Hands of Time

 

A baby was born, all things were new.

With my tiny hand in yours, you whispered “God, thank you.”

 

As a kid we kneeled side by side for bedtime prayer.

With hands folded gently, we thanked God for being there.

 

Twelve was too old for me to hold your hand.

So you let go and asked God to fill me with faith and firmly stand.

 

By the time my hands were on the steering wheel of a car,

I didn’t want to participate in prayer so you said them from afar.

 

I was stubborn and rebellious and many mistakes were made.

When everyone around me left, you and God always stayed.

 

Tired of searching for the purpose of life,

I opened my hands in surrender and thus stopped my inner strife.

 

A baby was born and all things were new.

I lifted my hands to God with gratitude.

As the hands of time changed, so did mine and yours.

No matter the circumstance, I always saw your love for the Lord.

Because your life tells a story of how God has used you to help others persevere,

With your weary hand in mine I can whisper, "I’ll take it from here."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunny Side Up

 

"Flip the cushions to the good side," is what I said to myself while in preparation for many houseguests that are to arrive in two days.  Our patio furniture has been put to good and frequent use. We keep the cushions cruddy-side up to make sure it's brother, sunny-side stays clean for visitors. Our home is never as clean as it is before we have guests. Can you relate?

Why is it we feel the need to give an appearance of a spotless home and perfect life?  Could it be we want to impress others with an illusion that we have it all together? You know, the joker-sized smile on Sunday morning.  Children perfectly posed on our latest Facebook post. A successful career that affords lavish trips. No one has to know that the smile we wear is to hide the tears from a fight with our loved one. That it took 20 takes before getting the one good picture of our kids. That the 5 day beach trip came after 360 days of a high-stress, unrewarding job. 

We seem to worry more about what others think of us and less about living authentically. God is omniscient and already knows everything we will think, say or do (past, present and future).  Thankfully, He is the only one who has it all together and He has made it so we do not have to rely on ourselves but on Him. We don't need to air all of our dirty laundry to the public, but  we do need to confess sin to each other and pray for each other so that we may be healed. (James 5:16) When we are honest with God and each other, two amazing things happen. The light of Jesus breaks through what is dark and covered and guides our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:79) and our transparency helps lead others to feel they too can do the same.

I'd like to say that I didn't think about those cushions after this but it just isn't so. Old habits die hard. As I went to turn them over, I realized one side looked just like the other. Should anyone notice or comment my response will be: "This is me, living authentically."

STOP

I took a walk today and stopped to sit on a bench facing the water (pictured above). Behind me is a lot of traffic and noise but in front of me lies beauty and calmness. With my earbuds in and current favorite song on, I closed my eyes and there it was, what I wanted to feel...His presence. It can be challenging to stop. I wondered how many times I had actually taken time out at midday on a Monday to be still with God. The answer is I cannot remember. I'm sure this is often the case with most of us because we don't have the time. And we have other priorities. But the thing is, we do have the time. We just have to make it . It may take creativity or taking time away from something else but can we afford not to? My answer is no. Our God in Heaven longs to have a relationship with us. Relationships grow stronger when time is invested.

The song I was listening to has a chorus that goes something like "I see the evidence of your goodness all over my life." I've never felt that more than now. As I reflected on this past week, I was able to witness many people surrender to the Lord and seal where they will spend eternity. I saw my daughter light up like I've never seen her and shout with pure delight. I watched my son walk into a room and help lead kids his age to Christ.

Those reflections lead to a heart of gratitude. Contentment. Peace. Those three things are hard to find in the hustle and bustle.

Today, I would encourage whomever reads this to go somewhere quiet and turn on that song that speaks to you. Close your eyes, be still and call to God. He will meet you there... Actually, He's already there.
 

Growing Pains

The picture above is a present-day photo of my son,  Jeremy, who captured my heart 14 years ago.

The picture below is who I still see.  A toddler - my baby. A cute, orange haired bundle of joy who first gave me the name “Mom.”

In two weeks, he will be a freshman in high school. Deep breath. Gulp! I remember swaddling him. His first steps.  The look of amazement at his first trip to the movie theater. 

It’s hard to be prepared for your first child. We can read all the books, buy the best baby products and have the nursery decorated to a tee. But, when that child enters the world, everything changes. We’re scared and excited all at once.  And, somehow, with a little help from those who’ve already been there, prayer and guidance from our Heavenly Father, we eventually figure some of this parenting thing out.

Yesterday, after getting advice from a friend, I bought my son an alarm clock. I realize I’m probably behind on making him wake up on his own, but, it’s something I’ve always done. It’s been a part of my morning routine for 14 years. Some may not see the big deal in that purchase, but, for me, it’s one more step of independence. One more thing he doesn’t need me to do for him anymore. Us Moms (Dads too) begin to feel the sting when our children get too old to hold our hand. Elementary turns to middle school and at some point, we find out that we (parents) aren’t as cool as we once were to them. It’s a gradual fade but it happens faster than we think or like. It's so hard to let go when we've held on for so long.

What do we do when the growing pains hit us?

It seems to happen many times throughout our children's lives.  Regardless of what stage our kids are in, we have to know and trust God has them in the palm of his hand and he is the One in control. In him, all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17) We need not fear for God strengthens us, helps us and upholds us. (Isaiah 41:10). We can also take comfort if we train our children in the way they should go they won't depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) And, if they stray, know we are all sinners and all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Yet, He loves us just the same.

It's a few years away for us, but, the thought of crossing over into adulthood can be overwhelming. We, as parents, know what it brings with it. Their hearts will probably get broken. They'll make a bad choice or two. Question the direction of their lives. Maybe they’ll marry and have children of their own. Oh, how our minds can wander on the what if’s and future uncertainties.

For today though, my son is still 14. Not yet old enough to drive or date (thank goodness).  All I can do, or any parent can do is take it one step at a time. And, with a little help from those who've been there before, prayer, and guidance from our Heavenly Father, we will figure it out, again.

The Boxing Ring

The phrase “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” was coined by Muhammad Ali. He is thought of as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Now I’m not much of a sports fan, but, boxing intrigues me. I’ve watched many matches through the cracks of my fingers as my hand covers my eyes. It’s strange how something so gruesome can be so appealing.

One punch seems hard to take and yet these fighters endure blow after blow. The bell dings and each person proceeds to separate corners. They both get a short reprieve as their trainer imparts wisdom, offers encouragement and cleans up wounds. The bell dings again and they are back at it. One of the most thrilling parts is watching someone who we think is completely done, rise up from the ground they once lay on, look at their opponent, and say with their eyes “oh, it’s on.”

Life can be so much like a boxing ring. A few months ago, our family faced one battle after another. After our faces met the fist a few times, instead of saying “oh, it’s on,” it was more like “oh, come on!” Ever been there? Where you start asking the question “Why?” “Why, God, are you punishing me?” “Why won’t the dark clouds part?” “Why do I have to keep facing such opposition?”

Each one of us will face our own trials or rounds I should say, for the sake of this blog. Some last briefly and others seem unending. We may bring these fights on ourselves and other times get sucker punched. Either way, what matters most is how we respond. It’s easier to give up when weary. It's harder to get back up and persevere.  But God, our ultimate trainer, urges us to. Whatever battle you have faced, are facing or will face is no surprise to God. He is always in our corner waiting for us to come to Him. He takes no pleasure in punishing but He does allow our circumstances to instruct and strengthen us. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11.

The boxer doesn’t step into the ring for their first fight after one day of training. They’ve already gone through some agony to get where they are. They've prepared for the main event. It’s the same with us. Romans 5 tells us that that “suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” The difference is the boxer’s hope is in winning to receive recognition for himself. The Christian’s hope should be on nothing of this world, but rather in Jesus, to whom all glory and honor go.

So, the next time we find ourselves in the ring, may we take comfort in knowing we aren’t there alone. Just listen for the bell to ding and head towards the trainer.

Father in Heaven,
Thank you for being all knowing, all loving and always here, whether I feel it or not. Help me to fight the good fight and not give in to anything that displeases you or lose faith. Forgive me when I lose sight of you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Wanting to be Superwoman

“I need more sleep,” I said to myself as I begrudgingly got out of bed last Saturday morning. Two of our kids had a function that morning, another wanted to go to a festival, our pantry was screaming for more groceries, the youngest child wanted to go wherever I did, I promised to take the girls to the mall weeks prior and my husband and I had a meeting that same day followed by our date night. I had no quiet time with Jesus and coffee wasn’t cutting it. By noon, broken sleep plus a tight scheduled equaled exhaustion.

My husband is a very active father and loves to help in whatever way is needed, but, sometimes, there’s a part of me that wants to be able to do it all. I want to be Superwoman and look like I have it all together. Chauffer the kids, clean the house, buy the groceries, work a full-time job and  try to look half-way presentable by throwing make-up on my face.  Because of our season of life and my need to control, I end up feeling more Supertired and less like Superwoman.

I didn’t realize it at the time; however, God was and is teaching me a hard lesson. It’s as if I hear Him saying: “woman, why are you trying to be everything to everyone?” It’s caused me to ask myself what could have been done differently and how these occurrences can happen less frequently. If you find yourself needing to dominate situations and/or feel overwhelmed by to do lists, let me share what I am currently being taught.

1)      Work smarter not harder. If someone is there to help us (spouse, friend, neighbor), let them help. They will probably do it differently than we would and that’s okay.  We aren’t meant to handle everything alone. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2

2)      Know when to say no.  When we are over committed, it normally leads to a shorter temper which does no one any good, including ourselves. It’s not easy to see the look of disappointment on a loved one’s face, but, when we say no or not right now, it frees us to say yes to something else. Such as being still.

3)      Rest in Him. I’m not just talking about laying our heads on a pillow because we all need sleep to function. The kind of rest that brings peace, joy and refreshment is found in Christ alone. Take fears, hardships and weariness to Jesus because when we cast our anxieties on Him, he cares for us. – 1 Peter 5:7

I would love to say I’ve mastered this and it won’t happen again, but it will. Lord knows I am as stubborn as they come. The thought “I am woman, hear me roar” will creep in and I will try to whip out the worn, ragged edged Superwoman cape.  That’s when, once again, God in all His patience, will remind me I don’t need to be the one that saves the day as He has already done that for me.

Heavenly Father,

You are in control of me and everyone I care about. Forgive me when I forget that. Help me to release my burdens to you and teach me how to loosen the reigns. Thank you for going before me and for being the Superhero that I can’t and don’t have to be.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Being Still in the Demands of Life

The loud annoying sound blared in my ear. “It’s 5:50 already?” I asked myself. I felt 83 instead of 38 as my body snap, crackled and popped after a few steps were taken from the bed to the bathroom. I woke one child, followed by the next three, made breakfast, fed the dog, brewed coffee and paid a bill online. Then, I remembered I needed to shower. I breathed a sigh of relief as, one by one, the kids safely made their way from our front door to the bus stop. I poured my cup of joe and sat down to meet with Jesus. Shortly after I thanked Him for the day, my mind wandered to the other bill I forgot to pay and if I washed the conditioner out of my hair.
Ever been there? Where the thought of a calm, peaceful day or morning is a memory you seem to recall but is a little fuzzy.

I sat down on my chair at work where I flipped my daily encouragement calendar. I grinned as it read “Be still and know I am God.” A few moments later, the same verse appeared in an article I read. “Okay, God, you have my attention.” I said softly.

God whispers to us in many ways. Sometimes through other people. Or, the Holy Spirit provides a nudge in our hearts. Many times, it’s as plain as the lines on our hands-through His written word.

In this fast paced, have to get-it-done-now world we live in, it’s hard to pause. When the kids are pulling on both arms because, they too, have to have it now. When a notification dings on our phone and we feel we must instantly respond. When we trip on our own shoes in the closet so, of course, it needs to be cleaned out.

It’s easy to find ourselves here. Where the struggle to balance our time and role as parents, employees and friends becomes overwhelming. The common verse that says: “Be still” is overlooked by everything else that vies for our attention.

Where does The Almighty fit into our schedules? Is he squeezed into our car rides from point A to B? Do we read a devotion and feel we have spent adequate time with Him? Or, feel our weekly visits to church are enough to carry us through? All of these are good things. It’s great to talk to Jesus in the car or while we are doing our make-up. To read an encouraging devotion can be just what we need to lift our spirits more. Going to church can be a second home for a lot of us. But, is this enough? I would argue no, it’s not.

Long before cell phones, to-do lists and cleaning products were born, the One who created us wrote an exquisite letter. He did so knowing we would put idols in front of Him and place Him somewhere in the middle of our priority lists. This love letter, commonly referred to as the Bible, is our life manual. Its words are timeless and filled with wisdom and instruction to carry us from one day to the next.

Some of us don’t read as a hobby, don’t understand the Bible or simply feel we don’t have time for it. But, if the Lord in Heaven is the Lord of our lives and the greatest lover of our souls, why would we not want to read what He’s written to us?

Here are a few ways we can practically be still in the demands of life:

Reexamine our order of priorities.  Before we say yes to everyone else, say yes to God. We do so by patiently dwelling in His presence. We can’t expect to hear from him nor have any type of peace in our chaotic lives if we don’t place Him before everything else that threatens to take precedence.

Be intentional and make time to read the Bible. Our schedules are all different. We might have to do it in the evenings when little ones are down or leave for work early and spend time with Him in the car of the parking lot.  God sees and knows the desires of our hearts, no matter where we are or what time of day it is.

Pray. Pray that God unclutters our minds and helps us understand and discern what He is teaching us.

Each day will provide its own unique set of situations that make it harder than others to abide in Jesus. But, as we strive and seek to do so, I believe the Lord will honor that as we honor Him.

Father in Heaven,

Thank you for creating me and blessing me with the people in my life and with things that make it easy to live. Forgive me when I place those people and things before you. Help me to balance it all and keep my eyes set before you as you lead me on this day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.