Thursday, October 30, 2008

Feelin' Old!

Yesterday evening I was driving to the Youth Ministry Committee Meeting, and I started feeling very old! It's only a mile from my house to the church - but the feeling hit me loud and clear! A couple young girls were in a car in front of me, and I could tell they were jivin' to the music - hands in the air and groovin'! (Even my use of words shows my age!) I remember when I used to do that. Then it hit me - I am OVER 50! Like all of a sudden I realized it - like I haven't been in my 50s for a couple years - like I've been living in my little fantasy world where I don't get any older.

I wonder if we all have a little fantasy world going on inside of us sometime. We look at others and wonder what happened, but that mirror we look in somehow seems masked! We see the "girl" inside of us. And you know, that's good. Yes, we need to be honest with ourselves, but at the same time we can reconnect with our youthfulness. Tap into that girl inside of you. Seek your own "hands in the air" moments. Maybe it's a song you love - maybe it's a dance you did with your husband - maybe it's a movie - maybe it's a style of clothes (if you're old enough like me, the clothes of your youth come back into style with a little twist) - maybe it's a haircut - maybe it's an old friendship - maybe it's children - maybe it's youth. Whatever - remember there's still a little girl inside of you. Let's lift those hands in the air and celebrate - no matter what our age!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Wednesday --- Interrupted

It's been a morning of "catching up" on a few things...trying to tie loose ends together. As I was switching gears, I decided to take a moment to check on my child's progress at school. See reports cards come out soon, but I'm not sure what day. As I was attempting to check the high school on-line calendar (don't get me started on the inadequacy of this calendar, in my opinion) I did not see when report cards are issued, but I did see that in November the seniors will be fitted for their caps and gowns. Then it hit me...my "baby" only has two more years before he will be "fitted." I cannot believe how fast these years have flown by. The pulling away has already begun, of course. It's natural - there are things to do, places to go, friends to see, and he hasn't even started driving yet! My "baby doll dumpling" (don't tell him I said that on-line!) is growing up in the blink of an eye.

The Preschool children are trick-or-treating today, and I can remember taking time off work to come with D as he walked around to Chapin businesses. Little did I know then that it would go by so fast. Maybe I should have stopped and savored that time a little more. Maybe I should do the same now. See my problem is that I only have one child to experience all of this with. No, it's not a problem, it's a joy. Because we thought we wouldn't even have one. How faithful God is!

Thank you, Lord, for all the joys and struggles of motherhood. I'm so glad I didn't have to miss it!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Creativity!

In the beginning, God created...(Genesis 1:1) thus we have the first descriptive word about God - creative. And since God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:26-
27) I think we all enjoy plunging into our creative side. Well today I've been creating an Advent brochure to go out with our Advent devotional, and it has been so much fun! Choosing a design...searching for artwork to go with the theme of the book...adding bits and pieces of information...playing with the layout. Then when I printed it out - it all matched so well. There's a lot of satisfaction in seeing the works of your hands being completed.

I've had a difficult time plugging into my creative side lately. I've been wondering if I've unplugged from the source (God). So it was good to work on this particular project. I've wondered, too, if it's age! :) I have so many things I'd like to do, but by 9:00 PM, I'm about down for the count! (Of course, you have to remember us Bolands love to hybernate as the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler.) There are times I wish all aspects of my job were driven by creativity. Maybe, I just need to have a different perspective. And maybe, like this brochure, when I feel procrastination kick-in, I just need to stick with it until all the pieces and parts come together.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Thought for the Day

Y'all!!! It has been a busy week. I meant to post this yesterday, then started this morning and now it's afternoon. So let me see if I can get this thought out...it may be too late or too disjointed!

On Monday evening I went to a jewlery party. Heaven knows I have enough, but love to see the new stuff. The sales lady asked who wore a watch, and then proceeded to say that our watch needs a "buddy." Prefferably, of course, a piece of their jewlery! I smiled to myself Wednesday morning as I thought about that - a watch buddy! Neat marketing tool. Is it any wonder that we are swayed that the things of this world!

But I also thought about the things we do to "sell" Christianity. Why isn't a relationship with Jesus attractive on its own? We seem to put our trust in things of this world that are more readily seen, felt and touched. In my devotions this morning I read part of Jeremiah 10. In verse 5, God, through the prophet Jeremiah describes Israel's (our) idols as such, "Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm nor can they do any good." In other words, they ware worthless - they can do NOTHING. For some reason they make us feel like SOMETHING...but it all depends on looks, perception and the world view.

I think my favorite part of my devotion this morning was this, "Tell them this: 'These gods, who did not make heavens and the earth, will perish from the earth and from under the heavens.'" But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. (Jer. 10:11-12) Our idols will eventually fail...by the heavens and the earth that God created. Why do we look to the creation to be our gods instead of the Creator? May we realize that, "He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, for he is the Maker of all things, including Israel, the tribe of his inheritance - the Lord Almighty is his name." Let us never forget!!!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

It's Here!!!!

Travis Cottrell's CD Ring the Bells came yesterday. I wasted no time downloading it to my i-pod. Can't wait to go walking to some of the tunes today. I love the title song which features Natalie Grant. Also, the song Jesus Saves is so awesome. You can here it herein a recap of the New England Nights.

The CD is also currently playing on my computer. So anyone who walks in my office will think I have lost it playing Christmas songs in October. Just a reminder that I work for a Lutheran church where you don't hardly even utter the words Christmas until December 24!

My working buddy who has been gone for a two week vacation is back. So gotta run. Don't forget...check out the CD. It's GREAT!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Prayers, Answers & Confessions

In my prayer time this morning, I asked God to give me the heart of a servant so that I could serve Him. Be careful what you ask for, especially when it's in-line with God's will, because you just might get it. Or...be shown how far you are from it.

Of course, I am the latter. God has hit me square between the eyes as to how far away my heart is from being a servant's heart with two real, live examples. And it's not even noon yet!

I delivered something to the administrative assistant at another church. I had never met her before, but she seems to be a precious woman with a heart for serving God's people. As we discussed our common work, I could see in her a willingness to serve the people of her congregation that I seem to have lost. Oh, I remember when it was there. But now, after almost 10 years, it feels too much like work and not serving.

The other example happened right here in the office. Something I should have done but did not want to, was gladly done by a volunteer helping out this week. In my defense, I have back trouble which keeps me from doing some of the more physical, lifting duties. I have overdone it before and been in severe pain. However, I could hear God saying to my heart - you should have done that...or at least taken the lead.

So here I sit - examining my less-than a servant's heart. I confess that I have lost my passion somewhere along the way. I believe I have a new prayer - for forgiveness, strength to make the turn and conversion of my heart to one much more humble.

Prayers, Prayers, Prayers

Today my son leaves for Annapolis with the ROTC. They will visit Quantico, see a Navy football game and who knows what else because he lost his "agenda!" What can I say, he is my son, and he didn't steal that trait! They return home sometime Sunday afternoon.

I'm requesting prayers, prayers, prayers for a safe trip. How appropriate that this week we studied Psalm 121 in our Stepping Up series. The Psalm that talks about God being our protector and helper - He will not let the sun harm you by day or the moon by night. Thank you, Lord. I may be weird, but I always worry when my son goes on trips without us. Heck, I even worry when we all go on a trip. Maybe I worry just to worry. Don't we all at times?

But it is good for him to go off and have fun with friends - good for him and good for his parents. We, too, need time to reconnect. Because before you know it, he'll be in college, and we'll be back to two. So I want to celebrate these times. Enjoy getting to know my husband all over again...but never more than a text message away from my boy.

So my prayer is for D to have a good trip, a blast with his "buds" and to arrive home safe and sound - to parents who also had the same type weekend. Lord, be our Protector!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

A Heart Touched by Love

Do you ever have those moments in your day where you are so touched by something it brings tears to your eyes? I just had one. As I was in the routine of delivering mail, I overheard our Preschool Director stop a child and ask him where he was going, then she whispered to him, "I love you." Tears are welling up even now. I don't know why, but that single act of love has impacted my day. And I told her, "You are so sweet." I think she knew why I said that, but I wanted to make sure she knew she was special, too.

Many times, I think we miss things like this. We have so much on our minds...are mired in the routine...or just trying to get a lot done in a little amount of time that we miss it. I thank God that I did not miss this one. I think that through our Preschool Director, God was telling that little boy that He loves him, too. We need to realize that God uses us to spread His love to others. Will we take advantage of every opportunity to do that? Will we open our hearts to love - the love God has for us and the love He wants us to share with others?

Open your heart - and be touched by His love!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Jeremiah...again...still

I have been really worrying about something lately. The details don't matter. We all worry from time to time. This was one of those things that I was afraid would have us in a choke hold for a while...years. When would we get a break. You know the kind of worry I'm talking about...upset stomach, can't sleep at night, weighing heavy on your mind.

This morning in my devotion time I continued in Jeremiah Chapter 1, verse 19 where in the last part of that verse the Lord says, "for I am with you and will rescue you." I remembered reading that yesterday, and sure enough verse 8 of chapter 1 says, "Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you..." I asked God this morning, are you saying this to me? I needed to know He was with me and would rescue me.

This afternoon I was led to read the very familiar part of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6 that tells us not worry about tomorrow...each day has enough worries of its own.

Y'all...my hubby called about 30 minutes ago with the news that our worries were for nothing. Can I say that again N O T H I N G. What we were worried about did not happen. "Thank you, Lord" were the first words out of my mouth, and K said he said the same thing. To be honest what we were worrying about was not life threatening - don't wig out on wondering what. The point is, God is with us and will rescue us. Next time our fears may be realized, but nevertheless, God is with us and will rescue us.

Real life problems are tough. The coming economic times are going to be very tight, I'm afraid. You never know what tomorrow will bring. But, God is with us and will rescue us. It may not be the rescue we want all the time, but if we turn to Him, He will NOT turn from us.

Each time He said that to Jeremiah, God was getting him ready for action. Maybe I need to keep my eyes open for a little action around here. What will I do in response to God's faithfulness? Yep, I think Jeremiah is going to have a of insight for me over the coming months. And, I'll be sure and let you know all about it!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Yahweh Immanuel

Today I was led to begin reading Jeremiah for my morning devotions. I could only get as far as Chapter 1, Verse 10 today. Those first 10 verses are powerful. They talk about how God forms us, knows us, sets us apart and appoints us (vs. 5). He accepts no excuses from us (vs. 6-7) because He is with us (vs. 8)and will equip us (vs. 9). As I was contemplating the impact of those verses and the number of times I've seen in scripture where God tells his people, "Do not be afraid...I am with you" I thought about the names of God. I AM (Yahweh) with you (Immanuel). I'm not sure those are the actual words in the Hebrew, but the concept is there for me. God is our YAHWEH IMMANUEL. Just look at that - Old Testament Yahweh, Covenant God - New Testament Immanuel, God with us - covenant fulfilled. What more could we need?

To me Jeremiah's words fit in with our current crisis. But will we turn to God with our financial woes? Will we turn from our greed, gluttony, pride and self-centeredness and return to God? I feel like our nation today is much like Israel was during Jeremiah's time. As I read through Jeremiah over the coming weeks, I'm anxious to see what words he has that may apply to us today. It will be an interesting journey because God's word seems to speak to us no matter what century we are in!

Christmas in October

OK...OK...Just yesterday I was complaining about a lighted Christmas tree in September. Just guess what I'm doing...Listening to Christmas music. Travis Cottrell's new Christmas CD is out and they are playing it on his website, and it is WONDERFUL! He has the most awesome voice. I'm running into town today for errands, and I just believe I'm gonna have to stop by LifeWay and pick it up. I noticed on Big Mama's blog that his album was #4 on i-tunes most downloaded holiday albums - and it just came out! To be honest I almost downloaded it last night when I was getting Toby Mac & Kirk Franklin's Lose My Soul..but I think my gift card had run out of money! I also thought I might like the flexibility of having the CD to play as well. But don't take my word for it...check it out for yourself.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Much About Nothing

I realized I had not blogged in a while. A problem I sometimes have is finding something news worthy in my day-to-day life. Doesn't matter if it's blogging or just catching up with friends. Many times, I feel that what's happening in my life isn't interesting enough to repeat. But here goes some much about nothing:

I cannot believe I have seen a lighted Christmas tree already. Coming back from the high school last week, I saw a tree in a local dress shop - all lit up! For heaven's sake it was still S E P T E M B E R. Does Christmas just seem to get earlier and earlier? But a good something about Christmas coming early...Travis Cottrell's new Christmas CD was released today. I just know it's going to be awesome!

However...it is just October. L O V E this weather. I can't remember when I last turned the A/C on, and we haven't used the heat yet...so I have high hopes for low usage on our next utility bill.

Getting ready for the new Bible Study - Stepping Up . We will get Travis and Beth in the same study! And believe it or not, I'm ready for homework.

My working buddy is on her way to Hawaii! Gonna miss her, but hope she has the bestest of times! We have a great group of volunteers who will help. Hopefully, nothing will fall through the cracks.

Our modest renovations are almost through. I'm afraid the labor bill will put me over the edge. But what you gonna do? Drew will be so excited when it's finished. We will have that extra room that we were really trying to plan for before house plans went awry.

As you can see...I really have a boring life. But...there's a lot to be said for boring!

If you're on a roller coaster ride right now, remember that no matter what, God is right beside you. These are scary times in our financial world. We plan for the future and then the bottom drops out. No matter whatever or whoever else forsakes us, God will never leave us or forsake us. And that's all that matters.