commonplace inspiration

reading oswald chambers’, “My Utmost for His Highest” today, this closing phrase struck a chord in me: We always know when Jesus is at work because He produces in the commonplace something that is inspiring.

the previous paragraphs describe the context in which our lives will influence others toward God. it isn’t in the conscious world that we are most influential; rather, it is out of our unconscious selves as we yield to jesus that rivers of inspiration will flow.

since our accident two weeks ago, we’ve received so many words of encouragement from friends and family that we are flat-out humbled. people have taken this opportunity to be completely honest and tell us what they really think about us. i’m not happy that the accident occurred, but being the recipient of this sort of feedback is definitely a fierce and wonderful thing. to hear what God has been doing through our lives in times when we were completely unaware - when we’ve felt like failures, when our walk couldn’t match our talk, when we didn’t know which end was up- well, it solidly confirms that it’s not about us after all. …it is God who works in you both to will and to do of God’s good pleasure.

commonplace lives inspiring others. it’s so simple it’s crazy. day by day living yielded to Jesus.

regarding: THE SHACK

have you ever read a book that changed everything about how you viewed life, God and the people around you? i just finished reading THE SHACK and frankly, i don’t care if the story is fact or fiction – it lines up with all the great teaching, human hunches, spiritual longings and scriptural truths i’ve ever encountered. and anything that helps humans actually FEEL the love of God is a good thing.

most people i know really want to know God in a personal way. they would love to FEEL loved by God – however for any number of reasons – painful childhood experiences, unexplained crisis, a broken trust or the sad song of failure – God’s love seems out of reach. God so loved the world - we acknowledge - but not necessarily me. if you have ever felt like this, snag your own copy of THE SHACK, hole up in your most comfortable sabbath location and settle in on the best read of your life.

if you’ve read THE SHACK already, post a comment on your own thoughts and experience.

the accident

for details on our michigan mishap go to http://benjanderica.blogspot.com

life takes a turn

mid-way through our michigan vacation, my husband clark and i were involved in a serious accident, a run-in with a large bus. i was alert at the scene but clark was unresponsive and subsequently intubated and care-flighted to a large, progressive hospital in grand rapids.

later that evening we learned that while clark sustained multiple facial fractures, there were no brain or spinal cord injuries. words cannot express the incredible relief i felt. yesterday (saturday) clark underwent reconstructive facial surgery and can now boast 3 titanium plates and 16 screws in the left side of his face. our grown children have come around us in amazing ways and will help us return to ohio as soon as we're travel-worthy.

the outpouring of prayers, emails, calls and visits from friends and family has been completely overwhelming and we will draw strength from this incredible support for years to come. our traveling companions, carl and darcy krumroy have gone above and beyond any ordinary friendship.

today i possess a gift that some of you have personally experienced as well... the palpable awareness of our fragile mortality and the subsequent gift of life that we receive only one day at a time.

more to come in a day or two - God is good.

michigan excursion

currently touring michigan on the back of a honda valkerie. if you enjoy motorcycles and want to comment about it, now’s your chance! more REDESIGNING next week.