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.
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