My co-worker, Cindy, left the office ahead of me to go to the Post Office before our rendezvous for a lunch meeting with a ministry volunteer. We were both traveling into an unfamiliar part of town and armed with a print out of MapQuest directions.
What followed was a comedy of errors. A few minutes before I had to start paying attention to the directions, I got a call from my best friend. I always want to talk with her so our conversation continued (I know, I’ve seen the hang up and drive bumper stickers too). A quick stop sent the directions sliding off the passenger seat onto the floor mat. Thankfully, I could still glance down and see the street names!
After the second turn I noticed my co-worker’s car pulled over to the side of the road under the shade of a tree. How thoughtful of Cindy to wait for me to catch up with her so we could arrive together. As I approached she pulled out onto the street ahead of me and proceeded to precisely follow our MapQuest directions. (Yes, I was still on the phone!)
After following her for several miles, Cindy took an unexpected turn. I followed her assuming she knew where we were going … and then another unexpected turn. I looked closely at the car again – yes, same year and color car, same ding in the rear quarter panel, and same scrape on the bumper. It had to be her! I looked through the back window of the car and saw the driver was wearing glasses. Cindy had complained about her contacts bothering her so had she taken them out and put on her glasses?
A few blocks later I got a better look at the driver and thought it might not be Cindy after all. So I ended one phone call only to place one to ask: am I following you?
I wasn’t! In fact, Cindy was a few miles behind me on this quest to find our destination. So I turned around and doubled back… calling my best friend, of course, to share the news of what I had done. Our shared laugher broke the tension I was feeling over being lost and late.
When I was at the point I needed to retry the directions, I turned around only to see Cindy (yes, it was really her) coming toward me from the opposite direction! She signaled a turn into a business parking lot and I followed. We discussed the directions, where a particular street was, and certain we knew where we were going, headed off again.
A few miles down the road we were on a street not on the directions! We pulled into a church parking lot and decided to call our hostess. We decided it was best to ride together from that point. We discovered, to our amazement, the MapQuest directions would have never gotten us to our destination! A few minutes later we were at the right house!
After the meeting and back at my car Cindy commented she had meant to bring her Garmin. I had thought of bringing one too. We wondered out loud if we would have found the house with a GPS as our guide.
Alone in my car and headed back to the office, I began to think about how important it is to know who we are following and whose directions to trust. This experience reminded me how easily we take off on our own in life, convinced we know where we are going. What a great lesson for one on a journey of grace.
In order to reach our life’s desired destination we have to follow God. If we’re not sure about where we’re heading – we need only ask! Granted, the answer may not come as quickly as a cell phone call but it will come in time to keep us going in the right direction! Who are you following?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
We left home last Saturday in the late afternoon headed for Elba, Alabama. Our intention was to grab some fast food off the Interstate in Montgomery. We were so distracted by a misbehaving Garmin (it thought we were still in Kentucky where we’d been the week before!) that we were past the city before we realized it. Hopeful, we stopped at the gas station/convenience store at our exit. Unfortunately the person working there was no help in giving us locations along our route where we could eat.
Munching on snacks, we headed off into the darkness on a never-before (for us) traveled road. After several turns from one county road to another we found ourselves in Highland Home. I almost drove past the oasis. It was dark and the building had few outside lights. In fact it was the reflection from our headlights on the cars in the gravel parking lot that caught my attention. When we saw how many cars were parked at almost 7 on a Saturday night we decided to stop – especially not knowing what eating opportunities might be ahead.
It Don’t Matter proved to be a wonderful surprise. The atmosphere was warm (the wait staff and the welcome heated air) and the food delicious! Days later I am still thinking about and talking about It Don’t Matter. I wonder when I might be by there again.
How often God has surprises for us! I wonder how many we miss because we’re not expecting them or don’t see them or don’t recognize them when they happen. I think I am going to live more expectantly – after a jewel of a diner for our hungry stomachs what else is just ahead?
Munching on snacks, we headed off into the darkness on a never-before (for us) traveled road. After several turns from one county road to another we found ourselves in Highland Home. I almost drove past the oasis. It was dark and the building had few outside lights. In fact it was the reflection from our headlights on the cars in the gravel parking lot that caught my attention. When we saw how many cars were parked at almost 7 on a Saturday night we decided to stop – especially not knowing what eating opportunities might be ahead.
It Don’t Matter proved to be a wonderful surprise. The atmosphere was warm (the wait staff and the welcome heated air) and the food delicious! Days later I am still thinking about and talking about It Don’t Matter. I wonder when I might be by there again.
How often God has surprises for us! I wonder how many we miss because we’re not expecting them or don’t see them or don’t recognize them when they happen. I think I am going to live more expectantly – after a jewel of a diner for our hungry stomachs what else is just ahead?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Anyone who has ever made a resolution will likely agree that even with the best of intentions you often set yourself up to fail with unrealistic expectations. Lee Ann and I have committed to healthier eating and have done reasonably well at changing our thinking about food as well as what we consume.
Today I almost slipped! A locally-owned doughnut shop has opened in our community to rave reviews. At church last night it seemed everyone was praising their products especially apple fritters and doughnut holes (two of my favorites!). I have avoided the temptation to stop in but avoiding even driving by the building.
While I was out running errands at lunchtime I ended up at the library which is just around the corner from the doughnut shop. I decided to be thoughtful and take some holes home to Erica who I knew would love them – and of course I’d have to sample one! Just one. I began to imagine the smell, the visual display of the decadent feast, and oh! the taste. I began to crave just one bite.
So, I broke my resolve and headed for the doughnut shop. Imagine my surprise as I stopped at the last intersection before reaching my destination to discover a train stopped on the tracks between me and the goodies! Not knowing how long my wait would be I turned the other way and returned to the office.
Did I feel victorious? Defeated? Neither one actually. I was amused. I had to laugh. The perfect timing to keep me headed in the healthy direction!
As I drove back to the office – away from the doughnuts – I thought about how easily I allow myself to be lured away from things I know I should do … a phone call, a visit, a note, a volunteer opportunity. All things that would be pleasing to God. All things I should want to do (and sometimes do). But often I let me get in the way.
So today I asked God to continue to put freight trains in my way when I am headed the wrong direction. I want to fully experience God’s grace and know that I have to do my part in learning about and growing to be the person God wants me to be.
Today I almost slipped! A locally-owned doughnut shop has opened in our community to rave reviews. At church last night it seemed everyone was praising their products especially apple fritters and doughnut holes (two of my favorites!). I have avoided the temptation to stop in but avoiding even driving by the building.
While I was out running errands at lunchtime I ended up at the library which is just around the corner from the doughnut shop. I decided to be thoughtful and take some holes home to Erica who I knew would love them – and of course I’d have to sample one! Just one. I began to imagine the smell, the visual display of the decadent feast, and oh! the taste. I began to crave just one bite.
So, I broke my resolve and headed for the doughnut shop. Imagine my surprise as I stopped at the last intersection before reaching my destination to discover a train stopped on the tracks between me and the goodies! Not knowing how long my wait would be I turned the other way and returned to the office.
Did I feel victorious? Defeated? Neither one actually. I was amused. I had to laugh. The perfect timing to keep me headed in the healthy direction!
As I drove back to the office – away from the doughnuts – I thought about how easily I allow myself to be lured away from things I know I should do … a phone call, a visit, a note, a volunteer opportunity. All things that would be pleasing to God. All things I should want to do (and sometimes do). But often I let me get in the way.
So today I asked God to continue to put freight trains in my way when I am headed the wrong direction. I want to fully experience God’s grace and know that I have to do my part in learning about and growing to be the person God wants me to be.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Two major milestones highlighted last week for me. Granted, they may not seem significant to you, but given my middle aged, not-cared-for body, and a personal history where I was told “you can’t” related to any physical activity, I feel like a gold medalist!
Before I tell you what I did (I’m told I inherited a flare for the dramatic from my paternal grandmother) I have to tell you what made the difference … or rather who made the difference. No surprise to those who know me but it was Lee Ann. She believed in me! She encouraged me! She affirmed my baby steps toward being fit and active! She never gave up on me and didn’t let me give up on myself! WOW! She blesses my life in so many ways and this is a good forum for me to tell her “thank you” yet again.
Okay, so the suspense is getting to you, right? LOL! What did I do? The first thing was to successfully hit the majority of the softballs at a local batting cage – two tokens worth. It was a lifetime first for me to step into the cage and a major accomplishment to hit most of the balls. Lee Ann made the difference … and I helped. I had to change how I was thinking about hitting the balls. I had to block the PE teachers from elementary school (nothing wrong with my memory) who told me year after year what a failure I was at hitting a ball with a bat. I had to choose to listen to Lee Ann who believed I could do it! And I did!
The second thing was to ride my bike with Lee Ann at our local state park (we missed Erica who opted to stay home)… hills and all (well, not the really steep ones, at least not on this trip). I had been dreaming of doing this – yes, literally dreaming about riding and only rain, illness, and a day at the beach got in the way. Finally on Saturday we strapped the bikes onto their new rack and off we went. The more I rode the more I wanted to ride! And my “coach” was there each peddle of the way with suggestions that made it easier on my knees and even more fun. I can’t wait to go back!
As I reflected on these two events I recalled just a few of the many times another encourager in my life empowered me to triumph. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). The acceptance, love, forgiveness, grace, hope, joy, and peace Christ desires for each of us is life altering indeed! How thankful I am for Christ in my life. And recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17) I am thankful for Lee Ann and others who help me keep growing.
Before I tell you what I did (I’m told I inherited a flare for the dramatic from my paternal grandmother) I have to tell you what made the difference … or rather who made the difference. No surprise to those who know me but it was Lee Ann. She believed in me! She encouraged me! She affirmed my baby steps toward being fit and active! She never gave up on me and didn’t let me give up on myself! WOW! She blesses my life in so many ways and this is a good forum for me to tell her “thank you” yet again.
Okay, so the suspense is getting to you, right? LOL! What did I do? The first thing was to successfully hit the majority of the softballs at a local batting cage – two tokens worth. It was a lifetime first for me to step into the cage and a major accomplishment to hit most of the balls. Lee Ann made the difference … and I helped. I had to change how I was thinking about hitting the balls. I had to block the PE teachers from elementary school (nothing wrong with my memory) who told me year after year what a failure I was at hitting a ball with a bat. I had to choose to listen to Lee Ann who believed I could do it! And I did!
The second thing was to ride my bike with Lee Ann at our local state park (we missed Erica who opted to stay home)… hills and all (well, not the really steep ones, at least not on this trip). I had been dreaming of doing this – yes, literally dreaming about riding and only rain, illness, and a day at the beach got in the way. Finally on Saturday we strapped the bikes onto their new rack and off we went. The more I rode the more I wanted to ride! And my “coach” was there each peddle of the way with suggestions that made it easier on my knees and even more fun. I can’t wait to go back!
As I reflected on these two events I recalled just a few of the many times another encourager in my life empowered me to triumph. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). The acceptance, love, forgiveness, grace, hope, joy, and peace Christ desires for each of us is life altering indeed! How thankful I am for Christ in my life. And recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17) I am thankful for Lee Ann and others who help me keep growing.
Friday, September 11, 2009
As a child of the 50s I grew up when no one locked their doors (neither home nor car) and neighbors rushed to bake bread, cakes, and casseroles to welcome newcomers to the street. My parents reminisced about sitting on the porch after dinner with family and friends as the day ended and I witnessed this practice when we visited my grandparents. In the late 70s I discovered this way of life still existed in rural Illinois where I lived for a short while in “farm country.”
I think I first recognized how drastically lifestyles had changed (as a college and graduate student I had been oblivious to much beyond campus) when a group of church leaders were lamenting no one would accept their invitations to visit the Sunday visitors on Monday night. That caused me to reflect that I did not rush to bake something for a new neighbor any more (when is there time?).
Rushing from home to work to lessons or practices or church to home again while eating on the run challenged how we built relationships. “Me time” became a mantra for many seeking relief from the rat race. Then cocooning began in response to the need for family and home and rest.
As cocooning became common practice, VCR followed by DVD rental businesses flourished (and now Netflix has contributed to their closures) while movie ticket prices soared and sales plummeted. Telephoning gave way to emailing which rapidly took the place of letter writing too. And along came texting. Educators began to lament that students did not know how to write or communicate verbally. More and more we withdrew from direct contact with more than a few friends and family members.
I believe inherent in each of us, introvert and extrovert alike, is the need for companionship and mutually fulfilling human relationships. Despite cocooning, community networking events began to spring up along with church supper clubs and Neighborhood Watch groups. And today diehard Facebook users list networking as what they are seeking and some compete to build their list of friends.
In beginning God created … for the first human he created a companion because It is not good for the man to be alone. Throughout my life I have heard multiple preachers propose that God created humankind for companionship. And while I have a hard time comprehending God having any need I recognize relationships with God and others as a thread woven throughout the Bible.
And where does all this thinking end? Again with the Great Commandment! Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
I affirm that loving both God and my neighbor means spending time with them. I am looking forward to meeting some of my international neighbors next summer on a mission trip to Africa but until then it’s time to break out of the comfort zone of my cocoon to reach across property lines with more than a wave.
I think I first recognized how drastically lifestyles had changed (as a college and graduate student I had been oblivious to much beyond campus) when a group of church leaders were lamenting no one would accept their invitations to visit the Sunday visitors on Monday night. That caused me to reflect that I did not rush to bake something for a new neighbor any more (when is there time?).
Rushing from home to work to lessons or practices or church to home again while eating on the run challenged how we built relationships. “Me time” became a mantra for many seeking relief from the rat race. Then cocooning began in response to the need for family and home and rest.
As cocooning became common practice, VCR followed by DVD rental businesses flourished (and now Netflix has contributed to their closures) while movie ticket prices soared and sales plummeted. Telephoning gave way to emailing which rapidly took the place of letter writing too. And along came texting. Educators began to lament that students did not know how to write or communicate verbally. More and more we withdrew from direct contact with more than a few friends and family members.
I believe inherent in each of us, introvert and extrovert alike, is the need for companionship and mutually fulfilling human relationships. Despite cocooning, community networking events began to spring up along with church supper clubs and Neighborhood Watch groups. And today diehard Facebook users list networking as what they are seeking and some compete to build their list of friends.
In beginning God created … for the first human he created a companion because It is not good for the man to be alone. Throughout my life I have heard multiple preachers propose that God created humankind for companionship. And while I have a hard time comprehending God having any need I recognize relationships with God and others as a thread woven throughout the Bible.
And where does all this thinking end? Again with the Great Commandment! Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
I affirm that loving both God and my neighbor means spending time with them. I am looking forward to meeting some of my international neighbors next summer on a mission trip to Africa but until then it’s time to break out of the comfort zone of my cocoon to reach across property lines with more than a wave.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The dreaded call came mid-morning. It was what we had feared. The test was positive. The flu had come to our home. Erica has been symptomatic and missed school yesterday. Her mom was hoping at the worst it would be a sinus infection. But no, it is the flu.
As the day has progressed so have my symptoms … all the usual suspects. Then suddenly I’ll feel better and tell myself it’s all in my head. But my years of living have taught me that we may all be on the sofa under the afghan before the week is out.
Anticipating this happening I ate my lunch while I worked to give me time to run errands during my normal lunch time. Library books were waiting to be checked out and the cats have to eat! And they have to have what they like and need (two of the three require prescription food). And they have to get their monthly dose of Frontline. We didn’t want the flu but we certainly don’t want fleas!
Driving to the pet food store I noticed I was speeding down the interstate. I felt an urgency akin to making sure there are flashlight batteries, bread, sandwich meat, and bottled water in the house as a hurricane approaches.
Urgency. Several New Testament scriptures began to flood my thoughts. We are instructed to live with such urgency that we are ready when Jesus comes again. As I slowed my driving I also slowed my thinking to contemplate these teachings.
With my words and with my life I need to share the love of God and the reconciliation Jesus offers. What about you?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Lounging on the beach I looked up just in time to see a flock of seagulls pass overhead. I studied them for quite a distance and for the first time noticed that they all flapped and then “coasted” simultaneously. I couldn’t remember ever noticing birds coast before! How graceful to watch them float on the air current.
Watching them made me think of coasting when riding my bike. Peddling leads to that wind-in-your face time of taking your feet off and just coasting. If it’s been a particularly difficult climb to the point you can coast it is an especially welcome rest.
I wondered if the seagulls felt a sense of rest and relief as they coasted. And I wondered if they are soaring when they flap or when they coast.
Isaiah 40:31 came to mind as I wondered … but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Lounging in the beach chase on the white Gulf of Mexico sand was renewing to me. But I wanted to be soaring. And then I thought of all the times I have felt so in sync with God’s will for my day that it felt as if I was soaring. Those are special days.
Watching them made me think of coasting when riding my bike. Peddling leads to that wind-in-your face time of taking your feet off and just coasting. If it’s been a particularly difficult climb to the point you can coast it is an especially welcome rest.
I wondered if the seagulls felt a sense of rest and relief as they coasted. And I wondered if they are soaring when they flap or when they coast.
Isaiah 40:31 came to mind as I wondered … but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Lounging in the beach chase on the white Gulf of Mexico sand was renewing to me. But I wanted to be soaring. And then I thought of all the times I have felt so in sync with God’s will for my day that it felt as if I was soaring. Those are special days.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
I took the trash out after lunch today. That, in and of itself, is nothing unusual, expect that chore is usually relegated to Friday afternoons. However the banana peeling from my mid-morning snack attack and the packet my lunch salmon filet was in made for a smelly combination whose only redeeming quality might be as supplemental pest control.
On the way back down the hall to the stairs leading to our offices, I did something I have not done since we relocated to the church in March. I went into the sanctuary to pray. It wasn’t my idea. I was drawn in. I know that God doesn’t live in a house of worship, but today God’s presence was palpable.
Yes, there was a lot on my mind; a lot that needed prayer attention. So I poured my heart out to my listening God. And then I listened. I sensed God wrapping God’s self around me as the peace I had been seeking came.
Inside the sanctuary all was quiet. As I kept listening (to and for God, not intentionally for outside noises) I heard the big green trash truck making its weekly rounds. What a surprise was in store for me!
As I almost unconciously visualized the truck picking up the trash receptacle and emptying it of its contents I realized I was just like that container! I had allowed myself to become distracted from God, largely through neglect of prayer, and thus my life had filled with things better thrown away. And the more I had added to the “trash” the bigger the pile had grown and the more offensive the strong smell had become. Yes, and there were those pesky flies too!
So prayerfully I visualized God emptying me of all that was inside that didn’t need to be there. As it tumbled out I named the things I could recognize. I asked for forgiveness and cleansing. I asked for God to fill me.
I was left with a clean container! I realize I will inevitably start to fill it up again because I am human and that just happens. But I am reminded anew that I can (and need to) intentionally come to God to be emptied.
When I, you, we are filled with God’s spirit we are anything but empty! We are alive to God and all God can do in and through us.
On the way back down the hall to the stairs leading to our offices, I did something I have not done since we relocated to the church in March. I went into the sanctuary to pray. It wasn’t my idea. I was drawn in. I know that God doesn’t live in a house of worship, but today God’s presence was palpable.
Yes, there was a lot on my mind; a lot that needed prayer attention. So I poured my heart out to my listening God. And then I listened. I sensed God wrapping God’s self around me as the peace I had been seeking came.
Inside the sanctuary all was quiet. As I kept listening (to and for God, not intentionally for outside noises) I heard the big green trash truck making its weekly rounds. What a surprise was in store for me!
As I almost unconciously visualized the truck picking up the trash receptacle and emptying it of its contents I realized I was just like that container! I had allowed myself to become distracted from God, largely through neglect of prayer, and thus my life had filled with things better thrown away. And the more I had added to the “trash” the bigger the pile had grown and the more offensive the strong smell had become. Yes, and there were those pesky flies too!
So prayerfully I visualized God emptying me of all that was inside that didn’t need to be there. As it tumbled out I named the things I could recognize. I asked for forgiveness and cleansing. I asked for God to fill me.
I was left with a clean container! I realize I will inevitably start to fill it up again because I am human and that just happens. But I am reminded anew that I can (and need to) intentionally come to God to be emptied.
When I, you, we are filled with God’s spirit we are anything but empty! We are alive to God and all God can do in and through us.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
I love the beach! I love being at the beach, especially with my family. I love the feel of sand between my toes. I love the smell of salt air. I love the sound of the waves. I love eating seafood. I love people watching. I love sitting under an umbrella with a good book. I love naps in the afternoon sun. I love bogie boarding. I love drinks with umbrellas in them. I love pelicans, seagulls, and sandpipers. Yes, I love everything about the beach … well maybe everything. I don’t enjoy trying to get all the sand out of my bathing suit, car, and beach bag but what a small price to pay for so much pleasure?
Since reading Andy Andrews The Noticer (you have read it, haven’t you?) I find myself consciously noticing more things than ever before. I find myself making mental lists of things I notice so it was only natural to record things I noticed at the beach last weekend. Perhaps it was because I wasn’t on my “home” beach of Gulf Shores. A native Floridian it was my first time on an Atlantic beach in quite a few years. Noticing differences seemed only natural; of course some things apply to any beach, anywhere.
· The water in the Atlantic is saltier than the water in the Gulf of Mexico.
· The Florida Atlantic beach sand is hot to walk on in August.
· A lot of people must buy bathing suits without trying them on where they have a mirror. They must put them on to go outside in a place where there isn’t a mirror either.
· There are only a few female surfers.
· The whiter, finer Gulf coast sand is harder to walk on.
· Young children have a love-hate relationship with the water.
· Wake boarding is much harder than it looks.
· Ron Jon Surf Shops have a huge advertising budget.
· Children are happy playing in and around the water with their parents.
· When you feed beach birds you understand the term “pecking order.”
· For women, body surfing is better enjoyed in a one-piece swim suit.
· The Gulf of Mexico water is bluer and clearer than the Florida Atlantic costal water.
· People seem to leave their inhibitions in their hotel rooms, condos, or vehicles (or lose them in the drinks with the little umbrellas).
· Hurricanes, even far off shore, create huge waves and a strong undertow.
· There are more shells washed ashore along the Gulf of Mexico than on the Florida Atlantic coast.
· When you swim in the Greater Gulf Shores area you can see fish in the water with you.
· Modern-day cruise ships are HUGE.
· I’ll take seaweed over jellyfish any day, but prefer neither of them.
· Dolphins are visible playing in the Gulf at least twice a day.
· It’s hard to beat a fresh seafood dinner when you’re sitting beach-side at sunset.
· When you really notice the changing of the tides, the variety of sea shells, the sky, and all the wonders the beach offers, how can you deny there is a creator God?
Since reading Andy Andrews The Noticer (you have read it, haven’t you?) I find myself consciously noticing more things than ever before. I find myself making mental lists of things I notice so it was only natural to record things I noticed at the beach last weekend. Perhaps it was because I wasn’t on my “home” beach of Gulf Shores. A native Floridian it was my first time on an Atlantic beach in quite a few years. Noticing differences seemed only natural; of course some things apply to any beach, anywhere.
· The water in the Atlantic is saltier than the water in the Gulf of Mexico.
· The Florida Atlantic beach sand is hot to walk on in August.
· A lot of people must buy bathing suits without trying them on where they have a mirror. They must put them on to go outside in a place where there isn’t a mirror either.
· There are only a few female surfers.
· The whiter, finer Gulf coast sand is harder to walk on.
· Young children have a love-hate relationship with the water.
· Wake boarding is much harder than it looks.
· Ron Jon Surf Shops have a huge advertising budget.
· Children are happy playing in and around the water with their parents.
· When you feed beach birds you understand the term “pecking order.”
· For women, body surfing is better enjoyed in a one-piece swim suit.
· The Gulf of Mexico water is bluer and clearer than the Florida Atlantic costal water.
· People seem to leave their inhibitions in their hotel rooms, condos, or vehicles (or lose them in the drinks with the little umbrellas).
· Hurricanes, even far off shore, create huge waves and a strong undertow.
· There are more shells washed ashore along the Gulf of Mexico than on the Florida Atlantic coast.
· When you swim in the Greater Gulf Shores area you can see fish in the water with you.
· Modern-day cruise ships are HUGE.
· I’ll take seaweed over jellyfish any day, but prefer neither of them.
· Dolphins are visible playing in the Gulf at least twice a day.
· It’s hard to beat a fresh seafood dinner when you’re sitting beach-side at sunset.
· When you really notice the changing of the tides, the variety of sea shells, the sky, and all the wonders the beach offers, how can you deny there is a creator God?
Thursday, August 20, 2009
At the grocery story I was enthusiastically greeted by a marketer from our local newspaper. As soon as he had spotted me (the store was virtually empty), he neatly rolled up today’s paper and handed it to me proclaiming: I’d like to give you a complimentary copy of today’s newspaper. I smiled appreciatively and told him I had gotten on in my driveway that morning. For a moment it seemed like I had made his day. That’s GREAT! he responded and went back to his paper laden table.
Before I left the store about fifteen minutes later the same young man had offered me a paper on three different occasions. Each time my response was the same. Each time his response was the same. I felt like I was living the movie Ground Hog Day.
It wasn’t until later in the afternoon that I gave any thought to the man who hoped I would become a new subscriber to the newspaper. At the same time I recalled a conversation with a customer service representative from our satellite television provider. As we had concluded our conversation she profusely thanked me for being a new customer and welcomed me to their “family.” I was glad I had made the switch from cable.
Comparing my feelings about being a subscriber of the newspaper vs. a customer of the television provider was an easy exercise. The obvious conclusion? After these two conversations today I am much more satisfied with being a customer of the satellite company.
I suppose the whole encounter with the man trying to give away newspapers in hopes of gaining a new subscription bothered me more than I realized at the time because hours later I am still thinking about it. But why did those encounters at the grocery store bother me? Because it felt like I was invisible to the marketer!
I don’t like being invisible … well, not all the time. One of my favorite scenes from The Princess Diaries (yes, I like a good fairy tale!) is when Mia, caught in a downpour, is trying to get to the Genovian Ball in her top-down Mustang convertible. After experiencing a recurring mechanical failure and ends up stopped on the hill, she flops down on the seat declaring I am invisible.
I don’t think anyone really wants to be invisible. Mia really didn’t. I don’t. Yet I cannot help but think of how many times I have not noticed someone in need. Sure the homeless person with the “will work for food” sign is hard to miss but what about the person who just needs a smile, or a kind word, or a hug, or just some acknowledgment that they exist and that they matter.
Each one of us in very visible to God because we matter to God. As I try to live out the Great Commandment I am recommitted to noticing the people around me in hopes that no one around me is invisible. I won’t get it right every time, so will you be looking too? Perhaps you will notice someone I don’t!
Before I left the store about fifteen minutes later the same young man had offered me a paper on three different occasions. Each time my response was the same. Each time his response was the same. I felt like I was living the movie Ground Hog Day.
It wasn’t until later in the afternoon that I gave any thought to the man who hoped I would become a new subscriber to the newspaper. At the same time I recalled a conversation with a customer service representative from our satellite television provider. As we had concluded our conversation she profusely thanked me for being a new customer and welcomed me to their “family.” I was glad I had made the switch from cable.
Comparing my feelings about being a subscriber of the newspaper vs. a customer of the television provider was an easy exercise. The obvious conclusion? After these two conversations today I am much more satisfied with being a customer of the satellite company.
I suppose the whole encounter with the man trying to give away newspapers in hopes of gaining a new subscription bothered me more than I realized at the time because hours later I am still thinking about it. But why did those encounters at the grocery store bother me? Because it felt like I was invisible to the marketer!
I don’t like being invisible … well, not all the time. One of my favorite scenes from The Princess Diaries (yes, I like a good fairy tale!) is when Mia, caught in a downpour, is trying to get to the Genovian Ball in her top-down Mustang convertible. After experiencing a recurring mechanical failure and ends up stopped on the hill, she flops down on the seat declaring I am invisible.
I don’t think anyone really wants to be invisible. Mia really didn’t. I don’t. Yet I cannot help but think of how many times I have not noticed someone in need. Sure the homeless person with the “will work for food” sign is hard to miss but what about the person who just needs a smile, or a kind word, or a hug, or just some acknowledgment that they exist and that they matter.
Each one of us in very visible to God because we matter to God. As I try to live out the Great Commandment I am recommitted to noticing the people around me in hopes that no one around me is invisible. I won’t get it right every time, so will you be looking too? Perhaps you will notice someone I don’t!
Monday, August 17, 2009
I am a slow learner. Now I’ve never received that diagnosis but considering how hard headed I can be and how long it takes me to learn life lessons I don’t need someone else to tell me what I already know. I am a very slow learner.
Saturday morning I vowed to pay more attention to life. My intent was to not miss anything ever again (I know, another unrealistic expectation). I don’t know it if was because it was a new resolve or if I, once again, wasn’t paying attention but I almost missed a tremendous opportunity Saturday afternoon. Thank goodness for second chances!
I got home with the groceries before Lee Ann and Erica got home from their errands. When they got home, Erica burst into the house and with tremendous excitement in her voice called: Aunt Trudy, come and see the baby cucumber!
On a side note, the only thing I have ever been able to grow in the yard is weeds! A friend gave Lee Ann some cucumber plants and she has been our gardener this summer. That day we planned to eat the first fruits of her labors, a cuke large enough to harvest. And now, there were more?
Well, it had been a very busy day and my “bad” knee was really hurting. I mean on that smiley-faced medical 1-10 scale I was seriously close to a 10. Going to see the baby cucumbers meant a trip back down and then back up the stairs. I opted to keeping working on dinner instead.
Not heeding that call to come and see affected Lee Ann and Erica. Dinner was much more somber than usual.
After dinner, Lee Ann suggested we go walk. My knee had rested and I knew that giving in to the pain would not help it as much as exercise so I agreed to go. It took a while to realize I had no idea where either of my knee braces were and to locate the pair of walking shoes I vowed to use the next time we hit the track.
Going downstairs I thought Lee Ann had parked her car at an odd angle but didn’t think much about it. She was waiting for me at the back of the car. I didn’t see Erica but heard again: come and see the baby cucumber. I walked around the car to the cucumber patch and after what must have seemed like long minutes to them, looked up to see Erica standing with her arms spread wide apart presenting my new bicycle!
Suddenly the earlier come and see made perfect sense! Instead of the errands they claimed to have run, this wonderful pair had picked out a bike for me so I could ride with them! I was over come to the point of tears! What an incredibly thoughtful and generous gesture! How unexpected. And, because of my earlier slight, how unworthy I felt!
After exchanging hugs, we all three mounted up for a ride! Ah! How I had forgotten that incredible feeling of freedom that comes from coasting while the wind rushes past you. What sheer delight!
And I almost missed it – twice because I didn’t heed the call to come and see. I thought of all the times come and see is expressed in the Bible. What follows is always something awe inspiring! And isn’t that God’s invitation to us as we experience the life God has for us? Come and see!
Saturday morning I vowed to pay more attention to life. My intent was to not miss anything ever again (I know, another unrealistic expectation). I don’t know it if was because it was a new resolve or if I, once again, wasn’t paying attention but I almost missed a tremendous opportunity Saturday afternoon. Thank goodness for second chances!
I got home with the groceries before Lee Ann and Erica got home from their errands. When they got home, Erica burst into the house and with tremendous excitement in her voice called: Aunt Trudy, come and see the baby cucumber!
On a side note, the only thing I have ever been able to grow in the yard is weeds! A friend gave Lee Ann some cucumber plants and she has been our gardener this summer. That day we planned to eat the first fruits of her labors, a cuke large enough to harvest. And now, there were more?
Well, it had been a very busy day and my “bad” knee was really hurting. I mean on that smiley-faced medical 1-10 scale I was seriously close to a 10. Going to see the baby cucumbers meant a trip back down and then back up the stairs. I opted to keeping working on dinner instead.
Not heeding that call to come and see affected Lee Ann and Erica. Dinner was much more somber than usual.
After dinner, Lee Ann suggested we go walk. My knee had rested and I knew that giving in to the pain would not help it as much as exercise so I agreed to go. It took a while to realize I had no idea where either of my knee braces were and to locate the pair of walking shoes I vowed to use the next time we hit the track.
Going downstairs I thought Lee Ann had parked her car at an odd angle but didn’t think much about it. She was waiting for me at the back of the car. I didn’t see Erica but heard again: come and see the baby cucumber. I walked around the car to the cucumber patch and after what must have seemed like long minutes to them, looked up to see Erica standing with her arms spread wide apart presenting my new bicycle!
Suddenly the earlier come and see made perfect sense! Instead of the errands they claimed to have run, this wonderful pair had picked out a bike for me so I could ride with them! I was over come to the point of tears! What an incredibly thoughtful and generous gesture! How unexpected. And, because of my earlier slight, how unworthy I felt!
After exchanging hugs, we all three mounted up for a ride! Ah! How I had forgotten that incredible feeling of freedom that comes from coasting while the wind rushes past you. What sheer delight!
And I almost missed it – twice because I didn’t heed the call to come and see. I thought of all the times come and see is expressed in the Bible. What follows is always something awe inspiring! And isn’t that God’s invitation to us as we experience the life God has for us? Come and see!
Saturday morning the weather was pleasant enough to enjoy the sunroom. I was having my second cup of coffee and reading the morning paper when a slight motion caught my attention. When I looked up I saw the source just outside one of the corner windows. It was a hummingbird!
When we lived in Phoenix we tried to keep the hummingbird feeder full. It was no small task considering the number of the delightful creatures there were in our vicinity! My mother had a house dress with huge red hibiscus on it and whenever she went to the sliding glass door in that dress they came to her.
I have a container with similar red hibiscus on the floor in the corner of the sunroom. They are what had attracted the hummingbird! When I realized what I saw was a hummingbird, the first I had seen in my almost twenty years in Alabama, I think I must have squealed with delight. I remember exclaiming: it’s a hummingbird! Why haven’t I seen one before? Lee Ann looked up from the letter she was writing and said: because you haven’t been looking!
Because I hadn’t been looking! My thoughts immediately began racing. What else had I missed because I hadn’t been looking? Was it the splendor of nature giving testimony to God’s creation? Was it someone in need? Was it someone who wanted to tell me something? What had I missed because I hadn’t been looking? No matter how big or seemingly insignificant it is – I don’t want to miss anything! God, help me keep my eyes on you and the world around me!
When we lived in Phoenix we tried to keep the hummingbird feeder full. It was no small task considering the number of the delightful creatures there were in our vicinity! My mother had a house dress with huge red hibiscus on it and whenever she went to the sliding glass door in that dress they came to her.
I have a container with similar red hibiscus on the floor in the corner of the sunroom. They are what had attracted the hummingbird! When I realized what I saw was a hummingbird, the first I had seen in my almost twenty years in Alabama, I think I must have squealed with delight. I remember exclaiming: it’s a hummingbird! Why haven’t I seen one before? Lee Ann looked up from the letter she was writing and said: because you haven’t been looking!
Because I hadn’t been looking! My thoughts immediately began racing. What else had I missed because I hadn’t been looking? Was it the splendor of nature giving testimony to God’s creation? Was it someone in need? Was it someone who wanted to tell me something? What had I missed because I hadn’t been looking? No matter how big or seemingly insignificant it is – I don’t want to miss anything! God, help me keep my eyes on you and the world around me!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Approbation. My mother always told me that I needed it, lots of it. I heard her say it so often I was surprised to learn that “Words of Affirmation” is not my primary love language. Still, affirmation and approval feel good. Especially when the source seems to be God at work in my life!
This has happened several times recently as I have pondered love, unconditional love, and the consequences of not living a love-motivated life. The first was after I wrote my second blog. I “suddenly” remembered something I had gleaned from the writings of poverty-guru Ruby Payne. What I discovered about how persons living in poverty, the middle class, and wealth see love is that it is the only thing persons from all three classes have in common. No matter what a person’s class they view love as conditional. WOW! Eye-opening! No wonder it is so difficult for us to believe God loves unconditionally! And no wonder we experience loving unconditionally as one of life’s ultimate challenges.
The second time my thinking about love was affirmed, seemingly out of nowhere, was during a staff meeting earlier this week. The three of us were discussing the areas of ministry we would like to address in the future. Out of her wisdom, Diana, expressed her desire that we help others rethink how the Great Commandment (Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. Love others as well as you love yourself.) and the Great Commission (Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you.) fit together. She expounded her thoughts by saying if we are Great Commandment Christians then the actions of a Great Commission Christian will naturally follow.
Diana issued a challenge: Let’s be Great Commandment Christians! Right on! She gave me permission to use the phrase so count on me doing that from now on.
And the most recent time an affirmation of my current thinking (I confess that I started to say pontification but that is far too erudite – sorry, I love words! about love came to light was earlier today as I finalized my notes to facilitate a Bible study this Sunday. One of the three persons who contributed to the current unit of study’s Teaching Guide (Smyth & Helwys’ Formations series) wrote: Jesus’ radical call to love one another and give ourselves sacrificially is at odds with everything our society calls “normal.”
So the affirmation is I am not alone in my thinking! It’s good not to be alone. However, the challenge remains. If God’s love is in us the world will know it!
This has happened several times recently as I have pondered love, unconditional love, and the consequences of not living a love-motivated life. The first was after I wrote my second blog. I “suddenly” remembered something I had gleaned from the writings of poverty-guru Ruby Payne. What I discovered about how persons living in poverty, the middle class, and wealth see love is that it is the only thing persons from all three classes have in common. No matter what a person’s class they view love as conditional. WOW! Eye-opening! No wonder it is so difficult for us to believe God loves unconditionally! And no wonder we experience loving unconditionally as one of life’s ultimate challenges.
The second time my thinking about love was affirmed, seemingly out of nowhere, was during a staff meeting earlier this week. The three of us were discussing the areas of ministry we would like to address in the future. Out of her wisdom, Diana, expressed her desire that we help others rethink how the Great Commandment (Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence. Love others as well as you love yourself.) and the Great Commission (Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you.) fit together. She expounded her thoughts by saying if we are Great Commandment Christians then the actions of a Great Commission Christian will naturally follow.
Diana issued a challenge: Let’s be Great Commandment Christians! Right on! She gave me permission to use the phrase so count on me doing that from now on.
And the most recent time an affirmation of my current thinking (I confess that I started to say pontification but that is far too erudite – sorry, I love words! about love came to light was earlier today as I finalized my notes to facilitate a Bible study this Sunday. One of the three persons who contributed to the current unit of study’s Teaching Guide (Smyth & Helwys’ Formations series) wrote: Jesus’ radical call to love one another and give ourselves sacrificially is at odds with everything our society calls “normal.”
So the affirmation is I am not alone in my thinking! It’s good not to be alone. However, the challenge remains. If God’s love is in us the world will know it!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
What was your waking thought today? When I was a freshman in college I kept a black and white poster on my headboard. On it was a photo of a baby who had turned a bowl of spaghetti onto his head. You might imagine the look on the baby’s face! Underneath was the reminder: This is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). No matter what time I had to get up I would look at the baby and repeat the verse until I could mean it, and then my feet could hit the floor.
This morning I was awakened out of sound sleep by a cell phone alarm going off at 5:00 – I had another thirty minutes to sleep! Funny thing about this phone … the alarm was set at 5:00 am last week. One morning the alarm went off even when the phone battery was dead! Today was the second time it chimed at 5:00 when the alarm was set for another time. Despite the gremlin who doesn’t require or enjoy sleep as much as I do, I was awake and so I thought and prayed through my day before giving in to the cat and getting up early any way.
As I imagine we all know can happen, the day was only a few hours young when I had enough of it! Nothing seemed to be going right and I felt miserable. I longed to return to the comfort of my bed and snuggle with my cat. If I wasn’t so committed to new my resolution to eat healthy I would have craved a sausage biscuit and hash browns and given in to the craving, but that didn’t happen, thank goodness (neither the craving or the giving in happened – a double victory)!
Things seemed to be going from bad to worse and I wanted someone to share it with. So I emailed the person closest to me. I realized later I was asking for a life line and, wow, did she throw me one!
In an email she wrote: God's plan for you is there........do you want it?......then pick up that cross, God is already waiting on YOU! He is such a beautiful God that He knows you so well that He will wait patiently for you. You are loved!
In a phone call she challenged me to answer: was I walking in my weakness or walking with God on the path God had for me today? Bingo! No brainer! Of course I need God to led me; actually walk along side me … or as the popular “Footprints” indicates, carry me. When will I ever learn?
Suddenly I felt lighter, happier, energized, and ready to face whatever was ahead of me. Subconsciously I began singing The Servant Song, of my favorite hymns. What a blessing to have someone in my life who will hold her hand out to me; speak the peace I long to hear (paraphrase of lines from the hymn).
Answering the question helped me. Maybe it will have value for you too. What are you walking on today?
This morning I was awakened out of sound sleep by a cell phone alarm going off at 5:00 – I had another thirty minutes to sleep! Funny thing about this phone … the alarm was set at 5:00 am last week. One morning the alarm went off even when the phone battery was dead! Today was the second time it chimed at 5:00 when the alarm was set for another time. Despite the gremlin who doesn’t require or enjoy sleep as much as I do, I was awake and so I thought and prayed through my day before giving in to the cat and getting up early any way.
As I imagine we all know can happen, the day was only a few hours young when I had enough of it! Nothing seemed to be going right and I felt miserable. I longed to return to the comfort of my bed and snuggle with my cat. If I wasn’t so committed to new my resolution to eat healthy I would have craved a sausage biscuit and hash browns and given in to the craving, but that didn’t happen, thank goodness (neither the craving or the giving in happened – a double victory)!
Things seemed to be going from bad to worse and I wanted someone to share it with. So I emailed the person closest to me. I realized later I was asking for a life line and, wow, did she throw me one!
In an email she wrote: God's plan for you is there........do you want it?......then pick up that cross, God is already waiting on YOU! He is such a beautiful God that He knows you so well that He will wait patiently for you. You are loved!
In a phone call she challenged me to answer: was I walking in my weakness or walking with God on the path God had for me today? Bingo! No brainer! Of course I need God to led me; actually walk along side me … or as the popular “Footprints” indicates, carry me. When will I ever learn?
Suddenly I felt lighter, happier, energized, and ready to face whatever was ahead of me. Subconsciously I began singing The Servant Song, of my favorite hymns. What a blessing to have someone in my life who will hold her hand out to me; speak the peace I long to hear (paraphrase of lines from the hymn).
Answering the question helped me. Maybe it will have value for you too. What are you walking on today?
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Love is ...
I wonder if the question of “why?” is the only one older that “what is love?” I am going to date myself here. When I was in high school a series of cutesy cherub-like cartoon characters were drawn to illustrate a series of pocket-sized paperback books in a series titled “Love is…”
As you started reading I hope you didn’t think I had “the” answer to the question of “what is love?” Of course, being the highly opinionated person that I am (yes, I admit it!) I think I have some ideas and I know what love means to me but that is a far cry from knowing “the” answer.
I think the closest we can come to knowing “the” answer to “what is love?” is to contemplate how much God loves us. As I type, numerous verses about love from the Bible are whirling through my mind. In an effort to calm the chaos I logged onto biblegateway.com and entered “love” in the key word search using the NIV. I decided to limit the search just to the New Testament. My search resulted in 258 verses! So, if you wonder what the Bible says about love this is a good place to start!
I do know what I believe about love. I believe love is the key to relationships … all of our relationships … our relationship to God … our relationship to family and friends … our relationship to our significant other … our relationship to our fellow human beings … and even our relationship to ourselves. I believe the love God has for us is unconditional and that we are to love unconditionally.
Could it be that there is so much anger, hate, injustice, oppression, distrust, enmity, hostility, violence, prejudice, unfairness, and inequality in the world today because it is easier to feel and act on the feelings of these negative emotions than to love unconditionally?
Monday, August 10, 2009
To bake or to blog?
This weekend I saw the movie Julie and Julia. Afterwards I couldn’t decide if I wanted to blog or cook. Since Lee Ann and I were committed to starting a new three-day “healthy eating plan” the next day I decided to blog! French cooking will come however, in moderation, at some point in my future!
Have you ever experienced one of those times when you say something and have no idea where the thought came from? I have been teaching and preaching since I was in high school and have noticed the phenomena multiple times. Not frequently but more than enough to say rarely.
Yesterday in Bible study it happened again. We were discussing what our core Christian beliefs are and how they were formed. All of a sudden I said: “We are taught what we believe.” The impact of that didn’t hit me until Lee Ann said something at lunch. WOW, I thought, that’s profound! And it is also very, very scary.
Persons today have the capacity to be bombarded with “teachings” from so many different sources! True, John did write (1 John 2:20 "But you have an anointing from the Holy One and all of you know the truth.") which has been interpreted that the Holy Spirit is our teacher… but don't we give more credence to what we hear from parents? pastors? preachers (yes, I am a firm believer there is a difference in the two)? Bible study teachers? friends? TV evangelists? professional teachers? politicians? than from God?
It's really a wonder any one can know why they believe what they do. But oh! how important that we know the answer to that "why?" It is important because it can help us understand why we feel the wya we do about persons how are "different" than us – whether in their religious, political, lifestyle, or cultural views.
I am troubled that Christians have drifted so far from Christ's messsage. Hear Matthew 22:36-39: Teahcer, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your sould and wiht all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Did you know that in 2008 there were a reported 39,000 Christian denominations? I am convinced that if their leaders preached and taught these few verses with the fervor they bring to passionate teachings and messages "against" others or that they use to proof text their distinctive beliefts, our world would be a revolutionary different place!
Thank you for joining me on my journey of grace and listening as I “think out loud” about what I am seeing, hearing, feeling, and experiencing in my daily walk.
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