Jamie

I met Jamie at the grocery store when Daniel was a baby, some 21 years ago. He used to bag my groceries and always had a great big smile and friendly greeting. I could tell he was ‘special needs’ somehow, although he looked perfectly fine. He was Paul’s age; a year older than me. A tall, burly blonde teddy bear type!

It wasn’t long before he knew us by name and would remember details of our lives that we’d share. God put him on my heart to reach out to and be a friend. I ignored these promptings until Jamie and his mom ‘happened’ to sit right beside us at Friendly’s one day. I knew it was my cue and that I should go and introduce myself to his mom. She was happy to see he had a friend and I mentioned that we’d like to have him over to our home some time. We exchanged numbers and that was the beginning of our friendship.

I learned that Jamie had had oxygen deprivation at birth due to the umbilical cord around his neck. This effected his development and he was like an eight year old. He was refreshingly childlike and sensitive. He was also a diligent worker and bagged groceries for over 20 years at Star Market.

Jamie would often come to our house for our small group fellowship. He would sometimes join us for church as well. He loved Lost in Space and 1970’s music and shows. I reminded him of Laura Brannigan and Paul was the professor from Gilligan’s Island (everyone reminded him of a celebrity)! Jamie never forgot our birthdays or anniversary, and even after we moved to Maryland in 1994, he always sent us greeting cards to celebrate, as well as updates on his life. The kids loved reading his letters in his block style penmanship.

His mom’s death was especially hard for him. He moved to live with a caretaker after that. His cat Louie was one of his closest companions and he was again hit hard when he died. A highlight for Jamie each year was Camp. He so enjoyed the anticipation and then the participation in that special place.

We were happy when we returned to the area to get to see Jamie on his birthday. Several friends would gather for his party and bless him with his favorite food, drink and music. Jamie would beam!

This past spring we weren’t able to make the party. I heard from my friend Anne soon after that Jamie had cancer. I called him and realized he didn’t understand his illness very much but was receiving chemo and radiation. I spoke with him again a month later and could tell he was in great pain I sought to comfort him and he comforted me when he heard me cry. I told him we’d come in soon to see him. Unfortunately, he died before we got there. I regret not seeing him before he died. He was such a special friend.

I missed Jamie's birthday card this month and will miss this thoughtful greetings and friendship. My life is richer thanks to him. He taught me about the simple beauty of friendship; slowing down and making time to write that letter or card, taking that step to get to know someone new, someone different. I’m glad I did, even though I wasn’t as faithful a friend as I wished.

Some Summer Reflection

Here we are again...the heat of summer subtly giving way to the cool of fall..it feels wonderful after an exceptionally hot season here in New England. But, how I savor these last weeks of summer vacation with the kids.
Right now, Caleb is HOME (!) from his excellent adventures at Camp Clear where he served as a counselor for 5 weeks. He had a fantastic time and grew by leaps and bounds!! Mary is here, reading one of her summer assignments for school (go, Mary!).
Paul's taking a nap, and Daniel and John are in NYC for an excellent adventure! They left early this morning by train to enjoy city life for a couple days! This is John's first time to NYC. They hope to visit a couple of colleges John's interested in. Paul caught up with them while they were on the ferry to Statin Island! They'll also stay with a host from our Brooklyn 'sister' church and worship with them tomorrow.

Blog, blog, blog. Paul thinks I should blog more. I wonder what I should blog about.
Life, of course!

Today I was in the van, waiting for my friend Shelley to pick up a few things at Market Basket while little Jamie slept in the car seat. I enjoyed people watching and the thought came to me clear as day why: People are made in the image of God!!!
Did you hear that? Nothing else, no other form of creation can make this claim. Only people are made in the IMAGE of GOD! No wonder they're fascinating! No wonder we are interested in stories, shows, movies, books, drama...life!!!

I get way too busy and forget to stop and take it in-this amazing truth is worth meditating on. If we're made in the image of God, then we have much to learn by honoring each human creature we encounter and learning from their lives. All our lives tell a thousand plus stories. So next time I'm tempted to rush past or get annoyed with someone I hope I can remember they're God's handiwork. I want to learn more what it means..and in so doing hopefully reflect my Lord to others.

Numbered With Sinners- Isaiah 53:12

Imagine being numbered with the most despised? How about sex offenders, for instance? Imagine a list in the newspaper of offenders and your name being on it, even though you're innocent. How outrageous and awful a thought. What shame, dismay, indignation! What a desire to right the wrong, broadcast the truth about your innocence.

Well, Jesus, the perfectly righteous one was numbered with the transgressors. This was inexplicably worse that the above scenario. He was not only numbered with us, but ultimately and thoroughly punished for all our sins.

Why? Spurgeon explains well: 'He was holy and written among the holy; we were guilty and numbered among the guilty; He transfers His name from yonder list to this dark indictment, and our names are taken from the indictment and written in the roll of acceptance, for there is a complete transfer made between Jesus and His people."

Contentment

What is the secret of it and how can we attain it. We see today that fame and fortune do not ensure it. Not a great looking spouse or the American dream.

"Godliness with contentment is GREAT gain," the Bible teaches us. We know it's true when we live there-you know, those times when your heart is at rest in God's will, trusting, believing, hoping and ENJOY-
ING His peace and His blessings. But how terribly easy it is to long for the not- given blessings. 'More, more, more,' our hearts cry! How sad that we go there by default more often than not since the fall in Eden. Then the joy we could be enjoying is stolen away.

I pray we'd all stop and learn that this world cannot give us the contentment we long for; it only comes from above. And may the grace of God bestow true contentment so that we can live lives that honor the great Giver and enjoy His many blessings in a way that brings Him the glory He desires and deserves.

He alone can truly satisfy our insatiable hearts. Let it be!!

Be Still and Know

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46

How hard this command is! It’s easier for me to ‘be busy and know that I can accomplish much”.

It’s easier to “be still and know what the latest news or updates are”.

But here it is, the call of God, crystal clear for me to see: “Be still and know that I am God.”

Could it be that there are riches untold for me in this place of stillness; depths of joy and peace and love that I can find no place else?

Treasures stored up for me as I am still and experience the God of the universe’s presence enfolding me and filling me with power and praise to Him?

Maybe this is the reason it is so hard to subdue my flesh and come before Him and truly wait upon Him. The enemy of my soul knows the victory and life this would give me. My own flesh would rather have a field day in the world, even pursuing good things, instead of pursuing the best thing. I can feel important doing something-anything for God (or is it for my glory?). I can run from one good work to another, fulfilling my sense of worth. I can neglect this command so easily and often that it becomes a habit, a mode of life. I still have my quiet time, of course: time in the Word and a few prayers, but not really slow down and be still. And then I wonder where the power for life and godliness went to; where the joy and peace and love have gone.

Hear more of the Psalm:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth gives way, through the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

God will help her when morning dawns.

The nations rage, the kingdoms totter, he utters his voice, the earth melts.

The Lord of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Be still and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!

The Lord of hosts is with us;

The God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Wow, with little old me? With you too? The only true God – the God of eternity is with us! He wants to reveal Himself in the secret, quiet place. May we learn to be still and know that He is God!!

Dear President -Elect Obama

Dear President-Elect Obama,

Today I shed tears of joy, along with hundreds of thousands of Americans, for the great victory of your election. The significance of this moment cannot be overstated. Our African-American friends have been oppressed and cast aside for generations in this country of ours. Now, may the shame be completely wiped away and may the glory that this nation represents and strives for become a reality for more and more of our once silenced citizens.

I confess I did not cast my vote for you. Not because you failed to inspire me with your speeches, because you did. Not because you do not impress me with your leadership and vision, because you do. I cast my vote for another based upon my concern for another segment of our society which is downtrodden and cast aside, the weak, the innocent; the unborn.

Mr. President-Elect, I pray that your heart would be burdened as well to do all in your power to encourage the life that is even now forming in many to come to fruition, to share in this great moment in our nation’s history. We all know the times are difficult and no one will escape the trials at hand. Just as this is true, so is the gift and privilege we have to live it. May the millions of unborn get this chance as well. May the virtue of responsibility reign as mothers choose to carry the fruit of their wombs to term, to give the gift of life to another. I ask, President Obama, that you would prayerfully consider your pay grade since indeed it has now risen at this moment in our history. May you be the champion of all those who are weak yet share the same right to life.

May God bless you and your beautiful family.

Sincerely,

Margaret Buckley

don't think I have time or motivation for this!

I am officially taking a break, if not ending, blogging. I started without much thought or prayer; impulsively. And I pause here only because I don't see much benefit and the friends I have here aren't blog-world tuned. Please do email me if you'd like because I'd love to keep in touch! I'll still check out some of the blogs of my far away chums as well as some respected leaders and bloggers.
Check back now and then just in case I get a heavenly vision or an inspiration to write again!
Happy Spring and Summer!! May you enjoy God's grace and the manifold beauty of His creation!

Sober Thoughts my my Honey's Blog

Gospel Centered Everything
It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.' 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (NIV)
Thursday, April 19, 2007

Grieving, Praying & Remembering
The tragedy of the VT massacre hits home for every American. We are each left with a hollow feeling in our gut and a torrent of confusion in our mind. Add to this the media deluge and the plethora of talking heads all trying to analyze, understand and learn from this tragedy. And then throw it all into the frenetic activism of a society that thinks it can somehow create a perfect world where troubled youths don’t become psychopaths and every kid is safe from evil and you end up with a tempest of national angst.What are we to do amidst all this?Here are a three suggestions:1. Grieve, weep and mourn with those who mourn, without trying to bring trite or Pollyanna answers to people deeply affected by this tragedy. (See John Piper’s apropos comments from 911 here. )2. Pray for the families affected and the VT community. (See Tim Challies listing of prayer requests from pastors on site here, see a list of the victims here and pray for their families and friends.)3. Remembera. Remember that the world we live in is fallen, peopled by fallen human beings who are capable, at times, of great evil and not inherently worthy of a life free from tragedy and death. (See John Piper’s thoughts here.)b. Remember that God came as a man amidst all this evil to rescue us from ourselves and our society and Satan – the three sources of evil. (See Al Mohler’s thoughts here.)c. Remember that God is in control and short of the return of his Son, he does not gaurauntee us safety but ultimate salvation. (Listen to an excellent message from CJ Mahaney on this here.)May God bless you and use you as you grieve, pray and remember truth.Paul
Posted by Paul Buckley

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure!
How great the pain of searing loss; the Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One bring many sons to glory.
Behold the Man upon the cross, my sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life— I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom.
Stuart Townsend © 1995 Kingsway’s Music (ASCAP). Used by Permission. CCLI #89178

Sin, Righteousness and MERCY

Just had to share this post.
Mercy Me: Psalm 51 and Everyday Life.
It was one of those moments you want to take back. It was one of those times when you go where your desires and emotions are leading you. It was one of those situations when you know you should stop or walk away but feel you can't. And it was one of those moments when afterward you are confronted with the sin that still lives inside of you. Yes, it was one of those moments.It wasn't a big deal in one way. Just a small conversation that had turned a bit ugly. It wasn't a dramatic life-altering moment. It was in the privacy of my home with one of my family members. But maybe that's the point. Perhaps it's very important because that's where I live everyday. You see, you and I don't live in a series of big, dramatic moments. We don't careen from big decision to big decision. We all live in an endless series of little moments. The character of a life isn't set in ten big moments. The character of a life is set in 10,000 little moments of everyday life. It's the themes of struggles that emerge from those little moments that reveal what's really going on in our hearts.So, I knew I couldn't back away from this little moment. I knew I had to own my sin. The minute I thought this, an inner struggle began. "I wasn't the only one at fault. If he hadn't said what he said, I wouldn't have become angry. I was actually pretty patient for much of the conversation." These were some of the arguments I was giving myself.Isn't this interesting. Rather than appealing to the mercy of the Lord in the face of my sin, what I actually do instead is function as my own defense lawyer and present a list of arguments for my own righteousness. The theology behind the defense is that my greatest problem is outside of me, not inside of me. In so arguing, I'm telling myself that I don't really need to be rescued by the Lord's mercy. No, I'm telling myself that what I need to be rescued from is that sinner in the room who caused me to respond as I did.Here's the point. Before you can ever make a clean and unamended confession of your sin, you have to first begin by confessing your righteousness. It's not just your sin that separates you from God, your righteousness does as well. Because, when you are convinced you are righteous, you don't seek the forgiving, rescuing, and restoring mercy that can only be found in Jesus Christ.What's actually true is that when I come to the Lord after I've blown it, I've only one argument to make. It's not the argument of the difficulty of the environment that I am in. It's not the argument of the difficult people that I'm near. It's not the argument of good intentions that were thwarted in some way. No, I only have one argument. It's right there in the first verse of Psalm 51, as David confesses his sin with Bathsheba. I come to the Lord with only one appeal; his mercy. I've no other defense. I've no other standing. I've no other hope. I can't escape the reality of my biggest problem; me! So I appeal to the one thing in my life that's sure and will never fail. I appeal to the one thing that guaranteed not only my acceptance with God, but the hope of new beginnings and fresh starts. I appeal on the basis of the greatest gift I ever have or ever will be given. I leave the courtroom of my own defense, I come out of hiding and I admit who I am. But I'm not afraid, because I've been personally and eternally blessed. Because of what Jesus has done, God looks on me with mercy. It's my only appeal, it's the source of my hope, it's my life. Mercy, mercy me!
posted by Paul Tripp Ministries

Home, Sweet Home

We had a great time at the retreat! The teachings were outstanding and the worship, ministry times, fellowship and food were wonderful!! We learned and experienced the grace of God for the paths He’s placed us on. What a joy to walk together with one another, praying for and caring for each other.
On the way home, one of our dear sisters received terrible news that her aunt had suddenly and tragically died. We all grieved together, prayed together and sought to bring the comfort of God to our dear friend. It was truly a beautiful picture of the body of Christ at work and I know none of us will ever forget this ride home.
One of the wonders of the church is the gift of fellowship and enduring friendship that only God can give. We're truly family!
I’m so thankful that we’re not called to walk the road alone, but God gives such grace through his people. Thank you, Lord!

Ladies' Retreat!!

I'm so excited to go to the Chesapeake Ladies' Retreat next week with eight other ladies from our church!! It will be a first-time experience of this special retreat for each of them, except Karin and me. We're so blessed to be invited and I know that the ladies are in for a huge treat. Every time I've gone with my dear old home church to this retreat I've met the Lord is life-changing ways and have been prepared for the next chapter in my life. I especially remember the year, let's see, it must've been 1996 or 97 , when I was wrestling with God and the decision whether to home school Daniel for fourth grade. I was really afraid of this decision and the Lord graciously gave me much faith and peace for it.
Another great memory is bringing my neighbor Michelle to the retreat and watching her encounter God in worship for the first time! That was powerful!!
What a tremendous privilege I have to introduce the ladies from King of Grace to sisters at Chesapeake. It's like a family reunion to me!!!
Please pray for us as we travel down in the big rossmobile! The road trip should be a blast!!
Most importantly, that we'd all meet the Lord in life-changing and refreshing ways.
Thanks!

Romans 8; Hallelujah!

We've been memorizing Romans 8 as a family and it is so life-giving and sweet to my soul! Here are some of the gems:

1-2 There is therefore now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin an death.
5-9 For those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of Christ dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
11-15 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Jesus will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba, Father!"

'Grace, Like Rain' is a beautiful song we sang at church yesterday and it's playing in my soul today. This version sounds a bit like Bruce Springsteen, but the classic message still comes through ~

Grace, Like Rain

Unworthy Servant

Luke 17:7-10

“Will any of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the fields, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’ ”

I love to recline after serving the Lord and often feel this is my due. How lacking I am of this servant’s mindset that Jesus portrays. In fact, lately I’ve been complaining in my heart about the many nights of meetings we have scheduled.

Father, forgive me for complaining about the work you’ve called us to. Thank you for the privilege of serving You in the work of plowing fields and tending sheep. Please make me a humble servant who recognizes the privilege it is to serve You!

Truly Amazing Grace

Paul & I went to see the movie Amazing Grace and were very blessed! We can highly recommend this movie. It's about William Wilberforce, a godly man who abolished the slave trade in England. His life is truly provoking and inspiring. He loved the Lord passionately and served Him wholeheartedly, giving his life to the calling the Lord had for him. He struggled with serious health issues and endured intense political opposition. His wife was a match for him in every way, providing the encouragement and support he needed to heed the call of God on his life. What a great example for us!
John Piper has an audiobiography online that's great, and I hear there's a couple biographies which we will seek to read. Also, Focus on the Family has done a dramatization of his life (their series are always excellent).
Go see the movie!! It's wonderful!!
Paul & I thought the actor for William looked like Bob Kauflin! :)

Come and Eat!

My honey made (well heated up my) homemade chicken soup and DID make a delicious spinach garlic tomato saute thingy for dinner. I was sitting here with the laptop and said I had no appetite. He beckoned me to eat anyway. I obeyed submissively and as soon as we gave thanks I inhaled the delicious dinner. My dormant taste buds started to live again!
My coherent meditation on this is that even when we don't feel like eating. we must for our health. Even more importantly, even when we don't feel like reading the Word, we must for our spiritual health! Sometimes it may feel like taking vitamins and sometimes it may be a gourmet experience, but either way we need the Bread of Life!

awfully sick

Well, the miracle didn't happen..meaning I did get the flu most likely from my sweet husband! This is truly the flu and I hope no more! My fever was gone but now is back which makes me suspect an infection of sorts may be brewing somewhere in my body. Pleasant, huh?
Amazing, the truffle chocolate kisses I so enjoyed last week (you've gotta try them-they're regular kisses wrapped with dark chocolate) taste awful to me right now. Interesting that our health affects our appetite and taste buds so much. Made me ponder the spiritual side of this a little bit, but not enough to write anything coherent about it.
I'm rejoicing right now though because I just heard that my friend Briana is on her way home with her new baby Isabella!!!
Praise the Lord!!
We have two pregnant ladies in our church and I think it's the best way to grow a church!!

Valentine's Blizzard?

We're readying for a big storm that's predicted to bring about a foot of snow! It's about time. It's good timing for us, since John & Mary are down with a nasty virus and we're not going anywhere anyway! Paul introduced the virus to our family and is now in Gaithersburg for a pastoral counseling course at the Pastors' College.
We did get away to celebrate Valentine's Day early, thankfully. We stayed at a wonderful Hampton Inn in Portsmouth NH and thoroughly enjoyed our time in spite of Paul's nasty cold (thank God for medicine!). I guess it will be a miracle if I don't get this thing!
Happy Valentines to all you love birds out there..enjoy your man! I can't wait to see mine on Friday!

Micki

Today is my very dear friend Micki's birthday. (She's the cutie on the right.) I thought it fitting to honor her.
Proverbs 17:17 says "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
This verse reminds me of Micki's friendship and character. I am so blessed by our relationship. Micki's Dad was a pastor and so she has a real sensitivity to the challenges and the blessings that come with this call. God has graced her with the gifts of encouragement and wisdom, and has brought me so much good through her! She asks great questions and follows up to see how I'm doing in areas I'm struggling with.
Micki has been there through all the trials and changes that we've experienced in our church plant. (I must add that Jeff, her hubby, has been a HUGE source of encouragement and help for Paul in the ministry at King of Grace.)
Micki makes my laugh and helps me to enjoy life :)
We often say the reason God put us 30 minutes away from eachother is because we'd spend way too much time hanging out and getting nothing done but fun! I still wish we lived closer though!
Micki has had chronic migraines for 16 years now. Sometimes they're so severe she can't get out of bed for several days. I've never heard Micki complain about her suffering and am amazed at God's grace in her to sustain her and use her to serve again and again (another gift of hers is serving). I pray that God grants her the gift of healing from these headaches this year!
I could go on and on about this amazing friend; my comrade and sister. I thank God for you, Micki!!! Thank you for loving at all times. I want to be more like you. I love you!!

‘Whate’er My God Ordains in Right’

by Samuel Rodigast, is the title of Bach’s favorite hymn. I learned on Sunday from our guest speaker, Jared Mellinger, that Bach had 20 children, of whom 13 died. In the life of one who suffered so much loss, this hymn speaks of great faith in a good and great God.
In our day of comforts and convenience, we do well to prepare for inevitable suffering personally and corporately. Yet ‘we want to live our lives more aware of Christ’s suffering for us than our own suffering.’


Whate’er my God ordains is right:
His holy will abideth;
I will be still whate’er He doth;
And follow where He guideth;
He is my God; though dark my road,
He holds me that I shall not fall:
Wherefore to Him I leave it all.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
He never will deceive me;
He leads me by the proper path:
I know He will not leave me.
I take, content, what He hath sent;
His hand can turn my griefs away,
And patiently I wait His day.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
His loving thought attends me;
No poison can be in the cup
That my Physician sends me.
My God is true; each morn anew
I’ll trust His grace unending,
My life to Him commending.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
He is my Friend and Father;
He suffers naught to do me harm,
Though many storms may gather,
Now I may know both joy and woe,
Some day I shall see clearly
That He hath loved me dearly.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
Though now this cup, in drinking,
May bitter seem to my faint heart,
I take it, all unshrinking.
My God is true; each morn anew
Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart,
And pain and sorrow shall depart.
Whate’er my God ordains is right:
Here shall my stand be taken;
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
Yet I am not forsaken.
My Father’s care is round me there;
He holds me that I shall not fall:
And so to Him I leave it all.