Kookie Cut-Outs by Rachel Britz

Delivering cookies and good news.

Telling Secrets Because You Care

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It’s been a hard year for one of my chicks. Really hard. All my pants have holes in the knees. Rug burns, as you might expect. I’ve been reminded again and again that this is God, at work, writing His story.

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Photo: Shadow Mountain Guest Ranch

 

I know what its like to write a story. I’m 2 1/2 years into writing my first novel. Oh, the journey. The perilous, painful road of writing a story. Love. Adventure. Suspense. Failure. Darkness. Plot twists. Culmination. A heros journey. And so, with the messy and beautiful format for writing stories, creating art, I’m learning to “let go” of the process and lean into collaboration.

“It takes a village,” someone said.

 

A story needs people. Even when God is the author.

The other day I was spending some time with a woman that I love a whole lot. In the midst of our time together she sheepishly mentioned that she’d had a dream about my little chick, the one who is having a hard year.

She’s been praying. A village of peeps have been praying.

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Photo Courtesy: World Vision, USA

 

Anyway, she shared that all night she wrestled in and out of sleep because my chick was like a load of warm towels in the dryer, tumbling in her mind. And then, in the midst of all this tossing and turning she heard {quite audibly} these words,

“Everything is going to be okay.”

These words, to a mothers weary heart. Oh, yes. I wept. “Everything is going to be okay.” Surely, I don’t know, how. I don’t know, when. But I do know, Who!

I believe we all go through various seasons in life. Sometimes we need to uphold the hand of another. Intercede. Join in their painful journey and pray. Sometimes we’re the ones needing the hand up. Thus, the art of story crafting. We need each other. God uses community to breath truth and life into those who seek Him. And even those who don’t. Because its about those raw, powerful words striking a spirit that needs to be revitalized.

I believe there are many times God gives us a “word” for someone else. Someone pressing heavy onto your heart. The word or dream or picture may, to you, seem so outlandish. Sharing it would almost seem ridiculous. We’re not sure of the meaning, so we shrug it off. Couldn’t be, truth.

Consider though, your part. A minor appearance on the script, having a major impact on the story, whole. Yes. This is the art of telling secrets. Because you care. Today, has God given you a “word” for someone else? Consider courage. Pray over those whispered “words” you believe are for another. Then, do not be afraid to enter into the story line. Share, and believe!

“It takes a village,” someone said.  

 

Becoming a Disciple: 101

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This week I celebrated another wedding anniversary with my Main Man. Thirteen years. Some days it feels as though I’ve blinked and we’ve gone from there to here. Other days, thirteen feels more like three-hundred- and- thirteen. Truth.

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Ours was unique. Non-traditional. A joining of one man to this one woman and her spunky, side-kick daughter. A package deal. Who knew the lessons we’d learn?

So, when I look back to those lucky years ago and I see where we are standing with boots on the ground today, I think, Wow. We’ve learned so much.  And sometimes I sigh, Wow. We’ve got so much growing yet to do.

All of us. He. She. Me.

This week over on my Facebook page I asked a question about what it means to be a Disciple.

Disciple.

It’s one of those vintage words. Like standing in the antique store and seeing that really nifty thing on the shelf. You know it has a history and you can picture it in your home, up on the mantel. But what is it really? You hold it in your hand, turning it around…hmm, you wonder about it’s purpose. Kinda quirky, but kinda cool. I think that’s the way it is with the word Disciple. We bring it into our home and let it roll off our tongue. I imagine, if probed, perhaps the word might cause some of us to cock our head with wonder.

What is a Disciple, really?

 

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According to my little Bible Dictionary a Disciple is a learner. A pupil of some teacher. The word implies the acceptance in mind and life of the views and practices of the teacher. Usually, however, it refers to the adherents of Jesus.

So there you have it. A clear cut definition. But now, what should you do with it?

Become a student.

In many ways, we are. If you’ve been married for any amount of time, you’re a student. If you’re in the throws of parenthood, you’re a student too. Sometimes the lessons are easy-peasy. Other times, holy smokes Batman where’s the cheat sheet cause I’m ’bout to flunk out. The deal is this: Becoming a student is relational. Because it’s about the relationship. The same is true for Discipleship.

For many of us, I think we’ve had lies sewn into our hearts and minds about this becoming a disciple of Jesus. It’s been twisted into a religious thing. If you do this, then… In that case, we assume we need to get our crap together before we dare enter the classroom.

I’m here to tell you that’s a lie from the pit.

Do you have a hunger deep within to seek the things of God? Have you been wondering for far too long, But how, God?

This is how.

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” {Luke 10:38-42}

Only one thing is needed. The ability to become a Disciple means that even when life is chaotic and there are a million things to prepare and do and be done that we, instead, choose to sit and listen to the teacher.

Yep. This act of #simpleobedience only requires two things. The Word of God and a place to sit. Enter Discipleship 101.

It’s about learning.

It’s about growing.

And then, it’s about giving it away.

Sign me up. Who’s in?

When That Thing Happens to Your BFF

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We decided we don’t like to talk about it anymore…you know, that thing that happens every year. That thing that most people celebrate with cake and candles. Yeah, that day of birth thing.

Oh, we’ll celebrate. And we did.

Celebrating that thing we're not going to talk about.
Celebrating that thing we’re not going to talk about.

We just don’t want to talk about it. Getting older. Yeah, it’s been decided that the thirty-something decade kinda stunk, for us. Perhaps, it’s that process of coming into your own. An epiphany of sorts that the pie-in-the-sky life you dreamed of in your 20’s – isn’t real. Not that life is fake, no. It’s just the realization that life is actually meant to be hard. That all the tough stuff is supposed to shape and mold us into a fashion no one could have ever imagined. Thus, the its not-quite-what-I-thought-it’d-be is really part of the plan. We can peaceably accept or buck it all the way. I think we’ve surrendered.

But seriously, what woman would be able to endure any of this life without the companion of another?

It’s hard to believe we’ve been together for 22 years. What would you call us? Cause it’s deeper than a friendship and thicker than sisterhood. We’ve relegated to BFF – for ease and convenience.

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High school punks. Seriously, just look at that clunky thing in my hand. No cell phones back in the day. That’s a real life camera, people.

She is my secret keeper and I am hers. My daily pick me up – even when we’ve nothing left to say. We speak the same love language – I fill her, she fills me. She is my Kleenex. We have history, a past that stretches for miles.

Babies having babies. A venture into motherhood.
Babies having babies. A venture into motherhood.

 

We’ve been broken to a million pieces. We’ve stood on top of mountains and drank in the beauty. We’ve been business partners way too many times. And without my BFF- Jilly, well, I think I’d be walking with a cane FOREVER.

 

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Our award-winning {business} trip to Mexico circa 2007

 

So, when that thing happened the other day. Yeah, it was Jilly’s birthday. Shhh. Remember we’re not talking about it. I had the most perfect gift in mind for her. Because my writer friend, Melanie Shankle just wrote a memoir about the beauty of friendship called, Nobody’s Cuter Than You.

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She thinks she’s cute. And she is!

And when I watched her trailer for the book , I knew that this would be the most perfect gift.

Of course, what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t pre-read the book. Just to make sure. I read it. Loved every word. As a child of the 70’s and 80’s I found myself sucked back into the nostalgia of what once was. Oh, and I realized that I really need to purchase all of the Amy Grant albums because, well, that’s just good stuff.

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This is where things are getting outa’ hand

 

I wanted to write this post for three purposeful reasons.

1.) For Jilly – Yay! We survived another year. You may be older and cuter but, I’ll always be wiser. 😉

2.) For the book – Seriously, every woman should snatch herself a copy of Melanie’s book, NOBODY’S CUTER THAN YOU. You should actually buy two. One for yourself, and one for your Jilly. Because if you do what I did and try to pre-read the one copy before gifting it, you’ll find it’s really hard not smudging the pages with mascara or grabbing the closest pen to circle and underline every great line ever written about the beauty of friendship. Like this one,

“Having your soul knit to another isn’t for the faint of heart. It means you bear your own hurts along with those of your friend. you cry when she cries and laugh when she laughs and come up with plots to kill someone who causes her any pain. You love harder, laugh louder, live richer, and become more together than you could ever be by yourself. Soul knitting is putting your heart and your name in the hands of another person and saying, ‘I trust you with all of this’ and having that person do the same.” -Melanie Shankle

3.) For those of you who feel alone – I realize that some of you feel as though you do not have a Jilly in your life. And to you, I want to speak a little encouragement. Hold onto Hope. I know, that sounds cheesy and cliche’. But it’s true. The cultivating of any meaningful relationship takes time. God knows your deep desires. Pour out your hope and request to him. In due time, you will see that a perhaps she’s been beside you all along, but the relationship just needed to be watered a little. Or, one day you’ll turn around and run smack dab into her. God loves deep sisterhood and he holds every good thing in his hand. Hold it loosely, it will come… Being lonely hurts deep. My friend, Jennifer Lee posted this today on her Facebook page and I found it perfectly true. So timely. 

Tell me now, what are your thoughts on the beauty of friendship?

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#Nobodyscuterthanyou

 

 

God Gave Me These Sheep Pictures — For You!

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A few months ago I traveled to Ireland with my mom. I guess, I went for a few different reasons. Mainly to do some research for my first novel, a historical piece. But, also, it’s been a dream to visit the land of my ancestors and connect with my roots.

In preparation I made a lot of notes about the places to go and things to see. And of course, no trip to Ireland would be complete without pictures of sheep, right?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, a cool thing happened…

Last week I was preparing to speak at church on John 10, the passage in the Bible where Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd. In this particular story Jesus is having a discussion with the Jews who are feeling a bit divided because of his teachings. Some think he is Cracker Jacks, while others are totally drinking the Kool-Aid. Hmm. Sound familiar? Not too different from today, eh?

The story here is that Jesus is trying to give them a different picture of himself to help them understand his true nature. It’s interesting. Jesus giving himself a name like this. Actually, though, throughout the scriptures he is given quite a few alternative names.

Lover.
Bridegroom.
Mediator.
Prince of Peace
Great Physician.
Wonder Worker.
King.

To name a few.

And now, the GOOD SHEPHERD. What does that mean? It fascinates me that Jesus would feel the need to explain that He is good. But then again, I think for many of us, when times are turbulent, bad things happen, or we’re not getting the answer to our prayers…we have this way of defaulting to a notion that surely, God is not good.

Here, Jesus simply says, I am GOOD. Fair. Excellent by nature. Morally beautiful and noble.

Not only good, but the good SHEPHERD.

Did you know that a shepherd must be brave? Courageous. Like a warrior, willing to fight, a shepherd defends his flock from the wolves, the enemies that roam seeking to kill, maim and devour his sheep. A shepherd delivers. If one goes missing, gets lost…he goes out and brings back. A shepherd is not a hired hand. He’s not just paid to do the job, no. A shepherd is a proprietor. He owns the sheep, therefore he has a vested interest in each and every one.

Okay, so as I prepared to share these truths, I began thumbing through my pictures from Ireland. I discovered that in essence I had two encounters with sheep. Two radically different experiences.

First, this one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aren’t they cute? On this day my mom and I were traveling through the countryside village of my great, great, great grandmother. The sun was shining and we were feeling overwhelmed with the beauty surrounding us. When we saw this flock hanging out on the hillside we pulled over. So, take a good look at these guys. What do you see? A nice tree for shade, lush green pasture, and a gate to keep them together and protected. These guys are healthy, well cared for.

However; on a completely different adventurous day, as we came into this small town I noticed this cool looking ruin along side the road. As we approached, I noticed the gate was broken, so I had to go around. The ruined castle was literally crumbling, it was evident that this place had been attacked, the charred stone suggested a fire too. As I was taking pictures I heard a rustle behind me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I turned around, I saw this sad little guy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lonely sheep. No flock. He had no enclosure, no pasture, and by the sight of his unkempt fleece it was evident that this guy was not cared for. Alone. Terrified. Hanging out by the ruins.

I’m amazed. Two radically different pictures show us exactly what I believe Jesus is trying to communicate in John 10.

Picture #1: A healthy flock, in pasture, cared for by a good shepherd. Note: even the black sheep are there. This is huge. For those who have believed that we must first get our act together before stepping into relationship {joining the flock}, this picture says, umm, nope. If he calls, and you come, your in.

Picture #2: In comparison, we have an isolated, lone sheep. Hanging around the ruins of life, scared to death, and completely vulnerable to the predators.

If you had to choose, which picture best describes where you’re at today?

Are you feeling as though you’ve been abandoned, no one to rescue you, living in a place of despair? Do you know that He, the good shepherd is calling your name. Yep. He knows your name. He calls it, and if you are willing He will lead you out of the place of desolation and into the place of pasture. So that, you may indulge in true freedom and rest that only His peace offers. What are you waiting for? Come, if you are weary.

“Very rarely in the Bible does God command someone to “Stay.” He opens a door, and then He invites us to walk through it—into the unknown. And how we choose to respond will determine the life we will lead and the person we will become. In fact, to fail to embrace the open door is to miss the work God has made for us to do.” – John Ortberg

Or do you consider yourself to be among the flock, a well tended community? Loved. Cared for by the good shepherd. If this is you, great! But do you know that you too can be a shepherd? Peter says, “Be shepherds. Not because you must but because you are willing and eager to serve.” This tells me, that we ‘ought to assume the qualities of a shepherd to those who are hurting and alone. Whom has God put on your heart? Is it time to be brave, go out, and tend to the one who is in need?

The story of the good shepherd is for all of us. It’s imagery is one we can hold onto in sickness and in health. Do you see it?

P.S. You can listen to my full message online, here.

 

Everyone Has a Story. {The Legacy of Arthur Guinness}

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In 2002, I had my first Guinness at Bull Feeney’s Irish Pub in Portland, Maine. I remember the way my husband and I cautiously sipped the iconic dark stout, while enjoying fish and chips. This little pub, situated in the historic waterfront district, was a sea lovers dream. I remember sitting in our booth, near the window and gazing across the vast Atlantic waters. I momentarily considered the voyage my Irish ancestors made and was stricken with awe.

What a story to tell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, this was a decade before I would begin an Irish journey of my own to write a book. The seed was there. The story was not.

I love stories.

I think that’s why years’ ago I fell in love with Stephen Mansfield’s biography of Arthur Guinness titled, God and Guinness. The rigorous research and detail that he poured into this book felt like a loaded potato, full of substance and topped with all sorts of delicious extras. (Sorry. I know that was cliche’ but, who can resist a good simile.)

The Story of Arthur Guinness

Born in County Down to a father who worked as the manager of an estate, Arthur learned many traits from his father, which included brewing beer. In 1759 Arthur leased some property and began to pursue his own brewing business. It was, as most new ventures are, slow going at first. Knowing what we know now, some 250 years later, Arthur’s dream not only survived but transformed life for the generations to follow. But, what distinguishes his success story from others is his unique pursuit to keep God at the center of his work. We learn this spiritual focus was his driving force to do good and help those in need.

A Living Legacy 

Could it be true that a man is measured by the culture he creates? Culture. It means, that which is encouraged to grow. Guinness beer is magnificent, yes. (Side note: The very best non-alcoholic beer, Kaliber, is made by Guinness.) But it’s the culture that Arthur Guinness created that helped to change his employees lives, transform poverty in Dublin, and shape the future of his family in ways too numerous to count.

A living legacy. It’s what we’re after, right? We work hard with a certain hope, an expectancy that our life will one day matter. What’s the place and who are the people you’ve been entrusted to care for? This is the culture you’re fostering to grow. Do you perceive it? This is where your story lives, your coming legacy.

Take a moment to sip on that, today!