It is a time to reflect and look forward. 2012 expires today, on the cusp of 2013. Every year greater hope rises from increased trial as it seems we face more of each as we mature forged from the manifold exposure through each year we find passage. This year, I choose not to look back just one, rather the decades of ones. Carrie still has a shoebox full of letters adorned with envelope calligraphy and my best handwriting (which normally approaches that of doctors) as testament of early love from this heart to hers from over thirty years ago. Back in the day when email was not even a dream, letters oft crossing in the mail, postage stamps upside down (indicating love for those who don't know), each filled with sharing the ordinary and extraordinary of life apart.
A small town, Michigan girl deciding to move to Los Angeles, attended college to become a Registered Nurse. She had roomed with a cousin (Cheryl) of my best friend, Dean. Having tried male pen pals,finding them too inconsistent (on both sides) I had discovered the joys of writing to women (very nice and wonderful ladies) who seemed enjoy writing back to me. And to this day, I remain friends with many of them (thanks to Facebook). Cheryl cracked the door open when she mentioned this girl she had roomed with (wishing she hadn't as she was hoping I'd pursue her) and for some reason I continued hammering her for this young lady's name and address. It took over six months for her to cave.
When Cheryl sent me Carrie's name and address, I penned a letter introducing myself desiring another pen pal to engage with. Later, Carrie would share with me her reading of it, sitting with her roommate's ears and hearts piqued by such bold composition, all wanting to meet the man who would choose such form of introduction. I remember her sharing about the laughter and curiosity bubbling as she shared it. And immediately they egged her to return a letter. It arrived a week after I sent mine. I could bore you with details, but for a few weeks, snail mail was our only form of communication until this San Diego based guy had opportunity to venture up to Los Angeles (visiting my brother, then in college whose band was playing at Disneyland), stopping by to meet this gal I had engaged in writing.
When we met, there were no fireworks, no melting of my heart, no 'magic'. I relegated we would be just like the other women in my life, friends. She joined Lynne (my first and most wonderful lady pen pal) and Cheryl, as purely platonic friends, female, willing to write.
My life grew in depth, result of interaction with these amazing women, all the while I had girlfriends along the way. There was something in the writing, the exposition of my heart and theirs that provided genuine, pure and wonderful insight into each or our lives, an honesty, not some concoction of falsehood. We wrote of genuine struggles and stuff of life, ordinary, with beautiful response. It was rich and meaningful in ways I never understood until later. I even would visit, from time to time, with each, verifying the reality of our pens and character, and, they were and remain beautiful testimonies of God to this heart, including the one whose life and heart captured for decades since, mine.
For tens of years she has joined my adventures in life and living, along for the roller coaster ride she willingly admits has never ended, she the keel in a boat whose rudder turned, at whim, to explore lands and seas, God at the helm. This small town girl, part adventurer herself, has sailed the seas of life with mine and as I reflect upon decades together could not imagine a more perfect companion through each trial, celebration and all in between, and, I pray for more; More decades, more trials and celebrations. And I believe them coming.
This next year Carrie will join me on my adventures to Croatia and Bosnia; me teaching teachers there and she exploring medical benefits a pediatric nurse and her wonderful doctors might bring to those there. Our marriage made in heaven bringing a bit of it to those who could use some physical and emotional encouragement; a gifting both Carrie and I share. Our trip will come garnering a large amount of cost; great sacrifice of time as I prepare and pack lessons, large amounts of prayer seeking wisdom for our trip, and financial cost, giving up pay and vacation time potentially expending some of our own finances to go as well, that is, unless God does as He so lovingly did in all my past excursions, providing every nickel needed to go.
Yes, you too could join us as part of investing in people I have come to love, using gifts God has given us to bless others. You can choose to pray for wisdom, God's leading, abundant provision and eyes to see what He has planned as we go. If He leads, you can also send tax deductible contributions as financial partners in this work, a work where airfare will be the greatest financial expense. Should you choose to do so, you can send funds to:
New Heights Community Church
10701 N. Magnolia Ave,
Santee, CA 92071
Please note or mention Bosnian Teaching/Medical Trip 2013
The lives of Carrie and I have been blessed with many wonderful friends, whose hearts resonate in like forms for those in our world with less. We share in compassion and care. We know, believe and trust in an honorable, loving and powerful God to lead us as we care for those around us. We come alongside others in struggle not to glorify ourselves, but to encourage letting the glory of God move into the midst of theirs as He has for ours. Yes, through the decades I celebrate and appreciate all He has forged into our lives together, you as friends, Carrie and mine as cohorts in Godly adventure.
Thank you for your consideration and prayers as we move forward to yet another adventure, together. Her joining me is answer to my prayers for years as I go, asking God to open up opportunity for her giftings to bless where He has led me, to Croatia and Bosnia with love for His people there, and the diligent care takers of young hearts. We go with hope. We celebrate with encouragement. We are thankful for opportunity to serve together with you and others.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 30, 2012
No Longer Drops, Flowing Streams
Today, I posted this picture on my Facebook captured on Mau'i, Hawai'i. My life has unfolded as one who encourages others. As I examine the world I am blessed to see, the lives around me, the interaction and workings of the here and now, my senses and musings often drive deep pondering and meaning for this thing called life.
It was raining this day on the northern coast of Mau'i as we drove the road to Hana. Drops descended upon us, the ground filled to full. Our steps oft slippery and a tad treacherous, but we worked our way through to find such spots of beauty for my camera and I to capture. This photographic moment spurred consideration in my heart.
A single drop of rain may seem insignificant, just as a single life may to some, or many. But collectively, they blend becoming essential life to plants, life to animals and if not needed there, move to join others, collectively flowing to other places of need. No longer drops, the torrential flood flows on, together, evoking miniscule change as it flows, the life giving substance moving on to bless others downstream.
There are many lives I have no awareness or knowledge of. People, just like the ones I do know, but seemingly insignificant to me because they are not part of my circle, those whose drops join me It could be your life, you, reading this blog, whom I know nothing of, yet your life is significant, maybe not to me, but to those you love and care for. You might be the drop of water flowing by here earlier or yet to come, but together we are part of the same stream of life, and we are significant.
To those of you who, vicariously, join these footprints of faith, I am grateful my life, my writing, has found some meaning in yours, our drops coming alongside one another for a moment, then pressing forward, on to add meaning to the lives of those we are called, refresh. I celebrate with the drops I am blessed to join, flowing together in purpose, the beauty of life and living. As the year ahead unfolds before you and those who are part, take time to stop, admiring the beauty of precious flow, while celebrating with abounding thanksgiving the lives of those around you. Be kind, in the midst of your trouble, with others who may desire helping, but need time to learn about your problem before they can help.
We all have problems. Focus on blessing others in spite of your trouble to bless, help and inspire others in the midst of theirs. Imagine the year 2013 as one filled with such people coming alongside one another, flowing together to share richness of encouragement in life and living; each of us concerned or consumed not by our own issues, rather joining together to learn of another's. Our single drop like life can join the abundance of falling rain to drench our world, creating a beautiful paradise. It is what I long for, what I dream, what I see when I examine the hints our world shows. Together, no longer just drops descending, flowing streams of blessing.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
His Care For This Soul For His Glory
In my last blog I wrote about living free of fear. In a previous blog I wrote about an 18 year old young lady, a past student of mine, living through extensive brain surgery years ago and recurring brain cancer, she, enduring proton beam therapy as a non surgical alternative. You can see a picture and read about Tori here (http://offootprintsandfaith.blogspot.com/2012/10/slaying-giant.html). As we approach a new year many of us face it with hope. Others find difficulty rising from the troubles surrounding them. Every day we have choice. Every day we have opportunity. Every day our decisions form how it will unfold. I see many 'lost' in their own struggles, stuck because they choose not to look around and see the struggles of others. We can choose to let ours bury hope, destroy satisfaction pouring pity upon us, or be inspired by those who show us how to fight, find hope and live in the joy of what we do have, rather than what we don't.
We all have our form of struggle. Each day brings them to us as we live in a fallen world stained by the calamity of Godly disobedience and selfish consummation. From the simplest form, like lazily leaving shopping carts in the neighboring parking stall (our time immensely more valuable that takng time to return it to the corral), messing up merchandise on shelves abandoning them in disarray or returning them in the wrong place (leaving it for workers to return or neaten them), abusing employees because something outside their control happened (taking it out on them as you are upset), to the more complex, cutting off others while driving, or getting upset because someone didn't take the time to see you or purposely cut you off, someone chooses to drive having consumed too much alcohol or illegal substance and it costs others lives. And I could go on and on about selfish acts costing each of us in this world.
Rather than choose to focus on such, I take notice and personally do otherwise, and it is a struggle when others take no notice, challenging my pride and reason for doing so. How can one man, returning carts (not just to the corral but to the store) alone make a difference? How can my picking up store clothing lying on the floor or straightening other's messes make a difference? Why don't others notice and do the same? Why do I want others to pat me on the back and thank me for such simple act of kindness? Because I still struggle with pride; My sinful nature to want some personal glorification or appreciation for my goodness and care for others. Ouch.
Every day I work hard for Lowe's. I do grunt work, sort out PVC fittings and all the other thousands of plumbing stuff that others return to wrong bins (like laundry, a never ending job), do the work my colleagues don't like doing with the same diligence and effort I do in all my other work there (patiently helping customers), and while many of my colleagues and customers notice my diligence, rarely get thanks or compliments for my efforts, and yet I continue working with verve and diligence.
My hours have been reduced, and I could complain, but I don't, for God has been giving me other work where I am greatly appreciated, using my skills in more ways to make a difference. This contrast has been very enlightening for this soul. We ALL do not get credit, by others, for the good things we are led to do, and I think it a humility check. And there is reason, for I have become satisfied that my God knows my heart and is giving me a heart check as I move through life. I am satisfied and take pride that my work, my diligence is seen by Him and can be seen by others who might notice (besides, I like a sharp looking aisle, it just looks good!).
I don't care if anyone notices anymore. I only care and realize that He sees my efforts. He is asking me to work hard, care for others in ways as He leads for His purpose in the lives of others. Be it as I provide pastoral counsel, writing this blog, returning carts, sorting out PVC fittings, taking out the trash before Carrie asks, doing grunt work no one likes doing, gracefully allowing others to enter my lane forcefully or ignorantly, or even taking the time to notice another's struggles as with Tori's brain tumor and her valiant struggles.
As this new year approaches, I have a new attitude approaching. I am changing my expectations. I always get disappointed when my expectations are not met. In the Christmas receiving we may expect too much, not getting what we hoped feeling a bit of remorse or disappointment in the aftermath. In all my disappointments, I have come to discover my need to garner greater appreciation for them. Yes, being thankful for disappointments leads me to appreciate what I do have and the love offered me by those who gave what they thought I'd like or do.
At Lowe's I have often told myself that they pay me the same whether I sort PVC fittings or patiently take time to listen to customers so I can figure out what they are looking for and how I can best help them in their 'need'. Serving as an unpaid shepherd in my church, I soon will be joining staff there with some stipend and a position that lets me and others know my gifts of helps will continue along with some affirmation there. My construction knowledge will be used to help others as I work in their homes, consulting and doing various projects with them. And I will go and do with the same diligence as I am carried forward, in everything, and yes, I will face disappointments in them all if I set my expectations beyond anything I am to do.
We have choice, we have opportunity, we have decisions that will form who we are as we live. Everyday our choice, opportunity and decisions we make will affect not just our lives, but the lives of everyone around us. I no longer care if anyone joins me and my daily choice to care for others, but sure wish everyone around would. For if we all truly cared? The world would be amazingly transformed around us. Until then? I expect to see Him work, see His glory revealed as I choose to do His will for me, each day. I make my choice, my opportunity, my decision to care. That alone for this soul is enough, and my sole expectation. It is enough that my God alone knows, sees and hopefully appreciates my diligent response to His leading, evidence of His care for this soul for His glory.
We all have our form of struggle. Each day brings them to us as we live in a fallen world stained by the calamity of Godly disobedience and selfish consummation. From the simplest form, like lazily leaving shopping carts in the neighboring parking stall (our time immensely more valuable that takng time to return it to the corral), messing up merchandise on shelves abandoning them in disarray or returning them in the wrong place (leaving it for workers to return or neaten them), abusing employees because something outside their control happened (taking it out on them as you are upset), to the more complex, cutting off others while driving, or getting upset because someone didn't take the time to see you or purposely cut you off, someone chooses to drive having consumed too much alcohol or illegal substance and it costs others lives. And I could go on and on about selfish acts costing each of us in this world.
Rather than choose to focus on such, I take notice and personally do otherwise, and it is a struggle when others take no notice, challenging my pride and reason for doing so. How can one man, returning carts (not just to the corral but to the store) alone make a difference? How can my picking up store clothing lying on the floor or straightening other's messes make a difference? Why don't others notice and do the same? Why do I want others to pat me on the back and thank me for such simple act of kindness? Because I still struggle with pride; My sinful nature to want some personal glorification or appreciation for my goodness and care for others. Ouch.
Every day I work hard for Lowe's. I do grunt work, sort out PVC fittings and all the other thousands of plumbing stuff that others return to wrong bins (like laundry, a never ending job), do the work my colleagues don't like doing with the same diligence and effort I do in all my other work there (patiently helping customers), and while many of my colleagues and customers notice my diligence, rarely get thanks or compliments for my efforts, and yet I continue working with verve and diligence.
My Immaculate Plumbing Aisle #17
My hours have been reduced, and I could complain, but I don't, for God has been giving me other work where I am greatly appreciated, using my skills in more ways to make a difference. This contrast has been very enlightening for this soul. We ALL do not get credit, by others, for the good things we are led to do, and I think it a humility check. And there is reason, for I have become satisfied that my God knows my heart and is giving me a heart check as I move through life. I am satisfied and take pride that my work, my diligence is seen by Him and can be seen by others who might notice (besides, I like a sharp looking aisle, it just looks good!).
I don't care if anyone notices anymore. I only care and realize that He sees my efforts. He is asking me to work hard, care for others in ways as He leads for His purpose in the lives of others. Be it as I provide pastoral counsel, writing this blog, returning carts, sorting out PVC fittings, taking out the trash before Carrie asks, doing grunt work no one likes doing, gracefully allowing others to enter my lane forcefully or ignorantly, or even taking the time to notice another's struggles as with Tori's brain tumor and her valiant struggles.
As this new year approaches, I have a new attitude approaching. I am changing my expectations. I always get disappointed when my expectations are not met. In the Christmas receiving we may expect too much, not getting what we hoped feeling a bit of remorse or disappointment in the aftermath. In all my disappointments, I have come to discover my need to garner greater appreciation for them. Yes, being thankful for disappointments leads me to appreciate what I do have and the love offered me by those who gave what they thought I'd like or do.
At Lowe's I have often told myself that they pay me the same whether I sort PVC fittings or patiently take time to listen to customers so I can figure out what they are looking for and how I can best help them in their 'need'. Serving as an unpaid shepherd in my church, I soon will be joining staff there with some stipend and a position that lets me and others know my gifts of helps will continue along with some affirmation there. My construction knowledge will be used to help others as I work in their homes, consulting and doing various projects with them. And I will go and do with the same diligence as I am carried forward, in everything, and yes, I will face disappointments in them all if I set my expectations beyond anything I am to do.
We have choice, we have opportunity, we have decisions that will form who we are as we live. Everyday our choice, opportunity and decisions we make will affect not just our lives, but the lives of everyone around us. I no longer care if anyone joins me and my daily choice to care for others, but sure wish everyone around would. For if we all truly cared? The world would be amazingly transformed around us. Until then? I expect to see Him work, see His glory revealed as I choose to do His will for me, each day. I make my choice, my opportunity, my decision to care. That alone for this soul is enough, and my sole expectation. It is enough that my God alone knows, sees and hopefully appreciates my diligent response to His leading, evidence of His care for this soul for His glory.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Freed From Fear
It is Christmas Eve and I find myself joyfully blessed and thankful for the celebration, the holy remembrance of redemption for man through infant birth. Many may attempt reduction, the giving of gifts, gathering of guests, lighting lives and surroundings with glittering glitz, but the whole world still stops, steeped in tradition for this time steeped in remembrance. No single event has ever garnered such millennial honored pause. While many then and now, attempt to discredit the truth, or squelch this holy act, it remains. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Silent Night, O Holy Night and a host of other songs fill the air with many other popular songs echoing the hollowness of the season focused on mere partying.
I have come to discover power, truth, sacrifice and deep, meaningful life as I interact with and follow my glorious God, He charging me to live life to the full with His grace, His compassion, His love for all mankind. I have no huge credentials, no great following or popularity probably like many of you, but I have personally been touched by His miraculous healing power. I have seen this power released into the lives of many of my friends for His glory. My heart finds common the times I have prayed with my LORD seeing Him answer with preciseness, discovering He had done exactly as He led me pray, possibly because He has taught me to pray selflessly as I listen to Him, praying His amazing will for people I love and care for.
Sure, my Christmas celebrations are filled with many of the same things as yours; erecting a tree, trimming it with memories, shopping and wrapping presents I hope will bless those I love, eating veritable tons of food I shouldn't, but more importantly it is overflowing with pondering grace, singing and listening to songs of faith wrapped with elative appreciation for our rescue from a short life, to one eternal. Since through one man (Adam), sin (disobedience and self-centered selfishness standing in opposition to God) entered the world, God also said the through one man (Jesus), our disobedient nature (sinfulness) would be released and eliminated through the sacrifice of one man, Jesus Christ, and yes, this infant entrance speaks gloriously of such plan.
It has always been my hope, my prayer, that these keyboard musings not come across in judgment or speak falsely of what a real relationship with the real God holds. It remains my prayer too that you who read might find such ring of truth that you would join me, not in religion, but with interactive relationship with the one true God. These footprints of faith walk through life in attempt to live it to the full, full of His grace poured out into me, and hopefully poured into the lives of everyone whose path I cross; fellow employees, checkers at stores, presidents and CEO's, trash collectors and janitors, my wife, children and sweet grandchild, and even you who choose to read.
For those choosing to read this blog, this Christmas season, it is my hope that you find the real meaning and truth of Christmas. God does want to have a relationship with you. He will provide you peace and a way of living that will transform yours and the lives of others around you. We will grow toward a sweetness of life and living that more and more aligns with His call and way of life and living, serving and deeply caring for those around us as we grow in relationship with Him. We can bless the tired and abused clerks at stores with generous thanksgiving and praise. We can come alongside those hurting not just this season but in the months ahead. We can make a difference daily, for the long haul if we understand that our lives of giving are not just for Christmastime.
For unto us a child is born. He is Christ the Lord.
He desires for you to know Him and understand His calling upon your heart, not to be religious, not to adhere to laws, to be in relationship, being freed from fear to utter joy. I can live free from fear because my life is wrapped in the one who was wrapped in swaddling clothes, fully God, fully man. This life a vapor to be the start of one that will continue through eternity, exiting this world to a holy world of eternal peace, free of fear.
Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!
I have come to discover power, truth, sacrifice and deep, meaningful life as I interact with and follow my glorious God, He charging me to live life to the full with His grace, His compassion, His love for all mankind. I have no huge credentials, no great following or popularity probably like many of you, but I have personally been touched by His miraculous healing power. I have seen this power released into the lives of many of my friends for His glory. My heart finds common the times I have prayed with my LORD seeing Him answer with preciseness, discovering He had done exactly as He led me pray, possibly because He has taught me to pray selflessly as I listen to Him, praying His amazing will for people I love and care for.
Sure, my Christmas celebrations are filled with many of the same things as yours; erecting a tree, trimming it with memories, shopping and wrapping presents I hope will bless those I love, eating veritable tons of food I shouldn't, but more importantly it is overflowing with pondering grace, singing and listening to songs of faith wrapped with elative appreciation for our rescue from a short life, to one eternal. Since through one man (Adam), sin (disobedience and self-centered selfishness standing in opposition to God) entered the world, God also said the through one man (Jesus), our disobedient nature (sinfulness) would be released and eliminated through the sacrifice of one man, Jesus Christ, and yes, this infant entrance speaks gloriously of such plan.
It has always been my hope, my prayer, that these keyboard musings not come across in judgment or speak falsely of what a real relationship with the real God holds. It remains my prayer too that you who read might find such ring of truth that you would join me, not in religion, but with interactive relationship with the one true God. These footprints of faith walk through life in attempt to live it to the full, full of His grace poured out into me, and hopefully poured into the lives of everyone whose path I cross; fellow employees, checkers at stores, presidents and CEO's, trash collectors and janitors, my wife, children and sweet grandchild, and even you who choose to read.
For those choosing to read this blog, this Christmas season, it is my hope that you find the real meaning and truth of Christmas. God does want to have a relationship with you. He will provide you peace and a way of living that will transform yours and the lives of others around you. We will grow toward a sweetness of life and living that more and more aligns with His call and way of life and living, serving and deeply caring for those around us as we grow in relationship with Him. We can bless the tired and abused clerks at stores with generous thanksgiving and praise. We can come alongside those hurting not just this season but in the months ahead. We can make a difference daily, for the long haul if we understand that our lives of giving are not just for Christmastime.
For unto us a child is born. He is Christ the Lord.
He desires for you to know Him and understand His calling upon your heart, not to be religious, not to adhere to laws, to be in relationship, being freed from fear to utter joy. I can live free from fear because my life is wrapped in the one who was wrapped in swaddling clothes, fully God, fully man. This life a vapor to be the start of one that will continue through eternity, exiting this world to a holy world of eternal peace, free of fear.
Joy to the World, the Lord is Come!
Saturday, December 22, 2012
We Risked, He Rescued
Reality slams into this heart with greater voracity each year during this season from Thanksgiving to Christmas. It started years ago, when I began leading a grief recovery group at my church. GriefShare (http://www.griefshare.org/) is a wonderful program that, together with God working in me, has brought a great deal of healing into hearts I have been blessed to engage. It seemed God had peeled open glimpses into the souls of many whose struggles and losses were greatest during the holiday season; and with each year, I am given opportunity to experience more.
For many, such venturings may seem overwhelming, but for this heart of compassion, coupled with my relationship with God, I see it as privilege to join with those in the midst of angst, directly (able to serve and do tangible acts with them), or indirectly (so to speak) through prayers, beseeching God to intervene, bring His peace, help them through their time of darkness; and doing so brings, to me, great joy.
Time after time I have seen the hand of God perform miraculous result in the midst of tragedy at Christmas time. Don't get me wrong, He didn't choose to always miraculously heal or bring back from the dead a loved one, but He did move hearts to connect with His, guiding them to His peace, His hope, His will into their lives helping them move forward through this season. A heart of compassion breaks when touched by the broken, but when connected to God, who sees, fully comprehending and knowing our pains, I know I can rely upon His strength, His compassion, His encouragement to be such in their lives, and together we find joy.
Such is the life of ministry and minister, and I get to do so incognito, for now. Just a servant. Just one who works at Lowe's, or has been a teacher. Just a guy who is connected to a wonderful group of believers at my church. All that will change soon as I am brought on part-time to serve the people I work for 'officially', allowing me to still work incognito, in humble estate, a means I have come to embrace and appreciate; my ministry with God rising out of quiet, obedient service.
We are all called to care; called to engage; called to love, especially those of us who claim Jesus Christ as our LORD. As I engage in relationship with my LORD, I find He continually calls me to more; more care, more love with more compassion in a time where more is needed. I wish I did it well or perfectly. I don't. But I try and He allows grace to soften my foibles. I risk, He rescues. That should be our calling; Every believer moving into and near the hearts of those we see, connecting and caring for the hearts of others, making a difference because our God leads us, we asking, He answering. We looking, He leading. Something tells me that if we believers get this right, people will clamor and seek that joy, peace and ability we have been given, result of God entering His world through us. Are you willing to risk letting Him rescue? He calls me to hard things, but He provides His strength, His wisdom as I move forward with Him. I believe He is asking all of us to step out in faith, with Him this next year. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all could say together, at the end of next year, "We Risked, He Rescued".
For many, such venturings may seem overwhelming, but for this heart of compassion, coupled with my relationship with God, I see it as privilege to join with those in the midst of angst, directly (able to serve and do tangible acts with them), or indirectly (so to speak) through prayers, beseeching God to intervene, bring His peace, help them through their time of darkness; and doing so brings, to me, great joy.
Time after time I have seen the hand of God perform miraculous result in the midst of tragedy at Christmas time. Don't get me wrong, He didn't choose to always miraculously heal or bring back from the dead a loved one, but He did move hearts to connect with His, guiding them to His peace, His hope, His will into their lives helping them move forward through this season. A heart of compassion breaks when touched by the broken, but when connected to God, who sees, fully comprehending and knowing our pains, I know I can rely upon His strength, His compassion, His encouragement to be such in their lives, and together we find joy.
Such is the life of ministry and minister, and I get to do so incognito, for now. Just a servant. Just one who works at Lowe's, or has been a teacher. Just a guy who is connected to a wonderful group of believers at my church. All that will change soon as I am brought on part-time to serve the people I work for 'officially', allowing me to still work incognito, in humble estate, a means I have come to embrace and appreciate; my ministry with God rising out of quiet, obedient service.
We are all called to care; called to engage; called to love, especially those of us who claim Jesus Christ as our LORD. As I engage in relationship with my LORD, I find He continually calls me to more; more care, more love with more compassion in a time where more is needed. I wish I did it well or perfectly. I don't. But I try and He allows grace to soften my foibles. I risk, He rescues. That should be our calling; Every believer moving into and near the hearts of those we see, connecting and caring for the hearts of others, making a difference because our God leads us, we asking, He answering. We looking, He leading. Something tells me that if we believers get this right, people will clamor and seek that joy, peace and ability we have been given, result of God entering His world through us. Are you willing to risk letting Him rescue? He calls me to hard things, but He provides His strength, His wisdom as I move forward with Him. I believe He is asking all of us to step out in faith, with Him this next year. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we all could say together, at the end of next year, "We Risked, He Rescued".
Friday, December 21, 2012
Rescued For Eternity
I posted today on Facebook:
So the world didn't end and it will be just another day at Lowe's, another day to squeeze my girl as I rise, another day to post a vacation pic, another day to message my friend, Phillip (he is a fine, special needs young man, son of fellow ministers in Christ), another day to pray for those God brings to mind, another day to be thankful for 'just' another day on earth yet for some, for many, yesterday was end of their world, their time here. God alone knows the number of our days and when it will all end. I don't trust in Mayans or men. I trust in God, His plan, His will, for His purposes. Not just for today, for eternity.
and, many of my friends have 'liked' it, some who have yet to 'like' any of my posts.
I find it interesting that when we believers continue as before, in the face of tragedy, with stinging angst and great travail over evil, that non-believers are the first to ask, "Where was God when this happened?", either blaming Him or sealing their unbelief in 'their perception' of God.
Gathering evidence for the existence and will of the almighty, all powerful, all creative and glorious God, I have come to discover and believe that He is present and faithful to provide ultimate redemption for His children even in the midst of heinous evil. Sure, as we look at and ponder such evil, when left to our human, earthly perceptions, we wrestle with why it is allowed, and in my mind I find myself thinking that God allows glimpses of heinous evil as evidence of what would occur with great regularity when He is absent from the hearts of selfish men.
Think about it. We are awash in mourning when we think of these innocent children slain, yet in a week hundreds of mothers silence, before birth, the life of a child in her womb because that life may have been unplanned. There are others in other nations who train and send their children with hatred and evil, sending them laden with bombs into crowds to reek havoc.
Now before everyone gets bent out of shape thinking I am linking abortion with evil, let me say that I understand the pondering difficulties of an unplanned birth, and even as such a life is ended, the ultimate arrival of their lives in heaven, spared of walking this turmoil ridden life is also included as part of God's plan for every life, their eternal residence the ultimate goal for each, both them and us.
I am free to question God. Sometimes He provides answers, sometimes He is silent. When His silence is response, I believe it because He wants to unveil my trust in His goodness, His ultimate will for His children. For we all have need of a savior. We all have fallen short. We all have disobeyed and walked in personal pride apart from His will. None of us like to admit it, but each of us has participated in evil at some time, yet for those of us who love God, we have decided to press toward a way of living void of evil, steeped in sacrifice and service, overcoming evil with good, His good.
For me, this is why Christmas exists. When God planned a redemption process, available to the most evil of man and the least, by sending His son into the world with encroaching evil, something miraculous occurred. For me, it is wonderfully difficult imagining an infant God wrapping His fingers around the finger of her mom and dad, Mary and Joseph, fully dependent upon their provision at birth and in the decades to come (well, even then it was God doing the providing). Jesus toddled, grew up in a family whose own siblings could not find fault (that alone is miracle enough) as He lived a life of perfection, devoid of selfishness and disobedience, unto His Father. His credibility all through His life was impeccably of God.
For me, God is God. Not as I see Him, as He is. I have come to trust Him and He certainly does not 'need' me to do so, but I do and am grateful that eternity waits for me with peace in perfection just as He originally planned. It will be a peace with others who born or not, will exist with God in eternal bliss or tormented because they responded not to His offering of such to each and every human by sacrifice of His Son to bear the price for our disobedience. I am grateful that I have been given eyes to see my personal miracle of redemption and pray that each of us responds to God and His offer. For He is God and I just a man. A man who loves Him and so wants to see His glory, rescued for eternity in peace.
So the world didn't end and it will be just another day at Lowe's, another day to squeeze my girl as I rise, another day to post a vacation pic, another day to message my friend, Phillip (he is a fine, special needs young man, son of fellow ministers in Christ), another day to pray for those God brings to mind, another day to be thankful for 'just' another day on earth yet for some, for many, yesterday was end of their world, their time here. God alone knows the number of our days and when it will all end. I don't trust in Mayans or men. I trust in God, His plan, His will, for His purposes. Not just for today, for eternity.
and, many of my friends have 'liked' it, some who have yet to 'like' any of my posts.
I find it interesting that when we believers continue as before, in the face of tragedy, with stinging angst and great travail over evil, that non-believers are the first to ask, "Where was God when this happened?", either blaming Him or sealing their unbelief in 'their perception' of God.
Gathering evidence for the existence and will of the almighty, all powerful, all creative and glorious God, I have come to discover and believe that He is present and faithful to provide ultimate redemption for His children even in the midst of heinous evil. Sure, as we look at and ponder such evil, when left to our human, earthly perceptions, we wrestle with why it is allowed, and in my mind I find myself thinking that God allows glimpses of heinous evil as evidence of what would occur with great regularity when He is absent from the hearts of selfish men.
Think about it. We are awash in mourning when we think of these innocent children slain, yet in a week hundreds of mothers silence, before birth, the life of a child in her womb because that life may have been unplanned. There are others in other nations who train and send their children with hatred and evil, sending them laden with bombs into crowds to reek havoc.
Now before everyone gets bent out of shape thinking I am linking abortion with evil, let me say that I understand the pondering difficulties of an unplanned birth, and even as such a life is ended, the ultimate arrival of their lives in heaven, spared of walking this turmoil ridden life is also included as part of God's plan for every life, their eternal residence the ultimate goal for each, both them and us.
I am free to question God. Sometimes He provides answers, sometimes He is silent. When His silence is response, I believe it because He wants to unveil my trust in His goodness, His ultimate will for His children. For we all have need of a savior. We all have fallen short. We all have disobeyed and walked in personal pride apart from His will. None of us like to admit it, but each of us has participated in evil at some time, yet for those of us who love God, we have decided to press toward a way of living void of evil, steeped in sacrifice and service, overcoming evil with good, His good.
For me, this is why Christmas exists. When God planned a redemption process, available to the most evil of man and the least, by sending His son into the world with encroaching evil, something miraculous occurred. For me, it is wonderfully difficult imagining an infant God wrapping His fingers around the finger of her mom and dad, Mary and Joseph, fully dependent upon their provision at birth and in the decades to come (well, even then it was God doing the providing). Jesus toddled, grew up in a family whose own siblings could not find fault (that alone is miracle enough) as He lived a life of perfection, devoid of selfishness and disobedience, unto His Father. His credibility all through His life was impeccably of God.
For me, God is God. Not as I see Him, as He is. I have come to trust Him and He certainly does not 'need' me to do so, but I do and am grateful that eternity waits for me with peace in perfection just as He originally planned. It will be a peace with others who born or not, will exist with God in eternal bliss or tormented because they responded not to His offering of such to each and every human by sacrifice of His Son to bear the price for our disobedience. I am grateful that I have been given eyes to see my personal miracle of redemption and pray that each of us responds to God and His offer. For He is God and I just a man. A man who loves Him and so wants to see His glory, rescued for eternity in peace.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Resplendent Rejoicing Rises
My emotions rise and fall with roller coaster like vengeance as I press through my days, my television silent to silence the noise of media in the wake of evil. Even turning from internet cacophony, I find myself moving in sifted numbness through my days towards Christmas celebrations. I am not without hope; my family distant from the event, moving forward in 'normalcy'.
This soul rejoices in reflection of another year blessed by the hand of our LORD. Carrie and I have experienced a fullness of deeper ministry and life as we continue together along the path of life before us, and, we look forward to what appears ahead.
Pondering highlights, my trip to Croatia and Bosnia was shared and blessed with provision of friends and family; successful and fun. As we look ahead, I am thankful that Carrie will join me, as together, our shared skills as a couple will grow to benefit those there. Our ministry as part of our church has grown also, her in woman's ministry, mine reaching a point where licensing and part-time staff work will start in the new year.
As I headed off to Croatia and Bosnia my father was starting diagnosis and exploration in what turned out to become pancreatic cancer. Multiple procedures and finally a near death pancreatectomy surgery brought us to a point of great angst, with God's miraculous intervention in our hour of need. As we look ahead, we are thankful that he is doing well, our family still in tact for another Christmas season, and year ahead.
Great joy, blessing and warmth also rise within our hearts as we ponder the year of growth in our grandson, his mom and dad as they raise him. It was two Christmases ago when we were stunned with joy at the announcement of his birth, bringing joy to what had been a challenging year for our family, my mom diagnosed with cancer, surgery and chemo to soon follow. He was the boost and remains so to our family, his soon infectious laughter, endearing heart and loving nature continues melting our hearts when we are around him!
Finally, celebrating 30 years of married togetherness, Carrie and I embarked on a Hawaiian adventure to O'ahu and Mau'i to visit relatives and enjoy some much needed rest and recovery. My aunt, having a ministroke when we were there, allowed us to care for her as we rushed her to hospital and experienced the most rapid recovery with her return home before we left, she, making us leis on our day of transition to Mau'i, the recharge part of our trip.
I suppose it should seem evident that through much trial comes deeper appreciation and rejoicing. Our marriage, our family, our lives of service have met with many obstacles and serious challenges as we press forward in life. Perseverance and love invested together with those we love at the hand and mercy of our God we love moved us together through the trials to celebrations. We arrive with deep appreciation as we are carried to the other side of trial. With out such trials, appreciation would not garner its fullest depth nor richest revelry. We often seek absence of trial, yet it is the working through trial which brings great reward.
No one likes the idea of struggle. No one seeks it. Yet as it is unleashed we find ourselves either overwhelmed without hope, or brought to our knees before our God of hope for His provision and blessing to eventually fall upon we undeserving children. And because we ask, He shows us the way through. I do not know about you, but I find myself continually amazed at His care, His love for us, His response to our broken hearts as we work our way through life and living. Does this make sense to you? Do you find that resplendent rejoicing rises from tumultuous turmoil? I suppose you know where I stand.
This soul rejoices in reflection of another year blessed by the hand of our LORD. Carrie and I have experienced a fullness of deeper ministry and life as we continue together along the path of life before us, and, we look forward to what appears ahead.
Pondering highlights, my trip to Croatia and Bosnia was shared and blessed with provision of friends and family; successful and fun. As we look ahead, I am thankful that Carrie will join me, as together, our shared skills as a couple will grow to benefit those there. Our ministry as part of our church has grown also, her in woman's ministry, mine reaching a point where licensing and part-time staff work will start in the new year.
As I headed off to Croatia and Bosnia my father was starting diagnosis and exploration in what turned out to become pancreatic cancer. Multiple procedures and finally a near death pancreatectomy surgery brought us to a point of great angst, with God's miraculous intervention in our hour of need. As we look ahead, we are thankful that he is doing well, our family still in tact for another Christmas season, and year ahead.
Great joy, blessing and warmth also rise within our hearts as we ponder the year of growth in our grandson, his mom and dad as they raise him. It was two Christmases ago when we were stunned with joy at the announcement of his birth, bringing joy to what had been a challenging year for our family, my mom diagnosed with cancer, surgery and chemo to soon follow. He was the boost and remains so to our family, his soon infectious laughter, endearing heart and loving nature continues melting our hearts when we are around him!
Finally, celebrating 30 years of married togetherness, Carrie and I embarked on a Hawaiian adventure to O'ahu and Mau'i to visit relatives and enjoy some much needed rest and recovery. My aunt, having a ministroke when we were there, allowed us to care for her as we rushed her to hospital and experienced the most rapid recovery with her return home before we left, she, making us leis on our day of transition to Mau'i, the recharge part of our trip.
No one likes the idea of struggle. No one seeks it. Yet as it is unleashed we find ourselves either overwhelmed without hope, or brought to our knees before our God of hope for His provision and blessing to eventually fall upon we undeserving children. And because we ask, He shows us the way through. I do not know about you, but I find myself continually amazed at His care, His love for us, His response to our broken hearts as we work our way through life and living. Does this make sense to you? Do you find that resplendent rejoicing rises from tumultuous turmoil? I suppose you know where I stand.
Monday, December 17, 2012
In God I Trust
In my previous blog I wrote,
"History proves the 'fruits' of humanity seeking self-indugence, human glorification, our evil nature left unchecked."
Never, absolutely never did I even think possible the vilest evil would unfold a few days later; Our nation, and the world catapulted into the throws of mourning with senseless loss at the hands of deepest evil left unchecked, and now, the media left unchecked escalates the challenge to the next individual(s) to outdo this.
It should come as no surprise that when evil is elevated in any way, it induces the rise of more. In advertising, bad press is the best of forms for it is free and can garner sympathy from those who are reached. All this media hype will drive the next evil heart to elevate evil acts.
My heart is broken. I am fully in mourning for the lives of the children, their families, teachers and their families along with all they will endure this torn Christmas season, and, I have not watched any more news or read any more details about the event because I have seen and heard enough.
I know there are faces. I know there are names. I know it is real and not a movie, and rather than spend hours glued to the news, I have spent hours praying for all colliding with such horror, every moment now blitzed with sharpest agony and angst in the lives of these families. My imaginings are bad enough, I do not need see or learn more of the details. As Morgan Freeman said, "Turn off the media." Watching more will not bring more answers, or healing. Turning to God and seeking His protection, His leading, His desire for our return to Him will.
While it may appear that God has removed His hand of protection from the innocent, I believe that not true. One day many of us will arrive in heaven able to spend eternity with those who have been living in ultimate peace brought there previous by this violent act; This evil securing the absence of it's perpetrator now suffering for eternity because he allowed heinous evil to overtake his heart.
The normal, sane, cherish life; the life given each by God Himself. Whether you believe in God or not one day we all will. At the end of each our lives we will stand before Him. Without Godly defense our lives will meet tragic separation from peace and eternal bliss for which we are designed. God provided a means to access Him through the child/King we celebrate this season. He is still in charge and His kingdom is at hand. His will? That we cling to Him and hold dear, cherish deeply the moments of life we have together here and now; His command that we love one another.
There isn't a single mom, dad, grandpa, grandma or teacher alive right now who isn't squeezing the children in their lives a lot harder with more frequency than now. And that is enough. I will not watch media, rather spend my time beseeching God to intervene, bringing hope into our lives, the greatest volume to those immediate, thrust into throws of mourning toward an emptier, broken Christmas season. This Christmas will be like no other for me. Deeper pain mixed with deeper celebration, thankful for the time we have together as family. My fifteen month old grandson is completely unaware of the evil that surrounds him, and in many ways I wish I were too. Those at the elementary school were unaware as well and all these wish they could return to that state of unawareness. But we cannot. I can fully state "In God I trust", turning to Him asking for His protection against evil with more voracity today than ever before. Will we all do likewise?
Psalm 33 says that governments, armies and horses will not save or protect us from evil lurking about us. God alone will do so for those whose lives are in relationship with Him. With the best of military might, evil will encroach and consume unless delivered by the hand of God. Evil can be allowed to touch and destroy. But nothing can stand against God. He will avenge those whose lives turn to evil and save those whose lives are broached or ended by evil.
There is hope, pure, real and full. You and I live it each day we choose to do good, work hard, love life and be loving with each and every life we get to be with. Life and living for me has become simple. Live and love deeply, each moment a gift, a celebration to be enjoyed for as long and as deep as we can. Fleeting but full, miniscule yet memorable, all with thanksgiving, for it is in God I trust, His will, His calling, His redemption for His children, for eternity.
"History proves the 'fruits' of humanity seeking self-indugence, human glorification, our evil nature left unchecked."
Never, absolutely never did I even think possible the vilest evil would unfold a few days later; Our nation, and the world catapulted into the throws of mourning with senseless loss at the hands of deepest evil left unchecked, and now, the media left unchecked escalates the challenge to the next individual(s) to outdo this.
It should come as no surprise that when evil is elevated in any way, it induces the rise of more. In advertising, bad press is the best of forms for it is free and can garner sympathy from those who are reached. All this media hype will drive the next evil heart to elevate evil acts.
My heart is broken. I am fully in mourning for the lives of the children, their families, teachers and their families along with all they will endure this torn Christmas season, and, I have not watched any more news or read any more details about the event because I have seen and heard enough.
I know there are faces. I know there are names. I know it is real and not a movie, and rather than spend hours glued to the news, I have spent hours praying for all colliding with such horror, every moment now blitzed with sharpest agony and angst in the lives of these families. My imaginings are bad enough, I do not need see or learn more of the details. As Morgan Freeman said, "Turn off the media." Watching more will not bring more answers, or healing. Turning to God and seeking His protection, His leading, His desire for our return to Him will.
While it may appear that God has removed His hand of protection from the innocent, I believe that not true. One day many of us will arrive in heaven able to spend eternity with those who have been living in ultimate peace brought there previous by this violent act; This evil securing the absence of it's perpetrator now suffering for eternity because he allowed heinous evil to overtake his heart.
The normal, sane, cherish life; the life given each by God Himself. Whether you believe in God or not one day we all will. At the end of each our lives we will stand before Him. Without Godly defense our lives will meet tragic separation from peace and eternal bliss for which we are designed. God provided a means to access Him through the child/King we celebrate this season. He is still in charge and His kingdom is at hand. His will? That we cling to Him and hold dear, cherish deeply the moments of life we have together here and now; His command that we love one another.
There isn't a single mom, dad, grandpa, grandma or teacher alive right now who isn't squeezing the children in their lives a lot harder with more frequency than now. And that is enough. I will not watch media, rather spend my time beseeching God to intervene, bringing hope into our lives, the greatest volume to those immediate, thrust into throws of mourning toward an emptier, broken Christmas season. This Christmas will be like no other for me. Deeper pain mixed with deeper celebration, thankful for the time we have together as family. My fifteen month old grandson is completely unaware of the evil that surrounds him, and in many ways I wish I were too. Those at the elementary school were unaware as well and all these wish they could return to that state of unawareness. But we cannot. I can fully state "In God I trust", turning to Him asking for His protection against evil with more voracity today than ever before. Will we all do likewise?
Psalm 33 says that governments, armies and horses will not save or protect us from evil lurking about us. God alone will do so for those whose lives are in relationship with Him. With the best of military might, evil will encroach and consume unless delivered by the hand of God. Evil can be allowed to touch and destroy. But nothing can stand against God. He will avenge those whose lives turn to evil and save those whose lives are broached or ended by evil.
There is hope, pure, real and full. You and I live it each day we choose to do good, work hard, love life and be loving with each and every life we get to be with. Life and living for me has become simple. Live and love deeply, each moment a gift, a celebration to be enjoyed for as long and as deep as we can. Fleeting but full, miniscule yet memorable, all with thanksgiving, for it is in God I trust, His will, His calling, His redemption for His children, for eternity.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Seasoning in This Season
There still are many 'firsts' in life, even at my age (a mere 55). Having captured hundreds upon hundreds of sunsets, my camera at the ready, perched, poised, snapping away, I have yet to capture rain lit by setting sun, until my recent 30th anniversary trip to Hawaii. The trip serving many purposes (a visit with relatives, a reflection of Carrie and my life together, a springboard to listen and hear of what is 'next') as we press ahead hopefully for yet another thirty years together? But none the less, for whatever life we will share. And today, I post a link to another blog (another first for me) written, with great skill, of the absurdity befallen us as we are asked to practice non-offense to anyone this holiday season. It is good for a laugh, but sadly some will not laugh, rather say "Amen" so to speak. Link posted by a Facebook friend, you can check out this guys blog at http://contimplating.com/2012/12/04/tis-the-season-or-not/ .
History proves the 'fruits' of humanity seeking self-indugence, human glorification, our evil nature left unchecked. I sat in the middle of a grass overcome arena where the stands were filled with those coming to watch and watching and cheering as 'Christians' were disgraced and put to death before their eyes. And I speak this not to focus on Christians, but any human for any reason, being displayed, tortured, ridiculed and extinguished because of their beliefs, be they Jew, Muslim, Agnostic, Nihilist, Buddhist, or any of the numerous life causes stood for today; pro life, pro choice, pro whatever.
To me, tolerance means, you and I are free, not to be personally offended by beliefs of another, rather that each is free to share their ways of celebration, as others respect who they are and what they believe, while holding to our own, freely. Should someone tell me Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas or Bah Humbug, they are free to have that belief and we each move on. I say "Merry Christmas" because this is what this season means to me. Even "Christmas" means so many different things to so many individuals.
Our forefathers had it right when they proposed freedom of religion. While many, if not all were Christians, I do not think they imposed Christianity, just lived what they knew as their chosen leading, and they supported, (tolerated I suppose) the choices of any who expressed their way to live, not trampling their right to express it. We are free, all of us. Share with me what this season means to you, and I will gracefully hear and bless you for what you enjoy in this annual celebration that most all of humanity enjoys. Sure, I will pray for you should you say to me 'bah humbug'. Unaware to your knowing, I pray that whatever has filled this season with pain would cease, that whatever trouble, whatever pushed you down your road of disgust would be overcome with peace, that is just who I am.
This time of year always brings hope to this soul which, I believe will extend beyond this life, into another. It is a time tied together by an incredible act of love from an immensely powerful God, tying together history and lives in a way that demonstrate He is in charge, working to reach and have relationship with the beings He created, because He offers us such an eternal living to members seeking a perfect kingdom. You are free to believe what you do. I find no offense in your chosen way to live, but let's live our days with passion, not to offend, but rather be honest with who we are and what we believe. I need not defend my choice, you not your, just each living it, not reduce it to benign and senseless generalities. My wish is for a "Merry Christmas", what's yours? My hope and prayer is that you continue discovering many firsts as you press forward in life. May you seek and find, as I do. Share them and let each have the grace to see you as seasoning in this season from life as you press ahead. I am still looking for, and sharing my firsts, with you, from my life.
Releasing rain in radiant sky.
History proves the 'fruits' of humanity seeking self-indugence, human glorification, our evil nature left unchecked. I sat in the middle of a grass overcome arena where the stands were filled with those coming to watch and watching and cheering as 'Christians' were disgraced and put to death before their eyes. And I speak this not to focus on Christians, but any human for any reason, being displayed, tortured, ridiculed and extinguished because of their beliefs, be they Jew, Muslim, Agnostic, Nihilist, Buddhist, or any of the numerous life causes stood for today; pro life, pro choice, pro whatever.
To me, tolerance means, you and I are free, not to be personally offended by beliefs of another, rather that each is free to share their ways of celebration, as others respect who they are and what they believe, while holding to our own, freely. Should someone tell me Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas or Bah Humbug, they are free to have that belief and we each move on. I say "Merry Christmas" because this is what this season means to me. Even "Christmas" means so many different things to so many individuals.
Our forefathers had it right when they proposed freedom of religion. While many, if not all were Christians, I do not think they imposed Christianity, just lived what they knew as their chosen leading, and they supported, (tolerated I suppose) the choices of any who expressed their way to live, not trampling their right to express it. We are free, all of us. Share with me what this season means to you, and I will gracefully hear and bless you for what you enjoy in this annual celebration that most all of humanity enjoys. Sure, I will pray for you should you say to me 'bah humbug'. Unaware to your knowing, I pray that whatever has filled this season with pain would cease, that whatever trouble, whatever pushed you down your road of disgust would be overcome with peace, that is just who I am.
This time of year always brings hope to this soul which, I believe will extend beyond this life, into another. It is a time tied together by an incredible act of love from an immensely powerful God, tying together history and lives in a way that demonstrate He is in charge, working to reach and have relationship with the beings He created, because He offers us such an eternal living to members seeking a perfect kingdom. You are free to believe what you do. I find no offense in your chosen way to live, but let's live our days with passion, not to offend, but rather be honest with who we are and what we believe. I need not defend my choice, you not your, just each living it, not reduce it to benign and senseless generalities. My wish is for a "Merry Christmas", what's yours? My hope and prayer is that you continue discovering many firsts as you press forward in life. May you seek and find, as I do. Share them and let each have the grace to see you as seasoning in this season from life as you press ahead. I am still looking for, and sharing my firsts, with you, from my life.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Reinforce and Rejuvinate your Relationship
Today, Carrie returns from her trip to the ultimate shopping mall from the ultimate shopping trip of her lifetime at the Mall of America in Minnesota, and she informed me that her plane is delayed. So, after finishing vacuuming the house and cleaning the kitchen, putting away all the dishes, fixing and eating my lunch (hot turkey sandwich with gravy on a split and toasted torta), I find myself with extra time to blog.
As soon as I finish this, I will probably install the new faucets and bathroom light I purchased at my place of employ with our additional holiday incentive discount, and then possibly watch another episode of Battlestar Galactica (the new version) on Netflix (if there is time, which depends upon how smoothly the plumbing goes).
My priority of the day is to ensure Carrie returns to a home where she can rest, not overwhelmed with housework to do. After all, how much mess can a single man make when he has mostly been working every day? And then, as I vacuum, I remember I have a dog. Not just a dog, a lab-golden retriever whose fur occupies 90% of the Dyson's hold. And, also, that dust continues settling even when I am at work.
All this is completed with love and care for the girl I care most in my life. I always tell my friends, especially the guys, that she already knows I need her, she needs to know and feel my love for her, this being one small way of expressing such. Yes, the trash is emptied before she asks (most of the time) and is so now. All this is done so that when we arrive at home, she can continue relaxing while showing me her finds, her treasures from her trip, treasuring with the one she married over three decades ago in her clean home.
I sent her on this trip with joy because I value her and wanted her to enjoy something that brings her joy; shopping. She has a gift for finding the right gift at the right price at the right time, and it is such blessing to watch her 'work'. Yet for as much as I love her, four days of shopping just wouldn't be my kind of trip. Sure, I have learned to enjoy shopping with her. I have even gleaned her tricks to save money finding super treasures on sale with her coupons saving us mountains of money.
In today's world of consumption both by the world and with the cares of our world, I desired taking pause to consider how we can show love for one another in this season. It isn't just about gifts. The greatest gift we can give with regularity is the gift of doing something the other person would appreciate, not doing what we think they would appreciate. I used to always wonder why Carrie furiously and feverishly would clean the house before we went on a trip. Then, once, I had a brilliant thought. Thinking she had to clean the house in case someone my break in and see a mess, I asked her why she always had have us leave a spotless home. Her response surprised me. She told me that when she arrived home, the last thing she wanted to do was have to clean the house before she could relax after our return. Duh. That makes sense!
So one way I have learned I can show her my love is to clean the house whenever she is away and returns. Do you get this? We need to find out what our loved one does and likes so we can find ways to show our love and care in a way that has meaning. Isn't that what Christmas gifting is all about? No, it isn't about how much we spend. When I think about it, Carrie's ability to find gifts for others isn't about money at all. She has the gift of knowing those she loves, finding gifts that she believes will love them in a way that fits who they are! The perfect gift is one that will be enjoyed and utilized, even cherished as they possess it.
So, even before 'the day', what can you do for someone you love that will demonstrate love in a way that makes sense to them? What gift of time, service or care can you do that will warm their heart because the deed done matters to them, from their perspective? It may surprise you how far and deep such insightful, joyful sacrifice will go to reinforce and rejuvenate your relationship. All it requires is a bit of care.
As soon as I finish this, I will probably install the new faucets and bathroom light I purchased at my place of employ with our additional holiday incentive discount, and then possibly watch another episode of Battlestar Galactica (the new version) on Netflix (if there is time, which depends upon how smoothly the plumbing goes).
My priority of the day is to ensure Carrie returns to a home where she can rest, not overwhelmed with housework to do. After all, how much mess can a single man make when he has mostly been working every day? And then, as I vacuum, I remember I have a dog. Not just a dog, a lab-golden retriever whose fur occupies 90% of the Dyson's hold. And, also, that dust continues settling even when I am at work.
All this is completed with love and care for the girl I care most in my life. I always tell my friends, especially the guys, that she already knows I need her, she needs to know and feel my love for her, this being one small way of expressing such. Yes, the trash is emptied before she asks (most of the time) and is so now. All this is done so that when we arrive at home, she can continue relaxing while showing me her finds, her treasures from her trip, treasuring with the one she married over three decades ago in her clean home.
I sent her on this trip with joy because I value her and wanted her to enjoy something that brings her joy; shopping. She has a gift for finding the right gift at the right price at the right time, and it is such blessing to watch her 'work'. Yet for as much as I love her, four days of shopping just wouldn't be my kind of trip. Sure, I have learned to enjoy shopping with her. I have even gleaned her tricks to save money finding super treasures on sale with her coupons saving us mountains of money.
In today's world of consumption both by the world and with the cares of our world, I desired taking pause to consider how we can show love for one another in this season. It isn't just about gifts. The greatest gift we can give with regularity is the gift of doing something the other person would appreciate, not doing what we think they would appreciate. I used to always wonder why Carrie furiously and feverishly would clean the house before we went on a trip. Then, once, I had a brilliant thought. Thinking she had to clean the house in case someone my break in and see a mess, I asked her why she always had have us leave a spotless home. Her response surprised me. She told me that when she arrived home, the last thing she wanted to do was have to clean the house before she could relax after our return. Duh. That makes sense!
So one way I have learned I can show her my love is to clean the house whenever she is away and returns. Do you get this? We need to find out what our loved one does and likes so we can find ways to show our love and care in a way that has meaning. Isn't that what Christmas gifting is all about? No, it isn't about how much we spend. When I think about it, Carrie's ability to find gifts for others isn't about money at all. She has the gift of knowing those she loves, finding gifts that she believes will love them in a way that fits who they are! The perfect gift is one that will be enjoyed and utilized, even cherished as they possess it.
So, even before 'the day', what can you do for someone you love that will demonstrate love in a way that makes sense to them? What gift of time, service or care can you do that will warm their heart because the deed done matters to them, from their perspective? It may surprise you how far and deep such insightful, joyful sacrifice will go to reinforce and rejuvenate your relationship. All it requires is a bit of care.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
My Most Treasured Treasure
My wonderful wife is off on the ultimate shopping excursion, at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. She planned this trip months ago, flying to meet her sister in Chicago then winging together toward the shopping metropolis to have a special time with her, and I am glad she is having a wonderful trip. When all is said and done, she will have spent 4.5 days shopping and ???$s, having taken 2 empty suitcases with her to separate and bring home treasures catching her eye for those she loves here. And, I continue in excitement concerning her time there, fulfilling her dream of visiting the Disneyland of the shopping world. Yes, for those who know Carrie well, she, with her short legs can dust any human being in shopping stamina. As her daughter-in-law put it, "My long legs can't keep up with those little super shopper legs! She does get the deals though!", and Melissa has legs and gait twice that of my petite lady!
When she returns, should one do the math for the entire trip, it certainly isn't 'a deal'. But for this, her husband's heart, her trip there and the celebration of her worth far exceeds the bargain quota, for she has saved a lifetime's worth of $s more than earning her way to such a trip. Truth is, if we totaled up all money saved with her coupon clipping and sale shopping, this trip is, indeed a bargain. I sent her off freely and with great joy for her value, her sacrifice, her love for this soul deserves this trip.
I dearly love Carrie's sister, Amy, and the friendship that has developed between her and Carrie is sweet and a blessing for us. They talk, they shop, they bake together. She, her hubby and boys bless us with a place to stay when visiting family in Michigan and it is wonderful to be in her home. As I think about the joining of our two families, I reflect with great love and joy to have abundant, sweet times, just sharing life, together.
In her absence, there has been plenty of things to do to keep me out of trouble. So much so that I haven't even finished half of the tasks I had hoped. Working retail during this season (my second season doing so) is challenging, but my goal is to bring a sense of calm and care into shopper's lives. Having several other jobs has added to my business, planning a kitchen remodel for a friend's rental home next month, working on writing for another employer, and taking care of the preschool facility I manage. In addition, yesterday I built a structure to display a large 'quilt' that looks like the cover of our Advent devotional on the stage. Having pre-cut the frame pieces two days previous, its assembly along with the installation of the quilt took 5 hours (much longer than I thought).
Today is Carrie and Amy's last full day of shopping. Their last full day together. Tomorrow morning they will board the shuttle taking they and their treasures bound for home. Thankfully, I have the day off to vacuum the house, clean all the dirty dishes, finish putting up my part of the Christmas, and maybe even work a bit on the bathroom remodel. When she arrives, I will thoroughly enjoy hearing of the many memories she and Amy built while together there, along with the joy of watching her unpack the treasure troves from the trip. With each smile, each perfect gift she unpacks, every memory, every sparkle in her eye, I will sit amazed and thankful she had opportunity to live and enjoy yet another priceless dream. For when I ponder my treasure trove of this trip through life, Carrie is my most treasured treasure.
When she returns, should one do the math for the entire trip, it certainly isn't 'a deal'. But for this, her husband's heart, her trip there and the celebration of her worth far exceeds the bargain quota, for she has saved a lifetime's worth of $s more than earning her way to such a trip. Truth is, if we totaled up all money saved with her coupon clipping and sale shopping, this trip is, indeed a bargain. I sent her off freely and with great joy for her value, her sacrifice, her love for this soul deserves this trip.
I dearly love Carrie's sister, Amy, and the friendship that has developed between her and Carrie is sweet and a blessing for us. They talk, they shop, they bake together. She, her hubby and boys bless us with a place to stay when visiting family in Michigan and it is wonderful to be in her home. As I think about the joining of our two families, I reflect with great love and joy to have abundant, sweet times, just sharing life, together.
In her absence, there has been plenty of things to do to keep me out of trouble. So much so that I haven't even finished half of the tasks I had hoped. Working retail during this season (my second season doing so) is challenging, but my goal is to bring a sense of calm and care into shopper's lives. Having several other jobs has added to my business, planning a kitchen remodel for a friend's rental home next month, working on writing for another employer, and taking care of the preschool facility I manage. In addition, yesterday I built a structure to display a large 'quilt' that looks like the cover of our Advent devotional on the stage. Having pre-cut the frame pieces two days previous, its assembly along with the installation of the quilt took 5 hours (much longer than I thought).
Today is Carrie and Amy's last full day of shopping. Their last full day together. Tomorrow morning they will board the shuttle taking they and their treasures bound for home. Thankfully, I have the day off to vacuum the house, clean all the dirty dishes, finish putting up my part of the Christmas, and maybe even work a bit on the bathroom remodel. When she arrives, I will thoroughly enjoy hearing of the many memories she and Amy built while together there, along with the joy of watching her unpack the treasure troves from the trip. With each smile, each perfect gift she unpacks, every memory, every sparkle in her eye, I will sit amazed and thankful she had opportunity to live and enjoy yet another priceless dream. For when I ponder my treasure trove of this trip through life, Carrie is my most treasured treasure.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Delve Deeply
Change is hard, but beneficial. The hard part never finds ease and would overwhelm if the beneficial were never considered.
All this coming from a man whose life, career, and, with exception of
spouse and home, has been riddled with embraced change. Loss of any
kind slaps us in the face with regularity. It could the loss of a pet,
loss of a job, or harder yet, the loss of a dearly loved friend or
family member. The stinging absence of loved ones can bring blows to
our hearts and stomachs, with springs or waterfalls of tears and sorrow flowing, especially in this season. Were it not for
friends and those who love us, choosing to surround us, darkness and
angst could press in and consume.
Yes, it is hard for those hurting to enter into the holiday celebrations, yet nothing is better for the soul than entering these times of 'normal'. It should not be ventured as a means to forget the pain of loss, or even escape them, but rather to find rescue from potential consumption, a return to 'normal' living, in the moment, with those you care for and who care for you. It is here where time of remembrance can meet with times of celebration in the midst of pain. It is not a time of moving on, rather a time of moving forward.
Because I am deeply devoted to the girl of my dreams (my wife), and because I came so close to my demise a decade ago, I know that in my heart and with her, I tried to clearly communicate my desire for her to continue, in joy, after what seemed to be my soon to occur passing. God, had I departed, had wonderful things still in store for her, with or without me, and thankfully, my life was spared to remain with her, for now. I am confident if the tables were turned, she would wish the same joys in her absence, and I would find myself struggling to find the joy if pressed to the loss of her, but I would find that joy. Sure, I don't want to imagine my life without Carrie, and she did not look forward to life without me. But we were confident that whatever God has planned, she would find her way through while I stepped into eternity in wait for her arrival. Today, I count my blessings everyday I have her waking beside me, given opportunity to meet and engage my grandson as well as be part of all things that has occurred in my life since that difficult season in my life.
Precious are the remembrances of all we shared with our loved ones through our lives. Every day, every holiday season we have and had together are rich in love and joy, this heart treasuring the memory of them all. These are the joys that make loss such struggle. These memories, these seasonal events, these passages these personal, deeply enriching investments fashioned into constructing our hearts for purpose and meaning. For those who drink deeply from the well of life, deep is the angst of loss. Brief the time we got to spend with our daughter-in-law's father, but rich and meaningful our times together and we remain thankful for the man who helped raise such a wonderful woman. I find myself missing Mike's deep laughter and large presence at our family gatherings, and I know his wife Linda misses him every single day.
The next holiday season (yes, I am already ahead of the game thinking about how fast this holiday season has arrived) will come quickly for most of us. Maybe less IPad and tablet video games and more card and board games filled with discussion would be of more value. I know I struggled with being overwhelmed with exhaustion this past Thanksgiving, thanks to my retail work schedule. I felt robbed of my chance to drink deeply with my family and it is costing this soul a lot this season, all because of the retail holiday consumption distractions.
So what is it you need embrace today? Are you willing to drink deeply from the well of life and times together with a friend or family member? Who do you know that could use a lift today? A phone call or visit of friendship to warm their hearts in need? A card? (not just a Christmas card either). A simple delivery of baked goods? A simple hug? A moment of care invested to drink deeply the memory of someone special in the life of a friend? And, don't just stop after the first of January. Let's delve deeply, drinking in the water of life together, the moving forward and the investing richly in the lives of those we love cherish, in this season and all year long.
Yes, it is hard for those hurting to enter into the holiday celebrations, yet nothing is better for the soul than entering these times of 'normal'. It should not be ventured as a means to forget the pain of loss, or even escape them, but rather to find rescue from potential consumption, a return to 'normal' living, in the moment, with those you care for and who care for you. It is here where time of remembrance can meet with times of celebration in the midst of pain. It is not a time of moving on, rather a time of moving forward.
Because I am deeply devoted to the girl of my dreams (my wife), and because I came so close to my demise a decade ago, I know that in my heart and with her, I tried to clearly communicate my desire for her to continue, in joy, after what seemed to be my soon to occur passing. God, had I departed, had wonderful things still in store for her, with or without me, and thankfully, my life was spared to remain with her, for now. I am confident if the tables were turned, she would wish the same joys in her absence, and I would find myself struggling to find the joy if pressed to the loss of her, but I would find that joy. Sure, I don't want to imagine my life without Carrie, and she did not look forward to life without me. But we were confident that whatever God has planned, she would find her way through while I stepped into eternity in wait for her arrival. Today, I count my blessings everyday I have her waking beside me, given opportunity to meet and engage my grandson as well as be part of all things that has occurred in my life since that difficult season in my life.
Precious are the remembrances of all we shared with our loved ones through our lives. Every day, every holiday season we have and had together are rich in love and joy, this heart treasuring the memory of them all. These are the joys that make loss such struggle. These memories, these seasonal events, these passages these personal, deeply enriching investments fashioned into constructing our hearts for purpose and meaning. For those who drink deeply from the well of life, deep is the angst of loss. Brief the time we got to spend with our daughter-in-law's father, but rich and meaningful our times together and we remain thankful for the man who helped raise such a wonderful woman. I find myself missing Mike's deep laughter and large presence at our family gatherings, and I know his wife Linda misses him every single day.
The next holiday season (yes, I am already ahead of the game thinking about how fast this holiday season has arrived) will come quickly for most of us. Maybe less IPad and tablet video games and more card and board games filled with discussion would be of more value. I know I struggled with being overwhelmed with exhaustion this past Thanksgiving, thanks to my retail work schedule. I felt robbed of my chance to drink deeply with my family and it is costing this soul a lot this season, all because of the retail holiday consumption distractions.
So what is it you need embrace today? Are you willing to drink deeply from the well of life and times together with a friend or family member? Who do you know that could use a lift today? A phone call or visit of friendship to warm their hearts in need? A card? (not just a Christmas card either). A simple delivery of baked goods? A simple hug? A moment of care invested to drink deeply the memory of someone special in the life of a friend? And, don't just stop after the first of January. Let's delve deeply, drinking in the water of life together, the moving forward and the investing richly in the lives of those we love cherish, in this season and all year long.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Grafted in Gratefulness
For one and a half centuries the fourth Thursday of November, for Americans, is to be dedicated to a celebration of thanksgiving. The first celebration ever, is believed to have occurred in 1621 with pilgrims and native Americans. It was attended by 53 pilgrims and 90 native Americans. It was a result of thankfulness after a great drought ended, and just another celebration of thankfulness as believers responded regularly with thanksgiving, days of prayer, even in difficult times then. It was ten years after pilgrimage to the new land. It became an annual tradition when President Abraham Lincoln (in 1863) declared it a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who
dwelleth in the Heavens", to be celebrated on said Thursdays.
As we prepare our feasts, gather with family, or not for some, today's thankfulness should rise from a year's worth (or more) of remembrance. For me, every day is filled with thanksgiving. There are monumental occurrences which resonate deeply with grateful, rich, decadent thanks from this heart. As our family (my mom, brother and I) sat together, huddled in a private waiting room, being told my father would probably not survive his pancreatic surgery, my brother and I cried out to our LORD, calling on our friends to join us, and He rescued dad from the claws of death. God provided me with multiple jobs, pressing me forward in His calling. He rescued Carrie from a debilitating spine issue, forcing her to take a half year off work a little over a year ago. We are thankful she has had a pain free return, given new opportunities to use her skills and learn more about Cystic Fibrosis care, pulmonary, gastro intestinal care in children, working in all these clinics at Children's Hospital as adjunct, not lead. Sufficiently relieved of overwhelming job stress, God continues to increase her nursing value as we continue forward in His ministry, His plan. He blessed us with a grandson a little over a year ago. If you have been following my writing, this package of energy, curiosity and love, has transformed our hearts with abundant thanksgiving and blessing.
I could, and should go on and on, plethora of reasons, miniscule to magnificent with thankfulness to God, for ALL He has forged, and allowed in our lives. The first Thanksgiving lasted three days. For some, today will be the only day of pause and thanksgiving, impeded upon by the plethora of distractions tomorrow holds. For me, today rises out of plethora of remembrances, days, hours and events that rose in thankfulness offered to God, daily. I stopped then, as I do today, only today will be filled with the basking, this heart, in remembrance of all that wafts to mind, considering this year riddled with thankful moments.
We will have all but one couple in our family around our table of Thanksgiving today. Just the being together is celebration enough, an entire family reveling in joy and festivities shared. Such great gift, this gathering. We join centuries of celebrants who took pause to gather around a feast, feasting on the bounty delivered to all, from the hand of God. For those of us who find ourselves in relationship with Him, it is a time of recounting, remembering and relishing such sweetness of relationship, His hand of provision through the calm and the storms of life. From miniscule to magnificent, we will assemble around a table of blessing, prepared and shared together, my heart grafted in gratefulness to all God allows this soul to drink deeply, from Him with thanksgiving. Again I say, I am thankful to my LORD. Grafted in Gratefulness.
As we prepare our feasts, gather with family, or not for some, today's thankfulness should rise from a year's worth (or more) of remembrance. For me, every day is filled with thanksgiving. There are monumental occurrences which resonate deeply with grateful, rich, decadent thanks from this heart. As our family (my mom, brother and I) sat together, huddled in a private waiting room, being told my father would probably not survive his pancreatic surgery, my brother and I cried out to our LORD, calling on our friends to join us, and He rescued dad from the claws of death. God provided me with multiple jobs, pressing me forward in His calling. He rescued Carrie from a debilitating spine issue, forcing her to take a half year off work a little over a year ago. We are thankful she has had a pain free return, given new opportunities to use her skills and learn more about Cystic Fibrosis care, pulmonary, gastro intestinal care in children, working in all these clinics at Children's Hospital as adjunct, not lead. Sufficiently relieved of overwhelming job stress, God continues to increase her nursing value as we continue forward in His ministry, His plan. He blessed us with a grandson a little over a year ago. If you have been following my writing, this package of energy, curiosity and love, has transformed our hearts with abundant thanksgiving and blessing.
I could, and should go on and on, plethora of reasons, miniscule to magnificent with thankfulness to God, for ALL He has forged, and allowed in our lives. The first Thanksgiving lasted three days. For some, today will be the only day of pause and thanksgiving, impeded upon by the plethora of distractions tomorrow holds. For me, today rises out of plethora of remembrances, days, hours and events that rose in thankfulness offered to God, daily. I stopped then, as I do today, only today will be filled with the basking, this heart, in remembrance of all that wafts to mind, considering this year riddled with thankful moments.
We will have all but one couple in our family around our table of Thanksgiving today. Just the being together is celebration enough, an entire family reveling in joy and festivities shared. Such great gift, this gathering. We join centuries of celebrants who took pause to gather around a feast, feasting on the bounty delivered to all, from the hand of God. For those of us who find ourselves in relationship with Him, it is a time of recounting, remembering and relishing such sweetness of relationship, His hand of provision through the calm and the storms of life. From miniscule to magnificent, we will assemble around a table of blessing, prepared and shared together, my heart grafted in gratefulness to all God allows this soul to drink deeply, from Him with thanksgiving. Again I say, I am thankful to my LORD. Grafted in Gratefulness.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Of Aromatic Drippings
It was three years ago when I found myself part of this ministry team heading to Croatia to join with some there who teach English as a second language. Kent and Cheri are two Americans who, while living and loving the people there were key in starting a Bible based church called Living Hope (Ẑiva Nada) now led by a pastor who is a national of Croatia. It was a sweet trip for me continuing my call to love people wherever my LORD led me. I had opportunity to love the members of the team and those in Split, Croatia while walking the streets and breathing the air. My blogs (http://bobariicroatia2010.blogspot.com/) spoke of the many things that happened while there, including receiving the news that one of my students had finally succumbed to the brain cancer that wreaked havoc in the family's life, and of a significant illness that took the wind out of my sails while in Croatia. Indeed, it was quite a trip, the blogging refreshing my memories and details of a time, just a few years ago, fuzzy, faint yet filled with life transforming events in this soul.
Slammed in the middle of the trip with intestinal illness, discovering an issue with low blood sugar, I missed a trip to Livno, Bosnia to visit the educational ministry ongoing there. I couldn't understand then, why such event would occur, as it seemed one of the primary reasons I was to go, me, being the professional teacher in the group. But I did have opportunity to meet with those who were in Bosnia in the fog of my recovery, and they definitely desired my joining them there in the future, and it did occur a year later.
No team, to go with or there when I arrived, I found myself jumping headlong toward the place I missed a year previous, with opportunity to spend not a day, rather a week with the people in their planetary spot, Livno, Bosnia...and I blogged of my trip there, starting here (Grateful Gifts for Hopeful Hearts) with this year's trip blog starting here (I Missed My Plane Plain and Simple). Twice I have had opportunity to care and invest in the teacher's lives there in Livno, and also in some of the students. While preparing to leave Bosnia this year, the headmaster of the college bound high school offered me a job there (also with full disclosure informing me that I need either learn the language or share my meager pay with my translator). I think he was a bit surprised when I shook his hand, looked him in the eyes and told him I'd consider it!
I share of this again, with you, my readers, as result of yesterday's meeting with the professor who leads the trip having co-led with him the past two times. He confirmed his request (as we parted company in Bosnia this year) that I join him again. The first full week in March, 2013 the next conference 'is on'. Indeed, I again feel the tug, no, the impetus to return, and lay it before my LORD seeking, yet again, His provision for the trip, financially, prayerfully and supportively. Without partners the task would be daunting.
The past three trips have been sans spouse and each year it seems more evident that she participate. God has given me a partner whose skill and care not only brings increase to my potential and abilities, but is also useful wherever she goes...and I love to have her go places with me. Carrie's pediatric nursing career could have wonderful use there in Bosnia, potentially joining and encouraging another nurse there exploring investment of care and improvement of such in those with healthcare issues. She has many other wonderful gifts of caring too. So this time around, I am praying that God might allow my wonderful partner in life ministry, join us as it seems I head, once again, toward Bosnia.
If you did not follow me on past trips, it is my hope you might read of that which I had opportunity to participate, while on foreign soils, as care flowed from and into this soul. It is also my hope that as you do, you might feel a tug to join me in prayer, join in the adventure as God leads you. God provided every dime I needed and more in my past trips, and I am confident He will continue the trend. This year's trip will cost more should Carrie join me, but again, we will watch it all unfold, should God confirm this venture, with or without her.
I am not sure who gets more out of these trips; them? or me. Here stands the beauty of 'ministry'. Our desire is to bless others. God's plan is to bless all. As I go to bless teachers and those there working to improve teaching, they, their lives, their sacrifice, their hearts, inspire and bless me. My trips there live joyfully complete, seeing blessing in all, for all. As I closed my time with the teachers there, I asked what more they might need. It seemed clear to me, as I carefully listened that, should I return, I could teach some structural learning tools that would meet what they were unable to ask of in detail. I left, already planning my return. As I shared it with Dr. Garner yesterday, he confirmed it as the right stuff. He saw my insight as a teacher, examining the instructional culture need there, confirming and resonating as appropriate in his heart. Over coffee, Brad and I spoke of being part of an amazing call to invest in education in a foreign land with skills God forged in us. Humbling, daunting, exciting, full of compassion and love, we sat drinking in not only aromatic drippings of roasted beans, but the far richer aromatic drippings of the Holy Spirit. All evidence of this Bosnian blessing at the hands of our beautiful, caring LORD.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Work From Your Rest
In August, I wrote about rest, calling it "Something Sabbath" http://offootprintsandfaith.blogspot.com/2012/08/something-sabbath.html. In my theology class yesterday, my pastor (the professor of the class) said something I heard before from him but this time it connected, deep and meaningful as a washing wave over me. I find this time in my life filled with much to do, and, the much to do is increasing, pressing other things out of my life temporarily. This time is a season of creativity, a season of variety, a season of hope for this seasoned soul.
My life is filled with gift use opportunities. I start every day early, rising in prayer and listening for the still, quiet voice of my LORD, press on to this creative response of writing, and then move on to my day. This morning, I will join the worship team at church, playing my guitars and using my voice harmoniously, adding the musical piece of my life to the corporate gathering of worship. I will then meet with a dear brother from Indiana (he leads the teacher conference I join in Bosnia) wondering if I will join him yet again to teach, or not in Livno again. Finally moving on to my day of work at Lowe's. Tomorrow, Carrie and I will work on the bathroom remodel, finishing my day running sound for the worship team rehearsal. And, the week goes on...I have plenty to do, having not even addressed the writing/editing work always at bay, awaiting my diligence of time and tenacity.
My recent forgings into resting from my work, taking a sabbath, collided with deeper consideration as my pastor, Brian Craig, spoke of pendular swing between abiding and fruit bearing. Abiding is what we do when we are not consumed by the working. Some may call it resting, but it is dramatically different form of resting, and if we get this right, dramatically, abiding will have monumental influence as we work. Fruit bearing is participating with God in such a way that effective transformation toward pure living in ourselves and others occur. What my pastor said was,
"Rather than resting from our work, we should work from our rest."
And, he went on to discuss rest as abiding. As I continue evaluating the discussion, processing what he said by chewing on and interacting with my LORD, the meaning deepened and moved my understanding. To abide means to continue in a particular condition, to stay with, remain, await, to have one's abode. Pastor Brian went on to talk about things we do that demonstrate abiding with God, things like prayer, rest, simplicity, worship, meditation, divine reading, hiking, listening and the like. Fruitfulness can be working, ministry, evangelism and service. But what if my fruit (work, ministry, evangelism and service) rose out of my abiding and rest instead of me seeking escape from work etc.? If done properly, should I not diligently seek the rest as that which charges me work from instead of work toward?
Thus finishes the thought of my "Something Sabbath" blog, for I now cherish and require weekly rest to ensure my work is fruitful, working from what I hear and learn in that time of rest. My pastor also stated that the Israelites were in captivity the same number of days that they skipped honoring God in Sabbath (I need to verify this as true soon). He also posited that the day after God created man, He rested...the first full day of man was spent as God rested, man starting as God rested, joining Him in that rest as the first thing on our list of to do's.
This changes everything. I no longer see sabbath as resting from my work alone, but rather that which will allow my work fruitfulness as I work from my rest. It is imperative that I find abiding time. It is essential that I disengage from the tasks of other days finding abiding time. I can do things that refresh and renew in this time of abiding, so it need not be 'taskless'. But I must be careful that it not look the same as the rest of my week. Something tells me that as I work from abiding, I will be given much fruit in life. Not just success and income, but the real stuff of value, love, peace, gentleness, self-control, and joy. It is time to work from our rest.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Always for Him, Always by Him
When we embarked on our 30th anniversary trip to Hawaii, it seemed significant, not just the blessing of decades of dedication, but as springboard toward continued rich, resplendent life together with the lady I love making lavish this life of faith with hers. For well over a month now, I have been posting a picture a day (with a few skipped), on my Facebook page, from our trip to O'ahu and Mau'i, along with my interactions then and now as God speaks into my life. A few have been posted to this blog, this one intersecting all aspects of my 'life'.
It had been raining and this trail. Slippery and slightly treacherous it stopped nearly all visitors early on; except us. Carrie and I ventured to what appeared as end to the few arriving here, but I entered this 'hole in wall' of bamboo. Narrow was the short, winding path, continually shrinking as even fewer and fewer seemed venture deep into its soul. There is evidence of many walking up to the opening with decreasing evidence the further I ventured in.
Significant is this image, as life and camera collide here and now in this soul spoke then as it does today. This month is the month my California State Teaching Credential expires, and today I finish my last class to allow licensing by Wesleyan Denomination, as minister in the State of California. Reflecting on my teaching career, I can see ministerial evidence as I cared for every student given privilege to teach, some taking up such care, stopping by my class after school or while they were on break, asking advice or in the days I taught at Christian schools, prayers. It was an honor to invest deeply into those souls and via Facebook I get to continue, with some, in efficacy of prayer, as I follow their journey in life.
Thirty years ago, I headed down this ministerial path, my father then affirming as I started college, that I would be a wonderful minister, the calling seemingly fitting my character. To most, it would appear I became derailed. One of my professors made a statement that rocked me and sent me down a longer road. He said,
"Ministry is the most difficult job anyone can fulfill. I implore you, if there is any other job you can do that will bring satisfaction into your life, as career, do that. For if you are not assured of your call, if not satisfied with nothing else but professional ministry, you will be led to ruin"
And so it was, I pursued everything else, until now.
I am not sure of what lie ahead. But I am confident in The One who knows, making my feet sure on slippery ground, moving this heart compassionately forward. For I can say to my professor,
I heard those wise and wonderful words, drinking them in exploring, all along, such satisfying jaunts as vocation and growth. Pressing through each, I gleaned abundance and insight, investing my heart and soul employed, entrusted by those who saw my gifts. However, in each job, I found a ceiling, a wall, or growing dissatisfaction, needing something more. It was there, I discovered an opening to what lie ahead, the next step, and here, I find myself again. I am thankful for the wonderful words, the brief moment where God used a professor to speak into this younger heart such wisdom. And, I can, with utter confidence state:
Nothing, no other career, no other call will bring me more joy and satisfaction than that of ministry to those around me. God has given this soul a sense of deep care for my fellow man, fashioned a rich faith, leading a rich life now fully cognizant of His rich call upon this soul of His. Nothing brings greater satisfaction in this heart than spreading the words of God and His care into the souls of another. I have seen miracle, answer to prayer and power unleashed in ways never imagined, not for my gain, but His Not for my glory, but His. Not by my hand, but His. It was always for Him, always by Him. May you and I always follow Him in this great adventure called life.
Friday, November 16, 2012
When Ethen Comes to Visit
Last night, our oldest and only married son called to let us know he and his son would be stopping by for a 'change of venue'. I had dinner going (leftover arroz con pollo and corn cake) and Carrie (my wife) was whisking her way home from work. Hurriedly I set the table, having dinner ready when my lovely bride arrived home. We had time to debrief her day and mine while the excitement of our guest's arrival warmed our hearts.
We are extremely fortunate, having our son, daughter-in-law and grandson, Ethen, living minutes away from us; And we recognize the blessing, in this time, of their proximity. Nothing puts other activities on hold like being with Ethen. A few months past a year in age, our extremely observant, visually and sonically curious, constantly in motion grandson warms our lives like a fire in the fireplace on a cold, damp rainy night. His giggly laughter, toddling wanderings, and especially his hugs melt our hearts, like dark chocolate in a double boiler. Our world richly revels with wonder when Carrie and I get moments with our grandson.
Bryce, our son, is an amazing man. Relational, caring, a blessing from God to the lives of those he works with, his friends as well as to his mom and I. He makes time to visit his grandpa and grandma (my dad and mom) who live a little more than an hour's drive away regularly. As a teen he would visit them on his own frequently when my parents lived in town. He is hard working, a man of character and integrity and a follower of Christ. His wife, Melissa is the answer to our prayers for him and the most precious daughter we could ever ask for. Her accounting prowess and sweet, tender heart (mixed with some feistiness) fill the gaps in Bryce's life and together they are remarkable.
Yes, the world around us, the cares, the darkness all vanish when Ethen comes to visit, or whenever we as a family are together. And it is such blessing. Nothing thaws this heart like a blazing fire in winter fireplace than being with my grandson. When I request a hug from him and he comes toddling with open arms to be scooped up by his loving grandpa, it is heaven on earth. When he lay his head on my shoulder in blessed confidence and trust, fully relaxing his entirety, my total focus, my whole being feels wrapped in love, all gift from a beautiful toddler's heart into mine.
I cherish the joy, the moments of sweet celebration when family is together. Not only at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but anytime we spend time gathered, with any family member. Yet in a world riddled with turmoil, stupidity, concern, hard times, selfish ambition and evil, all these melt, no vanish as nonexistent, when Ethen comes to visit. Scant on earth is the perfect, flawless diamond of joy shining in the eyes of this grandpa when Ethen comes to visit.
We are extremely fortunate, having our son, daughter-in-law and grandson, Ethen, living minutes away from us; And we recognize the blessing, in this time, of their proximity. Nothing puts other activities on hold like being with Ethen. A few months past a year in age, our extremely observant, visually and sonically curious, constantly in motion grandson warms our lives like a fire in the fireplace on a cold, damp rainy night. His giggly laughter, toddling wanderings, and especially his hugs melt our hearts, like dark chocolate in a double boiler. Our world richly revels with wonder when Carrie and I get moments with our grandson.
Bryce, our son, is an amazing man. Relational, caring, a blessing from God to the lives of those he works with, his friends as well as to his mom and I. He makes time to visit his grandpa and grandma (my dad and mom) who live a little more than an hour's drive away regularly. As a teen he would visit them on his own frequently when my parents lived in town. He is hard working, a man of character and integrity and a follower of Christ. His wife, Melissa is the answer to our prayers for him and the most precious daughter we could ever ask for. Her accounting prowess and sweet, tender heart (mixed with some feistiness) fill the gaps in Bryce's life and together they are remarkable.
Yes, the world around us, the cares, the darkness all vanish when Ethen comes to visit, or whenever we as a family are together. And it is such blessing. Nothing thaws this heart like a blazing fire in winter fireplace than being with my grandson. When I request a hug from him and he comes toddling with open arms to be scooped up by his loving grandpa, it is heaven on earth. When he lay his head on my shoulder in blessed confidence and trust, fully relaxing his entirety, my total focus, my whole being feels wrapped in love, all gift from a beautiful toddler's heart into mine.
I cherish the joy, the moments of sweet celebration when family is together. Not only at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but anytime we spend time gathered, with any family member. Yet in a world riddled with turmoil, stupidity, concern, hard times, selfish ambition and evil, all these melt, no vanish as nonexistent, when Ethen comes to visit. Scant on earth is the perfect, flawless diamond of joy shining in the eyes of this grandpa when Ethen comes to visit.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Not With Fear, With Peace
The older I get, the more attempt, with greater success, I mitigate the possibility of terrible outcome. Exercising greater and increased wisdom, I realize this body grows increasingly brittle, this life and living also. A younger lad, discovering my fear of heights while working on swaying, bouncing, rattling scaffolding outside a four story building, I needed to make a choice, not work, let my fear negatively affect my safety by overwhelming me, causing me to do something that would lead to terrible outcome, or to trust those who constructed the scaffolding, and the seemingly narrow, worn, bouncy 2 x 12 planks I walked and worked on. I watched my colleagues, either confident with these surroundings, or doing a better job than I in hiding their fear, work seemingly unaffected by that which consumed my thoughts, what to do if a board broke, or the seemingly rickety scaffolding gave way. My worst fear never appeared.
Throughout life since, I have had opportunity to confront this fear of heights. Moving toward the edge of escarpments while backpacking in the Eastern Sierras, working on other buildings on scaffolding, even taking up rock climbing as the Boy Scout Troop I led was fortunate to have experts show us the way to safely execute the sport. Redundancy, careful placement of well maintained and designed equipment took most of the risk out of scaling and belaying rock faces and escarpments. The more we met success, the greater my confidence grew, my fear of heights tempered, all but disappearing. In fact, as you can see in the photograph above, I seem to enjoy the slaying of my fear of heights.
Today, I propose a different track than you might embark, if you had not read this blog; facing fear offset with trust. Many of those I engage in conversation seem more fearful than ever, wondering if our government will make things better, or not. Deliberating what will happen to our nation should our leaders continue down the slippery slope of overspending, bigger government, healthcare for the masses and more taxes. Some of my friends are fearful because they have lost their jobs and their homes, have a spouse who walked out of their lives, or a dear loved one being escorted by calamity or old age into eternity beyond this life. But there are also many of my friends who, in the same situations, do not walk in fear. Sure, the ground is flaky and crumbling; the cliff seems impossible to scale, the future they had planned unsure, but they walk far differently than those enrobed, entrapped in fear.
I have found many, like myself, who have developed legitimate trust; Who, now finding themselves standing on the rock face, at significant elevation realizing they were led there by God, allowing Him to assure our footing and security not in the apparent dangers surrounding us, but rather in the lifeline that will keep us from ruin and demise. Okay, we will meet our ultimate demise some day, sometime. We will also collide with near disaster and dissolution of our plans. But for many of us, we have mitigated our loss, being assured of eternal contentment without fear.
The reality is we have a lifeline through Jesus; a real man, really God, who really sacrificed His life for ours, giving us full access to relationship with God. It may seem easy, exchanging our trust in this world with instilling trust in the perfect God/man whose character none has yet defamed. But if it is so easy, why don't more do so? Does it seem too risky? Would you rather trust in the wisdom of man? Or the wisdom of a supremely compassionate, absolutely powerful, divinely sacrificial, morally uncorruptable God? Doing so has moved this heart from fear to faith, from frozen fright, to releasing refuge as part of God's divine kingdom with His divine plan, taking me on my divine journey, on this stroll leaving these footprints of faith unencumbered, enrobed, en-rapped not with fear, with peace
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
True Healing, Real Joy and Meaningful Life
Yesterday I blogged about love and the barrage and assault of the world around us preaching of it's counterfeit, a self-centered, selfish feeling the world has been led to believe is love. This morning, I rose thinking of the book of Hosea (typically pronounced Ho-zay-uh), read it in its entirety with my heart breaking as the Jews abandoned their trust and love for God with costly ramifications. I don't ever remember a sermon or sermon series from Hosea, and for many this book in the Bible can be seen as the 'downer' it is, tragic that a man would be commanded by God to marry a woman who would be unfaithful, walking away from the blessing of being married to a good man, providing greatly for this woman who is undeserving of such grace and mercy, unappreciative of real love, seeking the counterfeit, having probably illegitimate children as result, with Hosea remaining faithful to her. Wow.
In the middle of the book, God speaks of His provision for her in time of blessing, through Hosea as He honors his faithfulness to Gomer (Hosea's wife), but she failed to see that the time, though brief, of blessing and real love was not of Hosea, but from God Himself, for her, and she wanders away into the hollow search for what she perceived real love, selfish pleasure, and there were consequences as she walked away from God. Not because He wanted to strip her of goodness and mercy, but rather because of His justice, as a means to woo her return, because God loves her, and Hosea as well.
My faith in God is not blind, nor based on empty hope. It is not a bunch of rules, but a yearning to know what is real, what is true. My desire is that I find a way to live as one who makes a difference in humanity for humanity with those I love, and I have found life not to be a seeking personal riches or that those who speak of me might call me a 'good man'. I believe God exists because I see His hand, His work, His character, the fact of His existence as I mature in life. While many run to and are tempted by the false love which satisfies an empty, self-centeredness, I have discovered wealth in understanding God's heart, His work, His faithfulness to His children who turn away from selfish ambition and pleasure, discovering beauty and pleasure far beyond anything the counterfeit love provides.
Sure, it is hard to read a book like Hosea, and, to me, it parallels the plight of America's walking away from the God who blessed our nation as we followed Him in inception, but when I do, it is my wake up call. My blessing does not come at the hands of my government, our nations leaders or even by the wonderful wife I have, and she is such wonderful blessing. Our blessing falls from the hand of our LORD, the one true God who loves us beyond anything we could ever imagine or deserve, for we are the harlot when we are disobedient. The consequence of our disobedience, just like the consequences of any loving mother or father guides and demonstrated deep love for their children is intended to redeem and raise upright and selfless citizens bearing true and meaningful love for one another, imitating and acting like God, like Hosea.
The book ends with one final volley,
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
whoever is discerning, let him know them;
for the ways of the LORD are right,
and the upright walk in them,
but transgressors stumble in them.
(Hosea 14:9 ESV)
I have stumbled plenty in life. I have walked in disobedience, but as I listen, hear and pursue truth and real love, I have discovered that it is found in God, not in man. It is not a set of rules, not religion, but is found in the one who can love an unfaithful person so much that He clearly shows us the way to real joy and love, a redemption from our wanderings towards real healing, real joy, real living. Have you really tried God? Not religion. Not just the quest to be good. Not the association of those who call themselves better than others, but rather those who know they are a harlot, a whore and wandered, but remembering the time of blessing as they walked with God, return to that time of relationship with the being whose desire is to bless us and lead us in a way that is true, selfless love, clearly demonstrated by He who is faithful to us in spite of our unfaithfulness. I believe we can find true healing, real joy and meaningful life when we understand the real sacrifice God offers us through His son, Jesus, and the entirety of the scriptures, Himself.
In the middle of the book, God speaks of His provision for her in time of blessing, through Hosea as He honors his faithfulness to Gomer (Hosea's wife), but she failed to see that the time, though brief, of blessing and real love was not of Hosea, but from God Himself, for her, and she wanders away into the hollow search for what she perceived real love, selfish pleasure, and there were consequences as she walked away from God. Not because He wanted to strip her of goodness and mercy, but rather because of His justice, as a means to woo her return, because God loves her, and Hosea as well.
My faith in God is not blind, nor based on empty hope. It is not a bunch of rules, but a yearning to know what is real, what is true. My desire is that I find a way to live as one who makes a difference in humanity for humanity with those I love, and I have found life not to be a seeking personal riches or that those who speak of me might call me a 'good man'. I believe God exists because I see His hand, His work, His character, the fact of His existence as I mature in life. While many run to and are tempted by the false love which satisfies an empty, self-centeredness, I have discovered wealth in understanding God's heart, His work, His faithfulness to His children who turn away from selfish ambition and pleasure, discovering beauty and pleasure far beyond anything the counterfeit love provides.
Sure, it is hard to read a book like Hosea, and, to me, it parallels the plight of America's walking away from the God who blessed our nation as we followed Him in inception, but when I do, it is my wake up call. My blessing does not come at the hands of my government, our nations leaders or even by the wonderful wife I have, and she is such wonderful blessing. Our blessing falls from the hand of our LORD, the one true God who loves us beyond anything we could ever imagine or deserve, for we are the harlot when we are disobedient. The consequence of our disobedience, just like the consequences of any loving mother or father guides and demonstrated deep love for their children is intended to redeem and raise upright and selfless citizens bearing true and meaningful love for one another, imitating and acting like God, like Hosea.
The book ends with one final volley,
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
whoever is discerning, let him know them;
for the ways of the LORD are right,
and the upright walk in them,
but transgressors stumble in them.
(Hosea 14:9 ESV)
I have stumbled plenty in life. I have walked in disobedience, but as I listen, hear and pursue truth and real love, I have discovered that it is found in God, not in man. It is not a set of rules, not religion, but is found in the one who can love an unfaithful person so much that He clearly shows us the way to real joy and love, a redemption from our wanderings towards real healing, real joy, real living. Have you really tried God? Not religion. Not just the quest to be good. Not the association of those who call themselves better than others, but rather those who know they are a harlot, a whore and wandered, but remembering the time of blessing as they walked with God, return to that time of relationship with the being whose desire is to bless us and lead us in a way that is true, selfless love, clearly demonstrated by He who is faithful to us in spite of our unfaithfulness. I believe we can find true healing, real joy and meaningful life when we understand the real sacrifice God offers us through His son, Jesus, and the entirety of the scriptures, Himself.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Live to Love, Love to Live
Stop the train! I need to get off!!!
Our trip to Hawai'i was nearly two months ago and I find myself longing to go back. It hit me like standing in front of approaching bullet train this morning as I found myself pumping my legs and arms on the elliptical with 8 flatscreen monitors blitzing, no assaulting me, vying with visual stimulus for my attention. In addition, the song on the overhead was literally screaming, yelling at me, this new form of 'music' whose testimony shreeking like our surrounding environment.
I find myself often retreating to silence, even at home; my residence becoming cocoon and haven from the cacophony of media and life. A dear friend dying, work (having three paying jobs now), working out, shopping (yes, I go with my wife and have learned to enjoy shopping), writing, reading, studying and doing homework for a class, practicing music for ministry at the church, remodeling the guest bathroom, installing whirlpool jacuzzi tub and tile... I say it again, stop the train! I need to get off!
And, I will and do as I can.
Finishing breakfast, having returned from our usual Monday, Wednesday, Friday early morning workout (yes, even on Veteran's Day while most seemed take today off there), I will ready myself for a day of work at Lowe's, the first seven hour day in quite a while. All this, while Carrie has her usual Monday off...and, this is the only day I am scheduled to work, at Lowe's all week! My 'day of rest' last week was Friday, and I'm already thinking I need another, soon. Like tomorrow.
In August, I wrote about taking such days; the importance of one day a week calling it Sabbath. (http://offootprintsandfaith.blogspot.com/2012/08/something-sabbath.html),and I have done so every week since. Our vacation/30th anniversary trip to Hawaii was well deserved and much needed for us, and me, and, maybe because it was so restful (mostly) and refreshing to spend entire days with my beloved, I find myself longing return once more. I am growing weary of the daily media assault and lack of consideration for others rising in our world. There is such a refreshing breeze that floods this heart when I see others honoring one another before themselves, especially when it is offered to me.
Yes, I need to be considered, and you do too, even indirectly. When someone returns multiple carts back to the store at Lowe's (and it is rare), considering us, as employees, it blesses me. Heck, if people would just return their carts to the corral, that would be considerable gift to us as well. If we, one at a time would take the time to care for one another, simply and seemingly insignificantly, our world would be transformed with refreshing breeze of love. Yes, love.
Our take on love has been made counterfeit. Becoming a feeling, we seek gratification, when, in fact, love requires sacrifice. No, not what you are thinking, real sacrifice, real care. Did you hear it? How can customers show love to employees at Lowe's? Being considerate to return carts to the corral. What if they, when there was a problem with their purchase, understood that manufacturers make mistakes and so do our shippers and things are sold hiddenly damaged or missing parts. What if, some of our customers, rather than steal parts, talk to us so we could give them to them and order the missing part from the manufacturer rather than going under our radar, selling it to another customer thinking it complete? And all this dishonor and selfishness is just at one of my jobs,Lowe's.
Let me make it clear. Love requires taking the time to learn what might please and honor another life. You have to learn how they think, what makes them happy. It isn't just giving them gifts, it is giving them the right gift at the right time. It could be returning carts. It could be giving flowers. But frequently, it probably is, just the right words of encouragement at the right time. Taking the time to pick up a piece of trash, or take out the trash. The simplest form of love is taking the time, really taking the time to look into the eyes of another, discover who they are and what you may say to them to show them you know and love them. I can't tell you what to do, they will, if you listen and observe. Yes, it is time to love. It is that simple. Maybe I wouldn't need to escape my world if I were just loved more. I live to love, because I love to live!
Our trip to Hawai'i was nearly two months ago and I find myself longing to go back. It hit me like standing in front of approaching bullet train this morning as I found myself pumping my legs and arms on the elliptical with 8 flatscreen monitors blitzing, no assaulting me, vying with visual stimulus for my attention. In addition, the song on the overhead was literally screaming, yelling at me, this new form of 'music' whose testimony shreeking like our surrounding environment.
I find myself often retreating to silence, even at home; my residence becoming cocoon and haven from the cacophony of media and life. A dear friend dying, work (having three paying jobs now), working out, shopping (yes, I go with my wife and have learned to enjoy shopping), writing, reading, studying and doing homework for a class, practicing music for ministry at the church, remodeling the guest bathroom, installing whirlpool jacuzzi tub and tile... I say it again, stop the train! I need to get off!
And, I will and do as I can.
Finishing breakfast, having returned from our usual Monday, Wednesday, Friday early morning workout (yes, even on Veteran's Day while most seemed take today off there), I will ready myself for a day of work at Lowe's, the first seven hour day in quite a while. All this, while Carrie has her usual Monday off...and, this is the only day I am scheduled to work, at Lowe's all week! My 'day of rest' last week was Friday, and I'm already thinking I need another, soon. Like tomorrow.
In August, I wrote about taking such days; the importance of one day a week calling it Sabbath. (http://offootprintsandfaith.blogspot.com/2012/08/something-sabbath.html),and I have done so every week since. Our vacation/30th anniversary trip to Hawaii was well deserved and much needed for us, and me, and, maybe because it was so restful (mostly) and refreshing to spend entire days with my beloved, I find myself longing return once more. I am growing weary of the daily media assault and lack of consideration for others rising in our world. There is such a refreshing breeze that floods this heart when I see others honoring one another before themselves, especially when it is offered to me.
Yes, I need to be considered, and you do too, even indirectly. When someone returns multiple carts back to the store at Lowe's (and it is rare), considering us, as employees, it blesses me. Heck, if people would just return their carts to the corral, that would be considerable gift to us as well. If we, one at a time would take the time to care for one another, simply and seemingly insignificantly, our world would be transformed with refreshing breeze of love. Yes, love.
Our take on love has been made counterfeit. Becoming a feeling, we seek gratification, when, in fact, love requires sacrifice. No, not what you are thinking, real sacrifice, real care. Did you hear it? How can customers show love to employees at Lowe's? Being considerate to return carts to the corral. What if they, when there was a problem with their purchase, understood that manufacturers make mistakes and so do our shippers and things are sold hiddenly damaged or missing parts. What if, some of our customers, rather than steal parts, talk to us so we could give them to them and order the missing part from the manufacturer rather than going under our radar, selling it to another customer thinking it complete? And all this dishonor and selfishness is just at one of my jobs,Lowe's.
Let me make it clear. Love requires taking the time to learn what might please and honor another life. You have to learn how they think, what makes them happy. It isn't just giving them gifts, it is giving them the right gift at the right time. It could be returning carts. It could be giving flowers. But frequently, it probably is, just the right words of encouragement at the right time. Taking the time to pick up a piece of trash, or take out the trash. The simplest form of love is taking the time, really taking the time to look into the eyes of another, discover who they are and what you may say to them to show them you know and love them. I can't tell you what to do, they will, if you listen and observe. Yes, it is time to love. It is that simple. Maybe I wouldn't need to escape my world if I were just loved more. I live to love, because I love to live!
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