Sticktuitiveness

It is rare to hear of married couples lasting more than ten or fifteen years anymore. My parents are such a great example of Sticktuitiveness. 62 years. 62! I think of how many people I know that have married and since divorced. Not all relationships can be restored, but many don't try. I am not anywhere near 62 years old, but I have been around the block so I can tell you that an alarming 50+% of my peoples have not made it to the finish line. Whether it was one or both, the end was declared, the white flag tossed, the crayons divided.

Is it any wonder that we fail at so many of the other lesser commitments we make? Marriage is the most important so it would seem that losing weight or cleaning out the garage doesn't stand a chance. Right? I ponder this a lot. If a promise to a human can not be kept, is there any hope that we will leave the Ding Dong on the shelf? I say probably not. After all we are talking chocolate....And if we measure our integrity when dealing with people verses say, television, is there a noticeable difference in who wins, showing preference for family over football?

I am not saying that football is bad, but if it means dissing the spouse, kids or a friend in crisis, what are we saying is our choice for intentional living? I am truly committed to ....say.....love my spouse? Never miss Survivor? Always putting down the remote to read to my child? Driving to a friends at 2 in the morning to help in a time of need? When you read it or write it, the decision seems pretty simple, but I think application is the key. And if we are not faithful in the real things,God and people, why would we expect different outcomes in the New Years resolutions such as quitting soda pop or licking that 2 pack a day gum habit.

Sticktuitiveness. We all need some more superglue in our yes or no. When we say yes, let it be and if we nod no, let it be no. Don't be a flip flopper, like some politicians we know. Don't let your words say one thing and your actions say another. Even when you are not having fun, when it is hard or boring, stick with it. The outcome is always good, the reward is even better. And we can not do it just some of the time, as this is a daily effort. I said it, effort. Takes work, commitment and love to have a perfect outcome. So you should log off of the blog, turn off the TV and listen intently for 5 minutes to your spouse, friend or child as they tell you something important about them.

Utter Joy

Though we are often running in circles day and night, the best part is when we are together. My family brings me joy! I love being around them. I enjoy sitting back and watching people. One of my favorite places is at the mall. Families and best friends come out in flocks to seek the prize, the perfect gift. And around the holidays much can be observed in those endeavors.

The hand-holding, the giggles, the smiles and laughter as folks stroll in and out of stores adding bags to their load. People begin listing by mid-day. Or there are those that are tense, arguing about what gift, how much to spend or how much time it is taking to find the right purchase for each relative or friend. The holiday music seems to have no impact on their mood. These folks would not appreciate the Flash Concerts in the mall.

I ponder the motivation for each cluster of shoppers that pass by. What is it that has the world up in arms this one time a year? And are they this thoughtful the other 364 days of the year? Do they shop out of heart-felt affection or obligation? Do they resent the task or find utter joy in it? Would they give a friend a Starbucks gift card just because or only if they are required to?

I know that in a small way most people want to find a way to show how special a person is or how much they love them. They want to find a gift that will not be returned but enjoyed by the lucky recipient. Then there are those who may be purchasing out of guilt, trying to appease or restore a fractured tie. They may even consider re-gifting because they are not really that interested in putting forth that effort.

I think if I look at the example of God, His gift was for everyone, without variance in purpose and with equal measure. He gave everything, with full measure to anyone who would like to receive it. It is easy to give a gift to those you love, or have some fond feelings for and who return those feelings. But to give to those who hate you, or who are strangers to you? That is what Jesus' life was, a gift for all mankind, even those who persecuted Him, beat Him and abandoned Him on the cross. WOW!

Think about it, Manasseh (2 Kings 21-22, 2 Chronicles 33) was saved for only a short time before his death. He was the most evil ruler, but when he called out to God, He received the gift. He received the same reward as Billy Graham who has led the multitudes to the foot of the cross. Two very different lives, same gift!

What was the gift? Utter Joy! Eternal life, complete forgiveness, white and pure, able to stand before the throne without any shame, anger, hurt or guilt! How cool is that, to know that we will sit at the table of the Lord, walk on streets of gold, worship with the angels!!! If you need reassurance about this gift, read below;

Jude 24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

He Cares for You!

Isn't it great that no matter what we do, what we say, we know that we are loved by God! He lets it all roll off His back, never holding on to any offense. He is so big that He never lets go of us even though we let go of Him. We can not do or say anything to make Him so angry that He would forsake or leave us. He holds us in His hand.

Not always the case with the human race. We can probably recite a million examples of how we did not meet up to someones standards or expectations, or how we have failed in meeting their needs. Happens every day. And no matter how many times or how many ways we apologize, there is no grace, no forgiveness.

There may even be times where we are wounded beyond our hearts ability to mend. We are shattered, left with self doubt and a lack of worth. We are unable to find our way through the mire. Much like a chess game we replay the situation time and again in our minds, and yet can not see a different move to make. A stale mate occurs no matter which way we turn.

The good news is that God knows the human condition. He knows that some will walk in peace, able to forgive and some will not. He knows that many are prone to live like puffer fish when we really need to be soft, absorbent, like a sponge able to squeeze out the bad stuff in a cleansing spiritual bath. I know as I wash away the dirt from my dishes I see it disappear down the drain leaving a clean, shiny, blank slate. Oh if only we humans could master that!

God spoke to the issue of offense and what our individual response to it should be throughout the old and new testament. It would only take each human living out a couple of these lessons to change the view in our spiritual dish.

(1 Peter 4:8) Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

(1 John 4:20-21) If anyone makes the statement: “I love God,” and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot be loving God, whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him, that the one who loves God should be loving his brother also.

So what is it that God tells us to do in these situations? To humble ourselves, let God take over. He says if we hand it all over, He will resolve it. He will defend us. We do not need to be overtaken by emotion or circumstance. There is nothing He can not handle. He cares!! Wonderful!

(Psalm 16:8) I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

1 Peter 5:6-7- Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.

Whats in a manger?

What if Christ had not come? What if the promises from the God of the old testament stories not been fulfilled? What if we just woke up, and carried on with our usual day? What if that manger had never been filled?

I could imagine this season would have gone unnoticed. There would be no break from work, no special music to sing, no decorations, no happy sounds of jingle bells. We would watch the news and talk about the weather, what the kids might do for winter school break, who will play the super bowl. No special feast, no family gatherings, no turkey and dressing, no big deal.

And what would we say on a daily basis when troubles arise, when we need help or an answer? There would be no Jesus to intercede for us, no Jesus to hear our cries, no Jesus to comfort us, no Jesus to take our hand and lead us. There would be no payment for sin, no way to open the heavenly gates and no promise of eternity.

But fortunately that is not the way the story goes. You see, the promises did come true, a baby was born, a baby did sleep in that stinky manger and a way was provided for us to find hope, find forgiveness, to find our way. Because of that baby we have a reason to celebrate, a reason to decorate, a reason to sing. Just as the angels announced to the shepherds "Good News!", Luke 2 tells us that a Savior is born and He is going to provide a way.

Christmas is Here

It is always at this time of year that I tend to be more reflective. I am probably not alone in that. I am reminded of Gods' love for me throughout the season. Even as I am wrestling with extremely uncooperative Christmas lights outside, God is there. And He does not abandon me (or my family) when I ruin yet another meal, always giving my wonderful husband the grace to say "It's not bad" as he washes each bite down with a glass of water. Or Cody, who reassures me "Don't worry mom, we can eat pizza!" God still knows my heart. Then there is that whole shopping and shipping thing which,while I have the greatest (or at least good) intentions, it always tests my Christmas (and Christian) spirit. I can just see God, perhaps shaking his head, but then He smiles and pats me on the shoulder reminding me that, even in postal lines, He is there.

It has been a challenging year and yet I am reminded of a few important facts as I survey the events of the day:

We are more alike than unalike.
I am not alone in my suffering.
I am not alone in my stress.
I am not alone in the checkout line!

We are all in the season together, whether or not we remember the real reason behind Christmas. There is a hint right in the holiday name you know. I try to imagine the citizens of the world 2000 years ago getting all hung up over decorations, lights, baking, preparation or shopping. No one even paid attention until GOD provided a real Christmas star (sans bulbs) showing them the place to find their gift. A great, living gift! He is the only gift we need to share or receive, and there is no shipping, postage, line, or stress involved.

THANK GOD for this season and the gift of eternal life in Christ! My advise to you holiday shoppers and procrastinators is simple and oh so easy. Hurry quick to receive this gift as there is no waiting in line for this package. Merry Christmas!

In the Blink of an Eye

There is little more precious in life than .....LIFE! And in an instant it can be gone, snatched away in a blink of an eye. Where have I heard that before? I know I have seen life pass away for years in health care. Typically it is the elderly, terminally ill or critically injured. There is time to prepare,even if it is short, it is usually there in the hospital anyway.
But there are those times when we are unprepared, life is swept away as quickly is vapor in the wind. Gone! And as it happens we are forced to deal with a few things that are very critical to a full understanding of life:

We are vulnerable. We have no control over the day, but are only participants in it.

We are terminal. No matter what the cause, our earthly vessels are subject to "term limits"

We are distracted. We are so intrigued with the course of our desire that we forget to embrace the world (and people) all around us.

We are ungrateful. We forget to say thank you to God for each moment in time, every one a gift.

We are unspoken. We forget to tell others what we think of them, how very important they are to us and the fabric of our lives.

We are broken. Because we have lost a person of great value, whose presence can not be replaced.

We must never take a single life, a single day for granted. We must pay attention! We must always be ready. And because there is a Love that is Greater still;

We are hopeful. Because a way has been made and a promise given, there is confidence in our reunion.

We are comforted. He catches every tear and hears our every sorrow.

We are promised. We will join those who have met Him ahead of us, reunited at last with those we have missed and loved from afar.


While they are gone, in the blink of an eye, they are always in our hearts!

Goldfish

So what does it take to set you off balance, cause you great anxiety or fear? Are you a person who lets most of life roll off your shoulders or is it the very tiny alterations in your life that send you over the edge? I had the opportunity to evaluate that today.
A simple goldfish....cracker..... that is what it took for me to become sick to my stomach, develop a headache and require frequent trips to the loo. Goldfish! Well let me tell you the entire story.......

My son has celiac disease, can not ingest any gluten (wheat, rye, barley, malt, tritacalea or spelt. One crumb can cause him to develop stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting or worse. A crumb.
Now, that one crumb is serious, thus that goldfish cracker is serious. Yet it is such a tiny item, fits in the palm of your hand. BUT it can have serious consequences. So being the exceptional mother that I am, I became sick with worry.

Now, today is Sunday and I have just listened to how big, Omnipresent, Omniscient and Omnipotent the Lord is. Every where, all knowing, all powerful, always. So it is a fact that He has seen the goldfish enter the portal to my sons stomach and it is a fact that He knows the potential outcome of said ingestion. Most importantly it is a fact He also knows how to care for this child that is His....and He will do it so much more and better than I.

SO, I must lay down my fear, anxiety and eat food to calm my stomach. I must trust that the God that created the universe and designed this body is the God who has my son in His hand. As I type and read these words I am reminded how fragile my confidence is in Him who loves me most. Fortunately He knows that too thus He never lets go of me. So in closing this is what I know for sure, not even a goldfish will cause God to worry!

Sniffles

Could it be that our nose is really a reflection of some of our relationships in life? I do think it is so. Lets talk about our nose.

When it is performing well, it supports our glasses, separates our cheeks and helps us find dinner! ...... or where dinner was tossed. Hmm. Anyway, it works hard, it is smooth, constant, aware 24 hours a day. No odor left unturned!

Then there are those days when our nose is less than ...shall we say attractive. It makes rude noises, it might bubble, snort or be completely impassible causing other changes to our daily ritual of breathing. It might become red from friction, even painful from some of the insult that we may toss its' way. It may run constantly or sneeze trying to eject an offense. It is also constant, constantly unpleasant.

After a life time of use and abuse, love and frustration, the end of life nose is what meets us in the mirror. It is red, bumpy, probably larger than we ever remembered. It probably works, but not as well and it may run a lot! In some sad cases it has lost its' ability to smell. It is no longer part of the game. Except for some occasional discharge it is of no use, it provides no comfort, it gives no direction.

I see our life with humans this way. They are either an active part of our lives, constantly helping and giving clues to direct our paths, or they are functionally absent, no longer engaged. They may be in the room but they are no longer a "part". They have signed off from the relationship.

Now, sometimes it is neglect that has caused the damage to the nose. Sometimes it is abuse that has caused it to become dysfunctional. Or it may be the process of aging and activity that lead to the eventual end of the nose as we know it. Sound like a few relationships you are in or are no longer a part of?

Well, I will tell you to show more respect for you nose. You never know when you may need it, and you don't want to get to the end of days leaving something hanging on to the nare that needs to be cleared away. Love your nose, don't take it for granted. Use soft words (or tissue) and leave no unkind thing behind.

Graduation

Well as you move through life's little steps it is much like graduating. You take each new challenge or adventure and start taking one step at a time. I have had lots and lots of challenges and adventures. I find that how I define that particular situation immediately determines how I will attack it.

As a challenge, it is instantly a struggle, uphill battle, migraine causing event. Doesn't it seem hard just to say the word "challenge"? Even the industrial world has eliminated the word for more palatable phrases like "improvement opportunities" or "ah ha moments". Those don't sound as daunting, that is a fact. Truth be known, I don't like to think on this side of my brain at all.

But I live in the world of intentional resistance. I like adventures. I have visions of a trip to the airport in a speeding taxi, discovering new foods that have grown in old containers in the back of the fridge, travels to third world countries with nothing but a duffel bag and three words of Telugu, travels to ANY country that does not use electricity, getting lost in the town where I live! Lots of events all take on a fun and positive bent when I label them as adventures!

Some of my best adventures happen without leaving the house. You know the kind. You are certain you put something in a spot and alas it has gone missing. Where did it go? Who took it there? No one but you is home but "someone" has taken the item to a new and exciting location! It is like that missing sock, the one you put in the washer that never makes it to the dryer? Where did it go?! As an aside, I keep all those odd bad boys and eventually I have a new pair:-) That will show those run away garments.

I take other more personal events and apply the same adventure mentality. A parents memory loss, in a way sad, and yet there is always an unexpected humor in the ease at which they enjoy their day. Happy to play BINGO and sneak cookies from their dresser with a big smile over these simple pleasures. A child's behavioral issues, which are serious and in need of discipline, but attached to that are earnest prayers asking God to help him to do really well so he can live until Friday and get all his things back, but especially Barney. Or the sorrow of loss that is so tragic, yet it revives hours and hours of joyful memories. These become cherished adventures.

I could get angry, depressed, frustrated, weighed down with sorrow, but I choose not to give life to the negative. I move through those normal emotions. I look at the other side. I know that bad things happen, but I believe that good comes from the crisis. I cling to that. Prosper not harm, very important and reliable words. Because I know who leads I can relax and follow, and enjoy the adventures every day.

Wings

I feel like I am flying most days, and that is without a license and occasionally with the wrong glasses on. Ha. No worry, I simply remember that the objects in the mirror are larger than they appear, and that means that I am actually in your airspace or possibly your lap...hmm

I find that life does seem to move faster now than when I was younger. But I have also determined that it is because there is so much more to do than when I was younger. When I was 7 for example, I had hours to pull the legs off the daddy-long-legged spider (Sorry PETA) or to argue over that one page of homework. HOURS! But now my MINUTES are filled. I have dozens of activities to complete in that same period of time. So I have concluded that it does not actually GO faster, it does not GO anywhere! The schedule is just much more ROBUST!

Life may at times even resemble a robust cup of coffee. It can have some smooth sips and yet a few bitter ones. It may need cream or sugar at times as well. Or flavoring added to make it enjoyable at all. That being said, you take the now perfectly blended cup of java and carry it on to the plane of life and you are set to take wing.

As a pilot you map out your flight plan and get approval from the tower....when is the last time you checked with the tower to see if you were even taking the right trip? Then you do the preflight to make sure you have all the proverbial ducks in a row...fresh coffee, condiments, pillows and magazines. If all is good then you are approved for take off. If the ducks fly true, your flight is without event. You reach your destination and are free to egress.

I think life gets away from us when we don't take the time to check with the tower, we don't have a master plan, maybe we don't even have the goal or purpose. It is then that we end up with no time to spare, nothing accomplished, out of fuel and exhausted beyond our delicate years. No amount of good or bad coffee will bring you back from that either.

SO, take up flying. As you plan for the day, take your lead from your favorite airline. Get out the flight plan. Prepare, plot out the route and get the "go ahead" from the tower! Proverbs 18:10

Out There

I have spent a few months away from the keyboard and have really missed it. I realized a few things over the past few weeks that were further confirmed in the conversation of a dear friend. Life presents with so much material, good or not so good, that it is a waste to let it all go unnoticed.


I have spent the past couple of months marching through hospitals, doctors offices, graduation ceremonies, grocery stores and so much more. I have sacrificed form for necessity so to speak. And so I am forced to write a poem to express my thoughts in my mid-year of my mid-life year.....figure that out!

Roses are red,
Bougainvilleas are pink,
Caring for others
Can be crazy I think.

Will I remember to bake
clean or to shop
Or all the appointments
Ha, I think NOT.

I forget the cereal and
milk and the eggs
I am not even sure if
I have shaved my own legs!

But it is all good
I love the honor at hand
My family and friends are
the best in the land.

So there it is. I am ready to renew my conversation in text. I am certain that I am not alone in the frenzy of life. Another dear friend has the same load and challenge to stay organized, put together and she still looks great! So my assessment is we are more alike than unalike. Thank goodness you all can relate and understand. If you can't you are either under 30, not a parent or live in a remote corner of the world with limited contact with humans.

TWO WEEKS! How time flies when you are going insane:) Seems like the more I do the more needs to be done. I liked being a bit bored, though I have to be careful who I say this to. Some people would call me lazy or selfish. Truth is I am becoming fatigued again! Chronically pooped, even though it is in a good way.

Seems like the chaos of life has slowly crept back into my calm existence. While I was originally writing this blog I was freshly injured in a car accident and laid off from a job. I had nothing but time and got plenty of rest. It took awhile to adjust to it, but you know, I started to really enjoy it. But as with all such things, I ran out of money and had to get back in the game. It is all good.

I had thought I learned so many things about time management, space, rest, etc. while I was on my little "vacation" but I am finding that those things were easy to control when there were no other life events on the days calendar. So I must now take what I enjoyed during that time and learn how to preserve some of that order and balance in my day now. The realization that I had not written in two weeks was the wake up call. I realized at that moment how far out of balance I am getting. After all, do you see what time it is? 11:57pm!!!

So I have spent the last hour building a calendar for my time that I am posting in the kitchen and will carry to work. No over booking. No bumping the priority squares, Remembering the art I gained the past seven months of saying NO! I am planning for rest, reading, and family time. And I am plugging in daily activities that need to be accomplished. THEN and only then will I add other events so as to protect myself from becoming the run down workaholic I was prior to May.

Now I only need to send notice to those who demand bits and pieces.....or at least have the scripting ready so as to decline but not offend when opportunities are presented. I know I can do this. I have done so many other things, some I won't mention, so this should be a no brainer. Wish me luck!

Jude 24-25

Love One Another

As we approach the annual celebration of Valentines day we are reminded to declare our love, commitment and thankfulness to those special individuals in our lives. We are saturated with things that are red and heart shaped and chocolate. It is a very commercial day, but at the same time it is a wake up call for many who take for granted those who love and support them throughout the year.

As I was headed out to the grocery store tonight I saw the most heart warming site. An elderly man with an unsteady gait was walking slowly home from the store with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. It was dark and cool, but his determination was evident. What a lovely sign of love and commitment.

It is much like what I observe with my old people. One always looking out for the other. At times they seem like Marie and Frank Romano, but at others they are like the Cleavers. It is in those moments that I realize their long standing devotion, which clearly out weighs the momentary aggravations of the day. Helping each other order food, sharing pie, choosing a restaurant they never want to go to because it means so much to the other.

How many opportunities do we miss each day to encourage someone with love, offer a good word or blessing or to touch their heart with genuine love? I am thinking the number is high. We are selfish and self absorbed in many ways. We may not recognize it, but we focus only on the things that matter to us, but not what impact we may have on those we share global space with, family or strangers!

It is the example seen at the store; people smiling at their shopping companions but glaring at the clerk, impatient with fellow shoppers or leaving a dropped product for store help to pick up. Those wonderful folks provide a great service to us and often with a smile and kindness. How often do we offer genuine gratitude, ask them about their day or offer them holiday good will.

Love one another (John 13:34) good times and bad, tired or jiggy, feel like it or not. Your simple action may open the wellspring of joy for many, pressed down and shaken! It is with love and gratitude I send this today. You are loved!

Bump on the Head

Well here it is:

Once upon a time there was a woman who was standing
And she stood and she stood and she stood.
Then one day she started a whirling and twirling
landing feet pointed skyward, her head kissing wood.
A knot could be found on her head, big and hard
And at the big hospital they just wanted her medical card.
After tests, rests, pests and an ambulance cruise
she found she had suffered simply a great big bruise.
So home she did go with her eye swollen shut
where she is waiting for less swelling
before she leaves her small hut.

You never know what each day will bring. Sitting to write a simple thank you card can land you in the hospital. Who knew. I think about that often. When wee wake up each day we really never say, "Today I will land on my can and fracture a hip" yet...given enough time we can accomplish this and much more.

The point is that we should not take our healthy time for granted. It is the time to prepare for those moments when we are less graceful or less able to do those simple things like walk, exercise, sweep, wash dishes,etc. You get the idea. You think it is not me, won't happen to me, I am so in charge.

You are so not and the reality is, it could be you NOW, while minding your own 'biz! As you are sitting and reading this small passing thought, you could fall off your stool and get a big knot. So what will you do to prepare for that fall, it will happen to you in no time at all. The result you may find from a good bump to the head, is you can't remember the things you have read. So tape to the wall the goals for each day, like standing and sitting in the safest of ways:)


Jude 24-25

distraction

Whether it is a joyful event or a concerning one, distraction can be found. As a matter of fact it can find me in the middle of doing the dishes. One minute you are organized and have a game plan for the day, the next you are coloring with your son while watching a Frasier rerun. That's right, I color, and I am good too!

It seems this past year has been full of distractions. Change in work status, change in health status, child events, parent events, neighbor events. Even in the community, distractions. A favorite clerk at our local grocer died very suddenly before Christmas. Distraction. My son had to endure an extensive dental procedure ... twice. Distraction. My mother landed in the hospital. Distraction. I have a new job. Distraction.

Good or bad, it changes the delicate balance which is me and I become distracted. I was so surprised and grateful when I finally accepted my job loss (not necessarily when it occurred just when I acknowledged it was so!)as I was suddenly putting in order many things that had fallen way down the list. Much of it due to the daily distractions of a married mother, employee, student, caregiver. And the whole age thing, well, I am willing to admit it may be a factor.

What that moment of order provided was an opportunity for me to evaluate some very important voids. I had not been as well acquainted with some relatives as I desired. I made some contact. What WONDERFUL people. Acquainted. I was not good at keeping up with some dear friends. Reconnected. I enjoyed finding a little order.

Now that I am working I feel a little distraction sneaking in. So in order to prevent a complete collapse of order I am planning regular time to continue some of my new found fun; writing, mailing, visiting, creating, cleaning (trust me, it is necessary), planning. I am hopeful that I can maintain this joy. But feel free to let me know if you see me slipping or becoming..............distracted.

Common Ground

It is often a strange thing how life takes you down one path then curves you around. You have your family, interest, activities, you may seem self absorbed at times. Then some event will occur or a communication line is open and you suddenly have people in your life that previously were just names or holiday acquaintances. You find that time has brought you around to a place of common ground.

Years ago, many years ago, I was fortunate to have a few visits to the deep south to visit cousins. We enjoyed each other, had fun and wrote letters for a few years after our last visit. Then life happened. College, marriage, moves, work, family changes. Time continued on but our connection was lost. Perhaps in the timing of life we lost our common ground. Perhaps we were distracted. Whatever it was, there was a gap.

I remember getting this article from my cousin. She was so excited. And years later I bet she has long forgotten this and the letter it came with. But years later we are on the same page again. Growing children, aging parents, middle age siblings. We are on common ground again. What is really special is the ability to pick up where we left off. We chat a few minutes and essentially have filled in the gaps. We discover in some way or another we have been doing the same things.

I have cousins, aunts and uncles that are just the same. Years where we are living everyday life with minimal communication not because we didn't care but because we were taking care of the home front. Now a quieter or at least more controlled time has risen giving us the chance to re-connect. When we talk it all out, we find we are standing on common ground. So for this moment I can enjoy the love of family and celebrate the chance to know family better, to share in their joy and their trials.

Adventures

Wouldn't it be fun to get into the car and just drive to the center of somewhere and see something? In the good old days there were fewer somewheres to see, but by gollie, everyone saw what ever it was. You drove to one of those big stars on the map, stopped your car and said "Yep, there it is. What is it?" No matter what the answer was you could at least say you had been somewhere and seen something.

Today so few people take the open road. The take the silver sausage over the clouds where the only thing you see is clouds, the hair follicles of the passenger in front of you and the stain on the fabric on the seat back in front of you. And let us not even talk about the smell, or the noise, or the cramped quarters. Good times!

We would hop into our ginormous Mercury with room for 100 in the backseat, drive cross the country and look at the land. We have seen a lot of land too. But there was fresh air, Stuckeys pecan rolls and the Pennsylvania Dutch pancake houses. On the plane all you get is,...no wait, you don't "get" anything now. But you can bu a fast food meal for 3X's it ground based cost. Yum!

It is true you can get places faster, BUT, you can not get there without a cramp in your leg and a cold. And now the prices are up as well as your luggage is now considered a passenger. Give it a name and they will charge it for that happy meal:)

So what do we need to consider when taking some great adventure: is there really a rush? Can you take one extra travel day to take the trip on land and see some of the wonder that is America? Can you take a road less traveled and see things that, well, are unique, like the worlds deepest hand dug well in Greensburg KS or Dorothy's home in.....do you know? Hmmmm time to get out that map and start a road adventure of your own.

Look for things like the geographic center of the contigous United States or the geographic center of North America. Plan from there, then you can say we went somewhere and saw something. When others ask you will know the answer and have a trinket or photo to revive a memory of License Plate BINGO or other lame but entertaining travel games. Oh, and leave those nasty tv's and headphones at home. Make it a real family adventure, you know, everyone taking the same trip.

Enjoy the road less traveled!!

Closing the Gap

Well the holidays are here and gone, so where is my family? Hmm? Did anyone think all those years ago when we were in our footie pajamas that a day would come when we would not get to wake up, be blinded by the camera lights and not have moms turkey dinner (it is really all about the gravy :) ). The world has gotten smaller in a technological way so we can now text, email, skype, conference call and more. You name it we can at least touch base so that is wonderful. But no hugs, that is the tough part.

I spent this year pulling out at least one picture of a "memorable" moment so as I talked to or at someone I had that image in my sight. When we think about the measure of life it is clear that while the number of days or years seem large, the time is always too short. So enjoying good times together or at least the memories we can perhaps be mindful of are the greatest gifts we have been given over the years.

I watched the people running wild this year, stressing out about shopping, gifts, impressing others, fancy parties, appearances, etc. While those things are fine, they should not be the focus, yet many miss the point of the holiday and the family gatherings all together. And now that it is over, we put the tree away (yes away, it is stored in a box) and resume the daily activities for another 341 days. And just like this year it will be here before you know it. And most of you won't even remember what you got or who sent you a lovely card.

So instead of waiting for a special day, just call someone, send a note, text them, let them know that even though there is no turkey or big fancy tree, they are wonderful to you. Even if they drive you crazy, don't let the year pass by. Step outside your comfort zone and send a February 9th letter just because you care. Or a May 16 card just to say hi! And if you need decorations, a tree and a turkey to get in the mood then by gollie, leave your tree up and your Butterball in the oven. But whatever you do, reach out and close the gap.

The UNITED States

Football. A national past time, or obsession. No matter where you live or what you know about the sport, you will attach to a team. Maybe it is the cute mascot, or the color of the uniform, or because they are from the same part of the country or because it is the team others are cheering against. Whatever the reason, we adopt them as personal friends and the end results of their performance gives meaning to our lives or at least to our football parties.

So what is it anyway, that draws a country together to watch grown men run around in tights and throw a lemon shaped leather ball around a grass field, with stripes? It could be the amazement of watching the physical and mental ability displayed by these guys who work hours everyday to perfect their craft. It could be, but I think, not so much. More likely it is because in some way they are able to do what we used to do, what we would like to do, or what we would like to do to others! Admit it, a good tackle wound be so much fun!

I love that a simple thing like sports can eliminate the barriers between people. Sure we may cheer for opposing teams, but, we will cheer. It reminds of the Shirley Temple films back in the depression. It took the minds of a troubled country off war or financial hardship. Everyone wanted to tap dance and sing a little ditty. With sports we can forget for a moment troubled times in our lives, our country or our world. And we get to have some fun in the process.

So now is the season for the country to unite and cheer with one loud voice "GO......?" You can fill in the blank, and perhaps we will meet in the Super Bowl for a final yell fest before we get back to the routine of life.

"As cute as she looks she is a piece of work", a saying that applies to my son today. Hmmm. I had to do it by myself, whatever it was. Parents help? No way. Siblings help? Double no way. Dog help? Sure why not. The dog could be trusted, not so for the humans or so I would believe. And sometimes it was absolutely true. You know, the sibling who tickle you until you were purple or wet or other some such. Or who chases you around until you run into the wall and cut your head open. True! I have evidence. So it would be until I as older, I won't say how much older. I would find my own way, do my own thing.

Not all bad. I have been around the world and done a great many things that others only dream of. I have met so many fascinating people, many who are still friends today. And I have done some things that were less desirable as a result of my independent way. For me, often, learning comes by doing. A few 100,000 criminals have the same story. Fortunately I was not lost for ever. Salvation came and I was given a chance to do it over. Not everyone gets that chance. It has been even better!

So that cute little kid who broke everything she owns (I am talking bones not possessions) and was attacked by her science project has had her eyes opened a bit over the years and sees things a lot different then say, when I was 19. Whole other world and purpose. That was the world without borders or rules. Anything went. It was really not so much rebellion or apathy, but searching. Longing for a life satisfying experience to be the best high ever. As reckless as I was I never found it in all the adventure. Just a short "buzz".

It was when I found out why I was here, what my purpose was, who I could trust that I found I could find real contentment no matter where I was or what I was doing. No longer seeking to find something but suddenly interested in giving something, doing something that mattered for someone else. It has been life altering. I have a long lasting peace and joy that is there no matter what is going on around me. It is better than anything I felt before. And it didn't cost me a thing, I didn't have to fly around the world to find it. It is here all the time, 24/7. Isn't that great? So when you are tired of the roller coaster of life, check out the journey of a lifetime.

"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."Psalm 16:11
Mark 8:36 Romans 10:13 2 Corinthians 5:17 Jeremiah 29:11