2010 March » PWOC International Blog

Celebrating Holy Week in Your Home

Mar 312010

Every spring, my kids and I make some kind of 10-day calendar to commemorate the last week Jesus was on the earth. Sometimes it’s a scroll. Sometimes it’s a booklet of construction paper stapled together. One year they put on a play with their stuffed animals. But every year, there is Scripture. We look at the Scriptures for that day, and the children will write something and draw something that represents that event. It has been a good way to make Holy Week a very regular and “normal” celebration in our home.

Tucked away in the pages of the Gospel of Mark, the NIV Study Bible offers a timeline and map of those earth-changing events (pages 1524-5). The journey to the cross actually begins with the Friday before Palm Sunday; Jesus arrived in Bethany before the Passover so He could spend time with his friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus. He was anointed with expensive perfumes by Mary, not only to show her devotion and service to Him, but also a sign of what was to come. His death and burial.

In a world where secular celebrations get the headlines, let’s use this important time on the Christian calendar to remember the events preceding the death, burial, and of course, resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. God in the flesh Who came to earth for you and me.

Here is a list of Scripture readings to use with your own families in preparation for the greatest event of all human history – the day the grave was overcome with the resurrection of Jesus the Christ!!

I pray it’s a good week for you and your families. Let’s focus on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 2)!!

What kind of mouse are you?

Tech Tuesday

Mar 312010

What kind of mouse are you? Pointing device, that is. You know, the thing you use to move the cursor around on the computer screen. It has buttons. You know the one.

It may surprise you that the mouse that is so very common is actually not the only way to perform the functions common to the mouse. In fact, I have three tools for this function although I almost never use one of them – the touch pad built in to my laptop. No, you don’t have to use it if you don’t like it! Cool, eh? There are alternatives.

My favorite pointing device is my pen tablet. Although it takes some getting used to, it is much kinder on your hand and arm if you spend substantial amounts of time at your computer as I do. They are most commonly used for graphic work, but I use it for everything else, too. Nearby, I also keep my cordless USB 2-button mouse with a scroll wheel for times when that just makes better sense.

It’s all about options.

Not long ago, I was leading a computer skills class and the space with which I had to work in was minimal at best. Since I was demonstrating techniques on my laptop, I needed it at a good working height, which left little room for mouse movement. (I was standing, by the way.) Since I really dislike the touchpad, I took advantage of my husband’s Track Ball device. The device itself doesn’t move at all. There’s a large ball that rotates around in a socket, controlling the cursor on screen. It’s also considered very ergonomic which is why my husband has it in the first place. The army bought it for him after a carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis.

Entering ‘computer pointer device’ into your favorite search engine will return loads of devices from which to choose. I even found several variations that allowed hands-free operation! Go figure! My point is this – don’t settle for the pointing device that came with your computer just because that’s the one that came with your computer. Explore your options and find the device that fits just right.

One final word for those of you with a cordless mouse and mischievous kids – the old fashioned corded mouse is available for under $10. Grab one on your next PX/BX run and keep it as a back up. Don’t be the person that can’t check her email because the kids lost the mouse. That’s just silly.

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Tech Tuesday is publishing on Wednesday this week due to Tuesday’s Passover observance. I pray that each of you are taking full advantage of Holy Week 2010 to teach the next generation in your home about the gift of salvation that comes through Jesus Christ alone. He is Risen!

“Tech Tuesday” is published every Tuesday. To reach Tracy with comments or questions, email her here.

A Passover tradition....

Real life stories, Seasonal teaching, Testimonies

Mar 302010

Submitted by Heather Underwood, Fort Bragg, NC

Maundy Thursday 2004, I was asked by our Chaplain to prepare a fellowship meal commemorating this day. It was a unique time for research for me back then, we were stationed in Italy, and I remember it clearly because I had never heard of it. It was my first Passover dinner even though I didn‘t know that’s what it was. I had rounded up the necessary food items and the notes for the food’s meaning to do the ceremony for the attendees. Foods like a lamb shank bone, a bowl of saltwater, a roasted egg (how do you roast an egg?), matzah, parsley, horseradish, chopped apples mixed with nuts, honey and juice to make a fruit salad type mixture and a lot of grape juice.

Little did I know that the Lord was going to bring me upon a treasure, my eyes well up thinking about it. At the time, I was not as familiar with Passover (Seder), Exodus or the Feast of Unleavened Bread as I am now, however, the Lord let me see His grace and love for His people through it.

Simple foods demonstrate a beautiful story of remembrance. They let us participate in the story of God’s people from the hardships of slavery to liberation. Amazingly simple and yet very profound.

The four cups of wine (a whole lot of juice) are named after the work that the Lord was doing in Exodus 6:6-7.

The Cup of Sanctification: Therefore say to the children of Israel: `I am the LORD; I will bring you out from under the burden of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage and…
The Cup of Judgment: …I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments…
The Cup of Redemption: …I will take you as My people, and I will be your God…
The Cup of Thanksgiving, Consummation or the Kingdom Cup: …Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

For believers, Passover gained even more significance when Jesus celebrated the Seder just before his death, and instituted a memorial, which we call the Lord’s Supper. He used the traditional elements of broken matzah and the third cup of wine, The Cup of Redemption, to point to himself as the sacrificial lamb who was to die for our sins.2

As the sun sets on the first month of the year (Exodus 12:1), fourteen days later, God tells the children of Israel to sacrifice a lamb or a goat without blemish and place the blood on doorposts of the entrance to their household in which they eat it (Exodus 12:5-7.) Then the LORD will Passover [Hebrew: Pasach] you. (Exodus 12:13b.)

As my family prepares this year for Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, I am humbled by the sacrifice Jesus made for us; and how we get to participate during this beautiful Holy Week in remembrance of our new life in Him! One day we will share the fourth cup, The Cup of Thanksgiving, Consummation with our Bridegroom in His Kingdom!

“Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” (Revelation 19:9)

Excerpts taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version, and Celebrations of the Bible, A Messianic Children’s Curriculum

Prize Vessels

Devotions

Mar 292010

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power

is from God and not from us.”

2 Corinthians 4:7

Last weekend, our family traveled to the Getty Villa in Malibu, California. The Villa is a replica of a wealthy Roman home, built by oil baron J. Paul Getty to house his incredible collection of ancient artifacts.

Amid the excitement of the Olympic season, one artifact which captured my attention was the “Prize Vessel from the Athenian Games.” It was a 10 gallon decorative jar, filled with olive oil, given to the winner of a boxing match some 300 years before Christ. The winner would receive 40 of these jars, plus money and a lifetime of honor. Olive oil was no mere luxury in ancient times; it provided many of life’s basic necessities. Oil was used to provide light for lamps, fat for cooking, and lotion for the body. In modern terms, the winner was provided a lifetime’s worth of electricity, food, and beauty products! This was a treasure of highest value!

What is our treasure of highest value? Consider carefully: there are many “good” things associated with the Christian life, but what is the “best” thing? Reflect on this probing question from John Piper:

“The critical question for our generation – and for every generation – is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ were not there?” (God is the Gospel: Meditations on God’s Love as the Gift of Himself).

Christ is our treasure of highest value! How is it that we often forget the “Christ” in being Christian? Throughout Scripture, olive oil represents God’s abiding presence. He is more than adequate for all of our needs! We are therefore the jars of clay which house the oil of His Presence – the Spirit of our Savior, Jesus.

Jesus is our prize; we are the prize vessels. May we be captivated anew by His wonderful presence, personality, and life-giving peace.

Prayer Points for March 28-April 3

Prayer Points

Mar 262010

But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man’s testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man. John 2:24-25

Father, We celebrate Palm Sunday around the world. On that day, You were welcomed and hailed as King. People filled the streets shouting Hosannah! But You knew they would be the same crowd calling for your crucifixion a few days later. Thank you that you know what is in each of us, but you love us and pursue us despite our wayward hearts. Protect us from trusting in man, in the flesh, in worldly wisdom. Fill us with the knowledge of God and the Spirit of Wisdom from your throne. Please forgive us when we plot and strategize, and then ask you to meet our expecations. We lay our expectations and human wisdom on the altar of sacrifice. We come humbly bringing every man and woman we have idolized in ministry or leadership before your throne. Forgive us for trusting in a certain person or church group. Forgive us for trusting ourselves and leaning on our own understanding. These things disappoint us and leave us hurting. Help us to love and forgive people and trust only YOU. You are the only wise and true God. Your Name is Faithful and True. We receive your forgiveness and cleansing. We receive your generous outpouring of godly wisdom. Thank you. In Jesus Trustworthy Name we pray, Amen.

Journey of Transformation, Part 16

Life Happens Jesus Answers, Real life stories, Testimonies

Mar 252010

A Shock in the Mirror

My visit with the rheumatologist in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is hardly worth mentioning. He was sorry to hear about my miscarriage, but he offered no relief from the lupus or hair loss. And his carelessness with prescriptions made me uneasy. If I had actually taken the Vioxx he tossed at me back in February, which typically is prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and not lupus, I would have blamed myself and the medication for the miscarriage. No doubt I would have blamed the doctor too.

I see God’s grace in this.

My previous experience and knowledge with medications gave me the wisdom not to take the Vioxx. In subsequent years I saw law office television ads naming Vioxx as a villain in countless stories about horrific side effects. I had been spared unrelenting torment.

Soon June 2001 would be upon us and I had lost so much hair it looked sparse and straggly. To shield my waning self esteem from further humiliation I began wearing ball caps. When Steve returned from Fort Jackson he didn’t mention the condition of my hair and I wasn’t aware of its severity.

When Steve’s birthday arrived in late June I wanted to look pretty for him so I took time getting ready. It’s hard to believe that during all those months since February I hadn’t considered checking the back of my head.

Until that day.

I turned my back to the sink and held a mirror with my left hand while examining my hair with the right. Shock pulsated through my heart. I was transfixed. Anyone walking past would have thought I was a statue.

How could this be? Where there once was beautiful sandy blonde hair there now appeared three bald spots the size of golf balls. Steve entered the bathroom and I showed him the back of my head. He hadn’t noticed it before. Really?

I questioned, “What can I do? How can I cover the spots? I can’t wear a ball cap with a dress!” He suggested I try one of my summer hats. Although the idea sounded abhorrent it was either that or stay home.

I slowly walked into the bedroom to get a pair of earrings and the tears broke loose. As I reached for my jewelry pouch Steve came over to console me. With despair I cried, “I wanted to look pretty for you but I’m not pretty anymore.” He responded with a very male comment, “It’s okay. I don’t love you for your hair.”

I returned to the bathroom and struggled unsuccessfully to style the straggles. And even though the hat covered my scalp, it couldn’t erase the horrifying image I’d seen in the mirror. From my perspective the evening was marred by a new thing to grieve. Never before had I felt so ugly.

I began to wonder what all this was about. Why was it progressing? Was God punishing me? As far as I knew I wasn’t anymore sinful than any other Christian. I felt singled out. No other spouses in my military circles were enduring anything remotely close to this. Would I have to walk this road alone? How long would it last? How bad would it get?

Only God, and time, would tell.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES:

Have you ever walked a path that seemed to have no clear direction? Did you feel as though you were suffering for nothing? During times when God brings perplexing circumstances into our lives it helps to adopt a God perspective or an eternal perspective. Remember that He sees things much differently and has a plan involving the entire universe.

An important question to ask during trials is, “Father, what can I learn from this?” Then wait for His answer.

In the meantime, read Isaiah 55; 1 Peter 4:12-19; and bury your face in the Psalms.

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Life Happens – Jesus Answers is a weekly column addressing the challenges we face in life, coupled with the presence and grace of Jesus, our One True Source of hope and peace. The column’s author, Laura Firtko, can be reached by email here: LifeHappens@pwoc.org

PCS Season is Coming

Tech Tuesday

Mar 232010

We are a mobile community. On average, we move every 2-3 years and these aren’t our parents’ moves. We tend to move long distance, every time. Throw in the occasional overseas move and you’re in a whole new ballgame.

Those of us that have been around for a few moves have nailed the process. Clean out the closets, yard sales or thrift store drop-off’s, undies in a Ziploc, make sure the cat is contained when the packers come, and feed the movers.

Not everyone in PWOC has been through this process so many times, however, and we need to remember to share our experiences with our new-to-the-military sisters.

My first military move came 16 months into our marriage, 7 months in to our first pregnancy, and less than 1 month after my new husband’s return from six months in Afghanistan (early 2002). On top of that, I was leaving home for the first time (with my parent’s second grandchild yet unborn), and not just leaving, we were going literally halfway across the United States which, as far as my parents and I were concerned, was half way around the world. It was not the smoothest move.

I didn’t have PWOC back then and I wonder how different those early years would have been had I known about it. That’s why I’m always quick to tell new military gals all about PWOC. I even keep a stash of the Invitation Cards in my purse so that I have something tangible to hand them when we part.

Once our new-to-the-military sisters get involved, we become an invaluable network of resources, experience and friendship. With our Installation Locator, it takes no effort at all to reach out and make a connection with new friends at the next installation. It’s these connections that provide the most valuable information regarding living areas, schools, daycares, shopping and perhaps most important of all, these new connections combat that feeling of loneliness we all tend to feel upon arriving at a new location.

PCS season will be upon us in the blink of an eye. Remember to take advantage of the resources here at PWOC.org but also remember to be a resource to others less experienced.

We are Christ’s church. We are the Fellowship of Believers. We care for our own.

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“Tech Tuesday” is published every Tuesday. To reach Tracy with comments or questions, email her here.

Prayer Points March 21st - 27th

Prayer Points

Mar 192010

As we prepare our hearts the next few weeks for celebrating the Resurrection of the Jesus Christ from the dead; we will be focusing on repentance and receiving Him anew in our own hearts.

I’ll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I’ll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that’s God-willed, not self-willed. I’ll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and live by my commands. Ezekiel 36: 26-27

Lord God, We want to do what is right but we often have cold and stony hearts, full of self will. Please forgive us for our stubbornness. Remove the cold, divided heart of stone that is numb and cannot feel. Transplant a soft, pliable heart in us that can receive Your Word and Your Spirit. Heal our wounded hearts and help us to deal with the emotions that come from being awakened to Your Love. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we can be empowered to obey with joy and trust in Your commands. Thank you for being such an amazing Father, one who offers every gift we need to succeed. We love you. In Jesus’ Strong Name we ask, Amen!

Journey of Transformation, Part 15

Life Happens Jesus Answers, Real life stories, Testimonies

Mar 182010

Another Road Trip

To this day I still don’t fully understand why God allowed me to have a miscarriage. I might not ever know all the reasons, but I do know that it has given me a connection to women that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Even though I don’t have children, at least I know what it was like to be pregnant. I can relate to those who have endured the same loss and they can relate to me.

In the days following the D & C I shoved down my grief and told the friend who had been with me through the ordeal not to tell anyone. I couldn’t bear hearing ridiculous comments and questions that would have drained my energy further. Holding in the truth seemed to contain and control the magnitude of my loss. However, my heart and soul weren’t fooled. The grief was sure to rise up later.

Shortly after Steve returned to school at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, my lethargy increased. I didn’t feel like cooking and I wasn’t eating enough. Caring for myself became a chore. What would I do this time? Where could I go? I couldn’t expect friends to take care of me. It was time for another road trip to join my husband.

To reach my destination I ended up hitching a ride from my ever-present friend. She happened to be from Kansas and she and her husband were planning a trip at the time. Do you think God had something to do with that? You bet. He showed up to provide exactly what I needed as He had before.

I packed a suitcase, gathered up Bridgette’s doggy supplies, and we headed to Kansas. Bridgette, as you might recall from a previous entry, was our sweet little beagle who seemed more like a family member than a canine. She was a special companion through my losses and trials.

We endured our trip to Fort Leavenworth and our friends dropped us off at Steve’s hotel room across from post. Bridgette and I got settled and Steve went grocery shopping to fill the small refrigerator in his room. Every day after that I took Bridgette for a walk; it was our favorite thing to do.

I remember doing laundry in a building on post and we had to drag duffle bags up the stairs to the washer and dryer. Needless to say, I sat outside on a bench drinking juice while Steve hauled the bags up and down the stairs. Then I would drag myself up the stairs to deal with the clean clothes and help re-stuff the duffles. An elevator would have been helpful.

When classes ended a couple weeks later we headed home to Clarksville. Steve dropped me off on his way back to Fort Jackson for the final phase of school. That’s entirely too much driving — east to west to east and back. At least he was reimbursed for mileage.

I managed to get through the next two weeks but it was time to pay a visit to my favorite rheumatologist – the one I had to drive two hours to see who spent more time in the hallway with his nurses than he did with me in the examining room. I couldn’t wait to find out what amazing answers he had for me next.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES:

Keep posted. We’re entering a new phase of the journey. It only gets harder from here, but God knows exactly what He’s doing.

_____________________________

Gatorade

Testimonies

Mar 172010

Submitted by Karen Jaedicke of Fort Bragg, NC

It’s that time of year where sports are at the forefront. The Super Bowl is done, the Final Four (college basketball playoffs) is on the horizon, and MLB (Major League Baseball) spring training is about to begin. Whether you’re a fan or not, there’s one image that I’m sure we can all conjure up: that moment the team knows that victory is theirs, and the traditional Gatorade cooler is literally dumped on the coach’s head and shoulders. It’s a tradition that I’m convinced started with young boys in junior high school and grown men are unable to give up!

That image is one that became powerful to me as I thought about the effects of living water on our spirits. Romans 5:3-5 tells us, “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings (hmmm: deployment, depression, wayward child, struggling marriage, anxiety, physical ailment), because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit whom He has given us.”

Do you catch the significance? We have a Gatorade cooler kind of God! He poured, dumped, soaked and drenched us with His living water and continues to offer it to us daily. And the incredible feeling that should give us is not unlike a World Championship! We are on the winning team if we allow God to be the coach of our life.

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