Tulip Time

So I went to Holland yesterday.
Holland, MICHIGAN, that is!
In honor of Tulip Time.

Wanna see???

I captured Elizabeth and Phil in this picture, too. *grin*

The trip to Holland was another example of things not going according to original plans, while God worked it all out in spite of me. I love, LOVE how HE does that!
Enjoying the beauty of His creativity was a bonus.

Once Upon a Time

I don't very often think of things I did five years ago.
Honestly, I hardly remember half the things I did last week!
But yesterday had me remembering something I did in 2013 (Or maybe it was in 2012. Yeah, it probably was. Er, I'm not entirely sure.) and delighting in the fact that God never forgets.

That is, I received an email from someone I do not know - with this picture attached:

The writer of the email had seen this post and was encouraged by the devotion. God used it to speak to her heart, and the fact that she took whatever time was necessary to track me down and send me an email spoke to my heart, as well.
The thing is, I cannot recall the last time I thought about that devotion. Like - it's probably been years. Yet, yesterday somebody picked up her Bible and read those words which I penned several years ago. And God spoke to her - so much so that she posted the devotion on Facebook for anyone to see. And her friend saw it - and God spoke to her heart, too.
No matter that I'd virtually forgotten I had ever written those words.
God hasn't forgotten, and He isn't finished speaking through them.

So I sat at the table, my computer opened in front of me, nearly in tears as I thanked God.
Thanked Him for carrying me through those really difficult years.
Thanked Him for the truths He has spoken to my heart and used to shape my life.
Thanked Him for the opportunity and ability to share those truths through the written word.
Thanked Him for knowing what we need - when we need it - and for delivering it at just the right time.
Indeed. Our God is good.
And I want to be His instrument!

The Motivation Behind Snuffleupagus?

Do you remember Snuffleupagus from Sesame Street?
Big and bulky.
Always a little bit sad and melancholy, as I recall.
But something about him made me like that big ol' wooly mammoth-ish creature.
And yesterday, something made me think about Snuffleupagus for the first time in a looooong time.
That is, I was outside spreading mulch.
Nah, that sounds too easy.
The truth is we ordered a few yards of mulch and it was delivered to our driveway. In one great big heap. And the non-ease with which we hence had to maneuver around the driveway motivated me to get started on spreading mulch.
So I got busy shoveling the (wet and heavy) mulch into the wheelbarrow, wheeling the (heavy) wheelbarrow to its destination, and dumping and spreading the (wet and heavy) bright-bark-goodness around my landscaping. (After, that is, I bent over and dug up weeds which were in the vacinity where I would be spreading the wet and heavy mulch.)
To say my back was aching would be an understatement.
To say I was feeling a little bit sad and melancholy as I looked at the big heap of mulch waiting to be shoveled and relocated would be quite accurate.
Perhaps the gloomy feelings I was having as I stared at the big and bulky heap of shredded red stuff is what caused me to see Snuffleupagus in it.
What do you think?
Can you see the resemblance?

Anyway, as I trudged through the chore of shoveling mulch into my wheelbarrow - tired of the work, feeling sorry for myself that I had to do it, yet intrigued by how much that big ol' pile looked like Snuffy - I decided this: Whoever came up with the idea of Snuffleupagus - his character, his look, and his outlook - must have been shoveling mulch when the idea came.

Now, if I can just get over seeing a smooshed Snuffleupagus every time I look around my yard. *wink*

My Girl Graduated

And this is why I didn't post a video devotion yesterday.
Was pretty busy this past weekend!

The Attentive Gardener

Ahhh, it has finally warmed up for good (I hope!!!) and I am enjoying getting outside and tending to the plants and flowers all around my house. I've been weeding and feeding and transplanting and weeding and raking and counting buds and weeding and pulling off dead stuff and searching for new life and weeding some more.
Two nights ago it rained, and yesterday as I walked around the house to look for weeds which needed to be pulled (And sprouting trees. Ugh! Those little helicopters from maple trees get everywhere!) anyway, as I was walking around the house I was so happy to see more growth appearing. The hostas are beginning to show their leaves. The flowers on the mertyl are blooming. Just about all the trees have buds. Even a climbing flowering vine-type-plant which I divided (and thought I might have killed because I cut the roots) is standing up and producing green leaves.
It seriously brought me so much delight to see how everything is growing. Further, the growth - and the anticipation of how beautiful it's all going to be - increased my desire to kneel down and bend over and get my fingers dirty by digging up weeds.
Because I want those plants to be as healthy and beautiful as possible.
I am looking foward to enjoying them all summer long. (Oh, yeah! Did I mention how well my new lilac bush is doing? I think it's going to produce some delicious smelling flowers this year!)

So, what's the point?
This isn't a garden blog...
The point is, as I was admiring my plants -so pleased with their progress - and as I was diligently searching out weeds and dead stuff which could ruin their beauty, I was reminded of two things.
One, Gardening 101 should be a required course for all seminary students. Because there are sooooooo many sermon illustrations waiting to be discovered in caring for plants.
And, two, God is an Attentive Gardener.
As I was tending my plants, God spoke to my heart and convinced me of this: The delight HE finds in watching me grow into the woman HE intends for me to be, and the care HE puts into weeding out sin in my life and pruning away the dead stuff and every other thing HE does to make me grow in beauty - far outweighs what I'm doing in my yard for my plants.
I thought of how intently HE must watch over me, over all of us(!), and I couldn't help but give thanks for His perfect care. For the weeding HE graciously and tirelessly performs in my heart, for the precise removal of dead things which would hamper my growth, for the nourishment HE provides through His Word and the growth HE spurs through His Spirit. Ahhhhh, Lord. Thank You!
The love, the tenderness, the time, the patience, the fullness of His care for us amazes me!

Come to think of it, perhaps Gardening 101 ought to be a required course for every new believer.
Oh, how HE has used it to inspire my faith and trust in Him!

I Guess I'm Nesting

What do you call it when you get the urge to clean your daughter's bathroom - because she's moving home in four days and the bathroom hasn't been cleaned (or used!) for months?
When you've gotten used to stains on the basement carpeting but now feel they must be cleaned? (Because your daughter is moving home in four days, and her room is in the basement.)
And the next thing you know you find yourself on your hands and knees scrubbing the shower, cleaning the toilet, washing the floor, and even scouring the grout between each tile. Then, before you can do anything about it - you're pretreating spots, assembling the carpet shampooer (Is that even a word?), and cleaning the basement carpeting.
Not to mention the fact that before all these shenanigans began you had lugged the vacuum out to the garage to thoroughly clean the van? Which you have meant to do for weeks, but only became motivated enough to actually do it because you knew in four days you were going to be loading all your daughters things into it and bringing her home.
The only way I can explain it, is this: I must be nesting again.
But, what gives? I mean, I didn't even get this crazy the first time I brought her home 22 years ago. Of course, the size of my belly at that time was prohibitive of things like getting on my hands and knees to scrub floors...

Ahhh, I'm looking forward to bringing my girl home. For one more last time ever.

I'll Never Do That Again

So, I gave Matthew his allowance yesterday.
And I'll never do that again.
Not because he has done some terrible thing and now I'm cutting him off. Rather, because I don't give Elizabeth or Josh allowance anymore, either. Haven't done that since they graduated from high school. And next month - Matthew will be a high school graduate!
In fact, this marks not only the end to Matthew's allowance, but also the end to me giving allowance to anyone. Yeah. No kids anymore. (Officially, even, as Matthew turns 18 in a couple weeks.)
I had another last-ever in March, when I attended my last ever parent/teacher conference.
It won't be long until I have my last ever wake-up-at-6:30-and-listen-to-be-sure-Matthew's-up-for-school.
Now that I think about it, I'm sure I have passed my last ever sign-this-for-your-minor-child form.
And pretty soon I will never again have to keep track of school calendars and events and half-days and snow days and all that other stuff which fills the mind of a mother with school children.
Because my children have all grown up.
And things are changing around here.

But some things won't change.
No matter how old they get, how far they go, or how long they're gone I'm always going to wonder if they're safe, and eating well, and having everything they need.
Regardless of the number of days since they've become independent adults, I'm still going to view them as my babies and they'll continue to hold that place in my heart.
And even when they're well-adjusted, successful, productive adults I will continue praying for them - trusting God to care for them as adults, just like He did when they were children.
Yeah.
That'll never stop!

Last-Minute God

I Learned Something This Week

Wednesday night I went to the movies.
(That's part of the reason I didn't post anything yesterday. Instead of being home crafting a post, I was at the movie theater having my nerves tested. *ahem*)
That is to say, my guys wanted to see "A Quiet Place" (Er, two of the three wanted to see it. Three went along for company. Like I did.) so even though I didn't know what it was about - and not expecting to learn anything about family dynamics - I went to the show.

And, not being one who likes to spoil surprises, I am not going to tell you about the movie. But I will tell you the amazing lesson I learned about families and conflict and self-control:
If you have ever described yourself as an irritable mother, if you find yourself prone to yelling at your offspring when they misbehave or make messes or - say - start a fire in the house because of carelessness, if not seeing eye-to-eye with a family member tends to lead to you raising your voices with one another, if disobedience and defiance from the children in your family result in angry outbursts from the parents in your family, if you've ever wondered how to keep your kids quiet for more than 30 seconds, or if stepping on a two-inch nail with bare feet (while you're in labor, walking down stairs, scared for your life, and no one is around to help you) makes you feel like releasing an out-right blood-curdling scream, if any of that ever happens?
Just imagine there are weird aliens invading the land who will eat you if you make a single peep, and I'm telling you - an unbelievable* capacity to keep quiet will take over.

So there you have it, a life lesson for every family.
Have a great weekend. And let me know if you see any good movies!

*Yes, I chose this word very intentionally. LOL!

Parenting Young Adults

So, Brian and I sat alone at the dinner table last night - a scene which is occurring more frequently these days - contemplating our role as parents of young adults.
Do you remember when your children were little and you felt completely responsible for their lives?
How about the days when they came to you with important questions, and you wondered if you were giving the correct answers? (You know, like, "Why is the sky blue?")
When it broke your heart to see them fall, because you didn't want them to be hurt?
When their tears brought on your own?
Maybe you're in the midst of those days right now.
Let me tell you, as a mother of 22, 20, and (almost)18 - not a lot changes!

Brian and I sat at the table discussing how our parents interacted with us when we were that age, and questioned - should we follow their example? Or take a different route? We deliberated life decisions each child, er, young adult is making and wondered how much input we should give. There were practical behaviors to be debated and common actions to consider. We weighed the pros and cons of offering advice, or letting them figure things out on their own.
And we frequently came back to the same conclusion:
I don't know.
See? The thing is, just like when they were little we feel responsible for their lives. Sometimes they still ask important questions (Albeit, more significant than why the sky is blue.) and we aren't sure of the correct answer. We still don't want to see them fall, because they're our kids! And we don't want them to be hurt. And the tears? Yeah. Same effect these days as then!
Still, we know from personal experience that we can't give them life experience by telling or showing or relating or cajoling or, or, any other way. Some things they've got to do on their own. And they might fall. And there might be tears. And we might want to step in and kiss the boo-boo and make it all better. But they aren't little children anymore, and we've got to learn how to parent adults.
Thankfully, we aren't in this alone.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5

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I remember hearing a quote when I was in the midst of late-night feedings, dirty diapers, temper tantrums and all the throes of having young children.
It went something like this: Parenting isn't for sissies.
Yeah. Like I said above. Not a lot changes!

When Hard Things are Good Things

I don't really like saying hard things.
Do you?

I really don't like hearing hard things.
And I'm guessing you're in agreement with me on that point as well.

But sometimes those actions are necessary.
Because, let's face it: we can be blind to our own failings and offenses.
We can be going through life intending to do the best we can, believing we're doing alright, completely unaware that we're crossing a line.
And if we're completely unaware of our transgression, what are we to do?
How can we make a change?
How can we know a change needs to be made?
Unless someone who sees what we're doing, someone who cares about us and wants what is best for us and those around us, someone who is willing to do the hard thing - to risk a moment of pain in exchange for a lifetime of peace, someone who is a true friend - tells us.

I was on the "hearing" side of some hard things recently, and it was, well, hard!
The words were delivered after the speakers had been in much prayer, and they were spoken with thoughtfulness and love. But it was hard. And I cried. And the ones who were delivering the message were concerned about me, sorry for the woundedness I was experiencing.
Even so, they shared their hearts with me. I knew they spoke truth, and I knew they spoke in love, so I listened. But it was still hard. Yet, just like the other hard times I have faced in my life, I know God has a good plan for this one as well.
Oh, I know it wasn't easy for them, but I am glad these friends of mine listened to and obeyed God's Spirit as He prompted them to speak truth to me.
I am so thankful for friends like that in my life.

Do you have a friend like this in your life? Are you willing to be one?

When HE Doesn't Change the Circumstance

Are We Done Yet?

So yesterday I was downstairs sorting laundry and, as I turned the corner to take the first load into the laundry room that contains the washer and dryer, I nearly stepped into a puddle Mindy left behind.
(Not sure if she's getting more stealthy or just broadeneing her range. Usually when she pees on the carpet she does it in plain sight and I notice it as soon as I enter the basement. This one came as a surprise.
*And when I say surprise, I don't mean a happy surprise. Grr.*)
I groaned and went to get my cleaning supplies - to take care of her mess before I continued with my original chore.
And, yes, I glared at the dog each time I passed her. I mentioned how annoyed I get with her messes. And I might have even engaged in a bit of a stare-down with her at one point, hoping to drive home the message that I really wish she would stop peeing in the basement.
I admit. I may be giving her too much credit, acting as if she understands English and can interpret non-verbal communication.
Annnnd, in a short while everything was done and I thought that was the end of it.

Silly me.

I should have remembered God never wastes an opportunity to speak to my heart.
Because as I sat at the breakfast table - with Mindy in view - I was sort of still grumbling to myself when I had the sense that I just felt God nudge me.
So, you get tired of taking care of Mindy's accidents, do you? You think she ought to know better by now, do you? You're ready to be done with forgiving her, are you?
Gulp.
Suddenly I knew where He was going with the line of questioning. I realized God is sooooooo much more patient with me than I need to be with Mindy. I became aware once again of His grace which covers me even though I know better. And I could not deny the fact that He forgives me more times that I can count. So I smiled at His methods of teaching me, and I bowed my head and humbly thanked my Father for His grace and mercy toward me.

Then I had a thought. OK, God. Have I learned my lesson? Have I done a good job? Huh? Have I? Because if I've learned what You wanted me to learn, maybe You could get Mindy to stop peeing on the carpet???
I'm not sure, but as soon as I finished that thought, I might have noticed a slight rumble in the heavens as God shook His head and sighed, Oh, Karen. You're missing the point.

*blush*
I'm thankful He's so patient with me.

Touched by an Angel

Awwww, she's gone and done it again.

My sweet Angel has absolutley blessed my heart!

That is, yesterday I attended her Home-going celebration and I learned so much more about this precious woman of God than I could possibly have known from our Tuesday afternoons together.
I heard about a lifetime of faithfulness which started when she accepted Jesus as a young girl, and continued as she followed Him all the days of her life.
I heard about Angel calling out "Preach it!" during sermons, getting so excited about the reading of the Word of God that her whole body shook, and dancing in and out of her seat at church.
Her grandchildren told stories of driving hours and hours to visit her, the unconditional love she poured out on them - and the prayers she prayed over them before they left. (Including, Lord, don't let this boy drive too fast while he's going home.)
There was a man who looked to be in his 70s who told about Angel taking in his family and caring for them when he was making bad life decisions. He told how God used her and - loved through her - to change their lives.
There was the woman who told about never being able to leave Angel's house with a negative attitude. Because no matter what this woman was feeling, no matter what she said - Angel was always able to find the positive side of the situation and inspired her to grab onto it.
But I think my favorite testimony of all came from a young boy about the age of 10. One of Angel's great-grandsons. He wept as he told of the days when he would visit his grandma after school, when he would come there sad - but she would cheer him up. Sometimes, he said, when he was 5, or 6, or 7 - his grandpa would tell him not to go into Angel's bedroom and disturb her. But when Grandpa turned his back, Great-grandson would sneak into Angel's room, and she would talk to him. She would love him. And she always sais it was OK for him to "disturb" her. I sat in the church listening to this boy - on the verge of tears, myself - saying, "Oh, baby. Sweet baby," wanting to wrap him in my own arms and love him some more for Angel.
But more than any other feelings, I sat in that church full of thanksgiving to God for the work He has done - and the legacy which continues - through Angel.
And I decided, when I grow up? I want to be just like her!!!

More of HIM

HIS Ways, Not Mine

Many are the plans in a (wo)man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 19:21

Ahhh, sometimes I have to laugh at myself and the plans I make.
And sometimes I just laugh at myself - regardless of my plans. *wink*

See, Tuesday I spoke for a group of moms, and as I was wrapping up I invited them to visit my blog - as a way of keeping in touch and keeping encouraged. I *might* have said something like, "I try to post something every day Monday through Friday, to encourage and lift up."
And that really is my goal.
But obviously, it doesn't always happen.
Like this week, when Tuesday's and Wednesday's activities didn't allow me time to write. And I sit here laughing at the irony of telling a group of women, "I usually post daily on my blog" - the day before I'm going to be unable to post for two days in a row.
Yes. I do believe God enjoys a sense of humor.
(His own, that is. I am not sure He's so impressed with mine. Haha.)
So, there's that.
I make plans sometimes, and God has a different idea - and we go with His. Because I am not about to argue with Him. And His plans are always better, anyway.

Yeah. There's that. And there's also this.
The other side of the HIS ways, not mine equation.
A long time ago God called me to a speaking ministry, and I love it. Love, LOVE it!
In fact, there is nothing I love more than talking about Jesus. (I mean, I love God more than talking about Him, and I love worshipping Him more than talking about Him. But, you get my point, right? My spirit soars when I get to talk to women about my Jesus!)
OK. But there is one part of this speaking thing about which I don't get particularly excited. That is, the "marketing". The need to find women's ministries and introduce myself to them and let them know about what I do, blah, blah, blah. But it's necessary. I get that. And so I do it.
A few times a year I spend days searching for churches, reading their websites to learn about their women's ministry, placing calls or sending emails to make contact with them, and praying, "OK, Lord. It's up to You. I've done what I can. Now I'm waiting on You. If You want me to minister to the women at this church somehow, I trust You to make the next move."
And, honestly?
It gets discouraging sometimes when months go by and not a single word comes from anyone.
But then moments like this week happen, when I get an email from someone at a church with whom I have not been in contact for nearly a year. In the email she says one of the women's ministry leaders asked her to contact me and the next thing I know I am scheduled to speak for their Christmas Tea in December. And I could swear I hear God speaking to my heart something like, Dear one, remember? We're going with MY ways, not yours. You said you would wait for Me. You said you would trust Me to move. (Yes, I know you didn't want to wait so long. But, remember, My timing is perfect.) I'm moving now. And I will continue to move. All you need to do, dear one, is be faithful and wait patiently.
Just be faithful and wait patiently, He says.
That's all.
OK, Lord, but I'm gonna need Your help!

Are you waiting for God to show you His ways? How's that going???

Sometimes, You Just Get Silent

I've said it before, and I still believe it's true.

I think the hardest phase of parenting is...
...the one you're in right now.
Because you've made it through the phases you've been through. And they didn't kill you.
You're pretty sure it's going to get better. Somehow. So you have hope for the future.
But the phase you're in right now? It's so hard!!!
Because it's the present.
And you're living it.
Right.now.

And, wow. Some of these present days are really tough.

Last week Brian and I had a good, albeit difficult, conversation with our 20-year-old son. (Actually, I didn't do much of the conversing. I was mostly biting my tongue and praying.) And I guess the "success" of that discourse threw me off, because I thought it meant we had reached a point of being able to talk things out rationally.
I figured we could now get past emotion and rely on reason to guide our interactions.
Apparently, I was mistaken.
Because yesterday that same son was really upset about something. He'd gone fishing all day Sunday and was uploading footage onto my computer yesterday to edit into an awesome video for his Youtube channel. In the process, he discovered that none of the video included audio. Something happened - and he didn't know what - which resulted in "my whole day being wasted!" So, Josh said. He was mad.
And pretty sad, too. I heard it in the tears that almost dripped from his voice.
So I went into problem-solving-mother-mode and I tried to suggest things which might make his outlook a little brighter. Cuz it really stunk seeing and hearing my boy so disappointed. I made my best effort at being both sensitive to his pain and realistically optomistic. The ideas I offered were - I thought - good ones. It's stuff I would have tried if I were in the same position. And it all seemed reasonable to me. If Josh could get past his emotion, I thought he would benefit from my opinions.
But, no.
My son was able to come up with a rejection for each proposal I made. Even when I tried to explain myself more clearly. He wasn't having any of it. And it seemed like we were about to start raising our voices with each other. Over a situation in which I was just trying to help!
So I got silent.
Because I didn't want to get into a shouting match while trying to help my son.
And as I sat in the silence I prayed for him, asking God to lift his heart. I thought of 101 encouraging words I'd like to say, scriptures I'd like to share, and pieces of advice I'd like to give. But I stayed silent. Because God wasn't nudging me to speak.
Only to pray.

For an instant, I longed for the days when I could simply pick Josh up and give him a kiss - and see all his troubles fade away. Because I wanted so much to ease his burden. But then I remembered those were also the days of car seats, and poopy diapers, and temper tantrums, and a bunch of other things I don't miss - and I decided to be thankful for today.
Yeah. Even though I've been doing this mom-thing for nearly 22 years (Tomorrow. Elizabeth turns 22 tomorrow!) it's still hard. Every day is a new situation and I'm learning as I go.
How thankful I am that when I don't know what to do I can just get silent - and pray!

HE Knows

Touched by an Angel

Ah, some visits are kinda sad.
Angel is dealing with some kind of chest congestion, and was in bed and hooked up to oxygen when I visited her this week. I could tell her body was tired, and her spirit seemed worn out, too. She agreed to have me read the Bible to her, but not with the gusto she usually has.
So I opened up to Mark 1 and began reading at verse 29. I read about a Savior who healed people who came to the door of the house where He was staying. I read about a Savior who touched and healed a leper. And I continued through chapter 2, verse 12 - reading about a Savior who healed a paralyzed man in the midst of a sermon.
By this time, Angel was clearly asleep so I stopped reading. And I started singing.
Amazing Grace.
Jesus, Your Name is Power.
Soon and Very Soon.
It Is Well.
How Great Thou Art.
I held her hand and sang softly, tapping the rhythm with my thumb on hers. I thought of the Savior who healed so many. Who still does. Who will heal Angel one day - here or in heaven. And I realized, even in the midst of sadness there is joy.
Because of Jesus.

Yes, even in the midst of the sadness of today - Good Friday - there is joy.
It's Friday, but Sunday is coming!
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Just a note, I am going to be "off" next week for Spring Break. The plan is to be back on April 9.
Happy Easter, friends. HE is risen!

Just this Once

It won't be the end of the world if my son doesn't get clean sheets this week, will it?

That is, yesterday I stripped his bed and took the sheets to the laundry room to put in the washing machine. But when I opened the washer I discovered it had gotten off balance with the previous load and hadn't finished the cycle. So I adjusted the sheets and towels which were in the washer and let it run its course. It was time for me to leave for an appointment, so I left Matthew's sheets and some other towels in a laundry basket by the dryer. I would take care of it later.
The thing is, when I got home in the afternoon and went downstairs to finish the wash I noticed the laundry basket looked a bit emptier. Upon closer examination I discovered Matthew's sheets were missing. And I thought, Oh. He saw that there were no sheets on his bed, and knew I must have washed them. He found them here in the laundry basket and figured I must have taken them out of the dryer and left them laying here. (Even though it drives me nuts when people leave clean laundry in the basement after taking it out of the dryer. Apparently I don't complain about that enough. Otherwise he would have known I wouldn't have done that. *ahem*) So, he decided to be responsible and take his sheets upstairs and make his bed. What a good kid!
For an instant I contemplated going upstairs and taking Matthew's sheets off his bed again and putting them through the wash with the towels. But I didn't feel like doing it all over again couldn't bring myself to force Matthew to put sheets on his bed twice in one day, so I reasoned - what he doesn't know won't hurt him. Just this once.

And since I'm pretty sure he never reads my blog, I feel confident this will remain our little secret. *wink*

What To Do With Difficult People

Do you have a difficult person in your life?

Someone whose attitude rubs you the wrong way?
Who has views different than yours, and talks about them profusely?
Somebody who constantly behaves a certain way - which absolutely drives you nuts?
Even when you tell them how you feel about it???

Argh! What is one to do with a person like that?

According to the majority of the internet (That is, the memes I see on platforms like Facebook and Pinterest.) the best thing to do is get them out of your life.
For example:

I see these memes frequently, and sometimes they make me chuckle as I think about some of the people in my life who fit into the "difficult" category.
But as of late, I am taking a much different view about what to do with these difficult people. That is, God is using a number of avenues to show me that He uses - not just the troubling moments in our lives - but the tiresome people, too, to refine our character and make us more like Jesus. As we learn how to deal graciously with people who aren't easy to love, we begin to love like Jesus does. As we become better at responding with kindness to people who have annoying traits, we start looking less like us and more like Him. And I soooooo want to look more like HIM!
Although our nature is to want to eliminate difficult people from our lives, I am becoming convinced that God allows them into our lives for a good reason.
Please know, I am talking about difficult people - not harmful people!
And so, when it comes to a person who aggravates, provokes, exasperates, or *ahem!* irritates me, I will submit to God and trust Him to use the circumstance for His good purpose. I will ask Him to soften my heart and strengthen my resolve, that I may respond with love like He does.
After all, my life would be awfully lonely if I only allowed into it people who never aggravate, provoke, exasperate, or irritate me.
And if I'm honest? God's Spirit is humbling me.
I understand that I am a difficult person, and I need grace, too.

It's the Little Things

So, yesterday I had a list of things I needed to accomplish and I got started on it right away.
After I slept in until 7:39, that is. (You know. 7:30 + one tap of the Snooze button.) Hey! I needed rest to tackle my stuff. *wink*
Got my workout in, had breakfast, got showered and ready for the day, sorted laundry and got it going, made my bed, and was ready to head out the door to go grocery shopping. Part of me wanted to delay my departure so I could put the first load of laundry in the dryer and get another wash going, but I decided to just keep moving.
I got through the store, unloaded and put away groceries, and went downstairs to switch over the laundry. But when I got down there, something was amiss. The laundry I'd left in the basket was gone. So I proceeded to the laundry room to see what was going on, and I discovered the task I planned to do was already done. And I smiled as I realized Josh had switched over the laundry for me. Without even being asked. As in, I didn't even hint about him helping.
He just did it on his own.
Of course, I wanted to acknowledge, and appreciate this behavior of his, so I sent a quick text saying, "Thanks for advancing the laundry for me."
Moments later, I got one back which said, "Thanks for going to the store!"

And that pair of behaviors (Advancing the laundry and thanking me for going to the store) blessed this momma's heart in the most beautiful way. After years of training up a child, battling over chores, longing to feel appreciated but doubting the day will ever come, your son goes and does a little thing which produces great amounts of hope. Ahhhhhh.

Who knows what I'm talking about???

Welcome Home

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

I grew up watching Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood on PBS.
My OLDer brother and sister used to tease me about watching a "baby show" but I didn't care.
I loved Mr. Rogers!

I had no idea this movie had been produced, but I saw the trailer earlier this week and now I really want to see the movie.
The thing is, as I watched the trailer I was reminded of how nice Mr. Rogers was. I remembered how his kindness made me feel loved - right through the TV screen. And I thought, How might our world be different if we all watched an episode of "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" every day?
In a place and time with so much violence and so little concern for one another, I think we would do well to spend half an hour every day singing nice songs and believing everyone around us is our neighbor.

She Said YES

So, Sunday, Elizabeth's sweetheart led her on a bit of a treasure hunt - which ended here:

And she called in excitement to tell us all about it. *Awwwww*
Honestly, it wasn't a surprise. Phil asked Brian's permission to ask Elizabeth to marry him a while ago, and they've been talking about it for some time. But it's all official now, and so exciting.

Yep. My baby girl is going to get married.
And I am delighted!

Following HIS Lead

OK, so this isn't working out as I'd anticipated.
That is, I have been attempting to write a post about what happened in my day on Monday - but I haven't been able to write anything worth your time to read.
What I mean to say is, so much more important than the details of my day is the fact that God is good - and His ways are best.

Monday I let go of my plans in preference to following God's lead, and I was blessed to witness His faithfulness. In spite of not doing what I planned to do - because of responding to the prompting of His Spirit - God worked out the details and allowed me to do the things I planned to do.
Just not when I planned to do them.
Did you follow that logic?
I didn't do what I planned to do, rather I did what God led me to do.
And God worked out the details so I got done all the things I planned to do. In a different order, with a slightly different approach, according to HIS plans, and all for HIS glory.
And it was beautiful. So beautiful.

Listen to God. Follow the promptings of His Spirit. And be amazed by His hand at work in, through, and aound you!

He Knows Me Too Well For My Own Good

I love a bargain.
Love, LOVE a good bargain!
In fact, to me the only thing better than a bargain (Except Jesus. NOTHING is better than Jesus!) is telling everyone I know about the good bargain I found.
So last week when I received multiple emails about Younker's Goodwill sale, I took notice. And on the day one of those emails included a coupon for $50 off a $100 purchase - I took extra notice. Because I still had Christmas money sitting in my wallet which I have been entirely too cheap to spend.
I printed the coupon, and went to the mall that evening after dinner.
And, oh my, did I ever get some deals!!??
Check this out:
* 3 sleeveless blouses (Two of which are Calvin Klein - not that I care about name brands, but the information adds to the value of the story. *wink*)
* 2 light-weight cardigans
* 1 long-sleeve tee
* 1 pair of pants
Manufacturer suggested retail price for all seven items: $305.
Amount I paid after mark-downs, $50 off $100 coupon, and 30% Goodwill coupons? $84.43
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks to me like the amount I paid (which, by the way, includes sales tax) was only 27% of the MSRP.
Yeah. That is the way I like to shop!

Anyway, when I finally got home each one of my guys - the one I married, and the ones to whom I gave birth - had to got to hear all about my shopping trip and the amazing bargain I got. How many times did I say, "The MSRP was $305, and I only paid $84.43!"?
I was so pleased with myself and my deal!

So, the next day I came home from visiting elderly friends and found Josh on the couch when I walked in the door. After polite greetings and inquiries about one another's day, I said something like, "Oh, but you're never going to believe the candy bar I got. The price was $1.39!" I was just about to bemoan the fact that it hurt to spend that much for a candy bar, because back in my day a candy bar was only 25 cents, when Josh asked with a hint of sarcasm, "Oh, but how much did you get it for, Mom???"
I just hung my head and chuckled. Josh totally called my bluff.
I refuse to spend money on over-priced clothing because I know I can wait until it goes on sale, and then I'll get an amazing deal.
But an over-priced candy bar which calls my name when my tummy is grumbling?
Honestly? I probably would have paid $2.00 for it.
I mean, I would have grumbled - but I would have paid it.

HE's in Control

Touched by an Angel

I just received an email notifying me it's time for a TB test. Because it's been a year since my last one - which means I've been volunteering with Great Lakes Caring for an entire year already. I had six months of Lovely Moments, and now I am blessed to be Touched by an Angel.
What an incredible joy!

So, this week when I visited with Angel we had a short conversation when I arrived, and then we moved right into reading the Bible. Have I said before how much I love how much Angel loves hearing His Word? I know I have! *smile* I suggested we start with the Creation story, and Angel agreed - so I opened up to Genesis 1 and began reading.
I enjoyed hearing Angel's various vocal responses to what I read, but by the time I got to The Flood, she was asleep and the room was quiet - except for the sound of my voice.
I think it was the lack of extra sounds which allowed me to concentrate more on what I was reading. And I think it was my extra thoughtfulness which allowed for my train of thought. That is, as I read about "how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time," and, "The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled," (Genesis 6:5-6) I wondered, What does God see when He looks at us today?
Have you ever wondered the same thing? Have you ever contemplated how evil mankind was before the Flood that God regretted making him, to the extent that He washed it all away and started over? Are we in 2018 more or less morally deficient than Noah's contemporaries?

I wonder.

I paused in my reading to ponder the thought.
Then Angel awoke, and I started reading again from chapter 37. Together, we delighted in God's faithfulness to Joseph, and we marveled at His ability to take what man meant for evil and use it for good. We sat there - Angel and I - in the presence of God who is holy and perfect and righteous in every way, and we praised Him. We thanked Him for His goodness and mercy. And we rested in the knowledge of God's enduring love for us.
I'm telling you, friends, it is such a deep, deep joy to spend an hour with Angel every week and to have her point me to the Father - even when she barely says a word.

"J" is for Jesus - and Jenga

So, you know I love JESUS.
And I love talking about Jesus.
Especially every Sunday morning at 9:15 with my 3rd and 4th grade girls at church.
But the girls and I have another "J" love. That is, before we start talking about Jesus - as girls are arriving to class - you can usually find us involved in a good game of Jenga.
And this past Sunday I got a picture of our tower, because I was so excited about how well we were balancing it on a relatively "skinny" base. See?

I tend to be the one who likes to take pieces from the bottom, and sometimes one or two of the girls will get into it with me. However, this particular young lady was intent on de-constructing and re-building from the top. So I was taking blocks from the bottom and putting them on top, and she was taking blocks from the next-to-the-top, and putting them on top. We kept each other on edge as we anticipated the tower toppling. (As it did right after I snapped this picture!)

The thing is, while there is nothing I love more than Jesus - and talking about HIM - my heart flows with joy by simply playing Jenga with my girls. (And Walk the Dogs. We love that game, too!)
Because if Jesus were here on earth in the flesh right now? I think He would probably make time to play with these girls. I think He would make them feel like they're really, really loved. And then I think He would tell the girls how they could have a relationship with Himself.
But since He isn't here on earth in the flesh right now, I count it a privilege to stand in and do what I think He would do.

Is there somewhere you are/could be standing in for Jesus?

What's LOVE Got to Do With It?

So I've been thinking about love lately.

The outlook for lasting relationships in today's world, that is.

This thought process started with a conversation I had recently with one of my honorary daughters.
She was telling me about some relational struggles she's having and how hard it is to persevere when most of her generation is telling her to just quit. To send him packing. To get rid of the difficulty and start afresh with somebody else. ***read that: Someone with whom there are no problems - which will make for a suitable replacement - until said stand-in reveals he has issues, too. At that time, previous suitablity becomes null and void and must be re-replaced with another proxy who will suffice until inevitable complications surface. Repeat ad infinitum.***
I was simultaneously pleased and saddened.
Pleased that my girl recognizes the madness.
Saddened by the reality of the whole situation.
It seems like our world has become a place where struggle is taboo and comfort is to be elveated above all else. Where the most important factor in a relationship is our personal "happiness", with no room for personal character growth via strife, conflict, or serious effort. For many people, a relationship in 2018 is a situation in which you shouldn't have to give up your preferences, where the "other" is expected to please you in every way, and offenses are unexcusable.
And it breaks my heart.
Because there is no way a relationship can survive those standards. And standards like those are going to produce shallow people whose lives are based purely on feelings, and who will never make it in an imperfect world.

My honorary daughter and I were talking about romantic relationships, but the current state of affairs isn't limited to those connections. We see it in families, neighborhoods, peer relationships, in the church, and at work. If one party offends another, today's world allows the offended to righteously declare that they have been wronged and move on to find someone who will treat them better.
Nevermind addressing the offense, dealing with the differences, and growing through the process.
Nah. That's too much work!
The thing is, I remember a time - some 25 or 26 years ago - when somebody told me about lasting love, which makes for a lasting relationship.
It's love that has a will.
It makes a decision, doesn't depend on feelings.
It stays in the mix when times get rough.
And it commits to seeking the best outcome for everyone involved.
I have lived and received this love in my marriage, my family, and my friendshps - and I have seen it in the lives of many people around me. It isn't easy, but it is possible.
And it is imperative for a lasting relationship.

So that's what I've been thinking. What do you say about it?

Never Say Never

I always think of this song when I say, "Never say never."
Ah, yes. An American Tale. My favorite movie from 1986!
Anyway, I found myself saying "never" to a certain possibility for many years. And now it's going to happen. So I have been happily singing this song for days.

That is to say, do you remember a while ago when I mentioned a vacation I wanted to take with my husband - but he thought it was too expensive? So rather than nagging begging continually listing off all the reasons we should go being a pest about it, I decided to be quiet?
Well, I am not sure what happened (Except maybe God was smiling on me!) but Brian recently suggested we take that vacation. He brought it up again, after I had stopped mentioning it, y'all!!!
You've got to know I jumped on it and we made our reservation.
And last night it got very real.
The confirmation email arrived with our cabin assignment.
Yes. Cabin - as in a cruise.
As in a 10-day Panama Canal - Caribbean cruise next January with Kathy Troccoli and friends.

And I am so stinking excited!!!
I never thought I'd get to go on a vacation like this one.

So, yeah. Never say, "Never."

I Wasn't Expecting That *A Re-post*

I had a very full weekend, and just didn't have time to make a video devotion for today. So last night I sat down to view my archives and I found this video from 2015.
My heart was encouraged as I listend to these words of truth again, and I pray yours will be, too.

Touched by the Holy Spirit

I usually write about Angel on Fridays, but not today.
That is, I visited her Tuesday afternoon, and enjoyed reading the Bible to her. But my heart is on another thought at the moment.
What I mean is - all week long I have been experiencing unplanned conversations, longer-than-expected interactions, heart-convicting messages, and urgent calls to prayer. And in each instance, I have wanted to be obedient to God's Spirit - saying what HE wanted me to say, doing what HE wanted me to do, being who HE wanted me to be.

God is putting a desire in my heart to be more like Jesus, relinquishing my control on my life and submitting fully to HIS.
Indeed. I want to be touched by the Holy Spirit, a faithful host to Him, His instrument.
Oh, the desire is there so strongly. Yes, my spirit is willing. But my flesh is so weak.
As God is shaping me and building Christ in me - I am becoming more and more aware of my pride, my tendency to judge, my self-righteousness. (Ouch! It hurts to put those confessions out here for everyone to see.) I am becoming more and more aware of my need for Him to change me, to make me like Himself. And my heart cries out, Yes, Lord. Please make me like YOU!

Yeah. So that's what has been on my heart lately.
Pray for me???

When It Seems Hopeless

I was plugging my phone in to charge Monday night before going to bed, when I noticed a text from a friend. So I responded to her, and we went back and forth a few times before I said good night - and promised to pray for her.
Then I lay in bed thinking about her, and about what she'd just told me.
A doctor's diagnosis she received recently.
It isn't life-threatening, but it seems pretty hopeless and I was feeling at a loss for how to pray.
God, will you comfort her in the midst of the pain?
But her pain is physical. Where's the comfort in that???
Will you give her peace in spite of her circumstance?
Peace in what? The thought that maybe tomorrow it won't hurt as much as it did today? But what if the next day the pain is excruciating???
God, would you give her hope in... No. I can't ask for that. It's too Pollyanna-ish. She needs help now.
See, the thing which came to my mind to pray for her was that God would give her hope for eternity. That she would remember this life and its trials are only temporary. There will come a day for every believer in Jesus Christ when God will wipe away each tear. There will be no more death, no mourning, no pain.
And that Day will last for all eternity. Oh, what a glorious hope!
I felt I ought to pray for my friend to be comforted - to have peace - in this eternal hope.
But then my flesh started arguing. Started accusing me of taking the easy way out. Sure. Just pray about "one Day". Never mind the reality of today. Just think about the Day when it's all going to be better. You Pollyanna, you. Who really thinks like that??? Such that I began to doubt if my prayer was reasonable, or if it truly was a cop-out because I didn't know what else to say.
So I lay in bed wondering.
What would God have me pray for my friend???

Then, as He so often does, God spoke to my heart.
Seemingly out of nowhere, Hebrews 12:2 came to my mind:

For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Are you seeing what I saw?
Jesus looked ahead, past the trial of the present - to the joy set before Him!
Jesus knew there was something of far greater value than what He was enduring, and that hope carried Him through.
Jesus thought "like that" - and He was no Pollyanna!
And, as if that reference to Jesus wasn't enough, yesterday in my Precepts class the speaker on the video we watched went on for a few minutes about the truth that the life we're living now is NOT our best life. Rather, our eternity with God is going to be our best life.
This life is broken and temporary.
Eternity is going to be perfect, and forever. Hallelujah!!!
Thank You, JESUS!!!

Are you facing a circumstance which seems hopeless, too?
Just as Jesus was able to endure the cross because of His confidence in the joy which would follow, I pray God would strengthen you with the hope of eternity as you trust in Him.

Would You Rather?

Touched by an Angel

Ahhhh, my sweet Angel continues to delight my heart.

This week she was awake when I arrived to visit, but talking didn't seem to be on her agenda for the afternoon. I told her that I'd brought my Bible along, and asked if she would like me to read to her. Seriously, I just LOVE how Angel loves listening to God's Word. She perked up and said, "Yes!"
So I opened up to the book of Acts, and started to read.
And Angel responded to what I read, as we often paused to talk about what was happening. When I got to chapter three and read, "One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon," I glanced at the clock on Angel's dresser and it was...3:00. So I said, "Angel, it's the time of prayer. Should we stop and pray?" And she responded with another definitive, "Yes."
So we did.
We praised God for who He is. We worshiped Him. We thanked Him for His presence and power and graciousness. We prayed for our world, that we as a people might turn back to God in truth and faithfulness. And I'm telling you, as much as I love reading the Word to Angel, I love praying with her even more.
Mmhmmm.
Yes, Lord!
That's right.
Mmhmmm.
Amen!
She is a woman of prayer, I can just tell it.
And when she agrees with me in prayer, when I hear her heart murmurings, when I sense her joy in the Lord - I picture a woman who has been seeking Him for a lot of the past 100 years. I get the feeling she could tell stories for days and weeks of answered prayer and the faithfulness of God. I have the sense that I am in the presence of a true prayer warrior, and I am encouraged to keep on seeking God - even when it's difficult and I feel like giving up.

What a blessing it is to have my life touched by this sweet Angel.

Late Night Ramblings

Have you ever thought your child was home, called him to set the table for dinner, and discovered he isn't home, after all?
So then you figured he must be at work, because where else could he be?
But then you think, Wait a minute! I don't remember seeing him this afternoon when I got home from picking up the van. And you start to think, What if he got into an accident after he dropped me off at the shop to pick up the van?
But you know that's a ridiculous thought, because - surely - you would have seen the accident when you were driving home the same route he would have driven.
So you try to dismiss the thought.
But it lingers.
And as the evening progresses you consider texting or calling your child, just to be sure he isn't dead is at work. But you think you're being silly, and you tell yourself, Of course he's fine.
Except your anxious mother's heart is arguing with the rational part of your brain. So you can't go to bed when you want to because you'll just feel better if you see him walk in the door after work. Because even though he's totally fine, and the police would have contacted you by now if he'd been in an accident, and you're over-reacting by worrying, and all that stuff - you just want to see him with your own eyes.

Then, like music to your ears, you hear the garage door open and close - and you walk out and see your son cuddled up on the floor with the dog. And you rush over to him and hug him and tell him you love him, and you're so happy to see him.
You confess the worry you've been battling for the past few hours, and he says, "You know, you could have called me."
Then you're all, "But I thought I was being silly. And you wouldn't have been able to answer, anyway..."
And he says, "You thought I was dead, and you didn't even call me???"
And you're left trying to figure out how to convince your son you really do love him, even though you didn't call...

Has that ever happened to you?
Yeah. Me, neither.
Good night. My son is home, and I'm going to bed now.
*wink*