Seriously! Another Curve Ball?

Wow! It's been awhile since my last entry.  Life definitely has it's way of catching up with me.  It's July already, and summer is in full swing.  Bethany has graduated from high school, had her graduation party, registered for fall classes as a Freshman at the University of Toledo College of Engineering, Majoring in Bio-Engineering; Joy finished her Freshman year at UT, has moved back home (yaay!), and plans to remain here. She's working two jobs, plus pet sitting and walking a dog weekly.  Jonathan is officially a Sophomore at Cardinal Stritch, has his temporary license (look out!), and is steadily working, earning money and cannot be seen without his soccer ball.  Koda is officially house broken (Praise God!), has calmed down a lot, and is a joy to be around; Domino hasn't changed a bit and is almost always perfect.  Joy's rat, Minion, passed away, and her other rat, Picasso, has been very sad.  He's still hilarious though, and has a wonderful personality. 

Joy's boyfriend, Rob's, puppy, Rosie, has been living with us. She's a tiny corgie, and is a joy to be around.  Rosie and Koda love each other and constantly play like toddlers together.  It's adorable.  Up until recently, Rosie thought Koda was a sheep (he's totally white and built kind of like a lamb), and she was constantly trying to herd him; she would chase him and then lie low, and then growl when he came back by her.  After a few weeks, she figured it out that he was a puppy, just like she is, and now they adore each other.  For being so very small, (9 pounds compared to Koda's 70+ pounds), she definitely can 'hold her own' and even leaves Koda dumbfounded at times.

 Do you ever get that feeling that life is sort of passing you by?  I sometimes do, but then I remember that life is really all about finding joy in the daily moments.  Those 'track meet' moments, 'soccer and band’ moments; the 'college preparation' moments, and yes, even those 'puppy training’moments.  I mean, isnt that really where the rubber actually meets the road?  At home, in our daily lives, in our day to day existence?

As I am living my life, I am constantly reminding myself to live purposefully and intentionally; to make every moment of every day count.  Count for something positive and intentional.  This sometimes requires thought and preparation.  Just as if preparing to compete.  Isn't that what life is all about anyway?  Competition.  We are competing to win the prize of the upward goal of Christ.  To win against the spiritual darkness of this world and conquer Jesus in this world.  I definitely need to become more skilled at all of this.

For the past few months, I had been training for a triathlon.  Am I a triathlete?  Heavens no! Not by any stretch of anyone's imagination.  But I still diligently trained.  I took swim lessons at the UT Recreation Center, and I worked out daily for about 90 minutes.  I worked out until I couldn't work out any more.  I gained a lot of muscle in the process, and became really heart healthy.  As Paul encourages us to become evangelists of the gospel, we may not think we are evangelists.  But that doesn't mean we cant train ourselves to become ones.  It should be one of our goals, just as becoming a triathlete was one of mine.  Was it easy?  Nope.  Was it worth it?  You bet it was.

Well, last month, I proved my goal to be true.  I competed in the triathlon at Maumee Bay State Park, and I was a success.  My goal was to complete it, not necessarily to compete in it.  However, by the Grace of God, I accomplished both.  It was very exciting to think of how my life has changed over the past year.  This triathlon was sort of like a culmination of change.  Out with the old and in with the new.  As the song from Mercy Me says, "So long, self. Well, it's been fine, but I have found somebody new...."

I have learned that as I age, I get slower; my body just doesn't function the way it used to.  I used to love, love, love running.  Not so much anymore.  OK. So, I've never really enjoyed swimming, but I did it.  I took swim lessons and actually swam Lake Erie.  Whew!  I had to train harder, more purposefully.  Not just because I was planning on competing in a triathalon, but because my body is nearly 50 years old.  I needed to hone and attempt to perfect my skills.  Just as in evangelism. I may never be a masters triathlete, but I can become a masters evangelist.

Just as I am training differently for the triathlon because I am aging, I may train differently for the role of evangelist than a young, up and comer.  I not only use my strength and endurance, but I also use my wisdom.  Yaay!  I finally get to put my wisdom to a test.  A youthful, vibrant attitude can carry someone a very long way, but when push comes to shove, wisdom and training will carry someone through. 

Just as I would love to master the sports of running, swimming and biking, I would love to master the life of evangelism.  Its just not that easy. Because, just like my aptitude for sports, I am not a natural born evangelist.  I live my life as a living testimonial, and I would love for that to be enough. Unfortunately, it isn’t. Many good people live their lives as living testimonials of  'doing good', and such, however, there will be many, many good people that may be denied entry into heaven because they lacked the saving grace of Jesus; quite possibly, because I didn't do my part to evangelize them into the heavenly arms of Jesus; I may have neglected to show them the mercy, compassion, hope and grace that He offered each of them.

Now, how to do all of that in my daily life.  Therein the challenge lies.  Ha.  Just when I thought I was living my life both purposefully and intentionally, the Lord throws me a curve ball.  I need to purposefully and intentionally evangelize, too?  Yikes!  "But, Lord, I just prefer to quietly live a life of testimony; one where people will see me and know You through me."  OK.  Now, that I've actually put that thought into print, it really doesn't look too good to me.  Just how will people come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ, if all I am doing is living victoriously and not necessarily 'speaking' words of Truth to them?  Most likely, they won't. 

Since I competed in the triathlon, I haven't been able to do much of anything physical.  I wrenched my rotator cuff, and my arm has been in a sling.  So, although I haven't been physically able to train my body, I have had some extra time (at least 90 minutes a day extra) to train spiritually.  I've been fervantly praying Acts 4:29, "Enable Your servants to speak Your Word with great boldness."  I'll admit it. Sometimes, it's just not that easy.  I mean, I really don't enjoy verbally evangelizing with someone who may be skeptical, and sometimes, downright mean to me.  But ya know what?  I have to.  Why?  Because Jesus told me to.  He didn't ask me to.  He didn't suggest I do it.  Nope.  He said in Matthew for me to 'go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."  I don't really think this can be totally accomplished by just living my life for the Lord and hoping that others notice.

As this summer is quickly moving along, I will continue to pray Acts 4:29,  not only for myself, but for my children, too.  Because let's face it, we can all use all the help we can get.  May each and every one of us continue to run this race of life with Gods utmost help, assurance, encouragement and love.

Casting Crowns, "Prayer for a Friend"

Things You Can Count On Now!

Things You Can Count On Now!

There is a Grace that is sufficient;
a Mercy that endures;
an Atoning Blood that cleanses;
a Hope that doesn't disappoint;
a Love that never fails;
a Purpose that works all things together for the good;
a Peace that passes understanding;
a Joy unspeakable;
a Kingdom unshakable;
a Foundation indestructible;
a High Priest who prays;
a Savior who lives;
a Spirit who comforts;
a Father who cares.

Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. Hebrews 6:18-19 NLT

-Roy Lessin

Read more encouraging messages by Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer, on Roy's blog,
Meet Me in the Meadow.


Encouragement for Spring!

In the ever-changing circumstances of life, there is a faithful, never-changing God in control.

Every day begins and ends with His purpose-
there isn't a detail that escapes His eye...
a trial that doesn't touch His heart...
or a single experience beyond His compassion.


Every moment of your life is in His care-
and I pray that He gives you overwhelming peace and hope today.

Pray about everything; tell God your needs... If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6, 7 TLB

Be blessed today as you enjoy the beginnings of a beautiful Spring!  It is definitely 'in the air.'

What Can I Say? I Love Music

"Hold Us Together," by Matt Maher



"More Beautiful You," by Jonny Diaz (Awesome video and lyrics!)



"I Will Rise," by Chris Tomlin



"You Are More," By Tenth Avenue North (If only everyone believed this about themselves)



"Revelation Song," by Kari Jobe



"God You Reign," by Lincoln Brewster



"That's What Faith Can Do," by Kutless (I have to constantly remind myself of this)



"Give Me Your Eyes," by Brandon Heath



"My Own Little World," by Matthew West



"I Am New," by Jason Gray



"You Are," by Jason Castro



"Come Home," by Luminate



"I'm Alive," by Matt Maher



Again, I hope you have enjoy listening to these as much as I do. Be blessed!

And Then Some

Friends, I love Lysa TerKeurst, founder of Proverbs 31 Ministries, and her daily blog.  I have it daily sent to my 'in box,' and I actually read it. Not like some of the other things I have daily in my 'in box.'  No, this is good stuff, thought provoking stuff, stuff to grow with, to grow into.  And that's the reason I am copying her blog from yesterday.  I  think it's appropriate for this time of year, and then some.......

And then some…

Today is the beginning of lent.  A time to take a reverent walk towards the reality of Easter.  I want these days to count for something.   More than just preparation of my heart for Easter, I want focus.  I want application.  I want to take the idea of lent and turn it into an activity.

One of the themes of my life these past couple of years has been, “If I want to grow closer to God, I have to distance myself from distractions.”

Mostly I’ve focused on what I need to give up.  I’ve spent seasons giving up different things… TV, sugar, diet coke, and other life comforts.  But this year for lent, my focus isn’t going to be on what I’m giving up.  This year my reverent walk is going to have the theme of giving more.  I’m calling it… “and then some.”

My Pastor preached an amazing message this weekend.  Tucked inside this great message on “Honorology” was this statement, “and then some.”  I can’t exactly remember why Pastor said this statement but I do know that God Himself started speaking to me.

The statement grabbed me.

It got all up in my business and interrupted me.

It challenged me past the typical and into the realm of atypical.

It pushed me out of what is common and into the zone of uncommon.

It made me want to release the propensity toward being normal and into being more like Jesus.

Jesus was the Master of “and then some.”

He came to save us but spent His first 30 years living in the trenches of everyday life.  Can you imagine what patience and humility that took?  To live for 30 years swallowing the reality that you are the King of Kings… doing chores, getting along with your brother, learning the art of carpentry, and figuring out what’s for dinner… it really is amazing.

He could have just appeared as an adult and started preaching His messages.
But He didn’t.  He started at infancy identifying with us.  

Then, He started at 30 inspiring us.  Him identifying with us made His inspiration more real, more authentic, more touchable.That was just the first of His, “and then some” living.
 
He taught, don’t just forgive your enemies- love them.

He taught, don’t just feed the 5000- have left overs.

He taught, don’t just pray for the lepers- touch them.

And then some.
And then some.
And then some.

So, this is my lent proclamation, promise, and premise this year.  Each day I will take a reverent step toward Easter by implementing an “and then some” activity in my life.

Do something…and then just to glorify God, I’ll add in a little more.  Reach past what is possible in my strength and grab hold of God’s strength.  That’s how we add “and then some” to our life.

Atypical.  Uncommon.  More like Jesus.  Yes, that’s what I want… and then some.

For more of Lysa's thoughts and ponderings, go to http://lysaterkeurst.com/ and sign up for her daily email.  You won't be disappointed.

Dover, Xander, Koda--Whatever His Name Is

.
We have an addition to our family.  I think his name is Koda, but  I'm not quite sure.  He's eight weeks old and utterly adorable.  One of the best things though, is that he's laid back.  He's also quiet and paper trained. YES!!!  Acquiring our new puppy was definitely a God thing.  I mean, I've been looking and looking practically everywhere for a  Golden Retriever.  I didn't care what age--old, young; it didn't matter to me.  I just knew that I wanted to adopt a Golden.  I mean, we adored Sam, our Golden Retriever that recently passed away, and we wanted another one just like him.  Over the past two weeks, I'd applied at a few shelters and rescue centers, however, I had yet to hear anything back from any of them.  Thus, my patience was wearing thin.

I did, however, learn that Golden Retrievers are rarely  ever at shelters and they are extremely expensive to buy from breeders.  I really don't believe in buying from breeders when there are so many dogs in shelters, however, I was seriously wanting a Golden and wasn't getting anywhere.  So....I continued to look online, put in my zip code, do searches, etc.  Every time I would find one within a relatively short distance, I would call and the shelter would either tell me that he/she had already been adopted out or that I had to complete an application and have a home check.  All of which would take quite a while.  So...I would complete the application and wait for the phone call for a home visit, and it had yet to  come.

That's why I so excited yesterday when I saw Koda and his brother and sister listed on an adoption website.  I called the shelter and sure enough, all three were still there ready and waiting to be adopted.  It was already late in the afternoon, and the shelter was over 2 1/2 hours away, so I asked if she thought that the puppies would still be there in the morning, and she assured me that they would.  I mean, I wouldn't want anyone to pick up all three today, and have me miss my opportunity to adopt a Golden Retriever puppy just because I was too lazy to jump in my van and race down to Marysville.

At the Shelter

But then a little voice inside me said that I should go immediately.  If there's one thing that I have learned in my life, it's that I should listen to that little voice inside my head; so I did.  I borrowed my girlfriend's GPS, jumped in my van, and raced towards Marysville.  I didn't even stop home because I didn't think that I would have time to make it there before they closed if I had.  The conditions were not the best--it was pouring rain and the roads were yucky, and I despised the way the GPS worked.  I really missed Joy's GPS--that sweet voice that constantly updated me on my progress and told  me where I was.  Ahhh...This Garmin GPS honked a loud horn whenever I went over the speed limit (quite often, I may add), and the voice was not as friendly. It also kept me totally in the dark as to my progress and such. I may work in Geography and Planning, but geography is SO not my forte.  Anyway, I made it to the shelter in time to adopt Dover. That was the name they had given my puppy.

In the van with my workout towel

Just after I arrived, they informed me that Dover's sister, Fontana, had just been adopted.  Then, a family entered and they wanted a puppy, too.  So, I quickly claimed Dover because he was so very laid back, friendly and light  in coloring.  His brother, Louden, would have been an excellent choice as well.  But Dover it was.  I quickly learned that Dover really was quite a puppy.  Have you ever tried driving a van, in the pouring rain, when you didn't really know where you were going, and having a puppy running around your van?  Geesh!  It was definitely a memorable ride home.  Thank God, I still had my work out bag in my van.  In it, I had my beach towel and swimsuit because I had planned to go swimming after work.  Instead I seemed to be swimming in the rain, and Dover was peeing on my beach towel.  At least it wasn't on the carpet. I'm finding lately that my life is often being reduced to remembering that, 'it's all about perspective.'

Dover seemed to adjust perfectly, from the moment I pulled into the driveway. He bounded into the house and didn't even lift his leg.  I mean, I totally love this dog--and a male at that.  Every male pooch I've ever owned has lifted his leg to mark my house.  Sometimes, even marking my leg or a friends.'  Uggh!

But not this one.  Nope, he was definitely a God send.  After setting our alarms to awake every couple of hours, and cleaning up a few mistakes, we made it through our first night together.  I kept Dover in my room, Jonathan had Oreo (the neighbor's puppy, who by  the way was not housebroken either), and Bethany had Domino (she definitely had the easiest of the three).  We realized immediately that we need to name this little guy but that was proving to be a difficult task.    Everyone seemed to have opinions on his name, but none as strong as Joy, who at the moment was in a hotel in Florida, biding her time until her cruise departs on Monday.  I was keeping her updated and texted her some pictures of Dover. 

Enjoying lunch in Florida (awaiting their Bahamas cruise)

Well, Joy (and her girlfriend, Kelly) texted me a bunch of potential names, none of which really stood out.  Bethany, Jonathan and I made a list of about 20 names that we liked. Then I asked them to pick their top three.  Xander and Drake were on both lists, and Bethany also liked Koda. Joy liked Koda and Louden, while I liked Xander and Dover.  Goodness, let's keep his original name because it was rather cute. Joy was appalled that we were even considering naming him Xander because that is her cousin Autumn's, dog's name.  It didn't matter that Autumn lives in another state and that we see Autumn less than three times annually, and her Zander even less frequently.   Nonetheless, I aim to please. So, I kept thinking and trying out names.

All day, I kept calling him Xander until someone would balk at that.  Then, I'd call him Dover.  Finally, tonight after I got home after midnight, we finally decided on Koda.  It's seems like a good fit.  He seems to be totally oblivious to it, but that's OK, he'll adjust.  Koda.  I like that name.  It's of African origin and it mean's "last born."  I'm not sure if he was actually the last born, but I know that he has last born characteristics.  Laid back and sweet. I'm a last born, too, so I definitely have a preference of the birthing order of my pup.

Now, about this little guy---he is just what we wanted.  Although the shelter told me that he was all Golden Retriever, after I had paid and signed papers, they notified me that his father was Husky. Domino's part husky, so that's fine with us. I think he may also have some Great Pyrenees in him, too. Whatever.  I do believe that Koda was God ordained to be in our family, so his family lineage is fine.

Home at last

I ended up staying home all day today because I knew that someone would need to stay with Koda and reinforce his housebreaking rules by letting him outside every 45 minutes. Whew! That's work.  I mean, it seemed like every 5 minutes I was letting him outside.  It was all good though.  This little guy caught on quickly.  He also came paper trained, so he's doing quite well for his age.  So, it's our second night together, and he is lying next to me while I am typing.  He's sound asleep because it is 1:30 am, and he's exhausted. Ha.  I am going to put him in a cage that I just got in the hopes that he will sleep soundly and we won't have to wake up every hour.  Maybe just every three hours or so.  I'm not sure how he'll like the cage, so I have decided to sleep in the living room on the coach, so that he'll have company.

Last night, Koda immediately followed me to my room and laid on Domino's dog bed and feel right asleep, as if he owned the joint.  Every time I would move, however, he would get up and follow me.  I put some newspaper in my room and barricaded my door with a suitcase so that he couldn't get out.  I wanted to leave my door open but barricaded.  A couple of times, I stepped over the suitcase to go to the restroom or to get a cup of water, and mild mannered, quiet Koda went berserk.  He cried and cried and cried.  I mean I was gone all of 30 seconds max, but he couldn't handle it. Yikes.  I need to figure out this cage thing tonight because I plan on putting him in the cage when I go to work on Monday. At least until he is totally housebroken. Then, he can roam wherever, whenever he wants.

***A quick update.  Koda did remarkably well overnight in the cage.  I led him in with a treat and locked it.  Then I laid down on the couch.  He started to cry, and when I firmly said, "No," he immediately stopped, laid down and went to sleep.  Wow.  That was way too easy.  Bethany and I both took him out during the night, and he always dutifully (and quietly) returned to his cage.

Jonathan showing Koda his cage

I will continue to update you on Koda's progress, as I plan on getting him into dog training classes immediately.  My schedule is rather hectic right now, but I absolutely believe that this is a priority. I may even have Domino return to a few classes, just so he can be reminded of what excellent manners really are. ha.
Thanks, everyone, for praying for Sam and now for Koda.  Be blessed on this gorgeous Sunday afternoon.

A Little Pain Never Hurt Anyone

As much as I love working out, it can be tiresome and painful. Even moreso, it can be time consuming. I work out pretty much every single day for at least 90 minutes each time. Lately, though, it feels like I have been abusing my body instead of helping it. I mean, it seriously hurts. I have been doing a lot of cardio, kickboxing, turbo kick, and machines, and lately, I've been 'stepping it up a notch' and have added weights. Yikes. Weight training. I actually kind of like it. It really, really stretches me to the point of pain. It's like that kind of pain you get when crack your neck. It hurts, but in a good, 'I know this is good for me,' way. The pain eventually goes away, and then I add even more weight next time.  Then my body feels even more abused.

As I struggle to find not only the time to work out, but the energy to work out, I am reminded of just how necessary it is. It's become more necessary, albeit critical, the older I get. It's actually something that I should have been doing my entire life, but have taken time away from for months at a time. Sure, last year, for medical reasons, I couldn't work out, then I got into a car accident, yada, yada, yada, but since January, 2011, I have been able to work out, and it feels totally awesome. It gets my adrenaline going, my blood moving, and my serotonin levels up. It motivates me to do even more things, even greater things. Now, if I can only find the time.

As I was working out, I was thinking that if I spent same the amount of time and energy on my walk with the Lord as I spend on working out, goodness, our relationship would be fantastic. Not that it isn't good; I'd venture to say it's even great, but it can always be better. I am pondering just what it is that I could do to 'step it up a notch,' when I am working on my relationship with the Lord? I mean, should I spend more time in the Word, in prayer, in conversation, in praising and worshiping? Just what is it?

Well, I think all of the above would be great. And in a perfect world, I would be able to do these things all day, every day. But, unfortunately, I live in a fallen world, one that requires me to work 40 hours a week outside my home, that comes with parental responsibilities and the like, and there just isn't a lot of leftover time for me. Just for me. But....as with any awesome relationship, I need to nurture it, spend time on it, and spend time with that person. I need to know His likes and dislikes and be acutely aware of His needs. OK. I realize the Lord doesn't have needs, but He does have likes and dislikes. I need to know these, recognize these and live accordingly.

The Bible says to pray at all times and to give thanks in all circumstances. Is that even possible. I mean, should I actually be praying in the shower, at the drugstore, in the car, at work? Yes, I should and could. I know that there are many circumstances that I really just don't feel like Praising God about. But then I am reminded that the Bible says that through Christ, it is possible to maintain a spirit of praise and thankfulness during all circumstances. Doesn't it say in Philippians, "I  can do all things through Christ who strengthens me?" So, I guess it is quite possible.

Matthew 19:26 says, "With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." Goodness, isn't that the truth.  God is omnipotent and omniscient, and I think that means that He can pretty much handle anything and everything that we throw at Him.  Not only can He handle it, but He will handle it.

So, in essence, if I spent the same amount of time praising God and giving thanks to Him, as I do working out, I think all of my days would be outstanding. The little irritants of daily life would not bother me, because I would have given them over to the One who handles them all.  I mean, all of the stresses of the day and the intense speed at which I run, would seem less bothersome and exhausting when I lay them out before the Lord. The working full time, managing three very active teens, along with volunteering, home maintenance and the like, seems so less daunting when I give it all to Him. I love my life now, but I would love it even more (if that's possible) if I would just give it all up to God.  I mean everything.  The good, the bad and the ugly.  The 'Why didn't you do this?,' when you know you either have already done it or didn't even know about it, circumstances; the 'I'm running late for my son's dental appointment because my daughter's doctor appointment took too long,' circumstances. The telephone call at 6:00 am that says, 'I'm sorry. Did I wake you?' circumstances.  The dog dying and the weather freezing circumstances. Yup.  All of them.

Does this mean that I should go through life totally oblivious to time constraints, death, people's negative comments or untrue accusations?  No, it just means that as a Christian, my take on life's trails and sufferings is unique.  I know that God has a plan and that everything ultimately works out for my good.  Doesn't Romans 8:28 say, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose," and doesn't that mean everything's gonna be ok? I'm who Paul was speaking about. I'm the one in that verse that loves Him, who has been called according to His purpose. Does that mean that God will make something good out of every bad situation?  Yes, that's exactly what that means.

As a Christian, I know that absolutely everything that happens in my life, and in the world around me, will ultimately be worked for good.  What Satan would have be destructive, God will turn it around and make it perfect.  Does that mean that there won't be any more suffering in the world? Nope.  Unfortunately, it just means that God will ultimately use those situations for pointing to something else that is good. There will still be starving children in Africa, hurting children in war torn countries, earthquakes and homelessness, sickness and depravity.  But it also means there will be good people who assist, who help, and who make this world a better place to live in. Those who will comfort those on earth that need comforting, who will become His hands and feet in this hurting and broken world.

I think that the more that I study the Word of God, the more I come to realize that God really, really does always have my back., just as He will always have your back, assuming you're a Christian.  When the world lets me down, God has my back.  When I'm falsely accused, God has my back. When work is difficult and my life is busy beyond control, God has my back. And when I am working out and my body is feeling as though it is being abused on a daily basis, God has my back. Whew! Because when push comes to shove, and others let me down by not having my back, Jesus really is the only One that needs to have my back.Yup, He's the only One.

May you feel God's hand upon your back (and your life) today and everyday. May you realize that He can handle absolutely anything and everything that you throw at Him (but you must give it to Him), and He will lovingly take it, mold it and use it for good. Be blessed today.

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

Some of my favorite songs:

"Bring the Rain," by Mercy me



I Refuse," by Josh Wilson



"Beautiful," by Mercy Me



"Praise You In This Storm," by Casting Crowns'



"What Love Really Means," by JJ Heller



"Our God is Greater," by Chris Tomlin



"I Will Follow," by Chris Tomlin



"Cinderella," by Steven Curtis Chapman



"Above All," by Michael W. Smith



"Better Than A Hallelujah," by Amy Grant



"Thank You," by Ray Boltz



"Stand in the Rain," by SuperChick



"Hero," by SuperChick



"Everything to Me," by Avalon




"Starry Night," by Chris August



"That's What Faith Can Do," by Kutless



I hope you've enjoyed listening to a few of my favorite songs. I have tons more, but I think this is more than enough for now. This sampling also gives you an inkling of what each Christian artist sounds like. I love them all, and I hope you do, too. Be blessed!

He's Not Who I Thought He Was

Have you ever met someone and after a while, you realize he's really not who you thought he was?  Well, that happened to me yesterday.  Well, our family Golden Retriever recently passed away, so I have been looking to rescue another.  We really, really fell in love with Sam and have decided that we definitely want to adopt another Golden.  So, imagine my surprise when my niece Facebooked me and said that she may have just the dog we are looking for.  Woo-Hoo!  Autumn volunteers at an Animal Rescue and recently came across a woman who had a Golden that she couldn't take care of because she was financially strapped.

Well, Autumn to the rescue.  Apparently Leonard (Ok, I know he needs a new name--I don't even like typing  his name--so let's call him Leo) was found in Leonard, Michigan, on Leonard Street, and this lady had taken him in a few weeks ago.  Autumn Facebooked (is that even a slang term yet) a picture of him, and he was so adorable.  I was told he was a one year old flat coated Retriever.  Hmmm.  Autumn, along with her fiancee, Taubin, was going to pick him up on Thursday evening.  So, I made arrangements to go to Michigan on Friday afternoon/evening.

Autumn called me on Friday and said that Leo was beautiful, sweet, totally awesome, and ALL puppy.  He wasn't trained nor housebroken, but he was highly intelligent.  No problem.  Now here's the kicker.  When Autumn and Taubin picked him up, the so called 'financially strapped' woman was standing on the porch of a million dollar mansion, dressed in full length fur coat.  Talk about not being who you said you were. Hmm.  Well, that made absolutely she had said suspect at best.  Leo was found in the barn, extremely thin and cold.  His ribs were showing and he was so very happy for some human interaction.  Apparently, Leo wasn't gaining any weight.  Could that possibly be because the woman was only feeding him leftover pizza and pasta?  Well, let me guess on that one.  (Please note the sarcasm--because it is so intentional.)

Anyway, amidst their dismay, Leo happily bounded into their backseat and began to take Autumn's fur lined coat hood in his mouth.  As soon as she told him, "No!," he immediately dropped it.  If nothing else, he was truly obedient.  Then, they went home.  Autumn gave me the complete update upon my arrival.  Although he wasn't housebroken, he was doing fabulously and got along really, really well with Autumn and Taubin's Newfoundland, Xander--all 120 pounds of Xander and all 80 pounds of Leo.  He hadn't chewed anything he wasn't supposed to and was just all puppy.

Sure enough, as soon as Autumn opened the patio door, in bounded Leo.  All gangly and goofy Leo.  I immediately noticed his adorability (again, is that even a word?) and I also noticed that he definitely was not a Golden Retriever.  Nope.  He, in fact, was a complete Irish Setter. 

A beautiful, shiny coat, copper colored Irish Setter.  Beautiful.  Setters are hunting dogs, and that explained why Leo was so enamored with Autumn's fur line coat hood.  Ha.  He was just doing his job.  Whenever he would hear a bird chirp, he would immediately freeze, as if a statue, and point his nose, tail and legs.  Very cute.  Definitely hunting material, but not Grayczyk household material.

I was thrilled that I was able to spend some time visiting with Autumn and meeting Leo.  I also was able to stop and see my brother and nephew in Livonia, Michigan, on the way to Autumn's. That's all very good.  However, this experience totally got me thinking about my original question: Have you ever met someone and after a while, you realize he's really not who you thought he was?  Oh yeah!  Most definitely.  Two times in this case.  I  mean, come on lady, you can't afford to feed a dog, but you can afford to live  in a mansion, house various horses and wear a full length fur.  And then, Leo being an Irish Setter and not a Golden Retriever.  Now, that's just funny.  Then I wonder just how many other things are there that I think are one thing, when in reality, they are another.

One thing I do know for sure though, is that the Lord is most definitely Who I think He is.  He is, He was, and He always will be.  He's Abba Father.  The Alpha and Omega.  The Beginning and the End.  The  best friend of a lifetime.  A Father to the Fatherless.  Hope to the Hopeless.  Perfect Health to the sick.  Perfect Peace to the Worrisome.  Perfect Love to the otherwise unlovable.  Perfect Joy to the saddened.  Perfect Kindness to those that are unkind.  Perfect Grace to those that need it (don't we all?).  All Merciful for those that need mercy (again, that's all of us!)  Wow.

It saddens me when I think of all the people who truly don't know just Who this Jesus is.  They think He is sitting on His Throne just waiting to pounce on them when they do something that they consider wrong.  They think he will pummel them if they don't live up to His expectations.  That He will stop loving them if they misbehave.  These are all horribly incorrect views of Jesus. No.  He is exactly the opposite of these characteristics.  And the bottom line is:  He not only loves each and every one of us, but He is crazy, madly in love with us.  He would NEVER hurt us, ALWAYS has our backs, and LOVES us unconditionally.  Always, always, always.

Here's praying that although we may run into the occasional deceitful person, and the occasional Golden Retriever that is actually an Irish Setter, that we realize just Who Jesus Really is. --a welcome participant in my life (and, hopefully, yours, too)--Who lives in my heart.  I heart you all.

Visions and Insults

“If the size of the vision for your life isn’t intimidating to you, chances are it’s insulting to God.”  I borrowed this quote from a friend who recently heard it at a Chick-Fil-A company meeting.  Wow! And when I read it, I really had to pause.  I mean, shoot.  I hope I'm not insulting God.

As I sit here and ponder my life vision, it's rather exciting.  Not to be dramatic or anything, but I doubt I would have called it a 'vision for my life,' but rather, 'what I want my future to hold.' As if I have much say in the matter. Goodness, I know that my life is made up of choices--good and bad--and chances are, the way I respond to those choices will determine my future.  But, you know what?  I'd like to think that my future holds  more than just my responses to the choices thrown at me.  No, I want to believe, and actually do believe, that although I may correctly and incorrectly make choices that help determine my future, ultimately God will determine my future.

That's a total relief, especially considering my past.  I mean, I wouldn't want to repeat that at all.  I know the Lord has plans for me, and I know that they are totally awesome.

Proverbs 20:24 says, "A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?

Well, that's good to know because I generally need some major directing in my steps.  If I had to count on the fact that I would be the one doing the directing, I would be in a sorry state. Geesh!  Why people want to direct their own future is just beyond me.  I wouldn't even really want to supervise my future.

Proverbs 16;9 says, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Do you honestly think that the Lord wrote those words because he just had some extra ink and paper? I don't think so. I think He meant it as a comfort and as a saving grace to us.  Just when we think that we have everything all planned out, the rug gets pulled out from under us.  Just when the rug gets pulled out from under us, and we are ready to give up on our future, a little voice whispers, "Shari, you may plan your course, but I alone will establish your steps.  I will ultimately determine where you go. Don't worry.  I have it covered."  Whew!  That's a relief.

Back to the 'life vision--possibly insulting God--Chick-Fil-A quote.  Oh yeah, my life vision.  Does it sinc with the Lord's life vision for me?   I hope so.  I have so many plans for my future, and as they say, "My future's so bright, I need to wear shades."  Ha.  I've got plans that I've shared with only a precious few, and they have been sworn to secrecy, lest they be struck by lightening.  I have, however, written down these plans, only because I believe in prophecy but because the Lord has spoken these plans for me. Plans for my future.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plan to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Not only do I thoroughly believe this Old Testament quote, but I live by it.  I've claimed it for myself, and I have claimed it for my children.  I have claimed this quote for quite a few people over the years, and I  am always excited about God's revelations regarding it.  My future is tomorrow, but is also next week, next month, next year, next decade, etc.  College was in my high school future.  Career was in my college future.  Marriage and children were in my career future. And only God knows what my next future will hold.  I know what my ultimate future holds, in eternity, but I have to admit, I would love to have a crystal ball and be able to see next week, next month, and even next year.

I'd love to see job's future (considering they are laying off daily), my children's futures, my grandchildren, etc.  There's just so very much, and it's all very good.

It's especially good because, now that I think about it, I am definitely not insulting God.  And that's always a wonderful thing.

Crystals and Fluff

OK. I definitely have an entirely new appreciation for snow.  I'll admit it; I've never fully appreciated that white dust that always seems to prevail in NW Ohio during the colder months.  I've never fully appreciated its fluffy ability to be swiped off my windshield, with just a swish of my brush, early in the dark hours of the morning, it's ability to melt relatively quickly whenever I throw salt on it, and it's ability to move-on-over whenever I get my mini Toro snow blower out (which BTW, hasn't worked even one time this season) and move it right along.  I haven't ever appreciated the fact that I can generally walk in snow without falling, wipe it off my coat in an instant, make and throw a decent snowball, and romp in it.  Goodness, we can even take pretty pictures of it's fluffiness. (Is that even a word?)

You know why I hadn't ever really appreciated snow before?  Because I haven't ever seen ice like I've seen it the past few days.  I mean ice is EVERYWHERE--and anything and everything is totally blanketed in it. And it's not just that flimsy, step on it and break it, throw some salt on it and melt it, kind of ice.  No, it's the thick, cannot be melted without a blow torch, if it fell on you, it would permanently maim you,  kind of ice.  It's the kind that makes you shiver just looking at it, and heaven forbid you have to walk on it.  You may as well just sit on it because you're gonna fall anyway.  At least, if you sit first, you'll know when you'll be getting wet, and it will be less painful.

Yes, there was an ice storm in NW Ohio two nights ago, and we awoke yesterday to a crystal landscape.  The freezing, diamond like sparkle was everywhere, and it continued to cascade down all morning and afternoon, until my car was just totally encased in the stuff.  Unfortunately, my van, which was parked in my driveway, in front of the garage door, wouldn't move.  It's perfectly brand new battery wasn't acting so perfect the night before last.  I had wanted to park my car in the garage, but I couldn't because the van was immovable.  So....alas car was totally covered in the stuff.

Around 4:00 pm, Bethany, Jonathan and I went outside to tackle our car windshields.  Hers, because she needed to drive somewhere (should I say, 'slide' somewhere-against my better judgement), and mine, because I didn't want to have to tackle it in the morning.  The fact that Jonathan and Bethany were so willing to assist my chiseling efforts definitely added to my desire to bundle up and hack away at the windshield.  Ah....but first we needed to open the door of each vehicle so that we could turn on the defrosters.  Ha. Fat chance.  I couldn't even find the keyhole.  I could hear my automatic opener working, but the door wasn't budging under the half inch of freezing, rock solid, ice.

So...out came the buckets of cool water. We thoroughly drenched the sides of the doors, around the openings and finally succeeded in opening the doors of both cars. Whew!  On went the defrosters.  Then Jonathan dumped more water on the side windows.  I figured we should let the defrosters work on the front and back windows.  Ha, if it were only that easy.  We hacked, sawed, chiseled, hammered, and scraped our way through layer after layer of ice.  I hadn't ever seen that much ice, let alone on my car.  My lawn was an ice rink--pure ice; the street and driveways  were the same.  When my dog, Domino, tried to run off, he slipped (served him right). Obviously, he didn't get very far. Not that it would have mattered; I wouldn't have been able to keep my two feet vertical long enough to follow him. He loves the snow, but the ice is quite another story.

There were icicles everywhere.  Pretty-yes.  Freezing cold-yes.  Annoying to the point that I was praying for summer-definitely.  Even the mailbox was frozen shut. Thank God it was a federal holiday and the mail man wouldn't be stopping by.  Even today, when I went to get my workout bag out of the trunk, I had to scrape more ice off. Then, when I slammed the trunk shut, the icy shards of weaponly went flying everywhere.

So...back to my total appreciation of snow.  Ah, pure, white, fluffy snow. Who knew I would ever be singing the praises of snow?  Surely, not me.  No, I sing the praises of white sand beaches in Maui, of Oceanic Caribbean cruises, of flip flops and swimsuits.  Not snow.  Funny how everything just needs a little perspective and how quickly we can change our minds about things.

Have you ever been in a fender bender and been totally exasperated?  But then, you see an overturned car on the side of the road, and think, "Thank God for the fender bender?" Went to purchase a much needed item and thought it was way too expensive, just to find it somewhere else for twice the price?  Suddenly, the first item seemed like a bargain?  That's how I felt about the snow and ice today.  I used to love the snow, but the older I get, I tend to disdain it.  I merely tolerate it.  Sure, it's pretty, but I don't enjoy driving in it, and more importantly, I don't want my children driving in it.

I work on a college campus, and goodness, have you seen how some college kids drive?  Take that and combine it with some slippery ice and snow. Then add some black ice.  Definitely a prescription for disaster.  Thus, I've said, 'nay' to snow for the past few years.  That is, until  yesterday.  All I could think of was, 'bring on the snow, baby.' 'Pack up this ice and bring on the snow.'  Over 28,000 people lost their power due to the ice on the power lines.  I prayed without ceasing yesterday that my power would stay on, and Praise God, it did.  A few people at work had to sleep in local hotels because their power was out.  One person had forgotten about his daughter's fishbowl.  Ahh....I think it's probably encased in ice, too.

We are supposed to get another 5-6" of snow in a day or so.  No problem.  As long as it's not ice.

Here's hoping that you are able to find a new appreciation for something that you have otherwise not appreciated.   Stay warm and be blessed!

Sunny and Warm

Yes, a sudden reprieve from the ravages of an Ohio winter; it has been sunny and warm all week here in NW Ohio. OK. I realize that warm is relative, but considering it has been below freezing (more like sub zero) temperatures, resting comfortably in the mid-forties is very warm. Almost tropical--at least to me. Whoever would even remotely describe NW Ohio as being 'almost tropical,' is surely desperate.

With the craziness of this past week, I have been, unfortunately, unable to bask in any of our new found sunshine and warmth. With work, Sam's untimely passing, school activities and family commitments, I have only been able to enjoy this weather from afar. That's OK though. I have thoroughly enjoyed it, even if it has been from a distance. It's given me a craving for Spring, for crocus emerging through the soil, for birds chirping in the morning hours (preferably after I am already awake), for long walks and even longer runs, and for Summer...visits to the beach, vacation in Daytona Beach, graduation parties, cookouts, Mudhens baseball, kids home all day, waking up knowing it's going to be warm outside, ice cream cones, etc. Yes, I thoroughly love Spring and Summer and can't wait for their arrival.

I love sleeping in on a summer vacation day, sipping coffee and reading the newspaper outside in the backyard and just walking the neighborhood. Actually, now that I think of it, I really miss walking my neighborhood. I'll have to begin doing that again, regardless of the weather. Domino is beginning to become a bit pudgy, and I'm sure he'd enjoy it, too. I haven't been able to walk the dogs of late, not only because of the weather, but also because, as tame and timid as they were, they would go wild when they were together walking. For being a trained therapy dog, Domino sure taught Sam some wild antics. Anyway...

Back to dreaming. Who doesn't love laying in a hammock, sipping a diet coke. Wait a minute. That is, once you have gotten yourself settled comfortably in the hammock--without leaning too much to either one side or the other and falling out. And camping. Ahh...camping. I think I am getting ahead of myself. I need to just keep reminding myself that it's almost Spring, and then Summer. Spring first. Most people say, "Rain, rain go away. Come again another day." I say, "Bring on the rain." At least that means it's not snowing, and it's a telltale sign of Spring. I also say, "Winter, Winter go away. Don't come back another day. Ever."

So, I guess I will just enjoy this unexpected burst of warmth and sunshine, walks and thaws, puddles and light jackets, and just pray that it lasts longer than it inevitably will. Maybe, I'll actually go for a walk tomorrow. Be blessed as you enjoy this Lord's day.

A Tribute

Sam...Well what can I say about him? To memorialize him? To leave a legacy of him?

Sam Grayczyk. A short, but sweet name. We didn't name him. But we did like his name.

Sam:
--Meaning: "Asked of God, God has heard."
--Breed: Golden Retriever
--Color: Golden
--Favorite Hobby: Retrieving
--Weight: 80 pounds
--Siblings: Joy, Bethany, Jonathan, Domino
--Demeanor: Sweet, kind, pleasant, laid back, lovable, peaceful, friendly, playful

We adopted Sam less than 3 months ago. Yup, November 19, 2010, to be exact. We were told he was 6-7 years old and in good health. Ha. Joke's on us, but it is not very funny at all. Call us naive, but ultimately, we were happy to have him in our growing family. We were extremely disappointed when our reputable veterinarian informed us that not only was Sam a lot older than we had thought, but that he was mostly blind and deaf. And, we didn't know it then, but he had an enormous tumor growing inside him, that would cause him to pass away far sooner than we would have liked.

Sam was friendly and pleasant to the very end of his life on earth. Although I am thoroughly dismayed that an Animal Rescue Center would sell us Sam under such false pretenses, we were happy to call him ours. Domino was happy to have him to play with (well sort of). We actually adopted Sam to be a companion for Domino, but because of Sam's age, he couldn't keep up with him. Domino was constantly prodding him and pushing him into play, and Sam would do the minimal amount required to have a good time. Give him a ball, and he was set for life. He loved retrieving, and we loved throwing. But...Sam always knew when we wanted to stop playing and to settle down. All we had to do was to stop for a moment, and Sam got the idea. Woo Hoo!

Anyway, I wanted to just memorialize Sam in this blog because, although he was only a part of our family for a very short time, he left a huge impact on our lives--his paw print. Before Sam, we hadn't ever even considered adopting a Golden Retriever, now we definitely see another one in our future. Only this time, we will adopt from a more reputable center.

Lastly, as our family is still grieving (Domino has laid around all day sulking and looking for Sam), we realize that Sam's name was definitely suited for him. "Asked of God, God has heard." I think that God knew we would enjoy having him in our lives for a short time, and Jonathan had been asking and asking for a dog. And...I'm sure that God heard Sam's inner plea for a home for his last days. A perfect fit. It's always nice to know that God not only hears our pleas, but actually answers them. May we all rest knowing that.

My Grown Up Job

On Sunday, my Pastor posed this question from the pulpit, "What do/did you want to be when you grow up?" Hmmm. As I was thinking about it, he said, 'Do you really think the men and women at the Cherry Street Mission planned on being homeless when they were kids? Did a crack addict aspire to be one as a 5 year old? I don't think so. Did the alcoholic tell his parents, 'I can't wait to be addicted to alcohol when I grow up?' No way.

I had always wanted to be a veterinarian. As a child, I adored animals, and they seemed to kind of like me, too. I typically thrived whenever I was around an animal. But a veterinarian? Apparently, that didn't happen, because I don't exactly go to work at a veterinarian's office daily. No, I wound up an accountant. Yikes. Talk about a change of venue. I mean, it's like a totally different person was inside that little girl and smushed out the sweet, caring, veterinarian, and said, 'No. You're going to be a pencil pushing accountant.' What 8 year old would ever really aspire to be an accountant? I can't say that I know of any. Oh, maybe Alex Keaton, from Family Ties, but that's a whole different ball of wax.

We then saw a video of a man talking to another who claimed to be God. "Psst...Remember...back to my story about being in church last Sunday--just in case I was boring you and you had forgotten." And for video purposes, the man was God. OK, it was a rather simple, but effective video skit. The man prayed and prayed, and God was answering his prayer by chiseling away at him. He had a hammer and chisel and would pretend to hammer the chisel around the man's back--thus cutting out 'pride,' 'anger,' 'jealousy,' and more, attempting to make him the man that he was praying to become and the man that God had truly intended him to be. I mean, does anyone ever plan on growing up to with some of the seven deadly sins hanging around his or her neck? I don't think so.

Me, like the man in the video, ultimately wants to become who God wants me to be. I want the Lord to strip away from me anything and everything that would cause me to sin. (OK, Lord. Please leave my family and my job.) But in order to do so, I must be purposeful and intentional; I must take the time, effort and energy to learn to grow in my walk with the Lord. Pastor Caldwell also mentioned that we all come to various forks in the road of life, and depending upon how we view them, they can become opportunities and blessings or destruction and consequences. I mean,we literally choose our destiny.

The question then is really, "What do I want to be Spiritually when I grow up?" Ahh...Now that's an entirely different story. And....what am I going to do to ensure that it happens? To ensure that I am actually become that woman of God that He called me to be. This needs to be a core value, stemming from how much I want to personally want to grow with and in Christ. This is a process, and most likely, a life long one. Pastor mentioned, 'The more I learn about God, the more I know that I do not know.' Wow. Isn't that the truth? The more I learn, the more I realize that I really don't know anything. I learned a long time ago that I should not pray for either patience or humility. Why? Because whenever I would pray for those character qualities, I would suddenly be thrust into situations that would require me to be patient and humble. And...either I would learn that I am not God's material, or I would prove that I still needed some more chiseling.

When I accepted Christ as my Savior, that was only the first step. It was a major first step, and that in and of itself, was quite enough. But to really live for Christ, to center my life around Him, to walk the walk and not just talk the talk, to grow in my relationship with my new-found best friend, it requires a journey, a process. It may take weeks or months, but most likely, it will take years, even decades. Spiritual growth doesn't just happen. If anything, our society works against it happening. Every time I turn on the TV, I am bombarded with images that affront my spiritual growth. When I drive on the freeways (especially I-75 leaving Michigan and entering Ohio) it is the same. In order for my spiritual growth to happen, I must be intentional, purposeful, ever watchful and wanting. I have to want it, crave it. And...I have to be willing to do whatever it takes to get it.

Just as husbands and wives want their relationships to develop, flourish and prosper, so the Lord wants my relationship with Him to do so. It won't just happen overnight. No, just as couples need to communicate daily, work on and alleviate their negative, past behaviors, focus on the positive in each other, crave each other's presence, I need to practice the same behaviors with the Lord. I must crave His presence, through the Word, through prayer, through music, through creation--however, I choose to commune with Him. But....I must do it. As Christians, we must stop talking about it, stop debating it, stop procrastinating about it and just do it.

We may actually have to sacrifice something in order to grow. You may have to turn the TV off a little earlier so that you can read God's letters to you before you go to bed; you may have to set the alarm, and stop hitting the snooze button in the morning, so that you can enjoy His creation with your morning cup of coffee and have a pleasant conversation. You may be called to teach a Bible Study on the only night of the week that you have free. Or cook meals for new parents, even though you may barely have enough to feed yourself. You may need to put dinner on hold while you counsel a frazzled, young mother, get a sitter to visit the homeless or sick, get your hands dirty by helping the widow garden...whatever it is, it may require some sacrifice, and you must be a willing vessel.

But isn't anything truly worthy of God, totally worth whatever it takes to acquire it? Can we possibly put a price on our menial sacrifices in order to get to know God better? Nope. What would you do if you knew that, by doing it, you would have a totally awesome personal relationship with the One Who created the universe? Hmm...Would you climb Mount Everest? Would you swim the deepest ocean or cross the widest sea? Would you be willing to stop complaining? How about not watching various programs on TV? Just what would you do?

How about learning to be quiet and listening to His, still, quiet whisper, and let Him tell you just what to do. He will if you ask Him. He really wants to help you, but you just need to do the asking. Jesus will not push Himself onto anyone, nor will He go where He hasn't been invited. Over the years, I've learned it's really not about me, and it's all about Him. That can be a bummer sometimes. Sometimes, I just want it to be about me. Like when I am ready to go off on the very rude driver in front of me, I have to remember, it's just not about me at all. When I want to scream in frustration because people are not doing the jobs they are being paid to do, I have to remember that it's not about me. It's really about Him inside of me and how I am going to represent Him. Hmmmm...that should make me think twice (or maybe three or four times) before I put my foot into my mouth.

When all is said and done, I really want to become exactly who God wants me to be at this season in my life. When I was young, the Lord called me to be a good daughter, sweet and kind. And then, a great student and friend. Then an excellent employee, wife and then mother. And now...as my children are growing, I see the Lord calling me still to be an excellent employee and mother, but also a great friend to the friendless, and a light in a dark and lonely world. I am sure that there are many other things that the Lord is calling me to be, but I am too tired to think about them or write them.

On a side note, please pray for my Golden Retriever, Sam. He is currently on my living room floor, as sad as can be; he can't move and is dying. Please pray that he is peaceful and not in any pain. I will write about him in tomorrow's blog.

My hope for you is that you seriously consider just who it is that the Lord has called you to be during this season of your life. And then that the Lord gives you the strength and willingness to do whatever it takes to become that person. I heart you all.

King of Hearts

Happy Valentines Day, everyone. Today is traditionally the day when love is magnified, seduced and celebrated, we think about who we love and why we love them, who loves us and why they do. We show our affection for those we love and are just plain lovely. Restaurants are crowded (I know, because I went to Olive Garden), flowers are purchased and given by the gazillions (I know that, too, because I received a dozen), chocolates are given and eaten, and all of those other things that happen on this lovely day of the year--well, they just do.

Even though I may not be 'in love,' I love Valentines Day. OK, I'd love it even more if I were in love, but let's not even go there.  Anyway, I am someone's object of affection. He, in fact, is crazy in love with me.  Always was and always has been. He loved me even before I existed, even before I was a speck in my mother's womb, before my parents' had ever even thought of me, and He always will.  He can live anywhere in the universe, and yet He chooses my heart. I obviously did not earn this love because I couldn't.  It's not because of anything that I could have, would have or should have done.  No.  It's merely because He does.  He chooses to.  He always has and always will. If I were the only person on this earth, He still would have died just for me.  He knows me even better than I know myself and has reached His verdict: He still loves me.

Just when I think, wow, I really want to be in love with that kind of man--one who loves me unconditionally, the one who always has my back, the one who wants to watch movies and take walks together, the Lord speaks to me and whispers, "You already are." When I reminisce about my past loves and ponder the lessons learned (and not learned), I hear the Lord say, "I will never be your past love because I will never leave you."   When I think of Valentines Day  and all of its earthly implications, I remember, just Who really loves me and just Who I really love and remember that He is the beginning and the end of all Valentines Days. And I smile.

Whether you are madly in love with your husband, you wife, your significant other, or someone else, may you always remember to take time for your First Love--He who created you and is crazy, madly, and undeniably in love with you. And may you smile.....  I heart you all.

To Sara, Miranda Evangeline and Chad, with Love

This past week, I experienced a few of the many blessings of writing a blog. A brother in Christ and friend of mine, Chad Cole, lost his loving wife and baby daughter in a car accident, and he kept a blog--a standing journal of their lives together--soon to be a cherished memorial to his wife and daughter.

www.sadandchara.blogspot.com

It's so very encouraging, and yet so very sad, to be able to read Chad's blog, both before and after the events of last week. Chad began his blog, "Our Little Secret" immediately after learning that he was going to be a father--last summer.  He and his wife, Sara, had been trying to conceive for over 16 months, and finally, she became pregnant. Chad then proceeded to chronicle his wife's pregnancy, his feelings, the doctor appointments, videos of the ultrasounds, etc.  It is a very sweet testimonial to a much loved wife and daughter.  Although Chad hadn't yet met his daughter, later to be named Miranda Evangeline, he wrote as though he had.

August, 4, 2010

We got to hear our babies heartbeat this morning.  Everything sounded good to us and good to the mid-wife doing the exam.  She confirmed that we're at 11 weeks which means the shrimp is a little over 1.5 inches long now.  Just a couple more weeks and everything that makes up a baby will be there.  The mid-wife said that after about the 13th week it's mostly just growth, with little development of new parts and pieces.

and then, the car accident (just a week before Miranda was due to enter this world)...

February 6, 2011,

I lost my best friend of over 15 years yesterday.  She was taken from this Earth far too early.  Knowing that she is resting is Jesus loving care doesn't begin to address the emptiness and hurt that I feel today.

and...earlier this week, when Miranda passed into Jesus' arms...

As I prepared to hold my darling daughter to my chest this evening, I was terrified that I would break...literally break...into pieces.  My fears were unjustified.  The hand of God so reached down and touched me, that I was able to sing my sweet angel into heaven.  That peace stayed with my while I bathed her.  It covered me like a deep blanket of snow while I dressed her for the first time.  It kept a smile on my face while we took pictures and I was able to introduce her to her extended families without all those wires and tubes sticking out of her.  You are all responsible for that peace.

God's miracle to me was giving me strength beyond my own.  Endurance that I could never have mustered.  Helping me carry my daughter proudly down long, silent corridors as we approached the gathered family and friends who were singing upon our arrival.

and then today's entry...

Chad posted the text from the memorial that he read at her funeral yesterday.  Below is an excerpt.

Because of this I want to tell you who Sara really was.  She described herself the best back in 1983, at the age of 7, when she wrote a short, but poignant letter to Jesus.  “Lord, I pray that you will make my heart loving and kind…”

In Miranda’s short life, she never said a word.  She never cooed, or gaa-gaaed.  She never crawled or took a step.  And yet, because of Miranda, a chord has been struck in the heavenly realms and its reverberations will be felt for eternity.  Thousands have joined together in prayer, setting aside spiritual and philosophical differences to lift up one small girl, her mother, her father, and their families.

Because of this I want to tell you who Sara really was.  She described herself the best back in 1983, at the age of 7, when she wrote a short, but poignant letter to Jesus.  “Lord, I pray that you will make my heart loving and kind…”

God answered that prayer, tenfold.  Love dripped from Sara’s pores.  Kindness was at the heart of everything she did.  As an adult, an unkind word from Sara was such a rarity that it was shocking.   And it was usually followed by something positive just to make up for it.  Sara’s gift was living her life with the spiritual purity of a child.  She didn’t make the mistake of trying to make her Christianity into something that was too complex.  For Sara the rules, set by her parents at a young age were simple:  Be kind.  Don’t do things to other people you don’t want to have done to you.  That is who Sara really was.  Sara was love.  She lived love.  If you want to do something to remember my wife, the greatest memorial would be to live life like she did.  Be kind to one another, and don’t do things to other people that you wouldn’t want to have done to you.

I'm not writing this to make anyone sad, but rather as a testament to Chad's devotion to his wife, daughter, and to Jesus Christ.  Through his grief, he remained steadfast, knowing that God had everything under control.  Even though he doesn't and can't see the big picture, he knows that God knows. This is also a testament to Sara, whom Chad has described as, 'pure kindness.'

Tomorrow is Valentines Day--the day that we typically focus more on love than any other.  May the love that Sara lived out, be lived out in your life.  May people be able to say of you that you lived out the word, 'love,' just as Sara did.



The Blessing
Let it be said of us while we walked among the living
Let it be said of us by the ones we leave behind
Let it be said of us that we lived to be a blessing for life

And let it be said of us that we gave to reach the dying
Let it be said of us by the fruit we leave behind
Let it be said of us that our legacy is blessing for life

This day, You set life, You set death right before us
This day, every blessing and curse is a choice now
And we will choose to be a blessing for life

Let it be said of us that our hearts belong to Jesus
Let it be said of us that we spoke the words of life
Let is be said of us that our heritage is blessing for life

'Cause blessings and curses are choices
Will we build up, tear down? The moment of truth is now

For your kingdom, for our children
For the sake of every nation
For your kingdom, for our children
For the sake of every nation
We will choose to be a blessing for life

And...Please remember to pray for Chad, Sara's family and Chad's family.  That the grace of God be upon them, that Chad is especially able to feel and experience God's loving, comforting arms around him during these dark days, that he knows that he is loved, not only by the Savior but also by his many friends.

If my blog is able to bless even 1/4 of the amount of people that Chad's has, I will be truly happy.  Be blessed as you begin your week.

Thank God for Warm Ovens

Well, just when I thought my consistently inconsistent furnace had been repaired, I realize that the 'inconsistent' shined.  Yup, it was just a temporary fix.  I had been so very excited to come home to a nice, cozy and warm home, that I practically forgot that it had actually been freezing cold less than 24 hours earlier.  Funny how quickly we forget.  Anyway, after putting a chicken in the oven, getting my 'American Idol' fix, and chillaxing while writing yesterday's blog entry, I thought I would read a bit before going to bed.  I was totally, physically and mentally exhausted.  Ah hum....I was also getting a bit chilly.

Not to be deterred, after finishing a few mundane tasks, I snuggled beneath my blankets to finish my book.  Of  course, I suddenly remembered I needed to fix my lunch for today. So, I got up, (for the first time, I may add) packed it, and returned to bed.  I was still feeling a little chilly.  I had left the oven door open to utilize the heat from roasting the chicken earlier.  Ah...but then I remembered that I was supposed to bring a certain CD to work tomorrow; one that I had borrowed and the owner needed it by Friday. So, again, I got up and searched everywhere for it.  OK, I didn't search everywhere, because if I had, I would have found it.  And I  didn't.  Well, that took quite a while.  

Again, I noticed that the thermostat numbers were steadily declining. Woah!  Wasn't it just working a little while ago?  I mean, didn't I just get it totally fixed?  Realizing it was bedtime and I couldn't really call anyone this late anyway, I settled under the covers and prayed.  And prayed and prayed until I fell asleep.  How quickly I forgot about the thermostat and drifted off.  But then...I awoke around 3:00 am.  I should say that I was awakened by my large, freezing cold dog jumping in my bed.  He so knows better, but considering the circumstances (meaning, he wasn't begging to be let outside into the sub zero temperatures), I let him stay. Almost anything is a welcome distraction from getting up, putting on my robe and slippers, and going outside to tie up my dog--all the while waiting at the back door for him to dutifully return to the porch to be let in--that is, assuming he really had to ummmmmm you know what, and not just run around chasing tired squirrels.  

It was then that I noticed just hold cold my house was.  Yup, it was borderline freezing in here--about 55 degrees. OK, I understand that it may not sound that cold, but goodness, I was freezing.  So....I did what any exhausted, frustrated, cold woman would do in this situation (No, I didn't wake my husband because I am not married, and no, I didn't wake my teenage son because if he had known how to fix the furnace, it would have been fixed already.  Hello?), I took a comforter from another bedroom, put socks on my feet and snuggled back under the blankets.  Well, I couldn't actually snuggle because it was so cold, but I  seriously tried.  I felt like a bear getting ready to hibernate--I had so many blankets on.  Oh yeah, and I prayed.  Just when I thought I was done praying, I prayed some more until I eventually fell asleep.

Around 5:15 am, my childrens's high school called to let us know that there would be a two hour delay, due to extreme sub zero temperatures.  I wondered if the Principal had been camping out in my living room and she was just so cold that she couldn't get herself ready for school.  Anyway, I was now officially awake for the day.  Well, not really.  My eyes were open, but I wasn't quite awake.  I had to check to ensure there weren't any icicles hanging from the doorways, no ice on the floors, or snow in my slippers before I could even get out of my relatively warm bed.  Even the blankets were becoming cold.  The temperature was zeroing  in on the 53 degree mark and falling. I even wanted to go work out at work just so I could get warm.  You know I'm cold when I actually want to work out at 5:00 a.m.  I mean, what normal person really wants that?  Not me, and I consider myself to be relatively normal.

All I could think of was warmth, heat, sunshine.  I tried doing the jumping jack thing to get my blood moving, but at that hour, my blood just wouldn't move.  It was an innate part of me, and I just don't move at that hour.  I turned on the oven and sat by it, all the while thinking up an exit plan.  Even the dogs were cold. Domino never even jumped off my bed, and poor Sam, arthritic Sam, aging Sam, was laying awake on Domino's dog bed. Neither even wanted to be let outside.  Ordinarily, they do a wild, 'Mom's awake' dance and begin running in circles the moment my feet hit the floor, but not today.  Nope.  Even they knew that everyone should be sleeping in a warm bed at that hour. I thought of taking a nice hot shower, but then I also thought that about the potential for icicles developing in my wet hair once I exited the warm drenching was quite high.  Instead, I ended up turning off the kitchen lights (I had turned them on so I could see to make a pot of steaming, fresh coffee) and dressing for work right next to the stove.  It really 'twas my only option.

Then, I broke down and texted my friend.  Sure enough, he came right over and worked his magic.  The temperature started rising, and I actually started thawing.  I continued to wear my coat and gloves while I poured my coffee, finished packing my lunch, getting my things together and heading out the door for work.  No working out  at the gym this morning.  I was totally mentally and physically exhausted.  I knew that it would be warm at work, and I was just happy to leave.  Thank God, my friend was able to temporarily fix the furnace.  But....now I really needed to find an inexpensive furnace repairman so that I wouldn't be going through the roller coaster rounds of "Will my house be warm, or will my house be cold today?"  

So....I went to where everyone seems to go these days.....Facebook.  I posted a status asking for recommendations for a good furnace repair guy.  Sure enough, my girlfriend, Kathy, (who is currently in Chicago on business), recommended Mauders in Millbury. I was so thankful to be at work, in the warmth of my office, with the sun shining through the window, and the paint fumes from the painters painting the entire fifth floor (Oh wait!  That's another story)  that I actually forgot to call them until late afternoon. A guy in a truck came immediately.  He worked on my furnace for two hours, and of course, my furnace was behaving perfectly.  I told him it's like taking your ever stalling, clanking, rattling vehicle to the mechanic, and suddenly it drives and sounds perfectly.  For him, that is.  I was beginning to think that my inanimate objects had preferences in personalities, and I wasn't at the top of their listings.  While talking with Gary, from Mauders, he showed me various things about a furnace that I apparently needed to know but never had the guts to ask.   How was I supposed to know I could use a 1" filter in a 5" slot, and it wouldn't make any difference.  The only reason I cared was because he was saving me some money with his suggestions.  Otherwise, I may have been better off not knowing.

When all was said and done, Gary, charged me $49.95 for the diagnostic call (I  prefer to call it a 'house call,' but Gary preferred the term 'diagnostic call'), and only $20.00 for the two hours of labor, parts, and keeping me company.  Oh wait!  I was keeping him company, or something like that. I couldn't believe it!  Then, he cinched my impression of him by saying if anything happens and my furnace decides to take a leave of absence or my house decides to return to Alaskan temperatures, within a reasonable amount of time, he'll return free of charge.  Wow! Kathy had definitely given me a great recommendation.

I got to thinking about how I so totally take warmth for granted and how things can change in an instant.  I mean, one minute I'm snug as a bug in a rug, and the next, even a hat, coat and gloves can't keep me warm.  One minute I'm stressing over the potential price of a two hour house call, and the next I'm so happy that it was beyond reasonable.  Things can definitely change in the blink of an eye around here.

There isn't even one evening that I go to bed and don't check my alarm clock  less than three or four times.  I know that once I fall asleep, literally in the blink of an eye, I could oversleep for something even 7 hours later.  Just one blink.  Like yesterday, when my dog, Domino, made a beeline for the front yard, it was literally in an instant. Like last June 5, we were outside celebrating Joy's high school graduation, with hundreds of people passing through our home that day, and almost instantaneously everyone's world changed.  Our center was shaken, and the party was over.  Yes, a tornado struck our little corner of the world and left only destruction and devastation.  In the blink of an eye.

1 Corinthians 15:52
It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.



(Live version MercyMe performing, "In the Blink of an Eye")

I guess all this means that I have to be ready for nearly anything and everything.  OK, I'll never be ready for my blood to practically turn to ice again, but I will be ready with the number of a good furnace repair guy, the next time my furnace misbehaves.  I even asked Mr. Furnace Repair Guy just how much a new furnace would cost--I'm just thinking ahead.  I also asked him about how long a furnace should typically last in a home. He said around 20 years.  Mine was at least 24 years old, but he said it's still a good one.  

I may not ever be prepared for sub zero temperatures, either inside or outside my house, arising so early that even my feet are still asleep, or changing into my work clothes by the light of the street lamp and the heat of my oven, but I will be prepared for Christ's Second Coming. Why?  Because, like most everything else I prepare for, I am intentional and purposeful. I look for the signs and wonders that Paul speaks of and ask the Lord just what I should be doing to be better prepared.  Hello?  I have Him in my heart, but there just has to be more.  I realize the whole grace, mercy and forgiveness thing, but I also know that I have to prepare more. Don't I?  I mean, just accepting Christ into my heart is merely a fire insurance thing, isn't it? 

Nope.  It is so much more than that. And while technically I don't need to prepare, but it does make life a lot easier.  I mean, who wouldn't read their soon-to-be husband's letters in between long bouts of geographical distance; who wouldn't talk and communicate with their friend, especially when they couldn't physically see each other.  By reading the Word, my brain is telling my heart that the world is not only going to totally change 'in the blink of an eye,' but also that it will be relatively soon.  By relatively soon, I mean, most likely in either my generation or in my children's generation.  I can't say that I really care one way or another, but I can say that I am prepared.

My prayer for you today is that you, too, are prepared for whatever life or death may throw your way, that your Salvation experience is more than just 'eternity's fire insurance,' and that you are able to see the subtle, and not so subtle signs, of Christ's imminent return.  Be blessed, and I would love to read your comments.