What I Never Got as a Kid From The Neverending Story!

When I was in elementary school, my class watched The Neverending Story. Most memorable to me was a flying dog, a wimpy boy, and a sneezing turtle. As I was perusing through our tv channel guide a few days ago, I saw that the movie would be airing soon. I quickly set a timer on the DVR, if for no other reason than nostalgia. Last night, my husband indulged me and watched it with me. The eyeopening began.
Several different themes and messages began to surface for me that I had not gotten as child. Ranging from the power of the imagination to the power of hope to the importance and worth that each of us possess.
The Nothing begins to sweep across the land, leaving nothing in its path, but destruction and despair. The Nothing seeks to rob each of us of our hope and joy. It seeks to destroy. If we allow ourselves to stop and focus on our despair or begin to doubt our worth, we fall prey to The Nothing.
We set out to combat this emptiness, but carry no weapons. However, if we open our eyes and our hearts, we soon realize we are not alone. We have allies to aid in the fight, to help, to guide, to protect.
In a world that is crumbling from lack of hope, a savior is sent in human form. Though seemingly lowly, he brings hope back and restores the world.
While it is not exactly the salvation story we read in our Bible, I was reminded of my Savior. He came to Earth in human form to bring peace and hope for eternity. He reminds us of our worth in God's eyes. We all have purpose and meaning.
Without hope, we sink in the muck of life. Without a Savior, our world is lost.
And contrary to what the muddy turtle ha to say, it DOES matter!!

Ostentatious Headstone or Lasting Imprint?

As I think about this past weekend, I can only praise God. We spent the better part of Saturday with some very good friends we have come to know in recent years. They have had tragedy and heartache in their lives, but continue to find joy in life, and give of themselves in careers that serve and protect others. They are an inspiration to me.
After attending the Atlanta Boat Show together, we shared a meal at Six Feet Under. The restaurant is located across the the street from the legendary Oakland Cemetery that serves as final resting place to quite a number of notable people like Bobby Jones and Margaret Mitchell.
While that may not appeal or interest some, I was personally fascinated by my too short visit. However, even in the short time we spent in the cemetery (due to another engagement I will elaborate on shortly) I was mesmerized. As we strolled through, I began to notice the vast differences in tombstones. They ranged from small and modest to grand and almost ostentatious. I began to think, "Wow, that person must have been important, or they must have been wealthy!" as I saw the grand monuments. Then I saw the Confederate Soldier burial section, all with very modest headstones. Were they not important also?
I realized that the size of the headstone doesn't really matter, does it? The final mark we leave on the world shouldn't be our grave marker. I care nothing for having a large headstone or even a grave for that matter, but I do want to leave a grand imprint on my world. I want to live my life such that when I leave this world, I am not honored with a large over-the-top tombstone or mausoleum, but with the words "well done, good and faithful servant."
That brings me to the second part of my Saturday. Our time at the cemetery was cut short due to attending a prayer and communion service for a family who has answered the call to missionary work. Heidi, Nick, and Gilly Griffiths on January 22 will leave their life here to enter the mission field in Kenya. I cannot begin to imagine such a life change. What an imprint they are making. After hearing their story and watching their preparations, I know the Griffiths' decision was not an easy or quick one. God began working in them some time ago. As I think about them, I stand in awe and admiration of how they have heard the call of God so strongly. I felt a need to be at that prayer service, to wish them well, and to share even if just a little in their journey. You can also share in their journey through their blog. I am including a picture of this precious family. http://griffithsonmission.blogspot.com
They will one day hear those sought after words from God.
Now, that brings me to the end of my weekend. I had a team meeting with my El Salvador mission trip group. We are scheduled to leave on February 16 for a weeklong mission trip. I have never been on a mission trip. I am both excited and fearful about my adventure. However, I am not alone. I know God has called me to do this. He opened doors and provided the resources to make this trip possible. I hope to make Him proud. I can only believe that this trip is just a small part of my mark to leave on this world.
This weekend was an enlightening one for me. God is working in my life...through all areas of my life.