4/14/10 There’s an icon (a curved arrow which I can't get to paste into the blog) on my computer browser’s URL line---Just click it and the current page refreshes itself. Wouldn’t that be nice to have for our own lives. We could just push our refresh button and God’s truths would become relevant in a new and clear way. We’d be on a new/right path.
Though it might not be as instantaneous, we do have that capability. Time in His word (not nano seconds) can be just the refresher needed to walk in a godly and fresh way.
…so we too might walk in newness of life…. (Romans 6:4)
…so that we serve in newness of the Spirit… (Romans 7:6)
Amy Carmichael, in Edges of His Ways. (April 1 entry) searched the word “newness” in a Young’s Concordance and found that the word, “newness” in the above verses was rendered in the Greek as “freshness.”
To learn more of His truth and His ways, spend time in His word today. Doesn’t that sound refreshing!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Indefatigable……
4/13/10 Indefatigable….was Houston’s (HNN) word of the day yesterday. The definition was given and it was used appropriately in a sentence but I didn’t hear all of that because I happened to know that word. My mind had already started down a Dotsy trail. (Sort of like a bunny trail, hopping here and there and often deviating from the main path.)
Perhaps in days gone by, I might have seen myself as indefatigable. Tireless. Showing sustained enthusiastic action with unflagging vitality. Not only has age changed that perception, but reality has trumped even age. I tried not yielding to fatigue both as a wife, young mom, old mom, working mom, housekeeper, friend, grandmom, Bible study leader, etc. but I couldn’t keep all those plates--- self-imposed unrealistic, perfectionistic, all things to all people, responsibilities ---spinning. In fact a lot of my world came crashing down around me----shards of plates went everywhere and pierced my very being. But God….through the psalms taught me of His strength and reminded me in Isaiah to seek it in quietness and trust.
I love the The Message version of the Bible which sums up Colossians 1:10-12. "As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable (those hard places that seem so impossible) and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us."
If you want to text me, try (n d -f t -g -b l) that keeps it short and momentarily sustainable b/c that’s about as long as I can last in my own strength. His power meets me at the juxtaposition of my weakness and that strength of His which leads to His bright & beautiful will for my life.
Perhaps in days gone by, I might have seen myself as indefatigable. Tireless. Showing sustained enthusiastic action with unflagging vitality. Not only has age changed that perception, but reality has trumped even age. I tried not yielding to fatigue both as a wife, young mom, old mom, working mom, housekeeper, friend, grandmom, Bible study leader, etc. but I couldn’t keep all those plates--- self-imposed unrealistic, perfectionistic, all things to all people, responsibilities ---spinning. In fact a lot of my world came crashing down around me----shards of plates went everywhere and pierced my very being. But God….through the psalms taught me of His strength and reminded me in Isaiah to seek it in quietness and trust.
I love the The Message version of the Bible which sums up Colossians 1:10-12. "As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable (those hard places that seem so impossible) and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us."
If you want to text me, try (n d -f t -g -b l) that keeps it short and momentarily sustainable b/c that’s about as long as I can last in my own strength. His power meets me at the juxtaposition of my weakness and that strength of His which leads to His bright & beautiful will for my life.
Monday, April 12, 2010
The pause that refreshes
4/12/10
Nothing refreshes like…….
………………make your own list or read mine.
A. an ice cold coke
B. a cup of tea
C. warm bath
D. spring rain
E. all of the above
All of these seem to have an uplifting effect on the human spirit. Of course, on second thought, the most spiritual answer would be Jesus. We too often seek His refreshment as a second thought or after the fact---after all else (our actions) fail.
Today, take a pause that refreshes the soul---drink from the fountain of living water.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And to your bones. (Proverbs 3:7-8)
For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes. (Jeremiah 31:25)
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, (Acts 3:19)
Imbibe early for refreshment throughout your day.
Nothing refreshes like…….
………………make your own list or read mine.
A. an ice cold coke
B. a cup of tea
C. warm bath
D. spring rain
E. all of the above
All of these seem to have an uplifting effect on the human spirit. Of course, on second thought, the most spiritual answer would be Jesus. We too often seek His refreshment as a second thought or after the fact---after all else (our actions) fail.
Today, take a pause that refreshes the soul---drink from the fountain of living water.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And to your bones. (Proverbs 3:7-8)
For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes. (Jeremiah 31:25)
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, (Acts 3:19)
Imbibe early for refreshment throughout your day.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
“memories, nostalgia and flashbacks”
4/7/10….that’s what Nathan Hughes heading was on a LHH message board to me in March 2009. I have had more of his comments and e-mails since then but that message line reflects my feelings today knowing his parents have had to arrange for his funeral.
• Nathan---that little 5 yr. old who “stormed” through my kindergarten door at Germantown Elementary in September 1978. Those first few days it was anyone’s guess as to who was really in charge in that class. I finally prevailed, probably because I was the “bigger” of the two of us.
• Nathan, who would turn off both his hearing aids and close his eyes when he didn’t want to “listen” to me.
• Nathan, who because of his profound hearing loss, saw the world better and brighter than any of us could. He noticed everything. Once while “listening” (probably by reading my lips) to me read a story and while daughter Molly, in utero, began kicking, Nathan jumped up and placed both hands on my stomach and declared in his “Nathan voice,” “It’s alive in there!”
• Nathan, who when trying to learn “social” rules about church behavior, declared, “one shouldn’t throw tomatoes at the preacher."
• Nathan, whose kindergarten symbol was a cross to make it easy to identify his work, had the “end of the year cake” iced and decorated with everyone’s individual symbols. He passed out the correct pieces, symbol by symbol to everyone in the class.
• Nathan, who years years later wrote to me saying, “I remember you assigned me a class symbol..a cross. How significant and poignant that was, because later that year I would come to know Jesus, and what the Cross stood for."
• Nathan who stole my heart!
His family embraced me as well. On the home visits, I saw the big slate wall where his kindergarten concepts were reinforced daily by his parents. I also saw the speech-to-speech machine where his dad, Ralph, worked nightly trying to help Nathan voice sounds to match his. Nathan followed only the needle on the machine because he could not hear those sounds. Tedious work, done day in and day out---all for Nathan’s benefit. His mother, Carolyn, even babysat 3 week-old, Molly for me so that I could teach that last month of kindergarten. She would bring her up to me at the school each day for me to feed her. What a ministry! What a loving, caring family. Carolyn even gave me a framed scripture verse reminding me to “Choose each day” whom I would serve. She knew, before I did how, how important scripture would become in my life. She passed that on to Nathan because he shared scripture for me in his e-mails 30 years later.
Nathan, whose life moments I celebrated and often attended and whose daughter I held, has left me and many others feeling sad and empty. The grief is palpable. No more of his quips to lift our spirits. No more of those gorgeous eyes to twinkle in mischief. But, he has left us with lots of good “memories, nostalgia and flashbacks.” I choose to smile through my tears as I remember these things.
• Nathan---that little 5 yr. old who “stormed” through my kindergarten door at Germantown Elementary in September 1978. Those first few days it was anyone’s guess as to who was really in charge in that class. I finally prevailed, probably because I was the “bigger” of the two of us.
• Nathan, who would turn off both his hearing aids and close his eyes when he didn’t want to “listen” to me.
• Nathan, who because of his profound hearing loss, saw the world better and brighter than any of us could. He noticed everything. Once while “listening” (probably by reading my lips) to me read a story and while daughter Molly, in utero, began kicking, Nathan jumped up and placed both hands on my stomach and declared in his “Nathan voice,” “It’s alive in there!”
• Nathan, who when trying to learn “social” rules about church behavior, declared, “one shouldn’t throw tomatoes at the preacher."
• Nathan, whose kindergarten symbol was a cross to make it easy to identify his work, had the “end of the year cake” iced and decorated with everyone’s individual symbols. He passed out the correct pieces, symbol by symbol to everyone in the class.
• Nathan, who years years later wrote to me saying, “I remember you assigned me a class symbol..a cross. How significant and poignant that was, because later that year I would come to know Jesus, and what the Cross stood for."
• Nathan who stole my heart!
His family embraced me as well. On the home visits, I saw the big slate wall where his kindergarten concepts were reinforced daily by his parents. I also saw the speech-to-speech machine where his dad, Ralph, worked nightly trying to help Nathan voice sounds to match his. Nathan followed only the needle on the machine because he could not hear those sounds. Tedious work, done day in and day out---all for Nathan’s benefit. His mother, Carolyn, even babysat 3 week-old, Molly for me so that I could teach that last month of kindergarten. She would bring her up to me at the school each day for me to feed her. What a ministry! What a loving, caring family. Carolyn even gave me a framed scripture verse reminding me to “Choose each day” whom I would serve. She knew, before I did how, how important scripture would become in my life. She passed that on to Nathan because he shared scripture for me in his e-mails 30 years later.
Nathan, whose life moments I celebrated and often attended and whose daughter I held, has left me and many others feeling sad and empty. The grief is palpable. No more of his quips to lift our spirits. No more of those gorgeous eyes to twinkle in mischief. But, he has left us with lots of good “memories, nostalgia and flashbacks.” I choose to smile through my tears as I remember these things.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
"Sooner Rather Than Later"
4/6/10 Having been with my 5 young grand boys more than usual last month, I had opportunity to appreciate the parenting skills of both sets of parents. It is their desire to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord even though that does not seem to be “society’s way.”
Son, Buddy, used part of the spring break visit as an opportunity for “the talk” with his 8 year-old son. Before the world had its way in shaping Nathan’s view on sex, he wanted him to know the truth and to see this loving concern as coming from a father whom he could trust. Buddy was encouraged to have this talk “sooner rather than later” from one of Mary Flo Ridley’s, “Simple Truths” seminars through the "Just Say Yes" organization.
Mary Flo equips parents to celebrate their child's normal curiosity and teaches them how to respond confidently and factually with an answer their child can understand at his/her age.
She has spoken all over the country at schools, civic meetings, and churches. Each Friday on a recently constructed blog, she helps parents answer those “where do babies come from?” type-questions. It would behoove (my grandmother’s word) both parents and grandparents to check it out-- "sooner than you think."
She has a few personal entries as well, which I love cause she’s real!! (I have had first hand experience as a frequent guest in her home.) Mary Flo is quite the legitimate mom, cook, and writer. However, if you want to cut to the chase to get the “sex” info or submit your own question, the site is easy to navigate.
Son, Buddy, used part of the spring break visit as an opportunity for “the talk” with his 8 year-old son. Before the world had its way in shaping Nathan’s view on sex, he wanted him to know the truth and to see this loving concern as coming from a father whom he could trust. Buddy was encouraged to have this talk “sooner rather than later” from one of Mary Flo Ridley’s, “Simple Truths” seminars through the "Just Say Yes" organization.
Mary Flo equips parents to celebrate their child's normal curiosity and teaches them how to respond confidently and factually with an answer their child can understand at his/her age.
She has spoken all over the country at schools, civic meetings, and churches. Each Friday on a recently constructed blog, she helps parents answer those “where do babies come from?” type-questions. It would behoove (my grandmother’s word) both parents and grandparents to check it out-- "sooner than you think."
She has a few personal entries as well, which I love cause she’s real!! (I have had first hand experience as a frequent guest in her home.) Mary Flo is quite the legitimate mom, cook, and writer. However, if you want to cut to the chase to get the “sex” info or submit your own question, the site is easy to navigate.
It is worth your time, sooner rather than later---for your child’s sake.
Monday, April 5, 2010
RULES!
4/5/10 I grew up in a house full of rules. Manners first---always! No patent leather shoes before Easter and never after Labor Day. No caps at the table---ever! No listening in on the party line. Even in landscaping, Mother only allowed white and green planted “out front.” All colored flowers were in the back in her cutting garden.
My cherry tree that is in our front yard met Mother’s criteria (Josh, the giver, must have known her rule.) It blooms bright white every spring. Yet, when we came home this weekend to the driveway littered with its petals, it was magnificent---the dried petals had turned into mounds of pinkish petal dunes scattered by the wind. So much for that rule---I loved the pink!
During the little Texans Spring Break visit, I laid out rules for them as well. Street play not allowed. No standing in their golf cart. Turn around for all vehicles was the Kaplan’s driveway, etc. I must have overdone it a bit because when I asked Noah to put his socks on he responded , “Is there a sock rule too?”
I tend to follow rules. I find security in rules and laws, often getting really miffed at those who break them, especially litterers. However, when I’m honest with myself, I know that I (and others) can rationalize when “real” laws are broken, or even one of our own self-imposed rules.
How ‘bout the golden rule? Or those other laws and rules laid out in God’s word? They lead to righteous living but can often be hard to follow. Just look at 3 of my “biggie” struggles.
• Do everything without complaining or arguing. (Philippians 2:14)
• Let your gentleness be evident to all. (Philippians 4:5)
• Do not be anxious about anything, (Philippians 4:6)
Even the apostle Paul had trouble keeping the rules. Romans 7:19 shares his inner conflict. “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.”
How grateful I am for grace---grace as seen in the next chapter verse 1 which says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Now that’s something to think about for those of us who are still struggling with some of the rules. This isn’t license to break the rules but a reminder that His grace will guide us in our struggle.
My cherry tree that is in our front yard met Mother’s criteria (Josh, the giver, must have known her rule.) It blooms bright white every spring. Yet, when we came home this weekend to the driveway littered with its petals, it was magnificent---the dried petals had turned into mounds of pinkish petal dunes scattered by the wind. So much for that rule---I loved the pink!
During the little Texans Spring Break visit, I laid out rules for them as well. Street play not allowed. No standing in their golf cart. Turn around for all vehicles was the Kaplan’s driveway, etc. I must have overdone it a bit because when I asked Noah to put his socks on he responded , “Is there a sock rule too?”
I tend to follow rules. I find security in rules and laws, often getting really miffed at those who break them, especially litterers. However, when I’m honest with myself, I know that I (and others) can rationalize when “real” laws are broken, or even one of our own self-imposed rules.
How ‘bout the golden rule? Or those other laws and rules laid out in God’s word? They lead to righteous living but can often be hard to follow. Just look at 3 of my “biggie” struggles.
• Do everything without complaining or arguing. (Philippians 2:14)
• Let your gentleness be evident to all. (Philippians 4:5)
• Do not be anxious about anything, (Philippians 4:6)
Even the apostle Paul had trouble keeping the rules. Romans 7:19 shares his inner conflict. “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.”
How grateful I am for grace---grace as seen in the next chapter verse 1 which says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Now that’s something to think about for those of us who are still struggling with some of the rules. This isn’t license to break the rules but a reminder that His grace will guide us in our struggle.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Pick of the Litter
4/2/10 Fifty-nine years ago today, I chose my baby brother, or so the story goes. It was a snowy day in April in Hopkinsville, KY when my Aunt Dot Seay came to tell me of the predicament. My mother had gone to the Jennie Stuart hospital to pick up our new baby. I don’t guess we “birthed” babies back then and there had never been any “where babies come from” discussions at 2211. My Aunt Dot, who was Dr. Cost’s assisting nurse, came to tell me that 4 babies had been delivered that day----3 really ugly little girls and 1 precious little boy with curly blonde hair. She wanted to know which one I wanted since all along I had thought I would “get” a baby sister. I guess ugly didn’t appeal to me because I chose my baby brother. I made a good choice.
Our heavenly Father chose each of us. Was it a good choice?
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (Ephesians 1:4)
Because He sees us through the love and sacrifice of His Son, He sees a good choice. Do others see that as well? Our lives reflect the choices we make. Do we make good choices?
….choose you this day whom ye will serve;…..as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15)
Our heavenly Father chose each of us. Was it a good choice?
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (Ephesians 1:4)
Because He sees us through the love and sacrifice of His Son, He sees a good choice. Do others see that as well? Our lives reflect the choices we make. Do we make good choices?
….choose you this day whom ye will serve;…..as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15)
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Plan A to Plan B to Plan C........
4/1/10......and so on. How right Sarah Young's Jesus Calling entry was this morning when it said that we need to let go of our "to-do" list and to let go of the fantasy of an uncluttered life. "Clutter," in this context, defined by me, as anything getting in the way of my "to do" list----those unexpected happenings that alter our plans. Our plans for the Easter weekend are to spend time in Hoptown with Daddy. The exact amount of time may be altered by 2 recent phones calls.
A 5:30 am phone call alerted us that a high school chum of Larry's died in his sleep. He and Larry were just working on a class of '65 dinner together last month. Now, funeral plans pending.
After lunch Molly called with news that her hubby, Corey's grandmother just died. Plans incomplete at this time.
So our plans are also pending---do we take two cars, do we leave a day early?
Life is indeed full of twists and turns and unexpected happenings. We're all just one breath or phone call away. We are blessed to know the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever and though we may make our plans He is the One who directs our steps. He knows the plan for our lives. He gives us a future and a hope. Praise to the Resurrected One!
A 5:30 am phone call alerted us that a high school chum of Larry's died in his sleep. He and Larry were just working on a class of '65 dinner together last month. Now, funeral plans pending.
After lunch Molly called with news that her hubby, Corey's grandmother just died. Plans incomplete at this time.
So our plans are also pending---do we take two cars, do we leave a day early?
Life is indeed full of twists and turns and unexpected happenings. We're all just one breath or phone call away. We are blessed to know the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever and though we may make our plans He is the One who directs our steps. He knows the plan for our lives. He gives us a future and a hope. Praise to the Resurrected One!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Think on these things.
3/19/10 “Royal visit” expectation = exhilaration. Family and future family coming = anticipation. Sunny skies and warm temps = contentment. Flights cancelled for no “visible” weather concerns = confusion. Plan A fails = costly plan B = frustration. Flight arrival = delight. Overcast and chilly = annoyance, sort of. Palm Sunday service with family and future family = joy. Potty accidents cancel trolley ride = disappointment. Sleepless nights = exhaustion. God’s strength = hope. Family leaving = sadness. God’s presence = assurance. Real “flight” weather concerns = worry. Safe arrival = relief. Prayer = peace. Wedding in June = joyful expectancy.
How can all these feelings come from one person within one “short” weekend time frame? From highs to lows, emotions can run us ragged. Regardless of the circumstances, happiness is a choice. Every weekday at 7am, “Almost Live from Houston High” reminds the students to “Make it a great day or not---the choice is yours!”
So how do you do it? In my first Kay Arthur, Bible Study in the 70s, I learned her quote to “Philippians 4: 8” everything."
How can all these feelings come from one person within one “short” weekend time frame? From highs to lows, emotions can run us ragged. Regardless of the circumstances, happiness is a choice. Every weekday at 7am, “Almost Live from Houston High” reminds the students to “Make it a great day or not---the choice is yours!”
So how do you do it? In my first Kay Arthur, Bible Study in the 70s, I learned her quote to “Philippians 4: 8” everything."
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Buon giorno principessa!
3/26/10 That’s what we’ll be saying in the morning to Megan, Josh’s fiancé. It’s what Guido said to his future wife in the movie, “Life is Beautiful.” (1997) The couple later had a son named Joshua. My son, Joshua, introduced me to this movie so it seems so-o-o appropriate to welcome His future wife in this way.
She and her lady in waiting (aka her sister, Maeve) are coming for a pre-wedding visit and we are all so excited. We have dubbed it the royal visit, just the way we did when Day came for that “big” visit before her wedding to son, Buddy. So, we have lots of purple (a royal color) flowers both inside and out.
I thought about how special I want her to feel in these last few months as she awaits her bridegroom---like a princess with her lacy dress and her adorable shoes. We too should feel like that each day---though not in exactly the same way, because each of us is, after all, is a child of the king. And we, the church, also await the coming of our bridegroom.
Many privileges come with being a child of the king. It is quite a royal position. Possibly, even He greets us each morning with Buon giorno principessa! (Good morning, my beautiful princess.) Maybe we just need to be still as we begin our day and listen for His joyful greeting.
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. (Isaiah 62:5b)
I think I’ll savor that thought about my Supreme One tomorrow morning before I call the princess and her lady down for breakfast. And I think I’ll offer them a “cuppa” of Fortnum and Mason’s “Royal Blend.” So appropriate, don’t you think?
She and her lady in waiting (aka her sister, Maeve) are coming for a pre-wedding visit and we are all so excited. We have dubbed it the royal visit, just the way we did when Day came for that “big” visit before her wedding to son, Buddy. So, we have lots of purple (a royal color) flowers both inside and out.
I thought about how special I want her to feel in these last few months as she awaits her bridegroom---like a princess with her lacy dress and her adorable shoes. We too should feel like that each day---though not in exactly the same way, because each of us is, after all, is a child of the king. And we, the church, also await the coming of our bridegroom.
Many privileges come with being a child of the king. It is quite a royal position. Possibly, even He greets us each morning with Buon giorno principessa! (Good morning, my beautiful princess.) Maybe we just need to be still as we begin our day and listen for His joyful greeting.
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. (Isaiah 62:5b)
I think I’ll savor that thought about my Supreme One tomorrow morning before I call the princess and her lady down for breakfast. And I think I’ll offer them a “cuppa” of Fortnum and Mason’s “Royal Blend.” So appropriate, don’t you think?
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