Beach Bullets

7/25/10 This bulleted list is synergistic. Just combine the parts to get my whole idea of a week at the beach with family, including 1 expectant mom, 4 grandparents, 5 adult kids, 8 kids, ages 8 and under. The scriptures are also just snippets from memory---they literally came to mind while typing and so contextually only have meaning to me and my list, not to their complete scripture references, which are not included anyway. I hope that is not irreverent or even illegal in the writing realm.

• Tennessee & Texas convene for 8th consecutive year at “Big Water” a Liles moniker for Seagrove Beach ---New Yorkers honeymooned in Bali instead. (The sea is His for He made it.)
• BIG crashing waves = fearless kids & fearful “on-watch” grandmothers, Shug & YaYa. (God has not given us a spirit of fear but power and love and a sound mind)
• Visits from other in Liles clan (12) beach year-rounders & visitors. (Be hospitable to one another)
• 1,000+ digital pictures among us---I just want 1 perfect (everyone looking) glossy of all the grands to hold in my hand. (May you see your children's children)
• "9 hole" and Bananagrams®---too late and too tired for Scrabble® & Boggle® this year (they they wait upon the Lord.....they shall walk and not faint or become tired/weary.)
• Beach read, latest “Tea Shop mystery” book, The Teaberry Strangler, goes virtually unread (excessive devotion to books is wearying)---and I thought it would be relaxing
• Disappointment = opportunity---non-working spray/splash fountain for kids at Seacrest/Rosemary led us to sledding in Costco boxes in grass bowl at Alys Beach--we shared out boxes with many on-lookers. (He called the dry land earth.)
• Corey, resident fix-it man---cars, AC, bikes and dishwashers and locator of “grass bowl” (by the sweat of your brow)
• Intracoastal Waterway boat ride for the “boys” with Captain Doug (cousin) allowing them at the helm (A generous man will himself be blessed,)
• Sandcastle building with cousins Grace and Anna---yes, there are some females in the Liles family, just not ours (He created them male and female and blessed them.)
• Eating out at a seafood restaurant---adults orders included grouper and flounder---kids orders included hot dogs and chicken nuggets (let them rule over the fish of the sea)
• Washer runs, dishwasher runs, kids run----constantly--(His bones are filled with youthful energy)
• Sleep is deep after hours of sun and water (He gives to His beloved even in their sleep)
• Red Bar for young adults with grouper (the best yet) and crab cakes plus Jay Liles on stage (the main draw) (Children are a gift from the Lord.)
• It takes a village---cooking, cleaning, feeding, diapering, sunscreening, monitoring swimming pool feats and ocean wave riding, de-sanding, biking, crafting in the morning, painting by the sea at twilight and crabbing at night, bubble bathing, storytelling, praying and singing to sleep, etc. etc. etc. (Serve one another.)

“It’s worth the drive.” 500 miles in 10 hrs. for Tennesseans and 800 miles in 15+ hrs. for Texans We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. Psalm 78:1---I looked this one up.

Best Part of the trip comments---
Adults---time with family, seeing kids grow, building memories (Give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness)
Kids---“I got a Coke Zero on the boat.” “We have a TV in our room.” “We do too!” “Ice Age DVD.”

Hmm-m-m---looks like a bullet list of our memories are generationally different.

Heartfelt Meditation

7/19/10 Yesterday's Allen Bible Church psalm for pondering had me considering meditation and wondering how I could post a blog for Monday's meditation. Then, "wa-lah" Molly picks up WiFi.

Psalm 5:1-3 ¹ Give ear to my words, O LORD,

Consider my meditation. ² Give heed to the voice of my cry, My King and my God, For to You I will pray. ³ My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.

Meditation on God's word renews our mind. It is a spiritual act of worship. It's more than just checking off an entry on our spiritual "to-do" list---much more than just "knowledge in" and "knowledge out." It requires engaging of the mind.

Last Sunday, First Evan's Pastor Jeremy reminded us of the importance of the following aspects of the Christian walk:

1. Fill your heart with God's values. (not values of our culture)
2. Engage your mind with God's Word. (meditation)
3. Do the next right thing. (love your neighbor, serve others, esp. the poor)

Today's ABC psalm seemed to sum it up for me.

Examine me, O LORD, and prove me;
Try my mind and my heart. Psalm 26:2
I'm asking the Lord to examine me---I want my heart to be aligned with His heart and His values and my mind filled with His word so that my life might prove and reflect that which is His good and perfect will----loving and serving others.

Gracious One….

7/16/10…..who gets my attention in such tangible ways has been using Psalms this summer to do just that. This morning both Allen Bible Church and Jesus Calling referenced Psalm 42. That really gets my attention. Here some snippets of the psalm.

1As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.
2a My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior

8 By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.

11 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Because verse 5 and 11 are the same that’s where my attention will be today. I am thirsting for more of him and directing my hope toward a gracious God who is worthy of my praise---Who calls my attention to what I need for the day/moment.

Wearisome Words

7/15/10 Too verbose on blog. Succinct is the answer. Will try for terse verse, not burdensome blogs. Won’t resort to texting shortcuts---don’t know them anyway. S. Young has the pithy grabber prose (saying the most with the fewest words) down pat in today’s Jesus Calling. Here’s my take on her notes:

• Command=do not worry.
• God gives manageable portions.
• His grace sufficient one day at a time.
• A heap of worry staggers you.
• Thrust of trust is answer to meandering, crisscrossing, anxious thoughts.
• Let those shackels fall. Enjoy Him.

::poof:: (Text 4 I'm gone.)

Worry can be wearisome!

A succinct sign for the day!

Notetaker

7/14/10 I’ve been called lots of things in my day and one of the most common is notetaker. (“Spellcheck” doesn’t like that I’ve made this a compound word, but to me it is just that.) A compound word is made when two words are joined to form a new word. One who takes notes is joined with the notes she takes just by the “doing” ---the action that so defines her. I’m sure that “spellcheck” would let me get away with it if I added a hyphen but I’m in a stubborn mood today and don’t feel like being hyphenated.

Notetaking seems to come naturally to me. I leave my marks everywhere---even in my devotional books and Bible. My grandmother Gena would have considered marking a Bible a travesty, if not sacrilegious but my grandmother, Mama Davenport was at least brave enough to underline in hers. I know, because I use her Bible often---those underlines have given me great insight into her life---which feels like a great privilege to me.

Marginalia in favorite books, from “self-help” and “how-to” to inspirational books and Bible study guides and resource books, is where much of my notetaking occurs.
My calendar looks like one big notepad. This week as I’ve been packing for an upcoming trip I’ve referred to “Big Water” notes from ’07, ’08 and ’09 calendars. It’s the way I know to bring 3 nightlights, not to buy Sam’s potato salad because not many folks ate it, or to be sure and pack a Sharpie® so that those water bottles, that the kids only take a few sips from, can be labeled and refrigerated for later use. (I don’t like that kind of waste----I know because I “noted” that in a journal one time!)
Even atlases and maps have my notes on them----everything from date & “our” time and distances of travel to places to eat along the way, followed by a rating once we eat there.

As many of you know, I often try to color code may notetaking or at least keep it in some kind of order----not on torn off slips of paper that end up here, there and yon. Lately that does not have the order that I like and I’m spending way too much time looking for my “notes.”

I think I’ve gotten more obsessive about notetaking as I have aged---I feel as if it helps me to hold on to the memory that I seem to be losing. I’m sure it gives me some semblance of control---now that’s a real joke.
Sometimes I feel as if I can’t function without my notes and that’s when I know I’ve gone to the extreme. I think I need to branch out and really wing it. Nah---not yet. Nevertheless, I do need to learn to give myself permission not to always have everything together (which I don’t ---I just keep trying) Maybe a blank sheet with none of my notes/directions would allow the Lord to more fully direct my steps. Of course, then I’d probably have to write down His agenda for future reference----you know, just in case I need it.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 says that "whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might"----(I guess notetaking could fit there.) Though later in chapter 12 it says that too many words and writing is vanity and wearying to the body.

I think the real answer is in I Corinthians 10:13, “whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Even notetaking can be taken to the extreme and have nothing to do with Him----so how do I temper this? Any suggestions from a godly notetaker? This notetaker would love to hear from you.

Waiting Rooms

7/13/10 We have all been in different periods of waiting in our lives---sometimes in actual rooms. Waiting rooms in labor and delivery are fun places to be. Not so much so in an ICU waiting room. Today’s trip to West Clinic to wait for info on Mommar was somewhere in between those beginning and ending extremes.

I’m not sure what I expected---maybe a sterile environment with people slumped in chairs under a spell of self-pity, dwelling on their own sorrow or disappointment. Would there be tears of despondency? I knew there would be tears from brother-in-law Bill. He had cried yesterday during her birthday celebration.

There were lots of different waiting rooms at West clinic---somewhat warm and inviting, especially considering the circumstances. But the room that I saw that seemed to be filled with the most smiles was the one full of the folks in the recliners waiting for the completion of their chemo treatment. Maybe it was because these people had hope that their treatment would give them more tomorrows.

Not only does our sovereign Lord not leave us during a time of suffering, He gives us hope for “better tomorrows.” He gives us a course of action, a place to turn---toward Him. The invitation of Hebrews 4:16 is open to all who are in God’s waiting room. "Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." If you are there, in a period of waiting, boldy approach the One who is the Giver of grace and mercy. You will find it in your time of need even as you “wait.”

CARTOGRAPHERS OF THE OLD FASHION VARIETY

7/12/10………okay, I’m not a map maker but I am a map lover. Hubby Larry thinks my affinity for maps is a little over the top. I love maps and atlases. They offer so many possibilities. Even at our Christmas “bag game” parties, if there’s an updated atlas in the mix, I’m right in there, (usually with the men) jockeying for that ultimate prize.

During past travels in the English countryside, the first place I would go would be the TI. (Tourist Information Center) A wealth of brochures with area maps---right up my alley. US roadside Welcome Centers are a must for me when traveling stateside. Texas has BIG ones. Mississippi has hospitable ones----they serve coke with a smile and a syrupy Southern accent. This summer the Tennessee facility had, along with clean restrooms, a 2010 map!! Yea---first “new” map in two years that I’ve found. Plus, TN must realize that “Baby Boomers” are the only folks using maps anymore because the 2010 publication is like a "large print" edition.

This past weekend, Michèle found us using her recent eBay purchase of a Garmin. It just stuck on her windshield. She said it talked her through the trip down from Canada. Larry told her he had his own GPS and he stuck “her” in the front seat (shotgun position) right beside him---usually with an open atlas, road map or MapQuest sheet in her lap. His GPS also “talked” the entire trip. (Not true----said GPS also naps, once on a familiar course.)

Hubby also asked Michèle if her Garmin called her stupid if she got off-course. Stupid is the “S” word at our house & not allowed. She said the GPS word for “stupid” was “recalculating.”
Recalculating (or Plan B) is always necessary for this GPS woman---it allows for new paths, byways and, as yet, undiscovered back roads. With a “local’s” suggestion, rather that a detailed topographical map, we found a great scenic road when coming home from Doris and Tom’s Full Circle Ranch in Lewisburg, TN---a road less traveled by others and one never traveled before by us. One just needs to be open to possibilities----

It’s Monday and we have several options/possibilities for meditating on God’s word. Choose the one that fits the road you are on today. Allow Him to be your GPS.

• This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. (Isaiah 48:17)

• The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. (Psalm 37:23)

• The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)

With the Lord there are infinite possibilities.

Fireworks Revisited

7/11/10 Last night grandson, Owen, “called” us from the Redbirds game to tell us that he was seeing BIG fireworks and that people kept saying ooh and ahh. I was a little surprised that the noise didn’t scare him but he was saying, “Look.” (We actually could see a little--thanks to the cell phone pic that arrived.) Then we heard Owen oohing and ahhing.
Tonight he called from his B.B. and Poppy’s house because he was getting to see more fireworks---really loud ones too. What joy in his voice as his dad and granddad and Memphis neighbor, Derrick, offered fireworks just for Owen. It was obvious that they delighted in delighting him.

Last Thursday, Jesus Calling mentioned fireworks. “When your Joy in Me meets My Joy in you, there are fireworks of heavenly ecstasy.” This weekend I think the Lord was oohing and aahing as He heard us (Michèle and Dotsy) joyfully celebrating seeing each other. Our joy is a result that comes from all we have in Him---a true fellowship of two believers on the same side of a MAC struggle. Celebrating life & turned toward Him.
That’s like double ecstasy---really loud oohing and aahing coming forth. Real fireworks----that will continue throughout eternity!! Heavenly ecstasy!!

Excerpts of Encouragement

7/8/10 Leaving soon for Hoptown to spend a couple of days with Daddy and then on to Nashville to meet up with Michèle. Ah-h-h, Michèle---my encourager extraordinaire. What a mentor! What an example of ministering to others.
Here’s a peek at some of her “notes” that encouraged me without sugarcoating my diagnosis----she knew what I would be facing and was willing to share her experiences.

From first e-mail
Know that you are supported by this stranger who has stood where you stand and made it through to the other side.

2nd note---Throughout this McJourney, I have known a peace that simply cannot be explained in human terms. I know from reading your blog, Dotsy, that you have a special connection with your Maker and I know that will serve you well in the months and weeks ahead... He is NEVER far.

Please know that I am praying for you even as I write. (M taught me to do this)

1/23/09 I'm more than happy to walk this road with you ….I know there's no such thing as a benign response to the C-word...

1/24/09 I know the trauma, the physical ache, of this kind of thing--despite the strongest possible sense that God is near. But I've also reached the other side now and been able to look back and see the blessings, the GOLDEN linings that I might have missed ….. .I know that faith does not spare us entirely from the very real fears and nervousness that come from living in a fallen world with an ailing body. Those fears, those sleepless nights and moments of near-panic, are not a condemnation of our spirituality, they are the expression of our humanity.
And if we somehow manage to continue to live in hope and joy in spite of them, that's a validation of the God whose comfort surpasses our very limited understanding. (A-men to that, Michèle)

2/2/10 I want to encourage you--exhort you!--to allow at least a handful of those who love you to see the full scope of your emotional response to this devastating blow. Or if you'd rather vent to a relative stranger who would NEVER condemn you for honest emotions, you can do so to me too.

I've discovered that in moments of gravest need, God uses flesh-and-blood angels to soothe and comfort. The road of my McJourney has been paved with the stepping stones of kindred believers and gentle strangers, and I pray the same will be true for you. (Oh, how true that was for me---the “land of the living” my, willing to be used by God, flesh and blood angels have blessed me and mine beyond measure.)
I know that God is here… (and so do I!)

Michèle sharing her own journey was the greatest comfort for me----God was (is) here. It is His hand I've felt on my back, warmed by late-day sun. It is His peace in my mind, soothed and unraveled by His answer to my prayer. It is His promise in my chest, loosening the stranglehold, with every deep breath, of that oppressive opaque uneasiness. He was the faint light growing deeper; the warm colors of beginnings, not the heavy cold hues of endings.

Michèle THOTS---I’m not saying that it will be easy if Mac takes his worst possible course. But it will be okay....Because God has made promises that transcend our physical experience..... life is already—filled with ..... loving and being loved, and unfathomable serenity.

This morning when I read this year old note from Michèle, I realized the depth of truth that her words held.
Dotsy, every time I think about you I simultaneously feel a tightening in my chest for the journey still ahead and a surge of praise for the way God is going to walk with you at every turn in the unpredictable road that will lead to your healing. I'm sure you can't even imagine it the nearly-physical reality of His presence yet, but you'll experience it in a breathtaking way, even amid the pain and sadness and anger and depression the journey might entail. He'll be there. So powerfully and so comfortingly. You'll be amazed.

I was indeed amazed and blessed by my MAC journey/dance, just like Michèle said I would be. Her encouragement was a big part of that.

Last fall Michèle wrote on one of her gorgeous handmade photo notes:
I think of you daily and pray already for your October surgery. God has been so good to you.….and he isn’t going to stop now! I consider myself honored to stand with you in prayer & spirit & even more blessed to call you friend. With much love ---and already looking forward to our next encounter.

Our next encounter---wow it will this weekend. Isn’t God good!! Maybe I can, in someway, encourage her---because that’s the way it’s suppose to be.

So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith (Galatians 6:10)

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, (I Thessalonians 5:11)

Encouragement is a great way to “do good.”

Encouragement. Reciprocate, pass it forward---just do it. Strew your life’s path with excerpts of encouragement for others. You’ll be glad you did and so will they.

Unrealistic Expectations

7/7/10 Reality has a way of nudging, or sometimes shoving us away from cozy assumptions. Life can turn on a dime. Those cozy assumptions can fly out the window and we can be hit head on with reality that can be excruciating. My friend, Bernie, at age 17 was driving the car, when the wreck occurred that took her mother’s life. Laura Bush in her recent memoir, Spoken From the Heart, tells of running a stop sign at age 17 and striking another car that resulted in the death of Mike, a classmate/friend, from her high school. Over the years she has learned that tragedy is no respecter of persons & “if onlys” are fruitless.

Other turns might not be as tragic but they can certainly cause a seismic shift in our thinking. Cancer diagnosis, a spouse who just needs space so he/she walks out the door, needy aging parents, disappointment in children and their choices, downsizing, or just plain warn out with living in the frantic pace and global tragedies of 2010.

Maybe we just need to let go of the unrealistic expectation of ever living in a completely “fair, sane, just, and loving world.” (J. Viorst) It just isn’t going to happen, this side of heaven. To expect that is unrealistic. People will disappoint us. We need to take the stress/pressure off our loved ones by no longer “demanding” that they be perfect. We want them to meet our every expectation. But, suppose they don’t. It’s all that supposing that makes us miserable. Suppose our life turns on a dime tomorrow? I need to give it all up and just trust the Lord. How ‘bout you?

The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,

Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the LORD forever,

For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock. (Isa. 26:3-4)