As the calendar turns to November, once again the story of Mary and Martha speaks.

“Now as they went on their way,
Jesus entered a village.
And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.
And she had a sister called Mary,
who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.
But Martha was distracted with much serving.
And she went up to him and said,
‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone?
Tell her to help me.’
But the Lord answered her,
‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,
but one thing is necessary.
Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken from her.'”
Luke 10:38-42

Three players: Jesus, Martha, Mary.
Three contrasts: But, But, but.
One application.

Jesus knew his identity; he recognized the ripe teaching moment. He was gentle with Martha, Martha, Martha. I picture Jesus saying her name softly, invitingly showing care. He also affirmed Mary. Contrary to the culture of the time, Jesus welcomed women learning as well as men.

Martha had the gift of hospitality. She welcomed Jesus into her home. And immediately wanted to serve him, presumably a meal. Martha found herself abandoned and alone. She was focused on her gift instead of the giver. Even our gifts can be mis-used when put ahead of the giver. Martha was distracted. She also recognized Jesus had the ability to change the circumstance she found herself in. Tell her then to help me.

Mary sits and listens. She recognized Jesus and knew he was worth listening to. Jesus highlights her choice.

The scriptures highlight three contrasts:
Mary sat but Martha was distracted with doing.
Martha’s request and Jesus’s response.
The many things and the one thing.

We’re coming off a busy and wonderful season of travel and lots of people. I love connecting with new and old friends.

I wouldn’t characterize myself as a Martha this past month. And I definitely wouldn’t characterize myself as a Mary. I missed my Mary times.

I’m left with a yearning and a decision. The holidays can also be very people-full busy times.

That’s okay. Like you (I imagine) I’m looking forward to November and December. And I need to remember, “My daily decisions become the mechanism of translating my holy intention into holy living.” The One True Thing, Howard Baker.

I hear the choice in front of me. Let the busyness of the season lead to loneliness in my friendship with God. Or preserve time in the midst to enjoy the one who calls me his friend and defeats the loneliness of busyness. How will you choose?
“You are my friends … I have called you friends.” John 15:14, 15.

“but one thing is necessary.
Mary has chosen the good portion,”
Luke 10:42

Copyright: Sue Tell, October 2024

 

 

 

 

or Affirmation 4.0

Meditation — Making space for God. (This is my personal definition and a way to describe my devotional times.)

But that wasn’t always true. As a young believer and for many years after that, making space for God looked like a check chart. Have I read the next chapter in my Bible? Have I prayed today? Am I ready for Bible study?

Was I really making space for God? Or was I making space to do what I thought a Christian should do? Was I developing my friendship with God or was I merely reading words on a page?

Granted, as a new Christian, my knowledge of the Bible was lacking. My concept of a friendship with God was non-existent. Truly, I did need to learn the big story of the Bible.

What I’m learning is that meditation — reviewing, praying over, and trusting scripture — especially the scriptures that speak the truth of my identity is what is teaching me God’s story.

Meditation is affirmation! Meditation is God’s plan for me to hear his love, his truth speaking deep into my soul. Meditation is building my friendship with God.

Henri Nouwen in his book, The Genesee Diary, says it this way: “There you can be with him who was before you came, who loved you before you could love, and has given you your own self before any comparison was possible. In meditation we can come to the affirmation that we are not created by other people but by God, that we are not judged by how we compare with others but by how we fulfill the will of God.” (italics mine)

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
…
his glory will be seen upon you.”
Isaiah 60:1
“Your people shall all be righteous;
…
the branch of my planting, the work of my hands,
that I might be glorified.”
Isaiah 60:21 (italics mine)

God is our very BEST affirm-er!

Affirmation 1.0, click here.
Affirmation 2.0, click here.
Affirmation 3.0, click here.

 

Copyright: Sue Tell, May 2024

 

God is SO kind.

I was struck by this afresh as I listened to a sermon series on the story of Ruth last week. When Ruth sacrificially chose to leave the only home she’d ever known, and follow her mother-in-law to Bethlehem, she could never have imagined the kindness the God of Israel would lavish on her.

Over and over, God positioned people along her path who would show her little acts of kindness. Boaz included her among his people giving her a place among his servants. He invited her to his table, and provided nourishment for her body and soul. He instructed his servants to be generous, all while protecting and guarding her.

He saw her. He saw the sacrifices she had made, even if no one else did. And he honored her and gave her dignity.

My Savior God has done the same for me.

He saw me in my obscurity and He singled me out. He gave me a place in His family. He included me even when I didn’t belong.

He invited me to His table and has nourished me ever since. He gave me the privilege of working in His harvest fields. He even sets up a guard around me, to protect my heart and my mind.

And countless times, I have experienced His kindness and care through His servants. God positioned many different people along my journey whose seemingly insignificant acts of kindness shaped my identity, brought the Kingdom of Heaven to earth and let me experience the love of my Father firsthand.

It makes it so simple, really. So often, I get caught in the trap of seeing the big things people do for God as the things that matter. I was thinking about this on my run, when I saw my widow friend, Nad’a walking toward me.

I haven’t  seen her in a couple of months because of all our travel and work, and I immediately felt guilt wash over me because I am not an everyday friend to her. How could any of my little drops in her big bucket of loneliness make a difference? But as the truth of Ruth’s story penetrated my heart, I realized that I wasn’t trusting God. I was acting as it if all depended on me.

And in that moment, I knew He wanted me to show kindness to Nad’a – even if it felt small. Even if I didn’t think it was enough.

I had just baked some zucchini bread at home, so as I drew close to Nad’a, I called out to her and asked if I could bring some over and have tea with her. We had a really sweet afternoon filled with talking and tears … and it counted. That little drop made a ripple.

We get to bring the Kingdom to someone when we put what is “not nearly enough” in Jesus’ hands and trust Him to meet the need. Somehow, when my little loaf of zucchini bread passes from my hands to His, it miraculously becomes satisfying and filling to someone He has called me to love. And it marks someone’s journey … and reminds them of the kindness of our Savior God.

It was true for Ruth. I know it was true for me. And I am trusting that it was enough for Nad’a this week.

Jesus is a multiplier. He takes the little we give Him and makes it so much MORE – even a little time … or a little loaf of zucchini bread. If, when He invades and interrupts my everyday routine, I offer whatever I have to Him, I get to partner with Him in renewing the whole world.

“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting system
through which God speaks to us every hour,
if we only tune in.”
Xavier U.

“O LORD, our LORD, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Psalm 8:1

This past week, Bill and I were in Estes Park, CO, the front door of Rocky Mountain National Park with our Splendid Friends, our couple’s group of over 20 years. The highlights were many — good friends, good food, and enjoying God’s creation.

It’s said that a picture is worth 1000 words, so I’m going to share some of the beauty … and some of the fun … we experienced this week and allow God to speak through his creation.

Kay’s friend who now lives in heaven, shared this question with Kay one day as they were enjoying a walk together. What makes the music of the brook? The answer, the water flowing over the hard things. Isn’t that true of so much of our lives? Our music is communicated through our hards. The last morning I sat by the river running next to our condos and contemplated how my hards have been the notes of my story.

Elk can even be seen in town. Had I been on the correct side of the car, I could have almost reached out and touched them!

One afternoon Kay, Beth and I wandered into town to walk through the shops. Estes Park is definitely a tourist town. But we enjoyed the warm autumn weather and our friendship. Another thought from Kay’s friend Eva: “A friend (an affable person) loves (an attitude of the heart) at all times,” (an abiding experience). Proverbs 17:17.

At home, my annuals on our deck continue to bring joy during this surprisingly warm Colorado autumn.

And it is always a special joy to share these times with my husband.

“In the beginning,
God created the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1:1

 

Copyright: Sue Tell, October 2024

 

Affirmation – I’ve been talking about this a lot this year. It’s my word for 2024.

According to Dictionary.com, affirmation is the assertion that something exists or is true.

I’ve been practicing affirmation with words. My friend posted several pictures of her grandma on Facebook. There were no words. But her grandma was very much affirmed.  Affirmation comes in many ways.

Paul defined affirmation in his letter to the Corinthians …

“… It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ,
and all for your upbuilding, beloved.”
II Corinthians 12:9

Receiving the upbuildings of another is affirmation.

Last month my husband received a huge affirmation. A friend from our California days (about 30 years ago) was in town for AFA Parent’s Weekend. He reached out and invited Bill to breakfast. Remember that sermon you preached on I John 4:18, “There is no fear in love…”? God met me that morning, and my life was changed. God used your words powerfully.

Since then our friend has gone on to create men’s retreats to pass on the good news of I John 4:18. He has shared the gospel with over 80 who have responded and become Christians. WOW! What a gift his words were to my husband.

The same week I received an email from the husband of a close friend. He shared that his wife, my friend, is celebrating 50 years of leading Bible studies. He is surprising her with notes from many who have been blessed by her teaching. Would I contribute? 50 YEARS!!! During that time, Pam has gifted many as she’s led them in trusting God and His Word. I’m honored to call her my friend.

I first met Pam when she was a student at the U of Illinois. I was her first Bible study leader. I wish I had a picture of our small group huddled in that dorm room opening the Word of God together. (Those days were long before cell phones!) His request was an affirmation for me.

Back then I was clueless to the potential of one college student. The thought that one of these students would go on to lead other women for 50 years was not even in my thinking.

This fall I’m co-leading a Bible study on the book of Acts at our church. I’m especially affirmed to be trusted with this opportunity as I’ve never personally studied Acts. My heart is to pass on the affirmation to the ladies in our not-so-small group.

I’m no longer clueless.

My desire is to look at each of the ladies in the group and see the image of God. I want to see potential for the Kingdom. I’m trusting that being together with these ladies will have a much bigger outcome than I can even imagine. I want to look back on this group that God has entrusted Shelly and me with, and say WOW!

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
not the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”
I Corinthians 2:9

Affirmation is important; affirmation is encouraging; affirmation opens the doors of potential.

Most importantly, affirmation points to the work of God in another’s life. I’m praying to be aware.

“Not to us, O LORD, not to us,
but to your name give glory,
for the sake of your steadfast love
and your faithfulness!”
Psalm 115:1

 

Copyright: Sue Tell, September 2024

 

 

 

 

As I’ve penned Echoes of Grace for the last 14 years, over and over I’ve been surprised by the stores I’ve remembered, the stories God has brought to mind, like memorizing Jonah 2:8 many years ago.

“Those who cling to worthless idols
…”
Jonah 2:8 NIV

I don’t remember why I originally memorized that verse.

Last June as I listened to Vanessa Hawkins message on I Am The Door from John 10 at the Gospel Coalition* conference, and a few weeks later listening to a message by Nancy Wolgemuth on a Revive Our Hearts Video, God began weaving together threads that have been dangling for years. Nancy quoted Jonah 2:8 in her talk.

Vanessa spoke of the thieves and robbers who try to get into the sheep fold by another way. The sheep knew … and anyone else at that time … that there is only one door, one way for the sheep to go in and out and find pasture. John 10:1-10.

She also spoke of the deep longings, the desires that God has given us. They are good desires; they come from God. But when they become all consuming to me so much so that I become like a thief or robber in going after them, they become idols.

Idols! That’s a strong word.

Perhaps a modern day way of saying that would be when climbing the proverbial ladder to reach my goals becomes all consuming, then that goal has become an idol!

It was a light bulb moment.

God created in me a heart for him and a desire to minister to women. But my reality didn’t look like my expectations. So I became like a thief or robber trying to climb that ladder to create what I thought would bring my reality into line with my expectations. My desire had morphed into being an idol.

And in the process,

“… forfeit the grace that could be theirs.”
Jonah 2:8 NIV

“Those who pay regard to vain idols
forsake their hope of steadfast love.”
Jonah 2:8 ESV

I knew I didn’t want to forfeit grace or forsake the hope of what God, the good shepherd, has promised. I didn’t want an idle faith.

I needed to learn the gift of trust. God, please show me what it would look like to trust you with the heart you have created in me. What would it look like today?

I still do not remember why I originally memorized Jonah 2:8 in NIV all those years ago. But I do know that God was beginning to weave a truth into my heart that I needed to live by.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10

* You can listen to Vanessa Hawkins message on the Gospel Coalition website, TGCW24.

 

Copyright: Sue Tell, September 2024

 

“I am nothing more than my worst moment.”
Henri J.M. Nouwen, Five Lies of Identity

It was August 16 … a few weeks ago. I experienced a worst moment that morning!

I am not tech savvy and on August 16th, it was obvious. Computer frustration reared its ugly head a-GAIN!

Computer frustration is not good for Echoes of Grace.
Computer frustration is not good for my patience.
Computer frustration is not good for my relationship with my husband.

I have Henri Nouwen’s Five Lies recorded in my journal. When I turned that page that morning, I realized … and I smiled (really) … I knew I was buying into lie #4 (above) and it was threatening my identity.

“And we know that for those who love God
all things work together for good,
for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (italics mine)

This very familiar truth stopped me in my tracks. It forced me to ask, what is the good in this situation.

“… I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”
Jeremiah 31:3

You know now, I don’t remember the root of my frustration that morning.
I do remember God’s faithfulness to me.
I do remember God gave me a glimpse of the good.

My computer frustration wasn’t the bottom line. It was a symptom that needed to be dealt with.

I really wanted to prove my worth with my words, a-GAIN. I needed the computer to cooperate.

Once a-GAIN I prayed, God, what would it look like to trust your goodness right now? What does your faithfulness look like?

God’s whisper, his answer came immediately. Even if your computed doesn’t do what you expect, what you desire, your identity is not in jeopardy! You, Sue, are my beloved child. It’s my purpose that needs to be communicated, not yours.

” (God,) who saved us and called us to a holy calling,
not because of our works
but because of his own purpose and grace,
which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,”
II Timothy 1:9 (italics & underline mine)

Deep breath.
Thankful that God knows me, and claims me as his child.
Thankful for God’s purpose and plan that I can rest in.

Is there something that is threatening your child of God identity today? I’d love to pray for you.

 

Copyright: Sue Tell, September 2024

 

 

WELCOME BACK …
and
HAPPY 14TH BIRTHDAY, ECHOES OF GRACE!!

Who is this crazy lady who pens Echoes almost every week?

As Echoes starts its 15th year, I thought I’d share with you a significant part of my story. I recorded this video earlier this summer. It’s about a 21 minute listen and I hope you’ll find time to tune in. And as always, feel free to share it with your friends.

If you haven’t already signed up to “follow” Echoes of Grace,  please do. That puts you with a group of friends who I also send a more personal brief devotional email to once or twice a month. I’d love to have you join us; it’s my birthday gift to you.

Here’s the link for my video …

https://collegiatenavigators.org/heart-of-discipling-women-collection-4/

Under the heart, click “Explore” and scroll down to find my interview.

Now it’s your turn. I’d love to hear more of your story.

 

Copyright: Sue Tell, summer 2024

 

 

 

I love summer. Time to rest; time to read and journal; time with friends. And it’s not over yet!

I love fall. The cooler days; the colors; the celebrations; and more opportunities to be with friends. And it’s just beginning.

This fall I’m returning to facilitating a small group Bible study at our church. It’s been a while and I’m excited to be back.

For me, September has always marked new beginnings.

It started with school days, then teaching days coinciding with collegiate ministry, and church ministry. That’s a lot of years of September beginnings. My calendar, a 9-month, 3-month schedule kicks off (pun intended) every September. Old habits die hard.

I bet many of you are also blessed to lead small groups.

As this September new year rolls around again, it’s good for me to remember … and I’ll share with you … my top 10 lessons of small group leading. Perhaps these will help you too.

1) Don’t go to my closet and pull out my leader hat. Be who I am. Share vulnerably. Everyone is growing.

2) Keep peeling the layers of the onion in my life. No matter how many times I’ve been through the material, approach it as if it’s the first time.

3) Partner in leading. Invite your friend to lead with you; take advantage of her strengths. Affirm her often.

4) Communicate regularly. Invite the people in your group to meet for coffee or come for lunch. Call, text, email – let them know you want to be a friend.

5) Share other resources you happen upon freely. Learning doesn’t always initiate with me. Blogs, magazine articles, you-tube videos. The resources never end.

6) The value is in the group! Listen and learn from the others. If I don’t, I miss out big time. Give them the pedestal.

7) A leader, no. God gave me this group to help facilitate what we are all learning. We’re in this together.

8) Pray, pray, and pray again. For yourself, for your friends in the group. For wisdom, for ears to hear, for the Word to truly be living and active for each group member.

9) Set up anticipation. I’ll share how I heard from God next week. Or something similar.

10) Know when to take a semester off to re-charge your spiritual batteries.

 

Copyright: Sue Tell, August 2024