Refreshed

Would anyone disagree that 2020 has been a frustrating year? A stressful year? A very not-normal year? With shut-downs and quarantines and masks and cancellations, this is a year we would all hope not to repeat. A number of my friends have already begun decorating for fall in hope of speeding 2020 to its end.


While I haven't pulled out the fall décor, Al and I did decide to change things up a bit and take a break. To get away from all that is normal and have a change of scenery. To do that, we headed to one of our favorite places - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - where we relaxed, ate some good food, did some shopping, and spent some time in one of our favorite spots - Cades Cove.


We enjoyed some of the beauty of God's creation.

And of His creatures.

We enjoyed the reminders of a simpler life.

 It was a pleasant day of wandering around, just enjoying being together.

After a few days semi-unplugged from the noise and chaos of life, we're home again. Relaxed. Refreshed. Thankful. And ready for this new day.

"He restores my soul." (Psalm 23:3)





Blind Spots

Blind spots. We all have them, whether we are willing to admit it or not. In relationships. In politics. In our personal prejudices. These blind spots are figurative, not literal. We can't see them, but they exist none the less.


Thanks to my stroke in 2016, I have a literal blind spot on my right side. Unless I'm looking directly at you, I won't see you on that side since I have no peripheral vision on that side. As a result, I sometimes walk into people or things, because I can't see them on that side. I'm oblivious to what is there.


Today has been designated National Dog Day, which has me remembering our little fur person. You may be wondering what that has to do with blind spots. So I'll explain. When we were living in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and when Molly was a much younger dog, we often spotted a large hawk flying overhead as Molly wandered around outside. That hawk could easily have eaten Molly for lunch! Or dinner. Or breakfast. Or a snack. But you get the point. Yet Molly just wandered around, looking for the perfect spot to take care of business. Or sniffing for squirrels or chipmunks. Or just lying in the sun. All the while, danger was lurking overhead. Yet she was completely unaware. Oblivious. It was her blind spot.


I share this because I'm concerned that too many of us are much like Molly. Completely oblivious to the dangers that surround us. In the culture. In our schools. In the workplace. In the movies we watch and the books we read. We have blind spots. We can't see what's going on around us.


The time to blindly accept everything we see or hear as truth is long past. We need to be alert to the lies and half-truths that surround us. We need to compare everything we are told, everything we ready or hear, to the plumb line of God's Word. Even what we read from the Christian bookstore or hear in church. And most especially what we hear on television or from social media. We need to be careful that what is being presented as truth is, in fact, truth. And not just because it fits your personal opinions (which might be your blind spot). But because it lines up with God's Word. The enemy of our souls knows that his time is short, and he will use any and every means available to achieve his goals.


"Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, fir in the faith." (1 Peter 5:8-9 HCSB)


"Be on your guard, so that you are not led away by the error of the immoral and fall from your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." (2 PETER 3:17-18 HCSB)


"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves."
(Matthew 7:15 ESV)


"...for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11 NASB, emphasis mine)

Learning to Say "No"

Do you like roller coasters? I do not. All the up and down, curving this way and that, is not anything that I would even remotely consider "fun".


Earlier this week I heard someone refer to the last six months as a "corona-coaster". Full disclosure - I don't remember who said it or where I heard it, so I can't give credit. But that description has stuck with me. The ups and downs, the stops and starts, of the last several months have been very much like a roller coaster. And I don't know about you, but I have not particularly enjoyed the ride!


What does all that have to do with learning to say "no"?


In every day of every season of life we are faced with choices and demands and errands and appointments and decisions. The season we are now in is no different. Except that the "corona-coaster" makes everything about life just a bit more challenging. A bit more stressful. A bit more frustrating. As we have moved into the back-to-school season, which looks a lot different than it ever has before, and as the fall season is just around the corner, and as the political season is in full swing, we have even more things we need to say "yes" or "no" to.


In this season, perhaps more than ever, we need to be careful what we say "yes" to. This is a good time to learn to say "no".

• "No" to the compulsion to respond to ever Facebook or Twitter post. In fact, this might be a good time to limit social media. As someone once said, you don't have to attend every argument you are invited to. And if you do decide to enter into a dialogue or make a post, think before you speak. Use the P48 test. Is it true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, praiseworthy? Beyond that, is it necessary? If not, then say "no".
• "No" to arguing.
• "No" to belittling others just because you don't agree.
• "No" to name-calling.

The list could go on.


Learning to say "no" is a byproduct of learning to say "yes". Learning to say "yes" comes from learning to listen to God. Making decisions based on His plan and purpose. Not my plan. Not my friend's plan. Not my church's plan. Not the culture's plan. Not the politician's plan. Not any plan other than God's plan for me and my life.


Following God's plan and purposes involve taking time to discern what those are. Taking time to listen to God. He wants us to know His will, and He will use the Holy Spirit to communicate that to us. We just need to be listening. Paying attention. And we can't do that very well if we are so busy with everything that comes our way. If we are so busy with social media and politics and every other thing that we have no time to be still and listen.


How can you and I most effectively serve Him? How can you and I most effectively use our time for His glory? These are important questions to be asking as we are trying to make decisions about how we spend our time and how we fill our schedules and how we determine when to say "yes" and when to say "no".


Tune out the voices of the culture and social media. Learn to listen. Listen to God. That's the first step in learning to say "no".


Don't be afraid. That's an important step. When God tells you to do something, you definitely better be about doing it! But when He tells you "no", you better be about that "no" to whoever and whatever is trying to get your attention.


It's ok to say "no" sometimes. Obey God. Leave all the consequences to Him.*


"So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12 NASB)




*Dr. Charles Stanley, Life Principle #2

Little Foxes

"Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that are ruining the vineyard." (Song of Solomon 2:15")


Yesterday our Sunday School lesson was from Song of Solomon, and this verse was a part of our study. Since then, I've been thinking about little foxes.








In Solomon's day, little foxes were a nuisance in much the same way squirrels and chipmunks are a nuisance in my yard. In Solomon's day, the vineyards were not up on trellises but often lay on the ground, and the foxes would come along and eat the crops. If you have squirrels or chipmunks, or rabbits, or deer, doing damage to your garden, then you get the imagery.


In context, Solomon is comparing these little foxes to the little irritations that can cause problems in the marriage relationship. In our day, we are often told not to sweat the small stuff. But Solomon tells us we should. Because it's the little things - the little foxes - that grow into bigger problems.


Particularly in 2020, we can relate to this imagery of little foxes in a way that perhaps we had not previously. These last six months have been filled with foxes. Not literally, of course. (Depending on where you live!) But life in 2020 is full of frustrations and discouragement and all sorts of challenges. Daily we are bombarded with yet another "new normal". (Have I mentioned lately how much I hate that phrase!)


Our foxes have taken various forms. Masks. Closings. Quarantines. Altered school schedules. And the list goes on. We have become so stressed by it all that even the smallest things rattle us. And while we can't control any of these little foxes, these events that have come into our lives, we can control our response. These foxes - these irritations of life - can rob us of our joy. If we let them.


Life is not all about "big" events and "big" choices. Life is also about, perhaps even more about, the little everyday things. The little foxes. The regular, everyday, little frustrations that become big foxes when they are magnified by things like Covid-19.


So what are we to do? How do we deal with the little foxes? It's about focus. If we don't want the foxes to ruin the vineyard, I believe we must learn to "fix our eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2) and not on our circumstances. We must learn to trust that "God will supply all our needs" (Philippians 4:19) And we must remember that God is working all things together for our good and for His glory. (Romans 8:28-29)


Seeking God. Learning to trust. Giving thanks in all things, even when there are little foxes trying to spoil our joy.


"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith develops endurance." (James 1:2-3)

The Blessing of My Morning Walk

It might seem something of an oxymoron to think of my morning walk as a blessing. But I do. First, the fact that I am able to do this at all is a blessing. Just a few short years ago, prior to knee replacement surgery, even the thought of going out for a walk made me laugh. Or cry. Depending on how much my knee was hurting on that particular day. And that doesn't even take into account the after effects of my stroke. So being able to walk, up and down hills, for a mile and sometimes more, is a blessing indeed. While I'm walking I'm able to notice the beauty around me. Lush lawns. Crape myrtles still boasting their summer blossoms. Green leaves on the trees. The morning sun. The neighborhood bunny. So much beauty in the world God has given us. What a blessing! Occasionally I see one of my neighbors, coming out for the morning paper, or out for their own walk. It's a blessing to have neighbors, after our years of living on the side of a mountain, a long way from anywhere. Sometimes on my walks I enjoy putting my ear buds in and listening to music or to audio books. After my stroke, when reading was such a challenge, audio books were suggested to me as an alternative. Initially I resisted them. Maybe because if I gave in to the audio books, I was admitting that I would never be able to read again. I'm not sure. In any event, in the last several months, I have come to enjoy "reading" while I walk. One of the greatest blessings of my morning walks is the opportunity to pray. Some people like to walk with friends or with a group. I prefer to walk alone. So I can "read". Or listen to my music. And think. And pray. I pray for friends and neighbors as I pass their homes. I pray for my family. I pray for our nation. I pray for whomever God brings to mind as I'm walking. Today I prayed especially for students and teachers beginning a new school year. This school year is like no other we have known. Certainly a far cry from my first day of school all those years ago, as I put on my new dress and picked up my new book satchel (that's what we called a book bag back then), and headed off to school. Some days it's hard to get these old bones moving. Some mornings I just don't want to. Some mornings it's so hot and humid that I think I cant' bear it for another minute. Even on those days, my walk is a blessing. Because I am so blessed to be able to walk. And to "read". And to pray. So blessed. And so very thankful. "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits. (Psalm 103:1-2)

Some Thoughts About Getting Older

It's my birthday week. And this is a significant birthday, meaning it has a zero in it! Since my stroke in November 2016, every day is a special day to celebrate! These months since the stroke have given me a new appreciation for life. A new awareness that each day is a precious gift not to be taken for granted. And every birthday celebration has become an even greater reason to celebrate.

Birthdays bring inevitable thoughts about getting older. I can remember when, once upon a time, I thought anyone who had passed their 60th birthday was really old. Having passed that milestone several years ago, I no longer think of it in quite the same way. Because the truth is, I really don't think of myself as old. I don't feel old. At least, not on most days. Of course there are the inevitable aches and pains and wrinkles that come with this season, but I really don't feel "old".

I remember reading several years ago that Jonathan Edwards, that great American preacher of days gone by, had seventy resolutions for his life, all of which he wrote while in his early twenties, and which he read every week for the rest of his life. I'm particularly crawn to his Resolution 52:

"I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again. Resolved, that I will live as I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age."

As I am celebrating another birthday, Johnathan Edwards' resolution continues to be my resolution, for the coming year and for however many years lie ahead:  to live as I shall wish I had done.

I'm Tired

The last couple of weeks have been particularly busy, and I'm tired. And I stayed up too late last night, which didn't help. My fatigue has little to do with a busy schedule or lack of sleep. My weariness goes far beyond being physically tired.

I'm tired of political ads and insults and tweets.

I'm tired of rioting and mayhem.

I'm tired of media who want to control what I think instead of merely reporting facts and letting me decide for myself.

I'm tired of the animosity.


I'm tired of Covid-19.

I'm tired of this election season.

Election seasons have become particularly contentious in recent years. This one is no exception, and I suspect it will only get worse in the next few months. Certainly it is to be expected that people will disagree about candidates and about issues, but our disagreements seem to be more disagreeable than ever before. Social media plays a part in that, to be sure. People will tweet or post things that they would never say to or about another person face to face. The anonymity and lack of accountability that social media brings to our world has brought out the worst in us.

Even beyond that, there's an ugliness in our world these days that is heartbreaking. We're arguing and slinging insults about masks and education and statues and vaccines and everything in between. It's an ugly world out there. And I am weary of it all.

Certainly as Americans we are free to have our own opinions about issue. We are free to express our opinions. Free speech is a right guaranteed to us by the First Amendment.

But does our right to free speech give us the right to insult and demean and belittle? The level of vitriol and rhetoric in our country today far exceeds anything I have seen in my lifetime. What saddens me most about it all is the way even Christians are at each other's throats. Flinging insults at one another.  That sort of behavior wouldn't be particularly surprising coming from the unbelieving world, but it is heartbreaking to see how even Christians are turning on each other.

Is this the way we are modeling Christ to the world? Is this how we are to be salt and light?

I do not mean to say that all who are Christian should line up behind one particular candidate or one particularly political opinion. Each of us must make an individual decision about the issues facing our nation and our world.

We won't all agree. But we don't need to be so disagreeable!
It all makes me tired. And so very sad.


"...nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You." (2 Chronicles 20:12 NASB)

Turning the Page

Welcome to August! It's a new month. A clean page on the calendar. Time for a fresh start.

This morning I turned the page on the "official" family calendar on the side of the refrigerator. And I smiled. It's my birthday month. And it's one month closer to fall and cooler temperatures!

We often think of a new month as a clean slate. A time to start over. But if your calendar looks anything like mine, it isn't exactly a blank page. There are doctor appointments and hair appointments and meetings at church already written in. August is shaping up to be another busy month.

Even so, there's something refreshing about turning the calendar page. A new month means new opportunities. New adventures. New challenges to be faced. 

Turning that calendar page also means moving on. Leaving the previous month behind. Letting go of all the less-than-we-might-have-liked-them-to-be moments. The new month is time to let all that go, and time to move forward.

Facing this new month means asking some questions. As in, what things in my life need some correction. What additions need to be made? What things in my life need some fine-tuning. What things in my life need to be deleted. You may find that to be true in your life as well.

Here are a few questions to help you get started.

What foods need to be deleted from my life? What foods need to be added?

What habits need to be deleted from my life? What habits need to be added?

What corrections need to be made in my speech?

What needs to be deleted? In my activities. In my recreation. In my reading. In my TV watching. In the way I spend my money.

What needs to be added? In my activities. In my recreation. In my reading. In my TV watching. In the way I spend my money.

Life is a process. And all those processes need some editing from time to time.

What better time than today, as we are turning the page to a new month, to take some time to consider what changes might need to be made!


"But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.  More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."  (Philippians 3:7 NASB)