Normally (But nothing is normal these days, right?) Echoes of Grace comes to you through words. Sometimes, however, echoes of the grace of God come through children’s stories or animated films. This week, I want to share with you two different places I heard echoes of  God’s grace this month. I hope you will too. Enjoy!

Last Sunday as we ‘attended’ Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois, God whispered his grace and love to me through Pastor Kerry.

Click here and you can enjoy his 6 minute children’s sermon. Make sure to invite any young children in your lives to watch with you.

Sometimes the grace of God is spoken through animated movies.

Revelation Media has made their animated film of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress available online for free the rest of April. This story has often been called the next most important book to the Bible. John Bunyan penned these words while imprisoned for this faith in the 1600’s. His message still communicates the grace of God today. Click here to watch the trailer. I bet it will invite you to set aside 2 hours to watch the entire film.

And one more wonderful treat for you, A Psalm of Thanksgiving from Grace Worship. You won’t be able to stop smiling. Click here.

The scripture below is one I pray as I pen Echoes … or as I share children’s sermons or animated films. Will you pray along with me that this indeed will be true? Thank you.

“the church, of which I became a minister
according to the stewardship from God
given to me for you,
to make the word of God fully known.”
Colossians 1:25

 

 

“Abundance and plenty stir the heart, provoke praise, and fuel deep gratitude.”
Ruth Chou Simons.

Abundant gentleness often cascades, like a beautiful waterfall,
through questions, story, and being known.

We were in Florida attending a large conference. As I walked to dinner with Kathy she was sharing a piece of her story. She said, when I was talking to my counselor. I froze. Those words. I don’t even remember what came next! This was a time when I would have been embarrassed to admit I was talking with a counselor. God met me through those seven words, through Kathy’s story.

I imagine Kathy did not know the very significant role her story played in my story. Her ministry came through her personal story.

As I remembered, God gently nudged me with another story, the story of Mary Magdalene, the part where she stood helplessly at Jesus’s empty tomb that first Easter morning. After resting on the Sabbath, she came to the tomb with the spices needed to prepare Jesus’s body for burial, her last ministry of love to the one whom she had come to love.

But her intentions, and her ministry were interrupted, not needed. The tomb was empty! She wept. Her tears  not because her plan was lost, but because the body of Jesus was lost.

“Woman, why are you weeping?” — asked the two angels sitting where the body of Jesus had lain.  “Woman, why are you weeping?” Again the same question, this time from Jesus who was standing behind her.

The gentle questions allowed her to share.

Then Jesus calls her by name, “Mary” (John 20:11-16). And Mary Magdalene recognizes him.

“… he calls his own sheep by name … and the sheep follow him,
for they know his voice.”
John 10:3 and 4

Not only did Mary recognize Jesus when he voiced her name, Mary knew she was known.

In the midst of the extreme hards of our lives, Mary Magdalene’s testimony teaches me about abundant gentleness.

Abundant gentleness communicates with questions, with story,
and with knowing we are known.

The questions of the angels and of Jesus allowed Mary to voice her grief.

Questions gently invite others to voice their fears and allow God to speak.

And as my friend Kathy shared her story, God met me. I’m quite sure I did not respond out-loud, but it was an ah-ha moment. I do not need to be ashamed of needing help. I do need to be humble enough to receive.

A few years later, Bill and I attended a counseling intensive. (God had worked in my life.) As we think back on that time, we remember only a few suggestions from the counselor in those entire two weeks. In place of those expected suggestions were a lot of questions. He drew out our stories and God met us.

Stories gently speak truth to the listeners.

The highlight of our counseling intensive for me was learning my true identity. I came away knowing my name, beloved child of God. For years I had confused my identity with my role. And that led to much comparison and much sadness.

When Jesus called Mary by name, it was not only recognition, it recovered her joy and re-defined her ministry, “go to my brothers and say to them …” John 20:17. Mary was known.

And, oh the gentleness of being known.

God communicates abundant gentleness in many ways. I’m learning to be gentle — with myself and with others as I ask questions, share my story, and affirm who God created my friends to be.

“Take my yoke … learn from me …
I am gentle … you will find rest …”
Matthew 11:29, the words of Jesus

“But the fruit of the Spirit … gentleness …”
Galatians 5:22 and 23

 

Copyright, Sue Tell, April 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easter, there is not a more abundant gift. Jesus knowingly, willingly bore the excruciating pain of the cross on my behalf, opening the way for me to experience the love of God, for me to experience the abundant life.

For the past few months, Ephesians 3:20 has been capturing my thoughts and my heart.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly,
than all that we ask or think,” (bolding mine)

FMA (far more abundantly) has become my signature line reminding me every time I sign my name.

I’ve started a new collection of scriptures that speak of God’s abundance. Many familiar ones are coming alive all over again.

Easter, Resurrection Sunday, is the pinnacle of God’s abundant goodness.

But often I struggle to grasp the gift of God’s abundance.

What have I experienced that has been more abundant than anticipated?
When have I been overwhelmed by his abundance?
How has God revealed his abundance to me?

Questions like these are often the stepping stones helping me grasp God’s far more abundant resurrection love.

It was a winter morning and I was comfortably ensconced in an overstuffed chair facing the fireplace, its yellow and orange flames dancing before my eyes. I was alone, the quiet a gift that morning.

I opened the Brennan Manning book I was reading. The first words my eyes rested on jumped off the page and into my heart.

“I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me.”
Song of Solomon 7:10

My next thought followed closely, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31.

“Abundance and plenty stir the heart, provoke praise, and fuel deep gratitude.” Ruth Chou Simons.

That morning once again, I experienced God’s far more abundant love. I was overwhelmed. It was a stepping stone for me to grasp the depth of God’s heart, of grasping the abundant gift of the resurrection.

“Oh how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!”

May the far more abundant gift of the resurrection grasp your heart this Easter.

 

 

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life … Do you believe this?'”
John 11:25, 26
“but these are written so that you my believe that Jesus is the Christ,
the Son of God,
and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
John 20:31

In the absence of being able to have the traditional Palm Sunday kid’s processional, the kids of our church had mom or dad take a short video of them waving “palm” branches, or evergreens, or green painted hands (palms). I bet this will make you smile.

 

copyright, Sue Tell, April 2020

 

 

 

 

Dear ______________,

Please fill in your name. I’m thinking of this more as a friend to friend letter than a blog post.

Sometimes humor is a good way to relieve the stress of our COVID reality. Two friends sent this to me. How can you not laugh and let a bit of the stress evaporate?

But, if you’re like me, you need more than humor. What is it that meets you where you are in these anxiety filled days?

We’re using new terms: stay-at-home, sheltering-in-place, social distancing.
We’re obeying suggestions: wash your hands, don’t touch your face (or at least trying).
We’re following the news. Maybe too much.
We’re learning new technology. Zoom is an everyday occurrence for many.
We have multitudes of options to hear the Bible being taught.

But I’m wondering — How are you? Really? How has the pandemic affected you? What are your anxieties? How can I be praying for you?

I emailed those who officially follow Echoes of Grace and asked them, What are you discovering in these days? What are you appreciating? What are you thinking about? Their answers were amazingly similiar. Their words encouraged me and I want to pass them on to you.

The word connection (or a form of it) and the word fellowship came up often. What was so interesting was that some (and I get this) were actually feeling more connected to their friends and experiencing deeper fellowship. Are we being more intentional with picking up the phone or zooming with friends and praying for each other? We’re in this together. I was even invited to have tea with a group of church friends every afternoon at 2. So I pour my tea, zoom in, and enjoy chit-chat some afternoons. It’s fun and I’m meeting new friends.

Some mentioned the special connections with family. Reading to GRANDS via FaceTime, eating together across the country and catching up daily were some of the appreciated new practices. We celebrated our 10 year old GRANDson’s birthday with his Nana and several other family members via Zoom. Other than trying to sing Happy Birthday across computer lines, we all had fun.

I connected with my doctor on the phone (unrelated to Corona). Would you believe a doctor can look at your throat over a computer screen? Amazing.

Time came up frequently too. Some said they were thankful for more time to read, or organize their cabinets (I did a little of that). One friend said she was surprised at how full her days were because of connecting with others for friendship or work. So the free time she anticipated having was not her reality.

Noticing the beauty of God’s creation was mentioned by many. I’ve begun collecting pictures of beauty. Here are a few of my favorites. I wish I had the sunset picture one friend mentioned.

 

Thank you Kay Friedenstein, Clyde Laier, Shelly Miller, and Nadine Houston.

Let me close with one other piece of humor that came my way.

“Though we are in uncharted waters — the One we follow walks on water.” Ann Voskamp

“The Lord is near; do not be anxious.”
Philippians 4:5,6

So I close with my questions again, How are you? Really? How has the pandemic affected you? What are your anxieties? How can I be praying for you?

I look forward to hearing from you. Comment on this post or use my email below. Either way I will respond.
Sue

PS. When you sign up to “follow” Echoes of Grace, I jot you a quick email with the link to the current post. Or just email me, and I’ll sign you up, sue@suetell.com.

copyright Susan Tell, April 2020

“Fear and anxiety are protective emotions …

Anger and frustration are informative emotions …

Grief and disappointment are adaptive emotions …

Joy and happiness are sustaining emotions …

All of our emotions are allowed. None of them are bad. They’re just not the boss.”
Holley Gerth

Whatever You’re Feeling Today Is Okay

I found Holley’s article so very helpful. Fear, frustration, grief, and joy have all been my companion at different times this past week. Do you identify? Click on Holley’s article above to read all her words.

“Steward your emotions and tell yourself truth.” Mark Bates from his Psalm 23 sermon, 2017.

In the midst of COVID-19, one of the truths I’m trusting to steward my emotions in the midst of my frustration of losing control  (I didn’t realize how important control was to me) of my calendar is Psalm 138:8, “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”

What emotion has you the most tangled up?
What truth are you claiming to steward your emotions and speak calm to your heart?
How can I pray for you?

 

Postscript, an additional thought after the end of a letter. In this case, my personal script after the end of the previous blog, Covid-19  (scroll down).

We received a letter earlier this week referencing that popular phrase  from a few years ago, What would Jesus do? The writer suggested changing it to What is Jesus doing (in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic)?

There is a lot of good happening. God is at work. Listening to the news we hear about ventilators being made available for our hospitals. We hear about companies offering to retrofit their plants to manufacture these items. We hear how our governors are making decisions to protect the citizens of their states.

We know how our local areas are responding. Sewing machines are humming and masks are being made, both for the medical community, but also for friends and family. People are offering to buy groceries and run errands for their at-risk neighbors.

Caring and kindnesses are happening.

But what about in my backyard, in my home, on my street?

I’ve mutated the question again, What should I be doing? How can I help? I’ve come up with five personal solutions, five practical resolves to help me experience and share our “far more abundant God” (Ephesians 3:20). Or as Henry Blackaby was known to say, to join God in what He is doing.

1. Keep my mind and my heart riveted on the truth of scripture. God is present. God is able. God loves. God is at work. I see all these qualities lived out in the narrative of Jesus walking on the water to get to the disciples in the midst of the storm. As he drew near, he called out to those in the boat, “It is I; do not be afraid.” John 6:20. Sometimes I need to remind myself several times a day; my forgetter is in good shape.

2. Stay informed, but not over-informed. John 7:26 (NIV) asks, “Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Christ?” Like in the days of Jesus, the authorities in my life are making decisions based on their knowledge and wisdom. I’m thankful. I also realize that the abundance of news available can lead down a path of depression and fear. I ask Bill about once a day, is there anything new I need to know?

3. Both limit and use technology. Communicating is greatly dependent on my cell phone and my computer these days. Friends who never used Zoom before are signing up for accounts to stay in contact with friends, family, business associates. I am so thankful we have this technology. I also realize if I take advantage of every invitation, screen time will dominate and I will squander away the opportunities and purposes of God for that day.

4. Take my cues from the opportunities at hand. We live in the country on a dead-end street with eleven residences each surrounded with five acres of Ponderosa Pines. We don’t naturally run into our neighbors. But we are all willing to help, to be there for the others. That starts with communication; technology makes that easy. But even better, how can I go beyond technology and relate in person. Two different friends … who live 1000 miles apart … told me they are walking their neighborhood, ringing doorbells, and asking is there anything you need? One is also asking how can I pray for you and praying on the spot (of course being mindful of social-distancing). When I took a walk this morning, three neighbors were out doing the same. We stopped and chatted from six feet away. What things are you doing to connect?

Easter is coming and we won’t be going to church. I’m pondering, how we can convey the Easter message on our street. Perhaps an Easter coffee on our deck for one other couple. I’m praying for good weather and that sheltering-in-place won’t be issues. Again, what ideas do you have?

5. Offer help and be humble enough to receive help.  Others want to help, to be involved. When I first sent out a neighborhood email with just one idea of how we might support each other, almost every neighbor responded with yes, count me in. I will help too. Community is a two-way street. We have different ideas. We have different gifts. We have each other to lean on.

What is your PS, your personal resolve? Please share your ideas. We need each other!

copyright, Sue Tell, March 2020

 

 

 

The Coronavirus is meddling. Not only is my grocery store not providing what I have come to rely on, the Y is closed, the library is closed, our church is meeting online, doctor appointments are canceled.

And the mission organization we serve with has prohibited all domestic and international travel, as well as group meetings. And encouraged all personal travel to follow the same protocol.

Meddling!

The new normal for now.

I’m left with a choice.

Just like the people of Israel on their way to the Red Sea, I can grumble. Six times in Exodus 15 and 16, a form of the word grumble appears. Six times!

As this new reality is unfolding, I found myself grumbling (maybe more than six times). I didn’t like this new normal.

Grumbling is manifested in questions. Grumbling is manifested in demanding prayers. Grumbling is manifested in impatience.

Then I was caught up short by the words of an online friend, Ruth Chou Simons. She reminded me that God has not deserted us. His Words are still truth!

“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 3:14

These words are God’s response to Moses who asked, “Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways,” Exodus 33:13. (Bolding mine)

I was challenged; my grumbling began to dissipate as I practiced her suggestion filling in this blank:

I need God’s presence more than I need ______________________.

How would you fill it in?
More than I need control.
More than I need the fulfillment of my plans.
More than I need to feel settled.
More than I need to meet my new grand-baby.
More than I need _____________________.

I also hunger for God’s peace. John 14:27 declares, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” I am offered the gift of peace even in the midst. Am I grumbling or accepting?

In many various ways, I need God’s provision. Beyond my need for physical provision, I need the provision of community, of friends who are walking the same path. “In your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.” Psalm 68:10. Although there are different communities swirling around me, the community that is most present is our neighbors. We’ve declared, we’re in this together.

God’s offerings are not changed because of the Coronavirus. His presence, his peace, and his provisions are all available.

I’m left with a choice.

And it leads me to this question, what can I give back to God?

My remembering:
He loves, “His banner over me is love” Song of Solomon 2:4
He controls, “he awoke and rebuked the wind … ‘Peace! Be still!’ … there was great calm”
Mark 4:39
He knows, “For I know the plans I have … plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
He shepherds, “The LORD is my shepherd, I have everything I need.” Psalm 23:1

My trust: Each day I’m asking, God, what would it look like to trust your Word today? I’m finding him faithful to answer.

“For if you believed Moses, you would believe me;
for he wrote of me.”
John 5:46

“Jesus answered answered them,
‘This is the work of God;
that you believe in him whom he has sent.'”
John 5:29

Copyright, March 2020, Susan Tell

 

 

 

 

“And from his fullness we have all received,
grace upon grace.”
John 1:16

I’ve been on the receiving end of God’s grace upon grace since Barbara’s memorial service held in the beautiful Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA. In the midst of hard grief, I’m experiencing a banquet of grace.

“He brought me to the banqueting house,
and his banner over me was love.”
Song of Solomon 2:4

Barbara’s service was a banquet of family, of memories, of beauty, of love — given and received, of Truth spoken boldly.

And the banquet of grace is continuing its journey to my heart.

Grief is brutal. It drained my energy. It eclipsed my normals.  I didn’t recognize me.

Grace is strong. It is a life-giving balm. It invites me to exhale. It calls me to notice God’s provisions. It is a light in the darkness.

Grace is arriving in many forms: being attentive to what is restorative, like sitting on our deck in the warm Colorado sun (surrounded by snow) while enjoying my morning coffee; or watching a comedy on Netflix; or laughing at the birds fluttering outside my window; or allowing myself to just be.

Grace is the words of truth from friends arriving on beautiful cards or in text messages and emails. Your rejoicing will be indescribable when you two meet again! Yes, Jo! Tears of joy. And this card reiterated Psalm 23:1 this way and awakened again the longing to experience God as my shepherd; When you opened your eyes this morning, the Lord had already gone before you, anticipating just what your heart will need as He walks with you through this time of loss.

Grace is arriving straight from God, from the Word of Truth.

[Jesus is] “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;”
Isaiah 53:3
“Surely he [Jesus] has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;”
Isaiah 53:4

Jesus is well-acquainted with sorrow and grief and he knows how to comfort me in my sorrow and grief. “For the word of God is living and active,” Hebrews 4:12. I’m learning to pay attention.

John 14:27 is coming alive in new ways … maybe for the first time? “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” Jesus is offering me the gift of peace. It has its very own platter on the banquet table. I’m taking day-sized bites and it’s a balm to my soul.

Several cards have reminded, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4. Yes, it’s true; I am being comforted in so many ways.

Grace is arriving in the form of original art on this hand-made card. This lovely rose started as a small seed tucked in the earth. God took that seed and created this beauty to bring smiles of joy. Thank you Mary. Your art is exquisite!

It reminds me of the tiny mustard seed that has been ministering to me since November.

 

Aware of my need. Awake to his grace. This is my mantra in these days.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,””
II Corinthians 12:9

 

Copyright March, 2020 – Susan Tell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grief influencing my expected rhythm.
Unwanted, disruptive, very sad.

I woke to the news of her death early on February 6.

Anticipated.
“Short leash”, “weeks”, “days”, “minutes”.
The minutes, the days long and so slow.

Plans were made; plans were changed.

Emotions came, emotions went.
Sadness, anger, confusion, frustration — all real.
God saw. God knew. God wept.
I’m known.

Love was whispered; love was heard.
Forgiveness offered; forgiveness received.

Laughter mingled with tears.

The gift of words, of hands, of hugs.

Sleep was difficult; sleep was deep.

Food prepared; meals eaten; laundry continued.
The calendar says Valentine’s Day.
Life.

Condolences arrive — more tears.

Wisdom, gentleness, kindnesses abounded.

Prayers were whispered. Prayers were answered.

Peace is real and not real.
The hope of heaven sustains.

Trampoline reality.

May God be lifted up and glorified; as He was in life, may we experience it in death.
Or, is it not death, but new life, eternal life.

There is lightness in the writing.
A piece of joy is breaking through.
Peace that passes understanding.
Our far more abundant God.

Light in darkness.

A quiet rhythm.
A confident rhythm.
The rhythm of the path of life.

“You made known to me the path of life;
in your presence is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11

 

The backstory, click here and here and here.
Rhythm, click here.

 

copyright Susan Tell, February 2020

 

 

 

 

 

“You uncovered her faith.” These words from a text share well the truth of scripture. I’d not thought of describing faith with the concept of uncovering before, but yes, that is exactly what happened.

“Long before he laid down the earth’s foundations,
he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love,
to be made whole and holy by his love.”
Ephesians 1:4, The Message Translation

“What marvelous love the Father has extended to us!
Just look at it – we’re called children of God!
That’s who we really are.”
I John 3:1, The Message Translation

A child of God – who we really are, our true identity.

Yet, our identity and God’s heart of love for us needed to be uncovered, to be revealed.

For me, God uncovered and revealed my true identity during my college years through the ministry of a Christian worship team.

For her, God allowed me the privilege of being the carrier of his message, a message that he wrote long before he laid down the earth’s foundations. I’m overwhelmed and thankful.

Last weekend, I returned from visiting her in the ICU in a Richmond, VA hospital. We whispered scripture to each other reminding us of God’s love, of God’s presence, and of God’s peace. We held hands. We prayed together. These nine days will be forever imprinted in my memory and on my heart.

As we kissed each other good-by, emotions were all over the place. Our hearts were at peace and our tears were flowing.

Our uncovered faith forged a bond we’ll enjoy forever.

“But to all who received him,
who believed in his name,
he gave power to come children of God”
John 1:12, RSV

If you are curious about more of this story, click here and here.