I have a to-do list that just won't go away! It does get shorter, but then it gets long again. Right now it is long with a possible two more "to-dos" to be added on to the bottom of the list.
My dilemma is if I should add them or should I say "No." Saying "No" is hard especially when it is a good thing to do. The only way to make a wise decision is to seek out the One who really knows what path I should take.
I am reminded that only a short time ago God spoke to me about focusing on one thing till it was completed. Does that mean I cannot place something on my list to be done in the future? That is something I need to ask Him. Whatever choice I make I want it to be wise and with purpose. I guess prayer and time with God is now at the top of my list!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
It Works!
My husband, Patrick, and I have a tradition of repeating our vows to each other on our anniversary. It works!
There are some years that it has been hard to say the words without clenched teeth, but we have said them anyway. We have found, that saying out loud what we vowed before God, opens up our hearts to fix whatever is broken between us. It is hard to build walls between us when our vows tie us together. Our vows have been a strong bond cementing our commitment to choose and love each other in good times and bad.
Our vows are holy and blessed, powerful prayers of submission to each other. Like the old childs' verse says, "A promise is a promise, and a promise can't be broken."
There are some years that it has been hard to say the words without clenched teeth, but we have said them anyway. We have found, that saying out loud what we vowed before God, opens up our hearts to fix whatever is broken between us. It is hard to build walls between us when our vows tie us together. Our vows have been a strong bond cementing our commitment to choose and love each other in good times and bad.
Our vows are holy and blessed, powerful prayers of submission to each other. Like the old childs' verse says, "A promise is a promise, and a promise can't be broken."
Monday, September 15, 2008
35 Years
Thirty five years can seem like a lifetime, or as if they have simply flown past in mere minutes. Today my husband and I celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary with both those extremes in mind.
In our 35 years we have experienced many ups and downs of life. Our commitment to each other has brought us into commitments to families (in-laws), our children and grandchildren (and their in-laws). We have comforted each other in sorrows and have celebrated each joy that blessed one or both of us. We have cried, laughed, sighed and pondered life together, mostly on the same side. Thirty five years has been a life time for us and we look forward to the continued life we share.
As I think about that day when I walked down the aisle in my Mothers' wedding gown, I can remember details as if it were yesterday. Yes, the years have flown by. Those shared moments have gone by much too quickly. Some moments needed to linger long, leaving a deeper impression. Yet, the memories are a sweet gift allowing those times to expand and stretch over the years. Love is in the day to day remembering that I have chosen him and he has chosen me to celebrate our lives together.
The celebration continues in good times and bad, in poverty and plenty, in showers and sunshine. Today I celebrate US!
In our 35 years we have experienced many ups and downs of life. Our commitment to each other has brought us into commitments to families (in-laws), our children and grandchildren (and their in-laws). We have comforted each other in sorrows and have celebrated each joy that blessed one or both of us. We have cried, laughed, sighed and pondered life together, mostly on the same side. Thirty five years has been a life time for us and we look forward to the continued life we share.
As I think about that day when I walked down the aisle in my Mothers' wedding gown, I can remember details as if it were yesterday. Yes, the years have flown by. Those shared moments have gone by much too quickly. Some moments needed to linger long, leaving a deeper impression. Yet, the memories are a sweet gift allowing those times to expand and stretch over the years. Love is in the day to day remembering that I have chosen him and he has chosen me to celebrate our lives together.
The celebration continues in good times and bad, in poverty and plenty, in showers and sunshine. Today I celebrate US!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Change
I am changing. I am not only getting older and finding that old age creeping into my bones, but I am also changing in the way I live life. This includes physical, mental, spiritual, etc.
The change I find most disturbing and disruptive to my everyday life is the change in relationships. Children becoming adults, grandchildren, (empty nest/open nest), a retirement minded husband, aged mother, far away siblings, fickle friendships, and that love/hate relationship with myself all add to the mix of my changing and deepening relationship with God. Without the change in my relationship with God I am certain all the others would fall to pieces.
In truth, my exchanges with God are the reason for some of the changes with others. He is working on me. He wants change in how I relate to others and it is making a huge difference in my view of self, the world and my creator. I find it to be frightening sometimes, but also an extraordinary adventure! It can be lonely and yet filled with His presence.
Everything changes. I said these very words to my husband as we exchanged our wedding vows 35 years ago. Yes, everything is changing, and because I trust in a good God who sent His Son and the Holy Spirit to live in me, I am certain that the change will be for my good.
In the end I must let go, surrender to the changes that come, all the while holding on to the One who carries me through. Though He is unchanging, I can always find a new revelation of Him for the new place I find myself!
The change I find most disturbing and disruptive to my everyday life is the change in relationships. Children becoming adults, grandchildren, (empty nest/open nest), a retirement minded husband, aged mother, far away siblings, fickle friendships, and that love/hate relationship with myself all add to the mix of my changing and deepening relationship with God. Without the change in my relationship with God I am certain all the others would fall to pieces.
In truth, my exchanges with God are the reason for some of the changes with others. He is working on me. He wants change in how I relate to others and it is making a huge difference in my view of self, the world and my creator. I find it to be frightening sometimes, but also an extraordinary adventure! It can be lonely and yet filled with His presence.
Everything changes. I said these very words to my husband as we exchanged our wedding vows 35 years ago. Yes, everything is changing, and because I trust in a good God who sent His Son and the Holy Spirit to live in me, I am certain that the change will be for my good.
In the end I must let go, surrender to the changes that come, all the while holding on to the One who carries me through. Though He is unchanging, I can always find a new revelation of Him for the new place I find myself!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Tax Exempt
Tax breaks are wonderful and alot can be said about their usefulness to the church. Ministries are almost always on tight budgets. They pinch pennies and try to do the best they can for people who are in need. It is a great relief for charities not to pay taxes.
However, I think that "tax exempt" has become the steering wheel for the mechanics of the voice of the church. We as the church have embraced the concept of separation of church and state without seeing the truth. The truth, as I see it, is that the state has not separated itself from the church! Government "interfers" with the church by intimidating and threatening a removal of the tax exempt status for those who take a firm stand against politically correct thinking. The relief of taxes has bound us to the govermental winds like a kite on a string. There is no real security or freedom.
Questions remain: When is the church going to stand up and believe God to supply their needs and stop relying on the governments' allowances to get us by? When will Christians become so bold for the Lord that they will refuse to live in the shadow of the Government dollars? When will we live as people who are free to speak even if it brings conflict? When will we stop depending on the handouts of our "Big Brother?" When will God alone be our strong tower, our provider, our refuge, our truth, and our Lord and Master?
Like I said before, alot of good can be done being tax exempt. But what is not being done that God would like to be done? If we took our hand out of the pocket of the government maybe we would become a greater instrument of true heart change in those who see our duplicity. If we stood on our own with only God as our source, maybe we would find our voices singing His glory and truth and honor!
However, I think that "tax exempt" has become the steering wheel for the mechanics of the voice of the church. We as the church have embraced the concept of separation of church and state without seeing the truth. The truth, as I see it, is that the state has not separated itself from the church! Government "interfers" with the church by intimidating and threatening a removal of the tax exempt status for those who take a firm stand against politically correct thinking. The relief of taxes has bound us to the govermental winds like a kite on a string. There is no real security or freedom.
Questions remain: When is the church going to stand up and believe God to supply their needs and stop relying on the governments' allowances to get us by? When will Christians become so bold for the Lord that they will refuse to live in the shadow of the Government dollars? When will we live as people who are free to speak even if it brings conflict? When will we stop depending on the handouts of our "Big Brother?" When will God alone be our strong tower, our provider, our refuge, our truth, and our Lord and Master?
Like I said before, alot of good can be done being tax exempt. But what is not being done that God would like to be done? If we took our hand out of the pocket of the government maybe we would become a greater instrument of true heart change in those who see our duplicity. If we stood on our own with only God as our source, maybe we would find our voices singing His glory and truth and honor!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Deaf Ears to Politics
I am turning a deaf ear to the political ads that point fingers at the opposition instead of presenting strategies that they will take for leading our beloved country and ALL citizens. I am tired of hearing how bad the other side is and how our side will be "Different."
Don't get me wrong. There is a need for change. We must find a leader who can stand against the flow that has Washington in its grip. We need something different! BUT, I am convinced that one person, even a strong leader cannot undo, remake, or change the flow without the cooperation of the congress and the majority of the people. I am not looking for someone who can talk change. I want to hear and be convinced that our next president and vice president can convince both sides of the aisle that the change they propose is for everyones best interest.
I am certainly not looking for someone who polarizes so much change that it would be impossible to move in any direction. I am looking for someone who thinks through what really matters.
A message to the candidates: Please do not talk about your opponent! I will make my own judgement about both of you. Tell me what qualifications you bring to the office. I want to hear not only your platform but how you intend to achieve it without placing it all on the backs of the citizens (taxes included). I believe both sides have good ideas and want the best for the country. I am a smart voter. I read between the lines. I will decide by what you intend to do not by what you say the other side will do!
Change is in the wind no matter who gets elected. But do we want the change to put us into slavery because we, as voters, do not want to rise up and work for our own needs, make our own decisions, and live self-controled lives? We have the power in our vote to tell our representatives that we want our freedom, not a government that is the master over every part of our lives.
My cry at the the voting booth is "FREEDOM!!!"
Don't get me wrong. There is a need for change. We must find a leader who can stand against the flow that has Washington in its grip. We need something different! BUT, I am convinced that one person, even a strong leader cannot undo, remake, or change the flow without the cooperation of the congress and the majority of the people. I am not looking for someone who can talk change. I want to hear and be convinced that our next president and vice president can convince both sides of the aisle that the change they propose is for everyones best interest.
I am certainly not looking for someone who polarizes so much change that it would be impossible to move in any direction. I am looking for someone who thinks through what really matters.
A message to the candidates: Please do not talk about your opponent! I will make my own judgement about both of you. Tell me what qualifications you bring to the office. I want to hear not only your platform but how you intend to achieve it without placing it all on the backs of the citizens (taxes included). I believe both sides have good ideas and want the best for the country. I am a smart voter. I read between the lines. I will decide by what you intend to do not by what you say the other side will do!
Change is in the wind no matter who gets elected. But do we want the change to put us into slavery because we, as voters, do not want to rise up and work for our own needs, make our own decisions, and live self-controled lives? We have the power in our vote to tell our representatives that we want our freedom, not a government that is the master over every part of our lives.
My cry at the the voting booth is "FREEDOM!!!"
Monday, September 8, 2008
The Lizard and the Fly
Today when I sat down at my computer I noticed a little lizard playing at my feet. Of course, I had no desire to have him use my feet or leg as a jungle gym so I promptly scooted him out the back door!
Later this evening we were greeted by some fly-by acrobatics of a huge house fly! We chased and swatted but could not effectively remove the buzzing menace from the house.
So now I sit here at the computer thinking that getting rid of the lizard may have not been the best idea. He could have caught the fly with a quick zap of his tongue! In retrospect I could have placed the creature into a box and waited for the fly and putting the lizard to good use in my house! But I had no idea of the future and so I chose the path that seemed best.
Not seeing into the future limits us, but there is wisdom in sticking to the present and relying on lessons learned in the past or from others who have gone before us. If I had kept the lizard I would have spent much time finding secure housing for him, making sure he was tended to properly etc. I would have lost moments that could have been used in a better occupation. Worrying about a little fly that would buzz past my ear in the future would be a trivial waste of time.
The truth is that I do sometimes fret over those little irritations that may come in the future. I do sometimes spend time chasing down a path that leads only to the possibility that I can change the future. God knows my future and He alone can direct me in todays' decisions so that the future will be in alignment with His perfect will.
So the lizard will go out the door and the fly will buzz through the house, but me? Well, I will keep asking God what I should do today, because only He knows the future!
Later this evening we were greeted by some fly-by acrobatics of a huge house fly! We chased and swatted but could not effectively remove the buzzing menace from the house.
So now I sit here at the computer thinking that getting rid of the lizard may have not been the best idea. He could have caught the fly with a quick zap of his tongue! In retrospect I could have placed the creature into a box and waited for the fly and putting the lizard to good use in my house! But I had no idea of the future and so I chose the path that seemed best.
Not seeing into the future limits us, but there is wisdom in sticking to the present and relying on lessons learned in the past or from others who have gone before us. If I had kept the lizard I would have spent much time finding secure housing for him, making sure he was tended to properly etc. I would have lost moments that could have been used in a better occupation. Worrying about a little fly that would buzz past my ear in the future would be a trivial waste of time.
The truth is that I do sometimes fret over those little irritations that may come in the future. I do sometimes spend time chasing down a path that leads only to the possibility that I can change the future. God knows my future and He alone can direct me in todays' decisions so that the future will be in alignment with His perfect will.
So the lizard will go out the door and the fly will buzz through the house, but me? Well, I will keep asking God what I should do today, because only He knows the future!
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