Weighty Thoughts

Little lesson

2009-08-11T09:40:00.013-04:00

He entered the room with the quiet assuredness of a man in charge. Walked right past me, in his flashy shoes, towards the bookshelf and pulled from it two of his favorite readings. Making himself comfortable on the couch in the corner of the room he sat and flipped through the pages as only one familiar with the content would do. His blue eyes occasionally peering upwards to see the next person coming through the doorway. He involved himself in the setting throughout the hour but always returned back to that reading area. And then she entered. Long blonde hair and a brilliant smile. She herself appeared to walk with confidence. She headed toward the computer.

She sat down in the plastic chair and began working on that computer. Suddenly it was as if all the air, along with her confidence, was let out of this gal. She sat in frustration and cried out, "I can't do it." Her frustration with the computer screen and mouse obvious to all in the room. Then the quiet young man in the corner of the room left behind his books and walked over to the computer desk. He pulled up a chair next to her and sat down as she continued busily trying to figure out the computer program. She voiced again, with more volume, "I CAN'T DO IT!" He gently looked at her and said, "You can do it; I will help you."

Sound like the beginnings of a love story? Of sorts, it was. For this was the love of Jesus that this little boy reads and hears about. Our hero's name? Will. Will is a three year old in my Sunday school class. This young "reader" and student had taken to heart the Good Samaritan story that he had just heard during the first hour of Sunday school. The group of young learners had all shared different ways, in their all so entertaining style, that they too could be kind to others. But Will? Will had taken this story one step further. He sat down next to a tired, frustrated preschool girl and offered kindness. Encouragement. Help.

It was the most beautiful picture of LOVE in action. As I watched this precious young one offer assistance, and later remembered this act, I could almost hear the Savior say to me in my own moments of frustration, "You can do it, I will help you." Little do we know who or what God will use to teach us a lesson. Sunday it was Will.

Galatians 6:10: " Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

Praise Him!

Cops and Robbers

2009-08-04T16:33:00.007-04:00

It was a muggy Monday afternoon as Molly and I headed back into the parking garage at the hospital. We had just spent a short but enjoyable thirty minutes visiting one of our loved ones. We were walking side by side, arms linked, giggling and chatting our way back to the car. I unlocked the car as I came around the tail end of it and noticed my window. Instantly I realized that something was wrong. I knew I hadn't left my window down. Then I noticed the thousands of shards of safety glass at the foot of the door and knew what had happened. We had been robbed. Yup. Robbed.

I peeked inside where we had hidden both our purses and they,along with two phones, were gone. My seat was covered in the same glass I first noticed outside my driver side door. We glibbly marched our way together back into the hospital to find a security guard. No more giggling.

I have to admit, my first reaction was shock. The second was anger, followed by fear. It was then that Molly and I decided we must forgive. We spoke to each other about what it must take to steal. Hunger. Sick children. Any number of reasons. We hoped out loud that the money would be used for good. Somehow we thought that would make us feel better about the episode. Somehow it didn't.

After what seemed like hours(it wasn't)the police arrived. I was expecting to watch him dust for prints or search the stairways. To my disappointment all he did was take down the information and fill out a report. He then told me "You should plan on leaving everything except your driver's license at home next time you come. Never leave your purse in the car. If you bring it with you, lock it in your trunk." The smarty pants in me thought "well, thank you but I already knew that!" But I thanked him and headed home, slivers of glass poking into my toes and elbows.

This morning as I sat and had my quiet time I was still venting to the Lord about this thing. And truthfully I thought again about what the policeman said to me. I did know I shouldn't leave my purse locked in the car, even if it was out of sight. But I did it anyway. Somewhere in my spirit I felt the Lord reminding me that I can say whatever I want. I can say "I trust You Lord." I can say "I believe You Lord." I can say "I have a heart for those who do not know the Lord." I can even say that "I know I shouldn't ever leave my purse in the car." But if I do not act on that belief, then it is really as if I didn't believe at all.

Praise Him!

P.S. In case you are wondering, our thieves first stop with our money....DVDExpress!

Praise HIM!

2009-06-27T13:14:00.002-04:00

I arrived home on Saturday from a wonderful vacation to the gulf side of Florida. Clearwater Beach to be exact. It was a refreshing time for me. Extended time with family. Catching up time with best friends. And time to reflect over the past winter. It was good.

Like me, you may have noticed how gloriously long the daylight is this time of year. I love it. It seemed to me that as we sat at the beach, the days were even longer. We watched the sun dip below the horizon almost every night. It appeared to melt into the water, the horizon line became the place where water met heat. It almost looked as if lava poured out over the seas. Blazing, beautiful, bold. I can hardly find the right words to describe this sight. But what came over the next 45 minutes was also truly beautiful.

Nightfall. It began behind our backs as we viewed the Gulf. It seemed as if the gray shadows began to creep up quietly. Inching ever closer until finally the darkness itself dropped completely into the sea. And then it happened. Little bits of twinkling lights appeared. First one. Then another. Until finally, when darkness settled in, the sky lit up. Every inch of the night sky was completely covered by both large and small lights. Stars existing so far in distance that this feeble mind of mine can't even fathom. The funny thing is the stars were there all day long. Only in the brilliant Florida sunshine I never saw them. It was not until the deep blackness of night settled in did they appear.

It occured to me as I sat viewing this amazing site, that God too reveals some attributes of Himself only when we are in the dark places. His character never changes but parts of Himself are disclosed only during the night-time periods of our lives. It makes me thankful, in a different way, for those difficult seasons. The seasons that make us wonder why we are asked to praise "at all times." I've been there. You probably have too. Let's be encouraged by what David wrote during one of his very difficult times in
Psalms 34:1-6"I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles."

What a reason to praise! That when this "poor" girl "called," " the LORD heard" her!
Praise HIM...at all times!

Tip

2009-03-10T08:13:00.002-04:00

I made chicken parmesan, First Place style, last night. When I came to add the provolone or the mozzarella at the end of the recipe I realized I had bought the wrong cheese. So my tip is, if you need some mozzarella...try string cheese. I used the low fat version and only used two cheese sticks for the entire recipe. It was perfect to fit on the chicken tenderloins I used!

Here is the entire recipe:
Chicken tenderloins
Olive oil-2 tsp
2 cans of tomatoes
Italian seasoning
garlic powder
parmesan cheese (I used low fat, can style)
mozzarella or provolone (here is where I used string cheese)

Heat skillet and add 2 tsp. of olive oil. Brown chicken tenderloins on both sides(approximately 2 minutes per side). While they are browning, blend with your hand blender the tomatoes right in the can. Add the seasoning to taste. Pour entire two cans, blended, of tomatoes right over chicken. Cover and cook on low for about 25 minutes. Add parmesan cheese and string cheese to melt at end. Serve over whole wheat pasta! Delicious...and it smells wonderful! An added benefit! Enjoy .

Praise Him!

Yummy Vegetable

2009-02-21T10:16:00.004-05:00

Want an EASY way to add some vegetables into your life? Try this quick prep recipe!

Slice zucchini or yellow squash into discs
Spray with some olive oil or spray butter
Sprinkle lightly with parmesan cheese (the finely grated from the can is the easiest with this recipe)
Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes on 400. Delicious!

Do you have any quick and easy ways to add healthy food into your busy day? Share them with me!

Rain on Me

2009-02-13T17:37:00.008-05:00

Each day I travel the same route on the way to work. The final jaunt on the journey takes me around quite a curve. I love that curve in the road. It makes me slow down(the speed limit is 25mph) and I get to just take those few seconds to enjoy the calm before the hurriedness of the day sweeps in. Just to the side of that bend in the road there is a small lake, probably more like a pond. The towering pines hover over the pond and there have been many mornings that we catch the sun heading up over that tree line. Ready to begin it's own busy work day. But over the last week there has been a change in scenery on my morning drive. The lake, once full with water and ducks doing their morning swim, is now down to just a muddy puddle. What was once hidden beneath the water is now visible. Stumps. Hundreds of them.

Drought does that. The sun busy at work warming and evaporating can drain a once full lake. It is what the sun does. During normal weather conditions the rain that comes balances out this work. But not now. Not when the rains are sparse. And so we are left without the shadows of trees on a glistening lake. We are left with the stubs of the past. Hints of what once was.

As I passed by the curve on my way from work this week, I was taken by that picture. What I must look like when I refuse to be refreshed with HIS living water for a time. A spiritual drought, not brought on by the climate, but by the deliberate refusal to drink. This spiritual drought can bring back to my mind pictures of dead pieces of my old self. Stuff that I know has long been forgiven, but without being nourished by HIS truth, the enemy lets me think the remains are still present. But there is one more thing in the landscape that I noticed. It is a canoe. A red canoe lying on the banks of the lake. It appears to wait with expectation for the rains. A picture of perfect hope. And the good news is that the rains have come. Both here literally in Columbia, but spiritually too. I find that as I wade in the living water once again that He covers over old wounds and makes me whole again. Jesus, He is my own picture of perfect hope.

Colossians 3:7 "You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. "

Praise HIM!

Hurry, Hurry

2009-02-05T17:52:00.009-05:00

On Sunday, we ate at a small chain restaurant here in town. We sat down and the waitress ran to us and chunked down the menus and promised to be right back. We watched her as she ran from table to table trying to keep a couple of dozen hungry patrons happy. She returned and I said "wow, you are busy!" I wanted to pray for her at our blessing time but didn't really even get the chance to ask her if there was anything specific to pray for. She had already dashed to the next family. When I left, I felt disappointed because although we did pray for her and the other three or four immensly busy workers, she was too busy to even tell her and bless her in some way. A tip on the bill hardly seemed enough. I really just felt sorry for her.

So today I worked out, took a shower, made coffee, made breakfast, ate breakfast, read my Bible study, loaded the dishwasher, swept the floor, made lunch, fed the dogs, carpooled three kids to school, went to walmart, back to work, met with a student, spoke to a class full of juniors, ate lunch with my wonderful guidance department, checked on ink I ordered, made copies, made nametags, answered students' college questions, returned phone calls, returned emails, confirmed our speakers for tomorrow's retreat one final time, checked the progress of an online survey that I sent out to parents yesterday, went to Staples, printed certificates, printed programs, reminded myself to slow down and.."breathe, breathe, breathe", labeled forty folders, checked on speakers, gathered items for tomorrow's career day retreat, headed out the door, dropped off kids from carpool, came home, sat on the couch (for 2 minutes), took Chad to the community center, went to the grocery store, left the grocery store, unpacked the groceries, folded a load of towels, put away dishes, and sat down to read home email and post here. When I write it all down it sounds just about as crazy as it feels. Busy. Busy. Busy.

So when I read back over the day, I see nothing major. Nothing back-breaking. Just a constant buzzing and flitting around. But I noticed the glaring similarities to the busy waitress' day on Sunday. Hurry, hurry. Busy, busy. Never slowing down enough to bless. Never slowing down enough to be blessed. I can't help but wonder, what am I doing this all for? And what does HE have for me that I may be missing? What person have I missed out on blessing, or being blessed by? All because I'm too busy. And I realized my own busy-ness, when looked through in a new light, was to be pitied as well. Too busy for quiet stillness with HIM is just too busy.

I confess Lord that in all the busy-ness I have failed to relish in the peace you have for me. I confess also that I have missed opportunities to speak your peace into others. I confess that I may have confused a busy day with a full day. Lord, let me be so full, that YOU and YOUR hope will spill over unto all that I come in contact with. Help make my feet fixed, if only for a few minutes, to dangle my toes in Your LIVING water. To be refreshed in and by YOU and Your presence. Thank YOU Lord!

Isaiah 58 (The Message)

Praise HIM!

Groundbreaker (Re-post)

2009-01-27T16:47:00.000-05:00

I have heard it over the last several days. The reverberations of a chain saw wielded by the strong hands of workers in my next-door neighbors yard. They are busy slicing through hard and soft wood trees readying the land for their expanded garden. These are not new trees. Some must be years old and deeply rooted in the land. All being removed to break up ground that has long been covered with roots, rocks, and the shade of the woods. But boy, they have plans for some delicious sounding summer vegetables. I can't wait to see the bountiful by-product of all this work later this year.

It reminded me of a verse in God's word that teaches us to "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you." Hosea 10:12.

I have chewed and chewed, as my dear friend Ann recommends, on this verse the past few days. What is the "unplowed ground" in my own life? As I have asked HIM the Lord has shown me much in my life that I need to "break up" in preparation for His harvest. The massive roots of unhealthy thinking and the deceit of the enemy which huddle just beneath the surface. The pebbles, rocks, and sometimes boulders of sin that crowd me and prevent HIS good fruit from growing to its fullness. And the shady areas of comfort and complacency that keep me from stepping into the fullness of His light.

So I begin to break up the ground. With His word. Replacing the enemy's lies with HIS truth. Removing the rocks of sin with THE ROCK of Ages. And stepping out of my settledness and into the adventure certain to be heated at times, but ready for an abundance of HIS fruit! I'm ready for a good tilling, planting, and a harvest with an abundance of His righteousness. Rain on me Lord!

Praise HIM!

Dwelling Place

2009-01-21T21:00:00.000-05:00

I left my house and children one evening in the care of a dear family friend. I arrived home later to a greeting of "SURPRISE!!" Surprised? Stupefied, dumbfounded, and a wee bit angry would be more like it. That sweetie friend of mine had been watching way too much HGTVand had decided to re-arrange my den furniture! This was a great miscalculation on her part. She must not have known what all the wise know... you just don't mess with a southern gal's husband, children, or her decor (probably shouldn't mess with her hair or shoes either.) This was my house and my arrangement and I was quite pleased with the way it looked, thank you very much. Let's just say as soon as the door slam....closed, I put it back the way it was supposed to be. I giggle a little now, but honestly.

So, I think the Lord must be taken aback by the way HIS home is sometimes treated. Too much junk food, too little exercise, way too much self-criticism, and a great lack of sleep are just a smattering of the things we subject these bodies to. With thoughts like "I'll eat another heaping helping of the latest item from the how to have a heart attack menu" Or I'll catch up on my rest over the weekend." Yes, I act like I own this body.

Oh, but I am reminded that it is "not my own" and furthermore, "it was bought at a price". A great price! So next time I think, "I'll eat what I want" I will think again. I will remember the great care that the LORD gave to the building of the tabernacle. Exodus 25:8-9 "Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you."

With the same care and purpose, He created me. And you. I can no longer ignore the fact that as I misuse my body in any way, I am destroying the very place HE dwells. I don't want to do that. I won't.

1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

Praise HIM!

Good Gifts

2009-01-14T20:49:00.008-05:00

We have a feather topper on our bed. It has really added a lot of comfort to that old queen sized mattress. Only the topper has seen better days. The feathers had gathered to a few corner quilted squares leaving the area that my husband and I tend to lay on FLAT. So I began talking to Chuck about a change a few days ago. (I tend to get something in my mind and proceed to talk a lot. )"We need to replace this topper."; " I think we should get a new mattress topper, don't you? ; " I really love this thing but it needs to be thrown out..it has been washed one too many times. " It was true though. There were more feathers stuck in my pjs than there were left in that topper. So tonight, I returned from Bible study and there my husband is with a giant box. Yup, a new memory foam topper. And what do I say? Thank you? NO. I said, with a quick and biting tone, " you know I don't like those memory foam things." I could tell that it was a verbal zinger that really stung. I felt horrible. I later headed up to our room, apologized and thanked him for his thoughtfulness. We put the mattress topper on and I tell you what, it is comfy! Much better than the old thing and so much better than I ever expected.

I imagine my husband is not the only one that has had a taste of my ungratefulness and sharp tone. The Lord himself has been on the receiving end of a not-so-good grumbling party in response to His good gifts. Sometimes we set our minds on how we want the Lord to respond to our requests and when He gives us better than we asked for, we turn to him and say "You know I don't want that." Maybe we do it when we are on the precipice of a bad decision and He provides a way out. (1 Cor. 10:13) Perhaps it occurs when we are busy sulking in our self loathing over our latest sin, even as He stretches out His arms and offers forgiveness. I know one thing, I don't want to put the look of pain and rejection that I saw in my husband's face tonight on anyone. Especially not on the ONE who always has my best in mind. And you know what, you can bet that ANYTHING He gives will be much better, so much better than we can ever imagine!

Matthew 7:11 "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

Praise HIM!

Moving Forward

2009-01-04T22:52:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year! It is hard to believe that 2008 is behind us and we are now into our first week of 2009. I am always excited to start fresh! Aren't you!

I heard a comment today by a bible study leader at our church. He talked about Moses and his talk with God in the burning bush. (Exodus) He pointed out how many excuses Moses made in trying not to accept God's call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He was, of course, enjoying a nice life helping his father in law. Nothing bad about the work he was doing. Good actually. But, and this is the thing that hit me, good can become "the enemy of God's BEST." (Bryan Beyer) Wow!

Now I don't know about you but I had a pretty "good" 2008. Not great, but pretty good. But has my "pretty good" kept me too complacent to step into "God's BEST"....the promised land that He has in store? It is all part of trusting HIM. Trusting Him with my health. Trusting Him with my pursuits. Trusting HIM because my good will never compare to HIS best.

Our First Place(www.firstplace4health.com ) session here in SC this winter is called Moving Forward. I love that God doesn't make us go back to where we were and I love that He doesn't leave us where we are. What a God we serve, one who invites us to move forward with HIM to the land of the very best.

Praise HIM!

6:59pm

2008-11-04T18:59:00.006-05:00

The polls are just beginning to close in some of the east coast states. Northerners, southerners, young and old, the entire melting pot we call America, waits to see who will lead us. Who will be President? Who will win congressional seats? Will my taxes go up or down? Will more people find jobs or lose them? Will the economy rebound or falter further? So many questions.

I don't know who will win. And I certainly don't know what kind of changes to expect in America after the election. I don't know a lot of things.

But this I DO know:
I know that I love and serve a God who never changes. Who is the "same yesterday and today and forever" (Heb. 13:8)
I know that my GOD can carry the weight of my worries and my government, for as Isaiah 9:6 says, the "government will be on his shoulders."
And I know that instead of worrying about all the questions, or even the answers, that I should look to His Word for truth and for comfort. Phil 4:6 says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

So I petition to our GOD to hear our prayers.
Lord, I thank you for your strength in times of uncertainty. I thank you for your leadership in our lives. Help the change, that we so desire, to begin in our own hearts, in our own families. Use our new leaders in America for YOUR glory! Help me Lord to be a good citizen of the United States and most especially, a good citizen of your kingdom. For we know Lord, that one day "every knee will bow" to YOU! Father, I praise your HOLY NAME!

Habits

2008-10-24T17:00:00.011-04:00

It is a cold and rainy Friday afternoon! The wind is blowing and the leaves are falling almost as quickly as the raindrops. So, what is your normal reaction to that kind of day? Put on the old, tattered robe and curl up under a warm blanket? Fix a pot of soup? Pull out a good book? I would answer all of these! As a matter of fact, I love an occasional chilly, wet fall afternoon to have an excuse to hunker down and snuggle up!

When the storms roll in, there is something protective and comforting about returning to old habits. The danger here is that sometimes those old habits are not necessarily healthy habits. Sometimes they are, in fact, downright destructive. Like answering an emotional afternoon by returning to the pantry...seven times. Or cleaning out the freezer, and by cleaning I don't mean scrubbing. Or by extending the warm time under the blanket way past the rainy day.

It is why formulating these new healthy habits are so important. Drinking adequate amounts of water. Tracking our First Place week. Eating a diet full of God's great foods, varied and delicious. We must prepare! The storms will come in a myriad of ways. Let's get ready by ingraining these healthy choices into our lifestyle. So that they become our "old habits" that we return too!

Proverbs 3:5-8 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. "

Praise HIM!

Trust!

2008-10-06T21:34:00.004-04:00

See that picture? That is my then 19 year old, sweet little daughter climbing 160 feet up Red Rock just outside Las Vegas, Nevada. She and my husband took a little trip out west last March and spent a day learning this new sport. According to my dear ones, it is quite a difficult yet exciting adventure. Acrophobics need not apply.

They were blessed with a wonderfully skilled and seasoned climber as their instructor. They both donned special climbing shoes, a climbing harness complete with a belay loop, a carabiner(which looks like a keychain to me) and a helmet. After instruction time, they each began their ascent. Molly made two climbs and fell in love with the sport. My husband was satisfied with one attempt.

Now here is the interesting part. When you descend, you must put your hands at your side, and just sort of bounce back down using your feet only. The belayer below holds the rope. Talk about trust. Your life is literally in the skilled hands of the instructor below. Try taking back control of the return to ground , like my husband said he did, and you will find your moving shins introducing themselves to mr. solid rock wall, making life much more difficult. My husband made it down safely, but not without scrapes, bumps, and bruises on those legs of his. I admit, I would have been just like Chuck. Holding onto the rope for dear life. I do not know many who would relish letting go of the the life-line holding you 160 feet above ground. Surrendering both life and limb into the hands of an instructor who you met only hours earlier?

Obedience and trust. Huge issues in rock climbing. They mean the difference between a smooth return to ground and a bumpy ride down. Unharmed shins or bruised ones. Huge issues in Christ following too. Obedience. Deferring to the expert. Following the instructions. Submitting to another's will. And Trust. Placing yourself into the hands of THE skilled Expert.

Praise HIM!

Psalm 9:10 :" Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."

Tell Him!

2008-10-02T21:27:00.008-04:00

Today was a beautiful day! The air was crisp and cool and the sun was shining so brightly. It was the kind of day that you let your car windows down and you just enjoy the breeze.

That is exactly what I was doing this afternoon, when along comes this adorable boy walking with his Dad. He was actually bouncing along, with his end-of-the-day, boyishly sweaty, brown hair and a big toothless smile. You could tell by that bounce in his step he was excited about something. His dad's car was parked next to my own so I overheard some of the conversation. The dad was busy loading up the jeep with the goods from Walmart. His son was holding what appeared to be a special purchase. This fellow looked about 7 years old and apparently had had a good math lesson today. He looked down at his purchase and read, "Dad, this has a one-seven-O on it. Dad, did you know that if you take away the zero you have 17?" He chattered on, "and if you add 3 to the 17 you get 14?" ( I am guessing he meant take away, not add.) Then as he was climbing in the car he said, "and Dad, did you know if you can't get the difference, you re-group?" Then the door to the jeep shut, and the excited youngster's conversation with his dad disappeared.

I keep thinking about that conversation. It was late afternoon. The end of probably a long day at school and work. But there they were. Dad listening quietly. Son voicing every lesson that he learned during the day...and with an almost ecstatic voice. This boy truly wanted his dad to know everything he knew. He wanted his dad to understand that this had been a momentous day, at least as far as math goes. You could tell this little guy just wanted to share, with his dad, the great joy that learning that math had brought him.

It made me sit quietly in that breeze I had been reveling in all day. And I wanted to tell DAD, my heavenly DAD, all about the joy that cool, crisp, sunny day had brought me! Praise Him!

Psalm 105:1,2
"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts."

Seeking first

2008-09-22T17:28:00.008-04:00

Have you ever gone looking for something, and on the way discovered a forgotten treasure? I set out recently to find a jounal to recall some of the ways the Lord had worked in my life. As I dug through my crowded drawers, seeking that old journal, I came across a letter that my mom had written me. My heart jumped as her familiar handwriting peeked through the stack of papers I was rummaging through. It was as if she was speaking to me again. I sat quietly and just stared at my name on the envelope. I read the short note and then finished by treasuring the closing."Love, Mommy", it said. A few precious moments spent re-reading a note sent many years ago. The note wasn't what I set out to find, but indeed it was an added blessing along the way.

Matthew 6:33 says "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Keep seeking Him first! You never know what he may add along the way! I learned that again!

Praise HIM!

Bad News, Good News

2008-05-26T19:44:00.011-04:00

Soaring gas prices, declining property values, and messages of fear and dread are filling the world. I must admit, I too have succumbed to the nagging thought that life as we know it may soon disappear. I don't like that feeling. And so I remember. I remember my God.

I remember that God is my Deliverer. He is the "ever present help in trouble" (Ps.46:1). I remember that His faithfulness assuages the hangover of alarm left by the nightly news. "He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD."(Ps.112: 7) I remember that when these disturbing feelings of anxiety envelope me that I have a Savior who calls me to Himself, calls me to bring my burdens to Him. Phil 4:6-7"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. "

Yes, even though American Airlines has announced they will begin charging for each piece of luggage you check, we have ONE that has promised to carry all our baggage. The price to us: FREE. So when the world seems to be falling apart, and worry seems to be your constant companion,stand on the ONE who is not falling apart. Stand on the truth of HIS Word. No matter how you feel.

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Praise HIM!

Cry Out

2008-05-12T21:27:00.004-04:00

I know that some of you reading this are going through "stuff". I know that it isn't fun. It isn't nice. It isn't good. I have been thinking alot about you today. I have called out to HIM with you. For you.

It hardly seems right to tell HIM some of the "stuff" of our lives. Even though He knows it all already, it still tears at our core to hear ourselves utter the wrongs we have done. Utter the pain we are in. Utter the despair that we feel. Rebellious wrongs. Unimaginable pain. Abysmal despair. This perfect God surely doesn't want to hear it all....again. Does HE?

I don't pretend to understand it all. But I trust HIM. He says to call out. To cry out. Over and over throughout His word we see it. Those lost, wandering, rebellious, hurting, shoulda-learned-the-first-time people found themselves in messes. The Israelites, Samson, the Israelites, Jonah, the Israelites, David, well you get the picture, they cried out to God. And not just once. Many times. And guess what? He heard them. He rescued them. He had mercy on them. He had compassion on them.

I love the way the Message describes God. In Nehemiah 9:26-31 God, Our God, is described as the God of "bottomless compassion". So think this black hole of pain, suffering, or sin is your eternal abyss? Not with Christ. Because His mercy trumps our failings every time. His peace is the soothing balm for our pain. And His "bottomless compassion" goes deeper than any despair. Cry out to HIM. Maybe for the first time. Maybe for the millionth. He will hear you.

It is just who HE is. And He is who HE is no matter who we are. That is the simple truth of it all. No matter what dilemma we face. No matter what sin we have committed. No matter what unknown future awaits us. No matter what. HE IS. HE will always be. Rest on that friend.

Praise HIM!

Adopted

2008-04-26T17:54:00.000-04:00

The unknown womb. The place the Lord decided to "knit me together". The place I was "fearfully and wonderfully made". Yet, though my bones were formed, my limbs grew, and my body was nourished by an unknown woman, HE knew. He knew exactly whose womb He chose to have me grow in. And after I was born, He knew exactly where I would continue to grow. You see I was adopted. Until I was four months old, I was a child without parents, living in foster care. Abandoned by a mother who I assume could not take care of me. But there were parents who were waiting and praying for me to be their own. Parents He chose.

I will tell you what my parents told me when I was a little girl. Actually,they told me all of my life, how much they wanted me. "Of all the babies in the world", they said, they chose me. In my own mind, as a young child, I imagined that my parents walked along a long corridor with all the young babies lined up in bassinets behind a large picture glass window. I could just imagine them walking slowly along, just a few steps at a time, until they spotted just the right baby. Then they stopped, pressing their faces up to the glass to get a closer look. They pointed me out to a masked angel, disguised as a nurse, who brought me over to the window as they shook their heads yes, yes, that's the one! That's the baby girl we came for!

Isn't that just what Christ did for us all. When the world says we are abandoned, orphaned, or destined for nothing, Christ Jesus,with outstretched wounded arms, peers down from the cross. I can almost see HIM scanning the faces of the crowd. Looking, looking until His eyes rest on you. Or me. Can't you just imagine the moment. When no more are you abandoned, or lost. Because He calls to you....Yes, yes, that's the one! That is the child I came for!

Praise HIM!

Ps. 139

Please pray

2008-04-19T22:47:00.002-04:00

Mike Starnes, who many of you prayed for, passed away on Thursday afternoon. Please pray for his family. Thank you.

The Oreo

2008-04-13T16:52:00.015-04:00

A friend came into the room I was sitting in this morning. Totally out of breath. I was almost afraid for her. She told me in sentences, broken with deep breaths, that she had just climbed a flight of stairs to try and get to church on time.

I was there just one short year ago. Explaining to others why my conversations were stilted. Why I couldn't walk up the stairs any more quickly. Why I couldn't play basketball with my son. It is amazing what extra weight does to our bodies. It is amazing that it took me so long to do something about it.

But here I am, one year later. Although this weight loss journey is FAR from over, I am closer than I could have imagined 13 months ago. Sometimes all it takes is to take the first step to health. The first day of healthy eating. The first moment of surrender.

Just over one year ago, I surrendered "oreo" cookies. Not that there is anything inherently wrong with those delicious creme filled chocolate cookies. But they were representative to me of all that was wrong with my diet. I tell you this, and you can laugh if you want, but in my spirit I heard the need to lay them on the altar. So I got off of the couch, where I had planted myself along with the cookies and milk, and physically put the package on the fireplace...the closest thing to anything resembling an altar in my home. I knelt before the Lord and surrendered to HIM. I couldn't do it my way any longer. And as my friend Lauren at Faith Fuel http://championyourdreams.blogspot.com/ writes: "He takes the white flag of surrender out of your hand, and in replacement,He puts His own Hand in yours. " What a beautiful picture!

Waving the white flag is not a sign of defeat to HIM, it is a request for victory. Victory in HIM. It is a sign of our hope in HIM. And in that hope, we are promised renewed strength.(Is.40:31) Please know that surrender, for me, is not a one-time event. It is part of my daily walk with HIM. I guarantee you that everytime I attempt to do this weight loss dance without HIM, I end up with egg (or is that ice cream) on my face and extra pounds in my pockets. But with our GOD, we can begin again. And I do.

Oh, I am so very thankful for HIS invitation to surrender. Grateful that His invitation is open to all. For I have learned that I am a winner when I walk in Christ's victory. And in HIS victory I am a loser....of pounds that is! Thank you Jesus! Praise HIM!

Please read the prayer request post below this post. Thank you!

Is 40:31: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Please pray

2008-04-08T20:38:00.003-04:00

Please pray with me for this wonderful family. Visit their website where you will find their story.www.thelatestonmike.blogspot.com. Mike is our athletic director at the high school where I work. His wife, Diane is the daughter of a dear family in our church. I know you have seen GOD work HIS mighty hand in many ways. We are asking HIM to comfort, strengthen, and heal. What a God who hears our prayers! Praise HIM!

Pretty?

2008-04-04T16:28:00.002-04:00

I saw a portion of an interview with Sylvester Stallone recently. Have you ever watched the original Rocky movie? I love the now famous scene as Rocky stands triumphantly raising his arms at the top of the stairs. Those Philadelphia stairs represent the epitome of Rocky's successful finish to his training. Running up them to the song, Gonna Fly Now. Can't you just see and hear it right now! Arms extended upward as he stood at the top. Looking over the city. Knowing that he was ready. This was a man waiting to be crowned boxing champion!

Contrast that to our Savior's finish. Dragged through the city. Beaten repeatedly. Derided. Nailed. Can you see it and hear it right now?Arms extended outward. Hanging from a cross at the top of Golgotha. Looking over the faces outside Jerusalem. Knowing that He was ready. This was a man/Savior ready to be crowned. "It is finished".

Living in obedience does not always have a pretty finish. Our work is not always tied up in 2 hours of reel with beautiful music playing in the backround. Sometimes it is hard. And dirty. And difficult. Like feeding the children amongst the refuse of years of yesterdays in faraway lands. Or working in the pits of medical facilties to make sure that the forgotten are fed and bathed. Or searching endlessly for a home for a weeping unwed mother whose family has abandoned her.

It doesn't appear so picture perfect. But HE did it. And He calls us to it too. Want to be His followers? Then expect to get a little dirty. It may not be pretty but it is the most beautiful thing you will ever do! And the rewards? They are eternal!

Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

This I know

2008-03-24T16:28:00.000-04:00

"Jesus loves me, this I know..... ". I had the pure and utter delight of listening to, and singing with, a group of 7 toddlers in Sunday school recently. And you know, when toddlers sing, they really SING. Raise the roof loud kind of singing. I wish that every one of you reading this could have been there. Loved it!

It is one of those moments to hang onto. The moment to remember when life doesn't sing. Like when the new sheet doesn't fit the mattress. Or when the spaghetti sauce adorns your new spring shirt. Or when your best laid plans are interrupted. Little things or big things. Whether it is a blip on the screen of your day or a life altering event, unexpected, unplanned, and even dreaded things happen in our lives.

There are not many things in this world that we can count on to be fitting, true, or lifelong. But this one thing I KNOW: Jesus loves me. And He loves you too!Isn't it wonderful to have that kind of surety. Isn't it wonderful to hear the voices of young children remind you of this truth! The God we serve, we can count on! Forever!

Exodus 6:7 "I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians."

1 John 3:16 "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. ..."

Praise HIM!

2008-03-23T17:10:00.001-04:00

HE is risen!