The Chain of Connectivity.

Why would my words matter? What can I possibly say that has not already been said, thought or written? What purpose is there in expressing my thoughts to you, who may have already thought the same?

It is complicated. Human beings are complex. We think, forget, remember, and forget again. We find enjoyment in thoughts expressed in new and unique ways. There is power in words. They evoke emotions. Some words can even be a tangible connection between people. Words can wrap themselves around us with cords of bondage. They can also set us free with keen insights into our souls. They build and they destroy.

So why are my words important? Why are your words important to me? They are the links in the chain of connectivity. We need words to belong, to connect, to understand, to know, to believe.

Words, no matter how many times repeated, are life lines to our relationships. Silence is the killer. Silence separates and divides. Silence leaves me listening to my own words--lonely words.

What's in a Name?

I dislike hearing so many people using Gods' name so flippantly! The favorite phrase of young people today is "Oh my g--!" It is a sad commentary on the lack of vocabulary and the lack of concern over using the name of the Lord in such a useless way.

I spoke to a 5 year old girl yesterday about her using that phrase in my home. When she asked me what else she could say I told her she could say, "How wonderful!" "That is interesting." "What a surprise!" There are so many other words we could use to show our feelings about what is said or what has happened. I hope she will think about it and give it a try.

Why would it even matter? Well, in my estimation using Gods' name in a common place or vulgar manner diminishes His character and reputation. I certainly would not use my husbands name in that way, nor would I want to hear my name used without respect and honor. God, Himself deserves honor and respect if only that He is greater than we. Thus His name reflects His power, wisdom, character and so much more. Being His creation I, too, am diminished when He is brought low and His name is abased.

If those who ignorantly use Gods' name would only look for a much more appropriate word, they would soon be seen as intelligent and a much more interesting person. They could then use Gods name to call on Him in praise and supplication.

Let's start a movement of intelligent people who refuse to follow the crowd. Let's lift ourselves up and place God above us in our words. Lets' think up new words to express ourselves and leave Gods' name to the important conversations we must have with Him daily.

Treasured Collections

I have been considering the collection of things I have surrounding me. Most of my possessions are sentimental clutter. Would someone else treasure it?

I have the mind to dispose of at least some things for a good cause. I hope to make a difference by setting myself free of things. Love, giving, sacrifice all hurt for a time. The good news is that where my treasure is there will my heart be also. My treasure is being given for the benefit of people. Even if they are strangers to me, God loves them. My treasure and my heart will be in a happy place.

Knowing God

Knowing about God is a wonderfully intellectual pursuit. He is ever intriguing and intricate. Knowing Him is an experience of the wild and serene, the high and the deep, the extremes of goodness.

Knowing my husband involves knowing all the different aspects of his personality, his physical abilities and limitations and his thought processes. After 35 years I am still learning more about him , so how could I ever reach the culmination of knowing God?

Each day God has something new, something deeper to reveal to me. I am delighted by His revelations! They come through His word, His creation, His whispers. He is a surprise every day!

The more I know Him the deeper I want to dive into Him. Take me deeper, Lord! Take me deeper!

Daydreams and Goals

In school I used to do alot of daydreaming. It wasn't that I was not interested in school, but that I caught the string of a thought flying like a kite out the window and ran with it. I would explore the thought to the other side of the world mesmerized with the wonder of it all. Sometimes I would be caught and turned back to the task at hand, my kite spiraling down to the ground. Of course I seldom fully learned the lessons taught and so I came up short with grades.

I still daydream. I love to wander down paths lined with beautiful intriguing thoughts. While there, I enjoy conversations with God. It is a delightful past time, but does not lend itself to the accomplishment of my goals.

So, it seems I will need to rein in my kites and set up some fences where my goals and kites can live together in harmony, kites flying in the direction and for the purpose of accomplishing my goal. May the wind of the Holy Spirit blow life and purpose into both!

Count Down to School

School starts for my dear husband tomorrow. I'll be happy to see him go back just to have one less person demanding my attention throughout the day. I will still have the grandchildren, but two of them will be out the door next week.

This week we will do some practice runs to make sure they know how to get moving in the morning and that they have everything ready the night before. It won't be easy!

As for me, my plans are to make a choice of one project to complete before I begin another one. It won't be easy. I'll need the direction of the Holy Spirit and the persistence and determination of a bulldog to follow through.

Maybe I can follow the way of a teacher: set up goals, make up a plan and stick to it remembering to be flexible but not a quitter. The time is now!

Hearing

If you did not have the ability to hear, what sound would you miss the most? My cousins' granddaughter will soon undergo her second cochlear implant. We are praying that Anna will not only find that sound is a necessary part of life but also a rich blessing!

As I've prayed for her, I've given the matter some thought. Here are some things I would miss not being able to hear: a baby's giggle, the soothing sounds of a stream running over the rocks, the "I love you" and "I miss you," of a dear ones voice, music that excites or calms the soul, my dear husband snoring beside me because he is there, the retelling of tales from family and friends, birds greeting me at the dawn of a new day, the sound of my own voice, poetry, words of comfort, hope and forgiveness, the wisdom of God's word preached to bring me faith.

I am certain there would be much more to miss. There is so much I fail to recognize as part of the joy in hearing.

Anna, I pray that you will not only hear the sounds around you but that you will hear God's voice calling you into faith and truth. May Your faith come by hearing the Word of God!