Lessons from Camp, #1 Lackadaisical!

On Wednesday at Special Touch camp, Megan and I did something neither of us had ever done before - we went inner-tubing! Our tubes were tied together and my job was to make sure all went well as we traveled downstream.

The first 3/4 of the ride, we were alone. Some of the group was way ahead of us and some way behind. We were in the middle and enjoying it. Megan splashed water on me and her legs pushed us along faster than the quiet stream. It was relaxing. I laid my head back and enjoyed the scenery.

Sometime in there, the path got rocky and the current swifter. I pulled myself up out of the tube so I could use my legs and arms to push us away from big rocks that peeked up out of the water or when we were close to washing up against the sides of the banks where tree limbs wanted to entangle us.

I enjoyed our ride so much that I got...

lack·a·dai·si·cal

ˌlakəˈdāzikəl/ 

adjective

1. lacking enthusiasm and determination; carelessly lazy.

   "a lackadaisical defense left the Spurs adrift in the second half"

   synonyms:

   lethargic, apathetic, listless, sluggish, spiritless, passionless;

We were laughing and teasing each other and I forgot I had to watch out for obstacles in our way. Megan was up higher in a float than I was and she was MY responsibility. Because the beginning was so smooth sailing and so much fun, I let my guard down.  Very quickly I learned to keep my feet up so they wouldn't get scraped on the creek bed. I watched upstream so I would know which route to go when there were two paths.

But even while watching, I still didn't save us from getting scraped up by limbs that reached out and grabbed us. Rocks stayed hidden until I was right on them. Trust me, it wasn't a smooth ride anymore! I seriously was worried to stand up at the end in case I didn't have a bottom left of my swim suit.

When I was worried and working so hard, Meg laughed and splashed. She still enjoyed the ride without fear. That made me feel good. I was creating an experience she would never forget. It also made me think about Jesus and how He took up our sins and died on the cross for us so we could have life after life here on Earth. We can live our lives without fear of what's next. It's covered...and it's wonderful!

I could watch out for Meg fairly well - just one person. At some point, we got ahead of two people. One was a girl in our group, Amanda. She was screaming. I turned around and tried to encourage her to relax and enjoy the ride. While I talked to her, I didn't have my eyes on what was happening in front of us. I quickly found out, I had to not worry about her. I couldn't take care of two guests at that moment. Gayle had Amanda and was doing a great job. I had to keep my focus so Meg and I would stay safe.

It served to remind me how God is so big and how small I am. He watches out for all of us. All the time. His eyes are always on us. He's not inadequate. He is perfect. Unlike me.  All week, my job was to look after three young ladies. I loved on them and watched out for them like they were my own. I couldn't let my guard down.  I learned more lessons from camp I'll be sharing. I had to lean on God to help me make it through. Not only did we make it through, we had a blast!

For all those who gave money or bought supplies to help Megan go to camp, THANK YOU - from Megan, her dad, and myself. Her world got lots bigger and she met others who were just like her. That alone has to be pretty awesome!

Meg's own words for most of the week, "Awesome!"

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Snow Angel

I was at a Sacred Rhythms Retreat this weekend at Little Galilee.  It was

The book and video we used is by Ruth Haley Barton and subtitled: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation. The whole weekend was just - wow! It's still hard for me to put into words and I keep saying that and yet...here I am wanting to write about it.

One of the points we read/discussed was honoring the body. How can I glorify God in my body?  In order to do that, we must learn how to listen to our bodies and begin to treat our bodies like the temple of God, which they are. How can we bring others to Him if we're limping around not enjoying life? It's time for us to eat our veggies, ya'll.  Put away the potato chips and maybe bake some kale? The author didn't say this - I'm ad-libbing. But honestly, this is what's helped me feel so much better.  Eating fruits and vegetables - making cauliflower pizza instead of the 'cardboard' stuff, as my husband says.

Eating better has helped me lose weight;
and losing weight has helped me get up and get active;
and getting active has helped me get in tune with my body.

I was sick for so long, and being active and stretching myself is how God speaks to me. I never thought I would enjoy riding my bike for 30 plus miles or enjoy doing yoga or cardio with a 29 year-old friend who pushes me.

Never in a million years! 

At the end of the retreat, while every one else was enjoying the fireplace and talking, I put on a few layers of clothes and went outside in our late-in-the-year-snow and plopped down in front of the big picture window and made a snow angel.

After a bit, I stopped trying to entertain the spectators and was caught up in just laying there, quiet...
listening to my breath...
and the longer I lay, I felt more vulnerable spread eagle, but felt safe at the same time...
I also realized I wasn't all that cold on the ground - the building kept the wind from hitting me,
Abba Daddy was protecting me...
and then I looked up at the sky - my God-given blue eyes connected to the clear blue sky.

For a few minutes or five or ten, I don't really know how long it was, I experienced the God who brought this late in the year snow.  Such a big big sky, and me, so little on a huge expanse of earth.

Who am I that God should love me so very much

 to meet with me for that little bit of time inside a snow angel?

I ventured outside where no one else dared and He, Abba Daddy, met with me. A couple of years ago, that wouldn't have happened. I would have stayed inside, warm. Now, I love stretching myself to do new things. Experience new adventures. It's one way God speaks to me and it's okay. I don't have to sit with my Bible and continually feel bad because I seem to be learning impaired. We all listen and learn in different ways. There is a time and place for studying God's Word, of course, but the more I spend with Abba - the more I want to spend with Him in every way imaginable, and that includes getting into His Word - you see? And I've had times in my life where I've done that. Right now it's a dry spell.

He's waking me up. My eyes were wide-open looking up into that great expanse of sky - into the Heavens and that experience is still very real to me even now. God just now plopped this verse into my mind and I Googled to find where it was found in the Bible.  I'm not as learning-impaired as I make myself out to be, I suppose.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.

 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts." - (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV)

But the more we attempt to spend time with God, our ways will hopefully align with God's ways a little bit better. Our thoughts will mesh with His and hopefully we will have many more meetings. That's my wish; my yearning...many many more.

Snow angels actually are my WA friend's thing.  It's her birthday today (Sunday) and I just had to make her a snow angel, but God had a different plan.

He wanted to meet me; 

to talk to me; 

to look into my eyes. 

If I hadn't gone outside to do something so silly like make a snow angel, would I have had my personal God-encounter? Would He have met me in a different way?  I don't know. I wonder how many other encounters with God I've missed because I wasn't in tune with Him.  

So that's what this retreat was all about.  Learning how to find our own rhythm that works for us to come close to God.  I guess mine is listening to God in a snow angel, huh? And now I'm eager for lots more encounters in my days.

"The Christian practice of honoring the body is born of the confidence that our bodies are made in the image of God's own goodness. As the place where the divine presence dwells, our bodies are worthy of care and blessing...It is through our bodies that we participate in God's activity in the world." -- Stephanie Paulsell

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The Freak

I do stupid stuff. Like just now. That was a stupid sentence I wrote, but true. I do stupid things all the time. And it's one thing I do consistently. One thing I'm very reliable at. One thing you can depend on me for.  Stupidity. Not in everything. Maybe not even anymore than anyone else. Okay, so can I say that we all major in stupidity at one time or another?

I've heard some people say they would like to go back in time to fix things; a do-over. I've thought about it quite a bit and my conclusion is this:  I honestly think, if I were to go back in time, to the same age, faced with the same decisions, I would do things the same way or maybe mess things up even more. Let's say at age 16. Could we really make a good, rational decision, a different one than we made the first time? And if we did do things different, think how much might be changed down through our history. Hmmm...

You may ask why I'm so philosophical this most warm, summery day. No, it's not from reading Lisa Mikitarian's blog too much, although that might do it! Actually, it's from watching one of the 2012 Oscar Nominated Short Live Action Films, The Freak. All of the nominations are showing on the Starz channel right now. I think you'll enjoy this clip.

Interesting concept. This poor guy tried to get things right for eleven years before his friend intervened. He got one thing right finally, but then there was something else, always something else. It was driving him insane! He was stuck in a time warp continuum of sorts, of his own making, of course. He wanted to get life perfect. Who can do perfect? Who wants to do perfect?

Funny thing is, we don't have to BE perfect. We don't have to DO perfect. God accepts us for who we are...for what we do. He loves us just because. It's that word called GRACE! Grace - God finds favor with us even though we don't deserve it. I sure don't deserve it. He looks at me, at us, with love, not contempt. When I look in the mirror, I see every imperfection I have. When God looks, He sees what I will be.

"We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing Him directly just as He knows us!" -  1 Corinthians 13:12 The Message

We need to be the best we can be, of course, while we are on earth. We need to strive to be the healthiest we can be. Eat healthy because our body is God's house. With our body, we should be spending time with God; praising Him; telling others about Him and that He is coming soon! But you know, God doesn't expect perfection from us. He knows we aren't going to get it right all the time. He is in the business of forgiveness. I'm sure glad about that.

My pastor, Greg Taylor, shared a story about grace this past Sunday. There was a college class preparing for an exam that morning. Some sat confident, having already studied all night long. Others were doing last minute cramming. When the professor came in, he told them to keep the tests face down until every one got one. When he told the class to turn their tests over, I can imagine the silence; and then the murmuring; and then the hands slowly, one-by-one being raised. This professor had taken the test for them. All the answers were filled in. He even had their individual names on each test. Every one received an A, no matter what grade they were currently getting in the class. A. He then asked them if they deserved that grade. Of course they didn't. They didn't take the test. He just taught them the word grace in action. He gave them a life lesson they will never forget.

That's the way God did it. He already had Jesus take the test for us. Because of Him, we don't have to keep re-doing when we get things wrong. We don't need to beat ourselves up. Time machines are fun to think about but really aren't needed, or even practical. I sure did like that short film though. If you can, I would recommend you watch it. Good stuff!

I can't wait until the fog clears and I can see things clearly. It won't be long now. Jesus is coming soon. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

P.S. As I was studying/reading for this blog post, things got a little cloudy in my mind. I think I'm good now though, thanks to a quick FB pm to/from Greg. So, part two will be another day.

Until then...

Laury

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One nation, divisible...

I'm cleaning my oven right this second while I sit comfortably on my couch, laptop where it should be: on my lap. I'm really glad I was born here in the United States and in this century.

Self-cleaning ovens, washing machines & dryers, dishwashers. Do I need to continue?

Running water. Pure, clean. We don't have to search for it with jars balanced on our heads. Oh! Air conditioning! A car or two to drive us where we want/need to go to allow us to buy what we want/need.

Have you ever wondered why us? Why were we born here? Privileged. Middle-class citizens. Even our homeless have it better than most of the world. Why us? Why the United States? And the scary question...how much longer will it continue?




In God we trust? Do we? Does our President? Do we as a nation still trust our God? How much longer before God takes His hand of protection off of us as a whole?

Even googling our Pledge of Allegiance, there is a discrepancy. 

Change is in the air. 

One nation - indivisible...

in·di·vis·i·ble  

Not divisible; unable to be divided or separated.

Okay...So God is being taken out of the equation...just 'one nation, indivisible'...and we are far, far from the the definition. So...if the powers that be want to change the Pledge of Allegiance and take God out, let's call it like it is..."one nation, divisible,' because that is certainly what we are.

It's scary, and yet, right now I'm still glad to live here. Honestly. I get chills and goosebumps when I hear the Star Spangled Banner. When something horrendous happens, we all ban together to help each other and...Pray! When things get bad, we pray. So deep down, I still think this is a nation under God, indivisible. 

We're not completely gone...not yet anyway. 

I'm not a political person. I'm just a citizen of the United States of America. I love my country. I want to see it prosper. It needs to so we can help other countries. I'm so thankful for all I have and what we have as a nation, and I'm also a little ashamed and embarrassed too, when I see the desperate need of others. 

So...as my oven finishes up cleaning itself, and I close this post , I'll pray for our government, and we, the people will do as God tells us:

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." -- (James 4:7-10 NIV)

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Grace Card

We have a very nice blacktop road a half mile from our house that leads to Route 10 - the main road into Clinton, this is the town where I work and bank... This road is like a race track, I'm sorry to say.  My boys have confessed to me that they speed on it.  It's just that kind of a road.  It's hilly and a perfect pavement for it.

Yesterday I took off not even thinking about the speedometer.  I didn't have to be anywhere at a certain time.  I mindlessly drove on this most perfect road.  Until...I saw a police car in front of me.  I had just come down a hill so I didn't have much notice.  Ugh...a police car.  In the middle of nowhere too.  I applied the brakes a little, to show some respect and I felt a pit in my stomach.  Please, don't pull me over.  Please...

He kept on driving.  I was shown some grace.  And I appreciated it.  I certainly deserved to be pulled over.  When I looked at my speed, it showed 70.  I had no idea.  I told you, the road is a race track!

Every single day, I experience grace, both in my day-to-day life and in my spiritual life but the grace experienced in my spiritual life is much more often and I can count on it.

"...The God-setting-things-right that we read about has become Jesus-setting-things-right for us. And not only for us, but for everyone who believes in him. For there is no difference between us and them in this. Since we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ." -- (Romans 3:22-24 NIV)

You see, Jesus is our Grace Card - our 'Get out of Jail Free Card.'  Without Him, shiver...  I can't even imagine where I would be without Jesus.  I don't want to think about it.  

I learned my lesson for a bit.  I drove the speed limit the rest of the way into town.  But guess what I did when I got to the Waynesville Speed Way on the way home - I found my foot getting heavier and heavier until I was going about 70 mph again.  Whoa!  Surely I've learned my lesson.  I backed off and scolded myself.  When will I learn?  Will I ever learn my lesson?  

I'm very grateful to Jesus, that He died on the cross for me.  If the things I did depended on me going to Heaven - I would be in trouble.  My heavy foot would lead me down instead of to my intended destination, I'm afraid.  All we have to do is believe and confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.  

Remember this most important verse of all and probably one of the first I memorized, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  (John 3:16 NIV)  

This post may seem pretty basic but there's a time we need to get down to the basics.  We need to remember there's many out there who don't know all of this.  Things we learned when we were little, are foreign to others.  Let's reach out and share this Good News to our friends and family in this New Year, 2013.  We're running out of time.  I really believe that.  We've been shown grace and we'll be shown grace on That Day, Judgement Day.  Won't you share that grace with others?

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Unclench My Fist

This school year has been hard from the very start.  I've been able to do what I love but only for a short time.  I knew it was temporary but I waited for God to intervene.  I knew He would. I was wrong.  Lesson learned:  sometimes God says no and I have to unclench my fist.

Through all this, something was stolen from me that I need and depend on.  The person was confronted and denied it.  I had to let it go and allow God to sustain me and He is and I'm learning some things about my body through it all.  It's not completely a bad thing but it's hard.  Very hard.  And I'm angry.  So very angry.  Lesson learned:  sometimes God says, "Hold onto Me and you will make it, Laury.  I know it's not fair but just hold onto Me."

Letting go of something I love to do and working with kids I understand and love to work with has been hard and yet...I love what I'm doing now too.  I had to get past the initial shock and anger before I could see it though.  Besides that, I still get to work in the class one hour a day and I've made relationships with the teacher and the kids.  It took that letting go of the emotion before I could settle down and see things for what they were.  So silly.  God made me a pretty effective educator wherever I'm placed.  It's not anything I learned or did, it's the talent He instilled in me and I'm so thankful.

Smoldering anger...I don't know where that comes from because I'm not an angry person.  Injustice and unfairness upset me though and this year and past years but especially this year, has hit me full in the face and I haven't been able to do a thing about it.  I have tried, trust me.  But once the temper tantrums haven't worked, and the sulking, and the pleading with God, falling into His arms and resting, knowing for sure Daddy will catch me and take care of me - then, and only then does everything begin to fall into place.

It's funny, situations don't change.  The stolen is still gone and God has helped me through in amazing ways.  The school thing is the same too.  It's me.  I'm the variable that needed the adjustment.  The anger and resentment and feelings of unfairness are still there, I am human after all, but they aren't right there at the top ready to spill out.  Sometimes I even forget about them for a bit.


Ephesians 4:31 ESV
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

Proverbs 3:5 ESV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

When the world seems to be going crazy, the best thing to do is let go of it and cling to God. When everything else falls away, He will still be here. He is eternal.  Our Rock.  And for that, I am eternally grateful.

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Seeing the Crowds...

This morning, Greg, our pastor, told the story of Esther. He didn't preach to us. He didn't read from the Bible. He was dressed in character and he became a part of Esther's time. Greg's been known to preach from time to time. :) He's also been known to read whole chapters from the Bible. I love the variety. He also mixes up the flow of the service. I especially like that. We walk in each Sunday not really knowing what might happen.

But today, I could imagine our service being a bit like during Jesus' time.  No one wiggled in their seats.  No one was bored.  We all were enamored because Greg was speaking our language.  He spoke to our hearts.  He made us feel for each character.  

"Seeing the crowds, he (Jesus) went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, His disciples came to Him.  And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
(Matthew 5:1-2 ESV)

After reading this, I wondered where all did Jesus talk to the people? 

• Before He was even born, people were clamoring to see Him in Bethlehem.
• "And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them. And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan."  (Matthew 4:23-25 ESV)
• Up on the mountain where He gave the Sermon on the Mount.  This was after he was tempted by satan.
• No rest, the crowds followed Him down off the mountain too when He healed the centurion's servant.  (Matthew 8)
• Peter's house (Matthew 8)
• house of tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9)
• Beside the sea (Matthew 13)
• His hometown Nazareth but was rejected (Matthew 13)
• On the shore, right off the boat when He fed the 5,000 (Matthew 14)
• Gennesaret - all the people had to do was touch his garment and they were made well! (Matthew 14 ESV)
• Beside the Sea of Galilee and up the mountain - where He fed the 4,000 (Matthew 15)
• Galilee and Capernaum (Matthew 17)
• Judea - let the little children come (Matthew 19)
• Jericho - blind men (Matthew 20)
• Mount of Olives - "And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”  (Matthew 21:9-11 ESV)

I can imagine sitting on the side of the mountain, listening to Jesus. Or running after Jesus, reaching out for a piece of His robe. Or maybe cooking for Him and washing His dishes. Oh my! I can imagine doing all of this. My favorite thing of all, going out and finding Him in the coolness of the morning. Sneaking up on Him as he talked to His Father. And He would see me out of the corner of His eye and smile and I would know all was well.

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New Creation

One day while on the beach, there was a whole area of broken shells.  We walked on them and it didn't hurt our feet at all.  They were soft from who knows how many centuries of being in the ocean, smoothed out by the water.

This morning, my second full day at home from one of my most perfect vacations ever, I read this verse:


"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18

It had so much more meaning to me after my time at the beach.  Mari found a couple pieces of green sea glass.  We also found lots of small pieces of smooth, broken shells.  Funny thing is, the first couple of days, they really didn't draw our attention.  It was the big, intact conch shells that we ran for, like Mari found in this picture.  Now that was a find!

The first day we picked up everything.  The second day we were more discerning.  After that, we wanted shells that had character, especially if they were worn and cracked.  These shells had a story.

The day before we went home, Laura, Mari, and I went once again down the shore and the big shells weren't there but tiny ones were.  They were almost like sea glass.  Shells worn by the tide.  So very smooth and beautiful.

My eyes were drawn to those tiny beauties.  I could relate to their struggles.  Beaten.  Worn.  But they held on.  Because of their adversities, they came out of their trials glorious!  The three of us bent down and picked them up lovingly, one at a time.  Once in a while, we would show our find to the other two, so proud.

I even thought of God doing that for us.  Bending down and picking us up one at a time.  So many of us yet He cares so much for each and every one.  I can see Him smiling and saying, "Just look at her.  I'm so proud.  She's growing even though..."

I can see Him bending down and plucking one out of an enormous wave that threatens to destroy...just in time.  I can see Him crying because of the fires in Colorado and yet...He smiles because of the few that are turning their hearts to their Creator.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18

Mari and I took quite a few shells home with us.  They didn't get crushed in the process because they've already been through the trials.  They're strong.  We both have plans for ours, to put them together somehow, to create a brand new piece to share with others.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

The old ways are in the past and I don't miss them at all.  I love the new creation that I am and every day I grow and mature and become more smooth and colorful as the storms of life teach me to look up always.  

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Will You Meet Me Here?

Monday morning I woke up early and went for a walk while everyone else slept.  I donned my tennis shoes and took off to parts slightly known.  I went to the dock and watched the sights for a bit.  It was pretty.  It was okay.  Just okay.

I then took off into the neighborhood but the sea called me.  I was drawn to the beach.  I took off my tennis shoes and sat on the steps and watched a bit but I couldn't stop there.  I had to go down into the sand and then into the water.  I walked down the shore.  I'm not sure how far.  Walks on the beach doesn't seem a chore like it is walking down our barren country road with corn and beans on each side of me.

The waves lapped up onto my bare feet.  I kept hearing God say to me

Will you meet me here?  

Yes, Lord, I'm here.

Just be, Laury.  Just walk.  See?  There's no shells in your way to distract you.  Look at My Majesty.  Enjoy the waves.  The whitecaps.  The sea salt in the air.  Just be.

I held out my arms and felt the wind.  I praised and worshiped Him.  It was wondrous.

I soon discovered it was easy to keep walking with the wind at my back.  When I turned back around, the sea sprayed at me and the rain had started to come down pretty good.

I had my tennis shoes so I stuffed them with my cell phone and camera to keep them dry and I walked the half mile back to the house barefoot.  Even that was refreshing.  It was a good morning.


I'm so glad I listened to God and followed His voice through the mighty ocean roar.  No still small voice today.

Will you meet Him where you are?

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Thoughts from the Shore from the Joe Blog

I posted on the Jewels of Encouragement blog today from Sunny Florida.  My Thoughts from the Shore.

http://www.jewelsofencouragement.com/2012/06/thoughts-from-shore.html

I'll be sharing more on my own blog.  Lots I'm learning from God's glory and majesty from the ocean.  It's beautiful here!

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Bring the Rain!

Here in Central Illinois, we need the rain BAD.  You see the corn in the picture?  The stalks are curling up.  My husband said that it's trying to protect itself from the sun.  There's only so much it can do, though before it gets burnt.  What it needs is a good soaking rain and then some more.

That's what I do too, when I'm in a dry spell in my walk with the Lord.  I close myself up.  I shield myself from getting hurt.


This corn is begging to be watered though.  The stalks are reaching toward heaven.  When I stood beside the field taking these pictures, I could hear the stalks rubbing together making their own music.  "Please bring the rain," they plead in unison.  "Please bring the rain."

I suppose I plead the same thing yet I'm in control.  Duh.  Open the Book.  Pray.  Listen.  Summers are my very hardest times emotionally for some odd reason.  You would think it would be the best because I don't work.  I have all this free time but...no.  I'm not disciplined enough to handle it and I spiral down into a free fall.

And then I give in to the physical pain that seeks to bring me down all the school year.  It knocks me flat and flat is where I usually end up staying.  Knowing this is how I am, I was ready this time.  I prayed that God would bring my rain.  And He did.


I'm volunteering at The Lighthouse Thrift Store a couple times a days a each week this summer.  That has brought so much joy into my life, you just can't imagine.  It has also taught me some new skills.  I've never used a cash register before.  Who said you can't teach old dogs new tricks?  So there!  :)  I've needed a woman to pour into my life, and God gave me that woman in Linda Kropp, the owner of the Lighthouse. She's just what I needed in this season of my life and I'm learning so much from her by watching her interact with customers and the volunteers and being part of her prayer circles.  She is a godly woman and I want to be like her when I grow up:)

I'm going off on an adventure next week with a small group of women friends to Florida.  That will be relaxing and fun.  God is so good to allow me to do this.  It was about five years ago now, I think, when Josh Janoski showed Mari and me that we COULD meet even though we were 2,000 miles away.  Since then, we've been doing just that.  The world is a small place to the younger generation  than it is to us, for sure.  Josh had to prove it to us and we learned he was right!  I'll be forever grateful to Josh and all he did for us!  And now he's married and a daddy.  I'm so proud of him!

And at the end of July, God has more travelling in store for me.  It's been a wonderful summer already.  Oh!  And I forgot about Special Touch Camp!  I've also done quite a bit of writing, editing and lots of reading!

God is good.  I'm excited for this summer and I certainly don't want to think about the dreaded 's' word!  Not yet anyway.  I'll be ready to go back when it's time but not yet.  For now, I'm enjoying each day as it comes, whatever God has in store for me.  Each one is unique.  I love that!

Meanwhile, I'm praying that God brings that physical rain.  We do
need it bad.  And I can always use more spiritual rain to fall.  Fall on us all, Holy Spirit.

"You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the LORD, have created it."  NIV


P.S.  Thank You God, for bringing the rain only a few hours after I wrote this blog!

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Stand UP! Summer Series.. #1 Even if...

**There is an error in this post that a good friend found and quickly and told me.  I decided not to fix it though.  Whoever is the first to tell me in a comment, I will send a bag of Starbucks Decaffeinated Espresso Whole Beans to you.  Leave me your address and I'll gladly send you a bag of fresh yummy beans.  mmmmm....:)**  -- Vonnie Blake wins and I'll send her a bag of beans and now I'm going to fix my post.  Thanks, Mari:)

School's out!  First day of summer vacation!  Ahhhh!  I've got things on my mind. A Bible to study. Words to write.  Books to read.    A house to clean.  A garden to weed.  Appointments to make.  A pool to swim in.  Our kids to visit.  Garage sales to find.
For now though, I need to go back to things on my mind; A Bible to study; and words to write.

When I was at school, I watched the kids make choices.  Not always good ones.  Peer pressure is awful.  Much different than when I was in school.  When I walked down the halls some days in the past six years, I felt like a high school student, too.  Funny, huh?  Some of the 'popular' kids reduced me to feeling like a lowly freshman with toilet paper trailing from my shoe.  It wasn't them though.  They did nothing to me.  They didn't even realize I felt like that.  It was just something left-over from my teenage days.  Once I got to know them, they were as nice as could be even.  There's just something about high school that makes you forget who you are and what you believe and then...on the other hand...it makes you want to stand up and say -- HEY!  That's not right!

I don't even want to go political here because I'm so not politically minded but there is coming a time when we all are going to have to perk up and listen and see what's going on in this world of ours.  In order to get ready for days to come, I want to study courageous people throughout history.  I may choose from the Bible, or missionaries, or others from history.  This will be my new series for the summer.  I'm sure glad God gave me this idea.

My first 'person of interest' is Daniel, and of course we can't forget his good friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego .  Last Sunday, our children from church did a musical called, That's So Daniel'.  They, along with our pastors, did a fantastic job.  All throughout history and even now, people are having to stand up for what they believe.  We live in a cushy society here in the U.S. where we don't have to.  We think everything should be equal.  The Bible can't surely mean THAT!

Funny thing is, the Bible says we should strive to be like Jesus, and Jesus went to the cross for us.  That was the most politically incorrect thing He could have ever done.

Daniel and the guys, when told to eat the King's best food and wine - refused.  They ate only what wouldn't go against their principles.

When Daniel and his friends were told to serve King Nebuchadnezzar's gods and worship the image of gold,  this is what they said:

“King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” -- Daniel 3:16-17

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego got thrown into the furnace and lived another day.  Then Daniel experienced government corruption and jealousy and was thrown in with the lions.  

"Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators... by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators...tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.” Daniel 6:1-5

Daniel was upright and just.  They couldn't find one thing against him.  Not one thing could be found on Google to bring him down.  

"So these administrators...went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! The royal administrators... have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den." Daniel 6:6-7

So that's what happened.  The King didn't think about his friend Daniel and when Daniel heard about the edict, he didn't run away scared.  He didn't pray in his closet.  This is what he did:

"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before."  Daniel 6:10

 Lo and behold, look who comes tattling...

“Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” -- Daniel 6:13

The King had to follow through with what he said.  It was all about saving face.  Daniel got thrown into that den of lions but when the King came back the next morning, Daniel was still alive.  Again, a miracle.  Daniel was an upstanding man of God and because of that, the King did this:

“I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must 

fear and reverence the God of Daniel.

“For He is the living God 

and He endures forever; 

His kingdom will not be destroyed,

His dominion will never end. 

He rescues and He saves; 

He performs signs and wonders 

in the heavens and on the earth.

He has rescued Daniel

from the power of the lions.” 

Daniel 6:26-27

I want to be upstanding. 

Outstanding. 

I want to feel the lions breath, not its teeth.  I want to see the flames but not feel them.  

I want to stand true to the precepts of God but how do we know what they are?  We study God's Word, the Bible and, many times, we feel what's right in our spirit, what is true and what is false.  We ask for others who are strong in their faith to mentor us.  We find a Biblically sound church to grab hold of and become a part so that we can mature in the Lord.

And just as Daniel said in Daniel 3:18 "But even if (God doesn't deliver me from whatever) I want you to know, Your Majesty, that I will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” 

and I hope to be able to always say -- 

"But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

Stand Up!  Summer Series

#1 Daniel - Even if...

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Sucker-Punched!

Pictures say a thousand words, but this picture doesn't say it all. This guy is done for, or so it seems, but I would venture to say he got up after that punch and carried on and won a good many more matches, but just not this one. Just like this man, we need to go on when life knocks us down.

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8,9 NIV)

I've been knocked down by sucker punches, same as you, and I've been laid out just like that man above but more often than not, I've been curled up in the fetal position with lots of tears. Mine have come mostly because of health issues but some because of misunderstandings and emotional junk, and I won't even go into everything about work.  It's all part of being a middle-aged woman.  It's part of the journey.  And sad to say, I've thrown my share of punches at people I love.  Hate that.

Know what?  I don't have any answers except to hold on tight.  The journey is bumpy and curvy and roller coaster-ish.  The key is to stay focused on Jesus and when you lose that focus, try to gain it again ASAP!  Living life in the late 40's is like going through puberty all over again except backwards.  We seem to regress. I am not kidding!  And for all of you young'uns, maybe there will be a 'cure' for it before you have to go through what all of us are going through or have gone through.

Once you get to the other side, I hear it's wonderful.  :)  No, not Heaven -  Life after menopause.  I can't wait!  Until then, I try to maintain my focus and not drive my husband insane (and my friends) but nine times out of ten, that doesn't happen.  The others must learn to see the signs and run, because obviously I haven't learned yet.  My mouth spills out venom at the ones I love.  I become someone I'm not.  I don't understand and I don't even like to be around me.

Life is very hard whether or not you have chronic pain.  It's hard even if you aren't going through pre-menopause or have to be around a friend who is.  Sometimes we can be found laid out after some hard punches.

Lay there for a bit.
Feel God's healing power.
Let your friends lift you up.
Gain your focus again and do what God has for you to do.  No matter what.

We can be knocked down but we don't have to stay down.

And remember this verse because times will only get harder.

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8,9 NIV)

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And in this Corner...

I shared this devotional on JournEzine today and wanted to make sure I put it here on my blog too.  I'm having fun editing the Emagazine but it's lots of work!  Anyway, here is my post:

Every year at this time, Santa Claus enters our vocabulary. We warn our children they better be good for goodness sake! I must admit I used that on my kids to get them to eat their vegetables and clean their rooms for as long as I possibly could. Santa had a good run in our house until they were old enough to realize that he just wasn't real and they were being played by a mama that wanted them to mind, is all. Smart kids.

I wonder why we do this? Do you wonder that too? Do we talk to our children about Jesus as much as we do about Santa Claus? Ouch. I'm sorry if that hurt. I mean, honestly. How many times do we sit around together watching movies about Jesus? Okay. Now how many movies and cartoons about Santa have we watched this season already? And the channels will still have them on after Christmas too and we will watch them. We all seem to be suckers for Santa.

Maybe it's his giving spirit and joy he spreads to everyone in the land? -- Ummm... I thought it was Jesus' birth that heralded in that joy, right?

Luke 2: ¹⁰Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

The baby didn't come bearing physical presents.  He didn't come with a sword.  He DID come to change the world though, and nothing was ever the same after His birth.  He came to live His life on earth as a common man and experience everything just like us.  He taught His followers about God and how to walk a faith-filled life and when it was time for Him to go back to Heaven, Jesus died for all of our sins.

Phil. 2:⁸And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.⁹Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name…

Santa didn't do any of those things.  Even if he were real, why would we spend so much time exalting a fat old man in a red suit?  He's a good guy.  He gives us hope in the human race.  He makes us smile.  He helps us remember to give to others.  I know all that but is it really worth confusing our kids?  I watched one Christmas movie where the kids were praying to Santa.

I talked with an 18 year old who still believes in Santa.  Granted, she's a special needs child but she's a thinker.  She told me, "Yes, I'm a Christian and I believe in God and Jesus.  Of course I believe in Santa!"  You see, I just think somewhere along the way, our kid's theology is getting messed up.  Confused.  It's clear to us.  Santa is fun.  I love Christmas movies as much as anyone, probably more.  I love trying to figure out how in the world Santa could get to all those houses in one evening.  Yes, I admit it.  I still ponder that.  But let's don't confuse our kids for the sake of our childhood memories and traditions.

The line needs to be drawn.   I'm not saying we should outlaw Santa.  I'm not a Grinch, after all.  Let's just be careful to keep things in perspective.  Try to talk about Jesus' birth and the real reason for CHRISTmas much much more than Santa Claus.  That's all I'm saying.

I also wrote about this on the Joe blog.  It was called, Bad Theology.  I hope you will read that also.  I shared a website I found that was most appalling.   

Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours!

Laury

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Flash Mobs

There is something about a flash mob that makes a person smile, you know? Especially at Christmas time. Someone shared this video on FB. I can't imagine being out shopping and then one person starts to sing and then the person beside you begins and soon, the whole place is filled with song. Can you imagine? I would LOVE to be a part of a mob scene like that.

I wonder if that's how it all started in Bethlehem?

The star. Look at that!

The shepherds and wisemen... all lending their voices to worship the newborn King.

The angels singing. Wow! Unbelievable!  The first Christmas flash mob was angelic. Who knew!

Isn't that the way it should be with our faith? One person, let's say you, shares what Christmas really means. Do you realize that many don't know. Honestly. I work with teens that wouldn't have a clue what the true meaning of Christmas is. Think about this: if it were all about Santa Claus, wouldn't it be a big let-down once you were older and found out...you know...that he's not for real? The only reason we celebrate Christmas at all is because Jesus was born. There would be no Christmas without Christ.

Maybe that's why flash mobs are so very cool. People who don't even know the true meaning and Christians alike, all stop. They point. They smile. They tap their feet. They sing along. They hug. In this video, you'll see how the whole atmosphere of the mall changes dramatically because of a shared event with a life-changing message. My life changed when I finally understood the true message of the Christ Child and all that it meant. Love came down from Heaven and nothing was ever the same again!

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