In the news the last couple of weeks, has been news surrounding a volcano in Iceland. According to reports, there has been volcanic ashes in the air floating toward and over a lot of Europe. Much air traffic was cancelled due to these ashes, as they could cause damage to an airplane's engine and that, of course, was very unsafe for planes in the air.
Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), the Bible study group I have been a member of for many years and am a current leader, was having a training group of people from all over the US and the world. Because of the cancelled flights, many were stranded by cancelled flights back to the UK, Kenya, etc. I had the privilege to take two such ladies (Helen Elston and Pam Faulkner) from Bristol England to lunch and then back to BSF headquarters after their visit to our our class last week while they awaited news of their flight home. Huston, Emery and I entertained them with a salad lunch and enjoyed hearing all about their class in Bristol.
The conversation at lunch varied from class comparisons, families, how we each came to BSF and so forth. After sharing about ourselves, Pam asked me how I came to know the Lord. I am always amazed at my answer. I feel like a light bulb lights up inside when I tell my story. Though I explain it was really a long process over a couple of years to begin with...the learning to walk with my Lord took many, many more. However, as I tell it, I feel like I begin to glow. It excites me to tell how my Lord brought me along step by step.
You know, people always say that you should know the exact moment when you are saved. But I think it is not always like that. I think it can be a process. Think about it. One first has to know what he/she is "saved" from. People used that word "saved" without thinking about the true meaning. Most people who aren't believers, don't think they need saving. However, what they don't realize is that we all need to be saved.
God tells us that there is a heaven and there is a hell. For those who do not know they are a sinner, the wages of sin is death and eternal separation from God. For those who do not know God loved us so much - in order that we may have eternal life with Him, and was willing to send His Son to pay the penalty/wages for our sins past, present and future, THEY will spend eternity in hell - eternal - in a conscious state - wanting to die but cannot. Think about it...THAT is what we are saved FROM when we believe Jesus Christ is our Redeemer - HE paid the cost for our eternity in heaven. THAT is why I LOVE to tell about how good God is to save me.
So today, I am thankful for opportunities to tell others "my story." My story of being saved FROM eternal damnation in hell TO a glorious, majestic, wonderful, eternal life in heaven in the presence of my Father God. I don't want another living soul to spend eternity in hell. Perhaps telling my story could spark another to know their Redeemer too. So, thank you Helen and Pam for giving me the opportunity to tell my story.
Thank you Huston and Emery for being so patient and excellent at lunch so Lovey could share her story! My "Happily Ever After" story!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
COMMUNICATION
This weekend, Jimmy and I are keeping our two grandchildren while our children are out of town on a, what they told the kids, a honeymoon trip. Huston, our four year old grandson, asked his mom why he couldn't go on the honey trip with them. Isn't it cute how children repeat the things we tell them in ways that sound so different than its original explanation?
Huston is four and Emery is two, and the communication with the two of them can sometimes be challenging. Huston is fairly easy. But sometimes, when he gets to talking fast, the words are very difficult to understand. Emery, is still in that two year old stage when one has to listen VERY carefully to really understand what she is trying to communicate. Often, we look to Huston, whom we call our interpreter, to let us know what she is trying to say. Usually, we are out of luck.
Tonight, when putting the kids to bed, Huston was asleep before Emery. I heard Em's little cry and went in to see what she needed. At first, from her pointing and grunting, of sorts, I knew she wanted her "Baby Mozart" music on. No problem...I was pretty sure of that need. Then again, I heard her. This time, trying to interpret her need was much different. She was pointing toward a blank wall next to her pack and play, whining a little more and saying something impossible for me to understand. I asked a massive amount of questions...do you want your Dora and Boots dolls?, do you want your milk?, do you want the little doggies in the bag?...nothing I asked was what she wanted. I even let her out of the bed and asked her to show me what she wanted. She simply stood outside the pack and play and pointed to the wall. I was very confused. FINALLY, I noticed a plug on the wall. OHHHHHH! Do you want a night light? YES, she nodded! I had begun to feel like Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller's teacher!
Communication is so important, and yet can produce one of the most frustrating and even helpless feelings one can have. Think about it...here in the US, we expect people to speak English. When you come to the US...speak English. Very few of us are fluent in any other language. In other countries, if for no other reason than geography, people are fluent in several languages. Communication with others is often not as difficult as it is for US citizens.
Communication in a language is not even as frustrating as it is with young children, or people with handicaps, those that are deaf or hard of hearing, or those who are unable to speak. Communication is most frustrating when it comes between people who misunderstand each other due to personalities conflicts or communication that is hindered by physical restraints or communication with inappropriate input by an outsider.
Communication can hinder or hurt relationships, depending on how it is given or received. Communication is vital in our lives. So why do we not put as much importance and care in the way we communicate with those we love and care for that we do about business, business relationships, networking, etc.?
Our standard of communication should be that of the Lord Jesus and how He communicated with those he came in contact with. Not just with His disciples and His family. But how He communicated with those who followed Him and even those who persecuted and tried to kill Him. Last week in our lesson on John, Jesus responded to questions from Pilate with truth, reason, and even meekness. He is God. He could have said one world and Pilate would have fallen back as the soldiers did in the garden. But he didn't. He communicated exactly what God, His Father sent Him to communicate and in an way that was to be our standard of behavior in communicating with others.
I have to ask myself. When others mistreat me, do I respond in a way that communicates truth, reason, meekness? Considering meekness, to be a strength and not a weakness (anyone can be a bully and loose control or bully, but it takes the strength of self control to be meek), how am I perceived? These are questions I must answer honestly. My Lord will be asking these of me when I meet Him.
So today, I am thankful for the standard by which my Lord lays out in His Word, directing me and guiding me to communicate with others in my daily life. These two little munchkins are an awesome reminder, as I patiently struggle to communicate or understand what they try to communicate, to do so with truth, reason, kindness and meekness, the standard by which my Lord set before me.
So thanks Ems. I'm glad I finally found that night light for your tonight! No go to sleep!
Huston is four and Emery is two, and the communication with the two of them can sometimes be challenging. Huston is fairly easy. But sometimes, when he gets to talking fast, the words are very difficult to understand. Emery, is still in that two year old stage when one has to listen VERY carefully to really understand what she is trying to communicate. Often, we look to Huston, whom we call our interpreter, to let us know what she is trying to say. Usually, we are out of luck.
Tonight, when putting the kids to bed, Huston was asleep before Emery. I heard Em's little cry and went in to see what she needed. At first, from her pointing and grunting, of sorts, I knew she wanted her "Baby Mozart" music on. No problem...I was pretty sure of that need. Then again, I heard her. This time, trying to interpret her need was much different. She was pointing toward a blank wall next to her pack and play, whining a little more and saying something impossible for me to understand. I asked a massive amount of questions...do you want your Dora and Boots dolls?, do you want your milk?, do you want the little doggies in the bag?...nothing I asked was what she wanted. I even let her out of the bed and asked her to show me what she wanted. She simply stood outside the pack and play and pointed to the wall. I was very confused. FINALLY, I noticed a plug on the wall. OHHHHHH! Do you want a night light? YES, she nodded! I had begun to feel like Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller's teacher!
Communication is so important, and yet can produce one of the most frustrating and even helpless feelings one can have. Think about it...here in the US, we expect people to speak English. When you come to the US...speak English. Very few of us are fluent in any other language. In other countries, if for no other reason than geography, people are fluent in several languages. Communication with others is often not as difficult as it is for US citizens.
Communication in a language is not even as frustrating as it is with young children, or people with handicaps, those that are deaf or hard of hearing, or those who are unable to speak. Communication is most frustrating when it comes between people who misunderstand each other due to personalities conflicts or communication that is hindered by physical restraints or communication with inappropriate input by an outsider.
Communication can hinder or hurt relationships, depending on how it is given or received. Communication is vital in our lives. So why do we not put as much importance and care in the way we communicate with those we love and care for that we do about business, business relationships, networking, etc.?
Our standard of communication should be that of the Lord Jesus and how He communicated with those he came in contact with. Not just with His disciples and His family. But how He communicated with those who followed Him and even those who persecuted and tried to kill Him. Last week in our lesson on John, Jesus responded to questions from Pilate with truth, reason, and even meekness. He is God. He could have said one world and Pilate would have fallen back as the soldiers did in the garden. But he didn't. He communicated exactly what God, His Father sent Him to communicate and in an way that was to be our standard of behavior in communicating with others.
I have to ask myself. When others mistreat me, do I respond in a way that communicates truth, reason, meekness? Considering meekness, to be a strength and not a weakness (anyone can be a bully and loose control or bully, but it takes the strength of self control to be meek), how am I perceived? These are questions I must answer honestly. My Lord will be asking these of me when I meet Him.
So today, I am thankful for the standard by which my Lord lays out in His Word, directing me and guiding me to communicate with others in my daily life. These two little munchkins are an awesome reminder, as I patiently struggle to communicate or understand what they try to communicate, to do so with truth, reason, kindness and meekness, the standard by which my Lord set before me.
So thanks Ems. I'm glad I finally found that night light for your tonight! No go to sleep!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
BIRTHDAYS
Today is April 14th. A normal day by most standards. But today is a special day for some people. One of those people who consider this day special is a little boy (or should I say a big little boy) grown up. Yes...grown to be a real adult...in fact, heading to the seniors! He's always been considered a baby by some. Mostly because he is the baby of the family. He was a funny little boy. Bigger than his siblings when they were his age, cute as a button, funny as the dickens and very, very mischievous! Remembering back on events of their childhood brings much laughter and rolled eyes when commenting about some of the antics of this little boy.
There was one event when he and a brother were playing a game called "split." "Split" is where two opponents face each other with feet together. One holds a knife and throws the knife to the outside of one of the opponent's foot and the opponent must move that foot out to reach the distance of knife from where his foot previously lay. This action is repeated by the receiving opponent to the other. The action plays out until one of the opponents have stretched his feet and legs so wide, they are open to a split and he can't stand up. The one who falls first, looses. Well, you can imagine two young boys with a knife!!! Can you say EMERGENCY ROOM too often????? Yes, this little boy and his older brother were an accident ready to happen. I'm not sure which had the emergency room appointment, but you can be sure, but no one was surprised the little boy was involved.
Then there was the time when he and his siblings were lined up by their mom to receive a liquid dose of medicine for fighting outside and embarrassing her in front of the neighbors. The older four took theirs like champs (at least that is how they remember it). But the baby brother bolts out the door, down the street. Well, the siblings weren't going to let the little guy get away with that....so they chased after him, drug him home, forced him to the floor only to have his mom unsuccessfully try to force feed his dose of medicine down his throat. He was in hot water that night - by Mom, Dad and his siblings.
Yes, this little guy was a master of energy and talent. Adorable, mischievous, tough and a force to deal with. Sometimes too cute for his own good.
He's a big boy now. All grown up. In fact, today, that big little boy is approaching the senior adult stage. He's still bigger than his siblings, can arm wrestle any one of them and win. Still has that big smile and belly laugh. That twinkle in his eye is a dead give away of the mischief still in him. Yes, this little guy is my baby brother and today, is his birthday.
What a special day birthdays are. They are days we remember special people in our lives and the things about them we love. Days to remember people here and people who are no longer here. Days to remember the sweet memories of times past. Days that are a time to celebrate, a time to remember, a time to be thankful. Thankful for the memories, the laughter, the tears of joy, the tears of sadness even though what brought sadness may have grown the person in a special way. Thankful for joyful moments when we see them again after a long period, thankful for the privilege to watch them grow and leave, making lives of their own. Thankful for the memories of how much we loved them when they were still with us and now they are no longer here on earth.
So today, I am thankful for birthdays. One in particular...our Lords. I am thankful because I not only remember the reason he was born (sent by the Father to free me from sin so I may have everlasting life with Him), but a time to remember that He still dwells within me through His Holy Spirit, living inside me, counselling, guiding, comforting and loving me each day.
Yes, I am thankful for birthdays. And what a great day each day is. Because an old man once said..."Every day is some body's birthday!" What a great day today is! Happy Birthday Roggie!!!!!! Let's celebrate!
Monday, April 12, 2010
TENDER, LOVING CARE
Johnny Mercer's grave - Bonaventure Cemetery
One of my dear friends, Juju, is on a girl trip to Savannah. I love it when Juju goes on trips - (especially with me) but even when she goes with others. I have her e-mail, or in this case, Facebook me to tell me all she is doing and seeing along the way. She sends pictures along with descriptions of the various sights and foods she experiences. Juju takes great pictures. We scrapbook our trips together and she has begun, I believe to do a little digital stuff of her own.
Since she is in Savannah, she has posted, on my behalf (and others - I just like to think it is on my behalf because I BEG her to do so) pictures of some great looking historical sights in Savannah. Savannah is one of the old southern places with huge trees covered with hanging moss. It never stops amazing me how beautiful the south is. The lush foliage really appeals to me..
Today's picture posted was of Johnny Mercer's graveside in Bonaventure cemetery. As you can see from the picture above, it is stunning. The plants, trees and lush foliage is fantastic! I mentioned to Juju that it reminded me of the beautiful cemeteries in Europe where each grave sight was sectioned off, usually by a small cement border. Inside the border, families brought flowering plants and ferns, etc. to fill in over the grave. They were beautiful places for their loved ones, cared for, manicured, tended to and nurtured for one they lost. Each plot was different in its own unique way. Each with a different and unique headstone. I loved taking pictures of the cemeteries in Europe. They were tranquil, peaceful, beautiful, tender and one could tell, tenderly cared for.
It makes me think of the way our Lord cares for us. We are each individual to Him. Not just bunched in with others, but sectioned off, made seperate and special. He is so tender and nurturing. He tenderly prunes and fertilizes by guiding, comforting, teaching and providing. He receives great joy as we bloom and produce fruit. He must smile when we please Him as we grow the way He planned.
So today, I am thankful for the loving, tender care of my Lord. The times he must prune to make me grow more beautiful in His sight. The times He fertilizes to grow me, weed out the bad, help me grow anew and nourish me with His Word. Thank you Father for your tender, loving care.
And Juju, thanks for the beautiful, visual reminder. You are a sweet aroma to the Lord!
DO OVERS
On in One!
Ballet or Golf? Not sure about that stance and followthrough :(
Whip it! Whip it Good!Jimmy, Clark, our friend Randy and I played San Antonio's new Marriott TPC golf course yesterday afternoon. It is a beautiful course. We played the canyon course, not the players course. The resort is getting ready for the upcoming Valero Players Championship and the players course will be closing soon. Many of the grandstands are going up and the course is in pristine condition. The canyons course is also in excellent condition. It is a long course (at least for this lady), and has much sand. However, it has nice wide fairways with a LOT less trees than our Oak Hills club.
When we started the day, or I should say afternoon (1:20), it was very damp and drizzly. I usually don't play in these conditions, but was wanting badly to play this new course. The drizzle cleared up but was still overcast the rest of the day. By the end of the day, it began to drizzle again. The course was very damp and I guess I can blame my score on wet fairways and greens.
I road on a cart with Clark and he kept my score. I decided that because I had been playing so badly at our home course lately, I wouldn't look at my score until after the round was over. Clark kept the score and I would ask him after the round. I started out with an 8 on the first two holes. No, that's not good. The lower one's score is, the better. I knew it would be a VERY long day if I kept up this kind of play. I progressed as the day went on, but wasn't about to look at my score. Now remember, 72 is scratch golf. That means if one scores a 72 for the entire round (1 holes), he/she has played the course in regulation/par/even.
Leaving the course after we were finished, I asked Clark to e-mail me my scores when he got home. I knew I did better on the back 9, but I had no idea what my score was. When I got Clark's e-mail, I was shocked. I made a 55 on the front 9 and a 44 on the back 9. A 44? Are you kidding me? I've never shot a 44 on our course! And it's 11 strokes less than the front 9!!! I'm in heaven! I just wanted to go back to the course and do over the front 9 to see if I could make a better score and bring down my 99 total score! But still...I am totally pumped!
You know, it really makes me think about do overs. I've been really frustrated with my game lately. Jimmy and I often play on a Sunday afternoon and decide not to keep score, but to simply play each shot and do over those that suck. Practice to see if we can make it or do it right like we should have the first time. That's what I call a do over. Sometimes I feel like that about things in life. I wish I could turn back the clock and do over something I wish I had done or said or responded to differently. Do you ever have those do over moments too? Those do over moments you regret the way you behaved or perhaps something you didn't do but wish you had? Yes, missed opportunities that we either handled wrong or missed all together.
You know, with God, we get do overs. We get second chances. We get to say we are sorry and are forgiven and it's never to be brought up again. With God, if we miss a chance, that chance is missed, but He can bring another. He is a God of second chances. We can mess up, but when we belong to Him, He is a God of many chances. He lets us do over when we mess up and repent.
I have to ask myself, what is that I need to do over today? Have I missed calling a friend for too long? Perhaps they are in need and today is just the right day. Is there someone I need to forgive that I have been holding back on? God expects us to do that immediately anyway. What is it God would have me do over that I keep messing up?
Today, I am thankful for do overs. The opportunities to do over things I have messed up on, prayers I have forgotten to pray for people, hugs I have neglected to give, "I love Yous" I have forgotten to say enough, acts of kindness I have completely missed opportunities to do, words of kindness I have failed to share. There are so many do overs. I'm thankful for second chances to do over things I can.
I think I will do over my closet today (Huston says it needs "fixing")
When we started the day, or I should say afternoon (1:20), it was very damp and drizzly. I usually don't play in these conditions, but was wanting badly to play this new course. The drizzle cleared up but was still overcast the rest of the day. By the end of the day, it began to drizzle again. The course was very damp and I guess I can blame my score on wet fairways and greens.
I road on a cart with Clark and he kept my score. I decided that because I had been playing so badly at our home course lately, I wouldn't look at my score until after the round was over. Clark kept the score and I would ask him after the round. I started out with an 8 on the first two holes. No, that's not good. The lower one's score is, the better. I knew it would be a VERY long day if I kept up this kind of play. I progressed as the day went on, but wasn't about to look at my score. Now remember, 72 is scratch golf. That means if one scores a 72 for the entire round (1 holes), he/she has played the course in regulation/par/even.
Leaving the course after we were finished, I asked Clark to e-mail me my scores when he got home. I knew I did better on the back 9, but I had no idea what my score was. When I got Clark's e-mail, I was shocked. I made a 55 on the front 9 and a 44 on the back 9. A 44? Are you kidding me? I've never shot a 44 on our course! And it's 11 strokes less than the front 9!!! I'm in heaven! I just wanted to go back to the course and do over the front 9 to see if I could make a better score and bring down my 99 total score! But still...I am totally pumped!
You know, it really makes me think about do overs. I've been really frustrated with my game lately. Jimmy and I often play on a Sunday afternoon and decide not to keep score, but to simply play each shot and do over those that suck. Practice to see if we can make it or do it right like we should have the first time. That's what I call a do over. Sometimes I feel like that about things in life. I wish I could turn back the clock and do over something I wish I had done or said or responded to differently. Do you ever have those do over moments too? Those do over moments you regret the way you behaved or perhaps something you didn't do but wish you had? Yes, missed opportunities that we either handled wrong or missed all together.
You know, with God, we get do overs. We get second chances. We get to say we are sorry and are forgiven and it's never to be brought up again. With God, if we miss a chance, that chance is missed, but He can bring another. He is a God of second chances. We can mess up, but when we belong to Him, He is a God of many chances. He lets us do over when we mess up and repent.
I have to ask myself, what is that I need to do over today? Have I missed calling a friend for too long? Perhaps they are in need and today is just the right day. Is there someone I need to forgive that I have been holding back on? God expects us to do that immediately anyway. What is it God would have me do over that I keep messing up?
Today, I am thankful for do overs. The opportunities to do over things I have messed up on, prayers I have forgotten to pray for people, hugs I have neglected to give, "I love Yous" I have forgotten to say enough, acts of kindness I have completely missed opportunities to do, words of kindness I have failed to share. There are so many do overs. I'm thankful for second chances to do over things I can.
I think I will do over my closet today (Huston says it needs "fixing")
Saturday, April 10, 2010
REMEMBERING
Mrs. Neva Bailey Ritter Cunningham1932 - 2010
This week, I found out some sad news. The mother of an old friend passed away. I knew she had been sick. She had been in and out of the hospital three or four times in one month. Not so good. My friend came from Hawaii to be with her this last hospital visit. Few knew about her latest development because she didn't want to worry anyone. The last message I got from my friend was that her mom was doing better, getting out of ICU and hopefully going home soon.
Two days ago, I received an e-mail that her mom passed away. I began thinking about Mrs. Cunningham and trying to remember the things I knew about her. Donna and I had been friends all through high school. She was one of my Three Musketeer friends I have spoken about before. Mrs. Cunningham was Donna's mother, but had been divorced and remarried for many years. Donna lived with her dad and step mom, and I therefore was really more familiar with her step mom than I was Mrs. Cunningham. However, I did visit her mom many times with Donna and remember her always to be very sweet and kind to all Donna's friends. In seeing her picture in her obituary, it looks like Donna staring back at me in a few years. I didn't realize Mrs. Cunningham was so young. Though Donna, the oldest in her family and I the middle child in mine, Mrs. Cunningham is much younger than my mother. I was surprised. After reading her obituary, I didn't know she had been in real estate or had worked for the Moodye Williamson Agency - one my uncle Franklin Williamson worked with his brother Moodye in. There was so much I did not know about her. To me...she was Donna's mom. I guess to me, that was the most important roll or job she ever had.
As I think about Mrs. Cunningham, it reminds me that there are so many people we know, or run into or are even family members with that we know so little about when we get right down to it. In fact, when one of Jimmy's two cousins died, we were astounded at the honors and accolades he achieved in his lifespan in the music and arts world. It is that way with most all people. People in our own families...we often have no knowledge of what they achieved or how many lives they have touched. Is it because we don't take the time to stop and talk, or listen when we have such precious little time with them? Those times with Mrs. Cunningham, why did I not know she worked for a company my own uncle worked at? I was a teen, I was old enough to put two and two together.
Then, I think about my Lord. Though I know so little about so many I come in contact with or even am a relative to, He knows EVERYTHING! He knows where we have been, what we have done, how we feel, what we will do, how we will respond, how things will affect us, how He will comfort us, how He will guide us, how He will carry us through each difficulty and how He will be with us always. He knows EVERYTHING about us from before we were ever formed in our mother's womb. He knew Mrs. Cunningham and he knows me.
So today, I am thankful for the privilege of knowing sweet wonderful people God has placed in my life. The parents of my friends who loved me and were kind to me through those difficult years of school. Thankful for my sweet friends, not only those who stood beside me and did dance contest in gym class each day (aka Donna) but those today who keep me informed when others need our prayers in love (thank you John G). Thankful for those Bible study friends who remain constant and prayerful with and fore me through the years. Thankful for my siblings and cousins, my parents and children and mostly, my husband who supports me and knows me even better than I know myself sometimes. Yes, all those people God has placed in my life.
Today, I remember one of those precious people I am thankful for...I pray she will be waiting in heaven at the place God has prepared for me, and I will see her again one day. So it's not goodbye Mrs. Cunningham...I will see you again...save a place for me!
Monday, April 5, 2010
SPRING & PURGING
Mom on Easter Sunday 2009Well, it's getting about that time of year again. Spring is in the air. Trees and plants are blooming. Pollen is floating in the air so bad that there is yellow dust all over cars and sidewalks and front porches. People are sneezing and coughing. Yet, everyone is so excited to be outdoors exercising, working in their yards, biking, strolling children, playing golf and tennis or just standing visiting with their neighbors in their front yard. Yes, there is a newness in the air that comes with each Spring season. A freshness that makes people feel excited, energized and want to do something different. It is as if people have been hibernating for a long time and are ready to break out into a new world!
Spring is also a time for many people to relocate. When I was working for a real estate company (in my early 20's), Spring was a busy season for real estate sales people. People would begin to "look" for that new place they wanted to buy - that change they wanted to make. Many times, it was the time their employer would relocate them - especially if they had families. Kids would soon be out of school - a perfect time to relocate before the new school year.
Yet with a move, comes much. Much planning, much organization, much purging of personal items, much labor, much anxiety of leaving behind family, friends, churches, neighborhoods, sports teams, weekly activities, etc. It's the anxiety of purging and leaving behind that sometimes outweighs the original excitement we get with the coming of Spring and the first rush we remember of the new we are about to experience.
My mom is thinking of leaving her home and moving to an independent living facility in Lufkin or here in San Antonio. We (meaning me and my siblings) are extremely excited for her. I believe she too, is excited. It will mean no more worrying about paying someone to care for her lawn and worrying why they haven't come to take care of it after much rain and it looking so bad to the neighbors. It means no more having to worry if the housekeeper will be there that day, no more having to find a "fix it" person to do minor repairs and pay half her monthly stipend to get it done. It means no more worrying if the vents in each room are closed or open to help save on air or heat in order to keep her electric bill from overtaking her income. No more of many, many worries the normal homeowner shares each and every day that weigh on our minds. She will now be able to socialize with friends, join in game days, outings, eat at white table cloth dining two times a day, and much more. Her time will be her own without the many worries of home upkeep.
Yet in the beginning, along with this new found freedom, there will be a price. Before it all begins, there is a cost. The cost is the purging. How hard it is for many of us to purge those things we all hold so dear. There are pictures, trinkets, gifts from our children, furniture, even things like marriage certificates, vaccination records, I even have my two dog's ashes (I know...but I had to put each to sleep after 15 years and I just couldn't put them in the ground!). And for many, the purging is great. My mom will have to purge much. She will even have to downsize her furniture, meaning she will have to leave it behind and buy new. Yes, it is fun for us to buy new furniture, buy new things for a new place to live. But many of us bring so much with us when we do, we are able to mix the trinkets and the pictures, the gifts, family heirlooms and etc. that when we get it all together, it looks like we have had it forever. With others who are having to purge so much, the difficulty is purging much and picking so little you are able to take and still making it feel like home. Moving from a three bedroom home to a one bedroom apartment will be a challenge. Purging will be tough.
It makes me think of Christ. He left His home in heaven to come as a child to earth. I think...life on earth was NOTHING like life in heaven. Talk about PURGING! He left a majestic, kingdom and came into a rotten, sinful world to live among men, only to take upon his white as snow, pure body, the repulsive sins of man and be placed in a dark tomb. However, He did return to His kingdom. He did return to that majestic place. It is beautiful and it is not purged of anything!
For believers, Christ has promised that He has prepared a place, a home, for us in His kingdom. A place where there is no pain, no sorrow, no sickness, no anger....pure majesty. It is a HOME where nothing is purged. We will have EVERYTHING we need, everything will be as it should and we will be overjoyed. It will always be as if it is Spring with even more excitement! However, we won't want to do or move or make a change as we do here on earth. We will already be changed into a new body, a new life, a new creation!
So today, I am thankful for Spring, purging of the old and putting on the new! You see, that is what our Lord did when He died for us and rose again in three days. That is what we celebrate at Easter. For believers, he paid for our sins and they are removed at the cross. He rose from the dead having victory over death, giving us a new life, in Him.
So celebrate Spring! Celebrate purging the old! Celebrate Easter all year round!
Friday, April 2, 2010
DADDY
Today is Good Friday. I was curious and wanted to know why today would be considered "good", since it was celebrated as the day our Lord Jesus was crucified. After looking it up on line... and we know EVERYTHING we find on line is ABSOLUTELY TRUE (yeaaaaaaah...), I have come to a somewhat conclusion that God's people always celebrated Friday as a holy/feast day. Since Friday marked the anniversary of Christ's death, it came to be called the Great or the Holy or the "Good Friday." It is also true, as Christians know, that unless our Lord Jesus died, God's purpose could not be fulfilled...meaning our redemption and salvation = eternal life. I would say that is Good!
Yes, this is a very good day. But to me...this Saturday is a day of mourning. The Saturday before Easter - the day Christians celebrate as Christ's resurrection day, is the day I mourn for the death of my dad. Though my dad actually died on March 26th (a Saturday), it was the Saturday before Easter. Therefore, I will always remember the Saturday before Easter as a day of mourning for me.
I loved my dad. He was a character. He had this huge smile, sparkling eyes, loved to tease, loved big band music, had false teeth he would take out at night (we used to tease him about it), he loved jump suites - you know...the kind old men think are soooo comfortable!!! (Elvis must have thought so too!), he wore one of those terrible pocket protectors that men wore in the 1950's (until the 1990's I think - YUK!), loved to bowl, and could be the life of a party. My dad would never offer advice unless you would ask him for it. But if you did ask him for advice and you didn't take it, and things didn't work out...you best not come back complaining...he would just ignore you and say you should have taken his advise. He never spoke ugly of others, LOVED Thanksgiving, was fair minded and would listen to your side of an opinion or request even if he didn't agree - before making a decision. He was content with his work, his home and what he had. He never wanted in excess, but had a contented heart. My dad was a man of his word. He was not perfect, had many flaws, but was loved by his family and loved his family even more.
On these Saturdays before Easter, I remember all these things about my dad. Emotions flow no matter how many years he has been gone. I don't go to the grave site...he's not there. I do know he's in my heart. But these Saturdays are a day of grief for me. An emotional time. Though I must say, even though they are emotional, they become sweeter as the years pass. Sweeter in the memories of things like when I was young and I was standing on his feet at my Uncle Raymond's house, dancing with him to some big band music playing on a record (that's how long ago it was - there were records!). Sweet in memories like the look of pride on his face as my mom came home one day and walked into our bedroom and discovered a new Singer sewing machine he bought her (she still has it). Sweet in memories like the day he walked me down the aisle to give me away to marry Jimmy. Sweet, sweet memories.
All this makes me think about the feelings and memories Mary, the mother of Jesus, the other Mary, and Jesus' friends must have been feeling the day after our Lord was crucified. They had just witnessed a horrific death of their most beloved. And Jesus had willingly given himself up to suffer this death - and for what --not only them, but the very ones who were crucifying him. What kind of feelings must they have been feeling that day and the day after? That next day, how devastated his loved ones must have felt and how they too must have been remembering all the wonderful things he said and did. They must have thought about the sparkle in his eyes, the compassion he had for the hungry (5000), the love he had for children (whom he called to himself), the tender heart for the young couple who ran out of wine at their wedding feast, the deep love for his friends like his buddy Lazarus and the sick who needed healing like the blind man and the leper. What an example of perfect obedience to His heavenly Father they had for such a short time.
We all mourn at some time at the loss of a loved one. Perhaps to death, or even a friendship or a pet, a job we love or a hometown or neighborhood we lived and raised our children in. Perhaps a church family we grew up in or raised our family in, worshiped all our lives in. We mourn having to leave an organization we been a part of for so many years that we've bonded with special friends. We all mourn losses at different times.
But though I mourn my dad, I CAN be thankful today. I am thankful for memories. Though we all have some memories that are not always pleasant, we have many that bring us great joy (even in our tears). Memories of our families, memories of our friends, memories of experiences that have surprised us, memories that confirm our Lords great care for us in certain circumstances, memories of our Lord's care for those we love, and memories of the promises our Lord makes to us. Though some circumstances we remember were tough, as we are thankful for God's provision, those memories too, become sweeter as time passes and even those memories can give us great joy, if for no other reason than it was by God's grace we made it through.
So today, I 'm thinking sweet, sweet memories of Daddy.
Friday, March 26, 2010
SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION
Two weeks ago when we took Huston to Disney World, we took him on the MUST ride for all children in the Magic Kingdom. "It's A Small World" has been THE ride for over 50 years. In fact, I think Jimmy rode it on opening weekend, in 1955, when he visited Disney Land with his parents and grand parents. We rode it with our boys when they were teens. And, I think every person who ever goes to Disney Land or Disney World rides this ride because it is one of those stations in life one has to experience. It somehow helps us understand we are all connected to each other in some way. People all around the world are basically the same in some way or another. In fact, no matter who travels through this wonderful experience, each come out with a smile and a spring in their step as they watched the children from each nation sing and twirl in joyful celebration.
Last night, Jimmy and I were at a United Way banquet. After it was over, as we walked out, Jimmy was stopped by a young couple. The young man (in his 40's) was a gentleman Jimmy knew from the Boy Scout board (I believe.) Jimmy introduced me to the couple and we had a very nice visit for several minutes. Our visit continue as we walked out with them to get our cars and I discovered the wife was going to come to our BSF Introduction class in April. Not only was she going to come to the intro class, but her mother and sister were members of our class and her sister was going to be a new children's leader. Needless to say, I was excited and thrilled to meet this young woman and we hit it off right away. We immediately had a common bond besides the fact that she had three sons.
You know, what's that thing about "six degrees of separation?" Yes, you never know who you will run into that you will have someone in common with - especially here in San Antonio! Though San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the US, it really is like a small town.
As I think about this, I realize this is what it is like for all Christians. "Six degrees of separation to God." Even if a person is not a believer, he/she is probably connected to Him by six degrees of separation. He/she knows someone who knows someone...who has a personal relationship with the heavenly Father. Then there are those who are part of His family. We are all much closer than six degrees...we are all siblings - there are no degrees of separation among believers. Hallelujah!
So today...I am thankful for those opportunities when I come in contact with others that reminds me to always be on my toes, prepared to meet and share with those who may not be siblings but have six degrees of separation to God. Opportunities that I may share of His wondrous love and sacrifice on our behalf so that one day, there is no separation for them, but that they become His child, heir to His throne.
So though my new friend is not separated either...I am thankful for the opportunity to meet and the reminder to be watchful. You know...six degrees is really a lot!
Last night, Jimmy and I were at a United Way banquet. After it was over, as we walked out, Jimmy was stopped by a young couple. The young man (in his 40's) was a gentleman Jimmy knew from the Boy Scout board (I believe.) Jimmy introduced me to the couple and we had a very nice visit for several minutes. Our visit continue as we walked out with them to get our cars and I discovered the wife was going to come to our BSF Introduction class in April. Not only was she going to come to the intro class, but her mother and sister were members of our class and her sister was going to be a new children's leader. Needless to say, I was excited and thrilled to meet this young woman and we hit it off right away. We immediately had a common bond besides the fact that she had three sons.
You know, what's that thing about "six degrees of separation?" Yes, you never know who you will run into that you will have someone in common with - especially here in San Antonio! Though San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the US, it really is like a small town.
As I think about this, I realize this is what it is like for all Christians. "Six degrees of separation to God." Even if a person is not a believer, he/she is probably connected to Him by six degrees of separation. He/she knows someone who knows someone...who has a personal relationship with the heavenly Father. Then there are those who are part of His family. We are all much closer than six degrees...we are all siblings - there are no degrees of separation among believers. Hallelujah!
So today...I am thankful for those opportunities when I come in contact with others that reminds me to always be on my toes, prepared to meet and share with those who may not be siblings but have six degrees of separation to God. Opportunities that I may share of His wondrous love and sacrifice on our behalf so that one day, there is no separation for them, but that they become His child, heir to His throne.
So though my new friend is not separated either...I am thankful for the opportunity to meet and the reminder to be watchful. You know...six degrees is really a lot!
Huston & Lovey ride the boat in "It's A Small World"!
Huge tower ending ride of "It's a Small World"
Sunday, March 21, 2010
TIME
Time. How come there never seems to be enough time in the day? No matter what one plans, no matter how organized a person may be, no matter how many listS one makes...there never seems to be enough time to finish what we need to do or intend to get done in a day. Some people HATE to have things left over for the next day. Some people, like myself, think - oh well, I'll get to it tomorrow (or the next, or whenever)! Yet, there is ALWAYS something left to be done. Take my closet...Jimmy says it's the one "room" in the house that NEVER gets organized. True, it is very unorganized. And granted, I do try to keep it organized. But there are so many other areas of our house that are seen by others or are used by other family members that need to be kept organized. Therefore, my closet is the last place that gets my attention. I guess it's the truth...it's the squeaky wheel that gets the oil.
That's true with people in our life too. There are those who require a lot of attention. Then there are those whom we love dearly that we can go for months or years without hearing from or taking time to stop and call, yet when we do we pick up right where we left off, as if it were only yesterday. Yes, even our attention to people is often prioritized, if for no other reason but for their needs - like a squeaky wheel.
But you know what is so good to know? With God...there is no priority. There is no squeaky wheel. There is no situation more important than another. There is no life more important than another. If one person is on the verge of life or death and another is simply mourning the loss of a friendship...it is all of the same important to the Lord. Can you imagine? His love for us and everything about us is that important? How encouraging is that? How comforting is that?
Today, I am thankful for time. Each second, minute, hour and day. I am thankful that our heavenly Father cares about every second of our life, and has an abundance of time to spend with us. He is aware of every moment we have and wastes none of it, but spends it all for our good. Yes time with God, no matter how we use it, is always time well spent. How will you spend your time today?
That's true with people in our life too. There are those who require a lot of attention. Then there are those whom we love dearly that we can go for months or years without hearing from or taking time to stop and call, yet when we do we pick up right where we left off, as if it were only yesterday. Yes, even our attention to people is often prioritized, if for no other reason but for their needs - like a squeaky wheel.
But you know what is so good to know? With God...there is no priority. There is no squeaky wheel. There is no situation more important than another. There is no life more important than another. If one person is on the verge of life or death and another is simply mourning the loss of a friendship...it is all of the same important to the Lord. Can you imagine? His love for us and everything about us is that important? How encouraging is that? How comforting is that?
Today, I am thankful for time. Each second, minute, hour and day. I am thankful that our heavenly Father cares about every second of our life, and has an abundance of time to spend with us. He is aware of every moment we have and wastes none of it, but spends it all for our good. Yes time with God, no matter how we use it, is always time well spent. How will you spend your time today?
Friday, March 19, 2010
OUR HERITAGE
Jefferson Memorial at night
Lincoln Memorial at night
Capitol Dome at night
Iwo Jima Memorial at night
Stephen F Austin in Hall of Columns
Statuary Hall just off the Capitol RotundaJimmy and I just got home from a trip to Washington DC. Washington is one of my FAVORITE places in the US to visit. There is so much to see! Though I've been many times, I never tire of seeing the monuments and beautiful buildings in our nation's capital. Jimmy was there to meet with legislators about banking stuff. I was there to play!
I did something I have never done before...I went touring around with a group on a segway. Yes, you heard right...a SEGWAY. It was so much fun! Now, I've been in most of the buildings I saw along the way, so it didn't matter that we didn't actually stop and go inside the buildings. But we road by the Capitol, the Washington Monument, the White House, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, many of the Smithsonian buildings and many other monuments and buildings. They were beautiful and fun to see again. There is such energy in this city. There is such history in each building. The architecture is so beautiful and it is so fascinating to realize that this is a city, if not the only city in the world, that was actually built "as a capitol" and not already a city before becoming a capitol of a nation. The heritage of so many and so much in this city is just overwhelming to me as I go from place to place and listen to what has gone on through the 200+ years of our nations history here.
We also had the opportunity to take a night tour of the city viewing government buildings and the monuments. Jimmy and I have never done this before and we were awed by the beauty and the completely different view we got at that time of day. It was majestic - crystal and fantastic. Even a little romantic.
Yes, our nation's capitol is quite young compared to other parts of the world, yet very beautiful. And our heritage is the same. It is filled with people who came here with hope and fortitude. People looking for a new life. A life reborn in a new world. This too is the life each new Christian comes to. A life in a new world...one of hope and salvation. A life in a new kingdom, God's. A life no longer filled with suffering under a kingship of heavy burdens, but one paid for in full, all debts redeemed. Yes, we believers have a new heritage, we are now adopted children of God, heirs to His kingdom.
So today, I am thankful for the heritage I have. Not only for that of this wonderful country we live in, but I am most thankful for the one I now have as an adopted child of God, heir to His kingdom through the blood of Jesus Christ. May our country always remember the foundation by which it was founded..."one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty & justice for all." What a heritage!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
GRACE
Frank with daughter Rene' While I was on vacation this week, I got a call from my family, informing me that my oldest brother, Frank, living in California, had been in a serious motorcycle accident. Frank is a very cautious, safe biker, which surprised me that he, of all people, would end up in an accident. I had always been told that it usually wasn't the person on the bike that was the cause of a bike accident, but the driver of a car. Seeing most of the people driving here in San Antonio, I can tell you now...I would say that statement is totally false. However, knowing Frank, I would believe that to be true in his case. He is very, very cautious. He not only wears a helmet, ALWAYS, but he also, ALWAYS wears a leather jacket and chaps for protection. He has taken many safety courses and rides often with a group. This is why I was shocked that he would end up in an accident.
Since I have had two cousins killed in bike accidents at a young age, motorcycles are not my favorite mode of transportation. Now, they would be my LEAST favorite mode of transportation! Frank ended up breaking his knee cap and shattering his right leg so bad, he has pins down the entire leg, every inch, all the way down. The doctors were afraid they would have to amputate it because the damage was so bad. It is truly a miracle he came out with his leg in tact. His friend told us that since he was dressed the way he was, there was not a scratch on him. He simply had to lay the bike down in order not to run into a truck that stopped suddenly in front of him. The bike crushed his leg beneath it. We are just glad he is alive.
You know, no matter how cautious a person can be, or how many safety courses a person can take, or how much protective gear a person can wear or place around them....there is always the unexpected. And when that unexpected happens, it is by the grace of God we, as human beings, make it out alive of situations we place ourselves in. It is by God's grace we overcome and are able to walk away from situations, though often scarred, or even crippled by them, we are able to continue on. Yet, how we fail to see that it is truly only by His grace that it is possible. Frank will have many, many months of recuperation and therapy before he will walk or even be able to drive (it was his right leg). But he is alive. He will have his leg to use. He will walk and return to his routine. It is by God's grace he is still here.
So today, I am thankful for the unmistakable grace of God. Thankful that He protected Frank from any greater danger than he already had. Thankful for the return of the pulse in his leg so he would not have to have it amputated. I am thankful for the friends who will care and nurture him during the next period of time that will be so difficult for him. Thankful for all the provisions God is making during this time and for what is to come. THIS, is GRACE! Undeserved GRACE!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
CHILDREN
Children. A word that stirs at a mother's heart strings. A mom spends 9 months carrying a child in her womb, goes through the labor pains of birth, delivers, and her whole world changes. No matter what anyone says...the change is spectacular. Not easy, but spectacular! And when she has the opportunity to experience it more than once, each time is as if it were the first. Each child is loved the same, each child is worth the same, each child is as spectacular as the first, yet each their own special person.
As children grow, life with each child grows in different directions. Though some may be closer, geographically wise, there is still the same fullness in a mom's heart whether they are far or near. Jimmy and I had the opportunity as adults to move from the comfy, cosy, closeness of our homes. Geographically, we moved five hours away from our parents which, at that time, could have been the same as moving up north. Though we were away and on our own, I know the hearts of our parents were as close to us then as they were when we were living in the same town.
Sometimes, we as children, no matter the age, go through difficulties and situations that break the hearts of our parents, leaving them in mourning for us as we travel through these times. No child can ever know the agony of a parent until they themselves become one and have that experience. Moms in particular carry the emotional stress of wishing they themselves could take the pain of a child in order to relieve or eliminate the child from an awful experience. And no matter what else is going on around her...that child is forefront in her mind.
I think that is the way it is with our heavenly Father. Except, He DID take the pain and agony. He DID suffer so we would not have to. He DID stand in the gap that we might have joy and peace instead of heartache. It is ours to have NOW. All we have to do is believe, trust and accept the gift He has to offer. Why is it so hard sometimes. Why do we think we are so undeserving? He paid the cost and made us deserving.
So today, I am thankful for my children, all four. I am thankful for the joy they bring. I am thankful for the opportunity I have to pray for them, intercede for them and for their heavenly Father who has made them worthy to love and be cherished.
I am not a perfect parent as He is. But I love them so deeply and am able to do so because He loves them through me. Thank you Clark, Alix, Graham and Whit.
As children grow, life with each child grows in different directions. Though some may be closer, geographically wise, there is still the same fullness in a mom's heart whether they are far or near. Jimmy and I had the opportunity as adults to move from the comfy, cosy, closeness of our homes. Geographically, we moved five hours away from our parents which, at that time, could have been the same as moving up north. Though we were away and on our own, I know the hearts of our parents were as close to us then as they were when we were living in the same town.
Sometimes, we as children, no matter the age, go through difficulties and situations that break the hearts of our parents, leaving them in mourning for us as we travel through these times. No child can ever know the agony of a parent until they themselves become one and have that experience. Moms in particular carry the emotional stress of wishing they themselves could take the pain of a child in order to relieve or eliminate the child from an awful experience. And no matter what else is going on around her...that child is forefront in her mind.
I think that is the way it is with our heavenly Father. Except, He DID take the pain and agony. He DID suffer so we would not have to. He DID stand in the gap that we might have joy and peace instead of heartache. It is ours to have NOW. All we have to do is believe, trust and accept the gift He has to offer. Why is it so hard sometimes. Why do we think we are so undeserving? He paid the cost and made us deserving.
So today, I am thankful for my children, all four. I am thankful for the joy they bring. I am thankful for the opportunity I have to pray for them, intercede for them and for their heavenly Father who has made them worthy to love and be cherished.
I am not a perfect parent as He is. But I love them so deeply and am able to do so because He loves them through me. Thank you Clark, Alix, Graham and Whit.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
BEAUTIFUL!
Beauty is so often seen today as such a physical thing. And even then, it is often seen differently by different people in different parts of the world. Example...in the western world...ultra thin, ultra sleek or ultra exotic is how people strive to be seen and is what many people think they must look like in order to be one of the beautiful people.
I just heard an interview with Jessica Simpson recently. No, I'm not a Jessica Simpson fan club member, but I did see an interview she made about a new movie/commentary she was making about beauty and the different ways people around the world viewed it. She was saying that in one country, I believe it was in Africa, the women had to be very, very obese to be considered beautiful. They spent much time in the fat huts, fattening themselves up to hundreds of pounds so they would be fat and beautiful to their men. The men in their villages liked their women to look like hogs. Man, too bad that is not the case here...I'd be a raving beauty!
Jessica also mentioned to what extreme women went to in order to cleanse themselves and the types of things they ate/drank in order to make themselves beautiful. Example...animal urine, milk from some exotic animal, etc. All very disgusting to her and stuff the western world would give back...if you know what I mean.
People today use beauty products, anti aging products, liposuction, face lifts, microdermabrasion, other radical medical techniques that cost thousands of dollars in order to feel beautiful. Yet, it never seems to be enough.
Today, I got an e-mail from a friend who was visiting a Rafiki village (one of many orphanages run by an organization that used to be a part of BSF International) in Rwanda. Her husband works on military training projects in Rwanda occasionally, and this trip, my friend and her son were able to travel along with him and stay at one of the Rafiki villages often visited by her husband when he is in the country. My friend is the children's supervisor in the BSF class with me and loves children. This was a real treat for her to see all the children along with one whom she and her family sponsor.
Jan, my friend, and her husband, sent me pictures of them while at the village the first couple of days. The picture I have included is one of my favorites. Jan is seated with the children taking portraits of each child. The look on the faces of the children and the look on Jan's face radiate the love of God like I've never seen before. The beauty I see in Jan, is God's radiance upon each child seated around her.
Yes, beauty is seen differently by many people. But there is no denying, the beauty of God seen in the face of those who love and serve Him and the beauty of those of whom His love shines is more beautiful than any man can ever work for/make themselves to be.
So today, I am thankful for my friend Jan and the love she shares with each child in that Rafiki village. It is God's love that shines through her on each little face, radiating beauty both in her and upon each child. It is a beauty that surpasses any man can ever hope to attain on his own.
Jan and the children at Rafiki village in Rwanda
I just heard an interview with Jessica Simpson recently. No, I'm not a Jessica Simpson fan club member, but I did see an interview she made about a new movie/commentary she was making about beauty and the different ways people around the world viewed it. She was saying that in one country, I believe it was in Africa, the women had to be very, very obese to be considered beautiful. They spent much time in the fat huts, fattening themselves up to hundreds of pounds so they would be fat and beautiful to their men. The men in their villages liked their women to look like hogs. Man, too bad that is not the case here...I'd be a raving beauty!
Jessica also mentioned to what extreme women went to in order to cleanse themselves and the types of things they ate/drank in order to make themselves beautiful. Example...animal urine, milk from some exotic animal, etc. All very disgusting to her and stuff the western world would give back...if you know what I mean.
People today use beauty products, anti aging products, liposuction, face lifts, microdermabrasion, other radical medical techniques that cost thousands of dollars in order to feel beautiful. Yet, it never seems to be enough.
Today, I got an e-mail from a friend who was visiting a Rafiki village (one of many orphanages run by an organization that used to be a part of BSF International) in Rwanda. Her husband works on military training projects in Rwanda occasionally, and this trip, my friend and her son were able to travel along with him and stay at one of the Rafiki villages often visited by her husband when he is in the country. My friend is the children's supervisor in the BSF class with me and loves children. This was a real treat for her to see all the children along with one whom she and her family sponsor.
Jan, my friend, and her husband, sent me pictures of them while at the village the first couple of days. The picture I have included is one of my favorites. Jan is seated with the children taking portraits of each child. The look on the faces of the children and the look on Jan's face radiate the love of God like I've never seen before. The beauty I see in Jan, is God's radiance upon each child seated around her.
Yes, beauty is seen differently by many people. But there is no denying, the beauty of God seen in the face of those who love and serve Him and the beauty of those of whom His love shines is more beautiful than any man can ever work for/make themselves to be.
So today, I am thankful for my friend Jan and the love she shares with each child in that Rafiki village. It is God's love that shines through her on each little face, radiating beauty both in her and upon each child. It is a beauty that surpasses any man can ever hope to attain on his own.
Jan and the children at Rafiki village in RwandaThursday, March 11, 2010
HEALING A BROKEN HEART
I went to a cardiologist for the first time today. I'm not really sure why...just been out of breath and wanted to check things out. My internist did an EKG last week and this week, the cardiologist did some other tests and hooked me up to a small monitor for 24 hours. I have 5 small wires attached to my body and connected to a small, battery powered monitor that will read and store my blood pressure, pulse, etc. for this time. I'm supposed to sleep with it on tonight, but I'm not really sure how that will work. How can a person sleep hooked up to what looks like a remote control unit hooked to their chest and sleepwear? Then, I can't get it wet. Therefore, I can't take a bath or shower until I go back to the doc tomorrow at 3:00 to return the unit. Guess I'll be staying home ALL day tomorrow! Pew!
It makes me think about all that modern medicine can do for us these days. Did you know that the stress tests they used to give patients - those where you would get on a treadmill and walk while hooked up to monitors, is no longer the way they do it now. Now, you lay on a bed and they inject this fluid into your system and it brings up your pulse and whatever to make you feel as if you are walking and your heart begins to race. It's really amazing...exercise while laying on a bed...now that's my kind of exercise!
Anyway, what I am getting at is, there is so much science today that is used to heal and cure what is wrong with us. Especially in the areas such as kidney, liver, cancer and even heart. However, there is one area that will never be able to be cured by science. And that is the area of a broken heart. A heart broken by emotional pain, due to loss of loved ones - either by death, circumstances, situations, misunderstandings, assumptions or just plain selfishness. Broken hearts have been known to kill those who love someone so much that when that other person dies or leaves, the one so broken also dies. Broken hearts are often the cause for broken families, friendships, paralyzation from moving forward and even inability to continue on with ones daily living. Broken hearts can't be healed by alcohol, drugs, food or even exercise. It even makes people who were once viable and beautiful into someone old, bitter, anxious and lonely.
No, we can't do anything to heal a broken heart. But there is ONE person who can. Our Lord can not only heal the broken pieces, but breath new life into it. But in order to do so, we must empty ourselves completely of us and have Him fill us with Himself. It seems so easy to do that yet, in reality, so difficult for most people. We are fixers. We are doers. We are demanding that things be done NOW. But God has His own plan. It's not with little battery operated gadgets. It's not with "doing" something on our part. It's simply allowing Him to work in us, convicting us, encouraging us, nurturing us, guiding us, teaching us, comforting us and directing us with His love that we can again feel the joy He promises we NOW have through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So today, I am thankful for the little battery operated monitor attached to me. It reminds me, when I feel broken hearted, anguished over a hurt, bitter over words spoken, frustrated over situations unsettled... I can turn to the ONE and only who can heal my broken heart and make it whole again so that I may experience the joy He promises for all who trust and obey Him.
AND...His fix won't give me a shock!
It makes me think about all that modern medicine can do for us these days. Did you know that the stress tests they used to give patients - those where you would get on a treadmill and walk while hooked up to monitors, is no longer the way they do it now. Now, you lay on a bed and they inject this fluid into your system and it brings up your pulse and whatever to make you feel as if you are walking and your heart begins to race. It's really amazing...exercise while laying on a bed...now that's my kind of exercise!
Anyway, what I am getting at is, there is so much science today that is used to heal and cure what is wrong with us. Especially in the areas such as kidney, liver, cancer and even heart. However, there is one area that will never be able to be cured by science. And that is the area of a broken heart. A heart broken by emotional pain, due to loss of loved ones - either by death, circumstances, situations, misunderstandings, assumptions or just plain selfishness. Broken hearts have been known to kill those who love someone so much that when that other person dies or leaves, the one so broken also dies. Broken hearts are often the cause for broken families, friendships, paralyzation from moving forward and even inability to continue on with ones daily living. Broken hearts can't be healed by alcohol, drugs, food or even exercise. It even makes people who were once viable and beautiful into someone old, bitter, anxious and lonely.
No, we can't do anything to heal a broken heart. But there is ONE person who can. Our Lord can not only heal the broken pieces, but breath new life into it. But in order to do so, we must empty ourselves completely of us and have Him fill us with Himself. It seems so easy to do that yet, in reality, so difficult for most people. We are fixers. We are doers. We are demanding that things be done NOW. But God has His own plan. It's not with little battery operated gadgets. It's not with "doing" something on our part. It's simply allowing Him to work in us, convicting us, encouraging us, nurturing us, guiding us, teaching us, comforting us and directing us with His love that we can again feel the joy He promises we NOW have through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So today, I am thankful for the little battery operated monitor attached to me. It reminds me, when I feel broken hearted, anguished over a hurt, bitter over words spoken, frustrated over situations unsettled... I can turn to the ONE and only who can heal my broken heart and make it whole again so that I may experience the joy He promises for all who trust and obey Him.
AND...His fix won't give me a shock!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
THE WAY I FEEL
I'm getting so excited...each Saturday, before Mother's day, the Children's Ministry at our church has a mother/daughter tea. A person can buy one ticket, two, three or even a table of 8 tickets and invite their friends. The money goes toward the children's ministry at the church. A person can sponsor a table and decorate their table however they choose, using china, crystal, silver, melamine, plastic, paper or however and/or whatever they choose. The table should be decorated around the book theme chosen for the tea or one they have chosen for their table. These books, chosen by individuals for their table, should be children/tween type books and not very long. Reason being...they will be read at each table during the tea.
Alix and I both love this tea. We go ALL OUT for our table. In fact, we love it so much, each of us, now, have our own table instead of having a joint table to decorate. We say it's for fun...but we really go for blood, hoping to be the BEST table in the room. Not too competitive!
My book this year is The Way I Feel by Janan Cain. It's a very short, chipboard children's book with a great message. It only has 16 pages with mostly pictures and a few words on some pages. It's really bright with beautiful colors. It's kind of wacky, funky and adorable. I'm so excited to plan fun ways to express the book through the table decorations. I've included pictures of the pages to give you an idea of the book's material.
Silly is the way I feel when I make a funny face
and wear a goofy, poofy hat that takes up lots of space
I'm, shaking because I'm Scared , all alone in the dark at night.
The thunder and lightning crash and roar! Hold me close and turn on the lights
The smile you see upon my face as the sun shines in the sky
shows the world that I feel happy, and my mood is soaring high.
Sometimes I feel so very sad and really don't know why.
Instead of playing and having fun, I cry and cry and cry
Angry is how I feel right now, I shout with a mighty roar.
I mostly want to frown and growl and stomp upon the floor
I'm bouncing like a rubber ball. I'm more excited than I can say!
It's really hard for me to sit when I'd rather jump and play
"I did it! I did it!" I shout to the crowd.
Getting dressed by myself makes me feel proud!
As you can tell from the pictures, the colors are bright and bold, the pictures are funky and the ideas for a fun table could be fantastic. I've had the book a while and read it several times. Each time I read it, feeling words stand out more and more to me. They make me think of times when I have felt silly, scared, happy, sad, angry, excited and proud. Each of us experience these emotions from time to time. Some of us experience some more than others. No matter what, when we experience these emotions, we should always remember they are God given. And we should always remember that God knows exactly how we are feeling (even when we think we are showing no one else our true feelings - God knows our hearts).
I remember a very stressful time in my life. It had been a tough year for our family. I had depended on our Lord to care for us. I knew if he could heal a blind man who had been blind from birth by spitting in dirt to make mud and place it on his eyes, or if He could bring Lazarus back from the dead, or if he could feed 5000 people with a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish, or if He would love a newly wed couple so much as not to embarrass the family by making wine out of water for their reception when they had run out ...I knew He loved our family and could provide for us. Now even though I knew all this...there were many moments of weakness when I was afraid/scared. In fact...dearly afraid. But God knew. He wasn't angry. The emotions I had were all a part of the personality he gave me. Yet it is how we react to these emotions that He cares about. We can let things like fear grip us and paralyze us or we can trust Him an move forward.
The same goes with emotions like happiness or being excited. We can even let our excitement over worldly things take our thoughts/focus away from Him or our trust in Him.
Emotions are not bad, they are God given, but they should be used in ways that would glorify God. So today, I am thankful for emotions...for the silly emotions when I play with my grandchildren and they will feel the love God has for them through me. I am thankful for the scared emotions when I know that the only place I have to look is up because God is in control of every situation. I am thankful for the happy emotions when I feel joy as I praise God for what He teaches me about Himself and the happiness I feel for the gift of the wonderful spouse He so lovingly chose for me. I am thankful for the emotion of sadness/grief, at the loss of a loved one or the health of one close or the unfortunate experience of others - especially when I realize they do not know the love of our heavenly Father to turn to - thankful because it gives me the opportunity to intercede in prayer for them. I am thankful for the emotion of anger - the Godly anger when injustice is done to another and is not glorifying to God. I am thankful for the emotion of excitement, when I witness the rebirth of an individual coming to know the Lord Jesus as their Savior. And I am thankful for the emotion of pride, not in myself, but for loved ones, because my Lord has worked in them in some way, accomplishing in them a talent, a work, a relationship or whatever that only could be accomplished through Him.
So today...I am thankful for the emotion of a grateful heart...it could only have come from God's Holy Spirit, teaching me, counselling me, enlightening me with each emotion I experience.
Monday, March 8, 2010
WE'RE NOT IN KANSAS ANY MORE!
Well, we are back. What a wonderful, fun trip. Yes, we are not in Kansas any more. We just spent three full days in the Disney World parks and had a ball! Huston was with us and what a great time we had. I must say, for a four and a half year old...he was a real trouper. We slept late each day and didn't try to kill ourselves by getting there at the crack of dawn. Huston was exhausted from the day of travel and was tired. Therefore, he slept in and we began our first visit to the park (Animal Kingdom) mid morning. This worked out so well, we decided that this is how we would work the rest of our trip.
Huston walked all the first day and toward the end of the day would tell us he was VERY tired. Poor little guy....he really was "running out of gas", as he says. We managed to eat at the Rainforest Cafe the first night, in Downtown Disney, and I can't believe he managed to stay up so late. I have to hand it to him...he really can hang with the best of them.
The next two days, we decided to rent a stroller for him so he wouldn't have to walk so much. It really is hard for a little guy to walk ALL day. I think he enjoyed it much more that way. He even managed to take a few cat naps. You will see, at the "Brown Derby" restaurant, he took a long nap - snoring included for free.
By the time we were headed home...he said he wasn't ready. However, on the plane...about half way home...he said he wanted to see his mommy and daddy. I truly understand. There really is "no place like home!"
You know, God's Word, in the gospel of John, says Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. A "home". A place for us when we go to be with Him. A wonderful place. A place where we will never tire, never be sad or lonely, never feel hurt (physical or emotional), always joyful because he will be there. Yes, "home" will be magnificent. Many people today are always gone from home. They can't seem to stay home or enjoy their home. Sometimes because it isn't what they envisioned their physical home to be, or they want a home like someone else has, or the presence or lack of presence of others is not what they want. Yet just the thought of "home" should bring up joyous feelings for us. Just like it did for Huston when he was so anxious to be home with his mommy, daddy and sister. Jimmy and I were glad to get home again also. When we come home, there is this ahhhhh feeling that comes across us. This peace, joy, secure feeling that comes over us when step through the door. That is the way we will be when we reach our heavenly home. AHHHHHHHHH! But in capital letters!
So today, I am thankful for HOME. Thankful we are not in Kansas but HOME. Thankful for the provision our Lord has given me with family and loved ones that make up our home. Thankful for the heavenly home that awaits me one day. Thankful for the time away, so when I come home...I get that ahhhhhhh feeling.
We're not in Kansas any more...ahhhhhhh!
Checking in at the Southwest counter
Watching "Cars", headed to Orlando
Too tired!
The Disney Bus!
Outside our room, overlooking Cinderella's Castle
Huston's first Monorail ride
Breakfast with the Characters - Donald
Goofey!
Pluto!
Chef Mickey!
Huston's cool shades!
Huston & "Jim" headed for the Tree of Life
Huston walked all the first day and toward the end of the day would tell us he was VERY tired. Poor little guy....he really was "running out of gas", as he says. We managed to eat at the Rainforest Cafe the first night, in Downtown Disney, and I can't believe he managed to stay up so late. I have to hand it to him...he really can hang with the best of them.
The next two days, we decided to rent a stroller for him so he wouldn't have to walk so much. It really is hard for a little guy to walk ALL day. I think he enjoyed it much more that way. He even managed to take a few cat naps. You will see, at the "Brown Derby" restaurant, he took a long nap - snoring included for free.
By the time we were headed home...he said he wasn't ready. However, on the plane...about half way home...he said he wanted to see his mommy and daddy. I truly understand. There really is "no place like home!"
You know, God's Word, in the gospel of John, says Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. A "home". A place for us when we go to be with Him. A wonderful place. A place where we will never tire, never be sad or lonely, never feel hurt (physical or emotional), always joyful because he will be there. Yes, "home" will be magnificent. Many people today are always gone from home. They can't seem to stay home or enjoy their home. Sometimes because it isn't what they envisioned their physical home to be, or they want a home like someone else has, or the presence or lack of presence of others is not what they want. Yet just the thought of "home" should bring up joyous feelings for us. Just like it did for Huston when he was so anxious to be home with his mommy, daddy and sister. Jimmy and I were glad to get home again also. When we come home, there is this ahhhhh feeling that comes across us. This peace, joy, secure feeling that comes over us when step through the door. That is the way we will be when we reach our heavenly home. AHHHHHHHHH! But in capital letters!
So today, I am thankful for HOME. Thankful we are not in Kansas but HOME. Thankful for the provision our Lord has given me with family and loved ones that make up our home. Thankful for the heavenly home that awaits me one day. Thankful for the time away, so when I come home...I get that ahhhhhhh feeling.
We're not in Kansas any more...ahhhhhhh!
Checking in at the Southwest counter
Watching "Cars", headed to Orlando
Too tired!
The Disney Bus!
Outside our room, overlooking Cinderella's Castle
Huston's first Monorail ride
Breakfast with the Characters - Donald
Goofey!
Pluto!
Chef Mickey!
Huston's cool shades!
Huston & "Jim" headed for the Tree of Lifein the Animal Kingdom
Resting before dinner
Boys and their toys...
Resting before dinner
Boys and their toys...Harley Davidson shop at Downtown Disney
Face painting was a MUST - cute puppy
Face painting was a MUST - cute puppyBetter than the snake the day before
Honey I shrunk the kids!
Resting at the "Brown Derby" - snoring included
Huston & "Jim"
Mickey's House & mailbox
Huston & Lovey's favorite - Cinderella's Castle
The castle changed colors at night, every few minutes
Disney train station at night
Our last night together - two peas in a pod!
Honey I shrunk the kids!
Resting at the "Brown Derby" - snoring included
Huston & "Jim"
Mickey's House & mailbox
Huston & Lovey's favorite - Cinderella's Castle
The castle changed colors at night, every few minutes
Disney train station at night
Our last night together - two peas in a pod!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)