Looks can be Deceiving

Working from my home affords latitudes and attitudes I would not have were I working in an office somewhere else. However, I have a mindset that requires me to put on my socks and tie-on shoes. For me, walking around in slippers, flip-flops or barefooted is too casual for working. It almost gives me permission to slack off. Tied on shoes, on the other hand, mean it is time to get serious and get to work. This morning, as usual, I applied a moisturizing crème on my feet before pulling on my socks and shoes.

Last week I had an appointment with a podiatrist. I have some issues needing attention and, when dealing with diabetes, it is wise to have a good foot doctor. His assistant came in, looked over my feet, and asked a few pertinent questions. When the doctor came in the examination room, the first words out of his mouth were, "She's right, you're feet look good; too pretty to have anything wrong with them." I looked from his face to my feet and back to his face. Obviously, looks can be deceiving!

I have two tumors in the arch of that foot and every step is painful. Pretty feet – pfst! All the red toenail polish in the world makes little difference when walking is hurtful. He asked more questions and manipulated my foot in uncomfortable positions. We discussed treatment options, none of which we could do now because there were extraneous issues affecting my foot that needed addressing before we can treat the problem I went in for. Pretty feet can hide a host of problems.

I shared this story because we all tend to put a well-manicured facade on our life, covering up our problems. I have worn red toenail polish for so many years I doubt I would recognize my own feet without it. Would others recognize the real, inner us without the glam or polish we put on to mask our issues? The cream I put on my feet does make them look better but it also goes a long way in making me feel better. I feel like I am taking good care of my feet and the rich moisturizer sooths and cools. However, no matter what I do on the outside, the problem inside does not change and pain continues to wreak havoc in my world. Our spiritual issues are the same. We have to work to correct the issues rather than cover them up; the work is always harder than the masking.

I did not deal with my painful foot for a long time, choosing to wait it out and see how went. It 'went' from bad to worse…no wisdom there! The first tumor grew larger and a second one added to the problem. Now I have a mess on my hands that requires surgery to correct and remove the cause of pain.

It is never wise to ignore pain and problems of our spiritual lives either. Get in there and dig out the source of the problems; ask God to reveal the areas that need immediate attention. He is our Jehovah-Rophe; it means "The Lord who Heals" We need a spiritual healing far more than we need physical healing. The word Rophe means to heal, restore, or cure. God does not just heal; God IS healing.

Looks can be deceiving, Friends. Not every one or every life that looks good on the outside reflects the real issues going on inside. We all need Jehovah-Rophe. Do not let 'the pretty red toenails' distract you from seeking a complete healing, be it spiritual and/or physical or emotional. A healthy spirit carries you through hard times when the flesh vessel struggles. It also keeps you on your feet…so to speak…pun intended.

Introduction

I've recently met a man I knew for twenty years. A contradiction? No. Though I knew this man for twenty years, it has been nearly thirty-seven years since I have seen his face or heard his voice. Yet, I feel as if I am just now getting to know him; having met him, the real authentic man he was, for the first time through his writings. The man I speak of is D.C. Compton, my maternal grandfather.

To me and all the other cousins, he was simply our Grandpa or Papaw. He was a gentle man that loved nature, his family, gardening, fishing, walking, and a good game of checkers. He taught a very young me how to look for animal tracks in the woods and to appreciate a satisfying drink out of a tin cup from a cold mountain stream. He taught the boys to squirrel hunt and the wisdom of only shooting that which you are prepared to eat. He sang songs he made up about the everyday things in life like The Bobbin Ran Out or The Prettiest Boy in Arkansas. He had a love of gardening he passed on to some of us that still wish we could ask him questions about our own little attempts at growing fresh food for our families.

My first glimpse of the anointed D.C. Compton was watching him preach at tent revivals. I didn't know what was going on, I simply knew my Grandpa was preaching very emphatically in the sweltering Texas summer heat. I did not know seeds of faith and spiritual wisdom were being sown into my spirit. All I knew was that I was with my Grandpa and it was hot…Africa hot!

Now I know Grandpa was working for the Lord in a mighty way! All of us grandchildren knew not to bother Grandpa when he was 'working'. We knew when he was working because the old black typewriter on which he worked resounded throughout the house. As a child, I did not know exactly what he did when he worked but I knew not to bother him when he did it. If the typewriter was clacking, no knocking on his door. I did not know the man I called Grandpa was in reality a prolific and powerful Christian writer.

Today, I follow his footsteps though completely unaware until this unique journey began. What an adventure it has been! I have been awed and impressed with his ability to write some hard-hitting editorials, then turn around, and write sermons so poetic and lyrical. He had conviction that resonated throughout all his written work. His vast knowledge of scripture never ceases to amaze me and he backs up everything thing he wrote. I recognized myself in his bottom-line approach and that came as a huge surprise. Our foundational beliefs are the same and his love for and support of the mission field workers filled my heart with joy; the calling and desire of my heart has always been in mission work. This adventure of meeting my grandfather through adult eyes and a Christian heart has been amazing.

What I would give to be able to sit down with him now, as a spirit-filled Believer to talk!! I KNOW I will have that opportunity one day and I hope it is on a long walk in the woods of heaven. For now, I feel blessed more than I can say by getting to know him through his writing. What a legacy he left behind, a true treasure I am uncovering one page at a time. Thank you, Lord for the opportunity to meet your servant, my grandfather.

Till we meet again……..

Sweet Aroma

This morning was herb-harvesting time. The beauty and aromatic blessing of tending to and harvesting herbs is thrilling to me. Sometimes I run my hand through the plants as I pass by them just to get the fragrant oils on my hands. As a cook, I find this heavenly. It is, also, extremely satisfying to my gardener's heart. Harvesting, however requires taking scissors to my beautiful plants…for a moment, I hesitate.

Without the judicious pruning that comes from the harvesting process the herbs would quickly bolt (flower and then seed) stopping production of leaves, the useful part with which we cook. It can be shocking to the system to see a whole pot of herbs pruned deeply. Rather like seeing a young boy with his haircut short for the summer.

John 15:2 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit." I do leave some to flower and seed. However, the leaves I use fresh now and to dry so I have a stash for the whole winter. The fact that I take delight in looking at them is the icing on the cake!

While carefully choosing where to make the cuts, I was in sensory overload with the aromas each new cut contributed to the moment. The bright green of the tiny Boxwood Basil mingled with the pungent and delightful Sweet Basil. Next came the spicy fragrant Thai Basil lending it's aroma to the mix. The Tarragon has its own sweet smell I find exciting. The last contributor today was the velvety gray-green Sage with its earthiness making a heady combination, indeed!

Song of Solomon 2:11-13 'For behold, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. 'The flowers have already appeared in the land; The time has arrived for pruning the vines, And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land. The fig tree has ripened its figs, And the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance. Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, And come along!'"

Perhaps the Song of Solomon seems a bit poetic when talking of gardening but the Bible of full of references to growing, harvesting, pruning, and sweet aromas. I think it is no coincidence that God created Man in a garden. Our garden roots run deep.

At this moment, my house smells divine with the aromatic presence of the goodness and sweet harvest of the herbs. I believe that God is enjoying it, too. I imagine my delight and thankfulness for them wafts sweetly to Him, as well. Every parent loves to see their child enjoying the gifts they gave. Thank you, Lord, for everything!

2 Corinthians 2:14
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.

May your weekend be filled with the sweet aroma of the presence of Christ!

Taking Care of Business

Proverbs 24:27 says: Prepare your outside work, and get things ready for yourself on the land; after that, build your house.

Proverbs 27:23-27 says: Take care to know the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds. For wealth doesn't last forever, neither does a crown through all the generations. When the hay has been mown, and the new grass appears, and the mountain greens have been gathered; the lambs will provide your clothing, the goats will sell for enough to buy a field, and there will be enough goat's milk to buy food for you and your household and maintenance for your servant-girls.

I ran across these in my morning reading and I love them. We need to take care of the business that provides the necessities in life to care for our households and families. The verse in Proverbs 24 instructs us to lay the foundation of necessities before conveniences. Without the land prepared for either crops or flocks, neither food nor wool for clothing will be forthcoming to sustain us. Authored by a resident of the Middle East, the need to prepare pastures for sheep and goats was imperative and never taken for granted. Dry, arid land required a lot of work to produce grains and vegetables. As a south Texas backyard gardener, I shudder to think of the labor involved in that endeavor compared to the work required for my tiny veggie garden. Yet, without a sustained focus on the preparation and maintenance, food and clothing became scarce.

The building of the home, considered a convenience over the land and livestock, was not a priority; living in tents a common practice. There would be no need to build a house if your land was not sufficient to provide for your family, you would not be staying in any one location if you did not adequately prepare your land.

While most of us do not have herds of goats and sheep, our employment stands in their stead. The other day I wrote about our needs conflicting with our wants. I believe these scripture make plain the order in which our priorities should fall. We need provisions and then shelter; taking care of business first provides both.

The days of family businesses passed from one generation to the next, training up the youth as they go, may be behind us for the most part. The industrial revolution saw to that when it pulled people off the farms, ranches, and small family run businesses to fill positions on assembly lines. Seeking more money, excitement and different opportunities, young men and women left in droves; leaving behind the lessons and work ethics required to maintain the family independently. I can't help but think this was a booster shot in the arm of seeking Want over Need; a mentality was birthed, an ever increasing thirst to satisfy personal desire over necessity.What do I want to do replaced what do I need to do.

Verse 24 of Proverbs 27 says: "For wealth doesn't last forever, neither does a crown through all the generations." This speaks to the lack of security in depending on money and governments. Throughout the Biblical days and into current world events this bears out. Our only real security comes from the knowledge and love of Christ who redeemed us for all eternity. Any other source is subject to burn away like hay.

Instruction to focus on necessity over convenience is in scripture for a reason, it behooves us to pay attention to biblical priorities. A regular review of our thoughts and practices may help us stay on track. Deviating from a scriptural set of priorities can lead us into a spiritual desert though we think ourselves immune to such. Consider the Hebrew people in the desert as they waited impatiently for Moses to return from his divine appointment with God. They started out seeking God's guidance and ended up dancing around the golden calf of Want over Need. Take care of the business of necessity; the Bible says so.

Think About It

What ever happened to good old-fashioned thinking for oneself? I believe we are in a time when access to information is so easy and abundant that we have gotten mentally lazy. It has filtered down into our lives to the point of mental limbo where we simply wait for information rather than putting thoughts together to conclude on our own. There is the issue of too much busyness and chaos in our lives that we reject anything that requires us to think about even one more thing. I also believe that there is so much technology in our lives, the likes of which scare the bejeebers out of the majority of us, that we defer to those I call the 'techies' and hand our questions over to them while we sit at their feet waiting for our problems to be resolved. I am guilty of this.

I recently purchased a new computer program what will make my job a lot easier…assuming I ever learn how to use it. Somewhat jokingly, I told a couple of my friends that I needed a personal assistant to read the 'how to' and 'help' information on running the program, then show me what to do. We all had a good laugh but I was serious. I know that will not happen but what a delight it would be if it should! You would think one that enjoys research, as I do, would not have an issue with this but I keep telling myself I am too busy to read it. Secretly, I am fearful that it will challenge me and I have neither the time nor the energy for more challenges right now. ***sigh*** Meanwhile, I flounder in my ignorance and daily wish I could use the new program. I'm a little ticked off at myself over this.

Another example, our grandson # 4 recently spent a few days visiting. He slept on the couch while here and every morning would fold his bedding and put the room in order. Grandson # 3 had been with him the first few days, leading the way. Our sectional couch has many loose pillows across the back and they removed these to sleep; there is a color order that I prefer in pillow arrangement. Grandson # 3 instructed # 4 on how to place them where they belong. On his own, Grandson # 4 stood with pillow in hand and asked how they went. I reminded him he had previously performed this task and to think about it a minute. He stated he did not live here so he did not know. I asked him to think back on placing them the last time and to visualize doing it. He looked at me as if my head was on fire. This is a bright young man and I am certain he could work this out for himself if he were only willing to think about it. He was not. It was easier to wait for someone to tell him than to contemplate the issue at all. Sound familiar?

A man I consider a mentor works as a professional life couch. I read his blog faithfully and never fail to learn from him. In a recent post, he outlined the traits needed for a life coach and one struck a chord with me. "Powerful questions cause the client to explore and process deep feelings and emotions they would normally avoid. This is a must for change." I like that! Thinking, exploring, processing…all some of my favorite things! That is what I attempt to accomplish with Truth in the Morning. My writing style for Truth is simple conversation to share lessons God has shown me with examples from my life, in hope that people can relate to everyday issues they face in their own. I believe people will avoid thinking about issues that make them uncomfortable when addressed head on but may possibly ponder a concept when seen through the lens of someone else's life. I have to be transparent to a fault to share so much of my failings and shortcomings, which isn't always easy. However, God gave the task to me and if I can reach others for Him by opening up my life then that is what I will do. The beauty and wisdom of this…He makes me have to think about helping you think…I love that!

Just something to think about……..

When Need and Want Collide

I stood looking into the fridge this morning contemplating what to prepare for my breakfast. My dilemma was not that I lacked food to prepare rather the tug-of-war between Need and Want. My body needed healthy food as fuel. My mouth and appetite wanted something….else, something to appease a craving. I wasn't even sure what the craving was for but I was certain it wasn't the healthy food choices in front of me. That's really sad when the Want is trying to overrule the Need and it doesn't even know what the Want is!

For health's sake, I try to make the choices that are Need based. This required a change of attitude on my part because when we persist in thinking of 'want' as the desirable choice, leaving 'need' as the bummer second choice, we are doing a disservice to ourselves. Many people equate 'healthy' choices with a feeling of forced into depriving themselves of what they really want. Perhaps we should change our perspectives to have 'healthy' represent tasty, colorful, invigorating choices. It's possible. Well, it is possible when we commit to seeking what we Need over what we Want.

My oldest child was six months old her first Christmas. I wanted to give her everything. She needed very little and wanted nothing, so the 'want' that Christmas was mine. As parents, we typically want to give our children as much as we can but I'm afraid we are setting the wheels of entitlement up as standard operating procedure; turning their eyes to the throne of Want and never instilling the wisdom of satisfying Need. They need us to teach them and focus on the real reason for Christmas; they want us to fulfill their wish list. Which do you think will carry them through life, the knowledge of Christ and the significance of His birth or a shiny bike they will leave out in the yard and forget six months later?

We need a safe place to live that protects us from the elements; we want a place to show off and feel good about. We need a simple vehicle to facilitate transporting us across the miles; we want a shiny whiz-bang vehicle we can feel flashy driving. We need a few clothes to protect us from weather and arrest; we want a closet full of clothes, shoes, purses, jackets, and accessories. We need to live a godly life; we want life to be one big party to keep us entertained. We need solitude for quiet time with God; we want the TV or music on all the time so we do not have to deal with thinking about real issues. We need honest communication in our relationships; we want surface level talk that does not challenge us or require anything from us. Need collides with Want consistently.

As Christians, we argue that God wants to give us the desires of our hearts and we desire a big house, fancy cars, and lots of bling. Perhaps if we looked at what God wanted over what we want, we could look at the significant issues. God is more concerned of the state of our hearts and souls than the car we drive or the clothes we wear. Those things will blow away like chafe while the core of whom and what we are, our spirit, lives on. Are we not to seek after His heart where His desires then become our desires? That changes things in my mind. If god wants to give us the desires of our hearts, which is inline with the desires of His heart, then material things really do not come into play, do they? Yes, God can and does bless us with things, but for the most part people have the cart before the horse. The blessings of things come after we are inline with His thinking and ways, not simply because we want them or feel we are entitled to them. Scripture says God provides for our needs; it does not mention Him providing all our wants. I can't help but think we Need to get our minds of all we Want and focus on the state of our faith walk over the way we look as we go through this fleeting life. Can't take it with us when we go regardless; won't need it in hell and it's not worthy of heaven.

I am on a quest to pare my life down to meet my needs because I am drowning in all the accumulation of my wants. Seriously, we can drown carrying the millstone of Want around our necks. This is not limited to 'stuff' but attitudes, opinions, habits, and mindless actions need weeding through, as well. I want to free myself from slavery to Want. Do not think this is an easy task. A simple walk through Wal-Mart finds new wants all over the place. I hold every Want up to the light of Need and if it is not a legitimate Need, I walk away from it. That's my plan anyway. I've already started the purge process and have eased my way through the initial shock to my Want system. I'll keep you posted on how things are going. Anyone need and/or want to take the challenge with me?

The John 10 Question

Early this morning I stepped out on the front deck to feed the two cats that adopted us. One is still very much a wild cat and we can not get close enough to even touch her; the other showed up one day and has not left since, she is more accustomed to humans and tries to get as close as possible when we step outside. Usually, both are waiting somewhat impatiently for breakfast when the front door opens. This morning, only Medina, the overly friendly panther look alike, waited.

I looked around for Hijack but did not see her at all. Therefore, I called out her name a few times. In the new dawn light, I saw a dark shadow bounding through the grass and up the hillside; it was Hijack coming to my call. She responded to my voice. She knows I am her source for morning nourishment and though she is not yet willing to get close enough to touch, she does come within two feet of me and circles around to eat while I stay on the deck. When I saw her come running this morning, my mind went to the Scripture in John 10 where Jesus talks about His sheep (us) knowing His voice and coming after him.

John 10:2-5 "But the one who goes in through the gate is the sheep's own shepherd. This is the one the gate-keeper admits, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep, each one by his name, and leads them out. After taking out all that are his own, he goes on ahead of them; and the sheep follow him because they recognize his voice. They never follow a stranger but will run away from him, because stranger's voices are unfamiliar to them.

I have spent a great deal of time speaking softly to Hijack to earn her trust and confidence. She knows my voice because I have invested time in caring for her, she runs away when a stranger to her walks out on the deck. She will sit and listen to me; she even comes up to the glass storm door when I stand inside. We are only 6 inches apart but she feels safe on the other side of the glass. She also likes to sit outside the front windows and peer inside in the evening when she can see in. It is as though she wants to be a part of the family yet stay just far enough outside the inner circle that she is not imposed upon or feels threatened. Sadly, there are people within our Christian family that do the same thing.

I do not believe the newcomer cat, Medina, has ever met a stranger. She will wrap herself around the legs of anyone venturing out on the deck. If you have food, you are her new best friend and she probably would follow you to the ends of the earth…or at least until the food ran out. Then she would latch on to the next person with food to tempt her affections away. Sadly, there are far too many people like that, too!

As 'care-giver' for our cats, it is the growing trust of Hijack I value, over the casual and insincere affection and/or demands of Medina. Hijack heard my voice and came after me. It may seem silly but for that instant, I had the tiniest of glimmers of how Christ must feel when on of His own come running after his voice. My sense of protectiveness is stronger for Hijack than flighty Medina. I care enough to feed and protect where and how I can for both the feline vagabonds, offering the same to level of care to each, yet only one heeds my call.

Jesus provides and cares for us. Some come running at His voice, other come running when in need. Still others do not answer his call at all. I think it is important to look at the middle of the scripture above. Those that follow Jesus do so willingly. However, note how it says, "After taking out all that are his own, he goes ahead of them"…it then talks about him leading them. What it does not address is those left behind. It makes a clear distinction of those that following him, their shepherd. It says they never follow a stranger because the voice is unfamiliar to them. So whose voice IS familiar to the ones left behind? The answer to that question can dredge up some very scary prospects! Something to think about…..

As for me and my house, we're going with THE Shepherd!

Thumbs up

Wow, if I believed in karma, which I do not, I would say I was having a bad karma day. The fundamental teaching of karma goes like this: `for every event that occurs, there will follow another event whose existence was caused by the first and this second event will be pleasant or unpleasant according as its cause was skillful or unskillful.' In my world, we refer to those as consequences, which can be good or bad. Today, I can't win for losing! There is a multitude of colloquialisms I could spout but for the sake of simplicity (I'm intimidated by fate now) suffice it to say I am not functioning at my usual standard today. All efforts to get back on track after a full two weeks of being unbalanced have failed for one reason or another. I resolved today was the day I would regain some semblance of control in my life once more. Ha!

My usual routine is an early rising, Bible reading/study, write the blog, have a quick breakfast, and then work on the book. This carries me through to lunch or beyond depending on how productive the writing is going. As I mentioned, all efforts to return to my normal routine now that all my houseguest have gone has failed miserably. Since I was very unproductive this morning, I decided I might need a new routine, shake things up a bit and approach it with a fresh perspective.

I did do my Bible reading before I headed out to the garden once light enough to see and harvested what I could. God, fresh air, and nature: what more could you ask for? I incorporated my stretching and walking after that in hopes of regrouping a bit. Feeling energized I made a healthy breakfast of a veggie omelet made with summer squash, onions, garlic and hot peppers. Hmmm. Feels as if I'm off to a good start. Rather than my usual post-breakfast cup of coffee, I filled my cobalt blue goblet full of fresh water; this is a resuscitated effort to drink more. Motivated by aesthetics, I found I am more likely to drink water from that pretty glass over anything else. I was cutting a key lime to squeeze into my water when I sliced my thumb with the knife. As you might guess, the cut instantly filled with limejuice. This felt like fire and I instinctively stuck my thumb in my mouth; the thumb with hot pepper juice on it. Now my thumb and mouth burned!

Here I sit with a bandaged thumb, no Christian blog written, not a word on the book and it is almost 10am. I feel like I need a nap, B12 shot, and a far away vacation. Due to the thumb incident, I do not know if the attempted new routine would have provided a more productive me for writing or be a great big flop. I'll try again tomorrow I guess. For now, I'm taking my throbbing thumb to the guest room. We will curl up in the bed under the net canopy; soaking in the ambiance of the room I enjoy so much with its warm Mediterranean colors and smells. If a nap happens to come my way, I will embrace it with open arms. I will meditate to cleanse my mind and quiet my soul. I have found repeating 'Jesus' to myself over and over calms me just as He calmed the raging sea. Tomorrow, I will open my eyes and take comfort in knowing God is still in control and the sun will dawn as it always does. A new day, fresh start and new mercies; I need them all.

For Whom the Bell Tolls

"No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were: any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee." John Donne's Meditation no. 17 from "Devotions upon Emergent Occasions" (1624)

A bell, once rung does not, cannot take back the sound that many hear. Recent events brought this principle to mind. It is common for people say and/or do rash things that affect many others with consequences they did not either foresee or have concern for in their desire to satisfy self. We are all connected, one way or another, our actions, and choices leave an imprint on those standing close to the action, the splash zone, if you will.

No man is an island. We did not come into this world on our own, our life leaving a shadow on many others. Yet, we often make decisions as if we were the only one concerned. The quote above reflects the author's insight of this concept. In our Christian faith, we read in scripture that we are one body as the church, the Bride of Christ. It seems as though our one body suffers from seizures with pieces and parts flinging about independently. We can easily see that when the left foot wants to head to the right and the right foot wants to head to the left that we will end up on our collective derriere in short order if we abandon consideration and cooperation.

I am not saying we should not think for ourselves, heavens no! However, I am saying that before we go about tossing boulders into the lake we need consider those touched by the ripples, which inevitably radiate out in all directions. It need not be a boulder; the smallest of pebbles has the same effect.

Does this not then make it even more important that we think of the whole rather than oneself? I, for one, am eternally thankful that Christ considered all humanity before stepping away from his place of honor and deity in exchange for a body of flesh, sacrificing self to redeem our miserable souls. Yet, we often balk at the smallest of considerations; we want what we want and we are willing to defend our right to have what we want regardless of how anyone else may be affected. Not a Christ-like mentality, is it?

A bell, once rung, cannot recall the sound that reverberates throughout our lives. A harsh word will ring in the ear of the receiver long after the tongue responsible has forgotten. A breech of faith, trust, and/or integrity leaves scars on relationships from the slow healing process. We are blessed to have a God that forgives and forgets. We are instructed to forgive so we can be forgiven. The human heart and flesh are less malleable; forgiveness is a conscious decision, though the repair to relationships comes with a need for rebuilding. Our priority need be to consider those concerned before pulling the rope that swings the bell; consider 'for whom the bell tolls'.........

Walk the Talk

I often write about being aware of the thoughts we allow to occupy our mind, taking negative thoughts captive and looking for the positive, godly things on which to ponder. Our thoughts lead the way for our attitudes and the attitudes beget our actions. This morning I am trying to live what I preach in my efforts to write the blog.

Here's my dilemma…it's not so much that I have negative thoughts flying around inside my head but a barrage of random disconnected thoughts. Apparently I am so set in my ways (not a good thing) that I am unable to function in all but the most basic of tasks while the kaleidoscope of thoughts swirl and twirl in my mind. Egad!

I wrote the other day of distraction when trying to write. We have family visiting and I love it…most of the time. I caught myself feeling irritated that I cannot follow my set writing schedule. My head wants to get into the storyline I am finishing for a book but my hands are working on the next meal preparations, my personal Martha mode! Characters interacting and potato peeling happening vie for my attention. I just shed my blue jeans because it felt like a spider crawling up my leg. I was not so concerned about the spider but the crawling tickled my leg and distracted me. No spider found except the one that overnight made a lovely web between a large floral arrangement in front of my desk and the stack of goods gathered for the garage sale to raise funds for the mission trip next January. The taunting calendar covered in upcoming events this month is hanging next to me, just inside my peripheral vision. Down the hall, our three beloved dogs are starting to whimper and do the "Get me out of this cage" dance. Is it any wonder my thoughts are scattered and disjointed this morning?

So, let's break this down and dig for the 'positive' in the distractions listed above.

1. First, I made the decision not to even try to work on the book while guest were here long before they arrived so I do not know why those characters keep popping in but I choose to believe it is because (for now) we are one.

2. I am very thankful I have food to feed my guest. Guest without food to feed them makes for a lousy visit.

3. Family visiting – grandkids I do not get to see often enough and an interesting cousin with years to catch up on; I wanted to focus on time with them. Hugs & snuggles..yippie!

4. No spider in the jeans but the tickling sensation is still there. (Hmm..) Still, I have feelings in my legs; some people do not.

5. I do not have issues about spiders; they eat other insects I might have issues with so I try to leave them alone when possible. This spider faces relocation where it can build another web that is not between the printer and me.

6. I will happily live with 'stuff' stacking up to help raise funds for a mission trip any day!

7. My calendar helps me remember how blessed I am to have friends and family with birthdays to celebrate and ministry events to attend for serving Jesus!

8. My dogs give me so much unconditional love I would be quite remiss if I allowed ill feelings to linger over stopping to care for their needs. Lap full of canine kids makes it all worthwhile.

Yep, I am one blessed woman! I lead a full, busy life with people and critters that love me. Tomorrow I take G-daughter #2 home, visit two other G-kids on my way to pick up another three coming back with me. Friday, my Honey and three G-kids head off to church camp while G-daughter #1 and I spend some quality time together. Pups will need attention, garden will have weeds to pull, meals will be prepared, prayers said, and Bible read. The blog may or may not be written. The character in the book will live in limbo until I return to them. If they pop into my thoughts, I will listen to them, maybe make a few notes, but keep them in perspective as I enjoy the blessing that is my life with family in the house.

Thoughts…attitudes…actions. Putting my scattered thoughts in writing helped sort them; looking for the 'positive' keeps them in perspective. My attitude is better and my actions reflect a more calm and pro-active me. Thank you, Jesus!

You Want Me to do What?

My husband and three other brave adult souls are taking the kids from church to summer camp later this week. Three of our grandchildren are going with them. The oldest of our three going is already here and we are enjoying hanging out with him. I asked if he was interested in earning some spending money for camp. His reply, "Doing what?" I explained his response did not answer my question. He said he might be interested depending on what the job was. I went on to say a desire to earn money for camp was either there or not. Yes, de decided, he wanted to earn money for camp….his voice dripped with wary hesitancy.

As his grandparent, I was a little less than thrilled by his reaction. I would like to believe he knew me well enough to know I would not ask anything of him he was not capable of doing. I would have liked to see an attitude of eagerness to perform chores for the opportunity and satisfaction of earning 'fun money'. We have provided the way for him to go to camp and we will provide him with the things he needs while there. Still, I would like to see my G-kids grow up with a mentality of working for what they have, appreciation for opportunities to be more self-sufficient, not always expecting life and others to fill their extended hand and every whim. Now, please let me say in all fairness, this boy has asked nothing of us as far as spending money and he is not walking around with an attitude of entitlement. Some do.

The poignant part of this story is that his reaction to my offer was very similar to how we often react to God. He provides all we need because He loves us; He isn't going to ask more of us than we can handle yet when given the opportunity we hang back wondering what it will required of us. Is it going to take much effort on my part? Will I have to endure mediocre working conditions? Will the job be pleasing to me? Will I have to sacrifice or step out of my comfort zone? Might I be embarrassed and self-conscience?

"Seriously, Lord, I want to do something to work for you but can you make something I would really like?" Hmm….wonder if God is a little less than thrilled by our response, too. Something to think about.

Full Time Job

I am a writer, my job/work is writing. If you think writing is not hard work, you've never been a writer. Working from home may sound ideal to those that commute to other locations every day; let me assure you, for every 'pro' that come with it, there are two 'cons' just waiting to get in the way. Many people assume I do not work because I work from home. Working at home comes across to some, as "I'm available whenever you want me." Twenty years ago, I worked in a corporate office and had a sign over my desk that read…I used to get irritated by the interruptions in my job, until I realized the interruptions were my job….that no longer applies to my work but the interruptions are still there; they simply come in other forms but come, they do!

I have read tips and work habits of other writer to see if they are doing something I might try in order to make the home office more user friendly and, consequently, more productive. I am open to new ideas and concepts, plenty of successful writers came before me, so it is apparent they found something that works for them. I am still on my quest, looking for my ideal situation. I am not so talented that I remain undisturbed by the phone ringing or the dogs squabbling and/or barking. Working here, well, life happens around me whether I am writing or not. The only thing I really have any control over is my attitude about it all….and that, in and of itself, is a full time job.

I sit down at the computer a little after 5am every weekday while the coffee is brewing. Let the games begin! Some days it is easier to have a good attitude than others are. Some work does not require intense and total focus. All creative writing does, however, and, well…. I'm a creative writer. You see my dilemma. Therefore, acknowledging my inability to rein in 'attitude' with natural personality as my only tool…I call on Jesus.

I have a very hard time dealing with people that insist on gleaning the negative from any situation. Since God is in control of all things, I believe there is positive in everything if you look for it. It may not be on the surface, requiring some digging, but a determination to find something positive is a mentality I was able to develop only after giving control of my life to God. I believe God gave me the gift and desire to write, therefore, it is a good thing. Since He gave it to me, I want to use it in His service. Since serving God is an honor and form of worship and thankfulness, I believe it behooves me to perform this service in an attitude worthy of presenting to Him.

I cannot stop the flash if irritation that zips through my mind or the tightening of my belly when the phone rings or dogs bark while I am working but I can recognize that it is there and put up roadblocks to stop it from coming out of my mouth in a harsh tone. Once the ringing begins, disrupting my concentration and focus, the damage is done…it would only serve to make an unfortunate situation worse should I allow ugliness to come from me because of it. In all honesty I have to say it is far easier to stop it with the first couple of interruptions, more interruptions = more irritation. Vicious circle, that. It is in these times I remind myself I can do all things through Him that strengthens me! Call on Jesus.

Here is the key, as I see it. I want to please Him so I monitor myself for unpleasing traits, habits, and attitudes, working to modify my actions and behaviors accordingly. This isn't done with a sense of 'have to' but a sincere desire and 'want to'. I want to please Him because He loves me flaws and all. I love Him back. The sacrifice Jesus made for me was much more than I can give in return so if it takes effort and work and determination and more work on my part to try to please Him, then so be it! My pitiful little sacrifice of trying to control my attitude may seem large to the flesh though it is nothing but a trifle compared to the smallest of things He did for me. He IS worthy of my efforts, I am not of His.

Attitude, Folks, is something we can control. A sure way to know if your attitude needs work is to hold it up to scriptures and instruction on how we are to behave and think. I think you know already. What are you willing to do about it? See? Full time job.

Music for the Soul

My brother, Paul, recently discovered contemporary Christian music. I must say, it brought back treasured memories from my own early days for which I am thankful. Watching him, a music lover, discover this venue of worship with awe and appreciation is a beautiful thing. He is young in his faith and his enthusiasm is delightful.

Music, long used in worshiping the Lord, is a universal language that speaks to the very soul. Words of praise, hope, and even desperation have cried out the highest highs and lowest lows of humanity. Psalms is a biblical reflection of the needs and fears of man along with adoration and worship for the one holy God. Scripture tells of the chorus of angels' constantly singing praise. Yes, indeed, we Believers will join our voices with the holy choir. What a sight and sound to behold!

It was a song about such my brother was excited about when he called; MercyMe's song 'I Can Only Imagine'. I've written out the core of the song; the words that express anticipation and wonder of how it might feel when we come face to face with Jesus:

"I can only imagine what it will be like, when I walk by Your side...
I can only imagine, what my eyes will see, when Your Face is before me!
I can only imagine. I can only imagine.

Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine! I can only imagine!

I can only imagine, when that day comes, when I find myself standing in the Son!
I can only imagine, when all I will do, is forever, forever worship You!
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!"

Music and prayer, the two most powerful and influential factors in people surrendering themselves and submitting to the Most High God. In my personal baby-Christian days, I know the written Word of God and Christian music were my constant companions. I had a spiritual thirst that nothing else would quench. I felt like a giant sponge desperate to soak in as much of my God as I could. It might sound strange but I felt as if I could actually feel the cells in my body changing and filling with awareness I had not experienced before. When scripture tells us we are new creatures in Christ when we totally submit to His Lordship, I had no problems accepting that as truth because I felt the transformation happening inside me. This is not an overnight transformation though the initial rush feels as though it is. All these years later I am still delighted when I realize a restructured area of my personality is flying on autopilot; no longer an issue I must make myself comply with His ways over my own but integrated with Him.

I vividly remember the moment I first totally surrendered everything to Him. I had been in church for many years and trying to live a decent life. I was involved in my church, participating in many areas. I loved being in the choir because I could sing aloud with others making beautiful music of praise. One night at choir practice after singing the a cappella version of the Hallelujah Chorus, our leader instructed us to find a private spot for ourselves in the sanctuary to be alone with God. The praise team band played a worship song, only instruments, and no voices. As I sat in the floor with the air filled with soulful music, I prayed; not the usual prayers for family and forgiveness but a petition asking God to fill me completely with His spirit, to make His desires my desires, to use my life in the way He wanted rather than what I thought was right. I asked Him to accept me as a willing vessel for any purpose under heaven He determined. I took my hands off my life, laid down control and knew for the first time what total surrender really meant. It was not about me anymore. I felt such an all-encompassing peace. I like to believe this is just a taste of what it will be like in heaven but until then, I can only imagine…..

Reforest the Land

I thought I must have been too distracted to hear from the Lord this morning regarding a message today because I just kept getting ‘reforest the land.’ Reforest the land? Gee…I prayed for guidance and wisdom in sharing this because I didn’t have a clue. As you might guess, reforest is not a word used in the Bible…I researched it. In fact, I read every verse using anything close to reforest…the word 'plant' being used most often.

I wrote the words above months ago when I first 'heard' from the Lord that I was to write about reforesting the land. You have no idea how long I sat at this keyboard with hands poised and ready to get to work; my 'receiver' must have been wonky that day because I got nothin'! When I feel the Lord has given me the subject matter on which to write I just let Him have control of my fingers. To force something is a waste of time. Over this lapsed time, I have prayed over it, asking God to show me how he wanted me to proceed, where to take it. Still, nothing came…until God tickled my spirit yesterday morning prompting me to refresh my efforts to write on reforesting the land. I had not planned to write yesterday because my husband was off for the holiday but the urge to bring up this document loomed over my head until I did. I read the pitiful little paragraph at the top of the page and wondered why this had come to mind with such insistence. I just left the document up on the computer, so it was waiting for me when I sat down this morning. God is not an author of incomplete works.

Last night my Honey and I were watching a show on PBS regarding the great depression era and how FDR saved the day by establishing work programs for men all over the country. He saw the need to restore the land depleted from over farming and logging. It was the first effort at establishing conservation to restore the land resources; lives and families facing failure reaped a harvest of hope and opportunity along the way. No welfare handed out; just work programs that taught new trades and work ethics to desperate people in desperate times. Many projects accomplished but the bulk of the work: reforesting the land. A coincidence…I think not.

Interestingly enough, as popular with the common folks as it was, there was great opposition within the government. Our land was saved, parks created, people restored with dignity because they had jobs and yet the political authorities were concerned with the price tag. Sometimes the cost of not doing something far exceeds the price tag. Walk through a state park today and you well may be walking the paths created by the men under the conservation projects birthed from FDR's work programs. Farms, forests and families had new life breathed into them because one man dared to look ahead with vision and sense enough to know you can never satisfy the hand stretched out in need without first filling the spirit with hope. People wanted to take care of their own families. Work provided the way to do so.

Long ago, there as another with vision, that walked the land spreading hope; the authorities were not happy about Him so much either. He taught lessons on sowing and harvesting; pruning away the unproductive so good fruit had a chance. He taught the need for a man to work to support his family; to raise up his children in the way they should go. His work saved souls and spirits; bringing hope and healing to all the tired, desperate people that would listen and receive the message. He shared knowledge and wisdom; encouraging and sending others to share with every one else. His vision: reforest the land with redeemed people so the generations to follow would reap the rewards of the labor of those that heard, believed, and followed His plan. The price tag of following His plan is nothing next to the cost of not doing the work required.

There is a lesson in there, Folks, what are you doing to reforest the land? Are you sharing hope with others, telling about salvation? The work of our hands in reaching others is very much part of His plan; together we can be a part in reforesting the land with the redeemed and restored.