This weekend we are heading South for my niece's first birthday. I am really excited but not about the seven or so hour drive- and that's one way folks. We can split it up at my parents but on Sunday we make the long haul. I could say it isn't fun, the ride lasts an eternity, etc. but I'm working hard on the positive. Seeing my niece. Seeing all my nieces and nephews. It will be fun for my kids to see their cousins and enjoy a visit.
I'm already giving myself the pep talk for a different trip down. We are NOT going to watch movies all the way down there. We are going to play games everyone can participate in including the driver. We will eat some nutritional snacks. We will NOT veg out on hand held games. So help me. And I mean that literally.
I find as I critique myself as a parent that at times it is easier to check out than check in. I hate that. We have to figure out things to do with our children. And here's the sticking point: don't ask them, tell them. We are making a batch of cookies. NOW! And so help me, you will enjoy your time with your mother! Because that type of family time always works!
Seriously, when I begin to question the time we spend as a family, I many times get a very bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. I can let this feeling run away with my imagination or I can ask for some help. My friends have good ideas and so does my husband. But, once again, I am stunned at the ideas I know God is putting on my heart. This past weekend I asked my daughter if she'd like to paint some pictures with me using the left over painting kits from her birthday. Yes, I asked which may have been my first mistake. However, though she declined the paints, she did offer another suggestion. We read three more chapters in a book we were reading together this summer! Wow! It was so much fun!
I really felt God's guidance here. I was so appreciative of Him giving her the idea! I know I've written about family time before. I know I've written about God looking at the small things in our hearts and hearing them as much as the bigger things. This though was special. As we sift through the day to day we need to take time to check in with our families. If we are too busy to do that, then we are too busy. God is never too busy for us. We were so much a priority to Him that He sent His son to take on our sins and die for us. Prayer and a relationship with God should be our first priority so all the other ones fall into place. I know this, I just have to remember it! It's my prayer for my family and for yours also!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Seeing God in Miracles
This past week the world watched as thirty-three miners were pulled from a dark "safe room" around a half mile below the surface to safety. After seventy days they were reunited with their families. The news coverage was extensive. And some of the comments before they reached the "real world" were anything but positive.
A few experts said life as they knew it was changed forever. Reuniting with their families would consist of getting to know each other again. They'd be in the media spotlight and offered more money than they'd know what to do with. Movie and book deals would follow. The attention would be overwhelming.
I'm not an expert. I can't imagine what is in store for these men and their families. But naysayers really bug me. Can we look at the positive? None of these experts mentioned that. These men endured more than two months of hardship like few people I have ever known. They are survivors. They became family-lifting one another up when things were bleak. One of the men is from Bolivia. The president of his country of origin visited him in the hospital offering him land and a job if he came home. He graciously rejected the offer. He said he wanted to stay in his new home with his brothers. Doesn't sound like this particular gentlemen was swayed by money. He was swayed by his underground family.
Another man said he met God and the devil. God won. Yes, God won. Hopefully He won over all those men's hearts as they survived so far below. He lifted them up while they were still stuck down there. He kept them safe. He kept them safer as they traveled up to meet their families in that cramped little capsule. The walls of the tunnel held. The whole story is indeed a miracle. Do people see God in that? I really hope so. I know the miners did.
A few experts said life as they knew it was changed forever. Reuniting with their families would consist of getting to know each other again. They'd be in the media spotlight and offered more money than they'd know what to do with. Movie and book deals would follow. The attention would be overwhelming.
I'm not an expert. I can't imagine what is in store for these men and their families. But naysayers really bug me. Can we look at the positive? None of these experts mentioned that. These men endured more than two months of hardship like few people I have ever known. They are survivors. They became family-lifting one another up when things were bleak. One of the men is from Bolivia. The president of his country of origin visited him in the hospital offering him land and a job if he came home. He graciously rejected the offer. He said he wanted to stay in his new home with his brothers. Doesn't sound like this particular gentlemen was swayed by money. He was swayed by his underground family.
Another man said he met God and the devil. God won. Yes, God won. Hopefully He won over all those men's hearts as they survived so far below. He lifted them up while they were still stuck down there. He kept them safe. He kept them safer as they traveled up to meet their families in that cramped little capsule. The walls of the tunnel held. The whole story is indeed a miracle. Do people see God in that? I really hope so. I know the miners did.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, October 8, 2010
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!
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!
Monday, October 4, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, September 27, 2010
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.
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.
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