Lesson #4...always learning

This has been a year for traveling for me and my family. We have always been travelers, so packing is sort of a passtime for me. Traveling by air, though, presents a few traveling challenges, or at the very least, procedures you need to be aware of before you arrive at the airport!

For various reasons, I have spent more time this year in air ports than in any other year of my life! I have had to learn about check in procedures, security procedures and air plane etiquette. Not to mention, flight delays and food choices! To travel by air there are things you must do, and procedures you must follow. These have to do with getting through the security check point, so it is important when planning your wardrobe and packing your travel.

For example, do not expect to wear a jacket through security, take it off before they have to threaten you with a 'pat down' search! (that was the choice I was given on my first morning out!!!--trust me, take off the jacket, voluntarily!)

You can do a 'self check-in' by swiping a credit card...for I.D. purposes only....to get your very important boarding pass. This piece of paper will get you through security, with your photo I.D. and it will get you on to the plane, without your photo I.D.

Before approaching the security gate, take a moment and get ready, I get this all ready as I pack for the flight:

Electronics: My computer, camera, G.P.S., and cell phone I locate these in my personal carry on , wither my purse, or in my computer tote.

Liquid: While you need to stay hydrated when you travel, do not think you're going to carry a bottle of water through security! (I drink one on the way to the airport, and trow it away on my way in) Just purchase another one when you get on the other side, or pack, if you have room, an empty re-usable one. Also, your personal hygiene items. If you are checking a bag, you can pack them in there, I always use zip-lock bags for this in either bag, because I hate messes on my clothing during travel, and if your shampoo, or worse, nail polish removed spills you have a huge mess! SO, use small containers...(and instead of packing nail polish remover in liquid form, for travel, purchase the disposable remover pads--I also buy face-wash pads instead of packing my liquid face wash for trips!)

So, you have the small containers...You are allowed not more than 2oz. in each little bottle, so be judicious in your carry on items. If you are carrying on, put all liquid items, shampoo, contact solution, liquid makeup, what ever is liquid in ONE quart size zip-lock bag.

Put this bag with your electronic devices in your carry personal carry on.

Step up to the security check point. Hand the first person your photo I.D. and your boarding pass.

Next point, you are ready for the scanning machines (I'm certain there is another name for this part of the procedure, but I'm a novice!) As you approach, grab a couple of plastic bins. In one, put all your electronics that will fit, and if there's room your bag of liquids.

In the other, put your shoes, (and shoes, wear comfortable ones, never know how MUCH walking you're going to have to do--trust me, flights change all the time!). Your carry on can go through with your bag, just place them both on the rollers. Now, WAIT for the security guard to tell you when to go through the scanning part. Be respectful, and do not talk too much to them, they have a really important job to do...so you need to take it very seriously...

On the other side, your personal belongings will come through the x-ray type machine, you collect them and, unless they stop you for a random search, or take your bag for a deeper scan. Put your photo ID up, and put your boarding pass in a safe place. (I usually put it in the book I'm planning to read on the plane--just me!)

NOW: MOVE on through to the benches or chairs. This area, beyond security is provided for you to re-assemble your stuff do not hurry, do not be anxious...sit down, put your shoes back on. But the point is: MOVE out of the way, you are not the only person there--be conscious of the people around you and either move with or get out of the flow of traffic!

WOW...I wrote all that, because I have seen the most organized travelers, and the most disorganized travelers, and it always amazes me on both ends of the spectrum! I love watching people..hilarious. I suppose the moral of this story is pack wisely, think about each choice you are making for the items going in your bag...and strike up conversations with fellow travelers! You meet interesting people, and get interesting perspectives!-Not to mention, great stories to tell!!!

The lesson I have learned this year is to be always learning. A better way to pack a suitcase. A better way to read a book. A better way to write a research paper, a better way to study my Bible, OR a better way to pack liquids.

A better way to speak to my children, a better way to motivate those around me --or myself!

A new and exciting route to a place...or learning about a far away place. It is a wonder to me because the more I learn, the more I realize how little I truly know!

Learn about making friends, learn about truly being honest with yourself, and those you love. Learn how to color your own hair, or make bread.

Here's a verse I read this morning:

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. 2 Peter 1:3-9

Always learning. These verses speak of godliness, and knowledge, and perseverance...brotherly kindness and love....self-control...faith...this qualities, building from the foundation of faith, will keep us from being unproductive and ineffective.

How effective is your faith? How effective is the knowledge you possess of our Lord?

We desire our lives, as Christians to be effective for the kingdom--don't we? We should. Be alert. Be learning...always!

Lesson #3...being thankful

I have learned to be thankful for what I have and what I do not have.

That may sound strange because in our culture it is about getting/keeping more and more, faster and faster. Whether we are talking about shoes and purses, or appointments and meetings. We like to talk about how important we are by relating how busy we are on our calendar, and look good doing it. Do not miss understand, I do think we should strive to look our best, but I must continuously guard myself not to get carried away in to obsession with stuff. And, because there is an actual show on T.V. entitled 'Hoarders: Buried Alive'...I do not think it is wrong for me to assume that many in our culture struggle with accumulating too much.--just sayin'

When we were packing to move from our home of twenty years, we were facing a time crunch and limited places to 'put things' in the vehicles. We were not going back to the storage building, so it had to either fit or be left behind.

We had to prioritize during those last moments. Those moments were full of phrases like "yes" or "set aside, we'll see if we have room." I felt like such a pioneer--only it wasn't a covered wagon--it was an SUV and a convertible we were loading!

One funny story happened near the end of the packing. There were things like jigsaw puzzles. Lots of them. I sent Madison to ask Holly what to do with them, she came back and said, "Holly said give them to Jerry Patrick."

Who in the heck is Jerry Patrick? I've never heard of Jerry Patrick. Don't know who this person is...

What Holly had said was: "Tell mom to give them to the geriatrics."

I am thankful I do not have puzzles any more to keep track of, I am thankful for my kids who make me laugh and smile!

All my purses and bags got left behind at the last minute. My dear husband had told me that there was no more room, and so I sent them away with my son-in-law, quickly so I didn't have to think about it. Like ripping off a band-aid.

While I am thankful I do not have to store a lot of extras at this point. I am thankful for what I do have. Less to worry with, less to keep track of, and what I have, I use--I couldn't really say that before the move!

I am thankful for the very simple life we have right now. I am thankful we do not have a hectic crazy schedule to keep.

I am thankful for this time in our lives...to slow down and plan a little, or sing, draw, write, read or listen. For some, this would seem a dessert experience. For me, there are moments that seem like dessert, and there are moments that are mountain top experiences. However, at all times I feel that God is near.

I have never been away from my husband for two weeks straight. I am thankful for a husband that I love to be around. However, this summer, I spent two straight weeks at Tozer for intensive classes. While it was difficult to be away from my family, the two weeks the time spent there included learning to navigate dorm life again while forming new friendships. The times spent in worship during chapel, and the times spent in prayer with classmates are moments I will always cherish.

Upon the return home, we began The church we've been attending this summer has become one of those mountain tops for me. It is truly amazing to be a part of the worship each week, and listen as the truth of scripture is proclaimed. They are a church on the move, and the Word presented and the worship are served up fresh each week. Only to please our King. The King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Creator of the Universe.

And so, at this very personal growing time in my life, I am thankful to attend an amazing church, and I am thankful that I do not have a key role there. I do not intend for that circumstance to be permanent in my life, as I love to serve the Body of Christ. This is the first time in my adult life that I have ever been in this position and I can see things that I need to learn right now--for my good--that will better prepare me for future service--where ever that might be! In it all, though, I want to remain thankful. Thankful for what is and is not in my life!

Lesson #2 for this year...

Becoming healthy spiritually, mentally, socially, emotionally and physically is important to me, as it should be to all of us. Remembering that we are image bearers of our Creator should be enough motivation for health in all areas of our lives. Health doesn't just happen, we must work at it. Remembering that when we bring health to one area of our lives, it positively affects the rest.

By the world's standards, many things have happened to our family this past year (actually within the past 7 months) that would put us in a position of having no hope, seeing no way for good. However, this is a perspective thing; it is a 'let's apply scripture to this' and see what happens thing. The happenings alone have set us up for a wild ride! The world just needs to know, though, who we are trusting through all of these events.

During this ride (because I think it is far from finished) I want to share with you the things that have struck me--seemingly secret things. These things, these secrets keep us going, and give us the ability to sleep at night when our world has been collapsing all around us.

For, if you know me, and my story, my world is in constant state of collapse...in order to always be finding, establishing and living with a 'new normal.'

From this side of things, normal is a relative term! However, I am speaking of the things, the perhaps mundane things that we do every single day and take for granted...from driving to the bank, to picking up our children at school. From shopping for groceries, to putting gasoline into our vehicle(s).

One of the last assignments I had for school was to write a Bible study, consisting of four sessions. This study was to be the result of a word study for the word grace. This is one of the things I love about God--the way He orchestrates the things in our lives to include truths about Him exactly when we need them the most! (of course, you need to be looking for this to happen to realize it)

(Side note: I read a book a few years ago called Grace Matters. Probably one of my most favorite books, as Chris Rice speaks about living in community, literally in the same household, with another family. The Rice family was/is white...the family they lived with, the Perkins family, was/is black. And, if it were not for grace, the grace they extended to one another, and the grace extended to them by a loving God...the end result would have been disaster, not a deeper love, respect and understanding between the families.)

Listen to the Hebrew writer, in chptr 12, verses 14-15 "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many."

Wow! What a message--I could write on and on about those two verses. For the purpose of this post, however, my point is to remind us that we have a responsibility.

The words "make every effort"...those are a challenge, aren't they? In our culture, that is SO counter-culture. When most would just hide under the rug, or skirt around issues, we are to be openly concerned about living at peace, and being holy. ...and, as much as it depends on us, be concerned about our fellow human beings--that No One misses the grace of God!

We don't like to be concerned do we? We like things the way we like them, in our own little world...I don't know how many times I've heard, I don't like change. Please. It's the only constant in our human experience. Grow up and get used to it. However, you can fight this selfish impulse by remembering: (from Lesson #1) "the power of life and death is in our tongues"...so be careful!

Only give 'full vent' to God. He is always there to listen. ALWAYS! Be guarded about what you say about someone else when you are speaking to other people. But to God, you can tell Him just how you feel, and He cares, remember? And, remember? He sees us, El Roi, the God who saw Hagar. (Genesis 16) He knows exactly what has happened to us, and nothing is a surprise to Him, according to Psalm 139. He expects us to be obedient, even obedient in our times of great trial. Well, and of course, James 1:2 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds."

I think this is so that we can see the glory of God in our times of trial.

We are to pray for our enemies. That's right. If you know me, and have ever discussed this with me, you know it is true...scripture teaches us this. Putting it in to practice is a challenge, but Christ is right there to help us through that, as well.

Last winter, during a short Bible study, a verse was shared and it spoke directly to this issue: Job 42:10 "After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before." And, remembering the story of Hagar, she and her son, Ishmael, were blessed, as well.

So, here's the lesson: If you want God's blessing, understand that it comes through obedience, only 'vent fully' to Him. Then, pray for those that have wronged you. Job's friends were anything but supportive of him in his "new normal" his diseased, pitiful state...but as soon as he prayed for them, God blessed Job's faithfulness.

I am not suggesting that we live like this in order to receive some material possession, we have enough. I am suggesting that we live like this, praying for enemies, only venting to God, as a means of true health...socially, emotionally, physically, mentally and especially spiritually. If we allow bitterness to take root, no matter the circumstance that brought the bitterness, then it will affect our entire person.

That bitter root also causes trouble and defiles many. Thank how much healthier the Body of Christ would be if these lessons were learned by all that identify themselves as Christians. What battles would be won, souls reached, lives restored--the possibilities are endless. Health. Over-all health. Begins and ends with prayer...and in the in between times--trusting in God's provision.

Lesson #1 for this year...

I said yesterday that I have learned many things this year while on this journey. Today I wanted to post one of those lessons...

First a disclaimer: many of the lessons, I am still learning, so be patient with me, (and with yourself, if you decide to join me) if you're keeping track!

Lesson #1: Every choice I make will either bring life or death. The words I speak are powerful, because Proverbs 18:21 "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."

Each word we speak, either brings life or death to the situation or person we are addressing. This is a hard lesson to learn for those of us who like to talk a lot!

I also learned that each time I eat things that do not bring health to my body, or go without the rest my body needs, or worry about an insane situation to the point that I cannot sleep or eat, I am commiting what is known as an act of self-violence. In my mind, this self-violence also includes some of the things we put in to our mind, our intellect each day. We do this through the things we read, hear or look at on the TV or internet--the ability to think and reason is a gift from God...we need to be alert and informed to be able to to that to the best of our ability.

I had never considered this before as I would spend most of my time studying or researching or what ever...not taking time to think about what I was actually eating...or how inactive my body was becoming.

Maybe it is because I just celebrated a milestone birthday, but I think that it may be true what they say 'that life begins at 50'! Of course, from where I'm sitting/standing/walking/stretching, it's a little louder. The breathing, or creaking of the bones or the voice...

I remember when I turned 45, I thought then, "I've lived my whole life to be this age!" I loved that year...for what ever reason. But, like my grandma AnnaBelle always said (and she'll turn 89 this November, Lord willing), "Honey, You are only going to be (50) for ONE year...enjoy this age!" I love that about her, so practical...don't get too excited about an age in the future that you're going to become, or an age when you were at your best 'way back when'...enjoy this one...this is the only time you'll be here!

And so, the moral of this story is: what ever age you are: do not commit self-violence, instead do everything, as far as it depends on you to take good care of yourself. AND, while you're doing that: be aware of the way you speak...bringing life or death? Simple. Really.

Here is a list of a few of the books I have read this year that have given me insight and have helped me sort this out:
My Bible
Courage in the Call by Gordon T. Smith
Margin by Richard A. Swenson, M.D.
Rest in the Storm by Kirk Byron Jones
Clergy Self-Care by Roy M. Oswald

The Day I Could Not Find the Cross...

My family and I began this year with a new adventure because I became a seminary student. Soon after I began my course work, I realized that I am part of a trend. In fact, many people--women especially--according to an article in TIME magazine, are enrolling in seminary! Pursuing something they have always had a passion for but never afforded themselves the time to pursue.

My school is A.W.Tozer Theological Seminary, on the campus of Simpson University, Redding, California. For my first intensive week of class, I arrived in the dark of night in February. Cold and tired, ready to rest from an extremly long day of traveling. I had never been to northern California, so I was looking forward to experiencing the beauty I'd always heard about!

After campus security met my cab and showed me to my dorm room, I quickly asked as many questions as I could think of that would be important for me to know before class the next morning...in my tired state, only two came to mind: which way to the dining hall? And, how do I lock these doors?

The next morning, overcast, grey skies met me with drizzly rain. With my black umbrella pulled close to my head, I walked to the dining hall to eat a quick breakfast. The Tozer students can sleep in the dorms, eat in the dining room, and use the library on campus. However, because Simpson undergrad students are there, class room space during the day is limited. The Tozer students are in class rooms throughout the city of Redding and must arrange their own transportation to and from classes for intensive weeks. (Now that I have been there, I have frineds there, because the Tozer students are amazing!!!, so rides are not that difficult to find!)

One of the local students had graciously offered to help me with a ride to class each day. This young woman had said she would meet me at the cross on campus. OK. I thought, no big deal. But, in the black of night, from the back seat of a cab, I saw no cross. From under my black umbrella, in the drizzly rain, the next morning: NO Cross. Where is it? I couldn't locate it. So, I call her, and ask if she could just pick me up outside the dining room, because I had not yet located the cross she had mentioned.

At the exact time we'd agreed on, I have my umbrella pulled close to my head, she pulls up to the curb and after a quick greeting I climb into her car and strap on my seat belt. We pull away from teh curb and drive the distance of what in my town would be a 1/2 block up the street. Yes, you know where this is going. There, to my astonishment, is this HUGE white cross...the centerpiece of the entire campus. You cannot, by the way, see it from under a black umbrella, or apparently from the back seat of a cab in the black of night.

I thought when I had told this sweet girl that I couldn't find the cross that her reaction was strange. At that point, though, I didn't think too much of her reaction. However, I'm sure she's probably thinking at this point, where in the world did THIS woman come from? Hilarious, that's what it is.

For the next 2-1/2 days rain, drizzly rain. On Wednesday afternoon, there was a break in the rain, to reveal the magnificent views from the campus. It is truly breath taking! There is a view of Mt. Shasta that can only be seen on clear days...and for the most part, the days there are clear...except this week I was there! Wednesday afternoon, even that view was clear! Gorgeous!

On that Thursday, is snowed! For one fellow student from the Philippines, this was his first experience with snow. I saw him on the patio during our lunch break skype-ing with his parents, so they could enjoy the snow experience together. How fun is that?

By Friday, more drizzly rain, and over cast and limited visibility of the beauty surrounding the campus!

This is how our life goes sometimes, isn't it? The cross has been the center piece of the campus for a long time...always right there...whether I could 'see' it or not! Mt. Shasta has been standing in the same place for longer than I've been alive...and just because I couldn't 'see' it for most of my visit to the campus, didn't mean it wasn't there...I just didn't realize it was there, or that I could see it and enjoy it's beauty!

This is how we view God...if I can't 'see' His work, or His way, or His provision it does not mean He isn't right there...He doesn't move. He's the same, yesterday, today and forever...providing for me...loving me...caring for me...and by His grace forgiving me over and over again!

I have learned many things by attending the four classes I have now completed at A.W. Tozer Theological Seminary. (the more I learn, the more I realize there is to learn--perhaps that's why Paul tells us to have a 'teachable spirit!') I have many more classes to complete before I receive that masters degree! However, some of the most important lessons I have learned have been just my day to day dependence on a holy, just, loving God! God is God! Praise Him for He is worthy!

I'm baaaaaaa-aaaack!!!

Good morning! So many things have happened since I last posted--because almost every detail of my life has changed since then (February 2, 2011--date of last post), I thought a 'fresh look' might be exciting and fun. I struggled and thought yesterday about my focus...should this blog only have one theme/focus...or should I discuss the various family happenings...or should I discuss ministry...what in the world? For now, let's just stick with my perspective on random things that come up in my day(s)!

Did you know? Borders is going out of business. This saddens me, for it has always been a place I love to 'get lost in' (especially the one on Michigan Ave in Chicago--multiple floors of BOOKS). And, because we are currently far away from Chicago, we are frequenting the one that is about fifteen minutes from our home. I haven't met too many people here, yet. Mostly because the whole time we've lived here I have been either studying, traveling or writing (and re-writing!)

I find myself in random conversations with people, while we wait in line, or wait on a table at a restaurant, or in Borders! So while visiting our Borders yesterday, a lady asked me to help her find a book in the section we were browsing! Her daughter needed it for class. At first we were very guarded about our backgrounds, but then, when we talked about our daughters--we both just kept talking! She has four daughters, much closer in age to each other than ours are--but it was good to relate. We talked about many things...how religion is not as important as relationship with God...how being a parent is not for wimps...having so many children put us on the same page.

When she grew up, her religious practices kept her from being accepted in "the South", and now, it is hard for her to be accepted because she has four children. And, by accepted, I am talking about by other women. That's right, just admit it, as women, we look at each other and sum it up, don't we? This was the nicest lady, but most women at her daughter's school won't even talk to her. (I tried to explain this to my husband who was dumbfounded by the non-acceptance thing) But, if you are a woman, especially a woman with kids, you know what I am talking about.

In my experience, as a mom of five kids, women with fewer children (two or less) either admire you and want to know how you do it 'all'...or they have no time for you because they either think you're crazy OR they do not see the point of having more than two (or one, or none!)--most people don't want to 'do crazy,' so they just smile politely and ignore you! I turned 50 this year, and celebrated my 30th anniversary...by the world's standards, I am certifiable! But, I do have a brain, and a voice, and sometimes, I use both! I also love LOVE Love being a mom, and by this point in my life, I love being a grandma...'G-Mar'...the bigger the family the better!--because we are to model, in our families, what the church is supposed to be...

...It is so sad that we do not just press in to one another to find gifts and talents that we can't see on the surface! And, by the way, we never did find the book the lady was looking for...but it suddenly didn't matter, because we had a very real conversations and she was able to vent for awhile--priceless!

I"m baaaaaaaa-aack!

Good morning!

Of course, by the time I get this posted, it'll be afternoon! Either way...here

go! I had the most gorgeous, charming post ready for you to read...and I hit publish, and nothing happened....so I explored again how to publish, and thought I was pushing the right button, and my gorgeous, charming post disappeared! I supposed that was not what I was supposed to say to you!

It has been a long time since I wrote on here. Almost every detail of our lives have changed since I last wrote. Including, but not limited to our location on the planet.

I began seminary this past January. I could write here about that experience, and fill many day's worth of posts! OR, I could write about what it's like to sell our home within two weeks of listing it. OR I could write about what it's like to dis-assemble our home of twenty years, sell a lot of our stuff, and move eight hours away from our precious older girls, and family--friends we've known for our entire married life, a ministry I loved, and a church that we all loved...what is that like? OR, I could write about moving to a new community where I know no one that isn't either kin to me, or kin to someone I'm kin to. OR I could write about being in transition, for all of it: new careers, new friends, new church, new everything! Who knows? You'll just have to tune in and see!

I know these things: God is God! God is Faithful and He is Mighty to Save! I know He is my strength in times of weakness, my refuge in uncertain times, and my God, the object of my worship. I love to serve Him, and talk about Him and His Word. I love His people, and the people that don't know Him yet, but desperately need the message of love and mercy and grace that the gospel offers. I am excited to see how God writes the next chapters of our life. So, stay tuned...it's better than reality TV, and better for your soul! Bless you for reading...and commenting!