A Word from C.L. Burger

Thorns

March 20th, 2023

photo by Julian Paolo Dayag on Unsplash

“Be careful of the thorns!” My heart pounded as my seven-year-old granddaughter darted past the overgrown bush near our fence. Determined to escape her older sister’s teasing, she dashed around the corner of the house and down the rocky side yard. The bright pink flowers on the Bougainvillea hid the sharp thorns, and I knew it was only a matter of time before one of our granddaughters screamed in pain; a thorn piercing their tender skin. After some coaxing, my granddaughter re-entered the backyard, her dusty cheeks stained with tears, but unharmed from the thorns.

Later that week, lamenting the loss of the bright flowers but relieved to rid our yard of the dangerous thorns, I hacked away with my shears, cutting the bush down to the root. No more flowers—no more thorns.

The spiritual journey, for me, means allowing God to remove the thorns in my soul and spirit that harm others. I want God to prune all that does not reflect His nature. As I picked up the debris, I remembered the words from John 15:2. “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

Blood dripped from my finger as the thorn stabbed through my gloves. Ouch! The damage was clear as my green garden glove turned red.

How often have I allowed my words and actions in a moment of impatience or irritation to harm others? How often have I hidden my thorny self beneath pretty flowers? God still has much work to do in me!

Author Brennan Manning says in The Signature of Jesus “To be like Christ is to be a Christian.” Lord, I pray I can withstand your pruning. I pray that as you cut away the thorns of my false self, You make me more like You. And Lord, before I point out the thorns in others, remove the thorns in me. Amen!
Unruffled

March 15th, 2023

Rain pounded our house and fierce winds pummeled the surrounding trees during the recent California storm. It was more than a storm. Weather broadcasters were calling it an atmospheric river. Gripping my coffee mug, I watched the storm from our kitchen window; my jaw clamped as tight as I grasped my mug. The storm outside exposed the relentless storm of anger and hurt I felt inside.

As a highly sensitive person, I take longer to process powerful emotions. My mother’s death and tense family interactions spiraled me into deep despair. Am I wrong, Lord? Is it okay for me to set a boundary when, like this stinging rain and whipping wind, I’m pounded and pummeled with hurtful words and actions?

Staring into the dark clouds, I startled as two doves landed on the fence. The wind howled, and rain fell. Rather than fly off, or flap about, the doves sat still—unruffled by the storm. God’s whisper landed as softly as the doves. “Peace, be still.” Stunned by God’s image of peace, I realized I didn’t need to allow the storm (inside or out) to disturb me. I could be still and ride out the storm with God’s help.

After warming my coffee, I returned to my devotional time. God’s healing whisper continued through the lesson from Lectio 365. “Few things will cause me greater pain and confusion than a betrayal by someone close to me. As I wrestle with the difficult emotions that such experiences stir, I take comfort from the fact that Jesus experienced the same thing. He understands my feelings and is able to help me on my journey towards healing.”

It’s okay for me to set boundaries. It’s okay for me to take the time I need to process powerful emotions. What’s not okay is for me to do so out of spite, anger, or hurt. One of my favorite spiritual mentors, Francois Fenelon, says in The Seeking Heart, “Stay gentle and humble and you will know the peace and rest of God.” He also says, “Grace comes only in the moment that you need it.”

As the winds blew and the rain fell, the doves turned and nestled close to each other. Fenelon’s words echoed, “You will make a lot of progress if you just keep turning back to God.”

The doves ascended into the dark sky and I knew my storm of hurt and anger would only subside when I turn to God for the grace I need in the moment…the moment I carry the olive branch of peace and hope.
It’s Okay to Forgive from a Distance

March 8th, 2023

I heard something in a sermon that changed my perspective on Matthew 5:38 and resonated with my understanding of who Jesus is. Jesus said, “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”

The pastor said that it was the custom of the time, when slapping someone, to use the back of the right hand. (Note: One never used the left hand because they used it for “unclean purposes” thus, the tradition today of shaking hands with the right hand and not the left.) When Jesus said, “turn the other check,” he was not suggesting that we tolerate abuse. Rather, turning the other cheek forced the one who slaps to use the back of their left hand, thus humbling* them, or bringing them down a notch. The victim can then stand in strength, rather than become a doormat who accepts abuse or mistreatment. (*Etymology of the word humble meaning “on the ground, low, trifling” from humus “the earth, ground.”)

Jesus also taught us, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” This scripture reminds me of the words in the image above. “I am not required to set myself on fire to keep others warm.”

Unfortunately, I learned the wrong message growing up in the church. I learned that turning the other cheek meant I needed to let others trample my feelings and cross my personal boundaries. I believed that setting a boundary meant I had not forgiven that person. Wrong!

A recent barrage of verbal trampling by a narcissist tore me to pieces and sent me reeling into a major depression. Through prayer, spending time in scripture and help from my wonderful husband and spiritual companions, God pulled me out of that dark pit of despair. I knew it was time to stand firm in God’s light, turn the other cheek, and send a clear message that I did not deserve to be trampled.

Forgiveness is possible, but sometimes it is only possible from a distance. Forcing oneself to tolerate abuse is NOT what Jesus intended in Matthew 5:38. Turning the other cheek is an opportunity to send the message that, as children of God, we have great value, are sacred and precious (like pearls) and allowing another to trample his children (verbally, emotionally, spiritually or physically) is not okay with God and should not be okay with us.

Today, I’m turning the other cheek by setting firm boundaries and asking Holy Spirit to help me forgive. Maybe loving and forgiving from a distance will help the person believe they are a beloved child of God, too.
Lent and Recalibration

March 1st, 2023
Photo by Ahna Ziegler on Unspalsh

The season of Lent includes the 40 (actually 45) days prior to Easter. During this time, Christians around the world recalibrate and focus on cleaning up their act. 1 John 2:6 says, “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” (NLT)

What does it mean to live as Jesus did? Well, to me it means living and “re-presenting” Jesus Christ in our world today. In order to do that, I need to look back and assess where I’ve missed the mark and turn around and go in a new direction. Self-assessment before God and turning around occur during the time of Lent. As true Christians, (little Christs) we are not to alienate people from Jesus, we are to draw them near. The Gospel is full of admonitions and encouragement to not be of the world, even though we are in the world. Lent gives us an opportunity to live our Christian faith in better ways. It is—a time to recalibrate our Christian faith.

How am I recalibrating during Lent?
- I’m spending less time on social media. I confess that social media became an idol, and I needed to let it go. I got rid of my Facebook and Instagram accounts, and I no longer accept pressure from people to add this app or set up a Twitter feed or… or… well, you get my point.
- I’m decluttering my life and home. I don’t want or need things in my life. Because of that, I’m shopping less and giving donations to local thrift stores or groups that can use the items directly (battered women’s shelters, homeless shelters, etc.)
- My days are “book-ended” (my word for it). I begin the day with prayer and God’s Word. I no longer pick up my phone first. I pick up my Bible and my journal first. (This change is a work in progress.) I end the day with a cup of tea and a conversation with the hubby, and we check in with each other and ask what God is speaking to us and what we are focusing on spiritually.
- There is so much to be thankful for and complaining less and sharing gratitude more helps remove the temptation to fall back into the muck of previous years.
- In between the “book-ends” of my days, I write, spend time with family, attend my spiritual formation groups and online church, pray, read, and offer spiritual direction.
Life is good even when it’s not—because I’m turning around and connecting with people and groups aligned with God’s true heart.

Lent is a time of letting go, of dropping the dross we carry. Lent begins the journey toward the cross, resurrection, and—new life. How about you? What dross do you want God to remove during Lent? What idols do you want to let go of?

If you would like to join a Spiritual Formation group, go HERE.

Edited and republished from my previous blog in 2021
Hospital Corners

February 22nd, 2023

“You pull the sheet up and make a triangle, then tuck it under and fold it down and that is how you make a hospital corner.” My mother, a career nurse, taught me how to make hospital corners when I was a child. Numb with grief, her words wafted through my mind as the hospice team removed the bed from Mom’s assisted living room. Months of ailing had ended. Mom, age 102, went home to God on Valentine’s Day.

It had been a long, grieving process. Each 6-hour trip and overnight stay to visit my Mom, check her health, and speak with care staff should have prepared me—it didn’t.

The night before, the hospice worker called and said she was within days of passing and told me I could speak to my Mom on the phone. Her words reassured me. “I won’t be there tomorrow, but my co-worker will. He will hold the phone to your Mom’s ear and she will hear you.” Dan, my husband, and I rushed to pack suitcases and get on the road early the next morning. Will I be there in time? Will she be able to hear me? I need to call the hospice worker on duty.

My older sister shouldered the lion’s share of organizing Mom’s caretaking team. I wasn’t sure the hospice worker understood who I was. “Hi—I’m Betty’s youngest daughter. We will be on the road soon, but I’d like to speak to my mother, please.” Startled by his matter-of-fact tone and so unlike the woman I spoke with the day before, I sat in stunned silence. “Oh, I am not with your Mom right now. I’m with another patient and won’t be going back to your mom today.” Dan glanced at me, worried by my expression. He knew my silence meant a storm brewed.

“You are a hospice worker. I am afraid she will die before I get there. I need to speak to my mother!” He felt the blast of ice. “Well, um, I can go back to your mom in about 45 minutes after I’m done with the patient I’m with now.”

Jaw clenched, I managed. “Thank you.”

“I will call you when I get to your Mom’s.”

“I appreciate that.”

Suitcases splayed, clothes tossed, calls to a house sitter, cat fed, lights off—it’s time to go!

“Wait! I need to take this call.”

Suitcase in hand, trunk open, Dan stopped.

“Hi—I’m with your mom now if you want to speak to her.”

“Mom, I want you to know we’re on the way. I will be there to help Betty Jo. Don’t worry. It’s okay. You’ve given us so much love and have been the best mom. It’s okay. Everything will be okay. Don’t worry. God is ready to give you a glorious homecoming party. I love you.”

Dan slowed the car through the narrowed construction lane. Orange cones blurred through tears as we pulled into our usual pit stop just an hour away from my Mom. The call came just as we parked the car. “Cindy-I am sorry to tell you that your Mom just passed.”

We traveled that last hour in silence and reverent prayer.

Looking out my window, I caught the image of a heart-shaped sun in the sky framed by clouds forming an angel headed toward heaven. Then, a flash of light in the sky—a glorious homecoming for Mom.
Real or Fake?

February 15th, 2023

(photo by Pure Julia on Unsplash)

Water bubbled over rocks, the scent of pine filling the air. We wanted to find gold. A dozen ten-year-olds laughed as we scooped the sand; our hands were cold and red as we raised our pans out of the icy stream. “Sift it and see what you find,” our Girl Scout leader encouraged. Sarah squealed. “Gold! I’ve found gold!” Determined to be the first to congratulate my new best friend, I stopped short when I saw her face. Sad and discouraged, she shook her head. “It’s not real. Our leader said it’s called pyrite—fool’s gold.” We stood together staring in disbelief at the sparkling gold flakes. Shrugging our shoulders, we went back to panning, believing there was still hope. The question remained. How will I know if the bits of rock in my pan are real or fake?

Memories of panning for gold came to mind when I read the news. A politician known for instigating hate and violence upon our nation’s capitol building is running for president. I did not understand how a majority of evangelical Christians could support this candidate in a previous election—until I remembered the pyrite.

Sadly, many are deceived by Christian nationalism and church leaders who encourage members to worship a political candidate more than God. Doing that will only lead to—you guessed it—fool’s gold.

My Girl Scout leader could have told Sarah the glitter in her pan was the real thing, but she told the truth. Even though Sarah would like to believe she had discovered gold, it was not fair to mislead her.

As a follower of Jesus, I don’t want to worship a person or political party over God. As a follower of Jesus, I don’t want to believe every false spirit, but intimately know my Lord so I can tell the difference between real and fake. (See 1 John 4:1)

I pray as we move closer to the 2024 elections that we study the candidates and compare them to Jesus. If the sparkle doesn’t match the real thing—sift again.

False prophets will appear and deceive many people. (Matthew 24:11) Don’t fall for fool’s gold—no matter how shiny it may appear on the surface.
Prayer is Powerful

February 7th, 2023

(photo by moein rezaalizade on Unsplash)

The devastating earthquake in Turkey tears my heart. It’s difficult to watch the news, yet I see compassion and our world become smaller when even Turkey’s enemies send aid in this disaster.

You may feel powerless amid such devastation, but I am reminded that prayer is powerful. People say they can’t do much, or “all I can do is pray.” Prayer is powerful! We can pray for those who are suffering, for the rescue teams arriving from many countries, and for God’s healing and comfort throughout this crisis. What is it that God is praying? What do you see in your spirit? Pray into that.

We may not know the people we are praying for, but as God’s Spirit moves, lives, and breathes in us—we can join Holy Spirit in prayer. Intercession is critical to the Kingdom of God. We co-labor with God to heal and strengthen our brothers and sisters around the world and yes—even take part in miracles!
One Ladybug

February 1st, 2023

Temperatures dropped and I needed to cover our plants before the freeze. Shuddering in the arctic wind, I pulled my jacket tight as I placed blankets over our delicate clematis, wisteria, and azalea plants. Then I saw one tiny ladybug. It’s unusual to see ladybugs in our yard in January, but there it was chomping away on tiny pests in our chrysanthemums.

Ladybugs control pests through natural predation. Aphids are tiny pests that suck the sap from vegetables, fruits, flowers, and trees. They take away the plant’s nutrients and they can even give the plant viruses and diseases. Grateful, I left the tiny ladybug to the work of protecting our plants from disease.

So often I’ve prayed and asked what I, just one person, can do to remove the dis-ease of evil and hate in our world. God knew my heart ached over the recent police killing of Tyre Nichols in Memphis. As a highly sensitive person and empath, I couldn’t watch the video of the horrific attack that ended Tyre’s life. I knew if I did, I wouldn’t sleep for days and felt helpless and ashamed. I wanted to do more, but my stomach turned just reading the news headline.

God reminded me even if I am just one person—I can use what I am born to do to decrease the pestilence of hate and violence in our world. I can remind readers everyone has a gift, and God equips us to use our gifts to bring Heaven to Earth.

One ladybug may not remove all the life-sucking pests, but more ladybugs and flourishing plants will soon fill our yard. I may not bring peace and love into the world alone, but I can write and encourage you to use your gifts to make a difference. Then together we can rid the world of hate and violence, and finally see “God’s Kingdom Come, God’s will be done… on Earth, as it is in Heaven.”

To prayerfully consider:

What unique gift is God calling you to use to change the world? How is God calling you to use that gift? Please share, I would love to read your answers!
Stars on My Age Chart

January 26th, 2023

_{photo by Rod Long on Unsplash}

“Grandmas are bumpy.” My second oldest granddaughter stated the obvious when she asked me about a bump on my arm. I wasn’t too concerned but decided to have it checked out by the dermatologist. My doctor agreed. After a forty-five-minute drive and an hour appointment, the bump was gone. “We will do a biopsy, just to make sure.”

            A week later, I received the results. Both were benign. One mole and—an age spot. WHAT? An age spot? The innocent declaration of my granddaughter echoed, “Grandmas are bumpy.” My birthday and my doctor tell me I’m getting older.

            I grumbled to my husband about my twelve-year-old dermatologist telling me I had “age spots,” and my dear husband cheerily told me that he has them too. He sweetly reminded me with a smirk. “We’re both getting older and besides, aging is better than the alternative.” I agreed but I am certain that age spot sneered. “Happy Birthday Grandma!”

            I needed a reframe. I wanted credit for my age spots. I told my husband I would now refer to my spots as “stars on my age chart.” Now when my third oldest granddaughter inevitably asks, “What are those spots, Grandma?” I’m going to wink, give her a big hug and say, “Those are stars for all of my achievements over the years.”

reposted from my previous blog 3/20/20
One Blueberry: Practicing Presence

January 25th, 2023

(photo by Yulia Khlebnikova on Unsplash)

One Blueberry

“Practice Single Tasking.” That is the second item listed by the Barefoot Minimalists in their post, “Twelve Ways to be More Present in 2023.” So, this morning I changed things up. Usually, I read the news while I eat breakfast. Not today. Today, I savored the blueberries mixed in my oatmeal. More present to my meal and God, I gave thanks for the last blueberry in my bowl. I wondered. What else have I missed because I’m multi-tasking?

Simplifying my life has helped me slow down, pay attention, and savor each moment. I pay more attention to God and others when I am not distracted by physical and mental stuff. Facebook was a mental, emotional, and time drain in my life, so I gave it up. Clutter took too much time to sort through in order to find what I was looking for, so I got rid of it. I learned boundaries to create more space for life-giving people and experiences.

Living simply is an opportunity to remove what drains life so that I can make more room for that which brings life.

There are many writers and blogs encouraging decluttering and a simple lifestyle. Joshua Becker is one of the best, and a guru of sorts on minimalism. So why am I writing about it here?

I’m writing on this topic because directees ask me how they can hear God, or sense more of God’s presence in their life. I’ve discovered that one cannot be present to God if one is not present to themselves.

Remove clutter, noise, busyness, and that which drains life, and you will be more present to God who brings life.

For more on this topic, see:

“Twelve Ways to be More Present in 2023.”

Joshua Becker’s “Becoming Minimalist”

The Practice of the Presence of God