Praying for a Grouse Dinner

In second grade, Master E was the delight of the teachers. His childish joy lit up the front row and shined most brightly when he raised his hand and 'oo-oo-oo'd to answer a question. He was tender, eager, and responsive; always ready to venture a thoughtful answer. We loved it when the "eureka" effect happened -- the internal light bulb lit up his entire face and shined brightly from his blue eyes. He always dressed respectfully, his blond hair trimmed nicely, his face scrubbed to brilliance. He was our model Sunday School boy. We had no idea he was an unsaved child from an unsaved home.

During the parent open house this year, Master E's aunt stopped by and told us a little about him. He was the son of her sister and brother-in-law. They allowed her to bring E to church on Sundays, neither encouraging him nor discouraging him. But over the summer, E had begun developing an attitude of disinterest in church. Aunt wasn't sure that Master E would come to Sunday School. I asked her to tell him that Miss Johnson was really looking forward to seeing him -- to remind him that I had been his worship leader last year and would be in the 3rd grade this year. And then I prayed over the next week: Please bring him, Lord. God graciously answered our prayers. Master E came!

I can see that the childish joy of my little E has indeed waned, and so I make a special effort to let him know how glad I am to see him. Yet, I know my eagerness won't hold him forever. Last week, he missed Sunday School. I prayed all week, please bring him back, Lord. Again, God graciously answered my prayers. Master E came back.

"I missed you last week!" I told him after Sunday School. "Where were you?" He had been out hunting with his dad. At least he thought that's where he had been that Sunday. And he subsequently told me all about hunting fowl -- duck, pheasant, grouse. The big pockets in his dad's hunting jacket that store the dead fowl as well as their lunch. How the grouse flap their wings in a special way and ruffle out their tail feathers. How you scare them up. That you should shoot them in the leg or head, but the best place is in the lungs or the heart so you don't ruin the meat with the 100 balls of shot. That his mom fixes grouse with bacon.

"I've never had grouse with bacon. Actually, I've never even had grouse!" I told him. Master E thought a split second before responding, "Maybe we could have you over for a grouse dinner!" I told him I would love that. Just then his uncle came to pick him up.

I am praying for an invitation to a Grouse with Bacon Dinner. I am praying for the soon salvation of my happy hunter and his parents. Will you pray with me for the soul of my child?


And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them: I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?                      -- Luke 18:1-8

Establish Thou the Work of My Hands

Some years ago, as I was reading the Psalms, a verse jumped out at me, articulating a deep desire that had been rumbling within my heart. It was Psalm 71:18, "O God, forsake me not when I am old and grey headed until I have shown Thy strength unto this generation, and Thy power to everyone that is to come." My mother made a framed plaque for me with that verse. It sits on my desk and is the prayer of my heart as I work with my precious children, the downtown Bethlehem Baptist Class of 2021.

This week as I was praying for my children, I thought, "What do I have to offer the children spiritually?" There are so many truths I wish I could emulate before them, but I feel so inadequate, as though I were a wheel-chair bound child trying to teach other children how to run. Yet, mercifully, God has not called me to perfection before answering His call to ministry. There are a few things that I see God consistently building in my life that I long to pass along to my children. I want them to know and love God for who he is, to have joy-filled hearts that sing readily and eagerly to their God, and to need and depend on the Word of God even as the air they breathe. 

Tonight, during leader prayer time at our first night of Wednesday Kids Connection 2011/12, God gave me a special Word. Our team leader provided verses for us that we each chose at random. We would read the verse, then another leader would pray that verse for us. When I read my verse, tears came to my eyes and I almost had to stop reading for the emotion I felt. The verse was Isaiah 59:21.

" 'And as for me, this is my covenant with them,' say the LORD: 'My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children's offspring,' says the LORD, 'from this time forth and forevermore.' "

Thank you, Almighty Gracious God, that your Word is faithful and true for me, for my children, and for my children's children. More than I had even thought to ask. Let me ask then for a thousand generations.

What a delightful day!

I saw a number of my precious little 2021ers today. At first some of them were a little shy visiting the Sunday School open house, but it seemed that as they saw a familiar, welcoming face they warmed up quickly. I am so eager for next Sunday to see them all!

In addition to this, I had my small group over this afternoon/evening for Bible study and tea. I love entertaining! I am so thankful for my Sylvan Soliloquy overlooking the wooded pond, with the scent of autumn in the air and a fire in the fireplace that others can enjoy with me.

Thank you, God, for the sweetness of ministries that delight our hearts as we practice them. Thank you, for your body, young and old and everything in between; for the cycle of ministry.

Choosing the Path of Life

The Shepherd and I went on our first foray together into the mountain. The hike was not difficult -- I think He took me on the easy route as the way, though leading upwards, was quite effortless. As we walked, I found myself completely captivated by the stories He told. Stories of how He created a relationship with the inhabitants of this mountain.  I clearly saw His acts of eager sacrifice and unwavering commitment often in the face of neglect, ungratefulness, and even selfish cruelty. His kindness was the source for the development of their villages, farms, and hamlets. Fondness for this shepherd of mine grew deeper as I perceived more of His character.

Our resting spot was near the top of a small fountain from which a stream runs down the mountain side and through the valley. Along its path, I could see my little hamlet not far off and, further down the water's path, other villages that had built themselves up. I saw sunlight dancing off the tops of the variegated forest lining the sloping mountain. I saw those forests open up onto brilliant green fields where sheep quietly grazed and little lambs skipped together. I saw villages with red and pink rose gardens and sky blue lamp posts crowned with flower baskets. Children were running and playing on a farm not far from the sparkling, meandering stream. I heard cow bells echoing off the mountain side and church bells chiming the quarter hour. I felt heady and ethereal from the intense beauty before me. I could not have turned my gaze except for the gentle pressing of my Shepherd. He had more to show me.

Taking my hand, He helped me up a steep incline thick with pine trees and undergrowth. He grasped the pine branches and needle-shaped leaves, then pulled me up to Himself. His hands were used to such roughness. Mine would require more time. The trees opened abruptly into nothingness, and a hot, harsh sunlight bore down on us. As my eyes adjusted, I startled at the mountain across the way. Dangerously narrow paths lined the rocky wall. Spindly outgrowths appeared as though a strong grasping hand would send them and the traveler plunging down the steep slopes. I had expected to see a panorama as lush and beautiful as my mountain, where my own little hamlet lie nestled. Instead, this mountainside lay lifeless.

I abhorred the thought of such harsh, unforgiving ugliness so close to my beautiful home. "Why must it be?" I asked angrily. The shepherd led me away, back down to the fountain.

"What is the difference between the two mountains?" "Why can't all mountains be like mine?"  "What prevents this mountain from becoming as that one?" As the questions came flying from my lips, I felt fear shadowing my happy heart. He cupped the fountain's water in his hand and drank from it. He invited me to drink as well.  It was sweet, cold, calming.

“Barrenness is discovered on the path that leads away from life,” he said.  

Every day, we have the opportunity to choose the path of life and fruit or the path of death and barrenness. The opportunity may come as a harsh word from a neighbor, a slight from a friend, a selfish act of a loved one. How will we respond? Each time we choose life, we invite others to join us, to taste of its water, at least to smell the inviting freshness it promises.

Interacting with my Shepherd revealed to me my propensity to walk the barren path. But my Shepherd left me with a parting gift: He planted within me a homing desire for life, that is, in the moment of opportunity, I hear Him whisper, “Choose life.”


Next Post in Series: The Invitation
Previous Post in Series: Secrets of the Mountain

My First Little Guest

Saturday morning brought my first little guest and her mommy to tea. My artistic little eight-year-old princess wore a black and white taffeta sun dress with white gloves and a wide-brimmed hat decorated with purple flowers and trailing tulle. She was all manners and politeness. She was readily observant, typical of a first-born girl. For two hours she skipped about my apartment looking at my things, conversing with me using mature vocabulary (Is that the Eiffel Tower? she asked when she saw a miniature on my bookshelf.), and inquiring about my France pictures (There is a pink animal in the background of one of your pictures, and we are wondering if it is a pig or a bear.) 

We told her mother about pictures she had drawn in Sunday School this year, pictures illustrating the lesson or the memory verses. One picture was of a bridge crossing a deep chasm in which a fire roared. The bridge crossed to heaven. Some people thought they could jump across the chasm, but they fell headlong into the fire. The fire is hell and the bridge is Jesus. Or the other picture of a little girl caught in a raging flood crying out to God to save her. He hears her call, and He sends an angel who, in turn, sends a helicopter with her mommy in it to rescue the little girl. But, my little princess understands that even if God decided that the best way to rescue the little girl was to bring her to heaven, then if she were trusting Him, He would come down to her, wrap his loving arms around her, and carry her safely to heaven. The look on her face when we talk thus is spiritually sweet. My sense is that she feels deeply loved and secure in the thought of departing this earth and going to heaven.

I loved having my little friend. And she enjoyed being enjoyed. 

While my perception of my calling to this hamlet is to be a consistent, loving presence in my children's lives, I realized Saturday morning that the mother of my little princess might need a friend, too. I wonder with anticipation what living in this community will bring. 

Secrets of the Mountain

I cannot say I had even begun settling into my own little hut here in this hamlet, when the Shepherd of the Mountain -- the Shepherd of my little sheep, my own Shepherd indeed -- came visiting. I love the sparkle in His eye, foretelling secrets that He will share with me. His visits excite me to watch closely and listen readily. He is a magnet to my full attention.

We speak of the children and my relationship to the hamlet. I tell Him I feel good about being here: establishing relationships, adding my gifts to the building of the community, exercising His grace in the maintenance of my little hut. It feels good to rest from my wanderings, I tell Him.

But, there is this little itch....

And then, the sparkle in His eye springs forward. He tells me my adventures are not over, just different. Instead of wandering the heights, I will now operate within and from this little hamlet. "From" this hamlet, I ask? Yes. For this beautiful, huge mountain - yet unknown by me - is just as much mine as it is the other inhabits'. It holds delightful secrets contained for my discovery. He Himself will guide me to these jewels on excursions deep into its heart. During such, my Lord will teach me to listen for and know His voice. He will show me His greatness and power and might; His grace; His person. I am eager and hungry for this time of discovery with Him, of Him. 

He's already suggesting a walk in the woods. It seems overwhelming, this foray into the deeps; but one step at time is all He requires of me.

And so I go.


Next Post in Series: Choosing the Path of Life (2011/9/4)
Previous Post in Series: A Hamlet Along the Path (2011/6/12)
Related Post: My First Little Guest (2011/8/1)

A Hamlet Along the Path

"A hamlet is usually a rural settlement which is too small to be considered a village....Historically, when a hamlet became large enough to justify building a church, it was then classified as a village." (Wikipedia)

I love the beauty of the mountains, but sometimes my journey seems much too slow. I'm torn between hiking the breath-taking, twisting paths and actually getting somewhere. I'm trying to be content with meeting a lone hiker now and then on the heights, but I want to plant a flag somewhere. Is my path leading anywhere, or am I merely lost in the scenery?

But wait, I've come upon a hamlet! I've found a little herd of sheep -- 8-year-old Sunday School children to be exact. I've decided to follow my little children up the grades through to graduation. I was going to continue in second-grade, but my heart changed in a moment and - with a few days of prayer - continued strong, steady, and sure (a sign I've learned to recognize as the leading of the Holy Spirit as opposed to my own excitable, thrill-seeking heart). I want to build community with my children. I want to be a friend to them, someone who knows them and who they know loves them. I want to walk life with them for the next 10 years and beyond, God-willing.

My three little children (regular attenders of my 2nd-grade small group) have their birthdays in the summer. I contemplated what I could do for them. I wondered, what would other leaders do? No, I must offer them something of myself. Ah, I know, a tea-party!! Yes, an invitation to tea! We'll dine on my deck decorated with potted flowers and herbs at a glass-top table, illuminated by the morning sun if it's shining or white lights spun around the deck rail if the daylight is muted. They'll enjoy my little wooded pond. They'll see my favorite willow tree that fell last winter and now is a delightful playground for turtles. They'll see the geese and ducks. If the cicadas are no longer singing, maybe a hummingbird will drop by.

Someday, I would like to find a rural setting where I can establish a beautiful home of hospitality with many rooms. Here, people will find a respite from the whirl of life's frenetic pace. They'll slow down, rest, and meditate on the glory of their Creator. Will these people be missionaries on break, a teenage girl who longs to know the love of Jesus, a Christian family needing short-term housing, a mother and daughter on a weekend vacation together? Will I find it along this path I travel with the children?

Perhaps my dream home is only figurative, and loving one person at a time will become the many rooms in the home of my life. So, I make the most of what I have. I say a prayer and trust my offering to Him is as jewels fit for a royal crown.

But, I don't give up the reality of my dream, for one never knows what will be around the next bend....

Next Post in Series: Secrets of the Mountain (2011/7/25)

God's Will and Purpose

So, my young friend going through her "early mid-life crisis" is afraid she's missed God's call on her life and is now a second-class Christian in God's eyes. Oh the pain of believing your God is so little. I know. I've been there. So, my plan for our next get-together is the following, entrenched with the prayer of Ephesians 1:15-23 and Colossians 1:9-10.

1. What is God's will for me? And how is it accomplished?

• I Thess 4:3a: my sanctification
• Romans 8:29: to be conformed to the image of His Son
• Eph 1:4b, Eph 5:27c, Col 1:22b: that I should be holy and blameless before Him, without blemish, above reproach
• Phil 1:6b: He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.
• Eph 5:25b-27, I Cor 1:30: Christ loving me and giving Himself up for me sanctifies me, He cleanses me, He is my sanctification
• 2 Thess 2:13c: sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth

2. How does sanctification benefit me (Eph 2:1-7)?

• As I become more like Christ, the life God designed for man, I grow toward the fulfillment and satisfaction for which I long.

3. If God has a unique purpose/plan/calling for my life, can it be thwarted?

• Jer 1:12b, I am watching over My word to perform it.
• Isa 46:11b, I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.
• Eph 1:11b, according to the purpose of [God] who works all things according to the counsel of His will.
• Gen 21:1, The Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as He had promised.
• Jonah 1:4, 7b, 13, 14b, 17a, 2:10, 3:10-4:2
• Joseph: his brothers sold him into slavery to a far-off country where either he would die or at least they would never see him again to fulfill his dreams; God brought the dreamers to Joseph; God reminded the butler of Joseph; God gave Joseph the wisdom to answer Pharaoh's dilemma.

4. Consider characters from the Bible. What "unique purpose" defined their life as we know it? How did that unique purpose unfold in their lives? How did they respond to the situations in their life leading up to the fulfillment?

• Adam, Abraham, Sarah, Joseph, David, Esther, Ruth, Jonah, Jesus.
• All very different stories. God fulfilled the "defining" purpose in each life. Yet, which of them knew this would define their lives to future generations?
• All different responses.  Most of them simply were "in the way" of living the life set before them.

5. What if I want a different "unique purpose" than the one God is unfolding in my life?

• I Thess 5:18, In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

6. If I am not responsible for finding and fulfilling God's purpose for my life, then what am I supposed to do in this life, today?

• I participate in my sanctification by acknowledging that it is Christ who sanctifies me by His power. I look to His hand as a handmaiden looks to her mistress -- utterly dependant, completely helpless without His favor, without Him moving His hand to meet my need for sanctification. By studying the Bible, I have come to see that He desires to meet my need and that it gives Him great delight to meet my need and that this grace toward me is His glory!
• Thus, I abide in Him, meeting Him where He cleanses me; ie. in His Word, and asking Him to enlighten the eyes of my heart (Eph 1:18a ff) that I may grow in the knowledge of His will. I read and study and think on His Word. I pay close heed to the preachers, teachers, evangelists, prophets, apostles that God has placed in my life who care for my soul.
• When I know what His will is, I obey Him, thanking Him that He gives me divine power to grow in my obedience (Eph 1:19-23, Col 1:3ff).
• I remain faithful to Him (Col 1:23), continuing to meet Him in His Word, knowing that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

7. What is the outcome of abiding in Him/His Word, of obeying Him/His Word, of remaining faithful to Him/His Word?

• John 15: He produces fruit in these good works. (Caveat: this fruit is not for me to eat -- it will not sustain or satisfy me! My sustenance is the life of Christ that abides in me.)
• He reveals more of Himself to me (the knowledge of God), producing in me greater love and greater loyalty to Him, becoming more like the One I adore.

8. Having tasted that God is good, my thirst is simultaneously quenched and peaked so that I desire to drink more from this life-giving, life-producing fountain. As I abide, obey and remain faithful, Christ's character is worked out in me and I find a deep joy and satisfaction in God, causing me to uniquely:

• love my Christian family... (John 13:34)
• do good to all men, especially those of the household of faith...(Galatians 6:10)
• build up the body of Christ... (Eph 4:12b, Col 1:28)
• do the Next Thing...(Elisabeth Elliot)
• pursue the gladness of others in God (John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life)

I may or may not know until eternity what my "unique purpose" in life is, but I will give thanks and remain faithful to what God sets before me, looking unto Jesus (and what a deep treasure that is! Col 2:3), the author and finisher of my faith.

Our God is a gracious and loving God. I love especially Ephesians where God's love for me flows on and on. Take heart, my friend. We have a hope and a future with our giving and forgiving God. Do not grow weary in well doing. There is so much to look forward to if we do not quit after stumbling.

On a good path: follow-up to Roundabout

Wow, God, you're neat!

One of the single gals from my small group that I invited over for lunch last week asked me to mentor her! I am thrilled!!! We'll meet once a month for lunch before small group. I am to encourage her in her quest for trusting God in discovering His call for her. Does that sound familiar to anyone who has known me for the past 10 years!!?? Yes, I'm only slightly ahead of her in the journey. But, four things I know with absolute certainty:

1. We will only bear fruit as we abide in the Vine. 
2. His will for us is our sanctification.
3. From the foundations of the word, He has established good works for us to do.
4. We can do all things through Christ who is our strength.

I wonder if she has any idea of the plan I have in mind for her (us!).... Being the Planner/ Educator/ Cheer Leader that I am, I will need to remember to use this as an excellent opportunity to grow in my listening and obeying the leading of God's Spirit, not merely depending on my own strengths.

Hm, yes, I think He has great plans in mind for both of us.

Roundabouts: an exercise in decision-making

I love navigating country roads in Europe thanks to Europe's directional road signs. For example, when you come upon a roundabout, cities of note are listed with an arrow pointing to the corresponding exit. It's common knowledge that the larger towns listed in the roundabouts are not necessarily the first ones down the road. They may not even be your final destination. They are simply in the direction that you will be headed. You won't get lost, as long as you know your destination.

So, last Sunday I'm sitting in church, the service has already started, and a man who looks like Ricardo sits down on my right with one person between us. I keep glancing over at him out of the corner of my eye. Is he noticing me? Does he have a ring on his finger? On my left is a non-descript middle-aged couple (that is, they are perhaps 10 years more middle-aged than I am...), and the gentleman keeps glancing at me, kindly. Do I need a piece of gum? Am I singing too loudly? Do they need more space? Then there is the preacher whose sermon is calling us to disciple younger believers. It is a call that has long been growing in my own heart. What is the road to fulfill that calling?

The sermon is coming to a close, and I'm circling in my roundabout. Ricardo? The unknown couple? The sermon action point? Stay the present course?

1. The unknown couple to my left immediately turns to introduce themselves. She's involved with discipling Christian speech students. She writes down my e-mail address to send me more information.
2. I turn around, Ricardo has disappeared....
3. I turn toward the big screen that lists the web site on disciple-making and memorize it.
4. My present course: Children's Sunday School.

A few days pass. I've not heard from my new speech friend, and the web site on disciple-making does not offer any defining information. I'm circling the roundabout, considering my options:

1. The unknown couple's invitation: I am capable, interested, and willing. Perhaps this is my next destination? Maybe. I'd either have to find the woman or wait for her to contact me in the future.
2. If Ricardo and I were to marry, would we adopt children to disciple together? Maybe. Umm, where's Ricardo...?
3. My heart rises up to encourage Christian single women in their walk with God. Perhaps the formal spring board offered at church would be a good place to start? Maybe. I'd have to investigate further.
4. My present course. Hmm, let's circle the roundabout again and reflect on what is down this road: 

• I have beautiful children with listening ears who are waiting for me in Sunday School. I can continue focusing prayer and energy into helping them internalize what they are learning about God.
• I have young single gals in my small group who respond readily to building a relationship. I can invite them over for lunch again this Sunday. 
• I have friends and family with whom I am Global Partners. I can continue focusing prayer and energy into encouraging them in their walk with God.
• I myself am conducting due diligence regarding a career change, and it is very time-consuming at the moment. So far I sense God's leading in this. Interestingly, this change would provide learning opportunities that would support discipling.

While you may continue circling in the roundabout, at some point you really should choose an exit. I can see that my present course provides ready opportunities for disciple-making and is adequately full. I have no need to change direction. I will stay the course.

In the countryside, you can follow an exit to a little town and there find a road leading to a town you skirted earlier in order to get to the one you're in now. Some days, you can go exploring. Other days, you need to stay the course. One thing is certain: You can't stall out in the roundabouts. To reach your destination, you have to make a decision.

Marriage Vow

He tells a story that frightens me
then gives a promise and soothes my heart
He makes requests that drive my head to spinning
then bids me simply slip my hand in His
He will not grant me what I need to know
but whispers secrets of His soul

I cannot turn away from Him
His words have taken root in me
I know so deeply He's the One
this Christ, this Son, Eternal God


I, Heidi Johnson, take you, Jesus - the Christ, the Son of God, to be my one spiritual husband; to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health; to love and respect, to serve and obey, until you bring me safely into your heavenly kingdom where you will present me to yourself in splendor, as holy and faultless, before God the Father as your bride for all eternity, according to God's will which He ordained before the foundation of the world.

I vow, by your divine help, to be your faithful wife, understanding that our marriage is an eternal union, and not to be entered into lightly, for the purpose of mutual fellowship, encouragement and understanding; for the procreation of spiritual children and their spiritual nurture. I hereby give myself to you in this cause, with my sacred vow before God, and thereto I pledge thee my loyalty and faithfulness.


Whom have I, O Lord, beside you?
  What have I except your love?
Where is home if not for heaven,
  there to dwell with you above?

Who are you, if not my Savior?
  Who am I if not your own?
What are you if not my shelter,
  Christ, my rock and cornerstone?

Jesus, Savior, blessed friend, I will love you without end.

Who will share my earthly sorrow?
  Who will heal my broken heart?
Who will hold my life together
  when it seems to fall apart?

When the fears are far too many,
  and the joys are far too few,
Who will comfort and defend me?
  Only you, Lord only you.

Jesus, Savior, dearest friend, I will trust you without end.

Where, O Lord, when life is over,
  can I go, but home to you?
What have I except the promise
  where you are I shall be too?

When at last I reach the comfort
  of that bright celestrial place,
There with joy will I behold you,
  gaze upon your glorious face.

Jesus, Savior, heav'nly friend, I will praise you without end.
I will praise you without end.

Jesus, Savior, Blessed Friend
Deborah Govenor
Beckenhorst Press, 1988