Touring Some Memories

     I'm seriously looking forward to the day when life slows down enough to get back into writing! Summer is winding down, but chaos remains. Leftover canning supplies, and a garden that still needs attention, plus my very neglected housework and a hundred other things, all keep conspiring to remind me that my to-do list is growing rather than shrinking. I've managed to steal a few minutes here and there to work on my Red, but have come to the point where it needs some more serious attention, sitting down and putting thought into it, and that just hasn't been doable. I'm so sad.
     In spite of my chagrin at life's messiness, this week had one huge blessing. My friend Abby, fellow writing conspirator and co-creator of Unseen Things, was in the area briefly, and we got to catch up over lunch, and then do some local sightseeing. It was doubly awesome to get to see a good friend and share some deep conversations that got us both thinking. I've always loved the verse in Proverbs (not sure on the reference) that says "Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friends." Sorry if I missed any words - typing from memory. LOL. I know I've said it before, whether or not it was in this blog, that God has really blessed me with my friends. The ones I've had for what seems like forever, and then some newer ones. Some have stuck around, and some have faded, hopefully temporarily, into the background of my life. But they've been friends who've kept me sharp! I don't know who I'd be today without all of them.
     Speaking of friends though, our little tour around the Honesdale area the other day brought back some crazy memories of other good times with good friends. Back in the days when I had a Jeep Wrangler, and us girls would go driving around with the top off. There was a memorable "bachelorette party" before one friend's wedding that involved off-roading through the fields and taking scandalous photos. Then there was the time Tiff and went camping for a week straight, and freaked ourselves out hearing noises outside the tent. We came out in the morning to discover ourselves surrounded by turkey tracks. It became known as the infamous "saber toothed turkey" incident. Then going back even farther, when I used to carry a Wayne County road map in the car, and would drive around back roads until I got lost, then use the map to figure out where I was. Little did I know the unknown locations I was driving through at the time would be near where I'm living now that I'm all married and boring.
     But seriously, those were some great times, and I had a great group of friends to share them with. This week has sort of been a blast from the past. Bittersweet now, because those times are sinking further into the past, and most of those friends I don't get to see much of. But it was refreshing to get to remember some of them. To be that kid again.
     What are some of your great memories with friends? I love to hear them!

Intentional and Unconditional: Creative Life Devotional Series.

     For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

     I like the way the NKJV puts it: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

     By way of disclaimer, I have to admit I'm not super polished up on my studies in Jeremiah. Basically it's back and forth, warning of God's judgement, but promising to bless and restore, if only God's people will come back to Him. There's such a sense of longing woven throughout the books of the prophets. How deeply and passionately God longs to lavish blessing on His nation, if only they would turn back and seek Him.
     I've had my share of floundering in doubt, fear, worry, depression and frustration. It always seems to cycle back. So lately I've been praying intentionally, seeking to know God, and His perfect love which supposedly casts out fear. How does one go about acquiring it? One of the things He's brought to my attention was this verse, and it's profound, far-reaching implications.

     The English word for love is a little stilted. It's a one-size-fits-all label to include all the aspects that love can have. But the most powerful, most profound, and probably the most misunderstood form of love, (what Bible people call Agape), is what's called 'unconditional love.' Has a nice sound, no? To be loved unconditionally. No matter what I do, how I mess up or offend or even lash out at the giver, to be loved no matter what. Everyone together now with a big "AWWWW." But it's much more than that. Not only is this love not depended on the condition of the receiver- it's also independent from the condition of the giver. To love someone unconditionally means that you love them even when you don't feel love. Or like. Or even toleration. It mean that you love them even when you hate their guts.
     So if unconditional love doesn't involve a feeling, what does it involve?
     It's all about actions. Treating the person you love unconditionally as though you love them, even when you don't. Looking out for their best interest, even when they're walking all over you. Training yourself to think the best toward and about them that you possibly can. It's wishing, hoping, planning and praying for the best possible outcome of that person's future. But not stopping at "wishing them well," either. Putting feet to that wish. Striving to make it happen by whatever resources you have.

     I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord.

     The God of the universe has bent His thoughts toward me. Not only to wish me good luck, but to plot and to scheme for my best possible future. Even when I mess up horribly- which, being human, is pretty much my entire life- He still is going to do whatever it takes to see those plans happen.
     That's pretty great, but it's not all. Think about this. The God who arranges molecules not only is working on a plan for my future, He's taken pains to carefully and purposefully think that future through. And because He knows all about everything, He can take into account every detail of my hopes, dreams, personality, and passion. He has figured out exactly what the best thing for me will look like.
     That's what God's thoughts are toward each of His people. To give peace, hope, and a future. But we're supposed to be reflecting that toward each other, as well. How many times have you or I prayed "Lord, please bless so-n-so," without bothering to give much thought toward what that blessing could look like. We aren't omniscient like He is, but we can still respond with the knowledge that we have, no matter how small it is- imagining, then praying, then, if circumstances allow, acting upon, that resolution to seek the very best for another person.  Make an intellectual, creative investment in them. Spend some of your precious time wishing, planning, and praying for their wellbeing. After all, that's what God does for you.
     Trying to act out that unconditional love toward another Christian isn't just what we're commanded to do, though. It gives us an idea of the effort God is putting into us. Only His is on a vast scale. Trying to act out God's love for me toward my friend gives me a better grip on the concrete reality of His love. It brings it out of the sphere of theology and philosophy (in my head I know that God says He loves me), and puts it into the realm of the physical (I can touch, see, feel, and experience it).
     If I can, in my imperfection and minuscule scope of knowledge and influence, genuinely wish and seek the best for someone through prayer and actions... then how much more capable is God, who went so far as to die for my soul,  of carrying out His greatest ideas for me?