paravanes:meditations

"People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction." --Paul, 1 Timothy 6:9. A few days ago, I stopped into one of my favorite local resale shops, searching for a purse for a weekend event. I found two purses (under $10 for both of them!), and was about to pay and leave the store when I decided to browse the book section. I came across a little gem by (the late) Derek Prince , If You Want God's Best . Used copies are available at amazon.com This is a little book, one that will fit into a man's coat pocket, or a woman's purse. Less than 110 pages, a fast reader could finish it in less than two hours. If you give this book the time and attention it deserves, you will spend considerably more than just a few hours with it. Many of us have grown up in churches where we were taught it is not good to "pursue riches". I grew up in such a church. Some of the reasons given...

--photo from examiner.com This is the Michael Jackson I loved. And still love. As the years passed and his appearance changed, I think I always held this image of him in my mind. It's hard to let go of a dream, even when you know it's a dream. "I Want You Back". "ABC". "The Love You Save". "Darling Dear". "Mama, I Think I Found That Girl". "I'll Be There". Every one of these songs holds memories of a happier time, a more innocent time. Smooth harmonies, perfectly rounded afros, energized dancing and singing, gloriously bright, colorful stage costumes with fringe and bell bottoms, "bubble gum soul"...when I watch videos of the Jackson 5 during the early 70s, I realize how long ago it really was and how old I really am. One of the girls I rode the school bus with argued endlessly with me about why the Osmonds were better than the Jackson 5, or J-5 as we called them back then. Little did we know our heroes s...

I believe God wants my faith, trust, and love--and does not need my help. So... Lord, forgive me for looking for old mercies when it is time for "new mercies." Forgive me for forgetting you are always "doing a new thing" in me, not only in someone or something else. Remind me of how quickly circumstances can change for the better, or the worse. Remind me you are the "God of coincidences." Keep me mindful of how one inspired idea from you can change my life forever! Amen. (c) 2009 deborah evans

I have posted here about my loving relationship with my father, of how much I miss him now that's he's passed on, etc. It's Father's Day weekend. A lot of us will take this time to be with our fathers, or to reflect on the times we shared with them, or both. Some of us will just enjoy all of the adulation and attention rightly given to good fathers, grandfathers, uncles, etc. on this Sunday. Others will feel a sense of sadness, anger, or frustration because they didn't have the relationship they wanted to have with their fathers. I have friends who don't have happy memories of their fathers. What is this weekend for them? Some have children and enjoy being the dad, but still miss their fathers. Some feel the lack of a father has cursed their lives. Some feel stressed and pressured to be "the world's greatest dad" to make up for their lack of a loving, fathering presence. What does this weekend mean for those who don't have happy father-child ...

For the past six months, I have worked on incorporating my 2009 resolutions into every area of my life. My 2009 resolutions, described in this blog at the beginning of the year, are: 1) listen, and 2) speak. My mid-year resolution, growing out of my practice with listening and speaking, is: see,recognize,understand. I have learned how careful, active listening to others--as opposed to immediately debating and disputing what I don't agree with or quickly understand-- can empower me, the listener. I've gained knowledge and insight from just listening and allowing someone to fully and completely say what they wish to say. I have learned how hidden enemies will often expose themselves if they are allowed enough time to speak. I have learned how friends will find a way to meet me at my point of need or interest if I allow them to fully share what is on their hearts. I have also gained a new appreciation for the value of speaking and speaking up . Coupled with concerned listening, sp...

I have followed the David and Sean Goldman case for quite a while, and have wondered how it would end. Would it end well? And for whom? I hope it ends well for Sean Goldman. If you are not familiar with the case, here is a summary: David Goldman takes his wife and young son to the airport. The wife and son are taking a vacation in the wife's native Brazil. After arriving in Brazil, the wife informs her husband she is not returning and their son will remain in Brazil with her. Permanently. For more information, see BringSeanHome.org . Four years later, David Goldman is still trying to obtain custody of his now nine year old son. David Goldman writes on his website he had no idea his wife was displeased with the marriage and he believed they were a typical, happy family. The wife is now deceased, having died in childbirth after re-marrying in Brazil, and cannot tell her side of the story. Sean Goldman has lived in Brazil for approximately half of his young life. His stepfather has ca...

"For my determined purpose is that I may know Him {that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly}, and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection {which it exerts over believers}, and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed {in spirit into His likeness even} to His death...Philippians 3:10, Amplified Bible "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." --Isaiah 55:8 & 9, Amplified Bible How can I accept the "higher ways" of God? Am I pursuing a path I cannot truly know or understand? Doesn't this cause and create frustration, perhaps even a little craziness? Why would God ask me to follow a path ...