The weather was stormy a good part of the night. This morning, the sunrise was stunning and the birds are now singing in celebration of a new day and clearer weather.
This reminds me of a verse that my Mama used to quote..."...weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5B
When life brings storms, and it will, let us place our confidence in the one sure Entity that is immoveable, unchanging, and a sure refuge in times of trouble, God, Creator of heaven and earth.
As I type, I wonder, "Where do the countless birds I hear singing go during a threatening time like the one we experienced last night? The darkness, the driving rain, the thunder and lightning. Where do the birds find shelter?"
Matthew tells us the answer:
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the BIRDS OF THE AIR; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Matthew 6:25-27
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. EACH DAY has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:33-34
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
LIFE CAN BE DIFFICULT
Life can be difficult sometimes...especially in today's times. Where are the answers to all of the hard questions that we encounter as we go through our days? How do we receive help when circumstances cause us to want to respond in anger or discouragement? What can we do to ease our concerns regarding our children, our grandchildren? We can GO TO THE BIBLE.
Last night as I was leading a Bible Study, my co-leader would repeatedly encourage the ladies to "go to the Bible." One of the young girls asks questions continually and I love that! We encourage all of the ladies by reminding them that there are no dumb questions...and to always ask in order to learn.
Well, last night this same young lady asked the question:
"What do you mean when you say, 'Go to the Bible?' ".
This opened an incredible opportunity to share with the entire group of 10 women why and how they can "go to the Bible." The preface in my Life Application Bible states, "A small change every day adds up to a changed life--and that is the very purpose of Scripture."
Of studying the Word, Alice Zimmerman, age 64 from Arkansas, says, "Over the past 20 years, I've learned the joy and value of studying God's Word. That study has helped me to have more confidence in myself--and also shown me how I can more effectively reach out to encourage and minister to other women. As a result, I've been able to help many hurting women in difficult marriages."
It is so important to trust God completely-no matter what happens! Circumstances may look very bad to us, on a human level, but God always has something in mind that will work out to His glory. The index in the back of most Bibles can prove to be so helpful when looking for that "just right" reference. When I flipped to 'anger', I found more than 20 verses that I can look up to learn more! Under the entry of 'peace', there were 15 cites listed.
My international, missionary nurse often says "This earth is not our home."
In times of trouble, when you really think about it, where else can we turn, but to God, our Creator?
Last night as I was leading a Bible Study, my co-leader would repeatedly encourage the ladies to "go to the Bible." One of the young girls asks questions continually and I love that! We encourage all of the ladies by reminding them that there are no dumb questions...and to always ask in order to learn.
Well, last night this same young lady asked the question:
"What do you mean when you say, 'Go to the Bible?' ".
This opened an incredible opportunity to share with the entire group of 10 women why and how they can "go to the Bible." The preface in my Life Application Bible states, "A small change every day adds up to a changed life--and that is the very purpose of Scripture."
Of studying the Word, Alice Zimmerman, age 64 from Arkansas, says, "Over the past 20 years, I've learned the joy and value of studying God's Word. That study has helped me to have more confidence in myself--and also shown me how I can more effectively reach out to encourage and minister to other women. As a result, I've been able to help many hurting women in difficult marriages."
It is so important to trust God completely-no matter what happens! Circumstances may look very bad to us, on a human level, but God always has something in mind that will work out to His glory. The index in the back of most Bibles can prove to be so helpful when looking for that "just right" reference. When I flipped to 'anger', I found more than 20 verses that I can look up to learn more! Under the entry of 'peace', there were 15 cites listed.
My international, missionary nurse often says "This earth is not our home."
In times of trouble, when you really think about it, where else can we turn, but to God, our Creator?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
BALANCE
Yesterday, I met one of my best buddies at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, just minutes from the homes we have raised our families in.
This park has eighteen miles of maintained interpretive hiking trails, ideal picnic areas and a 1.25 mountain road that is also suitable for strenuous fitness.
As we hiked, we talked about how important it is to have balance in our lives. We agreed that as we let our life shine for God, our testimony can sparkle even brighter with moderation in all things.
These questions regarding balance can mean some of the same things to each of us...
"Am I getting enough exercise?"
"Is there enough "ME TIME" in my week?"
(i.e. a break for a bubble bath or an occasion to spend an hour reading a novel)
"Am I spending plenty of quality time with my children/grandchildren?"
"Do I take time out to spend time communing with and seeking God each day?"
FILL IN THE BLANK____________________ with your usual balance questions.
More likely, the details of our eagerness for steadfastness will be as varied as are different humans in this world. Your struggle or challenge to maintain balance may be poles apart from mine. However, one cool thing about God is that He is aware of and in the business of aiding us in our longing to gain balance in our lives.
As my girlfriend and I reached the crest of the trail , we gazed out over the splendid view from the top, stopping to rest for a moment before heading down the
1 1/4 mile mountain road.
It was then that I remembered something I had read recently about this very spot we were standing on...
"It was a swelteringly hot and clear Monday, June 27, 1864, when some of the heaviest fighting of the Atlanta Campaign occurred here. Preserved are historic earthworks, cannon emplacements and monuments. Interpreted here are the historic events where over 5,350 soldiers were killed in the battle fought here from
June 19, 1864 through July 2, 1864." (taken from www.nps.gov/kemo/)
Yes, this life is the real thing. This is not a dress rehearsal.
Let's all be on the lookout to create more balance in our days.
This park has eighteen miles of maintained interpretive hiking trails, ideal picnic areas and a 1.25 mountain road that is also suitable for strenuous fitness.
As we hiked, we talked about how important it is to have balance in our lives. We agreed that as we let our life shine for God, our testimony can sparkle even brighter with moderation in all things.
These questions regarding balance can mean some of the same things to each of us...
"Am I getting enough exercise?"
"Is there enough "ME TIME" in my week?"
(i.e. a break for a bubble bath or an occasion to spend an hour reading a novel)
"Am I spending plenty of quality time with my children/grandchildren?"
"Do I take time out to spend time communing with and seeking God each day?"
FILL IN THE BLANK____________________ with your usual balance questions.
More likely, the details of our eagerness for steadfastness will be as varied as are different humans in this world. Your struggle or challenge to maintain balance may be poles apart from mine. However, one cool thing about God is that He is aware of and in the business of aiding us in our longing to gain balance in our lives.
As my girlfriend and I reached the crest of the trail , we gazed out over the splendid view from the top, stopping to rest for a moment before heading down the
1 1/4 mile mountain road.
It was then that I remembered something I had read recently about this very spot we were standing on...
"It was a swelteringly hot and clear Monday, June 27, 1864, when some of the heaviest fighting of the Atlanta Campaign occurred here. Preserved are historic earthworks, cannon emplacements and monuments. Interpreted here are the historic events where over 5,350 soldiers were killed in the battle fought here from
June 19, 1864 through July 2, 1864." (taken from www.nps.gov/kemo/)
Yes, this life is the real thing. This is not a dress rehearsal.
Let's all be on the lookout to create more balance in our days.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
LIFE IS FRAGILE
An old Turkish Proverb goes like this:
"Man is harder than iron, stronger than stone and more fragile than a rose."
Last night as my husband and I were getting ready to meet some close friends for dinner out, our home phone rang and the caller id established that our son was the one on the other end. He had just left to pick up his girlfriend for a dinner date. When I answered the phone, I knew right away that he was distraught. "Mom," he said, "I've been in a car wreck." Once I determined where he was, I told him that his Dad and I would be right there.
Our son is seventeen and 107 days old. He has been an excellent driver thus far, seemingly understanding the dangers of speeding as well as texting while driving. Yesterday, he was involved in his first automobile collision as he rear-ended a young mom who was accompanied by her six month old baby daughter. Thankfully, everyone was okay and no one was injured in this mishap.
An accident. That is what we call this because it was, obviously, not brought about intentionally. Still, our son was so upset and thankfully, he was also remorseful about his lapse in concentration which led to these circumstances.
In the short time since all of this came about, we have already heard plenty of reports about car accidents. Even his Dad and I shared tales in our past that we have been involved in. Some who shared their story cited trauma or tragically, the death of the driver or a passenger.
An incident such as this, even just a little fender-bender, causes me to take a pause and remember how fragile our lives really are. This reminds me that each day is a gift. It causes me to utter my most frequent prayer these days, which is simply two words: "Thank You".
"Man is harder than iron, stronger than stone and more fragile than a rose."
Last night as my husband and I were getting ready to meet some close friends for dinner out, our home phone rang and the caller id established that our son was the one on the other end. He had just left to pick up his girlfriend for a dinner date. When I answered the phone, I knew right away that he was distraught. "Mom," he said, "I've been in a car wreck." Once I determined where he was, I told him that his Dad and I would be right there.
Our son is seventeen and 107 days old. He has been an excellent driver thus far, seemingly understanding the dangers of speeding as well as texting while driving. Yesterday, he was involved in his first automobile collision as he rear-ended a young mom who was accompanied by her six month old baby daughter. Thankfully, everyone was okay and no one was injured in this mishap.
An accident. That is what we call this because it was, obviously, not brought about intentionally. Still, our son was so upset and thankfully, he was also remorseful about his lapse in concentration which led to these circumstances.
In the short time since all of this came about, we have already heard plenty of reports about car accidents. Even his Dad and I shared tales in our past that we have been involved in. Some who shared their story cited trauma or tragically, the death of the driver or a passenger.
An incident such as this, even just a little fender-bender, causes me to take a pause and remember how fragile our lives really are. This reminds me that each day is a gift. It causes me to utter my most frequent prayer these days, which is simply two words: "Thank You".
Monday, June 8, 2009
TRANSITIONS
I spent the day with our son, a senior in high school, touring a beautiful southern college campus...Auburn University. Our daughter is a junior there, so we were able to go over and stay last night at her apartment. We only have the two children, so we are moving into a significant time of transition, a time of major movement in our pilgrimage, that will usher in a new season of life.
We face all kinds of transitions in life-going from grade school to high school; from single to married; from parent to grandparent, the passing on of loved ones. And in each transition, there is great potential for positive change OR for being unable to make needed changes.
Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803-April 27, 1882) stated:
"Not in his goals but in his transitions is a man shown to be great."
In line with the usual transition our family is embarking on, many 50 something women today are walking through their own realignment because of job loss or another notable life change. I want to do my best as I journey through the many transitions that are sure to come in my future.
That is why I wanted us to take a quick look at an old Civil War hero to see how he handled his turning point. In his book entitled LIFE MAPPING, John Trent, Ph.D, brought forth the following details about the life of General Robert E. Lee.
General R. E. Lee was the ranking commander of the Army of Northern Virginia. Lee left his home a wealthy man, commanding a mighty army, committed to victory. He would return in defeat, paroled as a prisoner of war, to a countryside mired with economic depression. At home he would find an invalid wife, five unemployed adult children, and another son missing in action.
General Lee's leadership ability was recognized on both sides of the line. But it was how he handled himself as a civilian after the war that truly showed his character. After seeing thousands of his own men die and his homeland devastated, he was quoted as saying: "I have never felt bitter or vindictive feelings towards the enemy, and I have never seen the day I did not pray for them." He was so committed to reconciliation that one historian would say of Lee, he did "more than any other American to heal the wounds of war."
Lee dedicated his later life to writing hundreds of letters, urging his fellow Southerners to put away their anger and focus on Christ and rebuilding the Union. In doing so, he provided a guiding light to thousands of Southerners who followed his example.
General Lee showed an extraordinary ability to bend with transitions, and he did so by believing that changes large and small come from the hand of God.
But some people are broken by times of change and crushed by an inability to accept even minor movements of life over which they have no control.
It is doubtful that very many of us have gone through as many losses and transitions as this Civil War hero. However, we all face our own brand of changes that can either disarm us or empower us to move forward.
What time of transition or change are you up against today? Will you choose to look at the positive potential or dwell on the potential problems?
We face all kinds of transitions in life-going from grade school to high school; from single to married; from parent to grandparent, the passing on of loved ones. And in each transition, there is great potential for positive change OR for being unable to make needed changes.
Ralph Waldo Emerson (May 25, 1803-April 27, 1882) stated:
"Not in his goals but in his transitions is a man shown to be great."
In line with the usual transition our family is embarking on, many 50 something women today are walking through their own realignment because of job loss or another notable life change. I want to do my best as I journey through the many transitions that are sure to come in my future.
That is why I wanted us to take a quick look at an old Civil War hero to see how he handled his turning point. In his book entitled LIFE MAPPING, John Trent, Ph.D, brought forth the following details about the life of General Robert E. Lee.
General R. E. Lee was the ranking commander of the Army of Northern Virginia. Lee left his home a wealthy man, commanding a mighty army, committed to victory. He would return in defeat, paroled as a prisoner of war, to a countryside mired with economic depression. At home he would find an invalid wife, five unemployed adult children, and another son missing in action.
General Lee's leadership ability was recognized on both sides of the line. But it was how he handled himself as a civilian after the war that truly showed his character. After seeing thousands of his own men die and his homeland devastated, he was quoted as saying: "I have never felt bitter or vindictive feelings towards the enemy, and I have never seen the day I did not pray for them." He was so committed to reconciliation that one historian would say of Lee, he did "more than any other American to heal the wounds of war."
Lee dedicated his later life to writing hundreds of letters, urging his fellow Southerners to put away their anger and focus on Christ and rebuilding the Union. In doing so, he provided a guiding light to thousands of Southerners who followed his example.
General Lee showed an extraordinary ability to bend with transitions, and he did so by believing that changes large and small come from the hand of God.
But some people are broken by times of change and crushed by an inability to accept even minor movements of life over which they have no control.
It is doubtful that very many of us have gone through as many losses and transitions as this Civil War hero. However, we all face our own brand of changes that can either disarm us or empower us to move forward.
What time of transition or change are you up against today? Will you choose to look at the positive potential or dwell on the potential problems?
Sunday, June 7, 2009
RED AND YELLOW, BLACK AND WHITE
Have you read the novel, The Swan House, By, Elizabeth Musser?
My friend, Ann, chose this book for our monthly book club meeting on June 17th and I am halfway through it.
As I read her work, Musser has me thinking...
I am throughly enjoying the setting and the era of this eloquent story. The setting is Atlanta, Georgia, just minutes from where I grew up. The time is the early
1960's, when I was just about to meet my FFs for the very first time at Fernbank Elementary. (see earlier blog entitled FOREVER FRIENDS dated 5/28/09)
Musser shows stupendous skillfulness as she interweaves her story so that it includes many difficult subjects including mental illness, racism, and wealth versus poverty, just to name a few.
I mentioned to my FFs last week that I would not be blogging on Sundays, but here I am because my heart has something to say!
I love when a book that I am reading causes me to take pause and look at my world, my sphere of influence, a little differently. As I sat in church this morning, I casually noticed that there were the same number of Caucasian folks as African American folks on my row. I also made note of a black gentleman named Keith, on the stage, who was helping to lead our praise music. In addition, I observed my friend, Raven, an accomplished saxophonist, likewise on the stage, who happens to be African American gentleman, as well.
Obviously and thankfully, there are not separate restrooms and water fountains for the varied members and guests at our church.
As I sat in our worship service, I began to ponder the hateful racial scenes that Elizabeth Musser has written about in THE SWAN HOUSE, and I ponder the truth... that much has, gratefully, changed during my lifetime.
My mind wanders to an enduring tune I learned as a child...
"Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world."
My friend, Ann, chose this book for our monthly book club meeting on June 17th and I am halfway through it.
As I read her work, Musser has me thinking...
I am throughly enjoying the setting and the era of this eloquent story. The setting is Atlanta, Georgia, just minutes from where I grew up. The time is the early
1960's, when I was just about to meet my FFs for the very first time at Fernbank Elementary. (see earlier blog entitled FOREVER FRIENDS dated 5/28/09)
Musser shows stupendous skillfulness as she interweaves her story so that it includes many difficult subjects including mental illness, racism, and wealth versus poverty, just to name a few.
I mentioned to my FFs last week that I would not be blogging on Sundays, but here I am because my heart has something to say!
I love when a book that I am reading causes me to take pause and look at my world, my sphere of influence, a little differently. As I sat in church this morning, I casually noticed that there were the same number of Caucasian folks as African American folks on my row. I also made note of a black gentleman named Keith, on the stage, who was helping to lead our praise music. In addition, I observed my friend, Raven, an accomplished saxophonist, likewise on the stage, who happens to be African American gentleman, as well.
Obviously and thankfully, there are not separate restrooms and water fountains for the varied members and guests at our church.
As I sat in our worship service, I began to ponder the hateful racial scenes that Elizabeth Musser has written about in THE SWAN HOUSE, and I ponder the truth... that much has, gratefully, changed during my lifetime.
My mind wanders to an enduring tune I learned as a child...
"Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world."
Saturday, June 6, 2009
A MIST; AN INCH
"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes." James 4:14
At the risk of sounding like I have too much time on my hands (I don't) or that I am bored or lonely (I'm not), I must express that this Saturday was a very different one for me.
I began it by going to a very challenging seventy-five minute power boxing fitness class. I enjoyed connecting with two girlfriends there who were also up for the challenge. Whew! Once the class was over and I had finished a one mile walk with my 89 year old Daddy, I was in great need of a good 'ole bubble bath.
I got home and did just that! Magnificent!
Once all that was said and done, I prepared lunch for our son who would walk in from taking the SAT, college prep test, around 1:00 p.m. With my husband working, my son heading out with friends after his lunch, the house grew very quiet fast.
Now I consider myself in pretty good shape, still, my body was extremely fatigued from the intense morning workout.
As I took it easy around our home, I kept thinking about how as a 50 something woman I am working myself out of a job.
My journal from August 24, 1999 reads:
"I see my upcoming fall season as one that will give me time. My time has been so very wrapped up with readying our old house for the market and building this new one. TIME. There are so many things I NEED to accomplish, so many things I WANT to accomplish...but more than anything, I want to be in God's will. Better close here, 'cause I have many chores to do...I'm praying for God's will in my life."
As I look back on this entry nearly ten years ago, I see that my prayer has been answered. Our children have roots and wings, and as I have continued to seek His will in my life, I am closer to my God than I have ever been.
Benjamin Franklin said:
"YOU MAY DELAY, BUT TIME WILL NOT."
One of my dear friends likes to call our life "an inch".
So, I say, let's delight in the moments,
our inch,
while this TIME is here to be enjoyed!
At the risk of sounding like I have too much time on my hands (I don't) or that I am bored or lonely (I'm not), I must express that this Saturday was a very different one for me.
I began it by going to a very challenging seventy-five minute power boxing fitness class. I enjoyed connecting with two girlfriends there who were also up for the challenge. Whew! Once the class was over and I had finished a one mile walk with my 89 year old Daddy, I was in great need of a good 'ole bubble bath.
I got home and did just that! Magnificent!
Once all that was said and done, I prepared lunch for our son who would walk in from taking the SAT, college prep test, around 1:00 p.m. With my husband working, my son heading out with friends after his lunch, the house grew very quiet fast.
Now I consider myself in pretty good shape, still, my body was extremely fatigued from the intense morning workout.
As I took it easy around our home, I kept thinking about how as a 50 something woman I am working myself out of a job.
My journal from August 24, 1999 reads:
"I see my upcoming fall season as one that will give me time. My time has been so very wrapped up with readying our old house for the market and building this new one. TIME. There are so many things I NEED to accomplish, so many things I WANT to accomplish...but more than anything, I want to be in God's will. Better close here, 'cause I have many chores to do...I'm praying for God's will in my life."
As I look back on this entry nearly ten years ago, I see that my prayer has been answered. Our children have roots and wings, and as I have continued to seek His will in my life, I am closer to my God than I have ever been.
Benjamin Franklin said:
"YOU MAY DELAY, BUT TIME WILL NOT."
One of my dear friends likes to call our life "an inch".
So, I say, let's delight in the moments,
our inch,
while this TIME is here to be enjoyed!
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