Time to Visit The Doctor - Lenten Devotional 4

But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, “Why does he eat with such scum? ” When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” (Mark 2:16, 17 NLT)

Oh my goodness! This one cuts me to the core. On any given day, I could fall in either category. I guess if all are truly honest, the same can be said by everyone. 

Some days I think I have it all together. I can say that I am living right and can point out others' sins pretty easily. Giving myself pats on the back that I am not like that other guy or girl, and my little minor screw-ups are nothing compared to the SINS of others comes without effort! Sound familiar? We often judge our "righteousness" against the "righteousness" of others, and we do so based on our standard of righteousness.

Other days (like today) I am humbled. I know that I am a sinner. My sins are no better or no worse than any other person's sins in God's eyes. All sin looks the same to Him. In identifying myself as a sinner is not to say I am scum and will never be worthy of a relationship with Christ. My sin makes me worthy. 

Jesus came to save me from my sin. He pulled me from the depths of despair and the road to Hell I was traveling down. 

Sometimes we feel healthy and our bodies are fine that we don't go to the doctor. Nothing's wrong so let's rock along. How many times have you heard of a case where someone decides to go for a random check-up only to find his/her cholesterol is abnormally high or even some worse diagnosis? Likewise, how often do we feel our spiritual life is fine and we don't get regular check-ups with The Great Physician only to find out later we have a serious void in our hearts? 

Christ came to heal us and to heal us completely. He came to heal our hearts and draw us close to His. In doing that, we are able to see our sins and shortcomings, but instead of being the scum others see us as, we can rest knowing we are forgiven. 

One drawback is that others will continue to remember our sin long after it is forgiven. It can be a strong force to pull us back down. We must stand firm in our forgiveness and believe we are children of God regardless of our past, present, or future sins. Don't let others' judgment determine your righteousness or sinfulness. Go to The Physician for a check-up OFTEN! 

What Do We Proclaim? - Lenten Devotional 3

But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus...but people from everywhere kept coming to him. (Mark 1:45 NLT)

What do I proclaim? What do you proclaim? And does any of it bring people to Jesus? If I were to answer honestly, probably not for me on a regular basis.

When I say proclaim, I am not talking about the street corner evangelists. I am talking about what thoughts, actions, and words proclaim to the public. So many people will say that they do not care what anyone thinks about them, that they are going to be themselves no matter what. I believe we should care what people think of us.

I am not naive enough to want everyone to like me, but I want to proclaim such that people will say (whether they like me or not), "Jennifer is an honest, trustworthy, respectable woman who loves The Lord and her family, and has a genuine heart for mankind".

I want my life to proclaim the love of Christ to all. I want to share what Christ has done for me in such a way that others will come to Him. So often I don't proclaim this goodness and love though. So often I allow the negative thoughts and words to flow. So often I fall.

The good news is that I don't have to stay down. I fall down, scraped my knees, but I get up and brush the dirt off! God is not finished with me yet!

"How Are You?" - Lenten Devotional 2

Often when someone asks me, "How are you?" I reply, "No complaints. Nobody wants to hear that anyway."  I could complain and give a long laundry list of my problems, aches/pains, disappointments, etc. However, I choose to be more positive and not focus on the negative stress. In reality, nobody wants to hear. Except God.

We need to give it all to Him. If we can go to God daily with our joys and our struggles, He promises to hear us and take care of us. This is not to say we shouldn't share each other's burdens, but if we take them to The Lord first and foremost then He will send the help we need. Just airing our problems to the world every time we are asked a simple "how are you?" is not the way. 

When all that comes from our mouths in our words, or our fingertips in our posts, is negative and depressing, many will begin to turn a deaf ear or blind eye to it. Taking it to God and laying our burdens at the feet of Christ our King should be first. Then He will ease our pain, relieve our troubles, and send us the rest our hearts so desire. 

Psalm 34

1 I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.2I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are discouraged take heart.3Come, let us tell of the LORD's greatness; let us exalt his name together.4I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears.5Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.6I cried out to the LORD in my suffering, and he heard me. He set me free from all my fears.7For the angel of the LORD guards all who fear him, and he rescues them.8Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him!9Let the LORD's people show him reverence, for those who honor him will have all they need.10Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will never lack any good thing.11Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the LORD.12Do any of you want to live a life that is long and good?13Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies!14Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others.15The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help.16But the LORD turns his face against those who do evil; he will erase their memory from the earth.17The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.18The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.19The righteous face many troubles, but the LORD rescues them from each and every one.20For the LORD protects them from harm -- not one of their bones will be broken!21Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished.22But the LORD will redeem those who serve him. Everyone who trusts in him will be freely pardoned.
I don't always withhold my troubles, but I don't spill them at every given moment either to anyone who asks. As we teach our children, there is a time and place to speak, and share our burdens. The time is now and the place is in the midst of prayer to The Almighty God. Give it to Him and wait for Him to send help. 

Storing Up "Treasures" - Lenten Devotional 1

I , I, I, me, me, me...So many of my conversations and decisions revolve around those words. If we are honest, most of us can say that. When asked to do something, especially for church (i.e. for GOD), we tend to weigh the benefits (what's in it for me?) against the sacrifice (how is this going to mess up my schedule?) Now before I ruffle any feathers and you begin defending your job responsibilities, I am not talking about that.

When challenged to read my bible more or spend a little more focus developing my prayer life, I can easily say I don't have enough time. We can justify our schedules. We live in a busy world and have to do things. There is simply not enough time, right? Not exactly-- I had enough time to watch The Voice on Monday and Tuesday nights for the past 3 weeks. I had enough time to scroll thru Pinterest and Instagram last night (and other nights). We won't even mention the time spent on Facebook.

¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

So what "treasures" am I gaining from these "literary" sites? Well, let's see-- crude humor, others' lack of respect of fellow man, drama and discord, negativity, destructive behavior...oh my! To quote one of my favorite people on such sites "Ain't nobody got time for that!" Yet, we make the time. Not only do we make the time to scroll, click and like, and even comment, we engage in it ourselves. However, I don't have time to read a few bible verses or spend a few minutes in prayer with God? These are the "treasures" I am storing and that is not good.

This Lenten season if I have to give up something, it is going to be some of my time, some of the time I spend scrolling, tapping, sharing. I am going to store up a little time to scroll through my bible app, taking in God's Word, and hopefully enriching my life more substantially than viewing cakepop fails, crude memes, negative political banter, and of course all of the disrespectful posts. Maybe I should click on that "hide" or "unfollow" button a bit more.

I am not saying that I am giving up social media altogether. I do see benefits of engaging in it. However, this Lent, I will be focusing more on putting God first instead. I want to store up treasures of goodwill, well-being, joy, inspiration, meaningful relationships.

What are you going to put in your treasure chest this season?

P.S. I deleted my Pinterest app

I'm Not Your Friend...I'm Your Parent.

As I sit here alone for the moment, I know I am not the best parent. I do what I can and I know I will make mistakes, but I try very hard to do the right thing. The rules and instructions I make and enforce are often unpopular among the under-18 members of our family. However unpopular they may seem, they are necessary.

I am not cool in the eyes of my children. I am not the one they want to hang out with on a regular basis. We are not always exactly friendly.

I am not here to be their friend at this stage in their lives. They can make friends at church and school. I am here to be a parent. I am to guide them in the way they should go. We will have times where we butt heads and even fight, but I know one day, they will see the benefit in my rules and yes, even my lectures. One day, my words will come out of their mouthes to their children. It will happen despite how many times they say now "I will never do that to my kid or make my kid do that!" One day, I will not be as dumb as they think I am now and they will not be as smart as they think they are now.

This week, our community experienced a tragic event when a local teen was killed in an automobile accident. Hearing news like that makes a responsible parent even more inclined to teach her/her children proper driving skills and the importance of making good choices so that the same fate is not met.

No one intentionally chooses mean, unfair, demanding, know-it-all people as friends. I am sure my children look at me as mean, unfair, demanding, and know-it-all most of the time. However, I'm not their friend. I'm their parent.

Proverbs 22:6, New Century Version (NCV)
Train children to live the right way, and when they are old, they will not stray from it.

El Salvador Mission Trip 2013 (Day 7 of 7)

This is the last of a seven part series taken from my daily journal while in Ahuachapan, El Salvador participating in a mission trip with the LaGrange District of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Day 7: 2/22/2013

Road leading to La Gloria Metodista

Last full day in Ahuachapan, El Salvador. We leave bright and early in the morning to head to the airport I believe.
We began today going to the church to clean. I ended up with a small group going over to the conference-owned mission house. It had wi-fi! I was able to email and Facebook a little without a line waiting as with our community laptop in days prior.

La Gloria Metodista

After cleaning, we visited La Gloria Metodista in La Gloria pastored by Gloria!. This church sits in a valley near a river.

Inside La Gloria

The road leading down to the church is known to be frequented by gangs. It was not recommended we walk these roads and our bus could not safely travel the rough terrain. So, we were shuttled past the gang-infested territory to the church location. This small block building barely held our group of 32. Tin roof with daylight shining through and yet the sweetest altar set up with flowers and white tablecloth. The congregation was so thankful to have been able to purchase the building and land after 5 years of $20/mo. rent, for $3700. They took great pride in their church and feel blessed to have it though the people have no money to contribute greatly. They prayed for years and God provided. We so take often take our church facility for granted. The pastor has 50 kids in her church, and about 100 members including adults, meeting in such a small building. They go to church daily. It is a place of refuge and hope for the people of La Gloria.


Clinic at La Providencia

Next, we visited another church, more established in La Providencia. On its campus is a government clinic akin to our health department that serves about 1500 people with one doctor, one nurse, and four community assistants.
We also visited the El Salvador Methodist Church national office, clothing center, and Clinica Metodista.
(more to come after dinner and worship...)
Dinner was great! Pupusas are great! I had a very good strawberry smoothie, too. After dinner, we headed back to New Jerusalem for a farewell worship service. It was an interesting and touching experience to hear familiar praise songs sung in Spanish. We were given opportunity to share thoughts about the week and our time here. I m so thankful for the opportunity to play with the young El Salvadoran children and share love with them. They presented each team member with a token of appreciation. I received a handmade hairband of straw or wicker of some sort. I will treasure it with my many wonderful memories.
Speaking of memories...from being mistaken for Mike's (Wilson) wife early on, to Hank's (Hughes) poor spider killing skills, we had a ton of laughs, too.
Quite a few "you had to be there" moments...
Looking for Margaret.
Flushing the paper.
30 people in the bed of a truck
The Mafia bus
Clown.
"I need the key."
Hitting heads on the package rack (Except Suzie)
Kory the Pirate.
Kory the Beggar.
Kory the Soccer Player.
Evening prayer groups.
The singing.
Kicking the dog.
Misplaced underwear.

This is definitely an experience I will never forget. Friendships formed. Memories made. Moments treasured.






 

El Salvador Mission Trip 2013 (Day 6 of 7)

This is the sixth of a seven part series taken from my daily journal while in Ahuachapan, El Salvador participating in a mission trip with the LaGrange District of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Day 6: 2/21/2013

I got emails from James! I miss him and the children so much. I am truly incomplete without them. I pray one day that each of them can experience a trip like this.

We finished our third and final day of bible school today. We were greeted with big smiles and hugs once again. We helped them make stained glass/sun catchers using waxed paper and tissue paper. After ironing 34 to sel the colors, I was given a pipe cleaner bracelet by a young girl as "gracias" (thanks). I will put it with the 3 drawings and pipe cleaner "serpiente" (snake) that I was given on the other days.

Once again, as the children departed and gave hugs, I felt so fulfilled. We sent the children out of the church, carrying their crafts and hygeine kits in canvas bags they decorated, to walk the dusty, rocky road home. No car rider line. No "wait here here til your ride comes." No emergency contact numbers.

Do you know what else we didn't have? We had no complaining or whining children. We had no disrespect or misbehaving. No snacks either.
We had children who could be content with the simplest of crafts. Children who could play with pipe cleaners or color for an hour. Children who did not need to be entertained.
Last, but not least, we had "John Jacob Jingle Hiemer Schmidt" except it was "Juan Paco Pedro- something". (Note to self: Google that one later.)
 

Juan Paco Pedro de la Mar
Es mi nombre, si
Y cuando yo me voy
Me dicen que yo soy
Juan Paco Pedro de la Mar
La ,la…la, la, la, la…la…

 

El Salvador Mission Trip 2013 (Day 5 of 7)

This is the fifth of a seven part series taken from my daily journal while in Ahuachapan, El Salvador participating in a mission trip with the LaGrange District of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Day 5: 2/20/2013

Luis

The morning was slow for me. Not much to do. What's that old saying? "An idle mind is the devil's workshop"? Well, the devil was working on me today.
I spoke to James on the phone yesterday for the first time since leaving on Saturday. Hearing his voice just ruined me. The homesickness began to set in. I miss him and the children terribly. I began to doubt if I made the right decision in coming. After not sleeping extremely well, I woke up a little sad and missing my family even more. Part of me was wishing I hadn't come. Why did I spend so much money that could have helped my family? Sounds familiar, eh? Hasn't the devil already used that trick on me? Why am I still listening?!?

One of the sweet abuelas

The morning dragged on and on and I really felt useless. I couldn't paint because the fumes made me feel so sick if I were around them more than about 20 minutes. Other small groups had been farmed out so there at the church I sat. Thinking too much. Allowing Satan to invade my thoughts.

Jenny

I made my way through lunch, and then had my scheduled 30 minute prayer shift. Amazing what God can do when you lay your troubled heart before him. As I poured out my heart to God about all that was in my head, I felt lighter and more at ease. I lifted up specific prayers for each individual on our team, too. By the time my shift ended, I was in a better state of mind and heart.

Jenny, Clenda, and Riley

As I came out of our makeshift chapel, it was time to set up for bible school. Before long, the children were coming in and once again passing out hugs. It was therapeutic to say the least.
I AM supposed to be here. I have a place on this team. I do still miss my family so much it hurts, but I need to be here.
I cannot let Satan rob me of the joy coming out of this trip.
I need to be here!

I have a place on this team.

El Salvador Mission Trip 2013 (Day 4 of 7)

This is the fourth of a seven part series taken from my daily journal while in Ahuachapan, El Salvador participating in a mission trip with the LaGrange District of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Day 4: 2/19/2013

Getting our supplies in order for pipe cleaner station

Today we held our first bible school with about 30-35 children showing up. As they began coming in the doors, the children hugged us. Some children even went around the church hugging each adult. One thing startled us at first. A few came in in the front door and immediately shot out a side door as we are shouting, "No, aquí!" since I didn't know the words for "come back." As I followed them out, I noticed they were not trying to run away, but were at the outside sink, washing their hands, wiping their hair and face, and rinsing their feet. They quickly finished their task and came back in to sit and wait patiently for instructions.


Some of our youth interacting with the children

One young man had a bright green instrument of some sort, made of bamboo. The way he carried it reminded me of the way the soldiers carried their machine guns on the street corners in the area. I began to wonder if it was an instrument after all. I pointed and asked "qué?" He put it to his mouth and began to play a simple song. "Bravo!", I said, to which he bowed and said "thank you!" Mystery solved, or so I thought. A few minutes later, this same child was holding it like and machine gun and pretending to fire. I guess I was right on both accounts. I couldn't help but laugh.

Our youth acting out the creation story

We had the simplest of crafts as we talked about God creating things of nature such as light and dark, flowers and trees, sun, moon, and stars. The children colored creation pictures, made card stock frames to embellish with foam stickers, folded tissue paper flowers, and played with pipe cleaners. Even the abuelas were fascinated with making pipe cleaner "floras". We had a church member on hand to help translate the bible story and lead the children in songs.

Some of the children, and Melanie coloring

I cannot describe my emotions right now. I barely understood these children and they barely understood me. Yet, we communicated. We shared smiles and hugs. I shared English words while they shared Spanish ones with me. I even shared my name. We had a "Jenni" and a "Jeniffer" today. :)



Scott and Elizabeth with the children as they play with pipe cleaners

Such a wave of joy came over me when I asked them as they left, "Hasta mañana?" and I received big grins with an exuberant "Si! Hasta mañana!"

Hasta mañana!!

El Salvador Mission Trip 2013 (Day 3 of 7)

This is the third of a seven part series taken from my daily journal while in Ahuachapan, El Salvador participating in a mission trip with the LaGrange District of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Day 3: 2/18/2013

Sleep was interrupted by the sound of dogs barking, roosters crowing, chickens clucking, and horns blowing. As my family well knows, I am NOT a morning person under the best of circumstances so with interrupted sleep, I was a bit grumpy. I complained for a moment, but then quickly remembered my "glad" devotional I gave yesterday taken from a previous blog entry. I must be intentionally optimistic like Pollyanna. I got dressed and headed out for a cup of coffee before breakfast at seven. As I approached the coffee urn, a young Salvadoran male, in broken English said to me with a smile, "This is good coffee." If he could be this bright and cheery this early and take time to converse with me in my language, I could at least improve my attitude and enjoy the simple pleasure of coffee. And it was good! [Side note: As we visited the coffee plantation yesterday, we learned that El Salvadorans appreciate good coffee and begin drinking it as early as two years old.]
Needles to say, after a wonderful cup of coffee and another amazing feast for breakfast, we headed to the church for our assignments. It was decided that we would hold bible school on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons. We sorted our supplies and put together our game plan for the Creation Story theme. Our crafts would be geared toward celebrating God's creation.
Next, we toured a local neighborhood village, El Carmen, to invite families to participate in bible school. What an eyeopener! We saw yards of gray dirt, animals roaming free in the yards and houses, and more smiling people! We had 3 representatives from the church to lead us and translate, Fernando, Emerson, and Joanna. It was a new world to me. We saw some homes made of bamboo sticks tied together, with corrugated metal roofs held down by tires. Others were open air cinder block while some were hand-formed adobe bricks dried by the sun.
We saw a brick making operation with a large kiln in the neighborhood. Very impressive.
The streets of rock and dirt made it difficult for me to travel gracefully yet these people do it every day for miles.
This afternoon, I took a shift in our makeshift prayer chapel (a back room in the church's preschool wing ) Time in the middle of our organized chaos to quiet down, pray, meditate, and just refocus.
I am so excited to spend time with the locals tomorrow.
And looking forward to more smiles!!

 

El Salvador Mission Trip 2013 (Day 2 of 7)

This is the second of a seven part series taken from my daily journal while in Ahuachapan, El Salvador participating in a mission trip with the LaGrange District of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Day 2: 2/17/2013
Wow. What a day thus far. 6:30pm and what have we done?!
Geothermal sulfuric hotbeds. Admission fee of $.50/person.
Concepción de Ataco - colony town (and tourist market) settled in a volcano crater.
Slum village built in the side of a mountain. Raw sewage smell for a mile. (Could see village at a distance).
Lunch at an amazing restaurant on a coffee plantation. Entre Nubes Cafe (http://www.entrenubescafe.com/)
Worship at Iglesia Evangelica Metodista Nueva Jerusalen. I was a bit lost with the language, but felt so welcomed. Smiles and hugs and lots of "Hola's".
As we travel the bumpy, winding roads in a suped up old school bus, I see few homes I would consider suitable housing. Some you can smell the stench as you pass. However, I cannot say that I have seen homeless vagrants, or beggars of any sort. I see people in clean clothes and shoes, with clean faces, working. Always moving, and 99% of the time- SMILING!
As I videoed two guys struggling to keep a trailer from rolling down a busy highway, I caught the eye of one. In the midst of his struggle, he lifted a hand to wave.
As I see pickups pass our bus packed with sometimes 30 people in the bed, I see smiles.
While I can speak very little Spanish, I can smile. And they make me smile.
Why can't I smile more in my life? I have an abundance of conveniences and opportunities and resources these people do not and yet they smile.
Smile. Smile. Smile!

El Salvador Mission Trip 2013 (Day 1 of 7)

This is the first of a seven part series taken from my daily journal while in Ahuachapan, El Salvador participating in a mission trip with the LaGrange District of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Day 1: 2/16/2013
I left LaGrange with anticipation and some fear, both of the unknown and unfamiliar. I was leaving my family behind, my family I treasure to the ends of the earth. I was leaving them for 8 days. Over the course of 6 months, and with the help of some donations, I paid for this trip and of the necessary preparations ahead of time. This money was financial support that I took from our household, money that could have served my family. I took the money to fund my trip. Satan began to work a number on me. I began to ponder how that money could have benefited my family.
Then, as I landed in El Salvador, and we began to ride the streets of towns, roads of countryside, I realized GOD is using that money for HIS benefit. It was not for ME. It was for HIS kingdom.
I saw slums and shanties. I saw roadside markets and grills manned by locals who looked as they are barely surviving.
Yes, the money could have bought my family more or paid down a credit card balance. However, it enabled me to be right here, right now, with this group of God's children, to serve more of God's children.
I feel like I am being obedient to His call. Here I am, Lord. Send me.

My Uncle Barry

I awoke this morning with bittersweet emotions. As I come to the realization that I will soon be saying goodbye (for a time) to a man I have known and loved all of my life, my heart is heavy, but my mind is full of wonderful memories.
Just over a week or so ago, we received news that my beloved Uncle Barry had what appeared to be cancer. Within a few days, we learned there were no treatment options due to its rapid progression. That kind of news hits you like a truck. Emotions began to flow. First instinct was to drop everything, hop in the car, drive 700 something miles, and spend every last minute I could with him and my family. Reality tells me though that is not possible. My obligations keep me here. Here, so far away from my extended family and longing to be there with them through this difficult time.
As I sit here, I find comfort in my memories of Uncle Barry. One of the earliest and most impressionable ones has to be how he would hold me down and tickle me til I nearly wet my pants. Many of you will know that tickle. How you absolutely hate it one minute, begging for it to end at any cost...the next you are right back over for more. Oh and his hugs were like no other. They were big and strong, and like the tickle, had a little something extra. He would snort like a pig either in your ear or on your neck while scrubbing his chin stubble on you. Chills to the Nth degree shooting all over as the result. As much as you squirmed and pretended not to like it, begging to stop, you loved every minute of it.
Even though I thought he had the strangest accent (Pennsylvania Dutch/Eastern Shore of Maryland brogue), I was the one with the strange accent when on his turf. He never missed many opportunities to point out my Georgia peach way of talking. I think he secretly envied my long "I" sounds in "shyyy" and "spriiiiite".
In my adult years, I could always count on an email or two a day from him. He wanted to make sure I received the money angel and sent it to 12 or more friends, or keep me up to speed on politics even though we didn't really see eye-to-eye on those, or the ever funny growing old jokes. I could almost set my watch and knew when he was at his computer by the timing of the emails. I loved seeing his name in my inbox.
We also shared a love of motorcycle riding. As James and I took a 2500 mile road trip a few summers ago, we were able to stop in and stay with him and my Aunt Cathy for a couple of nights. We shared a love for riding and talked about his ride also.
Last night, I had a dream about Uncle Barry. Nothing profound or even strange. I was back in his living room, giving him a hug, and simply saying "I love you."
I realize I will not have the opportunity to hug him again (at least not here on earth), but I will relive each and every hug I have had until we meet again.
I love you, Uncle Barry. We will meet again one day, and I will be ready for that hug.

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.

A Little Pink Eraser

Sometime last year I stood before the church to recognize our acolytes for their service. I had dropped the ball in providing adequate notice of the event and waited too long in ordering appreciation tokens so needless to say, it wasn't very impressive. I took responsibility and apologized for my shortcomings and mistakes. My busy schedule had gotten the best of me. I felt awful and embarrassed.
Shortly after I sat down, still kicking myself for letting the congregation and acolytes down, a very good friend was called up to do the children's moments. She began talking to the little ones about making mistakes and how God loves us even when we mess up. She gave them each a little pink eraser to remind them how God erases our mistakes and sins when we ask for forgiveness. As she walked back to her seat, she stopped by my pew, handed me an eraser, and told me that my mistakes can be erased, too.
That eraser travels with me every day as a reminder that God loves me always, even during those times I mess up. I turn to Him, and He erases my sins! I don't have to be perfect, because He is.

I am not a hater

I would be remiss if I didn’t say something in regards to the Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day that occurred August 1, 2012 under the prompting of Gov. Mike Huckabee. While I do not generally get into religious or political debates (and do not plan to engage in one now), I feel a need to explain my thoughts on why I bought lunch there.
I am really bothered when someone expresses his/her faith in God and choice to live according to His Word, and is then labeled as judgmental or intolerant. Being politically incorrect doesn’t make one judgmental or intolerant or even unloving. Being pro-something doesn’t automatically make one a hater.
According to my understanding of God’s Word, and my Christian belief, we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves. In my interpretation of those two commandments, and later on where we are told not to judge others, I see no part that doesn’t say we can gather with other Christians and celebrate our freedoms of speech and religion. Yesterday’s gathering wasn’t a hate-fest.
Also, as part of my Christian faith, I support that marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman.   The Bible is very clear throughout regarding sexual relationships and that they should be within the confines of marriage and also between man and woman. The Cathy Family believes this to be true. In saying it publicly, Chick-Fil-A is deemed anti-gay. I am now saying it publicly, and run the risk of being anti-gay, although I love everyone. Here’s where the “thou shalt not judge” comes in. Just because I do not agree with someone does not mean I hate them. I have gay friends. I have had gay relatives. I love them all truly. Just because I do not embrace or endorse the lifestyle doesn’t mean I love them any less.
We ALL sin. We must all get the log out of our own eye before we can see to get the speck out of our neighbor’s eye. We cannot judge each other, but I ask that my stance be respected even if you disagree just as I respect yours.  
I have fallen short of the glory of God many times. I continue to try harder, do better, understand more, and draw closer to Him. As the little children’s song said “Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.” We are the children of the world- red, yellow, black, white, gay, straight, married, single, young, old, tall, short….Jesus loves us all and commands that we love us all, too.

I love you all!

My Wish For You

My babies 2003

Ever hear a song many times and interpret one way, then all of a sudden hear it one day and get a totally different idea from it? Well, that happened to me today. I have heard "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts for 5 or 6 years now and always thought it was a nice song about two people in love with one going off to pursue a dream. Today, as the song came on the radio, I thought of my children.
As the song played and got to the chorus, tears formed in my eyes. I began to realize in a few short years, my children would be venturing out on their own. 

But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

Our family August 2011

The rest of the lyrics touched me just as much. I drove to town this morning fighting back the tears at the thought I will have two in high school with the last one close behind in 8th grade this school year. When I think of how quickly the years have passed, I get emotional. I love their growing independence, but still get nervous when they are not all with me. I feel best when I have them all at home. I have never thought of myself as an overly sheltering mother since I don't shield them from all of life's unsavory aspects. Nonetheless, I feel most secure when I know exactly where each are and who they're with. This song reminds me that the time will come when I have to let go. I pray that when the time comes, they will hold tight to all they have been taught. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." We have done our best to train our child in the ways of The Lord, and we hold tight to this promise. The day is nearing when I will have to say to them, "This is my wish, I hope you know somebody loves you."



Dreading Mother's Day...

Yesterday, well, actually Saturday, I began the annual dread of Mother's Day. Not because I don't love my mother, or don't love being a mother, but as attention is given to it, I can't help but analyze all of my shortcomings as a mother. We are often reminded of Proverbs 31 on Mother's Day in sermons and the Virtuous Wife sounds amazing. I definitely fall short and will never live up to that biblical example. Depression begins to set in.

I do the best I can yet I know if I were to rise a little earlier, or stay up a little later, or push myself a little harder, I could have a cleaner and more organized house and no pile of laundry in the closets....wait, that's it! I beat myself up every year because I don't have an immaculate home and no dirty laundry?!?

When I think of the love I show my family, none could outlove me. When I think of how I sacrifice my time and desires for them, none could replace me. I love my children more than anyone could. As they grow and mature, I pray they remember my love, not my piles of laundry. I hope they can be proud of what I do for them, and not worry about what is left undone at times. Things often get left undone to watch a show together, or play on the water. Those are the times I pray will be remembered.

I don't hold their hand through everything. I don't pack their lunches. I don't pick out their clothes. (I do veto outfits at times.) I don't micromanage them at all. My goal is to raise them to be self-sufficient. I see them each day moving toward adulthood. It makes me proud. My heart is heavy in knowing that they are growing so fast, but full of joy that they will be responsible adults in a matter of years. As I reflect on the years passing so quickly, I want to make the most of the time we have together as a family. If things are left undone, then so be it. They will learn to adapt and roll with the changes.

I have always loved this song by Toby Keith. We all have a list of things we need to get done. Often, those things become how we measure ourselves. When I fall behind, or fail to do something, I begin to analyze my shortcomings. I have told my husband on countless occasions that he deserves so much better than me. However, when I really think about it, no one could love him more...just may keep his house cleaner and the laundry done.

I have come to the conclusion that I really need to stop saying that to him. He deserves the most love any woman can give, and I KNOW I can give him that. My children deserve a mother who will give them the most love she can give, and I KNOW I can give them that. I cannot and will not promise a showcase home, but I can promise love, care, and attention ALWAYS.

Maybe I don't fall short after all...

Pollyanna

Sometimes life is just plain hard. No way around it.
We get hit with things out of our control. We see our friends suffer and there is nothing we can do about it. Then, there's just a bad cold that seems to make everything else seem worse, too.

I am in one of those sort of funks right now. My friends are hurting and there is nothing I can do to help. And I just can't seem to shake this bad cold or whatever it is. However, my ailments pale in comparison to what others around me are experiencing. I shouldn't complain. Yet I do. :(

We have a movie on our DVR called Pollyanna. Some may have heard of this movie, or even just the term "being a Pollyanna." I had heard the term long before seeing the movie. Dictionary.com defines the term as "an excessively or blindly optimistic person." When you read that, you almost get the idea it is a bad thing. After watching the movie, Hayley Mills (aka Miss Bliss from Saved by the Bell) portrays the character Pollyanna who in most circumstances likes to play the Glad Game. She purposedly focuses on the good in situations and doesn't allow the bad to bring her down. She is not blindly optimistic, but intently optimistic. For example, instead of me complaining about this awful cold, I can be glad I do not have the flu. I can still function to some degree.




We could all take a lesson from Pollyanna. When we decide, or allow ourselves to hone in on the evils and troubles of this world all the time, we miss the blessings before us. I am not saying to look at the world through rose-colored glasses, but to take time to notice the blessings. They will always far outweigh the troubles if you look hard enough.God loves each and every one of us. He promises to be with us each step of the way. He sends His Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us. We are never alone. Be glad in that!

 

Psalm 118:24

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.