Have you seen the Light?

Have you seen the beautiful Light House at 541 Sigman Road?

I know a old lady, who….

Genteel, charming and impeccably dressed, my dear friend is turning 100 years old today.  The world might call her an old lady, but that term would truly be an insult.   Miss Lillie is graceful, gracious and incredibly humorous.  She’s touched so many lives.  It will be such a treat to honor her.

I remember when anyone older than 20 seemed ancient.  Then, 30 seemed to be middle aged.  Now that I’m creeping up on the big 5-0 this year, I’m still not convinced that I’m even half way through what God has in store. Hanging out with Miss Lillie confirms this feeling.

I wonder if Miss Lillie will feel as though time has flown by.  One hundred years has certainly been filled with many people, many challenges, and a whole lot of change.

Sometimes, when I feel as though things are taking too long to work out, I forget that God’s sense of timing is much different than mine.  Miss Lillie’s presence in my life reminds me, once more, that God is still in control.

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” (2 Peter 3:8-8 NIV)

Laughing Out Loud

I have been too serious lately.  I didn’t even notice it until someone told a funny joke.  My face felt funny as I laughed. Really, my smile felt foreign. 

I had been walking around, going through my routines, without even cracking a smile.  I probably looked like Eyeore from Winne the Pooh.  I can just replay the scene in my mind.  “Oh well, “  I would moan.  “I guess I should be thankful that my house isn’t flooded.  Sure did seem like a lot of water, though.”

 So, I stepped over to the mirror and looked.  Yikes!  I wonder if I even smiled today.   It wasn’t as if things were all that bad. It was just that I had become busy, crossing tasks off my “to do” list.  I hadn’t even taken time to enjoy my kindergartners’ giggles or the brilliant afternoon sunshine.

Goodness gracious.  How in the world can I communicate my love for Jesus if I go around complaining?  How can I feel God’s presence when I focus more on my  “to-do” list and forget who I’m created “to be?”

I’m going to go check out one of those Junie B. Jones books from the library.  This afternoon, I’m going to take some time out to laugh.  Who knows? Maybe, I’ll even laugh out loud.

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:16 NIV)

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

You never know who you’re going to meet.  I have been working as the religion editor for The Rockdale News for about 4 months now.  I never knew how many people are really trying to learn about and serve God.  So many people’s lives have been touched.  I’m going to add a page to this site so that you can learn more about them.  Check out the links’ section.

Stuck in Neutral

I never really learned to drive a stick shift. Well, my big brother tried to teach me once, but that was pretty much a disaster. I don’t remember any luxurious interior in Dan’s tangerine colored Ford Fiesta, but my stomach tightens and my mouth gets a little dry when I reminisce. Dan had shown me what each pedal did, how the clutch worked and how to change gears. We had practiced by isolating the two: I took care of the clutch while he shifted. Then we got out of the car and reversed roles. Now came the real test. Could I do all of it by myself? Confused, but too proud to admit the truth, I nodded.

Sure, I was ready to venture down our hill. Ease up on the brake. This thing is in neutral. No problem, all that I have to do is move that stick and mash those pedals.

Not quite a NASA launch, I pressed one thing and pushed something else. A wretched sound generously broadcast its way through the neighborhood. Vibrations climbed from the floorboard. I’m sure that a crowd gathered. Our car hadn’t even moved. Calm quickly flew into panic. As soon as Dan could take over the controls, I hopped out, never to try again. To this day, he still jokes about how I almost ruined his transmission trying to shift out of neutral. My only defense is that I told him that I don’t understand anything about gears and gadgets. I’m still trying to figure out how to operate my ten speed bike.

It made me wonder. How many times do I get stuck in my life? How many times have I tried to make something work my way? When it didn’t go well, how often did I quit? I’m sure that I have missed many opportunities.

Maybe before I jump on the next journey and claim that I’m following God’s will, I need to be still and listen. I’m sure that if I did, I’d be able to steer.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (Joh 10:27 NIV, NAB)

On a Mission from God

Did you ever watch “The Blues Brothers” movie? In the musical comedy from the ‘80s, Jake and Elwood Blues emphatically state the motives for their crazy escapades, “We’re on a mission from God.”

Recently, I’ve been blessed to meet several people who are heading out on missionary trips. Their destinations are New Orleans, Haiti, and Kenya. I wonder if I ever could do anything so significant for God. I don’t have their talents, skills or physical stamina. What could I do?

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10 NAB, NIV)

I don’t have to pack any tools, medical supplies or building materials for a trip overseas. If I make myself available to serve, God will use me right here.

Dear God, thank you for your infinite wisdom. Please keep prompting me to give.

Well done

There was no air conditioning in the gym that night.  The school sponsored polyester white graduation cap and gown felt like a poorly fitted Halloween costume with its own built in sauna.  My chair was squeaky, my shoes were tight and it took forever to hear my name. 

But none of that mattered as I walked across the stage to accept my diploma.  Out of the corner of my eye, I could see my parents’ smiles.  When the ceremony was over, I couldn’t wait to see them.  Mom and Dad wrapped me in hugs. “Great job, we’re so proud of you….this is such a big day,” they gushed.

 In one of Jesus’ parables, four servants were given talents, but only one servant pleased his master.

“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”  (Matt 24:21 NIV, NAB)

Someday, I will hear my name called again. As I stand before God, my creator, what will he say to me?

Dear God,

You are so holy.  Sometimes, it seems impossible to serve you without failing.  Thank you for sending your precious son, Jesus Christ.  Please keep teaching me how to walk closely with you.

The Cape’s in the Toy Box

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a superhero. I’d have a huge cape, a sidekick and a cool nickname. Well, I also wanted to be a milkman and a park ranger.

Although more than a couple of years have passed since those carefree days, I still kick into superhero overdrive when a friend is swamped in tragedy.

I rush in to see what I can fix. If I can find the right person with the miracle, I’m just sure that the pain will disappear. Everything will be back to normal. On top of that, when I’m really on a roll, I’ll even say something foolish. I’ll fill the silence with what I think that my friend needs to hear.

One thing is for certain. None of my pat answers will ever allow me to hear the heart of someone who is hurting. Sometimes, all someone wants is our presence.   It’s hard to fight a battle alone. Once you realize that there’s a whole army supporting you, hope is renewed.

Last night, thousands of cancer survivors and supporters circled the track at our own horse park. Arm in arm, they marched on through the night. And, as some of them bumped into acquaintances that were new to the cancer battle, they listened. No capes were needed. Life events like these call for a different dress code.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Col 3: 12 NAB, NIV)

It’s time for me to put my cape back in the toy box. Instead, I need to use my heart to listen.

Happy Easter!

Today is such an incredible reminder that God is bigger than all of my problems, sorrows and projects.  He sees my heart and leads me each day.  I am blessed with an incredible family, wonderful friends and infinite opportunities to grow more in love with Jesus everyday.  This season has brought another writing opportunity to me. I’m now covering the religion section of a newly released newspaper, The Rockdale News.  God continues to amaze me.