Sunday, April 29, 2007

Tomorrow? Next Week?

If you knew that next week would be your final week on earth, what would you do? My life, prior to this year, has been relatively untouched by death. God has blessed me with good health along with those closest to me. However, in the last ten months, Mark has been to the hospital via 911 on two occasions and my mother died suddenly as the result of a fall. Life is fragile and uncertain. Even as we read in the Psalms there are no guarantees: Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away. Psalm 90:10 (NLT) Maybe an upcoming significant birthday is another reason for some reflection and introspection. So, back to the original question. After some pondering, I know that I would like to be able to have written that she always tried to do what was right. Family, friends, and country – those who know me best – would understand that my loyalty and love was steadfast. My choice would be to leave with no regrets – no unsaid apologies, no hard feelings, and always expressing my love. And, I want to take the risk to experience some of those things that only seem like a dream – publishing a book, speaking at a conference, watching my granddaughters grow and carry the mantle to do greater things. Who are the people who need to hear from you? What are the areas of risk that you have pulled back from due to fear? What fun things are you missing because you are in a rut? Each day is a blessing from our Father that cannot be taken for granted. Grab hold and live it to the fullest. I am not a huge country music fan but I think Tim McGraw got it right in the lyrics of his song, Live Like You Were Dyin':

He said I was in my early 40‘s,
With a lot of life before me,
And a moment came that stopped me on a dime.
I spent most of the next days, lookin‘ at the x-rays,
Talkin‘ ‘bout the options and talkin‘ ‘bout sweet time.
Asked him when it sank in, that this might really be the real end.
How‘s it hit ya, when you get that kind of news.
Man what ya do.
And he says,

I went sky divin‘,
I went rocky mountain climbin‘,
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull name Fu Manchu.
And I loved deeper,
And I spoke sweeter,
And I gave forgiveness I‘ve been denying,
And he said someday I hope you get the chance,
To live like you were dyin‘.

He said I was finally the husband,
That most the time I wasn‘t.
And I became a friend a friend would like to have.
And all the sudden goin‘ fishing,
Wasn‘t such an imposition.
And I went three times that year I lost my dad.
Well I finally read the good book,
And I took a good long hard look at what I‘d do
If I could do it all again.
And then.

I went sky divin‘,
I went rocky mountain climbin‘,
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull name Fu Manchu.
And I loved deeper,
And I spoke sweeter,
And I gave forgiveness I‘ve been denying,
And he said someday I hope you get the chance,
To live like you were dyin‘.

Like tomorrow was a gift
and you‘ve got eternity
to think about what to do with it
What did ya do with it?
What did I do with it?
What would I do with it?

Sky divin‘,
I went rocky mountain climbin‘,
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull name Fu Manchu.
And I loved deeper,
And I spoke sweeter,
And I watched an eagle as it was flyin‘.
And he said someday I hope you get the chance,
To live like you were dyin‘.

To live like you were dyin‘.
To live like you were dyin‘.
To live like you were dyin‘.
To live like you were dyin‘.


I just read a quote from Tony Snow, the press secretary for President Bush who is suffering from a recurrance of colon cancer. He said, "God hasn't promised us tomorrow, but he has promised us eternity." Right on!

And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. Philippians 1:20-21 (NLT)

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Good Friends

Good friends visiting from California left today and I wandered around the house for several hours feeling rather empty. I know that time and distance will not change our friendship because even with many switchbacks along our paths, it has endured for 38 years. They are the ones I call when a new grandchild is born or Mark heads off in an ambulance knowing that they will either rejoice with me or weep with me. I was excited to show them our new home and the time together was relaxed yet filled with new sights and sounds as we explored Southern Arizona. It did not matter whether we were in search of the perfect guacamole bowl or just the right plant for the front yard, we had a great time doing it. I was delighted to be able to introduce them to new friends and observe the natural flow of conversation occur between the old and new. I knew then that God had provided wonderful people to love and care for us here, too. Consider this favorite essay of mine on the seasons of friendship as you give thanks of the special people in your life:

Friendship

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (any way); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Remember too that you will come into other people’s lives for the same three reasons.

Thank you for being a part of my life.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Two Women and a Man

Those pesky children of Israel are at it again. In Joshua 24:24, The people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God. We will obey him alone.” Yet, with the death of Moses and Joshua, that same nation of Israel reverted back to their old ways of disobedience and idol worship of their enemies’ gods. Deborah, a prophet and judge in Israel, was God’s spokesman to this willful nation of twelve tribes. She announced to Barak, of the tribe of Naphtali. a plan to take out one of their strongest enemies, King Jabin of Hazor. Barak knew that the ruthless Sisera, King Jabin’s commander, would be leading the enemy’s army of 900 iron chariots. Rather than trust Deborah, he replied that he would only go if she went with him to the battle. “Very well,” she replied, “I will go with you. But you will receive no honor in this venture, for the Lord’s victory over Sisera will be at the hands of a woman.” Judges 4:9 (NLT) The battle raged and ten thousand Israelites were led by the LORD to rout the enemy warriors, but Sisera sneaked off, escaping death. Enter, Jael, the wife of a descendant of Moses. She lures Sisera into her tent with the offer to hide him, providing him with something to drink and a blanket for cover. It is interesting that Sisera asks for water but she gives him milk, which soothes his exhausted body and puts him to sleep. While asleep, Jael takes a tent stake and hammer and pounds it through his temple, destroying the last of the enemy warriors. Two women followed God’s rules and victory was secured. Sometimes we think that as women our role is not as necessary as a man’s, particularly in time of war. With the current situation in Iraq, the subject of women in combat is a regular topic on talk shows. But the part I liked about this story is that the two women were necessary to secure the victory – but not on the battlefield. As women, we have other means at our disposal to use other than brute force. Remember strength and courage? Strength can be of both body and mind and this battle required the strength of mind and creativity that God gave these two women. It is encouraging to know that we each have a role to play in God’s plan and it is not dependant on age, gender, strength, or intellect. It just requires that we be faithful and obedient using the gifts that God has given us.
Be sure to give to the Lord the best portions of the gifts given to you. Numbers 18:29 (NLT)

Friday, April 20, 2007

Think on These Things

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.. Psalm 119:105 (NLT)
This has been a week of darkness and pain as a result of a deranged and sick person. Those close to the shooting are still reeling from its impact and the rest of the nation has been saturated with all the pictures, videos, and reports of this awful crime. I, for one, am exhausted with the coverage – not that I don’t have sympathy for those whose lives have been turned upside down. We have seen how a sick mind can lead many down dangerous paths. Copycat crimes have already been reported all over the country. Schools are in lockdown. However, I did see a beam of light last night when the past Secretary of Education, William Bennett, encouraged us to focus on the good that happened that day rather than the bad. He told stories of heroes that made a difference for many at Virginia Tech when they willingly sacrificed their lives for the sake of others. Bennett encouraged us to follow the recommendation of the apostle Paul and “think on good things.” Jesus often told his followers to renew their minds. In our natural state without God, the mind is wicked and sinful. It is only when the Spirit of God comes into our life and controls our minds that we have life and peace. (Romans 8:5-8). We have seen the deadly results of an evil mind. I encourage you to turn your thoughts today to what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about these things and see what a difference for good that it makes! (Philippians 4:8)

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Strength and Courage

I have been mulling over how to write this blog for a couple of days, asking God for insight and then the tragedy at Virginia Tech strikes at the heart of our nation. The next chapter in the story of the Israelites takeover of the Promised Land begins after the death of Moses with a new leader, Joshua. But just as God gave detailed instructions to Moses, He did not leave Joshua to his own devices. In the first chapter of Joshua, God tells him three times to be strong and courageous. Joshua knew that the people living in the land that God was preparing for them would not give up without a fight. Various kings must be conquered, overthrown, and destroyed. He also knew how fickle his own people could be. Did God sense that Joshua was discouraged or afraid? I wondered why He gave him that command three times in the space of just a few sentences. If God says something once, we better be listening but three times? It must be very important. So what does being strong and courageous mean? Strength can be both physical and mental. The enemy will be tough, the battle fierce, pain and anguish will surround them. All the mental and physical toughness that Joshua can muster will be necessary to defeat the enemy. But He also commanded Joshua to be courageous and courage comes from the heart. It applies not only to bravery but the ability to endure in times of adversity. Courage allows us to face pain or fear and keep fighting when victory seems impossible. I see Mel Gibson as William Wallace in the movie, Braveheart, when I think of strength and courage. There is nothing quite like his final battle cry of FREEDOM! The community at Virginia Tech has waged a battle against an unknown enemy resulting in the loss of friends and loved ones. They must now reconcile the horrible events of yesterday with strength and courage of heart and mind. But they do not have to do it alone. The student body has rallied together in unity and love. But, whatever the battle for each of us, God is there. He will give us what we need to overcome the adversary and make a way for us to walk in safety.
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Key to Life

It was a beautiful day for a trip. Easter with the family had been wonderful and now we were off to visit Granddad. We figured it would take about six hours to drive from the Bay Area to Southern California. As the hours passed, disgruntled voices from the back of the van could be heard. “She’s glaring at me!” “Her stuff is on my side!” “That’s mine!” “Are we there yet?” The close confines of a car seat, long hours on the road, and boredom create the perfect environment for frayed tempers and harsh words from our three granddaughters. It reminds me of the story I have been reading this Spring about the children of Israel and their journey in the wilderness to the Promised Land. “We don’t have any food!” “There is no water!” “I don’t like this food, I want meat!” “Why did we ever leave Egypt?” They complained, whined, argued, bickered, and pouted just like any group of children. Moses, their leader, constantly reprimanded them for their stubbornness and disobedience. Yet, God was there each step of the way and patiently supplied them with what they needed. He provided manna each morning for them to eat. He poured water out of a rock in the middle of the desert. Quail, too numerous to count, fell to the ground for them to roast. Their shoes never wore out (as a shoe person, this caught my attention). Time and again they whimpered about their missing comforts. Their memories were so short that going back to Egypt as slaves seemed like a better alternative. How often we, too, mistake the past as the best time in our lives. Even when God promised them a land flowing with milk and honey, prosperity, long life, and health, they just could not seem to wrap their minds around it and their hearts were too stubborn to listen.
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NLT)

We do the same thing today. God offers us life – for all of eternity – and we trade that offer for the fading glitz of today or even yesterday. What is the key to life? Love and obey the Lord.

So don't look back, be bold, and step out to the promise of life that only He can give.

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Books of Influence

I added Book List to my blog site with the hope that you might find a book that meets a need in your life. Each one of these has helped me over the years and as I was thinking about this book list, I remembered that one of the books that has been so influential was loaned to me by a very good friend several years ago. I decided to order it to add as reference in my library. As I reread this book today, I realize how broken I was when I read it years ago and how little I remember of its contents. I found one line in the first chapter which made an impression seven years ago. I acted on it and as they say, the rest is history. It changed my life. The other remarkable part of the story is the friend who suggested it must have seen things in me that I was unaware were even there.

Henry Nouwen writes, “There is a twilight zone in our own hearts that we ourselves cannot see. Even when we know quite a lot about ourselves - our gifts and weaknesses, our ambitions and aspirations, our motives and drives - large parts of ourselves remain in the shadow of consciousness.

This is a very good thing. We always will remain partially hidden to ourselves. Other people, especially those who love us, can often see our twilight zones better than we ourselves can. The way we are seen and understood by others is different from the way we see and understand ourselves. We will never fully know the significance of our presence in the lives of our friends. That's a grace, a grace that calls us not only to humility but also to a deep trust in those who love us. It is in the twilight zones of our hearts where true friendships are born.”

She saw the twilight zone in my heart and encouraged and challenged me to be more than I thought possible with all that was going on in my life. I trusted her – and the Lord brought me out of the wilderness and began the process of changing me into the person He wants me to be.

Reading has always been part of my life. I encourage you to continue in your Bible reading but also pick up a good book and see what God might have in store – just for you.

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 (NLT