Take Up Something Positive for Lent!

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.”   Psalm 51:1

Next Wednesday, February 13, is Ash Wednesday, which begins Lent on the church calendar.  We are invited to remember the journey of Jesus to Jerusalem and to the cross. In thinking about Lent, one of my favorite flowers of the season is an evergreen plant called the Lenten Rose.  It bridges winter and spring in a way that no other perennial, bulb or tree, can.  In February, you can see new growth pushing up from the crown.  Within a week or two, the blooms are evident, fresh and bright, blooming until May.

This year for Lent I am going to find something positive that I can add to my daily routine.  Here are some ideas:

Ø  Do one act of random kindness every day.

Ø  Make a Lenten gratitude journal writing about one thing you are grateful for every day.

Ø  Pick one of your strengths and find a positive way to use it every day.

Ø  Contact a friend or loved one every day.  Use Lent to reconnect with people.

Ø  Read a Lenten devotion every day.

Ø  Find time to meditate every day. Ten to 15 minutes counts!

Ø  Do some form of exercise every day.  A brisk 20 minute walk helps to clear the cob-webs from your mind.

Ø  Get eight hours of restful sleep each night.

Ø  Eat three servings of vegetables and fruit each day. 

Ø  Turn everything off and learn to enjoy stillness and silence. You’ll be able to hear God’s whispers.

Glory to Thee, My God, This Night

All praise to Thee, my God, this night,
For all the blessings of the light!
Keep me, O keep me, King of kings,
Beneath Thine own almighty wings.

Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son,
The ill that I this day have done,
That with the world, myself, and Thee,
I, ere I sleep, at peace may be.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Ken Thomas, lyrics – Tallis Cannon, music

Prayer: Dear Lord, I know how much You love me.  It’s hard for me to feel it sometimes, but I know Your love is always with me.  Help me to use Your love as a way to persevere.  I am weak, but I know with Your help, I can use these small sacrifices in my life to draw closer to You. Amen       

As we walk this Lenten Journey together, I am, your friend, Mark David Jackson

Where Could I Go?

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him. “ Nahum 1:7 (NASB)

Have you had times in your life when you have felt all alone, when you have felt down?  In those times, we find out what our faith is really made of. Have there been times when you have felt so weak, that your body and heart aches?  Have you felt the pain of a broken heart and rejection?

Take heart, my beloved friend, God is your refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. 

In Isaiah 46:4, the Lord says, “I am He, who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and rescue you”. There comes a time in every one’s life, as difficult as it may be at these times, we learn to turn the page, and enter into a new chapter in our lives. When we do, we will find God right there to help us with every step we take.

On Sunday mornings growing up, Dad would turn on the gospel channel to hear the Wally Fowler Show as we got ready for church.  Of course, back then we only had two television channels (6 & 13) in Birmingham, with rabbit ears antenna sitting on top of the mahogany TV cabinet. Then on the way to church he would turn on WVOK or WAPI AM radio channel to listen to quartet music.  One of the songs I remember hearing is listed below.  There’s a truth that touches my heart in this old song.

Where Could I go?

 

Where could I go, oh where could I go,
Seeking a refuge for my soul?
Needing a friend to help me in the end,
Where could I go but to the Lord.

-J. B. Coats, 1940

 

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that we can always come to You with Your arms open wide to love and receive us as Your children.  Amen.

 

Your friend and fellow sojourner,

 

Mark David Jackson

Sojourners and Strangers

“For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were.  Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding.” I Chronicles 29: 15 (ESV)

“I am a sojourner in the earth:  Hide not thy commandments from me.” Psalm 119:19 (ASV)

The year, 2001; it’s September and warm in Birmingham.  I’m to leave flying to Des Moines, Iowa by way of Chicago for work. Then 9/11 happened, sending shock waves through our nation, state, city and world.  Flights were canceled.  We held prayer services all over the nation.  I rescheduled my flight to Des Moines for three weeks later.  When the Sunday afternoon arrived, it was in the low 70s in Birmingham.  I was flying into Chicago’s Midway Airport (smaller than Birmingham’s airport).  As we landed, the fly attendant said it was a sunny 29 degrees.  I saw ice and snow along the edge of the runways.  We landed with a bump and went all the way to the edge of the runway.  I thought we were going to hit the wall and held my breath until the plane gradually turned to the right to go to the terminal…looked just like the old Birmingham airport.  When we deplaned, there were masses of people and soldiers going three astride down the terminal hallways with long guns hanging on their sides almost to the floor.  It was full-alert time in Chicago.  It was a freighting experience.  I was a stranger here, a sojourner in route to Des Moines.  Then 45 minutes passed and they announced at our gate that we were to load a bus to get to our plane for Iowa.  We loaded and rode completely around the airport to the military side (like Birmingham’s) to a smaller two prop plan that carried about 25 people.  Two young guys in dark brown leather bomber jackets and ray-ban sun glasses went up the plane’s steps.  I thought, who in the world are they?  They were our pilots.  We loaded, had our gear stowed underneath the plane and proceeded to the runway for takeoff.  You couldn’t hear yourself think, the plane was so noisy from the props.  We lifted up into the Northern Illinois sky, looking at the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.  The sky was blue and cloudless.  The air was getting very cold, mid-20s now.  The sun was beginning to go down.  We had an hour and fifteen minute flight to Des Moines.  We hit rough air pockets.  The plane would drop several feet.  We couldn’t remove our seat belts.  The one flight attendant had to keep seated and belted in.  We were a bundle of nerves and then the sun went gradually down and we saw the runway lights to the Des Moines airport.  We had a bumpy landing, but arrived safely.  As we went down the steps of the plane and up the steps to the terminal, the air was blowing and brisk, so cold it burned your face and made your eyes watered.  After getting inside, again, there were soldiers everywhere. I’d never been to this strange city, didn’t know anyone, was by myself, was very cautious and concerned and yet, I was hopeful, because I knew God was with me.  After getting my suitcase, renting a car and getting a map to the hotel, I went out into the dark night air to get the car.  On the trip to the hotel, it was quite windy and there was lots of black-ice on the roadway.  I drove slowly and carefully.  Finally, after seven long hours from warm Birmingham, I was in mid-twenty weather, arriving at my destination.  Thank you Lord for Traveling Grace!

That week, taught me a lot about life, traveling, being hopeful, trusting God and also about being a stranger, sojourner and pilgrim in this life.  That week taught me a lot about faith overcoming fear.  That week taught me a lot about our nation’s safety and sometimes vulnerabilities we face in life.  After all, as my friend says, “Life happens!” So, all this being said, I remain hopeful, knowing that God is with us and will never leave us nor abandon us.  I remember that we are sojourners, strangers and pilgrims on our journey.  To me, that’s a refreshing thought and very freeing in my being and soul. 

I Am a Stranger Here

I am a stranger here, within a foreign land: My home is far away, upon a golden strand;

Ambassador to be of realms beyond the sea, I’m here on business for my King.

Refrain

This is the message that I bring, A message angels fain would sing:

“O be ye reconciled,” Thus saith my Lord and King, “Oh, be ye reconciled to God.”

 

My home is brighter far than Sharon’s rosy plain, Eternal life and joy throughout its vast domain;

My Sovereign bids me tell how mortals there may dwell, And that’s my business for my King.

-E. Taylor Cassel

Prayer: Dear Lord, as we sojourn in this life, thank You for leading us.  We feel Your Presence.  Amen.

As we travel this life alongside each other, I remain your friend, Mark David Jackson

The Journey Home

“I raise my eyes toward the mountains.  From whence shall come my help? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; or your guardian to sleep.  Behold, the guardian of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps. The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade at your right hand. By day the sun will not strike you, nor the moon by night. The LORD will guard you from all evil; he will guard your soul. The LORD will guard your coming and going both now and forever.” Psalm 121, A song of ascents.

It was Sunday afternoon, gloomy and rainy outside, after having a delicious meal with my sister and brother-in-law, Judi and Barry.  I had cooked throughout the weekend so that it would be easy to put together on Sunday.  I call it comfort food…meatloaf, little dried butter beans, broccoli salad, slaw, macaroni and cheese (with bow-tie pasta), thin crispy cornbread, with a side plate of pickled peaches, apple rings, okra and dills and Bartlett pears in their own juice for dessert.  I know it was a lot of food, but I like for everyone to have choices, to feel at home and relax ‘round the table and have pleasant conversation.  We talked about how our worship service was, how our children and family were doing and our Dad’s health.  We talked about the cost of healthcare, assisted living vs. caregivers. Then we cleaned up. They went to their cottage and I lay down to rest a bit.

The phone rang about 3:45.  The nurse said, your Dad wants to speak to you.  Dad said, “Mark, come get me now, I mean now! Take me home.  I want to go home!  Are you coming?”  I said, “Yes sir, I’ll be right there.”  He said, “Are you gonna take me home!”  I said, “Dad, I’ll be right there.”  He was upset and hadn’t slept the night before.  He’s in rehab from a stroke.  I went to the cottage to talk to my sister and brother-in-law.  We went to rehab to check on Dad.  He’s 91.  After conversations with the very responsive and caring staff, everything began to settle down.  Dad is getting stronger but will probably have to live in assisted living. 

Have you ever been on a trip, whether work or vacation and finally it hit you that you were homesick and ready to go home?  Home:  to your bed, your surroundings, your routine, your neighbors and friends, all familiar to you.  Can you imagine (if you’ve never had to make tough decisions regarding living circumstances), of the anguish one goes through to make necessary changes in loved ones lives, be it the person(s) making the decision or especially the loved one going through this major change in their life.  “Take me home!  I want to go home!”  Do you ever have that deep yearning to go home?  Here in this world, the journey is our home until we reach our heavenly home!  Be assured that God knows the way and will lead us safely to our eternal home. Take comfort, my beloved friends!

The Journey is Our Home

Awake, arise, the journey’s begun, we travel on together as one.

We know not where the road will lead, but we move in faith, making love our creed

As we follow:  the journey is our home.

Good travelers walk with company, sharing bread with those in need.

Giving help along the way to those who fall, who wander astray

The journey is our home.

Join with us in Jubilee!  Celebrate God’s family.

Sing together joyfully, alleluia! Praise for evermore!

God moves with us as we go, He hears our cry, our pain He knows.

Yet far beyond the setting sun, there shines light of a victory won.

The journey, the journey is our home.

-Allen Pote

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for granting us love, joy and strength on our journey home.  Amen.

 Mark David Jackson

Do Not Be Afraid!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

This past Monday morning we had a heavy frost in Birmingham.  It was 27 degrees outside.  At 5:00 when I took the dogs outside in the back yard, the icy frost crunched underneath my feet.  Then as I got into the truck to turn the defroster on and started scraping the windows; the ice was much thicker than normal.  I thought, winter has finally arrived. Yet, this morning the low was 50 and may get up to 70 degrees tomorrow.  That’s like weather in late April.  In this fickle weather we’re having, I realize that we should be aware of the spiritual winters we sometimes experience.

Sometimes, do you walk through seasons where God feels distant and silent in your life?  In those times it is difficult to maintain a proper focus on the Lord and keep watch over yourself.  The challenge for us is building good habits before the winter season creeps in and makes life more difficult. 

Have there been days in your life where you felt so exhausted and believed that your pot of strength had gone dry?  Do you look around at those whom you come in contact with, and see such happy, energetic people?  Do you wonder how do they do it?  Look at all that’s happened in their lives, yet they have such strength and resolve. Where does this strength come from?  Why are they not afraid? 

Moving through doubt, fear and sadness build our strength.  If you are experiencing a moment where it seems life is overwhelming, look at those that have gone before you.  Remember their strength.  Read and listen to God’s Word.  Listen for the prompting of the Spirit and His Still Small Voice.  By faith, decide and determine that you can make it through this difficulty, this crisis, and this life event.  Lean on your friends and let them love on you.  I’m told it’s good to have five hugs a day to stay healthy. 

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  Psalm 46:1

His strength is perfect when our strength is gone,

He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on,

Raised in His power, the weak become strong,

His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect

-Steven Curtis Chapman

Prayer: Thank you for Your strength, Dear Lord.  Thank you for carrying us so that we can become strong.  Amen.

Mark David Jackson

Grace for the Winter!

How Can I Keep From Singing?

 

My life flows on in endless song; Above earth's lamentation, I hear the sweet, though far-off hymn

That hails a new creation; Through all the tumult and the strife; I hear the music ringing;

It finds an echo in my soul — How can I keep from singing?

 

What through my joys and comforts die?  The Lord my Saviour liveth; What though the darkness gather round?

Songs in the night he giveth; No storm can shake my inmost calm; While to that refuge clinging;

Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, How can I keep from singing?

 

I lift my eyes; the cloud grows thin; I see the blue above it; And day by day this pathway smoothes,

Since first I learned to love it; The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, A fountain ever springing;

All things are mine since I am His — How can I keep from singing?

Robert Lowery, 1860, hymn writer - Ira D. Sankey 1840-1908, hymn music

The great spreading oak has shed her leaves.  Winter winds sent them twirling and flying, falling to the ground and skittering across the lawn.  All her rich foliage, red-umber in autumn, gone.  Now bare banches fork into the sky, blue-framed some days, silver-cloudy framed other days with dark silhouettes against the moonlight in the night.

Each season has its gifts that are given.  As we go deeper into winter, it is good to consider its special offerings.  Though the Alabama weather changes often tease us, the recent sputtering and spitting of snow on the day after Christmas bade us come inside for warmth.  In the evening, I found myself sitting on the sofa with a blanket covering, Piper (Jack/Rat terrier) in my lap and Charlie (Lab) at my feet.  The dogs curled up with their breath soft and even.  We turn inward – pondering, mulling over the past, wandering the pathways of memory and wondering what is the next step to take.  In these moments of silent thought, God sends to remembrance grace-filled times, we recall His love and forgiveness, peace and strength and are grateful.  We also remember the good times and bad of the year, but then realize that through the bad, came good.

Winter is a time for contemplating what’s truly elemental in our lives and what is transient, what we want to hold fast to and what we need to let go of so that we may live a more abundant life.

Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of “When Bad Things Happen to Good People,” tells of a yearly practice of Jewish theologian Zalman Schachter.  He holds an imaginary dinner party in his mind and invites everyone with whom he’s had a run-in in the past year.  Everyone with whom he’s on bad terms, everyone who’s been mean to him, everyone who has hurt, offended or disappointed him is invited to this imaginary feast.  He goes around the table to each guest and, one by one, explains why he has invited them, thanking them for the valuable lessons they have taught him.

Forgiving time, clearing new-land time, removing the debris time, Winter-time.

So, as we move forward during this new year, and think about those acorns that have fallen to the ground.  Hard as a rock-acorns of pure potentiality, now laying in their bed, smoothed over with leaves and earthen covers, waiting, winter dreaming for the coming of something new.  New beginning, new life, new way, new refreshing energy, and soon a new oak tree.            

Prayer:   Dear Lord, thank you for this time of year.  Grant to us graceful wintering. Amen.            Mark David Jackson

Peace

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

Yesterday, after a brisk 20 minute walk, and while meditating in the garden at lunchtime, I began to notice the last of the leaves falling while gently swaying in the swing.  From the tallest white and red oak trees, leaves would let go gently rocking back and forth falling 75-50 feet down to the earth, some even swirling ‘round and ‘round down to the ground.  My mind had been so busy during the morning at work, but I just wanted to relax a bit and experience some peace and quiet except for the noise of the scampering squirrels nearby.

I got to thinking about the four Sundays of Advent:  Hope, Peace Joy and Love.

These words came to mind:  Piece, Peas and Peace.

Piece – My Aunt Ollie, who lived in the Panama Community of West Cullman County would collect swaths of cloth all year until she could piece together quilts of all different patterns and shapes, stuffed with cotton they had grown on their farm.  Nothing like the warmth of a good quilt pieced together with love.

Peas – specifically Purple-Hull Peas.  We’d pick several bushels when I was growing up, go to the front porch in East Lake, each of us with a pan of peas, split down the seam with our thumb nail, breaking apart the purple shell so the peas would fall into the bowl again and again for hours until our thumbs ached.  Our thumbs would be purple for days.  Momma would blanch them and we’d put them in the freezer; more likely we’d have some good ol’ peas with our Christmas dinner of baked ham, corn, green congealed salad with pineapple and pecans, other vegetables, sweet potato and pecan pies.

So, piece together a handiwork of art that is useful to keep you warm; savor the taste of purple-hull peas, homegrown and preserved for later use at family meals, all the while experiencing the Peace that passes all understanding.

Peace, Peace Wonderful Peace

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In celestial strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm.

Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above!
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!

Cornell/Cooper, 1889

Prayer:    The Lord bless you, and keep you: The Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you Peace.  Amen.

Shalom,

Mark David Jackson