Thursday, April 28, 2011

A Rough Night

Last night a rough night.  Nothing like what folks in Alabama had to deal with.  But a rough night.  Something.....not sure what.......woke me up at about 12:30.  Maybe it was the sound of the wind.  Maybe it was the thunder.  Or the lightning.  Or the sound of furniture blowing across the porch.  Or the sound of a door slamming at the other end of the house.  (The windows were open, so the wind blew in with a vengeance!)

I got up and closed all the windows.  I turned on the tv to see what I could find out.  We were under a tornado watch, although some nearby areas here in the mountains were under tornado warning.  I went back to bed and tried to sleep.  I couldn't. 

Molly was whimpering in her crate.  She is terrified of storms.......of all loud noises, really.  So I put her in bed with me......something I NEVER do!!  Al was out of town, so it was just us "girls".  We lay there for a while, listening to the sounds of the storm.  Well, I was listening.  She was just whimpering.

I decided it might be best if we went to the basement.  We stayed down there for about an hour.  The house was shaking; the rain was beating down; the wind was howling.  We were scared.  After about an hour, things calmed down a bit, so we came back upstairs and back to bed.  It was a while before I went to sleep.  The thunder resumed.  There was more lightning.  More wind.  More rain.  I was scared.  And Al was out of town.

It all reminded me of another spring night, about 5 years ago.  Our first spring in this house.  No storm that night.  But Molly and I spent several hours huddled in the bathroom in the dark.  She was too scared that night to even whimper.  She just trembled.  I was scared, but trying to stay calm.  All because of a mother bear and two cubs on the front porch right outside my bedroom window.

Al was out of town that night, too!

"When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You."  (Psalm 56:3NASB)

Monday, April 18, 2011

Yesterday

Yesterday was a wonderful day!  One of my favorite things about coming to Florida (other than the obvious.....time with Brian, Emily and Christopher) is worshiping at First Baptist Brandon, our church home during the years we lived here.  It still feels like home!

There are two morning services at First Baptist.  Well, actually three......one at 9AM and two going on simultaneously at 10:30.  Al and I are 10:30 people, but Emily and Christopher are 9:00 people.  (Brian is actually in both, working in the sound booth.)  Yesterday, I decided to attend both worship services instead of going to Life Group and then to worship.  That meant I got to go to "big church" with Christopher........what a blessing!

Dr. Green preached yesterday on "Words of Life"......the last words of Christ as revealed in the Gospels.  I was so blessed.  And in my mind I was carried back to Israel and relived so many of the sights I saw while we were there.

I remembered sitting on the Mount of Olives and looking at the city of Jerusalem.  I remembered praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.  I remembered sitting on the same stones where it is believed that Jesus was beaten.  I remembered being in the cistern at Caiphas' house where it is believed Jesus was held after He was beaten.  I remembered walking the Via Dolorosa.  And I remembered Calvary.  I remembered Dr. Wilton saying, while we were in Israel, that having been there we would never read the Scriptures in the same way again.  I'm finding that to be true.  I see these places and events with so much more clarity now that I have walked there.

The title of the message......"Words of Life".......reminded me of the hymn we often sang when I was a child......one of those hymns we rarely sing anymore......"Wonderful Words of Life".  Truly, the message of the Cross and our Lord's last words there are words of life!  How blessed and encouraged I was by yesterday's message!

And I was so blessed listening to my grandson sing along with us during the service.  Trying to get the words to "Brethren, We Have Met to Worship"........singing "we will sing, sing, sing....."  And during the invitation, hearing him sing "change my heart, O God".  I realize, of course, that as a 4 year old, he probably has no real idea what he's asking God to do in that song.  But what I realize even more is that many adults who sing that song don't have any idea either.

"Change my heart, O God; make it ever true.
Change my heart, O God; may I be like You.
You are the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me.....this is what I pray.
Change my heart, O God; make it ever true.
Change my heart, O God; may I be like You."

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

My Best Friend

Do you ever get a song stuck in your head?  I have one this morning.  It's a song about a friend.  And as I keep singing it over and over, I also have random thoughts about friendship running through my brain.  So I thought I would share.

One thought is that a friend is someone who listens.  Who really pays attention.  Who actually hears what you are saying.  And knows what you mean, even if you don't express it well.

A friend is someone who will tell you the truth, not just tell you what they think you want to hear.  Sometimes words aren't even necessary!  As an example, my friend Jean H. and I were shopping together a couple of weeks ago.  And she got that look on her face that said "I don't care what that Chico's lady says......don't buy that!!".  Do you know what I mean?

Another example takes me back to my "music minister" days.  Often I would get an idea......especially around time for Christmas or Easter musicals......one of those ideas that I thought was absolutely fabulous and would make ALL the difference in the production!  Those times when my creative side got a little carried away!!  And my sweet husband (also my very best friend!) would calmly say things like.......you might want to think about that one some more.  Or....are you really sure that's what you want?  Or....I don't think that will work and this is why.  More often than not, he was right.......and I was really glad he told me the truth instead of just going along with my idea.  Of course, every now and then, I had a really good idea......and he was completely supportive!

A friend is someone who laughs with you......not "at" you.  Who will reason through a "sticky" situation with you.  Who will cry with you.  Who knows just when you need a hug.  And is more than willing to give one....or more!

We hear a lot these days about BFFs.........I have LOTS of those!!  Those special people who will share lunch.......and shopping.....and chocolate......and pie......and Easter Bunny cake!!  You know who you are!  Who share the love of good music, or a good book, or all things Jane Austen.

But back to that song in my head.  It's a little song I learned long ago.....and sang often as a child....at the First Baptist Church in Landrum, SC.  Maybe you know it, too.  If you do, sing along with me!

My best friend is Jesus.......love Him, love Him.
My best friend is Jesus.....love Him!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Encouraged

Mornings are not my favorite.  Monday mornings in particular are not my favorite.  But today I have a bit more of a spring in my step than usual.  A bit more of a positive attitude.  A bit more energy and enthusiasm for the day.

The fact that I'm heading down to Florida tomorrow for a couple of weeks may have something to do with that.  But I think it's actually something more.

On Saturday we dug out some Gaither Homecoming DVDs that we hadn't watched in a while.  This particular DVD set was recorded in Jerusalem about 5 years ago.  We had watched these DVDs a number of times over the years, although not since we had actually traveled to Jerusalem ourselves a few months ago.

The music was the same, but somehow so much more meaningful having walked in some of those same places.  As we watched the singers sailing on the Sea of Galilee, we remembered doing the same.....perhaps in the same boat!  We recognized the olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane.  We recalled sitting and worshiping on the Southern Steps.  Hearing Larnelle Harris sing "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked" means so much more than it used to.  And as I listened to Larry Ford singing "The Holy City", I remembered listening to that song on the tour bus as we entered Jerusalem for the first time.  Precious memories.  And a powerful time of worship as we sat in front of the tv, remembering our time in Israel, listening to and singing along with some favorite old songs, and praising the Lord together. 

Yesterday was another special day.  I was so encouraged as I was reminded again that Christ came to earth because God desires to have a relationship with us.....with me!  That once Christ had ascended back to Heaven, He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within me.  That because of that, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. 

So, as I face this new week, I am encouraged and energized by those reminders.  I know that I can face whatever comes my way because of His strength within me.  And so I look forward to this day, to this week.  It's my goal to make every day count for Him, to live fully in the present and look forward to the future, knowing that "He who began a good work" will be faithful to complete it.  (Philippians 1:6).

Have a blessed Monday!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Uncle Wiggly

Yesterday was a good day!  The sun was shining; the temperatures were warm.  It actually looked and felt like spring all day long, which has been a rare thing around here lately.  I had a nice lunch with a friend I hadn't seen in a while.  Being a winter hermit had a lot to do with that!!  My husband took me out for dinner.  Which means I didn't have to cook!  I made good food choices all day, so I'm proud of myself for that.  And I did a little shopping!  Definitely a good day!

One of my favorite board games when I was a little girl was a game called "Uncle Wiggly".  Uncle Wiggly is a rabbit (the box describes him as a rabbit gentleman!!) who travels from his bungalow home all the way to Dr. Possum's house.  Along the way he meets many friends, among them Billy Bushtail and the Cluck-Cluck Hen.  He also encounters the sneaky Skeezicks and the Skillery Scallery Alligator!

I was so excited last fall when I discovered that this game had been released again to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Uncle Wiggly.  I went into Monkey Business, our local toy store, and purchased my very own Uncle Wiggly game, since the one I played with as a child is now long gone.  When all the family was here for Christmas, we played Uncle Wiggly together.  I loved sharing something that was so special to me with my grandsons!

Yesterday I went back to Monkey Business and purchased two more Uncle Wiggly board games......one for AJ and one for Christopher.  And so the Uncle Wiggly tradition continues!!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Time for a Reality Check

I'm facing an uncomfortable reality this morning.  Many of the clothes in my closet don't fit.....at least, not comfortably.  Yes, I can still zip the jeans.  But can I breathe? (I can hear you giggling......maybe you can relate??!!)

I got on the scale this morning.  I weighed 5 pounds more than the last time I got on a scale, whenever that was.  This knowledge did not make me very happy, but....reality check.....whose fault is it, really?!
In the not-to-distant past, I had disciplined myself (with the help of Weight Watchers) to lose weight,  about 40 pounds.  I have since "found" 15 of those pounds.  Well, as of this morning's weigh-in, make that 20.  I am not happy about that.  But, again, whose fault is that??!!

When I first began to put some of the weight back on, I blamed it on my ankle surgery.  After all, how can you lose weight when you spend your days sitting in a chair with one foot propped up on pillows?  Again, reality check.....that was 16 months ago!!  I really don't have a good excuse now.  Reality is that I have been completely lazy and undisciplined about my eating habits.  And about my exercising habits.  Or more accurately, the lack thereof.

Again, I have excuses.  I can't get out and walk around the block.  I could blame the not walking on my ankle (that excuse has worked well for a while now, after all!) or on the fact that my knees are bad.  Well, one is bad and one is shot.....but that's a story for another day.  I could point out that I live about 10 miles from the nearest "block".  Or that I live on a very steep, gravel covered mountain road (see previous excuses about bad knees and fused ankle that doesn't bend).  But.....reality check......I have a treadmill gathering dust downstairs.  I have quite a collection of "Walk Away the Pounds" DVDs, enough that I would never need to get bored doing the same walking routine.  I have a Wii.  And a WiiFit.  And many other Wii games that would burn calories.

Reality.....in this area of my life, I have been completely undisciplined.  I have been like the alcoholic who says he can quit whenever he wants to.  Or the smoker who says she can give up cigarettes whenever she wants to.  I would tell you that I can quit eating BlueBell ice cream whenever I want to.  That I really don't need that Cadbury egg; I just enjoy it.  And on and on I could go.  Reality check......if that were true, why haven't I done it?

And here, I believe, is the bottom line......because I can't.  Not on my own.  In my own strength I am powerless to do anything.  And I don't mean that if I have Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig or Nutrisystem or ___________, then I can do it.  I can't.  And I have the track record (and the points trackers!!) to prove it.  In my own strength, I can do nothing about this issue.  But with the power of Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit within me, I can!!  That's the ultimate reality check.

Here's where I am with this issue today.  I admit that I am overweight.  That my clothes don't fit.  That this affects my health.  All those things are true.  But even more true is that I am powerless on my own to deal with this issue.  Also true is my overwhelming desire to honor Christ in EVERY area of my life.  Not just the "spiritual" areas.  Every part of me......body, mind, spirit......wants to glorify Him.

I have just begun reading "Made to Crave.....Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, not Food", written by Lysa Terkeurst of Proverbs 31 Ministries.  Here's one thing she said in the introduction that has been resonating with me....."Nothing changes until we make the choice to redirect our misguided cravings to the only One capable of satisfying them."

There's a reality check.  No matter what the scale says.  No matter what size my jeans are.  Or how easily they zip.  Success is not defined  by those numbers.  Success is knowing I'm made for more than just another Cadbury egg.  Or another scoop of ice cream.  Or another slice of pizza. 

I'm made for more.  And the One who made me desires all of me. 

It's time for some changes.  One of those changes is that food is not my master.

I am made for more than the endless cycle of gaining and losing and gaining and losing.

It's time to make better choices.  About what I eat.  About how I spend my time.

It's time to remember that I was made for more.  It's time to give up my Scarlett O'Hara mentality of "I'll think about that tomorrow."  It's time to eat to live, not live to eat.

It's time to remember that my body is the "temple of the Holy Spirit".

So, today I reaffirm my desire to be all that Christ Jesus desires me to be.  Even in the area of food.  Especially in this area where I have struggled so much.

"For you have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body."  (1 Corinthians 6:20)

"I can do all things through Him who gives me strength."  (Philippians 4:13)

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

A Christopher Story

I love my grandsons!  Those little boys bring such joy to my life!  I love spending time with them.  I love their hugs and kisses.  I love how they remind me of my sons when they were that age.  I love watching them play.  I love watching them learn.  I love watching them figure things out for themselves.

And I love how they make me laugh!  One of this week's giggles came from Christopher.

Let me introduce you to the characters in this story.  Christopher is 4 years old.  He is the son of my older son Brian and his wife Emily.  Emily has two sisters.  Her older sister Lori and her family live in the same neighborhood as Brian and Emily.  Lori has a 15 year old son named Ricky.  Ricky spends a lot of time at Brian and Emily's house.  That's the background of this story.  Keep that in mind, along with the fact that Ricky is 15.  If you know anything about teenage boys and how much they eat, you will understand this story even more!

A word about Christopher.  He is a funny little boy.  He's also very serious.  We sometimes describe him as a little old man in a child's body.  And his very serious pronouncements are often some of the funniest things that come out of his mouth.  He's really funny when he's not even trying to be funny.

Here's the story.  On Monday, Emily and Christopher were picking Ricky up from his baseball practice.  On the way to get Ricky, Christopher said to Emily, "When we get Ricky we need to take him to his house so he doesn't eat up all of our food at our house". Later, when Ricky was inevitably in the pantry, Christopher ran up behind him and said, "Well what do you know!"

Emily shared this story on her Facebook page.  Al and I both got a good laugh out of it.  And we're still laughing every time we think about it.  I hope it made you smile, too.

"A joyful heart is good medicine." (Proverbs 17:22 NASB)

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Spring Cleaning

I'm in the middle of spring cleaning.  But let me go on record that there is something wrong with the concept of "spring" cleaning when it is snowing outside!!  So far I've cleaned out closets and drawers, started a really big pile of stuff for Goodwill, and my kitchen has really clean floors.  The window washing will have to wait.  Until the snow stops.  If it ever does.

My ultimate role model for spring cleaning is my mother.  She did spring cleaning twice a year.  I suppose it would more accurately be called spring cleaning and fall cleaning.  I always thought it was a bit redundant.  She cleaned so much on a weekly basis that there really wasn't a need for a special cleaning.  No dust bunny dared show up in my mother's house!

As I've been in this process of cleaning my house, it has occurred to me that this is a good time for some mental/spiritual spring cleaning as well.  So, as I am dusting all those hard-to-reach corners and cleaning out unused clothing from closets, I am also attempting to get the cobwebs out of my mind as well.  This has been a good opportunity to examine some of my attitudes, to get rid of what one of my mentors has often referred to as stinkin' thinkin'. 

I'm not one of those women who just loves to clean.  I love for things to be clean; I just don't enjoy the process.  And I'm not particularly enjoying the process of mental spring cleaning either.  But the end result will be so worth it!

"Create in me a clean hear, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."  (Psalm 51:10)

Monday, April 4, 2011

Lessons about Obedience

I've learned a few lessons about obedience this last week.  For a while now, Al and I have been praying about looking for a new church home.  We have believed that was what God was leading us to.  We didn't want to make a hasty decision or a wrong decision.  So we devoted a lot of time to seeking His will about that situation.  We are certain that we received God's answer, and that our decision to leave our current church and look for another one was that answer.  We have confidence in that decision.  Having made the decision, being obedient to what we sense God leading us to do, we feel a weight lifted from our shoulders.

That's one of the lessons of obedience I have learned this week.  Being obedient feels good!

I have also learned a few other things.  Other people won't always understand.  They won't always be supportive.  They may say hurtful things. 

But my obedience shouldn't be conditioned on what other people think or what other people say.  My obedience is between me and God.  I'm not responsible for the consequences.  I am only responsible to obey.

"Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him."  (Charles Stanley)

Friday, April 1, 2011

A Bad Joke

It's April Fool's Day.  Never one of my favorite "holidays".  Before you jump to the conclusion that I have no sense of humor, let me offer a bit of explanation.  I do, in fact, have a sense of humor.  I love to laugh.  I love a good joke......but I don't like "practical jokes" at all.  I don't find anything funny about having the faucet rigged to spray water over me (over somebody else, maybe, but not over me!!!).  I don't laugh at all about having a fake roach in the bottom of my coffee cup.  Those kinds of pranks don't amuse me at all.

And I was definitely not amused when I got out of bed and looked out the window this morning.  Snow.  Again.  This does not make me happy.  I am not laughing.  This is a very bad April Fool's joke.  I expected snow in April when we lived in Colorado.  Or Connecticut.  Or Minnesota.  But not in North Carolina.  This is the South!  It isn't supposed to snow here in April.

This is one of those days when I struggle with that verse in 1 Thessalonians....."in everything give thanks for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  I'm having a hard time with that one today.  This is a day when my usual positivity takes a real hit.  It's a day when, even though I'm a strong believer in the sovereignty of God and I know that God is in control of all things, I still struggle......I want to ask Him "why"!  Is this really necessary??!!

It isn't that we're in the middle of a blizzard.  We're not snowed in.  It isn't that bad.  But it is a very gray day with the ground covered with white stuff.  Not the way I would do April.  Yes, I know I live in the mountains.  Right now I would very much like to be somewhere else!

"Praise the Lord!  Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights; Praise Him, all His angels, Praise Him, all His hosts; Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light;.........for He commanded and they were created.......Praise the Lord from the earth.......fire and hail, snow and clouds......Let them praise the name of the Lord; for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven."  (from Psalm 147)