Category Archives: Being a Daughter

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A Spiritual Experience

Mt. Rainier

Majestic! Awesome! Incredible! Overwhelming! Breathtaking! Awe Inspiring!

These are some words, among many, that we heard as people tried to describe the beauty before them. It was a week ago tomorrow that we stood at Paradise on the slope of Mt. Rainier preparing for a 2.4 mile hike further up the mountain. It was a perfect day for hiking, in the mid 70’s, not a cloud in the sky, and a gentle breeze.

The further we went on the trail, the more we saw of the melting glaciers and the resulting streams of water that cascade down. There were several water falls that increased our enjoyment of this hike along with an abundance of alpine flowers that were in full bloom. Yet the best part was sharing it with our children and grandchildren. Several songs came to mind as we hiked,
Majesty – “worship His majesty…”
How Great Thou Art – “when I look down from lofty mountain grandure…”
I Stand in Awe – “majesty enthroned above…”

There are times when we experience something on a level that is deeper than our normal response to the world around us. These are the situations that lead individuals to break out in song, pen a poetic verse, or paint a lovely scene. There is something deep within us that responds and cries out for expression.

Last Tuesday was one of these days. I heard several people say things like “This is a spiritual experience.” There was a quote in the visitors’ center expressing this feeling. I had to ask myself the question – What do we mean when we say this is a “spiritual” experience?

I believe it is our human response to the image of God in each of us. That part of us that is created in God’s image and recognizes the Divine whether one ackowledges God’s existence or not.

I can look at Mt. Rainier and see the results of volcanic action, effects of extreme weather conditions, and erosion. Yet these phenomena together do not explain the “spiritual” experience that one encounters on Mt. Rainier.

Romans 1:20-21 (NIV)

20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Enjoying the beauty of the outdoors is a spiritual experience that is heightened when you know who created the beauty. It is humbling to see God’s creative power AND be able to thank Him. I felt God’s presence as I acknowledged His handiwork and thanked Him for the opportunity to enjoy it with our family. It truly was a spiritual experience.

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”

― G.K. Chesterton

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Butterflies, Briars, and Blessings – and Thank you

I “re-posted” this blog written by a dear friend. It speaks so well to the issue of the fear we have of disappointing others. Anne Marie and Abigail are following God’s plan for them, because they have clear priorities and are following those.

I know you will appreciate Anne Marie’ honesty!

Butterflies, Briars, and Blessings – and Thank you.

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Cuteness Quotient

CalebAll babies are cute. Yes, I mean it. Some are cuter than others, yet there are cute qualities in all babies. There is something innate in the young of most species (shall we leave out snakes?) that causes us to respond with tenderness and a smile. I believe we were created that way so that we would care for the young and helpless.

An interesting study on the language patterns of adults talking to babies showed that throughout the world, in every culture, adults raised the pitch of their voices and talked softer to babies than other humans. Test it sometime. Watch the big, burly football player talk to a newborn. Precious!

All puppies are cute. Some are so ugly they are cute. I came home one day so excited about the basset hound puppies that were for sale. “They are SO cute, Phil. You must see them!” I pleaded. “Gayle,” he replied, “all puppies are cute. They just don’t stay that way. They grow up to be DOGS!”

Which brings me to the point of this post. Some of our children’s behavior that is cute when they are very small, is NOT cute at 4, 6, or 8 years old.

One of our daughters called today and said “Fred (name changed to protect the guilty) is NOT cute any more!”

“Oh yes, he is!” I immediately contradicted her as any grandparent would. He is only 18 months old and his smile melts my heart every time I see it.

“NO,” she replied. “He has started hitting his brothers and yelling at them whenever I hold someone besides him in my lap.” “Fred” had exceeded his cuteness quotient. His cries for preferential treatment will now be dealt with in order of urgency, just like his siblings.

We have all probably laughed when a small child says something that an adult would not get away with. Yet when we do this we send a very strong message that the behavior is funny, therefore people like it. It is not funny when older children are rude or disrespectful, so it should not be funny if they are 2 or 3 either. We should set an example of respectful behavior no matter what the age of a child. Certainly small children will make mistakes and say rude things. We can quickly and gently correct them and share an example of a better way to respond to others.

Does our Heavenly Father look at our mistakes and smile? Even if we are “baby” Christians? I think not. God is patient and kind, yet He does require obedience. The Bible talks about the importance of growing up as Christians. God does not want us to stay immature and self centered.

I Corintians 13:11-13 addresses this issue in the chapter many refer to as the “love” chapter of the Bible.

11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

There is a time to put away childish things. As Christians we need to ask ourselves “Am I behaving in ways that are immature? Are there things I am saying or doing that I should “put away”?

I desire to be an example of mature godliness to my children and grandchildren. That may mean not excusing or encouraging “cute” actions that have exceeded the cuteness quotient.