Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Sunday, May 28, 2006

Memorial Day

Memorial Day: freedom, liberty, honor, bravery, hero. A grateful nation pays tribute annually to those who lost their lives in the defense of freedom. The original designation of Decoration Day in the 1860’s was declared Memorial Day in the 1950’s with the stated purpose to pray for permanent peace. How are you celebrating this day? Do your children know why they are home from school? It is so easy to take for granted the freedoms that we enjoy; whether it is the freedom to attend church and pray, or march and burn the flag. But the greater responsibility is to pass on to our children and grandchildren, the stories of the personal courage, love of country, and dedication to duty sacrificially given by so many. My son calls his grandfather to thank him for his military service each year. When I heard about these calls, my heart filled with pride for my son and his gesture of love and renewed appreciation for my father and his service to this country.

President Bush, in conjunction with Congress, proclaimed this Memorial Day as a day of permanent peace and asked the nation to unite in prayer at 11:00 AM. Please take a few moments to bow and pray for peace, our nation, its leaders, and our men and women in uniform who serve all over the world.
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

God Bless America!

Friday, May 26, 2006

Soft Answer

Last night, I became really irritated. It usually takes a lot of aggravation to put me over the edge but I was certainly close to that point. The incident is immaterial but my reaction to it is the issue. How do you respond to situations that get out of control? Are you able to still reflect Christ in those volatile circumstances? It is recorded that Jesus was angry and yet did not sin when he was in the temple with the money changers. I wonder how He managed to control his exasperation. Was it easier because of the reason that caused the anger? Was it the response of the people around him that made the difference? The verse in Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” whispered over and over in my mind yesterday as I vented my frustration and outrage on the phone. The response on the other end, however, was spoken in a soft, modulated voice, full of apology and understanding. He listened to me, asked several questions and responded quietly. My anger dissipated like the swish of air coming from a released balloon and I was able to calm down and have a rational conversation. This incident is a good reminder for future confrontations: slow down, think before you speak, use a quiet voice, listen, apologize if necessary. As a result, the conflict was reasonably discussed, the relationship is still intact, and calmness was restored to the situation. I may have to call him again, but this time I will speak in my “quiet” voice.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

We can do it!

Fly!

When we walk to the edge of all the light
we have, and take that step into the
darkness of the unknown, we must
believe that one of two things will happen...
there will be something solid for us to stand on
or
God will teach us how to fly!


Monday, May 22, 2006

Making Music

Music has always been part of my life. My mother is a gifted pianist and started me on that track early. However, I did not have the same perfect pitch or desire to learn to play the piano so I quit after a few years. But I did love to sing and listen to music. I passed my first choral audition for the Honor Choir in the fourth grade and learned the beauty of singing in parts. As a senior in high school, I was selected to join Castlettes, a small women’s group that sang in the community and represented the school. And yesterday, due to the move next month, I sang in my last concert with a large community choral group, The Blackhawk Chorus. It has been a great privilege to be a member of this chorus for the last nine years. A unique bond develops when you are part of a group that works together. You learn to trust the director, the people sitting on either side, and yourself in order to make a beautiful sound together … it is not a solo. And there are disciplines involved to achieve the sound and level of accomplishment for the performances. Practice, practice, practice! Yet when the night of the concert arrives and the music stirs not only the audience but your own heart, there is nothing quite so glorious. Tears filled my eyes yesterday as we sang the final encore. I will miss this group because they have become like family. As I reflect on last night, it occurs to me that the same is true in our step by step walk with the Lord. When we learn to trust Him, listen and pay attention, and follow the disciplines He requires, we will make beautiful music in the lives of those around us. And we are never alone. "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's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you." Deuteronomy 31:6 (The Message)

Friday, May 19, 2006

Birthday Wishes

This has been my birthday “week.” Waking up to find a card at the computer from my husband along with several email greetings from family and friends is a great way to start the day. There is nothing quite like a phone call at 7:30 AM with three little girls singing “Happy Birthday, Nana.” Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with loved ones remind me of my blessings. Cards and phone calls from all over the country bring such joy. Yet, the years pass quickly and when I look in the mirror I wonder where the girl who feels 16 inside is hiding among the wrinkles and “blonde” hair reflected back to this birthday girl. In Psalm 71:18 it says, Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. (NIV) The one good thing that comes from age is experience. I know that God has planned each day and my responsibility is to share the good news of God’s graciousness, wisdom, and power. The opportunities occur daily -- visiting with a neighbor I have not seen for ten years, a dozen young moms questioning me about the trials of raising children as we make pie crusts, or a granddaughter asking me to sing Jesus Loves Me. My prayer is that God will give me occasions to share what He has done…and I will do it!

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Marching Orders

The call finally arrived. Our house in Arizona will be ready next month. We have been in process for over a year and now the end is near. A new house is almost ready to occupy and and our current house not yet sold. Do you ever question what God is telling you to do? Is that flashlight not shining bright enough down the path so that you feel hesitant to continue on? HELP! Remember, it is just one step at a time. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34 (NLT) Rather than fretting and rethinking this decision, I can trust that God will watch my back. He promises in Philippians 4:19, You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. (The Message) So with that assurance, I will start the process of the move. I have my marching orders.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

A Mother's Heart

For all the moms who had breakfast prepared for you today by little people with sticky fingers assisted by helpful dads, take a few minutes and relish the time off. You are doing a great job, Mom. I hope this version of I Corinthians 13 will be an encouragement.

I Corinthians 13 – “Mommy Style”

If I keep my house immaculately clean, and am envied by all
for my interior decorating, but do not show love to
my family – I am just another housewife.

If I am always producing lovely things like sewing, scrapbooking,
if I always look attractive, and speak intelligently but am not
loving to my family – I am nothing.

If I am busy in community affairs, teach Sunday school, and drive in
the carpool, but fail to give adequate love to my family – I gain nothing.

Love changes diapers, cleans up messes and ties shoes –
over and over again.

Love is kind, tough, tired, and frazzled.

Love doesn’t envy another wife – one whose children are “spaced”
better, or in school so she has time to pursue her own interests.

Love doesn’t try to impress others with my abilities
or knowledge as a mother.

Love doesn’t scream at the kids.

Love doesn’t feel cheated because I didn’t get to do what I
wanted to do today – sew, read, soak in a hot tub.

Love doesn’t lose my temper easily

Love doesn’t assume that my children are being naughty
because their noise level is irritating.

Love doesn’t rejoice when other peoples children misbehave
and make mine look good. Love is genuinely happy when
others are honored by their children.

“A Mother’s Heart” – Jean Fleming



Friday, May 12, 2006

Timing is Everything

I read in a devotional a few days ago that God is rarely early but never late. I mutter that phrase to myself these days as we wait for someone to buy our townhouse. It has been on the market for over two months and we have had no offers. I might begin to differ with God about His timing since the building of our house in Arizona is moving along and expected be done next month. But He also says that a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years is a day. I just need to look at time from God’s perspective and not mine. Waiting is the hardest work of hope and my part is to trust God’s timing. But if we look forward to something we don't have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently. Romans 8:25 (NLT)

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Best Seller

I started reading The Da Vinci Code today. The movie is due for release next week and I decided to try and finish reading the book before seeing the movie. Being an avid reader, you might wonder why I am just now beginning this best seller. Basically, it was because of a prejudice and bias that I had picked up from just listening to people talk about it. I thought it was blasphemous and unchristian. It dawned on me that I had let others form my opinion and I usually don’t operate that way. If I want to know about something, I will usually go directly to the source so that I can make up my own mind. We need to have that same mindset about our Christian faith. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) The popularity of this book indicates the desire of people to find spirituality. We must be ready to present the One true answer to their questions.

Monday, May 8, 2006

Perfect Conditions

If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. Ecclesiastes 11:4 (New Living Translation)

I almost fell into that trap of wanting those perfect conditions mentioned in Ecclesiastes a couple of years ago after I met a man who is now my husband on the Internet. On a plane headed north in order to take care of my granddaughters, I fretted about what I thought was an untenable situation with this man - he lived in Tennessee, was a musician, but did have a Macintosh. Ready to make a hasty decision to end the relationship and avoid any grief, I felt God quietly leading me to just wait. I wrestled with Him for a few more minutes and then acquiesced to His gentle nudge. On that plane trip God caught my attention and I chose to listen. Waiting is not a passive exercise. In fact, waiting is about the hardest thing we ever have to do. Just watching my nineteen-month-old granddaughter wiggle anywhere we go reminds me how hard it is to wait and at almost 59 I still struggle with it. It is so easy to waste time while waiting. Imagine yourself standing in line at the bank, or Starbucks, or even sitting in the doctor’s office. I find that at those times my mind wanders down several different roads--from observation of those around me to thinking about my “to do” list. Another easy yet unproductive habit is to turn the mind “off” and go into neutral. Neutral allows various thoughts and attitudes to enter our mind, some wanted, others unwanted. But if we are going to believe and trust that God is trying to tell us something in those moments of solitude, then we must follow His instructions on waiting. As I sat on the plane, worrying about how “I would handle a potentially hurtful situation,” I had to decide who was going to be in control--my Heavenly Father, or me? One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” So often I get out in front of what God is trying to do in my life and mess it up. He challenges me to pay attention and stay close to Him. When I choose to trust the One who loves me unconditionally, He begins to unfold His perfect plan in His time.

Saturday, May 6, 2006

Never Forget

I watched the movie United 93 this week. It is an emotionally, mentally and physically wrenching experience. Viewing the second plane ram into the second tower brought up all the horror of almost 5 years ago when I watched it happen the first time. I remember thinking to myself at the time that it felt like I was watching a movie. Today, the movie is as real as anyone could produce. By piecing together the information from the phone calls from passengers and crew, the black box, and using real players as themselves at both NORAD and the flight decks, the director/producer created a movie that almost felt like a documentary. The calculation of the terrorists, the coordination of the other planes -- UAL 175, AA 11, AA 77, the commitment of the men to their religion and goal was portrayed without emotion or commentary. The delay of United 93 in Newark allowed the passengers the time to gather the information of the other attacks when they called their loved ones. Those 45 minutes on the ground probably saved the Capitol in Washington DC from suffering the same attack as the Pentagon. The families of all who died on that fateful day and especially on United 93 deserve our heartfelt thanks for the bravery of their loved ones. The heroism of the passengers remind me why we must never forget! Terrorism is alive. It did not die with those planes. WE must be vigilant in the fight. As Winston Churchill said, "Never, never, never, never give up."

One Step At A Time

An excited group of hikers trekked single file down the side of the Grand Canyon. The destination still some distance, night descended on the small band as the sun dipped over the rim. The guide switched on his flashlight and the rest of the group followed suit. With the experience of many trips, he led them to the safety of the camp below. The next morning, one of the hikers looked up at the narrow trail on the side of canyon wall and noticed all the unseen dangers in the shadows of night -- boulders, land slides and steep switch-backs. One misstep would have been disastrous. Yet, following that single shaft of light--one step at a time--had steered each one to shelter. In Psalm 119:105 we read, By your words I can see where I'm going; They throw a beam of light on my dark path. (The Message) God will lead us to safety and shelter if we listen to Him. Join me as we engage in the journey together, seeking to know Him better so that we can follow the light.