Field of Daisies

Everywhere you turn these days conversations are abuzz with talk of The Passion of the Christ, Mel Gibson's landmark movie depicting the last twelve hours of the life of Jesus due to open next week across the country. As with most everything where Jesus is concerned, this movie is sure to be divisive--some will love it with a passion (no pun intended); others will hate it, equally impassioned. And yet, that's okay. Jesus never said we **had** to follow Him; He only offered the invitation and left the following up to us.

An interesting aside regarding the word 'passion' in the title of the movie. This use of the word passion is literally translated 'suffering', and from what I've heard about this movie, Jesus suffers plenty. I do not doubt it will be difficult to watch. Already I am telling myself not to look away during the more graphic scenes. I want to see--I need to see the most true-to-life, most graphically accurate portrayal of the suffering Christ endured...for me.... (I'm also making a mental note to bring plenty of tissues!)

I cannot say how accurate this movie really is, as I haven't yet seen it. And I can't attest to how accurate Mr. Gibson's 'theology' is as portayed in the film. All I know is that he talks the talk, and based on the previews I've seen of this movie, he's also seemingly walking the walk--at a very high cost to himself personally (not only financially, but through the vicious attacks he's endured through the media and other detractors).

As for me, I can't wait to see this movie! And I pray many lives will be changed as a result.
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A word of caution however: Because Mr. Gibson is a very likeable fellow, a famous fellow, and a fellow who is passionately following his convictions does not mean he is a Bible scholar. We can respect his work and his faith without adopting his entire belief system as our own. Everyone should measure the doctrine of their church/religion against the infallible Word of God. That is the only true authority. As much as we may appreciate Mr. Gibson's devotion to this cause, and as much as we may respect his work, we must follow Christ and the Bible.

Posted by at 08:10 PM | Permalink

Have you done something irreversible? Have you made that *mistake* that can't be undone? The one that causes you pain every time you think of it? I often tell my kids there isn't much (at their age) they can do that is beyond repair. Broken things can be replaced. Knees can be bandaged. Even dents can be pounded out of the fender. But as we enter into adulthood, it seems the opportunities for those irreversible, unrepairable things fly at us at break-neck speed: like losing our virginity in a moment of passion; marrying that person we know isn't right for us; insisting we are okay to drive even though we've had one too many to drink; choosing abortion instead of life.... Even saying words in the heat of anger that can never be taken back--words that cut and sting and wound.

Those things cannot be undone--virginity cannot be re-instated (though it can be spiritually restored). Marriages can be annulled or divorce can be obtained, but that marriage is always there haunting your past. And abortion.... Well, though that wound can be healed, the scar is always raised upon the heart that experienced it. Even so, there is hope for our present and for our future. As Oswald Chambers says in My Utmost For His Highest:

For those of us who belong to God through Jesus Christ, we don't have to dwell on the irreversible. We don't have to live undefeated lives. We can live Invincibly!--the Invincible* life that is ours because of Him.

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*Invincible: Incapable of being overcome or defeated; unconquerable. (According to The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language - Fourth Edition)

**This "forgetting" is not denial. It is not even "not remembering". This "forgetting" is simply not allowing the memory of the past to define or hinder your present or your future. It is remembering with gratitude and humility those "irriversible" things that have been bathed in perfect mercy, grace, and forgiveness.

Posted by at 08:28 AM | Permalink

A dear friend sent this to me today in honor of Women's History Month. I thought it worthy of repeating here....

I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love yous".. more "I'm sorrys".. but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.......look at it and really see it.. live it.. and never give it back.

How much better would our lives be if we wouldn't forget to stop and smell the roses each day!?! How much less would we regret at the end of the day if we would take time to tell a loved one how much we love them, do something nice for ourselves, and stop to give God thanks for all of it...?

Ah, the simplicity of life and the joy available to us all....

Posted by at 08:50 PM | Permalink

I have just finished reading the most awesome book! It's called The Sacred Romance: Drawing Closer To The Heart of God by Brent Curtis and John Eldredge. I cannot remember the last time an 'ordinary' book changed my life in such a drastic way!

You see, I am the hopeless romantic. Always have been. Probably always will be. Except that I had grown to despise Hollywood and the Brothers Grimm for having filled my sentimental heart with all those notions of damsels in distress and the knights in shining armor that rescued them. Then I read this book and learned, much to my surprise and amazement, that the fairy tale is real!

I won't spoil the ending for you, but suffice it to say, the love story is true.... The deepest longings of our hearts, the deepest desires of our souls are the powerfully subtle wooing of God calling us to a more intimate relationship with Him. He put those longings and desires in our hearts knowing He would be the only One to fill them...and He waits for each of us--you and you and me--to turn our hearts toward His so that He can satisfy our every hope and fill our every dream....

This book is a must-read for every Christian! Order a copy today!

Posted by at 02:28 PM | Permalink

Just wanted to wish all y'all out there a very Happy Groundhog Day! We, here at our house, had a slam-bang celebration tonight due to my husband's keen interest of the holiday.

We read about the history of Groundhog Day; we played some Groundhog Day games (word search and maze); put together a groundhog puzzle; discovered some trivia about Punxsatawney Phil (the 'official' groundhog), and played a couple of rounds of Payday. It was 'eye-rolling' great fun according to our 12-year-old.... (Well, we old fogies enjoyed it anyway!)

So once again to all you Groundhog Day die-hards:

Posted by at 07:51 PM | Permalink