Thursday, September 29, 2005

Our Annual Trip

It is that time! Friday we depart on our annual camping and flyfishing trip to the Davison River, in the Pisgah Naional Forest ("Land of the Waterfalls"), in the Great Smokey Mountains, part of the Appalachian Trail. The agenda for the weekend is... man vs. woman...woman vs. campfire smoke blowing in your face...man vs.the chase of the trout...woman vs. cooking over campfire...man vs.the swift natural flow of the river...woman vs. no coffee maker...man vs. the art of the perfect cast of the fly rod...woman vs. hard, cold ground...man vs. beast...woman vs. weird sounds all night...man vs.invigorating, robust, outdoor temperatures...woman vs. layers of clothing and somehow keeping a resemblence of womanhood...man vs. "back to nature" side...woman vs. primitive camping!!!

All that said, I do really look forward to these trips. My husband's enthusiasm is off the charts...he looks forward to these trips all year. Fall is his favorite time of year...everything about it. He loves the outdoors...everything about it. He loves flyfishing... everything about it. He loves camping and hiking...you know already...everything about it. But, he sacrifices these things he loves, to hold down an important, fast-paced, always on his toes, office job. So three times a year, two times in October and one in November, his flyfishing club loads up and everyone heads north. He bestows on me a great honor and priviledge. My daughter and I are the only women that go on these trips. He brings us to share in something he loves. He wants to share it with us. And I do my best to embody the term "help mate". There are no demands from we women...we send Russell and Russ (our nineteen year old son) off to the river, making sure they have their flies, poles, waders and a snack in their flyfishing vests and we handle the rest. We keep the campfire going, make the meals, keep plenty of coffee on hand (why is there such a need for coffee just because you are outside), make frequent trips down to the river's edge to take pictures (we camp right on the river), and upon their return to the campsite listen attentively to all the details of their trek.

This year we are adding something new but very special. My nephew, Chad, and his girlfriend Meagan, are going to join us. My husband will have not only our son (who is a first rate fisherman), but now our son's cousin (he is 23), to initiate into the art of flyfishing. Chad, just like his uncle and cousin, is a lover of the mountains, camping, hiking, etc..Apart from being blessed with spending time not only with my family but also with my nephew and his girlfriend, I have a surprise for my husband! I am a hand quilter, I do nothing by machine. I am always working on one quilt or another. My husband, back during the summer, remarked that I had never made him a camping quilt. Oh, I have made several quilts, one especially that we call our mountain cabin quilt, but take them camping!? Our mountain camping quilt we take to the mountains but only when we stay in a cabin, with showers and heat. After all the work I put into that quilt I really would'nt want anything to happen to it. So to get back on track, I had him pick out some fabric he liked...mossy oak...and some alpine fleece in black..it was his choice. He chose the amount, he wanted it big enough to cover him (he is a big fella 6'3" and 200 plus lbs.), most of the quilts I make are based on math not on covering his feet. He assured me I didn't have to start on it right away, he didn't need it until October. Well, I have been secretly working on it. It is on his mind, because every couple of weeks he has mentioned it..."Well, honey, better start thinking about my blanket (quilt is a girl term). We only have 3 months till we go on our trip!"..."Well, honey, only two months till we go on our trip. Better think about getting started on my blanket."..."Honey, you know our trip is in a month..hope you have time to work on my blanket."...and bless his heart, the last he spoke of "his blanket" was.."Well, I guess you didn't have time to work on my blanket..guess you could work on it and have it ready for next year?" The truth is IT'S ready and I will hold out until Friday morning, then ask him can he make room to pack it. I know he will be pleased...just one small way to repay him for the special ways he honors me.

So Friday morning, we will try to head out at first light, blanket in tow, eager to hook up with my nephew, our minds swirling with thoughts of swift flowing streams, record sized trout, campfires, nightime rituals of smores and campfire stories, endless pots of coffee and boundless love for each other....life doesn't get any better than this!!!!

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O Lord, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life, in you light we see light. Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. Psalm 36: 5-10
Thank you sweet Jesus!

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

To Know You

Sweet Jesus,

This is what it means to me to know you...

I can believe in what I cannot see.
I see light even thought there is darkness.
I can feel strong even when I am weak.
I can feel comfort even when I look at your bloodied, tortured, body upon a wooden cross.
I can find acceptance even when being judged.
I am loved even at my worst.
I can be hopeful even when others tell me there is no hope.
I have someone to trust even when everyone around me disappoints me.
I can find joy in the everyday, mundane things in life.
I know I will live for an eternity, even though some think our days are numbered.
I know forgiveness even when I can't forgive.

You in your mercy, grace and love have taught me this and more...that is why I will forever praise you and glorify your holy name to all..generation to generation.

Humbly in your precious name,
Trina

*Please, as a comment, add to this list for His honor and glory....

Monday, September 26, 2005

Quiet and Still...

Take a minute and, just for yourselves, take a little survey for me. For you out there that don't work outside the home, how many days during the week do you not go anywhere all day (excluding carpool drop-off and pick -ups if you just go there and back)? If you work outside the home, how many evenings a week do you find yourself not going straight home...you find yourself at Target, Wal-Mart or anywhere else other than home? How many times a week do you eat dinner out? How many Saturdays are spent at home? How many Saturdays are spent doing an activity as a family..a picinic, fall festivals, yard work, visiting Grandma? When you call it a day on Sundays, do you feel like you have had a day of rest? In relationship to the time spent shopping (exclude grocery shopping), eating out, going to the movies, on the computer...things that are not necessary for the running of daily life...how much time is spent just being quiet, still and in the presence of our Lord!?

These are questions that we need to ask ourselves, and that includes me! How can we be quiet and still with the Father if we are too busy with other things in our lives? And, other than the daily things we need to do to run our lives efficiently, how important are the things we do? I grew up in a very orderly, peaceful home...five kids and a mom who was very loving and embodied the Proverbs woman. Time was something that was to be managed, not wasted. Her job, as the mother was to run an efficient, smooth running ship and we always knew that God was her Admiral. She had regular briefings with the "Admiral", smart enough to know she needed Him at the helm. She was very, very organized and always kept to task. For instance, she went grocery shopping only once a month. It puts me to shame...I can't even make it two days without making a trip for something. I have a zillion examples of the things she did to make our home a peaceful oasis, and a place of peace and quiet(see definitions below)and that is what is was. Time, for all of us, was made so that we could spend time with the Lord. And, as I said, especially in my mom's life...she always had her quiet time! But, it stands in sharp contrast to the way lives are lived today. It took what some people call "sacrifice".. it wasn't a sacrifice to her, she was doing what was best for her family, the job God called her to. She laid the groundwork for me in the here, to homeschool my children. Because of her teaching, training, and by her example I was able to lay the hasty activity ridden lifestyle aside and go down a path unknown to most moms, dads, and children nowadays. I was able to provide for my family a quiet life, peaceful and if I may say so, grand and uncluttered. "Better a handful with quiet than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind." (Ecclesiates 4:6).

One day I was talking with a friend from church...a woman with a real heart for the Lord..but she made a comment that really hit home and caused me to look hard at the lifestyles our generations were being sucked into. She was upset with her second grader because the child had forgotten to remind her of a special ballet practice they had to go to that afternoon. She was explaining to me that because the child had forgotten to remind her, it had not been noted in her daytimer and her schedule was just to busy to make time to go back home to retrieve the needed ballet paraphernalia. As her child stood beside us crying, fearful of being reprimanded at the practice, she tried to explain to me and the child the importance of the daytimer and just how busy her life was. Neither the child nor I understood! We are so busy chasing after the wind that our lives end up being swallowed into it....like being sucked into the middle of a tornado. With all the swirling and deafening noise, how in the world can we be still and quiet and listen for the voice of our Lord! And there are consequences for listening and not listening to God. "But whoever listens to me may live secure, will have quiet, fearing no mischance." (Proverbs 1:33).

Have you ever looked up the definition of "quiet"? Here are a few of them..*of gentle or peaceful disposition...*not overt, private, distinguished...*undisturbed, uninterrupted; free or far from vigorous activity...*a state of being free from urgent tasks or agitation...some words from the definition...tranquil, undisturbed, calm, stillness...Look back over how you answered my unscientific survey and then think on the definiton. How does your life rate on the "quiet" scale? If you changed one or two things about your busy life right now would it bring you more quiet? Can you change just one thing in your social life to be able to say "Lord, my heart is not proud nor my eyes haughty; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quietied my soul." (Psalm 131:1-2).

A quiet life is so important that the apostle Paul urges us to pray for each other.."I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thankgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Saviour." (1 Timothy 2:1-2). And as always, our Father, is ready, when we heed his instructions to pour out his blessing..."The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." (Isaiah 32:17). If this post, just simple words from a woman who wants to continue living a quiet life doesn't stir something inside of you then read this.."In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength but you would have none of it". (Isaiah 30:15). In the after, I want to continue to lead a quiet, peaceful life. I want to examine my comings and goings on a regular basis... for more of my time to be spent thinking, meditating, reading, studying and being in God's presence than anything other activity. Let's set aside our busy life, the endless effort of filling time with things of this world and make more time for quiet, peace, and stillness...time dwelling in the presence of the Almighty.

Thursday, September 22, 2005

A Little Window

Enough is enough....I have had enough. I feel like I am on overload. Here it is.. another hurricane, catastropic, devastating, the biggest storm Texas has seen in 100 years. These are the headlines. It is written about in the newpaper, reported on televisions news, discussed on talk radio, and blogged about in post after post. We can debate all we want about our level of concern, and when and how it turns to aniexty and fear. For you, your concern might stay within the boundaries of offering up prayers, and doing something for the needy..donations or opening your home. But for me, and many of others aniexty seems to creep in through a very small window attempting to find the hallway to our souls. Be of no mistake, the name of that aniexty and fear is "Satan". "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8).

In this world we are faced with real and present world problems..9/11 tragedy, outbreaks of West Nile virus, Madrid and London bombings, kids disappearing and devastating storms. Real problems that we should stayed informed about. But there seems to be no getting away from the overload the media pushes on us unless we retreat to a cave (which seems to me like a viable choice right now). As christians, we have a continual battle to fight because we have an adversary that is strolling the streets of our minds looking for any litttle window to squeeze through so that he can take possession of our souls. Unconsciously, we might leave open a window if we are not vigilant, if we let our guard down. Most of us know the scriptures of trusting in our God and his providence...."As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forkake you."(Joshua 1:5). But Satan is a fighter, crafty, sly and he enters that small window (our minds), then tries his best to close it behind him, attempting to shut us off from life...Christ! "But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." (2 Corthians 11:3).

We need to fill our minds with the word of the Lord; he has instructed us to do that and that is the truth that we can stand on. But we also, as christian brothers and sisters, need to slip into that open window of each others mind, to speak loudly of things that are encouraging, pleasant, that lift us up, that keep us striving for pure devotion to our God.."Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." (Proverbs 16:24). ""By speech wisdom shall be known" (Ecclesiates 4:24), "Is not a word better than a gift?" (Ecclesiates 18:17), and "Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech" (2 Corinthians 3:12).

As we enter this weekend and another horrific storm, possibly filled with tradgedy, let us storm heavens with our prayers for people in need. But let us also be the breeze of sweet speech that blows through the window of each other's minds. Let's help one another, with our words, concentrate on the hope that is in Christ Jesus. Let us also give each other a gift, a gift of speech..uplifting, encouraging and sweet.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Creation in the Country

I have had three to six bright green, tree frogs stuck to my kitchen window every evening for the last week. Those little fellas brought to mind a prank my husband used to play on unsuspecting young fireman when they came to his fire station. During his service, he was stationed at a firehouse closer to the country than the city. Their usual rountine after supper was to mop the floors in the kitchen. They kept the mops outside the building and apparently to tree frogs, the strings of the mops made for a good home. On any given evening you could, upon mop retrival, shake out a good dozen frogs from each mop. Here is where the prank plays in....instruct the new guy, after dinner and dishes, to fetch the mop so that the floors can be cleaned. It is of utmost importance in the scheme of the prank to give him careful instructions to spray the mop head with a good, strong, steady stream of hot water. While the unsuspecting poor guy is turning on the water and retriving the mop, the guys have cleared the building and are watching from around the corner. As he holds the mop, which reaches about chest and neck level, and sprays a good stream of hot water, out jumps zillions of upset tree frogs with their sticky pad ready to adhere to the nearest surface. That would be a poor fireman's chest and neck. What a shock, for a young city guy, as you get bombarded with angry sticky tree frog jumping all over you and to boot a group of your peers rolling in the grass hysterical with laughter.

I don't shoot my little green friends with hot water, I just leave them be. I smile at how fortunate I am that I live in the country and have tree frogs on the window over my kitchen sink. It is not only tree frogs I am blessed with. My country oasis is a treasure of nature. Our property is brimming with toads and frogs...bullfrogs,chorous frogs and cricket frogs. I have wonderful brown long thin walking sticks on my deck. There is limitless varieties of colorful moths stuck to my screen door every morning. Hanging from the pergola, over our deck, are three hummingbird feeders where whole families feed, sometimes as many as nine or ten at one time. At my bird garden, a regular occurance during the day, are brilliant sunny yellow finches, round, fat, capped chickadees and flaming red cardinals. In the spring, I can watch the bluebirds inspect the houses we have put up to give them a place to increase their families. After dark and well into the night, we can lay in our bed and hear the hoot of owls in the trees near our window. Playfull chipmunks scurry up our trees and early the other morning my husband had a baby wild rabbit follow Olivia (our basset hound) and him on a walk around the pasture.

We are blessed with an abundance of trees. Homeschool care-groups would bring their children out for me to give them an afternoon of tree identification. We have southern pines, many varities of oaks and maples, wild cherry, sassafras, hawthorn, sweetgum, mulberry, magnolias, dogwood,persimmon, and a fruit orchard..peach, apple and pear. From spring through fall the landscape is painted with the bright faces of wildflowers. Cheery black-eyed susans, tender violets, hardy goldenrod, and airy coreopsis are there waiting to be picked. Soooo very, very much of God's handiwork on display.

How then, could anyone who has ever spent one moment in the country, not acknowledge the power of our creator!?..."By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the seas into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be, he commanded and it stood firm." Psalm 33:6-9. "God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding." Jeremiah 10:12. And.."How many are your workd, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number-living things both large and small." Psalm 104:24-25. The next time a butterfly flitters by you, or you hear the sweet song of a song bird, or notice the cherry face of a wildflower... take a moment and acknowledge and revere our Creator, our King of the Universe with your praise and adoration!

Monday, September 19, 2005

New Beginnings

This morning is a new beginning. To me, every morning is a new beginning. I jump out of bed feeling like I can conqueror the world, that God has given me another morning, a new day, a clean slate to try again, to do it better, to surrender myself to Him once again, to change things that are not pleasing to Him. For me, it is not based on how much sleep I have gotten or it being a Monday morning or it being a Friday morning, it is something in me, that is, because God called me in righteousness. My Lord, had the perfect plan and the perfect time for giving me a lifelong task. The time he chose to unveil his task was the first time my eyes fell on my first baby. I was overcome with feelings of humbleness....gratfulness...the immenseness of God that those feelings opened my heart fully, laid it wide open and supple. Oh, I didn't feel anymore than most moms in that birthing room but God chose that moment to plant a seed in the tenderness of my heart. He also took a moment to whisper in my ear..."I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand, I will keep you....see, the former things have taken place, and NEW THINGS I declare"...(Isaiah 42:6a,9). God said, "..new things I declare.."... he called me and as His servant, I have tried my best to walk in his ways, to be obedient to the words he proclaimed to me... to declare new things each and every day! Lord, I have not forgotten the gift you gave me that night, the overwhelming gratefulness to you and the real and tangible display of your immense love for me. And, for the past twenty-two years, each morning I remind myself of that soft whisper, your calling and your promise to me. Father, I know on my own, I am not worthy but together I will continue to declare each and every morning a new beginning for you and for your glory!

For my big sis Toni!

Friday, September 16, 2005

Just Some R&R

*Today is the National Day of Prayer. As we humbly bow our heads in honor of God, our Father, let us pray that every nation and all peoples will come to know the King of Kings, accept the gift we were given through His sacrifice, and walk in the path that is revealed to us by our Lord and Creator. Let His sacrifice, a sacrifice of pure love, be the light that shines through us so that His perfect love can be illuminated to all. Also, let that light and your Holy Spirit, lift the darkness so that all needs can be met. Lord, let us, your servants, do your work here on earth, for no glory of our own, but to give glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Thank you for the priviledge of being one who belongs to you! AMEN


I don't know about ya'll, but I needed some light, fun, humor....September is an adjustment month and that sometimes can be as hard as it is exciting. So here is my small attempt at something light, and easy. I hope it will bring a smile (or maybe even a laugh) to you. "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy." (Psalm 126:2). May our Lord and Saviour bless you this month with His wonderful and perfect joy, a joy that comes from knowing and walking with Him.



*See how well you do with these...answers will be at the bottom of this post.

-What letter comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, and never in a thousand years?

-Each of the clues below describe the name of a candy. Can you name them?
Example: Galaxy would be "Milky Way"
1.Sign of affection
2.Favorite day for working people
3. Can't hold on to anything
4. Famous swashbuckling trio
5.Sun explosions

And this bombo is a return favor....
-Can you read this?
YyuryyubIcuryy4me


Make prayer your life and your life a prayer...

The parson had been disturbed by a person who was a fast reader. "We shall now read the Twenty-third Psalm in unison," he announced. "Will the lady who is always by 'the still waters' while the rest of us are in 'green pastures,' please wait a minute until we catch up?"

After the fall in Garden of Eden, Adam was walking with his sons Cain and Abel. They passed by the ruins of the Garden of Eden. One of the boys asked, "What's that?" Adam replied, "Boys, that's where your mother ate us out of house and home."

A man asked his wife, "What would you most like for your birthday?" She said,"I'd love to be ten again." On the morning of her birthday, he got her up, bright and early and off they went to a theme park. He put her on every ride in the park, the Death Slide, The Screaming Loop, the Wall of Fear. Everything there was, she had a go. She staggered out of the theme park five hours later, her head reeling, and her stomach upside down. Into McDonald's they went, where she was given a Double Big Mac with extra fries and a strawberry shake. Then off to a movie theater, more burgers, popcorn, cola and sweets. At last she staggered home with her husband and collapsed into bed. Her husband leaned over and asked, "Well, honey, what was it like being ten again?" One eye opened and she groaned, "Actually, I meant dress size!"


GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT LIFE THAT ADULTS HAVE LEARNED:
1) Raising teenagers is like nailing Jell-O to a tree. 2) There is always a lot to be thankful for, if you take the time to look. For example, I'm sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt. 3) One reason to smile is that every seven minutes of every day, someone in an aerobics class pulls a hamstring. 4) Car sickness is the feeling you get when the monthly payment is due. 5) The best way to keep kids at home is to make a pleasant atmosphere- and let the air out of their tires. 6) Families are like fudge . . . mostly sweet, with a few nuts. 7) Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground. 8) Laughing helps. It's like jogging on the inside. 9) Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber, not the toy. 10) My mind not only wanders; sometimes it leaves completely. 11) If you can remain calm, you just don't have all the facts.

The Bilble devotes some 500 verses on prayer, less than 500 verses on faith, but over 2000 verses on money and possessions.

Butterflies cannot fly if their body temperature is less than 86 degress.

Flamingo tongues were a common delicacy at Roman Feasts.

There are 49 different foods mentioned in the Bible.

Salt is mentioned 30 times in the Bible.

Almonds and pistachios are the only nuts mentioned in the Bible.

The shortest verse in the Bible consists of two words: "Jesus wept" (John 11:35)

The longest name in the Bible..Mahershalalbaz..(Isaiah 8:1)

*Answers to the riddles at the top of the page....
(M), (1.Kisses, 2.Payday, 3.Butterfinger, 4.Three Musketeers, 5.Star Bursts), (Too wise you are, too wise you be, I see you are too wise for me.)

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

First Step of Watch Recovery

The first step, they tell me, to recovery is admitting your problem. Okay, i'm taking a deep breathe....oooooo, standing up ( well, actually i'm sitting), and admitting..." Hello, my name is Trina and I AM A WATCHER...I love to watch!" There that wasn't so bad. I started out, in the here, watching out of a want to be informed...to be a good mom...to be a knowledgeable citizen. But watch what, you say!? Let me tell you.... It started slowly, almost subtly. I watched other homeschooling families ( how they interacted with each other, how they schooled more than one child). I watched nature (birds, frogs, butterflies, sunrises and sunsets). I watched people (standing in line never has bothered me, I can watch people all day long). But, slowly and surely that monster started creeping in with more watching...I watched sports, you know, those summer and winter olympic games. Then especially when my son started playing soccer and golf I wanted to learn the rules of the games, particularily golf (soccer was too fast for me). You know the PGA ( we have the Masters Tournament here), the Ryder Cup, the British Open...then because my dad loves the Atlanta Braves...well, you have to be able to discuss your dad's favorite team with him. Sooooo... I watched major league baseball, and added to that was the World Series, but along the way was the division championship games. Of course, before the end of baseball season it's time for football ...high school football (Thomson Bulldogs), college football, (the school that my two nephews have gone to), University of Georgia Bulldogs, and not to leave out the NFL, our home team, the Atlanta Falcons.

Lest you think my problem is only sports, let me reassure you....I love to watch the weather! My theory is weather watching took hold because my husband was always gone, defending other families from harm...twenty-one years as a firefighter. Someone had to keep abreast of those thunderstorm warnings, flash flood watches, and hurricanes spinning in the Atlantic. Mom was on the watch...first start weather (how to dress the children for the bus stop wait, only mine didn't ride the bus), morning weather, evening weather, local weather, regional weather, three day weather forecast, seven day forecast (one can never be overly prepared), storm track weather and of course, during the months of June through November hurricane weather watching.

If to recover I need to admit all, then maybe we should look at what is hidden in the closet. Before I fling open that door, ask yourself if you are really prepared to see this side of me. Ready... fling open that door. There it is in all it's glory.... NEWS ! I watch news and news programs. Of course, I started watching news because I wanted to stay informed, never realizing that for a "watcher" this could put me right over the edge. This too started small and slow but soon.....oh, let's just say it! I watch local news, world news, satellite news, and cable news. Add to that.. evening news, twenty-four hour news, celebrity news, political news, no-spin news and breaking news. And finally, there are the news programs... the O'Reilly's, the Tim Russet, the Hannity and the Colmes, the Greta (on the record), the 60 Minutes and the 48 Hours.....AHHHHH, I can't go on!!

Ohhh, but I can go on! There is hope for me in the after, this new phase of my life. Could it be possible that I don't have to totally give up "the watch"? Could it be possible that "watching" is an important job. The answer is YES. The Bible has alot to say about "watching" and it is here, in the pages of God's word that I will find the answers. God's word exhorts us to always be watching (easy for me, i've mastered that)..."Be always on the watch and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." Luke 21:36. In the book of Proverbs it tells us we will be blessed when we "watch"..."Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway." Proverbs 8:34. The word of God also tells us to "watch" what we say..."Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3. The Bible also talks about watching in prayer; equipping us to be forewarned of and to pray against the devil's plans and schemes. "With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, watching with all perseverance and petition for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18... "We prayed to our God and set a watch against them day and night." Nehemiah 4:9..."Be of sober spirit, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8. And one last "watch", a watch for eternity..."Keep watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." Matthew 24:42. In the after, I will trade in my sports watching, my weather watching, and yes, oh yes, my news watching. The "watching" I will me doing is called spiritual watching, watching for the signs to everlasting life!

Monday, September 12, 2005

I Am Yours

Adonai,
I am not worthy of you but you have called me....I am yours. I prostrate myself at your feet.... I am yours. I fill my mind and my thoughts with visions of you and the truth of your words...I am yours. I raise my eyes and fix them on your heavens hoping to see your glory... I am yours. I lean my ear to hear your soft whispers.... I am yours. I use my voice to sing sweet songs of worship and move my lips to utter words of praise to you...I am yours. I lift my arms up high to you in awe and adoration...I am yours. I recognize that the beating of my heart within me, giving me life, is by your choosing...I am yours. I use my weak, humble hands in service for you...I am yours. I use my legs to strengthen me as I stand and proclaim that you are GOD, the King of Kings, Everlasting Father, Son of Man, Creator, and Light of the World...I am yours. I use my feet to walk where you direct me, the path of your will....I am yours. I am, body and soul, because of your plan, mercy, power, grace, sacrifice, love, and forgiveness. Hold me close to you, Adonai, for I am not worthy, and yet I will always try to answer your call and I will always proclaim....I AM YOURS!!
Amen...

Saturday, September 03, 2005

Happy Anniversary

Today is my anniversary! We have made it twenty-eight years. When I hear myself say that I feel like I need to be carbon dated! I recall one day when my husband and I were at my house, in my parents living room (both my husband and I lived at home until we married). We weren't married as of yet, just engaged. My parents were in another room with some friends who had come to visit with them. The friends who were visiting were in their middle thirties, old in our book. The four entered the living room, with my mom announcing they wanted to talk with us. All four had that very adult look on their faces (we were still in our teens), that scary look that immediately causes you to say, "It wasn't my fault. I know whatever it is I AM INNOCENT!!" (automatic line of protection that is learned from living in a large family). My mom excitedly announced that these two friends were going to be married (neither of them had been married before)! The woman grinned and threw out her hand to show off a very, I mean very nice diamond (we guessed that on social security you could buy nice things like that). My dad gave the man a few gentle slaps of approval on his back. Russell and I, in a state of bewilderment, had the presence of mind to offer something that might have resembled congratulations. As soon as the adults exited the room Russell and I gave each other that knowing look..."Why in the world, at their age, would they want to get married?! They are soooooo old!" Oh, we knew of people that got married, but all of them were older people who had lost their spouses. Not old people that had never been married! Looking back, then as a teenager, passing thirty meant you were about as old as my parents...you know parental. Now, to me thirty looks pretty darn good.

In the here, time moves slowly...you are so busy adjusting to marriage (trying to whip that husband into shape), then you have babies (motherhood keeps you feeling young). The babies are changing daily and so is life. As the babies grow into children and your marriage grows(hopefully you have him pretty well trained around the time the kids start kindergarten) and changes, you are busy staying young with the kids. You wear your hair long (and don't have to color it and it still has its natural shine), you shop on a regular basis at Toy R Us, wear clothes from Old Navy and holler at the football games (this of course, embrasses the kids). You take exercise classes at the YWCA (you want to keep yourself taunt for that Victoria Secrets night), teach the kids how to bowl and skate, and practice volleyball and soccer with them. You go out on Friday and Saturday nights and order fishbowl margaritas. You seem to be able to function on only three hours of sleep a night, you have your finger on the pulse of activity around you (you have to so the kids don't get the best of you), and life is full.

The after, on the other hand, seems to be a sharp contrast. First of all, my data is not very scientific ( it is more girl talk), just my personal cares and concerns but also those voiced to me from a lot of women in their forties. One day you feel young (even though you stay tired from only three hours of sleep a night), playful, smart, and in control. Then one day, or it seems, you look around you and everything is different. All the women in your bible study (you are the youngest at just forty) have cut their hair short (why the short hair at forty...what is up with that!). The women are sharing the phone numbers of their beautician that "can do wonders with color. You go home look in the mirror....yikes!!!!..I have wisps of gray hair. That is just the start. You realize that it has been five years since you have been in Toy R Us..Wal-Mart and Target are the places you frequent (and even there, you realize you won't buy the $9.99 item, you will wait for it to go on sale). You venture into Old Navy and everyone in there looks like they need a babysitter. The clothes are so small they look like they will only fit on a pre-teen (maybe it's that high-rise shirt thing and low-rise pant thing). Hollering at the football games has just become a faint memory...football season starts too early in the year ... it's too hot, too loud, and too many people (not mentioning drinks are $3.00 each and we can buy a whole six-pack for that). Exercise classes are now out of the question...can't do free weights because of the carpul tunnel in your wrist...the bicycle hurts your knees...the machines hurt your neck...and in the aerobic classes you feel like you stand out, similar to the sighting of a beached whale (and the exercise pants make you look like you have a wedgie from the back). There is no more bowling for you, the kids don't even go bowling until 11p.m...they have discovered Cosmic Bowling (lights out and you bowl with neon or lighted pins), soccer, volleyball and skating have been replaced with boogie boarding (do you realize that there are sharks out there in them there waters), snowboarding (i've noticed I have trouble keeping my balance walking down stairs), and skiing (the cold makes the arthritis in my shoulder flare up). Friday and Saturday night "dates" are far and few between...to get into a resturant on the weekends there is a 45-60 minute wait (my husband doesn't wait for a table, only to get poor service because of overcrowding), there are too few movies that are acceptable for us to see, and to be perfectly honest...there is not alot we can do and still be home by 9 p.m.( by 9pm we are ready to be in our p.j. waiting on the new episode of "MONK" on USA). As far as the fishbowl margaritas, they bring on migraines (those also develop in our forties). The functioning on three hours of sleep left you like a thief in the night....you need at least ten hours and then around 2 p.m.(if you call them their answering machines pick up, which gives them away) most housewives are catching a nap. You have no idea of the pulse of activity...the kids have jam packed schedules that change minute by minute (which is almost impossible for them to keep up with)...for you the highlight of activity is losing yourself in the local and national news (at least you feel informed about something). It is also, around this age, that we have what we used to joke about behind the backs of our parents.....senior moments...I can't believe I said that! You remember as a teenager or young adult when your mom would throw the silverware in the trash can and the scrappings from the plates in the sink?!! It would make us howl with laughter and we always brought it to mom's attention. Now it's me....I can be cooking, walk into the pantry to retrieve an item, and end up just standing there unable to recall what I went in for. I usually come back out and ( I have convinced myself that this does work) start again...but not without the kids being wise to me ( once as I returned from a trip to the pantry empty-handed my son suggested I make a list to take in with me..it would save me time). My coffee cup (full of coffee) gets lost almost every day and at least once a day I walk into a room and can't remember what I went into that room for. Keep my finger on the pulse of activity...I don't think so...I need to keep my finger on my own pulse!

Okay, so maybe this was a little too much for one post ... (now some prozac and a fishbowl margarita are a must , no matter how big a migraine it brings on)...but really, have you ever known of anyone who does not adjust to middle age. I know, we don't like that word either but I love and trust the words of my Saviour! God's word tells us that we can wear our age with pride...."Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life". (Proverbs 16:31). His word reassures us that the older we get we are blessed with wisdom and understanding, "Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?" (Job 12:12). He shows us we can be strong and vigorous..."Here I am today; eighty-five years old! I am as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; i'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then." (Joshua 14:10b-11). His word promises prosperity, contentment and sustenance..."If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment." (Job 36:11). "Even to your old age and gray hair I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you". (Isaiah 46:4). And last but not least, for us women, in the years following raising our families he has a very important job for us..."Teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God". (Titus 2:3-5). Well, this paints a different picture than the one our minds have conjured up....a crown of splendor, wisdom, understanding, strength, vigor, prosperity, contentment sustenance, and a job tailored just for me. It paints a pretty great picture and a masterpiece of a future. I think i'll make a note of it!!

Today is my anniversary! Twenty-eight years and at times it seems like yesterday. The images of that teenage bride, full of hopes and dreams is still fresh today. I can still feel every step I took as I walked up that long beautiful isle, holding tightly to my daddy's arm. I was filled with love and awe as I caught a glimpse of my beloved, waitng for me to join him at the front of the church. Some things are still the same, some things very different since that first year....Thank you Russell for all the years... all the love you have given me...the gift of our two children... your faithful comittment to share our lives together....all the wonderful memories...all the care and compassion you have given me. Also, thank you Lord, for your abundant blessing...without you there would be no union...without you we would not be one...without you we would not be!

Thursday, September 01, 2005

Southern Hospitality and my family

*To all of you that are being affected by the catastrophic hurricane "Katrina"....Our prayers, hopes, thoughts and wishes are with you. At this real and tragic time, we will pray that you can feel the real presence of God the Father, who as He promises, is always with you.....especially during your most desperate times.

We, in the South, pride ourselves on being hospitable. It is one of the many wonderful traits of the South (can you tell that I am proud to be a Southern). The "Oxford Pocket Dictionary" defines hospitality "as the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests or strangers". Yes, that is the South... but is it my family...how do my dad, mom and sisters rate (family, if you are afraid of what I might say you have the option of not reading this post!)...and how deep does that run?

My younger sister, Patti, and her family have a time-share in Hilton Head, S.C., where they vacation for one week every year during the last week of August. This year my mom and dad went down with them for the week. She also had left an open invitation to the rest of us to come down if able. One of my older sisters, Toni, really wanted to go down (she loves the beach), but would not go unless I could go with her. Seems simple enough....get in the car and spend the day at the beach! After some anxiety on my part (that is a post for another day), I agreed to go with her and a plan was hatched.

We met at Dunkin Doughnuts, on time and at the appointed time. Toni was going to drive and from the moment I hauled my stuff...yes, that is my husband's complaint..going for one day and you have enough stuff that you have to haul...to her truck she could not have been more generous. She wanted to know if I was going to be comfortable in the small truck or if not, we could buzz back to her house and pick up her van. She inquired about how much air-conditoning I prefered, asked me if I would be willing to navigate (apparently she isn't aware that I can navigate but get catch up in conversation and forget I have a job usually ending up in missed exits or turns), and showed a genuine friendly and generous reception of me as her guest. HOSPITALITY. During the trip there, we engaged in conversation on a long list of topic, joked with one another,and ate doughnuts. ENTERTAINMENT. Even when I spilled my drink (I never spill), a turtle tracks double cappuccino, something or other latte (I am a novice at this latte thing), she could not have been friendlier or more generous. We spent about 6 hours, with our family, on Hilton Head. Toni and I did our best to keep to our schedule and we started the three-hour trip homeward around 6 p..m. The trip home was a mirror image of the trip there, with the exceptions that we had no spilled drinks... great company, great converstion, doughnuts (creme filled, maple and peanut, the only way to go), FRIENDLY..GENEROUS...ENTERTAINING.., and much A plus hospitality!!!

Upon our arrival at Patti's condo, we were met by my dad and brother-in-law, Don. My dad and Don immediately went into hospitality mode...informing us that the rest were down at the pool...offering us drink and the use of the bathroom to change into our swimsuits..my dad repeatedly offered to show us the way down to the pool...no doubt about it ..a friendly and generous reception! We quickly changed into our suits, noticing that Don had already set and readied the table for lunch, fully expecting to serve us the noon meal...HOSPITALITY!!!We were escorted by the two guys, (now that I think about it Don should be put up for sainthood, mother-in-law and three close sisters invading his vacation), down to the pool. My sister and my niece and two nephews(8, 6 and 3 in age) had already gathered their things and were headed in. They turned around, back into the pool, and mom, Toni, my niece and nephews and I played a three team game of pool basketball. ENTERTAINMENT of guests!! After our game concluded (mom was at a pure advantage, who is going to dunk a great grammy just to steal the ball..), we dried off and headed back up for lunch but not without the option to have lunch by the pool which we declined. Upon finishing our lunch it was time to get lathered up with sun-block for a trip to the beach. I get tickled recalling that I have forgotten how long to takes to get a group sun-blocked for beach time when there are little ones involved. Their bodies are so little but they need sun-block on every inch of the exposed parts and do not forget the ears....they are crucial! Again, the perfect example of HOSPIALITY, everyone joining in the trek to the beach, everyone joining in the entertainment and not the slightess hint of inconvience. Patti and I set up, again she was careful to have plenty of beach chairs, multiple umbrellas, cooler and a bag full of towels. She was adamant about dad having a chair that was shaded so that he would not get too much sun, plenty of drink for mom to keep her "whistle wet", and reasurance that Toni and I could do whatever would make us happy. GENEROUS a characteristic of HOSPITALITY!!! Don played taxi driver, taking dad back to the condo at one point (the sun, kids and surf, I think, wore him out but my hats off to him for the trooper he is), and then when Don arrived back to the beach we sitting ready to return to the condo. A storm had developed right over us. We were having such a good time sitting at the waters edge and playing with the children that we did not even realize it had started raining. After Toni pointed out the storm, we rushed to "break camp", being pelted with rain and small hail and quickly got the children off the beach. And with impectable timing, up drives Don ready and willing to help us load up. Back to the condo we went, to shower or maybe if you prefer another dip in the pool or like my mom, dad and I a challenging game of Cribbage. During our game I noticed that it had been awhile since I had seen Patti. Toni had gone to the pool for a few minutes so I assumed Patti was with her. We heard a knock at the door and when opened in came Patti with a plate full of grilled sausage dogs ready for our dinner. Coming back to life and out of "game state" (my family becomes easily immersed in our games), I realized the table, once again was set, and Patti had graciously grilled dinner without uttering a word to us. GENEROUSLY, giving us the gift of immersion in our game and time without a care with mom and dad. We ate a good dinner and then it was time to be on our way...the entire time being told we were welcome to spend the night. As we loaded up in the truck, we were sent on our way with waves, thanks for coming and reminders to call, when we arrived home, so all would know we were safe and sound.

Yesterday, from the moment I sat down in Toni truck, was a perfect example of HOSPITALITY (my definition...the laying down of ones- self for the service of others). The definiton in the dictionary and also my own personal definiton were met yesterday in every way possible, with much love, graciousness and a joyful attitude. "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling". 1 Peter 4:8-9. "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it". Hebrews 13:2. "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12: 13. "We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth." 3 John 1:8. Hospitality is very important as the above scriptures show us. It tells us that love is needed to practice hospitality, that blessings are bestowed upon us when we practice hospitality, we fill needs within people by our hospitality and it helps our work for God's truth. Hospitality, in it's purest form, is an act of love....and it reflects our love for our heavenly Father. If you are a servant of hospitality and that service runs deep within you, that gift comes out of a nutured love and deep relationship with Christ. As for my family, thank you for your hospitality, thank you for the memories you gave me yesterday. Most of all, thank you, once again, for answering with the highest of marks. May Christ's love sustain you always, as you continue to strive toward the goals of our Risen Lord.