Thursday, May 31, 2007

Feel the Pain

“Only if I can feel the pain can I feel anything.“

While cleaning my desk, I ran across a business card on which I had written this phrase. I don’t remember what the magazine article was about but I was struck with the impact of the conclusion. Years ago, I read a story about a doctor that ministered to lepers in India. Infected patients lose fingers and toes because their nerve endings have been destroyed as the disease progresses resulting in loss of all feeling. This causes burns from a hot stove or pan, cuts from a knife with only the blood indicating a problem, even the horror of gnawed toes by rodents goes unnoticed. Pain is good; it is necessary. Pain is an indicator that something is wrong and needs attention. As we trudge through life, some days it feels like we have hit every bump and rock in the way. Battered and bruised, we look for a way out without correcting our compass or consulting the map. We continue to run into obstacles and are lost – and in pain. How do we handle pain? Pain is the constant companion for athletes as they train. No pain, no gain. Stretching the body to its limit and then pushing it even further causes the muscles to grow strong and able to do more. Emotional pain with a friend hurts, too, but it lets us know that we need to look at what is going on in the relationship. Avoidance, the easy answer, will never solve the problem but working through it and making necessary changes will often make the relationship even stronger. No one likes the pain resulting from discipline – whether it is my granddaughters or me. But the benefits of this discipline are for my good. In Hebrews 12:11 it says, No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. (NLT) God does not want us drift into more trouble but urges us to choose a better way just like any good parent does with his willful child. I have experienced emotional pain that was so great that I did not want to go on. Yet, I learned that if I ignore the pain, my heart becomes dull and I am useless to my Father. The lesson for all of us is to be willing to accept that discipline and feel the pain that cleanses us and makes us useable for His purpose. My prayer is that I never waste pain – I always learn from it.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Decoration Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. In doing a little research about the origins and history, I discovered that to help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed in May, 2000, which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to Taps." I want to thank those close to me: my dad, who is visiting with us for several days, served in both World War II and the Korean Conflict, Mark served in the Army during the Viet Nam war, and many other friends. And I also think of so many of the sons and daughters of this nation that are now stationed in places of conflict all over the world. It is both fitting and appropriate that we take one day a year to honor those who have fallen and those who put their lives on the line for us today. The next time you see a member of our armed services, stop and thank them, shake their hand, pay for their lunch; let them know that you appreciate their willingness to serve to protect our freedom. Let’s make every day Memorial Day! You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well. 1 Corinthians 16:18b (NLT)

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Keep Walking

While waiting for my car to be washed, I picked up a copy of Newsweek because the front cover caught my attention. The lead article was entitled The Military: Faith Under Fire. I was curious because I now have a good friend who served as an army Chaplain for 20 years during the Viet Nam era and this article spoke of the challenges facing today's chaplains in the current war on terror. It detailed the initial excitement of an Army chaplain as he followed God into this ministry, his deployment to Iraq, and his encounter with constant death and discouragement of both the soldiers and himself. He shares this passage as to where he is today with his faith: I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:1-2. David wrote these verses in the Psalms experiencing firsthand the fear, doubt, and frustration of being pursued by an aggressive enemy, Saul. Yet, he knew that God would lift him out of the pit, mud, and mire to stand on firm ground. How many times do we struggle in our own circumstances? Where is God? How could this be happening to me? Will I survive? The young chaplain learned to be blunt with God and in that communication began taking steps back to real faith. We can do the same. God has not promised us a life without struggle, pain, death, or despair. We can even yell, scream, cry, and vent our anger with Him. Be assured that He will listen and has promised in Deuteronomy 6:31, The LORD your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you. (CEV) Whether the circumstances change or not, He is there to pick us up, scrape off the mud, give us a hug, and set our feet on the straight path. Be encouraged, my friend,…and keep walking.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Control Mode

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:1-3 (NLT)


Perfect weather! Perfect accommodations! Perfect company! Perfect celebration! It was a wonderful week of family, sun, and fun. Each one enjoys going to Mexico because there is nothing to do but relax. You could find everyone, from the grandgirlies to Papa, in their favorite spots each day (pool for the girls and the lounge chair on the patio for Papa!) Yet, just like the storybook, all good things must come to an end. Being a technologically savvy family, we all stopped by the business center to print out our boarding passes the day before we left. Suddenly, our perfect vacation screamed to a halt. An error in the booking process left one mommy and three little girls with no flight home. Not to worry. We marched over to the concierge and an hour later, everyone had a flight home. Unfortunately, the new flight required mommy and the three girls to move to another hotel and leave a day later with 4-hour layover in LA before arriving in San Francisco. The girlies were thrilled to spend another day at the pool but it was not exactly what we all had planned. As I thought about it later, I realized that I had jumped back into my take-control-of-the-situation mode and never once stopped to ask God for help and direction. Gracious Father that He is, we found a solution but I know He would have preferred that we check in with Him and ask for wisdom and guidance. "Forgive me Lord, for running ahead of You. Thank you for checking my spirit and reminding me that your plans are always for our best. Stop me the next time before I lurch into control-mode and steer me onto Your straight path...your grateful Daughter."

Friday, May 11, 2007

One Year

Blogging for Flashlight just turned a corner and is now into its second year. When I started posting last year, after attending the Writer's Conference at Mt. Hermon, I had no idea whether I could do it, if I would enjoy it, or if I could be consistent. But God has shown me that the everyday events in my life may help someone else when I share how He was there in the midst. It has not been an easy year. Moving, Mark's health, and the death of my mother have each had an impact not only on me but all who know and love me. The blog has been a tool to share the strength and courage that God has given me through it all with those I know and those who have clicked in from as far away as Australia, Italy, Singapore, and Argentina, to name a few. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT). It was daunting to even think of starting a blog but Mark gave me encouragement from the first day and has been my able nagger to keep at it. As a writer that sends out thoughts into the impersonal cyberworld, your comments confirm that someone is actually reading them. Is there a new opportunity in your life that seems impossible or at least a real stretch? Jesus said, "The simple truth is that if you had a mere kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, 'Move!' and it would move. There is nothing you wouldn't be able to tackle." Matthew 17:20 (The Message) You CAN do it. You have come to a fork in the road of life where you have to make a choice. One way seems easier and less threatening while the other seems to have nothing but rocks and boulders in the path. Trusting God for his direction is the only option on which road to travel. Remember that He has made you for a specific purpose to complete His plan and bring Him glory. Your part is to take that first step – be willing – and He will be right beside you to lead you to new joys and accomplishments and cheer for you along the way.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

"Deliberate Trust"

Sometimes it is better not to reinvent the wheel. I subscribe to an online devotional for women. In my email this morning I received this weeks' offering which echoed my thoughts to so well that I want to share a portion of it with you:

"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." Isaiah 55:8


It's not always easy to trust God. When I see where God seems to be leading me, I can usually figure out a way to get there. But it's seldom the path that God has chosen. My path is quick and easy. God's path is full of unknowns. It's difficult to "set down my map" and follow God. I like my path. Sure, there might be some struggles along the way, but it will get me from point A to point B in a short amount of time. Unfortunately, I won't be happy, and I won't have become all that God desires for me to be. I think I know the way to go, but only God really knows. I have to trust him.

I can only begin to imagine what God has in store for my life. I can't tell where he is sending me, but I travel in faith. I'm at a point in my life where God has called me to take a step of faith. I am learning to trust him day by day. It is definitely an adventure! There are days I start to fill with anxiety because I can't see where he is leading me. I know in my head that his ways are not my ways, but it is hard to believe him. I pray for peace and faith each day.

Now is the time to come to Jesus and trust him. Let go of the need to know the way. He is the Way. Allow him to lead you, even if you can only see a step at a time. For his thoughts are not our thoughts and his ways aren't our ways—they are better than we can ever imagine.

Saturday, May 5, 2007

Attitude Adjustment

I chuckle to myself when I hear my daughter tell one of the grandgirlies that she needs an “attitude adjustment.” I know that this little one has probably been whining and finally stepped on the last nerve of her mother and consequences are just ahead. Depending on the situation, there may be instant obedience … or not. The same holds true for all of us. I remember an attitude change that I needed not too many weeks after my first baby was born. All was well while my mother was there to take care of both of us but the day she left, my world turned upside down. Nothing seemed to get done and I was very frustrated. “When are things going to get back to normal?” I wondered. I fought each day’s schedule with that as a goal. After about six weeks of this nonsense, as I was rocking that sweet little girl after the 2 AM feeding, I suddenly realized that we would just have to make a “new” normal. Things were never going to get back to the way they were. Life as I knew it was irrevocably changed and I needed an attitude adjustment. The following day’s agenda was still just as demanding but I chose not to let it get me down. I learned to enjoy that sweet baby and take each day as a gift. I don’t mean to say that I never have frustrating moments and wish for the peace and quiet of earlier times because over the years, I have noticed that that we still encounter “new normals”: children in school, children out of school, new job, empty nests, retirement, moving, illness. Each change is a test and requires patience, energy, planning, and trust. But, the challenges of life level out and become manageable if we trust God to lead us rather than trying to control them ourselves. Our Father is right there to encourage us, smooth out the rough places, and plant our feet on a firm path. So take a walk with an attitude of thankfulness and love and see what good things are right around the corner. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:6 (NLT)