The Simple Things

Posted on October 16, 2016 by jberdych

GMC Chapel.jpgIt’s the simple things in life. We’ve all heard that statement. I say it often. And casually. There was a particular day however it was not so casual and the simple was profound.

 Severe allergies prevent me from joining in formal worship. Even at work I am unable to attend our monthly chapel services. We are a sweet smelling society and the impact on my life is significant. It has been several years since I have been able to attend church. I have my own private worship time that is meaningful. However, as fulfilling as my time may be, there is a missing element by worshiping in isolation.
As months have become years I realized I have forgotten just how much the corporate worship adds to my life. We have a chapel in our building at work and one particular day as I was headed in another direction I heard voices singing a hymn of praise. My soul was overwhelmed. Tears started streaming down my face as the blessing of their melody made their way to my heart. The impact on me was profound. As well as the realization that the simple sound of live praises, that are missing from my life, was not so insignificant.
 Psalm 149:1
Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people. 
What songs are you singing?
What are the simple things that are almost overlooked in your life?
What do you take for granted?
Giving praise and receiving blessing. On the Journey. Jackie
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“You Can’t”

Posted on September 25, 2016 by jberdych

 

Waterfall

I remember the first time I mentioned to someone I was taking a sabbatical. Their response was, “You’re not a teacher or pastor.” My first thought was horror that I had used the word wrong. The second was, “why can’t I.” Who decided it was only for pastors and teachers and had to be weeks/months long? So I looked up the word.

Some definitions limit it to teachers. But I also know it is a common practice in ministry.

Other definitions include: (From MeetGoPlan)

The term sabbatical actually is derived from the biblical Sabbath which serves an ancient human need to build periods of rest and rejuvenation into a lifetime. Traditionally you’ll find sabbaticals in academic careers, but they are not just for teachers anymore. Anyone can take a sabbatical and travel. A sabbatical is simply getting an extended leave from work to pursue a break. 

People traditionally take a sabbaticals to fulfill a goal, build a skill, or do research. You don’t necessarily have to stay near your home to do these things, you can easily travel the world and accomplish your goals; the key is to get away, renew, refresh.

So I was correct in using the term sabbatical, even though my time away is really short. And as highlighted in purple above my goal is to get away, seek God, and rest.

“You can’t”

I heard that in many ways growing up. Often. I hardened myself to it so much that most times when I heard it, I had a “I’ll show you” attitude. But even with that attitude, many times, the “cant’s” in my head were stronger than the “I’ll show you” resolves.

My sabbatical is an annual event for me and I almost let someone’s “can’t” dictate what has been a meaningful part of my life for many years now.

Whether I am correct in calling it a sabbatical or not, I don’t care.

I can.
And I am.

That is the best word that describes the time for me and that is what matters.

What “cant’s” you are allowing in your life?

the naysayers
your fears
your failures
the voices in your head
the past

Philippians 4:13

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Where does God want you to go? do? What is He giving you the strength to do?

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The Best of Parenting and Grand-parenting

Posted on September 18, 2016 by jberdych

noahs-baptism-3

Parenting is full of emotion:

Joy
Sorrow
Pride
Worry
Fullfullment
Heartache
The best and worst of everything

But as a Christian parent the thing that is paramount is the desire to raise children who become followers and believers in Christ. And I don’t mean children who have given a “nod” to the faith, but children who have given their all. That is the greatest joy, where words are not sufficient to describe.

That is when parenting is the best.
The absolute best
Or so I thought

Last week I was able to be present at one of my grandchildren’s baptism. Noah isn’t the first to be baptized, but his was the first I was able to be present for. I was able to stand beside my son while everyone was gathering and realized he was now in my shoes as a parent watching his first-born profess a faith in Christ. The best for me, just got better. If that was possible.

Psalm 100:5
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;his faithfulness continues through all generations.

To have your faith passed on to future generations is … beyond words.

Experiencing the absolute best in this world. On the Journey, Jackie

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An Interruption in Plans

Posted on September 11, 2016 by jberdych

couple-on-benchMy solitary camping days include a walk to the lake each morning and evening. And there are benches waiting for me on either side of the lake for me to sit and watch the rising and setting sun.

…Only this time my spot was taken.

I was disappointed. It was my first night and I couldn’t wait to get settled and down to the lake before the sun set. Watching it that first night is my invitation from God to start my Sabbatical days. It’s as if as I begin to quiet my soul, He is painting a picture across the sky that is unique for that evening, welcoming me to this time and place.

…Only this time my spot was taken.

I have to mention that there are other places to sit and watch the sunset, but that bench has become “my spot.” In fact, I was sitting on a different bench when I took this picture. I was hoping they would move. But they didn’t.

…So this time my spot was taken.

I figured since my expectation was “ruined” I would at least walk. So I did. And I prayed. On my way to the other side. Where I would normally watch the sunrise.

A couple was on the fishing dock so we struck up a conversation. Or I should say, they struck up a conversation. Much to my dismay. More interruption on “my” plan. Little did I know, the couple on the lake and the couple on the dock would lead me to an answer to un-prayed for prayer (more on that later).

1 Thessalonians 5:18

…give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

…Not my plan
…but God’s
…and I almost missed what He had for me

What are you missing out on?

…because you are looking for something else
…disappointed in what is before you
…focused on what isn’t instead of what is

Giving thanks. On the Journey, Jackie

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Sabbatical

Posted on September 4, 2016 by jberdych

Fisherman on Lake

Luke 5:16
 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Every year I take a couple of days, camping by myself in a favorite state campground not far from home. I don’t think we, in modern day America, understand or do “Sabbath” well. I know I make an attempt at it each week, but it is a poor substitute for what I think God intends.

I know me. The demands of the day and the busyness of my mind keep me from stopping and rest is just about impossible for me. So getting away, camping by myself helps me:

…quiet my soul
…open my mind
…listen
…gain clarity
…rest

Whether I am correct in calling it a sabbatical or not, isn’t of concern to me. It is the word that fits best for me and that is what matters.

When was the last time you took an extended time, whether it be hours or days to meet with God?

Enjoying an extended Sabbath rest. On the Journey. Jackie

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Even at Six…

Posted on August 28, 2016 by jberdych

Christian Playing Ball

Even at 6
…God calls your name…
Or maybe I should say, “especially at 6”

I think the older we get the harder it is for use to hear.

For many reasons…

We doubt
We’re too busy
We don’t want to hear

But this post is about a little boy who was listening…

As told to me by my daughter regarding her youngest…

“A really neat and interesting thing happened last night….Christian stayed in the service with us last night (long story), and we’ve been having some pretty decent behavioral issues with him. Not listening, ignoring us when we are talking to him, lying, being very aggressive, and it has been growing…Now, while I think factors like lack of sleep, knowing of the change of Aunt Linda leaving (he’s already said several times that he’s really sad about it), all contribute to it, I recently felt like it was also a spiritual battle going on. So, while we were singing a song and he was on my lap, I wrapped my arms around him and just started praying for him and his heart. Service ended about 10 min after that and I looked down to see tears streaming down his little face, he was crying uncontrollably. When I finally got him to calm down enough to tell me what was wrong…my little baby says to me “I’m a mean boy”…with so much conviction and guilt. It broke my heart, but it seemed obviously to me, that even at 6, God was speaking to him and showing him the error of his ways. It was so neat. So I scooped him up again again and prayed for him, but this time out loud so he could hear my prayers for him.”

So….

… don’t underestimate the power of your prayers
… don’t limit what God can do because of age, whether it be 6 or 66
… don’t close yourself off to hearing God whisper your name

1 Samuel 3:1-10

The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.2 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. 3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called Samuel.Samuel answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.6 Again the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”“My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.8 A third time the Lord called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.10 The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Has God spoken to you?

Are you listening?

A full heart at the prayer and response of loved ones, on the Journey, Jackie

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What God Sees

Posted on August 21, 2016 by jberdych

This was given to me by my granddaughter Grace when she came over for a sewing and baking play day with me. I was delighted. She excitedly told me that the pocket has holes so I can add string to make a purse and that the fan opens up into a picture of a sunset.

I was amazed that she so lovingly crafted it for me with details she didn’t want me to miss.

What struck me, was that my first response was joy at such a gift. It made me realize that that is what God sees when we bring to Him the gift of who we are to Him.

She didn’t come with…

apology’s
fear
embarrassment

She came with…

pride
excitement
joy

God doesn’t see…

the imperfections – that we are so keenly aware of
the limitations – from the skills we feel we lack
the impracticality – of what we see as no real value

God does see…

our love
our motives
our joy

Zephaniah 3:17 

The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

How about you? What do you see?

Do you see you the same way God sees you?

Gaining perspective, on the Journey, Jackie

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Hope

Posted on August 14, 2016 by jberdych
16690-a-bald-eagle-flying-with-a-fish-pv

US Fish and Wildlife Service

Isaiah 40:31

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Hope. That is my word for this year. I’ve had a “word” for years. And for years I would start a new journal and outline my personal, relational, physical, spiritual and work goals. In detail. Then one year as I sat to write, nothing would come. Other than the word “balance.” Hummm. Anyone who knows me…. So instead of pages of detailed goals I wrote one word. Balance. I can’t say that I finished out the year having fully put into practice balance, but I was certainly more aware.

Since that time, I’ve had a word each year. I don’t seek the word. I let it come to me. In fact this year, in November, I remembered that is was time to start praying about my word and before I even finished the thought the word “hope” came to mind. Done. Just like that.

My husband has asked if I’m hoping for healing. I told him I’m not putting any expectations on the word. I’m waiting for God to show me what the word means for me this year. So far the word has given me peace. Certainly not what I would have expected but I can’t ask for anything more.

Do you have a word for the year? If so, what is it?

Living with hope in peace, on the Journey. Jackie

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God is Always Working

Posted on August 7, 2016 by jberdych

Sunset through branches.jpg

When I can’t see or understand what God is doing, I’ve used the common phrase “God is in control” to navigate the uncertainty. Recently I’ve changed it to “God is always working.”

While God may be in control, freewill will impact the events of life. That impact will be a result of the choices we make as well as the choices others make. Giving (in my opinion) unfair weight to the “stuff” of life that doesn’t fit with the God I’m trying to understand. I’m not suggesting that if things don’t go as I want, God isn’t a loving, kind and just God. I’m talking about the things that living a life here on earth bring. The things we don’t like. The things that aren’t “fair.” Evil, hurt, injustice. Our common sense would suggest if God were in control He wouldn’t allow those things to happen. We forget that free will trumps that.

However God is always working. Regardless of what may cross our path on this journey called life.

 

Our sense of right and wrong and fair wants to get to the “why” or the “what” of what He is doing. God is more interested in me and my relationship with Him. It’s not for me to try to understand or figure it out. I’m to seek Him. Period.

Jeremiah 29:13

 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

What is He doing in your life right now?
Are you even aware? Afraid? Thrilled? Wondering? Out of control? Content? Angry? Bitter? Smiling, Hurting?

Remember…

God.

Is.

Working.

Always.

Seeking Him, on the Journey. Jackie

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Running Towards Me

Posted on July 31, 2016 by jberdych

prodigal

Luke 11:20  

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

While it may seem that God is waiting for us to come to Him, the reality is, He is running towards us. Can you picture God the Father running towards you with his arms open wide, waiting to embrace and love you?

In the story of the Prodigal Son, the father does just that. Given the son’s circumstances, I can imagine he was walking with heavy feet, a mind filled with possible outcomes and a heart filled with fear.

What about you, as God comes for you, what are your thoughts?

  • Fear
  • Excitement
  • Dread
  • Puzzled
  • Awe

What would you do?

  • Fall to your knees
  • Run towards him
  • Run away
  • Standstill

For me, I find it hard to believe that the God of the universe would run towards me with open arms of love, acceptance and forgiveness. But He has.

Embraced by the Father, on the Journey, Jackie

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