I Get By With a Little Help from My Friends . . . My God Provides

There is a family in our neighborhood. They live in a small, pieced together, old, wooden farmhouse. The grandparents care for several children and occasional cousins, aunts, etc. One of the teenage girls had a baby this year. The grandfather still farms a small patch of ground near their home and raises vegetables every summer. My 11 year old son has become friends with their youngest grandson.

Beginning in the fall of this year, some of the older brothers and sisters began asking for help every few months. The first time I was asked I thanked God and was so grateful He had sent someone to me that needed something I could give. However, over time I found myself growing distrusting of the sincerity of their need.

One evening a few months ago, I was praying that God would give me and my teenage daughter something to bring us together and give us some common ground. I received a phone call from one of the girls asking if she could borrow a few dollars to buy some feminine items she needed. My immediate response was to turn away, not wanting to be taken advantage of. I decided to ask my daughter what she thought we should do.

Tears filled her eyes and she said "Oh, Mom. How sad that she had to call someone she hardly knows to ask for something like that." She found some of what the girl needed and said she wanted to give them to her. I drove them down to her house and left them at the door when I received no answer. Later on that evening, my daughter and her friend went to Walmart and bought 19.00 worth of shampoo, soap, diapers, etc. for this family. She said they cried while they were shopping and thinking about what they might need. I hung the bag on the door knob the next morning on my way to work, hoping they would find it and know they were cared for.

God works in such wondrous, mysterious ways. He opens doors we don’t know how to open, only He holds the key to our heart and to the hearts of those we love. He showed me that day through my tender hearted daughter that my heart, though I think I’m looking at life with God’s perspective, had become cynical and wary of being made the fool, being taken advantage of.

Me? After the years of pouring my soul out to God for help? After searching under couch cushions for change to buy a little gas or milk? Me? After praying to God to help me provide better for my family, to find ways to be responsible for the needs of my children…Me? If not for the generosity of friends and family at times I might be without a house or a car, or I might be working 3 jobs and have no time at all with my kids. Me?

Once about 10 years ago, my kids and I arrived home tired and hungry, to find we had no electricity, no phone and no water.

Another time my car had broken down and when I went to pick it up from the shop I was told "The Lord loves you and someone has paid $500.00 of your bill". I was in a small group Bible study at the time and my friends had all pitched in to help. That same afternoon, a man came by to give me an estimate on repairing my fence. He ended up mowing my yard and before he left, he pointed up to the sky and said "All good things come from God".

There was the day when my paycheck was about $200.00 short. When I got home from work that day I found an envelope in my purse with 200.00 in it with a note that said "God loves you".

One cold December just a few years ago, my heater went out and was unable to be repaired. I was trying to get by with some space heaters until the temperatures dipped way below freezing.
My precious friends found out and they rounded up my faithful small group and the owners of the business I had worked at for about 5 years and paid for a brand new heater. I had it the next day!

Each time I felt so honored and humbled that God would help me through my friends. God has restored my life and brought me to a place where I want to be the one to help others.

Tonight, my son's friend and his sister came to the door and asked for 10.00 to buy diapers. I didn't have any cash but my son said "I have 10.00 in my wallet. Can I give it to them? The word "No!" was out of my mouth before I could even think about a response. My son's face fell and my daughter looked at me with disappointment in her eyes. Realizing my hard heartedness too late, I told my son to go try to catch them and if he wanted to give them his 10.00 he could. He raced down the street on his bike until he caught up with them and came back with a smile on his face and warmth in his heart.

Finances were an area that God really used other people to bring healing into my life. While feeling unworthy because of my struggles, He provided friends who reached out to me and communicated God's love to me through their loving actions. They showed me what it is to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Matthew 5:42

Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

Dear Lord, make my heart like new. Tender and responsive to the needs around me. Thank you for the joy in giving and for placing people in our lives who need you and need the small gifts we are able to give. Forgive me for putting up walls to protect myself and for being so quick to forget.

Tuesday's Treasure

Old Bradbury Blue

This blue and white tea pot is one of my most treasured possessions.

It reads:

By Appointment To Her Majesty the Queen

Manufacturers of Ceramic Tableware

By Appointment To H.M. Queen Elizabeth

The Queen Mother

Manufacturers of Ceramic Tableware

Johnson Brothers

Stoke -On-Trent

England

(Well, actually, my plates say that, the tea pot just says Made in England)

Friends

A friend loves at all times

Proverbs 17:17

This is in honor of friendship. . .

my childhood. . . growing up years. . . high school . . .and college friendships. Our friendships span over 47 years, 7 marriages and 16 children. Even though our lives have taken us in different directions and to different places, when we come back together again, the common memories are more than enough. It's as if who we were then becomes intermingled with who we are now. It occurs to me that friendship over time is like a river running through all of the mountains and valleys of our lives, weaving a common thread that if followed long enough, will always bring us back.

"It takes a long time to grow an old friend."

On first glance there's always the familiar sparkle of the eyes and a smile, and then the laughter, always laughter. We laugh because the people we were then are still behind the eyes of the people we are now! We laugh at the stories, we laugh at the fact that we're still laughing at the same stories we've laughed at for 30 something years!

"A friend is someone who knows all about you and loves you anyway!!!"

We laugh until we cry and have to catch our breath. We laugh because in spite of how many struggles and crises we've lived through, in each other's eyes, we can still find something of who we were back when. Back when there was innocence and a childlike belief in prince charmings and happily ever afters, and knowing we are far better off now, seeing the strength the years have given us. Realizing how short life is. We were together this time for a funeral, for the mother of my childhood friend, a mother who warmly welcomed me into her home on a daily basis for many years. I pray that our time together was a comfort to my friend and her family and that God will surround them with His comfort when they return back home.

"Though our communication wanes at times of absence, I'm aware of a strength that emanates in the background."

It was a reminder for me of how much time I have let go by. Every moment I have let go by thinking my friends are probably busy with their own lives and the times I allowed myself to be too busy. Those moments turn into weeks, then months, and then years. I'm writing this out of love for my friends, out of gratefulness for our memories and laughter, for my friends who are the glue that hold us all together.

So. . . just as the past intermingles with the present, I want to share my blog, this aspect of my new life, with my old friends.

"A friend is a gift you give yourself."

So, pick up the phone or grab a pen and paper, even send a quick email.

Keep the river flowing. . .

Dear Lord, I pray that you would hold my friends and their families in your arms, that you would draw them close to you and bless them with your love and care.

The Long Journey

In March of 2006, my nine year old son and I set out on a two day trip, driving from Texas to Florida to visit my 22 year old son. Leaving town in the late afternoon, we fought our way through rush hour and I managed to spill coffee on the front of my clean white t shirt during the first hour of our trip.

We continued driving and before too long I started sneezing and found myself in the middle of a severe allergy attack which lasted the rest of the day. After about seven more hours of driving, we were in the middle of Louisiana. It was almost the middle of the night, and my older son called to see when we wanted to stop and find a place to stay. We were getting pretty weary by then, and since the next town we would come to was Lafayette, I told him we would stop there. The roads kept getting darker, and I was starting to feel lost and anxious even though I was following the route I had planned. My son started looking up hotels in the area and started making phone calls to find the best place for us to stay. He called me back and said he had told them that his mom and his little brother were driving through the area and needed a safe, comfortable place to stay the night.

The feeling his words gave me was one of being loved and valued. In the middle of a dark, strange place his concern was very comforting. He gave me specific directions to get there, and in fact stayed on the phone with me as I was driving through town until I found the hotel. It was in a well lit part of town and was an older, elegant hotel.

I pulled up to the brightly lit front entryway. I decided to button my yellow sweater over my t shirt to hide the coffee stain. I tried to straighten my hair and put it up in a clip. I stepped into the beautifully furnished lobby. As I approached the front desk, the clerks looked at me warily. I told them my son had called ahead and booked my reservation. They looked at each other and said they hadn’t spoken with him. I thought to myself, “well, I guess I don’t look like the mom who needs a nice hotel room”. However, they found my reservation and I was able to get checked in. The clerks looked relieved as I took the key and walked back out to the car.

We drove around to the back of the building and carried our suitcases into the hotel. We took the elevator up to our room, walked in and relaxed in our wonderful room with a king sized bed. I happened to catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror as I walked across the room. I was an absolute wreck! I looked even worse than I had imagined. The coffee stain I thought I had covered up was still visible. My sweater that I thought would make me look more presentable had been buttoned lopsidedly. Mascara was smeared under each eye, my nose and eyes were red and my hair was a mess.

My son’s words ran through my head again. I am loved and valued in spite of the mess I am in at this moment.

There are times in our lives when regardless of all of our planning, we end up on a dark road, feeling lost. When we turn to God and begin seeking Him, He knows we’ve been on a long journey. Our lives are a mess and we are a mess. But God doesn’t care how the world sees us or even how we see ourselves. We are valued and loved by Him. He will provide a safe, comfortable place for us to rest in His presence when we turn to Him. He even gives us directions and will guide us every step of the way.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

2 Corinthians 1:3

Seed to the Sower

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there without watering the earth,

And making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:10-11

Trees of the Field

For you will go out with joy

And be led forth with peace

The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you

And all the trees of the field will clap their hands

Isaiah 55:12

Farewell to the Old Garage Doors

On Monday I will be saying farewell to my 40 something year old garage doors. They have served me well for the ten years we have made this house our home. They were originally this color along with all of the other trim on the house. Several years ago, my kids and I spent at least one summer and most of one year, scraping and sanding the old paint. The doors are the original wooden doors and I'm sad at seeing them go. However, the thought of lifting 100 pound garage doors for the next 25 years doesn't appeal to me and the springs are unable to be replaced. So. . .

Don't you just love the woodwork around all of the windows? That's part of the reason I fell in love with this house. Maybe I should try and save the panel with the windows. Nah. . .well, maybe.

So, how is your Saturday going?

Read Tribute to a Single Mother

at http://purplecellar.blogspot.com/2008/05/tribute-to-single-mother.html

Dream

I just woke up this morning from a dream that was so real I felt I had to write it down. This may not get published on my blog but I need to remember. I had just moved into a new house. New carpet and lots of space. The neighborhood association had come and decorated our front yard with lights spreading across all of the yards. White ropes of lights along with an angel standing. I remember turning to Chad and saying, "this is the first time I've lived in a house where they did that".

One scene in my dream had my mother in law, who passed away over 15 years ago, sitting beside me, stitching the hem on a quilt that was covering the bed in a guestroom. It was navy blue and white. I remember thinking, she must have made it at home and brought it to our new house to help us out. She always had so much love and strength. Then my sister in law was there and she was holding a baby. My mother in law said "Oh, did you hear, she's getting another baby soon." I thought to myself, "she must be either taking in foster children or adopting, since her children are grown.

I was aware in my dream of a trip to Nicaragua that my mother in law and sister in law were planning to take for a mission trip of some kind. I asked" Did you ever go to Nicaragua?" My mother in law replied, "No, I didn't go. Let me tell you why. Listen to the words of this song. She then began to sing a Keith Green song, with all of her heart. I began to sing with her because I love the song and knew the lyrics. As we were singing, a man walked by who I knew to be her pastor and just looked curiously at me.

She sang,
"Thank you Oh My Father, for giving us your son
And leaving your Spirit till the work on earth is done.
Thank you Oh My Father, for giving us your son
And leaving your Spirit till the work on earth is done.

Before my divorce, or before the end of our marriage, my husband's family were so much a part of my life. I loved them and their children so dearly. When I walked away from my husband, I felt I had to walk away from them as well. How could they be his sisters and mine at the same time? We've spoken a few times since then but not often. I keep up with my nieces and nephews through my kids and hear about marriages and births. But I've always felt that I needed to write a letter to each of my sister in laws and maybe they could pass it on to their children sometime.

Was my mother in law communicating to me from heaven? If so, what was she trying to say to me? or better yet, what was God saying to me through this dream? It made me realize what a constant presence and strength she was before her death. I pray that I am that strength in my own children's lives or at least showing them the way to the One who is their strength.

This has really reached deep in my heart, as I'm sitting here in tears as I write. I feel desperate to know the meaning. I had a mission to accomplish leading up to and during and after my divorce and I have always felt as though I ran from it. Now it seems too late.

I think I will write on forgiveness next. It's been on my heart to write about for awhile and I've learned so many new truths that would have changed my life 12 years ago, had I known then.

Lord, I give to you the things left undone on this earth, the words left unsaid. Thank you for leaving your Spirit with us to accomplish your work. Let me be a part of that work.

2 Timothy 1:6-8 (The Message)

5-7That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.

8-10So don't be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus.

If you are reading this, you are witness to a miracle. As I was writing my last paragraph, I thought I wanted to include the verse in the Bible that talks about a gift of power, love and self control, but couldn't remember where it was. I looked it up in Bible Gateway.com and read it in several versions.

My Mother in law's name is Lois. . .

All my love and prayers to you as you go about your day. Thanks for visiting my blog and allowing me to share with you.

Happy Mother's Day

Beautiful Christian Sister

by Maya Angelou

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean living''
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!'

Pretty is as Pretty does... but beautiful is just plain beautiful!

Chairs

I' ve been thinking about chairs lately. Last night as I was going to sleep, I remembered an analogy a friend shared with me once.

First of all, what are some things that we assume when we sit down in a chair?

* it will give us rest
* it will provide comfort
* we can renew our strength
* it can hold all of our weight without collapsing
* we just assume all these things without even
thinking about them
* we trust it will hold us up

Webster's definition for chair : any of various devices that hold up or support

My friend's analagy compared sitting in a chair to trusting in God. My son is reading over my shoulder. He just told me that he heard this in his class at church!

* when we trust God, we can know He will hold us up
* when we trust God we can know we won't fall
* if we only trust God halfway, or sit on the edge of a chair, we can fall and lose trust in God (Chad)
* we can still trust God, even if we're halfway on, God is still there to hold on to us (Chad)

So. . . the next time you sit down in your favorite chair, or any chair for that matter, think of trust. Trust that doesn't require worry or thought.

Just simply trust.

Jeremiah 17:7
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.

Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Joys of Camping

Lake Mineral Wells State Park is west of Fort Worth, Texas. My son and I spent last weekend there with friends from church. See? Single moms can take their kids camping, and not be the one responsible for building the fire, setting up tents, and baiting hooks! I love sleeping with the sound of crickets, the sound of rain (on the roof of my shelter), and long walks surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Holding Her Head High

I was browsing through my favorite bookstore the other day and
happened upon this book. I can't wait to buy it and read it. I wanted to share this review with you. I have a feeling this will be a book that becomes near and dear to my heart.

Life lessons from single mothers throughout history form the inspiration for single mothers today.

Single moms are not just a product of our modern culture. There have been single mothers throughout history, women who have raised not only their children but also nations with a higher vision for life. Holding Her Head High recounts stories of twelve such women from the third to the twenty-first centuries, women who found ways to twist their fates to represent God's destiny for their lives.

These uniquely powerful, brave women, within the scope of their own world and times, are like the ninety-nine percent of single mothers today who never intended to carry that distinction. They are abandoned, widowed, or divorced, all carrying wounds, yet they also all found ways to exhibit courage, kindness, dignity, and faith to heal themselves by healing others.

Actress Janine Turner, herself a single mother, describes the social implications for women and children from the Roman Empire through the Middle Ages to Pioneer days, including a single mother of slavery. Stories from women like Rachel Lavein Fawcett, abandoned single mother of Alexander Hamilton; Abagail Adams, a wartime widow; Harriet Jacobs, an unwed mother of slavery whose autobiography was published the year the Civil War began; and widowed Belva Lockwood, the first woman to officially run for President, all carrying wounds but all offering insight, wisdom, and encouragement.

Lessons include:

Listen for God's higher calling
Hold your head high
Dare to dream
Champion your children
Heal with humor
Don't Give Up Before the Miracle

In the Shadow of Your Wings

Tucked away in my bookshelf, almost hidden, I found a book I had almost forgotten. As I was heading off to Europe on my life's grand adventure, 29 years ago, with my cousin Nancy, my brother gave me this book to carry with me. It's called Hidden in His Hands, by Basilea Schlink. On the cover, are two hands, gently holding a red rose. I found these words that I wanted to share with you:

Love that cares
that watches over His child

Almight Love
whose powerful arm is outstretched over His child

Compassionate Love
that carries His fearful child
through all hardships and perils

All-transforming Love
that changes darkness into light
and hell into heaven

Never-ending Love
that surrounds His children
at all times and in all places.

You have always been my help
In the shadow of your wings
I sing for joy. Psalm 63:7

My Lord is all of these things to me. I need His transforming Love every day of my life. I pray that He will hold you in the shadow of His wings and that you will sing for joy.

Intelligent Science

I just got home from seeing the movie "Expelled". I highly recommend this movie!

It's intelligent: revealing or reflecting good judgment or sound thought.

It makes you think: to determine by reflecting, to subject to the processes of logical thought.

So much of what we see, hear and even think is on the surface: the external or superficial aspect of something.

We're used to the superficial: lying on, not penetrating below, or affecting only the surface, presenting only an appearance without substance or significance.

This movie goes below the surface to find the true substance and origin of evolution, darwinism: a theory of the origin and perpetuation of new species of animals and plants that offspring of a given organism vary, that natural selection favors the survival of some of these variations over others, that new species have arisen and may continue to arise by these processes, and that widely divergent groups of plants and animals have arisen from the same ancestors.

and intelligent design :the theory that matter, the various forms of life, and the world were created by a designing intelligence.

He compares the Berlin wall to the wall that exists between these two schools of thought today. On one side is freedom. On the other. . .?
All Quotes from Webster.com

In My LIfe

This morning, sitting at my desk at work, my son called. He's 24 and living in Florida and is always having all kinds of adventures.

He told me he now starts every morning with coffee and listening to Johnny Cash. He had just heard this version of the song In My Life and he said it made him think of me, (Me, his Mom!) so he wanted to call. That was a very sweet way to start my day today.

Thank you Lord for precious memories and the ones we hold close in our hearts.

Seek the Light

Thy word is a lamp to my feet,

and a light to my path

Psalm 119:105

By your words I can see where I'm going;

they throw a beam of light on my dark path.

* * *

The Lord is my light and my salvation;

Whom shall I fear?

Psalm 27:1

Light, space, zest- that's God!

So, with him on my side I'm fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.

* * *

Arise, shine; for your light has come,

And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

Isaiah 60:1

Wake up. Put your face in the sunlight.

God's bright glory has risen for you.

Psalm 40:5

Many O Lord my God, are the wonders which Thou hast done,

and Thy thoughts toward us. There is none to compare with Thee.

If I would declare and speak of them, they would be too numerous to count.

Scatter Brained

I was sitting at my computer, writing on my blog, lost in thought. My son asked me for an ice cream cone. Like a good mom I told him he needed to eat his dinner first. I asked him if he wanted a salad first and he said no. I walked into the kitchen and realized how cold my feet were so I walked back to my room to find some warm socks. I could find no matching socks so I chose a warm, fuzzy one for my right foot. I walked back to the kitchen with the intention of going to the garage to look in the dirty clothes basket for the matching warm, fuzzy sock. However, as I walked by my computer, it pulled me back into my chair and back to my blog. I sat down to finish writing. My son called to me and asked me where his dinner was. I jumped up to look for my sock in the laundry room. It wasn't anywhere to be found, so I chose a plain white one for my left foot. I started dishing up my son's dinner and he decided he wanted a salad after all. When I was 18 my youth group at church had an awards banquet. I won the Miss Scatter Brain USA award. I even have a trophy. My son finished his dinner. He has eaten his chocolate ice cream cone and I'm finishing my blog for tonight. . . 

Praise

On my way to work this morning, I heard a song that reminded me of the song we used to sing in youth group during my high school days,

He's Everything to Me
Ralph Carmichael

In the stars His handiwork I see,
On the wind He speaks with majesty,
Though He ruleth over land and sea,
What is that to me?

I will celebrate Nativity,
For it has a place in history,
Sure, He came to set His people free,
What is that to me?

Till by faith I met Him face to face,
and I felt the wonder of His grace,
Then I knew that He was more than just a God who didn't care, (clap clap)
That lived a way out there and
Now He walks beside me day by day,
Ever watching o'er me lest I stray,
Helping me to find that narrow way,
He's Everything to me.

Can't you just hear the guitar strumming along, the voices blending together in harmony with the crickets close by, the stars in the sky. . . Oh my. I'm getting way too poetic, but the memories are all coming back to me.

Lord, you are everything to me. When I'm at work, when I'm at home, when I'm worried, when I'm happy, when I'm contented, when I'm distracted, all I have to do is remember. You are everything, Lord. You are everything I need. I praise you. . . I love you.

Keep Shooting for the Goal

I've been working out in the backyard today. It's such a beautiful sunshiny day. But while I take a break I'm feeling inspired to write again. It always amazes me how when God is teaching us a particular lesson or encouraging us in some way, He finds a way to repeat Himself so that we keep hearing the same thing. Until we finally say "Oh, I get it! This is the same thing you told me yesterday. How exciting to know you're trying to teach me something God!" He is so patient and gracious to give us time to hear Him.

A couple of years ago I read that when we feel ready to give up, when we've done everything we can, when there's nothing left to try. . . do one more thing.

That has really stuck with me. On Friday and Saturday, my son had his hockey play off games and I had a job fair to go to on Saturday morning. On Friday evening, as I sat looking into the setting sun, watching my son out there working so hard, playing with all his heart along with the rest of the team, I started praying that he would make a goal. He has made (I think) only one goal this season so far and I just really hoped he could feel the excitement of contributing to a win. I prayed that God would give him the ability to play with his whole heart and give him the opportunity to make a goal. Then I said to God "Lord, I know that I have no control over what happens on that rink. I'll just give it to you and let go. . ., but could you help my son make a goal? That would be so wonderful." Within less than a minute my son had made a goal.
Wow! What joy! I raised my fists in the air and shouted at the top of my lungs! Wow!

Thank you God. Thank you. Wow, Lord. . .you heard me. . .Ok. . . You heard me. . . Wow. . . Ok. . . Lord, if you could help my son make a goal then you can help me find a job. (I was feeling really nervous about the job fair the next morning and speaking to people about a job). So I prayed that just as God helped my son to shoot for the goal even through his fear, and make a goal, that He would help me to step through my fear and be able to present myself at the job fair and possibly get a job!

I guess I'm just getting tired of trying and trying, and praying and praying, and applying and applying. But Lord, maybe just one more. And then, one more after that.

At the first game on Saturday morning, as I watched my son's team play I started noticing how many times the boys shot for the goal before anyone actually made a goal. It must be a hundred or more times during each game. No one makes a goal everytime they try. No one finds a job everytime they try.

So, as I stood in line to meet with people from the various schools, I thought to myself, "I'm shooting toward the goal. I may make it and I may not, but I'll keep on. I have a few hundred tries left to go."

This morning in Sunday School, we talked about how to us it may feel as though we're failing, but we may be right where God wants us to be. We talked about missionaries who spend their lives telling people about Christ and at the end, only have one convert. (that they know of).

This life is a process. We will never arrive until we see Jesus face to face.

You know, it occurrs to me, that maybe it's the preparation and learning all God has for us to learn before we reach our goal that is the most important after all.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

Seventeen Year Old Wisdom

My seventeen year old daughter challenges me daily. She challenges me to be a better Christian, to be a better person, Mom and friend. We've been talking for the past few days about Lent and why people give up things, the differences in what people believe and why.

She came home yesterday telling me that her friend's Mom had given up cokes (all soda pop) for lent. I hadn't yet admitted to her that I had been thinking about what would be the one thing that I don't want to give up and should be the one thing I do give up... ICE CREAM. COFFEE and CHOCOLATE run a close second, but if I'm honest, it's ice cream I can't live without.

So...she turns to me and says, "What should I give up for Lent, Mom? It has to be something really hard to give up. Like candy and shopping! That's what I should give up! I can't live without SHOPPING and trying on pretty things and CANDY! What would be the hardest thing for you to give up"...as her big blue eyes looked straight into mine we both said "ICE CREAM!"

Minutes later, as she walked out the door, she said to me,"Mom, what if Jesus came back, like 5 days from now, and we hadn't given anything up? Wouldn't we feel bad?" I replied, "You know, He doesn't require us to give those things up. He loves us anyway." Thoughtfully she looked at me and said,"but we would be doing it for Him. Because of everything He has done for us."

That conversation took place exactly 23 hours ago. It's been about 25 hours since I enjoyed my last taste of ice cream. And you know what? I'm ok! In this country we are blessed to call home, in this busy life, full of Christian pursuits, there aren't alot of sacrifices we are asked to make for Him. I know the blessings I receive will be greater than what I'm giving up.

Today, my daughter searched every nook and cranny in her purses, backpack and room for any forgotten pieces of candy. She asked me to hide them or give them to her brother.

May God bless her as she grows in her walk with Him and shower her with the same portion of grace and love that she brings to me.

"Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.

Mark 10:14-16

Change

Before I can change the course of my life I have to realize, and take, responsibility for my mistakes. I am then free to take responsibility for making my life better.

In that way I learn that ONLY I am responsible for me and for my life. Until I do that, I can go through life making everyone else responsible for my life and my circumstances.

Dear Lord,

Help me to remember when my strength fades and I don't know the way, that you are with me, to lift me up, and give me new strength for another day. I love you Jesus.

I waited patiently for the LORD, He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire
He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

Psalm 40: 1-3

Keep Moving Forward

I love the movie Meet the Robinsons. This little boy is able to meet himself as a grown up, and see the results of his childhood dreams and inventions. His theme in everything he does is "Keep Moving Forward".

I think I was partly fascinated by the possbility of meeting myself as a child. What questions would I ask of myself? Am I living the life I imagined as a child? Where do I need to return to in my thinking, my dreams, to get back on the right track? What did I love as a child? What words of comfort would I give myself, what words of encouragement?

What do I need to do today to keep moving forward? I believe it's possible to make a little progress each day, even though sometimes it seems that we're on a treadmill, simply covering the same territory over and over again. Sometimes I need to stop thinking...pondering...and just DO something!

here's my list

• finish putting away Christmas decorations (I know, it's embarrassing to admit)
• read my Bible
• write my prayers so I can keep track of how God answers
• do laundry and dishes
• file my income taxes
• help my kids with their homework
• make a plan of action to take the next step towards my goal (we all have to have a goal!)
• or take the next step toward my goal
• make a list of everything I would do to my house if I had the money
• now, list them in priority order
• make a list of everything we need to do to find a college for my daughter
• make a spreadsheet for information on different colleges
• get myself organized!
• get my kids organized!
• feed my kids dinner
• just be a good mom
• keep things simple
• trust God

What do you need to do today to keep moving forward?