Love-o-Meter

3/14/11

Want to check out your love life or love-o-meter for others? Francis Chan suggests in his book, Crazy Love, that you insert your name where love or its pronoun are mentioned in I Corinthians 13:4-8. Do that for each phrase as you read aloud this Monday’s passage for meditation.

Dotsy is patient. Dotsy is kind. Dotsy does not envy. (You get the “convicting” idea.)

Love is patient

and kind;

love does not envy

or boast;

it is not arrogant

or rude.

It does not insist on its own way;

it is not irritable

or resentful;

it does not rejoice at wrongdoing,

but rejoices with the truth.

Love bears all things,

believes all things,

hopes all things

endures all things.

God calls us to love. To love Him and others as ourselves. Too often we love ourselves above all else. God measures our lives by how we love. (Chan, 93) How is your love-o-meter looking?

NECESSARY Pruning

3/13/11 Yesterday, I spent time with hubby in the yard with clippers and pruning shears. Felder Rushing, former Memphian, and 10th-generation American gardener, would be rolling his eyes because the Liles prune when time allows. Convenience often rules our lives even to our lawn care. I spent less time outside than hubby did though I did try not only to direct his efforts but also to try my hand with the pruning shears as well. Fatigue took me inside before the job was completed but I took a spiritual lesson with me as I closed the door to the outside world and sat at the feet of my Master Gardener.

(John 15) ¹ “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

Pruning both in the garden and in our spiritual lives is necessary for healthy growth. We have to get rid of the superfluous and useless parts that compete with the healthy growth. Pruning helps to bring balance and it guides the shaping of the plant (or person) to be all it (or she) was intended to be by the one who planted it.

These last 6-8 weeks, the Lord has begun an awareness of pruning that is needed in my life. I don’t have enough time in my day for everything. My time needs trimming and shaping. I need to know my Master Gardener’s plan for me for this season in my life. I know that pruning is painful. I just need to remember that God will never leave me and His pruning is loving surgery to allow me to let His “Sonlight” go deeper than it ever has before. If it becomes the blessing that my cancer was, I know I’m going to love the results. **

A Well pruned life---what does it look like? I’ve seen it in the lives of others---Marge Andrews, Geary Irwin, Mary Ann Frazier. But I don’t know what it looks like in my own life----but God ….God willing and guiding (“apart from Me, you can do nothing.” John 15:6), I’m going to find out because I have recently enrolled in Basic Pruning 101, A Guide to NECESSARY Pruning. Care to join me? The text is God’s Word and is free on-line.

**Before I even could post this blog entry, I received an upsetting phone call. I had planned to be in KY this week for the first part of Spring Break. My cardiologist visit on Wednesday and another carotid artery “episode” thwarted those plans.

This phone call was from brother, Bobby, with an update on Daddy. Friday, Daddy had trouble eating lunch because his right hand was swollen & wouldn’t work for him. Care clinic and ER visits showed no stroke but an appointment was set for Monday with his internist. Late this afternoon an ambulance took him to Jennie Stuart hospital. Daddy has had a stroke and though we’re hopeful it’s mild, he couldn’t recall Bobby’s name or remember his own birth date.

Please join me in praying God’s best for Daddy.

Saturday's Post----------More Than Words……

3/12/11……that’s what encouragement often is. Caring people who “bear one another’s burdens.” (Galatians 6:2) My life has been filled with these “who are more than cheerleaders” my “T-Cups” with whom I shared a 1,000 laughs last night, my “lunch bunch,” my “dining divas”, my Hoptown chums, college chums, Pi Phis, my dancers, neighbors, my Mary Flo, my Michèle etc., etc., etc. As many of you know these were the ones who “fulfilled the law of Christ” as they bore my burdens through my cancer journey. They carried my family and work responsibilities while feeding, nursing and baby sitting me. These folks in the land of the living showed the goodness of the Lord. (Psalm 27:13) and therefore I was not dismayed.

All of us of the community of faith are called to do likewise.

Caring people (those "helping" others in need) bring to mind today's Scripture text which is a powerful rule for the earnest follower of Christ. We are to "bear one another's burdens." To "bear" means to carry or endure. A "burden" means a weight that is heavy or crushing. We have all had experiences in life when others have some alongside and borne our burdens. We are called to do likewise. GAL 6:10 "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

What does "burden bearing" and "doing good" look like? Phone call or e-mail. Errand running. Intercessory prayer at 3am. (Thanks, Bernie) Mail pick-up. Babysitting.

This verb, “bearing” is both imperative (a command) and continuous action. (on-going) Writing that card, making that phone call, picking up that RX or praying for those who need relief from their hardship or difficulty, can be a way to bless them. This has the power to lighten burdens and encourage beyond positive words.

Encouragement is more than words.

CHEERLEADER!!

3/11/11

Do you have a cheerleader in your life? Are you a cheerleader in someone else’s life? When Mother died in 2001 I lost my #1 cheerleader. It's such a loss when the one who loves you unconditionally is “gone.” Yet, the Lord in his faithfulness has given me lots of "encouragers" throughout my life. They just became more relevant when Mother was absent from said life.

At Noah’s “first graders” basketball game last week their Tiger team even had cheerleaders. Not sure they fully understood cheering for the team but the words were right and their equipment included megaphones and pom-poms---essential to making sure the words could be heard. Positive words. Encouraging words.

Even as a Morningside Elementary cheerleader, (short one on far right side of back row----can’t miss that home perm) I learned lessons about supporting others. All our cheers were of the "2-4, 6- 8, who do we appreciate" variety. We weren’t even allowed to “yell” anything with negative connotations toward the opposing team.

I need to be more of a cheerleader for my own family. Daughter Molly has a way of taking me to task if I become too “preachy.” I can all too easily recount the bad possibilities that one might encounter on chosen courses of action. I call it being realistic. She calls me a “Debbie Downer” or a “Negative Nancy”----especially if my remarks in anyway thwarts her plans. Even when I explain that I was only trying to be helpful, she says I spell helpful as c-o-n-t-r-o-l. Control is not encouraging. Neither is false praise or overindulgence. Enabling is not encouraging.

It’s scriptural to encourage one another. The world needs more cheerleaders. I would “suit up” but I’m no longer eency. But.....I still have several of my high school letters. Maybe I’ll hang them up as reminders to cheer on family and friends in their life journeys. Maybe I’ll look for that old “M” to urge me to be Molly’s cheerleader as my mother was for me.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily,……

Ask yourself these questions: Do I bring sunshine or gloom into the room? Do I excuse myself by redefining negativity, by saying, "I'm just a worrier or I was born that way?" Or, "It’s just my nature. I’m depressed, always have been."

Give it up for others. Grab a pom-pom and be visible with your support. Use a megaphone for words of encouragement and drown out the negative. Stand in someone else’s corner. Be on their team. Be their cheerleader.

Night Noises

3/9/11

Nighttime. Why is it so hard? “Things” seem to grow in the blackness of the night---at least at my house. I just want to close my mind to the thoughts---fly away from the problems, which believe it or not, is the way the psalmist, David, felt.

Psa. 55:4-8

My insides are turned inside out; specters of death have me down.

I shake with fear, I shudder from head to foot.

"Who will give me wings," I ask—"wings like a dove?"

Get me out of here on dove wings; I want some peace and quiet.

I want a walk in the country, I want a cabin in the woods.

I'm desperate for a change, from rage and stormy weather. (The Message)

Night Noises, a picture book, by Australian author, Mem Fox, tells of Lily Laceby, an old woman whose bones were as creaky as floorboards at midnight. Noises do tend to intensify in the night----just like my thoughts. Anxieties, insecurities, hurts. All those fears seem to gain strength in the night. They become a like a “roaring lion” waiting to devour---the teeth of the enemy waiting to “eat” me alive.

I know the scripture, “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Thy consolations delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19) Yet, my roaring thoughts were drowning out meditation and robbing me of my rest---good news (exciting), bad news (heartbreaking), Michelè’s MRI, revolt in Libya, Afghan women. My night noises of anxiety/pain know no geographical limits.

Fox’s Night Noises heralded a surprising awakening. My awakening was fatigue----no surprise there. But God…….”the One who gives songs in the night” (Job 35:10) sent afternoon mail that brought a scripture reminder.

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts (2 Peter 1:19)

I think I’ll take this verse to bed with me tonight to ward off my “scary” night noises.

In A Heartbeat (A Monday Meditation posted Tuesday)

3/8/11 Audio books are the way to travel. Long trips seem to be shortened. Daily commutes seem to be more tolerable. When my commute was longer, it was a way to critique the latest books for the Lakeland Elementary library before I added them to the shelves. The hard part was making myself get out of the car and go into work when I was at one of those cliff-hanging moments. OMC (One More Chapter) NEEDED,

Last week, Charles Martin’s, The Mountain Between Us was not available on CD, at my "local" library so we began the long drive to Texas without a “book.” As night approached and we knew it would be hard to stay awake ‘til midnight, we stopped at the Cracker Barrel in AR on I-30 at exit 123 just to check out their audio book selections. For $3.49 you can “rent” the book for a week.----not as cheap as the library but at that point availability was key. (You actually pay for the CD and then when you return it, to any Cracker Barrel, and they refund all but the $3.49)

We chose Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy’s book, In a Heartbeat, which was their ”side” of the story of The Blind Side. It was interesting to us because of all the Memphis references. Even Shelby County Schools’ librarian and peer, Jacque Higdon was mentioned. Go Jacque!

Though the book dealt with this white, East Memphis couple’s adoption of a young black man from Hurt Village, the book emphasized the power of joyful giving. The power of little gifts. Continued blessings that flow as one gives, especially from their own lack.

As Christians, generosity and giving are certainly important parts of our faith. But God……….. is more concerned with our attitude than the exact amount given. What’s your attitude in giving? Are you a cheerful giver or a begrudging loaner with expectations on your “return” investment? It’s definitely a heart issue. How’s your heart? Are you giving of your time or energy or other possessions to those in need? These are questions I’m asking myself.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

More Moments, or not

3/4/11 Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture, writes of narrowing the number of people he would spend his time with when he was given the prognosis of "3 to 6 months of good health left."

That reminder and the story of the 55 yr. old man who, after determining the approximate number of “life” weeks left, put 1,000+ marbles in a clear jar and took one out every Saturday. Then he would celebrate that day by doing something special with loved ones. Eventually his jar was empty. Then his focus became one of gratitude because of the “extra” days of blessing which the Lord was bestowing upon him. A person’s days are determined; (Job14:5) (http://www.allenbible.org/sermon_audios/AllenBible013011.mp3)

With that mentality and “google,” I discovered that if I live the life span (average number of days for a US female) determined by the World Bank, I would need 832 marbles in my jar. That’s sobering. Yet, that’s exciting too. Just think of all the possibilities for touching the hearts and lives of people, if, in those weeks, I gain a heart of wisdom and impart that wisdom to others.

I don’t want to waste my days/life. I want to be about living wisely with a God-shaped agenda and make a difference in the lives of others as I serve them and glorify Him.

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

Moment by Moment

3/3/11

As I continue to meditate on Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, 
 that we may gain a heart of wisdom. I am beginning, by God’s grace, to focus on the folks who matter. Some folks are obvious---family and friends. Kingdom folks matter too. So I’m hoping that my time with the folks God puts in my life will matter for His kingdom. Working women (at least this one) don’t seem to have large chunks of time to give to others especially, as the physical energy seems to ebb. So……….I’m asking the Lord to help me make the most of my moments so that I really serve and glorify Him as I minister to others. That’s what matters.

Leaving work yesterday, plotting in my mind how to accomplish three important details before returning to “work” at 6:30 pm, Power of a Moment by Chris Rice played on my car radio. (K-Love, 94.3FM)

And forever brushes up against a moment’s time Leaving impressions and drawing me into what really matters


You know the number of my days
 So come paint Your pictures on the canvas in my head
 And come write Your wisdom on my heart
 And teach me the power of a moment.
 The power of a moment. The power of a moment.

Those lyrics sum up well the meditation of my heart about who and what really matters. Today, may I make the most of the moments He gives me because He matters.

opportuniTEA

2/28/11

Listening to son Buddy’s, “Vaporous Valuable Time” sermon on Psalm 90 made me realize that I am desperately longing to drink deeply from a cuppa of opportuniTEA. An opportunity blended with time and sweetened with energy to minister to family and friends. Why the desperation? Meditation on that psalm coupled with recent events.

Psalm 90 is a prayer of Moses that emphasizes God’s eternity and man’s transitoriness. The psalm confronts several other "cuppas" that we are served as we age; frailTEA, we wither, fade & return to dust (v. 3-6) graviTEA, of our iniquities (v.8) and BreviTEA our days are limited (v. 10). That’s a lot to swallow but as we age those cuppas are ever before us. I want to make the most of my days, don’t you?

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

SHOW CANCELED

2/25/11

That’s what the sign taped to the door said. Disappointment. Having a production cancelled is not the end of the world……but it’s still disappointing. I had arranged everything---yea, right. Guess who is not in charge of the world? I had so wanted to have the perfect time with my T-Cup friends by treating them (thanks to HF) to dinner and G’town Community Theatre’s production of Dixie Swim Club, which focuses on the friendship of 5 women that spanned 33 years. The blurb says---their lives unfold, the years pass, these women increasingly rely on one another, through advice and repartee, to get through all those challenges life flings at them….as they rally around each other with strength and love—a hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever.”

Disappointments over shows/plans cancelled are a part of life---and in the scheme of things, I know this was not major. Yet, I felt bad for them and they probably felt bad for me---because we had really looked forward to sharing this “event” together.

I had to ask myself once again. What are the life lessons in this?

Immediately I Thessalonians 5:18 came to mind. “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Thank you, Lord----

· for a hubby who helped “prepare” house for “company,”

· for friends who finish setting a table & find the glasses because I completely forgot to put them out,

· for “watched & unwatched” bread that didn’t burn, for friends to remind me to serve said bread---halfway through the meal,

· time to share a meal with friends, times to celebrate over births, baptisms, successful surgeries & anticipation of more grandchildren, time to grieve a parent’s terminal diagnosis,

· friends to listen & advise about challenges with economy,

· safety from unknown reasons as a theatre is renovated at the "last" minute

Shows/plans canceled are a part of life---but they’re not an end all---they can just be an opportunity to thank God and to be joyfully expectant for Act 2 or Plan B.