God's Finer Things

God's Green Eyed Kids

Sometimes we have to be honest with ourselves. Usually, as the saying goes, the truth hurts. However, as the other saying goes, it can also set you free.
A little over a year ago I realized something. I am a jealous person. Just typing that in gives me pause. Yet, when I was truthful with myself upon that realization, I did feel set free. Suddenly, past hurts were pulled into perspective. I felt as though I had had a mental sigh. Relief flooded me. I wasn't embarrassed and only minimally ashamed.
Acknowledging this helped me to open my eyes and begin to heal. Memories rolled in. In college it was as though some of my friends were still on the playground in third grade. I remember thinking jealousy is the cause of a lot of problems in many different circumstances. I didn't mean to be judgmental; I just hadn't concluded it was a problem for me. Other memories helped me conclude a particular friend or relative wasn't always in a closer relationship with someone I loved. It was a different type of relationship. What I shared with whomever was what I was given as a blessing.
How do we combat that green eyed monster? It's not so easy. Shouldn't we take the high road and be happy for people? Yeah, we should but it doesn't always happen. We've all been hurt by the little barbs of envy hidden in a joking comment, wondering why a good friend treated us that way.
When we moved to a bigger house people said things like, "Guess we'll have to hang out with the maid" and "How's life in the palace?" I tried to laugh it off but I was cringing underneath. Finally, someone asked me if I was ever going to invite them into the castle. I responded, "Sure, but you have to swim across the moat first." That pretty much silenced any other comments. Another friend was anxious to see our new home. I was close to humiliation showing it to her. As we walked from room to room she said more than once, "Good for you all." Salve to the swipes left behind by the others.
I think about God telling His people He was/is a jealous God. He meant we are to only worship Him. I guess I think of this as righteous jealousy. The only good kind since He warns us not to be envious. Of anything or anybody. Friends come and go. Family at times feels distant. I think God is having this occur to remind me He is the one constant. Reaching out to Him is what I should be doing and where I should be going. He shares His love with everyone. There's no limit to it for any of us. Look to the cross when you question your importance. The ultimate sacrifice, the ultimate gift. After a blessing like that, we don't need to be jealous of anyone else. We have God's full and complete love. Each and every one of us.

God's Wheel

I have been hit lately with those questions we have all been asked when tragedy occurs. "What kind of God would do this?" And the all popular, "Why?" Questions like these have come my way from a friend who is struggling in their relationship with God. Can any of us answer that? Of course not.
There are several ideas though from many different points of view. One is God always has a plan. Another? You have to trust in God. Other folks would comment that you must always remember God is love. Some say it isn't God; it is the devil. Or it is sin. We have free will, God did not make us robots and we make our choices. My husband had an eye opening view. Even in the garden of Eden, the devil was slithering around. I hadn't heard that before. Mind boggling.
A former pastor once said in a sermon he doesn't know what to say to people who ask him, "Why? Why my wife or child?" The hard part for him is people expect him to have the answer because he is a pastor. He does ponder that perhaps it is because our relationship with God is like a wheel. God wants us right there next to Him in the center of that wheel. However, because we are sinful, selfish and (my personal favorite) think we know better than God we don't ask for His wisdom and do our own thing. We slide out on the axle of our own selfishness if you will.
Let's face it, we do this all the time. And, be honest, how much do we pray when things are just jim dandy? But, when times are hurtful, we are down on our knees. It's like having a friend who only calls you when things are crummy, never when they are a blessing. My sister says sometimes God gets our attention in little ways and sometimes He gets our attention in big ways. No matter what way He gets our attention, we should listen better.
I like the wheel theory. Maybe because I am so visual and it paints a picture I can relate to. God allows some things to happen to bring us back around to Him. When "bad" things have happened to me I usually worry, cry , shake my fist at God or even curse. Not the best choice. I have even turned my back on Him. But He never turned His back on me. He was always there, waiting patiently. He knew I'd come around. I'm not that full of myself, though at times I come pretty close. Since He knows me best-all of us for that matter-He gets that too. Loves us anyway.
We don't always get our answers to "why" or "what kind of". We aren't supposed to. We are suppose to walk with God and listen closely. Stay in the center of God's wheel. The ride is smooth and the view is beautiful!

God's Name

Has anyone noticed that lots of people are taking the Lord's name in vain lately? We hear it in movies, in classrooms, in songs; everywhere. It's almost a cool thing to say, like the latest slang.
Does anyone ever remember that this is a commandment? Putting "damn" behind it is fairly popular too. My friends in the South that I went to school with NEVER said it. And I mean never. I greatly admired them for that. I admired them for a lot but that was the most admirable trait.
The other day I heard my little one say it. I nearly fell over. I explained why we don't say it, that we are to respect God's name. Always. I think she/he understood.
Of course I've said it. I've cursed with it too. I'm not proud of that fact. I pray and ask God to help me recall my advice to my children. God's name is holy. Call on Him in joy and sorrow. Even in anger. But do it properly. He's always there to answer.

God's Rules

A few days ago someone facebooked me these crazy signs and sayings people had in front of their churches. One of my favorites? "What part of thou shalt not don't you understand?"
Interesting question, no? I marvel at God's patience with us. Because we break those top ten rules all the time. All the time. And if we were to try and answer that question, what would we say? No excuse is really viable. We just do it. Like Nike. Only it's called sinning to us Christians.
Sure we try hard not to but it's part of our human nature. Has anyone ever really had an easy time of honoring their parents? It's more like we dream of nursing home placement. Who hasn't slept in because they were too tired to get up and get ready for church? Gossiping? Don't even get me started on that one. And I have to say "ditto" to the whole taking the Lord's name in vain deal. Then there's the big "C". Coveting. Yowsa. I read in the Bible that if you desire someone in your mind/heart-yeah, adultery.
Not pretty. What is pretty awesome is that God loves us. A lot. So much He decided His Son needed to come down to the world He created, live here for thirty-three years or so, teach, preach, love and heal. Then He died for us and rose three days later. So that no matter how many times we don't understand "Thou shalt not" and ask for forgiveness, we've got it. Yowsa!

God's Spring

Seriously, is there really more snow coming? When I went to bed the weatherman said maybe two to four inches. Did you miss the "maybe" in that sentence? Because I clung to it like a life raft. When I got up my husband delivered the cheery news that now they were predicting four to eight inches. Wow.
I know I live in the Midwest. I know it's February. But really? Where's the early spring promised by that famous groundhog? I don't like him anymore. Liar, liar pants on fire. And yes, I'm blogging about the weather. Deal with it. Because I'm gonna have to deal with the snow. Dreaming about retiring in Florida and working at Disney isn't working for me anymore.
Snow is okay for a season. A very short season. It is pretty. It sparkles softly and lays quietly. After a snowfall if you stand outside with a hundred layers on-and I'm not kidding-I'm still surprised at how silent the world is. Then, it can melt the next day. Thank you Jesus.
Thanking Jesus for the melting snow is really only the tip of the iceberg. No pun intended. We really wouldn't appreciate Spring as much if we hadn't gone through winter. With Spring comes the budding of trees and the blooming of flowers. I can't believe that the grass is so incredibly green or the flowers of Spring only last a little while. That makes us appreciate them so much more.
Then, there's Easter. Double wow. Pondering all Christ did for us. Sometimes it's unfathomable. But it's always good. It's always filled with love. True, the Reese's peanut butter eggs rock like no other but that isn't the point. The point is Jesus. Point to the cross, point to Jesus. It's a really cool cycle. So ponder that a little more. I know I will and I will never be able to thank Him enough for His sacrifice. I'm going to mull that over a bit longer while I enjoy my peanut butter eggs. On sale now.

God's Lost

I am feeling a bit lost. My father has had a stroke. Not a mini-stroke like he's been having for the past twelve years but a stroke in the cerebrum. He is now using a walker and when I talk to him on the phone he sounds like an old man. Not good. Scary. Not something I really want to face. I spoke to a friend who's mother isn't doing so well either. We are in very different places. This friend is ready to fight. I admire her spirit. I am coping by crying or sleeping. Shock is another word I'd use. Chocolate yet another favorite. Notice praying isn't making the cut.
I wouldn't say my father and I are particularly close. Yet, there were times if he hadn't been there for me, no one would have been. And he gave me strength when I needed it most. We are a lot a like with the same sarcastic humor. He hides his sensitivity and I wear mine like a badge of honor. His criticisms have given me the courage to fight injustice to children-my own, my friends and sometimes strangers. He has empowered me to tell it like it is.
I forget from time to time how deeply religious he is. He doesn't talk about it often. His God is personal and private to him. When he does talk about his faith, everyone sits up and listens. It is incredibly moving.
I'm trying to make my way back to that moving place. Get past the upset and find that place of prayer and faith. Feeling lost isn't where my Heavenly or earthly father wants me to be.