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Singin’ in the Rain: God’s promises in the storm

04.09.2019 by Jennifer Howe //

Welcome to Facets, friend! This month we’re been thinking about April showers bringing next month’s flowers. Never mind that we may get measurable snow in our area this week. (More than a month later, I still want to have that conversation with a certain groundhog!) You can find Tracy’s post here. Kim will follow up next week, and we’ll introduce our guest the next. Check back each week; better yet, subscribe so you don’t miss a thing.

What helps you sing in April showers? (Jennifer Howe)

When the question “What helps you sing in April showers?” was posed, a string of questions formed in my (Jennifer) mind. The Bible talks about rain: flooding rain from the heavens in Noah’s day, seasonal rains that grew and blessed a harvest, and droughts when the rains didn’t come. I immediately realized the purpose of the rain and what it’s made of matters.

When It Rains…
I’m attentive to flows of events. We’ve all heard “Things always come in threes” and “When it rains, it pours.”¹ Somewhere in life, I learned a cause-effect-connect-the-dots mentality and saw connections as raining either positively or negatively. Overlay that with either a warped or biblical spiritual perspective, and it gets interesting. A mist is one thing; a downpour is different. We want to know who sends the rain—or who allows it? The answer to that, on the spiritual level, says more about the One who knows all things than the things.

Naming the Raindrops…
Perspective is everything. When “Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head, that doesn’t mean my eyes will soon be turning red…”² Rain comes, and it’s important to define what it’s made of. I name the drops, but sometimes I’m tuned in to one kind.

I’ve been blessed financially, the work is coming in, I’ve found the perfect car, and a friend checked in to see how I’m doing today. (How am I doing? Great, obvs!)

In another moment I reflect on long drives to see cars that were “incredible,” definitely not worth my time or gas; the second, expensive silicon ring I’ve lost; the messy piles that gather when I’m working so much; and a schedule I constructed (with a shoehorn). How am I doing then? (Ugh! It’s raining, and I don’t have my muck boots.)

This is the little stuff on the Doppler, too, practically a mist. The really big, painful drops that hit in the middle of a storm aren’t funny—they can be overwhelming!

The Pressure—of a Name…
When I’m naming raindrops, it’s important to gain a little perspective. Counting blessings is ever-so-much easier than seeming curses. It’s not that we walk through difficult times; we all will—it’s Who we walk with!

But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you Isaiah 43:1-2b

The fear I identify with sad or harsh rain is drenched in felt-safety, needs and wants, intimate connection to God and others, duration of the trouble, and the pain of sorting out the past, present, and future.

But, God...
I remember circumstances may be real obstacles, the emotions valid—but God. The God-lover following Jesus is redeemed! He calls her by name; knowing everything about her, noticing every detail, and caring about each one. When the waters rise, He is with her; she will not be overwhelmed. That language is a promise, and He doesn’t speak fragile, insignificant words.

Like a thick cloud, I wipe away your offenses; like a cloud, your sins. Come back to me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22 CJB

The dark rain with my own name swirling though every drop.

He saved them from hostile hands, redeemed them from the power of the foe. Psalm 106:10 CJB

The stinging, pelting drops I never wanted.

Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:14 NLT

The rain of blessing rooted in love, bringing the gift of a Counselor and, ultimately, eternal life.

Sheltering in Place…
Whether it mists or pours, we have a safe place to shelter with the One who loves and protects, the One who is our victory in the storm. He delivers us from the worst—the sin that separates us, darkness that overshadows our hearts, harm that threatens our present and future, the loneliness in the storm.

You are a hiding-place for me, you will keep me from distress; you will surround me with songs of deliverance. (Selah) Psalm 32:7 CJB

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 ESV

Our safe “umbrella” in the rain is under the protection of our very big God who speaks unbreakable promise words: “redeemed…blessing…promised Holy Spirit…songs of deliverance…hiding place…perfect peace.” These words help me sing in the rain and puddle-jump.

What helps you sing in the rain? I really want to know. Comment below or at our Facebook Page. Know someone who might be encouraged by Facets of Faith? Share away!

Thanks for reading. Love ya’!

Signature, Jennifer Howe

 

 

 

 

 

 


¹ Morton Salt Company. Motto. 1914.
² Bacharach, Burt & Hal David. Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head. Warner/Chappell Music, Inc. 1969.
Scripture sourced from biblestudytools.com.

Categories // Faith, Jennifer Howe's Perspective, Singing in April's Showers Tags // April showers, But God, Facets of Faith, Galatians 3:14, Hiding place, Isaiah 26:3, Isaiah 43:1-2, Isaiah 44:22, Jennifer J Howe, Psalm 106:10, Psalm 32:7, Raindrops, Singing in the rain

Springing Forward: Growing in God

03.12.2019 by Jennifer Howe //

Welcome to Facets, friend. Spring has sprung, right? I’m sorry. That’s a lie in some parts of my country. Forgive me? The truth is, spring will come, but I’d like to have a little sit-down with a rodent named Phil. (Is it just me?) If you’re just catching up, March is all about springing forward and growing in our faith with God. Tracy shared thoughts here. Look for the upcoming posts from Kim and our special guest, Lavonna Garner. Don’t miss out—great things are coming!

Springing Forward: Growing in God (JJ Howe)

Growing in God

True to my Enneagram Five-ness tension, I thought long and hard: God, how can I grow in my faith and authentically walk through everyday life with You? True to my other tendencies, I asked, Could this be simple and easy, too? A landslide of thoughts tumbled and ended with If walking with God in faith were simple and easy, would it still be faith? Likely not. So this won’t be a “3 Easy Steps to Super-Christian Status” post. Not hardly.

The Word and a Calling

Once upon a time (25 years ago), I had one of those aha moments. I hadn’t landed in crystal clarity, but I definitely had to have a define the relationship talk with God. This really was the simple part: when I read enough Bible pages, one right after the other, I found a consistent call drawing my heart, mind, and spirit to Him. That happened, and then I took huge strides to study Him, His heart, and His will on those pages.

In 1994 I read. A lot. Friends told me that would ‘wear off,’ that I’d eventually ‘settle down’ at a certain point. Does the amazing intimacy with the One I worship fade out for everyone once the questions get answered? I found it can and does—when the quiet, undistracted moments evaporate; when the desire to know Him more intimately is traded for dusty memories of past study; when the heart slowly turns to acknowledge stuff, interests, devices, and virtual relationships before the God of the universe—the intensity most definitely fades. Slowly at first.

You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you. Exodus 34:14 (NLT)

The Lord won’t tolerate rivals. So we choose today and every day how we will use our mental energy, strength, and breath. We were made to worship, and we will. But who or what will we worship? That is the foundation of our walk in faith with Him.

No one walks in faith with Him and splits time with the three-ring circus life lays out in front of her. That’s part of the insane difficulty of the opposition we face. The sacred and secular are not compartmentalized. If all of life is lived in the presence of God (acknowledged or not), which parts are set aside because He cannot see, permeate, or influence them? When I answer that question honestly, everything changes.

My mind is forced to reconcile reality.

Will I walk with God daily in everything—or will I pick and choose? Will I live like He is with me, so near that I take Him everywhere I go in this little 5’ 4” body (in my three-inch heels)? Will I live expecting His truth, love, and power to break through in this life? Will I live with Him?

Friend, walking with God is the only way we grow up. We grow in intimacy when we spend time with Him in quiet, undistracted moments. We grow in maturity when we desire to know Him—His brilliant mind, unchanging truth, loving heart, and magnificent power. And because He is eternal (boundless and limitless), there is no end to that study! We become more like Him when we know His heart and mind, love Him more than anything else, and love others the way He would. That’s walking the walk, rather than talking the talk.

The Father’s Plan

All God’s plans have the mark of the cross on them and all His plans have death to self in them.—E.M. Bounds (1835-1913)

Knowing how precious the Son was to the Father, how powerful His death was on the cross, could I be so concerned with the “stuff” of this world? Are my eyes so easily lured away from that moment to something else? Can I set aside distractions and devices long enough to speak to Him, listen to His voice, and read His expressed will on the page? Will I ask Him to help me love Him and others deeply and completely? Dare I ask Him to help me love the ways He has given for living with Him in faith and loving others in my life?

If there is a way to spring forward, it could only be in step with Him.

Thanks for reading along. I’d love to hear your thoughts on growing in faith. Do you have something that encourages you as you grow with God? Comment below or at the Facebook page. And if you like what you read—sharing is caring. *wink*

Signature, Jennifer Howe

Categories // Faith, Jennifer Howe's Perspective, Spring Forward with God Tags // Dying to self, Exodus 34:14, Facets of Faith, Faith, Growing in God, Jennifer J Howe

We Are Family: Finding and Getting to Know Your Family

02.12.2019 by Jennifer Howe //

Welcome to Facets! We’re glad you dropped by. We think you’ll enjoy this month’s topic: finding family. Tracy shared about finding family through a DNA test, Kim is crafting thoughts for next Tuesday, and the following week we have a guest to introduce.Have You Found Your Family? (JJ Howe)I (Jennifer) have memories: playing outside until dusk in the little suburban neighborhood; games of football, frisbee, and tag in a vacant lot across the street; neighborhood kids in that lot after school, Saturday afternoons, and more often in the summer. When the street light on our corner lit up, it was time to go home.

I, with my short legs, wanted to tag along with my older sisters; truth is, as a little sister, I wasn’t cool enough to run with the big kids. I’d show up, only to be sent home. That stage went on for at least three forevers.

In a blink, the oldest sister was off to school, then the second. By then I was drowning in turbulent high school years that transitioned into college chaos. The last sister was on her own journey four years later.

The nest eventually emptied; we all found our flight patterns. I migrated furthest away. We still gather when we can, and I’ve found the transition in these years to be refreshing. It’s been a long time coming, this season we’re in.

You can live with people and never know them.
Never assume. Lesson learned. I lived nearly 18 years with my sisters and thought I knew every detail about them. The truth is I held a caricature of each sister in my mind. One was “the smart, responsible one.” Another was “the smart, social one.” Another was “the super-talented one who could do anything.” Those descriptions were accurate. The distorted caricature took shape over layers of sibling arguing and competition.

Lately, the time spent with family has been different. We’ve flown and grown. Time apart allowed for new experiences and individual growth. I’m not the same person. But, guess what! They aren’t the same either. Some threads in the fabric are distinct, maybe bolder or shinier than they were. The character traits are intricately woven. Many threads have changed or been removed altogether, a little like intricate cutwork. Much of who I am (and who my sisters are) may come from our shared environment as kids, but now I know we didn’t experience the same things in the same way. Many life-changing experiences were never shared at all.

Three phone calls changed my relationships.

Road trips are revealing.
Two phone calls on very different days.

The first asked if I was willing to go on a road trip to Massachusetts. I had spent time with my sister, but nothing as long or in such small space. I had the time, and I love road trips. We’d do a little sight seeing, but there was a new baby to see, too. An adventure! With a sister? Okay. Our rental car had no key fob, stormy weather followed us east for two days, and we talked most of the way. I, being an early riser and too noisy, learned about my sister’s morning routine. And we had fun, except for that one morning. (I learned to be quieter!)

I wouldn’t have traded the experience for anything! Driving through two days of downpour, almost running out of gas, the precious newborn, the walks through Boston, the once-in-a-lifetime lunch. All of it is treasure!

The second call was different. The road trip was short enough to do in a day, but long enough to make it difficult. This one was tricky; the “official ask” didn’t come. I made the assumption I wasn’t needed but took it back when a voice whispered, “Would you write about finding your family without leaning in here?” No. No, I wouldn’t. We padded the trip with a relaxed evening, knowing a long day waited on the other side of sleep. An evening, a long day with a mission, and driving home overnight. That’s an opportunity to get to know someone.

This trip was different: there were moments when it was just two sisters, and then there was extended time with a third family member I spend no time with. And it was all really good, as tough as the trip was. We were short on time and long on miles. The weather would shift, but it was tough to know how and when. Add snow to the end of a long drive, and it just wears on a driver. We did it, though. And for me, finding family on this trip was about little conversations in pockets and longer conversations when the hours crawled.

I wouldn’t trade the road trips for anything. I learned shared experience isn’t completely shared. The caricatures I held in my mind cracked, and pieces began to fall away when I understood my sisters’ perspectives. The relationships between us have been shifting for years—they still need tending to grow—but I can see and understand why things became tense and how they can become healthy. I simply agreed to a couple of road trips.

Share the best me with family.
In less than a month I’ll celebrate one of those birthdays—you know, one where the math gets really simple to calculate the age. *wink* I’m not that little girl running after my sisters’ crowd anymore. My legs aren’t too short—they touch the ground when I’m standing, and I can wear four-inch heels. My natural, metallic roots were given the freedom they always wanted. I’m more comfortable in my own skin. (It’s about time!)

I’ve learned lessons in this stage, and each one is precious! This one (presenting my best self with family) was harder. In order to do it, I had to offer the real me, something JEN-uine. I can’t be on a hunt to find my family without offering authentic me.

Families may play a wicked game of “best self” with overdone, fake, cleaned-up images. No one is interested in that, but authenticity and vulnerability only happen in safe places. That means listening more than speaking, noticing more than ignoring, and validating more than preaching, teaching, or explaining. And then there’s taking ownership of the “stuff.”

The “best me” gets real and accepts all the ridiculous shortcomings.
The third call was hard. I dialed a sister who had to be deeply wounded by my words and actions. I was aware, and I wanted to try to repair. It was a good conversation. There was the initial brush-off that can happen when one asks forgiveness, but I pressed in gently. I asked about the pain and emotions connected to my words and actions. I apologized. We both cried. I found family in another way.

We lose relationships over years of disconnection. Ignored hurts are relational landmines, and those are only deactivated in quiet, intimate, carefully-selected moments. Beneath the rubble of a harsh past lies a potentially beautiful future for family. It takes time and intention.

Friend, I don’t know your story—but we have been placed in families, and it can be amazing and wonderful and challenging (and downright hard!). Have you gone looking for your family? Do you know them? Really know them? I find the search to be tough when I haven’t taken time to listen, notice, and validate; but it’s really rich when I do.

Thanks for reading all these words, friend! I’d love to know more about your own journey to finding family. Will you comment below or the Facebook Page?

Signature, Jennifer Howe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

P. S. Check the comments for additional thoughts on finding family from me!

Categories // Finding Family, Friendship, Jennifer Howe's Perspective Tags // Active listening, Authenticity, Err and repair, Finding family, Jennifer J Howe, Loving well, Repairing relationships, Road trip, Sibling rivalry, Sisters, The best me, Vulnerability

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