Life seems to be getting more and more crazy with meetings (yes, I know, adding city council meetings into the mix is NOT simplifying), work demands, and well....just life. I am feeling the need to simplify not only the amount of possessions that consume my time, but also my lifestyle in general. I find myself being drawn towards a lifestyle that affords more time for reading and communing with my God, meeting the needs of those who matter most in my life, and sewing and completing the vast number of unfinished projects that lurk in the shadows of the closets in my house (this alone will take up most of the rest of my life!)
I have made a concerted effort to cut down on my computer time, and Hubby and I have instituted a nightly curfew on electronic use - other than the TV since we almost exclusively get our news at 9:00, and we usually turn it off after the weather anyway. At least we are watching together! The phone is an exception to that rule also, but only for calls. Last night I turned off my phone for the ceremony, but turned in on shortly after. I live a significant distance from my elderly father, and it kind of freaks me out not to have my cell phone on in case he needs me! Really - the only phone calls that occur after 9:00 in our house are usually those of an urgent nature anyway. It has only been a short while since the mandate has been made, but I think we both find it somewhat of a relief to end the day on a quieter note.
It always amazes me (although I don't know why it does) that whenever I feel led to do something, things come across my reading list that seem to reinforce the whispers in my heart. Today I read an article published by the Alban Institute that talked about exactly these issues. Two of the points that were made really jumped off the page to me.
The first was simply to Breathe! I am the queen of multitasking - so much so that often something gets lost in the midst of the day - it's usually my brain. It usually just gets muddled to the point where it doesn't function very well at all. I have a friend who laughs with me because I am constantly saying that "when this is over, maybe I can breathe a little!" Trouble is, when that thing is over, something is right behind it to take it's place. Today's reading rather pointedly suggested that rather than immediately rushing from one activity to another (or constantly having more than one thing going on at once), we (I) should take a moment to breathe deeply between them allowing myself to be open to God's Spirit to lead me through my day. I have to chuckle because despite the fact that I have painted "Let the Spirit Breathe" above my front door, I rarely actually choose to do so!
The second point was made to walk prayerfully. The suggestion was made to park away from wherever our destination is to allow time to walk prayerfully and again, allow the Spirit space to work in our lives. (There are also side physical benefits to this as well as soul benefits!) I really think that instituting these practices can dramatically change anyone's life - and especially my own. These on top of my daily practice of gratitude and WOW...
I'm off to breathe little now. Want to join me?
Gratitude for:
- The time to breathe and appreciate God's blessings
- Life stories shared by those around me
- Getting some projects finished!
Showing posts with label Musings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Musings. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Perspectives
It must be spring! I spent this morning working in my flower beds. You know what that means? Yep! Conversations with God. While I tug on the weeds around my flowers and bushes, God tugs on the weeds in my mind and my heart. I usually start the talking, but it always ends up that I start listening and talking less. Always a good thing!
I started thinking about my grand-daughter's new glasses this morning. I am not a life-long wearer of these sometimes frustrating (ok...for me, they are often annoying) spectacles that sit on my nose. They annoy me because I need them. I don't like that I can't see like I used to. I really don't like that they move around. Just when I'm really into a project, they slide up (or down) my nose, and I totally lose focus on whatever it is that I really need to see at that point. All that aside, I was wondering how my little lovely is doing with her new specs. She looks really cute in them, but I know that sometimes it's hard to make the change. They rub on your nose and make it sore. They poke at you when you forget and try to lie down with them on. She needs them not because she can't see, but because one eye is stronger than the other and is trying to help the weaker eye. Taking over, if you will. The weaker eye just keeps getting weaker, while stronger eye gains strength.
As I was contemplating my grand-daughters sight, God reminded me of a conversation I had with my son a short while back. He was telling me about a conversation he had had with his father several years back when he was in college. At the time, our son was enrolled in 18 hours of chemical engineering classes and working at least 30 hours at a jewelry store. Although he was managing both, he was doing so with some difficulty and approached my husband about helping out more financially. We've always told our kids that we're there for them, so imagine my son's surprise when his father told him, "I could help, but I'm not going to." My son was angry and frustrated. It was one of those "How come? That's not fair!" moments.
Fast forward to our recent conversation. My son expressed to me that although he had harbored some bitterness, that as he has matured and now has children of his own, he understands how that moment of surprise forced him to grow and has helped him become more responsible and more appreciative of his abilities and his blessings. His perspective has changed. He has come to realize that our decision not to help was probably just as difficult for us as it was for him. It was however, a decision that ultimately made him into a better person.
Our job as parents is to allow our children to make their own decisions and to learn how to solve their own problems. Sometimes that's not easy for either one of us. I'm sure it's the same way with God. Most of the time, I can visualize him shaking his head at me and saying, "Really? Again??" Then, there are the times He just gives out a big old belly laugh as I muddle through life. In the end, I know he's waiting with open arms for that hug only He understands I need.
Life is full of choices. We usually don't see things in exactly the same way another person does. We're on different parts of the path with different histories along the journey. The thing is though, I know that I need look at life with God glasses. I need to be careful that I don't let the "world" eye take over the "God" eye. Using my natural eyes, the world is fuzzy. Putting on my glasses helps considerably, but I still have issues. I've had to train my eye to look through the bifocal to read. If my eye strays past the perimeter of the lens, my vision is once again blurred. God sees the world with perfect vision. We are His children. He understands our need to struggle a bit. He knows our gifts, our hearts, and even what will be the stones in our path. He loves us in spite of ourselves. I know I will never see with perfect God eyes, but I can get out that little spray bottle and the special little cloth and wipe mine off a little more often. My strong (tenacious) eye needs to not take over and my God eye needs to become stronger. I will become a better person when I can see with clearer vision.
Blessings of:
- Being outside digging in the dirt again.
- Changes in perspective as we journey down the path and grow in God's wisdom and grace.
- Sons who make me proud.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Well, here it is at last! New Year's Eve. I feel under some obligation to wax poetic about the year that is coming to a close, or something expansive about my hopes for the new year. Truth is, I'm not going to do either. (Don't hold me to the last part, because as this progresses I may change my course!)
The thing is, that I don't quite get the hub bub about New Year's. I'm not one to make resolutions. It's not that I don't think about them, and it's not that I don't think there are things that I should change about myself. Perhaps it's that there are too many, and I'm not inclined to rate them and decide which ones are urgent and which ones I can put off until next year. Really.....
a) I don't like being told what to do....even if it is myself!
b) If a person has something that they need to be resolved about, why wait until New Years? Why wait until Monday, or the the beginning of the month? Just do it! Putting it off only appears to me to be proof of resistance to change which only leads to
c) Failure. According to the University of Scranton, 25% of Americans break their New Year's resolutions after one week of making them. It's down hill from there.
I am spending this night of celebration in one of my favorite places. Hubby and I are sitting in bed, watching TV, and playing dueling computers. It might sound rather dull for those of you who are party animals, but it is in all honesty the best place to spend New Years for me. We will stay up to see the New Year in. It may be New Years in New York, or England, or.....
Anyway, Happy New Year and don't forget to Sing!
Blessings for:
- A fresh coat of paint.
- Kissing good-bye to 2011. To those of you who use paper calendars- don't let the trash can pinch your fingers as you throw it away!
- Quiet nights with the one I love.
The thing is, that I don't quite get the hub bub about New Year's. I'm not one to make resolutions. It's not that I don't think about them, and it's not that I don't think there are things that I should change about myself. Perhaps it's that there are too many, and I'm not inclined to rate them and decide which ones are urgent and which ones I can put off until next year. Really.....
a) I don't like being told what to do....even if it is myself!
b) If a person has something that they need to be resolved about, why wait until New Years? Why wait until Monday, or the the beginning of the month? Just do it! Putting it off only appears to me to be proof of resistance to change which only leads to
c) Failure. According to the University of Scranton, 25% of Americans break their New Year's resolutions after one week of making them. It's down hill from there.
I am spending this night of celebration in one of my favorite places. Hubby and I are sitting in bed, watching TV, and playing dueling computers. It might sound rather dull for those of you who are party animals, but it is in all honesty the best place to spend New Years for me. We will stay up to see the New Year in. It may be New Years in New York, or England, or.....
Anyway, Happy New Year and don't forget to Sing!
Blessings for:
- A fresh coat of paint.
- Kissing good-bye to 2011. To those of you who use paper calendars- don't let the trash can pinch your fingers as you throw it away!
- Quiet nights with the one I love.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Sing!
My husband's birthday is on December 21st. It's the shortest day of the year, and the signal that it is winter. I am ready to leave it behind. Winter that is, not celebrating my husband's birthday. I hope to continue to celebrate his birthday with him for many years to come!
I have been thinking about the Christmas just passed. While I'm not quite ready to pack up the baby Jesus just yet, I am ready to finally move forward. This morning the first verses of Ecclesiastes came to mind as I was in the shower. These verses are about seasons of our lives. I have been in a season of mourning for a long time. A Very Long Time! As I read these verses, I know that God is whispering to me that it is now time to look forward with anticipation and the hope of Spring.
I'm not a Susan Boyle by any means, but I do love to sing! I am the person who reminds people in church that Psalms tells us to "make a joyful noise" - it doesn't say we all have to be Susan Boyle. The thing is, I believe that God wants us to sing from our hearts and souls. What he hears is beautiful to His ears even if we don't necessarily agree. (Signing up for the choir might be stretching it a bit though!)
This doesn't mean that I go forward thinking that there won't ever be mourning. I know there is more of that to come, but new life is springing forth under the ashes. I look forward with a friend who lost everything in the wildfires of last summer who is now planning on rebuilding. There is a friend's daughter who has had one more surgery this month and is constantly overcoming daunting physical challenges that would consume most of us, but make her even more beautiful. And of course....there is going to be a new little boy to cuddle! That is definitely a sign of hope for the future.
"......There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:.....a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,......I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time....."
So, for me, it is time to sing!
Blessings of:
- Joy and Hope
- Grace and Peace
- Songs to Sing!
I have been thinking about the Christmas just passed. While I'm not quite ready to pack up the baby Jesus just yet, I am ready to finally move forward. This morning the first verses of Ecclesiastes came to mind as I was in the shower. These verses are about seasons of our lives. I have been in a season of mourning for a long time. A Very Long Time! As I read these verses, I know that God is whispering to me that it is now time to look forward with anticipation and the hope of Spring.
I'm not a Susan Boyle by any means, but I do love to sing! I am the person who reminds people in church that Psalms tells us to "make a joyful noise" - it doesn't say we all have to be Susan Boyle. The thing is, I believe that God wants us to sing from our hearts and souls. What he hears is beautiful to His ears even if we don't necessarily agree. (Signing up for the choir might be stretching it a bit though!)
This doesn't mean that I go forward thinking that there won't ever be mourning. I know there is more of that to come, but new life is springing forth under the ashes. I look forward with a friend who lost everything in the wildfires of last summer who is now planning on rebuilding. There is a friend's daughter who has had one more surgery this month and is constantly overcoming daunting physical challenges that would consume most of us, but make her even more beautiful. And of course....there is going to be a new little boy to cuddle! That is definitely a sign of hope for the future.
"......There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:.....a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,......I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time....."
So, for me, it is time to sing!
Blessings of:
- Joy and Hope
- Grace and Peace
- Songs to Sing!
Monday, December 5, 2011
What I Want for Christmas
Our house is dark this year. So far there are no sheep (homemade ones - not live ones grazing on the lawn), no lights, no tree....not much of anything symbolic of the season to speak about. I have been finishing up my shopping though, and pretty much everything is wrapped and tucked away. Shopping for the people I love is my favorite part of Christmas as long as I can get it done before the crowds get cranky....ok....they were already cranky on Black Friday. I had most of my shopping done by then, I'm just browsing for little things now. Part of the darkness is not of our choosing. We seem to be experiencing electrical issues outside. Even the lights that shine all year are not working. The darkness outside is creeping inside though, and so I've been assessing my own attitude towards Christmas. It is Advent after all.
Christians celebrate Advent five Sundays. Each Sunday has a theme. There is a reason for this, and as I have pondered each of them I have realized that they whisper to me what I really want for Christmas.
Hope - It has been said that all hope is lost for humanity. I disagree. As long as there is breath, there is hope. As you know, I believe that there is always - ALWAYS - something to be thankful for. Hope is a light that shines before us to show us the way even in our bleakest moments. Sometimes it may be only be the flicker of a single candle. Pause......Breathe......Pray.....Listen.....Let the flame grow.
Joy - Christmas is celebration. Children show us their joy without hesitation. Their eyes shine with delight, and their wonder doesn't have to be expressed with words. It is evident in their whole being. As a grandparent, I can't help but look forward with anticipation to share my grandchildren's delight. Children still believe. They still wonder. They still love with wild abandon.
Peace - Yep, I believe in peace too. It seems an impossible dream to believe that peace can happen for our world, but we need to believe that peace is more than an old-fashioned sentiment on Christmas cards. Peace starts with each one of us. We must recognize the value of all people. This doesn't mean that everything is acceptable. It does mean that we look at each person through God's eyes. For decades we have taught our children the song, "Jesus Loves the Little Children." We are all God's children. As adults, do we no longer believe that Jesus loves the children of the world? Peace is a prayer that begins with me.
Love - When I found the family of my birth, I made a startling discovery. These people had loved me for all those years, even though I had lived with the assumption that I was long forgotten. Being loved and loving is messy business. We're human. We make mistakes. Love requires forgiveness, but it also means not jumping to conclusions. No matter how close we are to someone, there is no way to know another person's deep feelings, their thoughts that are unexpressed, or their relationship to God. It's impossible. The task at hand is to simply love them.
The magic of Christmas isn't in Santa at all...it's in the transformation of people to become, well, People. Strangers will open doors, offer food, donate money, hold places in checkout lanes, and let cars go in front of them - no display of digits even - Amazing! There are no questions of whether the person is gay, has a hidden tattoo, goes to church regularly, lives in a shack or a huge fancy house, or has a college degree.
So what do I want for Christmas? I want to approach a simple manger, and kneel to look into the newborn eyes of Jesus with new eyes of my own. I want to breathe in the air made fresh by the Spirit and worship the King who brings hope for the world. I want to believe in the miracle, and I want to experience the abundant joy of children. I want to love with wild abandon, and reach out and offer peace to all that I encounter. I want to pause to listen. Maybe I'll be able to hear the joy of the angels singing their hosannas! I want to live a life of Hope, of Peace, of Love, and of Joy with Christ at the center.
Merry Christmas!
Gratitude for:
- A husband who holds me in his arms as I cry.
- My gift of creativity.....even my sometimes gift of too much creativity!
- A warm home complete with an electric blanket.
Christians celebrate Advent five Sundays. Each Sunday has a theme. There is a reason for this, and as I have pondered each of them I have realized that they whisper to me what I really want for Christmas.
Hope - It has been said that all hope is lost for humanity. I disagree. As long as there is breath, there is hope. As you know, I believe that there is always - ALWAYS - something to be thankful for. Hope is a light that shines before us to show us the way even in our bleakest moments. Sometimes it may be only be the flicker of a single candle. Pause......Breathe......Pray.....Listen.....Let the flame grow.
Joy - Christmas is celebration. Children show us their joy without hesitation. Their eyes shine with delight, and their wonder doesn't have to be expressed with words. It is evident in their whole being. As a grandparent, I can't help but look forward with anticipation to share my grandchildren's delight. Children still believe. They still wonder. They still love with wild abandon.
Peace - Yep, I believe in peace too. It seems an impossible dream to believe that peace can happen for our world, but we need to believe that peace is more than an old-fashioned sentiment on Christmas cards. Peace starts with each one of us. We must recognize the value of all people. This doesn't mean that everything is acceptable. It does mean that we look at each person through God's eyes. For decades we have taught our children the song, "Jesus Loves the Little Children." We are all God's children. As adults, do we no longer believe that Jesus loves the children of the world? Peace is a prayer that begins with me.
Love - When I found the family of my birth, I made a startling discovery. These people had loved me for all those years, even though I had lived with the assumption that I was long forgotten. Being loved and loving is messy business. We're human. We make mistakes. Love requires forgiveness, but it also means not jumping to conclusions. No matter how close we are to someone, there is no way to know another person's deep feelings, their thoughts that are unexpressed, or their relationship to God. It's impossible. The task at hand is to simply love them.
The magic of Christmas isn't in Santa at all...it's in the transformation of people to become, well, People. Strangers will open doors, offer food, donate money, hold places in checkout lanes, and let cars go in front of them - no display of digits even - Amazing! There are no questions of whether the person is gay, has a hidden tattoo, goes to church regularly, lives in a shack or a huge fancy house, or has a college degree.
So what do I want for Christmas? I want to approach a simple manger, and kneel to look into the newborn eyes of Jesus with new eyes of my own. I want to breathe in the air made fresh by the Spirit and worship the King who brings hope for the world. I want to believe in the miracle, and I want to experience the abundant joy of children. I want to love with wild abandon, and reach out and offer peace to all that I encounter. I want to pause to listen. Maybe I'll be able to hear the joy of the angels singing their hosannas! I want to live a life of Hope, of Peace, of Love, and of Joy with Christ at the center.
Merry Christmas!
Gratitude for:
- A husband who holds me in his arms as I cry.
- My gift of creativity.....even my sometimes gift of too much creativity!
- A warm home complete with an electric blanket.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Easy
Between the shops of Coach, Ralph Lauren, Tiffany's, and such, on the footbridges of Las Vegas, are the homeless, the hungry, and the invisible. Some of them try to "earn" their wages by singing a not so talented rendition of some 70's tunes that they think might snag a few bucks from the middle aged crowd. Some try the tactic of being "honest" by coming right out and saying that they want the money to support their booze or drug habit. Then there are those who make me wonder. There is a man there holding a sign that reads, "This is hard for me". The lady down at the next bridge has one that reads, "I left my abusive husband". I admit to being cynical. And yet...........
I live on Easy Street, USA. I'm a girl who professes to be a Christian. I am a member of a faith community that proclaims the worth of all persons. Yet, there I am in the herd and trying to avoid eye contact with each of these individuals. I question each and every one of these proclamations. I do not part with even one penny among the currency in my wallet.
There are those who would quote scripture saying that we are supposed to give to the poor and not question anything, but reach out not only with our money but also with our hearts. Who sits down among these people to discover who they really are and what brought them to this point of desperation? Others would quote scripture proclaiming that we need to be discerning. We need to be wary and watch for the wolf among the sheep. Either way, the street people disturb my peace. They make me uncomfortable, not for who they are or what they are asking for, but for making me question who I am and what I should be.
While I was enjoying my massaging chair and my deluxe pedicure, I had a discussion with the technician about the rate of unemployment in Las Vegas. I assumed that in Sin City anyone who wanted a job could have one. Although that used to be the case, it is not true anymore. The unemployment rate in Las Vegas is 15%. Even the sin business has experienced a down turn. How many of these destitute people had come there to hit it big and be set for the rest of their lives? The vast majority of tourists on the footbridges didn't think twice about throwing away $20 - $50 - $200 - more? - in slot machines or poker tables? How many parted with $1 in the hat of a street person? What investment should we make to a person who chooses to sit on a bridge for hours in the hope that someone will drop in a few coins? And then.......How many of these people go home to comfortable houses after making unimaginable amounts of money from guilty (or lucky) tourists?
I sometimes work at the local food bank. A few weeks ago a man came in who was truly in need. It was his first time requesting assistance. It was hard for him. His body language and his own lack of making eye contact told his story without his saying one word. We gave to him generously, but again, we were in our place of safety. We were in control. If we are going to be the hands and feet of Jesus, don't we need to be generous even when we are not in control?
I am haunted by the questions that I don't have a clear answer for. I am haunted by the images of people who live in the margins of my life who cry for help. Still...........I'm cynical..........I question..........it's not easy.
Gratitude for:
- enough food on my table, and a comfortable place to lay my head
- having the choice of which car to drive to run errands
- the freedom of living without massive debt
I live on Easy Street, USA. I'm a girl who professes to be a Christian. I am a member of a faith community that proclaims the worth of all persons. Yet, there I am in the herd and trying to avoid eye contact with each of these individuals. I question each and every one of these proclamations. I do not part with even one penny among the currency in my wallet.
There are those who would quote scripture saying that we are supposed to give to the poor and not question anything, but reach out not only with our money but also with our hearts. Who sits down among these people to discover who they really are and what brought them to this point of desperation? Others would quote scripture proclaiming that we need to be discerning. We need to be wary and watch for the wolf among the sheep. Either way, the street people disturb my peace. They make me uncomfortable, not for who they are or what they are asking for, but for making me question who I am and what I should be.
While I was enjoying my massaging chair and my deluxe pedicure, I had a discussion with the technician about the rate of unemployment in Las Vegas. I assumed that in Sin City anyone who wanted a job could have one. Although that used to be the case, it is not true anymore. The unemployment rate in Las Vegas is 15%. Even the sin business has experienced a down turn. How many of these destitute people had come there to hit it big and be set for the rest of their lives? The vast majority of tourists on the footbridges didn't think twice about throwing away $20 - $50 - $200 - more? - in slot machines or poker tables? How many parted with $1 in the hat of a street person? What investment should we make to a person who chooses to sit on a bridge for hours in the hope that someone will drop in a few coins? And then.......How many of these people go home to comfortable houses after making unimaginable amounts of money from guilty (or lucky) tourists?
I sometimes work at the local food bank. A few weeks ago a man came in who was truly in need. It was his first time requesting assistance. It was hard for him. His body language and his own lack of making eye contact told his story without his saying one word. We gave to him generously, but again, we were in our place of safety. We were in control. If we are going to be the hands and feet of Jesus, don't we need to be generous even when we are not in control?
I am haunted by the questions that I don't have a clear answer for. I am haunted by the images of people who live in the margins of my life who cry for help. Still...........I'm cynical..........I question..........it's not easy.
Gratitude for:
- enough food on my table, and a comfortable place to lay my head
- having the choice of which car to drive to run errands
- the freedom of living without massive debt
Monday, October 3, 2011
Basket Case
This was another busy weekend in our little part of the world. We started it off with date night on Friday. Hubby and I knew it was going to be a whirlwind on Saturday and Sunday so we wisely took some time for ourselves. It was a somewhat selfish act, because we were supposed to be at book club instead. We have no regrets!
There was a visiting church minister who came to our area for meetings, worship, and classes this weekend. He also happens to be a friend of ours. We don't see each other often because he lives in Missouri, and travels extensively in the southern US and in the Carribean. It was really nice to see him and catch up. He not only provided council and ministry to us on Saturday, but also spoke to our congregation on Sunday morning. Both days he told us of a small community he visits in his travels. (We heard both days because we attended on Saturday. Most people did not.)
This community is very poor. Poor seems such an inadequate word.....we're talking abject poverty. There is approximately 80% unemployment. (Humbling, isn't it?!) The church is helping these people help themselves. There are people in this place who are master basket weavers, so that is what they do for income - limited as it is. Now, you just have to know that my "basket radar" went up a notch when hearing the story! A way to help people, and get a cool basket at the same time! That is the perfect storm!!
I just couldn't take it any longer. After church on Sunday I asked....."Where's MY basket?" He snickered quietly and said, "I may have one in the trunk of my car. Do you want me to look?" Well.......YEAH!!
He did have one in his trunk! It came with an apology. (An apology?) Seems that this basket needed a loving home because it is a little off kilter. It just isn't perfect. He can bring one back on his next trip that is better. I know.....you're all thinking that I'm a little off kilter too....you would be correct. You love me anyway.
Here's the thing.......I love the basket anyway too. It has a new home on my kitchen table. It not only is a little off kilter, it has little pokey things because the weaver didn't cut the reeds off and tuck them in. (I can fix that if I choose too. I just haven't made that decision yet.) I am fairly certain that this basket wasn't askew from it's humble beginnings. I'm sure it was perfect. It was made by a master. It's the way it is now because of the journey it has taken. That's why I love it. I relate! I was made by a Master too. I'm a little off kilter from my journey (and I can be pokey at times too.) I am loved anyway. It is the Master AND the journey that makes us beautiful!
Gratitude for:
- Catching up with friends.
- The journey which makes us all unique, yet beautiful!
- Living comfortably - a place where I often forget about so much of the poverty in the world, and my ever present need to be grateful.
There was a visiting church minister who came to our area for meetings, worship, and classes this weekend. He also happens to be a friend of ours. We don't see each other often because he lives in Missouri, and travels extensively in the southern US and in the Carribean. It was really nice to see him and catch up. He not only provided council and ministry to us on Saturday, but also spoke to our congregation on Sunday morning. Both days he told us of a small community he visits in his travels. (We heard both days because we attended on Saturday. Most people did not.)
This community is very poor. Poor seems such an inadequate word.....we're talking abject poverty. There is approximately 80% unemployment. (Humbling, isn't it?!) The church is helping these people help themselves. There are people in this place who are master basket weavers, so that is what they do for income - limited as it is. Now, you just have to know that my "basket radar" went up a notch when hearing the story! A way to help people, and get a cool basket at the same time! That is the perfect storm!!
I just couldn't take it any longer. After church on Sunday I asked....."Where's MY basket?" He snickered quietly and said, "I may have one in the trunk of my car. Do you want me to look?" Well.......YEAH!!
He did have one in his trunk! It came with an apology. (An apology?) Seems that this basket needed a loving home because it is a little off kilter. It just isn't perfect. He can bring one back on his next trip that is better. I know.....you're all thinking that I'm a little off kilter too....you would be correct. You love me anyway.
Here's the thing.......I love the basket anyway too. It has a new home on my kitchen table. It not only is a little off kilter, it has little pokey things because the weaver didn't cut the reeds off and tuck them in. (I can fix that if I choose too. I just haven't made that decision yet.) I am fairly certain that this basket wasn't askew from it's humble beginnings. I'm sure it was perfect. It was made by a master. It's the way it is now because of the journey it has taken. That's why I love it. I relate! I was made by a Master too. I'm a little off kilter from my journey (and I can be pokey at times too.) I am loved anyway. It is the Master AND the journey that makes us beautiful!
Gratitude for:
- Catching up with friends.
- The journey which makes us all unique, yet beautiful!
- Living comfortably - a place where I often forget about so much of the poverty in the world, and my ever present need to be grateful.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
My View
A bird flew into my window this morning. Both the cat and I jumped, then went to check what the commotion was. I didn't actually see the bird - he obviously flew away, even if he was somewhat dazed. I knew what had happened though. It happens quite frequently around here. I have large windows, and living in the country provides a myriad of feathered friends! (I love my Feathered Friends by the way!) I'm not quite sure why the birds want to visit the inside the house, but they do.
I think that we are often like these birds. We think we want to be someone or live someplace other than who or where we are. We are outside looking in. Oh....it looks grand in there, but really, is that where we want to be? I don't think that bird would enjoy being inside my house. Quite the opposite! He'd be panicked. He'd embarrass himself by pooping everywhere - which wouldn't make his hostess very pleased! Then there is the cat! Ohhhhhh Nooooooo!
How often do we look in at people's lives and want to be them, or have what they have? I used to do that much more frequently than I do now. What we have to remember is that what we are seeing is from the outside of the window. For example: the Princess! Everywhere you look these days it's all about the princess. I propose that we should really see what being "Princess" means. She always has to be politically correct, eat whatever is placed in front of her, and be very careful about emotional displays. She always has to look good (and generic, by the way. Have you ever seen a princess in "to die for" shoes?) She always has a camera in her face just waiting for the moment she lets her guard down. You can be sure that the world will know it if she messes up! So...do you really truly want to be a princess? I certainly don't! I'll take my comfy jeans and quiet times with my kindle any day! (Have you seen the new one? So coooollll - Sorry, I digress!!)
It seems that every time I want something other than what I have, there's a barrier there. After a few moments (or days...or weeks...) I come to realize that what I thought I wanted isn't what I need at all. What is it that keeps me "out"? I'm not sure. Maybe it's God's hand protecting me from something - or someone - even though I can't see it at the time. The glass is definitely there though. Sometimes I can just fly by it and not sense any yearning at all, and sometimes I head with reckless abandon straight toward the glass! These are the days when I just have to pick myself up, although a little dazed, and be content with who and where I am. It's not so bad out there! In fact, I'm rather happy in my own nest.
Gratitude for:
- My feathered friends
- my life not as a princess!
- peace and contentment in my own nest
I think that we are often like these birds. We think we want to be someone or live someplace other than who or where we are. We are outside looking in. Oh....it looks grand in there, but really, is that where we want to be? I don't think that bird would enjoy being inside my house. Quite the opposite! He'd be panicked. He'd embarrass himself by pooping everywhere - which wouldn't make his hostess very pleased! Then there is the cat! Ohhhhhh Nooooooo!
How often do we look in at people's lives and want to be them, or have what they have? I used to do that much more frequently than I do now. What we have to remember is that what we are seeing is from the outside of the window. For example: the Princess! Everywhere you look these days it's all about the princess. I propose that we should really see what being "Princess" means. She always has to be politically correct, eat whatever is placed in front of her, and be very careful about emotional displays. She always has to look good (and generic, by the way. Have you ever seen a princess in "to die for" shoes?) She always has a camera in her face just waiting for the moment she lets her guard down. You can be sure that the world will know it if she messes up! So...do you really truly want to be a princess? I certainly don't! I'll take my comfy jeans and quiet times with my kindle any day! (Have you seen the new one? So coooollll - Sorry, I digress!!)
It seems that every time I want something other than what I have, there's a barrier there. After a few moments (or days...or weeks...) I come to realize that what I thought I wanted isn't what I need at all. What is it that keeps me "out"? I'm not sure. Maybe it's God's hand protecting me from something - or someone - even though I can't see it at the time. The glass is definitely there though. Sometimes I can just fly by it and not sense any yearning at all, and sometimes I head with reckless abandon straight toward the glass! These are the days when I just have to pick myself up, although a little dazed, and be content with who and where I am. It's not so bad out there! In fact, I'm rather happy in my own nest.
Gratitude for:
- My feathered friends
- my life not as a princess!
- peace and contentment in my own nest
Monday, September 5, 2011
The Debt- Deep Thoughts on Life
Hubby and I went to see the movie "The Debt" this morning. When it was over I looked at him and said, "I don't think I understand." What I was really hoping for was some brilliant, thoughtful explanation. That's not what I got. What I got was pretty much just a "mmmm......" In a nutshell, the movie is about a small team of people who are seeking justice against a man for Nazi war crimes. The movie lays out the plot very well. It's not one of those movies you walk away from, and just completely don't get. Not at all. I just think we were supposed to take more away from it. I'm just not sure what that is. I've been thinking about it though, so I guess that is some victory. The simple fact that it got me thinking (and maybe others too) could be the goal. Here's what I think the movie was speaking about. It's about scars. We all have scars. Some of them are visible, and some of them are not. They are scars nonetheless. We deal with them in our own ways. Some are deeper than others. We can go through life and pretend they aren't there, we can be bitter and let them fester until we can't bear it anymore, or we can be truthful with ourselves and deal with them. We can choose death or we can choose life.
I love the fall. I think I love it so much because it just feels like nature is settling in. Things get cozier. The smells of the season lure me into a nesting of sorts. Fall is also sort of strange to me, because my birthday is soon. Before I had the chance to know her, I lost the mother of my birth. She died a few years ago, only a couple of years before my sister and I found her. Just this year, I lost the mother of my heart. My mother who loved me as her own, and nurtured me into the woman I am today. I have scars. I have scars on my body of my own doing from some psychological trauma endured before I could ever understand. I have scars also on my heart - New scars of the battle fought with my mother's alzheimers, and old scars of the years missing from my life which will never be recovered. I acknowledge my scars. They have made me stronger. They have made me more empathetic. They remind me that I have been living in the palm of God's hand since the moment I took my first breath. I am choosing life!
Then again...... maybe it's not about scars at all!?
Reese's Pieces rating:
I love the fall. I think I love it so much because it just feels like nature is settling in. Things get cozier. The smells of the season lure me into a nesting of sorts. Fall is also sort of strange to me, because my birthday is soon. Before I had the chance to know her, I lost the mother of my birth. She died a few years ago, only a couple of years before my sister and I found her. Just this year, I lost the mother of my heart. My mother who loved me as her own, and nurtured me into the woman I am today. I have scars. I have scars on my body of my own doing from some psychological trauma endured before I could ever understand. I have scars also on my heart - New scars of the battle fought with my mother's alzheimers, and old scars of the years missing from my life which will never be recovered. I acknowledge my scars. They have made me stronger. They have made me more empathetic. They remind me that I have been living in the palm of God's hand since the moment I took my first breath. I am choosing life!
Then again...... maybe it's not about scars at all!?
Reese's Pieces rating:
Blessings of:
- cooler weather so we can have the windows open!
- My Mother's love
- My scars. It is through our battles that we learn to truly live.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Just Makes Me Think....
Sometimes I have moments of discontent.
- I see a new or fancier car and I think how nice it would be to have one of those!
- I want to get new carpet for the whole house. Our is getting kind of yucky.
- I need more clothes even though my closet is stuffed.
- One of my friends has jewelry that everyone envies.
- My husband is driving me crazy!
You get the idea. I'm sure I'm not alone in my moments. I think just about everyone has them. One of the reasons I enjoy not getting the newspaper and having a DVR that we can zip through the commercials on, is that I simply just don't want so much stuff anymore. I don't have the constant barrage of something beyond myself trying to convince me that I just don't have enough. I still have my moments though.
This past Saturday, Hubby and I took a detour and drove through just a small portion of the devastation in Joplin, MO. The tornado ripped through the city on May 22, 2011. It is now two months later. This is what it looks like today:
It makes me think.
- I see a new or fancier car and I think how nice it would be to have one of those!
- I want to get new carpet for the whole house. Our is getting kind of yucky.
- I need more clothes even though my closet is stuffed.
- One of my friends has jewelry that everyone envies.
- My husband is driving me crazy!
You get the idea. I'm sure I'm not alone in my moments. I think just about everyone has them. One of the reasons I enjoy not getting the newspaper and having a DVR that we can zip through the commercials on, is that I simply just don't want so much stuff anymore. I don't have the constant barrage of something beyond myself trying to convince me that I just don't have enough. I still have my moments though.
This past Saturday, Hubby and I took a detour and drove through just a small portion of the devastation in Joplin, MO. The tornado ripped through the city on May 22, 2011. It is now two months later. This is what it looks like today:
Friday, July 22, 2011
Weeds
I've been looking at the flowerbeds lately. So sad. Most of the annuals are dead. Too much heat, and too little water. I know, you've already heard that story. Funny thing is that now the watering issue has been resolved, the weeds are coming back even if the real stuff isn't. Okay....that last statement is a pretty telling story. I've been thinking about weeds lately. Mostly because I've got some pretty hefty ones out there and I need to spend some quiet time with them. Quiet time?? Well, truth be told, I rather enjoy weeding when the temperature is tolerable. Say, less than 85 degrees. It's my time to contemplate and have rather frank discussions with God.
Back to that telling statement! Who decides what the weeds are, and what the "real" stuff is? I know there are places around our world that would take exception to some of the things you and I might label weeds. Some my weeds are sustenance for a lot of people. Dandelions for instance. There are probably things that I would say have some beauty value, that a lot of people would chop down in an instant! Thistles, for instance. There is a lot of lovely artwork out there that showcases this prickly plant, but I'm guessing that if you found it on your little plot of land you wouldn't be showcasing it.
I think the same could be said for people. I have weeds! I am a weed! We are all weeds to someone. Passing judgement on other people is our herbicide. We have to get rid of the weeds that want to take over our green lawns and beautiful flowerbeds. Better yet, put down that plastic barrier that keeps weeds from invading in the first place. Trouble is, when it comes to people, how do we choose? What is our criteria? I'll bet that among our most prized plant there are dead blossoms or maybe even some leaf rot. The most beautiful plants are those we prune regularly. Most of all, I really think that all we weeds have beauty. We're just under appreciated! Maybe I can put off that weeding for a little while longer.
Blessings of:
-quality time with Hubby
-Reliable vehicles
-A clean house and the Laundry caught up! Yipppeee!
Back to that telling statement! Who decides what the weeds are, and what the "real" stuff is? I know there are places around our world that would take exception to some of the things you and I might label weeds. Some my weeds are sustenance for a lot of people. Dandelions for instance. There are probably things that I would say have some beauty value, that a lot of people would chop down in an instant! Thistles, for instance. There is a lot of lovely artwork out there that showcases this prickly plant, but I'm guessing that if you found it on your little plot of land you wouldn't be showcasing it.
I think the same could be said for people. I have weeds! I am a weed! We are all weeds to someone. Passing judgement on other people is our herbicide. We have to get rid of the weeds that want to take over our green lawns and beautiful flowerbeds. Better yet, put down that plastic barrier that keeps weeds from invading in the first place. Trouble is, when it comes to people, how do we choose? What is our criteria? I'll bet that among our most prized plant there are dead blossoms or maybe even some leaf rot. The most beautiful plants are those we prune regularly. Most of all, I really think that all we weeds have beauty. We're just under appreciated! Maybe I can put off that weeding for a little while longer.
Blessings of:
-quality time with Hubby
-Reliable vehicles
-A clean house and the Laundry caught up! Yipppeee!
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