And the winner is...

After the Academy Awards, everyone has a opinion on the winners and losers, the best and worst dresses, the laugh lines that were funny – or not, and always the length of the entire program. Some make this annual event into a party for friends while others prefer to watch it alone. I like a good movie. In our home, we make it a point to see the non-scary action movies, comedies, musicals and historical films. If my favorite happens to be up for an award, it usually is a fluke. Hollywood chooses to produce the types of movies that it believes will sell tickets regardless of the values portrayed. Years ago when we had children living at home, we made a decision to not attend R rated movies believing that it was more important to be good models for them. And even to this day, it has to be a very special movie before I am comfortable watching it. The reason? The mind is a wonderful but complex organ that remembers what it sees – sometimes to our detriment. Some people have such vivid imaginations that they cannot escape the images seen on the silver screen. Others appear to not be affected. Yet, whatever your opinion on the awards, I wonder what our Heavenly Father thinks about all of these movies because He gives us instructions about how we should use our mind. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 (ESV) The next time you leave the theater after watching a movie, consider His list. The God who created all the works of art in creation desires that His children think on good things. Be selective.

A Special Poem

Given the task of doing the eulogy at my mother’s recent funeral, this poem struck a deep chord within. I know I want my life to count, to make a difference, to give glory to God.  Take a few moments and ponder these words by Linda Ellis.

Kind Words

I just opened my email to find a note from the neighborhood scribe that one of my neighbors collapsed in his yard yesterday and died. We have been here for just a few months so that I do not know this man yet shock is reverberating over the internet and among the homes. It reminded me, again, that each day is a gift of life and must not be taken for granted. The younger we are, the more likely we are to take risks and not be careful about our choices. The only problem with that is the consequences of our actions usually catch up with us as we age. I remember many summer days sitting on the sand at Huntington Beach with baby oil slathered all over my body -- for hours! Yes, I did get a sunburn but now I have to schedule regular checkups to remove the skin cancers that continue to pop up. Actions and consequences are inevitable and one of our greatest responsibilities as parents is teach this concept to our children. Having just spent time with three little sisters that each expresses her mind with great gusto, consider this proverb: A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) Rather than having a verbal free for all, lowering our voice and speaking softly allows a much better opportunity to actually resolve the conflict. Teaching the girls to be kind and speak nicely is a daily task. The same goes for adults. Our technological age allows us to bypass some of the common courtesies of conversation, probably to our detriment as a society. So make a note to yourself: gentle words will be a balm for a broken heart, a frightened child, a worried mother, a frantic friend, a stressed husband or a grieving neighbor. Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24 (NLT)

Way Perfect!

We have just made a swing through California to check on Dad and see the newly transplanted kids in the Bay Area. (I remembered why I am never moving again.) My son-in-law had been traveling all week and returned late Friday night. Early the next morning, my two-year-old granddaughter was in snuggling with her parents when she suddenly sat upright and announced to her dad, “I way perfect for Mommy.” You see Dad had encouraged the three girls before he left to listen to and obey Mom while he was gone. Allie was just reporting in with her assessment of her week. Dad and Mom both laughed with our precocious little girl knowing full well that the week had not gone quite as “perfect” as she wanted to portray. Later at breakfast we all joined in a chuckle over the story. But inwardly I cringed because I know how an attitude of perfection can be a real stumbling block in life…I have suffered from it for years. Now as the Nana to these three sweet girls, I want to encourage them to skip the trap of a prideful spirit and the disillusionment that often results from the failure to meet unrealistic expectations. Depending on the individual and personality, perfection can lead to giving up and not even trying. Or, it may result in stomachaches, sweaty palms, and tears. And the worst part is the constant need to perform well for acceptance and love. It has taken me many years and along several paths before I truly understood AND believed that I am loved and accepted by God just because. And I can do nothing to change that. He loves me whether I get it right or fail. And to top it all off, anything good that comes from me is only a reflection of His life in me. My prayer is to leave a legacy of love and acceptance for these precious girls so that they know that “being way perfect” is not necessary. I love them just they way they are. And God does, too! We love each other because he loved us first. I John 4:19 (NLT)

Go Play

Recently, I had a phone conversation with my daughter and she mentioned that my two-year-old granddaughter is driving her nuts. She described the ability of this tiny headstrong girl to throw a fit accompanied with all the wailing, crying, and commotion that she can muster–just to get her point across. But, the crazy part occurs when in the middle of all this noise and confusion, she will stop, turn to her mother, and say through her tears, “I all done cwying now. I wuv you very much Mommy,” and off she trots to play. What do you do with that little imp? As I thought about her response, it crossed my mind that we often fret, complain, cry, or whine to our Heavenly Father about something we think we need or an incident that has occurred -- wanting it done our way and NOW. However, His response is “Stop crying, my beloved daughter. I love you very much and let me take care of it.” I pray that as we grow and mature in our walk with the Lord, we will no longer feel the need to throw one of those fits, but rather turn the problem over to Him and trust Him with the solution. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) Now, go play!

Dilemma

Years ago I participated in a parent committee formed by the local School Board to review the curriculum's of sex, drugs, and AIDS education for grades K to 12. What a challenge! I have tackled many “impossible” tasks in my life assuming that with enough time, energy, money, and determination, I could change the situation. However, I discovered while serving on that committee that regardless of how motivated I might be to make a difference – sometimes it just does not happen. Last night I could not sleep. I kept mulling over the options for my dad’s living situation, which is far from being resolved. Frustrated, I got up, slipped into my office and opened my email. In it was a devotional message by Os Hillman in which he directly responded to this kind of dilemma. “There are times when pushing harder, trying to manipulate the circumstance, or pressing those around you is not the response to have to the roadblock. God may be trying to have you reconsider your ways. God may be doing one of four things when you are faced with an obstacle: 1) He's blocking it to protect you. 2) His timing to complete this stage is not the same as yours, and He may need you to go through a process of character refinement. 3) He may want other players to get in place, and the circumstances are not yet ready for them to enter. 4) He may be using the process to develop patience in you. Relying on the Holy Spirit to know which one applies to your situation is the key to moving in God's timing.” I know that God has His hand on Dad and will show us the best place for him to be. We are headed out next week to check on things. As I fell asleep, I thanked God for reminding me to be patient – the path will be made clear.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 (NLT)


But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27 (NLT)