Some thing worth noting from my little village life here in Chagrin Falls...
1. I don't have a green thumb. What is the opposite of green? Red? That is the color of my thumb - both thumbs actually. And every other finger or toe I have for that matter. I just don't have that gardeners touch. I do have the uncanny ability to kill plants, though. Impressed? Is there a profitable use for such a skill? If so, sign me up. I'd be a top producer. But ask me to keep a plant alive and I'm hopeless. Well, at least that is one career path I don't have to put on the list of possibilities: gardener. Oh great, now God is going to make me a gardener.... but I didn't say I would NEVER be a gardener. So maybe I'm still safe? That never say never thing gets me every time.
2. An evening rain storm is oddly comforting and peaceful. Don't you find that falling asleep to the sound of rain pinning against the drain pipes and roof to be the best way to drift off? When you think about it, this is really quite an odd phenomenon. Storms are inherently disruptive. They are turbulent, loud and intrusive. So how can they be peaceful and calm when it comes time to sleep? I guess this is one of life's little mysteries. I won't question how much sense it makes, I'm just going to enjoy the effect it has on my night's slumber.
3. Nothing can beat a fresh, local, organic strawberry. They just came in season in Northern Ohio and I am loving their red, sweet, scrumpteous perfection! There is no comparison to a local strawberry and an out of season, shipped 1,000 miles, mass produced strawberry. They shouldn't even be bestowed with the same name. Let the local strawberries get to keep the honor of such a name. Those foreign red, juiceless substances can go find their own!
4. If you are an open book you will meet other open books. You have to be open to sharing your heart, your feelings, your vulnerabilities, your quirks and your passions to find that other people are willing to do the same. If you are locked up like a diary, tucking the key in a secret spot, you will probably find the world to be cold and unwelcoming. Have you stopped to take a look in the mirror before judgingthe friendliness of the world that surrounds you? Are you just as closed off? Be open to sharing and listening. When you will put yourself out on the limb of openness you will find that the world is much more willing to reciprocate.
5. Embrace what makes you uniquely you. I walk around town with Pippy, my adorable dog with floppy, goofy ears. She is a conversation starter because she is unique and fun! I ride my old school styled bike to Starbucks outfitted with its wicker basket. People love to comment on what a throw back it is to see a bike like that! I drive my VW bug convertible around with the top down and a smiling dog in the passenger seat and people honk, wave and smile back. People I have never met want to give a shout out to the girl in the classic summer ride. All of these things and more make me unique. I want to embrace the things that make me different! They spice up my life and add smiles to the lives of others, too. It is a win-win. So grab hold of what makes you unique and special. Learn to love it and embrace it wholeheartedly. Don't be shy, let your quirks shine!
Friday, June 14, 2013
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Sun-shinny days
I have a terrible tendency towards escapism. When depression, loneliness or sorrow settle in so does my desire to run the other direction. Immediately I want to be anywhere but where I am. A big city? Sure! A warm beach with the sun shining? Even better! When I get down in the dumps, so to speak, I just want to get away from it all.
The past few days have been emotionally taxing on me personally. There really isn't exactly a rhyme or reason to why certain days are tougher than others. The feeling comes on like a heavy weight placed on my shoulders. I can't always tell when it will come and I can't always shake it off as quickly as I'd like. One thing I can do is long for a place to escape to, and once again that is what I am doing.
My escape du jour is to Destin to lay on the beach and soak up some much needed sunshine. I look at my pale face, pale legs and thin body and long for it to be covered with a golden glow. There is so much about my current appearance that I long to change. Slowly but surely that change will come but it won't come as fast as a tan could. So, my heart is begging for the sun. I'd hop on the next plane to Florida if someone would hand me the ticket (or at least give me the credit card to purchase my own!) I'm not picky. I'll take anywhere with sun. Aren't I flexible?
As I mature (hopefully), I am beginning to realize that these pangs of depression aren't as easily remedied as jetting off to a warm location. It would be great to believe that all the troubles and sorrows of the human heart could be wiped away with a short little jaunt to somewhere far, far away. But that just isn't so. Thinking that life is that easy is childish.
When I was in school I lived for the weekend; especially the 3 day weekend. Somehow having that extra day off would make life so much better! I would be happier and more fulfilled and the rest of school week would be easier to handle, right? Wrong. Going back after that third day off was always tougher then having to return after a traditional 2 day weekend. The time away from the reality of school only made me long to never have to return to the place I didn't enjoy. I didn't want to spend 8 hours a day in the prison like building that lacked windows, comfortable seats and kind peers. When I was able to spend more time in the place I wanted to be I didn't become more tolerant of the world I didn't like. I became more adverse to it and had a harder time returning by the time the late bell rang.
Now I am older but still wanting some version of a 3 day weekend. Can I just stay away from real life a bit longer? Isn't there somewhere I can go or some adventure I can take? Instead of facing what is truly burdening my soul I am looking to deny that these negative feelings exist. I want to push them into the shadows so I can live in the light for just a little while. Will it be easier to deal with what I have ignored after my return flight home? I doubt it.
Escaping reality when I was a child in school made as little sense then as it does now. Instead of running from reality I need to look it in the eye and honestly address the impact it is having on my emotions. Why am I struggling to feel joyful and at peace? Why am I struggling to feel truly, honestly happy? Why am I feeling unfilled? What is the root cause of this dip in spirits and how can it be truly solved, not simply covered up?
Addressing the true status of our hearts must be approached with brutal honesty - the honesty that starts with ourselves. Sometimes it is hardest to face our own feelings, even in the private corners of our minds. Why is it so tough to just tell it like it is to ourselves? Maybe because it is easier to run away.
Being honest means work will most likely need to be done. We might have to deny ourselves some negative influence that has been impacting our thoughts, spend more time in God's word or more time praying. Depression and loneliness haven't taken hold because God has abandoned us. It has occurred because in some way we have taken our eyes off of God. Whatever it is that is getting in the way of seeing him will have to be removed. If it is simply a case of looking down instead of looking up, then our gaze will have to be redirected and retrained to set itself on God and not our surroundings and circumstances.
There is no guarantee in life that we will always be surrounded by cheerful people, sun shine, warm temperatures and pleasant views. There will be times when life feels like drudgery. With that can come a staleness towards life that threatens to wear down on our mood and outlook. This is just another opportunity to connect with God. He hasn't gone anywhere. Just because we don't seem to see him moving doesn't mean he has decided he too needs a vacation. Our lonely, weary hearts can still enjoy the joy of his presence but first we must seek it out. The choice is ours. Will we seek the next flight out of town or will we seek the warm embrace of God, our Father?
The past few days have been emotionally taxing on me personally. There really isn't exactly a rhyme or reason to why certain days are tougher than others. The feeling comes on like a heavy weight placed on my shoulders. I can't always tell when it will come and I can't always shake it off as quickly as I'd like. One thing I can do is long for a place to escape to, and once again that is what I am doing.
My escape du jour is to Destin to lay on the beach and soak up some much needed sunshine. I look at my pale face, pale legs and thin body and long for it to be covered with a golden glow. There is so much about my current appearance that I long to change. Slowly but surely that change will come but it won't come as fast as a tan could. So, my heart is begging for the sun. I'd hop on the next plane to Florida if someone would hand me the ticket (or at least give me the credit card to purchase my own!) I'm not picky. I'll take anywhere with sun. Aren't I flexible?
As I mature (hopefully), I am beginning to realize that these pangs of depression aren't as easily remedied as jetting off to a warm location. It would be great to believe that all the troubles and sorrows of the human heart could be wiped away with a short little jaunt to somewhere far, far away. But that just isn't so. Thinking that life is that easy is childish.
When I was in school I lived for the weekend; especially the 3 day weekend. Somehow having that extra day off would make life so much better! I would be happier and more fulfilled and the rest of school week would be easier to handle, right? Wrong. Going back after that third day off was always tougher then having to return after a traditional 2 day weekend. The time away from the reality of school only made me long to never have to return to the place I didn't enjoy. I didn't want to spend 8 hours a day in the prison like building that lacked windows, comfortable seats and kind peers. When I was able to spend more time in the place I wanted to be I didn't become more tolerant of the world I didn't like. I became more adverse to it and had a harder time returning by the time the late bell rang.
Now I am older but still wanting some version of a 3 day weekend. Can I just stay away from real life a bit longer? Isn't there somewhere I can go or some adventure I can take? Instead of facing what is truly burdening my soul I am looking to deny that these negative feelings exist. I want to push them into the shadows so I can live in the light for just a little while. Will it be easier to deal with what I have ignored after my return flight home? I doubt it.
Escaping reality when I was a child in school made as little sense then as it does now. Instead of running from reality I need to look it in the eye and honestly address the impact it is having on my emotions. Why am I struggling to feel joyful and at peace? Why am I struggling to feel truly, honestly happy? Why am I feeling unfilled? What is the root cause of this dip in spirits and how can it be truly solved, not simply covered up?
Addressing the true status of our hearts must be approached with brutal honesty - the honesty that starts with ourselves. Sometimes it is hardest to face our own feelings, even in the private corners of our minds. Why is it so tough to just tell it like it is to ourselves? Maybe because it is easier to run away.
Being honest means work will most likely need to be done. We might have to deny ourselves some negative influence that has been impacting our thoughts, spend more time in God's word or more time praying. Depression and loneliness haven't taken hold because God has abandoned us. It has occurred because in some way we have taken our eyes off of God. Whatever it is that is getting in the way of seeing him will have to be removed. If it is simply a case of looking down instead of looking up, then our gaze will have to be redirected and retrained to set itself on God and not our surroundings and circumstances.
There is no guarantee in life that we will always be surrounded by cheerful people, sun shine, warm temperatures and pleasant views. There will be times when life feels like drudgery. With that can come a staleness towards life that threatens to wear down on our mood and outlook. This is just another opportunity to connect with God. He hasn't gone anywhere. Just because we don't seem to see him moving doesn't mean he has decided he too needs a vacation. Our lonely, weary hearts can still enjoy the joy of his presence but first we must seek it out. The choice is ours. Will we seek the next flight out of town or will we seek the warm embrace of God, our Father?
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Once in a lifetime
This morning I opened the 2002 Daily Bread Devotional book. It is a compilation of all the year's devotionals. I came across the book at my parents business and decided to take it home and revisit the old devotionals. Truth is truth in 2002 just the same as it is in 2013, right?
I turned the page to today's date and read through the little story. It was cute but not earth shattering, at least not for me today. It didn't convict me of anything in particular and didn't necessarily open my eyes to a truth I had been missing. It was a sweet reminder of God's grace and providence, which is always a welcomed reminder.
It is what I found in the pages just before today's date that caught my attention. I noticed what appeared to be a bookmark tucked between the earlier pages. Being from 2002, I was immediately curious as to what the little piece of paper might contain. It is always interesting to look back years later on old writings, sermon notes and bulletins. I find myself transported by these old artifacts, almost as if opening a time capsule that has been buried deep within the ground just waiting for future generations to come and explore.
The little bookmark turned out not to be a bookmark at all. I read the first line, "Necessary only once in a lifetime." It was as if someone threw cold water in my face. For some reason that simple sentence stunned me. Was this a revival hand out that an old church gave out as a means to preach the gospel and draw people to Christ?
I read on.... "The purchase of a Cemetery Plot." This had no Christian affiliation. The little scrap of paper was an advertisement for La Fayette Memorial Park burial. The card went on to lay out the advantages to purchasing a plot now instead of later, purchasing the "before need plan"..."large savings," "no last minute hasty decisions".... The card goes on to tell potential buyers that their inquiries are invited and visitation always welcome.
My immediate reaction of shock gave way to a convicted heart. This card was once used to sell something so personal and, really, quite morbid. Can you imagine having to sell a grave site to someone who hasn't died yet? Do you target a certain audience? The sick, the weak, the old? Or do you just hand a card out to everyone, trying not to be biased in your sales approach? This is certainly one sales job I wouldn't enjoy. The thought of having to sell someone on where their lifeless body will lay is not a pleasant conversation to imagine.
I'd rather talk to people about where their soul will go.
As Christians, we don't need to worry about being the perfect salesman or having the right advertising hand outs. We have the most amazing gift to offer. It doesn't require a downpayment or monthly bill. The cost has already been covered. The debt has already paid. Our job is to spread the message - no sales experience necessary.
What we have to present is eternal, lasting longer then our mortal bodies and far more important then what plot we will choose for our burial ground. Spreading the gospel is the ultimate sale. We are telling people about a place for their soul to rest today and after this life comes to a close. Are we diligent and steadfast in revealing this amazing offer to those who have yet to discover it?
This isn't a limited time offer and it isn't on discount for one day only. This offer is good from now until the day we each pass from this earth. But why make a "last minute hasty decision".... make the "before need plan."
The amazing part of this plan is the benefit you will receive now, today, right in this current moment before death comes knocking. You will receive salvation today! God's Holy Spirit will come into your heart immediately. You aren't signing up for a product that you will have to wait to use, and then not even be around to enjoy. You are coming on board a lifetime adventure that starts today and extends past the limitations of this life, into the realm of everlasting eternity.
Today, take each opportunity to spread this message to the lost and weary in this world who are in desperate need of the truth you have to show them. Ask God to bring along your path a heart that is soft to hear the message and open to the words of the gospel. Speak the name of Jesus Christ to a lost world in need of his salvation.
You may not come armed with a bookmark sized print out. Don't worry, this isn't a sales pitch. This is something much more exciting then anything that can be purchased. Spreading the benefits of this opportunity is much more appealing then having to convince someone to think about a burial plot. So, don't shy away from telling people about the good news and all its "benefits and advantages"!
I turned the page to today's date and read through the little story. It was cute but not earth shattering, at least not for me today. It didn't convict me of anything in particular and didn't necessarily open my eyes to a truth I had been missing. It was a sweet reminder of God's grace and providence, which is always a welcomed reminder.
It is what I found in the pages just before today's date that caught my attention. I noticed what appeared to be a bookmark tucked between the earlier pages. Being from 2002, I was immediately curious as to what the little piece of paper might contain. It is always interesting to look back years later on old writings, sermon notes and bulletins. I find myself transported by these old artifacts, almost as if opening a time capsule that has been buried deep within the ground just waiting for future generations to come and explore.
The little bookmark turned out not to be a bookmark at all. I read the first line, "Necessary only once in a lifetime." It was as if someone threw cold water in my face. For some reason that simple sentence stunned me. Was this a revival hand out that an old church gave out as a means to preach the gospel and draw people to Christ?
I read on.... "The purchase of a Cemetery Plot." This had no Christian affiliation. The little scrap of paper was an advertisement for La Fayette Memorial Park burial. The card went on to lay out the advantages to purchasing a plot now instead of later, purchasing the "before need plan"..."large savings," "no last minute hasty decisions".... The card goes on to tell potential buyers that their inquiries are invited and visitation always welcome.
My immediate reaction of shock gave way to a convicted heart. This card was once used to sell something so personal and, really, quite morbid. Can you imagine having to sell a grave site to someone who hasn't died yet? Do you target a certain audience? The sick, the weak, the old? Or do you just hand a card out to everyone, trying not to be biased in your sales approach? This is certainly one sales job I wouldn't enjoy. The thought of having to sell someone on where their lifeless body will lay is not a pleasant conversation to imagine.
I'd rather talk to people about where their soul will go.
As Christians, we don't need to worry about being the perfect salesman or having the right advertising hand outs. We have the most amazing gift to offer. It doesn't require a downpayment or monthly bill. The cost has already been covered. The debt has already paid. Our job is to spread the message - no sales experience necessary.
What we have to present is eternal, lasting longer then our mortal bodies and far more important then what plot we will choose for our burial ground. Spreading the gospel is the ultimate sale. We are telling people about a place for their soul to rest today and after this life comes to a close. Are we diligent and steadfast in revealing this amazing offer to those who have yet to discover it?
This isn't a limited time offer and it isn't on discount for one day only. This offer is good from now until the day we each pass from this earth. But why make a "last minute hasty decision".... make the "before need plan."
The amazing part of this plan is the benefit you will receive now, today, right in this current moment before death comes knocking. You will receive salvation today! God's Holy Spirit will come into your heart immediately. You aren't signing up for a product that you will have to wait to use, and then not even be around to enjoy. You are coming on board a lifetime adventure that starts today and extends past the limitations of this life, into the realm of everlasting eternity.
Today, take each opportunity to spread this message to the lost and weary in this world who are in desperate need of the truth you have to show them. Ask God to bring along your path a heart that is soft to hear the message and open to the words of the gospel. Speak the name of Jesus Christ to a lost world in need of his salvation.
You may not come armed with a bookmark sized print out. Don't worry, this isn't a sales pitch. This is something much more exciting then anything that can be purchased. Spreading the benefits of this opportunity is much more appealing then having to convince someone to think about a burial plot. So, don't shy away from telling people about the good news and all its "benefits and advantages"!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
The open and shut door
Christian's love to use the phrase "open door." They use it like this: "God opened the door." Have you heard someone use this terminology? Have you used it yourself?
I am guilty of making life decisions based on this open door policy. A solution to a problem will seem to present itself naturally or an unlikely occurrence will present an opportunity, and I see it as God's hand guiding me towards action. Looking back on times when I have made decisions based on this principle I am hard pressed to find a circumstance where the easy, natural, pain-free move was really, in the end, the best one. More often than not, God's guidance has seemed to come in the form of closed (sometimes slammed) doors.
Getting engaged (my open door) and then having to call it off (God slamming it shut).
Moving to Florida for a doctor (my open door) and having my condition worsen (God slamming it shut).
I could lay out more examples but I'm sure you get the point. I made decisions that I thought were in obedience to God. I wasn't trying to be defiant or rebellious, I was trying to walk through the open doors!
How do we know when God has opened a door that he wants us to walk through? Is every open door an invitation to come inside, or are there times God wants us to see the open door and take another path? Are there times we are to wait outside, maybe only to enter later or to never enter at all?
Basing decisions off of this principle can get confusing. As Christians we want to live according to God's will but we don't have a print out of what that will is. God doesn't send us a detailed memo outlining what is to come next and what move we are to make to stay within the plan he has prepared. Sometimes open doors feel like the closest thing to a road map. We desperately want a flashing sign with right and left arrows, merge signs and my favorite the "chevron" sign. In God's language I'm not sure what a chevron sign would indicate. I suppose I'll never have to worry about deciphering that meaning because God doesn't direct his children using black and yellow signage. He doesn't lay it out in yellow, red and green lights (although that would be helpful, and easily interpreted!).
Maybe God doesn't want us to be so concerned about the directions.
This seems to go against everything our human nature yearns for. We want answers. We want to know what is coming next. We want to be useful and productive. We want to accomplish things. So we must make decisions based on our best guess, right? We must scan every door and run through whichever one is open because we must do something! Heaven forbid we rest!
But God doesn't want us to be on the hunt for an open door. He wants us to be more concerned with opportunity... the opportunity to study his word, fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ, serve God, spread the gospel, share the message of Jesus Christ's gift of salvation....
When we are busy looking for the next open door our days become reduced to a game of LIFE. Instead of enjoying where we are at and soaking up what this day has to offer we start looking ahead to the possibilities that lie ahead. If we roll a 2 where will we end up? If we roll a 6 will that get us a ranch house or a new job? Our days become reduced to weighing the options of what lies behind each door.
God doesn't intend for our days to be played out like a board game. He hasn't given us a couple of dice, allowing us to roll out our own futures. He wants us to be content with doing our best for him today, letting tomorrow play out in his timing, according to his will.
God wants us to be useful for him today, right where we are at. He wants us to be scanning the horizon for opportunities to further his kingdom and get to know him more intimately. He wants us to pour our hearts into becoming more obedient and more Christ-like.
When we train our hearts and minds to focus on Christ and be looking towards him in all our days we won't feel the need to be constantly scanning all the doors that pop up along our path. Some will be shut and dead bolt locked shut. Others will be wide open. But if we are steadfast in looking to Jesus we won't even notice. We won't see life as a series of open or shut doors. We will see life as an ongoing journey in getting to know our Savior on a deeper, more intimate level.
A well known song says it best...
...."All I once held dear, built my life upon
All this world reveres, and wars to own
All I once thought gain I have counted loss
Spent and worthless now, compared to this
Knowing you, Jesus
Knowing you, there is no greater thing
You're my all, you're the best
You're my joy, my righteousness
And I love you, Lord
Now my heart's desire is to know you more
To be found in you and known as yours
To possess by faith what I could not earn
All-surpassing gift of righteousness
Oh, to know the power of your risen life
And to know You in Your sufferings
To become like you in your death, my Lord
So with you to live and never die"....
~ "Knowing you Jesus" by Graham Kendrick
I am guilty of making life decisions based on this open door policy. A solution to a problem will seem to present itself naturally or an unlikely occurrence will present an opportunity, and I see it as God's hand guiding me towards action. Looking back on times when I have made decisions based on this principle I am hard pressed to find a circumstance where the easy, natural, pain-free move was really, in the end, the best one. More often than not, God's guidance has seemed to come in the form of closed (sometimes slammed) doors.
Getting engaged (my open door) and then having to call it off (God slamming it shut).
Moving to Florida for a doctor (my open door) and having my condition worsen (God slamming it shut).
I could lay out more examples but I'm sure you get the point. I made decisions that I thought were in obedience to God. I wasn't trying to be defiant or rebellious, I was trying to walk through the open doors!
How do we know when God has opened a door that he wants us to walk through? Is every open door an invitation to come inside, or are there times God wants us to see the open door and take another path? Are there times we are to wait outside, maybe only to enter later or to never enter at all?
Basing decisions off of this principle can get confusing. As Christians we want to live according to God's will but we don't have a print out of what that will is. God doesn't send us a detailed memo outlining what is to come next and what move we are to make to stay within the plan he has prepared. Sometimes open doors feel like the closest thing to a road map. We desperately want a flashing sign with right and left arrows, merge signs and my favorite the "chevron" sign. In God's language I'm not sure what a chevron sign would indicate. I suppose I'll never have to worry about deciphering that meaning because God doesn't direct his children using black and yellow signage. He doesn't lay it out in yellow, red and green lights (although that would be helpful, and easily interpreted!).
Maybe God doesn't want us to be so concerned about the directions.
This seems to go against everything our human nature yearns for. We want answers. We want to know what is coming next. We want to be useful and productive. We want to accomplish things. So we must make decisions based on our best guess, right? We must scan every door and run through whichever one is open because we must do something! Heaven forbid we rest!
But God doesn't want us to be on the hunt for an open door. He wants us to be more concerned with opportunity... the opportunity to study his word, fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ, serve God, spread the gospel, share the message of Jesus Christ's gift of salvation....
When we are busy looking for the next open door our days become reduced to a game of LIFE. Instead of enjoying where we are at and soaking up what this day has to offer we start looking ahead to the possibilities that lie ahead. If we roll a 2 where will we end up? If we roll a 6 will that get us a ranch house or a new job? Our days become reduced to weighing the options of what lies behind each door.
God doesn't intend for our days to be played out like a board game. He hasn't given us a couple of dice, allowing us to roll out our own futures. He wants us to be content with doing our best for him today, letting tomorrow play out in his timing, according to his will.
God wants us to be useful for him today, right where we are at. He wants us to be scanning the horizon for opportunities to further his kingdom and get to know him more intimately. He wants us to pour our hearts into becoming more obedient and more Christ-like.
When we train our hearts and minds to focus on Christ and be looking towards him in all our days we won't feel the need to be constantly scanning all the doors that pop up along our path. Some will be shut and dead bolt locked shut. Others will be wide open. But if we are steadfast in looking to Jesus we won't even notice. We won't see life as a series of open or shut doors. We will see life as an ongoing journey in getting to know our Savior on a deeper, more intimate level.
A well known song says it best...
...."All I once held dear, built my life upon
All this world reveres, and wars to own
All I once thought gain I have counted loss
Spent and worthless now, compared to this
Knowing you, Jesus
Knowing you, there is no greater thing
You're my all, you're the best
You're my joy, my righteousness
And I love you, Lord
Now my heart's desire is to know you more
To be found in you and known as yours
To possess by faith what I could not earn
All-surpassing gift of righteousness
Oh, to know the power of your risen life
And to know You in Your sufferings
To become like you in your death, my Lord
So with you to live and never die"....
~ "Knowing you Jesus" by Graham Kendrick
Monday, June 10, 2013
Fear no evil
Confession: I am a self-proclaimed news junkie (Fox news, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin). I don't watch any sitcoms on a regular basis and game shows do absolutely nothing for me, but I am hooked on news. I watch Fox and Friends in the morning, listen to Rush from 12 to 3 (best 3 hours on the radio, just ask him) and follow it up with Sean Hannity on the radio. My evening ritual is O'Reiley and Hannity again, this time in living color! What can I say? I'm hooked.
My online reading is news centered, too. American Thinker and the Daily Caller are my primary sources when searching the web but I like to jump around to all sorts of outlets to see opposing viewpoints. I used to buy the USA today but why waste the money? They never covered true news and they charged for it to boot. No thanks. I'll search the web instead.
But web searcher beware. And cell phone user, too, for that matter. If you have been following the news, or simply flipping through channels on the TV, then you are probably aware of the fact that you are being watched by the government.
This isn't really all that shocking. Google knows how to target its users for advertising. Facebook does the same. AT&T can pull up your call records. So can Verizon, TMobile, and Sprint. Why should we believe that the government couldn't get their hands on all that information? Couple that breaking news with the ongoing scandal of the IRS targeting certain political groups because of their beliefs and you have a government on an out of control power spree. Again, are we surprised?
Many Americans are acting like this is a new revelation and they now "fear" their government. Since September 11, 2001 Americans have feared terrorism. It had existed before that fateful day but we hadn't been met with its evil in such a public and devastating way. Ever since that day our country has lived in the shadow of the possibility of another attack. We take our shoes off at airports, put our liquids in little ziplock bags and endure harmful X-rays all in the name of "security." We have let our fear scare us into altering our way of living and viewing the world.
Now we have another fear to add to the list: fear of our government. The news of our computers and phones being watched has cut to the core of American life: our privacy. This is something so fundamental. We would like to believe that what we do in the comfort of our own homes is only ours to know. But that is not so.
How will we respond to this news? Will we cower in fear? Limit our cell phone use? Clear our internet history at the end of each search? Avoid searching for conservative rallies and pro-life groups? Will we allow fear to control us and limit us?
We should never let fear drive our actions or cause us to live with anxiety and stress. God sent his son Jesus Christ to take away this fear. He is the King of this world, he always has been and always will be. He rules on his thrown for all eternity. The nations of this world are fleeting and temporary, but God's Kingdom is eternal. It is never ending. Our home is not here, on this earth, it is in the eternal Kingdom. We are aliens in this world, just strangers passing through. So, why fear what this world can do to us? If God is for us, who can be against us?
If you watch the news and get a queazy stomach and become filled with worry, lift your head, take heart, you have an eternal home ahead! To let fear of this world rule your thoughts and emotions is short sighted. Have you forgotten that this life is only a blink of an eye? Just think of where you will spend eternity. Think of who you will spend eternity with: the great and mighty King, the creator of the heavens and the earth, your perfect Savior.
Our government is certainly out of control. Terrorists really do exist and want to bring harm to Americans and all those who hold religious beliefs different from their own. These are true threats but they are not to be feared. Instead, God is to be trusted. God is to be praised. Our eyes need not be focused on the evil of this world and what it can do to us, but instead, we should focus on hearts and minds on the true ruler of this world. He is almighty in power, saving us for eternity and providing security for our souls here on earth.
Who then shall we fear?
My online reading is news centered, too. American Thinker and the Daily Caller are my primary sources when searching the web but I like to jump around to all sorts of outlets to see opposing viewpoints. I used to buy the USA today but why waste the money? They never covered true news and they charged for it to boot. No thanks. I'll search the web instead.
But web searcher beware. And cell phone user, too, for that matter. If you have been following the news, or simply flipping through channels on the TV, then you are probably aware of the fact that you are being watched by the government.
This isn't really all that shocking. Google knows how to target its users for advertising. Facebook does the same. AT&T can pull up your call records. So can Verizon, TMobile, and Sprint. Why should we believe that the government couldn't get their hands on all that information? Couple that breaking news with the ongoing scandal of the IRS targeting certain political groups because of their beliefs and you have a government on an out of control power spree. Again, are we surprised?
Many Americans are acting like this is a new revelation and they now "fear" their government. Since September 11, 2001 Americans have feared terrorism. It had existed before that fateful day but we hadn't been met with its evil in such a public and devastating way. Ever since that day our country has lived in the shadow of the possibility of another attack. We take our shoes off at airports, put our liquids in little ziplock bags and endure harmful X-rays all in the name of "security." We have let our fear scare us into altering our way of living and viewing the world.
Now we have another fear to add to the list: fear of our government. The news of our computers and phones being watched has cut to the core of American life: our privacy. This is something so fundamental. We would like to believe that what we do in the comfort of our own homes is only ours to know. But that is not so.
How will we respond to this news? Will we cower in fear? Limit our cell phone use? Clear our internet history at the end of each search? Avoid searching for conservative rallies and pro-life groups? Will we allow fear to control us and limit us?
We should never let fear drive our actions or cause us to live with anxiety and stress. God sent his son Jesus Christ to take away this fear. He is the King of this world, he always has been and always will be. He rules on his thrown for all eternity. The nations of this world are fleeting and temporary, but God's Kingdom is eternal. It is never ending. Our home is not here, on this earth, it is in the eternal Kingdom. We are aliens in this world, just strangers passing through. So, why fear what this world can do to us? If God is for us, who can be against us?
If you watch the news and get a queazy stomach and become filled with worry, lift your head, take heart, you have an eternal home ahead! To let fear of this world rule your thoughts and emotions is short sighted. Have you forgotten that this life is only a blink of an eye? Just think of where you will spend eternity. Think of who you will spend eternity with: the great and mighty King, the creator of the heavens and the earth, your perfect Savior.
Our government is certainly out of control. Terrorists really do exist and want to bring harm to Americans and all those who hold religious beliefs different from their own. These are true threats but they are not to be feared. Instead, God is to be trusted. God is to be praised. Our eyes need not be focused on the evil of this world and what it can do to us, but instead, we should focus on hearts and minds on the true ruler of this world. He is almighty in power, saving us for eternity and providing security for our souls here on earth.
Who then shall we fear?
Jesus behind the wheel
Have you ever known someone who is quite simply a terrible driver? Now I know what any red blooded male would say: "Yes, every woman I've ever seen behind the wheel of a vehicle." But I'm not talking about the mythical gender gap in driving ability; I'm talking about individuals who are oblivious and reckless without even knowing it. These are the kinds of drivers that scare their passengers into silence and cause them to grasp with all their might the safety bar over head or the grip next to the door handle. Their knuckles go white and all the color drains from their cheeks, yet the driver is clueless. Does anyone in particular come to mind?
I know a few of these terrible drivers who are completely ignorant of the danger they pose to themselves and every other person on the road. I won't name names. That would be gossipy. But I know the feeling of riding shotgun next to them and it isn't a peaceful experience. It is stressful and anxiety producing. If you try to comment on maybe taking the next bend a bit slower or looking up from the map to pay attention to the road, this kind of driver blows off your suggestion as pure silliness. They know what they're doing! They have been driving for years, longer then you've been alive. Sound familiar? On one hand you want them to learn the error of their ways and become a more prudent driver; but on the other hand you don't want any harm to come on them, so you just silently pray that no small children are playing anywhere near the street.
Today I was driving along listening to the radio when the song "Jesus Take the Wheel" came on the station. I love this song and preceded to belt it out with Carrie Underwood. It was our own private duet and I must say I wasn't sounding too shabby! While I was emoting with each stanza I was struck by the words I was singing. I know practically every word by heart and have even sang this song in church, so the lyrics are nothing new to me. Still, I was struck by the cry of the heart to have Jesus truly take over.
You and I often go through life like that crazy driver, not knowing that we are terribly out of control and in need of guidance. We think we have our lives under control. But we aren't the one's who are supposed to be in control. Jesus is supposed to be behind the wheel. We are foolish and misguided if we believe we are the best masters of our fate and the most qualified to be driving the car that is going to get us there.
You and I are terrible drivers of our lives. We gossip, criticize, hurt people's feeling, lie and make a host of other sins. Our hearts our prone to wonder and our actions are prone to evil. And we think we should be running our own show?
We have a Savior in Heaven who is free of all our faults. He doesn't sin. He doesn't hurt people or forget things or make mistakes. Period, end of story. He is perfection. And guess what... HE wants to run our lives! Isn't that an awesome proposition? The perfect Savior, who loves without conditions and has never committed a single sin wants to be the driver of our car. This is an unbelievable offer. All he asks is that we hand over the keys. How can we expect the perfection he can deliver if we are still grasping the steering wheel? He wants us to get in the back; release control of the wheel, the pedals, the locks and settings. He wants us to sit back and enjoy the ride without having to grip the safety bar or close our eyes our of fear for the next bend. He wants us to relax in the safety only he can provide.
You may be a great driver, with a clean history record and not a single accident in your past, but if you are still behind the wheel of your own life then you are missing a great ride. Jesus has offered to take the wheel and steer. He has promised you an incredible journey if only you will step aside. Release the grip you have on your own life, admit to your sinful ways and flawed nature. Let him get in the drivers seat. He will get you to your destination safely and along the winding road will be an incredible journey you won't want to miss!
I know a few of these terrible drivers who are completely ignorant of the danger they pose to themselves and every other person on the road. I won't name names. That would be gossipy. But I know the feeling of riding shotgun next to them and it isn't a peaceful experience. It is stressful and anxiety producing. If you try to comment on maybe taking the next bend a bit slower or looking up from the map to pay attention to the road, this kind of driver blows off your suggestion as pure silliness. They know what they're doing! They have been driving for years, longer then you've been alive. Sound familiar? On one hand you want them to learn the error of their ways and become a more prudent driver; but on the other hand you don't want any harm to come on them, so you just silently pray that no small children are playing anywhere near the street.
Today I was driving along listening to the radio when the song "Jesus Take the Wheel" came on the station. I love this song and preceded to belt it out with Carrie Underwood. It was our own private duet and I must say I wasn't sounding too shabby! While I was emoting with each stanza I was struck by the words I was singing. I know practically every word by heart and have even sang this song in church, so the lyrics are nothing new to me. Still, I was struck by the cry of the heart to have Jesus truly take over.
You and I often go through life like that crazy driver, not knowing that we are terribly out of control and in need of guidance. We think we have our lives under control. But we aren't the one's who are supposed to be in control. Jesus is supposed to be behind the wheel. We are foolish and misguided if we believe we are the best masters of our fate and the most qualified to be driving the car that is going to get us there.
You and I are terrible drivers of our lives. We gossip, criticize, hurt people's feeling, lie and make a host of other sins. Our hearts our prone to wonder and our actions are prone to evil. And we think we should be running our own show?
We have a Savior in Heaven who is free of all our faults. He doesn't sin. He doesn't hurt people or forget things or make mistakes. Period, end of story. He is perfection. And guess what... HE wants to run our lives! Isn't that an awesome proposition? The perfect Savior, who loves without conditions and has never committed a single sin wants to be the driver of our car. This is an unbelievable offer. All he asks is that we hand over the keys. How can we expect the perfection he can deliver if we are still grasping the steering wheel? He wants us to get in the back; release control of the wheel, the pedals, the locks and settings. He wants us to sit back and enjoy the ride without having to grip the safety bar or close our eyes our of fear for the next bend. He wants us to relax in the safety only he can provide.
You may be a great driver, with a clean history record and not a single accident in your past, but if you are still behind the wheel of your own life then you are missing a great ride. Jesus has offered to take the wheel and steer. He has promised you an incredible journey if only you will step aside. Release the grip you have on your own life, admit to your sinful ways and flawed nature. Let him get in the drivers seat. He will get you to your destination safely and along the winding road will be an incredible journey you won't want to miss!
Sunday, June 9, 2013
A deer encounter
Tonight I encountered a deer. No big deal you say? Read on.
I was walking Pippy along the Chagrin River for our nightly stroll through the village. Vendors were embarking on the cumbersome task of breaking down tents and displays that had taken up residency in the park next to the river for the past two days to celebrate Art By the Falls, an annual craft fair that draws massive crowds and rows upon rows of vendors. Tonight the event came to a close and all that was left were workers and their unsold goods, vans parked in the muddy used-to-be grass and the lingering scents of Carmel Corn and Funnel Cakes. It doesn't sound all that appealing when laid out in words, but there is something sweetly evocative about the closing moments of a summer fair.
During the excitement of the actual event, the work and labor that took place to get there, and the impending labor to get it all back home, are far from the minds of visitors. All they see are beautiful pieces of art work, jewelry crafted by talented hands and breathtaking photography. The air is filled with laughter and crowds meeting friends and enjoying the company of family. At the end of it all, as the crowds fade away, a calm and stillness settles over those that are left behind. It comes on quietly. It comes rolling in like a thick fog.
It is in this setting that my amazing encounter took place. Pippy and I had finished the walk through the park and started to climb the brick stairs that lead to the Chagrin Falls Public Library on Orange Street. As we reached the top of the stairs I looked straight across the street to the big, beautiful white church and there she was: a gorgeous deer standing in front of the church, practically on the sidewalk, and slowly moving in my direction. My walk came to an abrupt stop and so did hers. For a moment it was as if time stood still. We both just gazed at each other. I wonder what was crossing her mind. She didn't bolt and she didn't appear to be startled. For all the commotion that had only just ended, with the vendor's trucks and out of town visitors making their way through town, in those moments, not a car or person came by.
In those moments a distinct and clear thought came to the front of my mind like a message in a bottle on the shores of a great ocean. That deer was placed there for me. She was sent to tell me something: you are okay alone. I have never before seen a deer in Chagrin Falls, and certainly not on the side of one of the busiest streets in town, on one of the busiest weekends in town. When I saw her I immediately looked around her to see if she was traveling with a group or at least a friend. But she was all alone, sort of like me - although not even I was as alone as she was because I had Pippy. In those brief moments it seemed as if the whole world stopped turning so God could send me a message through his creation....
....."Don't worry when the world leaves you, when you feel like an island. You are not alone. I am here. I am always with you. You are just like the deer. She doesn't need the company of others like her to be content and complete. She is beautiful and majestic and yet, all alone. Don't you believe I care for you in the same way? ".....
It must have been 20 or 30 seconds before she began to walk again. She started towards the street, crossing on an angle to go up the hill on my side of the street. As she began to move I saw out of the corner of my eye a bright blue Prius heading up the hill at a quick clip. My eyes darted to the car and then back to the deer. My heart sank in my chest as an impending disaster seemed inevitable. The two would meet the same place in the road at the same moment unless divine intervention stepped in. The deer continued on her path and the car continued barreling towards her, apparently oblivious to the dangers that lay ahead.
I wanted to close my eyes but it all happened so fast. The car came speeding toward the deer and a split second before the two collided the car slammed on its brakes, as the deer narrowly escaped being struck head on. The deer's pace quickened and she made it across the road, darted down a small hill and away into a forest of trees. My eyes must have been bugging out of my head and my jaw must have been on the ground - or at least that is how it felt.
My deer! Me! That deer was a picture of me and she was almost killed (or badly hurt) in front of my very eyes.
Oh, how God knows how to teach his children. He told me he would take care of me, just like he takes care of the deer. That deer came so close to the edge of existence, so close to a fate that could have ended it all in the matter of seconds, yet God delivered her from evil and death. I wanted her to get across safely, with no threat of cars and no near death experience, but God had a different plan in store. The journey ended up being an eventful one, but he still protected her. It was a close call, but God got her across the street in the end without even a scratch.
...."Don't you believe I care for you in the same way?", he asked.
Yes. Yes, God cares for me even when I am alone, even when I endure hardship and even when it feels like danger and peril surround me. He is there. He is faithful. And he will get me to the other side.
All he asks of me is that I trust him.
I was walking Pippy along the Chagrin River for our nightly stroll through the village. Vendors were embarking on the cumbersome task of breaking down tents and displays that had taken up residency in the park next to the river for the past two days to celebrate Art By the Falls, an annual craft fair that draws massive crowds and rows upon rows of vendors. Tonight the event came to a close and all that was left were workers and their unsold goods, vans parked in the muddy used-to-be grass and the lingering scents of Carmel Corn and Funnel Cakes. It doesn't sound all that appealing when laid out in words, but there is something sweetly evocative about the closing moments of a summer fair.
During the excitement of the actual event, the work and labor that took place to get there, and the impending labor to get it all back home, are far from the minds of visitors. All they see are beautiful pieces of art work, jewelry crafted by talented hands and breathtaking photography. The air is filled with laughter and crowds meeting friends and enjoying the company of family. At the end of it all, as the crowds fade away, a calm and stillness settles over those that are left behind. It comes on quietly. It comes rolling in like a thick fog.
It is in this setting that my amazing encounter took place. Pippy and I had finished the walk through the park and started to climb the brick stairs that lead to the Chagrin Falls Public Library on Orange Street. As we reached the top of the stairs I looked straight across the street to the big, beautiful white church and there she was: a gorgeous deer standing in front of the church, practically on the sidewalk, and slowly moving in my direction. My walk came to an abrupt stop and so did hers. For a moment it was as if time stood still. We both just gazed at each other. I wonder what was crossing her mind. She didn't bolt and she didn't appear to be startled. For all the commotion that had only just ended, with the vendor's trucks and out of town visitors making their way through town, in those moments, not a car or person came by.
In those moments a distinct and clear thought came to the front of my mind like a message in a bottle on the shores of a great ocean. That deer was placed there for me. She was sent to tell me something: you are okay alone. I have never before seen a deer in Chagrin Falls, and certainly not on the side of one of the busiest streets in town, on one of the busiest weekends in town. When I saw her I immediately looked around her to see if she was traveling with a group or at least a friend. But she was all alone, sort of like me - although not even I was as alone as she was because I had Pippy. In those brief moments it seemed as if the whole world stopped turning so God could send me a message through his creation....
....."Don't worry when the world leaves you, when you feel like an island. You are not alone. I am here. I am always with you. You are just like the deer. She doesn't need the company of others like her to be content and complete. She is beautiful and majestic and yet, all alone. Don't you believe I care for you in the same way? ".....
It must have been 20 or 30 seconds before she began to walk again. She started towards the street, crossing on an angle to go up the hill on my side of the street. As she began to move I saw out of the corner of my eye a bright blue Prius heading up the hill at a quick clip. My eyes darted to the car and then back to the deer. My heart sank in my chest as an impending disaster seemed inevitable. The two would meet the same place in the road at the same moment unless divine intervention stepped in. The deer continued on her path and the car continued barreling towards her, apparently oblivious to the dangers that lay ahead.
I wanted to close my eyes but it all happened so fast. The car came speeding toward the deer and a split second before the two collided the car slammed on its brakes, as the deer narrowly escaped being struck head on. The deer's pace quickened and she made it across the road, darted down a small hill and away into a forest of trees. My eyes must have been bugging out of my head and my jaw must have been on the ground - or at least that is how it felt.
My deer! Me! That deer was a picture of me and she was almost killed (or badly hurt) in front of my very eyes.
Oh, how God knows how to teach his children. He told me he would take care of me, just like he takes care of the deer. That deer came so close to the edge of existence, so close to a fate that could have ended it all in the matter of seconds, yet God delivered her from evil and death. I wanted her to get across safely, with no threat of cars and no near death experience, but God had a different plan in store. The journey ended up being an eventful one, but he still protected her. It was a close call, but God got her across the street in the end without even a scratch.
...."Don't you believe I care for you in the same way?", he asked.
Yes. Yes, God cares for me even when I am alone, even when I endure hardship and even when it feels like danger and peril surround me. He is there. He is faithful. And he will get me to the other side.
All he asks of me is that I trust him.
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