BOOK REVIEW

 

Let me begin by saying some of you will not like this book--it will not be your cup of tea.  Normally it would not be my "kind of book", BUT it is so well written that the deeper I got into the novel--the more I found I could not put it down.  A post Apocalypto story of loss and survival with shades of 1983, it is so well written I read the last page wanting to know what happened next.  A sure sign of a good book--when you are left wanting more.  The prose like words of the author make it enjoyable--even when you do not enjoy this genre.  The sure sign of a good book!  DIFFERENT---I LOVE DIFFERENT!

You can find this book HERE OR better yet your local library.  If you follow my link, they may send me a few cents---since I am an Amazon Associate.  All funds received (so far this year--none LOL) are donated to the least of these ministries.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

 Today's post was inspired by a sweet reader who left a comment a couple of weeks ago.  She told a story about her early years and the bad advice a trusted source gave her on what type of job she should pursue.  Her comment was she did not wish the source any ill will and was never rude to him (even when he might have deserved a good tongue lashing), but instead moved on and lived her life.

I have had a note in my possible blog topic page from a recent sermon I have been mulling over.  The note-

FOCUSING ON THE PAST OR PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

 Both of these are a definite sign this needs writing about.

I have personal experience with learning the difficult lesson on leaving those negative occurrences behind.  When we become stuck in the ills of the past---we are going to sink deeper and deeper in the mire of negativity.  Those life experiences can become the quick sand in time--keeping us stuck in something we cannot change.  The more you stomp around in quick sand--the deeper you sink.  We are not able to plan for the future as long as we are stuck in the past.

SO---what do we do with those life altering negatives?  Consider them a short course in life and learn from them and move on with the gained knowledge from experience.  We can fan the flames of hate and discord or we can choose to walk away from the fire and let the burns heal.  The choice is always ours.  My personal life experience---forgive--and do not harbor the event, but instead the knowledge gained.  That old adage---"I forgive, but I do not forget" does not fly.  As long as you are focused on the negative, it is controlling you and preventing forward motion.  Why would we let another who has hurt us control our lives with the wasted time spent dwelling on the past?  

You never know when I might take one of your comments and run with it.  I am thankful for each and every response.  They always make me think!

"Remember not the former things,

nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I am doing a new thing;"

Isaiah 43:18-19a

ASYMPTOMATIC

 For a full week now, I have not been quite myself--physically. (YES--written two weeks ago)  Achy---sore---tired- not my usual busy bee self.  I keep thinking this will pass, I will wake up tomorrow and be back to my old self.  Today is better--but still not 100%.  I was telling #1 Daughter of my malaise and she said, "You could have COVID."  I quickly told her I had not been around anyone but the family lately and no one else was puny.  She reminded me they could be asymptomatic----they have the virus, but are not exhibiting any symptoms.  Basically they are just petri dishes walking around sharing the virus with all they come into contact.  WELL now that is comforting!  I have stayed away from others, just in case maybe I do have it, but I am not rushing out to buy a test to confirm a diagnosis.  A virus is a virus---and I try to not share any kind of virus.  I spoke with a friend last night who had been helping with her grands and the same thing had occurred.  SO it certainly is possible.

How many of us claim to be Believers, but are walking around asymptomatic?  We claim we are Believers, but there is no evidence.  The question becomes are you REALLY a Believer?  This is addressed in The Book.  I invite you to read this scripture below and stop and consider---would anyone know by observing you.  There are certainly times that I am NOT displaying my faith---there have been times when others would probably question it based upon my actions.  I believe the term hypocrite comes from this lack of evidence, while at the same time looking with an accusatorial eye toward others.   We Believers are often accused of being hypocritical---you now the plank in my eye story.  SO, I am taking some time and thinking this over---Am I displaying any symptoms?

"If we say we have fellowship with Him

while we walk in darkness,

we lie 

and do not practice the truth."

I John 1:6

YOU CAN COUNT ON ME

When I was a child, I often thought I could fly if I only put my mind to it.  There was an old rusty swing in our back yard---(FAR back yard-Momma never knew)  that I spent many an hour on.  Thankfully it was cemented into the ground, for often, I would swing as high as it would go.  At the very top of the arc, I would let go and for a brief nano-second fly.  For some strange reason, I trusted I would not be hurt .  The times I did suffer bumps and bruises were well worth the sensation of being able to fly.  I trusted I would land on my feet unscathed and would rush to repeat this thrilling sensation.  As I grew older and bigger, the danger grew.  I was heavier and fell harder, and after a time, I lost that trust of not being hurt, and that brought all the flying to a halt.

When we are small babies, before the dawning of rational thinking, we learn to trust our parents will provide our needs for us.  During those early years, when we are the apple of their eye we were carefully watched, and gently tended.  Then we begin to grow and develop the ability to think and reason AND we begin to figure out how to get everything we wanted.  There finally comes a time when "No!" is introduced and there were consequences if we ignored those No's.  Seemingly---suddenly--our gravy train was jerked out from under us and the parents we trusted to provide our wants began to establish boundaries of what they were willing to give.   Slowly, but surely we clued in to the fact that they could no longer be trusted to provide our every "Want".

We finally reach the age of socialization.  Things are going along swimmingly as we make friends--learn to play together---and learn the lessons of the playground.  There finally comes the day when you are the one ostracized in a trio, when you are the last one chosen in a game, when the bully decides you are their next target.  Our trust that each and every day would be a fun-filled session on the playground came to the brick wall of children being mean and we lost our trust.

Perhaps the biggest eyeopener comes in our adult years.  Thinking all the silly games of childhood is long past us, we enter our years of accountability trusting others will treat us the way we treat them.  We enter marriages, contracts, friendships, employment with a trust that the games of our formative years are now behind us and we will all stand by what we promise and say.  Eventually something knocks the blocks out from under us and we are blindsided with betrayal.  That day begins the trek down the road of cynicism and we develop a wary eye toward others.  The road becomes clogged with the doubt that others can be trusted and end at the dead end of mistrust---trust lost---and view the world through the cynical eye of skepticism toward our fellow man.

We live in a fallen world---and man WILL disappoint us----I am fairly certain I have disappointed everyone I have ever had a relationship with.  That can go back to unspoken expectations, but it also can be indicative or our feet of clay which are forever wandering down the street of What About Me?.  I would dare to say not one person in this world has not been disappointed and lost trust.  It all started with Adam and Eve when the world was forever altered.

NOW---I am NOT promoting your distrust---I am pointing to the one sure thing.  GOD CAN BE TRUSTED!  EVERYTIME---ANYTIME--ALL THE TIME.   If He said it--it will be---maybe not on your timetable, BUT you can absolutely count in His good time---it will be.  We can count on Him.  As Bruno Mars sings, "You can count on me"  This secular song about friends is such a good anthem of what God is telling us.  He will be the light to guide us--and the question becomes as Bruno croons---Can He count on us?  Have you found out what you are made of---do others always have our shoulder to count on?  Play it and think it over--not from the perspective of others, but from the perspective of you.  Can you be trusted--can you be counted on?  Go HERE to visit this wonderful song.

"Trust in Him at all times,

you people;

pour out your heart to Him,

for God is our refuge."

Psalm 62:8

 

PART DEUX

 Last week's post on Thursday brought many good comments and emails.  You guys have no idea how it makes my day when you enter a discussion with me on any  posted subject.  If there are no comments, I sometimes wonder if I am talking to myself.

The subject was prayer--and specifically when we tell someone we will pray for them.  The next logical question is  do we actually pray as we stated we would?  Perhaps it is just me--but when we do not follow through ---it is a really big deal .  I have let the one needing prayer down and God sees my forgetfulness and neglect of the one who asked.  NOW---bear with me on this---BUT God knows our needs and does not have to be reminded of them BUT it does bless Him when we acknowledge His greatness by going to Him in prayer.  Further that with our acknowledgement of His great power and ability to intervene in our circumstances and we have put the problem at the feet of His throne.

Of all the comments, and there were many---I came away with two additional thoughts on our faithfulness by praying.

1.  MANY---gave me examples of how they remember to pray.  I loved them all.  One reader has a Prayer Jar that they physically write down the request and put it in the jar to be pulled out during their time of prayer.  Great idea!  First we engage our brains by physically writing it down (several did this) and then we pull it out and read it--once again searing it on our brains.  One reader prays for the one who asked and then lets them know by sending a message, "I just prayed for you".  What an encouragement to be notified you are being prayed for!  Many of us--including me---immediately pray for the one who asked.  We all agreed the  promise to pray is not to be taken lightly.

2.  One of the things that occurred to me while discussing this  via email with a reader is that we do not have to pray an epistle.  God knows our needs---even before we figure them out.  He does not need reminding, but does desire us to lift one another up to Him.  There are times--when I pray a name and tell God His will is always best, but I want to bring this person before His throne.  "His will be done" is sometimes difficult to pray--especially when we want what we think would be best.  BUT GOD---someday we will understand, but He is always pleased when we come to Him in prayer.

Perhaps you have other thoughts.  I KNOW it can be overwhelming as a Believer living in a fallen world all those who need and sometimes have asked for prayer.  We can count on the Holy Spirit to impress upon us---those we need to lift.  He will do His part---now we need to follow through with our part.  A simple prayer---no long winded declaration is necessary--only a simple prayer.  And I love the reader who acknowledges to the one in need-they have prayed.  What a wonderful way to show our concern."  

""Confess your faults one to another,

and pray for one another,

they you may be healed.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."

James 5:16

HALF A BUBBLE OFF CENTER

 Currently I am not feeling my best.  I cannot really put a finger on my problem, but I am extremely thankful for Tylenol which is keeping me going.  I woke up in the middle of the night aching a few days ago and cannot seem to shake it. No temperature, in fact well below average temperature--even in this heat (I AM cool!).  In a word I have a malaise--"a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify."  POST SCRIPT (Keep in mind I am probably back to "Normal" [not the setting on the dryer] since this was written two weeks ago).  POST-POST SCRIPT--yes I am back to normal--well as close as I get to normal.

Couple this, not quite my usual good health, with losing an old friend recently and you have the perfect storm for pondering my own eventual demise.  HEY--we have talked about this before--we DO NOT GET OUT OF THIS ALIVE!  My question becomes can I get out of this without suffering?  That seems to be a rare occurrence---we lost my grandmother while she was out raking the yard~  WHAT COULD BE BETTER?? BUT medical science has become really proficient at keeping us here until the mushrooms are growing out of our ears.  NOT my intended path of leaving.  The fact remains I am not good at suffering--never have been.  I tend to become grumpy, and just want to be left alone.  Put me out to pasture and let me die!  When all I can focus on is the misery I am suffering, what is the point? My mother, in all her wisdom, tied all maladies to this question, "Have you been to the bathroom today?".  I cannot tell you how that question would set me on the edge.  It did not matter what you were suffering--be it physical or emotional, a good session in the bathroom would sort it all out.  Let me just say, I NEVER asked my children that question, unless they had a tummy ache.  THAT would make some sense.

While recently speaking with a dear friend, we both were a little off center-physically and emotionally.  We had a good session of dissecting exactly all that was wrong.  Later that day, I thought of the Old Testament book I am currently in and had a good laugh.  I sent her this text, "Can't you just imagine the Old Testament patriarchs and matriarchs sitting around complaining about old age. Some things never change."  You are only as old as you feel, but today I feel every minute of my age.  Tomorrow may be better, but the present is where I am.

SO--where is this long and rambling missive going?  If the bell was to toll today, do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt where you are headed?  That is the most important question I will ever ask you.  My prayer, for all of you who have the patience to read my ponderings is that if you know, that you know without one glimmer of doubt--you know. As the wonderful old hymn says,

"WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN"

My prayer is we ALL---will sing and shout the victory!

"Jesus said, 

'I am the Road,

also the Truth,

also the Life.

NO ONE gets to the Father

apart from me.' "

John 14:6

PRIDE TAKES A FALL

 I am currently reading a book recommended by a dear friend with the word "Never" in the title.  That same word is found throughout the text of the book and, of course, this set me to thinking.  One of my favorite phrases is "Never say never " and I added to that famous phrase "I've eaten every never I ever said"  

We often speak of having to "Eat Crow".  Exactly what does this mean?  The Great Google told me this,

"Eating crow is a colloquial idiom, used in English-speaking countries, that means humiliation by admitting been proven wrong after taking a strong position.  The crow is a carrion-eater that is presumably repulsive to eat in the same way that being proven wrong might be emotionally hard to swallow."  (Your welcome for today's lesson in the complexities of idioms.)

Most often when I used this idiom I was referring to my children.  I definitely had to swallow my pride many a time over stating my children would NEVER (as I am certain my mother also did).  Those same children seemed to take this as a challenge to prove me wrong.  I definitely ate crow over every never I uttered.  And then there is that idiom "Pride Takes A Fall".  My pride not only took a fall but fell flat on its face in a crow pie.

While once again walking through the Old Testament, I take some comfort in the fact that I am not the first one to be served a Humble Pie by their children.  OH YES, this all circles back around to expectations---we've been there before.  HERE is the bottom line, Friends, NEVER SAY NEVER.  It can turn around and bite you in your rear before you have had time to blink.  It seems the word is predestined to bring us a healthy dose of regret.  Regret for opening our big mouths and using that word which is like engraving a statement in granite.  When will we learn---all men are fallen--we live in a fallen world---and we have NO control over anyone but ourselves?  

Do you read a book and take a nosedive into theology?  This book is a mystery--and my head is a greater mystery.

"First pride,

then the crash---

the bigger the ego,

the harder the fall."

Proverbs 16:18 MSG

FAITHFULNESS

We recently talked about how the road to sanctification is lined with lessons which point us toward the very attributes of God Almighty.  Recently it occurred to me how often I speak of the faithfulness of God.  One of my very favorite hymns found HERE is one which always brings tears---of all of God's attributes---I am SO thankful for this one.

If God is teaching us His attributes then how can we display faithfulness?  Perhaps the place to begin is with a definition--Strong's Concordance tells us firmness, steadfastness, fidelity. When researching the characteristics of faithfulness.  I  also found this clear explanation~

"A faithful character is someone who can relied upon to keep their promises, honor their commitments, and stay true to their values and beliefs.  They are trustworthy, reliable and dependable, and they inspire others to have faith in them and their actions."

 I should stop there, but what brought me to this place of writing about faithfulness is us telling others we will pray for them.  Perhaps one of the most important attributes is our faithfully praying for others--especially when we have told them we would pray for them.  It is NOT a light proclamation when we say we are going to pray---and we should take it  our trustworthiness very seriously when we make this promise.  If we fail to do as we have declared--not only are we failing the one we have declared our intentions to, but we have failed God Himself.  His desire is for us to be faithful---and if you are not ---you are  NOT being faithful. You are disappointing the one you made the promise to, but will never know your infidelity, but also disappointing a Holy God--who does know.  Could there be any greater friend  or closer family than one who is praying for us?  I have been disappointed in myself in the past over my failure to follow through, BUT I have learned to immediately pray when making the statement.  This helps me to remember my promise  each and every time I pray and I firmly believe God's Holy Spirit will then prompt me because I have expressed my intent with that first prayer.  

Faithfulness is character building and the cornerstone of integrity.  May we all be praying saints faithfully approaching the throne for God's beloved.

"Let now steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;

bind them around your neck;

write them on the tablet of your heart.

So you will find favor and good success in the

sight of God and man."

Proverbs 3:3-4

TRIPLE DIGITS

It IS August and it IS Texas---why would I expect it not to get this hot?  Truth be known, I actually do not mind these insufferable temperatures -IF- there is a breeze blowing to help keep me cool.  As my neighbor who walks about a dozen miles every day told me recently, "A good sweat is cleansing---purges the impurities."  I know she is right and I do work up a sweat EVERY DAY, but after a while, you begin to wonder---is it EVER going to end?  Of course it is.  As Solomon wisely told us, 

" To everything there is a season"

Ecclesiastes 3:1

SO it is summer-it is Texas and it will be hot.  When you begin to feel like the highs in the 90's means a cool front has passed through, you know it is hot.  BUT---this too shall pass and though, it may be a while, the cool will once again return.  Life is lived in cycles---some large, some small, but we pass through this world just as Solomon described from season to season.

We all have our favorite seasons,  and look forward to their return.   BUT---if you do not learn things about each and every season you enjoy---you soon will find yourself living in want for that which you like most.  The goal should always be 

Finding things in the moment which bring you joy and being content with where you are should be our goal.  How easy it is to pine away for what we love most, but is there not something--even in the hottest day of summer or the most frigid day of winter that we can enjoy and find the contentment of the moment?  Summer can be pretty miserable, but my flowers are loving the sunshine and showing their most magnificent colors.  On the most frigid of days, I love to layer up and take a brisk walk to enjoy the winter landscape.  There is something about a barren tree that speaks to my very soul.

SO, yes, I am tired of dragging hoses around, and breaking out in a sweat every time I walk outside, BUT I am busy gardening--one of my favorite activities and admiring the possibilities found in my yard.  I look forward to the trees changing colors, and actually enjoy raking the leaves.  I will spend hours in my sunroom in the midst of the misery of the Texas winds this winter watching the birds I have been feeding since summer knowing they will highly entertain me.  AND then spring---and the absolute joy of planting and seeing the flowers bloom once again.  There is always something to appreciate---find beauty in, and look forward to.  Instead of focusing on the negative, could we all instead relish the positive?  Could we be thankful in the moment and praise The Creator?  Thoughts on this miserably hot summer day to remind me of all I have to be thankful for.

"You alone are the Lord,

Creator of the heavens

and all the stars,

Creator of the earth

and those who live on it,

Creator of the ocean

and all its creatures.

You are the source of life,

praised by the stars

that fill the heavens."

Nehemiah 9:6

GARDENING 101

Almost everyday you can spot me bent over pulling weeds in the beds or in the yard.  When this yard was allowed to become a jungle, the weeds were delighted.  Here is a brutal fact of gardening, weeds are prolific growers and do not require much to take over all your carefully cultivated landscape.  They require less water and seem to not be subject to many of the maladies of gardens.  A pest would not touch one with a ten foot pole---they much prefer to munch on all of your carefully tended vegetation.  There seems to be no natural enemies to thwart their growth and, if left to their own devices, they will take the place over. 

OH--but one of my dearest friends is "Roundup".  It gives me GREAT satisfaction to give some brazen weed a good spray.     I don't buy these small sissy bottles such as above.  I go for the gallon of automatic spray.  I am a deadly force (literally) when it comes to Roundup and no weed goes ignored.  The thing about roundup is that is cannot discern the good from the bad.  Whatever you spray it on, it will kill.  SO---those weeds that have managed to tuck themselves in the middle of the intended---in the flower beds and in the grass have to be hand pulled--including their roots.  I have learned if you work on a some everyday for a period of time---you can not only keep up with the new growth, but you can begin to tame the old.  It is a constant everyday process--and I am beginning to see progress.  Someday I will have a well manicured and tended yard---but I have to work at it.  Left alone---I will be back to cultivating weeds.  

So it is with our hearts and souls, they require diligent upkeep and care.  If left to the devices of the wild world we live in, we will soon see the ugly heads of sin beginning to take over.  It is a process---a process of prayer, study, and seeking God and His wisdom.  When we seek Him, He is faithful to help us tear sin out by the roots and free us from the choke hold it can become.  God will free us from the desire for sin---and all we have to do is be willing--compliant--trusting and He will do the rest.  God is indeed the "Gardener of our Hearts and Souls".  Praise Him For His Faithful Care.

"Jesus said to His disciples:

'I am the true vine,

and My Father is the gardener.' "

John 15:1

GREETINGS!

As I work on my rock garden--(they still have not sprouted roots)---usually I am sitting on the sidewalk trying to give my back a break after picking up all those rocks to transplant.  It is hot--even in the shade of the huge pecan tree the garden is under.  The work is tedious and requires patience and usually I am focused on the job not paying much attention to cars passing and only a single word greeting to the walkers.  (Strangely none have dared to ask what in the world I think I am doing---in fact they usually walk across the street so they do not have to interact.)  You know it is best to leave crazy people alone.  It can be a lonely job---a single handed endeavor.

I glanced down the sidewalk and saw a jogger coming my way.  It is mid morning and hot, but she is young and some people love to run in the heat.  I look back to my task and say, "Morning" ---not even Good Morning, but a mere curt acknowledgement as I am on task.  As she glides by me she says, "Good Morning!  Jesus loves you!"  At first I am a little startled, but soon broke out in a big smile and replied, "As He loves you!  Have a great run!"  What a sweet reminder, in the middle of a hot slow task of what is really important.  It absolutely lightened my day and I have thought about her courage to reach out with the Good News over and over.  How many of us remind those around us of the love Christ has for us?  How many of us cross the street so we do not have to interact beyond a word or two?  How many of us have the courage to speak truth to a stranger?  How bold are we for the Gospel.  I am convicted---many times I avoid interaction when possible---especially when I am on task.  Is planting rocks more important than spreading the joy of the Good News?  I am praying I will become more bold ---it is important to spread the Good News---eternally important!

"Give each other a warm greeting."

I Peter 8:14

RING A DING

The "new to me house" came with a piece of electronics I have never possessed before.  My off spring have all had one, so I am vaguely familiar with them, BUT as yet, I have not gotten "on-line" with the device.   It will require some assistance, and all my techie off spring stay VERY busy.  What is the hurry, right?  

NOW---I am probably going to like this once I get it hooked up (Yes, I could read the instructions on line, but I do not speak "Techie" and do not really have a desire to learn), BUT what will be the cost?  Like most of you, I am not interested in a new set of knives, pest control, not even Girl Scout cookies -among various door to door goods offered.  I especially do not want to fill out any questionnaire NOR am I going to discuss politics with you ( you all know I DO NOT discuss politics).  My religious and church choices were made a long time ago and you cannot persuade me to change.   Actually I can think of NO reason I would answer the doorbell for a stranger.    SO, in today's advanced technological age---this may all  work to my advantage.  I know my neighbors, my family, and my friends and will gladly answer the door for them, BUT it pays to be safe, and giving a toehold by opening the door for a stranger to get in is NOT always safe.    It pays to be careful, and since it is frowned upon to answer the door with a gun in your hand (that may be alright in Texas since there is an open carry law) I will not answer the door if I see it is a stranger.  

Where in the world am I going?  If you were to see Jesus when He rings your doorbell, would you recognize Him and let Him in?  Do you know Jesus well enough to recognize His love, His compassion, --His very Holiness if you were to see Him?  He promises if we knock, He will answer, but what if He knocks and asks to enter?  What would be your response?  

" 'Ask and it will be given to you;

seek and you will find;

knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives;

the one who seeks find;

and to the one who knocks,

the door will be opened.' "

Matthew 7:7-8

DIFFERING OPINIONS

 There seems to be so little on television these days worth watching.  The really good thing about these smart TVs and all the streaming apps is I can go back and rewatch some of my favorite shows from by gone days.  Currently I am working through, "Northern Exposure".  NOT everyone's cup of tea---I recognize I have a slightly off base appreciation for the quirky.  If you want quirky with a mixture of some wisdom, this show does the trick.

In the episode I watched last night, two women got into an argument over "Women's Rights".  One a combat veteran had flown a tanker airplane as support during a war, the other is a pilot, but has more to say about women's rights than actually just living the part.  Until you have worked in the world which has long been led by men, you do not really have an objective opinion.  (Sorry if I offended anyone).  The veteran, who had flown in a war, did not think women should fly in combat.  The bush pilot, who had never been in the military much less flown in a war, was adamant women were just as capable of flying combat as men.  THAT is NOT the point of this post.

The point is, the bush pilot apologized to the veteran.  She recognized her respect for what the other pilot had done, and though they did not see eye to eye---she agreed to disagree.  They parted with a handshake and the understanding we all have a right (we do live in the United States of America) to our opinions.  OH---IF THE WORLD COULD UNDERSTAND THAT PRINCIPLE!  We have forgotten how to peacefully disagree---we put our emotion into disagreements and come away with anger or hurt feelings.  As for me, I understand we might see thing differently, we are looking through different eyes.  Depending upon our background, world view and perspective, we may come away with a different opinion than one of our fellow humans.  I do not hate anyone who thinks differently, nor do I feel the need to attack them---I respectfully listen and agree to disagree.  I do not feel I have to defend or justify my opinions and I can accept you may feel differently.  Perhaps I am more interested in living in peace and understand the futility of arguing.  I go back to "What Would Jesus Do?"----and somehow I do not think he would stand and argue.  In my reading of The Word, it seems he treated all--even those who hated and persecuted Him with respect.  OH TO BE MORE LIKE JESUS!

"Treat others as you want them to treat you."

Matthew 7:12

ONE ROCK AT A TIME

I have several projects goings--as per my usual, BUT the one which is trying my patience and my back is moving rocks.  My new to me house has the bones of a good garden--from three owners back, it was tended and cultivated by a master gardener.  Master Gardeners tend to think more is better--be it plants, trees or grass.  After the master gardener came two sets of owners who were not into gardening--to each his own.  Before I even moved in--I started working on the jungle that came with the house.  Dead trees, over grown plants, dropped limbs, weeds galore, AND misplaced rocks.  The rock theme is common in Texas gardens since water is an issue.  I love rocks---almost as much as I love trees, BUT with two sets of owners who were not diligent, there are rocks now in the strangest of places all over the yard.

Currently I am moving small black rocks from various places in the yard to the base of the huge pecan tree by the street.  First the weeds were literally dug-jerked up (not to say they are not still trying to grow).  Then I moved a series of rock steps to surround the base of the tree.  NOW, I am down to the nitty gritty of moving one rock at a time from mainly the back yard to the front yard to finish out this area by surrounding the steps with them.  There is NO short cut to this--I have thought it through.  The rocks have to be picked up--rocks can look really nice, but not with willy nilly placement throughout the yard.  SO, I am systematically picking up the rocks--tossing them in a tub and rehoming them to the area under the tree.  NOW---you might think--just go buy more rock and put under that tree.  Sounds great, BUT the rocks strewn all over the yard still have to be picked up.  If I am going to have to pick them up sooner or later---why not conserve and use them again?  Think about it--every individual rock has to first be picked up and then rehomed.  Two touches---EVERY SINGLE ROCK.  NOW THAT WILL GROW YOUR PATIENCE.   BUT, I can already see how much I am going to like this, and it makes good use of non-living garden material which does not require water.  Sounds like a win---but it already has and will continue to take much time and patience.  I already know how happy I am going to be though when the job is done. 

So it is with our spiritual lives, we need to daily cultivate those roots, water and feed them and keep the jungle at bay.  With careful tending our spiritual gardens will develop into eternal gardens---gardens of paradise.  As I ponder this lesson, I realize our gardens are a reflection of the beauty of God's creation.  There is no earthly beauty which can surpass a well tended garden.  A glimpse of what is to come---with careful tending and care.   

"For the Lord comforts Zion;

He comforts all her waste places

and makes her wilderness like Eden,

her desert like the garden of the Lord;

joy and gladness will be found in her,

thanksgiving and the voice of song."

Isaiah 51:3

SPECIALIST

Are you sick and tired of hearing about the Olympics yet?  I am spending lots of hours watching all the events and that spills over to writing about my impressions.  Stay with me--this too shall pass.

As I watched the men's gymnastics meet, I became better acquainted with Stephen Nedoroscik --the pommel horse specialist and self proclaimed nerd.  As a side note, when any of my grands have anything to say about nerds, I remind them someday they will be calling those nerds Boss.  Of my seven grandchildren, I have two self proclaimed nerds of my own.  Proud of them all, but those nerds are a breed unto themselves.  

The US team used the strategy of taking on a specialist who only competes in one event as a strategy to get back to the podium.  It worked--they took home a bronze team medal.  As I watched the teams compete my observation was that Stephen was indeed a master on this apparatus, but he also was a team player who cheered on all of his teammates.  He was as happy with their performance as he was his own.  He "gets it"---it's a team event.  One for all and all for one.  It has been a great joy to watch these athletes compete---do their best---and always walk away good sports.  Proud of USA Men's Gymnastics!

Steven was a vital part of a team, he contribution---was in the event he dedicated his training to early in his career.  When he discovered this was where he shined--he dedicated his training to being the best in this one event only.  He took his natural skill and made the very best of it.

The Word addresses this very nicely by comparing us to parts of a body beautifully~

"For the body does not consist of one member but of many.  If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body.'  And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,' If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing?  If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?  But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of the, as He chose.  If all were a single member, where would the body be?  As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.' "  I Corinthians 12:14-20

There is more--and if you are not familiar, I encourage you to read this chapter of the Bible.  In a nutshell---we all have been given certain gifts---to each his own.  When we join together and use our gifts as one---it is a beautiful example of a team.  OH--that we all could be content with what we have been given and use if for God's good purposes as He wills.  

STAY IN YOUR LANE

 Without one doubt, these 10 days of the Olympics are my very favorite television watching time and it only comes every four years.  The summer Olympics, especially, contain a vast variety of entertaining sports which tickle my fancy.  This year, I have an app which gives me a four way split screen and I get to pick what I watch, or I can watch all four.  It is my every four year sports overload.  OF course, it also offers up many lessons in living in our world.  I so enjoy watching the crowds rooting for their favorite teams---and amazingly, they seem to do it great sportsmanship.  I have not evidenced the ugliness now rampant in the world over opposing allegiances.

NOW--to the point of today's post.  American women have two super athletes in the finals for "Best All Around."  (I wrote this two weeks ago) Watching the team competition it has  been very evident they are supporting one another and seem to all be not only teammates, but also friends.  How can they be fierce competitors and also friends.  Does that not stand in the way of being teammates---wishing the best for each other?

Texas girl, Simone Biles and Suni Lee are slated to go head to head in the competition for best all around.  Can they compete against each other and not get angry---can they root for one another when competing against each other?  My answer---a resounding YES!  Here is the secret--they stay in their lane---they go out--do their very best knowing the only control they have is over their performance.  That does not negate the fact they can also wish their competitor the same.  A real win---is when you all do your very best and the best athlete on that particular day wins.  No malice---no ill wishes---no negative feelings toward the other competitors.  You handle the competition by doing your best--staying in your lane--and may the best performer win.  

We get into trouble, when we start blame shifting---and bad mouthing those we are competing against.  If we do our job---and do our very best---that is all we are charged with.  If someone bests us, we are not to try to lessen their victory by mean spirited remarks about them.  We are to congratulate them and be happy for them and walk away knowing there will be another day.

What a sweet world this would be if we all could stay in our lane, keep our eyes on the goal, and not stray into critiquing our competitor's performance.  Part of living is living your life knowing you can only control you---and no one else.  Root, root, root for the home team, and remember the other teams are also a home team---for another country---but their home.  What a beautiful world it would be if we could all wish each other only the best.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run,

but only one receives the prize?

So run that you may obtain it.

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.

They do it to receive a perishable wreath,

but we an in perishable.

So I do not run aimlessly;

I do not box as one beating the air.

But I discipline my body

and keep it under control,

lest after preaching to others

I myself should be disqualified."

I Corinthians 9:24-27

EXPECTATIONS PART TWO

 Many times, after I have written a blog, I am not finished processing the subject.  Truthfully, in many cases, I will never be finished processing.  There is not always a set answer written in granite on most subjects.  Depending upon the circumstance, there is always the chance of change---most of the time a little change--others--a huge flip flop.  The best thing I can say about that is I am not so old that I am not open to changing my mind.

Recently we discussed the expectations we have of others and how that can cloud our opinions.  When we place these expectations without clearly stating them to the one we have heaped them upon, we are asking for disappointment.  NOW--this and the Olympics have led me to mull over the expectations we place upon ourselves.  I watched the team gymnastics competition yesterday and came away pondering the huge expectations these young people place upon themselves.  I witnessed, tears, anger, and frustration when something did not go as planned.  A missed tumble, a step out of bounds, a momentary loss of balance--and years of practice and dedicating one's life to the perfection of the sport was dashed.  My question became---when these athletes return home--how will they handle not living up to the expectations they have placed upon themselves?  Will they walk away with resolve to "get it right the next time" or will they hang their head and walk away with dashed hopes and defeat?  Most of these athletes have learned how to brush off that defeat and aim for the next competition.  They know they are human and things happen--unintended---split second mishaps can cause the collapse of going for the gold to tucking your tail and going home to lick your wounds.  There is an entire discipline in psychology dedicated to the psychology of being an athlete. It teaches the mindset of brushing yourself off and heading to the next goal.  I admire and respect every athlete at these games--but the bitter truth is--there is only one gold medal and only one competitor wears it.  

The same can be said for us and the expectations we place upon ourselves as we live this life.  I found this~

and recognized how much truth there is in it.  From our very early days, our parents place expectations upon us.  We learn at their knees others have expectations of us.  We either are able to meet those expectations and hopefully receive a pat on the back or fail to live up to those expectations of others and walk away dejected to the point of no longer trying.

How do you handle it?  Life is filled with competition--intended and non-intended.  We begin as children on the playground to compete with one another and society places a high value on the "winners" in any and all struggles.  Be it racing on the playground, competing for high grades, getting in the best universities,  being hired by the big guns in the corporate world, we spend our lives competing at some level.  Where you live, how well your children do, what car you drive, and on and on---we have all come up with the level of achievement we would like to attain and the bare minimum of achievement we can get by with and still hold our head up.  I for one am my on worst enemy when it comes to personal expectations.  I vacillate between refusing to compete because I do not like the stress and silently competing knowing I will be bested.  

What happened to the adage of being satisfied with doing your best?  ALL of the athletes at the Olympics would surely love to take home the gold,  BUT they have to deal with the reality there is only one gold---and they did not win it and in fact--they did not make the podium.  Who is able then to KNOW they did their very best and be satisfied with the knowledge they made the Olympic team---CERTAINLY an extremely rare feat in the HUGE world we live in.  Who can walk away with their head high knowing they did their very best and that realistic expectations have been met?  

My last thought---others have expectations of us----we have expectations of ourselves---but God---He has only two expectations--but they are big ones.  That we love the Lord our God with ALL our 'hearts and minds and we love our neighbor as OURSELF.  As for me--and this point in my life---I am doing my very best to meet His expectations and finding great contentment in the sure knowledge--that is my very best.

"And you shall love the Lord your God 

with all your heart 

and with all your soul

and with all your mind

and with all your strength.

The second is this:

'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' "

Mark 12:30-31

UNDERBELLY

 Hero led me to today's topic.  When Hero first came to live with me, he had a back injury, so I was very careful with him and did not play with him much.  After he healed (to a point-once you injure your back it is forever weakened to a degree --personal lesson),  we began to play some, but he especially enjoyed a good belly rub.  BUT he was very reluctant to allow me to put him on his back and rub that belly.  Our belly is a vulnerable spot and unless you have conditioned it---there is a reason it is called our soft underbelly.  NOW--God gave us a magnificent set of muscles to protect ourselves in this soft spot of our anatomy--the abdominal muscles.  The one set of muscles it is not only fine to exercise every day--but it is advisable.  Most muscles need a day of recovery between exercise, not so with the abs.  In fact---considering the fact those muscles help us stay upright and walking on two feet instead of four---they are truly an amazing creation.  

If you have back problems, one of the prescribed treatments is to strengthen the abs to take the pressure off the back.  STOP and think about it---our mid sections---back and bellies are responsible for keeping us upright when we have gravity doing its best to push us down.  The same force that can cause apples to fall from trees and great building to collapse in a heap of dust is pushing on us---day in--day out.  It is a miracle of creation that we learn to stay upright and walk around on two feet.  Without those abdominal  muscles to keep the starch in our back, we would be forever on our hands and knees.  God KNEW we would require these muscles to keep us upright--and He provided.  What a marvelous creation we are and what a magnificent Creator who came up with a plan to put us on two feet.  Think about that today as you walk through your day---think about it and praise Him for His provision. 

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well. 

My frame was not hidden from You,

when I was being made in secret,

intricately woven in the depths of the earth."

Psalm 139: 14-15

ALL THE EGGS IN ONE BASKET

If you have never had the joy of collecting eggs from the hen house, you have missed a treat.  Some of the chickens have already left the nest and you are free to take their leavings.  Some of the chickens are highly protective of their eggs and you are in for a pecking when you try to remove them from underneath.  My experience with collecting eggs was placing them in a basket to carry in and be washed. (think about it--those eggs are not so clean after the chicken lays them in the hay or shavings in the hen house).  The big problem with having all your eggs in the same basket is if you happen to trip over a chicken and they all get broken by knocking up against each other.  I have seen on line they now have aprons with multiple pockets to possibly help--unless you fall flat on your face.

As I write today--the Olympics are about to open.  For almost two weeks, I will be highly entertained watching all the competitions.  Every four years--the world comes together to play games--and choose the best of the best.  As I thought this over this morning, it reminded me of having all your eggs in one basket.  These athletes have trained their entire lives---with the ultimate goal of being an Olympic Champion.  Oh, there are annual world competitions between the Olympic Games, but the granddaddy of them all--the prize most sought after is that Olympic Gold Medal.  Year upon year----hour upon hour of training and it all comes down to one final competition.  You walk away with a medal or you go home with your tail between you legs.  Is that really it?  Are you only a winner if you have that Olympic gold?  Is that why you have worked and struggled and will you still be satisfied if you have no Gold Medal?

What if we looked at life in this same manner?  What if we looked at each and every day as a competition----and we were only a winner if we came out on top at the day's end?  One of my pass times is reading obituaries.  Some go into great detail in summarizing their lifetime accomplishments.  That final recognition of all their wins.  Obituaries, like funerals, are not for the deceased, but for those left behind.  A written summary of what those left want the world to know about their dearly departed.  I laughingly tell my children I want my obituary to say one simple thing ~ SHE GONE.  To those who know me-they know the story--they know how I lived and no explanation is necessary.  I hope I will be remembered for what I meant to those I leave--not some long explanation of what I think you should remember--but instead your memories.

  SO---is our obituary our final testament of our Olympic competition of life?  Does what we put on paper match up with the truth of how we have lived?  Are we claiming a Gold Medal life or are we being rewarded an Olympic Gold for well done?  Is the world our judge or is what is written in the Book of Life more important?  I have done my fair share of chasing worldly goals, but what I am most happy with is not those accomplishments, but when I quietly gave another a push, a pat on the back, a helping hand, or met a need.  Those are eternal accomplishments----never expecting praise--but knowingly following the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  While it is certainly nice to have the pat on the back by our fellow man---what is truly worthy is God's approval of "Well Done".  

"Whatever you do,

work at it with all your heart,

we working for the Lord,

not for human masters."

Colossians 3:23

THOSE ANNOYING SUCKERS!

Here in TX we have had some rain--finally.  Once again, I am reminded be careful what you wish for.  You see with rain---comes mosquitoes.  Add to that my nice shady side and back yard and you cannot walk out the door without becoming the meal for the day.  It is annoying AND all of us with allergies sometimes react badly to those little buggers lining up at the buffet of me.  NOW---in my defense--in my old age--I cover up pretty good, (don't nobody want to see this old body)  but it also is hot so, Bermuda's and elbow length tees are my go to.  That leaves quite a bit of skin for some hungry mosquito to transfuse from.  There also is my neck, ears and even face if they are especially hungry and aggressive.  SOMEWHERE I have a mosquito net for my head--even if I found it, I probably would not wear it.  I have the reputation of begin crazy already from carrying His Highness on our walks.  I cannot wear a sign explaining he is old and stubborn.  Oh Well!---someone has to wear the crazy old lady hat in every neighborhood.  I suppose it is my time.

BACK to the subject!  So one of the things I have noticed is some bites itch like crazy and cause allergic symptoms---for days---others I do not even realize I was bitten.  A little red bump is the only evidence I was today's supper.  Other bumps swell and stay irritated for up to a week.  What could be the difference?

My personal theory----(based upon absolutely no scientific evidence) is that some mosquitoes bites come from more lethal mosquitoes.  We all know mosquitoes can carry disease, so it stands to reason in my pea brain that they can also pick up irritants which transfer when those little vampires bite us.  Some mosquitoes are more toxic and should be avoided--if possible.  In my case, my reactions to some bites--but not all--may require an antihistamine.  Some mosquitoes are more dangerous to us than others.  

SO--what is one to do?  I wear mosquito repellant when I walk out the door---I prefer NO bites---even the less toxic can be a nuisance.  It is best to stay inside during the early morning-pre dawn hours and at dusk when mosquitoes are known to be on the prowl for their next meal.  IF--I must go out---I cover as much skin as possible.  AND then there is the BIG GUNS---you can fog those little suckers (literally) or my latest remedy is Mosquitoes Dunks.  You place this in any standing water around your house and it interrupts the reproducing cycle of the pests.  This is my newest try at reclaiming my front porch from the varmints.  Still untested-I will let you know.

WHERE am I going?  Just as some mosquitoes are more toxic and cause us bigger problems if we are bitten, so it is with some people.  There are toxic people out there--we should avoid if possible.  Since there is no repellent to keep them away, it is best that we avoid them when possible.  BUT the other --much more effective remedy is wearing protection---the protection God provides.  The armor of God will protect us---from the most toxic.  He is our shield---He is our strength---He is our truth---He is our righteous defender.  SO--when you step out the door into the world--be suited up and ready---Our Faithful Provider will be your Righteous Defender against the most toxic attacker.  

"For God alone,

O my sould,

wait in silence,

for my hope is from Him

He only is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress;

I shall not be shaken

On God rest my salvation and my glory;

my mighty rock,

my refuge is God."

Psalm 62:5-7

TOO SOON

 Our children seem to be growing up more and more quickly.  My precious only granddaughter has already entered the pre-puberty period of sassiness.  I well remember her mother at this stage, but she was older.  Due to diet, environment, and a plethora of other reasons, children are going through puberty earlier and earlier--especially girls.  It makes me incredibly sad for them.  They are running for the line of being considered a teen as hard as they can and I am thinking---be careful what you wish for!  With the entrance into becoming an adult physically comes a whole new spectrum of adult issues and problems.  All of us women know where these girls are headed and wish we could convince them---being a little girl is a wonderful time of life.  BUT---we are pushed--pulled--and enticed into adulthood by the media, by society, by our peers, and even our culture.  The window of the carefree years pre-puberty are getting shorter and shorter.  The most carefree days of our lives are quickly dwindling from a decade or more--to at times less than a decade.  What are we allowing to happen to the childhood of our society?  My question is--What is the hurry?

It is the age old condition of man to want what he does not have.  We come into this world programmed to look around us for the greener grass or what seems to be greener grass.  Many times we get into that greener field to only discover it is filled with bitterweed.  We jump the fence only to find once we are over---there is no going back.  Truly what is done--is done.  It is the age old scenario of when you see something--you cannot unsee it.  I really wish I could impart this wisdom to my young mother friends, but I am past the point of being listened to.  Our society is not prone to honoring the hard won wisdom of their seniors.  If I could have one wish for my grands, it would be they could grow up in the age of innocence I was blessed with.  Mayberry---was a wonderful playground---and no one was in any hurry to push you into the adult world.  Perhaps I have rose colored glasses---but there was much to be said for keeping a tight rein and letting children be children.  At the grand old age of 75---I still remember all the hours of carefree playing and the slower paced life.  How I would love to give all my grands a short burst of the good old days, but alas---what has now been seen  cannot be unseen.  They would consider those gold years of my youth boring--NO internet---no electronic games---and very little television.  Lots of reading, hour upon hour in the outdoors, and a great deal of interaction with others.  Does not sound boring to me, but who am I to know?

So it is with man---once we cross a line--good or bad---we have ventured into new territory--often times we wish we had never gone there, but can we go back?  Thankfully the answer with God is a resounding YES!  With repentance God is able to redeem---and we can begin anew.  We have explored this theme many times, but I never cease to be amazed at how many times God gives example after example of His ability to redeem even the poorest of choices.  He is a God of redemption!  With Him---we can go back and wipe the slate clean--and start again.

"I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,

your sins like the morning mist.

Return to me,

for I have redeemed you."

Isaiah 44:22