Susan L. Fink's Blog, page 2

My Favorite Things in My Favorite Season

   (Sung to the tune of the Julie Andrew's song, My Favorite Things)                                                        
                    

Ice formed on noses and bare frozen fingers,Ways to remember how long winter lingers.Walk like you're pregnant when treading on ice,This is why some think the mid-west's not nice.

             

Quick warm the soup pot to defrost our bellies,Always make sure there's thick fur in your wellies.Snowbirds are down south and bears hibernate,Snowmobile owners think this season's great.

                                         

Wish I could sleep until this season passes,Late winter goes slow like dripping molasses.What's nice in March? Can you think of something?Will I thaw out by the middle of Spring?

 

       

When the crocus redRears its tiny headPiercing up through the snow,Cherish those days before they go awayand then you won't feel so sad!

                                                              

Fighting Forgetfulness

I’m a list maker.

But it’s not because I am an efficient, super-organized, home administrator.

It’s because I’d otherwise forget.

The promised favors, various repair needs, volunteer obligations, and important recipe ingredients would be victims of neglect if not for my writing and posting notes. This is also the reason I am fanatical about putting items back after their use—so I’ll be able to find them!

Were you taught to memorize Scripture passages from childhood on? Or have you challenged yourself with this valuable habit as an adult? The blessings of filling our heart with His promises are abundant, especially as we learn to apply the Word to our lives.

But what if those Bible gems fade or disappear?

Like many people, my forgetfulness has increased with age. What can be done to retain and regain Scripture memory?

 

Thanks to the Holy Spirit’s nudging, my forgetfulness has motivated these assistive actions:

1. Participate. In order to pay more attention to sermons and Bible classes, I open and personalize my Bible, taking notes and underlining with my own color code.

Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. Psalm 48:9

2. Peruse.  Instead of my old habit of skipping familiar verses, I slow down, think, read some study notes, and review the context.

You study the Scriptures diligently... These are the very Scriptures that testify about me. (Jesus) John 5:39

3. Pre-plan. I realize the necessity of reviewing promises and proof passages before they are needed. If I wait for a crisis, or an unbeliever’s questions, my unprepared mind will probably go blank.

 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. I Peter 3:15

Even as my faculties fade, I know my eternal heavenly Father does not forget the needs of his children. But thanks to Christ's redemption, he has chosen to forget our sin. 

Thank you Lord, for this memorable comfort.

Remember, O LORD, your compassion and your mercy, for they are from eternity.  Psalm 25:6

The Deception of Greed (A Confession)

Greed steals time from genuine treasure:

Time with loved ones, worship and grace.

It becomes an anxious passion

Pushing us on an endless race.  

 

The deceiver thrills to see the people

Attracted to greed’s web and caught

Ignoring pain that coveting causes

Forgetting lessons contentment had taught.

 

Healthy bodies, minds and souls

Require God-provided care

Yet choosing to seek daily wants

Not needs, leaves thirsty spirits bare.

 

Life’s purpose is not to glean possessions

Fun or attractive they may be

If homes are full but hearts are empty

 

What prompts us to live unselfishly?

 

 

Jesus called the greedy, fools

With overflowing surplus barns,

Not concerned with life eternal

Ignoring what the Savior warns.

 

 

 

 I thought that greed did not concern me

‘I am content” I sang with pride

Greed was not a big temptation

Along with sins I attempted to hide.

 

 

Because of love, and perfect justice,

Jesus exposed my false beliefs

Opened my eyes with Word-vision

Offered forgiveness, granted relief.

 

 

The curse of sin stops not just heaven

But also stifles blessings here

Lord, daily tell me of your goodness

Open my heart to show you’re near.

 

 

Pictures courtesy of Pixabay 

How Saying No Will Help You Keep Christmas Sane

GUEST POST bt Lisa E. Betz        

The Christmas season is coming. Does that mean your schedule will be busier than ever? School concerts, office parties, holiday baking and decorating… So much to do!

To prevent being swept away by the tide of extra holiday expectations, we need to be intentional about stewarding our time, energy and money. That means saying no to some events in order to say yes to the ones that matter the most.

This is a time of year when many worthy causes are making pleas for our money or our time. We simply cannot do it all, so we must choose wisely. Sometimes that means saying no to activities we’ve done in the past. Our priorities, goals, and needs change over time. That means holiday activities and expectations that made sense in the past may not make sense this year.

“Just because you have always done something does not mean you should always do it.” ~ Joyce Meyer

It’s hard to say no

                                                                                     

We hate to let people down when they assume they can count on us, but when our lives change, so do our priorities. Are you ready to say no to a few things you’ve always said yes to in the past, because they no longer serve you and your family in this season?

Five years ago, I had plenty of free time to volunteer. Various groups could count on me to help with Christmas events. Now I have two books published, I’m running a small business, and assisting my elderly mother.  

This means I can no longer say yes to all the Christmas projects I used to help with. Nor can I do as much decorating and baking at home as I once did. In this season, I must keep my focus on the essential goals and not get pulled into excess activities—which means saying no to some things when people ask

“I know I’m caught in the rip current of people pleasing when I dread saying yes but feel powerless to say no.” ~ Lysa Terkeurst

 

When Should I Say No?    

Here are a few questions we can ask ourselves when deciding which requests are a yes and which are a no.

Is this event or expectation a priority, or does it belong to a previous phase of my life?

What important duties am I currently facing? Do I realistically have time for this right now?

Can I offer to help by doing something that won’t overburden my schedule instead of accepting the old task?

Is my heart still in this role, or will I be secretly relieved to relinquish it?

 

As you consider when to say no, keep these truths in mind.

·         I shouldn’t hold on to every job title or responsibility I’ve ever had. 

·         Each stage of life has different responsibilities. I must relinquish the old to accept the new. 

·         Declining a task I’ve done previously doesn’t mean I’ve abandoned the cause altogether.

 

How to say it

“I’ve had to cut back on my volunteer efforts, so I no longer have time to help with the concert.”

“I can’t run the holiday bazaar this year, but I could bake some cookies.”

“Caring for my mom is my top priority this year, so I don’t have time to help.”

“I hate to miss your party, but I have family commitments. I’d love to get together after Christmas and you can tell me how it went.”

You can find more examples of how to decline requests with confidence on the free guide, 7 Strategies for Saying No. This easy-to-use guide will help you keep your holiday season sane by providing you with simple strategies to say no politely. Each strategy includes 4 examples of exactly how to say it. Get your FREE 7 Strategies for Saying No here.

Bio     

Lisa E. Betz is an engineer-turned-mystery-writer, entertaining speaker, and unconventional soul. She inspires others to become their best selves, living with authenticity, and purpose, and she infuses her award-winning novels with unconventional characters who thrive on solving tricky problems.

She and her husband reside outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with Scallywag, their rambunctious cat—the inspiration for Nemesis, resident mischief maker in her Livia Aemilia Mysteries. Lisa directs church dramas, eats too much chocolate, and experiments with gluten-free variations of her favorite holiday recipes. Visit lisaebetz.com.

Thank you Lisa!

How Does your Faith-Garden Grow?

 

The purple mum plant looked healthy and vibrant at the store. Two weeks later at my house, not so much. Was I watering it too often or not enough? Did it get sufficient sun?

My friend Janeen has a yard of bountiful fall blooms. Maybe I could ask her for advice—even though it’s a bit embarrassing to admit my ignorance.  Or I could go back to the gardening center and contact the experts that grew my mum.  Actually, didn’t the plant come with some instructions on a small card? Where did I put that?

Being raised in a church-going family, confirming my faith at age 13 was a meaningful rite of passage. Patient Sunday school teachers and catechism classes had regularly watered the Holy Spirit’s seed soul-planted at my infant baptism. Just as God promises to everyone, the Word provided the vital nourishment for my growth in faith. 

But there have been many occasions since then, when my reliance on Son-shine strength has wilted. Worry weeds will distract me from sensing the Gardener’s presence and care.  Fixating on my feelings, instead of Grace-truth, will prohibit healthy faith-fruit. 

How does vibrant, heaven-bound belief become weak?

 And how do I purposely protect and nourish it?

Watering From the Word

Psalm 1 says a person who loves and meditates on God’s Word is like a fruitful, evergreen tree growing next to a stream. Do I love God’s Word? I can pray he gives me a desire to read, learn, and apply Scripture to my life. This is a prayer our LORD promises to answer affirmatively. 

Meditation comes from a Latin word meaning “to ponder.” Again, I need to ask the Holy Spirit to teach me how to shut out everything else—my self-made busyness, the world’s interruptions with wrong priorities, and the like—to pause and ponder. Admitting my ignorance about meditation how-tos, I continue to ask Christian friends about this spiritual discipline.

The gardening center of the soul is the Bible-preaching church. I have been blessed with pastors who never tire of encouraging personal and public Word nurturing. Praise God for a church body with pastor, staff minister, and teacher training experts who pass on the importance of consistent soul sustenance. 

Fences and Armor

Anyone who lives in an area with flower or vegetable eating critters is wise to have a protective fence. How much more than a hungry animal does Satan attempt to devour or dishearten my faith? Thanks be to Jesus, there is an instruction book to teach not only continued growth but defending it. 

Paul instructed Christian soldiers how to be prepared, “with the belt of truth

buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness fastened in

 place, and with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace tied to your

 feet like sandals.  At all times hold up the shield of faith, with which you will be

 able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One.” (Ephesians 6:14-16).

 The last part of this section reminds all of the most effective, powerful weapon

 God places in his children’s hands—his Word.  

Dear heavenly Father, Thank you for feeding our faith with the water of your Word.  Forgive us when, with foolish preoccupations, we block the Son shining on and in our hearts.  Teach us to ponder and praise your truth, and daily put on the armor you provide. 

May your kingdom spread and our faith-garden continually grow, according to your will. 

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Keep Looking Straight Ahead

Annette’s palms were sweaty with nervousness for her first grade school competition. Mrs. Kehl had encouraged her to use her long-legged stride for the relay event. As with every annual Track and Field Day at St. John’s, dark clouds were moving in overhead. Teammate #1 started off in good form. She rounded the curve, running swiftly towards the handoff. Light raindrops hit the track as Annette took her “ready” position. “This is always the scariest part,” she thought, running and grabbing the baton with a firm, practiced grip. 

“Way to go, Annette! Up to speed now. You got this!” the coach encouraged.

Rounding the last curve, she saw Crystal ready for the handoff. Because this team member was the shortest of the three, Annette wondered about her own backward reach.  

“Keep looking straight ahead!” someone shouted. But at that same instant, Annette’s head turned to look behind at the baton exchange. The slight movement pulled Annette off balance, her right foot slipping. As she fell, it caused Crystal to stumble. The relay race was lost. 

“Keep your eye on the goal” is a phrase used for mentoring success in sports and other disciplines. The Apostle Paul used sport illustrations as he wrote about the need for Christian self-discipline. He coached the believers in Corinth to “Run in such a way as to get the prize... do not run like someone running aimlessly … do not fight like a boxer beating the air.“ (I Corinthians 9:24-26) With these same words, God is encouraging us to be goal-orientated “for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings” (I Corinthian 9:23) here and in eternity. 

So if knowing and sharing God’s love is as simple as keeping our bodies (and mind) fixed on His will, why do we often lose focus?

Are we tempted to take our eyes off the Prize and, instead, look backward?

I admit a tendency to dwell on my tainted, selfish past, and then doubt God would use such a sinner for his holy purpose. 

Saul can relate. This Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee who pursued (man-made) works-righteousness, violently persecuted the church, including approving the death of Christ-followers! Even after his enlightening encounter with Jesus Christ  how could Saul, (now Paul) not feel immobilized by unworthiness?  

When doubt about God’s grace creeps in to your life, look around for an accusing snake. Refute Satan’s lies and soothe your conscience by proclaiming Paul’s words;

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)

 

Like a confused young child who runs at first to the opponent’s goal line, our Coach forgives, redirects, and retains us on his forever team.

(Originally published for Holy Hen House)

What is a Book Launch?

 

Picture an author tying her newly released, self-published book to a camera-equipped drone. Friends and family are gathered outside in a sunny backyard. Two sixpacks of light beer and a box of sweet wine await tasting. A famous DJ (son-in-law) commences the countdown with a dubstep beat. Like the movie with balloons tied to a house, the book rises UP into the sky.

But no, that is NOT a book launch. And yes, you are invited to mine.

Researching and writing (and editing and rewriting)  Self-Care: Selfish or Sacred? provided mental health therapy during Covid restrictions. Since I am one of those people who gain energy and joy being with others; the stay-at-home, don't-touch-anyone, can't-see-smiles-behind-masks restrictions were personally painful. With lack of face-to-face conversations available, writing was my way of talking.

The self-care life balance topic was chosen because I had been so poor at it! And I know many others who doubt if it's a Christian thing to do.("Carry your cross 24/7 and all will work out.")

One blessing of aging is how forgetfulness, aches and pains and general slowing down impresses the need for re-prioritizing. This was also my incentive to study how the Creator wants me to treat my body, mind and soul that he masterfully designed.

With almost two years of writing, working with a publisher, choosing a cover (who knew that would take so long?) and learning some of the business aspects, I was challenged to do my own book promotions.The last task felt like pious bragging, but unless you are  a best-selling author, it's the way modern book sales are made. 

A book launch is a celebration announcing, "fini!" It's a book reveal party with refreshments, copies for autographs and sales, book information and small thank you gifts for attendees. No drones flying around with books, but most likely some uplifting photo taking. 

June 18th is my very first book launch party! Contact me for details, then look for the balloons!  

Celebrating the Resurrection

 Does your family’s Resurrection Day celebration include the Easter bunny?  Has the inclusion of gift-giving rabbits and overflowing treat baskets detracted or added to the meaning of this holiday for you?  Are there ways to utilize fun traditions to emphasize the importance of Easter’s truths?

Some sources credit the origin of the Easter Hare on German Lutherans who brought this tradition to America in the 1700s.  Colored eggs, apparently laid by this talented rabbit, were gifted to good children. Even today, parents continue this behavioral modification technique using tangible rewards and hare-y warnings because, just like Santa, he “Knows when you’ve been bad or good.” 

Are we able to teach children to understand the difference between these myths and our omniscient God, whose grace-gifts do not require their best behavior?  Thanks to baptism and the Holy Spirit in even the youngest of hearts, little ones can know Jesus loves them unconditionally.  The Easter Bunny’s appearance with his chocolate treats is law-based fantasy.  Might this confuse their understanding of Gospel truth?

Eggs represented fertility in ancient pagan festivals. In part this is due to Spring bringing longer periods of light, prompting chickens to lay eggs after their winter hiatus.  Easter reminds Christians of the Sonshine in their hearts, and the eternal life that our Savior’s perfect life, crucifixion, death and resurrection now guarantees.  Having children participate in planting “dead” bulbs and seeing them grow into colorful blooms, is one way to demonstrate God’s resurrection power. 

The shape of an egg can remind us of Christ’s tomb, especially the rock sealed over its entrance.  (One source claims this is the reason for the egg-rolling tradition.) An excellent way to include egg hiding fun as well as sharing the true Easter story is to make up (or purchase) Resurrection Eggs (see directions below).  My family enjoyed hiding and using them with Lenten devotions, and making them to give as gifts. 

What are ways you and your loved ones emphasize and celebrate Resurrection Day?

Resurrection Eggs

Place one of the following objects in each plastic, colored egg, along with a rolled up piece of paper with the corresponding Scripture verse.  (If you can’t find an object, make or cut out a picture of it.)  For older children, don’t  write out the Scripture, but have them hunt for it in their Bible. 

Small dice (John 19:24)

A small piece of a sponge with a few drops of vinegar (Mathew 27:34)

A toy rooster (Mark 14:72)

A small cross (Matthew 27:26)

A stem with thorns (John 19:2)

A sign “KING OF THE JEWS” (Luke 23:38)

A toy sword (John 19:33-34)

Picture of a bonfire (John 18:18)

A candy  kiss (John 18:18)

A round white stone (Luke 24:2)

White strips of cloth, some cinnamon (John  19:40; 20:6)

An angel, or a feather to represent an angel (Matthew 28:1-2)

Jesus, the Fruit Farmer

“Which perennial fruit has 16,000 varieties, its branches can spread out 50 feet, and it can survive for hundreds of years?” The YouTube gardener’s question piqued my curiosity.  When I noticed he was walking under an arbor of purple clusters hanging from twisted branches, the answer was obvious.

The video reminded me of the John 15:5 illustration, “I am the Vine, you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him is the one who bears much fruit”. Since Jesus and his disciples were familiar with grape growing, I decided a study on this subject would bear fruit (excuse the pun J).

I learned that grape farmers recommend soaking the roots of new plants in water for three to four hours, before planting them in well-drained, nitrogen rich soil.  This reminded me of the importance of soaking up God’s Word and being planted in a doctrinally pure church.Harsh weather (and life’s struggles) may bend branches and cause emotional storms. But just as faith needs a firm, holy foundation, a hearty root is vital for a plant’s health.

My research also revealed how proper grapevine pruning means cutting back a majority of branches each winter, so only short vines with two buds remain planted. This same video gardener demonstrated this by pruning 90% of all canes. He then took the cut branches away from the vineyard (or burned them) to prevent fungus growth contamination. Another responsibility for the grape-producing farmer is the necessity of periodic inspections for signs of disease.

If you drive past fields of grapes close to harvest time, you’ll probably see large nets draped over the rows of vines. These protect the crop from birds, bugs, and animals with a sweet tooth.

How does God protect the redeemed (that’s you and me!) from soul-stealing predators or faith-shrinking diseases?  He thoroughly covers us with the devil-defeating armor of faith and salvation through his Word.

Can you think of times your heavenly Father has trimmed back or cut out things in your life? Just as you might discipline a child to redirect the way their character is leaning, our Savior prunes us for our spiritual growth. He promises a “harvest of righteousness and peace”  for us though this training. Out of gratitude, for these blessings, how might we cooperate in his will for our daily life?

Our perfect Gardener answers, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you.”

 

 

Are you a fruit producer for Jesus?  Read these Scripture verses to find out: 

 John 15:1-9,16      Philippians 1:9-11   Hebrews 13:15  

      Luke 6:43-44       Matthew 7:15-20          

 

 

 

WHAT DOES SELF-CARE HAVE TO DO WITH A CHRISTIAN WALK?  ISN’T IT ADMIRABLE TO BE A WORKAHOLIC FOR GOD’s WORK?  These are the kinds of questions that are addressed in the book, SELF-CARE:SELFISH OR SACRED? An Interactive guide to Myths and Misunderstandings. To find out more about the book, get invited to the book launch party or presale opportunities; contact me at graceitforward@outlook.com and susanlfink.com

Susan L. Fink    Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Psalm 1:1-3

Matthew 7:24-25

Ephesians 6:10-17

Hebrews 12:11

John 15:4

 

Two Ways to Improve Sermon Attentiveness

 I gotta be honest.  No matter how motivated I am to listen and learn, it’s SO VERY difficult for me to pay attention to a sermon.  And even when I’ve had more than enough sleep, my eyelids struggle to stay open.  Is it the rush-rush to get everything done to get to church on time and then sit still for 20 minutes?  Might my lack of appreciation for a worship service be partly to blame?

 My ears catch everything at the start of the message, especially if the pastor begins with a relatable story or funny illustration.  It’s embarrassing to admit how quickly my mind starts its interrupting thoughts as if I have no control.  The weekly struggle goes something like this:

 

“Oh look who came to early service today! I should remember to pray for them.

What are we having for lunch?

I sure hope I put my phone on mute.  That time Debbie’s went off in the middle of a funeral was so embarrassing.

Focus, Sue!  This is God’s Word. You are being so disrespectful. When your dad asks what the sermon was about, what are you going to say?

My shoulders still hurt. Did all that physical therapy really help?

Those little kids in the front row are behaving so well.  They sure are cute!

Whoops, I fell off the concentration track again! Lord, forgive me and please help!” 

 

How might a well-intentioned, easily distracted, pew-sitting Christ-follower better participate in a worship service?  There are two things I do that increase my listening and learning levels.  #1 is taking my Bible to church and #2 is taking sermon notes.  This may sound pretty revolutionary for a conservative Lutheran—but it’s my workable solution.

God gave our brains the multi-tasking ability to listen and comprehend, even as our thoughts race along at a much faster speed. (This is demonstrated by a skilled sign language interpreter who signs and mouths the word of the last sentence, while listening to the next.)  A human eye can process an image in 13 miliseconds.  That means I can be paying attention to the sermon, following along in my Bible, underlining verses with my turquoise highlighter, all while writing additional information (gleaned from the sermon) in the margins.  If you are thinking this sounds complicated, give it a try.

Friends of mine bring a small notebook to take sermon (and Bible study) notes, similar to how they gathered information in (pre-computer age) college classes.  One creative woman I know adds mini-sketches or doodles to aid her attention and retention.  Making simple drawings give children a reason to listen and to share their sermon interpretations. 

Might all this Bible note-taking, highlighting and sketching distract others from hearing the message?  Unless you have a very noisy pen or do a lot of loud erasing (which I actually did hear in a service once), chances are slim for any negative results. I do pray observers are encouraged to discover what might increase their active listening in church.  After all, it is our Creator who is doing the speaking. 

 

      “Therefore, we need to pay even more attention to what we have heard,

                                so that we do not drift away."(Hebrews)