This weekend was full of ups and downs. We have been on a search for a horse for Abby since August of 2010. Each time I pray that God will give us the right horse. Each time we come up empty handed. This time was closer than the last. James seemed like the perfect horse, the right height for Abby, quiet and calm demeaner. Both of our beloved trainers thought he was the perfect fit. He was a cute jumper and Abby liked him from the start. However, I had an uneasiness as I have in the past. I never can put my finger on it. However I was willing to put aside my anxieties and we decided to trust God and move forward.
Trust is releasing our control of a situation and relying on God to give us a green light or change our course of direction. Each time we make a decision we earnestly ask God for wisdom and guidance and a huge red flag if its not meant to be. After two nights of tossing and turning and the wisdom of our vet, the red light appeared. The horse had a medical condition and he was not the one for us to buy. With it came both relief and disappointment. We thought the time had finally come to stop looking. However, this was not God's perfect timing. While Abby was very disappointed, I couldn't stop praising God for His loving kindness for being faithful in answering and His protection of what would have been a future of heartache with the horse's condition.
Sometimes He gives us an opportunity or something that we want and then it is taken away for our benefit. All I could do was praise him as we were singing at church this morning:
You give and take away, You give and take away, my heart will choose to say, Lord blessed be Your name. A huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. As I continue to walk with God, I continue to see that He has our best interest in mind. When I can't see the future or the big picture, He can for He is sovereign.
We will continue our search and we will continue to trust Him for His guidance. One day, the timing will be right and Abby will have the horse that suits her and helps her grow. In the meantime, she is learning life lessons; to trust God in all things, to wait, due diligence and perserverance. One day soon He will give her heart's desire, better than we could have asked for.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Life Lessons from My Four Legged Friends
God said, Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind. And it was so. God make the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. Gen 1:24-25
God made our animals and He is pleased with them. He created them for our pleasure. If you have a dog, a cat, a horse, don't you love it when they come and snuggle up against you? They don't have to say a word, they just enjoy being in your presence. Don't we all long for that warmth and touch. They love it too! God created both humans and animals similar in this way. We don't have to always have words between us, we just long to be hugged, kissed and touched. It is a human need that He put inside of us from birth.
Eyes are the window to a person/animals soul. It is interesting how you can look an animal in the eye, especially a dog. They watch our human expressions. We can even make our dogs continue to sit or back up by just a look. I can look my animals in the eye and see so many different things, whether they are ashamed, whether they are nervous or happy, when they did something that they don't want me to see. When we look other people in the eye, what do we see? Do you see pain in the eyes of the hair stylist who just got yelled at for 30 minutes by an insensitive mom who looked like a crazed maniac? Do you see loneliness in the eyes of an elderly person who is living alone without their spouse? Can you tell when a person is dishonest trying to get you to do something you are unsure about by looking them in the eye? Does your teenager look away when they are unsure about how they should answer your question? Do you see rejection in the eyes of the child whose parent did not come to the party when all the parents were invited?
Animals tell us many things by their non-verbal cues. Many times when you are grooming a horse they will move their legs like they are digging in the dirt. They are telling us they are bored. Sometimes when my puppy needs to go out, she starts sniffing around in the carpet or she starts chewing on cardboard because her teeth are starting to come in and they are bothering her. Aren't people the same? We give off all kinds of non-verbal cues to each other. Do you notice? I can sit in a room and watch people. When people are uncomfortable at what someone is saying, sometimes heads go down, they start shifting in their seats. What about if you are out to dinner with someone? They start yawning or are always texting someone else. All of these non-verbals are communicating emotions without using words.
If you have an accident or make a mistake its Ok to hang your head for a little while. Fess up, say you are sorry, and make things right. Don't walk around with your tail between your legs. Learn from it and leave the past behind!
If you leave an animal alone for too long, they cause trouble. My dogs are dangerous together. The things they do together is quite fun for them, quite destructive for us, tearing out stuffing of animals, or pillows. They have chewed up a remote control, dug up flowers, chewed up toothbrushes. Aren't people the same? People get themselves in trouble when there is nothing exciting going on in their lives.When we become idle, we get into trouble.
If you truly need something or need help, don't be afraid to beg. Many times friends and family are willing to lend a helping hand. Others can't read our minds!
If you are angry with someone, don't show your teeth and growl. Walk away for a period of time and then express how you feel. Once you say words in anger, you can't take them back. Biting someone in the backside never achieves the affect you want it to.
Don't dig through your own personal trash. Leave behind your negative movies that you play over and over in your mind. Let go of your grudges. Stop thinking about past fights and people who have wronged you. Let's face it, trash stinks and sometimes it makes you sick if you keeping consuming it!
Our animals teach us to be gentle and kind. They respond more favorably to praise and reward than yelling and scorn. My kids teach me the same thing. My family deserves a kind answer and soft spoken requests. Our animals need physical care, like a healthy diet, shelter and exercise. We need all same things. Animals teach us responsibility. I always tell newlyweds if they want to see what it is like to be a parent, get an animal first. My pets don't judge me or my actions, even when I make a mistake. I need to learn to not be so judgmental to those around me for I will be judged in the same manner.
One of the most awesome passage that comes to mind when I think about animals is found in Matthew 6:26. It says, "Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" How awesome to think that when God made all the living creatures at the very beginning of time and was pleased with His work, we were His best work of all! Do you know why??? "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him." Gen 1:27 You are more valuable to God than any other species because you were made in His image. Hold your heads up high! You are truly significant!
God made our animals and He is pleased with them. He created them for our pleasure. If you have a dog, a cat, a horse, don't you love it when they come and snuggle up against you? They don't have to say a word, they just enjoy being in your presence. Don't we all long for that warmth and touch. They love it too! God created both humans and animals similar in this way. We don't have to always have words between us, we just long to be hugged, kissed and touched. It is a human need that He put inside of us from birth.
Eyes are the window to a person/animals soul. It is interesting how you can look an animal in the eye, especially a dog. They watch our human expressions. We can even make our dogs continue to sit or back up by just a look. I can look my animals in the eye and see so many different things, whether they are ashamed, whether they are nervous or happy, when they did something that they don't want me to see. When we look other people in the eye, what do we see? Do you see pain in the eyes of the hair stylist who just got yelled at for 30 minutes by an insensitive mom who looked like a crazed maniac? Do you see loneliness in the eyes of an elderly person who is living alone without their spouse? Can you tell when a person is dishonest trying to get you to do something you are unsure about by looking them in the eye? Does your teenager look away when they are unsure about how they should answer your question? Do you see rejection in the eyes of the child whose parent did not come to the party when all the parents were invited?
Animals tell us many things by their non-verbal cues. Many times when you are grooming a horse they will move their legs like they are digging in the dirt. They are telling us they are bored. Sometimes when my puppy needs to go out, she starts sniffing around in the carpet or she starts chewing on cardboard because her teeth are starting to come in and they are bothering her. Aren't people the same? We give off all kinds of non-verbal cues to each other. Do you notice? I can sit in a room and watch people. When people are uncomfortable at what someone is saying, sometimes heads go down, they start shifting in their seats. What about if you are out to dinner with someone? They start yawning or are always texting someone else. All of these non-verbals are communicating emotions without using words.
If you have an accident or make a mistake its Ok to hang your head for a little while. Fess up, say you are sorry, and make things right. Don't walk around with your tail between your legs. Learn from it and leave the past behind!
If you leave an animal alone for too long, they cause trouble. My dogs are dangerous together. The things they do together is quite fun for them, quite destructive for us, tearing out stuffing of animals, or pillows. They have chewed up a remote control, dug up flowers, chewed up toothbrushes. Aren't people the same? People get themselves in trouble when there is nothing exciting going on in their lives.When we become idle, we get into trouble.
If you truly need something or need help, don't be afraid to beg. Many times friends and family are willing to lend a helping hand. Others can't read our minds!
If you are angry with someone, don't show your teeth and growl. Walk away for a period of time and then express how you feel. Once you say words in anger, you can't take them back. Biting someone in the backside never achieves the affect you want it to.
Don't dig through your own personal trash. Leave behind your negative movies that you play over and over in your mind. Let go of your grudges. Stop thinking about past fights and people who have wronged you. Let's face it, trash stinks and sometimes it makes you sick if you keeping consuming it!
Our animals teach us to be gentle and kind. They respond more favorably to praise and reward than yelling and scorn. My kids teach me the same thing. My family deserves a kind answer and soft spoken requests. Our animals need physical care, like a healthy diet, shelter and exercise. We need all same things. Animals teach us responsibility. I always tell newlyweds if they want to see what it is like to be a parent, get an animal first. My pets don't judge me or my actions, even when I make a mistake. I need to learn to not be so judgmental to those around me for I will be judged in the same manner.
One of the most awesome passage that comes to mind when I think about animals is found in Matthew 6:26. It says, "Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" How awesome to think that when God made all the living creatures at the very beginning of time and was pleased with His work, we were His best work of all! Do you know why??? "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him." Gen 1:27 You are more valuable to God than any other species because you were made in His image. Hold your heads up high! You are truly significant!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Life's Speed Bumps
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Prov. 19:21
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Prov 16:9
So much about life is planning ahead. We teach our kids from a very young age about time management. We teach them about studying and doing a project ahead of time. We teach that graduating from high school and then college gives them a better opportunity for a good job in the future. We have day timers and blackberries, all to plan our days ahead.
So much has been written about saving for emergencies, saving for your 401K, saving for our children's college education, paying off debt, preparing for retirement. We spend much of our time and energy about investing and living within our means. We make plans for our kids with their sports and guide them for future opportunities. We buy car insurance in case of an accident, dental insurance planning for the day when our kids will get braces or as we age we come into major dental work, health insurance in case of hospital visits or major illnesses that one day may be facing us or our children. We are a society that plans for all kinds of crisis'.
Do you realize on a daily basis how many times we come across a speed bump in life? We write our to do list of all the projects we want to complete in a day. How many times do we finish it entirely without some crisis happening or things we consider minor interruptions occur? How many times in your life have you been saving for a vacation and your dishwasher, dryer, and a flat tire all happen in the same week? You are going away for the weekend and your kids come down with the flu. You are in a hurry to a lunch date and you get pulled over and get a huge ticket for going too fast. You have three appointments in a row lined up and your kids forget their homework and lunch and you have to rush and now you are late. It seems as if life rarely goes as we have planned. Is there any security in any of the preventive things that we plan for? Is there anything in life that is certain? Are we promised our health, our financial security or does our life just happen randomly with no control or anyone in control of our life?
My grandpa has had an awesome saying, "We will plan to do this or that, Lord willing". How profound a statement. God wants us to make plans. There is wisdom in having a plan for the future. I always say, if we aim at nothing we gain nothing. How do I really know that my plan is what the Lord would want for me? My favorite life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. It says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."
Whenever Paul and I are to make a big decision, whether it is buying a car, house, moving, choice of schools for the kids, picking a church, anything that will greatly impact our life or the life of a good friend or family member, I always ask God to open or close the door. We almost never purchase a big ticket item on impulse. Paul is awesome at researching for an extended period of time. Usually when we decide quickly it is always a mistake. In time, God always sells what we are trying to buy or gives us an uneasiness that we should not proceed. We have missed opportunities and good deals along the way, but God has protected us over and over what might bring us to ruin in the future by not walking in front of Him. If you are married, listen to the opinion of your spouse. Often one has insight that the other might not have.
What if the decision is not God's will or what if we did what we thought we should do and had a peace and we lose our job or make a financial deal that costs us? People suffer all kinds of hardships, physically, emotionally, financially. James says, if any of you lacks wisdom He should ask God. This is how you should pray, Our Father who is in Heaven, hallowed by Your name, Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread...Matt 6:9-11. There is one place that I know is secure. God knows everything that is going to happen before it even occurs. God is in control of everything. If I lack anything and I ask in HIS name, especially when it comes to my physical needs, He says He will provide. If I ask Him to win the lottery, I don't think He will honor that. But if I ask Him for bread to feed my family, do I know He will provide? Absolutely!
We might suffer for a period of time without work, we might have to live with financial choices that might not have been the wisest and it takes time to recover. We might have to face sickness. But He promises us that He will never leave us or forsake us. There is a purpose for all of it, the good and the bad. One day, in the future, there will be no more disappointments or speed bumps. While we are here, He is with us, regardless of how many detours we may make.
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Prov 16:9
So much about life is planning ahead. We teach our kids from a very young age about time management. We teach them about studying and doing a project ahead of time. We teach that graduating from high school and then college gives them a better opportunity for a good job in the future. We have day timers and blackberries, all to plan our days ahead.
So much has been written about saving for emergencies, saving for your 401K, saving for our children's college education, paying off debt, preparing for retirement. We spend much of our time and energy about investing and living within our means. We make plans for our kids with their sports and guide them for future opportunities. We buy car insurance in case of an accident, dental insurance planning for the day when our kids will get braces or as we age we come into major dental work, health insurance in case of hospital visits or major illnesses that one day may be facing us or our children. We are a society that plans for all kinds of crisis'.
Do you realize on a daily basis how many times we come across a speed bump in life? We write our to do list of all the projects we want to complete in a day. How many times do we finish it entirely without some crisis happening or things we consider minor interruptions occur? How many times in your life have you been saving for a vacation and your dishwasher, dryer, and a flat tire all happen in the same week? You are going away for the weekend and your kids come down with the flu. You are in a hurry to a lunch date and you get pulled over and get a huge ticket for going too fast. You have three appointments in a row lined up and your kids forget their homework and lunch and you have to rush and now you are late. It seems as if life rarely goes as we have planned. Is there any security in any of the preventive things that we plan for? Is there anything in life that is certain? Are we promised our health, our financial security or does our life just happen randomly with no control or anyone in control of our life?
My grandpa has had an awesome saying, "We will plan to do this or that, Lord willing". How profound a statement. God wants us to make plans. There is wisdom in having a plan for the future. I always say, if we aim at nothing we gain nothing. How do I really know that my plan is what the Lord would want for me? My favorite life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. It says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."
Whenever Paul and I are to make a big decision, whether it is buying a car, house, moving, choice of schools for the kids, picking a church, anything that will greatly impact our life or the life of a good friend or family member, I always ask God to open or close the door. We almost never purchase a big ticket item on impulse. Paul is awesome at researching for an extended period of time. Usually when we decide quickly it is always a mistake. In time, God always sells what we are trying to buy or gives us an uneasiness that we should not proceed. We have missed opportunities and good deals along the way, but God has protected us over and over what might bring us to ruin in the future by not walking in front of Him. If you are married, listen to the opinion of your spouse. Often one has insight that the other might not have.
What if the decision is not God's will or what if we did what we thought we should do and had a peace and we lose our job or make a financial deal that costs us? People suffer all kinds of hardships, physically, emotionally, financially. James says, if any of you lacks wisdom He should ask God. This is how you should pray, Our Father who is in Heaven, hallowed by Your name, Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread...Matt 6:9-11. There is one place that I know is secure. God knows everything that is going to happen before it even occurs. God is in control of everything. If I lack anything and I ask in HIS name, especially when it comes to my physical needs, He says He will provide. If I ask Him to win the lottery, I don't think He will honor that. But if I ask Him for bread to feed my family, do I know He will provide? Absolutely!
We might suffer for a period of time without work, we might have to live with financial choices that might not have been the wisest and it takes time to recover. We might have to face sickness. But He promises us that He will never leave us or forsake us. There is a purpose for all of it, the good and the bad. One day, in the future, there will be no more disappointments or speed bumps. While we are here, He is with us, regardless of how many detours we may make.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words
We spend our whole life accumulating; houses, cars, clothes, jewelry, furniture. For our first move we rent a one room trailer or even the back of a pick up truck or two. When we are moving a family to get a bigger house, we rent a semi. At the end of our life, we spend our days giving away; clothes, jewelry, furniture. Many call it downsizing! Until one day, we are reduced to a one bedroom apartment, less than 1000 square feet.
Every time I spend an afternoon with my grandparents, I am reduced to tears, thinking about life in general. Our perspective is so skewed. We live hustling from here to there with every moment full of some activitiy. At the end of life, we may have outlived all of our friends and even some of our family members. Life is full of silence, remembering our life from the past. No longer are things of value to us. No longer are we the center of someone else's existence. We just sit remembering!
My grandma Mary doesn't remember my name or the names of my family. To her, when I walk in the room I am "Hi honey". She knows that I am her granddaughter, that I belong to her and are a part of her family. I bring her favorite veggie burger, a breath of fresh air from the food that is the same although it is quite decent. She tells me again and again how much food I have brought that it is too much. I sit and listen to countless stories that I have heard 100 times before. Sometimes we don't say much. I help them reorganize and throw empty boxes away or just sit and listen. Then we sit and look at old photo albums. A huge smile comes across my sweet grandma's face remembering times we spent as a family. She remembers the day she graduated, her wedding day, being with her sister, grandpa coming home from the army in WW2. She smiles at all of the holiday celebrations and reunions that we were together as a family.
All of these memories are like strings forming a tapestry, they are a patchwork of happy memories that once were and sad ones of how distance and events can create space among its members. Every family has a tapestry. How blessed you are if you have relationships with extended members not just your own immediate family. How blessed my kids have been that it has always been a priority for Paul and I to allow the kids to spend time with family outside of our own little world. Although not all family gatherings are fun or exciting, they still form the quiltwork of our life and who we are.
If you have a camera, do you document events with friends and family? Do you include yourself in the pictures? Do you have priorties to visit family members from time to time, regardless of distance, do you try to keep in contact with them? How do you view your family, are they a blessing or a curse?
Every time I spend an afternoon with my grandparents, I am reduced to tears, thinking about life in general. Our perspective is so skewed. We live hustling from here to there with every moment full of some activitiy. At the end of life, we may have outlived all of our friends and even some of our family members. Life is full of silence, remembering our life from the past. No longer are things of value to us. No longer are we the center of someone else's existence. We just sit remembering!
My grandma Mary doesn't remember my name or the names of my family. To her, when I walk in the room I am "Hi honey". She knows that I am her granddaughter, that I belong to her and are a part of her family. I bring her favorite veggie burger, a breath of fresh air from the food that is the same although it is quite decent. She tells me again and again how much food I have brought that it is too much. I sit and listen to countless stories that I have heard 100 times before. Sometimes we don't say much. I help them reorganize and throw empty boxes away or just sit and listen. Then we sit and look at old photo albums. A huge smile comes across my sweet grandma's face remembering times we spent as a family. She remembers the day she graduated, her wedding day, being with her sister, grandpa coming home from the army in WW2. She smiles at all of the holiday celebrations and reunions that we were together as a family.
All of these memories are like strings forming a tapestry, they are a patchwork of happy memories that once were and sad ones of how distance and events can create space among its members. Every family has a tapestry. How blessed you are if you have relationships with extended members not just your own immediate family. How blessed my kids have been that it has always been a priority for Paul and I to allow the kids to spend time with family outside of our own little world. Although not all family gatherings are fun or exciting, they still form the quiltwork of our life and who we are.
If you have a camera, do you document events with friends and family? Do you include yourself in the pictures? Do you have priorties to visit family members from time to time, regardless of distance, do you try to keep in contact with them? How do you view your family, are they a blessing or a curse?
When the person you love leaves this earth, sometimes the picture is all the physical evidence that remains! In the end, when our memory is gone, pictures still remain to help us remember what once was.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
No Place Like Home
Where do we abundantly live?
Is it a place, a physical structure, a state of mind? What images come to mind for you when you think of home? Do you think about your childhood home and memories when you were growing up? Do you think about friends that you have grown up with? Do you think about the town that is so familiar to you?
For me I have no certain "home town" that comes to mind. We moved a lot when I was a kid. Every time I made a best friend, we were saying goodbye. All of our life experiences shape who we are and what we want life to look like in the future. As Paul and I were first starting our family, I always dreamed of our kids being born and graduating in the same place, their "home town". While raising kids in Scottsdale has so many challenges, our kids have learned so many lessons being rooted in the same place. By having the same childhood friends you learn how to work out problems and learn the meaning of forgiveness. The kids have attended the same school, the same church for many years, they have had the same dentists and doctors. Their is familiarity about having your favorite restaurants and seeing the same people who work there day in and day out. Do you know people you see by name?
Next, I come to our physical dwelling, our house. It is so important to us because each room holds many memories and "things" that are important to us. My living room has always been a welcome place for all who live here and come to visit. It has always been our desire that no matter who comes to be part of our family, whether it is friends, neighbor kids, the kids' friends or family members when they come they will feel they are loved and accepted. Many important decisions have been made just hanging out discussing life there. In my living room is our piano. It is an instrument that brings great joy. I play when I want to worship God, and I love each student that comes to learn to love music in this place. Music is a way to express yourself especially when there are not words to say how you feel. Our family room is a place of fun, games are played there, movies are watched, it is a place to relax, sit by the fire, or just hang out.
The kids bedrooms each reflect who they are. Dylan has loved green since he was born. Although it is a mix of sports and planes, green is part of who Dylan is...Abby's room is full of horses, from her bedspread to the pictures that her father has so lovingly taken and neatly framed. Two very important pieces remain, a childhood table that my father sanded and stained for her and a nicknack shelf that he made for her that I carefully stenciled when she was little. They are two keepsakes reminding her of how much her grandfather loved her while he was here with us on earth!
My kitchen is my favorite place. Paul tore it apart with his own hands and we spent two years redesigning how it would be remodelled. We picked out every part of it from the cabinets to the countertops, appliances and lighting. Part of what makes it special was that one of our best friends put the kitchen in. It is where I love to spend the majority of my time, baking and making things for others to enjoy. I learned the art of baking and cooking for those that I love from my grandma. I watched over the years how she blessed others with what her hands made. I find the same joy in blessing others as she did.
The best part of home is that it is a place that we can call our own. It is a true reflection of who we are as people. It has our favorite colors, filled with the smells of what we like, animals that we love, memories that we have shared and continue to share with others. We study the bible here with others, we have people over for meals, we have holiday celebrations, we celebrate life with old friends and welcome new friends into our life. It is a place that we share in the sorrows as well as the celebrations of life. There truly is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!!!
Is it a place, a physical structure, a state of mind? What images come to mind for you when you think of home? Do you think about your childhood home and memories when you were growing up? Do you think about friends that you have grown up with? Do you think about the town that is so familiar to you?
For me I have no certain "home town" that comes to mind. We moved a lot when I was a kid. Every time I made a best friend, we were saying goodbye. All of our life experiences shape who we are and what we want life to look like in the future. As Paul and I were first starting our family, I always dreamed of our kids being born and graduating in the same place, their "home town". While raising kids in Scottsdale has so many challenges, our kids have learned so many lessons being rooted in the same place. By having the same childhood friends you learn how to work out problems and learn the meaning of forgiveness. The kids have attended the same school, the same church for many years, they have had the same dentists and doctors. Their is familiarity about having your favorite restaurants and seeing the same people who work there day in and day out. Do you know people you see by name?
Next, I come to our physical dwelling, our house. It is so important to us because each room holds many memories and "things" that are important to us. My living room has always been a welcome place for all who live here and come to visit. It has always been our desire that no matter who comes to be part of our family, whether it is friends, neighbor kids, the kids' friends or family members when they come they will feel they are loved and accepted. Many important decisions have been made just hanging out discussing life there. In my living room is our piano. It is an instrument that brings great joy. I play when I want to worship God, and I love each student that comes to learn to love music in this place. Music is a way to express yourself especially when there are not words to say how you feel. Our family room is a place of fun, games are played there, movies are watched, it is a place to relax, sit by the fire, or just hang out.
The kids bedrooms each reflect who they are. Dylan has loved green since he was born. Although it is a mix of sports and planes, green is part of who Dylan is...Abby's room is full of horses, from her bedspread to the pictures that her father has so lovingly taken and neatly framed. Two very important pieces remain, a childhood table that my father sanded and stained for her and a nicknack shelf that he made for her that I carefully stenciled when she was little. They are two keepsakes reminding her of how much her grandfather loved her while he was here with us on earth!
My kitchen is my favorite place. Paul tore it apart with his own hands and we spent two years redesigning how it would be remodelled. We picked out every part of it from the cabinets to the countertops, appliances and lighting. Part of what makes it special was that one of our best friends put the kitchen in. It is where I love to spend the majority of my time, baking and making things for others to enjoy. I learned the art of baking and cooking for those that I love from my grandma. I watched over the years how she blessed others with what her hands made. I find the same joy in blessing others as she did.
The best part of home is that it is a place that we can call our own. It is a true reflection of who we are as people. It has our favorite colors, filled with the smells of what we like, animals that we love, memories that we have shared and continue to share with others. We study the bible here with others, we have people over for meals, we have holiday celebrations, we celebrate life with old friends and welcome new friends into our life. It is a place that we share in the sorrows as well as the celebrations of life. There truly is NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!!!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Livin on the Edge
Kids are always seeking a thrill; "I dare you to jump out of the tree!" How fast can you go down that hill on your skate board? I bet you can't jump that ramp on your bike? One day last week, I looked at one of my sweet male piano students who had a black eye. How did you get that black eye, I asked. He replied, "When I jumped off the wall (6 ft high), I crashed into the table on the other side of the wall."
Last weekend and this weekend we will spend time watching our sons and daughters jumping their horses 3' to 4.5' high in a show in Tucson. It is an adrelanine rush for them. Us too, but in a different way, praying that the horse and rider will jump and land safely. Each jump has them and us on the edge of our seats! In essence we are all livin on the edge.
What happens to a human being as they age? Do they lose their zeal, their need for speed, that adrelanine rush? Do the responsibilities of life and others come before the need to rock out of our comfort zone? Does wisdom take over remembering the falls, failures or just fear of taking a risk at something untried? What happens to us as individuals though when we just live day to day in the safety of our routines and the known? At one point do we lose our desire to live on the edge?
I see the choices of adults all around me that have decided to settle in without zeal or passion, looking for some excitement in their life. Some have reverted to drugs of all kinds, alchohol, weed, prescription, etc. They want to escape into the exciting or escape from the life that they are living. Others have chosen affairs, looking for excitement outside of their proven marriages and families risking it all. Many are seeking to live on the edge again, looking for freedom or escape of all their responsibilities. But for many, this escape ruins their life as well as all the lives around them! Their choices outweigh the consequences to seek the quick thrill.
As many around me are looking at life, looking back seeing that probably 1/2 of their life is behind them they are asking questions.What have I done with my life? Have I conquered the world? Have I made an astounding difference in anyone's life? Am I rich or famous? What am I passionate towards?
Passion in its definition means an irresistible motive for a belief or action, any object of warm affection or devotion. Kids have that need for action, it is impossible for them to sit still. They are looking for that next trick or adrelanine rush. Make no mistake when I talk about passion and taking risks I am no way suggesting that we should do anything contrary to what the Word of God has to say! I live by the Bible in every way, word and deed, that is one of my greatest passions. I am not suggesting, Oh, you are bored, go get a divorce or get smashed. I am saying find something of value and worth, and be passionate about it! Find something that you have always desired to try and take the plunge.
I often think about the movie "The Bucket List". If you haven't seen it, you should! It is worth seeing more than once. What would you like to try that you never have before? Do you have things that are on your "to do" list? What are you waiting for? Are you waiting to raise the kids, finish a project, pay things off? What if it never happens? What if you put it off and put it off until you no longer have your health?
From time to time we have tried new things. We tried surfing several years back. We weren't very good at it but it was fun. At 40 I tried to ride a motorcycle. Again I wasn't very good but it was fun to do with Paul and the kids. Two years ago I tried riding my daughter's horse. For a couple of times it was fun until I fell off and decided that it was very painful to hit the ground. I gave up! I gave in to the fear of trying again. We've been downhill skiing the past few winters. I love it even though I have a big fear of heights, especially when I get to the top of a very steep hill and look to the bottom. The feeling almost makes me past out. I know I can do it though because I just look a little ahead concentrating at taking one step at a time, one S turn at a time, knowing that I will get down, granted not as fast as the rest of the family but I will be able to overcome it. It is all the better to try something new with those that you love! I will say that Paul is in great shape and can keep up with the kids far better than I can which is why he works out so much! Breaking out of our comfort zone also builds family memories that will last a lifetime and keeps life fresh for all of us!
I think fear keeps us from doing so many things. What will people think of me when I do this? How can I do this when I am responsible for this and this? How can we afford this? What are you waiting for? All of these things are just excuses!
What are you passionate about? What will it take to bring you out of your comfort zone? How are you impacting those around you? Have you lost zeal in your life? What risks can you take to make a difference? Are you willing to live on the edge?
Last weekend and this weekend we will spend time watching our sons and daughters jumping their horses 3' to 4.5' high in a show in Tucson. It is an adrelanine rush for them. Us too, but in a different way, praying that the horse and rider will jump and land safely. Each jump has them and us on the edge of our seats! In essence we are all livin on the edge.
What happens to a human being as they age? Do they lose their zeal, their need for speed, that adrelanine rush? Do the responsibilities of life and others come before the need to rock out of our comfort zone? Does wisdom take over remembering the falls, failures or just fear of taking a risk at something untried? What happens to us as individuals though when we just live day to day in the safety of our routines and the known? At one point do we lose our desire to live on the edge?
I see the choices of adults all around me that have decided to settle in without zeal or passion, looking for some excitement in their life. Some have reverted to drugs of all kinds, alchohol, weed, prescription, etc. They want to escape into the exciting or escape from the life that they are living. Others have chosen affairs, looking for excitement outside of their proven marriages and families risking it all. Many are seeking to live on the edge again, looking for freedom or escape of all their responsibilities. But for many, this escape ruins their life as well as all the lives around them! Their choices outweigh the consequences to seek the quick thrill.
As many around me are looking at life, looking back seeing that probably 1/2 of their life is behind them they are asking questions.What have I done with my life? Have I conquered the world? Have I made an astounding difference in anyone's life? Am I rich or famous? What am I passionate towards?
Passion in its definition means an irresistible motive for a belief or action, any object of warm affection or devotion. Kids have that need for action, it is impossible for them to sit still. They are looking for that next trick or adrelanine rush. Make no mistake when I talk about passion and taking risks I am no way suggesting that we should do anything contrary to what the Word of God has to say! I live by the Bible in every way, word and deed, that is one of my greatest passions. I am not suggesting, Oh, you are bored, go get a divorce or get smashed. I am saying find something of value and worth, and be passionate about it! Find something that you have always desired to try and take the plunge.
I often think about the movie "The Bucket List". If you haven't seen it, you should! It is worth seeing more than once. What would you like to try that you never have before? Do you have things that are on your "to do" list? What are you waiting for? Are you waiting to raise the kids, finish a project, pay things off? What if it never happens? What if you put it off and put it off until you no longer have your health?
From time to time we have tried new things. We tried surfing several years back. We weren't very good at it but it was fun. At 40 I tried to ride a motorcycle. Again I wasn't very good but it was fun to do with Paul and the kids. Two years ago I tried riding my daughter's horse. For a couple of times it was fun until I fell off and decided that it was very painful to hit the ground. I gave up! I gave in to the fear of trying again. We've been downhill skiing the past few winters. I love it even though I have a big fear of heights, especially when I get to the top of a very steep hill and look to the bottom. The feeling almost makes me past out. I know I can do it though because I just look a little ahead concentrating at taking one step at a time, one S turn at a time, knowing that I will get down, granted not as fast as the rest of the family but I will be able to overcome it. It is all the better to try something new with those that you love! I will say that Paul is in great shape and can keep up with the kids far better than I can which is why he works out so much! Breaking out of our comfort zone also builds family memories that will last a lifetime and keeps life fresh for all of us!
I think fear keeps us from doing so many things. What will people think of me when I do this? How can I do this when I am responsible for this and this? How can we afford this? What are you waiting for? All of these things are just excuses!
What are you passionate about? What will it take to bring you out of your comfort zone? How are you impacting those around you? Have you lost zeal in your life? What risks can you take to make a difference? Are you willing to live on the edge?
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Be Still
Be Still and Know that I am God.
You have no idea how hard it is for me to be still! So many people have said that it is important to sit still, meditate, read God's Word, be quiet! I truly think I have a touch of ADD. My thoughts race at a glacial pace, thinking about Paul, the kids, work, school, the kids's activities. To sit still is a monumental task for me!
God has a quiet way of putting us in that place when we can't. Either I get sick or one of the kids gets sick. All of the hustle and the bustle screeches to a grinding halt and we are at home, peaceful and quiet. You hit a wall and are forced to rest!
Sundays are set aside for that too, did you know that? It's called the Sabbath. But we continue to look at Sunday as a day to catch up on all that we are behind in. Did you know that He established the day, not for HIS benefit but for ours. Yes, I too am guilty of not always setting aside Sundays for rest and I think at the end of the day, my whole family pays the price.
Part of living life abundantly is resting! This is hard for me for it is another piece of self discipline. I truly love being a night owl, staying up late at night. However, when I stay up late, I am still forced to be up with the kids at 6:30 a.m. With only six hours of sleep I get run down, short of patience, not being able to give anyone my best. This is one of the greatest things I have struggled with in recent years. I have friends who say, we always go to bed at 9 a.m. That means all activity has to stop and the kids have to have the same bedtime, 7:30 or 8. That is a hard task to accomplish when there are nights we are doing homework until 8 after sports are finished. Life is all about balance for everyone. When one factor is out of place, everyone is out of balace.
The bottom line with rest is that God has designed our bodies to rest. To hear His voice I have to be in a frame of mind and body to be silent. When have you ever heard of God screaming at someone? He almost always speaks in a whisper!!! Do you struggle with resting? Please don't tell me you can sit still and be still, it will only make me feel worse! Count it a blessing if that is one of your gifts!!! He will speak to you again and again if you are listening. If you are in a quiet down time in your life through illness or are waiting for the next place to serve, count your blessings! It will soon pass and you will be forced to be intentional about being still and waiting to hear from God.
You have no idea how hard it is for me to be still! So many people have said that it is important to sit still, meditate, read God's Word, be quiet! I truly think I have a touch of ADD. My thoughts race at a glacial pace, thinking about Paul, the kids, work, school, the kids's activities. To sit still is a monumental task for me!
God has a quiet way of putting us in that place when we can't. Either I get sick or one of the kids gets sick. All of the hustle and the bustle screeches to a grinding halt and we are at home, peaceful and quiet. You hit a wall and are forced to rest!
Sundays are set aside for that too, did you know that? It's called the Sabbath. But we continue to look at Sunday as a day to catch up on all that we are behind in. Did you know that He established the day, not for HIS benefit but for ours. Yes, I too am guilty of not always setting aside Sundays for rest and I think at the end of the day, my whole family pays the price.
Part of living life abundantly is resting! This is hard for me for it is another piece of self discipline. I truly love being a night owl, staying up late at night. However, when I stay up late, I am still forced to be up with the kids at 6:30 a.m. With only six hours of sleep I get run down, short of patience, not being able to give anyone my best. This is one of the greatest things I have struggled with in recent years. I have friends who say, we always go to bed at 9 a.m. That means all activity has to stop and the kids have to have the same bedtime, 7:30 or 8. That is a hard task to accomplish when there are nights we are doing homework until 8 after sports are finished. Life is all about balance for everyone. When one factor is out of place, everyone is out of balace.
The bottom line with rest is that God has designed our bodies to rest. To hear His voice I have to be in a frame of mind and body to be silent. When have you ever heard of God screaming at someone? He almost always speaks in a whisper!!! Do you struggle with resting? Please don't tell me you can sit still and be still, it will only make me feel worse! Count it a blessing if that is one of your gifts!!! He will speak to you again and again if you are listening. If you are in a quiet down time in your life through illness or are waiting for the next place to serve, count your blessings! It will soon pass and you will be forced to be intentional about being still and waiting to hear from God.
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