It's That Simple

Since I began this blog my goal with every entry has been to uplift others.  That is why I've refrained from such topics as politics (except on other blogs!).  But, today, I'm intentionally blogging about politics and our society as a whole.

I am convinced that the vast majority of our country's problems and conflicts could be resolved if the majority of our citizens and all our representatives adhered to two simple but powerful principles - personal responsibility and respect.

That's it.

It's that simple.

There is no shortage of examples of citizens who show a profound lack of personal responsibility, from the woman who sued McDonald's because she burned herself driving with her hot cup of coffee between her thighs, to the woman who wanted to sue a shopping mall because she fell into a fountain while she was texting and walking. 

Really ladies?

I've done stupid things and injured myself and do you know what I did?  I said to myself "way to go moron" or something similar and then I picked embarrassed self up and tried not to make the same mistake again.  It wasn't someone else's fault that I used poor judgement and ended up paying for it with a bodily injury.  It was my fault - 100%.  When you accept responsibility for your own actions you will find that you experience great personal growth.

How about the principle of respect?  Most conflict could be avoided or resolved if we truly respect every other human being and the greater good of society. 

If members of our political parties respected each other, their constituents, and our country they would find a way to work together for the future of America.  People will always have different opinions about specific issues, but those opinions can be expressed with respect and in a dignified manner worthy of the office represented. 

You would be hard pressed to find even a handful of people who do not agree that our government has a spending and debt problem that threatens our future.  That is a solid fact.  If Congress worked with a spirit of personal responsibility and respect they would come up with compromises that solve the problem and spread the "pain" among all citizens.

I also think if they took personal responsibility seriously, they would ALL vote for term limits!

I feel helpless, like most people, to make any difference in the future of our great society.  I'm only one person.

But, so are you.

And your neighbor.

If we, and everyone we are connected to, will vow to live and work upholding the highest level of personal responsibility and respect for each other, for country and for our Creator, we can once again be the greatest country on earth and the light that inspires the world.

Be love and be blessed,

Upward Call

This morning I had my third procedure on my cervical spine.  I'm scheduled for one more in two weeks, but if this one does the trick I won't need to follow through with the next one.  It's been a long ordeal, this quest for a pain-free (or substantially reduced pain) spine.

As we were driving to the hospital I was reading my Bible.  I've begun a habit of asking God to tell me what book and chapter He wants to share with me before I start.  I heard "Daniel"  Daniel?  Not one of my favorites Lord.  "Daniel"  Ooookay.  Where in Daniel?  Chapter 4?  5?  "Not 5"  "6"  Chapter 6?  "Yes"  What about 4?  No answer. Okay, so I'll read 4 (for background), skip 5 and read 6.

Though I am a Bible reader, trust me when I say there are very few Chapters (especially in the Old Testament) that I can pinpoint and say "Oh, the story of Noah and the ark is in Genesis, chapters blah blah blah."  But, apparently God really knows His Bible, I mean chapter and verse!  He often tells me exactly where to read and usually I say to myself something like "oh, really? That's not what I would have picked, but okay," followed by, "well, I didn't know that story was here - how appropriate."

So, God and I have this private Book Club.  He picks the Books, I read them, and we discuss (pray) together the deeper meaning that is relevant in this time and place.

Back to the Book of Daniel - "And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God."

The last thing I posted on facebook last night was "Praying and trusting God!"  Wow, that's what I call a divine confirmation!  I do trust Him.  I hope you do also.  Life is much less worrisome and a lot more joyful because of that trust.  I'm not worried about the outcome of this latest procedure because I know that no matter what happens, God holds me up.  I trust my future to Him.

Our book club - God's and mine - it is open to you too.  All are welcome, regardless of income, or occupation, or race, or education, or past sins.  There are no dues or applications.  You don't even have to travel anywhere to meet.

By the way, our book club needs a name!  I'm thinking of "Upward Call Book Club" - what do you think?

Now, if you think I'm crazy because I hear from God, you should read Walking With God by John Eldredge.  It is an awesome book about having a real relationship with God, one in which you talk to him and hear from Him.  Read it. 

Trusting the King -

Be love and be blessed,

Be Still

Today I'm having a procedure that will, hopefully, alleviate my neck pain.  This requires sedation.  So, this morning I'm not my normal energetic, bouncy self.  Guess the 2 cups of Starbucks I had to forego does figure into my perkyness just a wee bit.

Friends have been so encouraging and have prayed for me during the last few weeks.  I feel so blessed to know so many caring, loving people.  If you have sent me a note or prayed for me I hope you know that you have been a blessing.

Being in a bit of a funk this morning without my coffee or anything to eat or drink, I'm not very clear-minded.  But, I wanted to see what God had to say to me this morning before the procedure.  I asked God to direct me as I held my Bible in my lap.

I went straight to Psalm 46.  "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea."  And - "Be still and know that I am God!"

Oh, what comfort these words bring!  A couple of things stood out for me in these words.  "A very present help" - God is present with us.  He's not up in the clouds somewhere, unavailable and invisible.  He is here - with me - right now!  I'm not alone, ever!

Because God is present with us we need not fear.  Everything can crumble around us.  The stock market can crash.  Our friends can abandon us (not you guys though!).  Our health can deteriorate.  But, God does not leave us.  He is unchanging and ever faithful.

"Be still and know that I am God!"  This is so encouraging for me this morning.  My concentration is low, my head hurts, I'm hungry and thirsty, but I take these words, close my eyes and feel the fullness of God enter my heart. 

No fear, no anxiety, no worry.  He is God.  He is present.  He is real.

Be love and be blessed,

By His Wounds

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness, by his wounds you have been healed."  1 Peter 2:24

I haven't been well in body lately.  My spirit isn't quite up to par either.  During these last few weeks as I have suffered excruciating pain from herniated discs, I find some comfort knowing that our Saviour bore far worse pain on my behalf. 

It's not that I enjoy the thought of Jesus suffering the painful torture of death on the cross, but to imagine him enduring the worst possible physical pain, well - it puts mine in perspective.

When you're dealing with pain and doctors they ask you to rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10.  Childbirth is a 10 (or was for me with no epidural!).  My current pain varies, but it has been a 9 and 10 at times.  Then, I remember Jesus' pain and mine seems but an annoyance. 

By his wounds we are healed.  A powerful statement.  We have the ultimate last word against pain.  Against sin.  Against death.  The last word..... victory.

Be blessed,

How Could I Forget Such Majesty?

In my last post, I forgot to write about something really important and spectacular!  Geez!  Sometimes I wonder what is going on with my brain.  Do I need to purge some files to make room for new stuff, or is it simply old age forgetfulness?  Maybe some ginko biloba is in order.

Anyway, the spectacular thing I forgot to mention when I posted about the new season and the first boat ride on our lake was the EAGLE!  We have a number of bald eagles who nest on our lake and quite a few times a year we are blessed by a sighting. 

During the first summer boat ride, we saw a mature bald eagle in one of our favorite coves just as she was about to land near the top of a large tree.  Perched among the dense green leaves, there she was with her white head gleaming in the late afternoon sunlight.  After a few moments she gracefully took flight in ever widening circles above the treetops, the sun glinting off those brilliant white feathers on her head and tail. 

Each time I'm able to see one of these glorious birds I'm convinced that God is speaking to me in our own personal love language.  He knows how much I adore the rare beauty of these creatures and how it draws me close to Him in gratefulness and in awe of his creativity. 

To receive such gifts from our Creator - gifts that transcend normal everyday joys - gifts that erase (even if momentarily) worries, fears, doubts and pain - is to be loved beyond measure.  It is truly a Measure of Grace.

Be love and be blessed,

A Brand New Season

Recently, we enjoyed our "first" official boat ride of the summer on our lake.  There is nothing like that first summer cruise when you tour familiar places and the realization of nature's joy and magnificence hits you square in the heart!

We've been cruising this lake for over 20 years now, but each and every first "official" ride of summer it all looks brand new again!  The trees that not so long ago were bare of leaves are now lush and green and the pastures and lawns surrounding the lake are no longer brown and dormant.

There is a familiar, sweet floral scent wafting through the air.  I breathe deeply from my seat on the boat and start scanning to find the source.  There it is!  Oh, yes, a mimosa tree.  Why do I forget each year how wonderful is that fragrance and how short the time to enjoy it? 

It's going to be a spectacular season!  I don't mean the boating season, though it is sure to be lots of fun.  A new season of life has begun for me and my hopes are extraordinarily high.  God is calling me into new territories and a closer walk with Him. 

The season is brand new.  It is fresh.  It is exciting, challenging and difficult.  But, I look forward to it and to seeing how God will change the familiar and the dormant into something spectacular and memorable.

Be love and be blessed,

Change For Good

Some exciting things are happening at our church.  When someone says something "exciting" is happening, don't you think it must be something new?  I do.

New most often means "change".  People don't always like change.  I suppose I'm a bit odd because in most cases I love change.  Admittedly, I don't like all change.  I certainly wouldn't like changing my morning routine.  That cup of coffee in bed would not be easy to give up!

When changes happen at a church there will inevitably be some who are not exactly overjoyed about it.  We get so comfortable in our Sunday routine that it upsets us when something feels amiss.  Like when we arrive at worship and someone is sitting in "our" pew. 

Next Sunday we will receive our new pastor.  Some are probably not happy that the former one is gone.  Some may be glad for change, but fearful of what may happen as a result.  You know - as long as they don't change the way we do communion, or the time of worship, or the schedule for potluck dinners - as long as the church doesn't change the part "I" love, then I'm fine.

Oh, its so easy for us to forget that the church's most important function isn't to minister to us, to make us happy, to sing the hymns that we like best.  The church's most important mission is the great commission.  It is communicating the love and grace of Jesus Christ to those who have not experienced Him. 

Instead of being worried about whether our favorite part of our church life will change when the new guy arrives, we should spend thoughtful time in prayer asking for change to happen that will enable us to reach our potential in Christ and make a difference in His kingdom. 

With this coming change, I can feel God moving.  He is opening doors of opportunity for us to become more like Him by stepping out in faith and changing how we think, how we view others, how we respond to His call.

These are changes to be excited about!  I'm ready Lord.  I can hear you calling.  Lead and I will follow.

Be love and be blessed,

Speechless!

The thing I love most about our yard is that something is ALWAYS blooming!  Even in the dead of winter, the glossy green branches of the camellia bushes in our west garden can barely support the soft majestic snowy white flowers that threaten the beauty of the most beautiful roses. 

In my previous post you saw our first glorious sign of spring amidst the Azaleas and Dogwoods. Just as those blooms began to fade, the hydrangeas teased us with tight green buds that would soon burst into round globes of pink, blue and lavender.

It facinates me to see how quickly a plant goes from a mass of brown dead wood to green leaves larger than my hands and blossoms lovely enough for an oil painting.

The Anthony Waterer Spirea have been poised for weeks, simply waiting for the perfect sunny warm day to unlock tiny buds into sprays of delicate blissful pink splendor.

When the natural surrounding you is this grand, what words can you use? 

Thank you God for rendering me speechless!!

Be love and be blessed!

Woodard Azalea Trails

East Texas is awash in blooming dogwoods and azaleas. 

What a wondrous tribute to the beginning of Spring!  Branches of shrubs are heavy laden with gorgeous blooms in dozens of shades of red, pink, coral, lavender and white.

I decided to create a photo journey of my very own Azalea Trail.  Most of our plants are young, but what they lack in size, they make up for in bountiful blooms.  So enjoy your time on the Woodard Azalea Trails!

 

The lakeside yard is too beautiful for words. Blooms are everywhere!



Before the azalea blooms fade the hydrangeas will burst into large blue and lavender mopheads of color.

Double flowers~

Let's walk to the front yard...

A sunny spot to enjoy the blooms.

On to the West Garden....

New ferns begin to unfurl.

And the clematis vine emerges from hibernation.

The native Cross Vine will be visited by butterflies, bumblebees and honeybees.

One of my favorite places to sit and mediate surrounded by God!

A lantern marks the West Garden trail entrance.

You never know who might be hiding in the azaleas!

Hope you enjoy your own spring journey! 

Be love and be blessed,

Complaints

At the beginning of February I was inspired by another blogger to go a month without complaining.  What a concept!  "This will be easy" I thought.  After all, I hardly ever complain.


Halfway into my "No Complaints month", I had some slip ups and challenges. Until you really focus on what you are saying you probably don't realize how much you complain.


It was so interesting to catch myself and "recalculate" my thinking into a positive instead of a negative. Over and over I would hear my GPS brain say "recalculating route" as I mentally reformed a negative thought into a positive one.  I learned a few things: 

1. I complain without realizing it. So what does that do to my psyche for the rest of the day? Do I set myself up for a negative day with my unintentional complaints?
2. Complaining has no part in living a positive life.
3. Complaining contributes to frown lines. No one ever genuinely smiles when they are complaining!
4. My husband complains much less than I do. I should learn from his example.
5. Complaining fixes nothing, including my attitude.

Be love and be blessed,

The Truth About Cats and Birds

I'm an animal lover.  Period.  Love all of them.... as long as you don't count cockroaches (let's just discount the entire insect category while we're at it). 

In addition to being a compassionate animal lover,  I consider myself a realist, a conservationist, an environmentalist, a naturalist.  It gives me a balanced perspective on nature.  Every creature and plant has it's place.

I get the whole balance of nature - predator and prey.

But, I'm in a quandary. We have a stray cat who has adopted us. She lives outside and will remain there because my cat doesn't like her one bit!  I feed her, hold her, pet her.  She is very sweet.

Bruce even built her a little warm house for when it's cold outside.

She's in good shape, especially for an animal who has survived on her own in the wild.  Her name is Abby and her tummy is getting a bit larger than when she showed up at our door.

The quandary - oh yeah.  Abby is a skilled hunter.  She not like my Frodo.  I mean really.... does this look like a killer?

She brings me trophies.  Not of the "proudly display" variety either. 

Opening the back door to find baby squirrels (or parts of squirrels) is a little more wild than I prefer on my porch.  Stumbling unaware upon an explosion of goldfinch feathers right before lunch is a bit unappetizing.  And, I confess I wanted to cry when I discovered the pretty red feathers of a Cardinal in my garage.

A girl's gotta eat.  Really?  How much?

What's wrong with Iams?  Do you fancy canned tuna?  Just tell me your preferred brand of cat food and I'm happy to oblige. I promise you don't need to supplement this food with birds or small mammals.  The package says it's "nutritionally balanced".

If you don't stop eating my birds I'm gonna have to remove the bird feeder outside my back porch because I feel as if I'm luring the poor things into a trap.  Can't you just enjoy lounging there fat and happy and watching them?  Perhaps if I fatten you enough you'll be too slow to catch them.  Let's hope so for the sake of the birds.

Be love and be blessed,



Nouns That Wound

Lately I’ve been hearing in the Spirit the words “isolation” and “rejection”.  The words are nouns. But, when I hear the words I feel the verb, the action.  It hurts.

Discourage.
Separate.
Deny.
Disown.
Scorn.

How I have felt the sting of these words over 50 years.  Worse – I’ve wounded others with those verbs that became my actions.

In many ways it is easier to be the object of disdain rather than the one dishing out the scorn. Because as a decent person I eventually recognize that I have brought hurt and negativity to the front door of another’s soul.

I’m ashamed. I’m guilty. I’m sorry.

But, I’m not damned. I can start fresh every day (every hour if need be) with a clean slate.  He made that possible. He nailed my shame, my guilt, my remorse and all my failings to the cross and I can leave them there instead of carrying them around with me.

When I feel isolated or rejected I rejoice that I am never alone. If I stay close to Him,  I have the hope that I, instead of being a source of pain, can be used as an instrument of peace and love.

Be love and be blessed,