What God Sees

I'm writing this post with a very heavy heart. It is horrible how so many young people have taken their lives here in the past few weeks. And, let's face it, the reason comes down to they were "different". It doesn't matter how they were different, they just were.
But here is my question: Aren't we all different? The answer is a resounding yes! When I was young, I was teased because I was tall, overweight, and awkward. Gym class was more than my own personal bane-it was torture. The very wierd thing was, I teased other kids. You'd think that wasn't so, but it was.
I see it with my kids too. They have all gone through it. As a leader for several of their groups I've talked to these kids-known bullies and covert ones. They all agree it's wrong. They all agree they don't like it when it happens to them. They all give the right answers. Get out on the playground and it's another story.
Fighting back isn't an option. Then the bully-ee gets in trouble. Really? When we were kids and told the teacher, "So and so hit me," the teacher's response was,"Go hit them back." My sisters who are teachers say they can't tell kids that anymore. The thinking is that type of response breeds violence. I wonder if it doesn't nip bullying in the bud? It did when we were kids.
I've known teachers and principals who turn a blind eye and teachers who would watch their class while on the playground, in music, in art, etc. One such teacher told me she was stunned. And the bullying stopped in her class.
I don't know why teachers aren't more proactive. As a parent, I've said plenty when I see other people's kids misbehave whether I'm in charge of a group or a passerby. I truly feel as a Christian mom God expects it. To ignore it reminds me a little too much of The Good Samitaran parable. Plus, I'm the adult God put in that place at the time. Don't tell me He didn't have a reason.
When I think about God and bullying, I often see him putting his arms around both the victim and the bully. A bully bullies to feel power. They are insecure about something. And the victim is their target. I remember reading in my Bible that God sees man's heart. Man only sees the outside of someone. I wish we would all try a little harder to see people's hearts. Look for what God sees. The vision can be a real eye opener.

God's Words

During the last month, I've been reminded of one of my favorite Bible verses. It's from James and it says something to the effect of, "With the same tongue we bless God and curse men. Little children, this should not be so." Wow, says a mouthful. No pun intended. I have a friend who said to me that if God came down and showed us how what we said hurt someone by replaying it for us and seeing how badly we'd hurt said person, we'd be more than upset with ourselves. We'd be stunned. We'd also watch our words much more carefully.
We have all said things we shouldn't. Sometimes it really isn't meant the way it is taken. Sometimes though, being our sinful selves, we may not care or even worse, use hurtful words on purpose. Sure, it all sounds so first grade but where did we learn to bully speaking words that cut? For some of us it was on the playground. Sadly, for others, it was at home.
Jesus talks about lifting each other up in prayer. We do this of course. But He also wants us to lift each other up with the words we use face to face. What words would God use? Even when we mess up, He gently guides us back to where we are suppose to be. That's mercy defined-loosely. Mercy actually is not punishing us as we deserve. Hence, sending Jesus to take on our misdeeds. God pours out so much love on us it is unbelievable. Yet, believing is what gets us through. Prayer is good too.
What if we all tried to take a second before we speak and ask God to guide our words. Better yet, what if we asked Him to give us His words to use? To build up, to correct, to redirect and to love. God's words. Give 'em a try!

God is God

We went to the local apple tree farm this weekend. I have to admit, I love that place! While my husband visited with his parents, I took the girls through the corn maze. I blew off the map; I mean, really how hard would it be to find our way out? Okay--really hard. Finally my claustrophobia and patience were getting to me. I could hear cars and see the road. I blazed my own trail out of there. I think it was Walt Whitman who said don't go on the well beaten road but make your own path. I'm paraphrasing but that is what I did, literally.
I think that sums up how we view God's tugging at our hearts to follow his path/plans for us than our own. We know better, don't we? We should but at times we really do think we know better than God. Sometimes, I have to admit, I give God advice. Or worse yet, I give Him multiple choice choices. Because, God needs my help. What a riot. I imagine God sitting in Heaven shaking His head at me. Then, when He does something I haven't even thought to throw His way, I'm awe struck. Wow, I think, God really does knows what He's doing.
I'm glad He's so forgiving and merciful. I'd be in quite a bind if He wasn't. I've thought many times how glad I am God is God and in charge. He really does work things out for the best. Because He is all knowing and all powerful and everywhere at once. 'Cause He's God. 'Nuff said.

The Grandparents are coming!

This weekend we look forward to my in-laws coming for a visit. It will be a fun time filled with good food, good laughter and good fun. My mom-in-law usually brings some goodies with her. We are making a trip to the local apple tree farm and may get in another game of pinochole. The last time we played was the first time for me and the kids. I took notes. Seriously. They're in a folder. Anyhow, we will have a great time.
I was extremely close to my grandparents. My dad's parents lived in the same town. I saw them pretty much every day. On date nights for my parents I'd spend the night. That was pretty much every Saturday. They were another set of parents. I was always well loved and cared for and drank up every minute of it.
My mom's parents lived three or so hours away. We saw them close to once a month. They were fun too. I'd stay with them in the summer for a week. It was awesome being so spoiled!
The memories of my grandparents are so meaningful to me. They were indeed "grand" parents. I miss them a lot. I know they are in Heaven having a great time. I'm glad God blessed me with them.
I pause sometimes and wonder what type of grandmother will I be? Hopefully no time soon but I do think about it. I guess I miss holding a baby or something. I ask God to keep me healthy so when the time does arrive I can pass on the legacy I hold so dear and was so blessed to possess.

God's Artistry

When I was a child I remember hearing in school for the first time the season "fall" being called "autumn". I totally rejected the idea. First, it was fall. It had always been fall to me. Why change? And why change to such a silly sounding word like autumn? What was that about? I stubbornly clung to the word fall.
I grin at that memory. Now, no matter what anyone calls it, I love autumn/fall. The crisp air, a variety of gourds and pumpkins, trips to the local apple farms...Please! The list goes on and on. And at the very top of the list are the beautiful fall colors. Our ash tree has just begun to turn crimson. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. Soon, our maple tree will be yellow. Yellow! And whatever tree turns orange will be beautiful too. I learned after moving north that some trees up here even look blue or purple. And some trees are two different colors. Wow!
Candy corn is out. This is very dangerous for me. I love that candy. My kids are already excited for Halloween. Costumes are complete. I'm beginning to dig out the scarecrow, plastic pumpkins, and friendly witches. My favorite decorations are the complete cast of "It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown". They come complete with costumes for the Peanuts gang.
Some people are uncomfortable with Halloween. I get that. But I only have good memories of trick or treating. And who can beat all that free candy? Of all the scary costumes out there there are hundreds more that aren't scary. I always remind my family to be thankful the farmers are having a good harvest and to pray for them as they work so hard for all of us. I guess I feel as though things are what we make them. You make something scary, it's going to be scary.
I also pause to thank God for his beautiful palette. I mean does anyone landscape like the Almighty? No matter where I look I'm never disappointed. God is a divine artist. He gives us seasons to marvel and behold. Take a moment and pause. Look at God's scenery. It will take you breath away.

God's Schedule

Not too long ago I wrote about God's timing. I had realized we all need to give up out time to God. Let him fill in the day for us. It's amazing how things will fall into place. I'm learning-because I guess I'm just slow or something-it's the same with my schedule.
I try very hard to not over schedule. I hate when we run all day long. Or night for that matter. I love when I've figured out a schedule for the day and then I remember there's one more thing to do! That's when I really feel myself begin to simmer.
Let's face it, sometimes there are just things that have to be done. Like dental appointments. Or grocery shopping. Or laundry. Or forms that need to be filled out and signed. Or my new favorite, "Mom, my belt broke in two or three and I need a new one." Okay, yeah, I'll get right on that honey. Since I have nothing else to do.
So, like I've slowly learned about timing, I asked God for a little help. Actually, a lot of help. In his infinite wisdom, He guided me to make a general schedule. What days things really need to get done and what days are entirely nonnegotiable. It has really helped. I'm finding more pockets of time to write. This is a job. I often think if I was going to the office and had a boss what would happen? I see now God is my boss and I am responsible to Him. He gave me this talent and I need to schedule accordingly. He gave me a helpful husband and kids who don't whine too much about pitching in. I'm very grateful for that. Plus, His benefits package is pretty awesome!

Our Best Friend

I just heard an awesome speaker talk about friends. Today I read a post about friendship on Facebook and I quote, "A good friend will listen when you are angry. Your best friend will walk beside you swinging a baseball bat and sing along with you, 'Someone's gonna get it' ". Though it may sound cruel, I laughed out loud.
The speaker I mentioned talked about how Jesus should always be our best friend. If He indeed is, everyone can see that and your friendship with Him rubs off on your other friends. Wow. I had never thought of that. How very true.
I like to think of Jesus as my best friend but sometimes I feel the need to give Him advice after I pray. Because, you see, He really needs my help. Yeah, I'm serious. I actually give Him advice. What a riot. Even funnier, He never takes it. Likes to do things His way. Makes sense; it is the best way.
We all try to fix things and give advice to our friends. What if we just said to them, "I'll pray for you"? That could be the beginning of them seeing Jesus in us. Now there's an awesome friend.
There are alot of folks whom we can't force religion and Jesus down their throats. We don't think we're doing it, but we may in fact be doing that very thing. I think letting them know we're praying for them is a good first step to letting them know we're Christians. Who doesn't feel a tad bit special knowing someone prayed for them?
Friendship and Jesus go hand in hand. He wants to be our friend and our Heavenly Father. Who can beat that? So let's share that with our friends and be the model of love and friendship Jesus has shown us to be.