I only write blogs when God inspires me. Sometimes they are a few weeks apart. And sometimes they are a few days apart. I hope this one didn't come too soon, but I have walked through a life experience that I never dreamed of over the last few weeks. And I have come out of it with some words of wisdom that keep playing over and over in my mind...
"If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck."
Sometimes the duck is screaming, "I am a swan!" All the more reason to know for certain that its a duck.
Thinking back over a recent heart break, I have found myself praying earlier today, and saying to God, "Why can't I be one of those people who gets mad and and writes them off? It would be so much easier!" As soon as I said it, I found myself saying, "I didn't mean that, Lord. I am happy that I am not that way. Thank You for allowing me to continue to love.." You see, I have quickly come to realize that this experience wasn't about me, or my family. It happened solely for other people. My heart is so full of compassion and sorrow. I desperately want my friend to love God and know the peace that only He can give. I made excuses for the "duck" in my life. I wanted to believe that what I had found wasn't true. I wanted to believe that my friend would never do that to me or my family. I am resigned to the truth now. But oh, how I long for God to be merciful, and make beauty from the ashes that are all around. How I long to see my friend transformed to a beautiful, graceful "swan" even after all the pain and betrayal.
Father God, You and You alone can make this happen. May I never stop loving, no matter what is said. And I am asking You for a day very soon, that I can see You on the face of my friend. Oh, how You love..."I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way He loves..."
Monday, October 24, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Lessons I learned over Fall Break
It's been a whirlwind of a week here at home. Fall break seemed exciting enough, but it brought some unexpected changes and unexpected loss.
I have learned (and relearned) a lot this week. Please indulge me...
1. Sometimes God clearly leads you in a direction that doesn't make sense. Follow Him, whether you understand, or not. He has a purpose.
2. Love all that He brings in your life. Love them without reserve. Love them for who they are.
3. Laugh... a lot...find humor in the situation, if at all possible.
4. Forgive.
5. Chocolate Ice Cream stains perfectly good T shirts.
6. When God calls you to pray for someone, do it. Pray fervently and don't let up until God releases you.
7. Tell old friends that you still love them. Reminisce about the good ole days. Remember all the good times together. You just never know what the next day will hold.
8. Hamsters are fun pets. But, I never want another one!
9. Some situations God has me in are not about me. They are about God and others. He has a purpose. And He is using me to get there. Try to view those situations through His eyes.
10. I don't have to get it. He does. That's all that matters.
11. Respond in love. That's what Jesus would do. It feels much better than responding in anger.
12. Guys from Utah enjoy the accent of southern girls. :) Who knew?
13. Long time best friends are trusted, tried and proved. And they give great advice! :)
14. Relient K's music great therapy!
15. I can feel love, even from Africa, from Mary Smith :)
I lost 2 people that I love a lot this week. But I can tell you without hesitation, God is faithful! His grace and mercy never ceases to amaze me. I miss you both already.
And to our hamster, Judy, you were fun! But, no more hamsters at our house ever again! :)
Much love! And thanks for reading! :)
I have learned (and relearned) a lot this week. Please indulge me...
1. Sometimes God clearly leads you in a direction that doesn't make sense. Follow Him, whether you understand, or not. He has a purpose.
2. Love all that He brings in your life. Love them without reserve. Love them for who they are.
3. Laugh... a lot...find humor in the situation, if at all possible.
4. Forgive.
5. Chocolate Ice Cream stains perfectly good T shirts.
6. When God calls you to pray for someone, do it. Pray fervently and don't let up until God releases you.
7. Tell old friends that you still love them. Reminisce about the good ole days. Remember all the good times together. You just never know what the next day will hold.
8. Hamsters are fun pets. But, I never want another one!
9. Some situations God has me in are not about me. They are about God and others. He has a purpose. And He is using me to get there. Try to view those situations through His eyes.
10. I don't have to get it. He does. That's all that matters.
11. Respond in love. That's what Jesus would do. It feels much better than responding in anger.
12. Guys from Utah enjoy the accent of southern girls. :) Who knew?
13. Long time best friends are trusted, tried and proved. And they give great advice! :)
14. Relient K's music great therapy!
15. I can feel love, even from Africa, from Mary Smith :)
I lost 2 people that I love a lot this week. But I can tell you without hesitation, God is faithful! His grace and mercy never ceases to amaze me. I miss you both already.
And to our hamster, Judy, you were fun! But, no more hamsters at our house ever again! :)
Much love! And thanks for reading! :)
Monday, October 17, 2011
The Story of a Coffee Mug
I have a favorite coffee mug. I use it every morning (if it's clean). It's become a source of comfort, in some odd way. It's a symbol of things that never change. You see, Lindsay bought me this mug in Dallas Texas when she was 16 years old. It holds so many memories of cups of coffee shared throughout life. It's the perfect size, and weight. It's getting a little faded now but I think it just has more character. Everyone in the house knows it's MY mug. No one else dares to use it! haha I remember once one of Lindsay's boyfriends was at our house. He made himself some coffee, and innocently picked "my mug" out of the cabinet. He walked into the living room, so happy to be enjoying a cup of coffee and hanging out with our family. A hush fell over the room! No one said anything out loud, but there were glances shared between everyone that could only mean one thing... "Oh no! He's drinking out of Mom's mug!" haha I must admit, for a split second I did resent sharing it. But, I quickly got over it. And he managed to stay around in our family for several more months (even though he'd committed the 'unpardonable sin') haha
This morning I got up and made some coffee. I rummaged through the cabinet and found my mug, and sat down with the perfect cup of Starbucks coffee, to spend a little time with God. I quickly realized that I was in need of comfort. The day that loomed in front of me held a major car repair, sickness, physical pain, the reality of promises unfulfilled, and a difficult situation that I have been poorly dealing with for a very long time. In that moment, I was so aware of an underlying peace in my soul. I became aware of God whispering to me, "It's going to be OK". I sipped my coffee and took in the perfect love and peace I was feeling in all the chaos and confusion of the day before me. Some way, some how, I feel such a sense of trust in my Father's Hand as He guides me into unknown territory.
And I feel such a sense of comfort in knowing that some things never change.... His love never fails. He never leaves me. He knows what's best for me. He never ever gives up on me, even when I fail over and over again.
What a perfect place to be...basking in His perfect Love, and enjoying a cup of coffee in my favorite mug...
Psalm 36:5-7
Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
This morning I got up and made some coffee. I rummaged through the cabinet and found my mug, and sat down with the perfect cup of Starbucks coffee, to spend a little time with God. I quickly realized that I was in need of comfort. The day that loomed in front of me held a major car repair, sickness, physical pain, the reality of promises unfulfilled, and a difficult situation that I have been poorly dealing with for a very long time. In that moment, I was so aware of an underlying peace in my soul. I became aware of God whispering to me, "It's going to be OK". I sipped my coffee and took in the perfect love and peace I was feeling in all the chaos and confusion of the day before me. Some way, some how, I feel such a sense of trust in my Father's Hand as He guides me into unknown territory.
And I feel such a sense of comfort in knowing that some things never change.... His love never fails. He never leaves me. He knows what's best for me. He never ever gives up on me, even when I fail over and over again.
What a perfect place to be...basking in His perfect Love, and enjoying a cup of coffee in my favorite mug...
Psalm 36:5-7
Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Sonic Ice
Last Saturday was a rather emotional day around our house. We all woke up in a bad mood, and the day went down hill from there. In my lame attempt to settle our household down, and make things a little better, Lindsay and I took off for a short drive to one of our favorite spots. About half way through the drive, my phone rang. It was Daniel. "Mom! Will you be home before I leave the house? I was hoping to see you!" I was about 25 minutes away from my house at the time. "Daniel? You're at our house? I didn't know you were coming or I would have stayed at home! I'll be there as soon as I can, but it'll take me at least 20 minutes to get there..." He told me he would 'try' to wait around on me, but he might not see me. I was a little disappointed, but all I could do at that point was head toward home.
As I topped the hill in our subdivision, I saw Daniel's beat up Honda in our driveway. Whew, I made it in time. I entered our house greeted by Daniel, and a few of his friends. There were hugs, and introductions and laughter all around! Then Daniel proceeded to say "I brought you something, mom....look in the kitchen..." There, to my surprise, was a Baby Ruth Candy Bar, and a cup of Sonic ice! Two of my favorite things! At that moment, silly as it might sound, I was overwhelmed with emotion.
To this day, I am not sure what made my son think to bring me such a thoughtful gift. But as I look back, I realize why his gift was so significant. I felt so loved in that moment because he knew me so well. Not only did he know exactly what I love, but he had taken the time out of his day to spend a moment with me and make that moment very special.
As I stop and think about it, I have a Heavenly Father who knows me even more thoroughly than my family. Not only that, but He is constantly giving me those special gifts and special moments through out my day to show me that He's thinking about me. He is constantly showing me that He knows exactly who I am and what I love.
It is my desire to notice every gift He gives me. On many days, those gifts are the best part of my day. And, sadly, on many days, I pass right by those gifts from my Father and don't even notice or say thank you. I want to see all He is doing around me, and to embrace the love He's giving me every single day. No matter how great of a day it is, or how difficult my day may be, He is always loving me, and showing me His presence in ways that are tailor made just for me! I am so grateful for that fact! I deeply desire to walk so close to Him that I never miss a moment of His unfailing love in my life.
Today has held much heart break for me, and for several of my friends. Once again, life has been touched by death, illness, and sadness. But as I look back, God still gave me several gifts throughout the day. I was treated so kindly by a few strangers. Gordon, my dog, was extra happy to see me when I came home. A very close friend shared a wonderful secret with me. Lindsay got a job! (praise God!) I shared some laughter with my wonderful Mom. Yes, God was there at every turn showing me that I was on His mind, and that He knows me so well. How wonderful is that?
Prayers going out for my precious friend, Stephanie Parks and family in the sudden loss of her Dad. And to Jan Durham and family, as they are going through so much with health issues. Angie Marshall, you are in my thoughts, too. And a few others whose name I won't mention. I love you all!
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
As I topped the hill in our subdivision, I saw Daniel's beat up Honda in our driveway. Whew, I made it in time. I entered our house greeted by Daniel, and a few of his friends. There were hugs, and introductions and laughter all around! Then Daniel proceeded to say "I brought you something, mom....look in the kitchen..." There, to my surprise, was a Baby Ruth Candy Bar, and a cup of Sonic ice! Two of my favorite things! At that moment, silly as it might sound, I was overwhelmed with emotion.
To this day, I am not sure what made my son think to bring me such a thoughtful gift. But as I look back, I realize why his gift was so significant. I felt so loved in that moment because he knew me so well. Not only did he know exactly what I love, but he had taken the time out of his day to spend a moment with me and make that moment very special.
As I stop and think about it, I have a Heavenly Father who knows me even more thoroughly than my family. Not only that, but He is constantly giving me those special gifts and special moments through out my day to show me that He's thinking about me. He is constantly showing me that He knows exactly who I am and what I love.
It is my desire to notice every gift He gives me. On many days, those gifts are the best part of my day. And, sadly, on many days, I pass right by those gifts from my Father and don't even notice or say thank you. I want to see all He is doing around me, and to embrace the love He's giving me every single day. No matter how great of a day it is, or how difficult my day may be, He is always loving me, and showing me His presence in ways that are tailor made just for me! I am so grateful for that fact! I deeply desire to walk so close to Him that I never miss a moment of His unfailing love in my life.
Today has held much heart break for me, and for several of my friends. Once again, life has been touched by death, illness, and sadness. But as I look back, God still gave me several gifts throughout the day. I was treated so kindly by a few strangers. Gordon, my dog, was extra happy to see me when I came home. A very close friend shared a wonderful secret with me. Lindsay got a job! (praise God!) I shared some laughter with my wonderful Mom. Yes, God was there at every turn showing me that I was on His mind, and that He knows me so well. How wonderful is that?
Prayers going out for my precious friend, Stephanie Parks and family in the sudden loss of her Dad. And to Jan Durham and family, as they are going through so much with health issues. Angie Marshall, you are in my thoughts, too. And a few others whose name I won't mention. I love you all!
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
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