How do two weeks go by without my writing?!
This week was Thanksgiving in America. We had a lovely day with my mom, stepdad, and brother. We ate, played games, talked, and laughed. Truly, it was something for which to be thankful.
The Bible gives a simple directive: give thanks in all things. Now, I believe if God says we should do that, then it is truly possible to do that, and indeed, we should do that. However, I think we have a hard time with that directive because of a warped idea of God's character. Often I have heard people give indication that they believe the sentence says, "Give thanks FOR all things," and that is not what we are being asked to do. Why the extreme difference in meaning? As I said, I believe it has to do with God's character and the misinformation we believe because we simply do not know Him as we should.
For instance, Jesus was known for giving thanks. He thanked the Father for bread, for the believers, for the believers to come, for the Father's protection over them, for the Father's gifts of good things to Him and others. He thanked the Father for His goodness and provision. He recognized the Father's character as being that of a loving, kind, and generous Father. When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, Jesus said:
Our Father who art in Heaven, holy be your name.
Your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil,
For yours is the power and the glory and the honor forever. Amen.
Look at what Jesus tells us about the Father's character.
1. The Father is holy.
2. The kingdom of God is accessible, and the Father wants us to access Him. He wants to be active on earth just as He is in Heaven.
3. He provides our daily bread.
4. He forgives us and expects us to share the bounty.
5. He delivers us from evil rather than making it so we sin and fall.
6. He is powerful, and His power makes all of the good things in our lives possible.
7. All glory belongs to the Father.
8. He is to be honored.
This is what Jesus says about the Father. Jesus says something two other things about the Father at different places. Jesus says He can only do what He sees the Father do, and He can only say what He hears the Father say. Do you get that? Jesus' purpose on this earth is to emulate the Father, to represent Him perfectly, so we can assume that Jesus' character will be an exact replica of the Father's character. And everyone I know will profess that Jesus is good. He did good things. He helped people. He fed people. He loved people. He was kind. He was generous. He made time for people. He had close friends that He took into His confidence. He treated women with kindness, respect, and value. He met people's needs. Yes, I am aware that I am stating what appears to be the obvious, but if it is so obvious then why do we miss it when it comes to the Father? How, if Jesus is the replica of the Father on earth, can we call Jesus good and yet accuse the Father of questionable character, which leads us to believe we should be thankful for all things?
A concrete example: I knew a lady who loved God deeply. Truly, her heart was devoted to Him. One night a horrible thing happened, and she was raped. As we talked, she told me that she did not feel it appropriate to file charges against the man who raped her, although she knew him. She felt it was wrong to put someone in prison for doing God's will. Obviously God had determined that she needed to be raped in order to humble her for her pride in the fact that she had been a virgin when she was married and her husband was the only man she had known sexually.
I did not know whether to cry, faint, or vomit. My heart was crushed for this poor woman who believed that her Father, a Father who gave His Son for her, would decide she needed to be the victim of a violent crime for any reason. I can only imagine how much it hurt the Father to know that any of His children remotely imagined He could do anything so vindictive and cruel to them.
Yes, Jesus corrected people. Yes, He drove peopel from the Temple because they were making a farce of the Father's holy place. But when was Jesus cruel? When did Jesus torment people in order to reach their hearts? When did Jesus do harm as an act of love? If Jesus is the perfect example of the Father, why would we believe the Father was capable of such acts when we would never expect such thoughts to even enter Jesus' mind? How can someone suggest that the Father is pro-rape when Jesus honored the prostitute who washed His feet with her tears?
The Bible tells us the enemy goes around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. He seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. He is the father of lies. In contrast, we are told the Father so loved the world that He gave His only Son so whoever believes in Him would not die but have everlasting life. The enemy takes, destroys, and rejects. The Father loves, gives, and accepts. The distinction is clear, and yet, we get them confused. How can such obvious opposites be confusing?
I think it is so unfathomable that the Father could love us to greatly when we are so undeserving that it is easier for our minds to believe the enemy's lies about our being unforgivable and God being unforgiving. You know that is what defines unforgivable, right? A person is only unforgivable when someone else determines to be unforgiving. The Father's love and forgiveness defies our logic. It is unbelievable. In fact, for God to determine to love and forgive us no matter what might be the most miraculous act He has ever performed, and sometimes, it is hard to believe in miracles, especially when you know you don't deserve them.
I have good news, though. Jesus never asked anyone to give Him their credentials to prove they deserved anything. He simply said, "Come unto me all you weak and heavy laiden, and I will give." The requirements to receive are so simple:
1. Come
2. Be in need
3. Receive
If those are all the requirements Jesus set forth, those are all the Father sets forth as well. If you are in need, come, and the Father will love, give, and accept. And when you feel like you don't deserve it, you're right, but this isn't about what you deserve. It's about God's character, and despite what your humanity or the enemy tells you, God's heart is to give love and forgiveness always. It's just the kind of character He is.
When we accept that and embrace it as truth regardless of circumstance, we can give thanks in all things, and we also realize we don't have to give thanks FOR all things. When Jesus in the garden, we do not find Him praying, "Father, thank you for using me to save this world. Thank you for the suffering I am about to endure. Thank you for finding me mature enough to handle it. Thank you for entrusting such a burden to me because it is an honor, and I know it." Jesus never said any such thing. Jesus said, "If it is possible, let this cup pass from me, but if it isn't possible, I will still fulfill my purpose." Jesus wasn't thanking the Father for the rough stuff. The Father didn't put Jesus on the cross to build character or because Jesus had thought too highly of Himself. The Father put Jesus on the cross because sin was in the world and it had to be defeated. The Father used the nature of the enemy, which is to kill, to defeat the enemy through the death of Jesus. The Father used the enemy's nature to kill in order to bring life to mankind. The nature of the Father is to redeem, to use a situation for the purpose of giving life instead of death. The Father never purposed for my friend to be raped, but He can use the enemy's purpose to destroy to heal others who need hope that they can be restored.
We have friends who lost a baby only a few days after he was born. The enemy killed that baby, not the Father. However, the Father has used the murderous nature of the enemy to offer hope to other grieving parents when our friends tell them how the Lord has brought life back after such a tragic loss.
The reality is sin is in the world. The enemy's nature can be seen all around us. Unfortunately, it can be seen in us. That is not the will of the Father, and we are never told to thank the Father FOR the actions of the enemy. We are told to thank the Father even when the nature of the enemy is revealed and manifested. We thank the Father for HIS character. We thank Him for ways HIS character is manifested.
And when is that? When He prompts someone to send us a note telling us they are thinking about us. When He moves us to go to the store that has groceries on sale when money is short. When life hurts but we are able to find hope in the truth that He heals. When we are in need-emotional, spiritual, physical, or financial-and He provides the answer or even a reprieve.
The Bible tells us that all good things come from the Father. Sometimes He sends them through others. Sometimes He just drops them on us Himself. For all those things, we should be thankful.
We live in a world where the enemy of our soul wants to destroy us, and we can see the manifestation of his character all around. We are not to embrace it or be grateful for the actions it causes, but rather, we are called to wage war against it according to Ephesians 5. As we watch the war rage around us, it is imperative to thanks for the character of a King who empowers us with hope so that we can withstand all things as they may be.
May we always refuse the lies of the enemy by remembering the undeniable character of the Father, and in so doing, may we boldly give thanks in all things.
Copyright Jerri Phillips @ 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Nuggets Along the Path
Periodically, I wander back through previous posts to see what was on my mind on a given day. Okay, that is only a partial truth. I do read through previous posts, but usually it is because I recall the Holy Spirit dispensing a nugget-or boulder-of wisdom, and I want to go back and check it. Sometimes I read my blog entries again to see what nuggets of wisdom I have forgotten and need to receive again. I do the same thing with my journal.
While I am rather hit-and-miss with my blog, although I desire to be consistent, my journal covers almost everything important in my life, even some things that seem rather frivolous, but one never knows where the nuggets lie. The Bible says that the Lord works ALL things for the good of those who love Him and are called for His purpose. ALL includes the "frivolous" parts of life, too, so we can assume there are nuggets to be found in those weird and unusual events and circumstances. Since I am not one who can afford to miss nuggets in any form, I write down even the weird and unusual, and you might be amazed what I find there. (You can find some of it at www.jerrismunchies.com)
You might be wondering how much I actually write down. Well, I don't waste time buying small journals because during "intense" times, I can honestly fill them up in a week. I bought one 100-page journal that only made it through 10 days, and the 10th day was continued to another journal. I can write. Ask people who get "real" emails from me.
Your next question might be why I spend the time and energy to keep a journal. This question came up when a friend of mine was in the midst of a very painful divorce. She was seeing a counselor, which I think can be very helpful, and I told her to journal. She asked why since she was seeing a counselor. I said, "Because it keeps things clear. It is a written history, and you need to write down the wisdom and insights you learn BECAUSE time makes our brains fuzzy, and emotions twist the facts. It shows you where you've come from, and sometimes that is what keeps you going. And, it records the steps you made in dealing with the mountain before you, and don't kid yourself. You'll see this mountain again. Next time around the healing will be deeper, the emotions will be just as raw, and the timing will catch you off guard. You may feel as overwhelmed then as you do now. Your journal will help you keep your bearings and your senses. Your journal is your map of what worked and what didn't. The Lord will further purify you of what didn't work, and He'll perfect what did, so the next time you see this mountain, and you will see it again and again, you will not waste your time figuring out how to get out of the valley. You'll immediately start thinking at higher levels, and your map will be there to move you faster and more smoothly. Your journal is a pioneers' map that reminds you of territorial hazards, means of sustenance, and places of rest. Trust me. Write a journal."
I know we all want to believe once we've climbed a mountain we are done, but the truth is, we are not dealing with a mountain standing in the midst of life all by itself. On the contrary, life is nothing less than a vast mountain range requiring skill and wisdom if we ever want to get out of the valley. Journals are the maps of where we've been that help us more easily get to where we are going. Sometimes they offer wisdom. Sometimes they offer warning. Sometimes they offer a good laugh when we desperately need one. They are the records of mountains climbed and mole hills tripped over. They are the directions for how to navigate what lies ahead by learning how we succeeded and floundered in the past.
Want to learn how to climb the next mountain easier and more gracefully? Journal about the one you are on right now. Write about the huge avalanches, the large boulders that offered a safe place to sit and rest, and the stones you stubbed your toe on. You never know where a good nugget of wisdom will show up, and a journal is a good place to keep them so you can find them again when you need them.
While I am rather hit-and-miss with my blog, although I desire to be consistent, my journal covers almost everything important in my life, even some things that seem rather frivolous, but one never knows where the nuggets lie. The Bible says that the Lord works ALL things for the good of those who love Him and are called for His purpose. ALL includes the "frivolous" parts of life, too, so we can assume there are nuggets to be found in those weird and unusual events and circumstances. Since I am not one who can afford to miss nuggets in any form, I write down even the weird and unusual, and you might be amazed what I find there. (You can find some of it at www.jerrismunchies.com)
You might be wondering how much I actually write down. Well, I don't waste time buying small journals because during "intense" times, I can honestly fill them up in a week. I bought one 100-page journal that only made it through 10 days, and the 10th day was continued to another journal. I can write. Ask people who get "real" emails from me.
Your next question might be why I spend the time and energy to keep a journal. This question came up when a friend of mine was in the midst of a very painful divorce. She was seeing a counselor, which I think can be very helpful, and I told her to journal. She asked why since she was seeing a counselor. I said, "Because it keeps things clear. It is a written history, and you need to write down the wisdom and insights you learn BECAUSE time makes our brains fuzzy, and emotions twist the facts. It shows you where you've come from, and sometimes that is what keeps you going. And, it records the steps you made in dealing with the mountain before you, and don't kid yourself. You'll see this mountain again. Next time around the healing will be deeper, the emotions will be just as raw, and the timing will catch you off guard. You may feel as overwhelmed then as you do now. Your journal will help you keep your bearings and your senses. Your journal is your map of what worked and what didn't. The Lord will further purify you of what didn't work, and He'll perfect what did, so the next time you see this mountain, and you will see it again and again, you will not waste your time figuring out how to get out of the valley. You'll immediately start thinking at higher levels, and your map will be there to move you faster and more smoothly. Your journal is a pioneers' map that reminds you of territorial hazards, means of sustenance, and places of rest. Trust me. Write a journal."
I know we all want to believe once we've climbed a mountain we are done, but the truth is, we are not dealing with a mountain standing in the midst of life all by itself. On the contrary, life is nothing less than a vast mountain range requiring skill and wisdom if we ever want to get out of the valley. Journals are the maps of where we've been that help us more easily get to where we are going. Sometimes they offer wisdom. Sometimes they offer warning. Sometimes they offer a good laugh when we desperately need one. They are the records of mountains climbed and mole hills tripped over. They are the directions for how to navigate what lies ahead by learning how we succeeded and floundered in the past.
Want to learn how to climb the next mountain easier and more gracefully? Journal about the one you are on right now. Write about the huge avalanches, the large boulders that offered a safe place to sit and rest, and the stones you stubbed your toe on. You never know where a good nugget of wisdom will show up, and a journal is a good place to keep them so you can find them again when you need them.
Friday, November 3, 2006
The PerLfect Day
Today was, in my opinion, a perfect day. Let me tell you about my day.
I woke up with my little boy snuggled up on his daddy's side of the bed because his daddy and sister had left at 3:30 (yes, 3:30) this morning to do a daddy/daughter thing. I lay there and watched him sleep a little while. Then I closed my eyes and slipped back to sleep for a bit myself.
When I woke up, I found an exciting email from a friend of mine telling me that she is one step further on the journey called "publishing a book". You will hear more about this later because you'll want a copy of her book when it is ready to for public consumption.
Not long after that, my cutey boy wandered into the study where I was and chatted with me some. I love those morning chats. They are precious time with both my children. This morning our chat centered around the plans for the day. Because of Rob taking Anna on their special event, I decided today would be Robert's special day to do as he wanted, and he wanted to do some fun things, starting with a trip to Starbuck's.
Starbuck's happens to be our favorite date. Rob and Anna don't care for coffee, but Robert and I are coffee fans, so every other weekend we head to Starbuck's on a mommy/son date while Rob and Anna do a daddy/daughter date at McDonald's. Again, precious time. It is one of my very favorite things in the world, and Robert's too, so today, that is where we went.
We each got our faovorite drinks and decided to try experiment with new patries for breakfast. As we chatted, we swapped pastry samples and agreed we had done well with our choices. So we talked and enjoyed each other, AND we even had the cushy chairs. I'm telling you. Dates don't get much better than that.
Once we were done with our food and all the whipped creme was gone from Robert's drink, we headed to the early voting place. I figured it would be a five minute jaunt since it was last time, but evidently several people thought it would be a five minute jaunt, which meant--it wasn't. We were there for over thirty minutes, and I chatted while Robert spun in circles, investigated palm trees, and just relaxed.
By the time we got home, Rob and Anna were there, too, and Rob was getting ready to head off to work. I honestly figured Anna would just go to sleep after being up so early, but no. Instead, she played with clay with us for over an hour, and when we were done with that, we painted. By the time craft time was done, it was well past 1:00, so I deemed it lunch time.
While I worked on lunch, my dear friend Iona called. We discussed paths the Lord has us on right now, what to do about Jerri's Munchies, and whether my "Munchies" would work as a book. It was a good chat. Talks with Iona always are. She is by far one of the most upbeat people I know, and she can take any conversation and make it about God and His goodness. She is absolutely in love with the Lord, and it shows, and listening to her talk about her Beloved always blesses my day.
After lunch, we curled up in The Big Bed to read, and in the middle of the chapter, Rob came home due to being too sleep to work. While he and Anna napped, Robert and I curled up in front of the TV and watched some of Robert's favorite shows.
For supper, we had gumbo, and since it is a bit chilly here now, I thought it would be nice to enjoy the fire pit outside, so while the gumbo heated up, I made a fire, and we all enjoyed dinner hanging out by the fire. Then we made s'mores and munched them while the fire started to die down.
While I did some pick up, Rob and the kids played soccer in the dark. There is no way to describe the chaos of soccer in the dark, but let me suggest if you try it, have the players wear white shirts so you can at least see each other before the thudding body contact occurs.
After that, we all found our way in. I took a shower to get rid of the smokey smell. Anna curled up to watch a cooking show. Robert played Legos, and Rob rinsed dishes.
When I am done with this, we'll play a card game and then get the kids ready for bed, which means camping out in the living room floor tonight--them, not us.
As the day slows down and I look back, I see a whole pile of good stuff. I had great time with people I love. I could rejoice with dear friends over good things going on in their lives. I took responsibility for what influences my family and our lives (such as electing civic leaders). We had food we enjoy. We got to be silly with some games. We got to exercise our freedom to vote and be creative. We could enjoy the cool weather by the fire and then come in to a warm house. We got to cuddle in a snuggly, soft bed, and we could all read. I enjoyed my husband and children, and they enjoyed me. Oh, and the hot shower that got rid of the smokey smell was a delight.
Yep, when I can look back over a day and come up with an inventory like that, there is only one way to summarize it. It is a perfect day. Thankfully, God has given me the wisdom to realize it.
Hoping you are blessed with perfect days and the wisdom to know them when they come......
I woke up with my little boy snuggled up on his daddy's side of the bed because his daddy and sister had left at 3:30 (yes, 3:30) this morning to do a daddy/daughter thing. I lay there and watched him sleep a little while. Then I closed my eyes and slipped back to sleep for a bit myself.
When I woke up, I found an exciting email from a friend of mine telling me that she is one step further on the journey called "publishing a book". You will hear more about this later because you'll want a copy of her book when it is ready to for public consumption.
Not long after that, my cutey boy wandered into the study where I was and chatted with me some. I love those morning chats. They are precious time with both my children. This morning our chat centered around the plans for the day. Because of Rob taking Anna on their special event, I decided today would be Robert's special day to do as he wanted, and he wanted to do some fun things, starting with a trip to Starbuck's.
Starbuck's happens to be our favorite date. Rob and Anna don't care for coffee, but Robert and I are coffee fans, so every other weekend we head to Starbuck's on a mommy/son date while Rob and Anna do a daddy/daughter date at McDonald's. Again, precious time. It is one of my very favorite things in the world, and Robert's too, so today, that is where we went.
We each got our faovorite drinks and decided to try experiment with new patries for breakfast. As we chatted, we swapped pastry samples and agreed we had done well with our choices. So we talked and enjoyed each other, AND we even had the cushy chairs. I'm telling you. Dates don't get much better than that.
Once we were done with our food and all the whipped creme was gone from Robert's drink, we headed to the early voting place. I figured it would be a five minute jaunt since it was last time, but evidently several people thought it would be a five minute jaunt, which meant--it wasn't. We were there for over thirty minutes, and I chatted while Robert spun in circles, investigated palm trees, and just relaxed.
By the time we got home, Rob and Anna were there, too, and Rob was getting ready to head off to work. I honestly figured Anna would just go to sleep after being up so early, but no. Instead, she played with clay with us for over an hour, and when we were done with that, we painted. By the time craft time was done, it was well past 1:00, so I deemed it lunch time.
While I worked on lunch, my dear friend Iona called. We discussed paths the Lord has us on right now, what to do about Jerri's Munchies, and whether my "Munchies" would work as a book. It was a good chat. Talks with Iona always are. She is by far one of the most upbeat people I know, and she can take any conversation and make it about God and His goodness. She is absolutely in love with the Lord, and it shows, and listening to her talk about her Beloved always blesses my day.
After lunch, we curled up in The Big Bed to read, and in the middle of the chapter, Rob came home due to being too sleep to work. While he and Anna napped, Robert and I curled up in front of the TV and watched some of Robert's favorite shows.
For supper, we had gumbo, and since it is a bit chilly here now, I thought it would be nice to enjoy the fire pit outside, so while the gumbo heated up, I made a fire, and we all enjoyed dinner hanging out by the fire. Then we made s'mores and munched them while the fire started to die down.
While I did some pick up, Rob and the kids played soccer in the dark. There is no way to describe the chaos of soccer in the dark, but let me suggest if you try it, have the players wear white shirts so you can at least see each other before the thudding body contact occurs.
After that, we all found our way in. I took a shower to get rid of the smokey smell. Anna curled up to watch a cooking show. Robert played Legos, and Rob rinsed dishes.
When I am done with this, we'll play a card game and then get the kids ready for bed, which means camping out in the living room floor tonight--them, not us.
As the day slows down and I look back, I see a whole pile of good stuff. I had great time with people I love. I could rejoice with dear friends over good things going on in their lives. I took responsibility for what influences my family and our lives (such as electing civic leaders). We had food we enjoy. We got to be silly with some games. We got to exercise our freedom to vote and be creative. We could enjoy the cool weather by the fire and then come in to a warm house. We got to cuddle in a snuggly, soft bed, and we could all read. I enjoyed my husband and children, and they enjoyed me. Oh, and the hot shower that got rid of the smokey smell was a delight.
Yep, when I can look back over a day and come up with an inventory like that, there is only one way to summarize it. It is a perfect day. Thankfully, God has given me the wisdom to realize it.
Hoping you are blessed with perfect days and the wisdom to know them when they come......
Thursday, November 2, 2006
Ironing Out the Wrinkles Without Getting Steamed
I thought I would take a few minutes to post before I get to my ironing. I set the ironing board up in front of the television, and I get a big glass of ice tea to keep me cool while the steam pours from my iron. Then, I got to town, as we say in the South.
Personally, I like ironing. It has a spiritual aspect to it that makes me feel good about myself, or at least about the process of being myself.
The process of being myself has its wrinkles. Ask these wonderful folks who live in my house. They can confirm I have wrinkles, but they have wrinkles, too, and if you've ever had a wrinkle in your sock under your foot while you are wearing tennis shoes and having to walk a lot, you know how annoying wrinkles can be. You also know that while trying to get wrinkles out can be aggravating and hard, it is necessary for peace and comfort. You know what I mean? You try to just do a little adjustment, but if that doesn't work, you try something a bit more involved. Only in a final state of resolution do you actually take your shoe off and fix your sock. I guess some do that first thing, but most folks I know get by doing as little as they can to get enough comfort to keep going, and in truth, we ignore it as long as we can keep moving. If it doesn't impair us, we try to ignore it. It is only when we see taking the time to fix it as a greater good than ignoring it that we actually stop and address the problem.
What does a sock have to do with ironing? Well, wrinkles are wrinkles, and they have to be removed. With socks, there is the gratification of not walking on the uncomfortable wrinkle. With shirts or pants, the wrinkles are usually not uncomfortable, so sometimes the motivation to remove the wrinkles can be lacking. I motivate myself in other ways.
Ironing is my quiet time to catch a television show while the rest of the folks in our family do other chores. Typically, if I have a high laundry day, I finish watching a one-hour show just about the time I finish the ironing. The ironing doesn't seem so long or so boring that way.
How is that spiritual? We all have wrinkles whether they be within our character or our lives, and they must be worked through. Most of us would avoid working out the wrinkles if we could because it is hard work and sometimes flat out painful, and unfortunately, when they happen, they tend to become our focus. In fact, we become so absorbed by them that they can cause us to see nothing else, and when that happens, we start to lose hope and feel that that life has become nothing more than what we are working through. That is a dangerous place to be. Things and people we enjoy keep our minds from becoming overly engrossed by the problems or tasks of whatever size that beset us. Sometimes they can help us keep pace for when we will be past a circumstance such as an illness, a life change, or the final stretch to reach a goal.
The Bible says where there is no vision, the people perish. If I don't see an end to the pile of wrinkles, I can easily become so overwhelmed by them that I don't bother to address them at all. Television gives me a vision for being done with a necessary task that I really don't care to do. The wrinkles get addressed, and I don't get buried in them.
May you find a vision in the midst of ironing out your wrinkles......
Personally, I like ironing. It has a spiritual aspect to it that makes me feel good about myself, or at least about the process of being myself.
The process of being myself has its wrinkles. Ask these wonderful folks who live in my house. They can confirm I have wrinkles, but they have wrinkles, too, and if you've ever had a wrinkle in your sock under your foot while you are wearing tennis shoes and having to walk a lot, you know how annoying wrinkles can be. You also know that while trying to get wrinkles out can be aggravating and hard, it is necessary for peace and comfort. You know what I mean? You try to just do a little adjustment, but if that doesn't work, you try something a bit more involved. Only in a final state of resolution do you actually take your shoe off and fix your sock. I guess some do that first thing, but most folks I know get by doing as little as they can to get enough comfort to keep going, and in truth, we ignore it as long as we can keep moving. If it doesn't impair us, we try to ignore it. It is only when we see taking the time to fix it as a greater good than ignoring it that we actually stop and address the problem.
What does a sock have to do with ironing? Well, wrinkles are wrinkles, and they have to be removed. With socks, there is the gratification of not walking on the uncomfortable wrinkle. With shirts or pants, the wrinkles are usually not uncomfortable, so sometimes the motivation to remove the wrinkles can be lacking. I motivate myself in other ways.
Ironing is my quiet time to catch a television show while the rest of the folks in our family do other chores. Typically, if I have a high laundry day, I finish watching a one-hour show just about the time I finish the ironing. The ironing doesn't seem so long or so boring that way.
How is that spiritual? We all have wrinkles whether they be within our character or our lives, and they must be worked through. Most of us would avoid working out the wrinkles if we could because it is hard work and sometimes flat out painful, and unfortunately, when they happen, they tend to become our focus. In fact, we become so absorbed by them that they can cause us to see nothing else, and when that happens, we start to lose hope and feel that that life has become nothing more than what we are working through. That is a dangerous place to be. Things and people we enjoy keep our minds from becoming overly engrossed by the problems or tasks of whatever size that beset us. Sometimes they can help us keep pace for when we will be past a circumstance such as an illness, a life change, or the final stretch to reach a goal.
The Bible says where there is no vision, the people perish. If I don't see an end to the pile of wrinkles, I can easily become so overwhelmed by them that I don't bother to address them at all. Television gives me a vision for being done with a necessary task that I really don't care to do. The wrinkles get addressed, and I don't get buried in them.
May you find a vision in the midst of ironing out your wrinkles......
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Is it funny that having fun is considered unusual?
Last night we received a wonderful compliment. As our family arrived for church, we split into our normal two-by-two mentality so we could safely lead the children through the busy parking lot. At some point, Robert decided it needed to be a game and yelled, "The team that reaches the church door first wins, or if a teammate from any team reaches the door first, then that whole team is the winner." Robert took off like a rocket. Rob feigned shock. Anna squealed. I watched for cars.
The race was on.
Robert, who had started from several feet behind, shot in front of Rob and Anna, who are much taller and made up ground quickly. I yelled, "Go, Robert! Go!" Rob was yelling, "Hey, not fair!" Anna was yelling, "I'm going to catch you!" And Robert was squealing with glee. I was laughing as I watched the mayhem safely arrive on the sidewalk. The greeter wisely stepped aside as Robert barely touched the door first.
The huffing and puffing and laughing continued as the three racers walked in the door in front of me. It was then that the greeter looked at me and said, "Wow. It looks like y'all are really having fun."
I smiled broadly, "Oh, yeah. This is great stuff."
Rob took the kids to their classes, and I headed across the foyer toward the sanctuary. The greeter's words stuck with me. "Wow. It looks like y'all are really having fun."
He seemed pleasantly surprised. He had said it in a way that made it clear that such fun was not the norm. As I pondered this, I had to confess, such joy is not our usual way of entering church. Typically, we have had the "are you ready yet?" exasperation at home. Then there is the ride to church, which is always "iffy". By the time we get to church, we are usually just glad to have gotten there on time and with everyone wearing matching shoes.
Then I thought of others that I see enter the church. They usually look like we usually look. We walk in looking a bit tired, a bit haggard, a bit weary. They aren't grumpy, but they aren't joyful. They are just where they are "supposed to be".
Isn't that sad? Isn't fun what comes out of a heart filled with joy? Isn't laughter the overflow of a heart filled with wonder? And should anything leave us more at wonder than the ones we love? Is there anything that should fill our heart with glee more than love poured out on us or that we enthusiastically pour out on others?
And should that be less so at the house of God, the One the Bible defines as love?
Now, I'm not saying we should fake laughter and fun so we can put on a good show. However, when Christians who laugh with and enjoy those they love are the anomally, it should make us take inventory of our hearts and attitudes. It should also make us realize how much we can influence those around us simply by having fun. People are used to the haggard, tired, and weary, but wholeness, good-hearted laughing and fun make them turn their heads...even at church.
Sometimes being an anomally has its perks.
Hoping you have fun loving God and those He puts in your life.....
The race was on.
Robert, who had started from several feet behind, shot in front of Rob and Anna, who are much taller and made up ground quickly. I yelled, "Go, Robert! Go!" Rob was yelling, "Hey, not fair!" Anna was yelling, "I'm going to catch you!" And Robert was squealing with glee. I was laughing as I watched the mayhem safely arrive on the sidewalk. The greeter wisely stepped aside as Robert barely touched the door first.
The huffing and puffing and laughing continued as the three racers walked in the door in front of me. It was then that the greeter looked at me and said, "Wow. It looks like y'all are really having fun."
I smiled broadly, "Oh, yeah. This is great stuff."
Rob took the kids to their classes, and I headed across the foyer toward the sanctuary. The greeter's words stuck with me. "Wow. It looks like y'all are really having fun."
He seemed pleasantly surprised. He had said it in a way that made it clear that such fun was not the norm. As I pondered this, I had to confess, such joy is not our usual way of entering church. Typically, we have had the "are you ready yet?" exasperation at home. Then there is the ride to church, which is always "iffy". By the time we get to church, we are usually just glad to have gotten there on time and with everyone wearing matching shoes.
Then I thought of others that I see enter the church. They usually look like we usually look. We walk in looking a bit tired, a bit haggard, a bit weary. They aren't grumpy, but they aren't joyful. They are just where they are "supposed to be".
Isn't that sad? Isn't fun what comes out of a heart filled with joy? Isn't laughter the overflow of a heart filled with wonder? And should anything leave us more at wonder than the ones we love? Is there anything that should fill our heart with glee more than love poured out on us or that we enthusiastically pour out on others?
And should that be less so at the house of God, the One the Bible defines as love?
Now, I'm not saying we should fake laughter and fun so we can put on a good show. However, when Christians who laugh with and enjoy those they love are the anomally, it should make us take inventory of our hearts and attitudes. It should also make us realize how much we can influence those around us simply by having fun. People are used to the haggard, tired, and weary, but wholeness, good-hearted laughing and fun make them turn their heads...even at church.
Sometimes being an anomally has its perks.
Hoping you have fun loving God and those He puts in your life.....
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Getting to Know You
A friend of mine sent me a fun questionairre. If only I knew how to spell "questionairre" or how to run the spell check on this page...... Anyway, my friend sent me this list of questions and info on himself with the idea that I fill it out and forward it to friends of mine. I had fun with it and decided to post it. One friend said it made her cry. Another said he laughed out loud. Hope it does the same for you.
WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Good question. My name and my dad’s are the same, but the Lord told me about 12 years ago that I wasn’t named after my dad in HIS eyes. He had given the name to my great aunt as a prophetic word-a calling-over my life, so while my family might have thought I was being named after Dad in the natural, that wasn’t God’s intent.
WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Last week or two weeks ago. I’m not sure. I watch Extreme Makeover Edition, and that always makes me cry.
DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? If I can use a Bic fine point pen, yes. If I have to use a fatter point, no.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Mesquite turkey
KIDS? The two coolest ones in the world.
IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Most days. Some days I would just stay away from me, but for the most part, yes, I think I am pretty cool. I think the strange way I look at life and my rather bizarre sense of humor are endearing qualities that add a fun twist to life. And if all else failed, I would have a pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin cream muffin with myself and discuss what I’ve read lately. Besides, could you imagine the fun two of me could have together?!
DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? LOL I only have two I write in regularly. Okay, 3 if you count my prayer journal. As for journals that are full…..I have shelves……
DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes, but at various times of the year, I would gladly give them to anyone who needed a pair or anyone who doesn’t.
WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? As I heard someone say, “There is just something inside me that makes me think jumping from a very tall structure with nothing to keep me from splattering on the surface below me except for a rubberband tied around my ankles isn’t wise.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Well, as with all things, it depends. Most of the time, I will go Frosted Flakes. Not much beats Frosted Flakes. However, peanut butter Captain Crunch has its appeal, too, and if you add three or four spoonfuls of sugar to Cheerios, life can be happy there, too.
DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? And disrupt those hugging bunny ears? You have to be kidding.
DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Uh….no. Physically-I have given up the idea that I need to lift weights to be buff and impressive. I may not be buff, but I like to think I am impressive. Mentally, spiritually, and emotionally-I’m in training, and I’m getting stronger.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Like there is only one? I like chocolate ice cream with milk poured over it. I think the crunchy part is funny. I like mint chocolate chip and chocolate almond in a waffle cone. If I am feeling really decadent, Tin Roof.
RED OR PINK? Well that isn’t fair. Red for most “dressier” events, but a strong pink for everyday sass.
WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Insecurity.
WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Pop Kohler. He was a prince among men, and he saw me as I wanted to be seen, and Robert would have adored him. He had a wonderful way of accepting and seeing good in people.
LAST THING YOU ATE? A dark chocolate bar. I drank a root beer from Taco Bell, too. It was a moment of tasteful delights!
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The A/C and hum of the computers
IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? I would be the ENTIRE BIG BOX!!!! I LOVE those things!
FAVORITE SMELL? Rob. The kids after their baths. Rain. Plum blossoms. Freshly cut hay.
THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Their smile or laugh, I think. I try not to analyze that. Some folks just draw me in and some really don’t. I haven’t found a definite reason.
DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I adore him. He is kind and wonderful and strong and gentle and a safe place and….my very dear friend.
FAVORITE DRINK? Tea. Very sweet southern tea.
FAVORITE SPORT? You mean there is a sport besides basketball?! Seriously?!
HAT SIZE? LOL You mean hair size? I have so much hair that hats just pop off like an air rocket. Only air rockets are far more glorious to watch, and they go up much higher. My inglorious hat sort of slides up and then falls to the side in a rather sad and disappointing sort of way.
FAVORITE FOOD? Whatever I am craving at the moment. What kind of question is that to ask a woman?! Although, I was asked what my idea of ambrosia is once. The Grand Marnier truffles at the Marine Room are right up there. I also like my mom’s salmon patties. That is good eating.
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED AT THE MOVIE THEATER? Uh….Cars?
SUMMER OR WINTER? Decisions. Decisions. Summer, I guess.. I like the beach. I like the pool. Winter is sort of like summer on qualudes when you live in Texas, so it’s like asking “hot” weather or “not quite as hot” weather.
HUGS OR KISSES? Well, I prefer the all chocolate kisses myself. I think when you start mixing in the different flavors, it gets weird. However, person to person, you can’t beat a good hug.
FAVORITE DESSERT? You truly expect me to pick one? I can’t pick one ice cream!!! I think Tiramisu, but simple chocolate cake with chocolate icing is divine, too. Oh, and there is Oreo Delight. Did I mention the Grand Marnier Truffles?
WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? The Forbidden Emotion (about anger), The Confidant Woman, My Utmost for His Highest, my Bible, Raising Responsible Kids, Is There Life after Housework…..I think that is it. OH!!! The Secret Garden-gotta love Big Bed Time with two delightfully warm and snuggly kids.
WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don’t even know the last time I had a mouse pad….
WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Rob had football on while I talked to Lisa. I did some of the Food Network Challenge where they were making structures from sugar confections. I decided to wait and watch it on the DVR with Anna. It is a bonding thing.
FAVORITE SOUNDS? Robert’s laugh. He has the most whole-hearted laugh. Anna’s singing. Rob. Rain. The ocean. Laughter, the good, belly laughs that don’t hurt anyone but make those around smile and want to be part of it. I also love to hear folks sing in off-the wall places. One time, I was standing in front of a book rack and started singing “Lolly Lolly Lolly get your adverbs here…” and beside me this man sang, “Father, Son, and Lolly get your adverbs here.” Stuff like that can stoke my happy pipe for days.
ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Well, rolling stones are usually indicative of some earth moving phenomenon, which can be a bit disconcerting. On the other hand, June Bugs, which are bealtes, are wonderful little critters that exist-in my opinion-for the sole purpose of flying into a woman’s hair (the bigger hair the better, which is why we see so many of them in Texas) and bouncing off the door closest to the night light thus causing a little thumping sound, when done with lots of June Bugs, can sound a bit like rain, which can be very relaxing. However, if they have just enjoyed a good intake of Mountain Dew, they sound more like small bits of hail, which is a bit creepy, but strangely entertaining in its own bizarre way. In any case, they are harmless and a delightfully fun way to introduce a young boy to the awe-filled reality of bugs. Therefore, I would go with the beetles.
THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Genoa, Italy
WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? Worship sign, photography, writing, teaching, and loving on folks. At least I like to the think I am good at the last one.
WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Good question. My name and my dad’s are the same, but the Lord told me about 12 years ago that I wasn’t named after my dad in HIS eyes. He had given the name to my great aunt as a prophetic word-a calling-over my life, so while my family might have thought I was being named after Dad in the natural, that wasn’t God’s intent.
WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Last week or two weeks ago. I’m not sure. I watch Extreme Makeover Edition, and that always makes me cry.
DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? If I can use a Bic fine point pen, yes. If I have to use a fatter point, no.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Mesquite turkey
KIDS? The two coolest ones in the world.
IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Most days. Some days I would just stay away from me, but for the most part, yes, I think I am pretty cool. I think the strange way I look at life and my rather bizarre sense of humor are endearing qualities that add a fun twist to life. And if all else failed, I would have a pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin cream muffin with myself and discuss what I’ve read lately. Besides, could you imagine the fun two of me could have together?!
DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? LOL I only have two I write in regularly. Okay, 3 if you count my prayer journal. As for journals that are full…..I have shelves……
DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes, but at various times of the year, I would gladly give them to anyone who needed a pair or anyone who doesn’t.
WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? As I heard someone say, “There is just something inside me that makes me think jumping from a very tall structure with nothing to keep me from splattering on the surface below me except for a rubberband tied around my ankles isn’t wise.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Well, as with all things, it depends. Most of the time, I will go Frosted Flakes. Not much beats Frosted Flakes. However, peanut butter Captain Crunch has its appeal, too, and if you add three or four spoonfuls of sugar to Cheerios, life can be happy there, too.
DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? And disrupt those hugging bunny ears? You have to be kidding.
DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Uh….no. Physically-I have given up the idea that I need to lift weights to be buff and impressive. I may not be buff, but I like to think I am impressive. Mentally, spiritually, and emotionally-I’m in training, and I’m getting stronger.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Like there is only one? I like chocolate ice cream with milk poured over it. I think the crunchy part is funny. I like mint chocolate chip and chocolate almond in a waffle cone. If I am feeling really decadent, Tin Roof.
RED OR PINK? Well that isn’t fair. Red for most “dressier” events, but a strong pink for everyday sass.
WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Insecurity.
WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Pop Kohler. He was a prince among men, and he saw me as I wanted to be seen, and Robert would have adored him. He had a wonderful way of accepting and seeing good in people.
LAST THING YOU ATE? A dark chocolate bar. I drank a root beer from Taco Bell, too. It was a moment of tasteful delights!
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The A/C and hum of the computers
IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? I would be the ENTIRE BIG BOX!!!! I LOVE those things!
FAVORITE SMELL? Rob. The kids after their baths. Rain. Plum blossoms. Freshly cut hay.
THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Their smile or laugh, I think. I try not to analyze that. Some folks just draw me in and some really don’t. I haven’t found a definite reason.
DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I adore him. He is kind and wonderful and strong and gentle and a safe place and….my very dear friend.
FAVORITE DRINK? Tea. Very sweet southern tea.
FAVORITE SPORT? You mean there is a sport besides basketball?! Seriously?!
HAT SIZE? LOL You mean hair size? I have so much hair that hats just pop off like an air rocket. Only air rockets are far more glorious to watch, and they go up much higher. My inglorious hat sort of slides up and then falls to the side in a rather sad and disappointing sort of way.
FAVORITE FOOD? Whatever I am craving at the moment. What kind of question is that to ask a woman?! Although, I was asked what my idea of ambrosia is once. The Grand Marnier truffles at the Marine Room are right up there. I also like my mom’s salmon patties. That is good eating.
LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED AT THE MOVIE THEATER? Uh….Cars?
SUMMER OR WINTER? Decisions. Decisions. Summer, I guess.. I like the beach. I like the pool. Winter is sort of like summer on qualudes when you live in Texas, so it’s like asking “hot” weather or “not quite as hot” weather.
HUGS OR KISSES? Well, I prefer the all chocolate kisses myself. I think when you start mixing in the different flavors, it gets weird. However, person to person, you can’t beat a good hug.
FAVORITE DESSERT? You truly expect me to pick one? I can’t pick one ice cream!!! I think Tiramisu, but simple chocolate cake with chocolate icing is divine, too. Oh, and there is Oreo Delight. Did I mention the Grand Marnier Truffles?
WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? The Forbidden Emotion (about anger), The Confidant Woman, My Utmost for His Highest, my Bible, Raising Responsible Kids, Is There Life after Housework…..I think that is it. OH!!! The Secret Garden-gotta love Big Bed Time with two delightfully warm and snuggly kids.
WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don’t even know the last time I had a mouse pad….
WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Rob had football on while I talked to Lisa. I did some of the Food Network Challenge where they were making structures from sugar confections. I decided to wait and watch it on the DVR with Anna. It is a bonding thing.
FAVORITE SOUNDS? Robert’s laugh. He has the most whole-hearted laugh. Anna’s singing. Rob. Rain. The ocean. Laughter, the good, belly laughs that don’t hurt anyone but make those around smile and want to be part of it. I also love to hear folks sing in off-the wall places. One time, I was standing in front of a book rack and started singing “Lolly Lolly Lolly get your adverbs here…” and beside me this man sang, “Father, Son, and Lolly get your adverbs here.” Stuff like that can stoke my happy pipe for days.
ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Well, rolling stones are usually indicative of some earth moving phenomenon, which can be a bit disconcerting. On the other hand, June Bugs, which are bealtes, are wonderful little critters that exist-in my opinion-for the sole purpose of flying into a woman’s hair (the bigger hair the better, which is why we see so many of them in Texas) and bouncing off the door closest to the night light thus causing a little thumping sound, when done with lots of June Bugs, can sound a bit like rain, which can be very relaxing. However, if they have just enjoyed a good intake of Mountain Dew, they sound more like small bits of hail, which is a bit creepy, but strangely entertaining in its own bizarre way. In any case, they are harmless and a delightfully fun way to introduce a young boy to the awe-filled reality of bugs. Therefore, I would go with the beetles.
THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Genoa, Italy
WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? Worship sign, photography, writing, teaching, and loving on folks. At least I like to the think I am good at the last one.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Now, That's the Ticket!
For my husband's birthday last year, I asked the Lord for something creative to give him as a gift. The only thing that kept coming to mind was NASCAR. Rob grew up in NASCAR country and has always loved the sport. In fact, he had the honor of meeting The King himself once, and he recalls Richard Petty as being very kind to an awestruck boy. About 10 years ago, the Texas Motorspeedway opened within driving distance of here, and Rob has been drooling ever since. It seemed like the perfect gift except....
1. Have you seen the price of those tickets?!!!!!
2. Rob wouldn't want to go alone.
I kept praying. I continued to get "NASCAR tickets". Surely I had misheard. Surely God did not want me to spend money so frivolously. More prayer. More "NASCAR tickets". Finally, I relented. Fine. I would buy Rob a ticket. "Two tickets," I heard in my heart. TWO?!!!! "Yes, two." I took a deep breath and agreed.
I was curious, though. None of Rob's friends were into NASCAR, and I didn't want to go.
Who was Rob going to take?
"His dad."
Come again.
"His dad."
You want us to ask his dad to buy a plane ticket down here to go to a car race?
"No, I want you to buy the ticket."
I was convinced I had lost my mind, or at least, I wanted to be convinced, but the thing was, it was the perfect gift. One thing Rob has talked about for the last nearly-20 years is races with his dad. It's one of his favorite memories, and his dad would love it, too. It was the perfect gift. God knew His boys, and this was the perfect gift. I started making arrangements.
As I was working out how to work these rather large costs into our budget, God spoke again. "I want you to send Bob to Louisiana to see the other boys." What? "Bob needs to see the other boys, too. I want you to buy him a round trip ticket from DFW to New Orleans to see the other boys." Seriously? "Yes." Okay.
On Rob's birthday I gave him the tentative offer of tickets and the offer to fly his dad down to spend the weekend and go to the race, and I explained everything. I say "tentative" because I had not been able to reach Bob to see if he could come. However, the offer was there. Rob was flaggergasted. "Stunned" doesn't cover it. He was dumbstruck. While we were talking, the phone rang. It was his dad.
Rob explained the gift and explained the offer for plane tickets. Bob was flabbergasted. Yes, God knows His boys, and He knew more than I did about giving good gifts. I thought I had the plan. I had a part.
Six weeks later, Katrina hit, and Rob's family in Lousiana was picking up the pieces. Still, Bob was going south from here, but we would not be able to join him as we had planned.
Six weeks after that, we were preparing for Bob's trip when the phone call came that Rob's grandmother had taken a turn for the worse. On Tuesday before Bob was to fly in on Friday the phone call came that Dee Dee had passed on. On Friday, Rob and his two brothers flew north and met at an airport to drive to Dee Dee's to be with their family as they celebrated the life and mourned the loss of our precious Dee Dee. The day of the race, in fact, the exact time it started, so did Dee Dee's funeral.
As I prayed for our family's safety as they travelled and their comfort in their loss, I also prayed for answers. Had I missed it? God does not mess up, and we had been out hundreds of dollars on the race tickets alone. Did I make a mistake?
While I cannot explain everything that happened as a result of the planned trip, I can tell you that the Lord used it for healing. The Lord restored broken relationships, and I would trade hundreds of dollars for that.
Then there were the race tickets that were useless to us. Rob tried to sell them on eBay, but it didn't work, so I sent out an email saying we had these tickets, did anyone know anyone who might want them? If so, make an offer. Lo and behold, an offer was made. They couldn't cover the whole cost of a ticket, but would we sell one for a price they could afford? I was thrilled. The tickets wouldn't go to waste! I called Rob. "Give them both tickets and tell them to have fun." So I did. They said they could only afford that price for one ticket. Well, the other ticket would be useless to us anyway, so they might as well take it. They were blessed by God's provision. We were blessed to have someone take the tickets, and we moved on.
Rob's dad did visit this summer, and it was a good visit. The topic of the race tickets came up, and we told him that we had sold them. He said, "Well, I hope you got what they were worth." I laughed. Monetarily? No. In a dozen other way? The returns exceeded all expectations.
This year for Rob's birthday, I did not buy him NASCAR race tickets. We have talked about the race, and I've said, "Who knows? Maybe God will give you tickets to this year's race, and you never know. They might be better than the ones you had." (Whether that is prophetic or just knowing God's character, I don't know, but I love when God says, "You don't know the half of it, baby," and blows us away.)
This morning Rob sent me an IM. "Would you want to go to a race with me?"
I responded, "Do you have tickets?"
He replied, "Two front stretch tickets."
"Those are better tickets than the ones you had, aren't they?"
"These are the tickets I wanted." Then he told me what else he got: two pit passes, t-shirts, caps, a catered lunch, and a car to take us to the race and to pick us up after the race. I think there is more, but I don't remember.
To say the least, monetarily, what Rob received free today is worth far more than I spent last year. Relationally, what God gave us last year was priceless.
I won't tell you I understand any better right now than I did last year, but what I can tell you is I am forever in awe of God, and again, I am reminded that when I think I have the plan, I only have a part. God does not need us to work things out for Him. He only needs us to be obedient to Him so He can do what He needs to do in us and through us.
Praying God looks at our responses to His "absurd" directions and can say, "Yep, that's the ticket"......
1. Have you seen the price of those tickets?!!!!!
2. Rob wouldn't want to go alone.
I kept praying. I continued to get "NASCAR tickets". Surely I had misheard. Surely God did not want me to spend money so frivolously. More prayer. More "NASCAR tickets". Finally, I relented. Fine. I would buy Rob a ticket. "Two tickets," I heard in my heart. TWO?!!!! "Yes, two." I took a deep breath and agreed.
I was curious, though. None of Rob's friends were into NASCAR, and I didn't want to go.
Who was Rob going to take?
"His dad."
Come again.
"His dad."
You want us to ask his dad to buy a plane ticket down here to go to a car race?
"No, I want you to buy the ticket."
I was convinced I had lost my mind, or at least, I wanted to be convinced, but the thing was, it was the perfect gift. One thing Rob has talked about for the last nearly-20 years is races with his dad. It's one of his favorite memories, and his dad would love it, too. It was the perfect gift. God knew His boys, and this was the perfect gift. I started making arrangements.
As I was working out how to work these rather large costs into our budget, God spoke again. "I want you to send Bob to Louisiana to see the other boys." What? "Bob needs to see the other boys, too. I want you to buy him a round trip ticket from DFW to New Orleans to see the other boys." Seriously? "Yes." Okay.
On Rob's birthday I gave him the tentative offer of tickets and the offer to fly his dad down to spend the weekend and go to the race, and I explained everything. I say "tentative" because I had not been able to reach Bob to see if he could come. However, the offer was there. Rob was flaggergasted. "Stunned" doesn't cover it. He was dumbstruck. While we were talking, the phone rang. It was his dad.
Rob explained the gift and explained the offer for plane tickets. Bob was flabbergasted. Yes, God knows His boys, and He knew more than I did about giving good gifts. I thought I had the plan. I had a part.
Six weeks later, Katrina hit, and Rob's family in Lousiana was picking up the pieces. Still, Bob was going south from here, but we would not be able to join him as we had planned.
Six weeks after that, we were preparing for Bob's trip when the phone call came that Rob's grandmother had taken a turn for the worse. On Tuesday before Bob was to fly in on Friday the phone call came that Dee Dee had passed on. On Friday, Rob and his two brothers flew north and met at an airport to drive to Dee Dee's to be with their family as they celebrated the life and mourned the loss of our precious Dee Dee. The day of the race, in fact, the exact time it started, so did Dee Dee's funeral.
As I prayed for our family's safety as they travelled and their comfort in their loss, I also prayed for answers. Had I missed it? God does not mess up, and we had been out hundreds of dollars on the race tickets alone. Did I make a mistake?
While I cannot explain everything that happened as a result of the planned trip, I can tell you that the Lord used it for healing. The Lord restored broken relationships, and I would trade hundreds of dollars for that.
Then there were the race tickets that were useless to us. Rob tried to sell them on eBay, but it didn't work, so I sent out an email saying we had these tickets, did anyone know anyone who might want them? If so, make an offer. Lo and behold, an offer was made. They couldn't cover the whole cost of a ticket, but would we sell one for a price they could afford? I was thrilled. The tickets wouldn't go to waste! I called Rob. "Give them both tickets and tell them to have fun." So I did. They said they could only afford that price for one ticket. Well, the other ticket would be useless to us anyway, so they might as well take it. They were blessed by God's provision. We were blessed to have someone take the tickets, and we moved on.
Rob's dad did visit this summer, and it was a good visit. The topic of the race tickets came up, and we told him that we had sold them. He said, "Well, I hope you got what they were worth." I laughed. Monetarily? No. In a dozen other way? The returns exceeded all expectations.
This year for Rob's birthday, I did not buy him NASCAR race tickets. We have talked about the race, and I've said, "Who knows? Maybe God will give you tickets to this year's race, and you never know. They might be better than the ones you had." (Whether that is prophetic or just knowing God's character, I don't know, but I love when God says, "You don't know the half of it, baby," and blows us away.)
This morning Rob sent me an IM. "Would you want to go to a race with me?"
I responded, "Do you have tickets?"
He replied, "Two front stretch tickets."
"Those are better tickets than the ones you had, aren't they?"
"These are the tickets I wanted." Then he told me what else he got: two pit passes, t-shirts, caps, a catered lunch, and a car to take us to the race and to pick us up after the race. I think there is more, but I don't remember.
To say the least, monetarily, what Rob received free today is worth far more than I spent last year. Relationally, what God gave us last year was priceless.
I won't tell you I understand any better right now than I did last year, but what I can tell you is I am forever in awe of God, and again, I am reminded that when I think I have the plan, I only have a part. God does not need us to work things out for Him. He only needs us to be obedient to Him so He can do what He needs to do in us and through us.
Praying God looks at our responses to His "absurd" directions and can say, "Yep, that's the ticket"......
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