Wednesday, March 20, 2013
March Specials - Hurry!!
Time is running out for you to take advantage of Scentsy's March Specials. Check them out:
Friday, March 8, 2013
Invisible Crowns
Some days are harder than others. That's life.
Some days what you really want is to stay in bed and have Anna bring your breakfast tray. Or perhaps your day has taken an unexpected twist. By all means, ring Carson for tea.
We have choices every day, every hour. We can choose to wallow in our hurts, nursing our pride and wounded spirits. We can choose to punish others for their sins, our unmet expectations, or just because we need to feel in control. We can choose to lash out, retreat, or even run away.
Or.
We can choose love, gratitude, mercy. We can choose to lay it all at the foot of the cross and admit our inability to carry life's burdens. We can choose to come to the only One who knows us and allow Him to heal us.
We can choose to put on our invisible crowns and greet each day, each person, each situation with the grace that comes only from the Father. We can choose to remember that we are redeemed sinners. We can choose to remember that we are the children of the Most High King and to act accordingly.
We can choose to see ourselves as God sees us, those He loves so much that He allowed His only Son to die in our place so that we could be called the sons and daughters of God.
If the Holy Spirit lives in us, we can choose His power to show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Even in the worst of times.
Some days what you really want is to stay in bed and have Anna bring your breakfast tray. Or perhaps your day has taken an unexpected twist. By all means, ring Carson for tea.
We have choices every day, every hour. We can choose to wallow in our hurts, nursing our pride and wounded spirits. We can choose to punish others for their sins, our unmet expectations, or just because we need to feel in control. We can choose to lash out, retreat, or even run away.
Or.
We can choose love, gratitude, mercy. We can choose to lay it all at the foot of the cross and admit our inability to carry life's burdens. We can choose to come to the only One who knows us and allow Him to heal us.
We can choose to put on our invisible crowns and greet each day, each person, each situation with the grace that comes only from the Father. We can choose to remember that we are redeemed sinners. We can choose to remember that we are the children of the Most High King and to act accordingly.
We can choose to see ourselves as God sees us, those He loves so much that He allowed His only Son to die in our place so that we could be called the sons and daughters of God.
If the Holy Spirit lives in us, we can choose His power to show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Even in the worst of times.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Stepping Out
Blended families are tough. There's multiple parenting styles, multiple celebrations, multiple family traditions, all melting together somehow. Multiple opportunities to have conflict. Multiple opportunities to show grace.
We've had our share of conflict; every family does. But God is showing me that conflict brings with it a gift. That gift is grace. How we handle that conflict reflects how we let God handle our hearts and how we handle our own conflicts with God.
We can lash out at the other person, with shouts and claims of how right we are. We can sulk, and close ourselves off emotionally and physically, in an attempt to make the other person prove they deserve our love. We can give the silent treatment, and in turn give pride a stronger foothold on our soul. We can hold onto unforgiveness, and allow bitterness to grow in those richly fertile fields.
Or.
Or we can choose to work together for the common good. We can choose to remember that what we fight against is not each other, but the dark forces that are very much at work in the world. We can reach out and touch and remind one another that we are still here, still supporting even if we disagree. We can forgive and set our own souls free, and those that have hurt us, to be the beautiful creation God intended full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We can allow God to exercise whatever judgement He deems necessary for the fulfillment of His will.
I'm learning that I have a choice. Free will. I'm learning that blessings follow when I choose Jesus and His ways. I'm learning to step out of my comfort zone. I'm learning that forgiveness and grace are daily needs for all of us. I'm learning to slow down so that I can remember.
When I take the time to reflect on all of God's mercies in my own life, I can't help but want to pass those mercies on to others. But, when I allow my life to become full of activities to the point that I am passing myself on the stairs, I lose the ability to offer grace. I snap. I don't seem joyful. I trade peace for confusion and chaos. My kindness is not readily noticeable. Goodness is not my first thought. I become faithful only to myself. I have an edge I don't normally have. Self-control becomes a stranger.
Stepping out in faith is what brings the blessings. Stepping out in faith that God will provide, even when it seems impossible. Stepping out even when life screams for you to hold back. Stepping out into the beautiful life God created just for me, the life He created just for you.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
In Memory
I had a blog post typed and ready to send this morning. However, last night before going to bed I checked facebook. I learned that my great uncle, my favorite great uncle, had died suddenly from a heart attack just a couple of hours earlier. My head spun, my heart raced, the tears came. I kept seeing vivid memories of him and I needed to share them. It may not mean much to you, especially if you never knew him; but it's something I need to do for me and for my kids who will really only know him from my memories.
Tony Baker was my great uncle. His real name was Will Rogers Baker, although I don't think I've ever gotten the story as to how he became known as Tony. He was more like an uncle since he wasn't that much older than my dad. He lived fairly close by while I was growing up and we visited often, even having a family reunion at his house many years ago. He was the baby of the family and everyone loved him. Everyone. His oldest sister was my daddy's mama, MaMa. The Baker family has touched my heart in such a way that my son's middle name is Baker. The desk in my daughter's room is from Tony and Fay, a piece that was handed down to me around her age. It's a family of which I am deeply proud to be a member.
The Bakers are fun-loving people; Tony most of all. He was already ready with a smile, a hug, a handshake, a good pat on the back. Always up for a game of Rook, a game of golf, or a game of practical jokes and funny stories; Uncle Tony spread joy liberally.
He was devoted to his family. He gave more than he took. He was gracious, kind, and loving. He was an active Rotary member and an Army Ranger, a Green Beret, devoted to his country and his fellow man.
He was the kind of man that left you feeling encouraged, accepted, loved simply by being in his presence. He was full of grace, common sense, and a deep faith in God. He looked for the best, accepted the worst, and kept putting one foot in front of the other.
He was the kind of man that we need more of today if our future generation has any chance at succeeding in life and drawing people to Jesus. He was full of integrity and character, wit and intellect, humility and honor.
The last time I saw him was at our most recent family reunion last June. It was also my daughter's birthday, so the day was extra special. I can still hear his voice, his laugh, his prodding of the photographer, my nephew, to hurry to get into the family photo. He was such a joy. He will be greatly missed.
I'm betting he is sitting in Heaven giving my MaMa a hard time about something. I'm betting he's slapping his brothers on their backs as they welcome him home. I'm betting he's already hugged his mom and dad and I know they are glad to have him home.
He was a blessing, and I'm a better person for having had him in my life.
Lord Jesus, comfort us all as we mourn our loss. Be near and remind us of your grace, your love. Hold us close and wipe away our tears.
Tony Baker was my great uncle. His real name was Will Rogers Baker, although I don't think I've ever gotten the story as to how he became known as Tony. He was more like an uncle since he wasn't that much older than my dad. He lived fairly close by while I was growing up and we visited often, even having a family reunion at his house many years ago. He was the baby of the family and everyone loved him. Everyone. His oldest sister was my daddy's mama, MaMa. The Baker family has touched my heart in such a way that my son's middle name is Baker. The desk in my daughter's room is from Tony and Fay, a piece that was handed down to me around her age. It's a family of which I am deeply proud to be a member.
The Bakers are fun-loving people; Tony most of all. He was already ready with a smile, a hug, a handshake, a good pat on the back. Always up for a game of Rook, a game of golf, or a game of practical jokes and funny stories; Uncle Tony spread joy liberally.
He was devoted to his family. He gave more than he took. He was gracious, kind, and loving. He was an active Rotary member and an Army Ranger, a Green Beret, devoted to his country and his fellow man.
He was the kind of man that left you feeling encouraged, accepted, loved simply by being in his presence. He was full of grace, common sense, and a deep faith in God. He looked for the best, accepted the worst, and kept putting one foot in front of the other.
He was the kind of man that we need more of today if our future generation has any chance at succeeding in life and drawing people to Jesus. He was full of integrity and character, wit and intellect, humility and honor.
The last time I saw him was at our most recent family reunion last June. It was also my daughter's birthday, so the day was extra special. I can still hear his voice, his laugh, his prodding of the photographer, my nephew, to hurry to get into the family photo. He was such a joy. He will be greatly missed.
I'm betting he is sitting in Heaven giving my MaMa a hard time about something. I'm betting he's slapping his brothers on their backs as they welcome him home. I'm betting he's already hugged his mom and dad and I know they are glad to have him home.
He was a blessing, and I'm a better person for having had him in my life.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Rainy Days and Tuesdays
I couldn't resist. I'm a fan of Karen Carpenter. Love her voice.
There are so many things on my mind this rainy Tuesday morning. I'm guessing it will take me a few blog posts to organize the thoughts into some semblance of order. I'm hopeful at least one of them will connect with you in some way.
I've been sick now for over a week. It stinks. For most of the time, I've been in bed trying to be as still as possible, my attempt at keeping the racking cough at bay.
When I was finally better enough to sit up for a bit, the blinding migraine started. Really? From what I hear, it was a beautiful weekend. I missed it. My kids were home this past weekend. I missed most, if not all, their activities. Have I mentioned being sick stinks?
There were blessings this weekend, even in the midst of being confined to my bed. My parents live about 20 minutes away. My mama met me at the doctor's office, took me to get my prescription, took me home, made me lunch, tucked me in. My daddy picked up my kids (all four of them) from school, took them to their practices, brought them home, fed them, laughed with them, loved them. My brother lives about 25 minutes away. He got my kids to their Upward game, even though his own wife was home sick herself. My parents brought us one of their cars to use while ours is in the shop.
My husband...well, he did everything I usually do on top of all he usually does, including coach two of the boys in basketball, and went to the baseball draft for Little League. He took all four kids to a family party for my Grandmother's 85th birthday (Happy Belated Birthday!). He took the kids to church, went to baseball practice and back to church for the Upwards celebration. He took the boys shopping for new cleats, practice pants, and anything else they needed. He cooked. He cleaned. He did laundry. He took care of me. He loved me like Christ loves the Church.
Now, what did I do beside lay in the bed like a slug? I was short-tempered with my mom and my husband. The very people who were caring for me and loving me. Why? Because they weren't doing the things I usually do the way I usually do them. Ugh.
I also learned a lot. God offers us blessings every day. It's our job to look for them, seek them out. Be one of those blessings. Allow God to use us to bless someone else. Thank God for using others to bless us. Thank them for allowing God to use them (even if they don't realize it).
Look for the good. It's there. Look for God. He's there.
Even when the rains fall. Even when the car breaks down in the parking garage on a Friday afternoon. Even when you are sick. Even when the dog's muddy paw prints decorate your freshly cleaned carpet.
Even when...
There are so many things on my mind this rainy Tuesday morning. I'm guessing it will take me a few blog posts to organize the thoughts into some semblance of order. I'm hopeful at least one of them will connect with you in some way.
I've been sick now for over a week. It stinks. For most of the time, I've been in bed trying to be as still as possible, my attempt at keeping the racking cough at bay.
When I was finally better enough to sit up for a bit, the blinding migraine started. Really? From what I hear, it was a beautiful weekend. I missed it. My kids were home this past weekend. I missed most, if not all, their activities. Have I mentioned being sick stinks?
There were blessings this weekend, even in the midst of being confined to my bed. My parents live about 20 minutes away. My mama met me at the doctor's office, took me to get my prescription, took me home, made me lunch, tucked me in. My daddy picked up my kids (all four of them) from school, took them to their practices, brought them home, fed them, laughed with them, loved them. My brother lives about 25 minutes away. He got my kids to their Upward game, even though his own wife was home sick herself. My parents brought us one of their cars to use while ours is in the shop.
My husband...well, he did everything I usually do on top of all he usually does, including coach two of the boys in basketball, and went to the baseball draft for Little League. He took all four kids to a family party for my Grandmother's 85th birthday (Happy Belated Birthday!). He took the kids to church, went to baseball practice and back to church for the Upwards celebration. He took the boys shopping for new cleats, practice pants, and anything else they needed. He cooked. He cleaned. He did laundry. He took care of me. He loved me like Christ loves the Church.
Now, what did I do beside lay in the bed like a slug? I was short-tempered with my mom and my husband. The very people who were caring for me and loving me. Why? Because they weren't doing the things I usually do the way I usually do them. Ugh.
I also learned a lot. God offers us blessings every day. It's our job to look for them, seek them out. Be one of those blessings. Allow God to use us to bless someone else. Thank God for using others to bless us. Thank them for allowing God to use them (even if they don't realize it).
Look for the good. It's there. Look for God. He's there.
Even when the rains fall. Even when the car breaks down in the parking garage on a Friday afternoon. Even when you are sick. Even when the dog's muddy paw prints decorate your freshly cleaned carpet.
Even when...
Monday, January 7, 2013
Bare Minimums
It's Monday. Back to work, back to school, back to regular life.
If your house is anything like the majority of people I know, you don't have a maid or a cook or a butler or anything remotely resembling Downton Abbey.
What you most likely have is a house full of toys, clothes, pets, clutter, things, stuff...I could go on. What you want and need is to have all that under some sort of control so that you can enjoy all the people who actually live in the house with you.
Wondering where to start? Head over to Rachel Anne's blog, Home Sanctuary, and start following her Small Things. Today's is such a blessing and a needed reminder that it is doable to have a house under control. She reminds and encourages us to "Do the Minimum". I can do that! You can, too!!!
If your house is anything like the majority of people I know, you don't have a maid or a cook or a butler or anything remotely resembling Downton Abbey.
What you most likely have is a house full of toys, clothes, pets, clutter, things, stuff...I could go on. What you want and need is to have all that under some sort of control so that you can enjoy all the people who actually live in the house with you.
Wondering where to start? Head over to Rachel Anne's blog, Home Sanctuary, and start following her Small Things. Today's is such a blessing and a needed reminder that it is doable to have a house under control. She reminds and encourages us to "Do the Minimum". I can do that! You can, too!!!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
New Year, New Habit
Happy New Year!!
I love fresh starts (more on that later). A new year is a beautiful time to finally get going on this. I don't make resolutions any more. I've learned that I can easily get caught up in the emotion of all the areas of my life I'd like to improve, only to have life get in the way of my progress. I end up feeling frustrated, inadequate, and any motivation I had at the beginning has quickly dissipated.
What's a girl to do? Start with the basics, and as Lisa TerKeurst reminds us in Unglued, accept imperfect progress. (A review of that book is coming as soon as I finish it.)
One thing I have wanted to do in the past, but honestly would somehow forget about, is the Siesta Scripture Memory Team over at the Living Proof blog. I've been reading (I know, shocking.) and have been encouraged to begin scripture memorization again.
My kids go to a private school and my daughter has scripture memory each week, usually building on the previous week's scripture. When we homeschooled, we memorized scripture together. Lately though, I haven't been giving it much thought, much less actually doing it. In one of Beth's posts about the SSMT, she mentioned a spiral-bound notecard set as a way to keep track of your verses and keep your verses handy. I ended up snagging a set of 3x5 cards on a ring at Staples for a whopping $1. It's even hot pink! (I'll post a picture as soon as I figure out how to transfer it from my phone to my laptop.)
I finally chose my first verse today. Or my 11-year old son did. He asked what I was working on and when I told him I was struggling to decide which verse to be my first one, he suggested the verse he uses as his instagram profile picture. That kid is such a blessing!
So, in honor of him, my first verse is Deuteronomy 31:6 (The Message)
"Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He is right there with you. He won't let you down; He won't leave you."
What's one habit you can start today that will deepen your relationship with Christ? Scripture memory? Quiet time? Bible study? I'd love to hear what it is so we can encourage one another. If you choose scripture memory, don't forget to post a comment over at the Living Proof blog, too.
Looking forward to all the blessings God has in store for us this year!
I love fresh starts (more on that later). A new year is a beautiful time to finally get going on this. I don't make resolutions any more. I've learned that I can easily get caught up in the emotion of all the areas of my life I'd like to improve, only to have life get in the way of my progress. I end up feeling frustrated, inadequate, and any motivation I had at the beginning has quickly dissipated.
What's a girl to do? Start with the basics, and as Lisa TerKeurst reminds us in Unglued, accept imperfect progress. (A review of that book is coming as soon as I finish it.)
One thing I have wanted to do in the past, but honestly would somehow forget about, is the Siesta Scripture Memory Team over at the Living Proof blog. I've been reading (I know, shocking.) and have been encouraged to begin scripture memorization again.
My kids go to a private school and my daughter has scripture memory each week, usually building on the previous week's scripture. When we homeschooled, we memorized scripture together. Lately though, I haven't been giving it much thought, much less actually doing it. In one of Beth's posts about the SSMT, she mentioned a spiral-bound notecard set as a way to keep track of your verses and keep your verses handy. I ended up snagging a set of 3x5 cards on a ring at Staples for a whopping $1. It's even hot pink! (I'll post a picture as soon as I figure out how to transfer it from my phone to my laptop.)
I finally chose my first verse today. Or my 11-year old son did. He asked what I was working on and when I told him I was struggling to decide which verse to be my first one, he suggested the verse he uses as his instagram profile picture. That kid is such a blessing!
So, in honor of him, my first verse is Deuteronomy 31:6 (The Message)
"Be strong. Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He is right there with you. He won't let you down; He won't leave you."
What's one habit you can start today that will deepen your relationship with Christ? Scripture memory? Quiet time? Bible study? I'd love to hear what it is so we can encourage one another. If you choose scripture memory, don't forget to post a comment over at the Living Proof blog, too.
Looking forward to all the blessings God has in store for us this year!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
What Do We Do Now?
Yesterday's post seemed to strike a chord with quite a few of you. I'm thankful I'm not alone.
I mentioned yesterday I would address today some ways we could possibly begin to reclaim our way back on the right path. The path of responsibility, self-respect, forgiveness, love, patience, self-control, peace, joy, kindness, abundance.
So many thoughts race around my brain whenever I begin to unpack this. I've read so many books (and blogs); remember, I love to read. While most of them approach this topic from myriad perspectives, the majority of them have some element of gratitude in common.
Keeping a journal.
Focus on what you have, not what you don't.
Be thankful.
Be thankful in all circumstances. (That's a doozy. Still working on that one.)
Appreciate the things and people in your life.
What all these remind me to do is shift my focus. Away from me. Back to others. Back to God.
This doesn't mean I never consider myself or my own needs. It doesn't mean I simply sit back and allow others' decisions to dictate and control my life. And it doesn't mean my needs aren't important.
They are. But so are everyone else's. Why? Because God created them. God loves them just as much as He loves me; just as much as He loves you. Jesus came, died, and rose again for me. Jesus came, died, and rose again for you. Jesus came, died, and rose again for them.
So, in practical, everyday, down-and-dirty ways...how do we do this? What do we do now?
I've told my daughter many times that if everything seems to not be going your way and everyone is getting on your nerves, there's a strong possibility that the problem is with you. And when we are presented with this, our best course of action is to take a step back.
Keep a journal. Think of at least 5 things that you are thankful for today. Write them down. Read over them throughout the day. During especially difficult times in the past, I've even written them on an index card and kept it with me.
Do this every day. Slowly, your heart and focus will shift. If you're anything like me, you'll forget one day. Or life will actually be ok, and you won't feel the need to take a few minutes and intentionally shift your focus. Maybe two days will go by. Maybe a week. Maybe even a month.
The beauty of all this is that no matter how long it is between moments of putting pen to paper, God's mercies are new every day. Every day is a chance to start over. Clean slate. Fresh start. Blank page.
And if you're thankful for nothing else, be thankful for that.
God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,
his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He’s all I’ve got left.
~Lamentations 3:22-23 (The Message)
I mentioned yesterday I would address today some ways we could possibly begin to reclaim our way back on the right path. The path of responsibility, self-respect, forgiveness, love, patience, self-control, peace, joy, kindness, abundance.
So many thoughts race around my brain whenever I begin to unpack this. I've read so many books (and blogs); remember, I love to read. While most of them approach this topic from myriad perspectives, the majority of them have some element of gratitude in common.
Keeping a journal.
Focus on what you have, not what you don't.
Be thankful.
Be thankful in all circumstances. (That's a doozy. Still working on that one.)
Appreciate the things and people in your life.
What all these remind me to do is shift my focus. Away from me. Back to others. Back to God.
This doesn't mean I never consider myself or my own needs. It doesn't mean I simply sit back and allow others' decisions to dictate and control my life. And it doesn't mean my needs aren't important.
They are. But so are everyone else's. Why? Because God created them. God loves them just as much as He loves me; just as much as He loves you. Jesus came, died, and rose again for me. Jesus came, died, and rose again for you. Jesus came, died, and rose again for them.
So, in practical, everyday, down-and-dirty ways...how do we do this? What do we do now?
I've told my daughter many times that if everything seems to not be going your way and everyone is getting on your nerves, there's a strong possibility that the problem is with you. And when we are presented with this, our best course of action is to take a step back.
Keep a journal. Think of at least 5 things that you are thankful for today. Write them down. Read over them throughout the day. During especially difficult times in the past, I've even written them on an index card and kept it with me.
Do this every day. Slowly, your heart and focus will shift. If you're anything like me, you'll forget one day. Or life will actually be ok, and you won't feel the need to take a few minutes and intentionally shift your focus. Maybe two days will go by. Maybe a week. Maybe even a month.
The beauty of all this is that no matter how long it is between moments of putting pen to paper, God's mercies are new every day. Every day is a chance to start over. Clean slate. Fresh start. Blank page.
And if you're thankful for nothing else, be thankful for that.
God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,
his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He’s all I’ve got left.
~Lamentations 3:22-23 (The Message)
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Where Did We Go Wrong?
It seems we've gotten ourselves turned upside down and inside out.
When did it become acceptable for elementary students to have a school-sponsored dance? They're children. Young children. Why would someone even think this would be a good idea? What's the purpose?
My nine-year-old daughter desperately wants to wear high heels, simply because her foot is almost as big as mine. She thinks just because she can, she should.
Somewhere along the way we have given in to the thinking that just because something is permissible, it is also profitable. We couldn't be farther from the truth.
Please don't misunderstand me. I'm in no way suggesting that we intentionally make our lives and the lives of our children more difficult to the point of intense suffering. My point is that what we see as suffering, is in reality, nothing more than inconveniences. We whine and complain, behaving like three-year-olds. We need to grow up.
John 10:10
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
When did it become acceptable for elementary students to have a school-sponsored dance? They're children. Young children. Why would someone even think this would be a good idea? What's the purpose?
My nine-year-old daughter desperately wants to wear high heels, simply because her foot is almost as big as mine. She thinks just because she can, she should.
Somewhere along the way we have given in to the thinking that just because something is permissible, it is also profitable. We couldn't be farther from the truth.
1 Corinthians 10:23 Amplified Bible (AMP)
23 All
things are legitimate [permissible—and we are free to do anything we
please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and
wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are
constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life].
Somewhere along the way the reason why we did or did not became irrelevant. We've lost our traditions and meaningful rites of passage. Why? Is it because we don't fully understand them? If we don't understand them ourselves, it becomes difficult to explain to others. If we can't explain to others, there ceases to become legitimate reasons why something isn't profitable. Our main concern shifts to only if it is permissible.
We have strayed so far from the path that leads to strength of character and a solid foundation. We've become so self-absorbed and so consumed with self-gratification. We've missed the mark and we, and our children, pay the price.
Because we want a "easier" life for our children, we pay them an allowance for daily hygiene, making their bed, keeping their rooms neat; things that were expected of us simply because we lived in a home with others. Self-respect is no longer being taught in our homes, much less in our schools. We've lowered our expectations of ourselves and others while increasing our privileges (and theirs) because somehow we feel entitled to them. Because "everyone else can/has/does", we should, too.
Hold on just a minute. If we're Christians, Christ commands and expects more from us.
Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
Life is instant. Life is fast. We live in a world where our smartphones are the first place we turn to for answers. Why? Because it's fast, it's fun, it's easy. My children want their electronic games/smartphones if we will be in the car longer than 5 minutes. Heaven help us.
Easy. Why is it that we want an "easy" life? Why an "easier" life for our children? When life is easy, we're not learning; we're not growing; we're not becoming better people. When life is easy, we slip away from depending on God. And friends, we all desperately need God. We become blinded to that need when life is easy. Why would we intentionally put that on our children?
Why not a "better" life? A life full of grace and forgiveness and love and self-control. A life of honest, hard work. A life of privileges earned, not expected.
I saw a friend's post on facebook yesterday that recalled a conversation overhead while waiting in line to vote. A "girl" (because honestly she was no lady with comments like this) said "Ugh! I can't even feel my hands!" In front of her was an elderly lady in a wheelchair who responded with, "Dear, I cannot even feel my legs."*
Please don't misunderstand me. I'm in no way suggesting that we intentionally make our lives and the lives of our children more difficult to the point of intense suffering. My point is that what we see as suffering, is in reality, nothing more than inconveniences. We whine and complain, behaving like three-year-olds. We need to grow up.
Life is hard. Really hard. But for the majority of us, it's also ridiculously easy. We live in so much extravagance and privilege that, at times, it's sickening.
This is not the legacy I want to leave my children.
I want them to know the satisfaction that comes only from working hard and doing a job well and thoroughly.
I want them to know the exhaustion, and exhilaration, of working with their hands all day and collapsing into bed at night.
I want them to know the joy of seeking answers and experiences and truly living life; messy, up-to-their-elbows, struggling, persevering.
I want them to know the joy of sacrificing for someone or something they believe in.
I want them to know the love that comes from putting others first.
I want them to know the peace that passes understanding that only comes when you trust Christ in the midst of this messy and sometimes painful life.
I want them to know the freedom that comes only from true forgiveness. Forgiveness that comes only as a result of someone hurting you deeply.
We are a heavily-medicated nation. We live in an incredibly stressful time. We also sit around more than ever. We have become lazy. Instead of working through our stresses by doing manual labor, we take pills. Instead of working together, we "connect" with people in cyberspace. Instead of family being our cornerstone and living in true community, we live in planned neighborhoods where we're lucky if we know the neighbors on either side of us. We have become such a transient and disconnected society. We've lost our roots. We've lost our footing. We search for a strong foundation and find nothing but masqueraders offering little more than a temporary fix.
I want my children to know the peace, security, self-worth that comes only from a deep, abiding relationship with the God who created them, who loves them more than I can even begin to imagine, who sacrificed His own Son so that we can know Him unlike any other. I want their lives to be marked by the work of the Holy Spirit active and alive in them. I want them to have an abundant life, not an easy one.
I want it, too.
John 10:10
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
More tomorrow on how I think we can get this back. Hope you'll join me. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.
*HT to Angela Sox. :)
*HT to Angela Sox. :)
Monday, October 8, 2012
31: Skipping Class Part 2
Now you know...I've skipped a class or two in my day. Life has a sneaky way of derailing you (and me) when we least expect it if we don't have margins.
My girl needed a skip day a couple of weeks ago. Life had simply overwhelmed her and she needed a break. She's only 9 and yet...she needs margins, too.
That got me thinking about the common, and essential, elements to a day devoted to margin. A day when we need to carve out some space so we can breathe, think, live.
Here are the key pieces should you find you need your own day of margin:
My girl needed a skip day a couple of weeks ago. Life had simply overwhelmed her and she needed a break. She's only 9 and yet...she needs margins, too.
That got me thinking about the common, and essential, elements to a day devoted to margin. A day when we need to carve out some space so we can breathe, think, live.
Here are the key pieces should you find you need your own day of margin:
- rest - sleeping in and naps
- food - your favorite comfort foods
- fresh air - it's amazing to me what a little natural vitamin D and deep inhalations of oxygen will do for your soul
- clothing - only the comfiest, snuggliest will do
- meditation - take some time to think, read, pray, listen to music
- hot bath - turns out there's some truth to "Calgon take me away!"
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