What Stuff?

Psalm 27:13

21st Century King James Version (KJ21)

¹³I would have fainted, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

It's about faith.  Believing when the evidence can't be seen.  Without this intangible hope life would be pretty dim. 

Today I was thinking about how sometimes it is the people you feel you should be able to trust that end up being the ones that let you down.  And have you ever heard of "friendly fire"?  When dealing with things like that, I can always feel the pit in my stomach start to form.  In the past, I have wasted a lot of time and energy worrying about what someone was thinking or saying or doing.  Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm still 100% human, it's hard not to "care". 

But, I have found an antidote for that pit in the stomach.  It's called believing.  Believing in what the Word says.  And using that Word to remind myself of what is actually up and what is actually down.  It is very easy to get distracted by stuff.  But at the end of the day, it is stuff.  Stuff!  Not the Word.  Not the goodness of the Lord.  Just stuff. 

I freely admit, I would faint at times, if I did not believe that I will see His goodness.  I do believe it.  I believe in His goodness and that is all I need to know.  What stuff?!

Choose Peace

Colossians 3:15
Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

¹⁵and let the peace of God rule in your hearts...and become thankful.

Peace sometimes seems elusive as we deal with day to day life. If we are not dealing with turmoil in our own lives, all we have to do is see the news, go downtown, wherever, and you sense the anxiety and unrest of people around you.

One thing I have learned through my experience with anxiety and worry is that it is a form of control. I know, right? That's ridiculous! If you had control, you wouldn't be worried! Well, think about it for a second, if you are worried are you telling God He can't take care of you? I believe that is exactly what we tell Him when we let worry and anxiety take over. Been there, done that, have the t-shirt.

I have also felt the peace that He gives when I let go of the worry and anxiety. Anxiety and peace just don't go together. They cannot co-exist and it is up to you and I to decide who is going to have the control. 

I choose peace. I am thankful!

The High Road

1 Peter 2:15-16

New Century Version (NCV)

¹⁵ It is God's desire that by doing good you should stop foolish people from saying stupid things about you.¹⁶ Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as servants of God.

At first glance, this may not seem like a post about thankfulness.  In fact, as I sat down to write, I did not think I was particularly thankful.  But, having typed a few lines and then back spaced, I realized that, actually, I am thankful.  I am thankful for my job.  And the inspiration for this post that I got today through a situation at work. 

I have been dealing with a rather petty person who was doing something rather petty.  Trying to analyze everything and everybody is one of my downfalls, however, I have been at a loss to try and figure out what this person's problem is.  And at a loss to figure out how to respond or deal with the situation. 

I definitely did not want to stoop to the level that pettiness is on.  (I don't like to do that because it compromises my invisible crown)  Yet, I knew that eventually I would have to deal with the issue.  Fortunately, for me, the person finally said something to the boss (as opposed to everyone else) and the boss approached me and I was able to explain the, uh, pettiness. 

To make a long story short, I ended up taking the "high road" (which is definitely not instinctive!) and apologized for any "confusion".  (Between you and me, the person was definitely not confused but, as I've mentioned, petty)  Anyway, on my drive home I had nothing to do other than contemplate this whole deal.  I admit that part of me wished I could of just given the what for.  (now that is instinctive)  I also know I wouldn't have felt any better and my invisible crown would've lost its perch on my head.  Then this scripture that I read a few days ago came to my mind and I thought -- exactly!!

Freedom's Choice

Romans 6:17-18

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁷ But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. ¹⁸ And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

Today is Veteran's Day.  A day that has been set aside to remember and thank those who have given and risked their lives for the freedom of America.  We are reminded, very clearly, that freedom comes with a cost. 

The same with the freedom we receive as believers.  The Word tells us that we are set free.  However, this doesn't mean that it's an anything goes type of freedom.  We are free...from sin and its dictates...but we become slaves to righteousness.  Because, see, we serve someone, something always.  There is freedom to choose who and what we serve, ourselves or God.  It's really one or the other. 

Freedom isn't free.  There is always a cost.  Our soldiers over the years have fought for and protected the freedom our country enjoys.  Some of them paid the ultimate price for the rest of us just as Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross.  In the natural and the spiritual, lives were laid down so that others could enjoy freedom...to choose. 

Pieces of My Heart

1 Timothy 4:4

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁴ Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks.

My heart is thankful today for my children. Those boys are the part of my heart that walks around with everyone else. From the day they were each born, my focus and a lot, if not all, of my reason for living became them and their needs.

Anyone who has read this blog from the beginning knows that I have recently had to adjust to having one of those little pieces of my heart go off to college. I've been so thankful for the one still at home. I appreciate the hugs (and kisses!) a lot more these days.

So, I have been blessed with two perfect children. They were created by God. Everything He created is good. I'm not willing to tell Him that His good is just okay! 

And I will continue to receive them from God with thanks.

Real Reality

Ephesians 5:20

Good News Translation (GNT)

²⁰ In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father.

With it being the month of November, it seemed appropriate to to focus on thankfulness.  Now, we all know this shouldn't be reserved for November, but it is helpful to have a reason to focus on it!  

Like most people I know, my life is not perfect.  There are things I would like to change or improve or completely do away with.  It is very hard, sometimes, to get past those things to be able to clearly see the blessings of life.  It does take some practice!

Today, I would like to express my thankfulness for my husband.  I have been blessed!  At the (very) young age of 20, I had very little idea of what the next 20 years would be like.  I did have a Negative Nelly here and there telling me to just wait and see...once the honeymoon is over, reality will set  in...well, I really doubt those negative people are reading this today, but I am still over the moon about him.  (So, there!)   (I don't know what reality those negative people were talking about...)

Well, reality has set in...marriage is work, sometimes.  But, when you work, you are rewarded, right?  The bonds are deeper, more meaningful and stronger.  Marriage is a growing process, you have to be willing to go through a few hard times, maybe some painful times.  Isn't that part of growing?  Nobody, including me, likes to deal with the hard things...but again, the rewards are worth what it takes to grow.

So, Gorgeous, if you are reading this...you are still the one.  You make my world go 'round.  You complete me.  I can't live without you.  And I thank God for you.

The Average Brain

Hebrews 10:35-36

Today's New International Version (TNIV)

³⁵ So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
³⁶ You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Human brains are just plain weird.  We are probably the only species who can remember something negative forever.  And then when it comes to positive things our brains act like a sieve.  They used to say it takes two positives to make up for one negative.  Recently, I heard this has been upped to four, FOUR!  Four positives to make up for one negative!!  I have to be honest and tell you that when I heard that I thought to myself, wow, what a bunch of babies we are! 

I'm your average specimen of the species as mentioned.  I have to admit it, I've tended to agree with the whole positive, negative thing.  And maybe it is a good idea to practice saying four positive things when we say a negative thing.  Some of us would never shut up...

Anyway...the point, as relating to the scriptures that I have latched onto today, is that it shouldn't be such a struggle to remember the things God has done for us.  Do I really let negative things outweigh the positive things He has done?  Is that even possible?  Well, I have a human brain.  It's possible.  But as I read and contemplate these scriptures, I am determined to let the confidence...the experience...that I have outweigh any negative in my life.  I want what God has promised. 

And God is nice enough to us of the human species to start us off every day with a positive.  Enough positive to outweigh a whole day of negative, actually, if we let it...His mercies and compassions every single morning. 

Be Wise

Proverbs 19:20

New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁰ Get all the advice and instruction you can,
so you will be wise the rest of your life.

If you are around 35 and under, you probably won't see this the way I do.  A lot of us spend several...more than necessary...years of our life thinking we pretty much have all the answers.  There are exceptions to this, of course, but having a teensy little independent streak goin' on myself, I do know how most of us think.

One thing you do learn as you age, 35ish just being my magic number, is the safety of advice and instruction.  That is the wisdom of it!  It is a safe place to be when you are at the place of accepting it, looking for it.

Where do we find this place?  First a humble heart is vital, you won't get anywhere fast without one.  Figuring out that, maybe we don't know it all.  Then to surround ourselves with Godly friends,  people who will encourage you to do the right thing...even when it's the hard thing.  People whose lives are advice.  (I have a few of those in my life...even if they don't know it!) 

Then your next 35 or so years will be wise. 

The Bottom Line

Psalm 116:1-2
New Century Version (NCV)

¹ I love the Lord,
because he listens to my prayers for help.
² He paid attention to me,
so I will call to him for help as long as I live.

 

I know that God deserves worship because He is God.  But being God, who created us, He knows our human failings.  He knows that, sure enough, sooner or later, we will be needing something. 

 

Now, as I have mentioned in earlier posts, He has His own way of doing things and I pretty much don't understand how He works.  But when I have a  moment or two of thinking He is not listening to me or paying attention to me, He lets me know otherwise.  Loud and clear! 

 

For which I am very thankful, because I have a feeling I may miss His whispers now and then. 

 

Anyway, yes, I will worship Him because of who He is.  But I will also love Him and call on Him for as long as I live.  Why?  Because He listens and pays attention to me.  He loves me!

You First!

Philippians 2:3-4

Good News Translation (GNT)

³ Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble toward one another, always considering others better than yourselves.⁴ And look out for one another's interests, not just for your own.

Anyone have this down pat?  Me, neither.  Why does it seem so hard to practice this humility and love towards someone else?  Well, I would say because of how we are born.  Selfish and proud!  (ever heard of the toddler's creed?)  Then add in a little bit of society and voila!  You have a person who is not only naturally selfish and proud but you are getting bombarded from every angle that it's not only okay, but your right! 

Because of these things it can be very hard to see our own actions or attitudes as selfish and proud.  After all, it is our nature to think of our self first.  But, how does it feel when you are the one at the other end of a selfish act or a proud attitude?  That alone should make one stop and consider their own life.  Me, too!

I do believe we should love ourselves.  We should see ourselves through the eyes of Jesus.  (He loved us enough to be the ultimate example of these scriptures.)  So, yes, love yourself, take care of yourself...we need to be the best that we can be.  If we are doing this, we will be able to follow the example of Jesus and love others...even more than our self. 

Gettin' It

Psalm 94:7-9

New Life Version (NLV)

⁷ And they say, “The Lord does not see. The God of Jacob does not care.”
⁸ Listen, you foolish ones among the people. You fools, when will you understand?
⁹ He Who made the ear, does He not hear? He Who made the eye, does He not see?

Oh, my.  Well, how do I start this post?  Honestly, I guess.  I was having a couple of rough days recently.  I even complained to a couple of patient friends that I didn't think God was listening to my prayers.  Yep, I actually said it out loud.  And I just felt like my faith and trust was wavering a little, um, a lot.  I started to attempt to convince myself that God just wasn't paying any attention to me and my situation.  So, why keep asking for something....or anything!

So, having been encouraged by my friends, and knowing that just like the apostles, I have no where to go but to the Lord, I managed to pick myself up out of the abyss of my feelings and decide, again, that yes, I will continue to trust God even when I don't see or understand His ways.

That leads me to this morning and the chapter I just "happened" to read.  As you can probably imagine, the scriptures I listed above practically jumped off the page at me.  I get it, I get it!

Know It

Deuteronomy 7:9

Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁹Know, recognize, and understand therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, Who keeps covenant and steadfast love and mercy with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations,

I noticed in this scripture that it says to know, recognize and understand who God is, what He does and will do.  If the reader is anything like me, feelings tend to play tug-o-war with the facts sometimes.  If I don't feel something, I start to wonder if I really know it. 

Well, my feelings can be all over the place. (I know you men have the same problem!)  Up one day, down the next.  Even moment to moment, once in a while.  Most people learn to regulate those emotions and deal with day to day life.

This same regulating, I believe, comes into play with our belief in God.  Since scripture says He is the same at all times, I have to accept the responsibility for any change my feelings might have on my knowledge of God. 

Back again to this scripture - I know, I recognize and I understand that God is God.  He is faithful.  He keeps His promises.  My feelings might have a grand ol' time running around, but if I love Him and obey Him all I need to do is know it.  He doesn't change. Ever.

Looking in the Mirror

Micah 6:8

New Century Version (NCV)

⁸ The Lord has told you, human, what is good;
he has told you what he wants from you:
to do what is right to other people,
love being kind to others,
and live humbly, obeying your God.

This pretty much wraps it all up in one sentence how we should live.  It's not always easy to set aside one's own feelings or opinion and follow these instructions.  I struggle with it along with everyone else, sometimes.  Most of the time.

To do what is right to other people?  How about treating them how we like to be treated?  When we start putting our feelings first, regardless of the affect it may have on someone, we are already off track and not doing God's will. 

To love being kind or having mercy on others?  So, basically, not only should we put others first, we have to love doing it!  Since to our human nature, this doesn't make a lot of sense, my guess is there is a spiritual reward involved here. 

Live humbly with God?  We are nothing.  Our thoughts are nothing.  Our opinions are nothing.  Our feelings are useless!  If we are not surrendering them all to God and letting Him help us with doing right and loving mercy, then it is for nothing. 

In my somewhat short life, I have noticed that many, many people have issues and problems that would be half solved if they would just quit pointing the finger at someone else and start looking in the mirror for the source of the problem.  What is amazing to me is that there are some who continue to point the finger...and then act like God is showing them the problem!  However...this attitude is contradictory with scripture.  We will never find the answer to our problems and issues by blaming someone else.  We need to look in the mirror of God's Word and recognize the true source of our problems, follow His instructions and then we can find true peace.

The Bridge

Psalm 94:18-19

New Living Translation (NLT)

 ¹⁸ I cried out, “I am slipping!”
      but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.
 ¹⁹ When doubts filled my mind,
      your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

As I continue to blog, I notice that a lot of it is about human struggles. (generally mine!)  This may seem negative at first glance, but what it really is, is the notation of the infinite distance between God and man that is bridged by His unfailing love and mercy.

Life is not perfect, sometimes things just don't go the way you planned. Gaining growth and maturity in one's life is sometimes a painful process.  But how awesome to know that when we are "slipping" or feel like we just can't hold on any longer, we can count on the Almighty God for support, comfort, hope and cheer.  

Faithfulness

Psalm 36:5-11

Today's New International Version (TNIV)

⁵ Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
⁶ Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
⁷ How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
⁸ They feast on the abundance of your house;
you give them drink from your river of delights.
⁹ For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
¹⁰ Continue your love to those who know you,
your righteousness to the upright in heart.
¹¹ May the foot of the proud not come against me,
nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

I don't really have any words to add to these scriptures.  I am so thankful for God's faithfulness and love and care. 

Anchored

Psalm 16:8

Today's New International Version (TNIV)

⁸ I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
   With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

This makes me think of Peter when he was called by Jesus to come out onto the stormy water.  The storm was raging, the waves must have seemed overwhelming, but as long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was steady.  It is a reminder to stay focused on Him regardless of life's circumstances.  The Anchor holds.

Healing

Psalm 147:3

New King James Version (NKJV)

 ³ He heals the brokenhearted
         And binds up their wounds.

Ever have an owie?  As a mom, one of my jobs has been to kiss them and make them better.  Now, granted, haven't done that for a while now, but I can remember making a few owie's feel better by just a kiss.  (And generally, it was an instant healing!)   But you know how sometimes kids don't want you to touch the owie for fear it will make it hurt worse?

Well, most everyone has experienced an emotional "owie" a time or two, give or take a few hundred, right?  From a misunderstanding with a friend to outright malicious acts by someone.  All of it hurts.  But you can't see it.  And it is so easy to put a virtual bandaid on it and move on with your life.  You can pretty much fool everyone, including yourself, sometimes, that it doesn't bother you.  But...if you've ever surrendered your life to God, or prayed for Him to guide your path...He will.  And it can only include the emotional healing that probably all of us can use. 

A very wise person reminded me recently that wounds that get "bandaided" and never really taken care aren't a pretty sight.  In fact, if you go to take the bandaid off, the wound is going to be worse than when you put the bandaid on.  And the cleaning or cleansing process is painful! 

So, whether an emotional wound is recent or it's been festering for a while, God can heal it.  And while the process might be painful, I bet we can count on Him to be gentle and loving.  I will be humble enough to admit I have a few that need His attention.  And I will trust in His process, however painful, and let Him heal.

Letting Go

Proverbs 22:6

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁶ Direct your children onto the right path,
and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Spending the last full day with my firstborn before he will be "moving out".   Makes me stop and really think about so much.  So many memories.  As mentioned before in this blog, from his birth until now I have not forgotten much of anything.  All these memories are stored up in my mother's heart and they bring smiles and tears.  (Sometimes my smiles were because of his childish tears.  Sometimes my tears were because of his childish smiles.)  Children really do a number on ya...but for sure, I wouldn't trade any of it for anything.  How could one?  The thought is not original with me, but when you see my kids, you see my heart.  (And any mother reading this knows exactly what I am feeling.) 

Now, the transition I am experiencing is still a little painful as I wonder how it will feel to not be the last one checking on him everyday.  I'll figure it out and adjust.  My love for him is greater than my need to be in control.  So, even though when I look at him I still tend to see that chubby little blonde headed baby, I will let him go.  My control will be turned over to God and my prayers will be continually before Him.

Son, I'm so proud of you.  My heart almost bursts because of the potential I can see as you start this journey.  I love you!

Control

Proverbs 15:1

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹ A gentle answer deflects anger,
but harsh words make tempers flare.

There are so many scriptures about the mouth and what it can do.  To me, this one pretty much sums it all up.  Anyone out there with control issues?  Here is something you can have control over!  We can control just about any given situation with how we use our words.  Think about it.

Triumph

Job 1:21

New Living Translation (NLT)

²¹ He said,
   “I came naked from my mother’s womb,
      and I will be naked when I leave.
   The Lord gave me what I had,
      and the Lord has taken it away.
   Praise the name of the Lord!”

Triumph over tragedy.  These kinds of stories are always so inspiring.  The tale of someone who has overcome a tragic or adverse situation.  For most of us, we are in awe at the enduring human will and ability to rise above extreme situations.

Job is the Bible example of this story.  I'm sure he had no idea what had just hit him.  His entire world was turned upside down and then trampled all over.  Then the one person you would've thought he could count on, told him to give up and die!  To her, that evidently seemed a better alternative than the hell he was experiencing.  (An interesting thing to point out here is that Job evidently assumed that God was the one responsible for the tragedy of his life.)

Anyway, Job was a good person.  He believed in God.  He lived his life the best he knew how.  He hadn't done anything to deserve the tragedy that had become his life.  Does this sound familiar to anyone? 

Now, I don't know anyone, including myself, who has had it as bad as Job.  Certainly, I have never had everything I owned taken away.  I have never been bereft of family or support of friends.  So, isn't it rather interesting when we might run into a hard situation or circumstance, we start to question God?  And inform Him of how good we are.  How we believe in Him and we are doing the best we can.  And we don't deserve this situation! 

I kind of smile sheepishly to myself as I think how easy we have things and yet find something to complain about.  (Come on...I know I'm not alone here!)  I can't help but be reminded of Job and his story of triumph.  The triumph wasn't because his family rescued him or he found the just the right situation or person or thing or church.  Nope, he triumphed because he when he found himself at his lowest point, he did what he knew to do.  He worshipped the Creator.  He had found that place of worship that excluded everything else in his life. 

I know I still have a long way to go.  But I want to find that same place of worship.  Where even my little circumstances and situations are secondary to the worship He deserves.

Love My Enemies?!

Matthew 5:44

New Century Version (NCV)

⁴⁴ But I say to you, love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you.^[a]

Ack!  I knew this post was coming at some point in my blog life.  I have to be honest and say that I've put it off a little as this has to be one of the hardest things for me to do!  I've always wondered about this scripture.  Seriously?  Love an enemy?  Pray for someone who has been a jerk? 

Well, of course, everyone knows that we were told do this by the One who ended up giving His own life for His enemies...which included you and I.  You can't argue with that.  You just have to figure it out! 

As I said, I've always wondered about how one would apply this scripture.  'Cause, I can tell you right now, I do not have warm, fuzzy feelings for any "enemy" or anyone who has done me wrong.  And my prayer just might be, God, give 'em what they deserve.  So...I think I've actually just tried to avoid this scripture altogether because I just didn't see how I could do that.

How can I love that person...or that one...?  Really, God?  You created me.  You know I can't love those people.  You know I want justice!  And I know that is wrong!  Help!  Through this internal struggle it did finally come to me.  Love in this scripture just simply means - to not hold someone accountable for what they did.  This doesn't mean they aren't accountable, it's just not me that has to keep track of it.  When I let go of it, God can have the control of it.  They are accountable to Him.  Which makes it much easier to pray for them.  (At that point, they're gonna need it!) 

So, at least I figured it out.  Now on to trying it out. 

Staying on the Road

Philipians 3:13,14

Good News Translation (GNT)

¹³ Of course, my friends, I really do not^[a] think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead.¹⁴ So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above.

Sometimes things in life can be very distracting.  Circumstances and situations that are hard to understand.  Not to mention people...well, let's not even go there.  As the reader may have already figured out, I am an analyzer.  I want to know why, what, where, when and how.  And I will usually spend some time trying to answer those questions about any given situation.  Anyone who has any amount of life experience already knows this is usually a fruitless task.  Our view as mere humans is pretty much one dimensional.  We can see one side really well...our own!  I know that everything, good and bad, has a cause and effect process.  Most of the time, it's pretty easy to figure out cause and effect.  But it can be very distracting when you feel the effects of something you don't know the cause of.  Extremely distracting.  And if one lets themselves be distracted by this kind of thing, it is mind numbing.

My solution to this issue of distraction is to keep refocusing.  Sort of like driving a car.  When you are driving down the road and you look to your right or left, you tend to start steering in that direction.  But you naturally refocus and adjust your steering wheel to stay on the road. 

I find myself having to adjust my heart and mind a little here and there as the distractions of life try to get me off track.  My mental list of priorities comes back into focus.  The distractions fade into my peripheral and there is freedom and clarity.

Promise

I enjoyed spending some time sitting out on the deck this afternoon with my firstborn.  With only one month left until he heads off for college I feel an urgency to squeeze in as much time and discussion as possible.  Getting my last little bit of influence and (very) sage  advice in before he spreads his wings and starts making his own way in the world. 

I know a lot of kids his age are eager to be on their own, out from under parental rules and eyes.  However, the smart one's realize their parents have more than rules and judgement to offer.  Son, if you're reading this...

Proverbs 3:1-2

New International Version (NIV)

¹ My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
² for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.

 

 

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Romans 12:10

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

From childhood most of us have been taught to be respectful.  Respect your parents, teachers, other adults, privacy, etc.  And as adults we continue to have an expectation of respect.  We generally demand it from our children...our spouses...even our parents!

I would suggest that respect should be given. Of course, it can be earned and even demanded.  I think that earned respect is obligation.  Demanded respect is fear.  These two forms of respect are not necessarily bad, but they do come from a different place than given respect.  Given respect is the real deal.  It comes from love.

Friendship

 

1 Samuel 20:17
New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁷ And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.

 So, you've probably heard or seen that little poem about some people being in your life for a season, reason, etc, etc.  Well, I tend to get emotionally attached to everyone.  This presents a problem when it turns out that person was one of those just passing through!  Then begins the process of unwrapping my emotions...which is sometimes very difficult since that person is already long gone!  I have experienced this enough times now to be a little more careful with my emotions and expectations.   So, with my tendency towards attachement, I have to say, I've never really cared for that little poem.  I don't like goodbye's.  I don't like loss.  I don't like untangling my emotions!  Seasonal friends!?

 I am thankful to be blessed with lifelong friends.  The kind that are with you season after season.  When you're up or down.  Who overlook it when you have a bad day.  Who aren't jealous when things are good.  Who care enough to find out who I am...and then still want to be my friend!  Thank you, friends!

Comfort

 

Psalm 119:50
New Century Version (NCV)

⁵⁰ When I suffer, this comforts me:
Your promise gives me life.

A warning to my reader, my posts most likely will be interspersed with my feelings of angst as I adjust to being the mother of an (legally) adult child.  I find myself at any given time, with no notice at all, dealing with a lump in my throat.  And, I admit, a few tears.  Not only have I lived through the overnight phenomenon of having an adult child, I know exactly how many days until he leaves for college.  Today's count was thirty-seven.  This transition period is rather overwhelming and leaves me with the feeling that there is a huge part of my heart being slowly ripped out.  I know this is a normal process of life.  I know babies grow up to be adults and the whole process starts over.  But right now, I feel like the only mother in the world who has ever had to go through this painful process!  My heart is breaking!  Again, the scriptures bring me comfort.  I trust in His promises and my heart will live.

Shut it!

 

Proverbs 10:19
King James Version  (KJV)

 ¹⁹ In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin:
     but he that refraineth his lips is wise. 

In case the point of this scripture is hard to understand in the KJV . . . here is the New Living Translation (NLT)

 ¹⁹ Too much talk leads to sin.
      Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.

As a teen I used to hang out with my big sis and her friends once in a while.  I would get so frustrated when they would ask me if I ever talked.  Like I was some sort of side-show.  The question I asked back was, Do you ever stop talking?  Naturally, this was only in my head.  I was a bit shy and generally was pretty entertained by just sitting there listening to everyone.  I did have plenty to say as the aforementioned big sis can attest to since after these times I would let her know what I thought about everyone.  Instead of talking I had spent the time listening, observing and pretty much categorizing everyone and everything.  My mouth wasn’t moving much, but my brain was chuggin’ right along.  And I had no shortage of opinions once I was in the right environment to share them.  It did come natural to me to just keep my mouth shut and observe and it probably did keep me out of a little bit of trouble at times. 

As the KJV version says, the point it is to refrain your mouth, control it.  And yep. . .at times we need to do what the NLT version says. . .shut it!  I've kind of outgrown my shyness now and have definitely opened my mouth when I should have kept it shut a time or two...or three or four.  I know of several people, some of them reading this right now, who are amening that statement!  I still find myself, once in a while, saying something and then thinking about it later and kicking myself.  Everything that comes to our minds does not have to be said.  Words are powerful for good and bad, for better or for worse.  If I could go back in time and take back every unwise word...I would.  Come to think of it, I would even like to go back and take every unwise word spoken to me and shove it back into the speaker's mouth...mmm, that is such a nice mental picture...but back to reality...it really isn't about the words out of someone else's mouth, but my own mouth.  Whether it is my husband, my children, my family, my friends, my co-workers, my acquaintances...even the other driver on the road...I don't want to see anyone cringe when I open my mouth!

Practice Makes Perfect

 

1 Samuel 15:29
New Century Version (NCV)

²⁹ The Lord is the Eternal One of Israel. He does not lie or change his mind. He is not a human being, so he does not change his mind."

At the ripe old age of 39, I feel pretty set in my ways.  And being somewhat of a stubborn person in the first place, it takes a lot to change my mind about something. 

However. . .being a woman I feel I have an inalienable, God given right to do just that whenever I want to!  No explanation, rhyme or reason necessarily needed! 

So, everyone knows someone who is wishy-washy.  You just can’t count on them for consistency.  I’ve run into my share of this “type”.  Over the years I’ve learned, slowly but surely, not to take someone else’s lack of consistency as a personal affront to my being.  And as much as I would like to see myself as consistent, steady and hard to bowl over. . .being just a humble human being myself, I know that I am just as susceptible to anything as anyone is.  Consistency, steadiness, commitment. . .that all takes practice and thought.  I could expound on several areas in our lives that we need to practice these characteristics. . .but for the sake of this blog, I will let the reader use their imagination and apply it to their own life.  (I’ve never been of the mind-set that it was my place to tell someone how to live. . .and I’m not about to change my mind!) 

For now, I will continue to practice consistency, steadiness and commitment.  Maybe a little less stubbornness.

Rescued

Psalm 34:17-19

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁷ The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
¹⁸ The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
¹⁹ The righteous person faces many troubles,
but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

Have you ever gone through a situation that seemed hopeless or unbearable?  Where there was no one to turn to for help?  I certainly have experienced this hopeless feeling a time or two.  Life has seemed to offer up these sorts of circumstances more often than I have been able to truly appreciate.  At times it has seemed like no sooner do I get through one tough time but another one is just around the corner.  You start to wonder...am I a target?  Well, it all sounds very dramatic when put into words.  And, of course, in the middle of the storm it is pretty dramatic!  I was talking to God on my way to work last week thinking about all the negative...honesty here...and asking Him why is everything (dramatic) such a battle.  Why do I always feel like I am fighting?  And immediately He spoke these words into my mind -- The battle is mine. Why are YOU fighting? -- Um...I felt a little silly.  Here I was asking HIM why I was always fighting.  I had obviously gotten a little mixed up about how this works.  Sure, there are storms or those pesky situations where you kind of start to wonder what is going on.  Yes, there is spiritual warfare going on.  And yes, you can feel a little beat up after a bit.  But even I, who was childish enough to ask a silly question, have seen Him bring me through more than one hard time.  I guess I do know He can do it again.  So, the next time I feel troubled, or the next time I feel sad or hurt, I will remember how close my rescue is.

Little Bit of Heartbreak

Psalm 127:3-5

New Living Translation (NLT)

³ Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from him.
⁴ Children born to a young man
are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
⁵ How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.

As I sit here this evening contemplating the day, these scriptures come to my mind.  Eighteen years ago today I gave birth to my firstborn son.  Little did I know that the next eighteen years would go by so fast!  I can still remember in detail the day of his birth.  The feeling of awe when I first saw his little 7lb 2oz body.  Holding him in my arms for the first time after the nine months of wondering who he would be and what he would look like.  Then taking him home from the hospital (and wondering if I would be able to take care of him properly without a full-time nursing staff!)  Looking back I realize how little I was prepared to take on the job of motherhood.  Oh, some things come natural, for sure, but at the age of twenty one, you have no idea how much effect this little person will have on your life.  Then and now.  So, to the now.  My mother's heart is breaking just a little today as I realize a large part of my job is done.  He is ready (or not!) to face the world and all of its challenges.  I don't really want to let him go.  I want to have,  what I perceive, as much control as possible.  Okay, that's just being honest...but not to control him,  but to protect him.  I know now, after eighteen years, that life isn't always easy or fun.  I know he will have to face hard times himself.  And make hard decisions of his own.  This brings me back to these scriptures which have comforted me today.  My son is a blessing from God Himself.  Just because I'm having a hard time letting go doesn't change that fact.  I know as we continue this transition, he will be more of a blessing than before.   As he pursues his dreams, meets the love of his life and has children of his own...I can see a glimmer of some joy that will outweigh this little bit of heartbreak I feel right now.