Waiting Expectantly

“He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’ When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.” 

Luke24:46-52 (NIV)

God recently reminded me of this scene in Luke 24 in which Jesus appears to his disciples after defeating sin and death by triumphantly rising from the grave.  In this passage, Jesus astounds the disciples by proving that He is not a ghost, but is in fact the risen Lord in flesh and bones – alive and eating broiled fish!  Amazed and joyous, the disciples must have hung on every word Jesus spoke as He commissioned them as witnesses to the nations and promised the sending of the Holy Spirit.  Matthew 28 records the Great Commission in which “Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”

Take a moment to imagine how the disciples must have felt.  First, Jesus appeared to them after being brutally crucified in public and laid lifeless in a tomb.  Then, after rising from the grave, He proceeds to eat broiled fish and prove that He is not a ghost.  Next Jesus points out that these events were all part of God’s divine plan and opens the disciples' minds so that they can understand the Scriptures.  Finally, He gives them the biggest job assignment ever: go to all people and proclaim the good news of salvation.  And, by the way, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit, who will go with them and empower them to fulfill this monumental task. 

I imagine that by this point in the story the disciples are pretty excited.  Risen Lord! Alive! Eyes opened! God’s plan for salvation! Go to all the nations!

But Jesus said to wait.  Yes – after all of that, He told them to wait.   

There they sat, stunned and in awe of Jesus, ready and willing to go… and they were just supposed to wait?  That's right.  The disciples were to wait for the Holy Spirit to anoint the perfect moment to go and spread the gospel to all people, tribes, and tongues.  According to Luke, they waited in a posture of continual worship, with a song in their hearts and praise on their lips.  They waited purposefully and with anticipation of the great things God would do through them for the building of His Kingdom. 

As Christians, we have all heard the call of the Great Commission.  Jesus’s words ring ever clear in our minds as we long to see the joy of Christ spread to all people.  It is the desire of our hearts to bear fruit for the glory of God and be a light in the darkness.  Jesus desires that all would know of His love and sacrifice, and that all would enter into the gift of eternal salvation He accomplished by dying in our place on the cross.  It is by confessing that He is Lord and giving our lives to God that we are saved.  We are the messengers of this great news!  We have been appointed! 

Do you ever find yourself in the same situation as the disciples?  I sure do.  Have you heard the call to “go” but are now in a season of waiting?  This passage is such encouragement to my soul as I relate to and learn from the experience the disciples had that day.  It is a joy to know that God has called me to be His child and has commissioned me to glorify His name by bringing others into the Kingdom.  Sometimes waiting on the Holy Spirit’s perfect timing to “go” is difficult – especially when you happen to a "Type A” girl who always has a plan... and a back-up plan.  However, God has shown me through this passage and my own experience that there is so much to be gained from a season of waiting.  What a sweet time to savor and treasure the Lord as I abide in His love!  I am thankful for opportunities to grow, to learn, to disciple and be discipled.  I am thankful that God has a plan for my life, and that He has given me the opportunity to wait in faith on His perfect timing. 

As Charles Spurgeon said in his sermon titled The Filling ofEmpty Vessels, “Waiting in faith is a high form of worship which in some respects excels the adoration of the shining ones above.”  Did you catch that?   Waiting is worship that outshines the stars that twinkle like fireflies dancing across the night sky.  May we wait in humble expectation of all that God has prepared for us, knowing that His plan will be perfected in and through us at just the right moment.  Worship as you wait.  Serve as you wait.  Love as you wait. Abide as you wait.  And when the time comes, may you boldly step out in faith and fulfill your high calling for the glory of God.

Practicing Self-Forgetfulness

Tonight I read a short book by Timothy Keller titled The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness, which teaches about gospel-humility by examining the life, work, and writings of the Apostle Paul.   Here is my favorite passage from the book:

“The thing we would remember from meeting a truly gospel-humble person is how much they seemed to be totally interested in us. Because the essence of gospel-humility is not thinking more of myself or thinking less of myself, it is thinking of myself less… True gospel-humility means I stop connecting every experience, every conversation, with myself. In fact, I stop thinking about myself. The freedom of self-forgetfulness. The blessed rest that only self-forgetfulness brings.”

Keller notes that modern society promotes high self-esteem as the cure to all evils, resulting in self-worth that is based on how well we perform in life's daily "courtroom" rather than in the truth of the gospel.  We know that when Christ died, he paid the debt for our sin, bestowing His righteousness upon us.  No longer are we bound to the expectations that the world - and ourselves! - places upon us.  At the end of the day, it's not our successes and failures that matter;  it's the joy we get from resting in the love, forgiveness, mercy, and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that on the cross He accomplished everything necessary for salvation.  

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Romans 2:8-10

[Keller's The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness is available on Amazon as a Kindle download for just $0.99!]

A Prayer for Today

Shelly Moore Band, "Scratch"

I’m just a scratch on this line
Such a vapor of time
How can I think it's all mine
Or just for me 
A fleeting thing

My soul cannot rest here 
There is always something more 
That I'm striving for 
Round and round again in this so called circle of life
But it's never the same
So is it a circle or a line

Father, help me wait for my full reward
Remind my soul that it's not here
Father, help me wait for my full reward
Remind my soul that it's not here

So what should be my delight?
They tell me to buy to satisfy what I need
They've got me feeling alone, like this world is my home
When the most costly has been given for free 

There will come a day
When you will say well done
There will come a day
When you will say well done good and faithful one

And, check out Shelly's new CD, Unraveling.  

Prayer and the Heartbeat of God

"Prayer brings our heartbeat in tune with God’s own. In prayer, we come to God in worship. During times of praise and adoration, we are keenly aware of who He is, what He has done, and what His Word teaches us. This love for God leads us to contemplate His perfection and holiness." 

- Michael Sills, The Missionary Call (2008)

Something to Think About

"Many Christians are aware of the billions who have never heard the gospel and those among them who die without Christ every day. This concern is a constant burden in their lives. Like a stone in their shoe, it is ever on their minds no matter where they go or what they do. Their hearts reverberate with the cries of those who are being born into, live in, and die in darkness. They are concerned for the young girls whose parents sell them into sexual slavery to provide for the family. They are concerned for the millions of street children and their hopeless existence. Most of all, they are concerned for the glory of God. Their concern makes them wonder how they can live a holy life in faithfulness to God’s commands if they do not live in reckless abandon and radical fulfillment of the Great Commandments and the Great Commission." 

-Michael Sills, The Missionary Call (2008)

Hallelujah

When I was on vacation in Florida, one of my favorite things to do was stake out the perfect sunset-watching spot on the beach gazebo.  I'd show up at 2:00 or 2:30 with a cup of my favorite tea and a book so that I could enjoy the afternoon while waiting for the sun to sink down on the horizon.  What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon!  This particular photo looks like my mental image of the day Jesus will return for us - except, instead of the sun's rays of light, Jesus will be the one radiating in glory.  Do you see it, too?  I thought you might :) 

Holy Holy Holy

is the Lord our God

Mighty King of Glory,

You have rescued us

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You are the God of our salvation

You have conquered

You have risen

You are the God of our salvation

-Phil Wickham, God of our Salvation

In the Garden

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

"In the Garden" by C. Austin Miles, 1912

These are a few pictures that I took at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens,
 one of my favorite spots in the Triangle. 

Autumn

Crisp leaves in amber hues, hot apple cider, crackling fires, golden sunsets, cozy blankets, fuzzy sweaters and warm scarves... I love autumn.  Here are some pictures I've snapped in the last few days - beautiful, right?

Nature's first green is gold, 

Her hardest hue to hold. 

Her early leaf's a flower; 

But only so an hour. 

Then leaf subsides to leaf. 

So Eden sank to grief, 

So dawn goes down to day. 

Nothing gold can stay. 

Robert Frost, Nothing Gold Can Stay, 1923

I. Love. This.

Hey, stop reading and go watch this:  The Duke Football Story

Sacred Moments

“Those who excel at the art of sacred living know how to savor the romance of life, the beautiful joy and simplicity of knowing Him, and walking in His presence.  It doesn’t happen by adopting a self-focused, pleasure-seeking attitude, but by learning how to cherish and value the opportunities that God gives us each day.  Daily life is bursting with opportunities to enjoy his amazing creation; opportunities to cultivate relationships with family and friends; opportunities to build God’s kingdom; opportunities to create, to sing, to dance, to worship, to serve, to laugh, and to learn.  Are we letting those sacred moments pass us by?  If so, it’s time to return to the peaceful, still waters and green pastures of daily intimacy with our King.  No other lifestyle compares to one lived in His presence!” 

– Leslie Ludy, “The Art of Sacred Living,” setapartgirl Magazine, Sept/Oct 2012, p. 78

[A note about the picture:  I copied this picture from p. 79 of  setapartgirl Magazine, the Sept/Oct 2012 edition, and attribute all photo rights and credit to the magazine.]

My Happy Place

I'm so thankful that God gives me moments like these when I can feel His presence all around.  

As the warm beams from the morning sun danced on the tranquil sea, I knew that He was providing me with a moment of peace in his company where I could rest and talk with my Savior.  

The beach - especially at sunrise - is my happy place.  The quiet of the morning is interrupted only by the pitter patter of sand pipers scurrying along the shoreline as brilliant shades of pink, red, and orange paint across the sleepy sky.  Buried shells and sea glass sparkle like gems in the soft sand, and the salty ocean breeze awakens the day to life with its sweet fragrance. What better place to commune with the Most High? 

Buying a House in Crazy Town

This morning as I was driving to work, I took a few minutes to reflect on the last few weeks.  Life has been insanely busy now that the students are back on campus and our office is gearing up for an eventful fall.  There are some days when I am pretty sure I just don't sit still... which on one hand is really nice, but on the other hand can result in one tired Morgan by the end of the day.  It feels as if I've bought a house in Crazy Town and moved in with no plans to leave anytime soon...

So, I challenged myself with two questions: 1) when life gets tough, what are you running to for solace or rest, and 2) when you need to recharge, what do you fill up with?  Tough questions for sure!  It's easy to get swept up in the business of balancing spinning plates, but how does that business affect my spiritual life?  Am I growing closer to God in the midst of the chaos or farther away from Him, distracting me from abiding with my Savior?  Am I running to God for rest or am I relying on something else to sooth my soul after a long day's work?  These are big questions and it's important to take a step back and talk to myself... rather than listen to myself.  So, I challenge you to do the same.  When things start spinning out of control, ask yourself on what or whom you rely for strength, comfort, rest, and peace - if it's not God, then there's a problem. 

Holden Beach

This weekend I had the privilege of celebrating my sorority sister's upcoming nuptials by spending a lovely weekend at Holden Beach.  I love any chance I get to travel to the beach - I'm a true beach girl at heart - and there were a couple of particularly wonderful moments when I was able to experience the beauty of the coast... here are two of my favorites:

On Saturday, my friend and I woke up at 6 am to watch the sun rise over the ocean.  I've always loved the peaceful beauty of sunrise at the beach:  soft waves lapping on the shore, swaying sea grass, lazy clouds, sleepy sand pipers, and a spectacular display of pinks, reds, and oranges that paint across the morning sky as the sun awakens from her slumber.  Take a look at the pictures below - pretty beautiful, huh?

On Sunday morning I woke up at 7 am to a thunderstorm rolling in from the west.  I jumped out of bed, brewed  a cup of coffee, and headed for the deck overlooking the saltwater marsh of the Intercoastal Waterway.  I love, love, love thunderstorms at the beach.  Protected by the porch, I watched the heavy clouds roll past with their booms of thunder and strikes of lightening.  Grays and greens mixed with the sounds of a summer storm - beauty beyond words.  I sipped my hot coffee as a flock of egrets took flight, moving to a safer ground from which they could ride out the storm.  As other birds and creatures hunkered down, I marveled at the beauty of the scene as the rain drops began to fall all around me.

Join Me in Supporting Ovarian Cancer Research!

Dear Friends,

I recently signed up to participate in the Gail Parkins Memorial Ovarian Cancer Walk & 5K Run. My sorority sister, Kimberly, and I created Team HOOT (Hating On Ovarian Cancer Together) to celebrate our Moms who are both Ovarian Cancer survivors.  You can register for the 5K as a part of Team HOOT or make a tax deductible donation online that will support my personal fundraising efforts.    


As you know, my Mom was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in November 2011.  By the grace of God, the doctors quickly detected her aggressive tumors and proceeded with surgery and chemotherapy.  My Mom is my hero because she fought her battle with courage, perseverance, and hope, and I am so happy to say that she is on the road to recovery today!  I’ve never been much of a runner, but this 5K gives me the chance to demonstrate my love and support for my Mom while raising money and awareness for a disease that so often goes unnoticed.  Will you join me in celebrating my Mom and other brave women? 

Race Details:
Saturday September 8, 2012
7:00 am – registration opens
8:00 am – run starts 
Sanderson High School 
5500 Dixon Drive
Raleigh, North Carolina

Thanks so much for your support!  It’s meant the world to me over the last few months.  

Sincerely,
Morgan 

Key Lime Pie: A Review

Good morning friends! It's Friday!!

Since this happy day is upon us, I thought I'd share a song with you that I'm pretty sure should be titled "Ode to Morgan" rather than "Key Lime Pie," although that is probably the second best title Kenny Chesney could have chosen.  Now, for those of you who don't know, I am a self-proclaimed key lime pie connoisseur.  Really.  I've tried the best of the best from all over the Caribbean and I can tell you that the winner issssss (insert drum roll).... "Key Lime Mouse" from a little restaurant on Grand Cayman called the Crow's Nest.  This delicious desesrt is proudly proclaimed by the maitre d' to be the absolute best - he's right - but his Caribbean accent makes mousse sound like mouse, and that's funny to me.  The Crow's Nest is a little hideaway outside of Georgetown (downtown) where you are served your lobster tail and coconut water (from the tree in the yard) on the back porch of a little Caribbean shack that sits right along the edge of the bay.  That is my happy place... with the moon shining down, the stars twinkling above, azure waves lapping the sand... Paradise. Perfection. And Key Lime Mouse.

So, now that you know where you're taking your next vacation, I can tell you why this tune should be called "Ode to Morgan."  In this song, Kenny (we're on a first name basis, didn't you know?) talks about big straw hats, the ocean breeze, a tire swing, coconuts, palm trees, yellow birds, bathing suits and t-shirts, full moons shining down on blue lagoons, big white sail boats, red sunsets, lobster tail....  and don't forget my, my, my - my key lime pie!  My favorite things all in one song!  I'm a beach girl at heart :)

So, kick your feet up on your desk, put on your sunglasses, lean back in your office chair, and enjoy this song that will surely transport you straight to the beaches of the Caymans.

Sunset in the Cayman Islands

Allyson and me with Guy Harvey in his studio in Georgetown. Just thought I'd post that one for fun!

Update:  I've found out via The Google that the Crown's Nest was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and the owners chose not to rebuild it...I'm SO SAD!