Last night I watched my daughter, and about 30 other middle school children, walk onstage and sit in a chair at her school's National Jr. Honor Society Induction Ceremony. The assistant principal and the counselor spoke words of all these kids have achieved. Of their good choices. Their extra activities. Their dedication to learning. A guest speaker, who is also a friend from church, spoke of the opportunities they will have in high school...the chances they will have to learn and grow and find their way in the world.
I watched my beautiful daughter sign the registry and receive her pin and certificate. I heard the pledge they all made. My mama heart swelled with pride and love. I have so many hopes for her, my third child. For all three of my children, who make me so proud.
And I thank God each and every day for giving me the gift of them. They are each a unique creation. They have been such a joy to watch grow and learn...and yes, sometimes frustrating too...but always a joy. God has allowed me to hold them, guide them, love them. My oldest is at college - in his third year - with plans to be a music teacher. He is an excellent musician, a wonderful young man, smart and funny. My middle boy is a senior this year...soon to graduate and strike out on his own. Oh, how I don't want to let him go! And yet, I know I must. He is so funny, smart, so big-hearted. And also musically talented. He has dreams and hopes. I love to see his ever-present smile and hear him laugh. My daughter, she is a super-quick wit. She makes me laugh so hard! I love the way her brain works, and the way she cares for others, and the way she also loves music. I love watching her make goofy faces.
God has blessed me. And I am so grateful.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Thankful Thursday
A life full of grace is a life full of thankfulness....
I am thankful for....
...my children who light up my days
...my church family and coworkers at RLC
...the warmth of friendship
...the grace of God that gives me strength
...music
...a place to call home
...the words of a friend
...laughter that lightens a mood
...the quiet, still darkness of early morning before the day really gets started.
And this verse to ponder today:
I am thankful for....
...my children who light up my days
...my church family and coworkers at RLC
...the warmth of friendship
...the grace of God that gives me strength
...music
...a place to call home
...the words of a friend
...laughter that lightens a mood
...the quiet, still darkness of early morning before the day really gets started.
And this verse to ponder today:
Mark 10:45 (NIV)
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Wishing you a blessed day, with much for which to be thankful, and moments to serve others as God would wish......
Wishing you a blessed day, with much for which to be thankful, and moments to serve others as God would wish......
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Beauty from Ruins?
I recently finished reading a book by Ruth Graham, In Every Pew Sits A Broken Heart: Hope for the Hurting. Ruth Graham, daughter of Ruth and Billy Graham, tells her personal story of mistakes, failures and ruins. She tells of her journey of faith, trust, and hope in God. She starts by pointing out that there may be many people around us who are hurting and we don't even know it...they have covered their pain, covered their problems, in an attempt to create a "picture perfect" illusion of their lives.
How many of us have hidden hurts? How many of us hold these inside, slowly dying, when others around us would be willing to reach out and help, if we only let them? How many of us look at the mistakes we've made and think there is no possible way anything good could ever come out of the ruins of our lives? I think of my life right now...my marriage is a ruin, my relationship with my mother is in ruins, and sometimes I feel so very alone. I have confided in certain friends, so my hurts aren't necessarily totally hidden....but perhaps the depths of them are. Allowing others into our hurts, allowing godly counsel from them...this could very well make a difference in how we deal with our problems.
How about allowing God to take those ruins and make something beautiful of them? Sure, it may take time. But haven't you ever noticed that when you look back on something bad...it doesn't always seem so bad, that you have learned something profound from that moment in your life? God can use all our mistakes, our bad choices, the things we do that hurt ourselves or others....and turn them into something worthwhile. Perhaps those experiences will help make us a better person...more caring, more loving, more positive. Perhaps our experiences can later help someone else who is struggling in the same way. Perhaps we can share what we learned to help them make better thought out decisions...or at least to stand by their side with love and support as they go through their own ruins.
Perhaps out of the ashes of our mistakes, our choices, our pain; something beautiful can grow....
How many of us have hidden hurts? How many of us hold these inside, slowly dying, when others around us would be willing to reach out and help, if we only let them? How many of us look at the mistakes we've made and think there is no possible way anything good could ever come out of the ruins of our lives? I think of my life right now...my marriage is a ruin, my relationship with my mother is in ruins, and sometimes I feel so very alone. I have confided in certain friends, so my hurts aren't necessarily totally hidden....but perhaps the depths of them are. Allowing others into our hurts, allowing godly counsel from them...this could very well make a difference in how we deal with our problems.
How about allowing God to take those ruins and make something beautiful of them? Sure, it may take time. But haven't you ever noticed that when you look back on something bad...it doesn't always seem so bad, that you have learned something profound from that moment in your life? God can use all our mistakes, our bad choices, the things we do that hurt ourselves or others....and turn them into something worthwhile. Perhaps those experiences will help make us a better person...more caring, more loving, more positive. Perhaps our experiences can later help someone else who is struggling in the same way. Perhaps we can share what we learned to help them make better thought out decisions...or at least to stand by their side with love and support as they go through their own ruins.
Perhaps out of the ashes of our mistakes, our choices, our pain; something beautiful can grow....
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
My times are in Your hands
It's November 1. The first day of a new month. The first day of the 11th month in my year of trust. I don't understand how the time has gone so quickly. It amazes me, really. I have learned so much in this year, and yet at times I think I haven't learned enough. Thank goodness that time continues, that even after December 31, 2011, I can continue on in my journey with the Lord...learning new facets of the word trust, learning new ways to open my life to what God has in store for me.
The last couple of days I have been drawn to Psalm 31...the pages of my Bible seem to open there of their own accord. David is distressed as he writes this Psalm...sorrowful, sighing. In verse 12 he says, "I have become like a broken vessel." Oh, how I know that feeling in this past year. I have felt cracked, shattered, broken, and scattered. I wonder if, like Humpty Dumpty, I can be put back together again in any semblance of wholeness. I wonder if I have lost the ability to see truth, to love, to hold onto joy. I wonder if God sees me or if He is too busy with the problems and plights of others to bother with me. I can so relate to David's words in this Psalm as he questions his own life and existence, "I have been forgotten like one who is dead."
But like David, I eventually also see the hand that reaches out to me. The one that created all things. The one that holds me close and helps me. "For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you." Isaiah 41:13 Ah, He holds my hand. My heavenly Father helps me to cross that busy street of life safely. He gives me the assurance that in Him, I do not need to fear or worry because He IS there. Thank God!! Literally!
David says in verses 14-15... But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hand. Yes, David! Remember who HE is! I trust in YOU, O Lord. Yes. There's that word. Trust. My times are in His hands. Like David, it is time to turn from the whining, the sorrow, the sighing. It is time to remember God, our BIG God, is in control. Not only does He hold my hand and help me, but my times are in His hands. My times. The things that happen. My days. My situations. My times are in your hands, God. The good times, the bad times, the mis-timed times. When I lose patience and think that time is running out, or hasn't come yet, or is all wrong for something...thankfully He has patience. He knows the proper timing of everything...the big picture, the rest of the story.
And so my job is to trust Him. He is my God. He helps me. My times are in His hands. Trust HIM. He alone can make me whole. He alone can fulfill all things in me and create joy. He alone can give me strength to cope. And patience to wait for the right time. I can trust Him to provide all I need.
And I am thankful.
11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.
The last couple of days I have been drawn to Psalm 31...the pages of my Bible seem to open there of their own accord. David is distressed as he writes this Psalm...sorrowful, sighing. In verse 12 he says, "I have become like a broken vessel." Oh, how I know that feeling in this past year. I have felt cracked, shattered, broken, and scattered. I wonder if, like Humpty Dumpty, I can be put back together again in any semblance of wholeness. I wonder if I have lost the ability to see truth, to love, to hold onto joy. I wonder if God sees me or if He is too busy with the problems and plights of others to bother with me. I can so relate to David's words in this Psalm as he questions his own life and existence, "I have been forgotten like one who is dead."
But like David, I eventually also see the hand that reaches out to me. The one that created all things. The one that holds me close and helps me. "For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you." Isaiah 41:13 Ah, He holds my hand. My heavenly Father helps me to cross that busy street of life safely. He gives me the assurance that in Him, I do not need to fear or worry because He IS there. Thank God!! Literally!
David says in verses 14-15... But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hand. Yes, David! Remember who HE is! I trust in YOU, O Lord. Yes. There's that word. Trust. My times are in His hands. Like David, it is time to turn from the whining, the sorrow, the sighing. It is time to remember God, our BIG God, is in control. Not only does He hold my hand and help me, but my times are in His hands. My times. The things that happen. My days. My situations. My times are in your hands, God. The good times, the bad times, the mis-timed times. When I lose patience and think that time is running out, or hasn't come yet, or is all wrong for something...thankfully He has patience. He knows the proper timing of everything...the big picture, the rest of the story.
And so my job is to trust Him. He is my God. He helps me. My times are in His hands. Trust HIM. He alone can make me whole. He alone can fulfill all things in me and create joy. He alone can give me strength to cope. And patience to wait for the right time. I can trust Him to provide all I need.
And I am thankful.
Ecclesiastes 3:11-12 (NIV)
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Philippians 1:3 for the Class of '86
I thank my God every time I remember you.
Twice now this year I have had the pleasure of meeting up with old friends from high school. We celebrated our 25 year reunion this summer in August and again just last weekend for the homecoming festivities in our old home town. I have to say it was wonderful to meet up with all my old classmates. To talk, to laugh, to play, to dance, to take pictures, to relive memories and make new ones.
And truly, I thank God for everyone in the 1986 class from Oak Harbor High School. The get togethers this year show just how lasting relationships can be. Even when you haven't spoken to someone for 25 years. I did not keep in touch with anyone most of those years. And how I regret that now.
God puts so many people in our lives. And I just want to say...cherish them. Love them. Stay in touch with them. So much can be lost when we don't. Our class has realized how much we enjoy seeing each other and wants to make our get togethers happen more often...I think that's great! I think that it can only enrich our lives. And I'm excited to see everyone again. And again....
So, OHHS, class of '86...I do thank my God every time I remember you, my friends!
Twice now this year I have had the pleasure of meeting up with old friends from high school. We celebrated our 25 year reunion this summer in August and again just last weekend for the homecoming festivities in our old home town. I have to say it was wonderful to meet up with all my old classmates. To talk, to laugh, to play, to dance, to take pictures, to relive memories and make new ones.
And truly, I thank God for everyone in the 1986 class from Oak Harbor High School. The get togethers this year show just how lasting relationships can be. Even when you haven't spoken to someone for 25 years. I did not keep in touch with anyone most of those years. And how I regret that now.
God puts so many people in our lives. And I just want to say...cherish them. Love them. Stay in touch with them. So much can be lost when we don't. Our class has realized how much we enjoy seeing each other and wants to make our get togethers happen more often...I think that's great! I think that it can only enrich our lives. And I'm excited to see everyone again. And again....
So, OHHS, class of '86...I do thank my God every time I remember you, my friends!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Who Am I?
Who am I? I make mistakes of all sizes. I hurt people. I say the wrong things. Who am I that the Lord of all the earth would care to know my name......I think about my life...where I am, where I've been, where I'm going. And I'm so grateful that our God is a God of second chances, of undying love, of forgiveness and hope. I am so grateful that He does care to know my name, that He does feel my hurt...that if I say to Him "Lord, change me to be the person you want me to be. Change me...." I can trust Him to do just that. So Lord, I lift up my hands to you today...with all that I am...and I say "Change me. Make me the woman you want me to be. Open my eyes, my heart, my hands..."
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Hope and a future
Jeremiah 29:11
11" For I know the plans
I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Can I just say "thank you, God"?? It's such a relief to know that He knows what's going on in my life! I wonder most days..."Really, God? Where am I going on this ride called my life? What am I supposed to be doing?" I have no idea sometimes why things happen the way they do, why I'm supposed to struggle, why I have to watch my kids struggle, why things have to fall apart, why did this good thing happen at this point, why did this bad thing happen at this point, why, why, why....but God does. He knows the whole path, the whole story, the big picture.
It's easy to look back some days and see how certain events have linked together to create the NOW I am experiencing. It's amazing to find that God's hand has been in the midst of it all...even the days when it felt like I was all alone in my mess. But when I look at my blessings, both big and very, very small, I see that they have all worked together in my mess to bring me to my current position with the strength to carry on. Certain people have come in to my life, or come back in to my life, or gone out of my life...all with purpose. Different events have opened doors or closed doors so that I have had opportunities for growth. I'm sure you can say the same.
During the times when I feel like I am so overwhelmed that I am drowning in the sea of life...I think about the verse above. And remind myself that God is in control. That He has plans. That if I spend some time with Him, watch and listen and wait...I will know the direction He wants me to go, the decisions he wants me to make. He has plans. And even though I really want to KNOW what those plans are most of the time, I am glad I don't know it all. But I am sure that whatever happens, if I trust Him, it will be to His glory...and I have hope for my future.
Can I just say "thank you, God"?? It's such a relief to know that He knows what's going on in my life! I wonder most days..."Really, God? Where am I going on this ride called my life? What am I supposed to be doing?" I have no idea sometimes why things happen the way they do, why I'm supposed to struggle, why I have to watch my kids struggle, why things have to fall apart, why did this good thing happen at this point, why did this bad thing happen at this point, why, why, why....but God does. He knows the whole path, the whole story, the big picture.
It's easy to look back some days and see how certain events have linked together to create the NOW I am experiencing. It's amazing to find that God's hand has been in the midst of it all...even the days when it felt like I was all alone in my mess. But when I look at my blessings, both big and very, very small, I see that they have all worked together in my mess to bring me to my current position with the strength to carry on. Certain people have come in to my life, or come back in to my life, or gone out of my life...all with purpose. Different events have opened doors or closed doors so that I have had opportunities for growth. I'm sure you can say the same.
During the times when I feel like I am so overwhelmed that I am drowning in the sea of life...I think about the verse above. And remind myself that God is in control. That He has plans. That if I spend some time with Him, watch and listen and wait...I will know the direction He wants me to go, the decisions he wants me to make. He has plans. And even though I really want to KNOW what those plans are most of the time, I am glad I don't know it all. But I am sure that whatever happens, if I trust Him, it will be to His glory...and I have hope for my future.
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