Say Yes!

What would happen if we said 'yes' to everything God wanted us to do?

Recently, I attended a webinar hosted by Bill Myers. He is an author who didn't want to write. He said his worst grades were in Writing where he had Cs and Ds. He prayed and told God he could do anything but write.   But, he also told God he would always say 'yes' to anything He wanted him to do. God knew the hidden talent Bill had. He has now sold over five million books and is a film director and producer. He influenced Christian film with his animated, 'McGee and Me Adventures'.

I came away from the webinar thinking about my life. I said 'yes' to God years ago. I also told Him I would do whatever He wanted me to do. My life is so small, in my eyes...no where near Bill Myers. Yet, I know...we are all important in the puzzle of life.

What God wants me to do, doesn't always match what I think I should be doing. Sometimes He wants me to go places I wouldn't choose to go! Sometimes He calls me to step out into unknown territory. That's the adventure of a Christian life. We walk by faith and not by sight.

I remember a time God spoke to my heart and told me to pray for someone, who was famous in Christian ministry - in person! Ha! I thought. How was that going to happen? How was I going to pray in person with him. But, it happened. I was at his concert and God made a way for me to go backstage...we met and I prayed for him. Later, I found out, he was struggling with depression. God made the way and gave me the boldness I needed.

Sometimes, the doors WE want opened, aren't the ones He has in mind. I have heard myself say, "I could do this or this God...but not that or that..." I've learned never to say never. In my young mind I was going to live the city life! I live in rural America. He has a purpose and a plan. I have lived here for twenty years - married an attorney turned rancher...'looks like 'rural' is where I'll be!

Writing is another idea He has. I thought I would teach/be in the classroom forever.  But, whatever He has in mind for my writing; it is what He has called me to do at this time in my life. I love it. I know it is what I am to do.

If He calls us to do something, He gives us the desire. I have this driving force to write - like Stephen King says (that is where similarities end). Jerry Jenkins says it, too. "You write, because you just have to." I have always enjoyed writing and have written ever since I can remember- just for me - journals, stories.  Now it is what I do....for Him. It is humbling. I must get before my Father everyday and say, even though there is this driving desire to write -  'give me the words, Lord'.  Writing is my desire. The Word of God says He will give us the desires of our heart. As our hearts tune in with His heart...our desires become His. It is a great place to be. Is it easy? Only in Him and because of Him. Would I have it any other way? No. There is peace and joy being in His will. There is no other way.

Adam and Eve and Tiger Woods

Yes, Tiger Woods.  Adam and Eve were sorry, too. They wished they hadn't eaten of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They thought they didn't need to listen to God. They thought they were above that.  They were so big in their own eyes that they thought they knew better. When the  serpent told them, 'Nothing will happen to you,' they bought it. Just like Tiger. He  was 'big in his own eyes and thought nothing could touch him.

When God came calling, Adam and Eve hid...but, He knew where they were. Then, they were sorry. Tiger was found out - then, he was sorry, too.

 It doesn't matter that he is a celebrity.  Sin (yes, that word) has a way of finding us out.  Is Tiger's 'cheetah' image a private matter? Well, yes and no. What Tiger and his family do in their private lives, is their decision. But, like it or not, he is a public figure - a great athlete - a role model (did I say that?!). Yet, he is a human being, just like the rest of us. His 'sin' found him out. The only difference between him and the rest of us is that his 'world' reaches a wider audience
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Tiger is the man of the hour,today. Some of us have been that 'man of the hour' at some time in our lives. In our own lives...in our world...there have been scandals and maybe we've even been the object. 'No fun.

Satan is a master at what he does. He lures and makes his way sound so appealing. He says he loves us. He tells us we are really something (a little like, uh, narcissism).  He says he'll take care of us and who will ever find out, anyway. If we listen and go against our better judgment, taking the bait, he accuses and turns on us. He laughs and taunts saying we're stupid for listening to him! Then, he whispers more lies on how horrible we are.

The mistake Adam and Eve made by listening to satan, cost them dearly. Their decision affected their family. It affected mankind and still does today. Consequences, I believe is the word. Tiger wants his family to be left alone. It's just his problem. His family didn't do anything wrong. Why should they suffer? Tiger's decision to listen to the serpent, is why. Whether the papparazzi follow his kids, and write stories about his wife or not, his family is suffering now. The Bible says, the pleasures of sin are but for a season. His season is over. 'No pleasure now.

I'm not ragging on Tiger...we've all been our own worst enemy. We have, at one time or another,been ashamed of ourselves, or caught ourselves doing what we said we'd never do. We are all human beings and left to our own devices...are pathetic. Even the strongest-willed of our own species has created his/her own hell, at some time.

So what now?

Can his family be reconciled? Sure. Adam and Eve were reconciled to God.
God loved them - even though they chose to walk away from His love and His blessings. They walked out from under His protection. Tiger chose to do the same. There is forgiveness and restoration available for him just as there was for Adam and Eve.

 Adam and Eve were ashamed of their nakedness and tried to cover themselves. What did God do? Did He ridicule them for hurting and betraying Him? Did He disown them? No, He clothed them in His love.

Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah...all through history, God has blessed His people. It doesn't mean they never made mistakes or caused scandals in their own lives. But, if they turned to Him, God forgave and blessed them.

He has a better plan. That's why He sent His Son, Jesus.

Is there hope for us? For Tiger? Of course there is. Jesus came so that we could have life and that more abundantly. All we need to do is go to Him! Just as we are. He will clean us up. He will cover us with His love.

The Olympics: Chasing the Possible Dream

I'm loving the Olympics. I stay up way past my bedtime and finally force myself to walk away from the splendor on the screen. I wake up and recall the events from the night before and anticipate the upcoming events.

I would love to be there in person - to experience the energy racing through the crowds. Wow.  I get chills observing the pride on people's faces as they listen and sing their national anthems, waving their countries' flags.

These athletes are the best of the best. What a crowd to 'hang' with. I've been impressed by the dignity and respect the participants and spectators show each other. There may be language barriers, cultural differences, but they have earned the honor of being there and are there for one purpose. . . to do their best and hopefully, carry home the 'gold'.

I found myself cheering for the Chinese figure skating couples, the two who are married, as well as the couple who skated to "The Impossible Dream". I admired their coach who grew through earlier humiliation in his career. He now represents the finest figure skaters in the world. I clapped for the German figure skaters, performing to the music, "Bring in the Clowns".

It doesn't matter where they are from. They are talented and have perfected their craft. I watched the winners as their eyes lit up, their countries' flags raised above the others'. I felt pride in the United States when our flag was raised high, victory ours.

 Over 80 countries are participating in the Olympics including:  Iran, Israel, North Korea, South Korea, The United States, China, Japan, Germany, Norway, among others. Some countries that otherwise, do not have amicable relationships.

 Those participating in the Olympics have common ground. They have their own stories of struggle and triumph. Young athletes with goals, aspirations. They want to present themselves and their countries in a positive light and do their best. There is strength in that. There is dignity and acceptance.

Ray Stevens sang, "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world; red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world." The Dave Clark Five sang - "Come on you people now, Smile on your brother, try to love one another right now."

If we could only live that way.... all the time.

A love story

                                                           

He loves me. I don't know why, but he does. I wasn't very nice to him for the longest time.
My friends first told me about him...sure I'd seen him, but so what? Yeah, he was nice and all, but I truly wasn't interested. When, I'd give him a chance, he'd talk to me and I'd be polite. Otherwise, he'd smile and say hello and keep his distance. But, if I ever gave him the time of day, he'd want to spend time with me - and I really didn't want that.

We could be friends. Why wasn't he happy with that? My friends told me he really wanted to get to know me better. I wondered why this guy wouldn't give it up. I'd go out with other guys and if I happened to see him, he'd give me that look. The one that says, 'I wish you'd just give me a chance.' I hated that.

I didn't want to be rude; but he wasn't my type and I didn't know why he didn't see that. We were as different as night and day. My interests - my hobbies, my music, my friends...just about everything.

Then, I noticed little notes tucked here and there. Then there were flowers. Oh my....what was I going to do? Once in a while he'd call and I'd visit for a little bit, so as not to be rude. I'd thank him for the flowers and notes and tell him that maybe it wasn't a good idea. It didn't matter. He'd just keep right on - flowers, notes, things he knew I liked.

I didn't know what to do...so I kept on dating, thinking maybe he'd finally get the hint. My friends told me, he'd said he loved me and he always would. "How is that possible? He doesn't even know me, really," was my response to my 'messenger' friends. They'd just shrug. They were just the messengers.

'Funny thing. My friends knew him and thought a lot of him, but they never pressured me by saying I needed to give him a chance. They were just the messengers. I appreciated that.

Then, one day I was alone...just sitting in the shade of a tree. I was thinking about him and wondered why I wouldn't give him a chance.  From everything I'd heard, it seemed like he was pretty wonderful.

About that time, he walked over to where I was. It was like I was seeing him for the first time. Like I'd been waiting for him all my life. He smiled at me and said, "Yes, you have been waiting for me, all your life, and I've been here all the time."

Yes, he is wonderful - more awesome than anything! We have everything in common, now. He loves me no matter what. He loves me unconditionally. He has always loved me. He has loved me with an everlasting love.

Thanks Punxsutawney Phil!

Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog, saw his shadow this morning. We best be prepared. Don't think about putting winter apparel in storage quite yet. Leave the shovels and snow blowers in convenient spots and by all means, don't plant gardens or uncover the air conditioner. According to Punxsutawney Phil we are in for six more weeks of winter.

Seriously?

 Do we really believe it's up to ol' Mr. Groundhog? When I was in grade school, I remember hearing about Groundhog Day on the radio - when my mom was driving me to school. I didn't ask any questions.

But imagine the thoughts that ran through my young mind. A groundhog? I had never seen one and imagined just that - a ground 'hog'. I thought he must live in a big burrow and have a time of it, trying to get out to let us know what weather we would encounter for the next six weeks. I wondered if he sat in his recliner eating nuts or smoking his pipe, the second day of February wondering...'should I or shouldn't I? It's up to me. All I have to do is step outside my burrow.' I used to wonder how scientific the appearance of a groundhog was. I  thought it was amazing that grown-ups believed a groundhog was predicting the weather. (Ah, the mind of a child).

People all over America (and elsewhere) await the appearance of the groundhog. If he doesn't see his shadow, there are exuberant shouts, "Spring is in the air!" If he sees his shadow, it's "Bah, six more weeks of winter."

We are funny people. We want a reason to celebrate and a reason to complain. Leave it up to a groundhog named Punxsutawny Phil to make sure we have something to talk about. (Hmmm.... could it be that our weathermen/meteorologists anticipate the second day of February to be able to rest from taking the blame for the weather for six weeks each year?)

What would happen if Mr. Groundhog went on strike and decided not come out for his usual holiday? Think about it. With all the publicity, he hasn't gotten any great perks for his appearances!  After all, he still lives in that burrow.

Have you ever been in one of life's ruts?

I've been in a rut. It's not like I have been depressed and distressed. It's just one of those 'ruts' where I have felt kind of disconnected...not really from anything in particular, just a feeling in general.That is, until today.

I took my Writer's Magazine to the gym with me. It was exactly what I needed. (We do have a gym in our small community and it is actually quite nice).  I had my water bottle, and my magazine. I was the only one in the cardio room...that's what I call the room with the treadmills, elliptical machines and bikes.  I changed channels from 9 News on the TV to a Soul Station (purely accidental - I just click till I find music I like). I got on the treadmill, set it to uphill and began my trek. I read, listened to music and hiked. When I finished there I got on a bike...set my magazine in a place on the screen, drank some water and began pedaling.

During my 'bicycling', as I was listening to "House of Clowns" I realized I was enjoying myself, immensely. I thought to myself, 'how much better can it get?' I was listening to music, and reading - two of my favorite hobbies - and I was working out at the same time (working out is something I need to do...maybe it will become another favorite hobby in time).

While in the 'rut' I didn't feel like I had anything to say about anything. I was telling myself, 'everybody's heard everything there is to say'. I didn't think I had any inspiring wisdom to lend to anyone. \

However, reading the articles while I 'hiked' and pedaled, filled me with hope for myself. I worked myself right out of the rut!

Number one: Ruts happen. The article said to keep writing anyway and gave some helpful hints on motivation and imagination.
Number two: Maintain proper perspective. While in a rut, things seem mundane. Keep writing anyway, it said. Write and write and write.
Number three: Don't give up.Don't stop. Keep writing. Write through. 
One, two, three...simple steps. I should've known them on my own. But, I lost perspective.  I needed a boost.

Sometimes we need a boost....just because.

'Reminded me of words from a Bob Dylan song, 'The only thing I know to do is to keep on keeping on.' I can say to myself, 'When I've done all to write, I need to write and write some more'! Words of wisdom - Press on.

I'm ready, now. I was energized by my trip to the gym. Who would've thought?! I found a perfect place to study - a place of solitude and refreshing! I learned a lot at the gym, today. I can't wait until tomorrow.

I am so in awe of You. Words can't express how I feel. You are altogether glorious. You are Almighty God. You held me when I felt so alone. You gave me new Life. You took the ashes of my life and gave me dancing and joy.

Oh, my Lord. You raise me up in the morning and I praise You for a new day. I am grateful for everyday. There were days when darkness closed in and You came, and the Son overcame the darkness filling me with hope.  You have filled my life with good things. My life is renewed daily. In You, I am eternally grateful.
Will I dance and shout Your name? Yes! I will proclaim the wonders of my God. I will not be ashamed but will pronouce that Jesus is my Lord. 

There is no other name under heaven  to whom  I will bow, no, only Jesus is Lord. He has taken chains of bondage and He has set me free! Chains are broken and thrown into the sea of forgetfulness.

Lord, it is glorious to follow You. No matter what ....though the mountains fall into the oceans....I will bless Your name, Abba, Father.

You are my Father. In You I trust. In You I have rest. In You I have victory. Oh, the Love You have shown me. I cannot repay. I cannot.   Yet, You Love...
You sent Jesus, the Word of Love. Because of Him, I live.

You are worthy...so worthy of my praise. I praise You for who You are. You have shown Yourself strong on my behalf. Over and over and over....You have shown Yourself faithful.  You are my Faithful Father.

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Yes, it is all new every morning.  The greatness of Your love and the wonder of Your greatness. I will ever be grateful. Amen and so be it.