I don’t think I could ever choose the right words to describe joy, but I can certainly describe a person, that in my mind, exemplifies the word. His name is Larry and I met him several years ago when I worked on staff at a church in Southern California. Larry worked in the maintenance department.

Larry is what I would describe as a simple man. He spoke a little slow and dressed a little ordinary. In some circles he would probably be a man that was overlooked—not someone people would go out of there way to get to know. On this staff, however, he was quite popular and very well liked.

Every afternoon Larry would come to my office to empty my trash—sadly I produced a lot of it. I would ask him how he was doing, and with the biggest grin he would reply, “Super-Great, Krista!” I am not exaggerating, everyday this man was “Super-Great.”

Larry is quick to say that his super-greatness comes from his faith in our Lord. He told me on several occasions that his favorite verse is James 4:8, “Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to thee.” (Not being a huge “King James” buff, I had to look up the word “nigh.” It means near.)

After Larry left my office, I would think, could it be that simple to attain joy? If I simply drew near to God, would He really draw near to me? One question would lead to another. Is God the source of joy? Could God be using a simple, ordinary man like Larry to teach me such a profound lesson?

Yes, yes, yes and yes.

When reading Galatians 5:22, we see how joy has taken its rightful and important place as being named a fruit of the very Spirit of God. Not only do we learn the significance of joy, but in John 15:5, we learn that if we press into God and get to know Him intimately, we will bear this fruit of joy. God is the source of joy.

I will confess to you that I look for joy in my circumstances way more than I ever look for joy that can simply come from knowing God more intimately. I found this quote by Priscilla Shirer, who is a Christian author and speaker. She writes in her study, Discerning the Voice of God: “Don’t spend your time wishing you could get out of the season of life you are in; rather spend your time looking fervently for God’s hand in your situation.”

And, if this didn’t hit me over the head, I don’t know what would. Priscilla Shirer goes onto say, “Often we seek to know God’s direction more than we seek to know God. We bypass the relationship because we would rather have answers about us. God wants to speak to you because He wants you to know Him.” [1]

Larry learned this vital lesson long before I ever did. True joy comes from knowing God. God has made it so easy to get to know Him. I continue to learn that God wants nothing more from me except to know Him. When I get to know Him, the rest falls into place, and joy comes.

[1] Priscilla Shirer, Discerning the Voice of God (Nashville, TN: Life Way Press, 2007), 67,89

She stood in front of the mirror in the now quiet bridal room. Her long, dark hair was pinned up loosely on her head as the beautiful white veil trailed down her back. She could hear the faint sounds of Canon in D echoing through the halls of the old chapel.

With a deep breath, she carefully lifted the front of her taffeta gown so not to step on it. With a bouquet of fresh flowers in one hand she grabbed her daddy’s arm with the other and together they walked. With a smile on her face and a tear trickling down her cheek, she started down the aisle to marry the love of her life.

As women, whether we are married or not, we can all picture this scene unfolding. Many movies, books, and songs have been written about such an occasion. But I’m curious, what word comes to your mind when you picture this wedding?  For me, it is the word Love.

As Stacy introduced last week, we are going to look closely at each of the Fruits of the Spirit and spend about a month on each one. This month’s theme is love. There is so many ways this blog entry could go, but I have decided to take a stab at defining love. It’s a word that I have struggled to understand the meaning. It seems that there is a barrage of definitions of love depending on who you ask.

I often categorize love. For instance, there is the love I have for Jesus, the love I share with my husband, the love I give my children, the love I extend to my friends, family and extended family. It’s not that I have more love for one than the other, just different. Welcome to my analytical world…….

One thing that these “loves” of mine all have in common. They are all about the relationship. Yes, I flippantly say, “I love chocolate,” or “I love to write,” but I really believe the true meaning of love is found in relationships.

Just as my relationships grow and mature over time, so does the meaning and understanding of love in my life. Without relationships, and especially my relationship with Jesus, I don’t believe I would have any understanding of love.

I’m sure we have all seen a bumper sticker that says “God is Love.” It’s easily overlooked, and may seem like such a simple statement, but there is such a significant truth to it.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8

I think we will all agree that we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Let’s take that thought a step further. Not only were we created out of love, we were created with an innate desire to give love, and a strong need to receive love. Love is the essence of who we are as human beings.

I realize that there are circumstances that have wounded many of us and we feel un-loveable or we don’t fully know how to love, but it is clear to me in scripture that love is not about a feeling. It is a solid foundation on which we were created—in the image of God—the image of Love.

I don’t know if we are capable of fully understanding love. I believe there are some things that will remain a mystery until we meet our Savior face to face. For now, there is one place we can turn that will bring some understanding to this beautiful, four letter word.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 – 8

I enjoy traveling. Well, let me back up. I enjoy getting to my destination, but I can’t say I really enjoy the travel part. This past summer I went on two trips with my family that required air travel. Overall the trips went smoothly, but they were not without their delays and headaches.

We had the privilege of getting to know a few airports more than I would have liked. Yes, we were stuck, waiting for flights, waiting on the tarmac, waiting for a rental car, and so on.

We have all been stuck at some point or another; stuck in line, stuck in traffic, or more seriously, stuck in a job, stuck in a relationship or stuck in the past.

The New Year is always portrayed as a time of new beginnings, but what about those of us that feel stuck?

I will admit that I have had a hard time getting motivated about 2008. I feel caught, maybe even a little trapped, in my current life situation. Last year my family and I were planning a trip out of the country; planning a stateside trip for a wedding/family reunion; we were toying with listing our home and moving; and then we were in the midst of remodeling our home. This year is just not as exciting. The remodeling is done, the trips have been taken, and I’m feeling stuck.

Instead of just enjoying this season of rest, I’m rest-less and ready for the next big decision and project. I’m reflecting on 2007 too much instead of looking forward to the future, or more importantly, just living in the present moment.

I love the Apostle Paul’s teachings. He has a way of speaking the truth in love. Sometimes his words come across harsh, but I believe that he is so passionate about what he is saying and says it with conviction. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul writes,

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on…”

I recently read an interpretation of this scripture by Christian author and speaker, Germaine Copeland. She writes, “I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: regardless of my past I look forward to what lies ahead.”

I love that interpretation. I don’t believe we are called to forget our past, but regardless of it, we are given the freedom and the ability to move forward in Christ. We serve a God that wants us to experience freedom. And isn’t freedom the opposite of stuck?

“…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. We fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Maybe you are not completely stuck, but I believe we all have areas in our life where we feel stuck to some degree. Thankfully we serve a God much bigger than our past, and through His word, guidance and faithfulness, He will teach us how to move forward.

So, next time you hear these words, and I hope you don’t, “Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your captain speaking, we are about 8^th in line for take off, so it will be a while.” Don’t think of it as being stuck. Sit back, relax (as the captain will also say) and enjoy these precious moments you have been given.

“Finally, (sisters), whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 3:8 – 9

[i]

[i] Prayers that Avail Much for Women, Germaine Copeland, 2002

I’m not exactly sure who our reading audience consists of, but I’m almost certain some of you out there have been church goers since the time you were a baby. And I’m almost certain at one time or another in your church going experience you remember this little weekly event called Sunday Night Church!

I still cringe when I hear those words. Truth be told, I was never fond of Sunday night church services. Can you tell? I have very good memories of going to Sunday school in the morning and then to “Big Church.” After church I remember gathering in the lobby and playing with my friends while the parents decided where we were going for lunch that day. But by the time we got home in the afternoon, the last thing I wanted to do was turn around and head out again for church.

However, there were those few memorable moments of Sunday night church. Because of the casual atmosphere those services would lend themselves to special times—like the times we would have a guest speaker or a church member share his or her testimony. Those moments touched me.

Hearing how someone’s life was restored by our Lord, or how they had hit rock bottom and God rescued them from their horrible situation. Those stories sent chills down my spine. I even remember sitting there in my youth thinking that I should take a few years off to go and get a testimony. Then I could come back and share an exciting story of how God worked in my life.

It wasn’t until years later that thought struck me and sent me to my knees asking forgiveness. How could I have ever said those words aloud to my Savior? I felt the Lord gently whisper to me that He gives me wonderful ways to testify to His greatness everyday. I just hadn’t been looking for those moments. Conviction with a capital C!

Let’s stop and define the word “testimony.” It means to bear witness to something; to testify to something. I think sometimes as believers we think we only have one testimony (the story of how we came to know Christ), but we have several. God is always at work in a very personal way for each of us.

I can testify to God’s greatness all the time. Sure, some of my testimonies are more exciting and worth sharing than others, but they are precious stories to me. I think it’s also important to mention that testimonies happen often, but we only have one great story of how we came into a relationship with Christ.

A few years ago I worked on staff at a church in the Student Ministries Department. We helped the students draft something called, “The Second Greatest Story Ever Told.” We all know the First Greatest Story Ever Told is the Gospel of Christ, but a close second is how we came into a personal relationship with Christ.

Since we are hours away from a New Year, would you consider adding one more item to your list of goals and resolutions?  Wouldn’t it be great to start documenting your Second Greatest Story Ever Told? And maybe as you start putting your own story together, you can add to it daily testimonies of God’s work in your life. There is nothing more encouraging than looking over your life and seeing how God personally revealed Himself to you. Don’t let these divine moments slip away.

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4:14

• Acts 10:42-43
• 1 John 1:1-3
• 1 John 4:13-15

“Haul out the holly. Put up the lights before my spirits fall again…For we need a little Christmas, right this very minute…..”

This familiar Christmas Carol by Andy Williams is such a joyful little melody. Or is it? The writer of these lyrics seems to be a little “blue” about Christmas and really wants to rush the celebration before his or her mood changes again. Hmmmm.

I am one of those who love Christmas. I love to be the first house on the street with our lights up. I like to enjoy our decorated Christmas tree for Thanksgiving dinner. I even kind of enjoy going on “Black Friday” to knock out my Christmas shopping early. But the Christmas Season has not always been that way for me.

I was in my second year of college when I ended a rocky relationship with someone I was engaged to. I was proposed to on Christmas and ended the engagement a few months after. Perhaps I got caught up in all the excitement of the season and temporarily forgot all the dysfunction and doubts surrounding this relationship, but whatever the reason, I was not being real with my thoughts and feelings. I guess in some silly way I thought I needed to dismiss them for the Holidays. Even writing this, I feel so foolish for thinking that way.

For five Christmases after I dreaded the Holidays. All the memories of that relationship would come back so vividly and zap every bit of joy I had. Finally one year (the fifth year to be exact) I wised up and released all these memories, doubts and fears to my gracious and loving Lord and felt amazingly free. That Christmas of 1996 was the best. Not only was I engaged to my amazing husband (now 10 years and going), but I was free of that luggage that held all those negative emotions of Christmases past.

Memories are a powerful tool. We flip the rolodex in our mind and bring up beautiful moments from our past, some of which have the ability to put a smile on our face. Then there are other memories that bring tears to our eyes or a scowl to our face. I find myself using Christmas as a historical marker for memories. “That Christmas was a great one because……and that one, not so much.” Christmas is huge in our culture. It’s not just and event, it’s an entire season. So, I know that I am not alone in using the season as a historical marker for many memories.

I’m sure we can all recall a memory from a Christmas past—some great ones and some not so great. Perhaps this season hasn’t started out so well for you. Perhaps you are enjoying the best Christmas season ever. Whatever it is, I want to encourage you to not only be sensitive to your own emotions and memories this season, but to also be sensitive to others:

To the wife and mother whose husband is fighting for our country far away over Christmas; To the neighbor who just got the phone call that her father has a serious illness; To the friend whose marriage is holding on by a thread to make it through the Holidays; To the loved ones we miss who won’t grace our homes this season with their presence.

Historical markers. Christmas memories. They are so powerful.

There is one historical marker that is the most powerful and capable of carrying us through the rough moments and memories. It is our Savior Jesus Christ—the one, simple, reason for the season.

I close with the lyrics from a not so familiar Christmas song. This one was written in the late 1970’s by Scott Wesley Brown.

“Yet in the midst of this darkness there is a hope, a light that burns. This little child, the king of Kings, someday will return.”

Jesus, thank you for hope.

The alarm went off at 6:21 a.m. on October 31. I quickly reached over and hit “snooze”, knowing I had nine minutes of precious sleep until I had to be up for real. As I lay in bed I thought about all I had to do that day, well not exactly, it was more like who all I had to be that day.

Nine minutes to the second the alarm went off and I sauntered to the closet blinking back the tiredness from eyes. I pulled out the Mommy Sweats which were hanging between the Pull it all Together for Sunday Ensemble and the Outdo the Other Preschool Moms Jeans. I slowly pulled on the first costume of the day and headed downstairs to do all the mommy duties.

At about 8 a.m. I did a quick costume change to my Keep the Bod Looking Good Workout Wear. Then it was back to the dressing room for Outdo the Other Preschool Moms Jeans and I was out the door to run the class party at my daughter’s preschool.

The party went great, but on the way home I wished I could change into my Be Realistic Pajamas, but oh no, it was off to the next class party at my other daughter’s elementary school. Another great party, but in this crowd I changed into my I’m Only Here to Keep Up with All of You Capris.

Bear with me a little more. I’m sure you all have similar costume changes in your day too.

By the time I pulled in the driveway at 4 p.m. and after a few more costume changes (Running Errands Shoes and Rushing Home Sweater) I was wiped. And wouldn’t you know my husband gave me that look as I walked in the door. You know the one. “I can’t wait to see you in your Red Hot Lover Nightgown tonight.” Ughhh. I slammed the dressing room door and sat on the floor—completely worn out.

I can’t say I was really worn out from all the activities of the day. I was worn out from the many, many costume changes. I was worn out from trying to be someone I’m not.

Whatever happened to just being ourselves in every situation? Are we afraid to be who we really are? Why?

From time to time I find words that I just love. My new favorite word—transparency. It has bombarded me lately and I have to believe God is trying to teach me something. In those quiet moments when he speaks to my heart, I hear; “just be real, just be authentic, just be who I made you to be.”

Perhaps at some point it would be a good idea to read the entire passage of Psalms 139, but for now here is a glimpse of a few verses. Psalm 139:13-14 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

I believe that entire passage in Psalms is telling me that I am a miracle. Do you believe that you are a miracle? I know for some of you, myself included, it is really hard to believe that. So often we listen to what the ugliness of this world tells us and we forget the wonderful uniqueness of who we were created to be.

Oh how we would bless our Creator if we quit hiding behind the “costumes” and put on our real selves. He wants us to rejoice in who we are. He wants to shine through us. This is just a thought, but do you think that the many costume changes in our day block Him from shining through us? Do you think that if we clothed ourselves with transparency, realness and authenticity we would glorify Him in ways we never imagined and in return be blessed beyond measure? Hmmm, sounds nice.

Additional Reading: Captivating, by John and Stasi Eldredge

Several years ago a movie came out staring Julia Roberts. It was called, “Sleeping with the Enemy.” Julia Roberts played the character of a battered wife who took great measures to escape her home and her marriage. She made a new life for herself with a new identity, but after several twists and turns the plot thickens when her husband finds her and proceeds to cause all sorts of problems for her.

After seeing this movie the title did not even phase me. Of course he was the enemy. He was wicked, controlling and abusive.

Sadly, many of us can think of an enemy in our life. I know that word sounds harsh, but we have all dealt with people who have been in authority over us and hurt, or even damaged us. They are managers in our workplace, they are leaders in our government, our churches, our social groups—they are all around us. And they aren’t going anywhere. So, what should be our response to the enemies in our lives?

I have watched my husband deal with them in his place of work. Thankfully he has developed thick skin, but I have not. It hurts me to the core when my husband’s character is attacked and his reputation is slandered. So, how do I find peace in the midst of these situations? Scripture.

“The king’s heart is in the hands of the Lord, he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” Proverbs 21:1

The writer here is referring to “kings” as those who have authority over us. This could mean a manager in the workplace, a parent, a teacher, a government leader. Now think of that person in your life and place his or her name as “the king.” Wow, do you see what I see here? God is in control, even over those enemies.

I am reminded of another truth. Paul writes:

“…that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Philippians 2:9-11

Every one of those enemies in your life that have hurt you, ridiculed you, angered you, will face a judgment before the Lord himself someday. Humbly they will bow and confess the authority of Christ over their lives.

It’s a sobering truth, even for a believer. Sadly though, that enemy may face a horrific eternity. Again I ask, what should be our response to the “enemies” in our life? Perhaps there is no clear cut answer for your situation, but when you are face to face with your enemy, think about these scriptures. You may see him or her in a whole new light.

• Proverbs 24:17
• Proverbs 25:21

You can also go to www.biblegateway.com and type "enemies" in the search for additional study on this subject.

As I looked on I could see my husband, the “yard master”, was becoming very frustrated. He was standing in the midst of our newly planted grass that now appeared to have two very large brown spots. I had made the mistake earlier that morning of calling them “dead” spots, but I was quickly corrected for that gross error. “It will come back,” he said. “Just look, there are green blades among the brown ones.” Whatever, I thought.

Anyway, it appeared the sprinklers weren’t hitting the brown areas, so my husband was trying to adjust each sprinkler head, while the water was on. Water was spewing everywhere, he was soaking wet, not to mention a little annoyed at this setback with the new lawn. He caught my gaze in the window. I will admit I was a little tickled at the whole scene outside. He was not amused by my chuckles and said, “Well, don’t just stand there, do something.”

How many times have we heard that phrase, or said it ourselves? Usually it is said in those panicked moments when everything seems to be falling apart. I am in no way trying to make light of serious, or even dangerous, situations where others have yelled and screamed those words. But have you ever thought of what God is doing during those moments as He watches us in our panic-stricken state? Is He laughing? Is He crying? Is He mad? Is He shaking His head, saying, “don’t they ever learn?” I can only guess, but knowing that He is a loving God who wants what’s best for his children, He could be saying, “Don’t just do something, stand there.”

So often we run around trying to fix the messes that we have made, or the messes that have been done to us. Maybe if we had just waited on the Lord, waited for him to give us direction, things wouldn’t get so out of hand. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” That verse speaks volumes to me. I read that verse and see it saying; Take a seat Krista and let me handle this situation. Calm down Krista and let me be the Lord of your life.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us that we are not to lean on our own understanding, but trust that God knows what he is doing. Oh, how difficult it can be to let go of our own human ways of fixing problems. But when we do, the outcome is always for the best because we have waited on the Lord and allowed him to direct our paths.

So, back to our lawn. Our brown patches turned green again with many daily watering sessions. I watched that grass, and you know, it just stood there. It didn’t try to do anything to make itself grow. It just let the “yard master” water it. How would our daily struggles turn out if we just let our Master work through the details?

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Scripture References:

• Psalm 46:10
• Proverbs 3:5-6
• Ephesians 3:20-21
• Matthew 11:28-30

It seemed like the warmest summer night ever.  There was no breeze blowing and the noise of the oscillating fan in the corner of the room was getting to me. It had been a very long night, with many interruptions.  At around 3 a.m. I lost count of how many times I had been woken up by my two daughters.  Now before you start thinking about this poor, sleep-deprived mom with two babies, I must set the scene here; my daughters are four and six years-old.  Is it just me, or will I ever have an uninterrupted night of sleep? 

It was now 5 a.m. and I was pinned in the middle of our queen-size bed, in-between two comfy pillows, that now nestled the heads of my daughters.  Well, kind of.  There was one set of legs draped over my rigid body from my youngest who prefers to sleep sideways.  My neck and shoulders were aching, and all I could think about was how I was going to make it through the day with no sleep.  Then my thoughts turned to my husband, who was probably snug as a bug in a comfy bed at a quiet and cool hotel in Kansas City.  That thought did it, I had hit my wall.

I marched both girls back to their bedrooms.  And then I lost it.  “You will NEVER, EVER, sleep in my bed again.  Do you understand me?  NEVER!”  Did I mention every second-floor window was open?  Well on my way back to my bed I started to think.  What if one of my neighbors was awakened by my yelling?  What if some early morning walker or jogger heard my lecture?  They might think I was yelling at my husband?  Perhaps it was from lack of sleep, but I started laughing at this thought.  Some poor neighbor is probably thinking my marriage is falling apart and I’m ready to kick my husband out.

That couldn’t be further from the truth about my marriage, but the scenario is very real, and I doubt I’m alone here.  There are many of us who endure the hardships of having a spouse who travels for business.  Or perhaps your husband works odd hours and you are left alone much of the time.  If so, I would love to hear from you; your thoughts, your stories, your advice, on this subject.

I would like to keep this topic running for awhile, so please post your comments and check back from time to time to see what others have to say.  Until then, know that I am praying for restful and peaceful nights of sleep for you!

“I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5.  This is my life verse.  Though I try desperately to live each day in Christ, I find it is easy to be swayed, and the next thing I know I’m trying to do everything on my own.  My hope and prayer is that through this Intersection we will discover how to live each day to the fullest in Christ.

I have learned over the years (through many experiences) that life is made up of moments; some moments are beautiful, some are tragic, and some moments are unknown as to how they are going to turn out.  I truly believe that it is in these moments that God imparts truth into our lives and teaches us through scripture, prayer, and fellowship with others how we are to do this thing called life.  Thank you for stopping at the Intersection and going on this journey with me.

A while back (okay a long while), I was born in Portland, Oregon.  I had the privilege of being raised in a Christian home.  From a very young age I was exposed to “church life” as I like to call it.  My father was a pastor at a local church.  Looking back there were times I felt as if I lived in a glass house with the church community peering through the windows, but thankfully my parents protected us from the expectations that can come from a life in ministry.

I never really desired to work in ministry after being raised in that setting, but its funny how God has his own agenda for our lives.  After graduating from Cal State University, with a degree in Communications, I went and worked for several years at a Christian university.  Just when I thought I had enough of the “college ministry setting,” I found myself on staff at a large church in Southern California in their Student Ministries Department.  I must say this was probably one of the joys of my B.C. life (before children).

So that leads me to the family–my greatest joy and fulfillment.  I am married to Matthew Keane, a Jamaican born, software engineer, guitar playing, music writer, golf and tennis pro.  Let me just say life is never dull at my house.  I actually wish things would get boring for a while.  We have two beautiful girls, Madeline, who is six, and Isabelle, who is four.

Besides being a full time wife and mother, I enjoy writing and I’m currently tinkering with writing a Christian suspense novel.  My hobbies include, but are not limited to, rubber stamping and card making, reading, knitting (on occasion), tennis, long walks, playing with my kids.  I love a cold fountain drink and bag of plain M&M’s too.