10,000 Steps

We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)

We enjoyed a "magical" Christmas at Walt Disney World last week. We loved sharing and watching as the grandgirlies experienced the thrill of the roller coaster rides, viewed the spectacular fireworks from a bench in Fantasyland and the top of the Contemporary Hotel, and rode on boat and bus shuttles to spend the day at one park after another. We joined the throngs to view several parades march down the middle of Main Street. The highlight for me was the Candlelight Procession in EPCOT. Steven Curtis Chapman, joined by massed choirs and orchestra, narrated that evening and we listened once again to the story of Jesus from Luke 2. The glorious music thrilled our hearts and we all left acknowledging the wonder of that miracle birth. However, did you know WDW is 400,000 acres? After the second day, I borrowed Mel's pedometer because I have a doctor who advocates walking 10,000 steps a day as a way to good health and was curious if I could do it. To my amazement, when I took the pedometer off that night, it showed that I had walked 12,388 steps. I figured I walked about 50 miles by the end of the week. I must add that as the week wore on, I slowed down and each step took a little more energy highlighting one of the many differences between Nanas and grandgirlies! Mel did an outstanding job of planning the week's activities—we just followed the leader. As I look back over this last year, plans filled my calendar each month…appointments, dates with Mark, trips, repair men, invitations…each one added with the time and any notes I needed. Yet, after all the planning, I scrapped many of those dates as God's plan for my life threw me several curve balls. Many months found me just hanging on to the hem of His garment. Yet, I know that during that time He ordered my steps for my good health. In the end, it became an unexpected blessing because it forced me to trust Him with all that I am and have. He gave me His strength, mercy, grace, and love each step of the way. It is about time to change to my new 2009 calendar. I don't normally make a big list of New Year's resolutions but this year I have a couple—one being to keep trying to walk 10,000 steps a day. But the other is to follow that plans of the Master. I missed the challenge and blessing of reading through the Bible this year so I have a new chronological version to use in '09. What better way to get my marching orders? Want to join me?

So Exciting!

King of kings forever and ever

and lord of lords hallelujah hallelujah And he shall reign forever and ever. The Messiah, by George Friedrich Handel

Excitement fills our house and that of the grandgirlies in California. The bags are almost packed, the refrigerator is bare, and the mail is on hold. We all leave tomorrow for Disney World and anticipate a week of memories filled with fun, laughter, fatigue, and a fairyland of lights. The youngest grandgirlie was a baby the last time we visited so she sees all the festivities through the eyes of her two sisters. They know what is coming and can hardly wait. As we all get ready for the big trip, it reminds me of the meaning of Advent: "arrival" or "coming," particularly of something of great importance. We have been planning this trip for almost a year; getting plane reservations early so we could use frequent flyer miles, making dinner reservations for each night since we expect crowds, finding the best deal for park tickets. But Advent is not about anticipating Disney World, it is about waiting for the birth of the baby Jesus. Generation after generation looked for that promised King, little expecting that some shepherd boys would herald His birth. The long awaited miracle born that night changed the course of history. What have you done to prepare for His arrival this year? Have you asked Him into your heart and made him your King? Sometimes, we get so caught up in the "preparations" of baking, shopping, and entertaining that we forget that our hearts and minds need preparation, too. In the coming week, I encourage you to plan time to read the Christmas story with your family, visit a lonely person, or share a meal with a friend. Make time to spend alone with God and listen to Him speak to you. Remember...people are more important than things and they last longer, too. Yes, this season is full of joy and excitement. But when we fly home next week, the Christmas season will end as we put away the decorations, exchange the presents, and shop for sales. However, what is more important than keeping the love and joy that Christmas brings to your heart alive and available to share throughout the new year? Let Jesus, the King of Kings, make the difference. Maybe we should sing Joy to the World in July?

Unstable?

And He will be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. The fear of the Lord is his treasure. Isaiah 33:6

A favorite writer of mine is Mary DeMuth. I have never met this talented woman but have learned much about writing and life reading her blogs. In her latest ezine, Inside reNEWal, she reflects on the past election,

"You know what I fear? I don't fear government as much I as fear man's ability to treasure the wrong things. I fear those who place financial gain (treasure) above humanity's needs. But if I strip all that away and lay that well-placed fear at the feet of Jesus, I know fearing God is where I need to rest. It's then that I will truly, truly know that God is my stability, the stability of our times, and the only true provider of salvation, wisdom and knowledge."

She nailed it. As the year 2008 winds down, the nation is ambivalent about the future. The market is up, the market is down. Christmas sales are good on Black Friday and then they are down. Job statistics are terrible and the automakers are failing. Talk about instability! If we expect the new President and Congress to solve all of our problems next year, we will be sorely disappointed...so back to our verse for today. Our only hope of stability is in the Almighty God. He is changeless, trustworthy, honest and reliable, all knowing, and not surprised by anything. I would much rather put my hand in the Hand of the one who controls the universe rather than those who manipulate our country…some to their own ends. Take heart. There is hope and our future is secure for those who call on the name of Jesus.

JOY

They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 35:10 (NIV)

As I was getting dressed this morning, I heard an interview on Good Morning America about how to tell children that Santa was not going to be bringing as many presents this year. In case you missed it, the economy is in a bit of decline. I liked the answer the guest gave because she noted that young children don't really care about the cost of the item, particularly if it is given with joy. Years ago, I learned an acronym for JOY – Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. Christmas is the perfect time to teach young ones about real joy. Children are naturally self-centered and one of the greatest challenges and responsibilities of parents is to teach them to think beyond their own needs and to share. You won't have to sit very long in a room of young children before you hear a mother remind her child "to share." Years ago, we wanted to teach our children to think beyond their desires and Christmas list, so we decided to adopt a family in need. We spent our time and treasure choosing special gifts for each one and it ended up being a great time for all of us. This year is the perfect time for families to reassess what is really important and what is with just fluff or tradition. Are all those presents under the tree really excess and greed? I heard the story of one family that only allows three gifts for each child with the thought that if it was good enough for Jesus, it was good enough for them. It is something to think about. In those quiet moments of reflection about this special time of year, let's not forget that the greatest gift ever given was from a Father to His children…the baby Jesus. Even though it cost Him everything, it didn’t matter because He loved us so much. Our bank balance may give us pause this season, but when we accept that gift of life through His Son, then we, too, will enter Zion with joy and singing.

Traditions

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (21st Century King James Version)

The changeover began on Friday and the last vestiges of Thanksgiving gave way to my favorite seasonal decorations. I only unpacked a few boxes this year because we will spend Christmas with the grandgirlies and family at Disney World. But, I cannot imagine leaving the house bare of any Christmas whimsy for the month! A few of my favorite pieces placed strategically around the house, accented with red poinsettias on the tables, and scented candles throughout evoke memories of Christmas past and reassure me that Christmas IS coming. I found a Holiday Music XM channel and set the button on my car radio. This week, I will host a table set with my Spode Christmas ware at our church's Annual Advent Tea. Normally, I like new things but not at this time of year: I joyfully succumb to tradition. I looked up the definition of tradition to see if it would provide a clue to my routine behavior and it did…the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation. So true! Just ask any of my grandgirlies to describe the yuletide traditions of our family and watch her little face light up as she jabbers away. There is security in tradition that gives a peace, happiness, and confidence in an often-unstable world. The terrorist attack this weekend in India proves the point. The ancient prophet's words comfort us with the wonder and knowledge of the birth of a Baby. Traditions are wonderful and timely, but Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is timeless. In this countdown to the 25th, find a few moments each day to spend time with this Child born in Bethlehem and He will give you peace.

Memory Lane

Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and sing joyfully about his glorious acts. Psalm 107:21-22 (NLT)

It has been a crazy, busy week. I decided to have a Thanksgiving Supper for several of our friends and neighbors this weekend because I'm not hosting dinner on Thanksgiving Day. These folks carried the flashlight for us during a long and, at times, difficult journey this year. I asked each guest to come prepared to share a Thanksgiving memory. As I think about my past holidays, snapshots pop into my mind: a little girl waiting for dinner to be served at my grandparent's house with aunts, uncles, and cousins seated at various tables. I also see my kitchen, pots bubbling, the special smell of cooked turkey permeating the entire house, the table set with china, crystal and candles, and friends and family standing around and chatting in anticipation of the dinner. Then there was the phone call a couple of years ago from my mother who lived several hundred miles away. She didn't feel well and after checking on her several times during the day, I encouraged her to go to the hospital. The story ends with the diagnosis of a blood clot on her brain because of a fall on Thanksgiving morning while getting out of bed. Although she survived the surgery, she never left the hospital and slipped into the arms of Jesus a couple of weeks later. My life's photo album is probably not much different from yours. Some events are prints blown up to an 8 by 10 while others are stuck in the back of the album. Yet the Psalmist did not hesitate to give thanks and praise for the wonderful things the Lord had done for him. David's life story is filled with intrigue, heartache, and discouragement, yet God calls him a man after His own heart. I encourage you to read David's story beginning in 1 Samuel 16 and learn of his walk with God. At this special time of year, take some time and reminisce a little. Make a list of all the wonderful things God has done for you and give Him a big THANK YOU. Have a memory to share?

Mission Accomplished

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)

Our weekend plans changed when I opened the email and found we had a free ticket with Southwest. We had received an SOS from Mark's daughter, Sarah, who recently moved to Florida to work on her doctorate. She needed both "Dad-help" and a little design consultation in setting up her new apartment. We expected to unpack boxes, hang pictures, and find ways to store more stuff than room but instead we listened, encouraged, and waited. Having lived all her life in Tennessee, the enormity of the move and sudden change overwhelmed her. Lonely, unfamiliar with the area, and unsettled, Sarah began to have second thoughts about the whole adventure. Was this decision the right one for her? Confusion and fear replaced the peace she had felt in the beginning. Sarah is not my daughter, so all I could do was pray…and search the Internet for a good local church. Two looked promising but I decided to choose the one closer to her apartment. Clearly, God's purpose prevailed and was evident from the moment we entered the building on Sunday. It was friendly, great music, the sermon right on, and even a future seminar that met some of her immediate needs. As we sat there, I thanked God for His grace in this time of need. Sarah is still questioning but we left knowing that God has her in the palm of His hand and won't let go. I reflected on the weekend during the many hours on the trip home. One of the principles I recently learned from Priscilla Shirer in Discerning the Voice of God is "never make concrete plans without leaving room for God to do something different." I realized that I, too, had to let go of my plans for the weekend of having everything neatly in place. I am a "mission accomplished" kind of gal but, it occurred to me that my true mission was to leave my agenda at home so that God could do something different in all of our lives. Taking time to listen was much more important than unpacking boxes. Ready for a change of plans?

The Master Planner

He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. Daniel 2:21 (NIV)

No more TV ads for candidates. No more phone calls encouraging me to vote. No more flooded mailboxes with campaign flyers. No more unending conjectures by pundits. The nation voted and chose a new leader. Really? Although, 52% of the electorate voted for Barack Obama for president, God already knew the outcome and this new president is just one of the players in His great design. If you have occasion to look at the backside of a finished piece of needlework before it is framed or fabricated, notice the loose ends, myriad of knots, and threads looped haphazardly from one spot to another. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the color selection and no discernible pattern. But, a flick of the wrist reveals a beautiful work of art with all of the nuances of color, intricate design, and expertise of the craftsman. Right now, all I can see are the knots and untied threads of this election. Yes, I am disappointed in the outcome but not dismayed because God knows the end from the beginning. Once again, I am reminded to look to Him for direction—not the government. I get stuck in the now but for God, every moment is now. He will never disappoint me. His picture is glorious.

Listen

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

In our current study of Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer, the point comes through loud and clear that we can expect God to speak to us. The Bible records many stories of God speaking to various leaders, prophets, kings, and even a boy, Samuel. However, the thought that He speaks to me is hard to get my head around. The more I read of His promises to speak to me, lead me, and show me what He has in mind, the more encouraged I am to view each day with excitement and anticipation. Reading God's Word takes on a new dimension when a verse pops out and I know it is just for me. During the sermon today, the pastor read a particular verse and tears suddenly sprang to my eyes. If I had been reading it, the words would have appeared in big bold type but even in hearing it, it seared my heart with sudden clarity. He answered the prayer of my heart and I knew it was truth. So, my dear ones, take heart. Be expectant. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He speaks to your heart and soul. You are not alone. He will fight the battle for you. Listen! He speaks…today…to His children.

A Story of Obedience

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. Matthew 14:27-29 (NLT)

During our church retreat last week, we considered the message of the book by John Ortberg, If You Want to Walk On Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat. There are many water-walkers mentioned in the Bible; Abraham, Moses, and Joshua to name a few. But this book focuses on the Apostle Peter and his invitation from Jesus to meet him as He walked on a raging sea in the middle of a storm. Two things caught my attention in Peter's response, "If it is you, command me to come to you on the water." First, he wanted to make very sure that Jesus was the one issuing the invitation not a figment of his imagination. Second, he asked for direct leading or a command. This was not some foolish impulse on Peter's part or a story of risk-taking. It is a story of obedience. Peter got out of the boat and experienced the exhilaration of water-walking with his eyes focused on the Master's face. But what about the others in the boat? They didn't line up behind Peter but I think I know how they felt. There have been times in my life when I hid in the depths of the boat as my circumstances whirled out of control…afraid, cowering, and unwilling to move. I am sure all of them heard Jesus but only Peter chose to obey. One thing I have learned over the years is that I don't want to stay in the boat—I want to be a water-walker even when the sea is raging and pouring over the edge of the boat. I want the to see the face of my Lord and hear Him say, "Come, let's go for a walk." It may not be smooth but I look forward to a wild ride hanging on to His hand.

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena…who, at best, knows in the end the triumph of great achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly. So that his place will never be with those cold timid souls who know neither victory or defeat. Theodore Roosevelt