BEYOND THE STRUGGLE

 There are days when I honestly struggle.  Lately there have been an entire string of them.  NOW---a lot of this is on me.  As I recently posted, I have sometimes unrealistic expectations of myself.  There are also times when due to circumstances beyond my control, life is stressful.  I do not handle a lot coming at me at once as well as I once did.  It is frustrating and disheartening.  If I am not careful I find myself in the doldrums.

NOW---Debbie Downer has unloaded and here comes the real point of this post.  

CAN YOU SEE THE GIFT OF THE DAY

IN THE WORST OF TIMES?

Truth in posting--that is NOT the first thing that comes to mind when I am struggling.  What I would love to do is crawl back into my cave and pull a Hero and turn my back to the world.

BUT once I get past my pity party, my head knows my problems are minor in the world of struggle.  Yes, it is all relevant, BUT I am also very blessed in the economy of the world.  God has His plan and it is always the best plan.  When things are not going my way, it is not necessarily the wrong way.  There is always beauty in the storm--and the sun does always come out again.  Patience and being quiet before the Lord are required in the worst of times.  And every day is a gift---for the alternative is no day.  Think that over the next time you are in the strait of struggle.  YES---I am thankful--in the midst of the struggle--I am thankful.

"God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear,

though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its water roar and foam, 

and the mountains quake with their surging."

Psalm 46:1-3

COMINGS AND GOINGS

 The birds' nest on my balcony is a flurry of activity.  The birds spent days and days building that nest (it was blown away in a storm in the early days and they started over), it would seem they are now sitting on eggs.  I did a little research and the birds sit on those eggs for 10-14 days before they hatch.  NOW here is the catch---they built that nest in the dryer vent which is in the ceiling of the second story balcony.  I assume they have enough head room to allow the vent to still function, BUT the question has become do I not use the dryer until they fly?  I air dry almost all of my clothes that I wear, but towels and sheets are both done once a week and dried in the dryer.  I may have to borrow one of the dryers of my offspring for the next little while since they stay in the nest 16-17 days after hatching.  

In the meantime, while sitting on the nest, the mother and father take turns being the sitter.  There is always someone on the nest.  I am truly enjoying watching the process.  The one who has been away will come and sit on the railing and call to the other.  Immediately upon one parent leaving the nest the other takes their place.  The eggs are kept constantly warm, and nothing is left to chance when it comes to raising the birds' family.  Just as great care was taken building that nest--with only the choicest pieces used; the same level of care is now being used in keeping those eggs warm.  Next will come the feeding which I KNOW I will enjoy watching.  The work keeps growing ---but the birds are faithful in their caretaking.

When I think of the Creator God putting all this world into motion, I am reminded of how like His care of us is the care He instilled in His Creation in caring for their offspring.  What a beautiful analogy of Who God Is.  Our Creator---Our Protector---Our Provider---the Faithful Father of us all.  So much to be said for the beauty of the world---and the Wonder of The Creator.

"All things were made through Him,

and without Him was not any thing made that was made."

John 1:3

STINKY FEET

If you have never participated in a service of foot washing---you have missed a blessing!  I must admit, after years of running abuse, I keep my feet well hidden these days.  They are not a pretty sight and after a long hot day of being in socks hidden behind a sneaker (how's that for an old fashioned word), I am more than embarrassed to put them on display, much less have someone wash them for me.  Think humbling on the part of both parties--the washer and the washee.  It is a stark reminder of what Jesus did for us.

After hearing this referenced in a recent lesson, I began to wonder have I washed anyone's feet lately?  There have been times in my life, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt my service was indeed figuratively  washing of the feet.  The things I was called upon to do for my mother during her final illness were not always pleasant, but they taught me a lesson in reconciliation I am so thankful for.  There have been those acts of service such as mudding out flooded houses that were definite feet washings---stink and all.  At times those we serve, do not look like us or smell like us, but who are we called to serve - the least of these.  We are metaphorically washing feet.

The question becomes---who have I served and what have I done to show others the face of Jesus on a daily basis?  As I pondered this it occurred to me when I help with the grands, pack boxes for my hard working son & wife, cook a meal for us all, or perform any task for the sake of another--giving up my routine and what I might prefer for the moment--it is an act of service.  I do it out of love---just as Jesus did so much for us-out of love.  SO--do not beat yourself up for not being out in the BIG ARENA of the mission field.  I can assure you, if that is where God wanted you--intended for you --you would know.  He would throw open the doors and keep nudging and perhaps pushing  you until you got it.  God is NOT subtle---He is direct.  

The next time you are called to wash your feet or the feet of another --think about this.  Whose feet have I washed today in an act of love which reflects Gods' great love for me?  A little soap can do wonders for all of us---

" ' If I then, your Lord and Teacher,

have washed your feet,

you also ought to wash one another's feet.' "

John 13:14-15

OUT OF ALIGNMENT

 When I take my car in for regular checks, one of the things they normally do is rotate the tires and align them.  If you have every walked or run down a road, you realize the road has a slope to it.  They are built this way to keep the water from standing --the slope drains the water.  When you run or drive on a slope, it can lead to problems of misalignment and cause wear and tear on one side.  Our cars and we who walk upright function best on flat surfaces.  It does not take much of a slope to create huge problems.

Poor Hero is having serious back problems.  Basically he is getting old and none of us--human or beast are created with bodies which do not wear out.  While consulting with the vet, she related to me a story of her own back woes.  One of my flaws in listening is the need to tell my own stories in these kind of encounters.  NOTE TO SELF---no need to always respond-keep it to yourself and just listen.  Back to the subject, due to a past injury, Hero's spine is now degenerating and nerves are being pinched.  I will save you from every detail, but at this point we are trying one more medication to see if we can give him more time.

Thinking this over, I thought of my own physical trials and tribulations.  Many times when I have an injury, my body compensates without me realizing and I create a new pain.  My hip is the source of the problem, but my IT Band is giving me agony.  This is called referred pain.  Many times the original injury will lead to my compensating in an effort to diminish the pain.  This then throws me out of alignment and the pain I am feeling is not the primary source of the trouble, but instead a secondary symptom.  We tend to focus on what is hurting and ignore  we might be having  this pain because of an entirely different issue.  My response to the stimuli is directed toward the referred pain, while the primary issue being remedied would solve both problems.

WELL NOW---where in the world is this going?  Our reactions and responses to others are not always helpful, kind, or well received.  Recently I responded to something my son said to me--with irritation.  It immediately occurred to me where this irk came from--and it had nothing to do with him, but something from my past.  I unloaded on him--and though he might have been the spark to light my fire--the fuel had been sitting there for a LONG time.   After decades of sitting on it, I came uncorked over something totally unrelated.  Could this be referred anger?  If I had dealt with the primary issue long ago--would I have unleashed on an unsuspecting loved one?  Food for thought---perhaps you are never guilty--but if you are-- it will not change unless you find the cause and deal with it.  

"Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,

but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly."

Proverbs 14:29

THAT ONE STRAW

 Have you ever filled a wheel barrow until it was at the tipping point?  I always keep going--thinking one more shovel full will not matter.  AND THEN---there comes the point when with another grain of dirt placed in an overloaded spot--tips the entire load over.  GROAN!      I cannot tell you how many times I have pushed the limits and ended up with a huge mess--and not just with dirt.  We have all been warned of the dire risk of toddlers tipping over cabinets which are not anchored--sometimes with tragic consequences.  I am guilty of standing on ladders and leaning---thinking I've got this---to only end up on the ground (NO MORE LADDERS ABOVE 4 STEPS THESE DAYS).  The fundamental truths of physics come into play.  We are at risk of disaster, if we push the limits.

Recently, I found myself crying over something which should not have caused me to even blink an eye.  I must say it caught me unawares--and wondering, 'WHAT IN THE WORLD?"  After thinking it over, I concluded all the stress I have recently been under has me near the boiling over point.  One of two things happens when I allow this to happen without occasionally blowing off some steam---I cry or I bite someone's head off.  That someone is usually an innocent who was not aware of the treacherous ground they were stepping on when they approached me.  ONE MORE STRAW will have me erupting --blowing a gasket--becoming a screaming banshee ---and bless your heart if you happen to be standing in my path.  I am not proud of this behavior.  Part of the problem is being taught to NOT show emotion--stay calm--with a smile on your face-ALWAYS THE LADY.  Meanwhile I am grinding my teeth, clinching my jaw and in a tight wad of inflamed nerves.  I am on the ragged edge--tethering---ripe for an eruption.  

WHAT can I do to prevent injury to those I love and the innocent bystander who happens to walk into my path?  Exercise has always been my go to---and while with all the moving I feel like I am getting exercise--it is not the same.  Hero is having serious back problems and we are only able to walk very short distances.  In my world of busy---I am not taking the time to get my daily exercise.  It truly helps to blow off steam--but when neglected--I am going to go over the edge--when that last straw tips me into a fit of dismay.  So I know the cause---I know how I got there--what keeps me from doing something about it?  My sense of panic when all things are not taken care of.  I neglect my needs---to take care of some seemingly emergency task.  I get to the point where I am not doing anything well--and spinning my wheels in frustration.  Someone makes some innocent remark and that final straw has me spiraling down into a red hot lava field of anger or a bog of self pity.  NOT PROUD OF MYSELF!

SO where am I going?  As I prayed last night in the quiet and dark of the evening, it occurred to me my prayers have become one sided conversations about what is wrong in the world.  I have let my attitude of gratitude become overshadowed by all that I am facing.  I had to be honest with God and tell Him I was not proud of my actions toward Him or others.  Instead of having an honest conversation with God about where I am,  I am on automatic repeat.  I pray for those on my list, I pray for my family and friends, and I pray for forgiveness---without much emotion.  What I need is a heart to heart.  A recent post was about the art of listening.  The best listener beyond compare--is God.  And yet I treat Him as another needed task in my day--not as my Beloved Father---Faithfull God---Consistent Provider---the Anchor who has my best interest at heart.  When my plow is loaded---I forget to look to The One who will carry my burdens.  He will lighten my load, and provide me with the strength to complete the task.  God and God alone---is my Stronghold--He will take my load--He will be my anchor.  if I am willing to give it to Him.

"We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul,

a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,

where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf,

having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."

Hebrews 6:19-20

WHO NEEDS FIXIN?

 I have a friend who loves to tell you, "Be careful what you pray for."  We all laugh each and every time she warns us, but this might be flawed theology.  This assumes God is Santa Claus in the Heavens waiting to grant our every wish.  I think not--THANKFULLY!

Did you like the title?  I really work on taking the twang and colloquialisms out of my speech, but I really struggle with that lazy speech pattern of dropping the g in fixing.  It is literally out of my mouth without me ever thinking.  BUT for the sake of all my English teachers from the past, I DO KNOW the word is fixing---not fixin.

NOW on to the point~ when we pray---and we are struggling with another---do we ask God to FIX him/her?  (See how I tied the first two paragraphs neatly into that one sentence?  Do we automatically assume we are in the right---and God should work on the other party?  I dare say--that is our natural inclination, BUT are we willing to recognize perhaps we might need fixin?  Are we open to God working on us?  There are times in life---we have to admit the only thing we have any control over is ME.  Maybe--they need fixing-but God is in control of that not us.  When we pray are we willing to ask God to change our attitude if He deems we need change?  Can we humble ourselves and truly pray for God's will to be done?  Food for thought today---

"You were taught,

with regard to your former way of life,

to put off your old self,

which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires:

to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

and to put on the new self,

created to be like God

in true righteousness and holiness."

Ephesians 4:22-24

SIDE NOTE--I LEARNED THE ART OF RUN ON SENTENCES FROM THE MASTER WRITER OF RUN ON'S - PAUL.

EGG OF A DIFFERENT COLOR

 For all the drawbacks I associate with the WWW, I will admit to it being a great source of the trivia that I love to collect.  I know a lot of stuff about a lot of things which I will never cross paths with, see, or need in my lifetime.  I do LOVE to read those trivia facts.  I can remember all that useless information, but can not remember if I took my supplements  5 minutes ago.  

Today I feel called to share with you my recent gain of knowledge about eggs.  NOW---I am willing to splurge at the grocery and pay more for brown eggs which are cage free.  It turns out, that might not be as smart as I think.  Different colored chickens produce different colored eggs.  Brown chicken--brown egg; white chicken-white egg ~ etc etc.  Here is the tidbit I did not know- if you look at the shell from the inside--it is white.  The chicken secrets the coloring agent last before she lays the egg.  Here is the real kicker---inside the gooey part of the egg---they are all the same, the only difference being the size of the egg/yolk.  Our choices in the grocery store are brown or white, but the farmer's market can sometimes give you a larger variety of colors.  The eggs in the grocery store are from the BIG producers---as in the eggs these two colors are larger.  Recently I came across another piece of useless information about eggs.  Yolk color may be differing shades of yellow.  This is determined by the feed the chicken is given not by the breed of chicken.   Yesterday's article informed me the white eggs were the best buy because brown chickens eat more feed--i.e. higher cost for the farmer--thus they cost more.  All this information did not change my mind, I will still buy the brown cage free eggs.  Old dogs---- new tricks ---stuck in my ways.

Now that I have gone over all this egg trivia to delight and entertain you, here is the real point of the post.  Eggs may be different colored on the outside---but they are all the same on the inside.  They have a yolk---the yolks are basically the same--no matter the color of the egg.  That sparked the thought---though man kind may have different skin color---the insides are all the same.  We all have a heart, lungs, blood, etc. and most importantly a brain.  Our most important commonality is we all have a soul.  God created man---in His own image.  Perhaps this refers to what is unseen by the human eye.  If indeed, we are all the same inside---do we show no favoritism or prejudice based upon the external appearance?  A Question to Ponder Today.

"Then God said,

 'Let us make man in our image,

 after our likeness.' "

Genesis 1:26

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

 I am well known for not having an opinion on things like- food, where to go, times, and on and on.  Personally, I feel if I do not have a preference, and you do--WELL you have done the work of making the decision!  I can be very opiniated about some things, but the day to day mundane---I really do not care.  I am indifferent.  Or as the new generation says~

NOW to clarify---I certainly have things which I have firm and definite opinions on.  Beliefs and conjectures which have been carefully thought over and points of view clearly established.  Those things which are in granite for me are for the most part non-tangible.  The tangibles I am often not only indifferent to, but really prefer to not even spend much time thinking about.  Thus a peanut butter sandwich for lunch ALMOST every day.

BUT---I was recently presented with this concept--that I am carefully thinking over. 

GOD IS NEVER INDIFFERENT

This takes some deep pondering.  If indifference is an attitude, I find no evidence of God being indifferent in The Word.  If indifference is the lack of interest, enthusiasm or concern for something or someone, that certainly seems contrary to what we read in The Scriptures.

A point to ponder today as you dig deep to affirm what you believe and why.

"Do you see what we've got?

An unshakable kingdom!

And do you see how thankful we must be?

Not only thankful, 

but brimming with worship, 

deeply reverent before God.

For God is not an indifferent bystander.

He's actively cleaning house,

torching all that needs to burn,

and He won't quite until it's all cleansed.

God Himself is Fire!

Hebrews 12:28-29  (MSG)

OVERWHELMINGLY OVERWHELMED

 Today I was inspired by the Sunday lesson from Dr. McQueen.  The text of the day is the story of Jesus dropping in for a visit with Mary & Martha---Jesus and at a minimum his 12 side kicks arrive unannounced.    TIME TO PANIC!  Mary sits with Jesus and listens as He speaks.  Martha goes into "We have company" overdrive.  I am a Martha--sadly. It is no brag when I tell you everything has to be just so when company comes.  Why, the fact of the matter is I go into overdrive getting ready---AND THEN--when company leaves---I go into overdrive cleaning up.  You never know when company might stop by.  I stay in a state of being overwhelmed a great deal.  NEVER too late to work on that--and I am willing to try---but old habits are not easy to change.

The lesson was excellent---but my two biggest take away points were the root cause of being overwhelmed-

1.  Expectations I place upon myself.

2.  My perception of the others' expectations

The common theme---expectations----the pronoun in these statements leans to the first person singular---I and My.  So my state of overwhelmed is a direct reflection of me.  I am the common cause.  

What will I concentrate on while trying to change?  I am back to the lessons in listening we spoke of not to long ago.  While Martha was buzzing around thinking everyone needed to be fed---Mary was sitting and listening.  When company pops in, they normally do not say--"What's to eat? " They do not come with the expectation of food(that requires a dinner invitation)--but instead usually want to visit- have a conversation.  I am the one guilty of putting the need to eat expectation on myself.  In today's world, if someone gets hungry---there are plenty of food joints who love to deliver.  Enjoy the conversation, order a pizza if the visit extends to meal time.  Do NOT stress--do not feel overwhelmed--instead relish the moment and be thankful for the visit.  Did you hear yourself, Lulu?  

My final BIG TAKEAWAY were these wise words from the teacher~

"Our relationship with Jesus is not based on what we do for Him,

but what He has done for us."

AMEN!

" 'Martha, Martha, you are worried

 and distracted (overwhelmed)

by many things;

but ONLY one thing is necessary;

for Mary has chosen the good part,

which shall not be taken away from her.' "

Luke 10: 41

NEIGHBORS

 Would I be off the mark, if I said, most of us have had some trying times with neighbors at some point in our life?  NOW---I have had mostly wonderful neighbors, but there have been a few that pushed me to the limit.  Here in the apartment complex, I have over 700 neighbors.  It has been interesting to say the least.  The premier apartments in the complex are a couple of buildings of three story apartments.  Double garage, courtyard facing front door, all the bells and whistles in one luxury bundle.  This is the view daily, as Hero & I  make his noon time walk, of those luxury suites.    What is one to think?  This started out at Halloween and I thought it was cute---but after more than six months I am beginning to think there is a message being sent.  The door mat has this on it~"Leave-Laugh-Leave"

Being a good neighbor begins as a one way transaction.  Someone has to get the ball rolling when it comes to neighborliness.  Some of my favorite neighbors were in my last Ruston home in the French Quarter and those in the neighborhood where my children grew up.  What made them both so special---the time we spent enjoying one another.  We had a common interest beyond living in the same neighborhood and spent time enjoying each other in the midst of our commonness.  We raised children together, ate meals from the grill together, celebrated holidays with fireworks and more eating, and in the last Ruston hood we read books and discussed our different impressions and walked the loop and stopped and chatted.  It was ALWAYS enjoyable ! Though I am certain there were things about me that might have been annoying--it was overlooked because of our friendships.  Not unlike family, we so enjoy each other's company, that we look past those quirks that can be annoying.

SO--where am I going?  We all have neighbors of different sorts.  Neighbors in the pew on Sundays, neighbors we work with, neighbors we share interests with, neighbors we share the roads with...  We could easily call anyone we share space, time, interests, and on and on our neighbors.  What ties us together is much more important than our differences.  How we treat our neighbors is not only indicative of what we think of those neighbors, but it is a good indicator of who we are.  Think that over--the next time your neighbor annoys you.

"This is the first and great commandment.  

And the second is like unto it.

Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

Matthew 22: 37-39

I leave you with this quote ~

"Love of neighbor hinges on whether you love God with your whole being."

NOW THAT IS THOUGHT PROVOKING!

A NEW BOOK REVIEW

 

This book was recommended by #1 Daughter with this---"Mom, I know you will like this."  She was spot on.  NOT your run of the meal novel---different.  I like different, and this story was easy to read and entertaining.  An animal story---a dysfunctional family (or lack thereof), a human drama, a little mystery (you will figure it out--but that does not detract---a satisfying ending.  AND VERY DIFFERENT STORY--BY A GREAT STORY TELLER.  What more could you want?  I really enjoyed this book--in the midst of the chaos of moving---it was the perfect come down every night.  I relished it a chapter or two at a time---perfect.

You can find this book HERE.      AND I am not offended if you go to the library--in fact--bravo for you.  Remember I am an Amazon Associate---and though it might be nice to get rich from commissions---I do share any that come my way with the least of these.  BUT Amazon----here is my disclaimer---I might get a very small commission--but we all know who is getting rich off Amazon and it is not me or the delivery person.  My lazy rear end is thankful for having things brought to my front door---so I am definitely not anti-Amazon--just lazy.

SUCK IT UP BUTTERCUP!

 We live in a world which not only allows, but encourages blame shifting.  I am guilty!  So much of my behavior, reactions, and day to day, I look to my past for the cause.  Immediately I respond, "Well, I did that because of the trauma-hurt-neglect-emotional pain---I experienced in my childhood, in my past, before I was even born.  It is easy to put the blame for our poor responses or bad behavior on our past---even those who went before us.  I laughingly say, "I come for a long line of depressed people".  Funny--YES---but some days it is NO joke.  The question becomes---while it is certainly helpful to understand why we behave as we do---what good does it do if we are stuck at the point of understanding, but not doing anything about it?

As I pondered this, it became apparent while we are quick to blame others and our past for our behavior.  I do not hear much mention of those same past experiences and those who went before us in inspiring our best behavior.  I was an accountant before I retired, but I never gave any credit to my mother and father who were business people their entire careers.  Neat and tidy are my middle name, but I fail to mention I learned this trait at my mother's knee.  For all those who are premier athletes, do you give credit to the one who drove you to all those practices, sat countless hours watching you perform, and poured a great deal of the family funds into giving you the best shot?

A prime example, for me, is my education.  It was expected of me to graduate from college.  It did not come without a struggle-physically, emotionally and financially.   When I speak of my degree, I talk about all the work I put in to get that piece of paper.  How I finished a degree while a single mother of a toddler.  I fail to mention, EVER, my mother's part in inspiring me, prodding me, and ultimately being extremely proud of that accomplishment.  I let the past negatives not only cloud but overshadow her part in that achievement.  Shame on me!

Bottom line---it is a really good thing to understand ourselves and acknowledge how our past can--if allowed--influence our actions.  The problem begins when we don't learn and move forward, but instead dwell on it.  We all need to suck it up buttercup---learn from the past and make appropriate changes today to influence our future.  Get over it.  What is in the past--is just that--in the past.  There is nothing which will change it, but we do have the opportunity to change today by moving forward with a good attitude.   Remember that recent blog--the three questions which identify us?  ATTITUDE was in the big three.  It is important--and never too late to make a change.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-

his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Romans 12:2

WHO YOU GONNA CALL?

 When the world starts falling apart, when you are gasping for air, when you have been misdone, when the bottom falls out----WHO YOU GONNA CALL?      (Your welcome for sticking the theme to "Ghost Busters" in your head for the day)  Who are your people?  I heard this line long ago when walking into a room full of "the beautiful people"  by a friend---"Now THESE are my people"  It was said jokingly---or was it?  I have always heard behind any sarcasm there is a note of truth.  

Please do not misunderstand me, I think we all have good intentions, BUT when push comes to shove---who do you KNOW ---you can call and they will answer?  We all have a treasure trove of friends, BUT we all have a limited number of those who will come--without hesitation--even a thought---when we are in a hard place.  Do you know and recognize who those people are in your life?  It is really not that difficult to identify your "Core Team".  Those who walk not in front of you, nor behind you--but by your side.  In this hurry scurry world, with the distraction of social media~ it seems to be more and more difficult to identify that Core Team.  For you see, it takes a big investment of time to build those relationships.  The #1 requirement for being a good friend, a member of the team, a best buddy---is time.  Time is a limited commodity--and time is quickly fading away with every day that passes.  How are you spending your time?  That is a really good indicator of what you consider important.  I challenge you to think this over.  In fact, I invite you to keep track for a day--of how you spent your time---write it down (it will help build those writing skills).  THEN---analyze what you did---what you thought was important enough to spend part of your day doing.  It was an eye opener for me!  

SO---if you want a team you can call upon----if you want someone to have your back---if you need a number to call---start making the effort to build your team.  We cannot expect to have a team--if we never spend time practicing with our teammates.  When game time arrives, are you going to have spent enough time practicing to be a valuable member of someone's team?  Questions to ponder, Friends--questions to ponder.

"Be devoted to one another in love.

Honor one another above yourselves."

Romans 12:10

BEYOND LABELS

 What was your first thought when you read today's title?  Did you immediately go to consumer labels?  Athletic equipment, clothing, and shoes are known for their labels.  We all know the wearer of a swoosh is wearing Nike.  There are also labels on clothing--the first one that comes to mind is the polo player---no explanation needed.  Many famous brands--the latest and greatest--are known for their innovative labels.  THAT IS NOT the type of label to which I am referring.

One of the things I sometimes scroll through on line is Reels.  Short videos with sometimes interesting content--most of the time---you just keep on scrolling.  Recently I came across a college graduation speech which hit the note of truth for me.  Given by one of the graduates, for someone so young, she has already suffered life altering situations.  In her time coming back from her BIG physical injury, she did some soul searching to determine who she now was with her limitations.  It was inspiring, thought provoking and beyond her age wise.  It was impressive enough that I made a few notes I would like to share with you today.

Her question was "Who am I beyond my labels?"  A collegiate athlete who not only suffered a sport's career ending injury, but was questioning if she would be able to graduate college after a severe brain injury.  Her world was rocked off its foundations.      In my personal opinion, her speech was not only inspiring, but probably one of the greatest things she has done or will ever do.  She had to back up and think again after losing all the labels she held so dear.  She had to look beyond those labels and letters we like to cling to and throw around in an effort to impress.  She had to decide who she was--deep down--below the surface.  She came up with three questions which are profound and I hope you will take the time to think them over personally.

WHAT IS MY ATTITUDE?

HOW DO I TREAT OTHERS?

WHAT MAKES ME UNIQUELY BEAUTIFUL?

After listening to the short reel and making a note of the questions, I began to consider how this plays not only into our identity in the physical world, but also, more profoundly, in our spiritual identity.  I invite you to pause and answer the questions.  Consider if you are satisfied with your identity----after you are brutally honest with your answers.  AND then, consider this young woman~ who had her entire world turned upside down and forever altered~ made lemonade from lemons by pausing to consider.  SUCH AN INSPIRATION!

"For we are His workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus for good works,

which God prepared beforehand,

what we should walk in them."

Ephesians 2:10

WHEN OUT OF CONTROL!

 This is one of those times in life, when I am feeling out of control.  In case you have not picked up on it yet, I have a deep need for control.  Unfortunately, there are times and things which are beyond our control and, at this present time, I am squirming in my seat, obsessing over what I can do, and tossing and turning over what I can not.  I might write/talk a good game, but let me assure you---all is not well in Whoville all the time.  The question becomes what can I do and how do I react?

A perfect example of where I am going is my youngest grand (the baby of the bunch who is 3 1/2)  is taking swimming lessons.  I remember vividly my children taking swimming lessons and the same reaction as this grand in those early first days of swimming lessons.  TERROR!  would be a one word description.  LONG AGO--I learned to swim when my Dad threw me in the deep end of the pool.  In his defense, I am certain he had watched me enough that he knew I could do it.  I started with a variation of swimming underwater with a dog paddle when I needed to surface for  air.  My own children and all my grands have had swimming lessons from some independent teacher who could stand the first lessons of screaming and crying.  For you see, children do not come into this world with the ability to swim.  (Even in the waters of the womb--they can touch the sides) They are fearful and feel out of control when they are pulled into that pool for the first few times.  We were created to walk on two legs--upright--with something firm under us.  The pool, ocean, lake, pond, etc. usually does not afford that grounding.  We cannot learn to swim, float, and, not only survive, but enjoy the water until we get in over our head--where we cannot touch.  THUS the need for swimming lessons.  Once we learn---you cannot drag your kids away without kicking and screaming--but those first few lessons---when they feel out of control--they are kicking and screaming as you try to drag them in.  It is the fear of the unknown--that lack of control which sends us clinging to the side and climbing our parent's legs at drop off.  We quickly learn a need for control when we begin to navigate in this dangerous world.  We do not like--enjoy--or even tolerate when the road gets bumpy, the water gets rough, or we sense any troubled waters in life.  The road most traveled is the known level path --we avoid the rocky road with all our might.  It is the unknown, which is out of our control, that is frightening.  AND THEN, most of the time due to circumstances beyond our control, we are thrust into the deep end--of the loss of control.  Nothing we can do---no answers---we are set adrift in the tides of this tumultuous world without a paddle to our name.  It is terrifying to lose control!

What is the answer?  Our history should be reassuring--when we realize we have been here before and survived.  We have all lost control and survived to tell about it.  There should be the reassurance of  those in our midst who have braved the same waters and are here to tell the story.  We can look around us and know this too shall pass.  Finally and most importantly--there is the reminder that God is timeless and where we are is no surprise to Him.  God is faithfully present---in the good and in the bad.  God loves us--and wants only what is best for us--there are times we do not know what that best is.  This is when faith comes in to play.  Perhaps God is using this very time to grow us--show us--and sanctify us.  Hold on tightly to Him--when out of control and He will steady you in the rough waters, on the bumpy road, and in times of turbulence.  He is OUR ROCK!

"The Lord is my rock,

and my fortress,

and my deliverer,

My God,

my rock,

in whom I take refuge,

my shield,

and the horn of my salvation,

my stronghold."

Psalm 18:2

ANOTHER WHAT IF!

 My external body is a road map of scars.  Scars from accidents while having a great time--a rock in my knee from a bicycle wreck after a dare, a knife slipped while whittling at Girl Scout camp,  the shovel missed the dirt and hit my foot while in a huge pile of dirt, and a gaping wound down in the Grand Canyon after a fall---a LONG way from the doctor.  Then there are the surgery scars--some tiny--others not so tiny. I have had all the things I can live without removed and now am left with only the necessities .  A scar from skin cancer surgery--the consequence of too much sun.  Then there are the scars from bearing children---having inherited the propensity to birth big babies with big heads--well I will stop there.    Each scar has a story behind it and most are very visible.  It is a visible part of my life line.

WHAT IF, our emotional scars also were visible?  Most of us have lost a loved one which left a big hole in our lives and invisible scar.  Most of us have experienced emotional trauma--some big trauma and some small trauma.  The big trauma would produce a big scar--the small trauma a tiny almost invisible scar (like the scar above my lip and eye from my very early years).  BUT when you start adding scar after scar--some big and some tiny- we begin to have a road map of our emotional lives.  "Emotional scars are long lasting psychological impacts that stem from traumatic experiences, disappointments, or profound life changes. "  

NOW here is the thing about all those emotional scars---they come with living life.  When we suffer trauma, the body's natural way of healing is to form scar tissue.  The amazing thing about scar tissue is it usually stronger than the original skin.  When you are a Believer, you are promised that God will bring healing to our scars.

"He heals the brokenhearted

and binds up their wounds."

Psalm 147:3

Yes, our physical scars are a type of road map of our physical lives.  Emotional scars though not visible are also a road map of our emotional lives.  Though not visible--they manifest themselves in our behavior.  The question becomes are we willing to leave the trauma behind and be healed or are we holding on to our hate, disappointment, rage and other negative emotions?   AND what about all those emotional highs---do we allow them to be front and center as we position ourselves in attitudes of gratitude or do we allow the negative to be front and center?   Things to ponder in our moments of contemplation today. 

EXTRAVAGANT LIVING

 The neighborhood I live in is in the landing path for the local airport for private planes.  In case you did not realize, Texas is a very rich state and Fort Worth has MANY extremely wealthy people.  It seems, in my observations, there is a regular pattern of the comings and goings of the jets of the wealthy.  I can sit on my balcony late in the afternoon and watch and hear them as they return home in time for dinner.  I am always reminded of homing pigeons.  The story I have made up is they are executives who fly away early in the morning for a round of whatever important executives do to make all that money.  Then they have the luxury of coming home late in the day in time for dinner---on their private jet to their locally owned private airport, Perot Field (recognize that name?) .  The extravagant lives of the rich and sometimes famous as they jet off to their meetings and vacations.

The thing about this seemingly lavish life style is those who enjoy it come to take it for granted.  While thinking this over, I thought about the rest of us in the John Q. Public world.  In the eyes of the majority of the world, we also live very extravagant lives.  Have you ever talked to someone who migrated here from a third world country?  They are absolutely overwhelmed by the choices in the grocery store, and that is the tip of the iceberg of what we take for granted.  OH--and we are extremely put out if we have to travel very far to consume all that is offered here.  We do not just want things, we want it to be extremely convenient and easy to obtain things.  THUS AMAZON!  AND because we live in abundance and take it for granted, we do not stop to consider there are those in our midst who are living in not just want--but need.  It is a sad commentary on us, when we look straight through the blatant poverty in our midst.  NOW--I know this is a hot button.  I have volunteered in the least of these ministries and am well aware of the problems.  BUT---I am not in charge of judging, I am in charge of seeing the needs and answering the call as God directs.  Yes, there are abuses, but should those who are truly in dire straits suffer because there are some who abuse the system?  

Just as I know  I have opened a can of worms,  I also know I am only held accountable for how I respond and am not here to criticize and point fingers at not only those who abuse the help, but those with great wealth who ignore the needs.  Someday---I will be answering for my actions--not theirs.  YES, there are extremely wealthy among us---but we are the wealthy in the eyes of the world.  My response is being watched.  Am I a good steward of all that I have been blessed with?  Thinking about that today---with a cringe of guilt.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,

where moth and rust destroy

and where thieves break in and steal,

but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust destroys 

and where thieves do not break in and steal.

For where your treasure is,

there your heat will be also."

Matthew 6:19-21

NO EXPLANATION

 My SIL  posted "A Tribute to Mandisa" which appeared on American Idol recently after her loss.  

I could never listen to her singing and not enter into a time of praise.  Such a gifted woman who left us too soon.  

My first experience of losing a young friend was in high school.  A terrible car accident--a tragic occurrence which forever changed the lives of the parents left behind.  Since that time, I have had several young ones who tragically left us far before we could have imagined.  Each time, I was left with the "Why God's"    Even when there is an explanation as to what happened, it still seems so unfair.  BUT, we are not promised fairness--we are promised comfort.  My own father died at 45---leaving three children---my question has always been "What would my life have been like had he not succumbed to lung cancer?"  "Why me, God?"  

There are other losses in our lives --not always death---that leave us with the "Why's" and seemingly no explanation.  I think of those struck with polio when I was a young girl---lives lived with the crippling aftermath.  Nature can play havoc on our lives also.  We see a tornado path with completely destroyed houses abutting those which look like they were barely touched.  Hurricanes which leave us wondering what path they will take when they hit the coast.  Earthquakes, floods, volcano eruptions--and long list of possible tragedy makers leave us in either dread of the possibilities or a state of denial--it could never be me.

Bottom line---there are things in life which we have no explanation.  AND with all the advancements in the scientific world---there will never be an explanation.  OH--the mathematicians can give us probability analysis of the likely hood of being a victim, but there is no explanation of how we were the one in the path, who caught the disease, who was hit by a random bad driver, and on and on.  There is no explanation on this side of eternity for the unexplained.

THAT is where faith comes in.  If you are not well grounded in your belief of God having purpose in ALL things, you may well lose the one thing which might help you bear the unbearable.  I have to believe in a God of order--a God with a plan---A God who choses who and when to call to Him.  Without my faith---this world can be a cruel master which can send us running for the hills.  BUT GOD---is faithful---loves us beyond our comprehension ---and is never surprised.  Without Him--none of this makes sense--with Him--even when I do not understand the unexplainable I can lean into Him knowing His strong right arm will hold me through the storm.  I am not certain I could get out of the bed every morning without this faith.  As Mandisa so well said,

" I JUST WANT TO PRAISE HIM!"

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding."

Proverbs 3:5

YES, YOU CAN!

 I often have comments from readers that they wished they could write.  YOU CAN!  AND I am going to give you a little tutorial in how to get started.  IF you went back and read my first online posts---WAY BACK---almost 20 years ago, you would be shocked.  Thankfully I cannot remember the platform I was using nor the title---it was, at best, an elementary attempt.  I have told you I have written under several different blog titles over the years.  This was an indication of the changes in my life.  Until I began writing what I call a "Quasi Devotional", most of my posts were about my day to day and thoughts around that.  I blogged about my grands, my travels & adventures, family, activities, ministries I participated in, etc etc.  Why that almost sounds like a journal.  Do you already keep a journal?  You are writing.

As I recently posted in "Left Behind", during all those years of running, I was NEVER headed to the Olympics.  I ran for good health (mental & physical) and to enjoy the good company of my running bunch.  I knew when I bought that first pair of Brooks running shoes DECADES ago---it was about enjoying the benefits of good health---NOT to run and especially not to win races.  If that had been my aim, I would have never enjoyed it as much as I did.

SO--you can write too---and none of us will probably  win the Pulitzer Prize---but it can be very enjoyable and even stimulate your brain (that might be called exercise.)  You don't think you can write, because you have not started your training with the basics.  Get a small notebook (purse or pocket size) and begin to write down words that strike you, quotes that inspire you, things that happen.  One word--a phrase--or maybe even a sentence.  You do not start writing to write a book---you start writing for your enjoyment.  Then buy a journal---and write prayers---wonderful exercise---or write a letter to God occasionally.  He would love to get it!  In fact--write someone a letter (a quickly vanishing art, sadly)  With the advent of voice activated transcription we are missing that vital step of thinking as we write.  As I have told you over and over, I process while I write.  I may well start off on one subject and stray to another before I have finished the first paragraph.  You have read it.  This is NOT a graded project--no one has a red pen to color your work with.  This is for you!  I cannot tell you how much I enjoy sitting and writing.  The entire process from taking notes of points of interest to ponder, to creating the content concerning that subject, to getting it all down on paper is enjoyable.  I try to catch all my errors by proofing what I am posting, but if you are only writing for yourself---I would not bother.  It's not about perfect grammar, sentence form, or any of those other rules we all learned in English Grammar.  It is about getting your thoughts down on paper.

SO---YES YOU CAN!  Give it a try --start slow.  It has become one of my favorite times of the day.  For those of you who send me emails, texts, or make comments---you have already begun.  Now take it to the next step.  For those who never comment--that is ok, but feel free to use my words to inspire communication with me about the blog.  OR---if you have grands--write them a letter---they will keep it forever!  What a joy!

God does not want us to be intimated, He wants us to find joy in life.  Perhaps writing can be as joyful for you as it is to me.  I am so thankful He nudges me everyday to sit and write.  You CAN do it too!

"You make known to me the path of life;

in Your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Psalm 16:11

THIS ONE COMES WITH A WARNING

 If you have not figured out that I will discuss almost anything, you are about to be shocked.  Everything is fair game when it comes to inspiring a post.  I NEVER reveal names--in order to keep my rear end out of trouble.  SO--if you are offended, sorry--but not sorry.  PLEASE just push the delete button or go to the next item in your daily reads.  This was too good to pass up.

Once upon a time, my #1 daughter, who was notorious for meddling, came across a photo similar to this in a hiding place.  HERE she came, "MOM, WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THIS?"  When I explained it was evidence of my latest colonoscopy, she was so offended.  I quickly pointed out if she had not been snooping where she was not supposed to go--she would have never seen it.  SO NO BLAME SHIFTING ---YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE!  Take that outrage and move on down the road.

Recently I was the driver and contact for a dear one who was having this fun procedure.  Never been there---well in short---it is not the procedure (LOVE those amnesia drugs--who wants to remember this!) but the prep which is the killer.  NOT FUN---BIG TIME--NOT FUN!  When I went to pick the party up, they had their own collection of images--all revealing what was found---or in this case not found.  THAT STARTED THE WHEELS TURNING!

There are all kinds of scans and tests in today's medical world which reveal all kinds of things about us.  BUT what if there was a test that would reveal the real us--from the inside out?  What if we could see the sin in our lives along with the good we have done.  What if our thoughts could be revealed in full color?  What if every moment of your life could be recorded on video for replay purposes?  Would we need to hide those images, for fear of what others would think if they found them?  Would the images reveal a life well lived or a life of waste and poor use of our gifts and resources?  If we could see the condition of our heart and soul, would we be satisfied with their condition or cringing in embarrassment?  How did I get here--when I figure out how my head works I will let you know.

BUT bottom line, there will come a day when we stand before God and see the replay of our lives.   I think we all are so focused on the gift of redemption that we forget there will be a day of judgment.  Yes, we can claim a home in eternity because of what Jesus did, but we also are told we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ.  That, My Friends, can be a daunting thought.  It is NEVER TOO LATE to make a turn and change our ways.  It is never too late--to change and do better.  In the meantime, are you an open book for all to see, or are you hiding images you would rather no one see?  BIG Question!

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,

so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body,

whether good or evil."

II Corinthians 5:10

NEST BUILDING

 My apartment has a balcony with a French door that I spend time sitting by and watching the comings and goings of my fellow residents.  THANKFULLY, because of where I am located in the complex, my view is limited to a few in the building I am in and those out walking their dogs at this end of the property.  

One day as I sat reading, I noticed some movement on the balcony out of the corner of my eye.  There was a tiny sparrow gathering supplies to build its nest.  It was fascinating watching this little bird.  They would pick up some scrap of material and seemingly study it.  At times, the material would be discarded--at other times it would fly away with it, with  the purpose of adding the newly found material to the nest.  I watched this for several hours, and came to the conclusion the bird was a very picky builder.  It discarded as much as it used.  I suppose only the finest would do.

The next morning, as I looked out the balcony windows, I noticed what seemed to be part of a nest on the concrete floor.  Upon further inspection, it was indeed the sparrow's nest.  Texas is notorious for its winds and the further west you get--the flatter the terrain--the fiercer the wind blows.  Add to that I am on the second floor--higher than the ground and the prowling cats in this area (you would not believe how many feral cats roam around in the city), BUT not sheltered from the winds.  The bird could have stuck the nest in some protected alcove or wedged in the trees around the buildings and perhaps had protection.  All of that attention to detail when it came to its home, except for where it was placed.  

Danger of many types are all around us.  We can focus on one particular danger and be blind sided or swept away when another one emerges.  We need to place that hedge of protection around us to guard us from all dangers.  Man (and all animals, birds, etc) knows danger is lurking in the world, and we know there are methods of protection.  BUT unless we are constantly vigilant, and thinking of what could be lurking, we may not be prepared when a sudden gust of danger blows through and we are left in the open---prime for the picking.  YES--by all means build your house on solid rock with care--but don't forget the hedge of protection provided by The Father.  

"Have you not put a hedge around him and his house

and all he has, on every side?"

Job 1:10

OPEN TO JUDGEMENT

 Most of us do not enjoy feeling we are being judged---about almost anything.  It starts at an early age, perhaps as soon as we begin social interaction.  Suddenly our eyes are opened to the differences among people, and, most  of the time, we want to at least fit in.  I have known a few real individuals in my lifetime, who definitely marched to the beat of their own drummer, but the great majority were conformers.  Most follow the trends and put on the uniform of the current day---no matter how uncomfortable, how unflattering, or how ridiculous we might look.  The current trend here around the college campus is a skimpy tennis dress like attire.  I saw coeds in the early cool days of spring donning this outfit with goosebumps the size of a large tumor.  BUT,  if fashion says wear it, we put it on.  I could give you example after example over my lifetime.  What makes us follow these trends?  Who are we allowing to dictate what we wear?  Truthfully, in my dotage, I wear what is comfortable, easy to care for, and on the top of the clean pile.  Dress for success went out the door with retirement, and I have never looked back.  I have a closet filled with dri-fit, elastic waistbands, and not what looks good--but what feels good.  The truth of the matter is that in our older years, we get more invisible with every year.  People quit paying much attention to us, much less observing what we wear.  NOW if I was to walk out the door in a barely there ensemble that is so popular today, I can promise I might get attention.  BUT NOT THE KIND ANYONE WANTS!  It would be more like~  WHAT WAS SHE THINKING????

Pardon the language--but this is a perfect example

NOW--if you think being judged for your dress might be tough, put your house on the market and have the world walking through it.  With each of the 5 houses I have sold in 13 years, I have to give myself a pep talk before opening the doors to the masses.  This may surprise you, but in many ways I am a very private person (learned this at the knee of Momma).  The favorite two houses of my lifetime were the house I grew up in which was in the middle of 7 acres and set way back off the road with a grove of trees in the front and the house we raised our children in which I wrote about recently.  It was in the middle of 5 acres of forest and VERY private.  I loved them both--especially the privacy they afforded.  When you put your house on the market, and lookers do not always appreciate it, it can be heart wrenching.  After all these sales, I have developed a thick skin and come to realize we do not all like the same thing.  What is a palace to one can be cold and intimidating to another.  What might look like a cabin in the woods to one, might look like a haven of privacy to another.  You cannot take it personally.  I have to give this talk to myself almost every time someone looks at my house.  It is not unlike my dress---what I love to wear for its comfort, may well look like I walked out of the gym and forgot to change to my street clothes.  The question becomes---why do we care what the taste of others is?  Why does it bother us what others think?  Do we really want to fit in with the crowd? My Friends, in all sincerity and truthfulness, these kind of questions are so trivial and unworthy of our thoughts.  As I love to state---First World Problems.

HERE is the truth of the matter, this world is not our home.  In a recent discussion with a dear friend, we were talking over all my moves over the last decade plus.  We both agreed what I think I have been looking for will not be found this side of eternity.  The home I so desire, is waiting---down the road.  All of this is temporary--to be used for God's good purposes and to give me shelter, BUT this world is not our home.  Our true home is waiting for us---He is preparing our room---and it will be perfect.

"Yes, we are of good courage,

and we would rather be away from the body

at home with the Lord."

II Corinthians 5:8