Flu 2015: Notes From the Trenches

Six-year-old Beth is on an immunosuppressant drug for her arthritis, so I follow flu seasons closely. I keep her out of church classes and AWANA about half the time (when I'm not teaching), if the flu shot is not a good match to the prevailing virus. This year, 90% of sufferers are getting a more severe strain--one not included in the season's vaccine.

Flu activity went to widespread levels in most states shortly after Christmas. Every year there's an epidemic, so don't panic after reading the suddenly frequent news stories about flu 2015. The very young and very old, and the immuno-compromised, die from flu every year, and this year is no exception.

Paul, age 11, is on his third day of severe flu, with his fever once going as high as 105.6 degrees. I panicked somewhat as I haven't seen temps that high, but I got it down to 103 degrees within 30 minutes with full-body cold towels changed frequently, starting with the head and feet (and ibuprofen). Don't assume you need to see a doctor just because there's a high fever. Pay more attention to symptoms than fevers, but take the child's temperature often.

Here's what I've learned:

~ Be prepared. Stock up on Gatorade in a couple flavors and chill it when someone gets sick. It tastes awful at room temperature. Choose 100% juices that everyone likes and keep them untouched in the pantry. Buy crackers, Cheerios, and other bland foods. At first sign of illness, bake a chicken so you can prepare chicken noodle soup--a big pot with leftovers. Bone broth made at home is very healthy. Make a casserole big enough for leftovers to feed those who are still well, and in case you get sick. Buy fever reducers in bulk because it may go through the whole family. Each person will consume a lot of medicine during a five-day illness. Buy OTC medicines that will help with secondary infections--in case of sinus infections, ear infections, urinary-tract infections, etc. Severe flu makes secondary infections more likely.

~ The virus can't survive at 103 degrees, and that's why our bodies spike high fevers. That said, don't assume in the absence of fever that it can't be flu. Not everyone gets a fever with influenza.

~ Pick a sick room and keep sick children confined. The more who fall ill, the worse off Mom will be when she gets it, due to the middle of the night care required. I care for Paul with him on the couch and me over him but not in the field of his coughs. I wash my hands each time I give him care, and I use disinfectant on anything he touches. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets in the air or on surfaces. Cough germs travel about a meter and don't usually linger in the air long, but I've seen different stats regarding this.

~ High fevers (102 degrees +) cause rapid breathing. Don't mistake this for a pneumonia sign. I did that once and Beth was given a chest x-ray she didn't really need. Chest x-rays given between the ages of 10 and early adulthood are one risk factor for breast cancer. If you take a child in, there are likely to be unnecessary tests so the doctors don't miss anything and get sued. Wait for the fever to go down a degree, and then reevaluate the breathing. Children starting out healthy don't usually get pneumonia with flu, but it can happen. Look at the chest--a sucked-in look between the ribs indicates some respiratory distress and should be evaluated. Flaring nostrils is also a distress sign, but a lesser one. I usually give my older son his inhaler when I see the flaring nostrils accompanied by a constant cough.

~ The incubation period is 2 to 4 days, with 2 days being average. We are contagious 1 to 2 days before we become ill. Children can be contagious 10 days, or longer if they are immunocompromised.

~ If you catch it within 24 to 48 hours, you can get an anti-viral medicine from your doctor that will shorten the flu by 1 to 2 days.

~ Keep asthma under control so you're ready if the flu hits. Asthma can potentially be a risk factor for a more severe illness.

~ Paul had a sore throat the first day and slowed down just a little. The second day he could move around somewhat, and the sore throat was somewhat better, but the fever began. The third day seems to be the worst. He's very weak and running a constant temperature, and isn't getting up unless he has to. He should start turning the corner on day 4 or 5, according to my phone conversation with the pediatrician. Most people are well within 3 to 7 days, with fatigue and cough lingering longer.

~ You've probably read that fevers about 106 degrees can cause brain damage, but keep in mind that our bodies don't generally spike fevers during illnesses that are higher than about 105 to 105.5. The Lord knew what he was doing when he created our immune systems. If you panic and try to get fevers back to near normal, you're handicapping the immune system's response to the virus.

~ The chills can be severe with flu, but don't over do it with sweatshirts and blankets, as that will spike fevers higher than you want. A fever of about 103 degrees is a good thing for the circulating virus this year, but children younger than 5 years old need more attention and caution with higher fevers.

~ I find ibuprofen to be better than Tylenol for lowering fevers, but that may only be true in our house. You can piggyback the two medicines, but wait 3 hours after ibuprofen to give the Tylenol. Give ibuprofen every 6 hours. It's likely the medicines won't lower the fever more than to about 102 degrees, and that's okay.

~ Younger children can vomit with the flu, but with older children and adults it's individual. (Peter got sick in the PM today and did vomit.) Ibuprofen on an empty stomach can cause nausea or minor vomiting. Paul vomited once when I had to give him ibuprofen at 3AM. I gave it right away again after he stopped, the second time without water. I believe the water was a mistake, given his empty stomach and the fever combined. I use liquid-form ibuprofen. The dissolving or chewable tablets are more expensive. (Water always makes nausea worse for me, during migraines.)

~ Give a few sips of Gatorade every ten minutes around the clock during the day, if nausea becomes an issue. I learned this trick when Mary once had a severe stomach virus.

~ Keep crackers around so children can avoid an empty stomach. If they can't keep ibuprofen down, ask about Zofran, which is an anti-nausea med used for cancer patients (dissolves on the tongue, then you swallow). It's also used when someone needs to keep medicine down. Zofran reacts with a lot of medicines, so ask your pharmacy before giving it to children other than the one it's prescribed for.

~ Peppermint candy or ginger tea will also ward off nausea. Have any candy canes left over?

~ My kids start looking skinny fast during severe illnesses, but they gain it back within two weeks of being well again, so don't get upset about a temporary gaunt-like physique.

~ I have no help as my aunt is in Florida for the winter. If help is available to you, enlist it early so you don't get severely ill from being a run-down nursemaid. Adults younger than 50 years old (and definitely younger than 65) are better helpers than the elderly, who are at risk for complications.

Has it hit your house this year? Let me know if you need a prayer partner.

Beware: Fundamentalism in Homeschooling

It may surprise you, but I'm out of the homeschool loop as represented by homeschooling conventions, which are not only about school curriculum, but increasingly about parenting and lifestyle teachings, some of which are radical. I've never been to a conference and haven't felt the need, given the extensive research you can do online about any curriculum.

From my recent research, I know that certain things have been prominent at the homeschool conference circuit over the years. For example, Patriarchy. The evangelical movement known as patriarchy = extremism. Examples of their rhetoric include: men have all the power in the family; wives should not vote so as not to negate their husband's vote; adult daughters should stay with their parents until they marry; girls shouldn't attend college because it's a waste of money (since they're going to be wives and mothers anyway); and finally, that all women should endeavor to have a quiverfull of children.

While some of this may be beneficial in some ways for some families, these all represent lifestyle choices, not scriptural mandates.

Big families certainly are a blessing--I won't deny that. I would love to have had more children myself. Parenting helps our faith and maturity grow as we deny ourselves for the sake of our children's legitimate needs. However, it isn't biblical to hint that one is less spiritual without a large family.

First, the Lord doesn't promise children or motherhood, or even marriage. Second, sometimes the health of the parents or the living children make it difficult to keep having children. Most days since my son's concussion last August, which seems to have worsened his OCD, and since the onset of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in my oldest daughter, I feel like I'm swimming in a mental illness mess. The days stretch me incredibly. They're hard and poignant, both.  I do have faith that God provides sufficient grace to handle many children, but still, without extended family support, large families are a handful.

Biblical Patriarchy came into vogue with fringe homeschoolers and fundamentalist evangelicals, based upon the teachings of the Vision Forum, as well as No Greater Joy Ministries, which features the Pearls and their dangerous parenting book To Train Up a Child (some parents have abused their children to death while following this pro-corporal punishment book), and another entity I only learned about yesterday--Bill Gothard and his multi-million dollar empire comprising Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) (homeschooling curriculum) and the Institute in Basic Life Principals (IBLP). (I'm not philosophically opposed to spanking, btw, just cautious of it. Even James Dobson states it doesn't work with strong-willed children.)

The Duggar family uses both of these Gothard resources (and some Duggar girls worked for them at their retreats), and Josh Duggar's brother-in-law works for Gothard's company. The Duggars had a close relationship with Vision Forum as well. Love them or hate them, the Duggars identify with the Quiverfull and Patriarchy movements, at least by association. I've never seen their reality show, but on their website they still feature Gothard's resources under "homeschool resources".

2014 rocked with scandals regarding the movement.  I remained in the dark until yesterday, which is probably a good thing for my heart and nerves. I learned about the serious issues and remain depressed today, despite never having used or followed any of these curriculums or parenting philosophies.

I fear that if homeschooling continues to be associated with these fringe groups, then the liberal NEA (teacher's union) will have more fuel for their anti-homeschool rhetoric and lobbying. Homeschooling is a fast-growing movement, encompassing secular and religious families across American and overseas as well, and it's a perceived threat in NEA minds. I put my faith in God, but I also recognize the massive power and influence the NEA enjoys.

I'm about to highlight some things to be aware of as you peruse online materials for discipleship or as homeschool material. Trigger alert for those who've been victims of abuse and suffer from PTSD. I don't give specific details, but you possibly shouldn't read on.

First Scandal - Bill Gothard

Bill Gothard had 30+ women/teens come forward claiming he sexually harassed them, encompassing many years of his ministry (ministry started in 1961; he is 79 now). In the past he resigned twice before due to similar scandals, but both times he went back to the helm a short time later. He resigned again this year, due to harassment allegations involving teenagers and young women, but an "independent" review found that though he lacked judgement in this behavior, he didn't do anything illegal. Most likely, he'll be back at the helm in the future. Recovering Grace is a ministry dedicated to helping victims of Gothard's abuse of spiritual power and twisted-scripture teachings. The teachings may not all be poor, but they're certainly a stretch of biblical truth (there are cult-like characteristics). The Recovering Grace website linked above gives details, as well as this alumni homeschool site, which is secular and neutral.

Second Scandal - Vision Forum

The man behind Vision Forum, Doug Phillips, harassed and was sexually involved with a nanny who worked for him and lived and traveled with his family. He admitted to wrongdoing and resigned, and Vision Forum Ministries dissolved late 2013, and the for-profit branch in early 2014, but I searched for and found Vision Forum materials on Christianbook.com, just today.

Third Scandal - The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

The family behind The Old Schoolhouse Magazine has a son who allegedly sexually abused some of his siblings and a cousin. This family is also accused of physically abusing all their children. At the time he abused the cousin, he, the perpetrator, was 14 years old, and the victim was 6 years old. That was in 2007. The cousin's family alleged that the Schoolhouse Magazine family apologized for their son's behavior, admitted it was grievous sin, and indicated they would step down from leadership and the speaking circuit in regards to their role at The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. They never did step down, and apparently they presented around the homeschool convention circuit without pause over the years, even bringing their troubled teen with them, and staying in the homes of homeschool families who hosted them, without disclosure of their son's past behavior.

The mother of the victim has tried over the years to persuade the family to give full disclosure, but it hasn't happened. Instead, they ostracized this mother, accusing her of gossip and unscriptural behavior. A biased mediator was called in but still the dispute remains ongoing. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association was called upon to get involved, but after ignoring the victim's mother's emails, their response in emails to concerned Facebook inquirers stated they don't get involved in personal disputes, and that their role remains that of defending the freedom to homeschool across America for all families, either religious or secular, and that they will not function as a police force for the homeschool community. (I don't disagree with their statement necessarily, but think it rude and insensitive not to have responded to the victim's mother in some way. Children should be protected, period, and they shouldn't have dismissed this mother in this way.)

HSLDA continues to be a sponsor of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, which really bothers me, even though I'm not a member of HSLDA myself.

I found some vague reference to law enforcement being called in regarding the abuse of the cousin. The teen perpetrator apparently went to several counseling sessions afterwards, but because he was a minor, nothing more was done that I know of. I cannot confirm law enforcement involvement as I can't remember at which link I found the information. The teen's behavior is a definite red flag, as studies show people do not reform well from sexual perversion. Perpetrators can prey on as many as 100 children before they're caught.

Churches and religious groups are often considered safe havens by perpetrators, so always choose your children's church events wisely, and make sure there's plenty of oversight, including plenty of female oversite (preferred over married couples being together in children's ministry, who don't have to testify against each other). Volunteer yourself if you can, especially for overnight events.

My personal stance as a mother: We don't ever allow our children to go to other children's homes, except briefly outdoors where we can see them. We also never leave them with our friends or acquaintances. I have one aunt who helps in emergencies. This is extreme caution, but in our society we feel it's prudent. We're also very careful never to be alone with any neighborhood children, and when I'm gone they aren't allowed to play here with my husband as the only adult, to avoid false accusations and any suggestion of impropriety. I believe no parent should assume any teen or adult is safe with their children. Even uncles can be suspect. Even if teen boys don't have any sexual disorders, they may still be prone to sexual experimentation and shouldn't be trusted (especially those who've grown up with unlimited media access and could be involved in porn).

Yes, call me paranoid.

Role of Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA)

The Homeschool Legal Defense Association did post a warning about the teachings of Gothard and Phillips, pointing out their fall from grace this year due to scandals, and teaching that the patriarchal stance of these men is unscriptural and could lead to homeschool freedom challenges, if too closely associated with homeschoolers as a whole. They apologized for not speaking up sooner, and apologized for allowing Vision Forum to purchase ad space at their site. I hope they are more diligent in pointing out cult-like ministries in the future.

The Bottom Line

Beware of false teachers, period. Beware of ministries in which one man has too much power, and beware of beloved men with too much power (think Bill Cosby). Power always carriers the risk of corruption. Let the Bible be your guide above all. And something for all of us opinion-spouting bloggers to be aware of, is that when we give a spiritual opinion, we need to clarify it as opinion, rather than biblical Truth. I will certainly be watching that in the future as I write. The problem with these cult-like ministries is that they presented their teachings as Truth, not as opinion.

My freedom to homeschool is very important to me. I would be so grieved if I ever had to put my kids in school, for a variety of reasons. I vow to keep an eye on the climate from now on and give caution when necessary, in the interest of all homeschoolers.

The Addict Versus the Christian: Your Response

One of the hardest things I've ever had to do? Definitely, it's detaching from my mother's drinking and its consequences. Last night I received another angry email from a sibling--one who is deeply entrenched in enablement, and harshly judging me for my stance. Reading it sent my heart racing, and once again, I perceived that addiction is a gift that just keeps on giving--and not in a good way.

How one deals with an addicted person involves assessing what stage of denial they're in, and acting according to their readiness for recovery. If the denial is deep, and they refuse to admit they have a problem, there is little one can do, outside of detaching.

What is detachment, exactly? And why do I bother writing this post?

When I think back to my family life growing up, and how all of us behaved, I'm deeply saddened by the secrecy and denial. Addiction is shameful and ugly, but keeping it secret is even more shameful. If you deal with an addicted person in your life, I urge you to move away from secrecy and toward acknowledgement and transparency. Denial and secrecy are your enemies, and millions of families, including millions of innocent children, suffer needlessly not so much because of someone's addiction, but because of the secrecy and denial.

Reject your former response and move into the Light. Give your addicted friend or family member over to the care of our Almighty God, who is mighty to save. Any control you think you have over the situation is mere illusion.

Detachment is considered cruel by those who don't understand its value; you will be judged harshly. Lean on the Lord as you detach and gather your support where you can. Stand by your convictions, even if it means standing alone. Be gracious to those who won't understand, remembering that few of us understand what we haven't experienced.

Detachment, by definition, is removing yourself from the consequences of someone's addiction. It is crucial for recovery purposes that they take the consequences, fully. Any help from you in that regard just makes them get sicker--and you get sicker too, with your enabling and your refusal to move into the Light. Addiction is sin, and you want no role in it.

Is it also a disease? Probably, so ask God to provide what you need to forgive, to give you the compassion necessary to view your loved one as the Lord views her--as a sinner in need of Grace. Don't judge, but also, don't participate.

Think of detachment as being neither kind nor unkind. Don't bail your loved one out of jail, if it gets to that. Don't do any act, large or small, that makes the person more comfortable, outside of saving their life if you can. That said, if they commit suicide, don't take responsibility for it. Each person is accountable for their own life, and we don't "save" anyone. Addiction or not, God will judge the person by their actions, by their denial of Him, by their refusal to repent.

Romans 14:12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds

Galatians 6:5 For each will have to bear his own load.

God saves, and any part we have in it is because he allowed us to have a part, for His glory. Don't believe that you can change anything, for that is controlling--part of the enabler's sickness. Yes, it's true. Enablers have a controlling streak. And what's worse, they're capable of pity only, not love, until they understand the difference between the two. Their self-esteem comes from rescuing people over and over. It gives them a false sense of power--an illusion of grand purpose. As such, their sickness is just as serious as the addict's.

I have a friend who recently lost a grandfather--a grandfather unsaved and negative toward God. The family deeply grieves his passing, which was more painful than most losses, due to his final destination. They tried to witness, to no avail. What she explained to me in her letter was one of the hardest things any of us has to process this side of heaven. Why doesn't God save everyone? She said they have to trust that God is just, and acts accordingly.

Why doesn't God save every addict? Why doesn't he soften every heart? Why doesn't he rescue every child stuck in an addictive home? All of it is mystery. Don't try to figure it out. Trust in the Lord fully and believe in His goodness. Give thanks that He saved you, and feel guilty not for those who perish unsaved, unless you never shared the Gospel. But even then, let the guilt go because God is sovereign, and he works through our sloppy or inadequate attempts. If we live unashamed of the Gospel, that is witness in itself. Don't hide your faith, don't water it down, don't keep it quiet to avoid offending. Live boldly and let God work through you.

And hold on tight, because the world will hate you because of your unveiled love for and allegiance to the Son. They will distort it all, claiming moral relativism and tolerance is the way to go, for in their minds, absolute Truth doesn't exist.

If someone you love is never saved, know that God is Love, regardless. Cling to Him and His goodness, which will only make you stronger for the work he has for us, as Christians.

The last thing I want to say, is to believe. Imagine what it will be like when your loved one meets the Redeemer. Hope. Because hope will keep you praying. Hope will strengthen you. Hope will be your endurance. Hope will help you run and finish the race well, for His glory.

Remember how Jesus was viewed by his own town members? They were blind to the divine in Him. They were too close to it all, in essence. I don't believe that family members are always the best Gospel deliverers, for the receivers are too caught up in the emotional responses ingrained in them toward that member.

And when you've been hurt by an addicted family member, it's even harder to "deliver" the Gospel well. Trust God here to bring in a neutral party to seal the deal. And remember, too, that your responses are not always going to be good ones. Be compassionate toward yourself, as well. It's easier to shower compassion on an addicted outsider, than it is on one who has hurt you. I read a pastor's account of this, in relation to his own functioning alcoholic father. He noticed that he showers compassion easily on the addicted (compassion not pity) who have hurt others with their addiction, rather than him.

As you pray for your loved one, pray someone neutral into their lives, who will deliver the Gospel and Love without prejudice, and be a sound and enduring witness.

This is where I'm at now. Fighting for hope. It appears my mother has rejected God for good, and other loved ones are being brought down with her. It's so hard to have hope, for I've prayed so long.

But God is at work in my heart, teaching me to hope. To hope in Him, for He is our only true Hope.

What God Wants From Us In 2015, Part 2

Last time, we spoke about Loving God. Today, we learn about Seeking Him.

Oh, that we would all seek Him...earnestly, desperately seek Him.

Job 5:8-9 “As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number."

Is he lost, that we must seek Him? On the contrary, he's ever-present, and we're lost.

Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.

Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."

Why must we seek Him, if he's always there?

The problem lies not with God, but with us--we are like the Israelites.

Psalm 14:2-3 The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.

God parts the sea and provides for us time and again, yet we forget so quickly. We are hungry for something from God, but we're not hungry for God (unless we're in trouble). We build our idols and focus on them, for they're tangible and enticing, giving us a quick high that keeps us coming back for more. No patience, that's us. We want fulfillment without commitment, so we keep chasing the empty promises the enemy whispers in our ears, never finding lasting joy in them.

Commitment requires that we be intentional. Instead, we want to be on auto-pilot. Intimacy doesn't come that way--it's a reward for our diligently seeking Him.

Moses went up to the mountain to see God, and in his absence, the very people the Lord brought out of Egypt did something shocking. They busied themselves building idols.

What?! Who does that after crossing through a parted sea to safety, after which the Lord destroyed the enemy with the falling waters? Who witnesses such a miracle and is saved, only to then build and worship some calf? Stupid, eh?

That's us. Stupid. Did you know sheep (that be us) are incredibly stupid? They aren't aware when they wander away, and they have no sense of direction to get back. Unlike most animals, they have no concept of a predator. When a wolf comes, they don't skitter away nervously. Oh, no. They just stay put, oblivious. Without the shepherd, they are dead, for they can do nothing to save themselves.

And do they warm up to him and love him? Oh, no. They're likely to bite him.

I told my children these facts one day, after hearing them in a sermon. They were indignant, not wanting to be compared to stupid sheep.

That's another thing about us. We don't want to need God, despite having His resume in hand, knowing what it promises on our behalf. Our own neediness disgusts us and terrifies us, so we run from it, instead of giving thanks for the Shepherd, who is Love.

Pride is a huge obstacle for us all. Humility leads to the Lord. Pride leads to death.

Lamentations 3:25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.

Who can we emulate? Who can teach us to seek the Lord?

I believe David's our man. David couldn't stop writing Psalms--love poems to God. He loved the Lord and felt the Lord so vividly. He had to write about Him or he'd burst. As you read David's Psalms, you begin to understand what seeking God is like, and the reward waiting for those who do it.

Psalm 63:1 (A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.) O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Psalm 34:1-22 (Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away). I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.

Psalm 27:8 (of David) You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”

Psalm 40:16  (Of David) But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”

Psalm 16:11 (Of David) You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 34:10 (Of David) The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

There are obstacles in your life and in mine, that are in the way of our seeking God. If you get your notebook started in the first post, and write down the obstacles in your life--the idols--which prevent you from earnestly seeking the Lord, I believe, along with confession and repentance, it will be a first step to modeling our hearts after David's.

We can't just acknowledge these idols--we need to ask God's forgiveness, and plead with him to put us on the seeking path. There is something to find on this path. It's not a mirage we're after, but living water. Never-ending, never-stopping, always-available, living water.

Amos 5:4 For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: “Seek me and live;

1 Chronicles 28:9 “And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.

John 7:38  Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’”

Where do we seek God?

1. Through Creation - “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” Romans 1:19-20

2. Through Prayer - Prayer is not one-sided, but a conversation with the Holy Spirit--a communing with the Holy Spirit. We are in His presence when we pray. God doesn't need our prayers to decide what to do. We need our prayers to become one with the Lord.

3. Through Praise - When you start praising God, he fills you up. He meets your soul directly and lifts it up to the heights, like you've never known. During and after a praise session, you want for nothing, spiritually or physically.

4. Through the Holy Word - John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

That's right...the Word was God. Open your Bible and meet the Lord right there on the page. 

5. Through His Son - God sent his Son, Jesus, so we would understand who God is. Jesus is the way--the way out of condemnation, the way out of separation from God. Jesus is our escort, our teacher, our Savior. He is the gateway. Go through Him--i.e. read the Gospels--and you will experience God and know Him.

Prayer Time: 

Dear Heavenly Father, we repent. We are sorry for our wayward-sheep habits, for being dumb Israelites all over again. Forgive us and restore us to intimacy with you. Our seeking and finding is a spiritual gift from you, and we thank you. We love you. May we seek your face, gaze on your loveliness, feel your sufficiency, Teach us to love you, to trust you, to obey you, to see you in your Creation, teach us to pray, to praise, to read your Holy Word, to experience your Son. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

I leave you with some quotes I encountered in my studies.

John Piper: Seeking involves calling and pleading. O Lord, open my eyes. O Lord, pull back the curtain of my own blindness. Lord, have mercy and reveal yourself. I long to see your face.

John Piper: His face — the brightness of his personal character — is hidden behind the curtain of our carnal desires. This condition is always ready to overtake us. That is why we are told to “seek his presence continually.” God calls us to enjoy continual consciousness of his supreme greatness and beauty and worth.

Charles Spurgeon: "There will be three effects of nearness to Jesus—humility, happiness, and holiness."

Dan Jarvis: But it's not about Bible reading checklists or stopwatch prayer commitments. Seeking God's face is personal; it is an attitude of longing, willingness, and discontent with anything less than spiritual intimacy.

What God Wants From Us in 2015, Part 1

After all the merry-making, the indulging, and the celebrating, the new year brings a new start, a new motivation to succeed. Most of us ache for routine after the holidays. We're ready to be productive again, heading into a new year, a new beginning. A milestone awaits us and before we do it all again, we naturally take stock of our lives. Is my current trajectory a good one? What can I improve?

We could focus on how organized our home is, or how many inches around our waist, how many miles we've walked, or how many food additives we will avoid this year, in a quest for perfection.

But these worldly matters? They pass away, as does the time we spend on them. They are not wrong--they're just not first.

What is a surer focus? A more foundational and eternal one? 

What does God want from us in 2015?

To Love Him

To Seek Him

To Serve Him 

To Trust Him

We'll be spending some time on each of these as we head into 2015, starting with Love Him.

How to Love the Lord

Revelation 2:1-4 To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.

How do we truly love God, who knows our innermost thoughts and desires, and knows for sure whether we've forsaken him? What does love for God look like and feel like?

To love God is to make him your highest priority. 

Put nothing ahead of him in your heart and mind. Love him “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). We can't love him just on Sundays or just during devotions. He must be our highest priority each day as we get out of bed, go through our do-to list, and interact with others. He is our purpose, our motivation, our strength. 

“Earth has nothing I desire besides you” (Psalm 73:25)

We can't have one foot in the world and still love God. Having two masters is prohibited. We are either for God or against him; an absolute commitment to live for God proves essential.

Matthew 12:30 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15

To love God is to desire Him. 

To yearn for his Holy Word. To regard the Bible as that favorite novel we can't wait to resume reading. To yearn for quiet time with Him through prayer, journaling, and quiet contemplation. He should consume our thoughts with the same passion our first crush did so many years ago. It should be intense, this desire we have for God.

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God” (Psalm 42:1).

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 34:8

The more time we spend with the Lord, the greater our passion for Him. It's a relationship nurtured by time and attention.

Psalm 19:7-11 

The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;

the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

To love God is to obey Him.

John 14:23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

John 15:10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.

Obeying God is not so much obligation as it is delight. We want to do it. It brings us joy.

Psalm 40:8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”

How will you love God in 2015? Put him first, desire him, and obey him. Sit down and think about what that will look like for you. What will you do differently? Get a clean journal notebook and write down how you'll love God in 2015.

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