Seeds of Joy

Ideas are basically seeds of dreams. Between the three of us, Me, Myself & I, a lot of ideas are conceived but rarely live to the birth pain stage of fruition. I’m an excellent incubator for dream seeds. I have enough creativity to form the dream seed, and in my mind, raise it up to a colorful vision complete with sound and smells. Being a tactile sort, I can even feel it…in my mind.

Some dream seeds come during times that I call fantasy folly. For instance, I have redesigned and reconstructed our master bath many times over the 8 years we’ve lived here….again, in my mind. I want to rip out the small shower stall and its companion linen closet and replace it with a larger walk-in tiled shower that has a window on the exterior wall that overlooks a tiny walled courtyard lush with plants and a wall fountain. I think that would be awesome and relaxing. The existing narrow window in the room would be taken out and a French door installed in its place. I’d need a way to access the tiny courtyard, after all.

Ok, that’s the fantasy folly part, here’s the reality. As pretty as the dream bathroom is in my head, it is neither practical nor warranted. I take short showers, five minutes tops and that’s if I’m washing my hair…the conditioner needs two minutes. We have a huge corner soaking tub that has been used maybe five times in the eight years, maybe. I’ve tried to take luxurious baths but by the time the huge tub is filled I am beyond ready to get out and move on. I can’t bear to use that much water for one bath since I’ve been in countries where people have to walk a great distance with jugs just to have drinking water. My husband and I rarely use the long vanity with double sinks at the same time, so even that common set-up isn’t needed. What we want and what we need are often two different things. It isn’t wrong to want or dream. In and of themselves, dreams are harmless. I entertain myself a lot with them.

The problem comes when we allow discontent to seep into our minds and hearts, stealing our joy because the dream is just a dream and not our reality. If as Christians we are to emulate Jesus who lived a lifestyle of simplicity, should we not be cautious of always wanting more? Jesus didn’t have a closet full of clothes; He didn’t have a home or even a bed on which to lay His head. I imagine my small shower would have been luxurious to the traveling disciples. Dusting sand off your feet before lying down to sleep is a far cry from a hot shower.

Dreams can dance around in our minds, entertaining us but we need to be diligent about protecting our joy, and appreciation for all we have been given. Thankfulness brings satisfaction. Satisfaction brings joy. Joy brings appreciation. Appreciation brings thankfulness. If you’re going to birth anything, let the circle of thankfulness be your choice.

The Dance of a Lifetime

Many years ago I fell in love at the wedding reception of a friend. It was a loud, boisterous Italian event with lively music and people crowded around the dance floor. A semi-formal event, the men wore tuxedos and the women were dolled-up in their best ‘after five’ dress. The mood was joyful and light, the décor was festive; a perfect wedding reception.

One of the bride’s friends from Houston asked me to dance. This was not the stand apart from your partner and wiggle kind of dancing, it was a waltz. I had learned to waltz for a stage production high school…way back in high school; but this was a fast tempo waltz to the classic song ‘New York, New York.’ I declined the invitation to dance but he persisted. I informed him I didn’t really know what to do but, once again, he extended his hand and simply said, “Just follow me and hold on for the ride.” I’ll never forget those words.

Though I felt like a three legged cow as I stepped onto the floor, he did know what he was doing and he did it well. If it is possible to glide at the speed of light, we did. We spun around the dance floor with more style and grace than I could have imagined. Though the tempo was fast, indeed, I did as instructed; I followed him and held on. It was exhilarating! I felt a freedom and excitement I had not known existed. I did not want it to end. I wanted more and more of that emotional high. All these years later I can still feel it; I fell in love with ballroom dancing right there and then. It is a love affair that lives on today.

That dance experience was a lot like accepting Jesus, if you think about it. The invitation is extended and not always accepted People often are concerned that they will not know what to do, how to act. The three legged cow of awkwardness syndrome comes in to play. They want to but are so afraid of not living up to some standard that they may hang back. The invitation is still there for the taking, if they would just reach out and take the hand offered.

There is no other emotional high like the one you have when you experience the joy of knowing Jesus and being filled with His presence. The new found freedom you feel as, one by one, chains of bondage are broken off your life is like no other. There are times, as in a dance, when you feel closer to the Lord and times you are extended out; though He is always there holding you as you move through the steps of your life. It is the love affair of a life time if you accept Jesus when He says, “Just follow me and hold on for the ride.”

Talk Doesn't Cook Rice

I read a Chinese proverb yesterday that caught my attention. I like to collect quotes that impact me in some way. This one did. It was a short simple statement. ’Talk doesn’t cook rice.’ On the surface it looks too simple to be of much consequence but when you contemplate the message the sentence is making, you begin to see the wisdom within.

We are in an age of instant communication and, quite frankly, I believe that is not necessarily a good thing. At any moment in time you can be bombarded by people talking, people talking over other people, people throwing out opinions like candy at a parade. We’ve all seen it, there are people lined up beside the road waiting to see what they can get. Then the floats come along and candy is tossed out. Some people scrambled to get as much as they can, other act nonchalant about it but do not hesitate to take what comes in their direction. Of course, there are those that stand back and try to get out of the fracas. Remember, this is an analogy, we are still addressing people talking and throwing out opinions; the results are the same.

Be they political in nature, religion related, who’s kissing who, food you should eat or how you should have raised your kids and what clothes you need to wear this season; opinions are flying on talk radio, TV talk shows, newscasts, internet, back fences, café tables, PTO meetings, newspapers and magazines to name a few sources. A whole lot of talk is going on!

Frankly, I’m fed up with all the opinions floating around. If you listen long enough you will hear opinions change and morph into something else….politicians are the champs of morphed opinions; a firm stand on issues today is merely fodder for the crowds of supporters standing below the platform like puppies wagging their tales. These same ‘supporters’ will be disappointed when their candidate of choice moves in a different direction or does a 180 degree turn around when they bump up against the reality that they do not have the power to do all they promise to do. Worse case scenario for them is when their candidate does nothing at all. They come to the sad realization it was all talk. Nothing but talk to whip them up in a frenzy so they would run around telling everyone else how enlightened their candidate was and then sharing their own opinion about why the other candidate was not so good…opinions and talk, our world is full of them.

Perhaps they should read Proverbs 11:11-14

By the blessing of the influence of the upright and God’s favor the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. He who belittles and despises his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding keeps silent. He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; but he who is trustworthy and faithful in spirit keeps the matter hidden. Where no wise guidance is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 11:29 says He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind, and the foolish shall be servants to the wise of heart.

Turn off the noise of all the talk out there and get into the only solid information we can count on. That’s my opinion, for what it’s worth. Today I plan to be a woman of more action and less talk about action! Today, I am going to cook rice.

Situational Morality

The first time I heard the words ‘situational morality’ used together in a sentence I mentally checked out of the conversation for a moment to ponder the implications of the term. What I considered to be conflicting terms were being used as a rationale for questionable decision making on the part of the person with whom I was speaking. I was taken aback by their blatant acceptance of knowingly functioning with situational morality. It must have made an impact on me because here I am some twenty-one years later, still talking about it.

While I was a bit stunned at that moment, it did not take me long to start recognizing situational morality all around. I would love to say I never tiptoed through the tar pit of it myself, but that would not be true. What I can say with all honesty is that I have made an effort to be aware of when I was leaning toward doing just that and made the conscious choice not to do so more often than to do. Still, sometimes I fall into the tar trap.

I know there are people that happily swim in the tar pit never caring a hoot about morality, situational or not. However, I believe most Christians get tripped up over little things, but no matter how little the object you trip over, you can still find yourself face down in tar.

For instance, I know a man considered by all that know him to be a fine Christian man, a man of prayer, a man that eagerly serves the Lord; yet he has a library of bootlegged videos. In spite of the Federal Warning on each one, he has made a practice of buying these videos, knowing they are illegally copied - Situational Morality. It’s not up there with grand larceny but it is still not legal. What kind of mixed message might that send his children and grandchildren? That’s where the tar gets real sticky.

If someone lies on or ‘embellishes’ a resume, will they make a trustworthy employee? I had a woman tell me once she didn’t cheat on her husband; she just played around the edges. I have worked with men that considered themselves ‘good’ husbands and fathers but would go watch someone else’s daughter dance naked around a pole while they ate lunch; after all the place had a good buffet. Borrowing a friend’s weed-eater and returning it dirty, and then only after they ask you to, may not seem like such an offense but what does it say about the value you have shown for your friend and their property?

There are thousands of little tar traps around and we must step carefully lest we step on one. Having become aware all those years ago to watch out for situational morality in my own life, a lesson I appreciate learning, has made me think more before jumping feet first. The tricky part comes in the life of a Christian when we know to avoid the large tar pits and think we are above tripping into one but moving along in our self-elevated state, we step on a small patch of situational morality that sticks to us like tar on the bottom of a shoe. No matter how you try to slough it off, tar will stick to you.

One last point, the pungent stink of tar lingers when times are hot; just something to think about.

Though the Rain May Fall

I believe God can use any situation as an opportunity to teach us a life lesson. In the moment, we may not recognize it as such but when we develop a habit of looking for them, we can see them all around us. Yesterday was such a day for us.

We, my hubby and I, were taking a small contingent of kids from church to an air show. These kids are part of a pilot (no pun intended) program and we use an analogy of training to be a Top Gun; encouraging them to strive to be the best they can be, setting their standards higher, expect more of themselves. Planning the trip to the air show seemed an appropriate motivator and they were excited. We planned to leave straight after church, take a picnic lunch and make an afternoon of it.

On the day of the air show, our normally draught stricken part of Texas was under heaving, looming rain clouds. It started raining before church started and poured the duration of the service. People from church were saying the air show was rained out; we might as well stay for lunch. The air show and our church’s Thanksgiving meal together fell on the same day; the smell of the traditional feast wafting all around. We had have travel quite a distance to even get to the air force base and we were being told the weather was worse in the area of our destination; hot turkey and ham vs. soggy picnic lunch…..hmmmmm. Doesn’t sound like much of a competition, does it?

Yes, temptation called out loudly to us in the form of growling bellies and those that thought us crazy encouraging us to stay! Pay attention, here comes the life lesson.

Conventional wisdom would have us scrap our plans and indulge our flesh; stay warm and dry, eat in good company. This outing, however, was not just a picnic to have fun; it was a teaching tool in our service to the Lord. We were committed and prepared to see the mission through.

Preparation included a lot of prayer leading up to and the day of; especially when the rain started. We had thanked the Lord for the rain and asked if, perhaps, it could rain on our house instead of the air show for a few short hours.

Our picnic food was planned and packed intentionally in such a way we were able to eat in the car on the long, wet drive over. Though not hot, we had turkey and ham! We packed lawn chairs, umbrellas, and a water-proof mat for the kids to sit on.

The crowds were smaller this year, guess a lot of people thought the rain would win out. Then, there may have been those that were fearful to come to a military base after the tragic event at Fort Hood. Fear and circumstances will dictate actions if you let them.

Close to our destination, the rain stopped. We picked out an excellent spot from which to view all the activities, left our stuff in my Honey’s capable care and jaunted off to see the planes on exhibit. Then, clouds parted and planes took to the sky! We had an awesome time. From time to time, it did drizzle so we would pull out the umbrellas when needed and stash them back when not. Look what we would have missed if we listened to the nay- sayers!

Lesson taught: When you are serving the Lord, no one says it will be a picnic. You will have obstacles and circumstances that make your objective look unlikely and impossible. You will have people around discouraging you and saying it can’t be done. BUT when you are standing on His strength, all things are possible. Start with and stay in prayer! When you honor your commitment, not letting fear or what you see all around you hold you back, pushing on through the rain, the Lord parts the clouds just in time. THAT is walking in faith!

A True Sad Story

Dear Friends........

It appears I am not to publish a posting today. I do not know why, but after many failed and rejected attempts I am accepting this fact. I wrote one, reviewed it many times for mistakes and merrily sent it on its way. It was rejected.....beats me! Got an error message I have never seen before..... don't have a clue what it means. Tried many more times to set up blog anew.....no go! Deleted it and started from scratch.....nope! Stopped and cooked two eggs before coming back and trying with a new attitude....not happening! New attitude quickly fading!! Pray for me, I need it.

I have mentioned before that I am technically challenged but I did try everything I knew to try to no avail. Just wanted you to know I DID try and try and try..........Pray for me, I need it.

So, I'm throwing in the towel for today, not even sure if this note will go out. The really scary part for me is that I have a writing project deadline coming up and needed to be 100% in the right mindset to work on it today. What do YOU think the chances of that happening now is? Hmmm? Right! Looking bad for the home team. Pray for me, I need it.

Have a great weekend. We will be busy all weekend long!!! Pray for me..... yep, I need it!

Fire Insurance is Not Enough

When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior you are insuring that you will go to heaven instead of hell; basic fire insurance.

The sad fact is that there are far too many people that put on the helmet of salvation and set out into the world filled with traps and snares laid by an evil spiritual enemy. There they stand, helmet on head but naked and vulnerable every where else.

God gives us a full armor to protect and prepare us. When we grow in our knowledge of and faith in Christ, we are putting on the whole armor. The armor helps us live victorious lives. Jesus defeated the enemy and that’s a done deal but in our time on planet earth, he (the enemy) still roams around looking for ways to destroy people and lives.

Eph 6:10-17 (NIV) …Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

One final note, have you ever considered that the armor covers the front of you? Given that any thought? I believe such is the case for two reasons. First, we are expected to stand facing our enemies in complete confidence that we are covered in and protected by our knowledge of and faith in Christ. Secondly, I totally believe there was only a need to cover the front because Jesus has got our back!