What I say and what I do
I learned from one or all of you.
And when you lived your very best
I stole your gems for my treasure chest.
Unfortunately, this too is true
I learned to compromise from you.
The times you cheated or you lied
Just made me feel more justified.
But don't lose heart I also learned
To hate my sins each time you turned.
Each weakness that you've overcome
Has also shaped what I've become.
We all are learning everyday
From what others choose to do and say.
You never know who steals your jewels
Or uses you to break the rules.
So do your best and give your all
Be careful, don't let others fall.
God made you to hopefully
Teach me the best that I can be.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Life is a Garden
Ok so by now if you have been reading my blog, you can see that I am fairly philosophical, like to reminisce, and am a sentimental fool. So, here goes it: my thoughts on life and why it's like a garden.
I just turned 40, and it's funny, I've heard myself begin to say things like, "When I was young," or "Over my life I have learned," or "When I was your age I used to..." etc etc. But I can say I have learned that life is truly like a garden: YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW. It's true. Each good thing I do is like a seed that sprouts something lovely. Each friendship I cultivate, making sure to weed regularly and water plentifully, eventually nourishes me. No full watering can or set of dirty knees ever goes unfruitful. Water a seed and take care of it and it will bless you with good fruit, nourishing vegetables, or beautiful flowers.
Hmmm weeds like water and good soil too! Uh-oh! Well, that's where good life maintenance comes in. It takes work. Make those phone calls, care about people, send that card, say the meaningful, loving things you need to say- including lots of "I'm sorry." Just like a garden, you don't know what will work, whether this or that, but if you do it and expect nothing in return, then you are satisfied merely doing the work. The payoff is a beautiful life, filled with a garden of people and experiences that are good and nourishing to the soul.
On the flip side, as the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:6: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." I have at times wondered why I felt lonely or why my friendships just weren't what I wanted them to be. I was tempted to blame the people around me, but the most helpful solution always came when I looked at myself. How thoughtful was I? How encouraging am I to be around? Is it always about me? Do I refresh others or do I bring others down? Hard questions, but usually the answer came as I was honest with myself.
I love that scripture in Romans 2:6-8 "God will repay each person according to what they have done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger." I love imagining that life of GLORY, HONOR AND IMMORTALITY. That's a beautiful garden. That's worth getting my knees a little dirty.
I just turned 40, and it's funny, I've heard myself begin to say things like, "When I was young," or "Over my life I have learned," or "When I was your age I used to..." etc etc. But I can say I have learned that life is truly like a garden: YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW. It's true. Each good thing I do is like a seed that sprouts something lovely. Each friendship I cultivate, making sure to weed regularly and water plentifully, eventually nourishes me. No full watering can or set of dirty knees ever goes unfruitful. Water a seed and take care of it and it will bless you with good fruit, nourishing vegetables, or beautiful flowers.
Hmmm weeds like water and good soil too! Uh-oh! Well, that's where good life maintenance comes in. It takes work. Make those phone calls, care about people, send that card, say the meaningful, loving things you need to say- including lots of "I'm sorry." Just like a garden, you don't know what will work, whether this or that, but if you do it and expect nothing in return, then you are satisfied merely doing the work. The payoff is a beautiful life, filled with a garden of people and experiences that are good and nourishing to the soul.
On the flip side, as the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:6: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." I have at times wondered why I felt lonely or why my friendships just weren't what I wanted them to be. I was tempted to blame the people around me, but the most helpful solution always came when I looked at myself. How thoughtful was I? How encouraging am I to be around? Is it always about me? Do I refresh others or do I bring others down? Hard questions, but usually the answer came as I was honest with myself.
I love that scripture in Romans 2:6-8 "God will repay each person according to what they have done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger." I love imagining that life of GLORY, HONOR AND IMMORTALITY. That's a beautiful garden. That's worth getting my knees a little dirty.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
War and Peace
The holidays have come and gone - a bittersweet time. My husband was visiting his mother overseas, and we missed him. My mother came for an extended visit for Christmas and to help me while he was gone. My brother and his whole family also came for a week - what a full house! It's funny, the holidays are SUPPOSED to be the season of "Peace on Earth" and "Goodwill Toward Men" but so many of us end up stressed, exhausted and empty. I was determined to not feel that way. I was determined to be joyful and set my mind on things above.
Guess what? It worked! Unfortunately my brother's family came very needy with a sick mommy and a stressed-out daddy and two kids who were ready to go! I cooked, cleaned, was a nurse, a babysitter, and a counselor. I had to rely on God to keep the ship afloat and keep the peace. I wanted that peace, not only for myself, but to really set an example of what a Christlike home FEELS like: calm, loving, restful, kind, willing...things they do not see and feel on a regular basis.
So, why is it so hard to feel and live these things with my spouse sometimes? I realized while he was gone that I have been expecting the peace to just BE there, as if it's the natural state. God reminded me just before he got home that, in fact, WAR IS THE NATURAL STATE! War within ourselves, the spiritual war waged full-time all around us, war among the nations. Wow, I had been fighting the wrong war.
God tells us in 1 Peter 3:11 that whoever would live a good life must "seek peace and pursue it." It's an intentional thing. It's a mindset. It comes from submitting to God and "keeping in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25). It also comes from a desire. I pursue what I desire. My husband is my best friend. I desire a peaceful home and relationship with him.
If war is all around me, then I must choose my battles wisely. I am grateful for the time to think and realize these things while he was gone. Now I know what armor to wear so I can fight the battle and win!!
Guess what? It worked! Unfortunately my brother's family came very needy with a sick mommy and a stressed-out daddy and two kids who were ready to go! I cooked, cleaned, was a nurse, a babysitter, and a counselor. I had to rely on God to keep the ship afloat and keep the peace. I wanted that peace, not only for myself, but to really set an example of what a Christlike home FEELS like: calm, loving, restful, kind, willing...things they do not see and feel on a regular basis.
So, why is it so hard to feel and live these things with my spouse sometimes? I realized while he was gone that I have been expecting the peace to just BE there, as if it's the natural state. God reminded me just before he got home that, in fact, WAR IS THE NATURAL STATE! War within ourselves, the spiritual war waged full-time all around us, war among the nations. Wow, I had been fighting the wrong war.
God tells us in 1 Peter 3:11 that whoever would live a good life must "seek peace and pursue it." It's an intentional thing. It's a mindset. It comes from submitting to God and "keeping in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25). It also comes from a desire. I pursue what I desire. My husband is my best friend. I desire a peaceful home and relationship with him.
If war is all around me, then I must choose my battles wisely. I am grateful for the time to think and realize these things while he was gone. Now I know what armor to wear so I can fight the battle and win!!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
What's the Big Idea?
Never before has one statement in the Bible meant so much to me. It's the difference between putting on an acutal outfit or just wearing sweats all day. It's the choice between light the candles or just go without. It means taking the time to ponder how I can make a difference each day, seeing each conversation, each interaction, each event as a way to truly impact those around me. It takes heart and planning. It takes a connection to God and his word, for he often whispers suggestions if we are willing to hear. It pushes me to do more than I thought I could.
We never know which day is our last. We never know when we will say goodbye to someone for the last time. I am one of those who lost a parent "out of the blue," no last kiss, no words of love...he was just gone one night. Turning 40 made me wake up and realize that my own life is precious and I have an alotted number of days in which to make a difference in this world.
So, what is this mysterious idea that I have been hinting at today? It's Ephesians 5, which tells us to "make the most of every opportunity." So go ahead, call that friend, send that card, light the candles and serve steak, whatever you can do to make the most out of it. For how often do opportunities come anyway? Yep, EVERDAY!
We never know which day is our last. We never know when we will say goodbye to someone for the last time. I am one of those who lost a parent "out of the blue," no last kiss, no words of love...he was just gone one night. Turning 40 made me wake up and realize that my own life is precious and I have an alotted number of days in which to make a difference in this world.
So, what is this mysterious idea that I have been hinting at today? It's Ephesians 5, which tells us to "make the most of every opportunity." So go ahead, call that friend, send that card, light the candles and serve steak, whatever you can do to make the most out of it. For how often do opportunities come anyway? Yep, EVERDAY!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Thanks. Giving.
I love that there is a whole time of year when people are, for the most part, a bit more giving, a bit more cheerful, helpful and willing. It's neat that there is a holiday called "Thanksgiving"! Wow, we get a whole long weekend because we are supposed to give thanks! Cool!
I don't know about you, but I don't take a quiet moment to remember the pilgrims or ponder their lives and how this whole holiday started. No, for me it's finding recipes for turkey brines and the perfect mashed potatoes. It's about spending time with friends and family and relaxing a bit. And of course I spent some time thinking about how blessed I feel right now in this season of my life. After what seemed like an eternity suffering through the endless "learning experiences" of my twenties and thirties I am finally at a place of green pastures and quiet waters. I know it won't last forever, but I am very thankful for it.
One interesting thought I had was the way the word "Thanksgiving" is ordered. It could have been called "Givingthanks," meaning a day we give thanks. Or it could have been called "Gratefulness," meaning a state of mind. But I read into it a bit and learned something I thought I would share, so here goes:
I do believe that we serve a gracious and generous God. I believe he showers us with incredible gifts, as David says in Psalm 23, "surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life..." and it's true. So, I have one of three options in response to my awesome God and his wonderful gifts. I can "give thanks," or just simply thank him in prayer. I can "be grateful," or have a mindset of gratitude, or I can "thanks + giving," meaning I say my thank yous and then I go out and find a way to give. THANKS. GIVING. That final option means that I truly grasp the gift and it moves me to respond in action. Pay it forward, if you will. I have been blessed, therefore I will be a blessing. Hey it's more blessed to give than receive. Doesn't the host always get to feast on the leftovers? Yummm...
I don't know about you, but I don't take a quiet moment to remember the pilgrims or ponder their lives and how this whole holiday started. No, for me it's finding recipes for turkey brines and the perfect mashed potatoes. It's about spending time with friends and family and relaxing a bit. And of course I spent some time thinking about how blessed I feel right now in this season of my life. After what seemed like an eternity suffering through the endless "learning experiences" of my twenties and thirties I am finally at a place of green pastures and quiet waters. I know it won't last forever, but I am very thankful for it.
One interesting thought I had was the way the word "Thanksgiving" is ordered. It could have been called "Givingthanks," meaning a day we give thanks. Or it could have been called "Gratefulness," meaning a state of mind. But I read into it a bit and learned something I thought I would share, so here goes:
I do believe that we serve a gracious and generous God. I believe he showers us with incredible gifts, as David says in Psalm 23, "surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life..." and it's true. So, I have one of three options in response to my awesome God and his wonderful gifts. I can "give thanks," or just simply thank him in prayer. I can "be grateful," or have a mindset of gratitude, or I can "thanks + giving," meaning I say my thank yous and then I go out and find a way to give. THANKS. GIVING. That final option means that I truly grasp the gift and it moves me to respond in action. Pay it forward, if you will. I have been blessed, therefore I will be a blessing. Hey it's more blessed to give than receive. Doesn't the host always get to feast on the leftovers? Yummm...
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Lost in Translation
The other day my friend thanked me for being thoughtful. It fired me up so much I felt like I had hit a home run. In fact, I tend to experience that same feeling when my husband really likes my cooking, or when a friend is moved by something I did for them. Well, it got me thinking...I love the people in my life with all my heart. I think of them, pray for them care about them, mourn with them and celebrate with them. Sometimes I wish I could crawl inside their minds and write how I truly feel so they just KNOW. But, as a feeble human, all I can do is show it by what I do and say and by remembering to express myself in meaningful ways.
On the flip side, it bursts my little bubble when I try to encourage someone and it falls flat. They aren't moved, it wasn't enough, it wasn't what they wanted...UGH (hang head). It makes me think about Jesus. Did God up in Heaven ask himself, "What action can I make that will translate to everyone just how much I love them? I know! I will give my only son as a sacrifice of love for them! Surely they will see and KNOW and respond!" Hmmm. It's a language, showing our love. Sometimes it gets "lost in translation" and the receiver is not moved. How much must that hurt and frustrate God, who went "all the way" for us?
I want to respond to him and show him how moved I am by his love and what he did to show it... isn't that true thankfulness, after all?
On the flip side, it bursts my little bubble when I try to encourage someone and it falls flat. They aren't moved, it wasn't enough, it wasn't what they wanted...UGH (hang head). It makes me think about Jesus. Did God up in Heaven ask himself, "What action can I make that will translate to everyone just how much I love them? I know! I will give my only son as a sacrifice of love for them! Surely they will see and KNOW and respond!" Hmmm. It's a language, showing our love. Sometimes it gets "lost in translation" and the receiver is not moved. How much must that hurt and frustrate God, who went "all the way" for us?
I want to respond to him and show him how moved I am by his love and what he did to show it... isn't that true thankfulness, after all?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Gratitude
In the last 5 years I have had to write more "thank you" notes than ever in my years combined. I was engaged, had wedding showers, then a wedding, then a baby boy and then another baby boy. I also turned 40 recently which brought on a new onslaught of the need to thank many.
Yes, I am old-fashioned and feel the intense need to actually sit down and pen my thoughts of gratitude, after which I snail mail and sometimes even include pictures! I just HAVE to! I truly want that person to know that their gift or gesture meant something to me and made my day. It's a good exercise for me and I like the tiny sacrifice of time I have to make to meditate on how thoughtful that person was and how special I feel having been the focus of their shopping excursion. People are busy and I am insignifigant! Someone took the time to come to my party AND buy me a gift? WOW!! Seriously, I think these actual thoughts.
(Ok, I have to say, if I have forgotten to thank you I am so sorry!)
Anyways, I was handing out two thank you notes tonight at church and on the way home I was struck by the sheer volume of thanks I have had to write and I got it: God wants me to grow in my gratitude. He wants me to stop and notice the life he has given me TEEMING WITH GOOD and RICH IN BLESSINGS. UGH UGH UGH (slap forehead) I complain and feel negative too often. I often forget to thank God and I lack gratitude for the ultimate gift, the cross. That needs to humble me so much more and produce so much more in me. If I had to sit and write God a "thank you" note every time he blessed me I would be very busy and much more grateful. If I had to ponder over every trial and see the amazing, life-giving lessons I would be filled with joy no matter what.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Sounds like a great way to live.
Yes, I am old-fashioned and feel the intense need to actually sit down and pen my thoughts of gratitude, after which I snail mail and sometimes even include pictures! I just HAVE to! I truly want that person to know that their gift or gesture meant something to me and made my day. It's a good exercise for me and I like the tiny sacrifice of time I have to make to meditate on how thoughtful that person was and how special I feel having been the focus of their shopping excursion. People are busy and I am insignifigant! Someone took the time to come to my party AND buy me a gift? WOW!! Seriously, I think these actual thoughts.
(Ok, I have to say, if I have forgotten to thank you I am so sorry!)
Anyways, I was handing out two thank you notes tonight at church and on the way home I was struck by the sheer volume of thanks I have had to write and I got it: God wants me to grow in my gratitude. He wants me to stop and notice the life he has given me TEEMING WITH GOOD and RICH IN BLESSINGS. UGH UGH UGH (slap forehead) I complain and feel negative too often. I often forget to thank God and I lack gratitude for the ultimate gift, the cross. That needs to humble me so much more and produce so much more in me. If I had to sit and write God a "thank you" note every time he blessed me I would be very busy and much more grateful. If I had to ponder over every trial and see the amazing, life-giving lessons I would be filled with joy no matter what.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Sounds like a great way to live.
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