Streams of Living Water

Peace on Earth

2010-12-20T09:46:00.001-05:00

All around me I here and read about people rushing frantically through the holiday season and how exhausted and worn they feel. I can relate because I’ve had many Christmases that were just the same. But not this time.

This year is quiet and peaceful. My son came home from his freshman year at college and I purposely cleared the calendar for that reason. In fact, I only had two Christmas engagements to attend and one got cancelled and my husband was too sick to attend the other (his office party).

Decorations are sparser than sparse—a tree, three snowflakes on the mantel, a bell on the door handle, and a small gingerbread person on the front door. I didn’t even bother to hang the stockings over the fireplace; they dangle from the knobs on the kitchen chairs.

No cards, no holiday letters to write, no goodies to bake. The most Christmasy thing I’ve done is volunteer at Operation Christmas Child a few times. Oh, and I spent one full day Christmas shopping and knocked it all out.

Everything hasn’t gone exactly as I hoped it would and I can’t say that I’m brimming over with Christmas spirit, but it’s quiet and calm and reflective and I’m enjoying peace. This Christmas I’ve purposely chosen to focus on people—my husband, my children, and the baby in the manger.

And I’m not missing the hubbub one little bit. Jesus is enough—even at Christmas.

Day of Rest or Restful Day

2010-09-28T06:06:00.001-04:00

It had become a religious act.

Something so beautiful, so ordained by God had become chains binding me.

I was so happy when I stopped working seven days a week and finally realized that a day of rest was a good thing. I set about to make Sunday the day of un-labor. I learned to read, to watch movies, to play games with my family, to sit in a lawn chair and absorb nature and sun rays, to rest.

My body appreciated the pause, my soul was refreshed, and my spirit lingered in God’s presence.

Then something changed. After months of beautiful Sabbath rests, the law began to creep back in. Suddenly, I couldn’t do laundry on the Sabbath. I couldn’t write a lesson plan. I couldn’t change my status on facebook. After all, it was the Sabbath, a day of rest.

My body was antsy, my soul agitated, and my spirit troubled.

I was doing what I was supposed to do on the Sabbath, but I felt no rest, no peace.

Then came this past Saturday when I was plagued with a migraine headache all day. I could barely function. That night I couldn’t sleep. When Sunday morning arrived the headache was gone, but I was so exhausted I couldn’t even go to church. Instead I went back to bed and finally got a few hours of rest.

When I awoke I felt a lot better. In fact, I had energy. But it was the Sabbath and I’d already been bad and missed church so at least I needed to behave and rest. But I couldn’t.

With trepidation, I tackled the dishes in the sink. The laundry beckoned and I answered its call. One by one, tasks were completed, work was done.

And as I wiped down the kitchen table I realized something. I was at rest. I was at peace. It was the most restful day I’d had in a very long time.

Our Version of Toy Story

2010-08-17T03:34:00.003-04:00

Puffy was his favorite. No other toy compared.

I remember the first time their eyes met. My son was an infant. I was drying my hair, but didn’t want the noise to scare him so I laid Puffy by his side. He took one look and giggled with glee. BFFs.

Puffy was his constant companion. They played together, slept together, went through the good times and the rough times together.

When we accidentally left Puffy at the babysitter’s house, her teenage son had to make a late night emergency trip to deliver him or else we would have had no sleep at the Lillie pad.

During nap times I had to carefully sneak Puffy from the room for washing machine baths. Sometimes Puffy underwent surgery: stuffing implants and stitches.

Together they watched Andy and Woody and Buzz, counterparts of the same age. Puffy applauded years and years of Lego masterpieces, cheered light saber duels, even loved on little sister. As “teen” emerged, Puffy was still close by. Only now the bed was less spacious and often Puffy woke up on the cold, hard floor.

One day I didn’t see Puffy. Where was he? I searched the bed, the floor, among the clutter in my son’s room. No Puffy. I opened the closet door. There he sat. On a shelf. Alone. And I knew. I knew my days were numbered.

Time passed and Hollywood came out with a new movie: Toy Story 3. I didn’t see it. I couldn’t. I knew Andy went to college and that hit too close to home.

Then came August 14, 2010. I packed Puffy in a bag and we loaded a dorm room full of supplies in the minivan. It was time to take our “Andy” five hours away to college.

We set up the dorm room. I took Puffy’s picture on the bed and with our “Andy.”
Then I quickly shoved Puffy deep into the recesses of my bag, lest any of the other students should see him.

And in a rainy parking lot I held my Andy close, kissed him, fought back the tears, and watched him walk off to a new life.

We headed home. The mommy, the daddy, the little sister and Puffy. No Andy.

That wasn’t the hard part.

Hard came when we got home. To a quiet house. A silent bedroom.

I gingerly placed Puffy on the bed, looked deep in those brown eyes and said, “Thank you. Thank you for being a friend to my Andy and now a friend to me.”

And the day was long and the day was hard.

But Puffy and I discovered something. Even through the long and the hard, God’s grace is sufficient.

It isn’t too much. It isn’t too little. Just sufficient.

Today I’m unwrapping a Tuesday at sweet Emily’s blog, Chatting at the Sky.

My Most Embarrassing Moment This Week

2010-02-06T08:36:00.002-05:00

This whole trying to run my own publishing business thing has slap worn me out. Yesterday the kids and I were at the post office trying to figure out how to mail another package. The postal worker asked if I’d like to buy some stamps in addition to mailing my package. I said yes and she pulled out a sheet with all sorts of stamps on it so I could choose what I wanted.

Pause and understand that it’s late afternoon on a cold, rainy, winter day and I had been going since 3:30 a.m. My reading glasses were somewhere buried in the bottom of my purse and I didn’t want to dig them out again for the umpteenth time that day. I said, “I can’t really see any of them so let’s just go with this brightly colored one.”

She said, “Oh, the breast cancer stamps.”

I took a closer look and through my blurry eyes all those colors looked like one of those colored images from some sort of medical test, the kind where they look inside your body. My mind was thinking, “It’s a picture of a test where they looked inside a woman’s breast to determine if she has breast cancer.” My mouth said very loudly, “Is that a picture of a breast?”

The postal worker was aghast, but trying to hold back laughter. In her boisterous voice she said, “No, honey, that ain’t no breast! That would be called pornography and putting that on a stamp would be illegal!”

At that moment every ounce of blood drained from my teenagers’ bodies. I’m certain that if you look up the word “mortification” in the dictionary their picture is there.

But the postal worker and I had a great laugh. I just hope the businessman behind me was eventually able to regain his composure.

Facing a Mile High Fear

2009-09-06T20:35:00.001-04:00

Last week when my husband and I were at the mountains celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary I had an unexpected experience. Somehow we ended up at Grandfather Mountain. I honestly don’t remember how, but I know it was my husband’s idea because I’m not fond of heights and wouldn’t suggest such an outing.

Next thing I knew we were standing before the chief attraction- the mile high swinging bridge. Have mercy!

My knees went weak, I was hyperventilating, my heart was racing. I wanted to run far, far away from that mountain and that bridge. My husband wanted to cross it.

What ensued would have won us $10,000 on America’s funniest videos. My sweet husband, realizing my terror, suggested that I sit on the bench in front of the bridge while he crossed it. At first that sounded like a grand idea except that I would see him out there on that swinging bridge and I’d be left alone sitting on a bench at the top of a mountain. Did I mention I don’t like heights? No, that would not do.

Besides, when I walked up to that bridge it started talking to me. Yep, that’s right. It wasn’t audible, but I definitely heard it speaking. “So, you’re going to sit there on the chicken bench? Can’t face your fears, huh? And if you can’t face this fear what’s going to happen the next time you face an even greater fear? Gonna run from it too?” At that moment I couldn’t imagine what a greater fear would be, but I knew I had to cross that bridge. After much yelling and bickering telling my husband to quit bossing me and let me cross it on my own terms I gingerly stepped a foot on that bridge. (This is how I process severe anxiety- not pretty, I know).

The words stark raving terror do not do justice to what I felt at that moment. My husband went before me while I gripped his arm with one hand and the rail with the other. My legs felt like jello, sobs poured forth, and with every step I was yelling, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, please help me Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” On the way over I opened my eyes for a split second as a group of highly amused teenage boys passed us. Actually seeing where I was only fueled the flame and the chanting got more intense as tears flooded my cheeks.

We got to the other side and some nice folks were there who tried to console me that the worst was over. Had they forgotten that the only way off that mountain was to cross back over that stinkin’ bridge?? They took pictures for us since as one stated, “You may never have this experience again.” You’re not kiddin’ fella!

Don’t I look all lovely so tense and red-eyed?

Finally, it was time to cross back over that bridge. I resumed my posture holding hubby, the railing, and chanting Jesus. But something was different. I wasn’t exactly having fun, but about halfway across I took a deep breath, opened my eyes, and actually saw where I was and how breath-takingly beautiful it really was. I realized that the fear had lessened considerably and I could actually pause a moment to enjoy a whole new perspective on God’s gorgeous creation.

After an anxiety-filled ride twisting and turning back down the mountain I was completely exhausted. In that moment I heard the Lord whisper to my heart, “That’s what courage and bravery look like, Bonita.”

I think I’ve always seen brave and courageous people sort of like superheroes that have that special umph on the inside and face every situation with unfaltering confidence. I’d certainly never pictured cry baby women chanting “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…” as brave. Yet, brave isn’t how we appear to others. Brave is that moment when we do whatever it takes to look fear smack in the face and do the very thing that makes us afraid. Brave may tremble, or cry, or yell, or go weak in the knees, or even faint, but brave always faces the fear and doesn’t back down.

I’m guessing that some of you are being very brave right now. You may not look brave, but you’re doing the very things that scare the pee right out of you, things you don’t feel qualified to do, things you don’t want to do, things you thought you never could do, things that require great patience and wisdom and just plain perseverance, but you’re doing them anyway. You’re being brave and courageous and I tip my hat to you! Carry on!

Happy 20th Anniversary!

2009-09-06T19:51:00.002-04:00

This past week my husband and I headed to the mountains to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.
This is us at the Daniel Boone Inn enjoying our six desserts!

It was a time of relaxation and celebration. Two thoughts kept coming to mind. 1) I can’t believe we’ve made it this far and we still love each other and want to be married! 2) Life is so brief and it goes so very quickly. How did we get here so fast?!

Happy Anniversary, John, and thank you for a marvelous get-away!

A Challenge to Myself

2009-08-07T11:02:00.003-04:00

At times I find myself so caught up in the busyness of life that I forget to really live. I become Martha instead of Mary. I’m there right now. I really don’t even have time to pause and write this entry, but I feel I must.

In all the busyness and clamor I need to stop and remind myself what my life would look like if I was really living instead of going through the motions.

-I would have the gift of time. Long quiet times with God, down time and fun time with my family, time to spend doing things with my teenage daughter, time to spend enjoying my son’s senior year, time to just gaze and laze and not be consumed with the cares of life.

-I’d resume taking long walks with my husband and simple, unplanned dates that just sort of happen spontaneously.

-I’d write. Not because any deadline was looming and, trust me, I have a gargantuan one looming just ahead that is literally choking the life out of me right now. I’d write just because… I want to.

-I’d once and for all go through this house and get rid of anything and everything that I/we don’t love or need. My decor would be as simple as a hotel room and as easy to clean! Away with you, clutter!

-I’d go for long walks and enjoy nature. I’d run and play sports in the front yard, not because I need to for any health reason or because I want to lose weight, but simply because it’s fun.

-I’d pull out all of my china tea pretties and have afternoon tea every afternoon with real cake and scones and goodies without worrying about the fact that they contain sugar. I’d just savor a few moments of refreshment. Every. Single. Day. Just like the English do.

-I’d pray for the prayer requests that come my way. I’d really sit down and lift that person’s name before my Father’s throne and pray the scriptures that come to mind for each person rather than saying a flippant, “Help them, Lord” as I fly by to the next chore.

-I’d stop to listen when others speak. I’d notice the stranger, the lonely, the hurting, the one who needs a touch from God. I’d fix my eyes on them, turn my ear to them, and fully engage with them. I’d be there, all there.

-And every day I’d send an encouraging word someone’s way.

I’d do all this if I was really living. So, why am I not really living?

Heavenly Father, help me. Help me to be as radical as it takes to clear my life of everything that hinders and vies for my attention. Help me to really live and do the things I’ve written instead of just wishing for them. Thank you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

My “To Be” List

2009-07-28T04:54:00.001-04:00

So many days I write a “to do” list and so many days that list completely overwhelms me. Some days just looking at that list saps the strength right out of me so today I decided to try a different approach. I’ll still have my way-too-long “to do” list, but before I do the first thing on that list I’m also writing my “to be” list. A hundred years from now my stress-inducing “to do” list will be forgotten, but right here in the midst of carrying it out I can purpose to be in a frame of mind that will sow seeds for my future and carry over into eternity.

Today I will be:

Joyful- I will remember that my circumstances do not dictate my ability to enjoy life. I can laugh and joke and have fun just as well in the tough times as in the good ones.

Patient- When I’m tempted to want things to change right this minute I’ll remember that patience is working in me, making me mature and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1)

Trusting- I choose to believe that the God who has always been faithful will be true to His word and His character. He will not fail me. Ever.

Flexible- Two active teens means that my plans are often interrupted, changed, pushed aside, and rarely set in stone. Today as I cart them to and fro, I’ll keep a good attitude even if last minute changes occur like they usually do.

Strong in God’s strength- When you wake up before 3:00 a.m. with a long day ahead, you better be depending on His strength!

Wise- I will make the right choices and not just do what’s handy or easy or comfortable, especially when it comes to diet choices.

Grateful- Too many days pass without a word of thanksgiving. This won’t be one of them!

Quiet- I will take moments throughout the day to stop and reflect and remember that life isn’t a list of activities, it’s what/who lives on the inside of me. I will stop to smell the flowers, to gaze on God’s creation, to listen to whoever is talking to me and look them in the eye, and to just simply be still. I will be.

Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is

2009-07-23T07:04:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I blogged about a passage from John 6 where Jesus fed the 5000 people. In that post, I said that I identified most with the little boy in the story, the one with the loaves and fishes, the one who gave all to Jesus so others could be helped. God tested me in this. He wanted to show me whether my thoughts, my words, and my actions really line up or not.

I went to pick up my daughter and her friend at the amusement park. On our way out I noticed a man at the stoplight with a sign saying he was homeless and asking for a donation.

Let me stop here for a moment and say something. I don’t give to every beggar that I see. That may sound cruel and harsh, but I listen carefully to the Lord as to whether or not to give. He knows the person’s real situation better than I do. He knows what is best for the person and sometimes cash isn’t what is best, particularly if it’s going to go to drugs or something. I’m also responsible to God to be a good steward of the money He gives me so I listen to what He speaks to my heart and not just what my emotions say. So, nine times out of ten I pass by people who are asking for money.

This time was different. The man was standing there on crutches with only one leg. I heard the Lord gently speak to my heart, “What are you going to do about that?”

The line of excuses that followed was borderline ridiculous. No, they were just plain nauseating:

-I’m in the wrong lane and can’t reach him.

-I can’t get in the right lane because of the traffic.

-The light just changed, Lord, and it’s a big fiasco to turn around and go back into the park.

-I’ll stop and get gas and if this is still pressing on my heart after that I’ll go back.

(After getting gas)
-But, Lord, the exits from this station all go in the opposite direction.

-Oh, look, the exit right in front of me allows me to turn left. But look, Lord, I have to cross about four or five lanes of traffic to get back there.

-(As I sat surveying the traffic) I know you have other folks who will give to him, Lord. I saw that lady beside me hand him money earlier. (As I sat watching to see if anyone gave him anything. A long line of cars went by and no one did. All the while God is saying, “What are you going to do about that?”)

-Okay, if you stop the traffic so I can make this left turn, but it is heavy traffic and I can’t imagine that would happen.

-Oh, look, a break in traffic. Should I? Is it really you? Lord, I have two teenagers in the car. What are they going to think?

Finally, I turned and went back and gave the man some money and he was most gracious about it. Not drunk, not strung out on drugs, not a swindler, just thankful.

I patted myself on the back for having obeyed God and helped somebody. Then I heard this little voice in my heart, “Did you obey me? Really? Did you obey me? Were you quick to do what I asked? Did you delay your obedience? Isn’t delayed obedience the same as disobedience?”

The fact is that in that moment I cared a whole lot more about inconvenience, my reputation, and even parting with cash, which is not in abundance at the moment. I don’t say this to be self-condemning, but to point out that sometimes we get it all wrong.

I’m so thankful God brought along this little test. It revealed much and grew me. And I hope it helped a man who really needed it.

Will you join me in praying for that homeless man today?

How Do You See Yourself?

2009-07-22T06:52:00.001-04:00

Yesterday as I was making dinner and pondering why some people think the way they do I happened upon probably one of the greatest revelations of my life. I realized that when each of us sits down to read a passage of scripture we identify with someone in that passage. Our application of those verses and the way we live out our lives is determined by who we see ourselves as in the scriptures.

For instance, let’s look at John 6: 1-15 where Jesus multiplies bread and fish to feed 5000 people. This is the cast of characters:

Jesus- the leader, the one everyone was following, problem solver, the one giving the orders, miracle worker, servant, the guy in charge, the one everyone looks to for help

Philip- not very optimistic, thinks only in practical terms, didn’t answer Jesus’ question of where to buy food, offered no ideas or solutions, not a leader or problem solver, bystander to a miracle, mentioned by name so he’s not anonymous to us or God, invited to participate in a miracle, assumed someone else must have the answer to the problem, concerned about money, tied to the resources of this world

Andrew- offers a solution to the problem, hesitant that his idea is good enough, thinks “outside the box”, answered Jesus’ question about where to buy food, shows leadership potential, wants to believe in miracles, but harbors doubt, active participant in a miracle, mentioned by name so he’s not anonymous to us or God, invited to participate in a miracle

The little boy- prepared, responsible, anonymous to us (no name mentioned), noticed by Jesus and His disciples, willing to share, willing to give all of His provision over to Jesus, provides a tangible solution to the problem, thinks ahead, stood out from the crowd, invited or volunteered to participate in a miracle, actually did participate in a miracle, God took His little and made it enough to feed a multitude

The crowd- followers of Jesus, needy, don’t think ahead, not leaders, unprepared, offer no solutions to problems, assume others will meet their needs, needs met by others, recipients of a miracle, but not active participants, swayed by signs and miracles, apparently not worried about their needs, allowed Jesus to meet their needs as opposed to doing it in their own strength, group mentality, anonymous to us and not recognized by individual names by Jesus

Now, let’s see how we’ll act if we identify with each of these people:

Jesus- technically this is the guy we should identify with. After all, doesn’t He live within us and aren’t we always asking, “What would Jesus do?” If we identify with Jesus we will believe that I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me and we’ll know that we have answers for ourselves and others, regardless of the problem. We will step out and act in faith.

Philip- “If there isn’t a practical, easy solution, why bother? Let someone else handle it. It’s not my responsibility. Besides, it costs too much. ”

Andrew- “I have this wild idea, but I doubt it will work.”

The little boy- “Give my lunch to Jesus? No problem. I can’t wait to see how my fish sandwich feeds all these people.”

The crowd- “I’m a victim of my circumstances. Somebody needs to take care of me and meet my needs.”

How do you see yourself in this story? I’ve always seen myself as the little boy, bringing my little to Jesus and watching Him make it much.

Putting the Past Behind You

2009-07-05T04:33:00.003-04:00

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:18-19

A former co-worker did a really practical thing with her kids every year at Christmas. Before they could receive new presents, they had to donate some of their older things. What a wise mommy!

That sounds so simple; get rid of the old to make room for the new. But in reality it was a painful ordeal. A few weeks before Christmas she would take each child to his or her room for the annual de-cluttering. They would talk about the wonderful gifts the child was about to receive and also how their donations would be such a blessing to another child who might not have anything. They went into the adventure with excitement, but that quickly drained.

One by one toys were pulled from the toy box and the child was faced with a decision: to keep or not to keep. Sometimes the struggle was intense, "But Mommy, I can't get rid of this toy!" Unfortunately, that scenario played out with nearly every toy in the box.

My very wise friend would respond, "That's fine, honey. You can keep all of your toys, but you won't be able to get that shiny new so and so you wanted for Christmas." Most of the time the child was more than willing to let loose of an older toy when the thought of the new one was entertained, but sometimes not and sometimes my friend had to enforce the words she spoke; the child didn't get the expected toy for Christmas. That probably happened all of one time before the lesson was learned.

I remember a similar scenario that played out right before I met my husband. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a wife and mother and I could hardly wait for the day God would bring Mr.Right into my life. But before he came, God required me to get rid of all my Mr. Wrongs. I'll never forget the day He spoke to my heart, "Bonita, I won't bring your husband into your life until you remove every trace of your old boyfriends. You have to make room for him in your heart and your life."

I gathered up photos, letters, momentos, anything I could find from past relationships and headed for the dumpster in my apartment complex. As I went, I thought of Mr. Right and how I was doing everything to prepare for his arrival, but when I reached the dumpster I had to really stop and think for a minute. I saw the gorgeous artwork one boyfriend had created for me. I saw smiling faces from photos and letters written for my eyes only. Could I really leave the past entirely behind? Did I really want Mr. Right enough to part with the reminders that somebody in this big ugly world had actually loved me at one point in time? Could I let go of that little measure of security? Well, obviously I did and I'm so glad because what I got in return made all that other stuff look like dog poop.

In Isaiah 43:18-19, God reminds us that we have to let go of the past in order to embrace the future. Whether the past was a terrible, sinful life or an absolute joy, God doesn't want us to dwell there. As long as we hang on to the past or focus our attention there, we will miss what God is doing right now in our lives. Focusing on the past will actually blind our eyes, but God wants our eyes open so we don't miss the wonder of this moment. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

Sometimes we pray and ask God for things and wonder why they don't show up. Maybe God is saying, "Clean out your toy box and make room for the blessing. Let go of the past so I can give you a dynamite future."

If God is asking you to relinquish your past to Him it's because He has better things in store. Any momentary pain or sacrifice you feel won't even compare to the shiny new thing God is about to do.

Father, give us the courage and the will to let go of the old so we can embrace the new. Help us to trust you with our past, present, and future. Open our eyes to see the new things you're doing in our lives right now and the new opportunities you're bringing our way. Thank you!

Pop Star, Pin-up Girl, Prince of Peace

2009-06-26T08:21:00.001-04:00

Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett died yesterday. Ed McMahon died earlier this week. My friend, Joann, went to be with the Lord earlier this month. I’ve done a lot of pondering about death recently.

When Joann passed away I was consulted to help with writing her obituary and the family asked me to speak at her funeral. That gave me an opportunity to really think about her life and how she lived it, as well as a chance to meditate on what really matters in life. Between all that and the recent deaths of icons, I’ve come to the following conclusions.

Death comes to all. No amount of money, fame, or even right living will spurn it away.

Death is no gentleman. It doesn’t wait until we’re ready and it has a way of barging in when it’s least expected.

You can’t take anything with you when you die. All fame, fortune, and possessions are left behind. Death puts us all on a level playing field again. The only thing we take with us is our relationship with Jesus and the things we’ve done for Him.

Few things really matter in this life and it’s easy to get caught up in the things that don’t. A lot of life is petty. We spend an awfully lot of time on things that have no value either on earth or in eternity.

Death is unnatural. I often hear that death is a natural part of life. Not so. It was never in God’s perfect plan for us to experience death. Plus, I was a nurse for many years and saw lots of people take their final breath and there was nothing natural about it.

Death is final. We don’t even have to wait for the fat lady to sing. When we breathe that last breath, we’re done. No more chances to come back and do things over or differently. Game over.

For the believer, death is a new beginning. Even though it was hard to prepare for Joann’s funeral, it was also a blessing. She was a godly woman who lived her whole life for the Lord Jesus and left no doubt in anyone’s mind as to where she was spending eternity. She got promoted!

Because of all this, we need to truly live each day. God, people, giving, caring, sharing our faith, doing the word of God- that’s what matters.

I have no idea whether Michael, Farrah, and Ed knew the Lord Jesus or not. I hope so, but only God knows their hearts. However, I do know that over the next few days and weeks the world and the media will put their religious spin on their deaths and say a bunch of idiotic stuff that has no foundation in scripture. The truth is that the one thing all of these people needed to do when they were alive was to ask Jesus into their hearts and lives. That’s what matters most. That’s what determines our eternal destiny. I hope they did that.

In my morning devotion I read these words from Psalm 49:10-20:

For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others.

Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves.

But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish.

This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.

Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions.

But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself.

Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him/

Though while he lived he counted himself blessed- and men praise you when you prosper- he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life.

A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.

The only thing that really matters is Jesus!

Love in Action

2009-06-15T05:24:00.002-04:00

Love is… a family that feeds you your favorite sour cream and onion potato chips one by one as you sit with your poison sumac (not ivy) laden arms in a plastic tub of saltwater. And you didn’t even ask for the chips, but they thought you needed them so hubby got some.

Love is… a doctor who will stop by the office on his Sunday afternoon off to give you a shot of cortisone and a prescription for some heavy duty cream to put on your poison sumac laden arms and legs. And he did this after you called his personal cell phone just as the sun was coming up on his one and only day to sleep in (I thought it was the number of his answering machine at the office).

Thank you for showing the love, people!

Billy’s Love for Ruth

2009-06-13T12:08:00.002-04:00

Look at this precious love note.

It says, “I will love you always. Bill”

This is where I found it.

Among this beautiful bouquet of flowers at the headstone of Ruth Bell Graham’s Grave.

My friend, Melissa, and I happened to visit the Billy Graham Library on Ruth’s birthday and found the flowers and the note. The flowers were much prettier than they appear in the picture and their aroma was heavenly. But the note…oh what a romantic note.

This is the home where Billy’s parents lived with the library in the background.

The library is so nice with cross on the outside and the beautiful wood on the inside. It has the library portion, a restaurant and a bookstore, Ruth’s Attic.

The Prayer Garden is one of my favorite places. It’s so peaceful with wooden benches among the trees. See Melissa sitting on one of them. We sat in the prayer garden and read scriptures and prayed together over some big issues in our lives.

So many flowers were blooming everywhere, but my favorites were the blue and purple hydrangeas. Gorgeous!

Here we are in front of Ruth’s grave. Billy’s plot is behind me in this picture. The brick pathways in the garden form a cross and both graves rest at the foot of the cross.

But that note, I just can’t get beyond that note and the lifelong love behind it.

Thank you, Billy Graham, for the beautiful flowers and note for Ruth’s birthday. They made my day!

Practicing Patience

2009-06-03T09:39:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we arrived at the orthodontist’s office a few minutes before my daughter’s 9:00 a.m. appointment. At 9:00, one by one patients were called back to the treatment area until only we were left with one other mom and daughter who had arrived after us. The door opened again and that family was called back and we were left waiting.

When more than 15 minutes had lapsed I dutifully obeyed the sign in the waiting room and informed the receptionist. She proceeded to explain that we weren’t called back yet because we had arrived late. I grabbed the little check-in chart and showed her that we had logged in a few minutes before our appointment and that we were in fact #6 on the list and she had already taken back well over 6 patients. She admitted her mistake and told us we would be next to come back for treatment.

We sat in the waiting room and waited…and waited…and waited. The room began to fill up with other patients. A full 45 minutes passed. This was not my plan for the day. I’d planned to be in and out as usual and on my way to other things on the agenda. I could feel anger begin to rise in me ,growing bigger like a snowball going downhill. Just at the moment when I was about to let the doctor’s staff know just how inconvenienced I felt, I looked up and saw this sign at the door to the treatment area: Patients only please.
Immediately, I knew that God was telling me to get my “fruit” under control and be patient. Over the course of the day I can’t tell you how many times the word “patient” popped up again. Even last night when my husband and I sat down for a few minutes of Bible study and prayer, he had a scripture to share (not knowing anything about my day): Let patience have its perfect work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4.
I felt like I needed to share this story today in case anyone out there is struggling to be patient. Know that you’re in good company!

An Unwrapped Moment

2009-05-19T09:27:00.002-04:00

This week I’m participating in something I’ve yet to participate in. Shame on me! It’s Tuesdays Unwrapped offered by Emily.

Before I share further let me just tell you one thing: I ADORE Emily! She’s an online friend that stepped into my life in flesh and blood and I adore her both ways.

I’m not 100% sure I'm following the rules about what to post on Tuesdays Unwrapped, but yesterday my daughter and I witnessed something that I wanted to post about anyway and thought it might fit the bill.

We were in Walmart and looked down the aisle that houses the baby shoes. A young man was examining a pair of tiny little boy sneakers. Oh, to have captured the expression on his face as he turned them this way and that examining every angle! It was obvious that he was either expecting a baby boy or already had one because his look was one of sheer delight. You could almost see the wheels turning in his head as he thought of the little feet that would fit those shoes and all the ball games where those little feet would run back and forth making him beam with pride. For that moment, he was in his own world of daydreams of his son, Walmart and anyone in Walmart didn’t exist.

My daughter and I both happened to glance at him at the same time and catch this beautiful moment of fatherhood. We looked at one another and smiled and later talked about what a gorgeous moment that was in our day. I hope as that little boy grows up he knows what a treasure he is to his daddy.

From the Mouth of My Fourteen Year Old

2009-05-13T03:07:00.001-04:00

“Mom, I’m so glad you married Dad and not one of those men that wear sweaters around their necks and walk poodles.”

Well, daughter, that certainly narrowed down my choice of husbands! I mean, I’ve met so many men that fit that description and all. Nothing like a poodle-walking man to catch a girl’s eye.

The Birds are Back in Town!

2009-05-02T05:00:00.002-04:00

It’s spring, that glorious time when everything turns green, when colorful azaleas are in bloom, and when the birds come back in full force.

I’ve been more conscious of the birds this year than in any other year I can remember and I’ve seen some unusual ones. Let me introduce you to my feathered friends.

The Grateful Bird- I don’t think this one is the brightest feather in the flock, but boy does he have a tale to tell to all the other birds. He made the mistake of darting onto our patio while I was outside gardening. I wasn’t alone. My favorite predator was with me and before I knew what was happening Oreo had sprung and that poor bird was cornered with his beak wide open and no sound coming out. He was so afraid and it was a horrible sight, but I was able to leap forward and save him just before he got devoured. I put kitty in the basement and when I returned birdie was long gone.

The Green Bird- On Sunday afternoon John and I were sitting on the front lawn enjoying the beautiful weather. As we talked we noticed a certain bird (warbler, maybe?) that was going green. She would dart over to one of our Crepe Myrtle trees and steal a twig from an abandoned nest. She took it to my neighbor’s lilac bush to build her own nest. Time after time, she repeated the process, dismantling one nest in order to make her own. Apparently, this bird is aware of our current economical state and is doing her part to recycle, reuse and repurpose.

The American Idol Bird- This morning as I sat at my computer enjoying a cool breeze blowing in through the window, a bird perched on the windowsill. She was a diva! She commenced to singing as though she was destined to win American Idol. Song after song, sound after sound, she had quite a range! She looked me right in the eye as though I was Simon Cowell or something and sang her little heart out. As Kara would say, she had some chops! When she finally left I said, “Bravo! You’re going to the next round!”

Chicken Run- The other day I looked out the back door and saw chickens escaping down my driveway and into the forest. My neighbors set up a genuine chicken house in their back yard a few weeks ago. (I don’t call this neighborhood Redneck Woods for nothing y’all.) Anyway, back to the great escape. I ran outside, hoping the neighbors would be outside. I pounded on their front door. Nope, it was just me and the chickens. Being the city girl that I am, I didn’t have a clue how to get those birds back in the yard. Do you pick them up? Do they bite? Finally, the neighbor realized what was going on and she, my son, and I corralled them back into the yard. They made another break on another day, but so far we’ve been able to rescue them. Obviously, predator wasn’t around at those times!

Technically, I realize that chickens don't qualify as birds that announce the beginning of spring, but a bird is a bird in my book.

God and the Wicked

2009-03-31T09:14:00.003-04:00

Say to them, 'As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?' Ezekiel 33:11

This verse shows us exactly how God feels when a wicked person dies. Sometimes I think we have a mistaken notion that God rejoices when some big, bad, worldly villain is finally laid to rest. Yet, that isn't God's view at all. He sees that person, however evil he or she might be, as someone for whom Christ died. His ultimate desire is always that the person get saved and live eternally with Him.

Years ago when I worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit a woman had a premature baby and her husband, a fighter pilot in Operation Desert Storm, was allowed to return to the U.S. to be with his wife and new daughter. He came back a hero, having shot down an Iraqi fighter.

When I met him I remarked on his hero status and thanked him. I assumed he would be excited about what he had done, but one look in his pained eyes let me know that killing the enemy brought no thrill or glory. It only brought pain.

As I remember that man's eyes and his solemn reaction, I see how God reacts to the death of the wicked. It brings Him pain, a pain that Jesus died to relieve if only the person would have repented and turned to God.

If you've never read Ezekiel 33:1-20, take a few moments to read it. It's a powerful passage about being a watchman. Even though it was aimed at the Israelites, it certainly applies to us today. Not to mention, the passage answers a lot of questions people might have about God's justice.

Junk in the Trunk

2009-03-24T11:43:00.002-04:00

Thud!

That was the sound I heard as I turned into my friend Beth's neighborhood this morning.

All the way down the road it continued with no particular pattern. Thud...thud thud...thud.

"Oh dear, a flat tire!" I reasoned. I pulled over to the side of the road and examined the tires. Nothing was wrong.

When I left Beth's house it continued again. Thud...thud...thud thud.

This concerned me greatly as the van had already been in the shop for some heavy duty repairs twice in the last few months and I wasn't looking forward to yet another car repair bill.

When I got on the highway it subsided, but shortly after exiting there it was again.

I pulled into the driveway and backed into the carport and as I did so I heard the loudest thud of all. It jolted me!

I had my son examine the car. I thought the underparts were falling off. It sounded and felt like that each time it thudded.

Finally, I called my husband. I couldn't let my son drive to work in the van. It didn't even sound safe.

Thankfully, he was only a few miles away and stopped in to take a test drive. He was already having a bad day and a car problem was the last thing he needed.

While my husband was on his way home I ranted and raved blaming Fig, our car repair guy, for not fixing the van correctly. It just had to be his fault.

After the test drive hubby came in my office with a scowl on his face and dropped a planter on the floor with a loud thud.

Suddenly, I remembered. Yesterday I stopped at Goodwill on my way to Beth's house and purchased a heavy metal planter. When I got to Beth's house we chatted for quite a while. On the way home, my daughter and I stopped for the groceries she needed to prepare my birthday meal. By the time I got home I'd forgotten all about the planter in the back of my van. (Shows how much I needed to buy it!).

All the while I'd been blaming poor old Fig when the trouble wasn't in his court. The problem was the junk in my trunk.

The lesson here is obvious. Sometimes we're so busy blaming everyone else for our problems that we don't realize that the trouble lies with the junk in our own trunk. If we would get rid of the junk (attitudes, offenses, yada, yada, yada), our troubles would go away.

And the other lesson is that sometimes God takes someone near and dear, someone who has earned the right to mess with our junk, to point out the problem and help us get back on track.

What's in your trunk today?

Somebody, Anybody, Nobody, Everybody

2009-03-19T19:45:00.004-04:00

It has been brought to my attention that I have a code language that I use at home. Apparently, I have names for each family member.

Son= Somebody

"Somebody ought to feed the cat. "
"I wish somebody would run to the basement and get some chicken out of the freezer."
"Will somebody please help me open this jar?"

Daughter= Anybody

"If anybody doesn't like this chicken and rice casserole (as she snubs it) they can eat the leftover macaroni and cheese in the fridge."
"This is the way it is and if anybody doesn' t like it they will just have to get over it."
"Does anybody want to help me with dinner?"

Husband= Nobody

"Nobody knows what kind of day I've had!"
"I guess nobody cares."
"Does nobody see the dirty clothes on the floor?"

Me= Everybody

"I guess everybody will just have to pitch in and help." (Translation: I guess I'll be doing it all).

This is a conversation we had this evening:

Me: I've already cleaned the kitchen three different times. Somebody needs to clean this mess.
Translation: You made the mess, son, so you can clean it up.

Son: It's not that bad, anybody could clean it in no time at all.
Translation: Let my sister do it.

Husband: Nobody's cleaning the kitchen tonight.
Translation: Count me out.

Me: I just wish everybody would help.
Translation: I guess I'll clean it one more time.

Fortunately for me, nobody helped somebody and the kitchen is back to normal.

Now everybody is happy.

Back From the Dead!

2009-03-17T19:11:00.004-04:00

Do you know what you call this?

You call it a miracle!

It's Oreo! Our cat! Who has been missing since early January and presumed dead!

When Oreo "died" we grieved, but the grief was over sooner than we expected. We couldn't understand why, but we didn't really feel like he was dead.

We didn't even get rid of the cat food or litter. It was still in the basement, even a fresh bag of food unopened.

We kept his food and water dish.

And his cat scratching post.

We had not a shred of evidence that he would ever return.

Until today...

My son was asked to work over an extra hour at work.

On his way home he saw a black and white cat come out of the woods about two miles from our house. He caught a glance of the side of its head but wasn't sure.

He came home and told me and before the words were completely out of his mouth I had car keys and was heading out the door.

We drove by the yard where he had been. He was walking right out of the field next door and as if on cue turned to look right at us. Unmistakable! It was him.

We came back by and pulled in the driveway to get him. I don't know what we would have done if the people in that house had come out and said we couldn't take him. Yes, I do know. We would have duked it out, but let's not talk about that.

At first he was skiddish as if he wasn't sure who we were. He was horribly skinny and anxious, but he came out of the woods when my son approached and spoke to him. He squirmed all the way home and was still anxious when we got in the house, but he immediately headed for the basement door as if to say, "Can't a fella get anything to eat around here?"

After he ate, or should I say scarfed, he started loving on us like there's no tomorrow, probably because there hadn't been a tomorrow with us for a very long time!

He'll have to pay a visit to the doctor and we'll keep him inside for a while, but he's home and we're so thankful for this awesome miracle of God!

Thank you, Jesus!

Better Than Jack Bauer

2009-03-17T08:00:00.004-04:00

Last evening my husband showed me the ultimate expression of his love. He's been reading The Five Love Languages by Gary Smalley and trying to implement what he's learning.

Still, I was completely shocked by what he did last night.

It was 9:00 p.m., time for one of his favorite shows, 24. The kids gathered in the living room as usual to watch it with him. (I can't stand the show and always find something else to do, usually sleeping).

But instead of plopping down in his recliner he came to the master bedroom and said he wanted to talk with me. At first, I thought I'd done something wrong, but then he said that he simply wanted to spend time chatting with me about whatever was on my heart.

Somebody revive me!

It's not that my husband never spends time with me. He knows that my top two love languages are quality time and gifts. It's just that Jack Bauer was on the television. Jack Bauer, people! My husband's hero, who manages to save the world every episode without eating or peeing.

Silly as it sounds, that simple act really touched my heart. I know it was a sacrifice for my husband to lay down his desires in order to meet mine.

When I asked why he would do such a thing he said, "I wanted to make sure you know that you're more important to me than Jack Bauer."

Aren't those the most romantic words you've ever heard?

Jack, I think you've finally met your match!

Your Part, God's Part

2009-03-14T05:00:00.002-04:00

In case you hadn't noticed, God has really been dealing with me lately about acting on my faith. The other day I did a little Bible Study about this very thing and discovered many occasions in the Bible where someone had a problem, took an action of faith, and God performed a corresponding action. This study moved me so much that I thought I'd share some of it here.

II Kings 4
Problem: Widow's husband is dead and the creditor is coming to take her sons as slaves to pay off debt.
Action: Gather lots of jars from neighbors.
God action: Oil multiplied to fill jars, pay off debt, and give her and her sons money to live on

II Kings 3
Problem: They are in a war and out of water.
Action: Dig ditches.
God action: God filled the ditches with water (and said it was easy to do!).

Matthew 14
Problem: 5000+ hungry people in a remote place
Action: Bring a lunch of bread and fish to Jesus.
God action: Food multiplies to feed entire crowd with leftovers too.

Matthew 15
Problem: 4000+ hungry people in a remote place
Action: Brought bread and fish to Jesus.
God action: Food multiplies to feed crowd with leftovers.

Matthew 25
Problem: Master entrusts servants with property and expects more when he returns.
Action: 2 servants put money to work and make it grow
God action: 2 servants rewarded with more

Matthew 17
Problem: Taxes due
Action: Go fishing.
God action: Fish has a coin in its mouth, enough to pay taxes

John 2
Problem: Ran out of wine at a wedding
Action: Fill water jars.
God action: Water turns to best wine.

John 21
Problem: Fished all night without a catch.
Action: Throw net on right side of boat.
God action: More fish caught than the net can hold.

Genesis 6
Problem: Flood coming
Action: Build an ark.
God action: Shut the door of the ark and keep Noah and his family safe.

Genesis 26
Problem: Famine in Isaac's land
Action: Went to the Philistine land and planted crops
God action: Reap a hundredfold in the same year.

Exodus 17
Problem: Israelites in desert without water.
Action: Moses struck the rock.
God action: Water came from the rock.

Joshua 1
Problem: Rahab doesn't want to be destroyed with Jericho
Action: She brought her family into her house and tied a scarlet cord in the window as instructed.
God action: Rahab and brood spared.

Exodus 16
Problem: Israelites hungry in the desert
Action: Go out to gather food in the morning.
God action: It rained manna overnight.

Ruth
Problem: Two widows, no money
Action: Ruth gleaned in the fields.
God action: God provides a wealthy husband for Ruth.

I Samuel 1
Problem: Hannah is barren.
Action: Prayed and had relations with husband.
God action: Samuel

I Samuel 30
Problem: The enemy has taken David and his army's families and possessions and burned Ziklag.
Action: David sought the Lord and pursued his enemies.
God action: Everything recovered including extra plunder.

II Kings 7
Problem: Four lepers dying of starvation
Action: Lepers go to surrender to enemy.
God action: Enemies fled and plundered; entire city saved from starvation

II Kings 8
Problem: Elisha sent the Shunammite woman and her family away during a 7 year famine and she lost everything.
Action: She went to the king to beg for her house and land.
God action: Elisha happened to be with the king at that moment. She received her property and all the income it had made in her absence.

II Chronicles 20
Problem: Countries coming to make war against Jehoshaphat
Action: Seek God's help. Put the singers and praisers at the head of the army.
God action: The enemies killed one another and got plundered.

Nehemiah
Problem: The wall of Jerusalem is broken down and Nehemiah wants to repair it.
Action: Nehemiah fasted, prayed, and asked the king to let him go repair it and to give him the supplies to complete it.
God action: Nehemiah rebuilt the wall.

Esther
Problem: Jews facing annihilation.
Action: Esther fasts and risks her life approaching the king to ask himi to spare them.
God action: Jews spared and blessed.

Genesis 41
Problem: Famine
Action: Jacob sends sons to Egypt for food.
God action: The Israelites are given the best land in Egypt and have big family reunion.

Obviously, these aren't the only instances. I didn't even touch the area of healing, but I think this is plenty to show the importance of faith + action.

Faith + Action

2009-03-13T05:00:00.001-04:00

Is it faith or is it works? It's both. Sometimes this whole deal about faith versus works is so confusing. James 2:17 is pretty clear on paper: In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But what does that look like in real life? How do we apply that verse to our lives right now?

The other day I was working in my square foot gardens preparing the soil for another crop. I spent a few hours pulling up weeds and roots and turning the soil over and over with my own two hands to make sure it was thoroughly broken up and ready for new seedlings.

My faith says that I'm going to grow vegetables and herbs to enjoy with my family and others again this year. I can see those bright red tomatoes and golden peppers. I can smell sweet basil and rosemary. My mouth waters at the thought of crisp, sweet cucumbers.

Yet, I could stand there staring at those boxes from now to October and nothing would manifest. I could pray over the soil and lay hands on each square foot. I could write a list of scriptures and confess them over that soil daily. But when harvest time came I'd still be standing looking at brown dirt with a few stray weeds. No harvest.

I won't do that. Instead, I'll take some seeds and seedlings and dig little holes in the dirt and gently plant them. I'll water the garden daily, weed it, watch for pesky insects and animals, and prune fruitless branches. I won't do these actions because I have nothing better to do with my time, but because I believe that my harvest is on the way.

Faith= believing for a harvest
Works= planting the seeds and seedlings that will produce that harvest

Do you see how the two work in harmony together? They aren't opposing forces. They were designed to work together to achieve a desired goal.

I'm not negating my faith because I plant something in that soil. I'm not planting because I don't have faith, but rather because I do have faith.

This is where we run into confusion sometimes. We get the mindset that because we take an action toward a goal, we aren't operating in faith. Granted, if we are taking matters into our own hands and leaving God out of the equation, we probably aren't operating in faith, but if we are believing Him and we take an action toward our goal, we are still in faith. For example, if we are believing God to provide for us financially, does that make it wrong to seek employment? No. God can bless the work of our hands and that may be the way He supplies the desired provision. It's only a problem if we're running out to seek employment as the way out because we don't really believe God will provide.

Faith and actions go hand in hand. Matter of fact, when we are believing for something one of the first things we should ask for is wisdom to know how to act. God might tell us to shut up and be still, but many times He will show us something to do to move toward the manifestation of our faith. In my own life, that something has usually been whatever is the most practical thing to do. For instance, years ago when the Lord began to nudge me toward nursing school, the most practical thing to do was find out about a few schools and apply. That's what I did and through that process the Lord led me to the place He wanted me to go. See, it doesn't always take an angelic appearance and three prophets to confirm what God wants us to do. Usually it's whatever is the most practical thing staring us in the face at the moment.

What are you believing for right now? Are you acting on your faith? Take a moment to think of an action you can take to move toward your desired goal. Do it.

Snow Marketing

2009-03-04T13:31:00.006-05:00

The other day after our fun in the snow, my son was called into work, if you can call it that.

First off, he got a free milkshake for coming in on a snowy day.

He worked for a little while and then was sent outside to create someone special.

Meet Fred. He's the official greeter of Chick-fil-a drive-thru patrons, at least until the weather gets warmer.

Yes, indeed, the owner sent my son and another worker outside to create a snowman and paid them their hourly wage to do so. I want that job!

Fred was a big hit. He got rave reviews from the customers and everybody wanted a picture of Fred and my boy together. After he finished creating Fred he got paid his hourly wage to pose for snapshots. What a life!

The cowmobile got in on the snow marketing act too, though my boy isn't responsible for this one. It says: I heart Chick-fil-a.

As you can see, we southerners take our snow very seriously and "milk" it for all it's worth.

Southern Snow Day

2009-03-03T08:17:00.009-05:00

What do you do when it's March and the plants are already blooming, but a sudden snowstorm hits? You do what any other respectable southerner would do. You play!

You start with a good old fashioned snowball fight instigated by the big brother, of course.

You make some snow angels.

You get competitive and see who can make the biggest snowball. I think this one wins.

You absolutely must build a snowman, standard fare for every yard in Charlotte when it snows.

Isn't he cute? I wish he wasn't a smoker though. It shortens life expectancy and his life is going to be short enough.

Then you go to the abandoned, overgrown golf course and go sledding on boogie boards and cement mixing tubs since you don't have sleds in the south. You don't take pictures though because there may or may not have been a "no trespassing" sign on the golf course and you don't want evidence on your blog. But you sure had fun!

And when it's all said and done, you rest for a while on a giant brown snowball and think about this weekend when you'll be in your shorts enjoying temps in the mid 70s. Ah, the joys of southern weather. All the seasons in a single week.

Pushing Through

2009-02-19T05:00:00.004-05:00

Recently, a friend called on a down day. She didn't have any particular reason to be down, but she was and it was clear that she expected me to cheer her up. I'm quite certain I disappointed her.

It happens that I'd had a few down days myself recently and no friend was available to cheer me up. Trust me, I tried to find someone. In the end, I finally had to admit that I just needed to push on through whatever was causing my jagged emotions and get on with life.

I didn't have a word from God penetrating deep into my soul. I didn't have a special scripture repeating in my mind. I didn't have the latest solve-all-your-problems Christian book to read. I did, however, have plenty of work in front of me that needed attending to. Somehow I found the umph to lay aside my emotional baggage and simply do what needed to be done.

Needless to say, this is the advice I gave my friend too. I hope she took it in the right spirit. I wasn't brushing her off and I would definitely have helped if something pressing was happening in her life. Yet, I know her well enough to know that she wasn't hurting in any deep way. She just felt down, much like I'd felt earlier in the week.

I sense that someone needs to hear this story which is why I'm blogging about it. Sometimes the answer to our dilemmas isn't a big intervention, but rather to simply keep pushing through our problems and disappointments and fatigue.

I was amazed at what happened when I set my emotions to the side and got to work. It didn't take long for me to get so engrossed in the task at hand that I forgot how I was feeling originally. I got a lot of work done which in turn made me feel better about myself and my situation, thus improving my overall attitude.

Really it all boils down to a decision. Will I be overcome by emotions or will I overcome those emotions?

I'm reminded of David. On one of the worst days of his life when he'd lost everything and everybody had turned against him, he encouraged himself in the Lord (I Samuel 30). Do you know what he did next? He prayed and proceeded to push right through his depressed feelings, his fatigue, and his unpopular status to take back everything that rightfully belonged to him.

If you're down today, maybe the answer isn't to look for relief. Maybe the answer is to push on through your feelings and continue living your life.

Feelings are fickle. They come, they go. Don't let them stop you in your tracks. Keep forging forward, no matter what.

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. Psalm 62:5

The Wisdom of Age

2009-02-13T05:00:00.003-05:00

Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. Proverbs 16:31
This is Grandpa Jack.

We aren't really related, but what's a few trivialities among family.

He's been my grandpa for the last 25 years.

Grandpa Jack was a United Methodist minister for 40 years. He's lived through a lot, seen a lot, and met a lot of people. Thus, he has wisdom oozing out of him.

Recently, he had surgery and due to a few mishaps (they nearly killed him) he was in the hospital longer than expected and on drugs that made him loopy. During that time the nurses claim he preached many a fine sermon. What was in his heart flowed out in abundance.

He's taught me a lot of lessons about life.

He taught me to pray. Trust me, if you ever rode in the car with him your prayer life would gain ground fast. He always gave his passengers his undivided attention, not necessarily a great thing when he's doing 80 in a land yacht!

He also counseled me about my love life in my pre-marriage days. I remember the time he told me my boyfriend was g*y. I was moritfied. But in hindsight, he was probably right.

Grandpa Jack also taught me the value of taking a political stand. He's always up to speed on politics and willing to hash it out with the best of them. Watching him argue with the politicians on TV is a real treat.

As I think of Grandpa Jack, his earned wisdom, his quick wit, and his ability to connect with people of every kind, I'm happy to have him in my life. I value his gray hair and the years of experience that go with it.

I love Grandpa Jack.

And he loves me.

Let's cherish the older people in our lives and glean from their wisdom!

Real Trophies

2009-02-11T08:02:00.005-05:00

Wow! Someone did good! Wish I knew who they were. Wish I knew the people who worked so hard to win these gigantic trophies. But I don't. The trophies sit in my neighbor's yard awaiting a ride to trophy heaven or wherever such things go when they've outlived their usefulness.

I can't help thinking about all the sweat and labor and teamwork that went into winning them. My neighbor says they've been displayed in his church for years, reminders of past victories. But the individuals that made up the winning teams are mostly dead or close to.

The church did some reorganizing and decided that the trophies took up too much room so my neighbor took them home. Then he decided that they took up too much room in his garage too, so they sit by the curb awaiting pick-up. Trophies that somebody worked so hard to win now covered with dust, headed for the refuse pile.

I'm reminded of a verse in I Corinthians 9:25: Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it got get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

I wonder if the fellas who worked so hard to win those trophies put the same amount of effort into preparing for their eternal destiny. Since the trophies were awarded to church members I'm guessing that at least some of them did.

What about us? Are we spending all of our time trying to win the trophies of this life such as riches, status, success, possessions, popularity, health, or whatever our heart desires? Or are we preparing and training for a higher reward, one that will last forever?

The things of earth will one day pass away. It doesn't matter how great the achievement or how impressive the reward. It will all be gone one day and likely forgotten even before that. But the things we do for and through God will remain. Those are the real trophies and they will be waiting for us in heaven, where dust doesn't gather and garbage trucks don't come.

About That Diet

2009-01-02T05:00:00.003-05:00

On New Year's Eve I spent a good deal of time asking God what He wanted me to blog about in 2009. He answered in an unusual way. Rather, He let my foolish lusts answer for me.

We went out to eat on December 31. I ate BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes with garlic butter, salad with creamy Ranch dressing and two hot Krispy Kreme doughtnuts, all the things I shouldn't eat. Hence, I rang in the new year wanting to puke. As the clock struck twelve I was in bed holding my gut, wishing for all I'm worth that I could visit the porcelain throne and get rid of the vile poison within me. Instead the nauseous pain lingered and lingered and lingered and I didn't eat anything until noon on New Year's Day. Thus, confirmed my suspicion that God wanted me to blog about food for a few days at the beginning of the year right when everyone is starting a new diet.

Wouldn't you know that the reading for January 1 in my new Chronological NLT Bible took me way back to the princess of diet failures, Eve.

Genesis 3:6: The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it too.
And so it has been for thousands of years since.

Yet, Eve is our diet instructor today. For in that simple verse is spelled out the keys to eating right.

1. Don't eat junk food. And don't keep it in the house. See what happens when you have it hanging around?

2. Don't eat if you're not hungry. Eve didn't even notice that tree until Satan whet her appetite for it. Have you ever been perfectly content until you saw a candy bar or cookie or the "Hot Doughnuts Now" sign? (See my devotion on that one in the sidebar).

3. Don't go by your natural senses. It might look and smell and feel and taste delicious, but that doesn't mean it's good for you.

4. Don't eat what's forbidden. Are you diabetic? Then why are you overloading on desserts? Is your cholesterol high? Why are you (or me in this case) hoarding fats?

5. Don't let anyone coerce you into eating and, for heaven's sake, don't do that to anyone else. "The devil made me do it" is no excuse!

6. Don't eat because of an unhealthy craving.
"I'm hormonal and need chocolate."
"I'm lonely, tired, bored, or hurting and I need comfort food."
"I'm craving sugar and eating half of this lemon meringue pie will make me feel better."
Submit that craving to God and let Him handle it.

7. Don't learn the hard way. Most of us know how we're supposed to eat. We just don't want to do it. Don't wait until a heart attack happens or you're morbidly obese to take action.

8. Remember that bad food kills. The trouble with food is it seems so innocent. At first, everything in our physical body seems fine, but inside a process of disease and decay is set in motion and, left unchecked, it will kill us. On that day Adam and Eve ate, their physical bodies didn't appear to change. Little did they know that dust was already turning back to dust. It was just a matter of time.

10. When tempted, run to God. You don't have the power to overcome it yourself. Your husband can't help you (Adam was there too), your friend can't help you, even your mother can't help you (unless you're a child in which case she can physically remove the temptation and should). YOU most definitely don't have it within yourself to help you. Only God can help. Wonder how things might have turned out if Eve had simply yelled, "God, help me!" before she took a bite?

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 This one scripture is worth more than all the dieting books ever written. If we do it, food will never be a problem again.

January 1, 2009

2009-01-01T08:10:00.002-05:00

Blank page.

Fresh start.

New beginning.

Happy New Year!

Christmas Devotion # 24

2008-12-24T05:00:00.001-05:00

The Wonder of It All

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19

I'm an only child and when I was growing up Christmas was one of those times when I actually appreciated being an only child. Every Christmas Eve night I'd steal away to the Christmas tree by myself and quietly sit admiring the lights, the ornaments, and the many beautiful packages that had my name on them. I'd revel in the wonder and amazement and the sheer excitement of it all.

These days I'm usually the first one in bed and the Christmas tree is far too close to the TV for me to spend that quiet time there on Christmas Eve. Instead, I usually rise very early on Christmas morning to enjoy a few minutes of peaceful revelry before the commotion starts.

I pray that in all my years of living I never lose that childlike wonder. Granted, things have changed over the years. I'm no longer awaiting Santa's arrival or eager to tear into presents (well, maybe I am eager about that sometimes!), but every year I'm still in awe of the great miracle of Christmas. A sweet little baby came to earth to live and die and take away my sin.

Mary never lost her wonder. She heard people say all manner of incredible things about her son and she kept those things like beautiful treasures in her heart. I doubt she understood the pain those prophecies would bring her, but she knew that her precious son was destined to be great in the eyes of the Lord.

Mary is no longer here on earth to marvel over her son, but we are still here. May we carry on her tradition and keep the wonder and awe of Christmas alive in our hearts. May we treasure every word ever spoke about or by Jesus as precious gems. May we always marvel in wonder and awe over Mary's Son, God's Son, Our Saviour!

Pray: Father, help us to preserve the wonder of it all. Each year may we treasure Jesus more and more and celebrate Him greater in our hearts.

Ponder: Steal away for a few minutes during the festivities to be alone with God. Give wonder and awe time to take root and grow during this holiday season. Marvel at Jesus.

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all of these things in her heart. Luke 2:51

The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Luke 2:33

Christmas Devotion # 23

2008-12-23T10:39:00.004-05:00

Speechless

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead... Revelation 1:17

Did you notice that I didn't write a Christmas devotion yesterday? I didn't write one for many reasons including the fact that I had nothing to say. As we draw near to Christmas day I find myself more absorbed with the flesh and blood people and happenings around me and less inclined to feel writerly.

I also find myself experiencing God in ways different than I imagined. This is our first Christmas at home in several years and our first Christmas with just our little family in so long I can't remember the last one. Being the idealistic person that I am, I'd envisioned seeing God in fresh new ways as we celebrate on our terms this year. I wanted us to experience Jesus and God's love like never before.

That has happened, but not necessarily in the ways I'd envisioned. It is in becoming deeply aware of that old sinful nature that lives within me that I've come to understand the love and mercy of my Father much deeper than I could have imagined. It's in dealing with lots of recent "teenage issues" with my kids that I've learned the discipline that results from love. It's in receiving God's unfathomable grace that I've truly come to realize the significance of that baby in the manger. I've experienced His love in new and different ways and in greater depth than I could have imagined, but definitely not in the way I envisioned.

As I attempt to process it all and this great love God has for me and for you, I'm left speechless. The words fail me. It's something to be experienced, but not necessarily written, for what words go deep enough to do it justice?

I suppose this is how it will be when we finally see Him in all His glory. Like John, we'll fall down as though dead, utterly speechless.

Pray: Father, thank you for granting us a love that defies expression through words. Thank you for allowing us the awesome privilege of experiencing that love in our lives.

Ponder: Revel in God today. Without words, receive His love, His mercy, His grace, or whatever you need at this particular moment.

Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling. Zechariah 2:13

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

Christmas Devotion # 22

2008-12-20T05:00:00.003-05:00

Seeing God

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him... Matthew 2:11

Have you seen God lately? I have. Not only have I seen Him, but I've heard Him and felt His touch too. Let me show Him to you.

-I saw God in a young mother with three toddler girls, one on each hip and one held by the hand. Her happy countenance and cheerful voice let me know that she didn't consider her three young charges to be burdens, but blessings.

-I heard God in the Salvation Army bell ringer in front of Hobby Lobby. He sang with all his might, The Twelve Days of Christmas on my way in and Silent Night on my way out.

-I saw God in that same bell ringer when he bent down to look in the eyes of a little handicapped boy and let the child ring the bell.

-I saw God in the delight on that little bell ringer's face.

-I heard God in the voice of a tiny little boy saying every so sweetly and genuinely, "Thank you, Mommy," when she presented him with an unexpected treat.

-I saw God in the helpful customer at Wal-mart who helped me find the thing she and I were both looking for.

-I heard God in the happy voices of shoppers who didn't seem to mind the big "recession" that we're in, but had more joy than I've seen among Christmas shoppers in years.

-I heard God in the giggles of little girls hiding among racks of clothes in the store.

- I saw God in the smile of a daddy coming out of a job interview and grabbing his son's hand. He was now employed and employment never looked so good or like such a relief on anyone's face.

-I saw God when my friend, Melissa, and I visited the Billy Graham museum Thursday night and saw the impact that one man and one family devoted to God has had on a great big world.

-I felt God's presence as I stood at the graveside of Ruth Bell Graham on a dark winter night and remembered that she gave her whole life for family and God. As I watched the multitudes of people of every race, religion, and nationality reverently pass by I caught a glimpse of what it will look like in heaven when we finally see our great reward for serving Jesus. That reward is the lives we've touched for Him.

Pray: Lord, open our eyes to see you at work all around us. Even in the midst of a dark world, you still shine so brightly. Help us to see.

Ponder: Look for God today. He's all around you. Open your eyes and see Him.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. I Corinthians 13:12

Christmas Devotion # 21

2008-12-19T08:27:00.003-05:00

Contentment

But godliness with contentment is great gain. I Timothy 6:6

Yesterday I finally got to do some Christmas shopping. My goodness there sure are a lot of choices and a lot of pretty things out there in "buy me" land. It all looks so good, but it can also breed discontentment.

Thankfully, before I ever left home I read a fabulous post by Karen Ehman in which she tells the story of her family's downsizing and learning to be content with what they have. The story is so powerful that it stayed with me all day yesterday, all night last night, and I'm still thinking about it this morning. More on that in a minute.

Pray: Father, in this time of heavy advertising and temptation to buy, buy, buy, help us to make right choices and to be content with what we have. Shield and guard us from slick advertising ploys and help us to submit our gift buying and our finances to your Lordship.

Ponder: Click here to read Karen's story. You will be oh so glad you did!

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. I Timothy 6:8

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13

Christmas Devotion # 20

2008-12-18T07:45:00.004-05:00

Praise Him!

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:13-14

It happened twice yesterday, once on the way to the dentist and again when I was taking the kids to youth group. The scene is always the same. A holy hush falls over the family, tears well up in my eyes, and I'm transported to the very throne of God in my heart and mind. I heard The Christmas Canon on the radio.

This song moves me like no other. From the very first note I see myself with God in heaven, worshipping and praising Him. As I hear the various instruments play and the childlike angelic voices singing, something is moved in the deepest part of me. It makes me long for heaven. It makes me long for Him. I'm convinced that when I finally get to heaven The Christmas Canon will be the song playing when I arrive. I've already put that request in with the heavenly disc jockey.

Something about music, about singing and praising God, takes us from the temporal into the eternal. For a few minutes we forget that we're earthbound creatures as we transcend our human limitations and draw near to Him. We are ushered before the very throne of God and all else fades away as we concentrate entirely on Him.

Thankfully, we've been provided with a wealth of Christmas carols and music that focus solely on Jesus. As we go through this season let's take time to sing and savor those wonderful songs. Let them draw us into the very presence of God and let them keep us there throughout Christmas.

Sing! Sing a song!

Pray: Father, thank you for providing rich, wonderful music that leads us back to You. May we worship and adore you and lift high the name of Jesus with our voices this Christmas season. Help us not to just sing Christmas songs, but to worship with them.

Ponder: Do you have a favorite Christmas song or carol? Take time today to lift your voice and sing it. Teach it to your children if they don't yet know it.

As you go through your days tune in to local radio stations that might be playing Christmas music. Rather than just letting it be background music, really focus on the words and worship God through the songs.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord. Ephesians 5:19

Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. Psalm 47:6

Christmas Devotion # 19

2008-12-17T05:00:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas!

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Luke 2:16

A few devotions ago I spoke of Plan B. Now I've moved on to Plan C because, once again, I've discovered that things don't always go according to my plan.

This week was supposed to be a big week for us, a Christmas celebration hoopla. Those plans included a Christmas tea with friends, a trip through our local lighted Christmas town, and, of course, lots of Christmas shopping since I haven't purchased. one. thing.

Instead, my husband went to Massachusetts for the weekend to move his mother back up there and we had several small gigantic crises in his absence. Now he's back. The phone is broken. The van is broken. And one by one we've had to cancel our plans and/or be cancelled upon. As for the Christmas shopping, the list is getting simpler and smaller as each non-shopping day ticks by.

Yesterday I was none too happy to spend yet another drab, dreary, winter day cooped up in the house while my van was in the shop. Yet, for whatever reason it seems God wants me all to Himself right now and, more than any other Christmas, wants me focused on a simple scene: a father, a mother, and a baby named Jesus.

In a moment of stir crazyness yesterday I asked God what He wanted me to do since He obviously didn't want me celebrating. (Notice the snippy little tone). Clear as a bell I heard in my heart, "Make merry!"

Once again He reminded me that the joy and celebration of Christmas isn't really the festivities or the parties, the real joy is that little scene: the father, the mother, and a baby named Jesus. As long as we have that, and we always do, we can be merry and cheerful come what may. It's a simple choice.

Pray: Father, as we go through our Christmas season help us to choose to "make merry" regardless of our circumstances. Keep us focused on you and the joy you brought to earth on that very first Christmas.

Ponder: It's time for an attitude check-up. How is yours? If you're feeling a little frumpy spend some extra time with Jesus today in prayer and Bible study. Let His joy replace your mully grubs.

One of the best ways to "make merry" is to spread some joy to someone else. You can do this even if you're stuck at home (trust me, I know!). Look for someone worse off than you and bless that person today.

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Proverbs 15:30

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people." Luke 2:10

Christmas Devotion # 18

2008-12-16T10:34:00.003-05:00

Receive the Gift

He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. John 1:11

Not long ago my son attempted to give a very nice gift to someone, but she refused to take it. She claimed she was too blessed already and didn't need the gift and wanted him to use it to bless someone else. After a few futile attempts to explain that he really wanted her to have it, he took the gift and gave it to someone else like she said.

I learned a long time ago that the gracious way to handle a gift is to simply receive it. Even if you feel that you're already overly blessed you can always receive the gift and pass it along to someone else. But when you refuse the gift you're robbing the giver of the chance to sow a seed and to be a blessing and you might be missing God's provision for your own life as well.

On that very first Christmas, God sent the best gift of all, Jesus. All He ever asked us to do with Jesus is receive Him into our hearts and lives as our Savior, the one who rescues us from sin and restores us to fellowship with the Father. Yet, like the woman my son tried to bless, too often people refuse the gift of God.

Some say, "I don't need Him." Others say, "I don't deserve Him." While still others say, "I don't want Him." God simply says, "Receive Him."

Pray: Father, we receive your precious gift, Jesus. We welcome Him into our hearts and lives. Thank you for giving us such an extravagant gift, more than we could ever hope.

Ponder: Have you received God's gift to you? Have you ever asked Jesus to come into your heart? If not, take a moment and simply receive Him. Just say, "Lord, Jesus, I receive you as my personal Lord and Savior." He's truly the best gift of all!

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. Acts 10:43

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:16

Christmas Devotion # 17

2008-12-15T07:04:00.003-05:00

God's Leading

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. Matthew 2:9

This weekend the Lord led my children and I to do something totally out of our comfort zone, but something totally wonderful. I'm not going to share all the details, but only three things:

1. The result was wonderful beyond belief and life-changing.
2. Unknown to us, God led my mother in another part of the country to do the exact same thing on the same weekend.
3. I will do this again and again and again as long as the Lord enables me.

Through the years I've noticed that around Christmas God often leads people to do things they might not ordinarily do. He led the wise men on a journey to a foreign land. He led a group of shepherds to leave their jobs for a moment in pursuit of Christ. He led Mary and Joseph to Bethelehem so scripture would be fulfilled. Simeon was led into the temple to see baby Jesus before he died. Anna was led directly to Baby Jesus in the temple as well.

Maybe you've felt God pricking your heart to do something, but you're not quite sure it's Him. Notice that all of the people in the paragraph above were led differently. The wise men were led by something outside themselves. The shepherds responded to a miraculous event. Mary and Joseph's circumstances led them to Bethlehem. Simeon was moved inside by the Holy Spirit. And then we come to Anna. She simply walked with God night and day and in the course of her ordinary day she happened upon Christ. In fact, the only thing they all had in common is that they followed God's leading in whatever form it came.

Maybe God is nudging you to do something out of your comfort zone today. My friend, follow your heart. Usually when God asks us to do something out of the ordinary our head and our heart come into sharp disagreement. The mind wants to reason everything out and know all the details. The heart says follow and trust God. Take a step of faith and see what happens.

Pray: Father, lead us today in whatever way you choose. Give us the courage to go where you want us to go and to do whatever you want us to do. Help us to trust.

Ponder: What is God leading you to do today? If it is something that will help and bless others you can pretty much bank on it being God. The devil isn't in the blessing business and neither is our carnal nature.

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." Luke 2:15

Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts... Luke 2:27

Coming up at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38

He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village... Mark 8:23

Christmas Devotion #16

2008-12-14T05:00:00.006-05:00

The Grinch

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." Matthew 2:13

When I was little I loved to watch The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. That mean old grinch didn't like Christmas or anything about it and he was bent on stealing it.

Unfortunately, I didn't know that one day I'd be living in close proximity to the Grinch. My personal Grinch isn't trying to steal Christmas, but he did manage to steal my joy and cheer for a day. The other night I telephoned the Grinch to make one little polite request. He threw a screaming hissy fit into the phone. The usual.

I'd love to tell you that waves of compassion and understanding swept over me, being the good little Christian girl that I am. That wasn't exactly the case. I maintained my cool fairly well on the exterior, but on the inside I was hot. That night passed with very little sleep as I replayed the incident over and over in my mind thinking of all the things I shoulda and coulda said to the Grinch. The following day I wasn't just hot, I was a boiling cauldron ready to scald that Grinch if I should encounter him again.

Late in the day it finally dawned on me. That Grinch had snuck right in and stole my Christmas joy and my focus on Jesus. Sneaky little devil! But he'd done it in plain sight because I'd let him. For one moment I'd shifted my eyes away from the baby in the manger and onto the Grinch. That was my undoing.

A Grinch existed at the first Christmas too. His name was Herod and he didn't like anything about Christmas and was determined to nip it in the bud before it ever got started. Not much has changed through the years. I bet each of us could point to a Grinch or two in our lives, maybe someone we know or maybe someone we encounter in our Christmas busyness who is rude or mean.

This is what we need to remember, though: The Grinch can't steal Christmas unless we let him. Herod couldn't do it. The Grinch in the show couldn't do it. And my Grinch and yours can't do it either. No, my dear friends in Whoville, Christmas is here to stay as long as we don't give it away.

Pray: Father, you know the Grinches we will encounter this Christmas season and in life. Help us to guard our hearts and minds so that we don't lose focus on you. We also know that the Grinch in the show had a change of heart. May we always pray the same for the Grinches in our lives.

Ponder: Who is your enemy today? Who is trying to steal your joy? Pray a heartfelt prayer for that person. It doesn't matter what you do or do not feel for this person. By faith, ask the Lord to reveal his great love to your Grinch.

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5: 44-45

The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23

Christmas Devotion #15

2008-12-13T05:00:00.004-05:00

Less is More

And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

The Christmas my son was 2 1/2 was a very lean year for us. A Christmas tree simply wasn't in the budget. Thankfully, my cousin was clearing land to build her log cabin dream house so she and her husband invited us to choose a Christmas tree from their property.

On a brisk day we wandered through the woods as a family looking for the right tree. Finally, we spotted one that seemed to be the right size and chopped it down. It wasn't a fir, but it was a tree.

That poor tree was pitiful. In fact, on the way home we stopped to get gas and saw a friend who said, "Where did you get that Charlie Brown tree?" When people came in our house they seemed embarrassed by our tree, but one little person wasn't embarrassed.

My son was so proud of that ugly tree. He let everyone know that we had chopped it down out of the woods and he made sure that no one entered the house without a good look at "his" tree. Over the years he often spoke of "the most beautiful Christmas tree ever." What joy it brings me to remember his sweet little beaming face, so proud of his tree.

I guess someone forgot to tell my son that he should be sad because that was a lean year financially and his tree wasn't a perfect tree grown on a tree farm somewhere. His perception was completely different. What others, myself included, perceived as leanness, he viewed as abundance.

He wasn't looking at the shape or size or magnificance of the tree. It was all about the memories for him. His little family had hunted for this tree together. He had picked it out himself. He had helped chop it down and haul it home. It was a beloved tree and that's what made it beautiful.

This year a lot of folks are experiencing leanness. If you're one of them you might feel very sad that you can't provide all of the toys and goodies that you would like to give your family. Take heart. Often less turns out to be so much more than we ever imagined. In fact, sometimes the leanest years are the ones we end up treasuring the most.

Pray: Father, teach us to be content with what we have, whether more or less. Help us to see the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of a child. May we grasp the reality that we are rich in you and you alone.

Ponder: Instead of focusing on what you don't have this year, start thanking God for what you do have. If we all took this approach more often we would realize that we always have far more than we are lacking.

Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12: 15

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and very situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13

But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. I Timothy 6:8

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13: 5

Christmas Devotion #14

2008-12-12T05:00:00.003-05:00

His Name

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel- which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23

I have an unusual name. Not too long ago I met some online friends in person and they inquired as to how to pronounce it. Well, that really depends on who you are and where you're from so I pretty much answer to anything, as long as it's decent.

That made me think of the various names I'm called and what they mean.

Bonita- this is the most common name I use and the one most people know me by. I say it "Buh-neat-uh. If you're from the deep south you say, "Bah-needa" and if you're from New York you say "Bo-needer". See what I mean!

Bo- My nickname denotes comfort and friendship. My best childhood friends use this name as did my former hospital co-workers. I prefer it to Bonita, but rarely tell people so.

Bobo- My mom calls me this as did a precious little girl I babysat when I was a teenager. She referred to me as "MY Bobo!"

Beebo- This is used exclusively by my dad when we're not having "aggressive conversations". See devotion # 11.

Mrs. Lillie- My teacher or authoritative name. This is what all of my students call me.

Mom- A beloved name reserved for my offspring.

Other mother- A beloved name used by friends of my offspring.

Lovey- A beloved name reserved for my sweetheart. He has a few other names he calls me too, but let's keep this devotion rated "G".

God has a lot of names too. Throughout the Bible He makes Himself known to different people in different times by different names. He is always just what we need for whatever we're facing at the moment.

His Christmas name, Immanuel, denotes what Christmas is all about- God with us. That is His heart cry for us at Christmas and always, "I want to be with you!" He longs for us to say, "I want to be with you too!" As we celebrate, let's remember that God is with us and He wants to be an active part of everything we do. Let's invite Him into the season to share our lives with us moment by moment, day by day.

Pray: Lord, we invite you to come and be with us during the holiday season. You are the guest of honor in our celebrations. Help us to be mindful of the fact that you are with us always.

Ponder: God wants to be with you. Have you taken time to be with Him today? If not, take the time now. Open your Bible and let Him speak to you. Pray and communicate with Him just like you would a trusted friend. Be with God.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1: 21

Christmas Devotion # 13

2008-12-11T05:00:00.005-05:00

Plan B

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. Luke 2:6

For as long as I can remember my daughter has wanted to volunteer at Samaritan's Purse's Operation Christmas Child. When she was young I volunteered and came home and reported the love and wonder I sensed as I sorted through shoeboxes looking for contraband items. When my son was old enough he started volunteering too. My daughter waited year after year longing for the day she would be 13, old enough to volunteer.

Finally, this year she's old enough. We had planned to join others from our homeschool support group to volunteer on Tuesday. However, on Monday morning my daughter woke up and said, "I don't feel well. My stomach hurts." She spent the rest of the day alternating between a feverish sleep and hanging her head over the toilet. Time to cancel the plans for she and I to volunteer.

Things don't always go according to plan during the Christmas season (or any other time!). That was especially true for Mary. If I had been in her shoes I think I might have imagined giving birth to God's son just a trifle different than how it panned out.

If I was carrying the Son of God I would have envisioned a classy situation that involved satin sheets and a seven course meal with champagne after delivery. Of course, I'd need the very best midwife around. After all, this was the Son of God, most important baby to ever be delivered. I'd be pampered and catered to and generally made a fuss over. Oh, and naturally, the birth itself would be supernaturally devoid of pain of discomfort.

What I wouldn't envision is a sudden census, a rugged, uncomfortable journey, a full inn, and giving birth in a stinky stable. In fact, that just might make me a little miffed if you know what I mean.

One thing I've learned about plans: They are subject to change. Keep that in mind as you approach the holiday season. Nothing is set in stone; anything can change. I think if we know that and acknowledge it as we head into the Christmas season it will be easier to handle it when it comes.

Whatever happens, God is still in control. He isn't going to cease to be Lord just because things don't go like we want them to go. In fact, in those instances it's a great time to re-focus right back on Him to find His perfect plan in the midst of our chaos.

As for my daughter, we hope she will be rested and ready next week when the church youth group volunteers at Operation Christmas Child.

Pray: Father, help us to be flexible during this Christmas season. Give us the grace to handle sudden changes and help us to focus on the right things during disappointing times.

Ponder: Take a moment to mentally list all of the things that will not change this Christmas even if your plans fall apart. I'll start you out: Jesus is still Lord. God is still in control. God's ultimate plans are still in place. Christmas morning will still come...

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

Christmas Devotion # 12

2008-12-10T05:00:00.004-05:00

The Beagle Who Saved Christmas

For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37

Many years ago when I was single, my boyfriend found a stray Beagle which he gave me for Christmas. It only took a few days to discover that this Beagle was no blessing. He howled all day, making life difficult for me and my roommates since we were night shift nurses. I had to get rid of him, but how could I do it without hurting my boyfriend's feelings?

On Christmas Eve night I went to work as usual and overheard a conversation between two nurses. One was lamenting the fact that her daughter wasn't going to get the present she really wanted for Christmas. Then I heard the words that were like magic to my ears. They had recently lost their Beagle and her daughter desperately wanted her Beagle back.

I inquired more about the situation. My friend told me how upset her daughter had been and how she kept saying she just knew Santa would bring a Beagle for Christmas. It was the only thing she wanted and nothing else would do. It took all of a millisecond for me to jump on this opportunity.

Very early on Christmas morning my friend followed me home to retrieve her daughter's present. The big red bow on my front door became his new collar and off my Beagle went to become the most treasured Christmas present a little girl would ever receive.

I know why God performed that out and out miracle for the little girl. She believed. It's as simple as that. She didn't look at the improbability of the situation or the fact that Beagles were scarce at that particular moment. She didn't factor in that it was Christmas Eve night and Beagles don't materialize out of thin air. She simply believed that on Christmas morning she would have her Beagle and that is precisely what happened.

Christmas is a time for believing. Think of the first Christmas miracle. A virgin gave birth! If that can happen, what can't happen?

This Christmas instead of focusing on the economy or your personal circumstances, only believe. Remember this little girl who believed for the impossible and go and do likewise. Whatever it is, God can do it!

Pray: Lord, we believe. In the kingdom of God, the word "impossible" doesn't exist and, therefore, it isn't in our vocabulary or our hearts either. You can do anything and we trust you.

Ponder: When was the last time you really believed God for something? I'm not talking about frivolous things like winning the lottery or things that come from your head, not your heart. What is that thing deep in your heart that you really believe yet it seems so impossible? Pray about it today and release it to God expecting Him to answer you in His divine way.

But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Luke 18:16

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22

While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," they said. "Why bother the teacher any more?"

Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, "Don't be afraid; just believe." Mark 5:35-36

Christmas Devotion # 11

2008-12-09T05:00:00.002-05:00

The Sin Connection

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners- of whom I am the worst. I Timothy 1:15

Christmas is that wonderful time of year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but did you ever stop to think why Jesus was born? It's because of our sin. He came into the world to be our Savior, the one who would free us from sin. No sin= no Savior needed= no Jesus born to save us= no Christmas celebration.

I don't mean to throw cold water on your Christmas festivities by highlighting the fact that they came about as a result of sin, but I'm addressing this issue for quite another reason. The holidays can be a time of stress. Busy people usually become tired people. Fatigue, stress, shopping crowds, and too many sugary goodies can produce people that are prone to give in to flesh a little more than usual. Add to that, operating outside of our normal routine and seeing family members we don't see often and the mix can be downright volatile, even sinful.

Take Thanksgiving for instance. My parents were in town. My dad and I usually get along fine, but we have certain topics where we don't see eye to eye and one of those topics happened to arise during their visit. The result was what my dad refers to as one of our "aggressive" conversations. In the end it was all good and we were best buddies for the rest of the visit, but the fact remains that I was the believer in the situation and should have kept my cool. But I was tired and a little edgy and a little selfish and a little sinful.

That's where the good news comes in, though. Yes, Christmas came about as a result of sin, but that's not the final outcome. Ultimately, Christmas represents our freedom from sin. Two thousand years ago that little baby was born into the world to save sinners!

If you find yourself prone to sin this season, take heart. That's the reason Jesus came. It's also an indication that it's time to turn your eyes back to Him and make sure He is the focal point of the season. When you mess up, look to Jesus and find forgiveness. That's the real message of Christmas.

Pray: Father, thank you so much for sending Jesus into the world to save us. What a wonderful gift it is to know that no matter how often we miss the mark or how awful our sin, Jesus is the answer. Help us to truly receive your free gift of forgiveness.

Ponder: Is it confession time? Maybe you've said or done something wrong. Perhaps, something is weighing heavy on your heart and you know you need to make it right. Confess it before the Lord and receive His forgiveness by faith. Go on your way in restored fellowship with God.

If you experience any guilt or condemnation during the Christmas season look around you at the Christmas decorations. Let them be a reminder to you that Jesus was born and died for you. Let them serve as the reminder that He has already paid the price for your sin.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. I Timothy 1: 16-17

Christmas Devotion # 10

2008-12-08T05:00:00.004-05:00

Traditions

You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men. Mark 7:8

The other day at co-op I asked another mom how her Thanksgiving had gone. She said, "Oh, it was wonderful. We stayed home and ate pizza." My expression must have given me away because she continued, "I know it's not the traditional Thanksgiving meal, but it's what the kids wanted so we went with it and had a great time."

Her answer was surprisingly refreshing. You mean we don't have to gorge ourselves on turkey and pumpkin pie to have a great Thanksgiving?

Christmas, possibly more than any other holiday, is steeped in tradition. That can be a good thing. Traditions produce memories and bond families together and to the Lord.

Unfortunately, at our house we only have three of them. 1) If we eat at my mom's we have beef tenderloin and Bernaise sauce. 2) The kids open one present on Christmas Eve. 3) That present is always pajamas.

I know, I know, one day my kids will be in counseling because their mother was so lax with Christmas traditions.

While traditions can be good, traditions can also be bondage. They can be the things that keep us so preoccupied with busyness in the Christmas season that we miss the real tradition of celebrating Christ's birth and enjoying our families.

Honestly, the world will not stop spinning if you don't have the perfect family photo for Christmas cards. I promise. Matter of fact, it won't even teeter off it's axis if you skip the cards altogether of if you don't manage to pick up that traditional Hallmark ornament, or bake a thousand cookies to give to neighbors, or you forget to put out the advent wreath (at least you own one unlike other people I know), or don't get the gifts shipped out on time. The world will not even come to an end if you....brace yourself....don't put up the Christmas tree! None of those things are life threatening.

Maybe you're a bit more of a traditionalist than me. If so, I admire you and my kids admire you even more. But occasionally, even a person who thrives on Christmas traditions may have an off year where things just aren't getting done. At times like that you need a friend like me, someone who gently puts her arm around your shoulder, lovingly looks you dead in the eye, and says, "You have permission to break tradition."

Deep in your heart you know it's okay, but sometimes you just need someone to tell you so. If that's you then take this message to heart and do whatever it takes to have peace and goodwill in your home, even if that means omitting or changing a few things you normally do. It's okay. Really.

Pray: Father, as we go through this season help us to have a keen sense of what is realistic in our circumstances this year. Give us the courage to delete traditions or add traditions according to your plan and not our own.

Ponder: Take an honest appraisal of your current situation in life. What can you really do and remain sane during Christmas? Is anything keeping your from your time with the Lord? If so, what are you going to do about it?

If you find yourself overwhelmed with stuff to do, pray and ask God to help you weed out unnecessary things, but also to give you a fresh, creative perspective of how you might do things differently and more efficiently.

The Lord says: "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men. Isaiah 29:13

Christmas Devotion # 9

2008-12-07T05:00:00.005-05:00

Messiah

The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah". John 1:41

One of my greatest joys in recent years has been watching my family come into the kingdom of God one by one. It feels like I have a front row seat to an unfolding revival. One by one, God is calling my family into His kingdom and one by one they are coming to know their Lord and Savior. What joy to know that they will be with me and with Jesus for all eternity!

Among the stories of these conversions, one stands out this Christmas season. It's the story of my Aunt Bettylou. If you ever met my aunt you would never forget her. She's never met a stranger, has always been full of zest and adventure, is fiercely independent, and has never been shy about speaking her mind. Bettylou was also raised in a proper Jewish home.

Have you ever had a relative that you would vote "least likely to ever find Jesus?" Well, Aunt Bettylou was pretty high on my list of those who weren't likely to get saved. She was making her way through life on her own terms and it was hard to imagine that she would ever respond to God's tug on her heart.

But....a few years ago my Aunt Bettylou met someone new. Aunt Bettylou met Jesus, her Messiah! She didn't just meet him, she fell head over heels in love with Him. These days if you speak with her she can't help but tell you how much she loves and appreciates her Messiah. She gushes!

What great joy it brings me to see her involved in church, studying the Bible, and involved in outreaches to help others. She is one of the few people I've ever known who immediately upon getting saved gave herself to serving others and reaching out to share her Messiah's great love.

As I celebrate this Christmas season, my heart is filled with thankfulness for Aunt Bettylou and all of my family members who will join me in heaven one day. Yet, I'm also reminded of other family members that seem so far from God. They don't know that baby born in a manger. They don't know Messiah. My heart breaks for them.

This year I'm giving a gift to my loved ones. I'm praying for their salvation. One by one, I'm lifting their names before the Lord and asking Him to draw them near to Him as we celebrate Christmas. May they come to know the great love of the Lord. May they come to know Messiah.

Pray: Father, we lift up to you our loved ones. We thank you that no one is beyond your reach. Help us to pray, to believe, and to love them to you. Reveal yourself to them this Christmas season. Thank you.

Ponder: Make a list of your loved ones who don't know the Lord and those who are running from Him. One by one, pray for each person asking God to woo them to himself. As you see your family during the holidays, focus on loving and serving them. You may be the only Jesus they encounter.

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"

Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:15-16

The woman said, "I know that Messiah is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."

Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am he." John 4:25-26

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world." John 11:25-27

Christmas Devotion # 8

2008-12-05T06:12:00.003-05:00

Maranatha!

He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20

Yesterday was our last day of homeschool co-op for this semester. Normally, we finish prior to Thanksgiving, but some delays at the start of the school year caused us to continue until yesterday.

As it turns out, nearly every class was a party and you can't imagine the enormous amount of food that was everywhere all day long. A spirit of excitement filled the air as we wrapped up our studies and looked forward to Christmas break. Everyone was celebrating.

In my writing class I hosted a "What would Jesus eat at a Christmas party?" celebration. We had cheese, flatbread (crackers), yogurt covered raisins, almonds, pomegranates, and sparkling grape juice served in genuine plastic goblets.

As I enjoyed the festivities, the months of work that had led up to this fun day seemed but a distant memory. Lesson prep, teaching, evaluating homework, assisting other teachers? Who cared that this semester had been hard work, it was party time!

That's how it will be when our Lord returns. Right now we're working and laboring, some are even suffering. But on that glorious day all of this will be but a distant memory as we celebrate the party of all parties.

Christmas is only the beginning of the story. God made flesh came to earth and dwelled with men on that very first Christmas. We heartily celebrate His coming every year. Yet, that's only the beginning of the story. As I tell my writing students, the ending is just as important as the beginning.

Our ending is this: One day Jesus is coming again, only this time it's for keeps. On that day all of the work and labor and suffering we've been through on this earth will end and we will be with Him forever. That's good news and a great ending to the story!

As we celebrate Christmas, Christ's first coming, we can also celebrate His second coming and look forward to it with great anticipation. Everything we've been through will be worth it on that day. Maranatha!

Pray: Lord, as we celebrate this Christmas season help us to be ever mindful that you're coming again and you're coming soon.

Ponder: Today as you savor the sights, smells, and sounds of Christmas, let them be a reminder to you that an even greater celebration is in your future.
Take time to purposely think about that day when this sinful world is left behind and you are with the Lord forever.

Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book. Revelation 22:7

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. Revelation 22:12

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen. Revelation 22:21

Christmas Devotion # 7

2008-12-04T05:00:00.002-05:00

The Dark Side of Christmas

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Matthew 2:16

Christmas is a time of joyous celebration! Well, for most people anyway. But for some it's a time of pain.

I can't imagine the sheer agony the mothers of Bethlehem experienced as their sons were torn from them and killed. Matthew 2:18 describes it this way: A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more. Personally, I can't even allow my mind to go there because the grief is just too overwhelming.

Yet, these women weren't the only ones to ever grieve during the Christmas season. As I look around me I see grief and heartache in many faces. My aunt and my neighbor are both experiencing their first Christmas without their spouses. A friend is spending her Christmas season in the hospital battling Multiple Sclerosis and a rare form of cancer. Another friend knows the pain of advanced Crohn's disease and yet another battles breast cancer. Several friends have fallen on hard times financially. One dear one is separated from her husband and uncertain what the future holds. And one close friend is spending Christmas with her son who will deploy to Iraq right after the holidays.

Sometimes as we enjoy the festivities of Christmas it's easy to forget that everyone might not have that same spirit of celebration. Some people may find this Christmas hard to endure. While we might not be able to remove their pain, we can take time to reach out, to offer time and love, and to listen and encourage. Let's make it a point this season to notice the hurting people around us. Isn't that what Jesus would do?

Pray: Father, open our eyes to see the hurting and the needy around us. Help us to do what Jesus would do for them this year, so that even in their weeping, they may know your great love.

Ponder: Look around you. Who is hurting? Help them.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. II Corinthians 1:3-4

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Isaiah 40:1

Christmas Devotion # 6

2008-12-03T03:38:00.004-05:00

Adore Him

On coming to the house they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. Matthew 2:11

During this season we hear a lot about remembering Jesus and the reason for the season. As Christians, we strive to keep Jesus as our focus amid the blaring consumerism. Yet, the wise men did far more than just remember Jesus. They worshiped and adored Him. We can take our cues from them.

First, the wise men sought Jesus. They didn't just stop in the middle of their day for a five minute devotion. They traveled a great distance, probably across rough terrain in harsh climates. Jesus became the "star" that consumed them to the point of forgetting all else. Their only aim during the Christmas season was to find Him and worship Him.

When the joyous moment came that they finally found Jesus, they bowed down before Him in humility. Picture this: These guys weren't vagabonds. They were considered "wise" men so they had some prestige and status. They could take time off from their jobs for an extended vacation and they came carrying expensive gifts so somebody had some money. I can't imagine that anything about Mary, the house she was in, or her infant was all that impressive to them in the natural. Yet, when they saw Jesus they willfully humbled themselves before Him.

They gave Jesus their very best. Indeed, they brought some cool gifts, but they had already given Him the best gifts of all, their time and complete devotion. They gave their best tangible gifts and they gave the best they had to offer of themselves. Nothing was held back from Jesus.

I think it's safe to say that they adored him. This is the dictionary definition of adoration: 1) a worshiping or paying homage as to a divinity 2) great love, devotion, and respect.

I challenge you during this Christmas season not to simply remember Jesus. Be wise. Adore Him.

Pray: Lord, we worship you. Nothing in this world or in this season compares with your awesome greatness. You are everything Jesus, our all in all.

Ponder: Follow the example of the wise men. Take time to get down on your knees before the Lord as an act of reverent humility. Present Him with your gift or worship and adoration.

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Psalm 95:6-7

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. I Chronicles 16:29

All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Christmas Devotion # 5

2008-12-02T05:00:00.003-05:00

Hallelujah!

On his robe and on his thigh he has this written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Revelation 19:16

The other day I was standing in the fabric section of Walmart when The Hallelujah Chorus started playing. I started out singing just under my breath, but as the song continued the louder I got until eventually I was singing without care as to volume or who was listening.

My love affair with The Hallelujah Chorus goes way back to high school. My choir instructor, Mrs.Quick, made us learn that song for our Christmas performance. When I say learn it I mean that we spent weeks and weeks hammering out every minute part of it until we sounded like the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Mrs.Quick said the song was sacred and, therefore, deserved a flawless performance. She would accept nothing less.

At the time it seemed grueling and I couldn't see any value in the effort to learn it. Yet, today when I hear it I can immediately chime in and sing the soprano part because it's embedded within me. Granted, I don't sing well and I can't hit all of those high notes when it gets to certain parts, but I can remember it and I sing with all my might. Nothing gets me in the Christmas spirit any quicker.

Do you know why I love this song so much? It focuses on Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. At Christmas it's easy to get so focused on the little baby in the manger that we forget that the baby grew up and He died for our sins and now He is truly King of Kings and Lord of Lords. As we celebrate Jesus' birth, we need to also celebrate His life, death, resurrection and His position as King and Lord. He's not just a baby in a manger any more.

Pray: Lord, we honor you as King and Lord over all. We are so grateful that you're more than just a baby that was born in a manger. You reign and we gladly bow before you.

Ponder: If you happen to own The Hallelujah Chorus take a few minutes to listen to it. Sing along if you know the words. If you don't have this particular song, then find another song that extols our Lord and King and sing with all your might.

Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!...Revelation 19:6

The Hallelujah Chorus
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The kingdom of this world
is become the kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ, and of His Christ;
And He shall reign for ever and ever,
For ever and ever, forever and ever,
King of kings, and Lord of lords,
King of kings, and Lord of lords,
And Lord of lords,
And He shall reign,
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings, forever and ever,
And Lord of lords,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!

Christmas Devotion # 4

2008-12-01T05:00:00.003-05:00

Leap for Joy

As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Luke 1:44

At my former church we had a friend, Pastor Harley, who would visit and preach a few times a year. Pastor Harley had a deep, booming voice. When I was pregnant and Pastor Harley got up to preach, as soon as he spoke my babies would suddenly leap within my womb. In fact, with both pregnancies, listening to Pastor Harley preach was a rather uncomfortable experience because my babies danced a jig the entire time. No one else had this impact on them, but the same thing happened every single time he spoke. Something about his voice excited them greatly.

That's what happened in Elizabeth's womb too. Her baby, John the Baptist, heard Mary speak and he got so excited that he had to leap. Even in the womb he understood that she was carrying Messiah and he couldn't contain his excitement.

Oh, that we would be so excited about our Messiah! What if every time we heard the name Jesus we wanted to leap and dance and shout with joy? What if every time we opened the word of God to read his love letter to us we swooned and fell in love all over again? What if during this Christmas season we forgot all about the traditions of men and got majorly excited that our Saviour was born into the world?

Truly, the fact that Jesus was born into this world to take away our sin ought to make us as excited as cheerleaders at a pep rally. Yet, so often the enemy sets a trap to rob of us our joy. He fills our holiday schedule so we no longer have time to spend with the Lord. He hurries us to and fro trying to find the perfect gifts, all the while missing out on the one and only perfect gift. He deceives us into believing that all of this scurrying and activity is real worship and celebration when all the while it's just busyness that keeps us from really celebrating.

This year let's renew our excitement for Jesus. Because of Christmas, we have our Messiah, our Lord, our Savior. That's something to get excited about!

Pray: Father, as each day of the Christmas season comes, may our excitement swell and grow. May we be full to overflowing with love and joy on Christmas day as we celebrate the birth of our King.

Ponder: Let's determine that every time we hear someone speak or sing about Jesus this Christmas season we will get excited and rejoice. A little two-step might even be in order.

When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:41

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord... Luke 2:10-11

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Christmas Devotion # 3

2008-11-30T05:00:00.002-05:00

Santa the Scrooge

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Years ago a couple of friends and I decided to take our kids to visit Santa in a department store. Apparently, Santa woke up on the wrong side of the sleigh (or Harley-Davidson) that morning. He looked a bit hungover and had a scruffy beard.

When my friend's daughter sat on his lap she said, "Santa, why is your beard so dirty?" Immediately, Santa shoved her off his lap and said, "Get away from me you mean little girl. You don't deserve anything! Get out of here!"

I'm sure you can imagine the bewilderment that ensued. The kids were horrified that Santa was so moody and obnoxious. The parents were so shocked we couldn't speak. Even Santa's department store helper stood with mouth gaping. What on earth was wrong with Santa and where was all his Christmas cheer? Needless to say, a few hearts were crushed that day and Santa never held the same sway at Christmas again.

I'm so thankful that Jesus isn't like Santa. He never has a bad beard day. He is always the same and we can always trust him. He will never have a sudden personality change. What He was in the past He still is now and forevermore will be.

Things change here on earth. Christmas decorations go in and out of style. Hot-selling gift items change from year to year. Relatives that once celebrated with us are gone and we miss them. Even our view of Christmas changes. As children, we have wide-eyed wonder at the beautiful decorations and presents. As adults, we still have wide-eyed wonder but now it's related to the price of gifts and our credit card balance after Christmas.

Yet, during the Christmas season the one thing that never changes is Jesus. That little baby in the manger is and always will be the reason we celebrate. He is our constant.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for being the one thing in our lives that brings true stability. What a comfort it is to know that you will never change or surprise us in a disheartening way. We can count on you and we are so grateful.

Ponder: What qualities do you appreciate most about Jesus? What would you miss most about Him if He suddenly changed? Voice your own prayer to the Lord telling Him what you most appreciate about Him and thanking Him for his constance.

I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Malachi 3:6

But you remain the same and your years will never end. Psalm 102:27

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Christmas Devotion #2

2008-11-29T05:00:00.004-05:00

A Heart to Give

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

The other day I stopped by Goodwill to drop off some donations and was met by a very reassuring sight. I had to wait in a line of cars in the donation area. Yes, right here in the midst of a failing economy, people were lined up waiting to give stuff away.

Seeing all those willing givers really put me in the Christmas spirit. It reminded me of God's gift to us. Right in the middle of a sinful, hopeless world, God sent His precious son, the very best gift He could ever give us. When things looked the darkest, hope was born.

Maybe you're having a hard time this season. Perhaps, finances are tight. Maybe you've fallen prey to the discouragement the media is pumping out. You may have even lost your job or your home. If things are looking bleak, this is the best time to give. Look around you and see what you can donate. Better yet, look inside yourself and see what you have to offer others. Some of the best gifts aren't stuff.

Pray: Father, on that first Christmas you sent your very best gift to us. Help us to develop that same heart of giving. As things grow darker in the world, may we purpose in our hearts to follow in our Father's footsteps and give to others.

Ponder: What can you give? Think about it and take action today. Give something away. It doesn't have to be a material something, it can be a smile, a word of encouragement, a long overdue phone call. Ask the Lord what He wants you to give today.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. II Corinthians 9:6-11

Christmas Devotion #1

2008-11-28T05:00:00.003-05:00

Looking to Jesus

...and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

As we head into the hubbub of the Christmas season, I have such a desire to keep it simple. I want to focus on the reason for the season, which is Jesus. Matter of fact, that's always my goal at this time of year. Unfortunately, I also know that as the big day approaches activity tends to escalate and it's easy to forget that Christmas isn't about putting the tree up, decorating the house, baking cookies, or buying presents. It's still about Jesus.

If you're like me, the one thing, the most precious thing, can get lost in the shuffle. It's easy to say, "Lord, I'll spend time with you just as soon as I get all these presents wrapped...as soon as I plop this turkey in the oven...as soon as I find a spare minute."

This year, though, I want to become intentional about spending quality time with the Lord throughout the Christmas season. I want to tune out the temporal and focus on God's eternal gift of life through Jesus Christ. In that spirit, I'm going to post a Christmas devotion every day during the holiday season. This will keep me in the word and it will help those of you who might need a little accountability to stay in the word as well.

Let's keep it simple. Let's keep it Jesus!

Pray: Father, the desire is there to celebrate you and you alone this season. Yet, you know all of the things we will face and all of the distractions that will come our way. Help us to choose the best thing, to sit at Jesus' feet no matter what.

Ponder: Every time you see a nativity scene take a moment to re-focus your heart and your mind on that little baby in the manger.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 11:39-42

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace.

Pace Yourself

2008-11-13T07:00:00.009-05:00

My life is crazy right now. I'm editing a curriculum, planning the filming of a DVD, and trying to do all the other normal stuff of life. Oh yeah, and the holidays are coming. It's awfully easy to get overwhelmed to the point of tears. Not that my little over-achiever self ever does that, I'm just saying...

Yesterday during a mild crisis my son reminded me of our trek up the mountain this weekend. My big, strong, 16 year old boy was in the lead and I was trying desperately to keep his pace. Only it wasn't working. My heart rate must have been over 200, I was gasping for air and staggering from lack of oxygen. I kept saying, "Slow down, I can't keep up this pace." Every few yards found me leaning on a tree, sitting on a rock, or trying desperately to catch my breath. His pace wasn't working for me, but I kept trying to climb at his pace anyway.

Isn't that a lot like life? We try to keep pace with everyone around us without taking into account our differences, our weaknesses, our gifts and callings, or our stage of life. But God has a unique pace for each of us to run our race. It's a pace that is meant just for us, one the keeps us healthy and happy, not stressed and overloaded.

What do we do, though, when we feel overwhelmed and out of sync with our pace. We do what I did on my mountain climb.

Stop- Cease action. Take a moment or a day or a week to regroup. I did this recently and guess what. The world didn't stop spinning and everybody survived without my input for a day or two.

Breathe- It's God that gives us the breath of life. When life is too hectic we need to breathe deeply of God and make sure that we are spending time inhaling his life giving presence.

Lean- We need to lean on the Lord, not our own strength. It's time to acknowlege our great need for Him and trust Him to support us and strengthen us.

Sit on the rock- You've heard of standing on the rock. How about sitting on our rock? Jesus is our rock and we need to make sure that we are standing/sitting on His promises, keeping the word of God strong in our hearts, minds, and lives.

Rest- Give all of our troubles and trials to God and rest in Him. Even in the middle of a long uphill climb we need times of rest and refreshing. Just when we think we've turned all of our troubles over to God, another set crops us. We need to be vigilent to pray and not worry, resting in God's tender care.

Slow down- God is never frantic or hectic and we don't have to be either. It's okay to say "no". It's okay to say, "not right now". It's okay to slow down for no other reason than "we" need to for our own health and sanity. Life is a marathon, not a sprint.

Move at your own pace- It's not about what everyone else is doing or even what everyone else wants us to do. It's about moving at a healthy, God-given pace. We don't have the anointing to move at someone else's pace, but we surely have the anointing to move at the pace God sets for us individually.

When I was in school I was terrible at running races because I can't sprint to save my soul. Yet, I could run longer distances that required a steady pace, not a race horse stride. I believe that physical element transfers to other areas of my life. I'm not a race horse, even though I'd like to be. But I can go the distance. That's how God made me.

Today let's remember to pace ourselves and to enjoy this life God has given us. Let's receive his easy yoke and light burden rather than running at the world's rat race pace.

Take a Hike!

2008-11-09T18:04:00.014-05:00

We have a new family activity that we "enjoy" on Sunday afternoons. We go hiking at Crowder's Mountain. Today was our second time.

Did I mention that one of us is really out of shape?

And doesn't like heights.

One of us was also perfectly happy to take the easy little Fern Trail, but nooooo. Everyone else insisted that we hike up Pinnacle Trail.

Pinnacle? Pinnacle? What's a pinnacle? That's what I was thinking all the way up.

It must mean killer cardio workout all the way up and jelly legs on the way down.

Tree hugger! One in every crowd!

Yikes! Does that sign say something about death?????

Thank goodness I had my strong, brave daughter so she could run off and leave me.

Whew! The end of the trail! 1.7 miles straight up! I found this tree to collapse on. Just a few more rocks to scale and we'll be at that pinnacle thingy.

The view from 1705 feet:
Don't let anybody fool you. It's crowded at the top. Apparently, everyone had the same idea today.

I might have enjoyed the view a whole lot more if people weren't letting their preschoolers explore the pinnacle WITHOUT AN ADULT BESIDE THEM! The parents didn't seem to mind, but I was frantic.

Of course, no challenge is complete without a treat at the end. You didn't think I did this for nothing did you? I can't think of anything better than looking out over the autumn colors of the county on a crisp, sunny afternoon while munching on a doughnut or six. I figure I burned a million calories on the way up that mountain anyway.

The Healing of a Guilt Trip

2008-11-07T05:33:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had one of those days when you feel like you can't do anything right and guilt takes over your mind? Yesterday was that way for me.

It started at co-op. I taught my writing class which is usually a lot of fun. Yesterday I might as well have been teaching a stone wall. I left that class thinking, "Bad teacher, bad, bad writing teacher!"

Another "issue" occurred later at co-op that left me thinking, "Lazy, no good, can't-do-it-right, can't-get-your-act-together homeschooling mom!"

When I got home I was exhausted, partially from my mental beating and partially from the fact that I've had insomnia for five weeks running and haven't had a good night's sleep since...I can't remember when. Even though my kitchen still had dirty dishes from the morning in the sink and generally looked like a wreck, as did the rest of the house, I sat down at the computer to divulge in mind-numbing, unproductive activity.

My husband came home early and asked what was for supper. Suddenly, I remembered that I hadn't thawed a thing. Usually on co-op days I fill a crockpot, but I hadn't done that either. Bad, bad wife and mother!

Since we were all starving, we decided to go to Cracker Barrel which was definitely not in our budget, but it just needed to happen. All the way there I was thinking, "Bad, bad homemaker! Bad, bad budget buster! Why can't you get your act together?"

But when we got to Cracker Barrel something happened that eased my guilt tremendously. We had an awesome waitress. She sang, ya'll! Really. We sang our orders back to her. The whole restaurant was laughing. Then she informed me that if I bought anything in the store I could get it for 45% off by telling them that she was my waitress.

This is so cool because I'd been in Cracker Barrel about a week ago admiring a certain something that a friend of mine has wanted for a very long time. I decided that I wanted to give it to her for Christmas and I prayed that somehow the price would go down so it would fit in my budget, but I knew that this particular item had never gone on sale. Last night I bought it for almost half price!

I realized that if all of the forgetting of supper and such hadn't ensued we would never have ended up at Cracker Barrel with that waitress on the right day and the right time for me to get that particular item at that special price. Could it be that maybe, just maybe, God had a hand in all this and I wasn't such a washout after all?

I'd love to tell you that all of my guilty feelings about everything departed after the Cracker Barrel incident. They didn't. But today is a new day and I'm making a choice to let go of those ugly thoughts and believe what God says about me. What about you? Do you ever feel guilty or like you don't measure up? Let's determine together today to believe the truth and not the accuser's lies.

Change

2008-11-05T06:44:00.002-05:00

Today is my spiritual birthday. I gave my heart to Jesus 28 years ago. The work He has done in me is similar to the glorious change we see in autumn trees.

The greatest changes don't occur in politics. They happen in the hearts of men.

Thank you, Lord, for changing me. Please change the heart of this nation and turn it back to you.

Election Day

2008-11-04T07:27:00.003-05:00

It's election day! Do you know what that means? The days of detestable mudslinging campaign ads come to an end! Hallelujah!

This morning I was reading in first and second Peter and noticed that Peter has quite a lot to say about our words. I thought as we turn over this leaf and elect a new president, some of us will rejoice and some will cringe, but it's a really good time for all of us, and hopefully all politicians, to stop the abusive language and really think about what we say. More importantly, let's see what God says:

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander of every kind. I Peter 2:1

For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. I Peter 2:15

Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives when they see the purity and reverance of your lives. I Peter 3:1-2

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. I Peter 3:9

For, whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. I Peter 3:10

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. I Peter 3:15-16

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God... I Peter 4:11

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. I Peter 4:14

This is especially true of of those who follow the corrupt desirre of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. II Peter 2:10-12

These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity- for a man is a slave to whtaever has mastered him. II Peter 2:17-19

I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. II Peter 3:2

First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creativon." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. II Peter 3:3-7

Lord, forgive us for the times we use our words to speak wrongly. Help us to use the wonderful gift of speech and communication that you've given us to encourage one another and to glorify you. In future elections, I pray that our politicians will be real leaders and choose to take the high road, refusing to slander during their campaigns. Help us all to remember the many eyes and ears, especially the little ones, that are watching, listening, learning and imitating us in what we say and do. Help us to be godly examples for them.

A Call to Fast and Pray

2008-11-02T15:43:00.005-05:00

As we approach election day I want to issue an invitation to anyone who would like to fast and pray with me. Fasting doesn't necessarily mean going without food, it can mean giving up anything that you normally do and for however long you want to do it. Right now I'm hungry so I had to throw in that little blurb because going without food doesn't sound as good as it did this morning after breakfast.

A few weeks ago I tuned out of the news and all the election coverage. Up to that point I was obsessed with it and had truly started believing that the world was coming to an end if a certain candidate won. Once I tuned out of the world's view and got into God's word, peace and calm returned and I remembered that God is still God no matter what happens.

Last week I waited two and a half hours in line to vote early. I forgot to bring anything to do because I really wasn't expecting to be there that long. Instead I talked the ears off of the people around me and probed into their life stories. After watching all the media coverage I was expecting hatred, maybe even riots, to be the tone of the voting lines. After all, weren't the opposing sides mortal enemies? I was pleasantly surprised to find that the line was full of people, ordinary people, just like me. We were even cordial and polite and nobody wanted to kill each other. Frankly, I think the people in my voting line would have made better candidates for political office than those that are currently running. Somehow standing in those lines with voters from both sides of the tracks gave me hope.

Still I know the importance of this election and the ramifications for not only us, but for our descendants as well. So, I'm asking that we pray and fast and humble ourselves before God. I, for one, still want a nation based on the same faith of our founding fathers. I believe we've gotten off track as a nation. The situation in our economy isn't the big issue, it's only a symptom of a root issue, which is a nation that has turned away from God. My number one prayer is that the people of this great nation would humble ourselves and return to our God. That will bring real change of the best and lasting kind.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness wil go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. Isaiah 58:6-9

A Funny about Judgement House

2008-10-31T07:00:00.004-04:00

In a prior post I talked about our experience at Judgement House. I have to share a funny about it.

On the way home my son said, "You know it was pretty amazing when we visited hell. Did you notice that every demon had a deep southern accent?"

We laughed and talked about how our northern relatives would wag their fingers in our face and say, "I told you so!"

Then my son said, "I guess that proves it. The devil went down to Georgia."

(If you don't get it, don't worry about it. You probably don't listen to non-christian songs. LOL!)

Unchanged

2008-10-27T08:37:00.004-04:00

The buzz word for this election seems to be "change". I like change- sometimes. It can be a good thing, provided it's healthy, godly change that leads us closer to God and not further away. However, I don't think that every single thing in life, or in this nation, needs to change to make things better. In fact, in the midst of changes we also need something firm and settled to hang on to, a foundation. That foundation is the Lord.

Regardless of who gets elected or what changes are wrought, certain things will never change and in this time of national chaos it's good to meditate on those things.

God never changes. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

God is still on the throne. Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. Psalm 45:6 No matter who gets elected, that person will have very limited power compared to the almighty greatness and power of our God. He won't be dethroned by any politician.

God's word is true. All your words are true; all your righteous law are eternal. Psalm 119:160 Politicians say a lot of things, which may or may not be true, but God's word is always true.

God's word will never pass away. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Matthew 24:35 Men can do anything they want to destroy, nullify, or restrain the word of God. Wasted effort. God's word isn't going anywhere.

God will do what He promised to do. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Matthew 5:18 Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. Joshua 23:45 Regardless of the political climate or any changes that may come to our country, we can still hold on to God's promises. By faith, they will come to pass in our lives. God's promises fulfilled- now that's what I call good change! Isn't it great to know that God doesn't just make a bunch of promises, He actually fulfills them too?

Nothing can separate us from God's love. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 We have His love forever!

Our future is secure. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 For the Christian, a person who has invited Jesus into their heart to be Lord of their life, the future looks really bright. Whatever this world holds or whatever course our nation takes, we know this isn't our home and we have better things ahead. The present might feel shaky, the future is most definitely not.

We win. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Revelation 21: 3-5 I cheated and read ahead to the end of the book. We win. And that's not going to change!

Signs of Hope

2008-10-25T08:14:00.003-04:00

My pastor is doing a sermon series on the signs of hope. He's also posting signs of hope on his blog. With all the economy and election chaos, sharing signs of hope is so important. So I have a big one to share today.

Two years ago my friend's six year old son, John, was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma cancer. The prognosis was not good.

His parents prayed and asked God to lead them and show them what to do and God was so faithful to do just that. They found a hospital in New York City that specializes in neuroblastoma and John has been traveling back and forth for treatments ever since. The challenges were many, but God was always faithful.

A few months ago John became 100% cancer free!!! Some might call that remission. I call it healed!

His family now attends our homeschool co-op and I'm the assistant in two of John's classes. Every Thursday for two hours I see this perfectly healthy little boy play and learn and interact with his peers and testify to the fact that he once was sick, but now he's well.

Isn't it wonderful that God took a situation that could have cost John his life and turned it around so that now he's full of life and spreads hope wherever he goes? Every time I see John my hope is refueled.

A Picture of Self Control

2008-10-22T10:08:00.003-04:00

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. I Peter 5:8

A new dog moved into the neighborhood, another huge German Shepherd. At first I was wary of him because he didn't wag his tail and he looked so menacing, but I've since come to really like him. I think he was a former K-9 dog or a seeing eye dog because he is so well trained and obedient. The other day I passed within a few feet of him and he didn't flinch. He just sat there alert and aware. I have no doubts that he would handle danger if he sensed it, but he's been so well trained that he knows better than to even interact with a passerby.

This is so different from the German Shepherd that used to live next door. He had no self-control whatsoever. He had a big fenced in backyard, the biggest in the neighborhood, but he was forever watching us and longing to be in our yard. As soon as he figured out how to do it, he started jumping the fence on a regular basis and destroying everything in our yard. He knew nothing about boundaries or personal space and he would bound at me with his massive body, knocking me to the ground. Many was the time that he ran away from home, chased people down the street, and got put in the doggie juvenile hall. He was loving, but totally out of control.

When he was young we suggested obedience school might be a good option for him since fences, electric fences, and stakes in the ground were no obstacles to him. Instead his owners let him continue his unruly behavior and finally built a chain link fenced area that was too high for him to jump and secured to concrete so he couldn't go under. No problem. He ate through the fence, jumped out of the yard, and this time no one came to his rescue except the animal control truck. The free life in the big backyard was over for him.

Too often we look at self-control and discipline as a prison robbing us of the fun in life. But in reality, it's freeing. Think about that new dog. He gets to sit in his yard without restraints because he can be trusted to do the right thing. His owners know he won't bother anyone and he won't get himself in trouble. He's free to do as he pleases because he seeks to please those over him more than he seeks to fulfill his own desires.

Buddy, on the other hand, lived for his own pleasures. He saw no value in self-control and he certainly saw no danger in living without it. Yet, little by little his freedoms were removed and finally he lost the good life because of his own lack of self-control and discipline.

I won't tell you which dog I feel more like, but the fact that the Lord gave me this analogy might be a clue.

The Lord of Our Money

2008-10-10T07:00:00.002-04:00

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. I Timothy 6:17

Wealth and the economy of this nation are so uncertain, God is not.

God is our provider and He doesn't just do an adequate job. He richly provides for us so we can enjoy the provision. Our hope is in Him, not our financial state.

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matthew 6:24

I've studied Baal worship pretty extensively and have known for a long time that our country is in full blown Baal worship. Sexual immorality, abortion, selfishness, rebellion, child abuse, materialism, forsaking Biblical principles, calling evil good- these are all classic symptoms of Baal worship. But the biggest factor that clues me in to the Baal worship in America is the fact that God has ceased to be the the Lord and guiding factor of everyday life and is only allowed to be part of American life during a crisis. This is the absolute hallmark of Baal worship.

The Israelites of Bible times were fence riders. They knew better than to completely do away with God, but they also didn't want Him meddling in their day to day affairs. In other words, they wanted to sin as much as they desired, but still expected God to show up in times of trouble. Sorry, Charlie, it doesn't work that way. It didn't for them and it doesn't for America today.

What's happening in this nation today is that the lowercase gods are toppling so the one true God can stand strong and true.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. I Peter 3:15

We have hope! Did you get that? In the middle of an economic disaster, we still have hope! And with hope comes joy, a joy that others will see and not understand. So they will ask questions and we will have more opportunities than we ever imagined to share the gospel of the one true God with them. Sounds like a revival to me!

My husband tells me daily of opportunities he's had on the job to share his reason for hope with others. He's in the insurance business and we live in the second largest banking captial of the U.S. If you don't think we've been touched by this money mess, you're wrong. Yet, God still provides and we have the chance to tell others about His wonderful greatness.

Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5

Maybe it's time to turn off the news reports and turn on the word of God. The news would have us believe that disaster is imminent. God's word plays a different tune for believers. This isn't the end of the world, it's just a fabulous opportunity for our faith to grow and a time when God can and will show Himself completely faithful.

When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:13-14

These verses talk about God's people. The world can do what it wants to do, but if God's people will repent and get right with God, He'll turn the whole nation around. That's the answer for our country. Christians need to get on our faces before the real GOD and stop running after everything that isn't god.

Workout Wednesday

2008-10-08T07:00:00.001-04:00

Nothing says great workout like snoozing in Dad's gym bag.

A Picture of God's Provision

2008-10-03T08:00:00.003-04:00

As I mentioned about a week ago, gas is hard to come by around here. However, not one time have I had to wait in a line or run out of gas. That's because my husband makes sure my tank never hits empty.

When the gas shortage began my husband said, "I don't want you to ever worry about gas. I will always make sure you have some in your van."

Every time I go out to my van it has gas. I don't always know when or where he gets it, but I never have to concern myself with it. When I see the lines at stations or watch the news I realize what a wonderful blessing that is! I even heard of guns being pulled at some of these stations, but I've not had to think about any of that stuff. I've been able to continue on my merry way.

God works with him too. Last weekend he went out to a store and noticed that the gas station had gas and no line. He quickly scooted over to get some. A couple of hours later we passed that same station and the yellow tape was all around the pumps. They were empty.

The other morning I was coming home from the chiropractor and he phoned to tell me that a particular station had gas and I was to meet him there. When I got there they had no lines and my husband saw me pulling in so he went and stood at a pump so I could get a spot- brave man!

As I think about my husband's provision it reminds me of God providing for His people. In these troubled times I've not had to worry about gas. As my husband stated, "I will always make sure you have some...", I've never done without.

Isn't that what God says to us? "I'll take care of you. Don't worry what happens in the world. I'll make sure you have what you need. Continue on your merry way doing my will and I'll continue to handle your provision."

Today if you're facing something bigger than you, let go. Give it to God and let Him provide what you need and handle all the details. You don't need to worry. Really.

The Wall

2008-10-02T08:00:00.002-04:00

My cousin, Teresa, and her husband, James (see previous post), have always gone out of their way to make their home an enjoyable place for their kids. When the boys were really young they took a piano box, painted bricks on the outside of it, and gave them a two room "house" for their playroom.

When they were elementary age, they had all sorts of animals around. I remember tadpoles on the living room table and an iguana on the landing of the stairs to name a few. Their whole house was like a series of little science stations.

As the boys became teens they turned the basement into a teenage hangout with ping pong, pool table, punching bag, and all the usual technology that teens love. One thing in the hangout is particularly interesting and I wanted to share it because I think it's such a splendid idea. It's called "The Wall".

In actuality, it's more than one wall in the basement made from cinder blocks. They painted the wall white and invited everyone who visited to sign it or leave their mark in some way. This is the result:

Notice the hippies? That's James and Teresa in their dating days in the late '70s.

Isn't that wall the coolest thing? It's a big hit with teens and a great memory maker and conversation stimulator for her boys.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

2008-09-27T09:22:00.004-04:00

Has anyone noticed that the world is falling apart?

I got a good dose of chaos yesterday. I went to Walmart to pick up some things and Walmart had gasoline. If you don't live in the south you might not understand how significant it is that someone has gasoline. We have NONE around here. I passed at least four gas stations on the way to Walmart that had bags over their pumps.

The line was so long that people probably ran out of gas before they could get near a pump. I could barely get in the parking lot because of the traffic. I learned from a Walmart employee that when gas tankers arrive at gas stations these days they are under police guard.

Just before I arrived at Walmart, a bank robbery had occurred and a police chase ensued. The robbers crashed on the highway and fled the car. At least twenty police cars and numerous policemen with automatic weapons lined the highway and others with K-9 units were scouring the nearby areas looking for the suspects. They eventually found them right near my friend Patti's 92 year old aunt's house. Chaos!

Then we have a presidential campaign that could save or destroy America.

And don't forget the economy is collapsing too.

And we're still at war. I know because a dear friend's son is deploying to Iraq in a few months.

If we look at the world around us, it's a pretty bleak picture.

But....

When we focus our eyes where they are supposed to be focused- on Jesus- everything looks completely different. God has peace. He has provision. He isn't the least bit moved by any of the world's chaos. He's still God and He's still on the throne. That isn't going to change- ever.

I thought today might be a good time to post the words of a favorite hymn as a reminder to turn our eyes back to Jesus:

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting He passed,
and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

This is not a moment to panic, it's a time to shine. As we turn our faces to the Lord we reflect the light of His glory to a world without hope. As the world gets darker (and it will), the light shines brighter and people will be drawn to that light. This is our moment to offer hope to a world that has none.

That's My Boy!

2008-09-26T08:24:00.007-04:00

WARNING: Proud mother bragging ahead.

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you're just "on"? That has been the kind of week my son has had.

First, he auditioned for the youth group worship team on Wednesday and made it. I've always loved to hear him sing, but it took some coaxing from teenage girls to make him realize that maybe he would like to be on the worship team. Mother just doesn't hold the sway that she used to.

Yesterday in Geography class at co-op he won almost every game they played and came home with way too much prize candy. This doesn't surprise me as he's always been tops in Geography.

Last night he had a baseball game. I didn't go at first because my husband said it was chilly, very windy, and light sprinkles were falling. I don't handle sitting out in that type of weather very well. But then my husband called to say that my son had hit his first homerun! It was a three run homerun which means two guys were on base when he hit it and they all came home.

It made me so mad that I'd missed my son's only homerun. I threw off my jammies that I had already gotten comfortable in, threw on layers of warm clothes, and headed for the ball field a mile away.

A few innings later #12 stepped up to bat with the bases loaded.

The ball left the pitcher's hand.

#12's bat connected with it- hard!

The ball soared...and soared...and soared...right out of the ballpark.

GRAND SLAM!!!!!!

I'm not usually a loud person at ball games, but at that moment blankets and sunflower seeds went flying and I was happy dancing and shouting all over the bleachers.

The coach looked at us and said, "What did you feed that boy today?"

Altogether, my son batted in 7 runs, plus he hit and ran the bases once himself for another run, and he caught the ball that created the out that ended the game. He single-handedly batted in more runs than the entire other team scored altogether. Woo Hoo!

Last night as we were getting ready for bed I was questioning him about how many runs he had actually batted in and he said, "These are the stats, Mom, so you can get it right on your blog."

He knows me so well.

The Perfect Onion

2008-09-23T10:17:00.004-04:00

Do you see this onion?

I don't know if you can tell by the picture, but this onion is nearly perfect. It's round and the skin is shiny and without blemish. It doesn't have bad spots on it. In fact, I've never seen a more perfect onion in all my 44 years of living.

Why am I taking time to point out this perfect onion from my pantry? Because it is so perfect that I didn't use it in my omelette this morning. Instead, I opted for a regular old imperfect onion, that tasted just fine. This one was simply too perfect to cut.

The moral of the story is this: So often in life we strive for perfection (at least if you're a perfectionist like me!). We think that if we can only obtain absolute perfection we will somehow be good enough, we'll be someone God can use, we'll finally be satisfied...if only we can obtain perfection. Yet, we can't. All of our striving only brings more of our imperfections to the surface.

But the reality is that God doesn't require perfection. He uses regular old flawed people like me and you to do just about everything that gets done on this earth. Our only perfection is found in Christ, but we all still live in an old oniony flesh that is flawed and sometimes stinks and sometimes makes people cry. But that same oniony flesh, when subjected to the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God, can be sliced and chopped in such a way that the goodness (Jesus) inside us comes out and adds flavor and zest to our lives and the lives of others.

Our ability to be used by God has nothing to do with perfection. Find one person in the Bible, other than Jesus, that was perfect. You won't find a single one. Yet, God used those people in tremendous ways and He'll do the same for us. It's not about perfection, it's about yielding to God and His word. That's what makes us usable. That's what brings satisfaction. That's what it's all about.

Entangled

2008-09-20T08:00:00.002-04:00

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

A spider the size of Texas lives somewhere in my backyard. I see its long silvery strands everywhere. They reach from the trees in my yard all the way to the back deck (no small distance) and over to my square foot gardens. The size and strength of those strands have made me realize that I'm not sure I ever care to meet this spider!

One morning this week I went out to pick tomatoes and got entangled in web threads that I didn't see. They were everywhere, wrapping around my arms and my hair and I was waving and batting trying to break free and expecting a giant Tarantula to dart out ready to suck the blood right out of me.

That same morning I emptied the clothes from the dryer and found that one of hubby's dress socks had unwound into a mass of string that caused havoc among the clothes. My son's work uniforms were all tied up in knots. Strings were on the other clothes. It was a bit of a mess.

As I thought about these two incidents I realized how easy it is to get entangled in the things of this world. We go on our merry way serving the Lord and suddenly we're caught up in things we never intended and they steal our focus. That's what happened to me when I went to pick tomatoes. My mind was focused on my garden, but as soon as I felt the spider's web I was consumed with getting it off of me and tearing down all the other strands I could find in the yard. Tomatoes? What tomatoes?

Notice that the scripture in Hebrews says it's "the sin that so easily entangles". We all have those things that we fall prey to far too easily. It's different for each of us too. You might find yourself easily entangled in something that wouldn't even tempt me and vice versa.

The cool thing is that we don't have to become entangled. Hebrews 12:2 offers the antidote to entanglement: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith... Remember Peter? When he walked on the water he did fine as long as he kept his eyes on the Lord, but as soon as he looked at the storm and his surroundings he started sinking.

We can't focus on two things at once. Let's focus on Jesus.

My Assistant

2008-09-19T08:00:00.006-04:00

I've been longing for an assistant to help me and now I have one.

Meet

My

New

Assistant

He jumps right in the middle of everything and offers to help. In this picture he's helping me write my next curriculum.

This is us working hard (or hardly working).

Sometimes we really have to put our heads together and come up with new ideas.

He's really affectionate and loving too, always available to lift my spirits when I need it.

As you can see, I get so much more accomplished with him around.

A Filthy Post

2008-09-18T08:00:00.002-04:00

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart, his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45

Monday morning I was on my way to the chiropractor when I encountered a disgusting sight. A garbage truck threw up (for lack of a better word) most of it's contents onto the road. Apparently, it has just happened because the lone driver was doing his best to direct traffic around the area.

Oh, the adjectives I could use to describe what I saw! Gross! Disgusting! Repugnant! Sickening! Nasty! Get the picture? It was one giant mess of pure filth.

My first thought was, "Who on earth cleans up messes like this?" And my second thought was relief that it wasn't me!

As I was thinking about the mess it occurred to me that our words can be just like that garbage. Our heart fills up with criticism, bitterness, judgment, unforgiveness, anger, mean stuff and suddenly something triggers it and we send it all spewing out our mouths creating one big disgusting mess.

The trouble is that it doesn't just affect us. Once that filth is out it gets on everybody else. It creates a situation that needs to be cleaned up, just like the sanitation workers I saw cleaning up on my way back from my appointment. We can't just shove it all back inside us. Once it's out there, the damage is done. We've created a stink!

And it all goes back to what we are allowing to fill our hearts. Garbage in, garbage out, as I so literally saw expressed. Proverbs 4:23 says it so beautifully: Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Boundaries

2008-09-13T09:14:00.004-04:00

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and care for it. Genesis 2:15

I've probably talked about boundaries on this blog before, but I'd like to revisit the topic again especially since it's been something I've had to address multiple times this week.

Lately, I've experienced a personal revival in my relationship with the Lord and it simply stems from earnestly seeking to do what He wants me to do with my life and my time. This is an area that I've struggled with and with God's help, I've been able to make headway. And it feels good. It feels really good.

But it hasn't been without challenges. I've found that when we set boundaries, or God sets them for us as He did with Adam, they will be challenged. For me, the area that I seem to be challenged in most concerns writing and teaching writing. I get a lot of requests to teach here, there, and everywhere, to tutor, to consult, to write books on certain topics, to increase the size of my writing class or teach more of them, to write books on a particular subject, to develop seminars, to teach in foreign countries etc... I also get a lot of folks wanting to "hook me up" with various projects or publishers. Being that I'm absolutely passionate about writing, most of these requests are very alluring. But they aren't all God's will. In fact, most are not.

I'm sure most of you can relate in some way. You can only do so much, yet well-meaning people are constantly asking you to do more. The answer, of course, is to say a simple, "No." Yet, we all know that saying "No" is rarely as simple as just doing it because that word doesn't always meet with a favorable reaction from others and we might feel guilty or confused or whatever. So how do we stick within our God-given boundaries?

First, we have to get with God and discover where our boundary lines fall. It's hard to stay within parameters if you haven't a clue where those parameters lie.

We also need to understand that God gives us boundaries for our protection and our good. Notice how he put Adam in the world, but He didn't give him the overwhelming task of tending to the whole earth. He provided a garden, something manageable that Adam could actually take care of without getting stressed out and exhausted.

Along with seeing boundaries as a good thing, we need to understand that when we step (or live) beyond or outside those boundaries we also step outside God's will for us. We might survive, but it won't be the best.

Accountability is so important too. I know in my own life my husband always lets me know if he feels I'm overextended or if it's time to say "No" to something or someone. When I start losing steam, he starts hunting down the reason for it.

As I've blogged about before, saying "Yes" to one thing always means saying "No" to something else so before we give a "Yes" we need to determine what we will be saying "No" to and whether or not it's worth it.

One other thing to remember is that boundary lines aren't always set in stone. Some are rigid. For example, I only have one husband and won't be venturing outside of marriage to find another. But some parameters are flexible or changing. For instance, recently I deleted some things from my life and schedule, but I also added a couple of things that are very important for this seaon such as a Bible Study on prayer that my pastor's wife is leading and my own personal study of a particular Bible topic at home. Because some boundaries change, it makes it all the more important to maintain our personal relationship with the Lord so we can receive notification from Him when it's time for a change.

While I've dealt primarily with time constraints in this post, boundaries fall in other places too such as relationships, behavior, possessions etc... In some cases it just boils down to good old self-control.

Boundaries are not a prison. The world will tell you that they are and that you need to be "free", but there is no freedom apart from Christ. True freedom is found when we've hit the bullseye of God's will for our lives.

This week if your boundaries are challenged, and they probably will be since you read this post, stick to your guns. In doing so, you will stay in God's will and you will set an example for others, one that unfortunately is rarely seen anymore. A simple, polite "No" can be a wonderful word.

Self-Conscious

2008-09-12T05:35:00.002-04:00

When did the consciousness of self enter the picture of mankind?

Way back in the Garden of Eden before the fall we see man focusing on God, the garden, one another, the animals, the mission God gave them to do. We don't see a record of either one focusing on self. In fact, they were both naked and felt no shame. God even had to decide for Adam that it wasn't good for him to be alone. It was all good.

Then along came a snake. Immediately, he gets the woman to focus on him (Isn't that usually the case with women and snakes?!). He does this by asking her to clear up a misconception. Paraphrased it goes like this, "Eve, I heard this awful rumor that God won't allow you and Adam to eat from any of the trees in the garden!" Naturally, she wants to clear up the issue, but in doing so her focus shifts to the devil. She also reveals to him her knowledge of the word of God- they could eat from all the trees except one. Unfortunately, she also reveals what she actually believes in her heart- they shouldn't touch the tree either. This gives him ammunition for taking her to the next level.

Next he gets her to focus on the tree, the one thing she can't have. God said in Genesis 2:16: You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die. God's terminology lets her know that she has a tremendous amount of freedom and food variety. He's only denying her one thing and it's because He's protecting her from harm. The enemy takes those words and focuses on the negative part of God's words "you must not". He makes it seem as though God is denying her something, not protecting her. Now she wants to taste the fruit all the more because God is keeping something from her.

Finally, she eats of the tree, as does Adam. The immediate result is that they become conscious of self. They realize they are naked and a new word enters their vocabulary- "I". I heard you, I was afraid, I was naked, I hid. Suddenly, not only are they conscious of self, but all of life becomes about self preservation.

It changes everything. They relate differently to themselves. They see everything wrong about themselves now. It's interesting that God points out to us that they were naked before the fall and it was no big deal. Now it's a great big deal! "Others will see me as I really am! Have mercy! I have to become defensive and protective and guarded. I have to take care of myself."

It changes the way they relate to God. Instead of the loving, open relationship they once had, it's all about fear. "Let's get away from Him. We sinned. He won't like us. He might hurt us. Let's hide." Yet, all the while God is searching for them and when He finds them He lovingly provides for their needs. His love hasn't changed, only their perception of Him has changed.

It changes the way they relate to one another. Now it's the blame game. "It couldn't possibly be my fault so it must be someone else's. I'll shine the spotlight on someone else to preserve myself. Let's point out someone else's flaws so I'll look okay." Not only do they focus on their own flaws, but they feel free to focus on everyone else's too. They see the ugly in one another that they were oblivious to before.

That was then, this is now. We can see the total destruction that results from self consciousness, the way it seperates us from God and changes everything about how we think and live. But how do we deal with it?

Enter Jesus.

He restores everything. I love what Ephesians 3:12 says: In him and through faith in him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Jesus restores that right relationship with God and with self. Suddenly, it's not all about us anymore. It's about Him! We are free to focus on God again and forget about self. Like Adam and Eve's nakedness, we know we're not all that and without God we are nothing. No big deal. It's all good again.

Father, help us to forget about ourselves and be all about you. Thank you, Jesus, for restoring us to a place of freedom and confidence before God.

TLC Writing Class Assignment

2008-09-10T08:00:00.004-04:00

If you are one of my Teen Learning Center writing students you are in the right place. View the following presentation and complete your assignment per the instructions on your homework sheet. Contact me if you have any questions.

If you are not one of my writing students I highly encourage you to watch this clip anyway. It's powerful! You may have seen it making it's way around blogs, but if you haven't seen it take a few minutes to watch it. You won't be sorry.

Fruitfulness

2008-09-09T08:00:00.001-04:00

What does fruitfulness look like? I imagine it looks a lot like my square foot gardens.

Last week I ventured out to my garden. Yes, I went back out even after the snake incident.

I looked at my tomato and pepper plants. I guess no one informed them that the summer growing/harvest season is just about over. They look a bit scraggly, but production is still high. In fact, I counted over 170 tomatoes, not counting the 50 or so that I had in a bag ready for hubby to distribute at work. I only have six plants and one is a grape tomato plant that went wild and produces incredible amounts of tomatoes. Let's just say all the neighbors run and hide now when they see me coming with a bag.

I planted them way back in the spring and was harvesting tomatoes by mid to late May. That means that these plants have been prolifically producing for nearly four months and show no signs of stopping. They outlived my writing spider, Charlotte. They made it through all the violent rains and storms of the summer. And they've nearly outlived my enthusiasm for gardening. I mean I'm glad I'm not a brown thumb anymore, but it's not like I want do this all the time either.

My garden reminds me of Psalm 92:14-15: They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming,"The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

Recently, I saw a human example of that verse as well. My neighbor, Mr.Billy, came to help me with a project in my office. Mr. Billy is in his 70s, but he's the hardest working man you'll ever meet. Not long ago he gave me a large paper sorter, about 3' by 4' for my office. We won't discuss how much time it took me to decide if I wanted it and how many times he took it up and down from it's high corner in his shed over the last few weeks. I finally decided that I did want it, but I didn't want it in plain view. I wanted it in the closet.

One problem: It won't go in the closet fully assembled. Hence, he came over to disassemble it and put it back together inside the closet, sort of like trying to fit an enormous square peg into a tiny round hole. As he worked sweat poured from his forehead and he had to take frequent rests. I verified with him that he did indeed have nitroglycerin in his pocket as he was making me a trifle nervous.

At a time when most folks are looking to retire and rest, Mr. Billy works nearly a full work week, volunteers at his church, does all the upkeep at his home, and helps poor neighbors like us when we have projects around the house that we can't master. And did I mention that he's a fairly recent widower? Yet, he's full of life and vigor, still bearing fruit.

I hope that when I get older I will be that way too. And for those of you younger folks who read this, I am not in the older age category yet. It gives me hope to think that even though our bodies may grow tired and weak, our fruitfulness doesn't have to diminish. At any age and in any circumstance we can bear fruit, and plenty of it.

Happy Labor Day!

2008-09-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

One of the things I really enjoy is discovering things in the word of God that are in opposition to what our culture teaches and then, with the Lord's help, correcting those things in my own life. Since it's Labor Day I thought we might take a look at what the world says about work and compare it with what Scripture says.

The world generally has one of two viewpoints about work. Either they think work is a dreaded evil, something to be avoided if at all possible or they think you should enslave yourself to it and work all the time so you can be wealthy. Neither of these viewpoints is founded in the word of God.

First, let's look at the point of view that says work is something to avoid if you can possibly get away with it. I understand that work can be tiring and sometimes we are all ready to say, "TGIF!" But work isn't a curse. In fact, work was instituted way back in the garden of Eden before the fall of man. God gave Adam the job of tending the garden. Evidently, even in a sinless world, we need something productive to do.

Honestly, that's a relief to me. When I see pictures of people sitting around on white fluffy clouds strumming harps in heaven, it makes me nervous. Can we say BORING? I can't hardly sit around at the beach for a week or sit still through a movie. I need something to do. Let me go create a world or something, but please don't make me sit idle on a cloud!

Work is good. It's what enables us to take care of our families and make worthwhile contributions to life on this earth. It makes us feel useful and keeps us out of trouble. Yes, work is good. But too much work is bad.

Some people think we need to all be workaholics and stress ourselves out to climb the company ladder, to achieve success in life, to build a big fat bank account. If we're stay-at-home moms we may feel pressure to keep a perfect house, raise perfect children, and never stop till we drop. This isn't God's way either.

Why do you think God instituted a Sabbath in the old covenant and even before it? Why do you think he scolded Martha when she was scurrying about ignoring His presence? What about when Jesus called his disciples away to rest or when He rested Himself? If anybody had a big job to do it was Jesus, yet he took time to slow down, to rest, to spend time with God. Even when God finished all of His creating in Genesis He stopped and rested. If the God of the universe can take time off, surely we can do the same.

Before ending this post I want to think for a minute about why these viewpoints are prevalent. Why do people view work as a hardship? My theory is that they aren't doing what they love or what they are designed to do. Granted, we may all go through jobs that we don't particularly like, even under God's leading, but God has created each of us to do something and when we are doing it we find joy in it. It's not drudgey. It doesn't even feel like work most of the time. Every aspect of the job might not be wonderful, but as a whole it's something we're glad we're doing. Like I tell my kids, "Find what God designed you to do and do it with all your might!

Another reason folks don't want to work is due to a poverty mentalilty that says, "The world owes me something." Sorry, Charlie, the world doesn't owe you anything. In fact, you came into this world with a big debt to pay and, thankfully, Jesus took care of it. You were in the red, not in the black, when you arrived on earth.

Why do people become workaholics? I can think of three reasons off the top of my head. They aren't trusting God to be their source, but are relying on their own strengths and abilities. They're missing something in their lives, probably intimacy with God, and they look to work to fill the void. They have gotten caught up in a spirit of greed and are never content with what they have. Naturally, practical things enter in too like becoming a single parent or getting head over heels in debt, but I'm talking about people that are workaholics without a pressing need involved.

Now that we've talked about work, I want to wish you a Happy Labor Day, and I hope you have the day off!

In All Things By Prayer

2008-08-31T08:00:00.005-04:00

Yesterday as I was sitting in the Wal-mart parking lot (such an inspirational place) I was enlightened. I realized that I need to pray about more parts of my life. Mind you, I'm a praying kind of girl, but as I thought about some things I realized that there are parts of my life and my family's life that I never pray about at all. I hit the big stuff, but God really wants to be part of everything we do and He wants to be consulted about everything we do. I like how Proverbs 3:5-6 puts it: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Lately I think I've been leaning a little heavy on my own understanding. Whether it be because I don't want to bother God with the trivial things that I think I can handle on my own or whether it be pure lazyness I'm not sure, probably a combo of both. Or maybe it's just that I don't naturally think to pray about every little thing. But I think this is what the scriptures mean when they say to pray continually or without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17).

It's not that we have to be monks that pray all day every day or that we have to be a flaky weirdo that makes a public spectacle of prayer, but rather that in each thing we encounter in life everyday we should have a prayerful response, continually fellowshipping with the Lord and walking with Him even if we're completely silent on the outside. Acknowledging him in everything and seeing if He has some input before just trudging along on our own.

Years ago my sweet friend, Charlene, shared a perfect visual of prayer in a believer's life. She said it's like a train track. Just as we wouldn't want to be on a train that has no track laid out in front of it, we don't want to forge ahead in life without first laying a track of prayer for our lives to run on. Isn't that a perfect picture of what prayer is? It's what helps us avoid a train wreck in our lives! And it's the track by which we smoothly maneuver through life.

I need to get busy and lay some more track.

Snake in the Grass

2008-08-30T13:25:00.005-04:00

Three things in life simply don't mix well together: a woman, a garden, and a snake.

Today I was outside innocently picking tomatoes in my garden. When I finished I was looking around for Charlotte because I haven't seen her since our torrential downpours a few days ago. Then I noticed huge ant hills in one section of my square foot gardens and I went to work messing them up. The ants and I have had a real war the last few weeks as they have taken over our yard. I've "gone to the ant" and learned a lot more than I ever knew before like the fact that they are resilient, stubborn, and downright mean.

As I was messing in the garden for the last few days I've felt an odd, eerie sensation, one that I know all too well. I hadn't seen a snake in the yard all year, but I know when one is near. Suddenly, a blue tailed skink caught my eye. I thought he was deformed because it looked as though he had a large tumor in his middle. Closer inspection revealed his mid section was inside the mouth of a young snake. Yikes!

If he had been any bigger I would have run for the hills, but he was small and I was already mad at those ants. I reached for a little fireplace shovel (don't ask me how that got in the garden because I have no idea) and attempted to slam him. Did I mention that I have atrociously bad aim? I missed him by a mile and he just sat there, not willing to move or lose his lunch. I had to get closer. I pinned his neck to the ground with the sharp end of the shovel. The lizard dropped the blue end of his tail and was outta there. I could almost hear him screaming, "Hallelujah! It's a miracle!" as he went.

The snake turned out to be a little more muscular and strong than I expected. He writhed his body every which way so I reached for a nearby stick to beat him to death. I proceeded to hit him several times, but must have loosened my grip on the shovel because suddenly he plunged at the shovel and slithered away lickety split- right to my other square foot garden!

And in case you're wondering I'm not sure if he was poisonous or not. We have all kinds in these parts. However, seeing that the lizard was in such good shape after his bite, I think he probably wasn't poisonous.

As you can well imagine I'm just terribly excited to go back out there and pick veggies again. Personally, I think we've had a bumper tomato crop this year and that's probably all the picking that I need to do this year, don't you think? In the off event that I look big and brave from this post, let me assure you that the snake wasn't as long as your average ruler or else the story might read quite differently.

Well, as you probably guessed, I'm going to turn this into a spiritual lesson. I know some folks think that it's corny or hyper-spiritual to take everything and find the lesson in it, but I just think it goes back to Matthew 5:8 which says Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God. I don't think that necessarily means we have to wait until heaven to see Him, but that we can see Him all around us in everything that happens. Plus, if I don't make this into a spiritual lesson I'll never be able to return to my garden again.

So, here is the lesson. Way back in the garden of Eden a similar scenario took place. A woman, a garden, and a snake all collided together at one point in time and the result was the fall of man. After today's incident I'm convinced that while Eve may have been deceived, her heart was telling her, "Don't do it. Something isn't right here." She had the little red flag, check in her spirit, uneasy feeling deep inside. Today in my garden, I couldn't pinpoint it at first, but I knew something was awry. And don't we all feel that when something is amiss or we're contemplating doing something we know isn't right? Unless, of course, we've ignored that intuition for so long that our hearts are hardened to it.

Today when your little warning system alarms don't ignore it. Take heed. Correct whatever needs to be corrected. Proceed with caution and prayer. Find out what God's word says on whatever issue you're facing and stick with the word.

I've always taught me children to obey the spirit on the inside of them and if something is making them feel uneasy deep inside then they need to heed that warning. Years ago when my son was about 9, I took the kids to a park. We encountered a man sitting in a car beside where we were parked and a big fat siren went off inside me. I didn't say anything to the kids at the time, but we all got in the car and quickly departed. As we were on the way home my son said, "Mom, why do you think that man was in the park?"

I said, "I don't know."

He said, "Mom, did that man make you feel funny because I sure felt funny?"

I was so happy that he listened to that warning on the inside of him. That day I told him that was God trying to warn him and that he should always listen to the warning and obey.

And all that from a snake eating a lizard in my garden.

The Beach House

2008-08-09T08:00:00.003-04:00

If you give a homeschooler some free time she might get an idea to build a replica of the beach house we've stayed in the most.

If she gets that idea she might spend weeks and weeks building the house and including every tiny, minute detail.

If she includes all those details she might get tired or stuck and enlist the help of her brother.

If she enlists her brother's help, the house building will go easier.

If the house building goes easier she'll include more details at the front of the house like the seashells that are always under the house and the sand that accumlates on the landing of the stairs.

If she includes details at the front of the house, she'll zero in on the palm trees doing eensy weensy detail work to make them just perfect.

If she makes those shady palm trees it will remind her of the front porch swing where she likes to sit and relax.

If she thinks about relaxing she'll remember the hammock under the house.

If she remembers the hammock she'll think about the clothes on the clothesline swaying in the ocean breeze.

If she thinks of the breeze it will remind her of the seagulls that fly around and perch on the top of the house.

If she thinks of the roof she'll work really hard to totally complete the house.

And once it's built her parents will praise her work up one side and down the other, her mom will show it off on her blog, and the whole family will get in the car and zoom down the road to spend a week in that house.

And if the whole family spends a week in that beach house they will come home today really refreshed and happy.

The end.

The Rapture

2008-08-05T08:00:00.003-04:00

One evening I took a shower and when I got out I couldn't find my pajamas. I stepped into my bedroom and found my pajamas on the floor:

My husband's explanation, "I wanted to see what it would look like if the rapture happened."

A Thought for Your Pennies

2008-07-22T10:01:00.002-04:00

Yesterday it was raining pennies. I found pennies everywhere I went. Pennies on my morning walk. Pennies at the gas station. Pennies in the Walmart parking lot.

When I find money on the ground it reminds me that God is thinking of me. Each time I bend down to pick up a coin I say, "Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that I'm on your mind and you're right here with me." It's like a little inside family joke that both of us understand. Whenever God especially wants me to know that His thoughts are on me, He sends a penny or some other coin my way.

After picking up all those pennies yesterday I felt especially loved. Then I came home and read something in my email box about- you guessed it- pennies! I usually don't even read the forwards that I get because I simply don't have time and I'm much more interested in personal email. But this time I decided to open one and read it and was surprised to see it was about pennies.

The email was a reminder that when we see pennies we should remember what is written on them- In God we trust. Every penny should cause us to stop and think, "Am I truly trusting the Lord?" It should serve as a little sticky note to remind us to cast all of our cares onto the Lord and trust Him to work things out.

It's ironic that God would use a penny to remind me to trust Him in these troubled economic times. I especially laughed when I found two at the gas station. It's about time they gave me back some of my hard earned money!

Recently, I've been discussing with my history buff friend, Melissa, how much our current times parallel what happened just prior to the great depression. This morning my husband returned home from getting the oil changed in my van and told me of two businesses owned by acquaintances of ours that are no more. Even the place where he got the oil changed had to increase their prices and they are barely struggling to make ends meet. The debt that our nation is under and the personal debt that people owe is staggering. Couple that with rising unemployment and price increases and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that we are headed for disaster without a major intervention SOON!

Yet in the midst of it all, God sends pennies to remind me to trust Him. I have no plans of receding, depressing, or going under. Yes, I live in this sour economic environment, but my citizenship is in the kingdom of God. Have you ever heard of a recession or depression in God's kingdom?

The weird part of all this is that right smack in the middle of all the talk of economic doom and gloom and soaring gas prices, God keeps telling me to do more, branch out, write more, speak more, and try new things. He keeps the creative ideas flowing and me growing. And then He sends pennies to remind me that regardless of what happens in the world system His thoughts are on me, He will provide for me, He will even bless me richly in spite of the times, and most of all, that I can trust Him- with everything!

Carpe Diem

2008-07-18T08:30:00.004-04:00

I don't know what happened to me in California, but something did. Maybe I picked up on a little bit of that California free spirit. Before I left for California I was consumed with all the little details of life and my never ending "to do" list. It was suffocating me.

Since I've been home things are different. I didn't walk in the house and immediately see all that needed to be done. I saw it, but it didn't affect me. I'd already scheduled two days on my calendar to do nothing but rest and recover from my jet lag experience. That's what I did, even to the point of leaving my unpacked suitcases sitting for nearly three days! So unlike me!

Yesterday was my transition back into real life day. I had everything all planned and as usual had much to accomplish. All was going pretty much according to plan until I dropped my son off at work. Immediately, I had a thought, "Take your uncle to lunch." Naturally, my mind went to those unpacked suitcases, piles of dirty laundry, the groceries I needed to buy, and all the other tasks awaiting me. My mind said, "Stick to the plan", but my heart said, "Take your uncle to lunch." I followed my heart.

I took my Uncle Manuel to Chick-fil-A, his favorite restaurant, and my son was thrilled to have us there. When we finished eating I asked my uncle if he'd like to visit his sister, my Aunt Eleanor, since she recently got out of the hospital. He did.

I spent my early afternoon sitting on my Aunt Eleanor's front porch sipping iced tea, enjoying a welcome cool breeze that kept it from seeming like a July afternoon in the south. I forgot about the suitcases and the laundry and the groceries. I simply enjoyed the moment relaxing on a front porch that houses a thousand memories from my childhood.

I listened to my Uncle Manuel's antics. He's quite a character and so very funny. The neighbor joined us which delighted him to no end because it gave him another person to tease.

My Aunt Eleanor is like Cinderella in one of those animated Disney films. You know the ones where the animals are all around Cinderella, even helping her tie her apron strings. A chubby black cat sat in her doorway. Little gold finches flitted around the bird feeders she made especially for them. The neighbor's dog joined us on the front porch. A lone pigeon stopped by the bird bath, looked up to give Aunt Eleanor a wink, then dipped his beak for a cool drink. Even the mailman stopped his truck long enough to hand deliver her mail and chat for a minute.

As I sat there in peaceful revelry I realized something. I'll always have more suitcases to unpack, more laundry to wash (that will be dirty again soon), more groceries to buy, more things that need to be done and redone and done yet again. But I won't always have my aunt and uncle. She's 75 and he's 81. I won't always be the brunt of his teasing. I won't always see the tears well up in her eyes as she tells how the Lord cared for her in the hospital. And never again will I have that breezy July afternoon when the temperature was just right and the tea tasted extra good and the three of us just relaxed and enjoyed being together. I'm so thankful I took it while it was available.

The funny thing is that the suitcases got unpacked, the groceries got bought and put away, the kids made breakfast for supper, flowers got planted, and the laundry will be done today. The world didn't come to an end because I followed my heart and took time to be with people I loved, to leisurely look into their eyes, to really hear what they said, and to let them know how much I love and value them. In fact, the world got a whole lot better.

Words from a song that I love, but can't remember who to give credit to:
Seize the day,
Seize whatever you can
For life slips away just like hour glass sand.
Seize the day!

Study Your Loved Ones

2008-07-16T09:23:00.005-04:00

I learned a lot of lessons in California, but one of the most important involves how to treat your loved ones.

I stayed with Gary and Anne after the convention and what a blessing it was to watch them live out their day to day lives.

I loved Anne from the moment I met her. I hadn't been in her presence two seconds when she enveloped me in a warm hug that made me want to melt right into her arms. It was a genuine hug that plastic people can never give. That hug immediately told me that she was real.

Over the next few days I watched how she treated her husband. I watched and I learned. Her every word, deed, and reaction was filled with kindness and love. That she esteems him highly is unmistakable. Every time an opportunity presented itself she took the time to speak little words of praise and encouragement to him, making him believe that he could do anything. I don't know if he even realizes how much affirmation he gets from her in a given day, but I sure noticed it and thought to myself that anyone in those circumstances couldn't help but feel like a king.

But it wasn't just her words, it was her overall tone. It's one thing to say all the right things, it's another to have the right tone and attitude behind those words. On a few occasions we needed to leave and Gary was right in the middle of writing something. She would gently, but firmly, remind him that it was time to go and then she would sit and wait patiently never saying another word about it. I thought of all the times I'd been in a simliar situation, but I couldn't leave my husband alone but nagged and prodded and wanted to grab him by the arm and say, "Get moving, Buster!" Even when Gary and Anne disagreed about things the conversation was respectful and often laced with humor.

I actually met Gary at the convention a few days before meeting Anne. I noticed that whenever he mentioned Anne, his face lit up and he beamed with pride. He told me that he often buys her clothes. He said he could look at an article of clothing and think, "That's Anne!" That he was a student of his wife was very evident because he knew her likes and dislikes in intricate detail and he took great delight in providing things she especially liked.

But Gary and Anne don't just study one another. They study others too. They studied me. They noticed little details about me. Gary knew what type of tea to bring to me when he offered "broom service". When we were on the way to the airport to send me home we had a mix up as to the time of my flight which left us flying down the highway in an effort to make it to the airport on time. Anne, perceiving my anxiety (I REALLY wanted to get home that day) quietly said things to soothe me. "Oh look, we're nearly at the Irvine exit. The airport is in Irvine, you know." "About twenty more minutes and we'll be there." She never pointed out my anxiety or nervousness, but just sweetly addressed it in an effort to comfort me.

I learned much from Gary and Anne. I learned the importance of studying my loved ones and treating them in ways that are best for them. And I learned how important it is in this big frantic world to slow down and notice all the wonderful qualities in other people. I learned that it's just not all about me. In fact, none of it is about me. But the greatest lesson of all is what comes as a result of studying our loved ones and implementing what we learn. Peace.

When I stayed in Gary and Anne's home I was struck by the peace I found there. I felt so relaxed and at home and acted as such. Anyone who knows me well knows that is a virtual impossibility when I'm staying with people I hardly know. I realized that when we make it our goal to truly love our families in the way they need to be loved, home becomes a haven. It becomes our protection from the onslaught of the world, a place of refuge. It's the place where our families feel safe and warm and loved.

So I make it my aim to study my loved ones and learn to love them with my words, my actions, and my attitude. Thank you, Gary and Anne, for the great life lesson and the wonderful hospitality!

Mismatched Marriage

2008-07-14T08:00:00.005-04:00

Have you ever thought you married the wrong person? Oh, come on now and stop being so hyper spiritual. I'm quite certain that every married person could say that at least once in their marriage that thought has crossed their mind.

Today I want to look at one of the most mismatched marriages in the Bible and encourage you that even if you wake up every day thinking you married the wrong person, God is still in control. He can take what appears to be doom and gloom and work the situation into something wonderful.

Let's look at Abigail and Nabal in I Samuel 25. I'm not going to recap the whole story, but I'd highly recommend that you read it for yourself. First, let's list the qualities Nabal brought to the union.

Nabal-Extremely wealthy (vs.2)
-Surly and mean (vs.3)
-Greedy (vs.10-11)
-Rude (vs.10-11)
-Poor judgment (vs.10-11)
-No one could talk to him (vs.17)
-His name meant folly (vs.25)
-Foolish (vs.25)
-Wicked (vs.25)
-Oblivious to trouble (vs.36)
-Party animal (vs.36)
-A heavy drinker (vs.36)

Makes you just want to run out and scoop him up, huh? Why do I think this was an arranged marriage and not a situation where Abigail was swept off her feet by all his charms?

Then we have dear Abigail.

Abigail-Beautiful and intelligent (vs.3)
-Trusted by her servants (vs.14-17)
-Generous (vs.18-19)
-Not a procrastinator (vs.18)
-Quick thinker (vs.14-31)
-Took action to save her husband's life (vs.14-31)
-Wise (vs. 14-31, 36)
-Humble (vs.23-25)
-Respectful (vs. 23-31)
-Abreast of current events (vs. 26-31)
-Knew when to speak and when to hold her tongue (vs.36)
-Didn't try to reason with drunks (vs.36)

As the story goes, Nabal ends up dying and Abigail becomes David's wife.

Sometimes I've heard Abigail portrayed as an unsubmissive wife because she took matters into her own hands when her husband's life was in danger. Yet, I find it interesting that the word of God explicitly points out in I Samuel 25:3 that she was both beautiful and intelligent. I Samuel 25 is merely a chronicle of how she used that brain of hers to change the situation for the better. Plus, if you read about King David's life you'll discover that out of all his wives, Abigail never gives him trouble. And we know that his sons were a wild and unruly bunch, but Abigail's son is never listed among those that created trouble. If she was lacking in submission or the domineering sort it would have showed up in her marriage with King David too.

Back to the ending of the story. If you're in an unhappy marriage you're probably wishing you could have a similar ending to Abigail right about now. That's not the right attitude to have about your marriage regardless of how hard it is to live with your Nabal or Paul or Billy Bob. What is the right attitude? Trust God. Do good. Love your spouse with I Corinthians 13 type of love. Allow God to use the situation to develop your character. If you feel you're in danger or just can't do this on your own, then get help. By simply shifting your focus away from the problems and onto God you open up the door for God to work in your marriage and in your life.

Does that mean everything will turn out rosy? Not necessarily. But it paves the way for God to work in whatever way He desires to work and He will always work for your good.

Jonah Trivia

2008-07-06T21:09:00.005-04:00

I enjoy reading familiar passages in scripture and learning new things I didn't know or didn't see before. This week I hung out for a while with Jonah and uncovered new tidbits of trivia.

Jonah was a prophet. You're probably thinking, "Duh!" Most guys that received words from the Lord in the Old Testament were prophets. However, I never saw anything in the book of Jonah that actually said he was a prophet and his behavior certainly wasn't very prophet-like. II Kings 14:25 clears up the matter: ...in accordance with the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, spoken through his servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath Hepher.

A real fish swallowed a real man. Scholarly types have often tried to dismiss Jonah's story as just that- a fictional story meant to teach a lesson. I never held to that belief, but now I have a scripture to prove that everything about Jonah was real, not fiction. This is what Jesus had to say in Matthew 12:39-40: He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and nights in the heart of the earth." First of all, Jesus refers to Jonah as a prophet again. Notice how he says that Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and nights. He doesn't refer to the "story" of Jonah or try to make it seem like anything other than absolute fact. He's very matter of fact, never casting doubt that the incident actually occurred.

Jonah was prejudiced. Jonah hated the people of Nineveh and that didn't change even after he obeyed God and preached to them. They repented, but Jonah's hatred for them didn't budge an inch. I don't know much about Nineveh except that it was an Assyrian city and the Assyrians had a serious reputation for coming in and wiping out entire nations. They were a bad brood. Perhaps, Jonah had an axe to grind with them. I also read long ago that Nineveh wasn't exactly welcoming to the prophets of God and the perimeter of the city was even decorated with the heads of prophets who had tried to preach to them. If I was in Jonah's shoes, I'm not sure I'd be thrilled to be sent to them either!

Jonah had issues. Another "Duh!" He was riddled with flaws. To name a few: selfishness, self will, mood swings, disobedience, anger, hatred, rebellious nature. Doesn't it make you wonder why God chose to use him in the first place? Is this the best prophet he could find? I guess we all have hope!

If Jonah hadn't cried out to God when he was thrown in the ocean he would have died there. Jonah 2: 7 says this: When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, O Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. Jonah was walking in direct disobedience to God and he found himself sinking to the bottom of the ocean- dying. If he hadn't remembered God and cried out to Him he would have died right there, no plan B.

Did Jonah know he was in a fish and did he know he would get out alive? These are questions that came to mind. The ocean isn't light like it appears on old Jacque Costeau footage. It's dark down there. Even in the fish's belly it was dark. Surely the stench was horrid, the feel was slimy, and the digestive juices were probably doing a number on Jonah's skin, but did he actually know where he was? And if he figured it out, did he know he would be delivered or did he think he'd just be digested? Three days and nights is a long time to be in that predicament and a sure test of faith!

Jonah knew his God. This is probably the reason you and I read about Jonah in the Bible today. He could easily have been destroyed in his headstrong disobedience. Yet he lived, obeyed, and made his mark in God's word. When it came right down to it, Jonah knew God's character. Read what he says in Jonah 4:2: He prayed to the Lord, "O Lord, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.

This revelation of God, my friends, is probably what saved Jonah's life. For all of his misgivings, he knew that God was merciful and loving. He believed this about God and when it came time for Him to call out to God He had 100% faith that his Father would act in love and rescue him. If Jonah didn't have a close relationship with the Lord he would never have known God as compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love, relenting from sending calamity. No, Jonah knew these things well likely because he'd experienced every one of them in his own life. He knew His God. That knowledge not only saved his life, but is probably the reason he was selected as God's prophet in the first place. At some point, Jonah had walked closely with God, close enough to hear His voice.

I think God will overlook a lot of flaws when He finds a man or woman who will build a relationship with Him and truly get to know Him as He really is.

The Timing of God

2008-07-05T17:07:00.003-04:00

I never cease to be amazed at God's goodness and tender loving care. Six months ago today my friend and neighbor passed away from brain cancer. Even though the grief is subsiding, sometimes I still look out the window and expect to see her sweeping the porch or mowing the lawn. With each passing day, though, I become more accustomed to life without her. I know she's with the Lord and knows no sorrow and I'm comforted by that thought.

However, my grief is nothing compared to that of her husband of over 45 years. He still lives with it each and every day. Thankfully, he still gets up and lives, but it's far from easy.

If V. was still alive she would be celebrating her birthday tomorrow. I knew this weekend would be very difficult for her husband since it's both a holiday without her and a time he would ordinarily be celebrating another year of her life. I wanted to do something special for him to help him through this time, but what?

Today, in God's perfect timing, the answer came. I write a column for TEACH magazine and a few months ago I submitted an article about the life lessons I'd learned from V. Today the current issue of TEACH arrived in my mailbox and guess what article was published this time! I was able to share the article about V. with her husband at just the right moment when he needed a little boost.

Lord, only you could care so much that you would carefully orchestrate the arrival of this article when it was needed most. Once again, you've shown that you care about every little detail of our lives. Thank you for helping a grieving friend in his hour of need.

A Time to Say "No"

2008-07-02T20:15:00.004-04:00

At midnight the cry rang out: "Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!"

Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out."

"No," they replied, "there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves." Matthew 25:6-9

Life as a writer can be very interesting. People make a lot of assumptions about writers. They assume we sit twiddling our thumbs all day. They assume we have all the time in the world. And they assume that they can dump all sorts of problems right in the middle of our schedule because, after all, we don't have anything to do. I'm not sure how they account for the things we write. I guess they just magically appear somehow.

This week I was approached about a legitimate need. Unfortunately, to fill that need would mean that I'd have to push aside the things that I absolutely know that I've been called to do at a time when fulfilling those things is crucial. I was torn and quite upset. However, after talking with some wiser folks (John and my mom) I saw the full picture a little better.

The need was legitimate, but it was brought about because some people had chosen not to prepare, not to fulfill their duties, not to keep their priorities straight, very much like the foolish young ladies in Matthew 25 who didn't buy enough oil to keep their lamps burning until the bridegroom arrived. If I ran to the rescue I'd be forsaking what I was supposed to be doing right now and also letting those folks off the hook of their responsibilities. Not good!

Learning to say, "No," can be really difficult, but if we plan to do God's will it's a necessity. Otherwise, people will keep us so busy that we will never get around to doing what God wants us to do. That's not to say that we shouldn't be flexible and helpful, but like the five wise young ladies in Matthew 25 we need to keep our priorities straight. Those girls weren't being selfish when they refused to share their oil, they were protecting their priorities.

Just because someone opts not to prepare for life doesn't mean we are obligated to pick up their slack. Just because people make a bunch of poor choices in life doesn't mean we have to step in and bail them out all the time. Just because people choose to squander their money or go into deep debt doesn't mean we have to open up our pocketbooks and dole it out. Just because something needs fixing doesn't mean we're the ones to fix it. We especially don't need to do these things if it prevents us from fulfilling God's will in our own lives.

We're all called to love, to serve, to help, to sacrifice, but we're also called to obey. Sometimes the best way to do all of those things is to simply say, "No."

The Fork in the Road

2008-07-01T08:57:00.004-04:00

Have you ever found yourself in a place where you just don't know what to do? Maybe you're overwhelmed by choices? All of the choices might look good or maybe none of them looks like anything you'd want to choose. Perhaps, you want to go one way, but you have that gnawing little check in your spirit that tells you things are not as they appear. It's quite possible that you have peace about a certain direction, but in the natural you just can't see how it could ever turn out well. You could also be in a place of confusion where you just flat out don't know what to do.

I've found a few scriptures that are helpful when you face a fork in the road situation.

Isaiah48:17 This is what the Lord says- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the Lord your God who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go."

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

While you're waiting for God to reveal His will you can do a few things to help.

1. Remain teachable. Notice that both of those scriptures say that God will teach us. That's wonderful only to the degree that we are willing to receive that teaching. I remember a teenager that I had in my writing class years ago. He refused to participate in class, wouldn't complete his homework assignments, and failed to show up at all on oral presentation days. At first I thought he was just shy and tried to encourage him in every way I could. It quickly became clear that he just didn't want to learn to write and nothing I did was going to change that so I finally told his parents it was a waste of time and money to keep him in class. He wasn't teachable.

God doesn't want us to be like that at all. Look at the verse immediately following Psalm 32:8: Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. In other words, be teachable and yield to God's will rather than acting stubborn.

2. Immerse yourself in God. In order to be taught we must spend time in the teacher's presence. How can God direct us or lead us if we never spend time with Him in His word, in prayer, in worship, and just simply fellowshipping with Him at all times throughout our day? It's by learning to follow God's lead on the minor decisions in life that we learn to hear His voice for the big ones. We need to show up for class each and every day.

3. Understand what it means to wait on God. I'm intrigued by people who say, "I'm just a hopin' and a prayin'" Really? Is that all you're doing? Waiting and idleness are not one and the same. In fact, they are opposites. I think about my neighbor. She's three days overdue to have her first baby. She has no idea when the moment will arrive, but she's also not sitting on the couch eating bonbons idly waiting for her baby's birth. She's going here and there and nesting like crazy. Her actions while waiting for "birth" day will not negate the baby's coming. In fact, it will serve her well to have done all of this preparation once the baby gets here.

4. Do what you know to do. While you may not have the specific answer to your current dilemma you do have answers to a lot of things in life so focus on doing what you already know to do. Love God. Love people. Study your Bible. Go to church. Develop your character. Take care of your health. Spend time with your family. Work your job. Clean your house. Prepare for the future. Live in the present.

I hope this helps you if you're facing some unknowns in your life. I'd be happy to pray for you if you leave a comment or email me.

Loose Tongue

2008-06-05T16:03:00.003-04:00

Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: "See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere. Mark 1:43-45

This man had been healed of leprosy. Think of it. He was under a death sentence. He was an outcast in society. He had no hope. Then Jesus came along and gave him his health and his life back. Can you imagine the excitement he felt, the utter relief, the complete amazement? I'm sure he wanted to run and tell everyone. That's what I would have wanted to do!

But his healing came with a stern warning from Jesus not to do what his feelings told him to do, but to do what the scriptures said to do. In his eagerness, the man followed his feelings and didn't obey the Lord. The result was that his words hindered Jesus and God's work.

Can you think of a time when your words hindered God's work? This morning I went to get my hair trimmed. I don't know what it is about beauty shops that makes them conducive to gossip. Maybe because they are full of women. Maybe because we're focusing on outward, fleshly, perhaps even vain things. Maybe because hairdressers are some of the best listeners and therapists around! Whatever the reason I found myself going down a trail of forbidden words. I heard the Lord tell me to stop. I felt the nudging of the Holy Spirit that this wasn't the way I should be speaking. I did stop, but probably not soon enough. Words had spilled out, words that could never be retrieved.

I looked around me at the other women at other booths seemingly minding their own business, but how many had heard? How many had been affected? How might my words have hindered the kingdom of God in some way? Did they turn someone away from Christ? Did they make it more difficult for Him to reach into their hearts?

Okay, I'm sure we've all experienced this at some point, likely on many occasions, but the silver lining of it all is found in the last part of the verses in Mark 1. It says: Yet the people still came to him from everywhere. Whether we let words slip out or whether we blatantly disobey God and say things we shouldn't, all is not lost. Hindered, but not lost.

If you've struggled with words recently, repent then get up and go on with life determined to listen more closely to God and to obey promptly, wholeheartedly, every time.

Ears to Hear

2008-06-05T09:16:00.003-04:00

I think I have a new revelation about what Jesus meant when He said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." It seems these days that everyone in my house has some device dangling from their ears at all times. My mother-in-law has an MP3 player. Baby Girl has an Ipod. Techie Boy sits at the computer with earphones in. Both teenagers have cell phones pretty much glued to their ears. Other than me, only my husband has no electronic ear thingie. But husbands rarely need plugs in their ears to tune out their wives.

The other day I walked into the kitchen where my mother-in-law was busy at the sink. I carried on an entire conversation with her before I realized she hadn't heard a word I said. She turned around, looked at me, took her ear device out and said, "Did you say something?"

It's gotten to the point that when I speak to the teenagers the first words out of my mouth are, "Take that thing out of your ear so you can hear me."

Whenever anyone speaks to me they shout as if I can't hear them over the music. So it's both loud and quiet at my house. Loud because everyone is always shouting to speak and everyone is singing along to their own tune, which no one else can hear. But quiet because personal communication can be rather scarce with all of this other stuff clogging up the ears.

This is really odd for me because I realized something when I returned from the North Carolina Homeschool Convention. At the convention, my words held value. People wanted to hear me speak. They sought me out to hear me speak. Then I came home and the first thing I noticed within five minutes of being home is that my words mean so little here and few want to hear them. I don't mean that to slam my family in any way, but it was just such a stark reality. At home I'm just mom or wife or just another member of the family with nothing all that important to say.

I wonder if this is why Jesus said what He did. They didn't have Ipods and MP3 players in His day, but evidently people still had a problem really listening and grasping what He said. I wonder how many times God speaks to me, but I don't really listen. How many other voices and sounds are clamoring in my head so that I miss God's still small voice? How many times have I been in my own small world tuning out God altogether? Something to think about in our highly distractable world.

Another Failed Attempt at Strawberry Tea

2008-05-15T16:34:00.011-04:00

I have this delightful vision in my head of going to pick fresh strawberries and coming home and having a quaint little strawberry-themed tea party with my daughter. It's one of those lovely motherhood fantasies where everyone is dressed in frilly white dresses and the whole scene has a surreal misty hue to it. Why don't I just give up and face reality?

This morning we headed to the strawberry farm again with my extra daughter in tow. She belongs to my friend, Annika, but we sort of trade daughters back and forth so we're used to having her around a lot. Next thing you know she'll be asking for allowance or something. By the way, my daughter's shirt says "Muckdogs" which was the name of her brother's baseball team many moons ago. Just thought I'd clarify that in case there was any confusion.

We started out well. The strawberries were better than last week, less hail damage and the price had gone up to prove it. I had about a fourth of my first basket filled when I reached for a plump luscious red strawberry that I just had to have and felt a razor sharp something pierce my finger. I don't know what stung me, but I think the stinger was about an inch long or at least it felt that way. OUCH! I went to the head shed and got some alcohol and baking soda put on it and triple bandaids. As it turns out I'm the first person in all these years to ever be stung in their strawberry fields. That's a distinction I could have lived without thank you!

We finished up and took our bounty to the paying place. What a surprise when we rounded the corner and came face to face with our homeschool support group who had just arrived for a strawberry picking field trip. Oh yeah, I suddenly remembered something about an email about a strawberry picking trip. Talk about embarrassment. They were all looking at us like we were totally antisocial and I must admit we probably looked pretty antisocial at the moment considering we had come early, picked big, and totally missed the whole field trip "social" experience. They're good people, they'll forgive us. Plus, they know how scatterbrained I can be at times.

As we were driving home I said, "Hey girls, when we get home I'm going to prepare a lovely strawberry themed tea for lunch." They said, "We'd really rather just eat pizza rolls." So much for my strawberry tea!

These are the drama queens playing dress up and trying to look sophisticated.

The explanation of these photos is that they are starring in a soap opera. The blonde on the left killed her husband, but no one knows she did it so she's pretending to grieve at his funeral. Only her dearest friend on the right knows the true secret and she'll never tell...at least not until...soap opera cliffhanger. This, folks, is what happens when you homeschool and carefully shield your children from evil worldly influences!

The Almost Strawberrry Tea

2008-05-08T13:17:00.011-04:00

The original plan: Get up early and go to strawberry farm with my daughter on a bright sunny day. Pick luscious berries. Return home and make dip for berries while Celestial Seasonings Tropic of Strawberry tea is brewing in the warm sunshine. Have an afternoon strawberry themed tea party for two.

Reality: We got up early, matter of fact I woke up at 3:00 a.m. on my own. That was a little earlier, say 3 hours or so, than planned.

We went to the strawberry farm. When we got there it was overcast and sprinkling rain. We were informed that a recent hail storm (one that I slept through a few nights ago) had damaged the strawberries so they had black spots on them and were discounted in price.

However, God led us to just the right rows and we were able to get some decent sized red berries. When we paid for them the owners were shocked at how pretty our berries were and asked where we had picked. So we got nearly perfect berries at a discounted price. We'll take it, thank you kindly.

While we were picking suddenly the tornado warning siren started blaring. It must have been really close by because it was quite loud. I looked in all directions and saw no indication whatsoever of a tornado. Trust me, I know tornado weather really well, the sickening green hue of the sky, the sounds, the eerie feeling in the air- been there, done that mulitiple times. I told my daughter that if a tornado suddenly happened upon us to get down in one of the furrows between the strawberry rows and pray really hard. She asked what to do with the strawberries and I told her to throw her body across them and guard them with her life- well maybe not her life, but we had worked too hard picking them to give them up for a mere tornado. Thankfully, whatever the issue the siren stopped after a while without incident.

On the way home we stopped at the store to get supplies for our dip. They had rubrum lilies right as you walk in the door. I love lilies of all types, but rubrum lilies are my favorite because they made up my wedding bouquet. Plus, they smell heavenly. I put my nose inside one for a big whiff and told my daughter that she should drop a hint to her father that those would make a really nice Mother's Day gift. When we left the store and were about to get in the car my daughter looked at me and said, "Oooo gross! You have something on the end of your nose!" Apparently, when I stuck my nose in the flower some wet brownish pollen adhered to me and I'd been walking around the store looking like a I had a giant bougar on my nose! Lovely, just lovely!

When we got home we cleaned strawberries and ate strawberries and cleaned strawberries and ate strawberries. I took bags to some of the neighbors, even the ones that aren't especially glad to have us living near them. One even invited me into her home to see her new baby. Wow! Who would have guessed that something as simple as a bag of strawberries could open doors that had previously been closed!

My daughter made this scrumptious pie because my husband has been complaining about the lack of desserts around here lately. Won't he be surprised!

We also made these white chocolate dipped berries. Yummy! My blood sugar is only about 1000 now.

But after all that I just don't know if I'm up to a strawberry-themed tea party. My belly is full, my eyes are heavy. I think I'll just take a nap!

Recipe for strawberry dip that isn't pictured: Mix cream cheese and confectioner's sugar to taste. Warning: You will not be able to stop eating it!

Spontanei-tea

2008-05-07T16:15:00.007-04:00

This week has not been the easiest week and yesterday I was having a really hard day. I asked the Lord to encourage me. As I went through the day it just seemed I couldn't find the thing I was supposed to be doing. I'd start something then stop and do something else. I was restless and badly in need of something to lift my spirits. In the early afternoon I finally asked God what I should do and I felt impressed to go for a walk. It was a lovely day, but I just didn't feel like I had the stamina to go walking, but I started out anyway.

I'd barely made it up the road a bit when the big brown delivery truck came barreling down our street. I didn't know where he was going, but when I saw him stop at our house I suspected he was delivering the usual stuff for my husband's business. Then I saw the size of the box that landed on our doorstep and knew it couldn't be so. My daughter was already on the porch examining it by the time I made my way back home.

We opened it and what a glorious surprise awaited us. A tea party in a box! My parents had just returned from Charleston, S.C. and sent us tea party goodies from The Charleston Tea Plantation.

Right there on the spot we decided to have a tea party. Look at our beautiful tea table!

They sent us American Classic Tea from the plantation, which is a very smooth and delicious tea especially with a dab of honey. We also got Benne Wafers that we dipped in the tea. Yummy! I threw in the butter mints for good measure and because we weren't sure if we would like the wafers or not. The package also included tea mugs and a dvd all about tea which we hope to watch really soon. The pretty blue bag was perfect for storing our nature journaling supplies. But best of all, do you notice that basket shaped like a teacup and saucer?!! That was the best, the absolute best!

Though we hadn't planned on afternoon tea this was a wonderful interruption so we sat outside and chatted. She drew azaleas in her journal while I drew a pine needle and the front and back of a Lamb's Ear leaf. One of us is a really good artist. Hint: It isn't me.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for such a wonderfully encouraging gift. We love it!

Later on God provided two other encouragements for me. My daughter's new friend from church attended her softball game last night so I sat with her mom and we talked and talked and talked some more. And she is going to be at the North Carolina State Homeschool Convention where I'm speaking in a few weeks and we are going to pray together the morning before I speak. Okay, so she's working for my competition, but I'll forgive her since she's praying for me and all. I feel like I made a new friend last night.

As if that wasn't enough, four of my cousins who are sisters, Teresa, Kay, Millie, and Jerri, sent me a card that made me cry. Each had written a personal note on the inside, but this is the message that was on the card itself (by Bobbie Burrow, Hallmark):

I believe in you-
in the things that are important to you
and in the way you choose to live your life...
I believe that you can accomplish
anything that you set out to do,
that you have many talents
and the wisdom to use them well...
I believe that you have what it takes
to overcome obstacles
and to grow from every experience
life brings your way...
I believe in your courage,
your compassion,
your integrity,
and your strength.
I believe in your goodness...
I believe in you.

Thank you, Lord, for all of those spontaneous surprises. I feel very encouraged!

Work First, House Later

2008-05-05T08:03:00.005-04:00

Lately, I find myself gravitating to scriptures that talk about divine order. This morning I spent time meditating on Proverbs 24:27 (NIV) Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.

This scripture really speaks to me because I have such a big desire for a new house. The house we currently live in is just not me and I've never felt like this was our final destination. I could go on and on about the things that bother me about this house, but that would only breed discontent so I'll leave that topic and get back to the scripture.

Why is it important to finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready before you build the house? The fields represent your means of income. Before you tackle a major expense like a new house you want your fields planted and producing or you won't be able to afford that house or the family that will live in it with you. The house might be built, but the family within might be starving or so financially strapped that they are going under. And don't we see this happening all over America right now?

(Put first things first.) Prepare your work outside and get it ready for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house and establish a home. Proverbs 24:27 (Amplified)

I always counsel my son to get his education behind him and get established in his career/ministry before taking a wife. Whether he follows that counsel or not is up to him, but it will make his life easier if he gets his fields ready before taking on all that additional responsibility.

Recently, my husband ran into a young woman who grew up in our former church. She opted not to take the route of divine order and had three children out of wedlock. Does that mean God doesn't love her? No. Does it mean we shouldn't love her? No. But it does mean that she has made life considerably harder for herself and for those three children that didn't have a choice in the matter.

Develop your business first before building your house. Proverbs 24:27 (Living)

As much as I want a new house I know that my first objective is to continue to build my writing business. All of my creative energy has to focus that direction right now. When I finally walk in the door of that new house I'll be extremely glad that I developed my business first.

Prepare thine work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house. Proverbs 24:27 (King James)

Just like I tell my son to prepare his fields first, I tell my daughter the same. I know a lot of people would disagree with me because they think women should only prepare to be homemakers, but I don't find my stance in conflict with scripture. Even the Proverbs 31 woman was a business woman.

I'm awfully glad that I went to nursing school before I got married or had kids. When the kids arrived and we needed a little income boost I was able to work only when I wanted to work, set my own hours, and work as little as 4 hours at a time.

Also, when I was much younger I thought that as long as you prayed and married the right Christian man everything always worked out. That was until I saw my dear friend, a stay-at-home mom, go through tremendous heartbreak when her husband- a pastor- walked out on her and the kids. She had no education or skills to prepare her to become the family breadwinner. Thankfully, she had enough spiritual fortitude and gumption to make it through college while working three jobs and being a single mom. But it was still very hard on her and even harder on the kids. I wish I could say she was the only person I know who was put in that position, but I've known many.

First plant your fields, then build your barn. Proverbs 24:27 (The Message)

Why do you need a barn if you don't have anything to put in it? If you plant the fields first they will be out there producing so you can then concentrate on the barn or house. It's hard to have your focus in too many directions at once. If you're trying to go to school, start a marriage, raise a child all at the same time, it's tough and something will get the short end of the stick. Even if you decide to change directions and start a new business after having a house and kids, it's still tough. Trust me, I know!

I have no idea how to end this topic except to keep things in the correct order and simply say, "The end."