christians about circumcision, the first identifying mark of the covenant between God and Abraham (Gen 17:9-14), Paul gave explanation of the new covenant. “¹² Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don’t want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save. ¹³ And even those who advocate circumcision don’t keep the whole law themselves. They only want you to be circumcised so they can boast about it and claim you as their disciples.

¹⁴ As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross^, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. ¹⁵ It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. ¹⁶ May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.

¹⁷ From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars (or marks in some translations) that show I belong to Jesus.” (Gal 6:12-17)

What does the mark of God’s fingerprint on my life look like? Do those I encounter every day see God’s touch or the smudge of sin and failure? Is there a definite sign that I have been in God’s presence, marked by Jesus’ touch and empowered by the Holy Spirit? How will they know?

Jesus told his disciples at their last supper together, "Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other." (John 13:34-35) The new command was much like the old one given in Lev 19:18, but for Jesus’ disciples it was new, because it was the mark of their brotherhood, created by Jesus’ great love for them (Matt 22:37-39). *

The people around us are always “dusting us” for fingerprints. There is a great desire to see genuine love and the demonstration of faith and confidence. People need to see we are who we say we are and do what God says we should!

Watching forensics shows make you want to be sure you clean your doorknobs well so, if the need ever arises, the CSI agents will be able to determine the unusual set of fingerprints found there to solve a crime! Even more, when we realize we bear the marks of things that touch our lives every day, we need to purify our lives with the touch of God. It is the undeniable fingerprint of God Almighty that I want to display in loving my neighbors and demonstrating the love of Christ to my brothers and sisters in the faith. I hope when they “dust me for fingerprints” I’m COVERED with God’s!

*Footnotes from the NIV Study Bible

Blessed Is She Who Has Believed

2010-11-17T14:01:00.000-05:00

Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished! Luke 1:45 NIV

Can you imagine what it would be like to have a spirit-being show up in your room? It would be even more unnerving to have him speak to you! What if he said “Good morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty, Beautiful inside and out! God be with you.” (Luke 1:28 Message) Well, that is EXACTLY what happened to Mary, mother of Jesus! Is it any wonder that Mary was “thoroughly shaken”? The Bible, no matter what translation you read, makes no mention of Mary screaming or fainting or losing control of her bodily functions. Nothing! It just says she was “greatly troubled” or “thoroughly shaken”. Yes, I think I would have had that response including a LOUD reaction.

Mary must have at least looked scared because the angel, Gabriel, said, “Do not be afraid”. To my knowledge, I have never met an angel face to face but I have the feeling, once you get past the sudden appearance, there would be great peace in their presence. That is the reason I think it was possible for Mary to believe the things Gabriel told her. “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus. He will be great, be called ‘Son of the Highest’. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David; He will rule Jacob’s house forever- no end, ever, to his kingdom.”

Mary’s only question was “How?” She didn’t ask “why” or “are you sure you have the right house?” She didn’t even ask “When?” Her only question was “How?” Gabriel explained God’s plan of supernatural conception; “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, the power of the Highest hover over you; Therefore the child you bring to birth will be called Holy, Son of God”. (Luke 1:35 MSG) Her response was “Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say.” (Luke 1:38 MSG)

There are things God has spoken into my life; assignments, dreams, purpose; that have been difficult for me to accept. My questions are not only “how?” but also “Did I hear you correctly?” and “Are you sure I’m the one?” Its unfortunate there have been no angelic visits with an announcement and explanation but there has been confirmation through scripture and friends. That should be enough, shouldn’t it?

Mary’s faith was demonstrated in her ability to only ask “How?” It was a question that asked, “What do you need me to do to make this happen?” There was no hint of “are you kidding me?” or doubt. Once she understood God had a plan to make it happen she was ready to go. Gabriel encouraged her faith by telling her of her cousin Elizabeth’s pregnancy “in her old age”. “For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37 NIV)

Mary may have also remembered the story of Abraham and Sarah who became the parents of the child that began the lineage of “many nations” promised to them. “Without weakening in his faith, he (Abraham) faced the fact that his body was as good as dead – since he was about a hundred years old – and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:19-21) Abraham’s faith “was credited to him as righteousness.” Because it was true faith, complete confidence in God’s promise. (Romans 4:22)
In today’s world, people who have that kind of faith are thought of as “kooks”, eccentrics or weak-minded. In reality, that kind of faith – faith that believes God will do every thing He said He would – requires great strength and confidence.

Abraham was credited with righteousness and Mary was called blessed by all generations (Luke 1:48) because they believed that the Lord would do everything He said He would. Lord, help me be the “who” and let You worry about the how, what, when, where, and why!

Luke 1:45 “You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said.” NLT
Genesis 18:14 “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” spoken to Abraham & Sarah
Job 42:2 “I know you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” - Job
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.” - Jeremiah
Luke 18:27 “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” - Jesus
Matthew 19:26 “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” - Jesus

If it seems too good to be true, then . . .

2010-08-25T11:52:00.004-04:00

Our family has been praying for several years for God’s favor over a particular dream and the answer was always “In My time, just wait.” It has been hard and frustrating to wait and I have to admit, I have not been especially patient. I felt ignored and have been unappreciative of what God was doing because I wanted what I wanted. Nothing else was good enough. Finally after several years of waiting, the dream is coming true. The unexpected thing is, it is all so surreal. It seems too good to be true!

As I’ve been repenting of my unbelief and impatience, I’ve also been wondering why the excitement I expected isn’t there. As I prayed God reminded me of the story of Peter’s jail break found in Acts 12: 1-19.

To please the religious leaders, Herod had James the brother of John and a disciple of Jesus put to death by the sword. When he saw that this pleased them, Herod had Peter arrested planning to have him brought to trial after the Feast of Unleavened Bread or Passover (the celebration of God delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt).

Peter was in jail guarded by four squads of four soldiers each waiting for public trail. The church was earnestly praying asking God for Peter’s release.

The night before the trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and lit up the cell. He had to strike Peter to wake him up. “Quick, get up” the angel told Peter and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

The angel told Peter to put on his clothes and sandals, so he did. The angel then said, “Put your coat on and follow me.” Peter followed the angel but had no idea that this was really happening. Peter thought he was having a vision. They walked past the first set of guards, then past the second set of guards and right up to the iron gate of the prison. The gate opened by itself and they walked right past the sentries and out of the prison. The angel led Peter down the street and then disappeared. As Peter stood there all alone he finally came to himself and realized what had just happened. God had performed a miracle in answer to the prayers of the church! He said to himself, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the religious leaders were anticipating.”

Peter went to the house where the church was praying and knocked on the door. The servant girl, Rhoda, came to the door and was so astonished that she ran back into the house without letting Peter in. The people gathered there praying told her, “You’re out of your mind!” and when she kept insisting he was there they said, “It must be his angel.”

Peter just kept on knocking until they finally let him in. They were so astonished they began to make a lot of noise. Peter motioned for them to be quiet and told them what God had done. He encouraged them to tell the church leaders and then he left.

Doesn’t it seem funny that when God answered the people’s prayers, they found it hard to believe? It’s a wonder God didn’t do a “Gibb’s smack” to the back of their heads. What faith! What trust in God! What separates me from them? Nothing!

The church prayed earnestly just as my family and I have prayed. There has been a measure of piety in seeking God and straining for what we believe to be God’s will. I have been consoled by Isaiah 30:18 “… the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” It has become part of my life, the norm to pray, believe and wait. I know how to do that.

The church had faith enough to pray, believe and wait for Peter’s release but they lacked the faith to receive it. What is our job once God grants our request? I’m discovering it requires just as much faith to receive the answer as to ask and wait.

Jesus said in Mark 11:22, “Have faith in God, I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” We are to start receiving when we start praying!

Lord, forgive my doubting heart and help me to have faith enough to receive the answer. Forgive me for feeling like I need to look over my shoulder to see if it really is “too good to be true”! I KNOW you are faithful to your word – I BELIEVE AND RECEIVE!

The Long Way Around

2010-08-10T11:12:00.003-04:00

Exodus 13:17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.

There are times when God brings deliverance that doesn't look much like deliverance. When God delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt, He prepared them with gold, silver & clothing - the usual plunder for the victors of war - given to them by the Egyptians. (Exodus 12:36 The Lord had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians.) He also dressed them for battle (Exodus 13:18b The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.) So why then with all this favor and preparation did God take them the long way across the desert instead of straight to the Promised Land? God knew the Israelites well. He knew that even though they had experienced miracles in Egypt and seen Him do everything He said He would, they were prone to doubt and whining! "God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." (Ex. 13:17)

Does that mean that the “long way” was the easier way? Somehow, I don’t think so. They were chased by Pharaoh and his army, Ex. 14:10; they didn’t have good drinking water, Ex. 15:23; they didn’t have enough food, Ex. 16:3; they got tired of the new menu, Numbers 11:4 - 6; they begged for water to drink, Ex. 17:3; they were attacked by the enemy, Ex. 17:8. It all seems rather bleak. We can even sympathize a little with them when terrified they yelled at Moses and said, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?” (Ex. 14:11)

Just hours after God had spared them the loss of their firstborn and they had marched out of Egypt “in full view of the Egyptians, who were burying their firstborn” (Numbers 33:3), they had forgotten what God had done. They had forgotten the way God had kept them through the plagues and supplied them with riches and protection for their journey. They spent everyday of the journey wishing they could go back to Egypt. Back to slavery and mistreatment instead of going to the land that God had promised their father Abraham (Genesis 15:18); the land that they had been told about through all the generations since Abraham.

Even so, God provided for them at each complaint.

When they were chased by Pharaoh, God swallowed him, his army and all their weaponry in the Red Sea, Ex. 14:19-28. When they didn’t have good drinking water God provided a piece of wood that sweetened the water, Ex. 15:25. When they didn’t have enough food, God rained down bread from heaven, Ex.16: 4. When they grew tired of the bread from heaven and begged for other kinds of food God sent quail in from the sea, Nu. 11:31. When they begged for water to drink God gave them water from a rock, Ex. 17:5-7. When they were attacked by the enemy God brought great victory in battle, Ex. 17:13. Every time God provided.

Are You taking me the “long way” to the promises You’ve given me, Lord? Am I prone to complaining and whining? Am I forgetful or narrow in my understanding of Your faithfulness? Help me to identify my Egypt and strengthen my resolve to go where You are leading me recognizing that You have equipped me for the journey to my Promised Land!

The Cover of Darkness

2010-08-03T08:59:00.002-04:00

Remember when being a “Peeping Tom” was considered a deviant type of behavior? A peeping tom usually lurked outside someone’s house and peered in the windows at people. It is defined in the dictionary as “One who derives pleasure, usually sexual, from secretly spying on others.” You could get arrested for this behavior! In fact, in the state of New York the sentence for a peeping tom is six months in jail! Now we turn on our TVs and “peep” through that window - our families sitting right next to us - in the comfort of our own homes - watching “Big Brother” or “The Bachelor”, “The Bachelorette”, “Jon and Kate Plus 8”, and “Survivor” (to name a VERY short list). We call them reality shows.

Recently, I saw a preview for a new reality show called “Dating in the Dark”. The producers of the show put people who have never seen each other in a totally dark room and film what happens using night-vision technology. Once the people have developed a relationship, they reveal them to each other in the light and film their reactions. Apparently, the cover of darkness allows them to “see” each other for who they are and keeps them from making judgments based on physical attributes. It helps to take away their inhibitions and allows them to act on their feelings without having to worry about what the other person is thinking. Of course, the preview made it look like it can get pretty “steamy” between the people. If it didn’t who would want to be the peeping tom on the other side of the screen?

In theory, it all sounds reasonable, I guess, but how do they “forget” the camera and crew are watching them? Does it really work to say, “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain?” Maybe it does. They seem to have forgotten that they are doing all this in front of “God and everyone” as the saying goes. Nothing is hidden by the darkness because God has night-vision, too!

David wrote in Psalm 139:11 & 12, “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you (God); the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” These verses follow David’s acknowledgment in verse 1 “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.” All of Psalm 139 gives testimony to God’s knowledge of who we are and what we do.

Job, the man God called “blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:8), understood that God sees all and knows all. Job 34:21 & 22 “For God watches how people live; he sees everything they do. No darkness is thick enough to hide the wicked from his eyes.”

It puzzles me that anyone would want to be filmed in these situations. I get the allure of winning money but what else does it offer? Is the 15 minutes of fame the draw? And what is it that draws the viewer? Does watching other people fail at relationships or succeed at things we thought impossible encourage us? Do these shows give us permission to behave outside the social niceties of manners and etiquette? It just doesn’t seem worth the risk to me.

The truth is that we are all part of a reality show. Our lives may not include cameramen, directors and make-up people but we do have family and friends watching us every day. Most importantly, God is watching us day and night! That realization alone makes me agree with David in Psalm 139:23 & 24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” The New Living Translation says “Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

The only “viewer” I want to please is God. If I am living to please Him, all the other “viewers” will fade into the background and the cover of darkness will only be needed for restful sleep!

Versions of Me

2010-07-29T09:12:00.005-04:00

It may seem strange (considering my age and all) but I am a big fan of the animated series "Avatar, The Last Airbender". It’s a quirky story about a world where every nation has a specific power or ability to interact with the forces of nature (earth, wind, fire, and water) and command them by "bending" them.

It may also surprise you to know that I'm a huge fan of M. Night Shyamalan (director of "Sixth Sense", "Signs", "The Village" and "Lady in the Water" - some of my favs) so you can only imagine how COMPLETELY excited I was to hear that he was doing a movie about the quirky little cartoon!

Unfortunately, I've been told that M. Night's portrayal of the characters is very different from those in the cartoon. The slapstick sidekick of Aang, the avatar, isn't funny or slapstick. His antics in the cartoon were part of why I watched the show. That alone is keeping me out of the theater. Of course M. Night is not the creator of the cartoon characters; he is merely an observer who took his interpretation of the personalities and put them on film. It makes me wonder what Jeremy Zuckerman, composer of the original series, thought of M. Night's characterizations. He must be disappointed that M. Night didn't value his version of the characters enough to maintain their personalities as he had written them.

All this got me to thinking, dangerous - I know! Have I done that to people? Have people done that to me? Have I made snap judgments on who a person is and then represented them to others as MY version? Have I, in all my "brilliance and discernment", created false, disappointing versions of someone only to portray them as such? Did I rewrite who they are? It has been known to happen.

God created the perfect version of us when we were "formed in our mother's womb". Ps 139:13 "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." Inmost being in Hebrew literally means "kidneys" but is also a Hebrew idiom meaning "the innermost center of emotions and of moral sensitivity", that part of us that makes us who we are.

People will tell you that time, environment, and experience form our personalities and make us who we are but the truth is God made a perfect version of us at our beginning. "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Ps 139:14) Yes, all those influences - time, environment and experience - affect who we are but they did not form who we are. God's version of us, the one "written in His book" before one day of our life even began is the version He designed knowing what every day of our life held. (Ps 139:16)

David, the author of Psalm 139, recognized God's love for him in verses 17 & 18 "How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!" God's love is the same for us!

Maybe Jeremy Zuckerman is disappointed, too, in M. Night's version of his airbending characters, but it didn't change who they truly are. Jeremy still knows them well and continues to write about them in their original form. God won't let us down, either. His version of us has not changed and He is still watching our story unfold. He loves us and sees us in His version and is NEVER influenced by anyone else’s view of us. We need to look for the "God version" of ourselves and others and remember that we can walk with great confidence knowing God's is the true version of who we are - and the ONLY ONE that really counts!

Is God a Liar?

2010-07-22T10:20:00.002-04:00

Is God a liar?

"Of course not!" "How could you say such a thing?" "That's preposterous, completely absurd!" you say?

Really? You're right of course. It is absurd and yet. . .

When is the last time you thought "I'm fat and ugly!"? How about "No one cares what I think. I'm stupid and have nothing of value to contribute!" Or "No one appreciates me. I give and give and give and no one even notices!" And "The only thing I'm good for is _________ (you fill in the blank!)". I could go on. It's a little like the old whine "Nobody loves me, everybody hates me, I'm gonna eat some worms!!" isn't it?

There may be a small element of truth in each of those statements but they are NOT absolutely true! When did we start thinking this way?

Well, not to blame the devil for everything but, he started it!

Genesis 3:1-7 (MSG)
1 The serpent was clever, more clever than any wild animal God had made. He spoke to the Woman: "Do I understand that God told you not to eat from any tree in the garden?"
2 The Woman said to the serpent, "Not at all. We can eat from the trees in the garden. 3 It's only about the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, 'Don't eat from it; don't even touch it or you'll die.'"
4 The serpent told the Woman, "You won't die. 5 God knows that the moment you eat from that tree, you'll see what's really going on. You'll be just like God, knowing everything, ranging all the way from good to evil."

That snake was clever alright! He took God's words and twisted them first by saying "God told you not to eat from any tree in the garden, right?" The snake knew exactly what God had told them. (Gen. 2:16-17) 16And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, 'You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; 17But (except) of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and blessing and calamity you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.' (Amplified Bible) That snake told her "God lied to you. He was trying to trick you!" when he said, "You will not die."

God's instructions were very clear. You may eat of every tree except... The woman spoke correctly when she answered the snake but the snake caused her to doubt the command by saying "You won't die!" He told the woman that God was trying to trick her because "God knows that if you eat the fruit from that tree, you will learn about good and evil and you will be like God!" (Gen 3:4) Why would God not want her to learn about good and evil or as the Message says it, "knowing everything, ranging all the way from good to evil."? Was God trying to keep her from being just like Him? If so, why does it say in Leviticus 19:2 and 1 Peter 1:15 (and several other places) "Be holy, because I am holy." In other words "Be just like me!" The snake accused God of jealousy. He convinced the woman that God didn't want her to be "just like God, knowing everything, ranging all the way from good to evil." Vanity. He played on her vanity and pride! He used vanity to throw Eve off the course of God's plan for her and all the children of Eve as well - US!

The snake is still preying on people's vanity and pride today. Those half truths about our looks or brilliance, worth and value are again the snake's way of making us doubt God. God said we are His treasured possession (Exodus 19:5 & Deuteronomy 7:6) Think about that! God owns EVERYTHING yet we are His treasured possession, "the apple of His eye" (Zechariah 2:8) The apple of his eye literally means "little man of his eye," referring to the pupil, a delicate part of the eye that is essential for vision and that therefore must be protected at all costs. (NIV footnotes for Deut. 32:10) It is an expression deep love. YOU are loved and precious to God Almighty. Not only does God want us to be "just like Him", He made it possible by sending Jesus, His only begotten son, to suffer death on a cross so we could overcome what "knowing everything, ranging all the way from good to evil" has done to us. We may not recover the innocence but we ARE declared innocent!

When God gave the Ten Commandments to the children of Israel, He told Moses to tell the people "If you will obey me fully and keep my covenant (agreement), then out of all the nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." (Exodus 19:5 & 6) Once again it comes down to believing God - who cannot lie (Numbers 23:19) - and obeying His commands - that are given to protect us - and understanding that the snake is the father of lies (John 8:44) wanting to rob us of what he cannot have; life eternal WITH God.

Father, forgive me for the times I've believed the lies the snake whispers to me. I know You treasure me as I am, but I want to "reflect the Lord's glory, being transformed (changed forever) into (Your) likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18) I want to be just like you!

Simple Complications

2010-07-13T09:21:00.005-04:00

Wow! Last post was 10 months ago. I know - so who noticed?

Much has changed since September 26, 2009. There are going to be 2 new grandchildren before 2010 waves goodbye; it is doubtful that the public school systems will be my employer; all the kids are high school graduates; and the once complicated version of my life has just become "simply" complicated.

Simplicity isn't all it is cracked up to be. There, of course, is the first few days when looking at an empty calendar has the complete "Ahhhhh" factor going for it but then, in less time than expected, those empty pages loom ever so daunting. The echo of time for yourself becomes worrisome and depressing. Yard work, cleaning, social activities, vacation, kids, grandkids' ballgames...all great and (hate to admit it) cathartic but summer comes to an end and then what?

That is pretty much where I am. (Yes, I know the date is only July 13 but I'm a planner - so, I'm already preparing for my angst!)

I've been sitting in my "little piece of heaven" (our backyard) every morning listening to the world of birds, cars and our neighbor's roofing project all around me. The Bible is sitting on my lap and my laptop is open to a newly created folder, Devotions/Journal. Prayer has led me to scriptures that have been inspiring and encouraging. There is peace that comes with my time with the Lord and I feel freedom in the "down time". God knows where I am, how empty my calendar is and just what will be filling my days in the future. He has led me to this place, provided ALL that I have need of and He hasn't forgotten me. Just as I had to rely on God to help me get through the days of "too much to do", I MUST rely on Him in these "empty calendar" days. After all God made us all a promise in Hebrews 13:5 (MSG) "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," I guess that means He's staring at those empty calendar pages, too. (I'm pretty sure, however, that God has those Benjamin Franklin glasses that let you read the invisible water markings on those "empty pages"! You know - like in "National Treasure" with Nicholas Cage.....? What? You don't watch movies?)

A great place to find those "lost tracks"

2009-09-26T20:46:00.003-04:00

is emusic.com! I love this site! I have been able to download many tracks that I couldn't find anywhere else for pennies. You NEED to visit this site. The membership cost is very reasonable and the quality is great. Here, let me help you...

emusic.com

Just when I want to quit.....

2009-08-15T11:51:00.003-04:00

someone (directed of God, I'm sure) sends me a word of encouragement that reminds me of the reason I became a teacher. I believe that the "power of one" makes a difference. One word, one act, one person at the right place in the right moment makes a HUGE difference! You make a difference everyday - make it an intentional one. Enjoy the video of a student whose life has been impacted through those who believe in him! It inspired me. Thank you Mark Lawley for sharing it with me.

Thunderstorms

2009-07-09T17:46:00.003-04:00

A friend sent me this video and it made me want to cry! The amazing sounds produced by using hands and feet are wonderful and then, they sang. I just had to share it and hope to be able to be this creative with one of my choirs!!!

via videosift.com

90 Years and Counting

2009-04-01T12:01:00.002-04:00

In just 11 days my mother will celebrate her 90th birthday on Easter Sunday, April 12. What a great day to have a birthday!

I love you, Mom and hope to be the woman of God you are all the days of my life, too. I'll try to walk the way you taught me, staying as close to God as possible.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2009

2009-01-07T13:02:00.003-05:00

Wow! It's been a VERY long time since my last post - sorry. If I made new year resolutions and I could resolve to try harder but the only resolution I've been successful at keeping is the one to never make another resolution!
The new year has started and I am looking forward to what God has in store for 2009. It is going to be life impacting and world changing because that is who He is and what He does. I pray your 2009 will be a gift of grace, mercy and peace for all you hold dear.

9 Weeks down - 27 to go

2008-10-19T23:27:00.004-04:00

We've just finished the first 9 weeks of school and boy have I learned alot!! I've learned that kids are still kids, just bolder than they used to be. Teachers are still "the enemy", classes are still boring and grades are still threatening. I've also learned more than I EVER wanted to know about stage craft and back stage information in my Tech Theatre class. I guess we're having fun?!?

High school isn't what it was just a few years ago. I remember hearing students complain about their teachers and making comments on their classes. It was always the teacher who was "lame" and there were always the nerds and weirdos. Okay, that hasn't changed. What has changed is the level of anger and disrespect that you see in the students. Life isn't fun and school isn't worth the effort - for many. But then you run into a few students that love being a teenager, are giving high school all they have and life is good. Makes me glad to be a teacher and even "gladder" to be an adult!

Joy's Jazz: The Wait is Over!

2008-09-13T18:46:00.000-04:00

Joy's Jazz: The Wait is Over!

The Wait is Over!

2008-09-13T18:14:00.003-04:00

Westin Seth Koeppen was born Sunday, August 31, 2009 at 5:33 p.m. weighing 6 lbs 14 oz, 19 inches long with an adorably round face and dimpled chin. We're so glad he's here.

The Wait

2008-08-30T21:05:00.002-04:00

When you are waiting for a promise to come true, it can seem an eternity. We have the promise of a little boy to be born to our daughter any time now. She went to the hospital full of hope but after about ten hours was sent home "still pregnant!" to quote her. So very disappointing. But when that little boy is ready, he will come and the promise of his arrival will be even sweeter for the wait.

A Year of "New"s

2008-08-27T07:48:00.002-04:00

Just when you think life could start finding a steady rhythm, something comes along that is totally unexpected and throws you into another form of chaos. This year has added (or is about to) 2 new grandsons - Ian Michael Hawkins to Josh and Rachel and Weston Seth Koeppen to Piper and Graham. At least I think that is going to be his name. How good is that?
I also have a new driver, a high school graduate, and a freshman in college - not all the same kid but in that order! Yep, Caleb is driving and Brit has gone off to college leaving an echo in the upstairs bedrooms. We couldn't be happier or more nostalgic. It is a good thing that Caleb drives or he would have no life and what could be better than your children getting a college education - or at least that's what I keep telling myself.
In addition, I have a new job teaching choral music, theater technology and electronic music/recording at South Side High School. I am truly excited about this opportunity and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. 5:30 a.m. is another "new"!
Life is good, blessed and tired. Best of all - it will get even better!

Just the Black Notes

2008-07-29T14:59:00.004-04:00

There are some things about history that have been overlooked because of the discomfort or embarrassment they cause but, as God always does, there is good that comes out of even the ugliest eras of history. Case in point, the story of Amazing Grace written by John Newton. Click the link below and give a listen to yet another story of this great favorite.

http://pjcockrell.wordpress.com/2007/11/22/amazing-grace-just-the-black-notes/

50 Years and Counting

2008-07-17T11:12:00.003-04:00

My husband and I just returned from Tehachapi, California (I had never heard of it either!) where we celebrated the 50th Wedding Anniversary of my sister & brother-in-law. Yes, people still love each other and make a marriage work after 50 years! If only more people would learn what commitment means. It was an amazing few days of honoring their love and commitment to their vows. Their four children along with the children-in-law and numerous grandchildren gave testimony to the importance of a family that understands and teaches the value of loving each other - no matter what. I pray that we will be able to attend more of these occasions and not just of our family's.

There was a time that a person's word meant something. You could trust what they said and not wonder if they would follow through. It was a time when you could enter into an agreement with just and handshake and not get "taken". We need those days back!

Congratulations Bev & Harold! We are so very proud of you.

Last Day of Class, June 27, 2008

2008-06-27T12:17:00.003-04:00

The number 27 has shown up on important days all through my life. My first date with my husband was April 27, he asked me to marry him on June 27, we were married on August 27 (not all in the same year, in case you are wondering!). Yep, 27 keeps showing up all over the place as days of important events. Today, June 27, 2008 I completed the 21st Century Technology for Teachers class at IPFW with Jason Habisch. Without a doubt, this has been one of the most practical and useful classes I've taken in the Masters program and it is a continuing studies class. - Go figure!

Thanks, Jason for helping us find the tools on the internet that are both free and user friendly to help us be better teachers to today's student. You Rock!

Thursday, June 26

2008-06-26T16:39:00.002-04:00

Today's class time was very helpful. I was able to get some "clean up" work done on my blog site and start thinking through tomorrow's presentation.
This class has been very helpful! I'm so excited about the new options and tools I have learned and wonder why I would pay for software that only frustrates the begeebers out of me with their limitations.

Thanks, Jason for all your geekiness, thanks!

Now my blog is talking!!!

2008-06-25T12:30:00.004-04:00

Just when you thought you could get away from those voices in your head, I've added one! This is a great use for people who have trouble seeing the blogs to still benefit from using a blog site.

I've also subscribed to a podcast called "Clonepods" which has children reading a chapter of the book and posting it every Monday. I think this is a great way to encourage children to read!

LOVED TODAY'S CLASS!!!

Picasa pics

2008-06-24T11:58:00.000-04:00

Picasa is a nice picture software that helps you save and organize your pictures. You can add personal pics from your camera and video cams or download from the net. I see many uses for this in both my classroom and at home! YEAH!!!!!

Rain Forests

2008-06-24T07:07:00.000-04:00

The beauty of nature undisturbed is amazing, but in order to appreciate it, you have to disturb it ~ right? Just a little?

Wiki Wacky Woes

2008-06-20T11:50:00.000-04:00

So, today we finished the collaboration on our wikis and then presented them. "Woe" is EXACTLY what I experienced!

The frustration for me was trying to create something in the wiki that could be useful to me - came up with nothing. I did, however, learn a few things about the wiki options. I think the use for me in this would be sharing "findings" and resources with each other on projects and reports. At least that is where I hope to start!

It will be better with practice - even if it doesn't make it perfect.

Wiki, Tiki, Too

2008-06-19T21:35:00.000-04:00

Today our class created wikis. I think with time I'll be able to use these as easily as the blog site. Getting my head around the uses is my stumble on this one. I'm looking forward to some "tinker time" on my wiki.

Google Documents

2008-06-18T12:52:00.000-04:00

Microsoft Office LOOK OUT! We are no longer held captive by the bureaucracy of a software that doesn't think like we do! We can create documents that play well with other softwares and are user friendly for students. Yeah Google Docs!

21st Century Technology for Teachers

2008-06-17T12:59:00.000-04:00

I'm not so old but I can remember having long discussions about the wisdom of just signing up for an email address. It wasn't that long ago that owning a home computer meant you were very wealthy and/or a total "geek"! Now look at us! Almost every home has a computer and internet service. Now you are expected to have an email address and the question up for discussion is "Do you blog?". I'm glad to say this class, 21st Century Technology for Teachers, is helping me discover the uses of internet technology that I haven't even investigated before. I'm really excited about all the possibilities.

It has also been a great reminder of all the frustrations that come along with using computers. I guess slow internet connections help to even the "playing field".

To blog or not to blog

2008-06-17T12:43:00.000-04:00

Blogging and texting have taken the place of kitchen table conversations, playground chats and your general "odd conversations". But blogging can be much more useful than just an opportunity to "blather" on about random thoughts. Blogging as an educational tool can actually make learning FUN!

Students, parents and teachers need the ability to keep up with classroom requirements, assignments, group activities, sports events, you name it. All that can be monitored on a blog site. Class calendars with assignment information, due dates and rubrics can easily be posted and accessed at a teacher's blog site.

I'm really excited about using this blog site in organizing my classroom! I will be able to post concert dates complete with maps. It will be a place to review song ideas and musical information needed for class.

I hope to encourage students to develop their own site and help them understand the responsibility of being a "voice" on the net. It will be a place for them to post their homework, share ideas for group projects and share interesting information through links to some of their favorite sites.

The classroom will have no walls!

RSS in the classroom

2008-06-17T12:10:00.000-04:00

It used to be that if you wanted to know what was being said about any given subject you had to go to the local barber or beauty shop. Now, with the net, you just have to google search the subject and a multitude of available sites pop up right before your eyes. Go ahead - try it! Type google.com in that long white space at the top of the computer screen and then type anything you want to know about in the shorter white space on the right. Hit the magnifying glass and it will take you to your own "card catalog" of information available. Place the cursor over the underlined words and click - you are magically taken to a new site with just the info you wanted to know.

Now, imagine you are a student that has been given the assignment of writing about the dangers of a wiffle ball game (it is dangerous, just ask Jason Habisch!). Where would you go to find that out? Just a couple clicks of a mouse and you have a ready made report at your finger tips.

You can even keep up with the changing ideas through the use of RSS (really simple syndication) sites. You can subscribe to your favorite news sites, teachers sites, encyclopedia sites, etc. and "store" their site addresses in a convenient space (such as google reader) where with one click you are swept away to that site. It gives an educator the ability to screen the resource sites for reliable information, assuring the safety of their students. This speeds up the process of acquiring knowledge resources and, with gas prices what they are, saves money, too.

Education and the internet is a whole new world of discovery. There are soooooooooo many tools that are available for internet use. The only thing standing between them and the classroom is the availability of the equipment and the knowledge to use it.

Morning coffee over the newspaper has a whole new look!

My very first blog

2008-06-17T09:33:00.000-04:00

I've always enjoyed sharing my ideas and opinions in person but to stay "in touch" with the world today, you need to blog. Or so I'm told. So, here it is my very first blog.

This is one place I won't have to ask "Do you really want to know" when I have an opinion or something to say. It is entirely possible that absolutely NO ONE will read it. Then, too, it may be read but no one can respond to it. I like that!!! I finally have a place where my ideas and opinions can be aired and I won't have to worry about the consequences.

Or do I?