Just Words

Do you still hear the comment of a teacher, doctor, coach, counselor, or parent predicting your future? The words may have given you hope or caused you to feel defeat. But the amazing thing is that you remember them as if they were spoken to you yesterday. Was the prediction accurate? Has your life reflected the opinion of that respected person or did you make your own way? I have a friend who was told by a teacher in the eighth grade that he would never amount to anything. Almost 50 years later, he still struggles with feelings of damaged self worth even after achieving a satisfying and successful career in the very field that had precipitated the remark. However, I had a camp counselor that told me at age nine that I would do great things one day. I’m not sure what God intends for me with those words of encouragement but I have never forgotten them. We are babysitting our granddaughters this week and I am reminded how impressionable and vulnerable the heart, mind, and psyche of these little ones are. We must be so careful with what we say – to speak words of life and not death. In Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord says, “I know the plans I have for your, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Someone may think they have the inside track for our life but only our Heavenly Father knows where we are headed. His plan will never disappoint us and we can trust the One who made us to make sure we succeed.

Heart Listening

I met a young nurse last week at the hospital while undergoing one of those humiliating tests that are necessary “at this age.” She brightened up the room when she walked in to complete the paper work and prepare me for the doctor. I immediately noticed what a pretty girl she was and as we engaged in the normal chitchat of nurse and patient, our conversation turned to moving and how exhausting it can be. She mentioned that she had moved three times this last year. I expressed my heartfelt sympathy and asked her why? Out poured her story: a divorced mom of two who married young (she is now 28), and through a blind date met her prince charming eight months ago. The romance fast-forwarded through the fairytale engagement party, wedding plans with all the trimmings, yet ended with a broken engagement and the latest move. The wedding date had been set for the day after our conversation. But there were no tears of regret in the eyes of this beautiful girl because she was sure that God was leading her in this decision and He had a better plan for her and her boys. I encouraged her in her step-by-step walk with the Lord and reminded her to share the comfort that God had given her during this difficult time with those she meets in the future. After she left the room, I had several minutes alone before the procedure to think about our conversation and pray for Julie. I rejoice that I listened beyond her words to hear her heart. Thank you, God, for giving me Your flashlight to shine on the way. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)

The Gift of Friendship

Moving to a new area, miles from old friends, has been one of the bigger challenges now that the pressing issues of settling in have been accomplished. Phone calls, email, and cards help maintain connection with those “back home.” However, a new passage in life forces me to step out of the comfortable and meet new people. Experience reminds me that friendship comes in various forms. It might begin as a shared interest in a hobby, children or grandchildren, or vocation. With some, it is forged during moments of intense battle for a common cause. With others, it settles into a comfortable relationship without complication. You cannot hurry a friendship—it takes time to know the heart of a person. For a moment, consider defining friendship as a group of concentric circles. At the center, only two or three people really know the intimacies of our heart. Many more fall in the next ring and are part of our everyday lives in a casual way. A few people live in another city but continue to impact us. And the final ring includes those folks we call acquaintances. Doug Weibe writes, “These gifts of friendship are scattered like ripe fruit in the gardens of our lives, waiting to be tasted and enjoyed. Each gift is given by a loving God, who knows what we need and who desires a friendship with every one of us. Therefore, while we may choose our friendships, we do not create the gift of friendship. We can work on our friendships, but we cannot change them into something they are not gifted to be. This is the pain and the joy, the poverty and the incredible freedom we experience on the journey to becoming friends.” I am on that journey and each time spent with a new “friend” offers hope and promise. Wonder who God will bring into my life tomorrow?

9/11 and $14

I received an email from a friend about the glorious homegoing of her 94-year-old dad. She writes, “I was surprised by my reaction when Dad took his last breath as I shouted through my tears ‘I am so happy! I am so happy! Dad made it – He is in the very presence of the Lord.' ” As I thought about her reaction, I am in awe at the thought that I, too, will one day stand in His very presence. She experienced first hand what it says in Psalm 30:5 (NLT), Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning and, again, in Revelation 7:17b (NIV), And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Tomorrow, we will remember the tragedy of 9/11 and mourn again for so many lost lives from that fateful day. I did not personally lose a loved one but I lost, as did all Americans, the right to feel safe and secure in this land we love. Yet, maybe the better lesson learned from such an excruciating loss like 9/11 occurs in the continuing story from my friend. She writes that as her brother was later going through his father’s wallet, he came across $14. He mused whether that was all this life had come to—$14? "Then the Lord prompted him with, 'You are not looking at life from the right perspective. What else is significant about the number 14?' My brother said to the Lord, ‘Dad had 14 grandchildren.’ God then sweetly said to my brother 'That is where your dad's treasure was—his grandchildren.' Isn't that just like the Lord to gently turn our eyes back to what is really important – family?” Our treasure must not be centered in our bank account or all the security measures we might establish. We have seen firsthand how these fail. Instead, choose treasure made up of gold, silver and jewels that will never be destroyed: faith, family, friends, and freedom. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21(NIV).

School Days

There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1(New Living Translation) My granddaughter, Kate, starts first grade tomorrow and is so excited. Her mother is crying. It signals the end of babyhood and the beginning of her passage into a mature and responsible young woman. Transition from one season of life may be hard whether the change is welcome or not because we become accustomed to certain routines and schedules. We are creatures of habit and like the familiar. It takes work to make changes … dieting is a good example, moving is another. But, the result is worth the personal sacrifice. Sometimes, we have no control over the change and survival comes with trusting God for our lives, our family, and our future. He knows what is best and even though we may shed a few tears, He is gently holding us up during those times. I love the story of Footsteps in the Sand. (Let me know if you have not heard it.) Even change that is welcome such as a marriage or the birth of a child results in enormous internal and external adjustments. However, we can have confidence that God is the author of the book of our lives and He knows the end from the beginning. Take life a chapter at a time and see what wonderful things He has in store. Remember Kate - who can hardly wait for tomorrow!

Toddler Stage

I just spent a week with all of my granddaughters at Lake Tahoe. The almost two year old gave me quite a scare. She is known in the family as “Lil’ Al” for her lack of fear and multiple injuries including a broken arm and a black eye. If you ask her if she is a baby, she will immediately correct you and announce that she is a toddler. Remember the toddler stage? Unsteady but moving at breakneck speed? We stood at the top of a flight of stairs and she insisted on heading down all by herself with no help from me. She stumbled on the top landing and I had visions of her falling headfirst down that whole flight but instead she sat down on her bottom and all was well. At that moment her guardian angels were working overtime and I could only breathe a huge sigh of relief that the danger had passed with only an enormous scare for Nana. Later as I thought about the incident, I thanked God for protecting my sweet granddaughter. But, I also recalled many times when I wanted to do things all by myself and had no idea of the danger ahead. Maturity helps steady little feet. The same holds true for us when we spend time at the feet of Jesus. He teaches us His ways and helps us grow up in Him. We may be a little shaky at times but He is always there to support us as we take one step at a time. Isaiah 33:6 (CEV) says, you are the foundation on which we stand today. You always save us and give true wisdom and knowledge. Nothing means more to us than obeying you. Allie is growing up so fast and soon will be running down those steps. You will, too.

Come Away

And He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while." (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) Mark 6:31 (NASB)

It has been a crazy busy few weeks – pack, move, unpack, let workers in, let workers out, shop, delivery, shop, drop. I’m ready for a little rest and relaxation with family and friends. The timing of this vacation was planned a year ago and only God could have known how much I would need a break. I am learning to appreciate the beauty and quiet of the desert and mountains outside my windows but I can hardly wait for the familiarity of the Sierras and lakes of California. There is something about the majesty and serenity of that area that always soothes my weary body and soul. Jesus noticed that his disciples needed to get away after a busy season and so do we. Take a few minutes for a breather at Starbucks and enjoy your favorite coffee. Stop in at Borders and wander through the stacks of books. It is good to “come away.” Bags are packed – see you in a few days.

"Character" Part 3

“Good character… is not given to us. We have to build it piece by piece-by thought, choice, courage and determination.” ~ John Luther

We attended a candidate forum last night. Men and women of character are often hard to find these days in the realm of politics. However, as citizens it is our duty and responsibility to cast informed votes. New to the state of Arizona and unfamiliar with the candidates, I wanted to hear and see first hand the men and women who wish to represent me. Are they people of character? Will their decisions on bills be based on personal gain or for the good of the electorate? Are they running for the power attached to the office or for the passion of their beliefs? Do their priorities coincide with mine? Corruption by politicians is a big story that has been exposed by every media source and it is easy to become cynical and jaded about the character of anyone willing to enter this arena. However, there are some very good men and women serving our country. In other seasons of my life, I have worked hard for candidates and was confident they would win but it did not always happen. I learned that God’s ways are not always my ways – He knows the end of the story. Politicians may think they have the power and ability to make important decisions but God is the one in ultimate control. It says in Daniel 2:21 (NLT), He determines the course of world events; he removes kings and sets others on the throne. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. I gained new insight into the people who will be on my ballot. I pray that God’s choice will be the winner.

Roaring Lion

Again, our security is shaken with the latest news from Great Britain. The terrorists continue their efforts to take the United States down but this time they were thwarted in their efforts. Box cutters, sports drinks, flash cameras, who knows what next? They would be easier to catch if they were blatant with their tactics. However, they are subtle using everyday items so that they can slip through undetected. Beware – we have a greater enemy stalking us. The Message says in 1 Peter 5:8-9, Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. Have you watched how cats work? They sit and survey their target – waiting for the best time. Next, they prowl around checking out the area before they zero in and silently pounce on their prey. No wonder Satan is referred to as a lion because he, too, is crafty and cunning using everyday situations to ensnare us – no red suit or pitchfork to give him away. He wants to destroy those he cannot control – who do not give him their allegiance and loyalty. Sounds like the terrorists. However, we rejoice because Christ defeated Satan through His death and resurrection. It will take some time to regain that peace of mind crushed today by those seeking to destroy us. But, He is the ultimate victor. Don’t be afraid!

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NIV) I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid. John 14:27 (NLT)

Keep on Trekking

We spend a lot of time waiting for God to show us what He wants us to do…that one step at a time trek. Yet, I am both delighted and surprised to see the unexpected hand of God move in my life. I don’t believe in chance because I know that God controls each moment of my day so when I “happened” to turn on the car radio traveling home last week, I certainly did not expect it to set off a chain reaction of divine circumstances. While driving, I listen to talk radio. New to the area, I began punching buttons to find something interesting to listen to on the long ride up Oracle Blvd. On this particular Sunday afternoon I caught a program called Do it Right Radio! The host was in the middle of talking about several points that would help your business grow. Normally, I would skip to the next button but something caught my ear and I listened all the way home. I missed a couple of points when I ran into the grocery store so pulled up the radio station on the computer to see if there was a website. Long story short, the host and his wife moved last May to the same community that we now live in. His background includes mission work, radio production, and now a life coach. Mark and I arranged to meet him for tea and developed an immediate friendship. As we talked and shared our dreams and passions, the gifts and strengths of each was quickly woven into the tapestry of God’s plan and we all left with renewed enthusiasm for God’s direction. I am excited about the future and the way God is stretching us. I don’t know tomorrow’s game plan but I am thankful for today’s Light and…will keep on trekking. Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.