Author Archives: jeanieshaw

A Work in Progress

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For nine consecutive mornings, while attending a church leadership conference in Singapore, I opened the hotel window curtain to an inspiring view.  It wasn’t a view of the bustling harbor below or of the beautiful orchids carefully planted throughout the city.  This simple view of a construction site inspired me. IMG_5326 It reminded me that I’m under construction too, a “work in progress”  before God (and people.)  I’ve come a long way, but I’m not nearly finished.  I continue to need growth, adjustment, renovation (also known as repentance,) tweaking and shaping.  But, I know that as long as God works on me he is touching me, molding me, and lovingly shaping me.  This reminds me that he cares for me.   If I ever begin to feel like I’m “a finished product” then I’m surely in spiritual trouble.

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! (1 Corinthians 10:12)

I take heart in the scriptures that speak of the need to add to my faith (2 Peter 1:5-9); to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord (2 Peter 3:18); to grow in love and faith. ”We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. (2 Thessalonians 1:3); and to grow in the knowledge that God’s spirit helps me grow “from one degree of glory to another. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Over the past few days in Singapore I have been challenged and inspired by my brothers and sisters from all over the world, who are also works in progress, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:13)

The “construction stories” of my sisters around the world challenge my faith and help me grow.  I’m challenged and inspired by my sisters in India, sometimes enduring intense persecution because of their faith; my sisters in Abidjan, who dodged bullets while serving the church during civil war; my displaced sisters,  affected by the unrest in Eastern Ukraine; my sister from Pakistan, who was enjoying her first international fellowship; my sisters from the Middle East, who experience much less freedom as a woman; my friend with three little ones who recently moved from a comfortable life on the West coast  to serve the poor in Cambodia…and on and on. Your faith calls me higher—as God uses you to reach many women around the world with the wonderful message of hope that Jesus offers.

As I converse, read the Bible, counsel, and share my faith with women who  struggle to find meaning in their lives, overcome addictions, struggle to forgive, and learn to accept that they are indeed loved by God— I am reminded this building pictured—a “work in progress.”  We are all works in progress, but if we let God work on us we will indeed make great progress.   I  recount the many ways God has worked in and on my life…sometimes fulfilling my dreams, sometimes thwarting and changing them and sometimes telling me to “wait.”   The victories and struggles all remind me that I am still a “work in progress.”

The story of Singapore’s history calls me higher.  Fifty years ago the city was filled with poverty, chaos and pain.  Kicked out by its “motherland,” Singapore was left to fend for itself.  Lee Kuan Yew, who became prime minister,  looked out at his impoverished, abandoned and isolated city—and from his love and passion envisioned a nation of unity, strength, beauty and excellence.  49 years later Singapore enjoys all of these and more.  It’s a vibrant, thriving and beautiful city.

It’s so easy to think that God looks at us with disdain, seeing chaos instead of vision and love.  When I think of ways I need to grow in prayer, in boldness, in caring for the poor,… I can think I’ve so far to go.  Yet, God goes to work on me with his construction tools full of love and grace—for which I am so thankful–and I make progress.

If a physical city can be built with human leadership and willing volunteers, imagine what God can do through his spirit to “grow us” to completion as together we build the kingdom of God on this earth.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6)

 

Prayerful, Purposeful, Practical Parenting

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Often, as a “Nana and Papa,” my husband and I are asked for parenting advice.  We were blessed to have been lovingly parented—and also fortunate to have received helpful God-focused training throughout the years while parenting our own kids. DSC_3272I am truly grateful. Along the way we have had the opportunity to counsel countless other families through spiritual one-on-one training as well as large class settings.   Nothing we “possess” is more valuable to us than our children, and fortunately many parents are in the quest to parent well.  If I were to quickly jot down my “top dozen parenting tips” perhaps they might look something like this:

  1.  Give foremost attention to your spiritual life.  There is nothing more important than your kids knowing God.  After all, think about it…. What will really be important (or lasting) 100 years from now?  The schools they attended?  The sports they participated in?  The money they made?   As King David told his son,“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. So take this seriously.”    1 Chronicles 28:9-10a (NLT)  

You simply cannot pass on what you don’t have.  And, you will quickly run out of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness and self-control as a parent if you are not filled within, from a divine resource.

  1. When your priorities are loving God first and your spouse next—your children will feel the most love possible from you and will be most prepared for life’s challenges.  If you make your children  your first priority, where life revolves around them— insecurity and the tendency to be self-focused and entitled follows.  Nothing produces security more than your consistent walk with God and your love, trust and respect for your spouse.
  2. Remember, children are to obey their parents, not parents obey their children.(Eph. 6:1)  It’s easy to mix this up. While their children are young  I’ve seen far too many parents try to reason with their children.  It doesn’t work to reason with toddlers.  They will learn to manipulate you faster than you can blink.  It’s a great disservice to them when we hold back discipline, or practice half-hearted and inconsistent discipline.  If they keep on disobeying, telling you “no,” and being generally defiant and disrespectful, you need to patiently and persistently keep on disciplining—and make it count enough until they learn to change their behavior.  Our forehead must be stronger than theirs.  When they win as toddlers, it’s going to be a rough road ahead.
  3. Talk to your children—a lot.  (conversation…not nagging, complaining or belittling) Before they can talk, talk to them about God.  Sing with them.  Pray with them.  Build great habits of conversation…talking and listening.  Talk about dogs,oceans, clouds, spiders, birds,trees, ducks…awesome things (in the true sense of the word), little things and funny things.  Teach them to be kind, engaging… and to share.   As they get older, talk about real life.  When they are in early elementary years begin to talk to them about harder subjects…the things they hear in school, the swear words they hear and what they mean (so they can realize that the ways they are used are stupid and don’t even make sense.)  Talk to them about sexual temptations and violations of all kinds and as they get older how to “flee immorality” and “overcome evil with good.”  Talk to them about ways to overcome peer pressure and through this kind of communication build a spirit of openness, so they will want to talk with you about their struggles.  When they do, respond graciously while sharing your understanding of the struggle.  We struggled too, and it’s a tough world out there.  Talk to them (and illustrate by example) about how to respond righteously when life isn’t fair…because we can be assured it will not be.
  4. Beginning when your children are young, make the “dinner table” a priority. Too often, late work hours and extra-curricular activities rob a family of the invaluable time gathered around a table of love and good food…where conversation can freely flow.   The food is not the centerpiece of the table. It can be simple.  The love and conversation is the main course.  This is a great time to share each other’s highs and lows from the day and to take time to connect with each other.  This time doesn’t happen accidentally.  We have to “fight for it.”  We must make choices.  If we are too busy to put into our families the things most important, then we are too busy.  Make the best choices. Your time with them is really quite short.
  5. Electronics can become a substitute parent if you are not careful.  They desire to take a tight grip on the attention of your entire family.  Our attention—email, phone, television and social media.  Theirs—Games, TV, games, iTunes, games, movies (and phone and social media as they get older) Monitor the time spent with devices so they don’t take a death grip on you or your children.  Don’t be naive about the lure and ease of accessing pornography.  If your kids (particularly your sons) have a smart phone or internet access you can be assured they will see it and be tempted to be enticed again and again.  That’s the evil marketing plan.  Again, please don’t be naive or lazy on this one. Don’t forget about the “lost art” of reading.  Read to your children when they can’t read…then introduce great, healthy reading when they can read on their own. Read stories of faith from the Bible and read stories that build and celebrate strong character–as well as those that entertain and capture their imagination.
  1. Teach them about grace.  We all make mistakes, and one of the most important lessons we can learn is to forgive—like God does with us.  Practice saying you are sorry when you mess up and expect the same from your child. Assure them it’s “okay to mess up.”  We can grow stronger from our failures.   Don’t leave things “hanging,” unspoken and unresolved.  “I’m sorry, please forgive me and I forgive you,” are words that should be plentiful.  Be generous with hugs.
  2. Get to know your child, really.  And let them get to know you.  Listen to him/her.  Study them.  As they get older, be vulnerable with them and let them know your heart… and  get to know their heart.  Quite often they will think differently from you, which can be a challenge for us.  Learn how they think, and learn to accept them, while not being afraid to guide them. You have to ask questions, watch, and be a good listener (and pray-er) to figure this out. Learn from them, too.  Show them respect.
  3. Give boatloads of encouragement.  It’s a tough world out there and there is so much pressure from the world on them (hopefully not from us) to perform, and to be all the things the world says they need to be…most of which are empty and vain.  Peers can be cruel.  Our children need to know how deeply they are loved, and specific things we love and appreciate about them—particularly areas of their character.  (We tried to make sure there were about ten times as many encouragements as corrections…and sometimes that meant a whole lot of encouragement. 🙂
  4. Teach them to love their siblings and to work out conflicts.  Teach them to love those who are not easy to love at school, at church and in their neighborhood… and to have compassion on the disabled and those who don’t seem to easily make friends, or are the new kids in town.  Teach them to love, period.  They will learn best by example.
  5. Make your home one that is welcoming to friends…with warmth (and good food) abounding. When love exudes from your home, others want to be recipients.  Learn to laugh a lot—and try to not take yourself overly seriously.
  1. Have trusted spiritual friends and advisers in your life who can encourage you, help you see your blind spots, and with whom you can build pleasant and lasting memories as “extended family.” Teach your children to love the church, even though it is made of imperfect people, just like us.

In a future post, I’ll ask our adult children to respond to these twelve parenting tips with “the view from the other side.”

 

 

Taking Risks

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Risks motivate me as long as I feel they are safe, in the same way that spontaneity thrills me as long as it is planned.  Needless to say, I need courage to take risks.  Risks to be uncomfortable because of my faith; risks to be truthful and bold when truth may not be appreciated; risks to experience cultures that aren’t known to me; and risks to embrace the lives of others when they complicate mine.

Yesterday, I learned a lesson from the birds that took residence in my hanging geranium plant on my front porch.  I was blessed, a few days before I left for a European business trip, to peek into the recently built nest as mama bird laid her eggs, one by one. IMG_5075 As I twice daily climbed onto a chair to peer into the nest when it seemed time for the eggs to hatch—I just happened to glance at the exact time the first bird was hatching.  I marveled at the process that took place. 0609141313a As I checked the nest throughout the day, one  bird after another hatched—until all five eggs were replaced by five tiny, bald, awkward looking,  bird-like creatures.  For several days I watched the mother and father bird feed the babies as they oversaw their little brood while perched on the utility wire above the nest.  Then, I had to leave town for ten days.

When I returned, I realized that while I had flown nearly 10,000 miles— the baby birds had flown nowhere.  They remained on the nest, even though they looked like fully developed little birds.  They ventured beyond the nest on the branches of the  plant, but did not go beyond the safety of their known geranium-world—into the wild, blue, and unknown sky. IMG_5253

I wondered how long they would stay safe in their nest, and what it would feel like to fly for the first time.  Would their wings be strong enough?  Would they be able to survive on their own?  What would it feel like to face the first thunderstorm?

In the meantime, my sad little geranium was thirsting for water.  I had at times carefully watered around the nest, but yesterday’s heat was showing stress on the plant.  So, with water pot in hand, I stood atop the chair and carefully watered around the little birds—assuring them I wouldn’t hurt them.

Evidently,  the looming prospect of “death by geranium drowning” was all the motivation this little family needed to take the risk—to fly away.  Suddenly, one of the little ones “just did it.”  It successfully  flew away to the nearby tree.  As soon as this little bird left the nest and hit the airways—the others followed.  Poof—they were gone, not to return.  It will be a whole new world for them, complete with today’s thunderstorm. IMG_5255

While I would like to think I am always motivated to “fly” and take new, scary steps  because of deep faith and the thrill of the unknown — too  often it is because I realize what might happen if I don’t fly.  While I likely won’t be submerged in geranium water—I realize that when I don’t step out on faith there are consequences.  Most importantly, I can’t please God without faith.  People I could serve may not be helped if I hesitate; I’ll withhold truth; and someone who may be searching for the life that God offers  may not hear about it.  While I realize each person is responsible for their own life, I am also called to live by faith—faith  that allow God to work through my life.  If I don’t, my faith will atrophy and I’ll “die in the nest.”  That’s motivation to fly with.

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. By faith Abel …

…And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.  Hebrews 11:1-4, 6

 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  Hebrews 12:1-3

What holds you back from taking a fresh leap of faith?  As I remember the scriptures and those who have courageously stepped out before me, I am encouraged to take new steps of faith, even though it’s scary.  I realize there are always risks….but the risks are even greater if I don’t leave the nest.   Thankfully, God will always be the air that lifts my wings—and Jesus “flew first.”

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31  

(As the pictures chronicle the bird experience, be assured that no birds or geraniums were harmed in the process.) 

 

How to Have a Good Day

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My husband drove his car into the driveway as I opened the front door. I was  heading out to join him for our weekly extra-long prayer walk. On the way to the car I thought I’d take a quick look at the bird’s nest in my hanging geranium, as has been my custom over the past several weeks. As I pulled the chair over, (I have to stand on a chair in order to see the nest) I felt a sense of disappointment.  I thought the eggs should have already hatched, and was feeling a  bit concerned that perhaps something had gone wrong with them. Maybe the mother didn’t sit on the eggs long enough each day…or maybe I had messed them all up by looking at them.  Sigh.

Just as I peeked into the nest, I saw a creature (hardly bird-like) coming out of an egg.0609141313  Yes, God smiled on me and let me arrive at the exact timing of the hatching!  Gradually, this creature began to take the shape of a tiny bald bird with really large eyes.0609141313a Throughout the day, in intervals between errands and appointments, I peered into the nest.  Each time I looked, another bird was being born! ~577894306091415300609141734a  I returned home from a meeting late tonight and haven’t yet seen #5.  I wanted to look, but mama bird was covering her babies.  All was quiet and calm in the nest.

I do realize thousands of birds are born every day all over the world…but this still thrilled me. How incredible is this–that just a few weeks ago a bird laid some eggs in my mother’s day gift…and now five tiny little birds are living creatures!  Soon, they will fly away. Births never cease to amaze me.  They are all miracles.  Commonplace, yet profound–too wonderful to fully understand.

I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.  But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.  Psalm 131:1-2 

This verse so well describes how I felt today.

And to update yesterday’s post… I had such great fun finding ways to “pay it forward.”  I learned anew just how much joy comes from  random acts of kindness. I am determined to make this a habit.  I decided not to stick around to see responses from the recipients. So,  I don’t know what the response was, but I sure know how I felt.  It truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

Any day we are filled with the wonder of God’s creation–accompanied by a deeper sense of how big God is….is a good day.

And–a day focused on random acts of kindness…is a good day.

The cool thing is–we can choose to have this perspective any day of the week.  That said…have a good day!

Random Acts of Kindness

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The young man with eyeglasses too big and mismatched socks under his sandals stood on the median of the busy road this afternoon.  I tried to assess his situation, as I eyed him a few car lengths ahead of me.  I felt sad that such a young man would need to beg on the street.  As I think back, he wasn’t actually begging.  He was simply holding a cardboard sign that said, “Kindness brings karma,” or something like that.

I was in the left hand turn lane and the light had just changed, giving me a green arrow.  Cars moved on ahead of me as I hurriedly scrounged around my purse for a bill of some kind.  I found a dollar, called him over and put it in his hand.  Quickly, before I even knew what was happening he looked at me, gave back the dollar and told me he wasn’t homeless—but thanks for being a kind person.  He stuffed something into my hand along with the dollar bill.  It was a ten dollar bill! On the back of the bill a note was taped that read, “Random Acts Revolution.” IMG_5100

That little event was certainly random and it made my day.  I put this ten dollar bill in my pocket so I could “show and tell” this story to everyone I spent time with today.  This young man’s actions got me thinking… Can a simple act of kindness really begin a revolution?  Our world certainly needs a kindness revolution.  That is not what I usually experience on a typical day in traffic. Certainly, a kindness revolution has to start somewhere.   Why not with a ten dollar bill?  I’ve heard of numerous people purposely doing random acts of kindness and have always been inspired by their deeds—I’ve just never been “all in.”

I began to feel giddy as I thought of ways I could “invest” this ten dollars by “paying it forward.”  I’ve never actually taken a day to specifically focus on “random acts of kindness.”  However, this one young man’s action inspired me to do just that tomorrow.   I could pay for some someone’s groceries, a meal, some coffees, a haircut (yes I’d have to add to the bill.) I will pray about the opportunities and hope the recipients will be likewise inspired to “pay it forward.” IMG_5098

This is not a new idea.  Jesus taught this concept many years ago.  The scriptures are numerous that teach these truths.  One truth is that Jesus went about doing good, and so we will do the same as we follow him.  Secondly, whatever we give because of what we have been given by God—we will be blessed.  We can never outgive God.  Consider these verses:

You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached– how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.  Acts 10:36-38  

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.  Matthew 5:14-16

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”    Luke 6:38  

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”    Acts 20:35

I’ll let you know how the day goes, but I’m confident that God will be happy about this plan, and I will be too. If you are so inclined, consider a random act of kindness you could practice today—and do it!  Let Jesus’ example and teaching be your direction and inspiration, praying for opportunities to let others know he is the reason we even know how to give.

As you practice a random act of kindness, feel free to post a comment about the experience.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Eggs

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My hanging geranium plant has a guest.  A mama bird made a nest, moved in and laid five eggs. IMG_5075 The plant hangs on my front porch, and the anxious mama bird stays busy darting back and forth between an overhanging utility wire and her nest.  She flies back and forth whenever noise or movements startle her.   We go out the front door and drive up the driveway often, so she often comes and goes. According to my calculations, the eggs should hatch in the next couple of days, so I’ve been trying hard to provide her with as much peace and quiet as possible—which, on nights like last night—doesn’t always work so well.

I wasn’t quite sure how to make last evening’s hour-and-a-half impromptu fish fry with my kids, seven grandkids and four dogs—including a five-month-old labradoodle who was joyfully energetic after returning from his first ever grooming—quiet and peaceful.

Perhaps it was my neurotic concern for the bird, a picture of a snake I’d seen on Facebook, and an article about a near fatal accident that prompted my dream last night.  Or, maybe it happened to teach me a spiritual lesson.  Either way, it was one of those dreams that seems so realistic that you wake up exhausted from all the action.

The dream began with one of the grandkids putting the nest (complete with eggs) in his/her (can’t remember which one did this) mouth to see if that would make them hatch.  My daughter, concerned that it wasn’t best for her child to have a bird’s nest in his/her mouth, grabbed the nest and tried to put it back in its seemingly safe place.  However, she had forgotten that it belonged in the plant and instead put it in a crevice in the wall near the roof.  So, I attempted to relocate it back to its original position in the geranium.  As I reached in to grab the nest I realized it was encircled by a very large snake that had made its home in the crevice.  Terrified, I asked my daughter to distract the snake by playing drums on the side of the house.  It worked.  When the snake looked away I quickly (and bravely I might add) grabbed the nest and carried it back to the geranium—phwew—close call. 0604142111

All seemed to be well with the transition until the mother bird excitedly flew back toward her nest.  In her haste she flew into the porch ceiling, went limp and hit the floor with a thud.  I was devastated for the bird, and that after all the drama—this unfortunate series of events would end with a thud.   Of course, I did the only thing that could be done—performed CPR on the bird. It was a complete success as she got up and flew back to the plant and sat on her nest. What a relief!

Soon after waking up from this exhausting dream I went to check on the bird, fearing the worst.  She was there, still waiting and warming her eggs. I was relieved. As one who tends to be fearful and worry too often (hard to tell, I know)— I took this as a reminder of God’s loving care for me. I needed that.

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 much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:26-27  

 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31  

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Matthew 23:37

God has often rescued me out of the mouth of danger, lovingly lifted me to safe places, and performed spiritual CPR on me again and again. May I, as the scripture above states, always be willing to be gathered under his wings.

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:8  

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4

 

 

 

 

The Reading Connection

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A couple of weeks ago my daughter ordered a book that had been one of her childhood favorites— Puppies Are Like That.  Her long lost book was worn and tattered after being read again and again. She remembered this book with fondness, and was eager to read it to her youngest daughter. puppies are like that

Since the book is out of print I searched for it on the web.  As I discovered places to order used copies, I stumbled upon a review of the book which caught my attention.

When my nephew was a toddler, he loved this book more than all the others combined. Between his parents, grandparents and me, we must have read him that book thousands of times, at least, before he learned to read it by himself.

Twenty years later, a friend gave me a big bag of books her children no longer needed. Down at the bottom of the bag was a copy of that book, well-worn and obviously loved. I laughed when I saw it and set it aside.

The next time my nephew visited me, I handed him that old book. Now that he was a grown man, would he remember the book or think that it was weird that his aunt gave him a children’s book? He  remembered the book and still loved it. He instantly sat down and read it several times. When he was done, he told me he remembered the book and all the people who read it to him. He remembered what it was like to sit in his great-grandmother’s lap and snuggle while she read to him.

His grandmother and great-grandmothers are gone now, but the memories of them live on because of this simple child’s storybook. All the photos of them in our albums can’t conjure up the feelings of love and safety the way that one book does for my nephew.

What a powerful statement.  Never underestimate the feelings of love that can come as a result of your reading books to your children.  As I read this review, I was reminded that connections are made and memories are born—not out of specific books or activities—but from the ways we felt when we experienced these things.

I don’t remember many things from my youngest childhood days, yet I distinctly remember two events.  One took place at an Easter egg hunt when I was about five years old.  A golden egg was hidden among the other eggs—and I found it.  I remember how special I felt to have found the golden egg.  At another time I distinctly remember the smell of onions on my mother’s hands one evening as she placed her hand on my forehead as I prepared to “throw up.”  I remember how comforted I felt that she had come, even though the poignant smell of dinner preparations on her hands helped finish the “deed that needed to be done.”  I felt significant enough to interrupt her dinner preparations.

Several times when the apostle John remembered significant life events—he referred to the way he felt as he experienced them.

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:25-27

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.  John 21:7

How significant that in the midst of such major events in John’s life (Jesus’ crucifixion and John’s walk on the water) he felt loved.  So much so that he referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved.

Since I wasn’t there when Jesus lived, didn’t witness his miracles, hear his teaching or watch his death on the  cross I have at times wondered how it’s possible to feel connection to him…or “remember him.” Yet a connection beyond human understanding happens when I read his word—many feelings are associated.

I remember reading about forgiveness, and then feeling clean and guilt free as I walked the path back from the river where I was baptized years ago.  I remember reading of peace that passes human understanding, and experiencing that peace even when my circumstances were not peaceful.  I recount the joy I continue to feel because of the relationship I share with him.  I am keenly aware of feelings of warmth that well up inside of me as I experience fellowship within the spiritual family God has given me.  I remember the safety I have felt (even in frightening situations)—all because of the promises of God that I have read and relied on.  Because he is present in his word I remember much more than facts and stories—his words are the words of life.  They have led me to relationship with him.

As you read the Bible— know that it’s meant to lead you to a relationship that connects you with God himself—filling the deepest recesses of your heart.

So, don’t forget to read to your children…and more importantly don’t forget to read your Bible.  You will build memories that last forever.

Today’s the Day!

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This morning I thanked God that I got to have another day with him.  As my husband and I groggily (at least I’m groggy) roll out of bed each morning we like to tell each other, “I’m thankful to have another day with you.”  Since he was out of town, after I awoke I said these words to God.   I hoped these words would not only be pleasing to him, but would also help me to live “today”—which is not always an easy thing for me to do.  While saying those words, I let out a sigh of contentment…knowing these are words I can say to him every day—eternally.

It’s been a long while since I’ve visited this blog.  Meanwhile, a lot of life has been lived and miles have been traveled.  I even entered into a new decade since my last visit—I turned sixty. I now consider the mid-nineties officially “old”.  Since the last blog post I have a new book hot off the press—Prime Rib…Exploring a Woman’s Value and Purpose and another is due to be released by IP in early June.  It’s called Spiritual Leadership for Women.  I’ve been so inspired by numerous godly women who I had the privilege to profile amidst the chapters.  I also have about a dozen blogs cluttering my files –yet they are incomplete.  Thoreau once said, “…my life had been the poem I would have writ, but I could not both live and utter it…” Boy, do I understand that.

I am tempted to go back and complete these blogs before moving on to current happenings (maybe I’ll include them in another book next year,) yet there is so much to be discovered today.   I might miss today—if I keep thinking about what I did or didn’t do in the past or am too concerned or worried about the future.  IMG_5051Today I want to be present in the present– in God’s presence.  (Chew on that a moment.)

Is it easy for you to focus on what is not going well, or what you don’t have, or how different life would be for you if only…?  For me, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the day… or what was left undone yesterday or still needs to be done in the future.  So, I need to say these words again.  ”Good morning, God… I’m so thankful to have another day with you.”  I’m sure I’ll need to say those words again tomorrow.

Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. Psalm 84:10

 It is enlightening to note the number of times God speaks of “this day,” or Jesus speaks of our need to depend on him each day—even as he teaches us to pray in Matthew 6:11, Give us today our daily bread.  

Today’s choices can even make an eternal difference in our lives and the lives of others.  As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:1-2

Today matters.

If I am not present in the present in his presence I fail to discover lessons God teaches me…whether through circumstances, his word, the urging of his spirit, other people, music, animals, nature, trials…really anything.  And I can become worried, self-reliant and ungrateful.

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
Exodus 33:14-18

Today….seek to be present in the present in his presence.

The “Toy” in My Dog’s Mouth

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Sometimes you just misunderstand things.  You hear something differently than what was intended.  Or, as in my case, you wrongly identify an object— and in so doing miss its entire function and purpose..

Last weekend we traveled to San Antonio to speak at a marriage retreat.  We had a wonderful time with the church, and enjoyed some special time with our friends, Mike and Anne-Brigitte.   The church is San Antonio is warm and welcoming.  In fact, Anne-Brigitte sent us home with a “Texas basket” – full of goodies.  Inside the basket were scrumptious treats, mementos of Texas, a few books and even a wonderful toy for our dog(s).  I was amazed that these Texans even remembered our dogs—that they were lucky enough to be recipients of fine Texan hospitality.

We enjoyed the treats and our dogs loved the dog toy.  It was one of those braided toys—blue in color.  Our small dog is ten years older than our two-year-old golden retriever.  The little dog particularly loved the toy, so being the “alpha” dog he rarely let the big dog take a turn. However, we played tug-of-war and “catch” with the new pull-toy. You see, it was his favorite toy—ever.  I even snapped a photo to send to Anne-Brigitte, showing our little dog’s enjoyment of his new toy and sent her a text thanking her for the thoughtfulness toward our furry friends.  0218141750b

Imagine my surprise today, a week later, when I noticed the toy was unraveling.  I took it in my hands to see if I could fix it when I noticed that it was, in fact, not a dog toy but instead a beautiful blue scarf (creatively tied.)  Whoops!  Sorry, Anne-Brigitte.  At this point, I didn’t have the heart to take this beloved toy from my dog. And to be honest, it was well worn by then.

I thought about this scarf-dog-toy.  It’s all too easy to be given something of value—and yet fail to identify it as something as valuable as it truly is.  Then, the dog just ends up carrying it around in his mouth.  It would be a bummer to stumble upon a colorful old piece of paper in our attic and because it seems old use it to line the bottom of the dog crate—all the while not realizing a famous artist painted it.

I thought about the promises of God. How do you view his promises?   Do you see them meant for you, or for someone else.  Sometimes I can get busy and even miss the point of Bible study.

You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
John 5:39-40  

While I did miss out on a beautiful new scarf because I didn’t recognize it was for me—what a tragedy if I were to read the scriptures—and yet miss out on a relationship with the author.

Precious Memories and Treasured Traditions

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Today, as I finished addressing my Christmas cards I participated in my “second annual Christmas card tradition.”  After enjoying this new tradition, I received a call from my four-year-old granddaughter requesting that we institute a new Christmas tradition with the family.

These events from today reminded me that the holidays can be a time filled with both precious or painful memories.  Treasured family traditions can warm our hearts, while dysfunctional family travesties can leave others feeling cold and empty.  How then, can we build new memories and traditions that can become precious and treasured ones for those whose lives we touch?

Back to the Christmas cards…  I realized that addressing cards had become somewhat of a tedious and obligatory tradition that I put on myself.  So, I changed one little thing that has made this practice something I look forward to.  With each card I address, I remember some favorite things about the person or family for whom the card is intended.  This may include special things we experienced together, or it may be something I’m thankful for about each person.  Then, I pray for them.  I now look forward to this little tradition.  (This is simply something I have come to enjoy…and certainly not intended to cause any guilt for someone who doesn’t choose to send cards.)  Years ago, when I was a teenager, I spent time with a spiritual woman who I admired – and wanted to learn from.  As we talked together, she ironed  – and often prayed for the person whose clothing she was ironing.  Since I likely address Christmas cards more often than I iron – this seemed like a good way to incorporate a similar practice.IMG_4880

 

After finishing the cards, my granddaughter called me to request that when we have our Christmas cake this year (a red and green velvet cake – another tradition) that we  sing two songs.  One of them is to be “Happy Birthday to Jesus,” and the other one I have not yet been told.  She then wants to release balloons for Jesus.  So, it seems that this will become a new tradition.  Thanks for the suggestion, Lexi.

The holidays are a time to celebrate friends and family, and a time to hold to precious memories.  Sometimes incorporating little nuances of celebration can enhance our holiday times with deeper meaning that will more likely leave precious memories with our children, and children’s children.   These activities can also turn stress producing habits into meaningful, peace bringing memories.

Think of ways you can add precious memories and treasured, meaningful traditions to this time of year for you and yours.  Please feel free to comment about ways you celebrate precious memories – as well as special traditions you practice.  I’d love to gather them and share them.  And meanwhile, have a spiritual and meaningful time with family and friends.  I’d like to leave you with words to an old, but beloved hymn by J.B.F. Wright.

Precious memories, unseen angels,
Sent from somewhere to my soul.
How they linger ever near me,
And the sacred past unfolds.

In the stillness of the midnight,
Echoes from the past I hear.
Old time singing, gladness ringing,
From that lovely land somewhere.

As I travel on life’s pathway,
I know not what the years may hold.
As I ponder hope grows fonder,
Precious memories flood my soul.

Precious memories how they linger,
How they ever flood my soul.
In the stillness of the midnight.
Precious sacred scenes unfold.