Recently I began substituting in a local school district. Initially I was apprehensive since the closest I came to teaching kids was teaching pre-school children at church. I made an attempt at subbing in the high schools and quickly found that was not my niche.
Elementary is where its at for me. I have taught at three schools that I really like. Each of these schools has at least one pregnant teacher. Two of the schools contacted me and asked if I was interested in a "long term" subbing position. Long term just means a six week run until the teacher returns from maternity leave. Washington Elementary* asked me back in October and I committed to fill the spot. I was told it would be sometime in February.
I since forgot about it and another school, Lincoln Elementary* contacted me about filling a long term spot beginning Jan 7, 2013. I said I would do it. On January 7th, after the Christmas holidays I reported to the school. I was told however that the teacher had not had the baby. The front desk assistant stated "she was supposed to have the baby today!" The teacher however had reported to work since she had not had the baby and no one really knew when it would be born. Having no position there, I proceeded to another school.
Two weeks passed with no word of a baby. In the meantime, Washington Elementary contacted me and told me they would need me on February 14th and I told them I would be there. The next day, I got a call from Lincoln Elementary and you can guess what I heard..."She had the baby and we need you today!"
Today was not a problem...six weeks however was. I explained to the assistant that I had just committed to a six week assignment at the other school. She stated "but our teacher has already had the baby and we need you, you don't know when the other teacher will have her baby." [Do not get me wrong, it's not that I'm that good or special. Each of these schools has to have a bi-lingual teacher and they are hard to find.]
The problem was that no one knew when either baby was going to be born. Oh yes, we get "due dates" but what does that really mean.....it means get ready! Bags are packed, hospital suites are in order, the overnight bag is by the bed and then we wait. No one knows!
In an attempt to help with the delima, I committed to teaching at Lincoln until the Washington teacher has her baby sometime in February. I will teach until I get the phone call telling me "she had the baby." That could be days or weeks after the due date.
There have been many claims regarding when Christ will return. Some claim to know the date...those dates have come and gone. Some claim to know the year, they too have come and gone...others use stars, calendars, events and other such things to determine when He will return. The fact is no one knows when that will be.
The issue is not when He will return but will you be ready? When the time comes for a child to be born, it does not look at the circumstances, it does not care if you are in the theatre or a mall, it does not matter if it is the middle of the night, when the time is right, that baby's coming but we do not sit up at night and wait for it's arrival. Why? Because no one knows when it will come.
God had given us a charge to grow his kingdom. We are to be the light to this dark world. He is not willing that any should perish. There is no calendar that hints, insinuates or accurately determines when He will return. Are you doing your part or are you going to be found unprepared? The point is, He will return ....no one knows when.
Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Matthew 24:42-44
*School names have been changed for the purpose of this blog.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
A New Term
This past November we voted again for the position of President. Would the incumbent win or would another take the reins...the battle was fierce. My son's school also voted in new leaders. Out with the graduates and in with the new seniors. What an honor to be voted in to a position. You have the priviledge to lead. Leading in such a way puts quite a scope on you.
Every detail of your private life is out in the open. I recall one of our president's daughters caught "sticking her tongue out" at a photographer as he clicked away. So much to be said about serving in such a public position.
There were positions in the time of Jesus as well. There was no campaigning, no soliciting, no public speeches just Jesus saying Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men. Mark 4:19 That was all that was required just "Jesus called them."
Their term started when they followed Christ. Unfortunately like today, not everyone was loyal to Him. There was a bit of a "self serving, what's in it for me attitude " in the group. Judas seemed to have a different plan.
Then one of the twelve called Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and asked "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on, Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Matthew 26: 14-16
Judas proceeds to betray Christ and hand him over however, the thirty silver coins do not bring the contment he expected. Instead, it leads to his demise and the chosen twelve are left one short. What do you do about the void? How do the chosen twelve remain the twelve disciples?
It took me a while to realize that Judas was replaced. How did they do that? Jesus was now gone, would they take a vote? Would there be requirements like age, status in the community, follower of Christ? Worse than that, how would you like to be appointed to succeed Judas Iscariot? He had a name, his name was Matthias but imagine, being addressed as " the guy that replaced Judas."
There was no vote....there was no favorite....there was no unanimous decision either. There was prayer. Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs. Acts 1:24
What a concept....prayer. So when the time comes, whether it's for our country, state, city, community, school or anything else and we need a new leader, we begin a new term, let's begin with prayer.
They all joined together constantly in prayer along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Acts 1:14
Read the full story of the man who replaced Judas in Acts 1:12-26
Every detail of your private life is out in the open. I recall one of our president's daughters caught "sticking her tongue out" at a photographer as he clicked away. So much to be said about serving in such a public position.
There were positions in the time of Jesus as well. There was no campaigning, no soliciting, no public speeches just Jesus saying Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men. Mark 4:19 That was all that was required just "Jesus called them."
Their term started when they followed Christ. Unfortunately like today, not everyone was loyal to Him. There was a bit of a "self serving, what's in it for me attitude " in the group. Judas seemed to have a different plan.
Then one of the twelve called Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and asked "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on, Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Matthew 26: 14-16
Judas proceeds to betray Christ and hand him over however, the thirty silver coins do not bring the contment he expected. Instead, it leads to his demise and the chosen twelve are left one short. What do you do about the void? How do the chosen twelve remain the twelve disciples?
It took me a while to realize that Judas was replaced. How did they do that? Jesus was now gone, would they take a vote? Would there be requirements like age, status in the community, follower of Christ? Worse than that, how would you like to be appointed to succeed Judas Iscariot? He had a name, his name was Matthias but imagine, being addressed as " the guy that replaced Judas."
There was no vote....there was no favorite....there was no unanimous decision either. There was prayer. Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs. Acts 1:24
What a concept....prayer. So when the time comes, whether it's for our country, state, city, community, school or anything else and we need a new leader, we begin a new term, let's begin with prayer.
They all joined together constantly in prayer along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Acts 1:14
Read the full story of the man who replaced Judas in Acts 1:12-26
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Give it back
I can honestly say that yesterday was a horrible day. At least the morning was! I am a planner. I don't like last minute changes, surprises, or anything that is going to put a kink in my schedule. I plan out things out to the minute, although often I might leave padding for unexpected delays. Yesterday was not one of those days. Every minute was accounted for.
My husband has been sick and that in itself can cause a delay. Not because it's my husband but because if any of us is sick, we are not at our best and may be sluggish. We had a goal of having everything completed by noon because we had to be somewhere. Unfortunately, we had different expectations of who was doing what. I knew we had to get my father-in-law's medication to him from the pharmacy and I thought my husband would do it. He thought the better one to do it would be me since I was not sick and a threat to my father-in-law's health.
He said "You go get the meds, I'll go wash the truck." "Wash the truck???" So off I went. I also brought a movie that we rented but I had to go to another pharmacy to return it. What was the possibility of having a rental box where his meds were...slim. I get the meds and as I am leaving I see it....the rental return! Ah ha! I go to the car, retrieve the movie, run back inside, attempt the return and the machine won't take it. Ugh. Crazy machine!. I assume I can't return it here because I didn't rent it here. I take it back, open the case and you guessed it...empty! Ugh again!
I head to my father-in-law's house already in a not so content mood because of the movie, and decide to take the "easy" route right off the main road into the side streets. Oh my goodness...I truly am an intelligent woman but I got so turned around, I wound up on the opposite side of his house by the freeway. So in that journey down the back streets by the golf course is when it happened...I got into a fight!
If you know anything about me you know I don't lose many fights. But this one gave me a run for my money. It began with yelling. I yelled because I was being laughed at...."how dare you laugh at me because I'm lost and discouraged!" He threw the first punch and I doubled back and bam....I hit where it hurts. I began with John 8:44 There is no truth in you...you are a liar. Then I struck with John 10:10 You have only come to kill steal and destroy! I followed up with Psalm 51:10 Father return to me the joy of your salvation. "You can't have my joy-Give it back!"
I thought of my friend Lorraine Hill who wrote the book Reclaiming your Joy and tried to gather everything I could about how I could win this fight. I was grasping for every ounce of information I could recall on joy. I remembered one of our pastors saying "Your joy should not be connected to your circumstances, it should be connected to your relationship with Christ."
I also thought of a friend who said when the praises go up, the enemy can't stand it! So, I turned up my radio and they were playing old familiar hymns...the ones I grew up with. It looked like I was winning the fight and the enemy was going to have to go away with his tail tucked. Joy at last, not because my circumstances had changed but because of my relationship with Christ.
I get to my father-in-law's house thinking "I'm good, we will make the noon deadline after all" I get his meds in order, I'm set to go when he says "I need to go to the bank before you leave." Gulp! I smile and say-"Let's go pawpaw" after all, the battle's already won.
The enemy tried to take my joy but God said "Give it back!"
We will all have to fight this sort of battle at one time or another. That is why it is so important to have ammunition to go into battle. That ammunition comes from the word of God and if we don't have a Bible handy, it is important to have that word in our heart.
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:10-11
Reclaiming Your Joy by Lorraine Hill
Captivated by God Ministries 2013
My husband has been sick and that in itself can cause a delay. Not because it's my husband but because if any of us is sick, we are not at our best and may be sluggish. We had a goal of having everything completed by noon because we had to be somewhere. Unfortunately, we had different expectations of who was doing what. I knew we had to get my father-in-law's medication to him from the pharmacy and I thought my husband would do it. He thought the better one to do it would be me since I was not sick and a threat to my father-in-law's health.
He said "You go get the meds, I'll go wash the truck." "Wash the truck???" So off I went. I also brought a movie that we rented but I had to go to another pharmacy to return it. What was the possibility of having a rental box where his meds were...slim. I get the meds and as I am leaving I see it....the rental return! Ah ha! I go to the car, retrieve the movie, run back inside, attempt the return and the machine won't take it. Ugh. Crazy machine!. I assume I can't return it here because I didn't rent it here. I take it back, open the case and you guessed it...empty! Ugh again!
I head to my father-in-law's house already in a not so content mood because of the movie, and decide to take the "easy" route right off the main road into the side streets. Oh my goodness...I truly am an intelligent woman but I got so turned around, I wound up on the opposite side of his house by the freeway. So in that journey down the back streets by the golf course is when it happened...I got into a fight!
If you know anything about me you know I don't lose many fights. But this one gave me a run for my money. It began with yelling. I yelled because I was being laughed at...."how dare you laugh at me because I'm lost and discouraged!" He threw the first punch and I doubled back and bam....I hit where it hurts. I began with John 8:44 There is no truth in you...you are a liar. Then I struck with John 10:10 You have only come to kill steal and destroy! I followed up with Psalm 51:10 Father return to me the joy of your salvation. "You can't have my joy-Give it back!"
I thought of my friend Lorraine Hill who wrote the book Reclaiming your Joy and tried to gather everything I could about how I could win this fight. I was grasping for every ounce of information I could recall on joy. I remembered one of our pastors saying "Your joy should not be connected to your circumstances, it should be connected to your relationship with Christ."
I also thought of a friend who said when the praises go up, the enemy can't stand it! So, I turned up my radio and they were playing old familiar hymns...the ones I grew up with. It looked like I was winning the fight and the enemy was going to have to go away with his tail tucked. Joy at last, not because my circumstances had changed but because of my relationship with Christ.
I get to my father-in-law's house thinking "I'm good, we will make the noon deadline after all" I get his meds in order, I'm set to go when he says "I need to go to the bank before you leave." Gulp! I smile and say-"Let's go pawpaw" after all, the battle's already won.
The enemy tried to take my joy but God said "Give it back!"
We will all have to fight this sort of battle at one time or another. That is why it is so important to have ammunition to go into battle. That ammunition comes from the word of God and if we don't have a Bible handy, it is important to have that word in our heart.
I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:10-11
Reclaiming Your Joy by Lorraine Hill
Captivated by God Ministries 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Not now Lord...
My husband has been sick for a few days now. It began with my sister, then my brother-in-law, them my mom. Finally, my husband got it. I fought it for days. Last week I recall the sneezing, and all that goes with it. I remember saying "No Lord, please....I can't get sick before the big run. After the run, then I have time to get sick."
Of course as you know, I ran in forty degree weather with a steady rain. I have been puney for days but this morning, after my devotion, I broke into what seemed to be a ten minute sneeze. Well, you know what I said....same story different verse "No Lord, please....I just got an extended assignment and I can't afford to get sick." The reality is that none of us can affort to get sick and there's really never a "good time." It's not something we can plan.
Why did I do that? Why did I want to make a deal with God? You do this for me and....and what?
What could I possibly give him in return because the "deal" was a selfish deal. You do this for me so I can still run-or you do this for me so I can work and not let somebody down.
What about letting God down? There didn't seem to be any concern about that in my request. God is not one to make deals with. Didn't I just talk about "denying self/selfishness" two days ago? It got me to thinking which led to the point of today's message.
How many are telling God "not now"? How many are putting off their salvation or a walk with Christ because they can't afford to do it right now? There's too much to plan for, too much to do, too many friends to please, too much life to live or maybe...to big a sacrifice.
Unfortunately friend, if you don't have Christ in your heart, you are not living. There is no "making deals" it's all or nothing. My request will cost me nothing if I lose except maybe a bad case of bronchitis. To those however, that say "No Lord..." it will cost and eternity.
Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. Hebrews 4:7
I have a friend that tomorrow will be driving her child off to college. That is a day that few of us look forward to, a day that will eventually come for all of us. I feel fairly sure that my friend is approaching this day with apprehension. Not because she isn't secure in the way they have brought up their daughter but because it is an issue of the heart. I suppose my friend would want to say "Not now Lord" about having to drop her off and to her I say: Tracy, you and Mark have "done good." You have raised a beautiful, godly young woman. Our prayers are with you for a safe trip and a safe return as God leads your daughter on to her new venture in life. Hugs!
Of course as you know, I ran in forty degree weather with a steady rain. I have been puney for days but this morning, after my devotion, I broke into what seemed to be a ten minute sneeze. Well, you know what I said....same story different verse "No Lord, please....I just got an extended assignment and I can't afford to get sick." The reality is that none of us can affort to get sick and there's really never a "good time." It's not something we can plan.
Why did I do that? Why did I want to make a deal with God? You do this for me and....and what?
What could I possibly give him in return because the "deal" was a selfish deal. You do this for me so I can still run-or you do this for me so I can work and not let somebody down.
What about letting God down? There didn't seem to be any concern about that in my request. God is not one to make deals with. Didn't I just talk about "denying self/selfishness" two days ago? It got me to thinking which led to the point of today's message.
How many are telling God "not now"? How many are putting off their salvation or a walk with Christ because they can't afford to do it right now? There's too much to plan for, too much to do, too many friends to please, too much life to live or maybe...to big a sacrifice.
Unfortunately friend, if you don't have Christ in your heart, you are not living. There is no "making deals" it's all or nothing. My request will cost me nothing if I lose except maybe a bad case of bronchitis. To those however, that say "No Lord..." it will cost and eternity.
Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts. Hebrews 4:7
I have a friend that tomorrow will be driving her child off to college. That is a day that few of us look forward to, a day that will eventually come for all of us. I feel fairly sure that my friend is approaching this day with apprehension. Not because she isn't secure in the way they have brought up their daughter but because it is an issue of the heart. I suppose my friend would want to say "Not now Lord" about having to drop her off and to her I say: Tracy, you and Mark have "done good." You have raised a beautiful, godly young woman. Our prayers are with you for a safe trip and a safe return as God leads your daughter on to her new venture in life. Hugs!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Living the lie...
Well the truth is out, or at least the story is. Two prominent athletes are in the spotlight once again addressing issues in their life that have become major stories. If you were looking for either story you might look under references like: telling the truth, living a lie, reality, what does he know, Tour de France winner, Notre Dame to NFL, or even how long can this go on.
Why do we "cover-up" things in our lives? I would venture to guess that like these two, we want to spare ourselves the shame, perhaps we don't want to give up accolades or sympathy gained on the road paved with that lie, or perhaps the worst...maybe they believe the lie.
What I do know is that when we choose to feed the lie, it grows. Sometimes it grows to a never-ending strength that envelopes your life to the point that you belive it or it suffocates you. That seems to be the case here. Could it be that a major loss in their life caused them to search for attention and affirmation? Perhaps an individual in thier life is gone and has left them hollow? [In one case in the above one had no father figure the other recently lost his grandmother.] I don't know the answer to that question.
What I do know is that I have experienced both the lie and feeling hollow first hand and I did not understand it then, and still do not understand. I am grateful I still have my entire family in tact however, I do know the depth of loss and the feeling of emptiness and grief and I can say that it is at times unbearable. I also know the height of success and the feeling of accomplishment. I didn't get the accolades, awards or attention these guys received but in the end, the lies overshadowed the attention. Perhaps that was a reason to keep the lie going to feed that need.
Each of them would have been remembered for their accomplishments, I mean really...breaking all kind of records in their sports. You don't just become a Heisman trophy candidate without gaining some attention on the field first and people don't know who you are or about your sport unless you prove yourself on your bike first.
The sad part of living a lie is that it eventually has to die. In order for that to happen, you must come clean. I have yet to see someone "come clean" from a lie with their head held high. Oh yes, that may be what you see behind the camera but that is long after the head has fallen to shame and probably tears of sorrow.
I find it interesting...that word lie. When I discovered the lie, in my own life, my primary position was one of "lying" in the presence of my Lord. Some would call it "on my face." Interesting that the lie that brings you "temporary fame" would cause you to have to lie before the Lord. That is not a position of shame, it is a position of humility before God, the God that has the power to forgive. Regardless of the attention, public opinion, finger pointing, God is almighty with the power to forgive and restore.
So when the lie is exposed and you rise up from asking God for forgiveness, we move on. Oh there will be a time of battle, attack, criticism and much more but we walk through it. This is not the first time man has lied or has been exposed in a lie; that begin in the first book of the Bible, yet history continues to repeat itself daily. Please hear me, I am not insinuating that I am without fault. Many times it appears easier to tell/live a lie than to confess and many of us are guilty.
So to those who might ask "What's left...after the lie?" My response to that is "What is left is a new beginning." We can not erase what took place or the stories already written or reported, but we can change the future. A future that begins with forgiveness and grace. Rather than living the lie [untruth] I pledge to live the lie [lying in the presence of the Lord.] That is my prayer.
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...Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalms 33:4-5 & 11-14
Why do we "cover-up" things in our lives? I would venture to guess that like these two, we want to spare ourselves the shame, perhaps we don't want to give up accolades or sympathy gained on the road paved with that lie, or perhaps the worst...maybe they believe the lie.
What I do know is that when we choose to feed the lie, it grows. Sometimes it grows to a never-ending strength that envelopes your life to the point that you belive it or it suffocates you. That seems to be the case here. Could it be that a major loss in their life caused them to search for attention and affirmation? Perhaps an individual in thier life is gone and has left them hollow? [In one case in the above one had no father figure the other recently lost his grandmother.] I don't know the answer to that question.
What I do know is that I have experienced both the lie and feeling hollow first hand and I did not understand it then, and still do not understand. I am grateful I still have my entire family in tact however, I do know the depth of loss and the feeling of emptiness and grief and I can say that it is at times unbearable. I also know the height of success and the feeling of accomplishment. I didn't get the accolades, awards or attention these guys received but in the end, the lies overshadowed the attention. Perhaps that was a reason to keep the lie going to feed that need.
Each of them would have been remembered for their accomplishments, I mean really...breaking all kind of records in their sports. You don't just become a Heisman trophy candidate without gaining some attention on the field first and people don't know who you are or about your sport unless you prove yourself on your bike first.
The sad part of living a lie is that it eventually has to die. In order for that to happen, you must come clean. I have yet to see someone "come clean" from a lie with their head held high. Oh yes, that may be what you see behind the camera but that is long after the head has fallen to shame and probably tears of sorrow.
I find it interesting...that word lie. When I discovered the lie, in my own life, my primary position was one of "lying" in the presence of my Lord. Some would call it "on my face." Interesting that the lie that brings you "temporary fame" would cause you to have to lie before the Lord. That is not a position of shame, it is a position of humility before God, the God that has the power to forgive. Regardless of the attention, public opinion, finger pointing, God is almighty with the power to forgive and restore.
So when the lie is exposed and you rise up from asking God for forgiveness, we move on. Oh there will be a time of battle, attack, criticism and much more but we walk through it. This is not the first time man has lied or has been exposed in a lie; that begin in the first book of the Bible, yet history continues to repeat itself daily. Please hear me, I am not insinuating that I am without fault. Many times it appears easier to tell/live a lie than to confess and many of us are guilty.
So to those who might ask "What's left...after the lie?" My response to that is "What is left is a new beginning." We can not erase what took place or the stories already written or reported, but we can change the future. A future that begins with forgiveness and grace. Rather than living the lie [untruth] I pledge to live the lie [lying in the presence of the Lord.] That is my prayer.
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...Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalms 33:4-5 & 11-14
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
You must stop!
Well, it's all said and done. I have a sweet medal to show for it. I crossed the finish line of the half marathon and life was good. In fact, all of us that started together finished! I'm not going to tell you it was easy....although I feel like it could have been.
As you have read in this journey, I had some tough challenges. The most lingering is my ankle injury. It is bothersome because I'm a big shoe person. Now I understand my devotions on "do nothing out of selfish gain." I certanily can deal with that aspect of it. What I can't deal with is the pain!
As I was driving this morning I thought of an appointment I have this afternoon with my orthopedic doctor. Last time I saw him he put me in an air cast and I couldn't wear shoes for weeks. Noooooo!
That's what I said then and that's what I'm saying now. As I thought of it, I thought "what if he tells me I have to stop running?" Me? Stop? Nooooooo, I like it too much. I enjoy getting out and running. I have not always had a passion for running but now that I like it, I don't want to stop!
I thought of when we become followers of Christ, there are things we must stop doing. I have given an example above in saying do nothing out of selfish gain. [Philippians 2:3] Sometimes that is difficult to do because the number one thing on my list is ME. I must stop thinking like that and be like-minded as the one who sacrificed his life for me.
Is there something you must stop doing? My list is endless but through prayer and meditation on His Word, I know it is possible.
I pray my doctor does not say "You must stop running," but if he does, I know that the strength of God will see me through!
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admiravle, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put into practice and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 3:8-9
As you have read in this journey, I had some tough challenges. The most lingering is my ankle injury. It is bothersome because I'm a big shoe person. Now I understand my devotions on "do nothing out of selfish gain." I certanily can deal with that aspect of it. What I can't deal with is the pain!
As I was driving this morning I thought of an appointment I have this afternoon with my orthopedic doctor. Last time I saw him he put me in an air cast and I couldn't wear shoes for weeks. Noooooo!
That's what I said then and that's what I'm saying now. As I thought of it, I thought "what if he tells me I have to stop running?" Me? Stop? Nooooooo, I like it too much. I enjoy getting out and running. I have not always had a passion for running but now that I like it, I don't want to stop!
I thought of when we become followers of Christ, there are things we must stop doing. I have given an example above in saying do nothing out of selfish gain. [Philippians 2:3] Sometimes that is difficult to do because the number one thing on my list is ME. I must stop thinking like that and be like-minded as the one who sacrificed his life for me.
Is there something you must stop doing? My list is endless but through prayer and meditation on His Word, I know it is possible.
I pray my doctor does not say "You must stop running," but if he does, I know that the strength of God will see me through!
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admiravle, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put into practice and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 3:8-9
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Woman of His Dreams
I could not sleep this morning. On, the eve of our half marathon I woke up anxious. I took my Bible, devotion book and the book I am currently reading, to my reading spot. When I looked at the key verse for devotion I thought I was surely mistaken. "I just did this devotion yesterday." Nope! The topic was the same but the scriptures were not. I thought to myself "what's up with this humility and serving message?" God does know how to deliver a message indeed!
I took the message, put it away in my mind and moved on to my book Becoming the Woman of His Dreams by Sharon Jaynes. I don't know where I got this book or when. I am a huge book shopper and and am growing out of my house with books. For some reason I picked this up last week to read. I was mesmorized...I really liked it. It had some good messages about marriage...all of which I agreed with. I might add that the co-title is "seven qualities every man longs for." The author made this statement "Woman of his dreams? Why, some days I've been the woman of his dreams, all right. A nightmare in which I was the star!" That statement impacted me. As I am finding out, Becoming the woman of HIS dreams has everthing to do with ME changing something! Therein lies the problem.
The book talks about those seven things in depth. If you're anything like me, I just want the facts...tell me what I have to do and be done. [Such a "society" way of thinking]. If your husband wants to talk, he obviously wants you to listen. That means he wants your attention-I am usually doing something else as he talks but the book says Listen with your heart, listen with your mind, listen with facial expressions....whew! I operate on the premise of 25 words or less....and if I don't look at you it's because I can do two things at once.
Again, another problem. Two different perspectives. The author says "he wants your full attention." My thought process is put it out there because after you tell me your story, we need to talk about the garage door, or the leaky faucet, or the oil change.
In reading the book, she referred to a scripture in Proverbs 20. I opened my bible and read the verse but that didn't make an impact near as much as the page next to it. The page next to it is Proverbs 19:22 "What a man desires is unfailing love." Wow! I read that verse and thought, "do I convey 'unfailing love' to my husband when I turn my back to wash dishes as he speaks, or when I walk to the laundry room as he's talking? Home is the "safe haven" what does my husband's safe haven look like? I say "I operate on the premise of 25 words or less" facetiously but in thinking back, I normally stop just long enough to hear the story, give my input and then go on. The danger in that [I realize now] is that he might feel like his issue is insignificant to me which it is not!
In turn, when I have to talk about that garage door, the leaky faucet or the oil change, I want his full attention. I usually don't stop until it gets done. My justification for that? Well, if the garage door is inoperable, we can't get the car out. If we have a leaky faucet, the flood will cost us more and if we don't get the oil changed.....
As I read the verse about what a man desires, I looked to another verse on the next column, that I had underlined, highlighted and noted:
"...and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping...a prudent wife is from the Lord." Prov 21:13-14
In looking at Proverbs 21, I would ask "Which one am I?" I have three friends that are all about their husbands [in the Lord] Their example could be packaged and sold or we could all be that type of wife by opening up the Word of God and living it. It's not so much that Sharon Jaynes knows her topic, as it is that God's Word is true. I am practicing Listening with my heart, Listening with my Mind and listening with my facial expressions.
So how do I connect the opening paragraph with this post....My devotion scripture this morning was in Philippians "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit!" Enough said. I will take the time to listen and change those things in me that might help me become the "woman of his dreams."
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4
I took the message, put it away in my mind and moved on to my book Becoming the Woman of His Dreams by Sharon Jaynes. I don't know where I got this book or when. I am a huge book shopper and and am growing out of my house with books. For some reason I picked this up last week to read. I was mesmorized...I really liked it. It had some good messages about marriage...all of which I agreed with. I might add that the co-title is "seven qualities every man longs for." The author made this statement "Woman of his dreams? Why, some days I've been the woman of his dreams, all right. A nightmare in which I was the star!" That statement impacted me. As I am finding out, Becoming the woman of HIS dreams has everthing to do with ME changing something! Therein lies the problem.
The book talks about those seven things in depth. If you're anything like me, I just want the facts...tell me what I have to do and be done. [Such a "society" way of thinking]. If your husband wants to talk, he obviously wants you to listen. That means he wants your attention-I am usually doing something else as he talks but the book says Listen with your heart, listen with your mind, listen with facial expressions....whew! I operate on the premise of 25 words or less....and if I don't look at you it's because I can do two things at once.
Again, another problem. Two different perspectives. The author says "he wants your full attention." My thought process is put it out there because after you tell me your story, we need to talk about the garage door, or the leaky faucet, or the oil change.
In reading the book, she referred to a scripture in Proverbs 20. I opened my bible and read the verse but that didn't make an impact near as much as the page next to it. The page next to it is Proverbs 19:22 "What a man desires is unfailing love." Wow! I read that verse and thought, "do I convey 'unfailing love' to my husband when I turn my back to wash dishes as he speaks, or when I walk to the laundry room as he's talking? Home is the "safe haven" what does my husband's safe haven look like? I say "I operate on the premise of 25 words or less" facetiously but in thinking back, I normally stop just long enough to hear the story, give my input and then go on. The danger in that [I realize now] is that he might feel like his issue is insignificant to me which it is not!
In turn, when I have to talk about that garage door, the leaky faucet or the oil change, I want his full attention. I usually don't stop until it gets done. My justification for that? Well, if the garage door is inoperable, we can't get the car out. If we have a leaky faucet, the flood will cost us more and if we don't get the oil changed.....
As I read the verse about what a man desires, I looked to another verse on the next column, that I had underlined, highlighted and noted:
"...and a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping...a prudent wife is from the Lord." Prov 21:13-14
In looking at Proverbs 21, I would ask "Which one am I?" I have three friends that are all about their husbands [in the Lord] Their example could be packaged and sold or we could all be that type of wife by opening up the Word of God and living it. It's not so much that Sharon Jaynes knows her topic, as it is that God's Word is true. I am practicing Listening with my heart, Listening with my Mind and listening with my facial expressions.
So how do I connect the opening paragraph with this post....My devotion scripture this morning was in Philippians "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit!" Enough said. I will take the time to listen and change those things in me that might help me become the "woman of his dreams."
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
How to say "I love you"
In the early to mid seventies....yes, there was life before the millineum, I was a huge fan of Jim Croce. Many of you may not remember him. He was a great folk singer during the time of John Denver and other singers whose lyrics told stories and tugged at the heart.
I loved Time in a Bottle, Photographs and Memories, and Operator. All soft melody songs, with a message, if you will. The other day I was trying to type the lyrics to one of his songs and I typed it rather quickly so that I would not forget to write about it later.
In weeks to come, I went back to my notes and discovered that instead of writing "I'll have to say I Love You in a Song" I had written....I'll have to say I Love You in a Son. What truth in that statement. Think of all the love songs you have heard and recall the ways love is expressed, the examples used for expressing love and all the attention those songs get.
I don't believe it was coincidence that I wrote what I wrote, after all, that did happen. Many years ago, God showed us how much he loved us and he didn't do it through a song, he did it through his Son.
Oh I know it's kind of late I hope I didn't wake you.. but what I have to say can't wait I know you'd understand everytime I tried to tell you, the words just came out wrong so I have to say I love you in a song.
How many times does God try to get our attention and we are too busy, to tired, too overwhelmed and we just don't listen to His voice. He took care of that once and for all....He displayed his love for us by sending his Son to die on the cross so that we might have eternal life.
In a sense, God said "I'll have to say I love you in a Son..." God knew how to say and how to show He loves us. That's how you say I love you!
For God so loved the world, that He gave his only beloved Son that whosever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
I loved Time in a Bottle, Photographs and Memories, and Operator. All soft melody songs, with a message, if you will. The other day I was trying to type the lyrics to one of his songs and I typed it rather quickly so that I would not forget to write about it later.
In weeks to come, I went back to my notes and discovered that instead of writing "I'll have to say I Love You in a Song" I had written....I'll have to say I Love You in a Son. What truth in that statement. Think of all the love songs you have heard and recall the ways love is expressed, the examples used for expressing love and all the attention those songs get.
I don't believe it was coincidence that I wrote what I wrote, after all, that did happen. Many years ago, God showed us how much he loved us and he didn't do it through a song, he did it through his Son.
Oh I know it's kind of late I hope I didn't wake you.. but what I have to say can't wait I know you'd understand everytime I tried to tell you, the words just came out wrong so I have to say I love you in a song.
How many times does God try to get our attention and we are too busy, to tired, too overwhelmed and we just don't listen to His voice. He took care of that once and for all....He displayed his love for us by sending his Son to die on the cross so that we might have eternal life.
In a sense, God said "I'll have to say I love you in a Son..." God knew how to say and how to show He loves us. That's how you say I love you!
For God so loved the world, that He gave his only beloved Son that whosever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
QVC
Do you know QVC? I thought about that this morning. I was doing a study on Daniel and let me tell you, there is a lot to be learned from that book in the Bible. There is more to that story than a lion's den and a firey furnace.
As I studied, Beth Moore said "If satan can't keep you from being a good Christian, he will work hard to make you a hypocrite." The reason for this of course is to tackle your walk. Boy, that hit home like a ton of bricks!
It took me back to the study by Kay Arthur I am facilitating this Spring titled How to Walk the Walk you Talk. Talk about QVC! I thought about the Q...Qualified. I am no more qualified to facilitate this class than the man in the moon. If you want to know how to walk the walk....don't look at me! I've had bumps and stumbles and even major falls.
The enemy would say "Girl you are qualified! Go on and make a fool out of yourself by talking about your walk." I'm afraid that would shadow me to the point of crippling me. The enemy has a loud voice and what a better failure than a hypocrite! I could talk about what a Christian should look like-all the while having anger rages, or criticizing my leaders, or forgetting to read my Bible.
I left my study thinking "I'm not qualified, I'm not qualified, I'm not qualified!" Then it hit me....I may not be qualified but I am called! That's where QVC came from Qualified vs Called. I was sharing this with my son earlier and I told him that I had apprehensions about this class because in facilitating this class, I could not live in a glass house....but I do.
Others will look at me and see how I live, how I act, how I talk and everything else. I have always told my son "Remember who you represent" and I don't mean mom and dad. I must remember who I represent. I do not in the least bit feel qualified to teach on this subject but for some reason, I feel led to. Perhaps I will learn something in the process as I feel God's presence more and more. The walk I need to watch is not yours, it's mine. While I do not feel qualified, I pray God will equip me as he has called me.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Thre is one body and one Spirit just as you were called to one hope when you were called. Ephesians 4:1-4
As I studied, Beth Moore said "If satan can't keep you from being a good Christian, he will work hard to make you a hypocrite." The reason for this of course is to tackle your walk. Boy, that hit home like a ton of bricks!
It took me back to the study by Kay Arthur I am facilitating this Spring titled How to Walk the Walk you Talk. Talk about QVC! I thought about the Q...Qualified. I am no more qualified to facilitate this class than the man in the moon. If you want to know how to walk the walk....don't look at me! I've had bumps and stumbles and even major falls.
The enemy would say "Girl you are qualified! Go on and make a fool out of yourself by talking about your walk." I'm afraid that would shadow me to the point of crippling me. The enemy has a loud voice and what a better failure than a hypocrite! I could talk about what a Christian should look like-all the while having anger rages, or criticizing my leaders, or forgetting to read my Bible.
I left my study thinking "I'm not qualified, I'm not qualified, I'm not qualified!" Then it hit me....I may not be qualified but I am called! That's where QVC came from Qualified vs Called. I was sharing this with my son earlier and I told him that I had apprehensions about this class because in facilitating this class, I could not live in a glass house....but I do.
Others will look at me and see how I live, how I act, how I talk and everything else. I have always told my son "Remember who you represent" and I don't mean mom and dad. I must remember who I represent. I do not in the least bit feel qualified to teach on this subject but for some reason, I feel led to. Perhaps I will learn something in the process as I feel God's presence more and more. The walk I need to watch is not yours, it's mine. While I do not feel qualified, I pray God will equip me as he has called me.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Thre is one body and one Spirit just as you were called to one hope when you were called. Ephesians 4:1-4
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Not my fault!
If I had to pick a more common sentiment that permeates our home, it's that...."Not my fault." I just want to ask "Then whose fault is it?"
Today my husband and I went to the movie theater. As usual, he gets the tickets and I high tail it to the counter to purchase our goodies. I usually get a combo that includes two large drinks and a large popcorn.
Today was no different. The cashier handed me the two large drinks and the popcorn. I had my hands full and I knew I could not handle it all. Fortunately, my husband came and took the popcorn leaving me the two full drinks.
As I walked away, I put the straw in the lid and noticed the lid was not completely and securely attached. I ignored it and continued on to the theater. As we took our seat in the dark, you guessed it-the unsecured lid slipped and I dropped some of the drink all over my new Christmas leather purse...ugh!
The first thing I said was "He [cashier] did not put the lid on securely!" No...he did not but the issue was that I saw that and I did not move to correct it! It was easier and it felt better to be able to put this on someone else!
Isn't that what Adam did when God asked him "Where are you?" What was Adam's response? Did he say "...well I ate from the tree that you commanded me not to eat from." I don't think so. Instead, he said "...the woman you put here with me she gave me some fruit from the tree and I ate."
The woman did it and as if that wasn't bad enough, you put her here. It is much easier to blame someone else for our actions or consenquences as a result of our actions. The woman had her own set of fingers to point with everyone blaming someone/something else and no one assuming the responsibility for their actions.
The reality of it is that I saw that lid was not secure so if the drink spilled on my leather purse, that was on me! I should have secured it instead of trying to blame someone else.
We can not blame others for our failure to recognize God. It's not someone else's responsibility to get us to church, to learn His word, or to have a Godly walk....it's ours!
So as we begin this year, I chose to disregard those words and assume full responsibility for my walk. My prayer is that instead of looking for someone or something to blame, I will choose to follow Christ and not say....not my fault!
But the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid." And he said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" The man said "The woman you put here with me, she gave me some fruit from the tree and I ate it. Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said "The serpent deceived me, so I ate." Genesis 3:9-13
Today my husband and I went to the movie theater. As usual, he gets the tickets and I high tail it to the counter to purchase our goodies. I usually get a combo that includes two large drinks and a large popcorn.
Today was no different. The cashier handed me the two large drinks and the popcorn. I had my hands full and I knew I could not handle it all. Fortunately, my husband came and took the popcorn leaving me the two full drinks.
As I walked away, I put the straw in the lid and noticed the lid was not completely and securely attached. I ignored it and continued on to the theater. As we took our seat in the dark, you guessed it-the unsecured lid slipped and I dropped some of the drink all over my new Christmas leather purse...ugh!
The first thing I said was "He [cashier] did not put the lid on securely!" No...he did not but the issue was that I saw that and I did not move to correct it! It was easier and it felt better to be able to put this on someone else!
Isn't that what Adam did when God asked him "Where are you?" What was Adam's response? Did he say "...well I ate from the tree that you commanded me not to eat from." I don't think so. Instead, he said "...the woman you put here with me she gave me some fruit from the tree and I ate."
The woman did it and as if that wasn't bad enough, you put her here. It is much easier to blame someone else for our actions or consenquences as a result of our actions. The woman had her own set of fingers to point with everyone blaming someone/something else and no one assuming the responsibility for their actions.
The reality of it is that I saw that lid was not secure so if the drink spilled on my leather purse, that was on me! I should have secured it instead of trying to blame someone else.
We can not blame others for our failure to recognize God. It's not someone else's responsibility to get us to church, to learn His word, or to have a Godly walk....it's ours!
So as we begin this year, I chose to disregard those words and assume full responsibility for my walk. My prayer is that instead of looking for someone or something to blame, I will choose to follow Christ and not say....not my fault!
But the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid." And he said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" The man said "The woman you put here with me, she gave me some fruit from the tree and I ate it. Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said "The serpent deceived me, so I ate." Genesis 3:9-13
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Sacrifice comes at a cost
Several months ago I was visiting Fredericksburg. In preparation for an upcoming 10K, I went for a run. It was a day when I was supposed to run 8 miles. My husband mapped out four and I was to run four one way, turn around and run them back.
During the first leg of the eight, I saw an estate sale. I am hard pressed to pass up garage sales...anywhere! I love browsing through people's old things. I think it tells a story of who they are, or who they were. Having an almost 98 year old father-in-law, I have seen many items from the late 1800's in his possession. At any rate, I made up my mind that I was coming back to that estate sale after I ran.
Upon completing the 8 miles, I told my husband "we just have to go" and of course after a quick shower, we did. I walked in and was not disappointed. I saw multiple items that we could never find today. We purchased a chest from 1920 that was in immaculate shape.
On the other side of the estate sale was a neighbor holding her own garage sale. It was there that I found a pocket book that was silver in color. My own pocket book is about four inches thick and barely fits in my purse. This one was flat and it drew me to it. I asked the lady "how much" and she replied "I'll give it to you for a quarter." "Deal!"
I purchased it and immediately moved in my credit cards, money, and ID. How sweet to only carry this "flat" pocket book with only the things I need. I came home with it and a few days later I pulled it out to pay for a purchase. My sister Cynthia was with me and she admired the pocket book. She said "I want one of those from you for Christmas." No small challenge I might add.
I looked everywhere! None of them were flat and none of them had the clasp mine did. All the one's I found opened in a "pocket" form rather than "flat, book" form. At one point, I found one at a leather store in San Diego. It had the clasp she wanted but was pocket/zipper style. Ugh! I purchased it anyway.
Still my sister kept telling me...I want one like yours. I want that one. Of course, I said No! "You can not have mine!" Really? It cost me a quarter! The issue however, was that I also wanted a book type not a zipper type and I also loved the clasp....besides, it was my find.
I tried and tried to locate one for her. In fact at a later trip to Fredericksburg, a young cashier saw me pull my pocket book out and asked "Did you get it at Bliss? They have the same pocket book!" Off to Bliss I went. I found it! Same colors, same clasp...is it possible I am in luck?
No such luck, it was pocket/zipper type. I was just going to have to tell my sister I had failed in my quest to locate one. I gave it much thought and re-lived how many times and how much my sister said "I want that pocket book."
Quietly in the silence of my room, I penned the following:
Sister,
I knwo how much you liked my pocketbook and believe me, I looked everywehre for one like it. I could not find one. It was an item that was so cheap, an item that someone gave up for the mere price of twenty-five cents!
You know your sister, she would stop at nothing until she found one. I looked in Kohl's, Macy's, Dillards, JC Penny, Fredericksburg, San Diego, speciality leather shops and everwhere in between still, I could not find one.
I was faced with a decision that came very easy for me...I had to get one for you regardless of what I had to do to get it.
As I thought of it, I thought of how much I love you and how I just wanted to do that for you...get you that pocket book.
It reminded me of the story of the little boy that tried so hard to buy Christmas shoes for his mother on Christmas eve.
Over two thousand years ago God made a sacrifice that was very costly. He sent his only Son to be born so that all of us would have an opportunity at eternal life.
I made the decision....regardless of what it cost me, you were going to have a pocket book like mine.
So here it is sister-Merry Christmas and I love You!
With that, I tucked the letter in the box along with my now emptied out pocket book and I wrapped it up for my sister.
Sometimes sacrifice comes with a cost....no I'm not talking about a quarter. The cost of God giving His only Son was high. The question then becomes "What will you do with it?"
I share this not to glorify my self but to glorify the work of Christ in me. He lived a selfless, giving life and was restored to the throne of heaven. He did not struggle with the decision as I did, He did not try to find a substitute as I did, He did not make excuses....as I did. My prayer is that my sister will see the love I had for her and will know the love God has for her...He indeed made the ultimate sacrifice.
A certain ruler asked him "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" ...Jesus said "Sell everything you have and give to the poor and you will have treasures in heaven. Then come follow me." When [the man] heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Luke 18:18 & 22-25
During the first leg of the eight, I saw an estate sale. I am hard pressed to pass up garage sales...anywhere! I love browsing through people's old things. I think it tells a story of who they are, or who they were. Having an almost 98 year old father-in-law, I have seen many items from the late 1800's in his possession. At any rate, I made up my mind that I was coming back to that estate sale after I ran.
Upon completing the 8 miles, I told my husband "we just have to go" and of course after a quick shower, we did. I walked in and was not disappointed. I saw multiple items that we could never find today. We purchased a chest from 1920 that was in immaculate shape.
On the other side of the estate sale was a neighbor holding her own garage sale. It was there that I found a pocket book that was silver in color. My own pocket book is about four inches thick and barely fits in my purse. This one was flat and it drew me to it. I asked the lady "how much" and she replied "I'll give it to you for a quarter." "Deal!"
I purchased it and immediately moved in my credit cards, money, and ID. How sweet to only carry this "flat" pocket book with only the things I need. I came home with it and a few days later I pulled it out to pay for a purchase. My sister Cynthia was with me and she admired the pocket book. She said "I want one of those from you for Christmas." No small challenge I might add.
I looked everywhere! None of them were flat and none of them had the clasp mine did. All the one's I found opened in a "pocket" form rather than "flat, book" form. At one point, I found one at a leather store in San Diego. It had the clasp she wanted but was pocket/zipper style. Ugh! I purchased it anyway.
Still my sister kept telling me...I want one like yours. I want that one. Of course, I said No! "You can not have mine!" Really? It cost me a quarter! The issue however, was that I also wanted a book type not a zipper type and I also loved the clasp....besides, it was my find.
I tried and tried to locate one for her. In fact at a later trip to Fredericksburg, a young cashier saw me pull my pocket book out and asked "Did you get it at Bliss? They have the same pocket book!" Off to Bliss I went. I found it! Same colors, same clasp...is it possible I am in luck?
No such luck, it was pocket/zipper type. I was just going to have to tell my sister I had failed in my quest to locate one. I gave it much thought and re-lived how many times and how much my sister said "I want that pocket book."
Quietly in the silence of my room, I penned the following:
Sister,
I knwo how much you liked my pocketbook and believe me, I looked everywehre for one like it. I could not find one. It was an item that was so cheap, an item that someone gave up for the mere price of twenty-five cents!
You know your sister, she would stop at nothing until she found one. I looked in Kohl's, Macy's, Dillards, JC Penny, Fredericksburg, San Diego, speciality leather shops and everwhere in between still, I could not find one.
I was faced with a decision that came very easy for me...I had to get one for you regardless of what I had to do to get it.
As I thought of it, I thought of how much I love you and how I just wanted to do that for you...get you that pocket book.
It reminded me of the story of the little boy that tried so hard to buy Christmas shoes for his mother on Christmas eve.
Over two thousand years ago God made a sacrifice that was very costly. He sent his only Son to be born so that all of us would have an opportunity at eternal life.
I made the decision....regardless of what it cost me, you were going to have a pocket book like mine.
So here it is sister-Merry Christmas and I love You!
With that, I tucked the letter in the box along with my now emptied out pocket book and I wrapped it up for my sister.
Sometimes sacrifice comes with a cost....no I'm not talking about a quarter. The cost of God giving His only Son was high. The question then becomes "What will you do with it?"
I share this not to glorify my self but to glorify the work of Christ in me. He lived a selfless, giving life and was restored to the throne of heaven. He did not struggle with the decision as I did, He did not try to find a substitute as I did, He did not make excuses....as I did. My prayer is that my sister will see the love I had for her and will know the love God has for her...He indeed made the ultimate sacrifice.
A certain ruler asked him "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" ...Jesus said "Sell everything you have and give to the poor and you will have treasures in heaven. Then come follow me." When [the man] heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. Jesus looked at him and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Luke 18:18 & 22-25
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
No More Tears...
As the New Year approached, I received many texts that read "Happy New Year." Some from old friends, some from new friends, some from family members and some from....numbers I did not recognize.
I responded to each of them with a simple "Happy New Year." In one case, in my efforts to do it rapidly, I wrote "Happy New Tear." Happy New Tear?? It reminded me of a friend who lost his son on Christmas Day to a serious freak accident. The wind snapped a tree and it struck him, taking his life.
I then thought of all the tears he and his family have shed since they received the news. Every morning as I woke up, I thought of him and how with every rising sun, he would shed tears for the loss of his son. It was his only son and he was only twenty five. We often ask "why" and rarely get an answer. In my own circumstances I can tell you that I rarely get an answer that justifies the situation.
I do know this however, that regardless of the tears we shed here on earth, regardless of the blame we place, and regardless of how little we understand...God sees every tear. He has promised that the day is coming when there will be no more tears.
So as I think back on my error of typing "Happy New Tear" I am comforted in knowing that the day is coming when our Heavenly Father will wipe away every tear. I continue to pray for my friend and his family and for so many others that found themselves grieving and saddened this season.
My wish for all that that this new year will be a happy one full of love, comfort, peace and no more tears!
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Revelation 21:4
I responded to each of them with a simple "Happy New Year." In one case, in my efforts to do it rapidly, I wrote "Happy New Tear." Happy New Tear?? It reminded me of a friend who lost his son on Christmas Day to a serious freak accident. The wind snapped a tree and it struck him, taking his life.
I then thought of all the tears he and his family have shed since they received the news. Every morning as I woke up, I thought of him and how with every rising sun, he would shed tears for the loss of his son. It was his only son and he was only twenty five. We often ask "why" and rarely get an answer. In my own circumstances I can tell you that I rarely get an answer that justifies the situation.
I do know this however, that regardless of the tears we shed here on earth, regardless of the blame we place, and regardless of how little we understand...God sees every tear. He has promised that the day is coming when there will be no more tears.
So as I think back on my error of typing "Happy New Tear" I am comforted in knowing that the day is coming when our Heavenly Father will wipe away every tear. I continue to pray for my friend and his family and for so many others that found themselves grieving and saddened this season.
My wish for all that that this new year will be a happy one full of love, comfort, peace and no more tears!
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Revelation 21:4
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