Stepping Away from Procrastination.

I am trying to tie up some loose ends before the number on the end of the years' date changes. Paying a last bill for the year, getting a letter out to loved ones, and walking through my memories so I know where I've been and if I need to change direction.Loose ends do not always tie up in a neat bow.

Sometimes loose ends end up being a jumble of knots and straggling hairs! It doesn't matter what they look like but though some can carry on into the new path, others demand an accounting. For me, I like to start the New Year fresh, with a tidy beginning.

The problem lies with procrastination. The longer I put things off, the harder it is to step onto an uncluttered path that has a plan. I suppose I'd better close this blog and get busy with some of those knots! Hope you are able to do the same!

Party Time?

Will you be going to a party for New Years? I will be manning a fireworks tent with my husband. We never were big party goers. I remember only one really big party we attended over the years. I do enjoy celebrating the incoming year in my own way.

I like to ceremonially write out my goals and review the ones from the past year. It doesn't take that long but it brings a sense of completion and satisfaction. I feel joy and peace as I sit before Gods' throne and discuss my life.

I also enjoy sitting down with my husband and sharing with him the goals I want to achieve. I always hope he will let me in on his plans too!

My party is a party of three. God, me and my husband. It is a great time! But if you would invite me to your party, I'd be glad to arrange my schedule and come celebrate with you!

2008 Review

Looking backwards is not always easy, especially if you want to watch where you are going. The only exception might be when we are looking forward into a new year. It is then that we might look back over the past year and take stock of our progress toward our goals, our growth in character and wisdom, and the direction our lives are taking.

Looking backwards can be tricky. Rear view mirrors do not always give a proper perspective, so it is important to take an honest, face to face look at yourself as you truly were in the days of the past year. sometimes my vision of the past is not too pleasant. I don't like some of the snapshots of my memories. but then there are also times of joy and blessing and some of those came because I chose to do the right thing. Either way, I am guided by those memories, to turn onto a new path, or to stay firm.

I'll be reviewing 2008 like the networks review the year, but this will be a personal reflection for my future goals. I want 2009 to look better that 2008! It will take hard work and awareness. It will be a year of trusting God and not myself to complete the good work He wants to do in me. Let get going!

Simplify

I sat down and tried to write out my goals for 2009. It seems I am wanting to accomplish many things a reach many finish lines this year. As I looked over the list I realized that my main goal should be to simplify!

I need to simplify my exercise, relationships, finances, etc., etc. If I could simplify then maybe I would find myself actually accomplishing the greater goals.

So, now to think through how to simplify my life.....that may be a bit more complicated than I think! I'll work on that tomorrow!

Crossroads

In a few days we will celebrate a new year. It is a time when we put away the past and start new with good intentions and high hopes . For the next few days I will focus on writing out goals and determining how I would like to live my life in 2009.

Resolutions? You may call them that but I prefer to call them goals and in a sense I place expectations on myself. My expectations and goals all center around my gift to Jesus. It is what I choose to give Him that sets the boundaries of my choices for the year. So this year I will listen to the message God has for me to receive and to deliver.

Today I read in Jeremiah 6:16 an interesting guide to the setting of my goals. It said: "Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and take a look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for you souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'" (ESV) In the Message Bible it says to "stand at the crossroads." I like that.

It reminds me of Robert Frosts poem The Road Not Taken. Which road will I take? God is urging me to look closely and take a trusted way, one that has proven to me a wise path. Poet Frost offers the insight that choosing a road less traveled might make all the difference. I agree. It will make a difference if I pick a path that the rest of the world has shunned but has been traveled by our Lord and His faithful followers, a cross-road.

I do hope to see you on the good way!

Christmas Blessings

May you know Christs' presence in your life and enjoy the blessings that come through Him every day of the New Year! May you have peace, health and provision for all your needs. May you rejoice knowing that your name is written in the Book of Life !

May the Christmas Spirit reside within your heart. Be blessed friends! Be abundantly blessed!

Christmas Expectations

Expectations have climaxed! Tonight is the night! Christmas is here and little children await with excitement for all they have dreamed about. It isn't just children who wait with nervous expectation. Adults look for the wonder of Christmas too.

We all want to know that someone cares. Is there a Santa in my life? Is there really a God who cared enough to come to earth for me? Does anyone really love me? Christmas is a time when those questions may or may not be answered to our satisfaction.

Will our dear one remember me with a special gift or will they fall short of my expectations? Will Santa really come to every good little girl and boy or will there be a few who are overlooked because no one noticed? The only true expectation that has been fully met is the expectation of a Messiah. Jesus did come. He lived and died to give us back what we lost through our sin.

Christmas fills our deepest expectations. We may not know what those might be but in Jesus Christ we are loved, ransomed and fulfilled completely!

Tonight is a night when your expectations can be met. You can know the fullness of His love, His grace, His gift of eternal life! All you need to do is ask and believe. He only waits to hear your request.

Light Saga

We've had a little bit of trouble with our outside Christmas lights this year. They would go on for a short time then blink out, either one side of the house or the other. It makes the house decorations look unfinished and really quite sad.

I envied the houses I went past that were shining and well decked out. It made my poor little display a pitiful sight. I did, however, see a lesson in all of the lights on, lights off drama.

Throughout my day I can shine the light of Christ or I can blink it off letting it hide behind a shadow of anger or ill thoughts towards others. My light can shine before men as a beacon of Gods' glory or I can shut it off to await a moment when I am the one who is shined upon. It is my choice.

A little wiggle of the wires can make the lights awaken and my home to brighten up and reflect the joy that Christmas is all about. It is the same with me. A little twist of my thoughts in the right direction can spark the flame and let my light shine brighter. I would guess that connecting my lights to the source of true light would keep them shining brightly all day long. Oh, that I would run to fix the connection before it is interrupted!

Sore Feet

I've done a lot of walking the past few days. More than usual.

I've been shopping and shopping and shopping. Though shopping is not my favorite activity i enjoyed the exercise of buying gifts for loved ones and moving my body for long periods of time to work off those extra calories!

Last night was our caroling party. We walked the neighborhood and enjoyed the cool night and warm welcomes from friends. Our motley bunch of singers didn't sound too bad this year and the competition for the "Angel Choir" was closer than ever before!

Today my feet ache but I don't mind so much since they remind me of good deeds, and blessings of friends. They also remind me of Jesus' feet. He walked this earth and went miles and miles to spread the good news! Were His feet sore before He went to the cross? I have no doubt that they were!

How lovely are the feet of Him who brings good news!

Hush

The rush is almost done. It will soon be time to hush and listen to the stillness of the night and allow our precious Lord to silence the yearnings of our hearts.

I like to set the mood for quietness by playing soothing music. Instrumentals are best, but a soft voice can also allow my mind to step away from the lists and sit at my Saviors' feet. Like Mary I long to be near Him and in His presence. So I lay aside my Martha apron and draw near.

Hush, hush, listen silent night.
Hush, hush, draw near to Christmas!
Hush, hush, wonder and joy are mine!
Hush, hush, He quiets my heart.
Hush, hush, He is near, God with me!

Gimmies

The Gimmies will get you
If you don't watch out!
The Gimmies are ugly.
You don't want them about.
They get in your eyes
So you want all you see.
They get in your mouth
And shout, "Give it to me!"
And if you don't get it
You whine and you cry
Till we all hear you
And ask ourselves, "Why?"
A sweet little child
Let the Gimmies come out
'Cause having the Gimmies
Is foolish, no doubt!

Fully God, Fully Man

From the beginning, Jesus was fully God and fully man. I wonder how that worked? Did He empty himself of all knowledge of who He was until a certain time? Or did He remain so totally in control that He was able to say "No" to His God-ness?

His words seemed so aware of His position in the God head that it seems impossible that He did not know who He really was, but then He would not have lived the life of a human to the full extent being tempted as we are would He?Such things are my ponderings of his coming as a baby. Will there be similar ponderings when He returns? Will I wonder if His humanness will be so overshadowed by His God-ness? Such a mystery!

Oh, Lord, my Savior, the only true God and true man, You are a mystery that must be pondered. You truly deserve my minds' meditation! Though I may never find the depths of you, may I forever seek to know You more!

Ready or Not

Ready or not He will come! The world wasn't really ready to receive Jesus when He was born in the stable. We probably will not be ready when He arrives for the second time. SURPRISE!!

Do you like surprises? For me it depends on if I am prepared to be surprised. Yes, I know that sounds like no surprise, but it can be. I am always on guard for birthday, anniversary or Mother's day surprises. I prepare myself for the unexpected and then enjoy the moment when it comes. Every day type surprises catch me off guard and I would prefer they never happen.

Ordinary day surprises make the day very extraordinary, like the snake in the trash can, or being side swiped by a hit and run driver. but then there are surprises in my ordinary days that take my breath away and lift my spirits and my praises to God. I am prepared to see a sunset/sunrise but when it is spectacular I am surprised! I expect to see the moon but when it is an enormous pearl in the night sky I am surprised! When I prepare myself to do the right thing for someone else I am surprised to find the gift of joy for myself.

I am prepared for Jesus' return to earth but it will be a great surprise! Just as He came as a baby His arrival will be an ordinary day that will turn extraordinary!

Surprise me, Lord! Like Simeon and Anna, let me see Your coming! I will prepare myself every day for the surprise of You in my life!

Wish List

Last night I walked all over Walmart to see if I could get ideas for my husbands Christmas gift. I saw some things that I would like to give him but not knowing to what he would give preference made me hesitate. I have asked him to at least give me some clue as to what he would want. He asked me to do the same. It seems to me that after 35 years of marriage we could think of something on our own. I guess what we have learned over those years is that it is wise to ask!

Wish lists were the inspiration for the sermon on Sunday too! What do we wish for from God? A burning bush experience? An angel messenger? A meeting on a Damascus road? Oh that we would wish for the word of God to come alive in our lives! WOW!

Sadly most church going people would prefer that God would stay in His heaven rather than to come close and cause them to change their ways. Jesus did enter our space and continues to ask all people to change. He wants us to believe in His goodness and His love. He wants us to change directions. We must turn away from our selfish desires and follow Him.

Your coming into my space, Lord, confronts me just as the burning bush for Moses, the angel for Mary and the vision of You for Paul. Your Christmas coming continues to challenge me! I wish I will always say "Yes!" to You. I wish Your presence would always be very real to me! May I share Christmas with others every day! Thank You for making Your word come alive in me through Your word!

Little Boys

Watching my 7 month old grandboy, Scott, three times a week gives me a new perspective of God coming to earth as a baby.

The beginnings of life must have been restrictive, to say the very least, for the Almighty God of the universe! Within the confines of a tiny body God wondered at His own creation! He admired the workings of a tiny hand and enjoyed playing with his wee little toes. His mouth explored whatever Mary would allow Him to chew and He savored the pleasures of warm milk from her breast to calm the grumblings of His tummy.

Come to think of it, maybe, just maybe, God did not feel restricted at all. Maybe God knew that the universe not only expanded outward from our human bodies but also inward. I imagine God filled with joy and an ever deepening love for us as He lifted His head, rolled over, sat, crawled and walked for the very first time. Yes, He must have admired His own work and was pleased to again call it good! He must have been delighted to be in a temple in which He would one day reside.

God coming as a baby is a powerful reminder that life is precious and glorious.

Moonlight Pearl

Last night as my husband and I left for our weekly date, we were awestruck by the moon. It was a clear night and the moon was full. It was a beautiful sight.

I could not keep my eyes off the moon. It reflected the sun in a way that reminded me of a huge pearl. Its luminousness was breathtaking! We could easily see the shadows of the lunar terrain, but it did not detract from its beauty. The shadows simply added to the mystery of the clarity and perfection of the vision.

A pearl resting in a vast ocean of deep blue was this moon. It was a gift to enjoy, a touch from the Creator. He made it for my pleasure and so I told Him how much I enjoyed it! And then i remembered about the pearl of great price that Jesus told us about. It was bought through the sacrifice of the merchant who sought it for his own.

I am the pearl that was bought with Jesus' sacrifice, but am I willing to sacrifice for Him as well? Can I say "Yes" to Him as Mary did?

Thank You Lord, for reminding me of Your pearl by showing me the moon in all its glory! you have thought of everything that could delight me and make me happy! I say "Yes!" Yes, I will live my life to please You!

Decorations of the Heart

Christmas houses are all aglow throughout the neighborhoods. Lights sparkle and Christmas characters shine. Inside trees glimmer with lights and glittering ornaments. We seem to go all out for Christmas.

What decorations can we display throughout the year to tell others that we are Christians and Christ is born in us? I've thought about it, and I think the best ornament on our lives is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. His presence is seen in our love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. It is true that against these there can be no law.

Fighting City Hall that makes laws against the decorated civic buildings for Christmas is fruitless if we do not bear the fruit of the Spirit year round. Oh Christians, let us decorate our lives daily with His presence! He will make us to shine like stars! (Phil. 2:14-16)

Scrooge

There is a Scrooge for every person every Christmas season. It could be health related, financial, emotional, relational or many other places in our lives.

The question is, can we overcome bad news from Scrooge with the good news of Christ?

According to John 16:33 we can! "I have told you all this so you may have peace in me. (What did He tell us? The Good News!) Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

So there, Scrooge! You cannot take away our Merry Christmas. You cannot spoil our Christmas joy. We will not become like you!

God bless us , every one!

Christmas Love

If there is one message that sums up Christmas I think it must be love. Christmas began because God loved us. That is good news!

Love is good news because love seeks the best for us. Yes, love isn't always easy, in fact it can be the most difficult thing we do. When we love someone we look for ways to give them the best of ourselves and we want the best for them. Sometimes that takes mercy and gentleness but other times it takes sacrifice and discipline. God entered the world prepared to give both.

The first Christmas brought to us God wrapped in humanness and filled with love. True love is the good news we receive when we accept the Christmas gift that came as a tiny infant. His true love for us is the best news we will ever receive!

Checking the List

Shopping. Wrapping. Baking. Decorating. Partying. What is missing? Checking over my to-do list for a Merry Christmas season I sometimes forget one of the most important items on my list.

Actually that one item includes a list of its own. Visiting with Jesus doesn't mean whispering a prayer on the run out the door. It includes, quieting myself, sharing my heart, listening to His wisdom, enjoying His presence, giving Him first place in my day all through the day.

I have a very good reason to put Jesus on my list, because He has put me on His list! He makes me a priority! He listens to every prayer. He cares about every need. He is always with me. Most importantly He has put my name in the Book of Life through His own sacrifice!

Today I will not only begin my day visiting with Jesus, I'll share my entire day with Him, good and bad. He is the reason for the season, the reason for every season of my life.

Believe!

Most adults do not believe in Santa Claus, to them he is a myth that is meant for children only. Children place their whole trust in the myth that Santa will bring them whatever they wish. Once it is discovered that he sometimes fails to fulfill expectations they stop believing.

Today I read in scripture some passages where God asks why His people stopped believing in Him. Sounds a bit familiar, doesn't it? There are plenty adults who believed in God as children, but because they were not granted all they wanted from Him they turned their hearts away from the belief that He exists and is good.

Disappointments are the pins that pop the balloons of belief. A belief in Santa or God that disappoints will deflate our hopes and cause us to choose a path that seems safe but will lead to loss, and a hardened heart. Why do we think we should have whatever we want? Why do we think that a wise, good and loving God should answer every prayer on our terms? Is it possible to believe in a good, loving and wise God even if He never answers a prayer in our favor? I think we must say "Yes!"

God exists without our needing Him to exist. He is because He is God! Our unbelief does not cause Him to change or become a myth like Santa. We can believe in God!

Just believe!

St. Nicholas Day

Yes, there is a Santa. I believe he lives in heaven because he believed in Jesus as his savior. He was Bishop Nicholas. He had a generous spirit and loved children. It is a bit sad that his memory is now limited to a fantasy man who indulges children and adults with their every desire.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good Santa movie, song and pretending with children. My imagination comes alive by the idea of a toy land workshop and cheerful giving to all children. There is still much good that can be gleaned from the fantasy of Santa. But there can be so much more to learn from the real man.

From my readings about him, he was a humble man. He had a heart for the poor and yet he insisted that poverty was no excuse for bad behavior. He spread the good news of the gospel by his actions of grace filled giving. He did it all not for his own glory but for the glory of God.

Santa is someone we can emulate. We should be balanced givers and generous to the poor. December 6th is the day he is honored and hopefully God is glorified in the remembering of Saint Nicholas' life!

Homemade Sparkles!

I am up to my ears in glitter and warm fuzzy fur! Yes, I am creating gifts. I do it not only in lean times but in prosperous times as well. I sometimes think my homemade gifts are not well received. That makes me sad and yet I still give gifts that comes from my own hands, heart and imagination.

Homemade is a warm and inviting word but I find that my humanness is drawn to the glitter and warm fuzzies of gifts made on an assembly line with no heart. My soul and spirit, however, long for the gift that touches my heart. Christmas could be a homemade celebration with just a little glitz and cozy touches if only I would change my heart. Would it then feel more like the first Christmas?

The picture of a tiny newborn sleeping in a manger is a vision of heavenly homemade gift. God gave us a present of the most wondrous kind and asked a simple maiden to deliver Him to the world. how do I receive this gift? Would I prefer a powerful miracle worker? Can I find pleasure and satisfaction in the love-created gift of Jesus in a manger and dying on a cross?

A Chill in the Air

The one thing that upsets me most at Christmas time is grumpy people. I do understand that not everyone celebrates the holiday, but it seems to me that being a grump won't make the holiday disappear. For the grump it may even make the days to go by more slowly!

I have something that usually can warm up a chilly heart. I offer them a smile, sometimes accompanied by a kind word. I know it works because it works on me!

If you are a grump, I'll offer you a smile now. If you have a smile to share, pass it on! It doesn't cost a thing! Let's make this a Merry Christmas!

Time to Listen

I have a Christmas Caroling clock. Each hour it chimes a different Christmas song. The first few days of hearing it I am surprised and delighted to think about the song and the words reminding me to celebrate with joy! My attitude is lifted by those sweet chimes.

It isn't long, though, before I tune out those sweet refrains and ignore the joy they offer. My attitude is one of hurry and finish my list of things to do. I don't stop and enjoy the moment! How very sad for me, and for those to whom I want to be a witness . Time passes by so swiftly and I can miss those little prize moments when God whispers to me. Could He be offering me His love, joy and peace in the middle of a hectic and sometimes difficult life?

It seems to me that is exactly what He did when He came 2000+ years ago! He announced the times through a star and angels. He whispered His coming through the starry night and shouted His arrival through the chorus of angels. Do I listen for His quiet voice or do I ignore it and forget He is near?

He is near! He is here in my heart! He lives in me! The music only reminds me that it is time to listen! I need to hear His voice! Not only during Christmas, but all year through!

Tree Lights

I have spent the last three days trying to get my Christmas tree decorated. I've really been just working on getting the hundreds of multicolored lights up and running. I still have about a fourth of the tree left to cover, then we begin hanging the ornaments.

Our tree is lovely to look at and for me it also is symbolic of the body of Christ that glitters with the light of Christ radiating from each person. The tree symbolizes Christs death on a cross, but for me it also is a visual of all believers who come to the cross to find the hope of salvation. It is ever green for our hope of everlasting life. It is shaped to point us to the heavens where our God rules and reigns! Christmas trees are a beautiful reminder that Jesus will return to gather His own to Him.

We can only wait for the second advent by keeping watch. It is time to ready ourselves. It is time to celebrate the past coming of the infant Jesus and wait in expectant hope for our Victorious King!

The time dedicated to decorating the tree can become an act of worship. May God be glorified in my thoughts and in my actions as I joyfully share the witness of a holy Christmas symbol.

Potential

What potential do I possess? That is a question posed to me during church yesterday. It got me to thinking.

The word potential implies a possible power. Within each of us God has placed a possibility to do something. We possess a power within us that can make a difference in the lives of others if only it is released. We each have potential!

What is my potential? I have had moments when I was certain, but most often I struggle to not only find my potential but to experience it! I guess the experiencing is most important. It is in the doing that potential is transformed into power. In the release it is no longer a possibility but a sure thing!

Recently a couple of young people have approached me about their potential. They are searching for their power and purpose. I had to admit that I, too, am searching again for my power and purpose, my potential. So how are we to find it? Prayer is a wonderful beginning. After prayer we should push through our doubts and fears and practice what we know we are able to do. In that practicing we may peer into our potential and release the power inside of us, the power of God that is unique to us.

It is time to pray, push through, and practice. May our steps of faith provide the spark that will ignite our potential into the power You, Lord, have given me. May the world know You through me!

Holiday Season

We are now full into the holiday season. It is called a holiday season for good reason. The days between Thanksgiving and January 6 (Celebration of the Magi's visit) is a continuous stream of special times commemorating God's presence in our world. It is a season for us to focus on our relationship to God and each other. Of course this should carry on throughout the year but we renew our commitment during this special time.

It is a "holiday" season not because of vacation or a rest from our work. It is a holiday because it is a season of holy days. In fact the word holiday stems from "holy day." For this reason I am not offended to say "Happy Holidays!" I enjoy reminding others that it is a holy season.

Could it be that my life season should also be a "Holiday?" Can I make of my life a season of holiness, where I give glory and honor to the Holy One? I pray my life will be a celebration of Jesus and His work in and through me. Day by day may I walk in a holy season of celebration!

Thanksgiving Day

Many people have been an encouragement and aid to me as I have traveled through time. There was a time when I tried to list everyone who had touched my life even briefly. Impossible task though it was, it did make me aware of the connection I have with all people and the influence I may have on others.

I began my list with my birth and never got further than that. In my birth we begin with my Mom and Dad, but with them came a host of relatives and others who had been instrumental in my parents' marriage. I could go on into the far past with my life being touched by those who had poured a little bit of their lives into mine even though I was far removed from them.

Because of the overwhelming number of people I could not name that gently moved to help me be who I am today, I decided to limit the list to those whom I could name. That too became overwhelming. Doctors, friends, school mates, priests and nuns, were only a few I could name.

The lesson is that we are not an island alone in a sea of unending horizons. We are influenced, helped, loved, and molded by those around us and by those who influence the people who touch us! Complicated? Yes. The beauty of it all lies in our Great and awesome Father who has provided this vast array of personalities, colors, ages and beliefs to reveal Himself to us!

Thank You, Father, for allowing the touch of others to push me closer to You!

Thanksgiving

I find myself complaining alot these days. It seems to me that evil is running rampant and there is always something happening to family and friends that just does not seem right. Celebrating a day of Thanksgiving is a good reminder that there is much good that surrounds us. There is good to be seen in every circumstance.

Giving thanks for the good we have should be done on a regular basis, and though I complain more than I used to, I also give thanks to God more often during my day. When I see evil or experience hardship, I turn to God for help and He is always ready to guide, comfort and deliver me. For all of His work in my life I am Thankful!

Gratitude floods my being as I remember my one and only Gods' kindness and generous love, mercy and grace towards me. Life, love, beauty, joy, hope, and so much more! He gives and I am filled

I pray you enjoy a fullness of gratitude in your hearts. May your thankful hearts overflow to others in generosity.

Invasion

A virus has invaded most everyone in the family. We are praying and offering TLC so that our Thanksgiving feast will be a celebration instead of a group of miserable feeling individuals who cna't get together on this special day.

The invasion is in full swing but we will survive. Heal us O Lord! Grant us the joy of giving You thanks together as a family!

My Big God!

How big is my God?

He reveals Himself in much bigger ways than I expect. I must admit I sometimes limit God to the minor everyday miracles. He always seems to be able to help me find my keys or to give me peace in a difficult situation. I admit, though, that there are times when I glimpse His Bigness! I cannot fathom even a small portion of His immense glory but being a witness to that piece is humbling, inspiring, awesome and mind-blowing!

The question I need to ask myself is why I limit God in the in-between. Why do I fail to believe He can make a difference in my life for those mid-sized problems, dreams or goals? Good question but I don't really have any real answers. I need to color in my belief to include those heal-my-hurts, open-the-doors-to-my-dreams, or fix-my-relationship problems. He can do it! He is able because He is big enough to create a diverse and magnificent universe, flood the earth or part the seas. He is not too big to reveal where I left my keys or send a friend to lift my spirits. He is ready to reach out to me in the big and small things as well as everything in between!

My big God fits inside my heart!

Partnership

Partnering with God is an experience that can leave you speechless and fill you with awe!

In a special project our family cooperated with God. We did a lot of work. Our plan included expectations that we thought were reasonable. God exceeded those expectations giving us seven times what we envisioned! WOW!

Today as I sat down and looked at the results I was totally in awe of what God can dowith our cooperation and miniscule offerings. Our family has had a loaves and fishes miracle. We emptied ourselves and in turn we have been filled with HIM! He is our treasure and our delight. He is our reward and joy.

In the next few weeks we will complete our project and those who receive will be blessed, but we will carry our blessing for a lifetime. God is a prosperous business partner. I want to work with Him every day!

Butterflies

Within a cocoon, a caterpillar is transformed. Mysteriously a hairy looking, fat worm that slowly marches toward a feast of leaves at the top of the tree, changes form. Little resemblance is found between the sleek and beautifully winged butterfly and its former self.

When the time is right God instructs the tiny caterpillar to build a protective covering around himself. Then the little caterpillar goes to sleep while God perfects who the little butterfly was always meant to be. Finally the struggle begins. The butterfly is awakened and pushes and stretches till the cocoon breaks open and the butterfly is free to fly away!

Could it be that I, too, am living the process of the butterfly? Could I be struggling to finally be free of my old way of doing things? I want that to be the case. I want to find a new way of being who I really am!

Partisan Politics

Last weekend I had a talk with someone who is "on the other side of the aisle" from me in their views of political issues. Though I only was able to state that I did not agree with the policies of the newly elected president Obama I was confronted with an earful of accusations. I listened to the tirade and then made another benign statement, or so I thought. The conversation ended abruptly and certainly not on good terms.

Since having that talk I am not surprised that our congress cannot come to agreement on the issues and needs of the people. Even if some are willing to listen with respect to another point of view, there will always be those who demand their own way to be the only right course of action. Sessions of the legislature must be fraught with emotion. I can only envision it as an angry place.

Prayer for our leaders should awaken in us the need to hear the other side with respect. We should speak carefully without demanding the other person to agree without laying both sides on the table in a joint effort of seeking the best way to live peaceful, quiet lives in godliness and holiness.

There can be no law against love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. Spirit of the Living God, fill us afresh and guide our leaders into a holy and godly unity.

Let Us Pray!

Praying for our leaders is commanded by God. How should we pray? There is a scripture that tells us not only to pray but how to pray.

I Timothy 2:2 tells us that we are to pray, "that we may live peaceful and quiet lives, in all godliness and holiness." The question arises, what do we need in order to live peaceful, quiet, godly and holy lives?

Our authorities must protect us from foreign enemies, keep watch over us by reining in those who would do evil, give us freedom to toil and strive for prosperity, allow us to worship without restraint, and protect our God given rights. In all of that I believe that our leaders must live their lives and rule with our values. But, even so, we must pray. God is sovereign over all and He will direct our lives in peace, and holiness.

Prayer will bring us peace in our hearts and quiet our thoughts so we might see Gods' workings. Prayer will connect us with the God who sent His Spirit into us and teaches us the ways of godly and holy living.

Let us pray!

Deeper Still?

One of my deepest desires is to connect with people. I try very hard but it seems that I don't do as good a job with it as I want to do.

I don't want to talk over the weather, or frivolous activities. I want to really know people. I know I can't do that with everyone, but it seems that family would be a good place to start. I guess what I want is to have safe and sane discussions about who the person is and what they stand for. Not an easy task when our emotions get in the way.

Like my sister tells me all the time: Shallow is good! To which I respond: But can't we go just a little deeper?

The desire of my heart is fulfilled in Jesus! He lets me dive in and go as deep as I want! He is a deep well of experience and person hood that delights me! I am just waiting for another to come with me into His depths so we can share. It needs to be someone safe, where I can reveal my heart. They must also be sane, truly seeking truth. This will be a person of accountability, fun, and spiritual pursuits.

Maybe I ask too much. Maybe God is enough!

Anti Abortion-Pro Choice?

Yesterday I had a conversation that was puzzling to me. The person I spoke with claimed that they were anti abortion, but also pro choice. I still have not understood how the two can be compatible, but here is the reasoning: They claim that abortion is murder, but every woman has a choice because it is her body to do with as she wants.

Yes, abortion is murder. It is the taking of a life. I believe that, and it seems I agree on this point with the one with whom I conversed. However, I do not agree that every woman has the right to commit murder if she does not want the baby in her womb.

I guess I should clarify that the conversation I had was with a person who claims to believe in God and follow His commands as written in the scriptures. In this regard we should be on the same page when deciding what is sin and what is not.

To hear this persons' viewpoint shocked me. This person went on to say that God had given us all free will and so every woman should be able to decide for herself what she wants for her body. I also agree that God has given us free will. He allows us the choice to follow Him or not. We are free to sin, but as a Christian I believe that purposefully embracing sin is tantamount to shaking a fist in Gods' face (even if it is my own choice to embrace a sin!). I also believe that God has defined what is sin, not man. It is Gods' parameters we must live within. I cannot decide for myself what is right or wrong.

Here are my thoughts: Just because a woman has a choice of what to do with her body, does not give her the right to choose for another human being (even an unborn baby). Her baby's body is not hers. She cannot choose death for that person. There was a choice that the woman made before the egg was fertilized. A woman who practices sex without regard to consequences (except in the case of rape or incest) should not be surprised that her body is found to be of use for someone other than herself. Her lack of self control in one area of her life should not reverse itself when she wants to control the situation in light of a pregnancy.

The bottom line to me is this: As Christians we must place Gods' will above our own. He has asked us to choose life and has commanded us to not murder. We cannot be against abortion and still be pro choice. "If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. " I John 1:8

I am sorry if my stand seems judgemental. I stand firm in making the choice to believe the truth of Gods' word and I will follow it. I believe that God is wholly good and only gives boundaries for our benefit. You have a choice. I cannot force you to believe as I do. In the same light you may not force me to change my mind. Our disagreement will change our relationship, but it will not change my love for you.

Can a changed relationship still be loving and peaceful? I will find out in the days ahead.

Worship

Worship is the relationship between Gods' revelation of Himself to us and our response back to Him. As we are filled with the revelation of God we must act on that revelation giving God worship.

Sovereign God, I am looking for a fresh revelation of You. Open my eyes that I might see Your glory! Open my ears that I might hear a new word! Let me feel Your touch and flood me with Your presence! Cause me to fall face down in worship of You!

A New Day

Today begins a new effort in winning back the moral values and rich inheritance of our beloved country.

It is a time for prayer. We must pray for Obama and all the men and women who are in leadership over our country. It is not a time for in fighting. We fight against unseen forces and not the men who are swayed or directed by them. It is most important for us to keep our eyes on God and trust Him in all things.

It is a time for action and speaking out. Christians have long since been too quiet. We have believed the lie that being a Christian means we have no voice, because of the separation of church and state. We must learn about the issues and talk about them with knowledge and understanding in light of our view of the world.

It is a new day. After two days of cloudy weather we awoke to see the sun here in Central Florida. This new day begins the work of making Christs will known. To do this we must read His word, live it out and share with others in love.

This is a call for revival! Reveal Yourself Lord! Set our hearts on fire for You! Make us a people that will turn the world upside down!

We Lose

I wear black today. It is not in rejoicing of a black American president, which could have been an incredibly awesome milestone for our country, but for the unborn whose lives are now in a more perilous position, and for a people who have sold their rich American heritage for a government that will enslave us with more control over our individual lives.

I grieve for our countrymen who chose to trust a man as our leader who spoke fluently but hid so much. Our new president is a man who prefers to hide behind the press that only supports his views, his true relationships with questionable anti-American men, and failing to supply the documentation that would forever silence the questions of his citizenship. He carefully allowed only the things he wanted us to know about him to be revealed. When we have something to hide we can be sure we are wrong. There are many questions left unanswered about who this man really is and what he really stands for.

It is my belief that we have now entered a new era of slavery in our great nation. We enter slavery not because President-elect Obama is part black , but because of his desire to allow government to take over what we, as citizens, should and could do for ourselves. He would want government to do our thinking and choosing for us. Government will soon become a greater task master. Sadly we have chosen this direction and we will live with the consequences.

I return to my faith that even in this God reigns! He alone is sovereign! I trust Him.

Voting Watch

To watch or not to watch; that is the question.

All indications point to this election as being a nail biter. Do I really want to stay up into the wee hours of the morning like I did the first election of President Bush? I don't really want that. Neither do I think I can sit and watch the numbers as if I were at a sporting match rooting for my team to win. There is too much at stake! In the end, will waiting until tomorrows' headlines be the sanest and least stressful way to learn the outcome of this debate of what course our country will follow?

My intent is to ignore as much as possible the hype and commentary that will cover the news in red, white and blue. The problem is that my heart has been invested in the political races from the beginning and I may find myself pulled by the magnet of hope and intense desire for the best.

As I lay my head down to sleep tonight I pray that I will find rest and peace, sweet dreams and the truth of knowing that God is sovereign and He is in control and above all He is good, wholly good no matter what the outcome of man's vote.

Holiness

God is holy, wholly good.

Recently I heard someone say that we as Christians do not understand holiness, nor do we discern the holy from the unholy. I would hope this is not the case, but I do know too many Christians who fail to separate themselves from worldly pursuits and ungodly behaviors. They seem to be oblivious to what God meant when He said, "Be holy even as I am holy."

If we are to be holy as God is holy we must become wholly good. Not an easy task. In fact it is totally impossible without God leading and taking control.

I would fail miserably at any test of holiness. Along with Paul I can say that I often do what I do not want to do. I am thankful, however, that holiness is not left up to me and what I do on my own accord. Holiness is a product of surrendering to God. I am able to be holy only when I allow God's holiness to work through me. It can never be an offering I make from my own hands, heart or will.

Holiness is offered to me through the cross. Jesus made holiness available to me so that I could be holy even as He is holy. It is an awesome and humbling thought. I bow in worship and offer His holiness as my sacrifice of praise.

Change

We have heard a lot about change lately. We are asked to vote for change and our family has been experiencing and bracing ourselves for change. Personally, I am going through a bible study that calls for change!

Everything changes. I spoke those words in my vows to my dear Patrick on our wedding day and every anniversary since. It seems that the words ring truer than ever.

It matters little who gets the vote, we will experience a difference in the political climate. No matter how hard we try to keep the family the same as it has always been, there will be change due to weddings, births, funerals, and moves. Whenever we make plans for our future we are expecting change. Most importantly, when I submit my will to God and take His words to heart, I change.

Change is a fact of life. We move through time and space experiencing change. I may not celebrate some changes, but I am always pleased with the difference God makes in my life when I not only read His word but do what it says. It is in those changes that I experience revival. I pray that a revival of Gods' word will sweep across our country and eventually effect change around the world!

Change, it's a good thing.

Intimacy

Intimacy begins in the mind. It is our mind that makes the choices that govern our actions.

As a wife I am responsible to channel my thoughts towards my husband. My husband is to channel his thoughts towards me. Sometimes this takes effort. Sometimes it flows naturally.

When I have been offended or hurt by my darling husband (Yes, it does happen occasionally) it takes effort to turn my thoughts to him in a positive and loving way. The hurt can be forgiven immediately, but there are times when the the hurt leaves a wound that needs time to heal. It is a tenuous time while tending to the wound. Will he wait for the wound to heal? Will he find me cold and unwilling to get things back to our normal loving and intimate relationship, when in reality I am working hard to get back what was lost? I must believe he is questioning the same!

Of course there are times when we are in sync! We flow towards each other without effort. We desire to open ourselves and become vulnerable. We have no fear of being hurt because we trust and love one another completely. In these moments we have no questions as to the others intentions or commitment. We do not wonder if we understand each other. We know that we do.

I do wish there were never times when we close ourselves to each other out of fear of being hurt, but in this fallen world it happens much too often. The truth is that love remains. Love is strong between us because God is in our lives and God is love! It is Gods' love that draws me back to loving even when I hurt. It is Gods' love that binds us together.

Today is always a new day to work on healing the wounds and to turn our thoughts towards the other in love. Tomorrow things may flow because of the work we do today! Romance will come!
I see its sparkling shimmer just around the corner! I hope you do too!

Tears

My thoughts today keep returning to a very sad question. Why? Why do people who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ decide to accept the leadership of a man (or woman) who would willingly agree to killing a baby just because no one seems to want it? Just now I even had a hard time writing the word "It" to describe a human life.

It seems obvious to me that God wants the child to exist. He has imparted life to the baby and has made special plans for that baby. How can we as a society agree to the extermination of anyone, prebirth or in old age or simply not living a life we deem useful? As Christians shouldn't we submit ourselves to God's will?

I have spoken to a few people who profess to be Christians, but have decided that it matters not that the candidate they support for president would allow all manner of exterminating the life of a child if the mother wants to be rid of her responsibility. I am sorry friends. I cannot see your reasoning. Can you forget the silent tears of the murdered children while you cheer the man? Can you forget the tears of those who would gladly care for those children while you cheer on the economic policy over the morality of the man?

Today, I cry also. I cry for the unborn, the childless couples, the guilty moms, and I cry for you who have shut your ears to the cries. Father! Hear my cry and turn our hearts back to You!

Its the Pits

I heard Beth Moore talking about getting out of a pit. She has written a book along those lines but I have not read it yet. Maybe I should. It seems that we all need to get out of a pit at one time or another.

Beth Moore said that we can accidentally fall into a pit, be pushed in, or we can deliberately walk in. She also said that we need help to get out of our pits, no matter how we got into them. Sometimes we just need God, other times we need a friend and then there can be times when we need professional help. Helping someone out of a pit is a good thing! Being helped out of our own pit is wonderful too.

I am in a pit that kind of snuck up on me but that I also chose to walk into by making some unwise decisions. I have just reached out for help from a friend. And I am helping her too.

Helpers bring hope and truth and shoulders to cry on. They are our reason to keep going....because we don't want to let them down!

Today I am giving thanks to God for my helper! I know we can do it! We will succeed. We will find our way out! My helper is strong for me and I am strong for her and God is on our side...if God is for us who can be against us?

Perfect Love

Who do you feel most loved by? Who is it that will accept you exactly as you are but also encourage you to be your very best?

It is very hard to find someone who can fill both of these loving acts. Acceptance implies that if you never change that persons' love will never grow less. The encouragement to be your best is wanting change in your life, but only for your good not theirs.

Who do you and I love in this way? Am I a person who loves with acceptance and encouragement, or with expectations and selfish desires? Am I able to give others what they need to feel accepted? Am I able to cheer my loved ones on to be their best without cheering for myself to be rewarded by their success?

This kind of love is very hard to live. We may find we can do it once in awhile but every day living this kind of love takes God love. In fact we must first experience that God love for ourselves before we can do it for others. Even then we will find we fall woefully short of perfection in loving others.

"But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"But just as He who calls you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: Be holy because I am holy." I Peter 1:15-16

Gods' amazing fulfilling love was made known to us through Jesus. He loves perfectly accepting us and perfectly encouraging us to be who we are meant to be!

I am loved perfectly. I can only seek Christs' Spirit to work in me so that I may love perfectly as well. In my failures He is always there to love the world!

Accountability Partner

OUCH! Having an accountability partner can be an amazing experience of deep friendship and intimate trust. But then there is the other side where the person you trust shows you a mirror and you are shocked at their forthrightness and dismayed by what you see in yourself. It hurts!

It may take awhile to admit your failure and begin to make the necessary changes to become the person you want to be. It may even take awhile to face your friend and allow them to journey with you through the steps you need to take to freedom. It is important to have that connection with one or more people. We need each other.

The truth is that your friend needs you to hold up the mirror too! You can be a help even while you are being helped.

Hebrews 10:24 says, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." (NIV) Spurs hurt, but we are called to love ourselves, others and God, so we must help each other with those "Projects" that bring us towards the goal!

Do you have someone you are accountable to? do you allow that person to spur you on to love and good deeds? I, myself, have reached out again to someone for that purpose. I hope we can help each other.

Disconnected

Do you ever feel disconnected like I do? It is a weird feeling to be surrounded by people and yet feel invisible. It is strange to talk to others but sense that what you say just doesn't ring a bell with them. It is odd to see people you know and try to get their attention only to find out that their focus is on something or someone past you. It doesn't happen often but when it does I want to cry. I want to connect with others, to know I matter to them and to let them know they matter to me!

The question that haunts me is, am I to blame or is it a simple warp in the relationship bonds that makes the disconnection? Who knows? whatever it is I always hope the feeling passes quickly so that I can again get connected into the human race!

Big Giver

There was a time when I would give, but I never really found it to be a blessing back to myself as I was taught in church. I gave because I had to in order to be seen as a good person. Looking back I can see that it was a sad reason to give and more than that, a sad loss for me.

A simple prayer changed my giving. I asked God to make me a cheerful giver. This was one prayer that He answered quickly. As I remember it, the next weekly passing of the offering plate brought a smile to my face. As I laid my offering into the dish I found myself overwhelmed with thankfulness for what I had to give. I was delighted that I had more than I needed. I was becoming a cheerful giver!

Tomorrow our family is preparing a cookout to raise money for a needy family and some guys over in Iraq who are away from family and friends this Christmas. We call ourselves the Big Givers. But there is an even Bigger Giver! He gave us Himself! Maybe that is the real secret of being a Big Giver: giving from the heart and giving of ourselves. I know that giving selflessly is something that changed my heart into being a cheerful giver. I looked at the need of others as more than my wants.

How much we raise tomorrow is not the most important thing. What is important is that we do it as if we were doing it for the Lord.

Vertigo

The world is spinning! You may say that I am crazy to point out the obvious. Of course it spins on its axis. I am more alarmed that lately it seems as if every aspect of world politics is spinning faster and faster. But it isn't just politics, society's morals are also spinning out of control. Watching the news or even just watching any TV program will convince you that our lives are spinning in a frenzy of expectations, entertainments, educations, etc. When people tell us they are busy we can know it is true.

Yesterday morning I awoke and sat up in bed only to feel my head spinning so furiously that I was forced to lay back down. After a few minutes the bed slowed down to a manageable spin so I again sat up. I was able to get dressed all the while hanging on to something solid. Vertigo was back. Throughout my day I would be surprised by a sudden spinning of the room. It was unnerving and so I spent most of the day sitting and being extra careful when picking up my grandson or walking with him in my arms.

Just as when I experience vertigo, I tend to look for a safe place when the world spins violently around me, I look for something solid to hold on to. In all things I look to God. He has provided a sturdy and always present help in His Word. My crutch. I have something on which to lean.

I am reminded of the old hymn "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms." Its chorus says: Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Okay, so I would prefer the spinning to stop. I would like it ever so much if I would never again wake up to the spinning in my head or the spinning of the worlds' activities. As I lean on Jesus and trust His Word I am assured that His promise of a perfect world and a perfect body will be mine someday.

Someday. Someday.

Reverse Birthday

It seems only fair that my Mom would be honored and blessed for giving birth to me. I had little to do with my entering the world. God, Dad and Mom were the co-creators of my life. Yet I am the recipient of song, presents, cards and birthday wishes. Tough I enjoy them all i certainly feel a bit humbled by all the attention.

57 years ago, my mom delivered me, a breech birth, into the world. I am the second child out of eight. Mom carried all of us and then labored over us in more ways than one. She rejoiced that we came into the world.

Today I send a shout of thanksgiving for my Mom, the laborer. I pray that she is blessed because of having me as a child. I hope that I have made her happy to be my Mom.

Happy Day Mom! You gave me the opportunity to become a part of the world! Thanks!

Mystery

Married life is a mystery. No matter how we try we can never fully understand nor discover the workings of our spouse.

I try very hard to figure out the relationship between my husband and myself. I read books and watch programs all with a mind to understand my man. He, on the other hand, doesn't seem to wonder how I think or what makes me tick. He may be coerced into participating in a marriage program but I am never sure of where his mind is. I think it may stem from the myth that men believe we can't be understood. So they do not even try. It makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time.

I'd like to think I could captivate his attention at least a little so he would try to figure out the mystery. Even so it is a bit fun watching him hide away or dance around the little clues I give.

I am sure of my man's heart. He may not try to unravel the intricate workings of my thoughts, which I sometimes can't even unravel, but he loves my confusing , challenging charms. They have kept him occupied for over 35 years now.

Whatever God had in mind when creating us so mysterious to each other, He certainly made life interesting. All of our questions about each other are woven with love into the threefold cord that binds us together with our Creator.

This is all just a mystery to me!

II Chronicles 7:14

I've received many emails over the past few months and even more over the past few weeks concerning the upcoming elections. The emails call Christians to pray, which is a very good idea. They also quote II Chronicles 7:14 as a promise that if we pray maybe the elections will go our way.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land."

It is a beautiful promise, but it also has specific things for us to follow in order to receive. We can receive God's ear to hear our requests, He will forgive us of our sins, and He will heal our land.
To receive these marvelous gifts we must be called by His name, humble ourselves, pray, seek His face and turn from our wicked ways. OUCH! That is much harder for us to do.

We must humble ourselves by knowing who we are and who God is. Instead of seeking after money, possesions, leisure, food, etc we must seek His face! We must each examine ourselves in light of who Jesus is and then remove the attitudes and actions that do not line up with Him! OUCH again! Now it doesn't seem so easy does it? There will be many Christians who will pray but not do the rest. They may just pray that their favorite candidate would win. There are profession Christians on either side so which side will God choose, or does He choose? Maybe this is an area He leaves up to us. Giving us freedom to decide who will be the one to rule and reign in our hearts. In that light maybe we deserve what we get.

I, myself, have chosen to let Jesus reign in my heart. I care about our country but whatever happens God alone is in charge of my life and destiny.

Here is my prayer for our country. Please consider this for yourself and pass it on so others will be wakened to the entire truth of this verse!

Lord God, Almighty Sovereign, our King, we need You. You have spoken these words to us so we might know how to reach You in times like these. Awaken our spirits to hear and obey You fully! We seek You and Your mercy on us! We want to humble ourselves as Jesus did, (Phil. 2:1-11).We have allowed wicked ways to creep into our lives. Reveal them to us so we can turn away from them and come back to the place You desire for us. We know that all You demand is good. All You are is good. Do not allow the enemy to deceive us. May Your promise be fulfilled as we do Your will! We lift up the name of Jesus, Your Son, in which we are united through faith.

Calendars

How do you imagine the near future? I mean, how do you think about the upcoming weeks or months. If you close your eyes do you see a list, calendar, or some other image?

I see my future as a giant calendar page. I am standing on today and I can look forward into the upcoming weeks or backward looking over the past with all my happenings neatly scratched off.

Recently I have had an interesting twist to my calendar vision. As I look forward I see my birthday coming up. Nothing really unusual about that. Looking past my birthday to the week after, my calendar is no longer flat. It seems there is a big wall of days. It is hard to tell the cause of this phenomenon. Is the calendar a vision or dream that is revealing something to me? Is it a blockage or a step up?

It has been a matter for prayer because only my Heavenly Father knows my future and I lay it into His hands.

License

This morning I stood in line to renew my drivers' licence. It was not a long wait and the clerk was friendly. My photo is typical of Drivers license photos. Yuck!

On the way home I saw a man fishing and wondered if he had a license to fish, and so, I began to consider the word "license." It means to allow or permit, to be permitted. A license gives authority or freedom to do something. Permission can be given verbally or written. Today I carried home my written permission to continue driving.

This takes me back to past blogs where I have stated that freedom has boundaries. In order to be free to drive, I must gain permission. If I break the rules of the road I will find my freedom to drive hindered in some way. Of course there are those who seem to get away with not following the rules, but eventually they will reap what they sow.

Living with license carries responsibility. Living without license (permission) can bring a thrill but it also comes with the fear of being found out and penalties if caught. I prefer to manage my license with accepting the responsibilities that go with it .

God has given each of us license in our free will. We choose to live within the safety of His will or we can climb that fence and live in eternal danger. It is our choice.

License . Freedom. Permission. These words do not hinder but offer adventure and excitement without fear.

Smiles

I like smiles. I like them from the people I love and care about, but I also like to see smiles on the faces of strangers.

Smiles reveal to me that the person wearing that smile is enjoying a treasure or mysterious secret. Smiles invite us to respond with our own smile. We see the world differently through our smiles, even if it is forced.

When my grandchildren are having a grumpy day, I ask them to smile for me. They comply at first with a forced grin, but it soon turns into a real smile because I treasure their smiles and I am showing that I care about them. Of course I am smiling at them too. We make a sunny circle with our smiles that seems to stretch over our day if we shove the dark clouds away.

There are many days when I can start a smile revolution! Through the store aisles I smile and win over the other shoppers. I sprinkle the magic of smiles like Tinker Bells' fairy dust. Of course they can always brush it off and return to their cloudy day. Maybe for a moment my smile touched a happy place in their heart and brought it to life so it will rise again later. I hope so!

There is much in this dark, sad, gloomy world to smile about, especially if we really know Jesus. Life has many little surprises that sow the seeds of smiles. I think it is time we as Christians let them grow so we can draw the ones God loves so much back to Him!

What do you say? Shall we start a smile revolution today? It won't take long.

I remember a little Girl Scout Brownie song we used to sing.

There is something in my pocket.
It belongs across my face,
And I keep it very close at hand
In a most convenient place.
I'm sure you couldn't guess it
If you guessed a long long while.
So I'll take it out and I'll put it on.
It's a great big Brownie smile!

I like to change the "Brownie" to "Carolynn" or one of my grandchildrens' name when I sing it now. Try it! I think today might be a sunny day if we push the clouds away!

Secrets

I just "whispered" a secret in an email to my family. I tucked it into the last line and even now I hope they do not make a big fuss about it.

I've kept the news to myself because my heart needed time to catch up. My heart is still tender about it, but I will be okay.

I am learning that I do not always need to tell everything to everyone, right away. Sometimes it is best for me that the secret is kept, but other times it is best for them. This time my secret may hurt their feelings a bit, because I didn't tell earlier, but I needed to hold on to the information for my heart comfort.

It all reminds me of one of my favorite poems.The poem is "Hold Fast Your Dreams " by Louise Driscoll. The first stanza goes like this:

Hold fast your dreams!
Within your heart
Keep one still and secret spot
Where dreams may go,
And sheltered so,
May thrive and grow
Where doubt and fear are not.
O keep a place apart,
Within your heart,
For little dreams to go!

My secret wasn't a dream, but it does have a dream wound around it. That dream still needs a secret place so I will keep it there until I must let it go.

Who's in Charge?

Of the people, by the people, for the people. What do these words really mean for us today?

It seems to me that some citizens believe that we have a government that is of the elected officials, by the elected officials and for the people. Can we really blame our government officials for the problems our country is facing? Are we really that segregated between the governing bodies and the people?

We so readily point fingers at one person or party for all our personal problems. But as the saying goes there are four other fingers pointing back at us.

Who is in charge? Yesterday my granddaughter had a serious discussion with her Mom that I over heard. She was making it known that she wants to be free. She does not want anyone to control her. She wants to be in charge! Little does she know that along with that responsibility she must live with the consequences of her actions. If she decides she wants to disobey she will be punished, if not by her Mom, someday it will be the law. If she decides not to take a shower she could lose some friends, etc.!

But, what my granddaughter really wanted was no more discipline or correction for her choices. At age nine she also wants to blame others for every mishap in her life. It is sad, but we as adults also look for the freedom of discipline, correction and someone to blame.

In my opinion there is no better way to define of the people, by the people, and for the people than self discipline and taking responsibility for our own actions. Unfortunately it seems that the majority of us are still looking at the world with nine year old eyes and mindset. Maybe one of the best ways to help our country would be to grow up!

Random Thoughts

Today I can't seem to put a finger on what to write about so here are some random thoughts going through my head.

My son turns 28 today. He is a good man. It seems as if the difference in age between us is growing shorter. I don't feel as old as I am or as old as his Mom should be! Happy birthday, David!

It seems odd to me that most people I talked to this past week were surprised that I had mixed feelings about my son, Joseph, moving to Colorado. Seems I shouldn't want to have him near. I shouldn't be sad about not seeing him on a regular basis. The thing that surprises me is that they don't understand how much fun our family has together and how much we like being close! Of course these are people who don't know us well, so I guess if they haven't experienced this bond then they couldn't understand. I will miss him. He had a hard time pulling away also! He, too, had mixed emotions! Our family is just like that. We really do like each other!

Politics is evoking in me strong emotions and fervent prayers. I believe it is the same for most Americans. I know how my vote will go. What I do not know, is which way the country will vote. It seems as if we are in the dating period of getting to know the candidates. For me, I like one more than the other, but don't like everything my favorite says, does or stands for. Come November 4 the country will decide which candidate to whom we will be betrothed. Then January will be the official ceremony that will wed us to the leadership of that man for the next four years. I am certain that either way, we will find our country more divided than ever before! We already are!

I am reminded of Jesus' prayer that His followers would be in unity. Oh, may we find a way to be unified in spirit. The world is on the brink of something new. The signs are there. Christ's followers must pray and seek His face. We must walk humbly before our God. Most importantly we must look to our own hearts to examine our selves. Whatever we find that goes against God's standard is wickedness. We must turn back toward Him and repent of those wicked ways.

So what does God stand for? It is all found in the scriptures. What do we stand for? It is found in our checkbooks, our daily schedules, our leisure activities, etc.

Lord, show me Your ways! Give me strength to do Your will even if it is against the world. Stay near me, Lord, for you alone are my rock! May I conform to Your will in all things.

Enough

When will we as Christians really live our lives as we believe? When will God really be enough for us?

We sing songs praising God for being everything we need. We claim that God alone is sufficient for every circumstance. Yet, we rarely live day to day in the reality of that truth.

I am notorious for putting importance on people and things over God. Oh, I know that is hard for you to hear. I shouldn't be admitting to this but it is the truth. I live my life and make decisions based on my unspoken belief that I need my relationships in order to be happy. I need "things" in order to be fulfilled.

I don't want to be that way, and my head knows that it is not true. I know from my studies that God is enough to make me satisfied, but I fall short of living the ideal. I want to make God my source of strength and fulfillment. I am better than I have been in the past, but I still have a way to go.

I am reaching for that goal one day at a time, and sometimes one hour at a time. I fall short of my goal often but there will be a day when my all sufficient God will be MORE than enough for me! Will you come join me in searching for the treasure that will finally be enough!?

100th Post!

Could it be that I have reached a small but exciting milestone here at Carolynn' Whispered Words? This being my 100th post I would like to have a celebration. Let us celebrate with words. Here then is a list of words that are floating through my mind today:

Honesty
Joy
Believe
Hope
tears
God
Power
Beauty
Adventure
Repentance

Oh, I could go on and on. The point is that in just bringing these words to you I am almost certain I trigger a memory for you. Maybe you would like to share one here. Maybe you could just share one with someone who needs to know you care.

I may have triggered a new thought that you could write about or tell. Whatever I have sparked in you from these words I hope they will be the stones that make ripples in the water and that you will find a smile playing along.

Enjoy your day. Enjoy the words that create smiles.

Free Speech

As I listened to the presidential debate last night I was struck by something that hit a note with me. Maybe you heard it too.

I do not know anyone who likes others to speak for them if they are able to express their thoughts themselves. It was a bit disturbing that Obama seemed to answer every question only partially for himself but wholeheartedly for McCain! He would offer a vague answer for his reply and then go into great detail as to McCain's' stance on the issue.

I was looking for Obama's true message and it seems he does have one. He is ready to tell everyone what everyone else is doing wrong. His message is I am right because I don't do anything!

I don't like all the politics going on right now. I fear for our country. I have been praying for God to turn the hearts of our citizens back to Him and away from the god of money and fame. I know of many who like Obama and even consider that he is our last hope. I think he even thinks so. I am drawn to McCain's' humility. I am repulsed by Obama's pride. I need no other king but King Jesus!

I am taking a stand right now. If Obama is elected as the next president I will not bow down to his reign as if he were a king or a god. He will be given presidential acknowledgements and I will of course pray for him and the decisions he will make, but I will not allow him or any elected official to rescind my rights without a fight.

This is my humble (or maybe not so humble) opinion. I do not agree totally with McCain but I will stand against anyone who seems to think he speaks for everyone. I do not want others to speak for me! God, Himself, offers me that freedom!

God Moments

I have read and am now rereading the book "Chasing Daylight" by Erwin McManus. It is a very thought provoking book. Deep thoughts. Pondering thoughts. Not ones I can slide past and say I understand.

One of the thoughts that keeps winding around my brain is about God moments. These are moments when we are faced with a choice. We can seize the opportunity that God has presented to us or we can ignore or refuse it. In seizing it we encounter purpose and God in a special way. To ignore or refuse the opportunity we lose the chance to change the future for the good for ourselves or for someone else.

Lately I feel bombarded by God moments! It seems they are rushing towards me with full force. I am stunned and awed. I am grasping for them sometimes with boldness and other times with timidity. God has reminded me that He has given me a spirit of power and love and a sound mind. I must presume that if I am offered God moments then He certainly believes that I am able to accept and fulfill the tasks set before me.

Like a friend of mine has recently said: I can only make it by walking hand in hand with Jesus. I might add that I think Jesus only lets go of my hand long enough for me to be free to reach out and grab the opportunity. It is always my choice. He is always near.

Feelings

I believe that you can't control your feelings. You can only control what you do with your feelings. I think it is true because a feeling rushes in on me, and I find that I cannot choose how I am going to feel at a particular moment. I can, however, choose what to do once the feeling reveals itself.

Lately, I am dealing with feelings that are associated with loss. No, I have not had a major loss through a death, but even minor losses can evoke strong emotions. I am sad and I am grieving over things that others do not understand. At least they seem to feel free to tell me that I shouldn't feel the way I do. I should be happy. I should think of all the new possibilities for me in the future. I should not dare to feel sad over the ending of good things in my life. I should dare not feel these events as a loss but as ....what?

To tell you the truth, I do see the good side of these event. I do have feelings of excitement, hope, and anticipation. Good feelings are walking hand in hand with grief and sadness. I am certain that you have had that same kind of experience with feelings: mixed up colors washing over you in waves. One splashes over in blues and violets, the next with a bit of sunshine.

My life is a rainbow of feelings, and though you may not want me to feel sadness and grief, I do. I humbly ask you to please let me feel. It is a gift from God so that my life is rich with color! With all that is happening I really don't want to see red when you try to stop me from being me. Could you maybe enjoy the rainbow with me? Can you find a place to let a few tears fall for me alongside the smiles? In that, you will help to make the sad times short, and offer a little more sunshine to my life. Thanks.

A Birthday About Me

Do you remember your 7th birthday? I do. I remember it being a day filled with sevens. I won a prize because I drew a lucky number seven. I visited a children's' TV program where I was seventh in line to walk the plank of the pirate ship. I had seven candles. It seems it is a big year for little ones. It certainly is one that I remember in a big way.

At seven we seem to finally understand what birthdays are all about. They are all about ME! Birthdays are not about the Mom who carried me for nine months or about the hours of labor and pain it took to bring me into the world. It is not about Dad who paid for all or most of the bill. It is not about the friends and family who brought gifts. It is about me, the one who just happened to show up on that date!

Okay, so I'm not 7 but my granddaughter is. It has been a big day for her! She has told each of us what she expects for her birthday. She wanted everything to be all about her. She made sure she had a celebration fit for her. Aren't we all a bit that way? Even if we say "no birthday this year" aren't we making the day ours in a back handed way? We choose to tell others that they are not allowed to celebrate even if they want.

I want to celebrate my birthday too. It is coming in a few days. I may not be as demanding , or extravagant as my granddaughter but I want a celebration just the same. It will be a celebration of life. My life has been so blessed. God has given me life through my parents and the fullness of life through family and friends. I hope to celebrate my life in a way that God will be magnified. My birthday will be about me. It will be about me living life the way God intended, maybe not perfectly, but certainly with a willing and celebratory spirit.

My dear little sweet Brooke, Happy 7th birthday! Today it is all about you! Be blessed!

Interruptions

Interruptions are frustrating. I just had a big interruption and it changed my whole direction. OOPS! There comes another one! They come like commercials during a really captivating show. Sometimes one after another, sometimes it is only one. Either way they distract and confuse.

It does help to own an attitude of acceptance and flexibility when dealing with interruptions. I can even remember that whatever happens to me will be used for good in my life. I can also remember that sometimes I am the interrupter! I can be the irritant to someone else. If I want others to forgive my hindrances in their day, then I must do the same.

I won't ask that interruptions come, but I will not allow them to make life miserable. I won't promise never to interrupt you, but I'll try to be more considerate. Maybe we can make something useful from those pesky pauses to our work and our plans!

A Safe Place

I've said it before, yet it seems appropriate that I say it again. I want to be perfect. I want to be right every time I make a choice. Sadly, I fail often. I really hate to fall flat on my face, but then I do another mess up and tell others when I fail.

I want sympathy, or maybe someone to tell me I really didn't mess up things. I don't usually get that or at least not convincingly. My life has been an open book, but recently I've taken to the position of keeping things between me and God. Oh, but there are times I shout out the trips, goofs, pie-in-the-face bloopers that embarass me and cause me to regret ever opening my mouth.

I've had quite a few of those times recently. The sad realization is that in opening my mouth I am closing my heart to those I trusted. I opened myself up to the inspection of others and that inspection failed. My next failure is that I no longer want to allow them as a confidant again. I do not want to be with them for fear of telling all and leaving with the truth of my failure blazoned on my chest (or at least my face!)

Is there a balance? I truly believe that in sharing we can grow and live life more abundantly. In my experience, however, it is hard to share freely when the other person holds back, or the other person thinks it necessary or their position to fix my problems.

Are you safe? Are you a person in which my life , my feelings, my joys, sorrows, and failures are safe with? Are you the one to whom I can take my broken life to and trust that you will gently carry it to the only One who knows, loves and fixes perfectly? I want to be that kind of person. I want to be safe for others because I know how much it hurts to fall victim to a misunderstanding between friends.

Right now my walls protect me and give me time to heal. Be patient. If you are a safe place for me wait till I am ready to open the door of my heart. Till then it will stay between me and my Savior Friend. I know He is safe!

Happy New Year!

Rosh Hashanah. Happy New Year to my adoptive Jewish relatives. You may wonder why I say I have adoptive Jewish relatives. I have a Jewish brother in Jesus. I am adopted into His Jewish family and I enjoy learning about their traditions and celebrations.

It has always been around this time of year that I find my conversations with God to turn to the future. Maybe He is wishing me a happy year to come! Our family has traditions that center around Christmas and New Years. Christmas is the time we offer Jesus a gift. We usually make a commitment to change our lives to be more like Him. This is the prelude to our New Years goals.

September is when I begin asking my Heavenly Father and Jesus what I should give to them. In that regard my New Year begins. It is a subtle celebration of Rosh Hashanah. I also take a look back at the past year. It is a time to reflect on what I chose to give last year and how intently I pursued that choice. It is a beautiful time of my life. The falling away of the old habits and the trying on of new ones.

This year promises to be a year of growth. I know that growth often comes with pain, hardship and a need to persevere and so I will begin that process by submitting in obedience and keeping my eyes on His light and my ears attuned to His voice.

What will your New Year hold? You can plan to be held in the strong and safe arms of the Father. Set aside some time to ask. I am sure He is waiting for you to call!

Reading Between the Lines

I write my blog in cryptic words. There are mysteries behind my writings. Though I try to give you readings that will make you think, I most often have something going on in my life that triggers the subject. I don't write about myself. I write for you. My life is hidden so that you can see yourself in the message.

Do you read between the lines? Do you glimpse a little bit of my life when you read my words? If you don't that is fine. I really do have YOU in mind when I write. If you do find yourself reading between the lines you might want to say a prayer for me. I can always use the prayers that offer blessings.

Thanks for reading and praying. I'm praying for you as I write! We have made a circle of prayer.

Fly Away Home

When children leave home there is much excitement. The change for them is a gigantic step of independence and maturity. I know from experience that at the same time it is also a leap of faith for parents.

Letting go of the child into the adult world is not easy. In fact it takes much courage and strength to let go. Parents have provided, protected, pacified and punished in an effort to make the day of flying away from the nest a successful one for the child. But as their young one drops over the edge of the nest and before the first flutter of their wings catch the wind, a parent forgets to breathe, and remembers every mistake they made. The well taught fledgling seems to never look back.

Children find the place they will call home. It is no longer where the parents live. Home is their own place of comfort and security. Home is a place Mom and Dad visit. It is a place where they can make mistakes and learn to live life fully in charge, making choices and reaping the harvest, good or bad.

Parents know the importance of letting their children fly away home and so they do, with tears. There is a future hope that parent and child will one day share an eternal home. With that hope there is joy. It is never a mistake to give your child wings that leads them to the home that Jesus is preparing for us. In that truth a parent can rejoice!

Little one, with tears I let go, so you can fly away to a place where you can learn who you are and who God can be in your life. Fly away home!

Morning?

It is dark outside. It will get lighter in a few minutes but right now it is dark and I would much rather be in bed dreaming . Well, depends on the dream I guess!

Today is Saturday and it is my day to rise early and take time to join friends and visit with the King of glory. You may know the One of whom I speak. He is the One who awakens every new day with an array of color and chorus of bird song. He is the One who also tucks the day away under a patchwork of majesty. He sprinkles the night with glittering lights and makes the moon to dance over the earth. He is majestic and holy and my friend!

I can't wait to meet with Him! I'd love you to come with me! Maybe we will see a glimpse of Him in the sunrise!

Music Magic

The enjoyment of music is a spiritual experience. Music sometimes disturbs me and causes me to cringe. More often it draws me into a deeper place inside myself where I find spiritual treasures.

Through music I am excited to love, impelled to dance for joy, or exhale my cares letting the floodgates of peace wash over me. It is not only the words but the sounds rising and falling in harmony and melody all in unity.

Music is said to be the universal language. I admit that I can "read" the music of other countries. I can touch the depth of truth hidden within the sounds. I hear the cries of those who are just as human as me.

Music nudges me closer to God, my loved ones, and everyone. My thoughts wander to others as I listen . I am not alone in this world and music is a delicate ribbon connecting me to you. Right now I must go dance! There is a song calling me! Want to come along?

My Choice

When it comes to my everyday individual choices,I seldom consider how my choice will affect others. I do not consider what has been dubbed butterfly effect. The butterfly effect is a theory that even the soft beating of a butterfly wing will cause the air to stir in such a way as to ripple out and cause major changes in the world. But, I find that I am too selfish to consider long range consequences to others. I am even too concerned for my pleasure or comfort of the moment to consider that what I choose may change many lives.

In my experience I find that it is only when I am hit head on with the consequence of my actions or of others random choices that I stop for a moment and think through my choices.

I guess it comes down to this: our lives do matter. Our presence in the world and the actions we choose do matter to others. Our being invited into existence by the uniting of two cells changes the world. It is our choice to make in how we change it. Over our life time we all, make poor choices. We all make unwise decisions. Even if we live trying to always do right , we will fall short.

We do have hope even in our fallen state. God alone is totally good. He offers us the opportunity to change every bad thing in our life to our good. Letting Him connect to us everyday has a much more powerful butterfly effect and it is all for our good!

To Tell the Truth

How do we teach our children, or even ourselves, to be speakers of truth? Don't lie to me! Tell me the truth!

When my oldest daughter went through a phase where she was telling lies, I began a discipline with her that I've even used with myself. When I use the word discipline I can see the red flags go up. Yes, discipline is hard. It is work. It is much like the discipline of exercise, learning a new skill, or dieting. Truth telling discipline is just as difficult, maybe more so because telling the little "White lie" is such an acceptable practice. To be seen as an honest person, we must practice the art of using tact while still remaining truthful.

If we are to stop lying, we must tell the truth. That is it! That is the discipline I use. Every time I heard my daughter tell a lie I commanded her to speak the truth. Even if the lie was days old she had to speak the truthful words to me, and on most occasions to the one she lied to: teachers, siblings, neighbors, friends. I use that same discipline in my life. There are still times that I wrap myself in the cloak of a lie so that the truth in my heart will not be known. When my conscience pricks me I discipline myself by speaking the truth out loud to myself and to the other person where appropriate.

This brings me to one other point. There are times when we lie to ourselves. Those lies are most often revealed when another person speaks truth into our life. OUCH! Sometimes pointing out the dishonest life we are living hurts, but their truthful words can become the key to my freedom.

The discipline for today is to tell myself the truth. If I take care of the plank in my own eye, then I will be better equipped to help someone take the speck out of their own.

Wisdom

Wisdom, according to my research, is using knowledge in the correct way. It is making choices that have good outcomes. What is the standard of wisdom? Is there a difference between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom? If so, are both true wisdom? Can there be wisdom on both ends of the spectrum?

My Dad and Mom taught me to love learning. In our home, even now, there is an excitement about learning about the physical and spiritual aspects of our human condition. Knowledge and the right use of that knowledge is celebrated. In my experience there can be no separation of the two realities.

It is also my experience that yes, there is wisdom in the world and wisdom in the spiritual realm. Yes, I know that people decide for themselves what they deem wise. BUT, there is a wisdom the supersedes all wisdom we humans may set up.

Science has revealed to us the knowledge of laws that control the universe. These laws touch every aspect of our lives. There are certain principles that seem to be inherent in every person, and they too control our lives. Where did these laws and principles originate? Since I am a God- fearing person I espouse that they were set in place by our Creator. Others may have other ideas but for my purposes I will state with certainty that God has the highest wisdom because He has created us and our lawful boundaries. He has provided us with knowledge. He should be the lone judge of how this knowledge should be used in the correct way. He is the source of all wisdom, both worldly and godly.

It is nice to know God. He even told us that the beginning of wisdom and knowledge is the fear of the Lord. (Fear in this sense is more like respect.) I respect His law. I follow His principles. I also enjoy relationship with Him! When I ask for wisdom He freely gives it to me.

Wisdom. I want it. My choice is to learn and act in accordance with Gods laws so that I will attain the prize of living life well.

Autumn

I love autumn. Maybe it is because I was born this time of year, but I don't think that is all of it.

A single leaf floating to the ground, or piles of leaves waiting to be gathered into bags are delights to my eyes. I remember the time when leaves were burnt and not bagged. The smell of burning leaves is a signal that the holidays are approaching. The taste of apples, caramel, toasted marshmallows are autumns signature desserts. The crackle of dry leaves underfoot or the rustle of the leaves under the soft fingerings of the wind sings a melody of life getting ready for silence of a snow white winter. Why do I love autumn? Whatever it is that touches my senses it remains a mystery.

Autumns' mystery speaks to me of adventure, beauty, romance, and a harvest of growth. Even in my own life, I seem to sense a harvest of my years' labor as I approach the month of my birth.

Yes, I love autumn for reminding me to bring in the harvest of the seeds planted long ago. Each year the bounty becomes fuller and the cornucopia of my life's harvest overflows. I am blessed. I alone do not bring the harvest. My Lord is the Master of my garden!

Lost Words, Lost Thoughts

Yesterday I wrote out an entire blog but it failed to post so I am here to apologize to interested readers for the loss.

Everyone has had experiences of losing a dream as we awake. We also lose a thought now and again. Then there are times when we just cannot find the right word to express what we want to say. Losing my blog was a bigger loss. I had complete thoughts and the right words. It was lost because of a computer failure, not my brain dysfunction. It will not stop me from trying to share new thoughts with you.

Loss is a part of life. We think new thoughts and create new words. We also will lose some of them. The truth is that they existed. They lived even for a short time and so they were of some value, even if only to me.

Human life is like that too. It can be short or last many years, but all life has value. Life's value does not come from its length, greatness, nor purposefulness. Life's value comes from its Creator because He alone is given glory through it.

Made New

My body is growing older, but my spirit is renewed every day. I like becoming new. I don't like getting old.

I guess getting old has its blessings, but it sometimes gets over shadowed with the not so great experiences. Growing old in American culture is not an honor. The quest to look young and hide the aging process does not suit me, but I am beginning to think that in order for my wisdom and experiences to be accepted I must hide my age. It makes me sad because I treasure the wisdom God has shown me over the years. It seems it would be easy to advertise that wisdom if I looked the part.

I am surprised that the renewal process also has its ups and downs. When my spirit needs repair from my wayward choices it can be painful to submit to the reconstruction, renovation projects that God builds into my life. It takes discipline and hard work to surrender to His will, but I like the end result. I am refreshed and rejuvenated. I am ready for the next challenge.

As my body heads toward wearing down my spirit is creatively made new. The Creator is making this old woman new!