Pure Hearts

He who loves purity of heart And has grace on his lips, The king will be his friend. Proverbs 22.11 (emphasis added)

The heart. A pure heart. Loving pure hearts.

We would like to have a list of things to do -- things to present to Him. Here is something to do: present to Him a pure heart. Like it or not, we cannot gloss this one over. Bring Him what we will, accomplish all that we can in service to Him, He will always dig deep to look at our motivation, our attitude, and the force behind our thoughts and actions.

It always comes back to the heart. It begins there and it ends there.

We are called to guard our heart, to be keepers thereof.

Be keepers of our heart. Makes me think of housekeeping. We want our homes swept, tidied, and in order with garbage removed, windows opened so that fresh air flows, bleach and disinfectant applied liberally to grunge like mold and intrusive bacteria, refrigerators cleaned out regularly so no science experiments can grow in the leftover food container, laundry hampers emptied clear down to the bottom each time lest a wet wash cloth remain to get moldy (kids toss them in, you know...)

It takes work, planning, diligence, energy, time, creativity, and much more. It is sometimes fun, sometimes hard, sometimes boring, but always necessary if we hope to maintain health and cleanliness. They say that "cleanliness is next to Godliness" -- I've yet to find that scripture. But there is one concerning the heart:

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4.23

Keep the heart pure. How?

• Listen to the Holy Spirit. Like a huge spotlight, He will hone in on sin and deception and all those lovely things that can and will fester in our hearts. Unseen by us in our depravitiy, they will grow there apart from His detection. Let Him point them out, let Him speak to you freely. And listen.
• Read the Word. Allow it to correct your faulty thinking and bad attitudes. His ways are so different from ours. We need the Holy Word of God to set us straight, to enlighten our paths. Let it wash over your mind and renew your thinking in every way.
• Pray. Seek Him for grace, grace, and more grace. Ask Him for help daily. Without His empowering we would be subject to our own hearts and all their deception. But with His great and abundant help which is always at hand whenever we ask, we can rule over our hearts. If it were not so, He would not ask us to do it! Proverbs says that one who rules his own spirit is greater than one who rules a city. "Make us great, oh, Lord, for your name's sake."

Keeping the heart seems to be paramount on His list of essential things to do. Without a pure heart we cannot truly love. Without love we cannot truly keep His commands. And without keeping His commands we are not loving Him.

I want to love Him. To love Him and Him alone. And it looks like that requires a pure heart.

Eternal Retirement

We are not home here.

I feel less and less attached to this world and all it boasts. Don't get me wrong. I most certainly enjoy the myriad of blessings which He so generously bestows, many of which are tied to this life. They are our portion as His children and I will declare loudly that I serve a God who provides exceedingly abundantly beyond my highest expectations. I will boast most gladly in all that comes from His hand. And should we not do so? I say, "Yes!! Give credit where credit is due!"

But my chief delight is Him.

My highest goal is to know Him, serve Him well, and love Him with single-hearted devotion. He alone can bring a true perspective in this life. Apart from Him our understanding is cock-eyed, lopsided, twisted, and out of kilter. Truth found in Him brings clarity -- we learn that this world is not worth living for. The earth and all in it are passing; our very lives are as the grass of the field, withering as they bloom.

I read the Word of God, and within a sentence or two, a few pages possibly, or, for a select number, several chapters, the stories of whole lives are begun and ended. Just this morning I was considering Aaron.

"...strip Aaron of his garments and put them on Eleazar his son; for Aaron shall be gathered to his people and die there." Numbers 20:26

And that is just what happened. Just like that. Done. Then in 30 short days the people of Israel moved on, just as if he had never been there. Because, after all, God's purposes are much bigger than you or me, and it doesn't all stop when we do.

That's actually relieving. But still, it is revealing of the triviality of this life apart from Him. The only stuff that will last forever is the stuff of His kingdom.

So, I guess I want to invest wisely, live shrewdly, walk circumspectly because the days are evil, rejoice in His manifold blessings to me, and delight myself wholly in the lord.

It's the best retirement plan out there.

The Day's News (in part...)

Baby Jameson is doing wonderfully. Good update there!

Louissa is settling in nicely and meeting lot of great new friends. I am excited for her!

Hallmark TV hosts a daily morning show at 7:00am. On Sept. 19 they featured a clip on Julia's experience with the Parkening Guitar Competition. It is great. Check it out here; be sure you have the show from the 19th, then scroll down to the sections titled "Spiritual Journey". Read the script read by the host, then click on video to see the footage. Make sure you do both sections!

My two youngest ladies here at home are growing in the Lord and nothing makes this mother's heart more thrilled. They pray with earnest sincerity and I can sense His Spirit at work in their hearts. Good, good stuff. The best!

That's it for now. Be blessed in His glorious service. Remember: if it's done for Him, it reaps eternal reward!

No Time For Serious Postings (or Even Thoughts!)

Sleep deprived and juggling two households -- that's a quick picture of my state at the moment. Suddenly I'm remembering once again life with a newborn and a household of kids as well. When I stayed with Brietta during her first two babies' arrivals, I was removed from home and all its demands. Not so this time around. Not that I am complaining -- I'm so glad to not be missing their routines of school and lessons and chores (really, I am!) and still available to help Danica adjust to this new task of motherhood. But I am a bit stretched!

All of that to say that I am not full of contemplative reasonings or anything remotely close to important meditations. Consequently, my posts are nothing but newsy with barely any insights shared. My apologies.

But actually, I do have a few thoughts -- just no time to think them through to completion, let alone get them written down. My journal is mournfully empty, glaringly void of quality reflection. But one thing I know -- this, too, shall pass. And soon, I do hope, you shall read something more than daily stats and doings and comings and goings. I hope....

But for now, I will go hold a newborn child, stir a large pot of stew, inspect a house being run by capable young ladies, and compare a calendar with my ever wonderful husband. Include a meeting with a couple of friends to plan stage sets for a spring musical theater production and my day will be complete. And oh, I better not forget to prepare for a Sunday School class which I will be teaching tomorrow morning! Ooops -- almost let that one slip!

No Time For Serious Postings (or Even Thoughts!)

Sleep deprived and juggling two households -- that's a quick picture of my state at the moment. Suddenly I'm remembering once again life with a newborn and a household of kids as well. When I stayed with Brietta during her first two babies' arrivals, I was removed from home and all its demands. Not so this time around. Not that I am complaining -- I'm so glad to not be missing their routines of school and lessons and chores (really, I am) and still be available to help Danica adjust to this new task of motherhood. But I am a bit stretched!

All of that to say that I am not full of contemplative reasonings or anything remotely close to important meditations. Consequently, my posts are nothing but newsy with barely any insights shared. My apologies.

But actually, I do have a few thoughts -- just no time to think them through to completion, let alone get them written down. My journal is mournfully empty, glaringly void of quality reflection. But one thing I know -- this, too, shall pass. And soon, I do hope, you shall read something more than daily stats and doings and comings and goings. I hope....

But for now, I will go hold a newborn child, stir a large pot of stew, inspect a house being run by capable young ladies, and compare a calendar with my ever wonderful husband. Include a meeting with a couple of friends to plan stage sets for a spring musical theater production and my day will be complete. And oh, I better not forget to prepare for a Sunday School class which I will be teaching tomorrow morning! Ooops -- almost let that one slip!

Some mail and a response

Hey Dar~

I hope you are snuggling little Jameson.


Yes, [This is a reference to a request for help with a musical theater score. As if I need something more to do... I sometimes wonder about me...] When can you come over with your score? I can also come to you. anytime.


I need to glean perennials from your garden. FINALLY. I will take up your offer
after 4 years..... Will you educate me on what will work for me/you?
also: can you tell me about your "coffee"-mulch. I loved it, and may choose to use it
for my front yard project, if I can find any. Opinion/price/availability?????



Today I am filled with the awe of God's goodness.
also: My family flies home tomorrow! YAY.



Love, N

*************************

N,

Guess I am juggling as much as snuggling. Between a daughter going to Europe, my mother and father leaving this morning for Florida, younger students needing help with school, an oldest daughter wanting regular help with first attempts at nursing, cooking high-in-iron meals whenever they aren't brought in,etc., I am not sure sometimes if I am coming or going! Who can say for sure? Maybe someone can let me know.

But... enough!

Perennials anytime (it's more fun if it's not raining!) I do have dreams of finding three sunny days still when I can get out there with crew in tow to weed out those babies... Who can say for sure? So let me know.

As for music, maybe in a couple of weeks. I can see now that I am a bit overloaded at the moment. Of course, maybe in two days that will be remedied and in two weeks I will be back in the stew. Who can say for sure? I'll let you know.

As for God -- I most definitely revel in awe at His goodness. My daughter is walking the streets of Germany alone, and meeting a new family alone, and venturing into a German dorm room alone. She stands strong and courageous in the face of her new adventure. Surely God can use vessels so yielded. Amazing. My new little grandson is adored by two loving parents who are excited about God's destiny for their newborn babe. My other son-in-law is determinedly working on securing a storefront for college ministry because he is confident that God is on the move. His zeal is contagious! So in spite of comings and goings that leave my head spinning, there is one thing I can say for sure: His mercy extends to the heavens and His faithfulness is to all generations. He has let us all know. Amen!

Love to you and your reunited family! Enjoy -

Darlene

ps- Hope you don't mind if I borrow this e-mail for a post. I don't think I have time to come up with something different!

A Summary

I am fifty-one years old. My husband has been ministering in the same church here in NNY since 1980. I've seen untold numbers of people come and go, especially college students who are with us for a few years and move on. Many times we have the distinct privilege of seeing them receive the Lord and begin their life in Him. As new babes, they look to us for feeding and guidance. Much foundation building takes place in those critical first years. It is an exciting opportunity.

Today two such "once upon a time" students returned to minister to us. It has been years since the church last saw them so their faces were new to many, and definitely unfamiliar to our current college students. They shared their testimony of early years here at CFC as students on a local campus, referring regularly to the 1980's and early 1990's -- dates disclosing their generation. Even so, I could feel the students in our midst begin to connect. "Wow -- they were where we are now. In twenty years it could be me coming back to this place, sharing a similar testimony, feeling an ongoing sense of home and belonging and welcome. This is cool!"

In a very real way, these returning old friends are a part of these new students. In fact, they are a part of us all here at CFC, whether we knew them before or not. We are somehow still connected.

That is a God-thing. That is generational building. We are all stronger for it. We are all enlarged because of it. We belong to something bigger than just those of us here today.

In the recent days and months I have become aware of a young army being raised up -- it is big and it is powerful. But it is totally related to the older generation in our midst, gleaning wisdom and stability and a sense of strength. We (I'm in that older category, in case you forgot) borrow their energy and enthusiasm.

As I sat in the congregation today, I could sense the excitement released amongst our current students -- they were being catapulted ahead in time and they liked what they saw. A capsulized picture of generational building was presented in a tangible way and it was good.

It was "real good".

The Journey Begins Here

It is now official: his name is Ryan Jameson Dunphey, to be called R. Jameson. Not RJ - said with great emphasis by his parents. They want him to be Jameson. (Just letting you know...)

So I have temporarily moved across the street and through the neighbor's back yard to Danica's home. I get to play housemaid and cook and nanny for a few days. I love it. It is simple and focused. But since I am still so close to all those other pressing needs I wonder if I will really be able to get away with it. I suppose it is doubtful. I suspect that somehow those needs will discover me hiding over here. But as along as it lasts I will enjoy this simplicity.

The wonder of parenting is dawning in their hearts and minds. It is creeping in upon them, taking real shape in the form of Mr. R. Jameson Dunphey. Until now it was so many theories and notions. Now it is confronting them with something more concrete. A living soul is dependent upon them for nurture and care, for love and guidance, for forgiveness and mercy, for wisdom and safety. This is a noble task. And they are ready to undertake it.

"Lord, grant them wisdom and grace as they embark on this life-long journey. Be with them through the years, filling them with love and strength to give their best to those who need their best. May their little ones always know a special place in their hearts, and may they successfully lead them all to You. Amen."

He's Here!

It was one of those "don't close your eyes or you'll miss it" deals. Danica calls me at about 5:30pm. "Mom, I'm trickling -- I think my water broke." At 6:00pm contractions began in earnest. We were celebrating my father's 78th birthday, so I showered and headed over at 8:15pm, after cake and singing concluded. Danica was on the couch, breathing through the contractions, sister and friends supporting her. Shortly before 9:00pm she felt the need to push. "Ryan, get the car ready and let's go!" By 9:25pm she was settled in a hospital bed, checked, declared ready to push and a beautiful baby boy was born at 10:13pm. Whew!

He's here -- 8lb.8oz, 21 inches, lots of dark hair, full of vim and vigor from the get-go, but without an official name as of yet. Jameson is probably what he will be called, but whether he is William Jameson or Jameson William or some still some other combination is undetermined. I will keep you posted. Hey -- when you arrive that suddenly, you can't expect everything to be ready!

Wings

A beautiful daughter is preparing for a 6 month adventure in Europe. She is already talking about extending that to include some visiting in Italy and Spain. As I type, her voice is tunefully rehearsing a melancholy strain sung to words of commitment -- "So take my life, and let it be a living prayer, my God, to Thee." I will miss hearing her. I will miss her quiet, gentle nature and her heartfelt laughter. But it is her time to fly. So fly she will, on wings that will take her to places of service for Him.

Be blessed, my sweet daughter, my own fifth child. Grow and be beautiful in Him.

Titus 2 All Over...Again

Yesterday I started teaching a series on Titus 2 in our Sunday School class. I can't even count how many times I've taught this subject matter. And some of my students' faces are mighty familiar as well. One may wonder why they are there once again. But I know, for me, reviewing these basic concepts is not only needed but exciting.

We talked about walking in reverence yesterday -- an opportunity once again to reflect on His overwhelming greatness. As we attempt to depict a God infinite in love, mercy, faithfulness, power, and knowledge (for starters...) we quickly realize that He is incomprehensible to a people who know only boundaries and live with constraints on every side. We will never completely search out His greatness. He is HUGE! IMMENSE! INCREDIBLE! in every way.

Needless to say, by the time I had completed the lesson, I was ready to fall down in worship before Him. He is God. I am not. My heart was given afresh with no hesitation. Is there any other appropriate response?

One can never know Him too much. So back to the basics I gladly go. A bit of review proves to be more than that. It is one more opportunity to get an even bigger glimpse of our awesome and wonderful God.

I like winning

What can I say? I haven't quite matured to the place where I lose gracefully. And right now my favorite tennis player is winning the semi-finals at the US Open. She may lose yet -- there are a few games left before the match is hers. Sure hope she nails it! I won't even feel sorry for her opponent. Mercy won't hinder my rejoicing at all. Sounds unkind, I know. Sorry about that.

God is merciful. I rely on that daily. I am grateful for that every hour. But for my opponent I am glad to know there is no mercy -- only justice. His defeat is sure and I don't feel sorry for him at all. Whenever possible, we should nail him. The enemy looks for our pity at times, but we should hate him as thoroughly as our Father does. Don't give him a second glance.

I'll stick with the winner and partake of His rewards. The victory is already decided; I don't feel bad about that either.

As I said, I like winning.

*She just won!! So on to the finals we go!!

Sinuous -- Her, Not Me

"Eight -- plie', four -- demi-plie', open to second.
Eight -- plie', grand plie', don't forget. That means slow, controlled movement.
Four -- demi-plie', close to first.
Finish with a port de bras; hold four. You can always finish with a plie' -- in fact you should always finish with a plie' -- to release the tension."



Ah. Intermediate ballet. Yup. I was there. And so was my favorite teacher. I was her student again, and enamored, as always, with that delicately beautiful art form: the arms that gently float with a graceful, sinuous curve; the gorgeous foot perfectly extended; the muscles exuding endless energy and steel-strength within the realm of poetic movement. I love this. I am awe-struck.

I would have brought up the rear of this class of college-age students to begin with, but now -- with a stitched together tendon? You guessed it. My ankles wouldn't allow a plie' no matter how hard I tried. I'm not accustomed to such absolute stubborn non-cooperation from my body. Granted, I have never had total control, but this -- complete rebellion and mutiny? Must it really be?

Still, I was thrilled just to be there making feeble attempts at a plie' and tendu. My ankle is already better for it. My friend recently commented regarding the foolish things that deceive our egos -- mine believes that I am still a trim and fit 35 year old. Well, 35 I'm not, but I may yet be trim and fit again. My teacher thinks we can beat the 6 month mark given by my doctor if I work hard and carefully. Hooray! Someday I may attempt a grand plie' once again. And better yet, I may even succeed!

It will be a long haul betwixt this point and that. But with such beauty as inspiration, I am ready to forge ahead.

If I make it, I may indulge myself in the purchase of a pretty ballet skirt. Hope I'm in the market soon!

Home -- A Ministry

A few days ago found my brother and sister-in-law dropping by for an overnight visit. They feel comfortable and welcome here and that's just the way I like it.

Today we have a list on our counter of various chores waiting to be done. Heading the list are these two items: prepare for Mennonite Your Way guests arriving at 6:00 pm; prepare for College Dinner tomorrow.

Mennonite Your Way is a B&B hospitality ministry founded through the Mennonite Church in fairly recent history. Rick and I have been members for over a decade. The benefits? Travel is cheaper (especially when you travel by the dozen like we do), more fun (you meet all kinds of people and get to peek into their lives by staying with them), and definitely more adventurous (none of this chain hotel cookie-cutter stuff for me!) On the other end, people call you and stop by while traveling from one place to another -- we are the benefactors; we hear all their latest travel adventures hot off the press! And we meet one more family. Always interesting!

So today we'll prepare a bedroom to receive two travel weary guests for the night and a house to receive 65-70 zealous young students, who are always eager to partake of homecooking, tomorrow afternoon. Better fill at least two huge pots with chili. These kids definitely come with appetites in tact. The benefits to this? We are fulfilling the scriptures to minister hospitality. We also partake of the enthusiasm for Christ and service to Him that these young men and women exude. As they sit around the table they laugh and share stories like all young people their age. But they also strategize evangelism exploits, plan Bible study times, and share testimonies. My children, like all children, are sponges -- let them be saturated with this kind of zeal!

Meanwhile, I will continue to purge the closets -- the hallway coat closet, toy cupboard, and book cupboard are on the list for the day. I make the mess and the kids help clean it. Seems like a good deal to me!

Home, sweet home...

Thoughts in the Morning (including a spelling lesson from yesterday's post)

~ For those who are interested, the noun pencil can also be used as a verb: the act of writing in or adding to a list or schedule. When used as a verb a suffix may be added by either leaving a single "l" or doubling the "l". I chose to double the "l".

~ The push continues to sort and reorder on the homefront. My husband feels as though a giant tidal wave has struck. I keep guaranteeing him that eventually order will regain its reign if we persevere. (Here's hoping!)

~ A daughter is preparing for a trip to Germany. Well, it's more than a trip. She will be attending Bible school there for the next 6 months. Fortunately, she has already purchased tickets for a return at Christmastime. This mom will be overjoyed to have her home for that special holiday. But this mom is also overjoyed that she will have such a wonderful adventure. I cannot even imagine all that God intends to do for her. Experiencing life in another culture allows us to grow immensely. Experiencing a new culture with others from varied backgrounds will bring even more broadening and depth. And how wonderful to meet Christians from all over the globe. Yes, this will be just perfect for my Louissa.

~ My son (who moved home last winter) and Josh (he lives here) have begun their fall schedules on a local college campus. Stephen (he lives here, too) has found a regular job doing construction with Handy Men for Hire. Routine is finding its way into our home whether I'm ready or not! This is good.

~ Music teachers are calling my children to set up lesson schedules for the fall. That means I need to know my schedule. Guess I better get ready for routine -- immediately!

~ My son-in-law's mother underwent brain surgery on Monday. We've been patiently waiting and earnestly praying for a good recovery. She has a long way to go, but last night she came around enough to give Ryan a kiss. The doctors have told them that the greatest damage is sustained during the first 8-10 days so keep praying, please.

~ Danica is just a bit over 2 weeks from her due date. She is there in Maine with Ryan, keeping vigilance along with him over this precious woman. Not exactly how she had envisioned her last two weeks of prep time for a first newborn, but certainly memorable. God will cause it to work together for good, I know. But pray for her and Ryan regarding this as well. They know that their beautiful baby has not been forgotten by their Heavenly Father who orders all things well. He really, really does. Still, it can present a challenge to their souls.

~ My older brother, Craig, and his wife, Cathy, dropped in for a quick visit yesterday. They just headed home after being here for less than 24 hours. It is always good to see family.

~ Our God is faithful in all things, ever deserving of our love and honor. Today I will praise His name!