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.