tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-112098212024-03-18T05:43:01.265-05:00A Little Corner of My WorldThis is it -- my corner. Welcome.Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.comBlogger921125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-29205305822854565722023-04-16T05:59:00.005-05:002023-04-16T06:37:52.184-05:00All Else is Loss<p> <span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Philippians 3.8 NLT</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ...</i></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fffdd3; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14.4px;"><br /></span></p><p></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">There you have it. Knowing <i>and learning to know </i>Jesus is infinite in value. NOTHING else has any worth by comparison. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">It was this discovery that emboldened me so many years ago to discard ALL previous knowledge, ALL previous dreams and goals and schemes and ideals. Everything I held dear or true or of great value needed to be examined in the light of His truth. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">I laid them down, one after another, day after day, year after year -- laid down at the foot of the cross. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">Daily. The great exchange: my ways and my thoughts for His ways and His thoughts. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">Daily. Daily submitting to the Holy Spirit's prompting as He faithfully showed me what I was hanging onto. Gently He would help me loosen my grasp and guide me to let go, to give them up, and to lay them down. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">Done. Traded in. Counted as LOSS. Laid down at His feet, submitted to His Lordship, released completely as I awaited direction from Him. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">If He instructed me to pick them up again, I would pick them up. If not, I would leave them there forever. I wanted Him -- His holy ways, His peace, His joy, and His strength to be mine instead of false ways, false peace, false joy, false strength. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">I clearly recall that it felt like a step into the unknown. Every time. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">But looking back with the eyesight I now have I can see that it was far from unknown. The path of relinquishment and obedience has been fully disclosed by God in His word. He has told us again and again what that way would look like. He revealed that we would prosper, having righteousness, peace, and joy in abundance. His blessing was guaranteed. Best of all, He Himself would be with me, continuously present, even in the valley of death. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">My future was not unknown. On the contrary, it was full of promise from a God who is ever faithful -- a God who is Love itself. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">I will be 68 in July and my testimony is this: my cup overflows. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">Peace and joy are ever increasing. I could say that the only regrets I have are the steps of disobedience but, amazingly, His merciful hand is seen even in this as through repentance He continues to deliver me from my sin! <i>He works all things together for good.</i> What an amazing God and Savior!!! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">The best news of all is that He will always, always, always be faithful. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">This great news is the best news for each and every one of us! </span><span style="font-family: Rubik;">A dear man, who for over fifty years lived with fear, addiction, abuse, and sin, just gave his life to Jesus for His guidance and purposes. And somehow, through His great miraculous power, that man's life is now full of His peace and joy. Jesus will redeem all of those years and work them together for good. It is never too late for His miracle working power. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Rubik;">Your future for all eternity can be known. Today. That, my friend, is great and wonderful news. And truly, nothing else compares.</span></p><p><br /></p>Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-32058851402558093082023-01-21T17:24:00.018-05:002023-01-22T00:22:59.759-05:00Deuteronomy 6:4<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: arial;">Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Do you hear? Open your ears!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Only Jesus! Only Jesus!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Rend your hearts! Repent of all other worship. <i>Answer to Him only.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Seek Him now while He may be found!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cry out, "O Lord, search me and know me and see if there be any wicked way in me!"</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Make room AGAIN for His Lordship. Fall at His feet. <i>Love His name only.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Prostrated, weep before Him in profound awe and deepest devotion.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Then rejoice in His great Love and cry for joy!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">With lifted hands, praise Him for His salvation! <i>Jesus is Lord -- Jesus ONLY!</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-66990874838903748822023-01-04T12:24:00.018-05:002023-01-04T12:32:03.173-05:00Greater Joy<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You have given me greater joy</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Psalm 4.7 NLT</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p>A new year is underway. Folks are regrouping, redetermining, and refocusing. Lists are made, goals are set, dreams are finding their way from intangible to hopefully tangible steps of accomplishment.</p><p>I am a list maker. A dreamer. A goal setter. All of this is more than fine and good in my world. It is pretty much a necessary aspect of careful living and successful attainment. (I say pretty much because with God all things are SO POSSIBLE!!!)</p><p>Every January finds us reviewing the previous year's successes and failures. We adjust, clean out, add to, always attempting to improve the success/failure ratio.</p><p>Here's one thing I KNOW, I LIVE, I EXPERIENCE <u>every single year:</u></p><p> Jesus -- <i>JESUS</i> -- gives greater joy than even 100% success! </p><p>Knowing Him, walking with Him in His ways, having His presence in my life BY FAR supersedes -- BY FAR -- any list I've ever made, even with items checked off! Even with abundant harvests!</p><p>Time plunders. Years ravage the moments. That harvest spoils; that pleasure fades. Another list is always needed, another success, another accolade, another pat on the back. But the GREATER JOY found in Him is always available. </p><p>Give your heart to Jesus without reserve, without condition. Trust Him for forgiveness, cleansing, and salvation. GREATER JOY than what this life offers will be yours!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-71562143989932111672022-12-30T15:30:00.046-05:002022-12-30T15:52:12.387-05:00Transitory<p>A gift is given. Accolades are shared. </p><p><span> </span><span> </span>Warm and genuine. </p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Even profound and precious.</p><p>The moment descends upon you, bringing a warm smile. </p><p><span> </span><span> </span>And, too, a responsive tear. </p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>You will cherish these words, this gift, for years to come.</p><p>In an instant your world is joy-filled,</p><p><span> </span><span> y</span>our world is happy.</p><p>Weeks later a tangible reminder is stumbled upon, </p><p><span> </span><span> </span>handled and touched, </p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>and you smile all over again.</p><p>You realize that as quickly as the moment descended it also disappeared, </p><p><span> <span> </span></span>as all moments are wont to do, </p><p><span> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></span>relegated to a memory file somewhere </p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>to be jostled to recollection from time to time. </p><p>Gone. Over. Completed.</p><p>Stirred by a piece of wrapping paper, </p><p><span> </span><span> </span>a reference made, </p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>even the gift itself, </p><p><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>pleasant recollections bring again a smile. </p><p>And, often enough, a wistful tear, </p><p><span> </span><span> </span>knowing the moment has passed, </p><p><span> <span> <span> </span><span> </span></span></span>as all moments are wont to do.</p>Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-37388898600455286952022-12-21T08:35:00.001-05:002022-12-21T08:35:44.327-05:00Thankful Hearts<p style="text-align: center;"> <i>Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Psalm 50.14 NLT</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Psalm 19.7</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Psalm 50 calls the Christian to bring to God thanksgiving. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Here is an instruction that academic communities have studied, measured, and categorized. The results of cultivating appreciation have proven to be enormously positive. As a result medical researchers have developed exercises to foster true appreciation. The clear, consistent benefits discovered as a result of practicing of thanksgiving are bountiful.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Amazing. God's Word is true! </p><p style="text-align: left;">While I am always thrilled that studies underscore the benefits of God's Word, how much more thankful I am for the WORD itself! For untold generations Christians have trusted His Word and practiced thankfulness <i>without</i> the studies from Harvard or Berkeley. We are a blessed people! We walk in truth because of His great goodness and are not left waiting for scientific studies to catch up!</p><p style="text-align: left;">Thanksgiving is a wonderful thing. Bring a sacrifice of thanksgiving to Him - <i>every day, all day</i>. </p><p style="text-align: left;">His heart in this instruction is to see His people prospering and blessed. It isn't for Him, it is for us. We are His absolute delight. </p><p style="text-align: left;">He is not in <i>need</i> of our thanksgiving. He is not lacking without it. His ego does not require it. He is thoroughly deserving of it and our hearts turned toward Him is a delight to Him. But the practice of maintaining a thankful heart is of great benefit to us, His beloved. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Our good is always at the heart of His instruction. Such instruction is not merely to benefit Him, but us. He loves us continually, always, in every way, in every instruction. </p><p style="text-align: left;">We serve a God whose care and concern for us is boundless. If you're wondering where to start, how to bring a sacrifice of thankfulness, just begin right there. Today.</p>Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-1422240699189991312022-12-19T23:34:00.013-05:002022-12-20T06:12:24.482-05:00Soul Revival: His Instructions<p style="text-align: center;"> <i>Psalm 19.7 </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">My soul has been weary as of late. More than just a bit tired, achy, and bruised. Sad. Just worn down. And very sore.</p><p style="text-align: left;">So, like a sweet, tender, fragrant balm were those words. <i>The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.</i> And immediately upon reading such promise came to mind this clear instruction from His Word:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice! </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Phil. 4.4</i> </p><p style="text-align: left;">And just as immediately an inner smile tugged at me, but then my face crumpled as tender emotion flooded my sad, weary, bruised soul. He loves me and is caring for me, bringing revival even through His profoundly simple instruction.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The instruction to rejoice is not intended as a heavy burden, a cumbersome or difficult act of obedience. I knew instantly His heart of love that longed for me to have joy. Deep joy. His genuine concern for my well being and the health of my soul was at the heart of that very instruction. It is at the heart of every instruction.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Psalm 19 served as a reminder and clarification. <i>His instruction is perfect, reviving a weary, broken soul like mine.</i></p><p style="text-align: left;">Do you need revival today? Look to His instruction; trust and obey. There is balm to be found, sweet, tender, and fragrant. It will restore and revive your wounded, aching, tired soul like nothing else can.</p>Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-13848398961533271432022-12-18T06:06:00.011-05:002022-12-18T06:16:22.009-05:00Skilled Craftsmen Entrusted with Vision<p>My heart leapt a bit this morning as I read Exodus 31. In this passage, the Lord is hand selecting two artisans, skilled and equipped with expertise. </p><p>Why? Because He had commanded Moses to build the Tabernacle, the Ark, all of the furnishings, the beautiful priestly garments, the incense and altar - all with clear and precise instructions. And God had given ability and skills to these two individuals to get the job done.</p><p>I googled (such a new verb -- is it even fully acceptable and if so, should it be capitalized?) these differnt items and found numerous images of each. All of the depictions I discovered included the various detailed instruction and yet none of them were exactly the same! I found myself asking, "Which one looks exactly like what God was envisioning? Is it possible none are?" (Or perhaps they all are, given that God is not limited as we are.) </p><p>I concluded this: I am confident that He delights in our creativity. It does not frustrate Him nor does it worry Him. It delights Him.</p><p>Art and its creation is a fascinating thing. As each individual is unique, so is the art they create, even when given the same exact descriptive instruction.</p><p>If you tell ten musicians to take a specific melody and harmonize it in the style of Bach it will result in ten different pieces, even when they all fulfill the required instructions.</p><p>When ten high school students are asked to write 4-5 paragraphs in the style of Dylan Thomas telling a story from their childhood, you have ten very individual stories.</p><p>Give ten different actors the very same script and ask them to prepare it for performance. You will be treated to ten various interpretations of that writing.</p><p>Ten graphic artists, when given the exact same task, will bring forth ten unique designs, each including the requirements.</p><p>And if you've watched American Idol, you know that every singer has their own rendering of any given song.</p><p>We are all so unique, so individual, so "made in His image" and the arts makes that clear. </p><p>Interesting -- and possibly frustrating if we don't anticipate correctly -- that vision or imaginings in our own mind's eye, when imparted with detailed instruction, will be borne in a way unique to that individual.</p><p>A song is a great example of a creator's imagination (or vision) carefully written out with detailed instruction even down to the smallest nuance at times, and yet, each individual performance is unique. I wonder what Paul McCartney thinks of the many renditions of his beautiful song, <i>Yesterday. </i>Surely some bring a smile of pleasure and others make him groan a bit. </p><p>Did those craftsmen I read about in Exodus, selected and chosen by God Himself, create exactly what God had envisioned in His mind? Or in fulfilling the instruction did their creation somehow reveal a unique interpretation of that instruction? I am confident that if the instruction was heeded God was pleased, even if the finished garment or statue didn't look exactly like His imagined design. </p><p>In Exodus we learn something about the Master Creator. God entrusted specific design ideas and even detailed instruction to skilled craftsmen. Their final interpretation would be unique to them, but He delighted in that. </p><p>He still does.</p><p><br /></p>Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-39492701300833463152022-11-29T09:25:00.014-05:002022-11-29T09:32:09.713-05:00Submission -- Thy Will Be Done<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small; font-style: italic;">"Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Yet I want your will, not mine.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small; font-style: italic;">"</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small; font-style: italic;">Luke 22:42</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="post-body" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><div style="line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><div class="post-body" style="line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em;"><p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small;">We face daily opportunities to yield our wills and lay down our lives in countless ways. However, there are some encounters so significant - </span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small;">when the choice to yield is so challenged and death so distasteful </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small;">- that the altars of sacrifice will forever be reminders of His loving Lordship. You see, He never forces that death; He looks for willing sacrifice.</span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small;">In my past I had two such altars of remembrance, encounters when giving up my will to His was a prolonged, incredibly agonizing wrestling match. In time I erected a third. There may be more yet to come.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small;">Often enough our wills are firmly set, our minds are deeply entrenched in a certain paradigm, and we have set our hearts in that direction. And if that will or mindset is in any way contrary to His, He will ask for it. It is then that we must take up our cross and follow.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small;">It is mercy revealed that would challenge us to lay down our wills. If left to our own desires, they would ultimately result in the death that all flesh knows. He gives us the opportunity to lay down our wills, sacrifice those desires, and put them to death at the altar, thereby receiving His life-giving will in return.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small;">In these encounters, the arduous wrestling with my will was agonizing. I was wondering if it could be a sincere yielding when accompanied with such pain. Could I truly declare with the Lord, "I </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small; font-style: italic;">delight</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small;"> to do thy will, Oh my God"? This was far from delightful. This was an obstinate display of self-will. Not pretty in any way.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small;">I found myself in church one day singing these words about my Lord, "...whose obedience shows the way for me." And I immediately recalled the Garden of Gethsemane. His yielding was not accompanied with jumps of joy and cartwheels. Instead He brought to the altar blood, sweat, and tears. I could relate. This was a supreme act of will, a laying down of a fleshly will for the lifting up of a purer will, God's will. And He showed us how. We must lay it all at His feet and say, "Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done."</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small;">The enactment itself is simple - a child could do it. But sincere commitment to obedience is, at times, wrought with pain and suffering. Death is not always easy. But the fruit it yields is abundant life.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small;">At those erected altars in my life there has been no outward display of emotional joy -- no cartwheels, no exultant shouts of "Hooray!" But the relinquishing of my will for His brought an inward delight that came springing forth with abundance, bubbling up from that eternal fount found within all who are His. This encountering of death, this cross, could only result in tremendous life and fruit! As I truly yielded, a glad sigh of "<i>It is finished"</i> flooded my being with hope once more. His will would reign supreme again. Could there possibly be anything better?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Psalm 40:8 I delight to do thy will, Oh my God!</span></p></div></div></div>Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-16814697568670848542022-11-26T07:41:00.003-05:002022-11-26T07:44:04.047-05:00Dusting It Off; But Where Shall We Go? And Do I Really Need To Know?<p> A new year, 2023, is nearly upon us. And here I am revisiting this blog. I think I need to write again.</p><p>I probably need someone to show me how to include photos so I can be a bit more current, though painting word pictures has always been a delight for me. Still, one must keep abreast of current interests!</p><p>The sense of a new season opening before me has been on the horizon for years now. And I suppose oversight of The Arts Program of NNY for the past five years was certainly a new endeavor. But here comes 2023. I will be handing that ministry position over to Calvin and Shannon Brown, such capable and Godly young visioneers. And so I find myself in the midst of change once again.</p><p>Life is like that it seems. </p><p>My Mom and Dad are facing change constantly, but at times resistant. They are tired of the change. They are less supple. My Mom especially wants the past to circle around once again. I get it. Boy, do I. And I thank the Lord for these extended years with them. I hope she knows how thankful we are!</p><p>But Lord, I want to be serving You in the moment, not missing the "here and nowness" of Your plan and purpose by longing for what it was yesterday. I want to change, evolve, form to Your will, even in these years. These later years.</p><p>Then again, who knows -- these may not be the later years should You tarry and I live long. Maybe this is just the middle! And maybe it's later than I think! Who can say? I stand in awe of You and trust You completely with the plan. Thank You for such faithfulness to me.</p><p>So, I begin here, at this little blog spot. I will stir up the creative thought process. I will determine to think and find words for those thoughts. If you should find yourself visiting, hopefully it will bless you!</p><p>With 2023 beginning to peek at us from the other side of the calendar, let's rejoice in the knowledge that even this coming year is His domain. He rules and reigns over time and place, over all things in every sphere. </p><p>And He's not afraid. He's not unsure. He's not wondering what to do. Let's just ask and wait on Him!</p><p>With that thought, a new calendar year, the passing of all that I've experienced heretofore, and the embracing with certainty that which is to come suddenly are more than okay -- they are <i>filled to overflowing</i> with the wonder of His grace and power and love!</p><p>Serving Him is a marvel indeed!</p>Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-64569995613839782052020-11-01T07:47:00.011-05:002020-11-02T21:38:22.206-05:00Fall 2020 Notes<p> A few thoughts from my fall thus far:<br /><br />Covid-19 brings twists and turns to routine living, some welcome, some not. My natural proclivity towards laziness and homebody-ness is NOT benefitted by Covid-19 protocols. Even the simplest of outings seems monumental in effort. I can count on my hand the number of times I've been in a grocery store since this all began. (Well, slight exaggeration, but the number is nonetheless small. Too small, in fact. I've been lazy, sending my son in my stead too many times. Thank you, Merrick.)</p><p>On the other hand, my implacable desire to guide other people in making music forced me to find a new venue, my usual ventures in theater being curtailed (altogether eliminated would be a more accurate assessment). Therefore I dreamed and schemed a way to make music with some folks who are so inclined. Setting up an 8 week session of private coaching to culminate in a small recital, I currently have fifteen students participating in weekly lessons at my home. When we share the fruit of our labors in recital fashion we will be socially distanced with all solo singers 12' away from the audience. And in a private setting, mind you. Taking care to honor protocol and yet make music, mind you. This is perfection!</p><p>On another front, two years in and apartment living continues to bring delight and adjustment. I love this space! What a lovely way to do life, with numerous and generous windows creating such an open airy view! And easy to clean. (So why, I often ask myself, are the tables currently dusty and the games still out of place? Ah, another tribute to my lazy tendencies. Oh, wait, let me attribute such things to "other priorities". Ha!!!)</p><p>Simultaneously, I seem to miss the gardens. Or do I miss the energy I had to keep the gardens? I double check myself, knowing that it was a chore just to water my flower boxes outside the front door this summer. Something has changed. Is it my interests? My energy? Whatever it is, I settle into the awareness that this seems to be a time to refocus whatever energy it is I have in other directions. And so, I go with it.</p><p>We thought we would be traveling. But Covid. And I thought we would be writing and reading and studying. But Covid. </p><p>Covid has limited and constrained. Covid has demanded and pressed us in new directions. As has age and aging.</p><p>And in it all, I trust Him to use our time, energy, talent, resourcefulness and creativity to serve Him today, here and now, in the midst of Covid and aging, national turmoil and strife, unsure routines, plans and the need to be flexible with plans. In it all and through it all He is building His kingdom. That is all I want to know. That is all I need to know. </p><p>Finding Him. And being found by Him, our ever present Father.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-25076728356371953352020-09-02T08:18:00.009-05:002020-09-03T07:04:12.942-05:00Yielding Life to Him<p> I was recently reading through past posts. Chuckling over some, dismissing others as neither charming nor insightful. </p><p>And finding fresh inspiration in those revealing His faithful work in my life.<br /><br />I'm realizing a theme, a life message if you will, and it is this: God, in His faithfulness to me, deals a death blow to my aberrant will and misguided desire time and time again until more and more of who I am becomes yielded to his Glorious Reign. </p><p>There are the daily regular times of submission, of yielding, of honoring Him above myself -- the mundane choosing to share my toast with a little one, to wash the dishes one more time, to happily make a meal for the visitor. Take note: I speak as though these are trivial choices, mundane as they are. But do not be deceived, for indeed it is the exercise and practice of giving oneself to death in the small thing that enables you to take on that same cross in those times when it looms larger than life itself. For indeed, some of His requests loom very large indeed, and you sense that your very identity is at stake.</p><p>It is then that the shadow of that cross overwhelms. You run. You tremble with fear and anger, wrestling with self-will as you battle within against His will which seems contrary to your deepest identity. You want to hide from that shadow, but love for Him draws you relentlessly. </p><p>At long last you bow before the cross, saying yes to Him, yielding your heart and your life. </p><p>And it comes. The death blow is deep, cutting into the inner most part of your being. Intense pain crushes you. Ineffable anguish floods your being and you are lost, engulfed in transcendent agony.</p><p>In the yielding, you are somehow sensible of the surreal rendering asunder of your being as your heart is removed and lifted by the Spirit's hands; a scalpel cuts, removing the aberrant will, your very being, your identity. Deep, intense, crippling pain ensues. You bleed long as your very life is slowly drained away.</p><p>And there you lie. Lifeless. Broken. Useless it seems. The ache reverberates and throbs. It is beyond words. You are breathless and without any other feeling. </p><p>But you have given yourself to Him. You are His. More His than ever before.</p><p>His life begins to flow in, restoring you. Fresh vitality is yours with a heart made new. His reign has taken its rightful place; His will in place your own. </p><p>We must decrease. He must increase. Daily. Incrementally. And even to the very core of our beings. </p><p>Our identity lost to His. Our life in exchange for divine life. <br /></p><p><br /></p>Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-28461855732802953272020-05-02T05:38:00.000-05:002020-05-02T06:08:39.502-05:00Share the SufferingThe Gospel of Peace. The Gospel of Reconciliation.<br />
<br />
Who would have thought such a Gospel would bring suffering and division? Our carnal thinking says it wouldn't. Our natural inclination, when confronted with suffering because of the Gospel, is to assume we've done something wrong.<br />
<br />
Certainly the enemy and the world all around us is happy to jump on that band wagon. It is a common cry and judgment amongst those who don't believe His Word. "This isn't love!" "You call yourself a Christian? Those words aren't loving!" "If this was truly God's plan it would not have resulted in such public outcry, in such strife. He is the bringer of peace, remember!"<br />
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As of late I've been reading through several of Paul's letters. Paul? Oh, let me clarify: the Apostle Paul, writer of much of the New Testament. Esteemed teacher and leader. The one who boldly declared (and through the Living Word declares still today), "Imitate me as I imitate Christ."<br />
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<i>Share in the suffering, he says. I, Paul, am imprisoned. But don't be ashamed of me, rather be bold and look for God's strength so you yourself might face affliction for the sake of the Gospel. </i><br />
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This is not the suffering of sickness, poverty, or sentimental disappointment, though those are all real enough. Paul is talking about persecution and affliction <i>because of the Gospel.</i><br />
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It is true. This is the Gospel of Peace. But let's be clear. It is the Gospel of Peace with God. Once we have partnered in this covenant of peace and reconciliation with God, we become His -- His own people.<br />
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Simply put, those at enmity with God are now at enmity with us as well.<br />
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So let us hear Paul and wake up. There will be affliction and suffering for those who declare the truth of the Gospel. Stop dreaming and drinking the Kool-Aid. There is no Utopia and there will be no Utopian world culture. We will never evolve into sinless creatures. Ever. No matter how long this earth exists, man will always have sin. And sin is the basis of enmity with God. A covenant that removes sin allows us to be friends living in peace with God, but those who cling to sin remain in enmity.<br />
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Are we called to be peace makers? Yes. But can we make peace between the enemies of God and ourselves? We have only one means to do so: the preaching of the Gospel of Christ, the Prince of Peace. The outcome of that preaching is not in our hands. Through that preaching many others will enter into peace with God. With them we must learn to live in peace. But it is through that same preaching that we will find ourselves at enmity with those who cling to sin and are contrary to God. It is inevitable. The Word guarantees it to be so.<br />
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Again, let us hear Paul who wrote again and again, exhorting the church to share in the suffering he himself experienced.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. 1 Timothy 1:8</i></blockquote>
<br />Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-2662152977125924212020-04-12T07:07:00.000-05:002020-04-12T07:22:41.767-05:00Joy That LastsIt's Easter today. A joyous day <i>always</i>.<br />
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Today that deep joy, the kind that anchors your soul, is my portion. It isn't readily felt; no giddiness, no somersaults, no sunny day happiness. But I search through the weightiness of a heavy heart, the blue feelings I am carrying to find it holding me steady, keeping me moored in the midst of this trying season.<br />
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Quarantine aside, it is a challenging season. Add a quarantine and one could feel pretty disoriented.<br />
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And I most certainly do,<br />
But for abiding joy,<br />
Joy that is the strength of my life.<br />
I am kept, I am not moved.<br />
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Jesus Christ the risen Savior <i>is</i> my joy. Forevermore.<br />
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<br />Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-19127891443813411032020-04-07T19:58:00.001-05:002020-04-07T20:00:25.008-05:00It Ain't Over Yet<br />
My heart is aching a bit tonight. Life is oftentimes long and hard. Well, often enough at any rate, often enough.<br />
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How is it we can be so far along in years having had so much practice and still make the same mistakes we've made so many times before?<br />
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And how is it that we are still so readily undone by careless words, and even more, how is it we then recompence with harsh accusation, leaving our opposition floundering in a wake of bitter contention.<br />
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Human relationships require so much care, so much maintenance, so much effort. Spouses, children, siblings, friends, neighbors -- every single one, if you spend much time together, will bring you to a point of tension now and then. It appears to be confrontation with another person, but honestly, if we step back and look elsewhere, it is an opportunity to confront something even more personal, something deep within ourselves.<br />
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Ask Him to show you. He will help you understand. Whenever we respond poorly, there's something to be found. The list of possibilities is long:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Pride.<br />
Bitterness.<br />
Unforgiveness.<br />
Self-centeredness masquerading as insecurity.<br />
Unkindness.<br />
Jealous envy.<br />
Strife.</blockquote>
Oh, the list is long. Much longer even than that.<br />
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You may have been wronged. True enough. But this isn't about getting "even Steven" (and poor Steven, how did he get stuck in that saying?) This is an opportunity to discover something about yourself and your need for God's cleansing and empowerment. That other person in this equation matters, too. They have their own need for God. And you both will need to do some housekeeping, some maintenance, to get that relationship back on track. That is very true and must be tended to.<br />
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But first, take care of your stuff. Go to God and straighten it out. <i>That confrontation was for you</i>. A rough edge needs to be smoothed. A sin needs to come to light.<br />
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So here I am, learning afresh that it's not over till it's over. Even if you've been at it for years and years, the smoothing continues and stuff is still coming to the light. And that's good. His goodness.<br />
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Why? Because we are being conformed to His glorious image. And because we serve a faithful, loving Father who is accomplishing that very thing in us. That's why.Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-70596607092991973392020-03-25T02:21:00.001-05:002020-03-25T02:25:38.020-05:00They Must Not Know This Man Called JesusUp early.<br />
Praying for loved ones.<br />
Especially for those dear friends and family who do not call Jesus Lord<i> </i>and know Him as friend.<br />
Praying Scripture on their behalf.<br />
Specifically, Ephesians 3:14-19:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.</i></div>
<i style="text-align: center;"><i>I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being , so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.</i></i><i></i><br />
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</i></blockquote>
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<i style="text-align: center;"><b>And I pray that you,</b> being rooted and established in love, <b>may have power</b>, together with all the Lord's holy people,</i> </blockquote>
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<i><b>to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, </b></i></blockquote>
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<i>and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. </i></blockquote>
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When my children were young they listened to a musical about Easter called <i>Little Tree. </i>My daughter Brietta would often sing a song from that musical with the following lyrics. The character from Little Tree is puzzled and wonders how it is that people could treat Jesus cruelly and mock Him. At last comes this realization:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>If they had known Him like I do,<br />If they had felt His gentle touch<br />If they'd only seen the love in His eyes.<br />Well, I hope some day they will, and like me they'll understand<br />What it is to know this man called Jesus...Jesus...<br /><b>Oh, they must not know this man called Jesus.</b></i></span></blockquote>
And so today I pray that many might have the power to comprehend, to have knowledge of,<br />
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<b><i>to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.</i></b> </div>
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I pray that they might know this man called Jesus.<br />
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<br />Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-69205346048802151522020-03-20T08:54:00.001-05:002020-03-20T08:54:44.605-05:00Be Still And Know, Pt. 2<div style="text-align: center;">
"Be still, and know that I <i>am</i> God;</div>
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I will be exalted among the nations,</div>
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I will be exalted in the earth!"</div>
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~ Psalm 46 ~</div>
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Be still, stop your fighting, cease striving, desist -- and know, recognize, perceive, understand that I am, <i>am </i>God. </div>
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"I, even I, <i>am </i>the Lord,</div>
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And besides Me there is no savior."</div>
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~ Isaiah 43 ~</div>
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Plainly stated by the Lord of hosts: I -- I AM the Lord. There is NO OTHER deliverer, NO OTHER savior. </div>
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And I can say only this. We would do well to remember who He is. We should humbly acknowledge that He is God and not we ourselves.</div>
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Oh, and what a God He has proven to be -- a God of power and gentleness, purity and mercy, faithful and never-changing, with arms always open to those who come to Him with a humble heart. </div>
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But oh, the proud He resists. He will not be <i>less than</i> God because the Lord <i>is </i>who He <i>is. </i>He must be true to Himself. He must be God, He must be Holy, He must endure forever and ever.<br /><br />So He made a way for us who are unholy in our own ways, ever bickering over our own ideas, to be made holy and learn holy ways. Humbly ask Him and He will show you Jesus. </div>
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Once again, He calls: </div>
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Stop fighting! Stop pushing your own selfish ideas!</div>
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Cease to strive against one another and against Me!</div>
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"BE STILL and PERCEIVE that I <i>am </i>God."</div>
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Watch and <i>see</i>. He WILL BE exalted in the earth!</div>
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Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-60427887319695669312020-03-13T08:03:00.000-05:002020-03-13T08:39:23.535-05:00Be Still And Know<div>
Our God is reigning. Be still and know. Be still. Do not panic.<br />
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<b>panic - </b>sudden overwhelming fear, <i>with or without cause</i>, that produces hysterical or <i>irrational behavior</i>, and that often spreads quickly through a group of persons or animals.</div>
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God's people never need to panic. Indeed, <i>with or without cause,</i> we should not panic. Here is why:</div>
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<dd><span style="background-color: white;">God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.</span></dd><dd><span style="background-color: white;">Therefore <i>we will not fear</i>, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,</span></dd><dd><span style="background-color: white;">though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.</span></dd><dd><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></dd><dd><span style="background-color: white;">There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.</span></dd><dd><span style="background-color: white;"><i>God is within her, she will not fall</i>; God will help her at break of day.</span></dd><dd><span style="background-color: white;">Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.</span></dd><dd><span style="background-color: white;">The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.</span></dd><dd><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></dd><dd><span style="background-color: white;">Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth.</span></dd><dd><span style="background-color: white;">He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.</span></dd><dd><span style="background-color: white;"><i>"Be still, and know that I am God</i>; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."</span></dd><dd><span style="background-color: white;">The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. ~ Psalm 46</span></dd></div>
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I was just praying with my husband yesterday about the trials this world is facing (and indeed the whole of this globe is facing the impact of covid-19) and we were agreeing with scripture: this is the time for the Church to display the perfect peace we have in Him. The world NEEDS to see us demonstrate that we are in perfect peace. Not in perfect panic (a bit of an oxymoron there!) Humanity will naturally find the panic mode; it is as natural as natural can be. But perfect peace is only from God. The world needs peace right now because the world needs God.</div>
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Grief and fear are all around. It is true, this is a devastating situation. There is plenty of real cause today, March 13, 2020 for panic, genuine cause. But for Christians there is an even more real, genuine cause for perfect peace.</div>
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Should we still take care, have concern, make provision for avoiding sickness and the resulting outcome of a pandemic? Of course we should! But <i>panic</i> does not conflate with pro-active precautions. Panic is not <i>reasonable </i>response. It is <i>irrational</i> behavior. And as Christians we should carry peace in our hearts to offer others in every place we go, every situation we encounter. In the aisles of the grocery store, at the counter of our pharmacies, in the schools and places of business, bring peace.</div>
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I am grieving with those who have already been sorely impacted by this pandemic. Yet, strange as it seems, I am also rejoicing in the midst of this because I absolutely believe God is with us. And I also whole-heartedly believe that He is on the move. I am praying that His name will be glorified. How wonderful and confounding. And I want to be a part of that. </div>
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I absolutely do NOT wholly understand all of the WHY for this. I absolutely do NOT wholly understand all of WHAT the outcome will be. But I absolutely DO wholly understand that He works ALL things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.</div>
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So please - <i>do </i>be wise. Look ahead. Use precaution in thinking of how to care for yourself, the vessel of God, and how to care for <i>everyone</i> around you. Quarantine when prudent, follow known safety procedures, get provisions to use and to generously share. But do so in perfect peace, led by His Holy Spirit to then lead others in finding such peace.</div>
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And above all, take time to be still and know that He is God. Forever and always.<br />
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May He be glorified. May we honor Him in even this. And may many many people find His peace in the midst of this world of tribulation.</div>
Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-82227063792518959522020-03-06T11:06:00.001-05:002020-03-06T11:15:10.959-05:00Philippians 2:3 - Such Simple Words, Such Profound Truth<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.4px;"><i>Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. </i></span></span><span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.4px;"><i>~~ </i>NKJV</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.4px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.4px;">Or to put it in other words:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.4px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.4px;"><i>Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. ~~ </i>NIV</span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">I was glad to read both translations this morning. Well, sort of glad. Because...*sigh*...it sure sounds like death to me.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.4px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.4px;">More dying to self. More visits to the altar to lay down my life as a sacrifice, to let go of my fleshly desires and dreams.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.4px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.4px;">My, this seems to happen so often when I read the Word. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.4px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.4px;">Oh, yeah! Duh!!! I almost forgot. It's a daily thing. Like...as in...<i>everyday </i>kind of daily. <i>That </i>often. <i>That </i>kind of daily. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.4px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.4px;">In case you forgot or hadn't heard yet:</span></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;"><i>Then he [Jesus] said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross <b>daily</b>, and follow me."</i></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans serif"; font-size: 14.4px;">So this morning I read those opening words, "<i>let nothing", </i>and I sensed it happening. The Bible has a way of piercing asunder. (Wait, that's in there too, isn't it! He told us that Scripture would do that - that it would find us out and reveal our innermost motives. Why am I surprised when it meddles, when it challenges?) </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans serif"; font-size: 14.4px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans serif"; font-size: 14.4px;">So there it was. I am to let NOTHING be done out of selfishness or conceit. NO THING. Not one. Nada. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans serif"; font-size: 14.4px;">Gotta hand it to Him. He doesn't mince words. Doesn't give the soft pitch. Throws the hard ball. And that's okay for several reasons undoubtedly, but a few come immediately to mind. </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">We need to be ready to repent often. So He tells it like it is. And that keeps us humble and in need, right?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">We realize, "I can't do this, and won't do this, without the Holy Spirit." We need Him. Every hour.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">We are called to be like Him, to never stop pressing forward and longing for transformation.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">We realize He has great plans for us. This<i> is</i> His goal for us: to walk in His ways. He doesn't tell us to "do NO THING out of selfishness" because He wants to see us squirm. It is because He is there, ready and able to help us accomplish this very thing!!!</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">I learned this lesson a long time ago: Whenever I choose death to self, something so incredibly (that means unbelievably) much better than I ever imagined comes into existence.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #01103a; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , "sans" serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.4px;">So here I am, visiting the altar once again, knowing that something much better is in store when I let go of me so that He might have His way.</span></span></div>
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<br />Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-69032796862741585622020-03-01T07:43:00.000-05:002020-03-01T07:58:17.447-05:00A Welcomed Reminder"Be tender hearted."<br />
<br />
How I love a tender heart.<br />
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I am absolutely star-struck when I witness a tender heart. I succumb to adulation, am moved to admiration. I am challenged to do better myself. I long to emulate, imitate, and grow up to be like them.<br />
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Gentle and meek and humble, it is an aspect of brotherly love with which, when seen in action, I am smitten and enamored.<br />
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And God says we are called to this. He faithfully reminded me this very morning:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. <i>Be tenderhearted,</i> and keep a humble attitude. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. <i>That is what God has called you to do</i>, and He will bless you for it.</blockquote>
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It is His spoken will for us, His desire for His people. This is His heart and He longs for us to be like Him.<br />
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"Be tenderhearted."<br />
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Soft, malleable, breakable. The opposite of hardhearted.<br />
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Let us be moved with compassion for one another, even if insults have come our way, or unfair sentiments or disparaging words. Let us ask God to help us see the heart of those who spoke such words. What brokenness and hurt reside in that brother or sister? How should I pray for them? What words of hope and healing might I be privileged to speak in return not only to them but about them? How might I bless that damaged heart, how might I address the fear or sorrow revealed by such unkind words or nearsighted vision?<br />
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We can be vessels of grace, consolation, and comfort.<br />
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Tender hearted.Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-26323828422710013942020-01-21T19:18:00.000-05:002020-01-21T19:18:19.748-05:00Nothing New For MeI'm so done looking for the innovative, riveting, complex, and trendy new thought. Not that I was ever good at that. I actually am particularly NOT good at that.<br />
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And somehow I'm okay. Somehow I'm not feeling left behind. My simplicity is just alright with me.<br />
<br />
And so today and yesterday and the day before I found myself talking about the same ol' same ol'. Even so, tears filled my eyes, passion caught in my throat and pushed through the airways in a stream of joyous telling of that same ol' same ol'.<br />
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Jesus made men. Jesus made women. And when they marry they are husband and wife.<br />
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Some become fathers. Some become mothers. Some are given children to become the next generation of Kingdom dwellers.<br />
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And His Word tells us how it should work, laying out the perfect design for us to explore again and again. First with that one, and that one, and now with this one.<br />
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It is amazing truth. It is freeing truth. Because it is...truth. Simple, unadulterated truth.<br />
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Come to think about it, it is always innovative. Always riveting. Always complex. Rarely trendy.<br />
But always and forever it is Truth.<br />
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Available to the simple minded, the child, the master, the rich, and the poor. Powerful. Transformative.<br />
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Truth.Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-61852666792559866632020-01-09T23:08:00.001-05:002020-01-10T07:57:37.470-05:00Obedience, No Matter What<div style="text-align: center;">
Trust and obey, for there's no other way</div>
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To be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.</div>
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That's an old refrain from another day and time. The truth remains true (funny how truth is like that) but I'm not sure our understanding of those words is as clear.<br />
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<b>Obey</b> - to comply with or follow commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions<br />
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I get the feeling today that obedience in many if not most situations is subject to circumstance.</div>
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"But Mom, I couldn't do it because I got this text from a friend and had to..."</div>
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"I know the assignment was due today but last night I just wasn't feeling my best and..." </div>
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"My work shift was scheduled to start ten minutes ago but there was snow on the windshield and..."</div>
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With genuine incredulity we stand amazed as the boss, teacher, or mom cites that instruction was disregarded, commands ignored, requirements disparaged. Lucky us if that is the case. At least we are in the company of those who have a correct assessment of the value of obedience.</div>
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More often, unfortunately, we may actually be coddled and excused from the failure to comply or follow through. Apparently disobedience is too strong of a word, too harsh an accusation to levy on an employee, student, or child.<br />
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Oh, how we fail to understand. And oh, how we fail to instruct.</div>
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There is right and wrong.</div>
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There is wisdom and foolishness.</div>
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There is obedience and disobedience.</div>
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It is clear. God is not a trickster who delights in keeping us clueless. His Word teaches us the difference between right and wrong and to recognize disobedience.</div>
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Open the Word and learn. Then teach your children. Practice discipline as the deserved consequence to be expected. Demonstrate mercy as the generous alternative that is not deserved. </div>
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They will know the wrong of disobedience and the grateful heart of one who understands mercy.</div>
Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-37867585674605074522020-01-06T17:03:00.000-05:002020-01-06T17:03:11.200-05:00Tree Side SighsWe packed our luggage on New Year's Eve day and headed to Fredericksburg, VA. We just arrived home today from several days with Carina and her family. Up the long staircase I trudged with heavily laden arms, back to my world.<br />
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And our lighted Christmas tree greeted me. Window bays and tabletops still cheerily displayed familiar but out of time holiday decor. A bit of a time warp. Christmas was all put away and the New Year already welcomed in Fredericksburg but not here at 105 Main.<br />
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Bags were soon emptied. I intended to nap (it was a very early departure this morning.) But somehow I instead found myself obediently acknowledging the calendar. I began gathering decor for storage. Manger scenes, wreaths, snowmen and candles all were garnered on the dining room table for wrapping and boxing, evergreen boughs and holly stems tossed away. One trip, one handful at a time.<br />
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Until now. Now I sit next to the brightly lit tree, still soft and pliable and boasting treasured ornaments, glowing and filling the corner with colored light.<br />
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Sigh. Let me sit here. Let me enjoy this delight one more time. Have I even done this yet? Even once during December? I'm not sure that I did. Sigh.<br />
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Rick is resting. Merrick is at work. So I sit in the semi-silence of semi-darkness. Outside my windows, cars shuttle past on the way home from work as dusk falls.<br />
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But that is out there. Here, here by my tree I sit and sigh and stare.<br />
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You know what I'm learning?<br />
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Year by year I get a bit more reticent to let this season pass. There is never enough. It feels like I could use an eternity of days to just celebrate His goodness.<br />
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Sigh. What a good good, good good plan that is.Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-5913892004295285892019-12-30T23:20:00.003-05:002019-12-30T23:20:55.603-05:00If At First You Succeed, Do It AgainI directed my first large scale adult community theater production. I think it was really terrific.<br />
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Just might do something like that again.<br />
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<br />Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-71202435262295117012019-10-23T06:08:00.000-05:002019-10-23T06:48:09.623-05:00Let It BePacking the final boxes and bins at Mom and Dad's home. They've moved to a smaller apartment and downsizing is happening once again. And touching those precious items that stir memories and emotions is happening once again as well.<br />
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My mom had asked about her cedar chest, the wedding gift from her mom and dad years ago (how many? So many...) She knew there would be no room for it in their new home so I had already stored it away. I promised that it would stay in the family one way or another - at least in my lifetime.<br />
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"I just want to see those things one more time." So we dutifully brought some tangible memories to her for a final inspection.<br />
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Browned, fragile shopping bags from Sibley's (a once-upon-a-time premier department store in Rochester) housed her yellowed wedding dress and veil. She touched the fabric once more as I looked over her shoulder. "My mother made this for me by hand." I looked at the tiny stitches and marveled. My grandmother - the one who watched me as a preschooler, the one I watched as she fell to her knees in pain with her first heart attack, the one who wrapped her arm around me to comfort and assure me of my worth and her love, the one who always put a fresh molasses cookie in my right hand and another in my left hand as I asked, "One for my twin brother Darryl?" - that same grandmother had held this delicate fabric in her very own hands, carefully moving the needle in and out as she crafted a beautiful gown for her only daughter.<br />
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"Only it was white!" my mother remarked with such surprise.<br />
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"It is truly antique white now," I replied with a smile, genuinely appreciative and in awe of what time does. Always does.<br />
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That day a folding chair was brought into Daddy's "man cave" so he could sit as we sorted his seemingly endless stack of CDs. Daddy bravely faces time, knowing that these are somewhat obsolete in many ways, already becoming passé. He acknowledged that they would not be treasure to many.<br />
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I looked over his shoulder at his shelf filled with literally dozens of complete opera scores. Immediately my mind's eye recalled him sitting in his easy chair with a score on his lap, singing along as his state-of-the-art stereo filled the room with the music of Puccini, Verdi, Menotti. Rarely Mozart. He was never a real fan of Mozart's operas.<br />
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Today I folded that chair for storage and the room is empty. My eyes filled with tears. The season of this room belonging to him is past.<br />
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Time leaves its mark. I see it everyday on my face. I see it in my hair. My body feels the mark of it in joints that are aging.<br />
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My folks are now settled in a new, smaller place. They've managed to bring many treasures with them, for which I'm glad. And they left many behind for me to continue sorting.<br />
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I'm discovering faded 1950 Valentine's cards signed by my grandparents and sent to their daughter who was away at school, birthday cards inscribed with my Dad's familiar writing "Ken and the kids".<br />
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Photos of Daddy as a little boy in times and places long ago and far away.<br />
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Broken Christmas baubles and a somewhat crumpled Easter bonnet purchased at said Sibleys in 1962, with the original receipt in the box (note: $15 in 1962 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $124.72 in 2018.) That Easter bonnet was well recollected by me as a prize possession of Mom's for many years (for a Depression Era baby that was one huge investment!) Over the years I have found it repeatedly, carefully tucked away in its box, surviving every move...until now.<br />
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Time has had its way every where I look. Faded. Musty. Crumbling.<br />
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And as more time passes we add another word. Irrelevant. How many photos do I find at auctions, saved for decades in a box in the attic only to be viewed by me, a stranger wondering who this might have been and what they were named?<br />
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God has a better plan. Eternity. Never ending joy in His presence. Forever and ever.<br />
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And to that I say, Amen. Oh, let it be, let it be.<br />
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<br />Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11209821.post-31698535293190171662019-08-01T07:43:00.001-05:002019-08-01T07:43:12.499-05:00Days. And the End of those days. There are specific verses in the scriptures that cause me to ponder and contemplate.<br /><br />But there is a certain category of verses that stops me in my tracks without fail. Here is one example:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"So David rested with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David." 1 Kings 2.10</blockquote>
I have recently finished reading in 2 Samuel of all the mighty exploits of King David along with many trials and difficulties. Pages and pages. A long, full, accomplished life. It's taken me several days to read about all he did.<br />
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Similarly I read of Moses, or Joshua. Or Solomon, Paul.<br />
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And it is always the same.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord." Deuteronomy 34.5</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Now it came to pass after these things that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died... And they buried him within the border of his inheritance..." Joshua 24.29</blockquote>
Such verses never fail to give me pause. I stop short. I actually gasp - every time. It somehow catches me by surprise.<br />
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Not the fact of it. Rather the instant finality of it. All these pages telling of all their full-of-life deeds come crashing to a standstill with one word.<br />
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A man's entire life, his whole existence, his "being" STOPS. And no matter how it is prefaced, I find it to be abrupt; it is instant. It is a blink of an eye -- they are here and then...not.<br />
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That first verse quoted above gives an important perspective and piece of knowledge. David rested "with his fathers". This simple phrase clues us in: this has gone on for generations. This is not unique to David.<br />
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We all know that. At least I think we all know that. But how to grapple with such knowledge. What to do?<br />
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We can ignore it, push it aside, pretend it isn't so. And live in continuous "surprise".<br />
We can fill our lives with "doing", grab for all the gusto we can, stack up the accomplishments.<br />
We can savor each moment, commit it all to memory, build memorials and fill photo albums.<br />
We can exercise, use anti-aging creams, try to stretch the moments and make them last.<br />
We can spend our lives on religion, sacrifice for the good of others, gain accolades of sainthood.<br />
We can imagine that this life alone is worth living for along with all of its pain and sorrow, sin and failure, suffering and brokenness.<br />
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No matter. In the end, it will be the same for each one of us. One moment here, the next...not.<br />
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However greatly you live your life; whatever degree of wealth, fame, success you amass; no matter how much you are loved when you are gone -- there is nothing to be done about the finality of life here in this world. It is an end appointed to all. There will be one simple summation: he died.<br />
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One man has overcome death. Only One man. And He is willing to share that victory over death with anyone who will ask and accept.<br /><br />It seemed only right to tell you once again. He is the answer for the question: what to do?<br />
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Every time I stop short, gasp, and recall our days and the brevity of those days and the end of those days, I myself remember His great gift of eternal life. And I give thanks all over again.Darlene Sinclairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06647427156585793546noreply@blogger.com1