Alignment . . .

Our church has been participating in VBS for the past month. Our VBS is Kingdom Rocks and it is all about teach kids to Stand Strong with God.

Two lessons stick out to me - one was Nehemiah.

No matter what happened to Nehemiah - he prayed. He found out the walls of Jerusalem were in ruin - he prayed. He approached the king - he prayed. The king offered to help Nehemiah - he prayed. People mocked Nehemiah and his fellow Jewish people as they built the wall - he prayed. He was angered - he prayed. He was hurt - he prayed. As I said a moment ago, Nehemiah prayed. Why?

One of our pastoral staff suggested that while prayer is communication with God - it also aligns us with God's will and plan. By taking a moment or two or however long is necessary to pray Nehemiah realigned his attitude and actions with that of God.

The second lesson that sticks with me was the one on King Josiah.

Josiah was named king at age 8, that is not a typo, age 8. He looked around the country he was given to rule and saw things falling apart. He listened to God and started rebuilding the temple and they found the scriptures. Josiah had an "A-HA" moment and knew that God's word would help make things better. So he had the scriptures read to the people and things changed.

Josiah's lesson was connected to idolatry. Instead of worshipping work, TV, computers, smart phones, games and people, Josiah called people back to the worship of the One True God. Man that makes me think.

Our pastor compared it to the story, "The Emperor Has No Clothes". Where everyone ignores the fact that the emperor is naked except one little child, who sees the nude emperor and tells him that he is naked. And the situation gets resolved.

See, I wish I was like the little child. I see people making wrong choices and want them to choose more wisely, I know they need to re-examine the Bible or their faith. When the opportunity presents itself, I can share my insights, but unless asked I say nothing. I wonder if I should make bold declarations to people?

Then I realize - I have things to say to myself.

Do you want to be well? healthy? employed? happy? Then do those things. Exercise, eat right, go to work, do a good job and count your blessings. Spend time reading God's Word and aligning yourself with God's will and plan for your life. Celebrate God working in your life and be thankful that God is willing to work through someone like me.

I don't remember that . . .

I don’t remember that . . .

 

 Monday I had lunch with my friend Lisa. We hadn’t seen or visited with each other for a few weeks and it was great to see her and visit with her. She definitely has a lot going on. She is active in her husband’s church and has a ministry to South East Asians that is blossoming. She is such a joy and encouragement to me.

When we met, she shared that her husband a bi-vocational pastor has resigned his second job. Not the pastoring position, but the “other” job. The one that provided the health insurance for their family. She is smiling as she tells me this. I am amazed! In this day and age, why would someone willingly give up health insurance! It is crazy! Yet she is convinced they are doing exactly what God has told them to do. She goes on to tell me, that she owes her peace of mind to me.

Now I’m totally blown away!

She tells the story, and gets to the line that she supposedly heard from me, “Let go of the fake pearls.” I obviously didn’t realize that was the sentence I had shared with her. She relates the tale of me going to some conference with the youth from my church and that when I came back, I told her the story of the fake pearls.

The Pearl Necklace

The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.

"Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please!"

Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face.

"A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."

As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents.

On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.

Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere--Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.

Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"

"Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess--the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite."

"That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.

About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"

"Daddy, you know I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."

"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you." And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.

A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.

"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"

Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you."

With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.

He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure.

What are you hanging on to?

I’m sure that I was indeed moved by this story that was shared at the conference. However I had totally forgotten about the story. Here, God had given her the story to encourage her in these tough days ahead.

What’s the point? Nothing is wasted. I was in a place where I heard the story. It moved me. I shared the story with Lisa. She filed it somewhere. I forgot about it. God reminded her of the story at a time she needed it most. God wastes nothing. He places people in our lives and uses them to encourage us as we follow him.

The conference I attended was in 2011. I remember 2 distinct moments during that week, neither of which is the story I related above. God sent me there for me and my friends. I am grateful he used me.

Home . . . Again

So I'm home again. I was home last week for my niece Elizabeth's first birthday and Easter. This week I am home for my mom's surgery.  Two totally different trips. :)

This morning as I was praying, I was telling God how I felt about Mom's surgery again. I didn't appreciate that He didn't heal her with the last surgery - I trusted Him to do that. I don't feel like I have "peace" with this surgery. Mom's nervous - she has some random itch - the doctors gave her a salve for it - but it's random - one minute its her leg, next her back, or her arm. No rhyme or reason to the itchiness. Anyhow - I believe in God and believe that He is in control and knows all things - I simply wanted to feel a sense of peace with everything that's going on around me here.

It's Sunday - so we go to church. What songs to we sing? 

• His Grace is Sufficient. 
• Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. 
• I Know Who Holds Tomorrow. 
• Be Still and Know. 
• My Faith Still Holds

Talk about God hearing my prayers! Sat next to my mom, who raised her hands in praise to God during every song. I believe she believes it. I do too - I'm just not happy that she has to walk this road.

Then the sermon was about Doubting Thomas - John 20:24 - 29.

Jesus didn't condemn Thomas for doubting. He said, "Here are my hands and my side - touch, feel, believe." He encouraged Thomas to move from doubting to believing.

Pastor Chuck said, "Faith is when believing overcomes doubt." Pretty profound - I thought. 

As I sit here, thinking of my prayers to God over this past month and the songs we sang this morning at church and the songs God has blessed me with over the past month. I am thankful that God understands us, sees us, and in spite of all of that - HE LOVES US.

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

Home Again

So I'm home again. I was home last week for my niece Elizabeth's first birthday and Easter. This week I am home for my mom's surgery.  Two totally different trips. :)

This morning as I was praying, I was telling God how I felt about Mom's surgery again. I didn't appreciate that He didn't heal her with the last surgery - I trusted Him to do that. I don't feel like I have "peace" with this surgery. Mom's nervous - she has some random itch - the doctors gave her a salve for it - but it's random - one minute its her leg, next her back, or her arm. No rhyme or reason to the itchiness. Anyhow - I believe in God and believe that He is in control and knows all things - I simply wanted to feel a sense of peace with everything that's going on around me here.

It's Sunday - so we go to church. What songs to we sing? 

• His Grace is Sufficient. 
• Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. 
• I Know Who Holds Tomorrow. 
• Be Still and Know. 
• My Faith Still Holds

Talk about God hearing my prayers! Sat next to my mom, who raised her hands in praise to God during every song. I believe she believes it. I do too - I'm just not happy that she has to walk this road.

Then the sermon was about Doubting Thomas - John 20:24 - 29.

Jesus didn't condemn Thomas for doubting. He said, "Here are my hands and my side - touch, feel, believe." He encouraged Thomas to move from doubting to believing.

Pastor Chuck said, "Faith is when believing overcomes doubt." Pretty profound - I thought. 

As I sit here, thinking of my prayers to God over this past month and the songs we sang this morning at church and the songs God has blessed me with over the past month. I am thankful that God understands us, sees us, and in spite of all of that - HE LOVES US.

Tough Days - Tuesdays

Not all days are easy. Today was one of those days. To begin - it was Tuesday.

I don't like Tuesdays. I have PLC on Tuesday morning @ 7:00. Our school has its "study hour" on Tuesdays and its annoying to me since some of my classes make it difficult to work with students from other classes that need assistance.

I am only one person. I am asked for assistance from many people at a time. So many students who want help and all at once and I'm only one person. I feel so overwhelmed. I mean - I wasn't even in my room today and they found me!

During my first class of the day, I ask a student a simple question, "Which shape is larger, the image or preimage?" The student responds that he doesn't know. I'm amazed - that he can't tell which shaped is bigger? I ask my co-teacher to assist; he doesn't know how to make the question any clearer. So we ask another student to try to explain it to him and the student responds, "I know the answer, I just don't like answering questions when they call on me so I don't." UN- freaking - BELIEVEABLE! I am so angry!

On to the next class when they are taking a quiz. During our review before the quiz, one of the students said, "Where was I when we learned that?" Another, "I didn't know we were taking a quiz." And yet another student, "You never taught us that." Again, I am frustrated, overwhelmed, and angry.

Then, I check my e-mail during lunch and realize I have to fill out paper work for my mom's surgery. I actually have to have her doctor fill out a form too.

On to that fabulous "study period". I have class of 25 students and 7 students coming for tutoring in another subject. Frustrating because the students in my class don't want to work, but want to socialize and the 7 students who have come for help - WANT to learn!

Last period - finally. Another quiz - more surprised students and more questions. Finally - afternoon announcements. So the day is over - however it isn't.

Seven different students arrived for after school help.  Five students - want to prepare for the quiz tomorrow - great students. Two want to review the test we took so they can retake it - good students. I work with them until 3:30 and then complete my day writing a quiz for Geometry, filling out forms for my special education students and checking grades for my seniors to make sure they are passing.

I'm just tired - I know all of the things I described are my job. But somedays are tougher than others. I believe most of the tough days are Tuesdays.

Does anybody remember what happened on this day?

That is a question my mom loves to ask us. She keeps track of things that are exciting or require prayer or both in her devotional book. So when she reads her devotions for this year – she also relives a host of other years in the process.

So while we are waiting for mom to be admitted to the hospital @ 6:00 AM Tuesday morning, mom asks, “Does anybody know what we were doing 3 years ago today?”

No one does – but mom knows – it was recorded in her devotional.

March 5, 2010 – my mom, sister, her sister-in-law and her mother-in-law went shopping for dresses for my sister’s wedding.

March 5, 2013 – my mom has surgery for breast cancer. Everything is good now and we are hopefully waiting the pathology reports.

 

I’ve been thinking about that record my mom has. It’s very encouraging. It’s a reminder of God’s faithfulness in the past. A source of hope for the future. Like milestones with Jesus, a reminder that He is on the throne and still listening to our prayers.

There are also dates in that devotional that mark the deaths of loved ones – of things that didn’t turn out as we had expected. But nothing is a surprise to God. He knows how it will work out – He needs us to trust Him with the outcome no matter what.

I’m thinking of starting to record things in my devotional – so that each year I can remember all that God has been with me through.

Cancer

Monday – we heard it. Cancer. My mom has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s a small lump, operable and treatable. However it is the first time someone in my immediate family has heard the C-word.

I know God is able. I know that He is the great physician. I know that He is in control of all things. I know that He can see the “Big Picture.” I know that His ways are higher. I know that nothing is wasted with God. I also know that God knows everything.

I also know that my mom has breast cancer. I know that she is facing surgery. I know she has scheduled an appointment with the surgeon of choice next Wednesday. I know that there are now two times in our family’s life – pre and post cancer.

My mom is the rock in our family. She is the prayer warrior. She is the one who visits people in the hospital. She is the encourager. She maintains the sanity in our family. She is the one who keeps us on track and today our world is shaken.

Today Mom told us how God has been teaching her through this experience. He has told her that He is holding her hand. He gave her that verse and He has demonstrated to her though out her journey so far that He is right there with her.

He is also here with me.

Thank you so much for praying for me and my family through this time.

So I’m thinking . . . Actually I am analyzing myself.

I love to be funny. I love to make people laugh. I once heard one of The Cosby Show actors say that Bill Cosby told them to go for the funny. I loved that show and often aspire to do just that – go for the funny.

Now I don’t have a malicious bone in my body – I truly just want people to laugh. I think that when we laugh we forget things for just a few moments. I believe laughter relieves stress and helps us feel better.

However today, one of my colleagues, dare I say, friend was hurt by what I said when I “went for the funny.” He later apologized stating that he may have overreacted, but went on to say that I have a tendency to take things too far.

This is not the first time someone has told me this. Although to date, it has only been two people. I have tried to change. I have tried to be self-aware of those who may be offended by my humor. I have tried to stop myself from “crossing the line.” Yet in today’s instance – I don’t even see where I was near the line – let alone crossing it.

I have discussed my personality with many people. I am who I am. I am the way I am. This is usually where the conversation and discussion winds up. Yet, today I was faced with the realization that we are all different. While, I truly believe I treat all of my friends and colleagues the same, some are more sensitive than others and I have to adjust to that.

Why do I always have to adapt?

Yesterday, I had an incident with a high school senior who basically dodged a trig quiz using a yearbook photo as her cover. When I confronted her, she was very defensive. An assistant principal saw our exchange and offered to assist. This morning, when I stopped by to thank him for his assistance, he explained that he tried to talk with her about her choices, and what I was trying to say. In the end, he said, “You’ve been doing this teaching thing for a while and you know – seniors are scared. They have no plans after graduation. Really she was just scared and she dropped all of that at your feet.”

So my question is when do I get to be the one who is scared? We are told our students have bad days. When do I get to have a bad day? When will it matter that when I woke up, A, B, and C were wrong, but I still came to work, and I didn’t have time to drop off my baggage either?

Sorry that was selfish – but I think we all feel this way. So hopefully you will feel better about yourself as you read this. Hopefully, when you pray, you will pray for me and my attitude.

Because really we are all in this together . . .

Am I the only one who thinks about her own funeral?

Yesterday in church, our pastor spoke of Abram and Sarai and their legacy. How the whole world was blessed through Abram’s seed. He shared a book his daughter gave him for Christmas which told his life story. Sharing with him all the fond memories she has with him and beginning to see his legacy.

I sit there, in the third row, and cry. I am like Sarai – I have not given birth to any children. I have helped nurture and mold young women through our youth group but I haven’t given birth to any of my own. Truly, I am ok with that.

When we didn’t have any children, we decided that we weren’t going to do all of the fertility stuff and we didn’t want to adopt. God was, and is, bigger than anything modern science could do. He has blessed us with so many children through friends who simply share their kids with us. We have a beautiful niece (and Godchild) now. God is so good to us and blesses us so undeservedly.

Yet, when I think about my funeral, I wonder who will stand by my casket and greet the mourners. I suppose that it’s a strange thing to wonder about. Yet I wonder about it. Then I wonder if there will be mourners – I realize that’s a big assumption too.

I want to live my life so that I am having an impact on those around me. I want people to miss me when I’m gone. I also want them to remember me.

As a teacher, each lesson has an objective. Basically, it states what I hope the students will learn in order to do something when they leave class, when they are “without me”. In a recent discipleship class, we had to come up with a life goal, our life’s objective, if you will. This is mine: I will meet people where they are spiritually to encourage people along their spiritual walk.

Sunday morning a group of our teens performed in church, three of the four teens, I believe that I have had some impact on. I sat there so proud of them and how they have grown up. How they are still maturing. How they are seeking to serve Christ. Wondering how I can push them along? J

Identity - Who am I?

Have you seen the new International Delight commercials on television? A security guard or police officer asks a woman for id, she pulls out a quart-sized bottle from her purse and offers him International Delight creamer for his coffee and he forgets her offense. This is pretty far-fetched, seriously if we could get out of traffic violations with coffee creamer – “What a wonderful world it would be?”


It did make me think though, what is my id? I don’t mean my name – I mean – who am I? Who do people say I am? 

Most of the time if you ask for my identity I will tell you “I am a teacher” and while this is true – it is only part of the story. See I am also a wife, daughter, sister, friend and aunt. (I have the most beautiful niece and she is smart!) Yet I don’t often think of those other titles. I am also an American, a Christian and a fat, white woman. :)

A couple weeks ago in church our Pastor and Youth Pastor were co-preaching and somehow the account of the “Rich Young Ruler” was mentioned. (You can find the story in Mark 10:17 – 27.) The man approached Jesus and asked how he could inherit eternal life. He had kept all of the commandments since he was a boy. Jesus looked at him, assessing the person, and said “One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” The Bible tells us that the man went away sad, because he had many properties. He was wealthy. I mean, the title of the account, is “The Rich Young Ruler.” 

Our youth pastor said, “God attacked the man’s identity – to follow Christ we have to be willing to die to our self and pick up our cross and follow Him.” 

Earlier this year, my teaching was under attack at school. I couldn’t understand how I went from being a teacher of the year finalist to being under this humiliating scrutiny. When I had gone through this process, our principal said, “I think you having to do all of this was a ‘fluke’.” I smiled and hugged her, happy to be free from the scrutiny. Later I was angry – but when I considered the words of our youth pastor, “God attacked the man’s identity.” It all made sense. 

My identity is to be a child of God; a sinner saved by grace; a disciple of Jesus. My identity needs to come from who God is – not what I do; not what I believe I am good at; not who I know on earth. My identity needs to be Christ! When people see me, they should see Jesus. 

Which brings me to the question, “who are you?”

How are you doing, Patty?

If you have a Facebook account, you have seen this question. I think it is interesting that when a person asks this question, we typically answer, “fine.” For some strange reason, when staring at the computer screen, faced with the same question, we answer the question truthfully. I find people are typing things on Facebook, they may not vocalize to another human being. When I see that, I ask myself . . .

"Are we losing touch with other humans?"

I worry about the future of our world. I worry about marriages when today’s teens get married. They are a texting generation. I have seen two teenagers, who are sitting in the same room, text the person sitting next to them. How will they communicate?

I am a teacher. This week I asked a student a direct question and he chose not to respond. I waited. I explained waiting was good. The student still didn't respond. I then decided to review some material that may help him answer the question. I had other students chomping at the bit to answer the question. The selected student still sits mute. I ask the question again. He remains silent. Now we have spent 5 minutes with this exercise, in futility. I call on another student, who immediately answers the question correctly and ask my co-teacher to take over the lesson and ask the student to step into the hall with me. He does not respond. I move over and stand by the door; I call his name and motion for him to step outside in the hall with me. He doesn't move. One of my favorite students says to him, “Hey, she wants to talk to you out in the hall. She is motioning for you!” He then mumbles something under his breath. I have no idea what he said, but hey he said something! I ask him to repeat it, he sits silent. So his “elbow partner” says, “He said, this is ridiculous. And he is not going in to the hall with you.” Again, one of my favorite students says to him, “You better go.” He refuses my request. Seriously! He refused to step into the hall with me. To which I say, “Here are your choices, talk with me in the hall; or go talk in the office.” He chose the office. I followed him and we had our chat with an assistant principal.

But seriously, why didn't he respond. Turns out - He doesn't like me! “I rub him the wrong way!” is what he told the assistant principal who attacked as our mediator. The AP explained to the student that he may not like me but he still had to talk to me in class.

When did it become socially acceptable to simply not speak, when you are directly spoken to?

Later that period, another student had not been actively engaged in class. We had asked her to participate multiple times. She would pretend for a couple of seconds and then check out. I filled out an intervention slip for her and took it back for her signature and was prepared to send her out. She signed the slip but she didn't leave, she simply leaned back and continued texting!!!!! Yes, I said, TEXTING!!!! So I followed school policy by reminding her of school policy and asking her to turn off the cell phone. She ignored me. So I repeated my request. Again, I’m ignored. Now I change the request, “Give me the cell phone.” A response, “I’m not giving you this cell phone. I’m leaving anyway, does it even matter?” Again I calmly repeat to turn the phone off and turn it over to me. Then she says, “Why are you still talking? You keep repeating yourself. I’m not even listening.” And she goes on . . .

Yes, I am worried about the future generation that would rather communicate with electronics than people or with people via electronics than face to face. We are losing something. We are losing the face to face connection in person.

Even at the bank drive thru, I can’t see the teller until the video camera is turned on. I’m not sure how I feel about that. That is also true when I go into the bank and conduct bank business that uses a teller with the telephone and video camera. I get privacy and all but really? I kind of always thought banking would be face to face.

So what of these ramblings of mine? A challenge. Talk to people! Talk directly to people! Don’t talk about other people, but speak, listen and have a conversation! Enjoy the time people give you. Don’t spend it communicating with someone who didn't give you their time. Value people!

Legacy . . .

Ray Lewis is retiring. Today could be the last time he plays professional football. It is the last time he will play in front of his city – Baltimore. I’m not a Ravens fan. To be honest when I hear Ray Lewis – I remember him being charged with a double murder in Atlanta in 2000. Shame on me! When I asked my students how they felt about Ray Lewis retiring there was a mixed response. I don’t really know how well 15 – 17 year olds can understand what it means to retire.


I asked them why they thought he was retiring, kind of like, why now? One of my students explained that he had done some research and discovered that Ray is retiring because he enjoyed spending time with his sons while recovering from his torn triceps injury. He son, a senior at a high school in Florida, has also received a full-ride for college. In an article, his son said, “Dad said if I got a full ride, he would be there.” He is going to be there.


Ray mentioned the sacrifice his children have made while he has played football for 17 years in Baltimore. How they have lived without their dad in their lives. He decided he is going to spend time with them. I say, “Kudos.” And I mean that. I’m not being sarcastic in any way at all. I love when men, and women, chose family!


Ray Rice, another Ravens player, said, ““Mentally, he has raised me over the last couple of years. My locker is right next to his, and I just can't picture Baltimore without him. He has kids, but I was one of his kids.” – Baltimore Sun.


Yes, Ray Lewis was accused of a double murder 12 years ago. Ray’s legacy is so much bigger than that. He has founded charitable organizations in Baltimore and Florida. He loves his kids. He has mentored many professional football players, coaches and young people. He provides school supplies for underprivileged children. He has done a lot for the city of Baltimore, the Ravens and the NFL.


What kind of legacy will I leave?  This question never really goes away from me. It's something I find myself pondering often. Today more so because of Ray Lewis.

On Thursday, one of my students asked me something about my funeral – which is odd – as I’m not sick. But I explained how I wanted to have a song by the Crabb Family playing, “Ain’t No Grave (gonna hold this body down)” and then have the casket rigged so that I would sit up. She wanted to know if I would be singing one of my trig songs when I sat up, so I said yes.


The more I think of that interaction, the happier it makes me. She knows me as her trig teacher and she thinks that is where my passion is. The students in my youth group think that my passion is with them. The truth is my passion is letting people see Jesus. That means doing my best for my master in every situation. I think that when people around you believe that they are the most important person to you when they are there – that you are being Jesus to them.


Jesus loved unconditionally. He made people fell loved. He made people feel valued and important. He didn’t compromise his standards or values, but he loved everyone. When He was with someone, He was there. He wasn’t checking His cell phone, planning His next trip, reviewing His schedule. He was with that person.


Even when He was one the way to heal a man’s daughter and the crowd was following Him. He felt power go out from Him and acknowledged the woman who had touched the hem of His garment. (Matthew 9: 18 – 26) Even when He arrived at the man’s house to heal his daughter, he had the distractions, non-believers removed. He made people feel special.

I’m not trying to connect Ray Lewis and Jesus here. I’m considering legacy. What will be my legacy? What will be your legacy?

A lesson to carry over . . .

I love my car radio. I love to listen to the radio. Let me be specific - I love to listen to music on the radio. My favorite station is WRBS. Today the afternoon personalities, Jack and Erin, posed the question, "what lesson did you learn in 2012 that you are going to carry with you into 2013?"

I've been pondering that this evening . . . I believe that I have learned A LOT in 2012. 

What ONE lesson did I learn that I will carry to 2013? I am not in control. I don't have to be in control. Worrying can't change anything - especially the things that I can't control.

God is in control. There are a number of songs and verses out there that encourage me in this endeavor to carry this lesson. Twila Paris - God is in Control. Kathy Troccoli - My Life is in Your Hands. And more recently, Chris Tomlin - Whom Shall I Fear. I love these songs. I find myself singing them and relaxing as their comforting words wash over me. 

While I'm not in control, as Chris Tomlin sings:

I know who goes before me

I know who stands behind

The God of Angel Armies

Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever 

He is a friend of mine 

The God of Angel Armies 

Is always by my side 

Chris Tomlin references  a scripture in 2 Kings 6: 8 - 23; where in verse 17, 

And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

This song reminds me - while I'm not in control - I don't see and know everything going on around me either. It also reminds me that I am definitely not alone.

Do we have tweezers?

I love my husband - I really do. We are approaching our thirteenth wedding anniversary. I enjoy being married to him. We laugh together and entertain each other and have a great time. Our first date was a blind date and was the day after my birthday - so I often refer to him as my birthday gift from God. God really does give the best gifts.

For those of you who are married you know that some times, funny stuff just happens.

My husband believes that I snore. I don't believe I snore - I do believe that I have started to talk in my sleep - not really sure why - but I DO NOT snore.  His solution to this is for him to wear ear plugs to bed. 

One morning last week, my husband wakes up to go to work. Before he gets out of bed he asks, "Do we have tweezers in the bathroom?" Thinking that this is an odd first question of the day, I asked him to repeat it. Which I have to repeat, because he is wearing earplugs. He explains, "Are there tweezers in the bathroom?" I answer him loudly, "Yes, they are in the bathroom, living room, hall bathroom, my purse, yes we have tweezers." He sighs and explains, "My earplugs are stuck and I need to get them out with the tweezers." 

Now you, like my husband, could be wondering, "Why do you have tweezers everywhere?" The answer is simple really - "You never know when you will look in the mirror and see a chin hair that wasn't there before and now you must remove it with tweezers."

And we laughed!

Wishing you a year filled with laughter and memories!