My brother is dying. Cancer is slowly depleting his strength and stealing his body's ability to sustain life. It has been a long sad time.
Early in the summer we heard the news that the cancer we thought was gone had returned. The prognosis was very poor. He would not survive this, but chemo could help curb the symptoms. He decided that he would not let the doctors intervene and so the waiting began.
The family waits and prays in faith that God will heal him with a miracle. The weaker he becomes the more we pray a litany of requests for him: healing, no pain, getting to see everyone he wants to see, completing his project, more days. God has answered our requests, except for healing.
DJ is a young man by modern standards. Fifty eight years is much too young to face death. I have thought that asking for more days would be enough but why not ask for years? Cancer is a thief. The years have been stolen. We can only hold on to the treasure of each day.
God has been so good to me during this time of waiting. He has given me peace and hope that is so real that I feel it as a presence surrounding me. Songs and scriptures hold a new meaning for me as I hear them amid the realities I face. My prayers have become thought-filled. I question my thinking and avow my convictions with passion. I ask with living faith. And so it was this past Sunday as I spoke to God saying, "I don't want to wait for DJ to die!" My Father in Heaven responded quickly saying, "Wait for him to live!" His words have changed me. I now wait for my brother DJ to live. I wait for him to live eternally. That is my hope and my peace. God the Almighty Sovereign and Good Father is drawing DJ to himself. Every day gives my brother time to choose life, life eternal. It is in God's faithfulness that I trust and wait.
Father God, You are my security. You have given me all I need to face this sad time. I am so glad that You have turned my waiting for death into waiting for life! I know I can trust You. Thank You for every blessing and every lesson I am learning from this time. Thank You for being strong when I am weak. I ask only that I remember these days and not forget the things You have done. I love You, Lord.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Monday, August 17, 2015
The Finish Line
Have you ever had to run the hurdles? Hurdlers are a special breed that can run fast and kick their legs high over 27-42 inch obstacles, take two steps and do it all again!
I had to try those beastly obstructions in my freshman P.E. class in high school. It was a disaster. I stand only 61.5" tall and the hurdles were chest high on me if I remember correctly. After trying multiple times to get my leg high enough to get over the hurdle without success and being bruised and scraped up from falling all over those mini mountains, I decided not to try any more. I simply stopped in front of them and trotted around. Coach finally decided that I could just run the lap without going over the hurdle. The experience makes me stand in admiration for hurdlers now when I watch track and field on tv.
Life has hurdles. Every day we come against obstacles, big and small. Each goal we set for ourselves comes with its set of circumstances that can trip us up with bruises and scrapes or offer opportunities to soar. There are choices to make when we come up against those pesky bumps in the road. We can get around some, but others need to be dealt with more aggressively. When we fly over them we feel powerful and in control. Some that tower over us may make us consider giving up. Any hardship can intimidates us into backing down and question if our goal to reach the finish line is worth it.
I know there have been many finish lines that I have failed to cross because of the stumbling blocks in my way. At those times I have felt weak. My goal has not been met. I got stuck. I failed. It is sad to know that I may never have an opportunity to win because the moment has passed. Realizing this makes me consider carefully the goals I set and the importance of committing myself fully to the task.
One of my favorite sayings is "I chase not race." The chase, unlike a race, gives me time to face my mountainous hurdles and break them down so I can proceed further toward the finish line. I do not need to race against others. I just need to keep chasing the goal I have set for myself.
The most important thing I need to remember is that God is always there to help me get past the obstacles. He is just a prayer away. Isaiah 41:13 says, "For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." NIV We can trust His strength, His faithfulness and His love for us to get us through.
My Most Powerful God and Father, You know the trials I face today. They seem to want to trip me up and make me fail in my quest to do Your will. I want to reach the goal of pleasing You, but so often i fail to push through when it gets difficult. Forgive me Lord. Thank You for Your grace and mercy when I fall. Thank You for lifting me up in Your Fatherly hands. Give me wisdom in dealing with the hurdles I need to overcome. Give me Your Spirit to empower me to make it to the end. I want to hear the words "Well Done!"
I had to try those beastly obstructions in my freshman P.E. class in high school. It was a disaster. I stand only 61.5" tall and the hurdles were chest high on me if I remember correctly. After trying multiple times to get my leg high enough to get over the hurdle without success and being bruised and scraped up from falling all over those mini mountains, I decided not to try any more. I simply stopped in front of them and trotted around. Coach finally decided that I could just run the lap without going over the hurdle. The experience makes me stand in admiration for hurdlers now when I watch track and field on tv.
Life has hurdles. Every day we come against obstacles, big and small. Each goal we set for ourselves comes with its set of circumstances that can trip us up with bruises and scrapes or offer opportunities to soar. There are choices to make when we come up against those pesky bumps in the road. We can get around some, but others need to be dealt with more aggressively. When we fly over them we feel powerful and in control. Some that tower over us may make us consider giving up. Any hardship can intimidates us into backing down and question if our goal to reach the finish line is worth it.
I know there have been many finish lines that I have failed to cross because of the stumbling blocks in my way. At those times I have felt weak. My goal has not been met. I got stuck. I failed. It is sad to know that I may never have an opportunity to win because the moment has passed. Realizing this makes me consider carefully the goals I set and the importance of committing myself fully to the task.
One of my favorite sayings is "I chase not race." The chase, unlike a race, gives me time to face my mountainous hurdles and break them down so I can proceed further toward the finish line. I do not need to race against others. I just need to keep chasing the goal I have set for myself.
The most important thing I need to remember is that God is always there to help me get past the obstacles. He is just a prayer away. Isaiah 41:13 says, "For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." NIV We can trust His strength, His faithfulness and His love for us to get us through.
My Most Powerful God and Father, You know the trials I face today. They seem to want to trip me up and make me fail in my quest to do Your will. I want to reach the goal of pleasing You, but so often i fail to push through when it gets difficult. Forgive me Lord. Thank You for Your grace and mercy when I fall. Thank You for lifting me up in Your Fatherly hands. Give me wisdom in dealing with the hurdles I need to overcome. Give me Your Spirit to empower me to make it to the end. I want to hear the words "Well Done!"
Friday, February 13, 2015
Valentine Rebellion?
Valentine's Day. People either love it or hate it. The dividing line seems to be having a significant other or not having one. The other dividing line might also be male versus female. Whatever side you find yourself joining this year, you can be sure that the majority of us will be disappointed.
The history of Valentine's Day has not always been one of cards, chocolates and roses. you can read about the holiday and its uncertain past on line. I have another agenda to propose with this blog.
I am married and have been in love with my husband for 43 years. I like little gifts and sweet confections from him. I also like to receive loving messages from him from time to time.I am not rebelling against letting your Valentine know you love them and are blessed to have them in your life. I am rebelling of the bombardment of the media that pushes the populace into buying rich gifts to show love. Again, I am not opposed to gifts. I just don't think they always represent true love.
True love is a choice we make that we want the very best for another person. Real love may at times offer special presents, but it is being present in that persons life that really matters. It does not please the other in order to get something in return. True love can be directed to a family member, spouse, friend, or even a stranger. It is a choice we make to put the other person ahead of ourselves.
People have shown me real love in many different ways. Here are a few:
* sitting by my side in a hospital room.
* talking things over even though the topic is difficult.
* letting me go first, or going first so I can follow.
* writing me a letter when it is hard for them to do.
* calling me on the phone just to see if I am well.
* praying for me.
* being there when things go wrong. Not blaming me when it is my fault things went wrong.
* knowing my faults and staying by my side anyway.
I could go on but I think you get my point. Everyone needs love. Everyone needs a Valentine every day. This is a tough world! We need each other.
Valentine's Day is a day to love others, not just those with which we have paired ourselves. So now we come to the rebellion. This year I choose to rebell against having just one Valentine. I choose to love those I meet along my way. I choose to send a note of love to everyone that I remember on this day. I will not limit the love. Instead I will let God's love flow through me for all, because "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16.
I welcome you to join me!
God You are Love. You are the greatest Love! Forgive us for not loving each other as You have loved us. Thank You that You sent Your only Son to show us how to love. Fill us today with the Love that fills You!
The history of Valentine's Day has not always been one of cards, chocolates and roses. you can read about the holiday and its uncertain past on line. I have another agenda to propose with this blog.
I am married and have been in love with my husband for 43 years. I like little gifts and sweet confections from him. I also like to receive loving messages from him from time to time.I am not rebelling against letting your Valentine know you love them and are blessed to have them in your life. I am rebelling of the bombardment of the media that pushes the populace into buying rich gifts to show love. Again, I am not opposed to gifts. I just don't think they always represent true love.
True love is a choice we make that we want the very best for another person. Real love may at times offer special presents, but it is being present in that persons life that really matters. It does not please the other in order to get something in return. True love can be directed to a family member, spouse, friend, or even a stranger. It is a choice we make to put the other person ahead of ourselves.
People have shown me real love in many different ways. Here are a few:
* sitting by my side in a hospital room.
* talking things over even though the topic is difficult.
* letting me go first, or going first so I can follow.
* writing me a letter when it is hard for them to do.
* calling me on the phone just to see if I am well.
* praying for me.
* being there when things go wrong. Not blaming me when it is my fault things went wrong.
* knowing my faults and staying by my side anyway.
I could go on but I think you get my point. Everyone needs love. Everyone needs a Valentine every day. This is a tough world! We need each other.
Valentine's Day is a day to love others, not just those with which we have paired ourselves. So now we come to the rebellion. This year I choose to rebell against having just one Valentine. I choose to love those I meet along my way. I choose to send a note of love to everyone that I remember on this day. I will not limit the love. Instead I will let God's love flow through me for all, because "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16.
I welcome you to join me!
God You are Love. You are the greatest Love! Forgive us for not loving each other as You have loved us. Thank You that You sent Your only Son to show us how to love. Fill us today with the Love that fills You!
Monday, January 26, 2015
God is My Father
God is my Father!
Last week I let Abi use my camera to take some pictures. It is a simple camera, and she enjoys the activity. In other words, it keeps her busy while I get some chore done. When I was finished with my chore, I asked her where the camera was. She said on the work desk, but it was not there. I asked again, and she couldn't remember where she put it. The hunt was on. We looked and looked but never found it. Her dad picked her up later that day, and I continued to look and ponder where she might have had it.
When Patrick came home I asked him to look in the computer room to see if he would see it where I was overlooking it. He could not find it.
The next morning I told Abi that we had to find it and that we were going on a hunt so I could have my camera back. She began to tell stories about what she did with it and where it could be. Of course, they were all stories told in great detail and with much expression. I finally told her I did not want any stories, just my camera. I told her she was the last one to have it in her hands so I needed her help to find it. She insisted it was hidden in a safe place in my computer room. Did she remember and just teased me that she didn't know where it was? I didn't know. It was so frustrating!
I finally gave up, telling God that He would have to tell me and direct me to where she had hidden it. I went back to my normal routine. Soon I heard God suggest that I should get down on her level and look around. So, I did. I looked under the desk, and work desk where she often plays and looked around at shelves. I saw from a different perspective but no camera, even when I moved the chair to get under the desk.
About an hour later Abi came it and asked again about the camera. She emphatically told me that she could not find it even though she was trying. I got up from my chair, as we talked and soon Abi was excited, shouting "Grommers, your camera! Your camera!" There it was hanging under the chair on the adjustment lever! I was sitting on top of it all along.
God must have been chuckling like a teasing parent watching me go right past it in my search under the desk.I did not see it even though it was only about 6 inches away! Hahaha!
God was directing me in the general direction but wanted me to look carefully to find my answer. Maybe He does that in big things too. He may lead me to a person who could be a friend, but I have to look carefully to really see the possibility of friendship in someone close by. He may lead me to a church, group, or job but He wants me to keep my eyes open for the good gifts he has for me there. They may be found in the most unlikely place.
Whatever we are looking for, God knows what we need and where to find it. He is the Father we can always talk to about everything.
Father God, You are great and mighty! You make me smile, and I know I sometimes make You laugh. You know all things, and I know very little. I am so foolish to think I can fix my own problems. I Should run to You for wisdom, but so often I think I am wise. Please forgive me. Thank You for always hearing my cry for help. Thank You for the answers You provide, even when You ask me to do more. Thank You for letting me be Your daughter. Father, teach me to be child-like in my faith. Help me to see the gifts that You give when I become like a little child and trust You as my Father. I know You love me with all of Your heart because You gave Jesus to reconcile me to You. Thank You!
Last week I let Abi use my camera to take some pictures. It is a simple camera, and she enjoys the activity. In other words, it keeps her busy while I get some chore done. When I was finished with my chore, I asked her where the camera was. She said on the work desk, but it was not there. I asked again, and she couldn't remember where she put it. The hunt was on. We looked and looked but never found it. Her dad picked her up later that day, and I continued to look and ponder where she might have had it.
When Patrick came home I asked him to look in the computer room to see if he would see it where I was overlooking it. He could not find it.
The next morning I told Abi that we had to find it and that we were going on a hunt so I could have my camera back. She began to tell stories about what she did with it and where it could be. Of course, they were all stories told in great detail and with much expression. I finally told her I did not want any stories, just my camera. I told her she was the last one to have it in her hands so I needed her help to find it. She insisted it was hidden in a safe place in my computer room. Did she remember and just teased me that she didn't know where it was? I didn't know. It was so frustrating!
I finally gave up, telling God that He would have to tell me and direct me to where she had hidden it. I went back to my normal routine. Soon I heard God suggest that I should get down on her level and look around. So, I did. I looked under the desk, and work desk where she often plays and looked around at shelves. I saw from a different perspective but no camera, even when I moved the chair to get under the desk.
About an hour later Abi came it and asked again about the camera. She emphatically told me that she could not find it even though she was trying. I got up from my chair, as we talked and soon Abi was excited, shouting "Grommers, your camera! Your camera!" There it was hanging under the chair on the adjustment lever! I was sitting on top of it all along.
God must have been chuckling like a teasing parent watching me go right past it in my search under the desk.I did not see it even though it was only about 6 inches away! Hahaha!
God was directing me in the general direction but wanted me to look carefully to find my answer. Maybe He does that in big things too. He may lead me to a person who could be a friend, but I have to look carefully to really see the possibility of friendship in someone close by. He may lead me to a church, group, or job but He wants me to keep my eyes open for the good gifts he has for me there. They may be found in the most unlikely place.
Whatever we are looking for, God knows what we need and where to find it. He is the Father we can always talk to about everything.
Father God, You are great and mighty! You make me smile, and I know I sometimes make You laugh. You know all things, and I know very little. I am so foolish to think I can fix my own problems. I Should run to You for wisdom, but so often I think I am wise. Please forgive me. Thank You for always hearing my cry for help. Thank You for the answers You provide, even when You ask me to do more. Thank You for letting me be Your daughter. Father, teach me to be child-like in my faith. Help me to see the gifts that You give when I become like a little child and trust You as my Father. I know You love me with all of Your heart because You gave Jesus to reconcile me to You. Thank You!
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Sibling Rivalry
Today, Matt Sanders, our Family pastor at Journey Christian Church, began a series about the family. The series is called "Picture Perfect." Todays sermon was thought provoking. It took us through the family dynamics of Jacob's 12 sons.
When reading or studying scripture I like to find the place where my life intersects with God's word. The story of Joseph has always given me some insight into God, His plan, and lessons for me. Today was no exception. I heard the Holy Spirit whisper truth to me. That is always a blessing, though not always easy!
When we first see Joseph in the Bible, he is a favored child of Jacob. He gets a special coat to wear and has the attention and the love of his father. I could hear the Holy Spirit tell me that I have always wanted to be a favorite as well. I am the second oldest child of a brood of seven. I was not the coddled youngest, nor the relied upon oldest. I was just second and always wanting to be first in line and in the hearts of my parents. O, yes, they loved me, but the love was different than the love of the firstborn and the last! In my eyes they had a special place. So, I was always wanting something I didn't have or be someone I wasn't.
I wondered if there might be another family for which I would be best suited back then, but Matt confirmed that God has determined our families. He has put us in the place that He wants us. Yes, He even placed me as a second child in a group of seven. He has a plan and He gave me a job. As Matt said: "Do what only You can do." Hm, what is it that only I can do in my family? I'll be giving that more thought. But on to the story.
Because Joseph was favored by his Father, he became hated by his brothers. Joseph didn't help matters. He shared his grand dreams of ruling over the family with his already jealous siblings. Again, I could put myself in the place of Joseph. I had dreams. I wanted to be first, didn't I? I may have even spoken out about my dreams to my sisters and brothers. Today I thought about how my arrogance and pride may have caused those rifts between family members that are so hard to mend. Oh my, The Holy Spirit can step on my toes sometimes!
Josephs brothers made a terrible decision to kill Joseph, but ended up selling him into slavery. They had no idea that their plan was also part of God's plan. God would use their ruthless deed against Joseph to set up the preservation of the entire family. I have been in the sandals of the brothers too. I sometimes wanted to kill or at least do something mean to those who seemed to command the better position in the family. Oh my, I am in need of a Savior!
Circumstances can cause families to fall apart or come back together. It took some doing to make that happen for Jacob's children. A severe drought, Joseph forgiving the wrongs against him, and repentant hearts of the brothers all came together to bring a group of related people back into being a family. I want to be the forgiving person, the repentant sinner who offers kindness to others in my family. I sometimes am that person, but sometimes I am not. I need to work on this.
The lesson learned? God put me into the family I belong to and He expects me to do what only I can do in that family! It may not be a perfect family but by God's grace it is the perfect family for me!
Father God, You designed and ordained the family unit. In wisdom You joined each person to others so that Your plan could be fulfilled for each of them and for the world around them. Forgive us, Father, for not trusting You and for taking out our misunderstandings on those who are closest to us. Thank You for each of our family members, in our earthly families and in our church family. Thank You for giving us grace to forgive and giving us all more than enough chances for making it right when we have hurt each other. Bring us to the place where we are united in love and offer forgiveness and grace to all our brothers and sisters. We have received Your forgiveness and grace through our older brother, Jesus. Let us be more like Him!
When reading or studying scripture I like to find the place where my life intersects with God's word. The story of Joseph has always given me some insight into God, His plan, and lessons for me. Today was no exception. I heard the Holy Spirit whisper truth to me. That is always a blessing, though not always easy!
When we first see Joseph in the Bible, he is a favored child of Jacob. He gets a special coat to wear and has the attention and the love of his father. I could hear the Holy Spirit tell me that I have always wanted to be a favorite as well. I am the second oldest child of a brood of seven. I was not the coddled youngest, nor the relied upon oldest. I was just second and always wanting to be first in line and in the hearts of my parents. O, yes, they loved me, but the love was different than the love of the firstborn and the last! In my eyes they had a special place. So, I was always wanting something I didn't have or be someone I wasn't.
I wondered if there might be another family for which I would be best suited back then, but Matt confirmed that God has determined our families. He has put us in the place that He wants us. Yes, He even placed me as a second child in a group of seven. He has a plan and He gave me a job. As Matt said: "Do what only You can do." Hm, what is it that only I can do in my family? I'll be giving that more thought. But on to the story.
Because Joseph was favored by his Father, he became hated by his brothers. Joseph didn't help matters. He shared his grand dreams of ruling over the family with his already jealous siblings. Again, I could put myself in the place of Joseph. I had dreams. I wanted to be first, didn't I? I may have even spoken out about my dreams to my sisters and brothers. Today I thought about how my arrogance and pride may have caused those rifts between family members that are so hard to mend. Oh my, The Holy Spirit can step on my toes sometimes!
Josephs brothers made a terrible decision to kill Joseph, but ended up selling him into slavery. They had no idea that their plan was also part of God's plan. God would use their ruthless deed against Joseph to set up the preservation of the entire family. I have been in the sandals of the brothers too. I sometimes wanted to kill or at least do something mean to those who seemed to command the better position in the family. Oh my, I am in need of a Savior!
Circumstances can cause families to fall apart or come back together. It took some doing to make that happen for Jacob's children. A severe drought, Joseph forgiving the wrongs against him, and repentant hearts of the brothers all came together to bring a group of related people back into being a family. I want to be the forgiving person, the repentant sinner who offers kindness to others in my family. I sometimes am that person, but sometimes I am not. I need to work on this.
The lesson learned? God put me into the family I belong to and He expects me to do what only I can do in that family! It may not be a perfect family but by God's grace it is the perfect family for me!
Father God, You designed and ordained the family unit. In wisdom You joined each person to others so that Your plan could be fulfilled for each of them and for the world around them. Forgive us, Father, for not trusting You and for taking out our misunderstandings on those who are closest to us. Thank You for each of our family members, in our earthly families and in our church family. Thank You for giving us grace to forgive and giving us all more than enough chances for making it right when we have hurt each other. Bring us to the place where we are united in love and offer forgiveness and grace to all our brothers and sisters. We have received Your forgiveness and grace through our older brother, Jesus. Let us be more like Him!
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
A Full or Empty Life
I have become attentive to the truth that I can fill up my calendar, yet still live an empty life.
What is the full life? Does it have anything to do with our calendars?
I was introduced to the pregnancy calendar when my daughter announced the soon coming arrival of our first Grandlady. I loved reading everyday’s development of the baby. I prayed specifically every day, for baby’s growth and development,for Mom and the new family.
This past Resurrection Sunday I printed out a new calendar for Grandbaby #6. Every day I look for the growth or changes God is making. I pray for the little person that is being made ready to greet us and the world. I thank God for his/her presence in our family. I give thanks for the favor and grace of being a Grandmother. I enjoy the tremendous joy of life and increase.
We all have come through the days of a pregnancy calendar. Each of us has grown within a womb and made our way to a birth day that began another calendar of counting days, weeks, months and years. Our individual pregnancy calendars are written for us by God, not man. Our purpose and our days of growth are marked on our personal calendar by God’s hand and the ink with which we fill our lives.
God’s hand holds us like the pen and He is poised to write on our calendars, but we have a part to play. We are not just an instrument in His hand. He has given us the privilege of maintaining our lives in surrender to His will. We are the pen. The ink is what we allow to be poured into our lives: friendships, information, experiences, God’s Holy Spirit.
This ink is not only all the outside influences that bombard us, but how we perceive those happenings. The ink is mixed together by our responses. We take in the circumstances of our lives and make them into something positive and usable, or negative and resistant to the full life.
We all know what happens when we cloud the ink with negative thoughts. Our day may become sluggish and thick, not moving smoothly. We even tend to look for the next wrong thing that will happen. It clogs up our minutes and makes our days frustrating. Irritations can make us clam up and become stiff necked to God’s will. We all deal with irritations and our joy is affected by how we perceive those irritations, or how we handle them.
When we search for the gifts within each surrounding moment and give thanks, the ink runs smooth. It does not matter if that moment is complicated or simple. We ourselves make the difference. In each situation we must submit our thinking to the Holy Spirit. We must renew our minds for each circumstance.
We must constantly remind ourselves and each other....to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I Thessalonians 5:18 ESV It is this that will keep the ink of our lives flowing smoothly. It is with Thanksgiving that we allow God to make our lives full.
Some of us have lived our days wishing for a different beginning, a different past. Some of us live our present thinking only of the future, of what is next, what will come. We prepare for the next hour or day, or week or year, not thinking of the moment that we inhabit now. Like a kid living only for Christmas to arrive, we can miss the fun of each day leading up to the long awaited day. Living life only looking behind or ahead, leaves our days empty. Our calendars may be full, but our moments are choked by some other time.
Life is lived fully in the everyday moments. We must look carefully in order to see the beauty, grace, and love that surrounds us. Discovering grace right now and choosing to enjoy every moment means we must stop….
take time to name the gift that is given…..
write it down…..
draw it…..
paint it……
play it...
and give thanks for it.
We can run fast toward tomorrow, away from life, trying to get things done for our deadline. It is so easy in our fast paced world to blindly fill our days with doing instead of being.
We can ride along on what we did last week, last year or whenever, and easily coast past life. How often do we as Christians retell our salvation story rather than telling with excitement what God has done for us today? But the here and now moments need to be seen. It needs to be filled with our awareness. There is an abundance of grace, thanksgiving and joy to be experienced in the ordinary moments of our day. There is abundant life in the moment if we only look.
Even in the terrible hard places we can find grace and give thanks and experience joy. It is not easy. Loss, fear, pain, make it difficult to see God, but when we discipline ourselves to make it a priority, we can find God writing a growing, revealing, loving event on the calendar of our life.
So what is a full life? I think a full life is one where we are resting surrendered in God’s hand and pouring out the ink of God’s love that fills us from our gratitude (which is our worship.)
Do our calendars play a part in our full lives? I think so. My New Years practice is to set out goals and plans for my year. I do this in prayer with God. This year He revealed His will for me to live with a blank calendar. I am finding Him to fill it with amazing speed and awesome wonder! No, it has not all been good. There have already been losses and pain. But He has been in every event. I have had to look hard at times, but I have found Him. I have lived fully and abundantly with Him, in Him and for Him in these past 4.5 months.
So what is my plan for the upcoming months? One plan is to visit my Mom in Colorado. I am making the plans but I am holding them loosely in my hands. If God postpones my trip, I choose to believe it will be perfect for my calendar.
As writers we can write about the past or future, but we should write for the present. Whatever we choose to write about it still must be done in the here and now. We can only write from what we know, feel and believe at this present time.
Father, we give You thanks for holding all of our minute and days in Your wise Hands. Forgive us when we mistrust Your goodness in everything. You are I AM. You are here in our present and we do not want to miss You. Open our eyes to see, our ears to hear, our hands to feel the gift of Your presence right now. Teach us to live in Your presence every day. Amen.
What is the full life? Does it have anything to do with our calendars?
I was introduced to the pregnancy calendar when my daughter announced the soon coming arrival of our first Grandlady. I loved reading everyday’s development of the baby. I prayed specifically every day, for baby’s growth and development,for Mom and the new family.
This past Resurrection Sunday I printed out a new calendar for Grandbaby #6. Every day I look for the growth or changes God is making. I pray for the little person that is being made ready to greet us and the world. I thank God for his/her presence in our family. I give thanks for the favor and grace of being a Grandmother. I enjoy the tremendous joy of life and increase.
We all have come through the days of a pregnancy calendar. Each of us has grown within a womb and made our way to a birth day that began another calendar of counting days, weeks, months and years. Our individual pregnancy calendars are written for us by God, not man. Our purpose and our days of growth are marked on our personal calendar by God’s hand and the ink with which we fill our lives.
God’s hand holds us like the pen and He is poised to write on our calendars, but we have a part to play. We are not just an instrument in His hand. He has given us the privilege of maintaining our lives in surrender to His will. We are the pen. The ink is what we allow to be poured into our lives: friendships, information, experiences, God’s Holy Spirit.
This ink is not only all the outside influences that bombard us, but how we perceive those happenings. The ink is mixed together by our responses. We take in the circumstances of our lives and make them into something positive and usable, or negative and resistant to the full life.
We all know what happens when we cloud the ink with negative thoughts. Our day may become sluggish and thick, not moving smoothly. We even tend to look for the next wrong thing that will happen. It clogs up our minutes and makes our days frustrating. Irritations can make us clam up and become stiff necked to God’s will. We all deal with irritations and our joy is affected by how we perceive those irritations, or how we handle them.
When we search for the gifts within each surrounding moment and give thanks, the ink runs smooth. It does not matter if that moment is complicated or simple. We ourselves make the difference. In each situation we must submit our thinking to the Holy Spirit. We must renew our minds for each circumstance.
We must constantly remind ourselves and each other....to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I Thessalonians 5:18 ESV It is this that will keep the ink of our lives flowing smoothly. It is with Thanksgiving that we allow God to make our lives full.
Some of us have lived our days wishing for a different beginning, a different past. Some of us live our present thinking only of the future, of what is next, what will come. We prepare for the next hour or day, or week or year, not thinking of the moment that we inhabit now. Like a kid living only for Christmas to arrive, we can miss the fun of each day leading up to the long awaited day. Living life only looking behind or ahead, leaves our days empty. Our calendars may be full, but our moments are choked by some other time.
Life is lived fully in the everyday moments. We must look carefully in order to see the beauty, grace, and love that surrounds us. Discovering grace right now and choosing to enjoy every moment means we must stop….
take time to name the gift that is given…..
write it down…..
draw it…..
paint it……
play it...
and give thanks for it.
We can run fast toward tomorrow, away from life, trying to get things done for our deadline. It is so easy in our fast paced world to blindly fill our days with doing instead of being.
We can ride along on what we did last week, last year or whenever, and easily coast past life. How often do we as Christians retell our salvation story rather than telling with excitement what God has done for us today? But the here and now moments need to be seen. It needs to be filled with our awareness. There is an abundance of grace, thanksgiving and joy to be experienced in the ordinary moments of our day. There is abundant life in the moment if we only look.
Even in the terrible hard places we can find grace and give thanks and experience joy. It is not easy. Loss, fear, pain, make it difficult to see God, but when we discipline ourselves to make it a priority, we can find God writing a growing, revealing, loving event on the calendar of our life.
So what is a full life? I think a full life is one where we are resting surrendered in God’s hand and pouring out the ink of God’s love that fills us from our gratitude (which is our worship.)
Do our calendars play a part in our full lives? I think so. My New Years practice is to set out goals and plans for my year. I do this in prayer with God. This year He revealed His will for me to live with a blank calendar. I am finding Him to fill it with amazing speed and awesome wonder! No, it has not all been good. There have already been losses and pain. But He has been in every event. I have had to look hard at times, but I have found Him. I have lived fully and abundantly with Him, in Him and for Him in these past 4.5 months.
So what is my plan for the upcoming months? One plan is to visit my Mom in Colorado. I am making the plans but I am holding them loosely in my hands. If God postpones my trip, I choose to believe it will be perfect for my calendar.
As writers we can write about the past or future, but we should write for the present. Whatever we choose to write about it still must be done in the here and now. We can only write from what we know, feel and believe at this present time.
Father, we give You thanks for holding all of our minute and days in Your wise Hands. Forgive us when we mistrust Your goodness in everything. You are I AM. You are here in our present and we do not want to miss You. Open our eyes to see, our ears to hear, our hands to feel the gift of Your presence right now. Teach us to live in Your presence every day. Amen.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Tales to Tell
I wish I knew more about my grandparents. I have questions for them that will not be answered in this lifetime. It has taken me too long to realize what I have lost by not knowing their stories. Will my grandchildren also find out too late?
My Dad's Father died of Black Lung before I was born. My Mother's Dad also died before I was born. His death was by his own hand. I had step-grandfathers on my mother's side. I am grateful that they left me memorable stories. Both grandmothers lived long lives, but only one was present to us. Both, however, left their tales for me to enjoy. One was a writer, and through her penned works, I have come to know her in a small way. The other was very active in my life. I heard, first hand, about her exciting adventures and trials. Something was still missing.
My definition of personal stories goes beyond what we have done or seen. The real legend reveals the impact those experiences have on our lives. Emotions felt, lessons learned, and life changes that occurred are the real gems within a life story.
So, how do we share those treasures with our Grands? First, listen for questions. Questions are the open door. I like questions because they don't have to be asked only by the youth. They are great door openers for seniors as well. Once a question has been asked, the short answer is best. Leave room for more questions. Invite the child into your story, don't drag them. (I've learned from experience.) There may be things left unsaid, but what you say will be remembered if you don't push.
We have a wealth of tales to tell. We can recount bible stories that help us or have impacted us. Anecdotes from our own lives are always a crowd pleaser when told with a bit of humor directed at ourselves. Books and articles can become a source of interesting ideas shared. The list goes on and on, from nature stories to the famous or not so well known people that touch our lives. We can always have something worthwhile to say.
Connect to the children and even older grandchildren with feelings. Telling them how we feel and asking them about their emotions tells them that they are important. There is a caution to this, however. We should be careful not to dismiss their feelings. We can accept that they feel a certain way right now, but we must also give them time and space to change.
Our lives interchange. It is a wonderful blessing to a child to tell them how they have been special in our lives. A "Do you remember when we did..." story will always liven up an afternoon.
Finally, look for ways to bring God into the story. Use God's perspective, His attributes, His love for us, or maybe just that He is watching and listening now to bring His presence into the conversation. Do you know He is listening and watching us now?
Father God, The Word and Teller of Your story within our stories, You are so very good! You are our hope when times are tough and our delight when we are filled with joy. We seek Your forgiveness for being so quick to pass by opportunities to share You with those we love so very much, our Grandchildren, preferring to give them things instead of ourselves. Thank You for giving us time with them. Thank You for making the door of questions swing both ways! Thank You for the stories You have given us in Your word, our lives and all around us. You are so generously good to us! Teach us to be the best we can be for all future generations!
My Dad's Father died of Black Lung before I was born. My Mother's Dad also died before I was born. His death was by his own hand. I had step-grandfathers on my mother's side. I am grateful that they left me memorable stories. Both grandmothers lived long lives, but only one was present to us. Both, however, left their tales for me to enjoy. One was a writer, and through her penned works, I have come to know her in a small way. The other was very active in my life. I heard, first hand, about her exciting adventures and trials. Something was still missing.
My definition of personal stories goes beyond what we have done or seen. The real legend reveals the impact those experiences have on our lives. Emotions felt, lessons learned, and life changes that occurred are the real gems within a life story.
So, how do we share those treasures with our Grands? First, listen for questions. Questions are the open door. I like questions because they don't have to be asked only by the youth. They are great door openers for seniors as well. Once a question has been asked, the short answer is best. Leave room for more questions. Invite the child into your story, don't drag them. (I've learned from experience.) There may be things left unsaid, but what you say will be remembered if you don't push.
We have a wealth of tales to tell. We can recount bible stories that help us or have impacted us. Anecdotes from our own lives are always a crowd pleaser when told with a bit of humor directed at ourselves. Books and articles can become a source of interesting ideas shared. The list goes on and on, from nature stories to the famous or not so well known people that touch our lives. We can always have something worthwhile to say.
Connect to the children and even older grandchildren with feelings. Telling them how we feel and asking them about their emotions tells them that they are important. There is a caution to this, however. We should be careful not to dismiss their feelings. We can accept that they feel a certain way right now, but we must also give them time and space to change.
Our lives interchange. It is a wonderful blessing to a child to tell them how they have been special in our lives. A "Do you remember when we did..." story will always liven up an afternoon.
Finally, look for ways to bring God into the story. Use God's perspective, His attributes, His love for us, or maybe just that He is watching and listening now to bring His presence into the conversation. Do you know He is listening and watching us now?
Father God, The Word and Teller of Your story within our stories, You are so very good! You are our hope when times are tough and our delight when we are filled with joy. We seek Your forgiveness for being so quick to pass by opportunities to share You with those we love so very much, our Grandchildren, preferring to give them things instead of ourselves. Thank You for giving us time with them. Thank You for making the door of questions swing both ways! Thank You for the stories You have given us in Your word, our lives and all around us. You are so generously good to us! Teach us to be the best we can be for all future generations!
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