Relationship
Today I am overwhelmed and filled with joy beyond belief. You ask God for something and He gives you more than you could ever imagine. It is the height of abundant living.
At the beginning of the year I always ask Him to change or reveal something in my character to make me more like Him. This year I asked Him to teach me what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. He has revealed His plan over and over in His greatest creation, YOU!
My dad was right all of the years he breathed life into my being...People are eternal. Things will pass away.
This is a special letter written to everyone who has ever been a part of my life, who has helped me be who I am today. I look back over the decades of my life. Some of you watched me grow up. Others went to school with me. Still others walked some very fun years of my life through high school and college. Some walked with me while I was figuring out who I was and helped me tear down walls, showing me that I could be transparent, people don't care if you are perfect.
Others held our babies, and sang them lullabies. Some have watched our kids grow up and will walk with us when we have to give them wings to fly away, which will be sooner than we ever planned.
Some of the luckiest get to live in the house with me and see me at my best and worst :) Whether you are part of my immediate family, extended family, friends, church family or adopted into our Kingdom family, you have all touched my life in a significant way.
Some of you have entrusted me with your children. Others have allowed me into the hearts of your teenagers. But I want those who don't know, who is the source of the love that I have so deeply in my heart for each one of you.
His name is Jesus, He created me in His image for a purpose, as He created each one of you. I have learned unconditional love through his unconditional love for me. Apart from Him I am nothing. It says the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. It is not a shaking fear, it is a reverance knowing where I came from and whose I am. I don't have to do anything to earn His love. There is no logical point of reference, I just believed. The void that I once felt has been filled by someone who loves me so deeply and knows my every word before they are even spoken. Because I have that knowledge that no matter where I am, what I am doing, that He is thinking about me and has my best interest in mind I walk throughout life, knowing that I am never alone. He died to save me from myself, and He has transformed my life and restored me from my baggage and brokeness. Because I know what He has done for me, it is the very source for my love of others.
From a grateful heart, love flows. Sometimes love is hard, I don't always feel like it. Sometimes it comes freely, but He has brought MANY people in my life past and present to love. I look back and realize that He has surrounded me all of my life with people who love Him just as much as I do and others who need Him as much as I once did and still do.
One of the greatest gifts He has given me is relationship. It has been said that many people can only count best friends on one hand. I have had many over my lifetime through different seasons. They are to be held on dearly to, to be treasured and to thank God for during that special season. I guess I always knew how to love my neighbor as myself, my eyes just weren't always open to see what already existed. Today as I look over messages from those who have sent special wishes and blessings my way, I realize how blessed I have been throughout my life through relationship.
The next decades of my life, I want to live "intentionally", to live with open hands, an open heart, to serve others. I know He wants me to speak less, listen more, love more unconditionally, hug more often, use more words of grace to encourage the hearts of others, all for only one thing, to point others to Jesus. I want each one of you to know how much value and worth that you have because you have been created in His image. Thank you for your love and words of encouragement today. It was one of the greatest birthdays ever!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Restored
A simple word...What comes to mind when I hear it? Thankful, grateful, favor shown upon.
Redeemed.
Some don't grasp what that means. For me, I understand it well. I'm a human being, flawed, making mistakes on a daily basis. I make them with my husband, I make them with my kids, I let my friends down from time to time; not returning a call or email, forgetting a lunch date or saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Redeemed is knowing that you are imperfect, and yet you are still loved, by Our Creator, the one who created us in HIS image. In and of my own self, I can't get back to how HE intended for me to be, to be like HIM! It is only by my admission that I fall short, there is nothing I can do to make Him love me, He just does. By admitting my own weaknesses, can I understand that in my humility, it is then that He can actually do something with me, with my life. When I think I can fix myself, redeem myself, restore myself into relationship with Him, I get no where. When I understand that He took on my guilt and my shame and my sins, nailed them to the cross so I could have a relationship with Him, it is only then that I am redeemed...
Redeemed is taking what once was, blemished, scarred, and being transformed into something new. Old habits are replaced with new ones. Old ways of thinking are replaced with thoughts of benefitting the well being of others, not my own interests. Sometimes it isn't a quick fix. Sometimes it is a lifelong journey.
Redeemed is what I am. Redeemed is not being perfect, it is realizing where I came from and where I am going. Please be patient with those on the journey, please be patient with me!
Redeemed.
Some don't grasp what that means. For me, I understand it well. I'm a human being, flawed, making mistakes on a daily basis. I make them with my husband, I make them with my kids, I let my friends down from time to time; not returning a call or email, forgetting a lunch date or saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Redeemed is knowing that you are imperfect, and yet you are still loved, by Our Creator, the one who created us in HIS image. In and of my own self, I can't get back to how HE intended for me to be, to be like HIM! It is only by my admission that I fall short, there is nothing I can do to make Him love me, He just does. By admitting my own weaknesses, can I understand that in my humility, it is then that He can actually do something with me, with my life. When I think I can fix myself, redeem myself, restore myself into relationship with Him, I get no where. When I understand that He took on my guilt and my shame and my sins, nailed them to the cross so I could have a relationship with Him, it is only then that I am redeemed...
Redeemed is taking what once was, blemished, scarred, and being transformed into something new. Old habits are replaced with new ones. Old ways of thinking are replaced with thoughts of benefitting the well being of others, not my own interests. Sometimes it isn't a quick fix. Sometimes it is a lifelong journey.
Redeemed is what I am. Redeemed is not being perfect, it is realizing where I came from and where I am going. Please be patient with those on the journey, please be patient with me!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Balance
It seems as if all of life hinges on it. If you play any kind of sports you need balance. Our schedules need balance; the right amount of sleep, the right amount of exercise, the right kinds of activities. We are always trying to schedule enough so we aren't idle, yet not too much or we are fatigued, stressed out, not able to enjoy life. Our checkbooks need balancing and our household finances have to be in order. We plan for a rainy day and our retirement plans. Our houses and vehicles need to be clean and orderly.
Academics need attention, focus and balance. Our kids need the correct balance of activity; sports, music lesssons, art lessons, play dates, family time, down time.
Our personal lives need the correct balance; our physical well being, and our spiritual and emotional needs. When you stand back and look at the big picture it is all so overwhelming.
Books are written on how to organize your time, your house and your life. There are motivational speakers, seminars, pod casts, sermons on how to get your life in order. You can attend meditation classes, yoga classes, spend time at spa resorts and sweat lodges.
We will spend an entire lifetime trying to the achieve the perfect balance for all our time, efforts and relationships with others and our total well being. All of this search for balance leads me to my words for the year: AN UNDIVIDED HEART!
The verse that keeps coming before me in so many ways again and again is found in Matthew 6:33. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."
I can save myself thousands of dollars from trying to do all these self help things to restore balance in my life. It doesn't mean that I don't have to do some of these others things. But it is all about perspective.
I've had it backwards all of these years. I started from the outside and was working my way inward. If I seek God first and His righteousness, He will help me do all the rest. That is why He says, and ALL THESE THINGS WILL BE ADDED to you. God is the creator of the Universe! He is the One who designed order. If I seek Him first, He will help me restore order to my life. How about you? Are you tired of trying to juggle life alone? Look up!
Academics need attention, focus and balance. Our kids need the correct balance of activity; sports, music lesssons, art lessons, play dates, family time, down time.
Our personal lives need the correct balance; our physical well being, and our spiritual and emotional needs. When you stand back and look at the big picture it is all so overwhelming.
Books are written on how to organize your time, your house and your life. There are motivational speakers, seminars, pod casts, sermons on how to get your life in order. You can attend meditation classes, yoga classes, spend time at spa resorts and sweat lodges.
We will spend an entire lifetime trying to the achieve the perfect balance for all our time, efforts and relationships with others and our total well being. All of this search for balance leads me to my words for the year: AN UNDIVIDED HEART!
The verse that keeps coming before me in so many ways again and again is found in Matthew 6:33. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."
I can save myself thousands of dollars from trying to do all these self help things to restore balance in my life. It doesn't mean that I don't have to do some of these others things. But it is all about perspective.
I've had it backwards all of these years. I started from the outside and was working my way inward. If I seek God first and His righteousness, He will help me do all the rest. That is why He says, and ALL THESE THINGS WILL BE ADDED to you. God is the creator of the Universe! He is the One who designed order. If I seek Him first, He will help me restore order to my life. How about you? Are you tired of trying to juggle life alone? Look up!
Monday, January 23, 2012
In a Blink of an Eye
Today was a very sad day. The clouds filled the sky. It was cold and dreary and my daughter, her friends and the entire school, Notre Dame Prep said goodbye to her teacher, their coach, their friend, their collegue.
I couldn't stop thinking about the wife and children of Coach Bemis. Somehow it seems unfair to lose a role model, husband and father at the young age of 45. He was born the same year as me. When I got home tonight I listened to the story of one of Abby's friends who had lost his mom when he was in the fifth grade. I remember that sad day when Cynthia went home. I planned many school parties with her through the years since Abby has been in school with her dear friend since kindergarten. And then I read how a very special young lady lost her sister a couple of years ago.
It only brought up the conversation with Abby tonight as she drifted off how much we missed her grandpa and I my grandma. All of these stories have something in common. We have all loved dearly, and we have all lost. Everyone has left this earth in a different way, but they all knew the same Savior. How do I know that? In the way they lived their lives. They loved deeply, they lived sacrificially and they all lived a life that was an example for others to see the love of Jesus. They all impacted our lives in a way that we will never be the same.
Why is it that they have left us so soon? I'm not sure, I wish I knew. I know it is probably the same question that all of us ask. This is so haunting because it doesn't often make sense when they are impacting the lives of so many when they leave us behind. One of the most comforting things that someone ever said to me is found in Psalms 139. It says Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. God knows how many days each one of us will spend on this earth. It is not unexpected, there is a plan, even though it is not mine. We would love to have the ones we love with us until we are here no more.
There is deep sorrow and suffering in having to say goodbye to someone that we love before we are ready and for many of us, we don't even get the chance to say goodbye. In a blink of an eye, the one we love is no longer here. There are no more hugs or kisses, there are no more long talks or telephone calls. You long to hear the sound of their laughter or their voice to hear their stories or words of wisdom. You long to just sit in their presence without a word being said. In a blink, there is silence, separation, the relationship is no more. You hold memorabilia in your hand, memories, pictures of days gone by. All of us understand death. All of us know someone who has lost a friend or loved one.
What is the purpose for all of this? We are longing to be reunited with those that we love. We can't wait for there to be no more death, no more pain or suffering. We long for home, an eternal home. Death causes us to think about the future, eternity. Without death, we are comfortable living here. But earth is just temporary. In our earthly state, our bodies will one day return as dust. It is our spirits that live on. Christ created us for a relationship with HIM. At times, it is only in our grief and pain that we turn to Him realizing what a void we feel. Only He can fill that void. The hope is in the fact that those that I mentioned above are waiting for their loved ones. There are helping God prepare an eternal home for their family and friends.
There is not a word or phrase that one can bring comfort to one who has lost. It is only Jesus that can provide comfort and peace to the one who grieves. All we can do is be there with arms open wide, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, prayers offered on their behalf...
And to those who remain, how will we spend our days left here written in the book??? Are they spent on life that is frivolous, or days spent to show others the way? In a blink of an eye, any one of us could be gone!
I couldn't stop thinking about the wife and children of Coach Bemis. Somehow it seems unfair to lose a role model, husband and father at the young age of 45. He was born the same year as me. When I got home tonight I listened to the story of one of Abby's friends who had lost his mom when he was in the fifth grade. I remember that sad day when Cynthia went home. I planned many school parties with her through the years since Abby has been in school with her dear friend since kindergarten. And then I read how a very special young lady lost her sister a couple of years ago.
It only brought up the conversation with Abby tonight as she drifted off how much we missed her grandpa and I my grandma. All of these stories have something in common. We have all loved dearly, and we have all lost. Everyone has left this earth in a different way, but they all knew the same Savior. How do I know that? In the way they lived their lives. They loved deeply, they lived sacrificially and they all lived a life that was an example for others to see the love of Jesus. They all impacted our lives in a way that we will never be the same.
Why is it that they have left us so soon? I'm not sure, I wish I knew. I know it is probably the same question that all of us ask. This is so haunting because it doesn't often make sense when they are impacting the lives of so many when they leave us behind. One of the most comforting things that someone ever said to me is found in Psalms 139. It says Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. God knows how many days each one of us will spend on this earth. It is not unexpected, there is a plan, even though it is not mine. We would love to have the ones we love with us until we are here no more.
There is deep sorrow and suffering in having to say goodbye to someone that we love before we are ready and for many of us, we don't even get the chance to say goodbye. In a blink of an eye, the one we love is no longer here. There are no more hugs or kisses, there are no more long talks or telephone calls. You long to hear the sound of their laughter or their voice to hear their stories or words of wisdom. You long to just sit in their presence without a word being said. In a blink, there is silence, separation, the relationship is no more. You hold memorabilia in your hand, memories, pictures of days gone by. All of us understand death. All of us know someone who has lost a friend or loved one.
What is the purpose for all of this? We are longing to be reunited with those that we love. We can't wait for there to be no more death, no more pain or suffering. We long for home, an eternal home. Death causes us to think about the future, eternity. Without death, we are comfortable living here. But earth is just temporary. In our earthly state, our bodies will one day return as dust. It is our spirits that live on. Christ created us for a relationship with HIM. At times, it is only in our grief and pain that we turn to Him realizing what a void we feel. Only He can fill that void. The hope is in the fact that those that I mentioned above are waiting for their loved ones. There are helping God prepare an eternal home for their family and friends.
There is not a word or phrase that one can bring comfort to one who has lost. It is only Jesus that can provide comfort and peace to the one who grieves. All we can do is be there with arms open wide, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, prayers offered on their behalf...
And to those who remain, how will we spend our days left here written in the book??? Are they spent on life that is frivolous, or days spent to show others the way? In a blink of an eye, any one of us could be gone!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Don't Judge a Book by It's Cover
You may think that you can judge people, but you are just as bad and you have no excuse. When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, you who judge others do the very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God's judgment when you do the same things? Rom 2:1-3
Why do you think that the world calls "Christians" hypocrites?
While this is unfair, people often takes our actions out of context, just to look for an excuse to not choose Christ. However, I think there are times when we give them just cause. If I focus on you and your imperfections, do I let myself off the hook? We go around pointing out the mistakes in others and yet, the next day, we somehow commit the same errors. Maybe it is not exactly the same scenario, but in the end, it is the same thing. This is what these verses are talking about.
If I focus on your wrongs and how you fall short, without looking at my own life; my attitudes, my thoughts, my actions, my motives, then there is no time to focus on me. In essence, I have declared myself as your Holy Spirit. Is it my job to change you?
The attitude of judging is a hypercritical spirit, focused on pointing out the flaws of others only to make myself look better, a comparison of sorts.
Matthew 7:1-2 says it best. Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
The bottom line is that God wants a relationship with me. He wants my life to match the things I say. The only one who can change a life is God. Only the Holy Spirit can convict a person enough to want to change their thoughts and desires to live in obedience to God. As a human being, I cannot change the heart of another.
It is not my job to judge you or your life, it is my job, to live according to the Bible and live a life more pleasing to God. If I spend my time seeking to be more Christ like, I will not have time to focus on others.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
White Hair: A Crown of Glory
Life is a series of cycles.
As a toddler, life seems to move so quickly.
There is so much to learn and experience, everything is new and fresh.
As a child, life seems to move so slowly.
I can't wait to grow older, to do more, to have more freedoms.
When I grow up, I want to be...
As a teenager, I can't wait to be out on my own, to make my own decisions.
Although I don't always know who I am, I want to be heard and valued.
People sometimes look down on me because of my youth but I have a lot of fresh ideas.
As a young adult, I can change the world.
I have goals and aspirations and can make the world a better place.
Don't tell me what to do or how to do it, I have all the answers, I've been there and done it.
Now I have been in my career for some time and am starting a family.
I know where I am going and am responsible for shaping the lives of others.
I look back and can see all the mistakes of my parents.
They are responsible for the good and the bad parts of me.
Now my life is almost half over. There is so much in life I don't know.
I wish I had all of the answers, but truly I don't.
I thought I could change the world, but in reality, I can easily be replaced.
What is truly important anyhow? Work, things, family?
What is the purpose in life?
My kids are grown and gone. Now what?
I worked my entire life for them and what is left?
My mind still believes I can do all things, physically, life is changing.
I have some years left to make a difference. How should I spend my resources?
I'm watching the next generation. It gives me great joy! Our kids are asking us for a little more advice.
They are realizing that they could use some of our answers and experiences.
I have life experience now, living a quiet existence. My busy days are behind me.
The visits are less frequent, the appointments are less, the phone doesn't ring as often.
I sit in my chair waiting for another human smile, hug, visit.
I lived my entire existence for others, working, sacrificing, praying.
My days are filled with memories of what once was;
family vacations and holiday traditions, band concerts and ball games.
I poured my heart and soul and every dime I had to give you the perfect gift, braces,
an education and now you've moved on, you have a life of your own.
You talk to me as if I can't hear you or think for myself. You place yourself in control of
my medical attention, my finances, the money I spent my entire life working for and saving,
forgetting that I still have my mind in tact even though my body no longer works as well as
it once did.
Just remember, that one day you will walk in my shoes. You will go through these life cycles. You will
live my quiet existence and you will wish that you could go back in time when you were once busy,
your days were full and you felt you had purpose. The white hairs on my head are from the days I worried about you and prayed for you and nights spent pacing thinking about how you would pass the course, choose the right spouse or come home safe at night.
Love your neighbor as yourself, treat the elderly with dignity and respect. Have kindness and compassion for those who are not as well off as you. You reap what you sow. If you treat the elderly with dignity, you will receive what you give. If you offer a lack of compassion and mercy, you will receive the same in return. Visit someone who has no family near, take them treats or visit with your children. Life is short, we will all some day be there, It's not a matter of if, it is when!
As a toddler, life seems to move so quickly.
There is so much to learn and experience, everything is new and fresh.
As a child, life seems to move so slowly.
I can't wait to grow older, to do more, to have more freedoms.
When I grow up, I want to be...
As a teenager, I can't wait to be out on my own, to make my own decisions.
Although I don't always know who I am, I want to be heard and valued.
People sometimes look down on me because of my youth but I have a lot of fresh ideas.
As a young adult, I can change the world.
I have goals and aspirations and can make the world a better place.
Don't tell me what to do or how to do it, I have all the answers, I've been there and done it.
Now I have been in my career for some time and am starting a family.
I know where I am going and am responsible for shaping the lives of others.
I look back and can see all the mistakes of my parents.
They are responsible for the good and the bad parts of me.
Now my life is almost half over. There is so much in life I don't know.
I wish I had all of the answers, but truly I don't.
I thought I could change the world, but in reality, I can easily be replaced.
What is truly important anyhow? Work, things, family?
What is the purpose in life?
My kids are grown and gone. Now what?
I worked my entire life for them and what is left?
My mind still believes I can do all things, physically, life is changing.
I have some years left to make a difference. How should I spend my resources?
I'm watching the next generation. It gives me great joy! Our kids are asking us for a little more advice.
They are realizing that they could use some of our answers and experiences.
I have life experience now, living a quiet existence. My busy days are behind me.
The visits are less frequent, the appointments are less, the phone doesn't ring as often.
I sit in my chair waiting for another human smile, hug, visit.
I lived my entire existence for others, working, sacrificing, praying.
My days are filled with memories of what once was;
family vacations and holiday traditions, band concerts and ball games.
I poured my heart and soul and every dime I had to give you the perfect gift, braces,
an education and now you've moved on, you have a life of your own.
You talk to me as if I can't hear you or think for myself. You place yourself in control of
my medical attention, my finances, the money I spent my entire life working for and saving,
forgetting that I still have my mind in tact even though my body no longer works as well as
it once did.
Just remember, that one day you will walk in my shoes. You will go through these life cycles. You will
live my quiet existence and you will wish that you could go back in time when you were once busy,
your days were full and you felt you had purpose. The white hairs on my head are from the days I worried about you and prayed for you and nights spent pacing thinking about how you would pass the course, choose the right spouse or come home safe at night.
Love your neighbor as yourself, treat the elderly with dignity and respect. Have kindness and compassion for those who are not as well off as you. You reap what you sow. If you treat the elderly with dignity, you will receive what you give. If you offer a lack of compassion and mercy, you will receive the same in return. Visit someone who has no family near, take them treats or visit with your children. Life is short, we will all some day be there, It's not a matter of if, it is when!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
K.I.S.S.
Keep it Simple Sister...
There is a tv show about those who hoard things. We are all guilty of having too much "stuff". We hold on to clothes of the past or memorabilia because it reminds of a time that was full of meaning, or held great significance. Before you know it, it takes a semi truck to move us from place to place.
My kids can't put their clothes away because we have held on to too much. I once heard that if you haven't worn it in a year, you should give it away. Things cannot have their own place if we are overflowing our cabinets, closests and drawers. Over Christmas vacation, we started going through drawers and cabinets one by one. It will take me months I'm sure to finish the task.
It led me to think on an even deeper level in my personal journey. At the beginning of a new year we reflect on where we have been and where we are going. We look at our mistakes and make goals for the future. How hard it is to just make just one change at a time.
This is such a great way to look at life...
Keep it simple!
We clutter our schedules our cars, our houses and our rooms. Why can't we just focus on life, one day at a time. Why can't we just rid ourselves of the excesses of life, get rid of the things we don't need and keep what we do? Instead of changing everything about myself all at once, why don't I concentrate on just one thing at a time. Instead of reading four books at one time, why don't I just read one? Instead of wasting time on things like the computer and tv, why don't I enjoy the moments I have with my family? Instead of holding on to past grudges, we should let them go. Instead of holding on to bad habits, we should just let them go.
The more we live life simply, the more time we can have to spend quiet moments with God, quiet moments with family and friends, quiet moments just to enjoy what God has created all around us.
K.I.S.S.
There is a tv show about those who hoard things. We are all guilty of having too much "stuff". We hold on to clothes of the past or memorabilia because it reminds of a time that was full of meaning, or held great significance. Before you know it, it takes a semi truck to move us from place to place.
My kids can't put their clothes away because we have held on to too much. I once heard that if you haven't worn it in a year, you should give it away. Things cannot have their own place if we are overflowing our cabinets, closests and drawers. Over Christmas vacation, we started going through drawers and cabinets one by one. It will take me months I'm sure to finish the task.
It led me to think on an even deeper level in my personal journey. At the beginning of a new year we reflect on where we have been and where we are going. We look at our mistakes and make goals for the future. How hard it is to just make just one change at a time.
This is such a great way to look at life...
Keep it simple!
We clutter our schedules our cars, our houses and our rooms. Why can't we just focus on life, one day at a time. Why can't we just rid ourselves of the excesses of life, get rid of the things we don't need and keep what we do? Instead of changing everything about myself all at once, why don't I concentrate on just one thing at a time. Instead of reading four books at one time, why don't I just read one? Instead of wasting time on things like the computer and tv, why don't I enjoy the moments I have with my family? Instead of holding on to past grudges, we should let them go. Instead of holding on to bad habits, we should just let them go.
The more we live life simply, the more time we can have to spend quiet moments with God, quiet moments with family and friends, quiet moments just to enjoy what God has created all around us.
K.I.S.S.
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