I cannot believe it has been over a month since I typed a blog. Wow! I had a great Christmas theme, too! I liked it so much, I'm doing it even though Christmas is over. Hope you enjoy!
"Do you wonder, as you watch my face
If a wiser one, should have had my place?"
These are the words to one of my favorite Christmas songs. The title is "Breath of Heaven" and if you are blessed enough to have heard it this Christmas season, it is done by Amy Grant. It is a song sung from Mary's point of view. This song makes me think and always brings a lump to my throat.
This year the song has especially hit home for me. I'm waiting on several answers from God. And I do wonder, when He sees my face, does He find what He's looking for? Have I listened to His plans for me or have I gone my own way? A person would be wise indeed to listen close to God. But have I?
I think we all wonder at times, "Am I doing what God intends? Am I letting Him down? Did I miss His message?" This can cause all manner of stress induced anxiety attacks. Don't let it. Here's the next line of this thoughtful song:
"But I offer all I am, for the mercy of your plan.
Help me be strong..."
Maybe praying for strength is where we fall short. And, are we offering all we are to Him? All we are? All we are is an awful lot of good, bad, and ugly. Could it be here is where we stumble? Like God doesn't know our bad and ugly? Please!
Offer all you are to God. Believe in Him. He believes in you to do the job He's sent you to do. He knows your credentials. Now answer His want ads!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
God's Thanksgiving
Well, here it is Thanksgiving Eve! The turkey is done and thanks to my oldest who so graciously volunteered, the pumpkin pie is too. My wonderful husband made homemade rolls. (Yeah, I really love my mom-in-law.) And I have the pecan pie thawing. Yes, thawing. I'm not Wonder Woman.
Tomorrow we will watch the parades just the five of us. I like making Thanksgiving dinner for my immediates. We'll eat and laugh. And then, God help us, we'll watch football. And, I will survive.
Tonight we went to church. Our pastor talked about having an "attitude of gratitude". The point that really hit home for me was when he spoke of people who were afflicted but were grateful all the same. And the folks who had very little but gave generously. Like the widow in the Bible who had nothing but gave her last coin to the church. Jesus told the disciples, "Did you see what she did? She gave more than anyone else because she gave out of her poverty, giving all that she had to live on." I'm paraphasing here but that's the gist of it.
What if we focused on giving thanks instead of how good the turkey tasted? What if we gave back out of our gratitude to God instead of worrying to removing the plastic bag that houses the nasty turkey innards?
We have a lot to give thanks for! I know two families who lost their loved ones this week. They're still sitting down to dinner and giving thanks. The Bible tells us to give thanks in everything. What if we did that? Or, at least tried?
That's a lot of "what ifs" I know, but what if Jesus hadn't loved us? What if God hadn't sent His Son to take on our sins? We'd have absolutely nothing to be thankful for.
So, give thanks tomorrow and every day after no matter what happens or how hard it is. Seem impossible? Ask for a little help from above by the Guy who told us all things are possible with Him!
Tomorrow we will watch the parades just the five of us. I like making Thanksgiving dinner for my immediates. We'll eat and laugh. And then, God help us, we'll watch football. And, I will survive.
Tonight we went to church. Our pastor talked about having an "attitude of gratitude". The point that really hit home for me was when he spoke of people who were afflicted but were grateful all the same. And the folks who had very little but gave generously. Like the widow in the Bible who had nothing but gave her last coin to the church. Jesus told the disciples, "Did you see what she did? She gave more than anyone else because she gave out of her poverty, giving all that she had to live on." I'm paraphasing here but that's the gist of it.
What if we focused on giving thanks instead of how good the turkey tasted? What if we gave back out of our gratitude to God instead of worrying to removing the plastic bag that houses the nasty turkey innards?
We have a lot to give thanks for! I know two families who lost their loved ones this week. They're still sitting down to dinner and giving thanks. The Bible tells us to give thanks in everything. What if we did that? Or, at least tried?
That's a lot of "what ifs" I know, but what if Jesus hadn't loved us? What if God hadn't sent His Son to take on our sins? We'd have absolutely nothing to be thankful for.
So, give thanks tomorrow and every day after no matter what happens or how hard it is. Seem impossible? Ask for a little help from above by the Guy who told us all things are possible with Him!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
God's Choice
This one is for all the single people out there. It was inspired by one of my favorite people who also happens to be related to me. For all of you married folks out there, take a few and remember what it was like to be single. This is how I remember it.
All of my friends had boyfriends. I was the lone wolf. Always included, I still felt out of place. This was how it was for me during junior high, high school, and most of college. I only really started dating a year before I met my husband.
When I met my husband, I didn't like him. Used to being treated crappy by somewhat wild boys, my mission at the time was to save a dwindling relationship. Enter my husband.
He was graduating from a Big Ten school. He had decided to get his Master's degree. Icing on the cake? He was a pastor's son. Yeah, my parents were in Heaven. That was the kiss of death for my hubby.
The other relationship fell through. Wow-guess I couldn't save it after all. My husband was still calling me and I didn't have any other prospects, so I kept him around. He started to grow on me. I finally realized God had given me the catch of a lifetime.
I married my husband over twenty years ago. Has it been a fairy tale? Please! Give me a break. Most of the reason was because I knew I didn't deserve someone who loved me unconditionally. God or my husband.
Then, it occurred to me that even the most horrible person in the world deserved someone wonderful. Because if the horrible person got a wonderful person, wouldn't Miss Horrible have some of Mr. Wonderful rub off on her? Which would make her less horrible? I'm not saying I was Miss Horrible. At times, however, I did give her a run for her money.
I used to joke that my "Mr. Right" had fallen off his horse. He'd probably hit his head when he did so and was stumbling around the woods lost, his quest for me forgotten.
Now I have concluded that my choices were all wrong. God's choice for me was all right. I had to trust in Him to show me the way into the woods. I had to hold His hand while he steered my husband to me. I had to accept wildflowers as though they were roses, learning no one, not even myself, was perfect. I had to be patient and kind. I had to remember it wasn't always about me. And I had to listen to God.
These were not lessons that were easy to learn. But, they were invaluable. Trust God to lead you to His choice. Whether he or she has fallen off a horse or a Harley, they'll be worth the wait.
All of my friends had boyfriends. I was the lone wolf. Always included, I still felt out of place. This was how it was for me during junior high, high school, and most of college. I only really started dating a year before I met my husband.
When I met my husband, I didn't like him. Used to being treated crappy by somewhat wild boys, my mission at the time was to save a dwindling relationship. Enter my husband.
He was graduating from a Big Ten school. He had decided to get his Master's degree. Icing on the cake? He was a pastor's son. Yeah, my parents were in Heaven. That was the kiss of death for my hubby.
The other relationship fell through. Wow-guess I couldn't save it after all. My husband was still calling me and I didn't have any other prospects, so I kept him around. He started to grow on me. I finally realized God had given me the catch of a lifetime.
I married my husband over twenty years ago. Has it been a fairy tale? Please! Give me a break. Most of the reason was because I knew I didn't deserve someone who loved me unconditionally. God or my husband.
Then, it occurred to me that even the most horrible person in the world deserved someone wonderful. Because if the horrible person got a wonderful person, wouldn't Miss Horrible have some of Mr. Wonderful rub off on her? Which would make her less horrible? I'm not saying I was Miss Horrible. At times, however, I did give her a run for her money.
I used to joke that my "Mr. Right" had fallen off his horse. He'd probably hit his head when he did so and was stumbling around the woods lost, his quest for me forgotten.
Now I have concluded that my choices were all wrong. God's choice for me was all right. I had to trust in Him to show me the way into the woods. I had to hold His hand while he steered my husband to me. I had to accept wildflowers as though they were roses, learning no one, not even myself, was perfect. I had to be patient and kind. I had to remember it wasn't always about me. And I had to listen to God.
These were not lessons that were easy to learn. But, they were invaluable. Trust God to lead you to His choice. Whether he or she has fallen off a horse or a Harley, they'll be worth the wait.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
God's Blog
Have you ever wondered what God's blog might say? We basically have a "how to" book in the Bible, but what about a blog?
I think His blog would be different for every one of His children. It wouldn't be a log on type of deal like we have now for everyone to read. No group thing. It would be personable. To the point. Individually loving and kind.
Isn't this really what we get from Him when we pray? Sometimes we find our answers in the "how to" book. Sometimes, He tells us plain as day, "Here's the plan." We question this, forgetting it is His plan for us, not the other way around.
We can also forget He knows best. For those of us who remember the old fifities sitcom, "Father Knows Best", no truer words were ever spoken about our Heavenly Father.
I have at times not been told but shown the answer to my prayers. I'm very much aware that He is answering my prayers in a different manner when this occurs. And, sometimes I question the answer too much. Pick it apart, over think it, what have you. I'll even ask, "Is this really what you're telling me?"
Who has slipped into the Gideon complex? Tell me, show me and show me again. Yeah, I've done that too.
And please, don't get me started on timing. The "how to" manual tells us a thousand years is one day and one day is a thousand years to God. That doesn't really work for me. I'm a clock watcher. Date planner. Next year's calenders come out and I'm there.
I guess what we have to remember is God's personal blog to us is to be taken seriously. He's not kidding around. Not about His answers or His timing. There's a reason He shows and tells us His agenda for our lives. It's called love.
I think His blog would be different for every one of His children. It wouldn't be a log on type of deal like we have now for everyone to read. No group thing. It would be personable. To the point. Individually loving and kind.
Isn't this really what we get from Him when we pray? Sometimes we find our answers in the "how to" book. Sometimes, He tells us plain as day, "Here's the plan." We question this, forgetting it is His plan for us, not the other way around.
We can also forget He knows best. For those of us who remember the old fifities sitcom, "Father Knows Best", no truer words were ever spoken about our Heavenly Father.
I have at times not been told but shown the answer to my prayers. I'm very much aware that He is answering my prayers in a different manner when this occurs. And, sometimes I question the answer too much. Pick it apart, over think it, what have you. I'll even ask, "Is this really what you're telling me?"
Who has slipped into the Gideon complex? Tell me, show me and show me again. Yeah, I've done that too.
And please, don't get me started on timing. The "how to" manual tells us a thousand years is one day and one day is a thousand years to God. That doesn't really work for me. I'm a clock watcher. Date planner. Next year's calenders come out and I'm there.
I guess what we have to remember is God's personal blog to us is to be taken seriously. He's not kidding around. Not about His answers or His timing. There's a reason He shows and tells us His agenda for our lives. It's called love.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
God's Sacred Ground
Have you ever had someone make a comment that hurt your feelings? Made you angry? Frustrated you? I could go on. The answer is yes, of course. It has happened to all of us. Sometimes it is accidental. We've all said things that the receiver takes the wrong way. Hopefully, they'll tell us what we did. And hopefully, we rise above and apologize.
But, what about when this occurs and you have the extreme sense it was done with malice? And, you also perceive discussing it over with said malicious person may only increase the cruelty of the response? Or, worst case scenario, this person has treaded on something so sacred the anger and sorrow tears you in two? What's a person to do?
Counselors and pastors would tell us to forgive. Forget and move on. Pray for the offender and yourself. They probably would agree that it isn't going to be easy. They may encourage us to talk over our upset with the person, though you be may wary of doing so.
While reading this, you may have guessed this has recently happened to me. Extenuating circumstances made the comment that much more painful. Letting it bother me to the point I did also didn't aid in recovery. And forgiveness? Please!
As usual, I concluded I was the only one to EVER be hurt this way. If you tend to do this too, don't buy into it. You'll miss the miracle of group or even duet healing. Which leads me to my next point.
While explaining all of this to a friend, he/she told me his/her story. Different entirely yet remarkably similiar, this person explained his/her situation not only to me but to the receptive other party. This receptive party member is someone I truly admire. Intelligent, funny, and extremely faithful, the "member" never meant to hurt. With understanding and love, the member had a Spirit fed revelation.
"Some situations in our life our sacred. Someone treads on that sacred ground, with or without meaning to hurt, and we can't help but respond with a big ol' ouch!" I'm paraphrasing here, however not the "sacred ground" term used. Again, we all have it and have all been there when it has been uprooted.
I can't tell you how much this advice helped me. I had wanted to call up my perpetrator and yell, blame, lash out. I sort of did do this when I discussed my feelings with my husband. He gets it though. I think he likes the fact he married a fighter. Or, he goes to his very happy place-Disney-and ignores me.
Anyhow, I took a break from this experience and prayed. Yes, your pastor and counselor have a point. I encountered peace. I encountered God rolling a huge stone across my decision to explain anything to the "tromper" of my garden. And, I began to see it flourish. Sure, forgiveness is the next step. I'm getting there. I'm praying for it.
And, I'm seeing God wrap me in His blanket of security while we weed the issue together. He's excellent with his gardening tools and always has a bandage in His pocket.
But, what about when this occurs and you have the extreme sense it was done with malice? And, you also perceive discussing it over with said malicious person may only increase the cruelty of the response? Or, worst case scenario, this person has treaded on something so sacred the anger and sorrow tears you in two? What's a person to do?
Counselors and pastors would tell us to forgive. Forget and move on. Pray for the offender and yourself. They probably would agree that it isn't going to be easy. They may encourage us to talk over our upset with the person, though you be may wary of doing so.
While reading this, you may have guessed this has recently happened to me. Extenuating circumstances made the comment that much more painful. Letting it bother me to the point I did also didn't aid in recovery. And forgiveness? Please!
As usual, I concluded I was the only one to EVER be hurt this way. If you tend to do this too, don't buy into it. You'll miss the miracle of group or even duet healing. Which leads me to my next point.
While explaining all of this to a friend, he/she told me his/her story. Different entirely yet remarkably similiar, this person explained his/her situation not only to me but to the receptive other party. This receptive party member is someone I truly admire. Intelligent, funny, and extremely faithful, the "member" never meant to hurt. With understanding and love, the member had a Spirit fed revelation.
"Some situations in our life our sacred. Someone treads on that sacred ground, with or without meaning to hurt, and we can't help but respond with a big ol' ouch!" I'm paraphrasing here, however not the "sacred ground" term used. Again, we all have it and have all been there when it has been uprooted.
I can't tell you how much this advice helped me. I had wanted to call up my perpetrator and yell, blame, lash out. I sort of did do this when I discussed my feelings with my husband. He gets it though. I think he likes the fact he married a fighter. Or, he goes to his very happy place-Disney-and ignores me.
Anyhow, I took a break from this experience and prayed. Yes, your pastor and counselor have a point. I encountered peace. I encountered God rolling a huge stone across my decision to explain anything to the "tromper" of my garden. And, I began to see it flourish. Sure, forgiveness is the next step. I'm getting there. I'm praying for it.
And, I'm seeing God wrap me in His blanket of security while we weed the issue together. He's excellent with his gardening tools and always has a bandage in His pocket.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
God's Nerves
Early morning panic attacks. Acid levels rising in my stomach. Exhaustion. Irritability. Yes, they are all symptoms of my nerves on edge. Why do I try to micro-manage? Do I use a hyphen there? Whatever.
I am not good with worry. I am not good with deadlines. Too many stressors for this woman. I am not good.
I could be good. I could pray and put all this garbage in God's hands. I've done it but I always take it back out of His capable, knowing hands and into mine. Maybe that's why I keep dropping things.
I trust God. I really do. Seriously. However, I like to give Him advice when I pray. For example, I pray about a situation and then tell Him, "Now, here's an idea. Wouldn't it be nice if things turned out this way? Hey, wait. Here's another solution."
I'm sure He's very appreciative. I mean, who doesn't need a few suggestions now and then? The answer: God.
He is God Almighty. Maker of the universe. He made us. He loves us. He knows us better than anyone. He sent His Son for us so we're good. In other words, Jesus took on our sins and died for us. Then He rose from the dead so we can live forever with Him in Heaven.
Wow! Those are some pretty great credentials! I'm guessing He can handle a little thing like a decision. For His kids.
I ponder over myself. Do I, or any of the rest of us, get on God's nerves? I mean, I am helpful. Albeit whiny.
Or, does He know me well enough to put these obstacles in my path so I finally learn to cry out to Him ? I certainly do cry out about the time I'm drowning in that stomach acid. Then I feel His peace descend. I give up the worry and nothing gets back in. Then, I sit quietly and wait. Sometimes He shows. Sometimes He tells. But He always understands.
I don't think we do get on His nerves. He doesn't have any. He is God.
I am not good with worry. I am not good with deadlines. Too many stressors for this woman. I am not good.
I could be good. I could pray and put all this garbage in God's hands. I've done it but I always take it back out of His capable, knowing hands and into mine. Maybe that's why I keep dropping things.
I trust God. I really do. Seriously. However, I like to give Him advice when I pray. For example, I pray about a situation and then tell Him, "Now, here's an idea. Wouldn't it be nice if things turned out this way? Hey, wait. Here's another solution."
I'm sure He's very appreciative. I mean, who doesn't need a few suggestions now and then? The answer: God.
He is God Almighty. Maker of the universe. He made us. He loves us. He knows us better than anyone. He sent His Son for us so we're good. In other words, Jesus took on our sins and died for us. Then He rose from the dead so we can live forever with Him in Heaven.
Wow! Those are some pretty great credentials! I'm guessing He can handle a little thing like a decision. For His kids.
I ponder over myself. Do I, or any of the rest of us, get on God's nerves? I mean, I am helpful. Albeit whiny.
Or, does He know me well enough to put these obstacles in my path so I finally learn to cry out to Him ? I certainly do cry out about the time I'm drowning in that stomach acid. Then I feel His peace descend. I give up the worry and nothing gets back in. Then, I sit quietly and wait. Sometimes He shows. Sometimes He tells. But He always understands.
I don't think we do get on His nerves. He doesn't have any. He is God.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
God's Home
A couple of weeks ago I went to the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference. Informative, fun and enlightening, I met some wonderful people. People I hope to keep in touch with for a long time and maybe even reading this right now. It was great to be excited about writing all over again and glean an educational experience!
While I was there though, I missed home. I have always been a big homesick baby. It has followed me into adulthood. I missed my husband and kids. I would like to state for the record I did not miss our dog. I called my family often and made sure I spoke with everyone at least once while I was gone.
Coming home was sweet. My husband kissed and hugged me. My children acted like I had the plague. The dog was glad to see me. Hmm...maybe there's a lesson here. Anyway, I was glad to be home. We worshipped and rested and had as much family togetherness as my kids would allow on Sunday.
Monday dawned as usual. Hurry to school. Hurry to work. Hurry to get the laundry done. Hurry to get those groceries. And hurry through all those notes I took at the conference to remember all things pertinent. Why is life such a rush?
I paused to think about why I missed home. Everyone I loved was there. The peace and calm of familiarity soothes me. Confident in my surroundings and able to sneak a cookie I really don't need. But, not perfect. Errands never end! Can I get an "Amen!" on that one? People get cranky-notice I'm not naming names-and we wish we were back at the conference.
I started thinking about my next blog. It came to me. Many things have been said about home. "Home is where the heart is" and "There's no place like home" came to mind almost immediately. I thought about why I always get homesick. And the idea for this blog came to me.
We are so in love with the idea of home. Even, and sometimes especially, when it isn't perfect. What about our heavenly home that is perfect? It's waiting for us. No rushing. No laundry. No high calorie cookies. Just perfection. And, all the people we love will be there. All of them. Topping the list in importance, the One who loves us the most will be there. No place like it and where my heart is. Always.
While I was there though, I missed home. I have always been a big homesick baby. It has followed me into adulthood. I missed my husband and kids. I would like to state for the record I did not miss our dog. I called my family often and made sure I spoke with everyone at least once while I was gone.
Coming home was sweet. My husband kissed and hugged me. My children acted like I had the plague. The dog was glad to see me. Hmm...maybe there's a lesson here. Anyway, I was glad to be home. We worshipped and rested and had as much family togetherness as my kids would allow on Sunday.
Monday dawned as usual. Hurry to school. Hurry to work. Hurry to get the laundry done. Hurry to get those groceries. And hurry through all those notes I took at the conference to remember all things pertinent. Why is life such a rush?
I paused to think about why I missed home. Everyone I loved was there. The peace and calm of familiarity soothes me. Confident in my surroundings and able to sneak a cookie I really don't need. But, not perfect. Errands never end! Can I get an "Amen!" on that one? People get cranky-notice I'm not naming names-and we wish we were back at the conference.
I started thinking about my next blog. It came to me. Many things have been said about home. "Home is where the heart is" and "There's no place like home" came to mind almost immediately. I thought about why I always get homesick. And the idea for this blog came to me.
We are so in love with the idea of home. Even, and sometimes especially, when it isn't perfect. What about our heavenly home that is perfect? It's waiting for us. No rushing. No laundry. No high calorie cookies. Just perfection. And, all the people we love will be there. All of them. Topping the list in importance, the One who loves us the most will be there. No place like it and where my heart is. Always.
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