Sweet Comforts

I've been out of town all weekend having fun with family (yes, I'm usually the one acting silly!) so thought I would share a couple of quotes with you. Some good food for thought, I think. See if you agree:

Former First Lady Barbara Bush said, "At the end of your life you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent."

A couple of centuries ago, Jane Austen had this to say: "There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."

No, I didn't stay at home this weekend, but I did go home to my mom and dad's. Family gathered, and we had a great time catching up on news, eating Dave's magic cookie bars, going on walks, playing games, and crowning our time together with homemade ice cream and chocolate sheet cake :) Anyone out there enjoy the comforts of home or friends and family like I did this holiday weekend? Tell me about it -- I love to hear your stories!

"...who can comfort you?" Isaiah 51:19

**Special Note: Wanted to pass along a wonderful opportunity. Find out how your small (or large if you prefer!) donation can make the difference in the lives of women recently released from prison. Check out the Aug. 28 post on Suzie Eller's site.

Side by Side

There we are, side by side, ready for another birthday adventure. Lucky for me, one of my best friends, Teri, has a birthday today, less than two weeks after mine, and we like to make sure we have big fun together at some point between the two. Yesterday was the day. We went to T-town for a day of shopping, gabbing, and indulging in chocolate. By the way, those activities are not listed in order of importance :)

We got silly before we ever left Teri's house. I knew I would want a picture of us for the blog so we decided to try taking one on our own. Our daughters are experts at this -- holding cameras at arm's length and snapping shots of themselves with friends and family. I don't know what made us think we could do it as well. The picture above represents at least 30 minutes of trying with two different cameras :) Chalk that up to the first nonsense of the day :)

Other highlights? Catching up on all our news and finding ourselves still talking as we pulled into Teri's drive a little after 10 p.m., lunch at Mimi's (home of the best muffins ever!), examining and discussing nearly every item at The Savory Chef, a couple of sweet shopping victories for each of us, and the icing on our birthday cake?? Dessert at Cheesecake Factory, of course. And yes, we got two different desserts. It was ridiculous :) I came out of there feeling like I had chocolate smeared all over my mouth :) Okay, I don't want to totally mislead you -- neither one of us could eat "the whole thing". We gave up and walked away with take-home containers.

You know besides all these fun things, another thing that's so great about celebrating our birthdays together is that we both turn the same age in the same month. Yep, we're growing older side by side. And I've discovered having a friend to do this with sure makes it less painful. In fact, having Teri by my side has made a lot of things less painful over the years.

One of the first acts of friendship Teri extended to me was bringing a meal to us after Kelli was born. That was 25 years ago this month. And where would I have been if she had not led me by the hand into Hobby Lobby and helped me prepare for Kristin's wedding? Those of you who know me well know that I'm craft challenged. Without Teri, I would never have had the courage to walk into a Hobby Lobby store. Now I'm hooked -- who knew they had all that other great stuff! :)

Everyone needs a side-by-side friend like Teri. If you're lucky like me, you'll have more than one. If you don't have this kind of friend, I encourage you to ask God to provide you with one. Be prepared to befriend someone you seem to hit it off with and then invest little by little in the friendship. Before you know it, 25 years will have gone by, and you'll have a side-by-side friend -- a friend for life. One of God's greatest blessings.

"...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24b

On the Blink

Don't you just hate it when one thing after another breaks down? No sooner than we got our lawnmower situation solved last week, another problem presented itself. Our big tv went on the blink. Luckily, we have another one we can use while the 36 inch one's being fixed, but now we're stuck trying to watch a 13 inch tv. Good grief, we've almost needed a magnifying glass to see the last few days of the Olympics :)

I know, we're spoiled. But we can't even use our dvd player or Tivo. The old standby tv is just too old -- doesn't have the hook-ups. I guess I should be thankful the cable can still be used, even though we're not getting nearly all of our channels for some reason. We'll just grit it out until our good tv is fixed. This time, one thing on the blink has affected other things, though, and I'm probably missing the Tivo more than anything. I got spoiled on that in no time flat.

If something had to quit working, I'm glad it wasn't anything more serious than a tv. The worst is when our bodies go on the blink. That's another time when one thing going wrong can certainly affect other things. When Paul compared the church body to our physical bodies, he pointed out that "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it..." (1 Corinthians 12:26). When we experience pain, not only do we hurt, but we deal with exhaustion, we have difficulty thinking clearly, and many times we have to cope with other limitations as well.

It can be scary when our bodies malfunction. We can be left feeling vulnerable -- fearful of what the future holds. I know. While I was only in my 30s, I dealt with the onset of a couple of different ongoing health concerns. One was inflammatory arthritis. Thank goodness, it hasn't developed into classic rheumatoid arthritis, but in the beginning, we weren't sure.

At first, my flareups were confined to my right thumb and wrist. Extreme pain and inability to use my right hand during those times impacted my life in a number of ways. I'll never forget, though, the fear that gripped me the first time one of my knees was affected. I knew the devastating toll rheumatoid arthritis could take on a body. I had no control over what was happening, and I was afraid. Would I one day end up in a wheelchair?

As I poured out my concerns to God, He graciously comforted and assured me with the words He spoke to Paul when Paul pleaded with the the Lord to take away his thorn in the flesh. The Lord said to Paul -- and to me -- "'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'" (2 Corinthians 12:9). I knew that no matter what the future held, God would be with me and give me the grace I would need to face any situation. And now, all these years later, I'm so thankful that my fear of being crippled by arthritis has not been realized.

Yes, when our bodies go on the blink, it's frightening. If it happens to you, let me encourage you to run to the Lord with your fears. He may give you the same answer He gave me and Paul. Or He might speak different words of encouragement to you. Just give Him the chance. Turn to Him. He'll be there.


p.s. Anyone else faced with an "on the blink" situation? Feel free to share. If it's something serious, we'll pray for you. If it's a nuisance, we'll empathize :)

Ready To Go

I don't know how he pulled it off, but Don managed to get a new "toy" for himself on my birthday last weekend. To be honest, we spent that day shopping for several things, and he did try to dissuade me (weakly!) from spending any time at all looking for a new lawnmower for himself. But I insisted we take advantage of the fact that he actually had the time and opportunity to look that day, and so...voila! Don is now the ridiculously proud owner of a new TROY-BILT 3 in 1 Push Mower. It has a mulching feature that has him in Lawn Man heaven :) (First, he was Canyon Man, then Paint Man, and now his predominant identity comes out -- he can most often be seen as Lawn Man!)

I must admit it was time for an update. His old push mower has been, I'm sure, driving the whole neighborhood crazy all summer with its sputtering death rattle. Or should I say Don has been driving everyone crazy as he ran the engine and worked on the dying mower for hours on end. After trying everything he knew -- as well as a few things others suggested -- he decided it was time to let go of some cash and get something that could actually cut grass :) (By the way, he uses his rider on most of our yard but still needs a push mower for certain parts of it as well as for the lawn he mows for an elderly neighbor. What a guy, huh?!)

I wish you could have seen him as he got his new mower set up and ready to go. He could barely wait to get it out into the grass and give it a test run. Just like a kid on Christmas morning, he couldn't wipe the smile off his face as he stopped just long enough to give me his first report. "Man, this thing just glides through the grass. It pushes so easy -- it doesn't shake and vibrate like the other one did. This is great!" And then he was off again, even mowing parts of the lawn he usually does with the rider. When I caught his attention long enough to ask him what in the world he was doing, he just smiled. Before I knew it, he had taken off to do our neighbor's yard. I began to wonder if he would do the entire neighborhood before he came in :)

It was neat to see how excited Don was to get to work and use his new piece of equipment. Wouldn't it be refreshing if we all displayed the same kind of zeal over using the talents and abilities that God has given us? Ephesians 2:10 says "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do", and Paul tells us in Romans that "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us..." (12:6a).

What gifts has God given you? What did He create you to do? Let's get excited about using our God-given equipment. Let's be ready to get to work. Let's be ready to go!

"Each one should use whatever gift he has received..." 1 Peter 4:10a

Celebrating Birthdays

Okay, I'll fess up. I had a birthday yesterday. I won't get into specific numbers or anything, but since I did turn another year older, I thought I would celebrate by taking it easy and keeping this post short. Besides, I need plenty of time to savor each delicious bite of the fancy chocolate truffles Don gave me :)

I actually have another kind of birthday I can celebrate, too. A spiritual birthday. One summer Sunday 46 years ago, I gave my heart to Jesus and was born into the family of God. Yes, I was young. Just seven years old. But even then, I knew I did wrong things and had sin in my life. Romans 3:23 says, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". I knew I was part of the "all" who were sinners and needed a Savior. I wanted to ask Jesus to forgive me. I wanted to give my life to Him. So I did.

My life has been forever changed by that one simple act of faith. Not only did I receive God's free gift of eternal life ("For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23), but my relationship to Christ since that time has meant more to me than anything else in the world.

The Lord is my source of joy, peace, strength, encouragement, and guidance as I face my daily life. I don't have to experience that feeling of emptiness that so many feel because He fills that empty spot. He's always ready to forgive when I mess up and sin again (and I do!). He loves me just the way I am -- weaknesses and all. I can't imagine facing life without Him. He is my stability. I've had my share of spiritual struggles over the years, but I just try to stay close to Jesus and keep my eyes on Him.

So instead of thinking about all the candles it takes now on a birthday cake of mine, I'll just think about how long I've been in God's family. Now that's a birthday I don't mind celebrating!

How about you? Do you have a spiritual birthday? How old are you in the Lord? If you don't have one yet, it can be today -- just talk to Him about it. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life and be your Savior. "...'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" (Romans 10:13 NIV).

Let's praise God for loving us and giving us eternal life. "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so..." (Psalm 107:2 KJV).

*Flickr photo by dichohecho

p.s. I think it's impossible for me to keep a post short!! :)

Cec Murphey, Author and Mentor

Last Saturday I was in writer heaven. A first for me, I got to meet and sit under the teaching of a NY Times bestselling author. Cec Murphey, author of 90 Minutes in Heaven (with Don Piper), has written, co-written, or ghostwritten 110 books and is one of the most sought after writing instructors in the nation. You heard me right. And I got to hear him speak while he was in Tulsa last week.

Cec taught two writing workshops while I jotted down as many notes as possible in an attempt to capture his wisdom. His topics were geared towards fiction writers, and since I haven't yet tried my hand at fiction, I gained lots of valuable new insight. Even now, I can see how I could implement the techniques he spoke about to improve my non-fiction writing.

Another reason I was especially excited to meet Cec is that he is one of the expert panelists on The Christian Writers View 2, an online writers group I joined a year and a half ago. Cec graciously mentors and encourages new writers through this group as well as through a variety of other means. Not only does he mentor through the advice he gives to the group, but he also takes the time to email personal congratulations when a member has work published. What a blessing and encouragement his notes have been to me. It's also just downright fun to actually meet fellow writers I've gotten acquainted with online.

I'm so grateful for the chance to learn from Cec and others like him, those who have lived the writer's life far longer than me and have learned the ropes of the publishing industry. I'll be going to my first writers conference in September (North Texas Christian Writers Conference) and am sure I'll experience writer heaven again :)

One more thing to note -- Cec teaches more than writing skills. He models giving back and being a mentor. Each of us can do that in our own way. Each of us can teach what we have learned. Paul, Timothy's mentor, told him, "And the things you have heard me say...entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." (2 Timothy 2:2 NIV).

How about you? Have you had a mentor who has been a big help to you? Or maybe you're passing your knowledge and skills on to someone else? I'd love to hear your stories. C'mon and share!

Creation Speaks

Don heads back to school this week along with many other teachers and students across the nation. Summer is slipping away all too quickly, isn't it? Before it's completely gone, I'd like to share a piece I wrote several years ago that has appeared in a couple of different publications. I've updated and tweaked it in places, and I hope it inspires you to savor the remaining days of summer.

Creation Speaks

Have you ever noticed how creative works help us understand their creators? Consider God. His creations allow us to see Him more clearly if we turn our thoughts to Him as we enjoy the beauty and wonder of the world around us.

My family and I have often gone to the mountains for vacation. While there, it is impossible for me to not think of God. Their grandeur and beauty are so magnificent that only He could have created them. Their very peaks seem to point to Him.

One summer while hiking with my family, two very different characteristics of the mountains impressed me as never before. The gentle, soothing beauty of the alpine meadow found above tree line amazed me. Brilliant, delicate wildflowers unique to this particular environment decorated the meadow, while remaining snow fields and a serene mountain lake completed the peaceful scene. As we looked behind us from an elevation of 14,000 feet, the view was breathtaking. The mountains in all their majesty refreshed my spirit, and I rejoiced in God my Creator.

The very same day we enjoyed these tranquil surroundings, we also experienced the strength and sometimes dangerous power the mountains hold. We viewed mighty, rushing streams, dangerous drop-offs, and densely forested areas that one could easily get lost in if he ventured off the steep and rocky trail. The climb at this altitude soon took its toll on our bodies.

As we reached the peak, we noticed dark storm clouds moving in rapidly, and the wind suddenly picked up in intensity. The peaceful feelings we enjoyed earlier turned into an adrenaline rush that sent us racing down the trail. Fear of getting caught in rain, lightning, hail, or fog kept us watching the skies and moving as quickly as we could. The mighty mountains had our respect.

After reaching safety, I later reflected back on our experience. I realized how much God is like the mountains. He is a gentle Heavenly Father who provides His children with peace, beauty, and refreshment, but He is also an awesome, powerful God who is to be worshipped and respected. It's easy at times to lose sight of all that God is, but He refreshed my understanding on that summer day when peace met power on a mountain top.

Do you need a fresh touch from God? The next time you’re out enjoying our beautiful world, turn your thoughts to Him and let creation speak to you.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.” Psalm 19:1-3

*Flickr photo by Rutger de Moddertukker

Food, Glorious Food...Someday

After surviving a meager liquid diet and the unpleasant prep day for a screening colonoscopy, what's a gal's natural choice for a first meal on soft diet? For this gal, it was a chocolate shake.
Sure tasted good after Monday's fare of 7UP, jello, and chicken broth. Sorry to say, though, my smile didn't last long. The whole colonoscopy process did quite a number on my system, and I'm still having trouble eating today. I'm probably one of the few who has problems after this procedure, but if there's a "rare" category, count on me to fall into it :)

I had planned on writing about "Food, Glorious Food" today -- you know, because I would be starving and everything would taste so good, but my experience just hasn't panned out that way. Food hasn't gotten glorious for me yet this week, but I know it's coming. Soon (I hope) my system will get back to normal, and I'll want to eat everything in sight.

Thankfully, I'll have that opportunity. Food is plentiful in the good ole USA, and Don and I are fortunate enough to be able to buy all the groceries we want. I can't help but think of those who are hungry on a daily basis -- not just because of a medical procedure that puts the brakes on the food train for awhile, but because of famine or lack of money to buy available food.

I haven't enjoyed getting a headache from hunger or growing weak because of lack of nourishment, but I know it's a temporary problem. What about those who see no end in sight, who never get enough to satisfy their empty stomachs? I've got to be honest. I can't fathom what that must be like. I've never come close to experiencing ongoing hunger.

When we think of the hungry, we usually think of those in faraway places like Africa, but poor and hungry people can be found right here in our nation as well. Maybe neighbors in our own community. What are we to do? How are we to respond? Scripture tells us to "Rescue the weak and needy" (Psalm 82:4a NIV) and to "...continue to remember the poor..." (Galations 2:10 NIV).

How can we as individuals alleviate a need that is so vast? It can be something as simple as giving food to a local food pantry or as far-reaching as sponsoring a needy child through an organization like Compassion International. Maybe a contribution to a food crisis fund would help you feel like your gift was going where it was most needed. Compassion, in fact, has such a fund featured right now on its home page.

Compassion is just one organization that reaches out to the poor and hungry. What other avenues for helping them do you have personal knowledge about? Let's share our ideas. Maybe someone will be helped. Maybe my cry of "Food, glorious food!" will ring out someday soon from someone who is truly hungry.

Still a Kid at Heart

There she is -- our classical pianist daughter, now in her late twenties, not embarrassed to hula hoop in public. (Shawn, I'll be awaiting your profuse thanks for not posting the picture of your hula hoop antics!) One of our stops on our summer getaway was Silver Dollar City, an 1880s craft village and theme park smack-dab in the hills of Missouri (gotta talk like a hillbilly when mentioning SDC!), and this is where Kristin got her groove on and proved that she's still got the moves. Waist, knees, ankles, arms -- I think she hula-hooped every part of her body except her neck :)

I'm happy to say that our grown-up Kristin is still a kid at heart. She's not afraid to let loose and have some fun when the opportunity presents itself. Whether attempting to be the family winner on the shoot-out ride at Silver Dollar City, getting in on some sparkler action on the 4th of July, or battling with her sister when they're home for Christmas over who will move the mouse on our count-down calendar, Kristin still loves to indulge in some of the simple pleasures of being a kid.

We could all take a lesson from Kristin, in fact, and just have fun being kids every once in awhile. I have to admit I didn't even think of trying to hula hoop the other day or wave a sparkler on the 4th. I guess I just had fun watching my twenty-something kids be kids again. I do rise to the occasion every now and then, though. On the 4th, I joined in and played catch in the yard and even showed off a batting prowess that surprised my whole family :) Come to think of it, during our family reunion in May, the girls and I rode the teacups in the kids' area at Silver Dollar City for old times' sake. And you know what? It was fun being a kid again. Makes me wonder why I don't do it more often...

In our spiritual lives, I bet God would love to see us be like kids with Him more often, too. Coming to Him for everything, being at rest in Him, trusting Him completely, enjoying being with Him -- just like little ones have always done with their parents. Scripture tells us that Jesus welcomed children. He said, "'Let the little children come to me...' And he took the children in his arms...and blessed them." (Mark 10:14, 16 NIV). What better place to be than in the arms of God?

Are you still a kid at heart? When was the last time you ate the center first out of an oreo cookie -- or crawled up into the lap of your Heavenly Father and let Him soothe your fears? Let's let loose and give it a try. Let's be kids again.


**Thought I would run this FYI again to make sure everyone has a chance to see it. I have changed the comment options for the blog. You don't have to be "registered" with a password now (unless you want to) in order to leave a comment. Under the "choose an identity" section, you can simply click "Name/Url" and just leave your name. This should make it easier for those of you who don't want to set up an account. Give it a try. I'd love to know who's out there!