Certain about uncertainty

4/30/11 That phrase is more than just understanding that the only certainty in life is uncertainty---as I have experienced first hand these last weeks. Yesterday’s My Utmost for His Highest devotion equated uncertainty with graciousness. A good thing. It was a lesson I needed to hear. It has obviously resonated with me over the last 7 years because it is a “well-marked” page and a worthy read! http://www.myutmost.org/04/0429.html

Chambers entry reminded me that “Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life.” (Where most Americans live—in a logical, calculated life of personal pursuits. Dotsy THOT) Uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life.

To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, (Chambers 4/29) (we generally have no clue or control of what lies ahead. Dotsy THOT)

With these prompts, I am encouraged to let go of my natural inclinations to plan ahead. May I be filled with breathless expectation, as I wait to see what God is going to do.

I may still be uncertain of the next step (in so many areas*) of my life, but I am certain of God.

*Having been without computer access most of yesterday, I was late “publishing” this entry . Before I even had time to post today (5/1) I received a call that the nurses think that Daddy has had another mini-stroke---not life-threatening, but a set-back. More uncertainty in Daddy’s care---yet certain of God’ gracious goodness for all of us. Practicing being breathlessly expectant.

"THE" Royal Wedding: A Spiritual Perspective

4/29/11

Nielsen estimated that 22.8 million people in the US watched the Wedding of Prince William to “commoner” Kate Middleton. A whopping 400 million reportedly caught livestream coverage on YouTube alone. I wonder if Billy Graham has ever had that large a viewing audience.

From the dress to the tiara to the balcony kiss, the world seemed to be enraptured. But…..did they have “ears to hear” when Kate’s brother James read from Roman’s chapter 12? I hope so. That chapter is so filled with truth. Brother Buddy says one of his Bible study chums, who is the principal at Atherton high school in Louisville, reads Romans chapter 12 everyday.

Here’s some of my spiritual perspectives of that chapter from the Revised Standard Version, which he read.

1I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2) (Applying those 2 verses would be a great way to begin everyday.)

9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; (The ability to recognize what is good, and hold on to it will allow genuine love to flow through you to others)

11 Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. (Trusting the Lord for His strength will keep you going and glowing as you serve others)

12 Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (This is not just a put-on happy face, that would vanish by noon, rather a deep seeded joy that springs from His grace in your suffering and a fervency in prayer.)

18 If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. (Wouldn’t that make for a sound sleep if you could end your day knowing that you had made choices throughout the day to live at peace with all those who had crossed your path!)

Those are my spiritual perspectives. What are yours?

COMPLACENCY

4/27/11 Back in the closet again…..or our safe place as bow-tie weatherman, Joey Sulipek, was calling it. Friend Elaine M. said that our weather had “put down the pruning shears and picked up the chain saw.” Predictions were certainly dire.

Cozy (a euphemism for stuffy & cramped) in our under the stairs closet, the simulcast of the weather news was playing on our battery operated radio as the sirens wailed outside. It didn’t take long to grow weary of obeying the siren’s warning to take cover and do the right thing. Before too long we were inching out toward more comfort. The sirens came and went for more that 2 hours. We came and went as well, even while the sirens continued.

How easy it became to half-heartedly heed the warning. Isn’t that the way it can be in our Christian walk? We can easily slip into complacency---even when doing the right thing. Laziness and indifference can become the pattern. How do we avoid this danger?

“And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed…..So, let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” ― Romans 13:11-12 (NIV)

Complacency is a real and present danger. We need to guard against it by covering ourselves with the light of God’s word that we might not be caught unaware by the ever present dangers of this world.

“For the waywardness of the naïve shall kill them, and the complacency of fools shall destroy them.” (Proverbs 1:32)

STORMY WEATHER

4/26/11

Back in the 60s when 45s were played on record players, “Stormy Weather”, a garage band style version by Tommy Burk and the Counts, was a “biggie” in Memphis. Not a life-long Memphian, I don’t remember much about the ”Counts”. I just know they hung out at the Pike house at Memphis State and both Wayne Thompson and Thomas Boggs were a part of the group. I also remember dancing at the King Cotton and humming along with the lyrics as the band played. Some of the lines were descriptive of our weather lately. There was no “sun up in the sky” & “It's raining all the time, all the time.”

Yesterday hubby and I were on I-40 when such a storm hit. No sun visible. It rained as if it would never stop. Big trucks on both sides sprayed us. Visibility was nil. The storm caught us by surprise and it was scary. I prayed.

Life is often a lot like that---a sudden unplanned “storm-like event” rising up out of nowhere. Unexpected. Causing us to re-chart our course, sometimes 180º.

As we inched along our way, I was grateful that I knew the One who can calm life’s storms.

· One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.

The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.

In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”(Luke 8:22-25)

SOUL FOOD

4/25/11 Soul food is what my “meditating Mondays” are all about since to me there seems to be a famine of God’s word these days. Yesterday’s “Feed my Sheep” chapter, from Laniak’s book, reinterated that. His devotional had me wondering if my blog nourishes readers with enough of God’s word. I don’t want to provide empty calories of wearisome words. That’s what the world bombards us with day in and day out. “ Vacuous options and synthetic substitutes.” (Laniak p. 63)

Here’s some real food (scripture)to chew on----

He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. (Deuteronomy 8:3)

As you begin to feed yourself on God’s word, I pray that this verse of scripture from Jeremiah will become as relevant for your life as it is for mine. Spiritual “soul food” like Memphis soul food offers me not only delight but great comfort as well.

Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; 
For I have been called by Your name,
O LORD God of hosts. (Jeremiah 15:16)

I'VE GOT A SECRET

4/24/11 If you want to know a secret---you've got to e-mail me. It's a good one!

ABUNDANCE.......

4/20/11………abunDANCE is an art. Of course it is---all dance is an art form. One year ago today I was speaking on “Living a life of abunDANCE in the midst of________” and asking the audience to fill in their own blank. I encouraged them to look for abunDANCE in the midst of their own personal struggles.

Somehow it seems that we are more prone to do that in the midst of the “biggie” struggles. But what about when life’s music becomes mundane and routine? (Not that mine ever truly does.) How then do you continue your “dance?”

For my Wednesday folks I prayed that today they would begin to see the abunDANCE of simple pleasures that God has strewn on their life path. You might do the same.

• Ellen---a sunny morning to stroll with her big, boisterous pup
  
• Diane---realization that mesothelioma might take away a loved one but can never take away the great memories
  
• Dixie---sunset on a lake
• Doris---a covered porch, a big swing and a good book
• Drenda---wooden knitting needles and a ball of yarn
  
• Joyce Ann---celebrating every ounce that Katie and Jason’s twins gain
  
• Winslow---a Doll’s Market Benedictine sandwich or a “mug of merlot”
  
• Lunch Bunch---laughter over “loser” teammates eating chocolate

Much has changed in a year. I’m back in the “struggles” again----just new/different ones. In fact, my life has changed drastically in the last 5 weeks---from 3 healthy family members (including me) to not so healthy. Life at our house is not as we knew it.

But God……….still wants me to move/dance through life with Him celebrating the abunDANCE of pleasures he provides.

You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Psalm 16:11)

But God........

“But God” has been my “signpost” since the beginning of my blogging venture. It’s the crux of the verse I hang my faith on.

• Life can throw you a curve ball…………but God………. is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
• You can enter a dark night of your soul and experience that sense of loneliness and desolation……..but God……….never leaves you nor forsakes you. (Hebrews 13:5)
• You can be sad to the core……but God……….comforts you in all your troubles. (I Corinthians 1:3-4)
• You can be restless, distracted and overwhelmed……but God…….is near. In His presence is peace. (Philipians 4:4-7)
• Fear may be wreaking havoc with your psyche ……but God……….hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:7)
• You can feel rejected by ones you love ………but God……….is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
• You can end up in the wilderness of despair…………but God……..paved a way in the wilderness. (Isaiah 40:3)

“But God”……….just those two words remind me again and again, at every spiritual crossroad, that no matter how desperate the situation I can say, “but God”…… has great love for me, “but God”……. extends mercy. (Ephesians 2:4)

VISUAL MONOTONY

4/18/11 Have you ever been “caught” in the mundane? Traveling the same route to work? Going through the same routine in your workplace day after day, rarely even looking up as people pass in the hall? Life is passing by but some of us seem too self-absorbed or distracted to notice. Years ago in an “Aesthetic Education” grad class I “failed” a pop quiz. Questions missed; color of flowers at the front door, mascot on the school’s sign, location of the school’s mailbox and number of stop signs on the street leading up to the school. As I recall, the entire class ”flunked” our life awareness quiz. I think I need to re-enroll in life awareness---a remediation class for folks to whom life has become an obligation “to get through” not a “dance” to experience and savor.

This morning I chose to “look up” and try to see the “beauty” of life around me, whether in creation or in the faces and hearts of people who cross my path. Many people might do this naturally----lately, I have not. I tried to “see” on the way to work---granted it’s still dark when I arrive at work but I did “notice” some good things. A park crossing sign---new to me but maybe it’s been there and I just never noticed. It jogged my “thankfulness meter”----thankful that near home and work, I have access to some great open spaces. The dimly lit walkway had some blooming “knockout roses” and though I didn’t stop to smell them, I did appreciate the student hands that planted them. The eye-opening “biggie” was 4 planters filled with smiling purple and yellow pansies right by the front entrance. Wonder how long they have been there?

And God saw everything that He had made, and indeed, it was very good. Genesis 1:31

This verse seems worthy of consideration today as I begin to see the visual feast that God in His goodness has created for me to savor. There is no monotony in creation.

Uncharted Journeys

4/17/11 Life is full of those unfamiliar, unknown journeys through uncharted territory. We don’t exactly get a life map at birth. Yet all journeys have a destination. (Huffman, 4/17) Possibly because the next leg of my life’s journey constitutes such a change for us, I’m stumbling a little. Strength and direction are needed so that I can learn this new “dance.”

Palm Sunday service at church today was all about strength for our journeys. The final hymn reminded me that the life journey of all Christians is not linear. We are at point B now and no matter how changing and curving and winding are our earthly streets, we will arrive at point A---heaven, the dwelling place of God with man. So, I just need to sit back, be still and allow Him to lead me through this most recent “uncharted” journey knowing I can trust Him for safe arrival at my final destination.*

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end. (Hymns from the Land of Luther, 1855.)

*At this point, it’s easier to type it than to live it----but God………PTL, He even understands that.

"Room with a View"

4/16/11

Daddy’s room 2066 at the Health Center at West Meade Place really is a “room with a view.” It’s perfect for a quiet type like Daddy. Perfect for one living in the moment.

It’s hard for Daddy to recall much from his past. As for considering his future---I don’t think that ever crosses his mind. However, he does seem to remember when a meal might be in his future.

He enjoys sitting and looking out at the flowers and the statuary in the garden. More that that, he seems enthralled by the changing clouds and the sky. Even the hills in the distance capture his attention as do folks who might wander out to “sit a spell.” I raise the blinds completely so that his view is unobstructed.

There’s a pleasantness that he experiences and he’s very content to sit there and “watch.” Daddy knows how “to be.”

I can learn from that---to be content in whatever place God has put me. To appreciate the beauty that surrounds me I just need to open my eyes, and raise my blinds so that I have an unobstructed view of all that God has given me.

I sat for awhile and enjoyed the view with him. Later, as I kissed Daddy good-by, he said, “Goodby, Sugar.” That’s the first time since his stroke (3/13/11) that he’s used his pet name for me. What joy there was in that simple moment!

GOD'S ENCORE

4/15/11 A repeat affirmation. A lyrical avowal. It was just for me. The music spoke to my heart and worked its way to my feet. The melody* from the Quaker song, “Simple Gifts “ was being “practiced” in the gym lobby by the Houston High orchestra. My plan was to take pictures in the gym for “Career Day.” God’s plan was for me to hear HHS kids playing “our” song.

The chorus on the score sheet reminded me of those words of truth that we experience when we are right where God’s plan takes us---to the place we “ought to be.” And when we’re right there in that place, the middle of His will, it’s delightful.

It’s a gift to be simple, Its a gift to be free,

It’s the gift to come down where you ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

Will be in the valley of love and delight.

ENCORE! ENCORE! ENCORE! …..for that reminder.

*The melody is the one used by Sydney Carter (1963) in “Lord of the Dance.” Mr. Carter stated, “from one of these hymns, (Simple Gifts) I adapted this melody. I could have written another for the words of 'Lord of the Dance'but this was so appropriate that it seemed a waste of time to do so.” That’s a blog with in itself.

"Plan G"

4/14/11 I am indeed a planner---- though as most blog readers have come to realize, my life often takes me to plan B, C, D and so on. That’s certainly what has happened in the last month. Daddy’s stroke, Mommar’s (hubby’s mom) terminal cancer prognosis and my on-going head to toe medical dilemmas were not in my plans. Continuing to work until 2012 was my plan. Pragmatically (translated, financially) I knew I needed to work at least one more year. I asked hubby for his input. He said, “Retire.” I asked, (several times), “Are you sure?”

For years (42, but whose counting) I thought that “RETIREMENT” would be the best word I could ever hear, so why was I worrying or second guessing? My calculations said 2012. Obviously God’s calculations (Plan G) were saying 2011. But God………..in his grace, affirmed the timetable for me in obvious ways. I like obvious!

#1 Larry’s prayerful conclusion

#2 BSF lesson Monday night so clear about being fully devoted to what the Lord has planned for you (me)

#3 Tuesday’s quiet time about “BIG” decision---when looking for verse on contentment (I Timothy 6:6) I “stumbled” (by God’s grace) on The Experiencing God Study Bible’s, “God’s Focus” notation on the corresponding page. (I Timothy 5:16) The question bore into my psyche and soul and affirmed my direction as I took my “papers” in to Dr. J.

It couldn’t have been clearer. This is what God wants me to do now.

Plan G (God’s plan) was typed out just for me.

Visions of Life

4/12/11 “Seeing is not necessarily something we do with our eyes alone” was the statement Maisie Dobbs quoted in Winspear’s recent novel in that series. That sentence grabbed me because it’s been part of my contemplative mood of late. There’s more to life than meets the eye. Or we all view the same things but see them differently based on our perspectives.

Some of us have a narrow view point based on what we have experienced----similar to the age old story of the blind men and the elephant. Each of the men “saw” with his fingertips BUT because each was experiencing a different part of the elephant each of their “sightless perspectives” reflected that.

In Girzone’s, Joshua, A Parable for Today, readers are reminded that “each person looks at life through a different vision.” The example given is that of three men viewing a tree. The entrepreneur might view it as a financial endeavor and be calculating the value of the lumber. A family man might view it as firewood to give warmth in the winter for his brood. Another man might simply view it as God’s creative art that expresses “God’s love and enduring strength.” (Girzone, 67)

All of these references coupled with God’s word about the condition of our heart as it affects our perspectives have given me pause for thought. Our heart condition (our values) reflects the way we see life. I want my children and grands to see life based on their own godly values. I want them to focus on God’s love and provision. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: (Proverbs 23:7) Once again one’s heart reflects the real person, thus affecting his life’s view.

My plan is to pray these verses toward that end, that they might have a godly vision of life.

The eyes of your understanding (rendered “heart” in NIV) being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:18)

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. John 7:38) (That overflow would brighten our life's vision, not cloud it. DAL)

LADDER OF COMPLAINT

4/11/11

Such a title might seem like a typo of sorts since most often we hear of “letters of complaint.” The CA Letters to the Editor column has certainly had more than enough of them about teachers lately. This title is correct----it’s a reflection of my morning’s Jesus Calling marginalia.

Through the years I’ve been taught to take all of your struggles and complaints to the Lord. Anne Graham Lotz even suggested writing them out on paper and balling them up to physically rid yourself of them as you “metaphorically” leave them at the Lord’s feet for Him to handle.

“Begin this day with open hands of faith, ready to receive all that I am pouring into this brief potion of your life. Be careful not to complain about anything,…..” (Jesus Calling, 4/11) After reading that I jotted a list and underlined each complaint. The list began to look like a ladder----each rung going downward. I realized that my complaints do just that. They are like a ladder leading down to a “pit”---more specifically a “pity pit.”

The best way to change that direction is through thankfulness. That’s scriptural so I plan to “think” on that today.

"In everything give thanks for this is the will of God concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:18)

What’s the will of God concerning you? (and me) That in everything we give thanks.

I think I need to change my ladder of complaint for one of contentment----one that’s “upward” bound----that’s the way to stay out of the pit.

6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. (I Timothy 6:6-8)

Sunday Summary

4/10/11 Very sporadic internet access and phone access continues---patience please---if I open a browser, it just cuts off. Hm-m-m---must be a life lesson here somewhere.

3-D Vision

3-D Vision

4/9/11 “Seeing God’s Hand” portion of this blog started the awareness, during my ’09 cancer journey, of the fact that most of the happenings of my life are out of my hands. Bobbie McCarty, at Houston High, encouraged me to see God’s hand in my life and to trust Him for the outcome. Today’s My Utmost for His Highest entry recalled for me the importance of that pursuit. Ten times in the entry, Oswald Chambers wrote of Seeing Him/Jesus.

How does one go about “seeing Him Who is invisible?” Through creation. Through the kindness and compassion of others who become His hands and feet.

As I mulled this today, I realized that often we see with our heart, especially as we read God’s word. We need to “see” Him with the eyes of our understanding. We need to put on our 3-D spiritual glasses if we cant to see His depth, His doggedness and His duration.

Depth---His love for us is deep and nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

Doggedness---God first loved us (while we were yet sinners) and continues to pursue a love relationship with us. He doesn't give up on us. What a comfort that is. (Romans 5:8)

Duration---Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord appeared……saying, ”I have loved you with and everlasting love.

I can’t “see” Him for you, nor you for me. We all have our own spiritual 3-D glasses. Let’s wear them today and then share with others, what we have seen for ourselves.

Sibling Rivalry

4/7/11.....NOT with my brothers and me! How grateful I am.

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

DISCONNECTED

4/6/11 Three days with no “land line” for a girl who grew up with a rotary dial on a party line is usually no big deal. However, the fact that callers are given the false impression that they can leave a message has been problematic. RX pick up info, an appointment reminder from a doctor with a question and family updates all fell into a digital black hole. There was also no internet service or TV after the “wind storm” hit. Again, not necessarily a bad thing.

Being with out electricity most of Monday kept me by a window with a flashlight when needed for small print and a chance to review Isaiah before BSF, specifically Isaiah 55. Verses 1-3 had me considering the various ways many of us seek satisfaction. “For what kinds of satisfaction are you investing your time, energy and money?” Listen up and turn to the One who offers delight in the richest of fare was the answer given in verse 3.

Yet, it was the two verses near the end of the chapter that spoke to my heart---maybe because I’ve been dealing with the “thorns” growing in said heart.

Isaiah 55:12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; ……..13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.

Lesson questions asked, “How is God identifying “thorny” parts of your personality and insisting that He dig them out and replace them with the evergreen and fragrant plantings of His Spirit?” (BSF, Isaiah --Lesson 26) What encouragement from His word that the “thornbush” can be replaced by a very aromatic evergreen and the “briers” by the myrtle. Such change gives me hope.

Disconnected----not necessarily a bad thing. Maybe I need to be cut off from the “world” more often.

What’s bloom’n ….

4/4/11…..in your garden? The garden of your heart, that is. What’s cultivated there? As you reflect on these verses, visualize these conditions in a real garden. A garden choked by weeds.

Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful" (Mark 4:18,19)

Now consider the thorns that are choking God’s word in your own heart. Sadly, these are three conditions that we can all identify---just as applicable today as they were 2,000 years ago. Which condition is hindering your spiritual life the most? Ask the Lord to show you. Then find the perfect herbicide (verse) in His Word to help you eradicate that weed. Most likely, this will need to be an on-going/persistent effort since those ole nasty/pesky weeds keep coming back to attack one’s fruitful/spiritual blooms.

GARDENING......

4/2/11 Gardening.....it's more than weed whacking! In both our backyard gardens and the garden of our heart, there are weeds. Some are easier to identify than others. In my heart, WORRY & SELFISHNESS (Jesus Calling, 4/2) are all too frequently erupting. Cutting the weeds off at the surface might look good for awhile but those nasty weeds have a way of popping back up if we don’t deal with the root

Are there weeds growing in your heart? There is a spiritual herbicide that you can use----it’s God’s word. As those weeds shrivel, replace them with His seeds. What scriptural seeds do you need to plant instead?

God’s promise is …for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. Gal. 6:7 (NAS)

DOTSY DOODLES

4/1/11 "Dotsy Doodle." Daddy used to call me that as I was growing up. He also called me "Sugar." Three weeks ago he couldn't speak my name even if he knew it. Last week I was Thelma though he did stammer out D-d-dotsy in response to Larry's question as we were leaving the hospital. I wonder what it will be tonight when I see him again? It really doesn't matter I keep telling myself----even if it"feels" like it does. It's not about me, it's about him. Though his future will not be what his past once was, I plan to be there for him. The life lessons now are no longer for Daddy or for Mommar, (hubby's mom) but for us. Lessons of compassion and trust.

This blog was going to be a way of sharing some of my jottings and musings from the last few weeks, thus the title. However, that's not where my fingers typed. So......I might share the rest or I might not. Right now I'm just mulling over God's mercy-----which is no April Fool's joke----it's the "realest" thing I know.

It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great it Thy faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23)