Happy Easter! Oh, what a day to celebrate! It is so much 'more' than bunnies, and chocolate...isn't it? Consider--An empty tomb--we CeLebRatE because Jesus defeated death.
This Truth gives us a way to be reconciled to God--the God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. The Creator of the Universe--yet lover of my very soul.
Our family celebrated together today. Alayna, her family & Holly met us at "our" church this morning. I love that our whole family was able to worship together in the same place. We do not get to do that each week, as we once did, so today I am truly thankful to sing praise songs with the voices of my kids singing loudly beside me! Especially, Ally's sweet four year old voice, even though she may not have gotten all the words in the right order--the heart was certainly 'there'!!!
After a loud/eventful meal, (remember there are 10 of us, and everyone talks at once) it was time for the "littles" to hunt for eggs....It was warm enough that they could go outside with bare feet--so they did.
While they opened the eggs to find the treasures, the we had a long discussion about hopes & plans for our collective futures...and then at Will & Ally's request some of us played a spirited game of LIFE--hilarious--(while the baby slept).
The perfect end to the day--leftovers in front of the TV version of Disney's Beauty & the Beast...this movie has been a family favorite since before the twins were born!
We are so blessed to celebrate in freedom and enjoy time with all our kids.
...May God Bless you for Reading...
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Spring Break--and a Trip Down Memory Lane...
Yes, it is spring break where we live. I don't know about you, but when I think of that holiday, I think of pedicures, flip flops, the beach (maybe) and a really good book to read. Not this year. No, this year, I am staring out the window at about two inches of snow, and flurries are filling the grey sky. It is truly lovely. Just a little unexpected for this late date. If you have read this blog before, you know all too well my take on weather. It is always wonderful--no matter the color pallet or the for of precipitation--I'm thankful to have air to breathe!
Today marks ten years since we lost Randy's mom. It is hard to believe that it has been that long--and there are moments in time, even this past week, when we just missed her. She answered to a variety of names--from Bernita, to MawMaw...Her name was Bernita Jean--but she would always laugh about a neighbor lady from her childhood that would call her that her Vernita Jane...who knows? I find it hilarious. This little girl, Bernita, grew up to marry Bernard. Yes, hilarious. Especially in light of the fact that I grew up to marry their youngest son, and my own parent's names were Fred & Freda.
Bernita always had great stories about times gone by. There was the story of a family member's house burning down, or the time a neighbor man brought her family a jar of honey. He held it out to them with filthy hands, as he excitedly explained that he had harvested it with his own hands. She once showed me her first grade report card--not to look at the grades so much, but to realize that when she was 6 years old, her teacher had put her name at the top, "Bernita Bishop"--not her last name at all, but it would become Bishop--ten years later!
Anytime I hold one of our precious grand babies, I think of how much she would have enjoyed getting to know them. She loved babies, and they knew it. Our kids have great memories of her, her kitchen and the million cups of hot chocolate she fixed them after they would go for a swim in the pool. As she would hold them or hug them, she would say, "Bless you, baby."...good good memories.
I do regret that I didn't take her cooking instruction more seriously. She could make a feast out of nothing--a talent that I never acquired. She was a great example of a woman who knew herself well, was comfortable in her own skin, and worked very hard to help provide for her family.
I also regret the fact that I did not cultivate my love for a good cup of coffee until after her death. Mostly because we spent many Saturday mornings setting the affairs of the world straight, her drinking her coffee, and me drinking either hot or cold tea. It seems that it would have been better to have enjoyed coffee with her, somehow.
For today, I am going to do my best by drinking a good, hot cup of coffee--and be at peace living in this world, for now. Some days, though, it would be nice to sit across from her, and laugh and talk and ponder what it all means, or meant. Loved her so much. Thankful for the times we had.
Bernita Jean Bishop 10-25-25 -- 3-25-03.
Today marks ten years since we lost Randy's mom. It is hard to believe that it has been that long--and there are moments in time, even this past week, when we just missed her. She answered to a variety of names--from Bernita, to MawMaw...Her name was Bernita Jean--but she would always laugh about a neighbor lady from her childhood that would call her that her Vernita Jane...who knows? I find it hilarious. This little girl, Bernita, grew up to marry Bernard. Yes, hilarious. Especially in light of the fact that I grew up to marry their youngest son, and my own parent's names were Fred & Freda.
Bernita always had great stories about times gone by. There was the story of a family member's house burning down, or the time a neighbor man brought her family a jar of honey. He held it out to them with filthy hands, as he excitedly explained that he had harvested it with his own hands. She once showed me her first grade report card--not to look at the grades so much, but to realize that when she was 6 years old, her teacher had put her name at the top, "Bernita Bishop"--not her last name at all, but it would become Bishop--ten years later!
Anytime I hold one of our precious grand babies, I think of how much she would have enjoyed getting to know them. She loved babies, and they knew it. Our kids have great memories of her, her kitchen and the million cups of hot chocolate she fixed them after they would go for a swim in the pool. As she would hold them or hug them, she would say, "Bless you, baby."...good good memories.
I do regret that I didn't take her cooking instruction more seriously. She could make a feast out of nothing--a talent that I never acquired. She was a great example of a woman who knew herself well, was comfortable in her own skin, and worked very hard to help provide for her family.
I also regret the fact that I did not cultivate my love for a good cup of coffee until after her death. Mostly because we spent many Saturday mornings setting the affairs of the world straight, her drinking her coffee, and me drinking either hot or cold tea. It seems that it would have been better to have enjoyed coffee with her, somehow.
For today, I am going to do my best by drinking a good, hot cup of coffee--and be at peace living in this world, for now. Some days, though, it would be nice to sit across from her, and laugh and talk and ponder what it all means, or meant. Loved her so much. Thankful for the times we had.
Bernita Jean Bishop 10-25-25 -- 3-25-03.
Friday, February 22, 2013
About Fog and a Nomadic Lifestyle
School delay today. It is important to have a school delay, for this morning visibility is extremely limited due to fog. Thick, fluffy, fog. The girls get to sleep in--how wonderful for everyone!
Sometimes I think we need to pray for the fog to be lifted, don't you? Do you ever feel like your ideas, thoughts, dreams are unclear-foggy? I do. I do a lot. I was reading in the book of Numbers this morning. Maybe because of my years, or maybe because of the focused time that I have been given to study. But this morning a couple of things occurred to me. As I have talked about before, life is all about 'change', and if we spend our time whining that 'we don't like change' then we are going to miss a good portion of our life--through out complaining.
If you are like me, I sometimes think that if I had been wondering around in the desert, following Moses, I would never have complained, I would have just seen the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea--and fresh manna every morning. And, I would keep in mind that 'the Promised Land' was coming.
Plus, from my vantage point, thousands of years later, I know that they do, indeed, enter the Land. Of course, many didn't make it 'in'--not Moses, Aaron or Miriam--or ten of the twelve spies sent to Canaan...or the original people that left Egypt...Do not miss the point here: God was not being 'mean' by not allowing them to possess the Land, no, this was the consequence of their sin--the constant complaining, whining and sowing seeds of dissension. Rememeber? They did not trust Him, or the man that He placed over them, Moses. However, the ones born during the years in the desert, the Israelite nation as a whole, did get to enter the land flowing with milk and honey.
The Land was promised long before the Israelite nation existed or exited from Egypt. Remember, their Father Abraham was promised that his offspring would be as numerous as the sand. He and his family lived as nomads, in tents, traveling throughout their lives. And, for this season realted in Numbers, the Nation of Israel became nomadic, as well--traveling and living in tents--for forty years. For even though they lived as slaves in Egypt, they had routine, they knew what their day to day life looked like--we humans like routine and predictablity, don't we? On the move, though, they had to be instructed about everything--they were given specific instructions about their posture toward God, their relationships with each other, how to live thier lives. They were given specific instruction about where to make their camp in realtion to the tabernacle, where the Lord's Presence Dwelt among them!
The 'worries' of Abraham and Sarah had been about how and when they would actually receive that baby that God had promised them. They did not seem as concerned about where they would get their next meal, or drink of water. The Israelites were very concerned about the quality and variety of food, and their water supply--and were not shy about making their concerns known to Moses.
In the desert, God taught the Israelite nation that He is faithful--that He can be trusted for their basic needs, but above all, he expected obedience and their personal holiness--and He intended to bless them, with a land not their own, that they would possess.
What about us? Do we need to be taught any lessons? My family & I have a little experience at living a sort of modern-day nomadic lifestyle. No, we didn't live in tents--or hunt for, kill and eat our food, or have to dig wells for fresh water--but at the same time, we lived for a little over a year without a 'home' to call 'our own'. We learned many lessons about trusting God's provision--His timing--and His grace.
My friend, Ian, once said, "Don't sin in the desert--you'll be there longer!" True? I think so, if we don't learn in a timely manner, we may not even make it out of the dessert. We need to learn the life-lessons as we go.
In order to recognize the lesson and learn it--we must possess clear thinking--so, Ask for the fog to be lifted from your thinking, Ask for God to bless your effort at thinking clearly--and Ask for wisdom to know 'the next thing' to do--for we know that God is faithful. Remember, we have been told that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart!--The clearer He becomes to us, the more we love Him--the more our desires line up with His--and He will bless.
Take a lesson from Numbers--pursue personal holiness--pursue a life where you are not complaining or grumbling, but enjoying God's provision--remembering that it may not look exactly like we expected! Live your life in obedience and expectation. Be Blessed.
Sometimes I think we need to pray for the fog to be lifted, don't you? Do you ever feel like your ideas, thoughts, dreams are unclear-foggy? I do. I do a lot. I was reading in the book of Numbers this morning. Maybe because of my years, or maybe because of the focused time that I have been given to study. But this morning a couple of things occurred to me. As I have talked about before, life is all about 'change', and if we spend our time whining that 'we don't like change' then we are going to miss a good portion of our life--through out complaining.
If you are like me, I sometimes think that if I had been wondering around in the desert, following Moses, I would never have complained, I would have just seen the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea--and fresh manna every morning. And, I would keep in mind that 'the Promised Land' was coming.
Plus, from my vantage point, thousands of years later, I know that they do, indeed, enter the Land. Of course, many didn't make it 'in'--not Moses, Aaron or Miriam--or ten of the twelve spies sent to Canaan...or the original people that left Egypt...Do not miss the point here: God was not being 'mean' by not allowing them to possess the Land, no, this was the consequence of their sin--the constant complaining, whining and sowing seeds of dissension. Rememeber? They did not trust Him, or the man that He placed over them, Moses. However, the ones born during the years in the desert, the Israelite nation as a whole, did get to enter the land flowing with milk and honey.
The Land was promised long before the Israelite nation existed or exited from Egypt. Remember, their Father Abraham was promised that his offspring would be as numerous as the sand. He and his family lived as nomads, in tents, traveling throughout their lives. And, for this season realted in Numbers, the Nation of Israel became nomadic, as well--traveling and living in tents--for forty years. For even though they lived as slaves in Egypt, they had routine, they knew what their day to day life looked like--we humans like routine and predictablity, don't we? On the move, though, they had to be instructed about everything--they were given specific instructions about their posture toward God, their relationships with each other, how to live thier lives. They were given specific instruction about where to make their camp in realtion to the tabernacle, where the Lord's Presence Dwelt among them!
The 'worries' of Abraham and Sarah had been about how and when they would actually receive that baby that God had promised them. They did not seem as concerned about where they would get their next meal, or drink of water. The Israelites were very concerned about the quality and variety of food, and their water supply--and were not shy about making their concerns known to Moses.
In the desert, God taught the Israelite nation that He is faithful--that He can be trusted for their basic needs, but above all, he expected obedience and their personal holiness--and He intended to bless them, with a land not their own, that they would possess.
What about us? Do we need to be taught any lessons? My family & I have a little experience at living a sort of modern-day nomadic lifestyle. No, we didn't live in tents--or hunt for, kill and eat our food, or have to dig wells for fresh water--but at the same time, we lived for a little over a year without a 'home' to call 'our own'. We learned many lessons about trusting God's provision--His timing--and His grace.
My friend, Ian, once said, "Don't sin in the desert--you'll be there longer!" True? I think so, if we don't learn in a timely manner, we may not even make it out of the dessert. We need to learn the life-lessons as we go.
In order to recognize the lesson and learn it--we must possess clear thinking--so, Ask for the fog to be lifted from your thinking, Ask for God to bless your effort at thinking clearly--and Ask for wisdom to know 'the next thing' to do--for we know that God is faithful. Remember, we have been told that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart!--The clearer He becomes to us, the more we love Him--the more our desires line up with His--and He will bless.
Take a lesson from Numbers--pursue personal holiness--pursue a life where you are not complaining or grumbling, but enjoying God's provision--remembering that it may not look exactly like we expected! Live your life in obedience and expectation. Be Blessed.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Can Life be BOTH?
Both, what? Both refreshing and busy? I have been refreshed to the point that I am eager to 'get on with it'...and very busy in that pursuit.
The refreshing part came from the two weeks I spent recently in Redding, California. The first week, I got to connect with good friends, and focused time learning. That week, I deepened my knowledge of the wisdom literature contained in God's Word--or, Pursuing Wisdom.
Let me just say that I will never approach the book of Proverbs in the same way again! I have a deeper appreciation for the Song of Songs, and somehow, the Book of Job. What a difference focusing on this topic has made--I still have so much to learn--but I have a couple of projects to put together that will help in that respect. Also, this class time was unique in that we were able to, with the wonder of modern technology, have about 14 students join us each day from their classroom in Missouri! What an amazing tool--and an amazing time to be alive!
My week end was spent doing home work (and, of course, laundry!) I did get to enjoy the sunshine a little--but mostly I had much to finish from my week of wisdom, and a little to do to prepare for the coming week.
My second week of class, I studied Events in Church History --there is much to be said about what we can learn by studying the past, giving a new lens by which to view and consider the future. Do you realize that one of the stabilizing factors, when the Roman Empire fell, was the Church? The Church at that time was well organized, and was a place that dis-placed people could look to for stability and strength. What does that say to us in 2013? I think it says a lot.
How stable is The Church today? Allow me to be clear--I am talking about the Body of Christian believers everywhere.
How effective is the church today at representing Christ to others? How effective is the church today to ministering--truly ministering to people's deepest need? Come on church--wake up--the fields are ripe for harvest--people are obviously searching for something--just consider the news headlines. We know that something is Truth and truth. If you do not know the difference, you should. Be reminded--God has prepared things for us to do that will bring Glory & Honor back to Him--this should be our main concern. What am I supposed to do today, in light of the fact that Jesus bled and died and rose again for me to able to live? What is it?
We can begin by taking serious, the things God has placed before us to do today. If you serve on the board of your church, or you are in a volunteer position in ministry--get the cob-webs out of your thinking. Ask for wisdom and clarity of thinking. Be honest in your dealings--strive to live a life of integrity--through and through--for we are running out of time to make a difference.
NO, I am not predicting gloom and doom--but if there is breath in your body--you know that life is fleeting--and we never know if we even have tomorrow. Get busy today.
Remember--tell the truth to each other--stop lying and, stop covering up other people's lies. This is HUGE.
Take your role in the Body very seriously--the blood of martyrs should speak to you about how very seriously those in the early church took theirs--be inspired and do something radical. Radical would be to demand honesty from fellow members in the Body, especially those that serves as leaders.
We are called to obedience--that includes keeping your tongue from gossip or slander--and it calls for expecting your leaders to lead well--not just go with the flow--this is serious business. Sometimes leaders quote to "desire to be a leader is to desire a good thing' And, it is but sometimes, in certain cases, we fail to remember that those words were written at a time when persecution and death were very real to those that chose to lead. --Yet Paul tells us that to desire to lead is a good thing--even if you are called to die for because you do it.
Stop and think about it--are you radical enough to take your place as a 'board leader' or 'minister of the gospel' or 'ministry volunteer' to truly live and model a life of integrity--which sometimes means that you will be called to do extremely difficult things--like telling the truth and/or not making decisions based on monetary means. I'm just saying that we each need to take our life and our role on the board or team very seriously as we are representing Christ. Then, as a bonus, not if, but when things crumble--the Church will be stronger for our effort at pursuing and demanding integrity now!
I'm not scolding you--actually on the contrary--I want to encourage you! I am concerned for future generations--my children and grandchildren need to see me live a life of integrity before them--and a life of faith before them--that is the stuff spiritual heritage is made out of...and it will do us all good to pursue that in unity--no matter your denominational heritage.
I have to stop writing now...for I could literally write all day--oh, wait--that's the 'busy' part of my title. Very busy now, in this season to finish my coursework--so, for today, I must prioritize my efforts to study and then write about what I've studied. I am thankful for this opportunity to study--and thankful to you for reading this blog.
So, now, go and get serious about your role, and Be especially blessed today, and always!
The refreshing part came from the two weeks I spent recently in Redding, California. The first week, I got to connect with good friends, and focused time learning. That week, I deepened my knowledge of the wisdom literature contained in God's Word--or, Pursuing Wisdom.
Let me just say that I will never approach the book of Proverbs in the same way again! I have a deeper appreciation for the Song of Songs, and somehow, the Book of Job. What a difference focusing on this topic has made--I still have so much to learn--but I have a couple of projects to put together that will help in that respect. Also, this class time was unique in that we were able to, with the wonder of modern technology, have about 14 students join us each day from their classroom in Missouri! What an amazing tool--and an amazing time to be alive!
My week end was spent doing home work (and, of course, laundry!) I did get to enjoy the sunshine a little--but mostly I had much to finish from my week of wisdom, and a little to do to prepare for the coming week.
My second week of class, I studied Events in Church History --there is much to be said about what we can learn by studying the past, giving a new lens by which to view and consider the future. Do you realize that one of the stabilizing factors, when the Roman Empire fell, was the Church? The Church at that time was well organized, and was a place that dis-placed people could look to for stability and strength. What does that say to us in 2013? I think it says a lot.
How stable is The Church today? Allow me to be clear--I am talking about the Body of Christian believers everywhere.
How effective is the church today at representing Christ to others? How effective is the church today to ministering--truly ministering to people's deepest need? Come on church--wake up--the fields are ripe for harvest--people are obviously searching for something--just consider the news headlines. We know that something is Truth and truth. If you do not know the difference, you should. Be reminded--God has prepared things for us to do that will bring Glory & Honor back to Him--this should be our main concern. What am I supposed to do today, in light of the fact that Jesus bled and died and rose again for me to able to live? What is it?
We can begin by taking serious, the things God has placed before us to do today. If you serve on the board of your church, or you are in a volunteer position in ministry--get the cob-webs out of your thinking. Ask for wisdom and clarity of thinking. Be honest in your dealings--strive to live a life of integrity--through and through--for we are running out of time to make a difference.
NO, I am not predicting gloom and doom--but if there is breath in your body--you know that life is fleeting--and we never know if we even have tomorrow. Get busy today.
Remember--tell the truth to each other--stop lying and, stop covering up other people's lies. This is HUGE.
Take your role in the Body very seriously--the blood of martyrs should speak to you about how very seriously those in the early church took theirs--be inspired and do something radical. Radical would be to demand honesty from fellow members in the Body, especially those that serves as leaders.
We are called to obedience--that includes keeping your tongue from gossip or slander--and it calls for expecting your leaders to lead well--not just go with the flow--this is serious business. Sometimes leaders quote to "desire to be a leader is to desire a good thing' And, it is but sometimes, in certain cases, we fail to remember that those words were written at a time when persecution and death were very real to those that chose to lead. --Yet Paul tells us that to desire to lead is a good thing--even if you are called to die for because you do it.
Stop and think about it--are you radical enough to take your place as a 'board leader' or 'minister of the gospel' or 'ministry volunteer' to truly live and model a life of integrity--which sometimes means that you will be called to do extremely difficult things--like telling the truth and/or not making decisions based on monetary means. I'm just saying that we each need to take our life and our role on the board or team very seriously as we are representing Christ. Then, as a bonus, not if, but when things crumble--the Church will be stronger for our effort at pursuing and demanding integrity now!
I'm not scolding you--actually on the contrary--I want to encourage you! I am concerned for future generations--my children and grandchildren need to see me live a life of integrity before them--and a life of faith before them--that is the stuff spiritual heritage is made out of...and it will do us all good to pursue that in unity--no matter your denominational heritage.
I have to stop writing now...for I could literally write all day--oh, wait--that's the 'busy' part of my title. Very busy now, in this season to finish my coursework--so, for today, I must prioritize my efforts to study and then write about what I've studied. I am thankful for this opportunity to study--and thankful to you for reading this blog.
So, now, go and get serious about your role, and Be especially blessed today, and always!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Brithdays and Mexican Food
Birthdays, this is the month of birthdays in our family...Today would have been Macy's 12th birthday, but to her daddy & I she will always be 3...
Our family always goes to a specific Mexican place to eat and laugh together on her birthday. Today we did not do this--for we were all together yesterday for lunch. Today, it is really cold and rainy--a good time to stay in an contemplate life.
I have only cried once today...but I think there were more tears than that shed by others in our home--who will remain nameless, here. However, I think tears are a really good thing--they are good for your soul and for your complexion and sometimes, even help to adjust our attitudes!
Today I am reminded of that precious little baby that we welcomed in to our home...our home that already seemed to be brimming with girls--we added one more--proving that you never 'run out of love' when you add another child to your life--the love just keeps growing for all of them--at once!
May God richly bless you for reading this blog...for praying for our family...for loving us...and mostly for giving us Hope that we can boldly proclaim: Jesus is LORD!
For today, these words from the book of Isaiah spoke to my heart--I won't write anything after I share them--just know that they spoke to my heart--read them s l o w l y and perhaps, I'm praying, that they will speak to yours, as well...
Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing!
For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.
But Zion said,"The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me."
(Thus says the Lord...)
"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.
Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me."
Isaiah 49:13-16
Our family always goes to a specific Mexican place to eat and laugh together on her birthday. Today we did not do this--for we were all together yesterday for lunch. Today, it is really cold and rainy--a good time to stay in an contemplate life.
I have only cried once today...but I think there were more tears than that shed by others in our home--who will remain nameless, here. However, I think tears are a really good thing--they are good for your soul and for your complexion and sometimes, even help to adjust our attitudes!
Today I am reminded of that precious little baby that we welcomed in to our home...our home that already seemed to be brimming with girls--we added one more--proving that you never 'run out of love' when you add another child to your life--the love just keeps growing for all of them--at once!
May God richly bless you for reading this blog...for praying for our family...for loving us...and mostly for giving us Hope that we can boldly proclaim: Jesus is LORD!
For today, these words from the book of Isaiah spoke to my heart--I won't write anything after I share them--just know that they spoke to my heart--read them s l o w l y and perhaps, I'm praying, that they will speak to yours, as well...
Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing!
For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted.
But Zion said,"The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me."
(Thus says the Lord...)
"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?
Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.
Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me."
Isaiah 49:13-16
Friday, January 11, 2013
Speaking of Neighbors
“With his mouth the
godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape. … A man who lacks judgment derides his
neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.” (Pr 11:9 & 12)
Who is your neighbor?
Our next door neighbor and I
share the same home town in Southern Illinois.
We didn’t know each other way back then but we know a lot of the same
people and share memories of ‘hometown’ traditions. The Sunday
school definition of “our neighbor” is usually along the lines of anyone we
meet…everyone is our neighbor. And,
while that is true, we are closer to
some of our neighbors than others, aren’t we?
Whether by distance, or by relationship, we just know some people better
than we know others.
Later this evening some of my favorite people on the planet
will be visiting us—people we have known for many years, people we have shared
victories and defeats with, we have been present when our babies have been born
and when we have buried our loved ones.
Truly our neighbors, but the majority of them live a distance from
us. Yet, the proverbs above remind us
how we are to speak of our neighbors.
It truly matters how we speak about one another. It is important that we spend time
reconnecting and connecting the dots of our lives since we last saw each
other. It will be fun to come to a
greater understanding of each other, for since the time we were last all
together, many changes and challenges have happened in our lives. My hope for this evening is that we will
honor God with our conversations, as well as encourage one another.
In conversation, the words we choose to use are important
and the tone with which we use them is equally, if not more, important—isn’t it? When we speak of others we must be mindful of
what our listeners might be hearing
that we are not verbalizing. This has
been a difficult lesson for me, one that I am still working on, but have not mastered—for
sometimes my words take detours that they should never have taken.
These proverbs were among those I read this morning. They screamed out to me in particular because
I do not intend to speak without knowledge or from a place that lacks understanding. However, it is easier just to speak first,
and attempt damage control later, isn’t it?
At least that’s where we work from sometimes. I know that there have been times that I have
not always sought to understand before trying to be understood. I have not always had all the knowledge I
have needed to effectively speak in to a situation. And, unfortunately, I do not know everything—I know that is hard to
believe, but it is true! One of the
lessons I am trying to practice is to be slow in speaking—and that is a
challenge for me, for I dearly love to speak!
For me to apply these proverbs in my life isn’t about
knowing or understanding everything as much as it is about holding my
tongue. Not speaking before I
have at least a greater understanding, and a deeper knowledge of the
motivations/reasons that my ‘neighbors’ (loved one, friend or even strangers)
do the things they do. Without knowledge
and clear understanding, we can destroy or deride the person we are speaking
of…so stop talking and listen.
And, in those words I am reminded of another proverb that
says: When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. (Proverbs 10:19)
For today, let’s make an effort to hold our tongues, in an
effort to edify our neighbor—not destroy.
When we hold our tongues, we have more time to seek understanding and
knowledge—for this is wise!
BE wise.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
On Rain and Being Thankful
“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual
songs. Sing and make music in your heart
to the Lord, always giving thanks to God
the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”—Ephesians
5:19-20 (italics added by me)
When we are thankful, we are able to focus on something or
someone other than ourselves. When we
are sad, or when we are grieving—especially when we are grieving—it is good to
find a place of thankfulness for our thoughts.
When we cultivate this, it is an exercise in renewing our minds that
Scripture encourages us to do…so let’s try it this morning…
Rain. I love it—the very
sound of the word is gorgeous.
Rain. I love to listen as it hits
the roof. And rain. This is the stuff that rapidly melts the left
over snow. And, let’s face it, a snow
storm on the ground for two weeks has lost a little of its beauty. In fact, after two weeks, most of the piles
of snow have become grey and dingy. And
so, the rain is a gift to clean up the landscape, and rid our view of the grey
leftover mounds!
Today, it is to rain most of the day. That is fine with me, for I do not have to
work outside. For those of you who face
that kind of day: wrap up, and put on your rain gear!
Weather—it’s ever changing and certain, sometimes surprising,
but always gorgeous in its own way.
Savor and patiently enjoy the changes—for the current situation will
change soon enough.
Today, I am thankful for the view, a front row seat to see
the weather changes. I am thankful for
the rain, and a roof that does not leak.
I am thankful for Madison & Mallory—who have always added their own
element of surprise to our family. They
are precious to me, and in the sight of the Lord. I am thankful for Holly Ann, for she brings
her own brand of humor and excitement and places much value on a good long nap,
or movie, and sometimes both at once. I
am thankful for Alayna, for she also has her own brand of humor, common sense
and clear convictions for right and wrong, and is not afraid to express
herself. I am thankful for Wesley, for
he is patient with all of us, he brings laughter and wisdom beyond his years to
our family conversations. The two of
them together are good parents, with a conviction to make certain that their
children know they are loved. And, oh my
goodness, I am thankful for those little ones—Will with his all the sudden
toothless smile, Ally with her DIVA-like traits, and Anna and her all the
sudden smile that contains teeth!
And, today I am thankful for my husband, who works so very
hard for us to all get along, and love each other. He also works very hard at his job, for which
we are also thankful in these economic times.
This is a man who rarely complains, and is pretty quick to find the
humor in most situations…often we laugh for the most obtuse reasons, that only
the two of us will understand.
I am thankful for the school the girls are attending—and the
fact that we can be there in just a few minutes. I am thankful for vehicles that are in good
working order—and thankful for my driver’s license, (for to obtain that was a labyrinth
of requirements, two trips to the BMV—and much studying).
I am thankful for the wisdom that has come to me from grandparents,
aunts, uncles, cousins and parents who have spoken in to my life—sometimes
indirectly, and sometimes in very direct ways—wisdom that helps formulate a
better approach to life.
Now, make a thankful list and then, do not be shy about
telling someone that you are thankful for them, and why you are thankful for
them—people need to hear good things—especially affirmation and
encouragement. Today. Start with today. Be encouraged. Be Thankful.
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