Category: General Writing

People like to be together.  We like to congregate.  We are a gregarious bunch.  There is comfort in being together.  There is excitement in being together.  We need each other – we learn from each other, we help each other.

In the book of Genesis, after God made Adam, He said that it was not good that man should be alone.  So He made Eve.  And Adam and Eve were together, and they were together with God.  This was the foundation of togetherness.

Then Adam and Eve started having children and they were together as a family.  Then their children had children who had children and so on, so the earth’s population exploded, but they still were together.  However, as the number of people multiplied, they became separate families.  This was the natural progression as they became further removed from the original family. 

Ancient societies were developed by families being together and then banding together with other families to form groups.  This was not only what they wanted to do; it was necessary for their survival.  People traveled in caravans, they lived together in walled cities, they worked together in the fields. They were together because everyone’s help was needed to get the work done; and because there was safety in numbers.   

This brings up an interesting point.  From the beginning, it was God’s design that people be together, and be together with Him.  But all along the way, there was also an opposing force endeavoring to separate people from each other and from God.  The serpent beguiled Eve and as a result, Adam and Eve’s relationship with God was broken.  Then their family relationship was decidedly harmed by their son killing his brother.  And that was just in the beginning.  Evil has always opposed the ways of God and is still at work today.   

Now, after that brief history lesson, we move on to talk about what I really want to discuss, which is being together with each other. 

Usually, we learn about being together in our families.  Families provide a loving environment and a nurturing haven for children to learn and grow.  There is comfort and security in the family setting.  Families take care of each other and protect one another.   Surrounded by this kind of family atmosphere, children can thrive.  Then, when they’re grown, they can do the same for their family. 

Families offer a cornucopia of opportunities for learning about being together.  Think about it.  Our parents show us about love, care and concern, and giving by their example.  Often, we first learn about sharing with our siblings. (that can be a tough one!)  We learn to be considerate of others, we learn to be dependable, we learn to trust and to be trustworthy, and much more.  Of course, all these things can be learned outside the family unit, but how much better it is to learn in an environment of love with people who genuinely care about your well-being!

The best part about families is that they are dynamic.  People are constantly learning and growing.  And families manage to adapt to the changes and remain together.  When parents learn new things, they teach their children.  And children teach their parents as well.  As time passes family relationships change.  Children grow up, move out, and start their own families.  But they are all still a family.

BUT, as I mentioned before, there is an opposing force that would like nothing better than to destroy the family unit.  Ever since the time of Adam and Eve, the family has been a target for destruction.  Because of that, many families are torn apart nowadays.  People fall prey to circumstances that cause broken homes, overwhelming life pressures, fighting and resentment, and more.  All of which muddy the comfortable and secure family environment.  Consequently, the togetherness of the family becomes damaged or non-existent.  The good news is that God had a plan for that eventuality.  He is able to bring people into our lives to fill the gap if the family is missing.  Friends, teachers, counselors, etc., can provide care and direction that otherwise might be absent.

Even when we have a great family, togetherness doesn’t stop there.  Think of all the people you know outside your family who have influenced your life.  Friends come to mind.  We meet people and tend to bond with those with whom we have common interests or similar ideals.  And they become our friends. Friends expose us to new perspectives, ideas, and experiences beyond our family circle.  They broaden our horizons.  Friendships can become as close as family and sometimes can help us in ways our family can’t.  And the great thing about friends is that we can have as many of them as we want.  My mom always said that if you want a friend, be a friend.  So if you want a lot of friends, be really friendly!  And don’t we just love to hang out with a bunch of our friends?  We love being together and it’s even more fun if we can throw some family in the mix! 

We can have a million friends, but there will always be those whose souls connect with ours.  Those are our best friends.  They are a valuable and beautiful find.  I am privileged to have a few of them in my life and each one has an incredibly special place in my heart.  I think of them as sisters.  I love them as much (almost) as my own sister.  And I cherish our times together.   

Of course there are many other people who affect our lives.  Life provides situations for us to be together with students, coworkers, neighbors, teammates and hobby enthusiasts to name a few.  In addition to that, all kinds of people can touch our lives, maybe by a simple smile in the grocery store.  People might stop to lend a hand; or brighten our day with a kind word.  These brief encounters can leave their marks on our memories.   And the one thing that all these examples have in common, is being together. People like to be together. 

But having a loving family, great friends and all those other people, was not God’s grand plan for being together.  He wanted even more for us.  His plan from the beginning of time, was for us to be together with Him in His family.  God provided a family for anyone (and everyone!) who believes.  He opened the doors wide to His living room and invited all of us in.  He provided a family to those whose didn’t have one.  He gave us brothers and sisters who were not only family, but also friends.  He gave us a group that is stronger than any opposition.  And He is our heavenly Father now and for all eternity.  Together forever!

So, although we are guaranteed to be together with God in His family forever, we still need human companionship now.  We need our physical families, our friends, acquaintances, and especially our family of God.  We need to see each other’s smile and feel each other’s touch.  We need to hear each other’s voice.  We need to be together. 

Together is the best place to be! 

Note to my readers:  In our fast-paced society that has no time to be together, stop and find a minute of togetherness, even if it’s just a smile in the grocery store. 

I have lots of stuff.  I have essential stuff.  I have special stuff. I have sentimental stuff.  I have inspirational stuff.  I like my stuff.  Does this sound like you?  Maybe, maybe not, but everyone has stuff – just in varying amounts, and in varying degrees of importance. 

George Carlin did a terrific routine about stuff.  (You can find it on YouTube if you’re interested.)  In that routine, he says that your house is just a place for your stuff.  I can relate.  When we moved about a year and a half ago, one of my considerations in looking for a new house was how it would accommodate my stuff.  I mean really, storage space a viable consideration in choosing a house, right?  Why?  Because of all our stuff!  In addition, moving meant that I had to make lots of choices about what stuff would move and what stuff wouldn’t; about what stuff I needed and what stuff could I live without.  When you think about it, the physical side of moving is all about your stuff.

Now, some stuff is essential in life, there is no way around it.  Even in the most austere living situations, stuff is needed for survival.  Stuff for protection (like clothing), for shelter, for food consumption are all necessary to live.  But most of us prefer to have a little more comfortable lifestyle than living in a survival hut in the Alaskan wilderness.  So we have incorporated non-essential stuff into our surroundings.  How much non-essential stuff we should have, then becomes the question.  And the answer is as individual as we are. 

I think there are 3 basic factors that determine the amount of stuff we collect – our environment, our lifestyle, and our personalities. 

Our environment.  This is the practical influence on accruing stuff.  Big house – more stuff.  Small house – less stuff.  Northern house – more coats.   Southern house – less coats.  Big family – LOTS of stuff.  Small family – not quite as much stuff.  Our environment logically governs the amount of stuff we have.

Add in our lifestyle.   Our lifestyle affects the amount of stuff we have and the kind of stuff we have.  Are you working every day?  You need to have the stuff necessary to do your job.  Are you raising a family?  That requires lots of stuff.  And our lifestyle not only includes the work side of life, but also our pastime.  Maybe you pursue a sport.  Then you need the specific stuff to do that sport.  Maybe camping is your pastime of choice.  Think of all the stuff you need for that!   Whatever recreation you choose, it usually requires some particular kind of stuff. 

Now, our personalities come into play.  This is probably the biggest contributing factor in determining how much and what kind of stuff we have.  Personalities can override the logic of environment and embellish the requirements of lifestyle.  That is not to say that our personalities aren’t logical or that we over-embellish.  It is just to say that our personalities are not limited by those things.

Different personalities make different choices and have different priorities.  As individuals, we have unique tastes, unique opinions, and unique lifestyles.  So even though we may logically choose an item, our personalities will decide its specifics.  For example, I like fresh ground pepper.  Logically then, I need a pepper grinder. My personality picked out a beautiful purple one.  I have seen pepper grinders in others’ kitchens, but not purple ones.  And I really like my purple one.  It looks really cool sitting next to the stove.  Plus, it was a gift.  So it is not only practical, but also special. 

Which brings me to another personality trait.  Some people are sentimental, some people are not so much.  There are also varying degrees of sentiment.  My mom saved every greeting card she ever received.  And I know others who throw cards away as soon as they are read.  I am somewhere between – I save some particularly special cards, and eventually throw others away.  Sentiment, however, is a big factor in the stuff I have.  Stuff that was a gift, stuff that was handed down from my parents or grandparents, stuff that brings back sweet memories, is all special stuff to me, and I enjoy surrounding myself with it.

In addition to being sentimental, I am also very visual.  So, I also like to see all my stuff.  My house is merely a canvas that I use to paint with all my favorite stuff.  And part of that stuff, is my inspirational stuff.  I have Bible verses and other inspirational sayings sprinkled around the house.  These edify me and remind me not to forget that God is always with me.  They encourage me through hard times and help me rejoice in good times. 

I can’t really talk about stuff without mentioning photographs.  Photos are my weakness when it comes to having too much stuff.  How could I get rid of pictures of my family or my dream vacation?  I can’t.  But I’ve learned that those pictures can be in albums and not hanging on the walls.  Although I do enjoy viewing a wall collage of photos, sitting down with a photo album offers pleasant relaxation.

Now, I know that not everyone is like me and having lots of stuff does not interest everyone.  And that is certainly okay.  Our home should reflect our personality.  And our stuff offers a good portrait of us. If you are a practical person, your home should be practical.  If you are an artistic person, your home should be artistic.  Whatever your forte, let it shine in your home in the way you want it to shine. 

Our homes are also our refuge.  We want to feel content and at ease when we are there.  Surround yourself with the stuff that blesses you in the amount that blesses you.  Make your home not only your refuge but also a welcoming solace to all who enter.  If you are blessed, others will be too.

Note to my readers:  Thanks for being you.  And enjoy your stuff! 

This week, I’d like to talk about family.  Family is an integral part of our lives.  It is a precious part of our lives.  It is an unavoidable part of our lives.  And we are all those things to our families as well.  Each member of each family fills a unique position and brings a unique flavor to that family.  And without each member, that family just wouldn’t be same. 

I think of family like this…

I have three families:  the family that raised me, the family that I raised, and my spiritual family.  Each one is vitally important in my life.  However, I know that not everyone has 3 families.  And that’s ok.  We actually only need one.  And no matter what our family situations are in the physical realm, it’s always available to be in God’s spiritual family (more on that later).  But if you do have two or three families, you have added blessings in your life – and added responsibilities. 

The family that raised me… 

We would not be the people we are today without the family that raised us.  Whether you had a wonderful up-bringing or a horrible one, it laid the foundation for who you are.  Think about it, in order to be here today, we must have been born.  And we must have been cared for and trained in some fashion or we wouldn’t be functioning adults.  Our parents did that for us because they loved us.  Maybe we don’t agree with everything they taught us or the way they raised us, but that doesn’t mean that they were bad parents.  Whether we like the way our parents raised us or not, they did at least one great thing for us – they taught us to think for ourselves. 

In addition, the family that raised us often included siblings.  Siblings are special individuals who hold a distinct place in our lives.  In our youth, they could be our opponents or our biggest supporters. They could be our nemeses or our rescuers.  But as adults, they are usually our trusted friends.  They can be our confidants and our secret-keepers.  We may have had friends in our lives that we have lost track of, but our siblings are seldom forgotten. 

I know that there are many different kinds of families and many kinds of family problems.  But all in all, no matter what our family situation was, it was a necessary part of our growing up.  And honestly, we must admit that our lives are full of memories, habits, traits, thoughts, and opinions that came from the family that raised us. 

The family that I raised…

As special as the family that raised me, is to me; the family that I raised is even more so.  Seeing the family from the parent’s perspective, changes everything.  It’s no longer about the care I receive, but about the care I give.  It’s no longer about whether I am loved or not, but about how much I love. 

Child-rearing is a parent’s most important responsibility.  It is a daunting task when you consider that you are leaving an imprint on a future adult.  But it is also the most gratifying adventure when you see your children flourishing.  As parents, we want the best for our families.  We are willing to make sacrifices to see our children succeed and our families prosper.  We appreciate the value of the family unit.  And if we are really fortunate, all our hard work will pay off with the ultimate prize – grandchildren!  (All of you grandparents know just what I mean!  😊)

I know that in the world, any number of things can prevent us from having a happy family life.  We’re all simply people subject to frailties and failures.  We make mistakes, we get hurt, we hurt one another, we give in to selfishness.  Any of these things can come between even the closest family members.  But when families work out their differences and stick together, there is strength.  Families support and protect each other. 

But even though families can fall apart, and for some they may never have been together; God has provided a family for all of us by calling us to salvation.

My spiritual family…

Anyone who gets born again becomes a son of God and therefore part of His family.  He is the loving Father, and we are His children.  When you think of the best family situation you can picture, God’s family is better.  God is LOVE.  His actions are always motivated by love.  He is the most loving, most kind, and most generous Father we can imagine.  And, like we carry the genes of our physical father, we carry the nature of our Heavenly Father as well.  So, not only are we loved, but we also can love without fear.  God is a perfect Father.  There is no frailty or failure in Him.  He will never leave.  He will never quit.  He will always protect us.  And if that isn’t enough – we also have a perfect big brother!  Christ Jesus who is sitting at God’s right hand, is always speaking to God on our behalf.  He is always, always our biggest supporter and our rescuer! 

In God’s family are many children, all of which, by definition, are our brothers and sisters.  If you were the only child in your physical family, you’re not anymore!  You now have more siblings that you can count!  And when we all are likeminded on the instructions that our Father has given us, we will be the happiest and most blessed family ever!  With God as our Father directing our steps, we will shine as lights in this world.    

So, whether you have 3 families, two, or just one – as long as one of them is God’s family; you will always have all that you could ever need.

Note to my readers:  I hope you have as much joy in your families as I have in mine.  God bless you!

This week, I thought that I would include another poem in my blog.  I wrote this a couple years ago, but it is very applicable to what I have been thinking much about lately. 

It seems like bad tidings have been engulfing us for more than a year.  We may feel like the world is topsy-turvy and ‘normal’ life is eluding us. We may have been affected by sickness, loss of income, or other anxieties.  We may be confused, angry, or even depressed by what we see around us.  We might be filled with worry or fear for our future.  All these concerns seem to be commonplace in many people’s lives today, and perhaps for good reasons.  But we cannot give-in to the negatives surrounding us.  We cannot allow ourselves to be dragged down by circumstances that are designed for that purpose.  We must fight for our peace of mind; and not give up on our positive expectations. 

The Daily Decision

 Every day we face a choice
 To be unhappy or to rejoice
 Every moment we must decide
 What thoughts stay out or dwell inside
 In our minds, the battles rage
 Will good or evil take center stage?
  
 Negatives thrive in the world today
 Always seeking a place to stay
 If in our minds, we let them come
 They’ll do their best to make us glum                  
 But when our minds, we closely guard
 Evil influences can be barred                               
  
 God’s Word comes as a brilliant light
 Piercing through the darkest night
 If to that Word, our minds will cling
 God’s truth will make our hearts to sing
 And when God’s Word is tightly held
 Our fears and worries will be dispelled.
  
 The choice is ours, our will is free
 It’s up to us which thoughts we keep
 Will God’s Word supremely reign?
 Or worldly hardships consume our brain?
 Determine now with God you’ll stay
 And hurl those worldly thoughts away 

God’s Word is the only thing I know that provides the knowledge necessary for us to live a more than abundant life.  We can be genuinely helped, healed, and delivered from anything that the world throws at us by seeking God’s answers and applying His solutions in our lives.  But in order to do this, we must not only put God’s Word into our minds, we must hold tightly to It. The Bible must be our only rule of faith and practice; and the benchmark to which all information is measured. 

Here is a simple illustration of how to utilize the Bible in your daily thinking.

Let’s say you need a job.  You go to the Bible and find a passage that addresses your need.  In this case, we’ll use:

3 John 2

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Read that verse.  Repeat it to yourself.  Memorize it, write it down, leave your Bible open to that chapter.  Do whatever it takes to get that information in your mind. 

Now, let’s say that you see the news and they announce that the unemployment rate is rising.  Rather than dwelling on that information, remind yourself of 3 John 2.  Maybe your neighbor tells you a story about someone not being able to find a job.  Immediately repeat your Bible verse in your mind.  You might even have a job interview and not get the job.  Rather than getting discouraged, remember that God said it is His wish for us to prosper and be in health. 

Have you ever dieted?  We do this same process in our minds when we diet.  For instance, when your tastebuds cry out for a donut but you’re avoiding sweets, don’t you have a wrestling match in your brain about eating the donut or not?  And isn’t it very satisfying when you beat the craving?  How much more satisfying it is when God’s Word beats the world’s negatives in our minds! 

The battle in our minds is a continual process.  The Bible calls it renewing your mind.  It is replacing the old dusty thoughts of the world with brand new shiny thoughts from God’s Word.  And it’s RE-newing because it isn’t a one-time deal.  It takes a concerted effort and repetition.  But the benefits far outweigh any effort that we exert!

So today, let your decisions be in favor of God’s Word and against the world’s negatives.  Seize the truth.  Claim the promises.  Refute the lies.  And live victoriously! 

Note to my readers:  I want you to know that I appreciate each and every one you.  Thank you for sticking with me.  I get super-blessed every week sharing my life with you and I hope you are as blessed as I am! 

In last week’s post, I talked about the sunrise.  Given the upcoming holiday, I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the most important event in history, the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

HE IS RISEN  are among the most significant words that were ever spoken.  They changed history forever.  These words paved the way for our salvation and sealed the devil’s fate forever.

The resurrection and ascension completed Jesus’ work on earth and made salvation possible to whomever desires to receive it.  The Bible says that when Jesus ascended into heaven, he sat down at the right hand of God.  Biblically, sitting is an indication of rest following the completion of work. (like God rested on the 7^th day in Genesis – the work was done).  Jesus Christ’s work to accomplish our salvation and everything that it entails was finished, so he sat. 

We can rejoice this Sunday (and every other day) because our Savior arose from the dead. He completed the work necessary for us to be born again with a more than abundant life now, and everlasting life to come.  We’re going to heaven and all hell can’t stop us, because HE IS RISEN! 

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

Happy Resurrection Sunday!!

Note to my readers:  I am reminded of the song, Victory in Jesus, by Eugene M. Barlett

I love watching the sunrise.  Seeing the night sky slip away into the gentle pink and yellow shades of morning is not only enjoyable, but also rejuvenating.  The chill of the night air gives way to the warmth of the sun as its glorious rays dispel the darkened shadows.  The dawn’s unfolding stimulates our hearts.  And we can be thankful because each sunrise offers us something we’ve never had before – today. 

Every today is a new beginning full of opportunity.  A task you couldn’t accomplish yesterday, can be completed today.  A problem hampering you yesterday, can be solved today.   An ailment facing you yesterday, can be healed today.  That prayer you prayed yesterday, can be answered today.

Each sunrise ushers in new possibilities for success.  When we approach today with that attitude, we open the doors for victory in our lives.  With God’s help, today can be the day of our triumph.  Why not?  Today is a perfect day for it! 

Now, I’m not so naive as to think that today is always idyllic.  Perhaps some challenges face us today that we didn’t have yesterday.  Regardless, we can still maintain our positive expectations.  Here is some advice I heard in a Bible teaching a few years ago:  When something goes wrong, don’t ask “why?”.  Instead ask, “What amazing thing is God going to do for me now?”.

There is one thing that does hinder us today, however.  And that is our minds being stuck in yesterday.  For various reasons, sometimes we just can’t seem to let go of yesterday.  Perhaps, we perceive yesterday as safe and today as scary because of the unknown.  Maybe we screwed up yesterday and we can’t get past that.  Whatever the reason is, it most likely stems from being afraid.  But it is not God’s plan that we live in yesterday.  He intends for us to live in today.  And He assigned yesterday the role of bringing us unto today, (which is an important role because we could not get to today without yesterday).  But no matter what yesterday was, we are not supposed to live there. 

So, here we are living today. The sun has risen, we are seizing our opportunities with positive expectations.  The hours pass, and the sun becomes low in the sky.  We take a break to watch the sunset.

Sunsets can be dazzling demonstrations of light and color.  The gentle shades of sunrise are now vivid displays of yellows, pinks, reds, and oranges.  The entire sky seems to burst into flaming brilliance as the sun slips closer the horizon, leaving a trail of remarkable color as the light begins to dissipate.  The sunset gives us quiet peace.  We can reflect on our day’s activities and be thankful for what worked or come up with ideas for what didn’t. We can thank God for His help and cast our remaining cares on Him. Today is winding down, but it isn’t over yet! 

God’s handiwork continues by His filling the night sky with sparkling gems of light.  I love the stars.  There is never a time that I see them that doesn’t thrill my heart.  My family even gave me a star as a gift.  Somewhere out there is a star with my name on it.  How exciting is that! 

God’s very deliberate sprinkling of these beautiful dots of light in the night sky (that are so bright that we can see them from lightyears away) is a marvelous thing to behold.  And of course – add in the glorious moon.  The moon captures our dreamy attention whether it’s full and bright or just a sliver in the darkness.  There is something romantic about moonlight.  

The night sky gives us a restful calmness that helps us relax so we can lay down to sleep, knowing that this day will soon become yesterday, and our waking moments will bring a new today.  And whether our waking moments are before or after sunrise, today is a new day filled with promise and possibilities.  Today we can soar.  Today we can win.  Today we can rejoice.  Today we can be thankful to God for all that He has given us.

1 Timothy 6:17b

…but (trust) in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.

You may have heard the term, “carpe diem”.  It’s Latin and is commonly translated, “seize the day”.  It’s good advice.  We cannot change yesterday, and we cannot reach into tomorrow.  We only have today.  Let’s make today the best today ever!

Note to my readers:  There is no limit to what God can do for you today!  Thanks for reading!    

Many, many times when I was young, my mom told me to “stand up straight”.  My posture was important to her because, “good posture is important for proper young ladies.”  My poor mom, even with all her urging I never achieved ‘proper young lady posture’, mostly because I was one of the tallest girls in my class and I didn’t like that designation, so I always slumped.  Like many other things from childhood, I say, “if only I knew then what I know now…”  I would have heeded my mother’s advice and stood up straight.    

Standing up straight is healthy.  With our posture in proper alignment, our core is its strongest and in its best working order.  A strong spine is crucial to our overall wellbeing.  Standing up straight is also a significant part of our appearance.  Slumping distorts our proportions and overshadows our best features.  But even more important than either of those, is what standing up straight and tall means to us in our minds.

Standing straight and tall conveys confidence.  When we stand tall with our head held high, not only do we look confident; we feel confident.  We are able to look at challenges right in the eye and deal with them because our eyes are not downcast.  Confidence means that we are not intimidated, we are solution-minded.  Life is full of challenges; and meeting those challenges with confidence helps us to rise above them.   And if we do fall, our confidence allows us to get back up and try again.  When we remain confident, we will continue to stand tall.

Picture this…  You’re back on the playground and there is the big slide, which frightens you.  Then ‘that one’ kid comes along and says, “I dare you to go down the slide”.   You have to save face in front of all the other kids who are watching, so you stand up tall, climb the ladder and go down the slide.  (And usually find out that the slide is a lot of fun and you’re glad you did.)   As adults, we can picture life’s challenges like a kid’s dare.  Of course our motivation will be different, but our confidence won’t concede to being bullied by a challenge.   

Confidence then leads to determination.  Sometimes we are faced with multiple challenges at once, or what seems like a constant barrage of them.  Our determination gets us through those times.  Life tends to know how to ‘push our buttons’ and discourage us.  But we can stand tall with a strong backbone and determine that no matter what life throws at us, we will get through it.  We can stand up to any amount of mud life flings at us.  And if we get knocked down, we pick ourselves up, wash off the mud and stand tall and strong again.  Standing tall with determination helps us develop a habit pattern of success in our lives. 

Think of a child learning to walk.  He is not daunted by how many times he falls because of his determination to stand up and walk (straight and tall).  Even if he gets hurt, he still gets up and tries again.  And when he is walking capably, the number of times he fell before his success becomes completely insignificant.  We must have that same kind of determination. 

Determination then leads to bravery.  There are times when life throws us a debilitating blow.  These are more than challenges; these are devastating attacks.  These are overwhelming odds from which we are not sure if or how we can recover.  These are the times that we must be brave.  We rally all the confidence that we’ve garnered and the habit pattern of success that our determination has brought us to stand tall with our spine steeled in the face of adversity.  

Bravery is simply not giving in to fear.  Whenever fear rears its ugly head, we must stand tall against it.  We must not give in to its intimidation.  We must not yield to its demands.  I know that this is not an easy task.  But with all the bravery we can gather, we must always try.  We must hold our head up, throw our shoulders back and utilize all the strength in our core to stand tall against the attack.  We must never give up.  Standing bravely offers us every chance of victory, while quitting only offers a chance of failure. 

Confidence, determination, and bravery then lead to pride.  When we stand up to the challenges of life and conquer our fears, we can be proud of our victory.  Standing tall demonstrates that pride.  We no longer need to slump in despair or cower at adversity.  We are proud of our accomplishments and unashamed of the successes that we’ve attained.  We are not arrogant or haughty.  We do not brag.  We simply stand tall and let that speak for us. 

Now, here is the conclusion of the whole matter…

We can be confident in our own abilities or in God’s limitless ability.  We can be determined by our own will-power or by claiming God’s promises.  We can be brave with our own strength or with God’s mighty arm that He bares for us.  We can be proud of our own results or of the deliverance God provided for us.    

I bet that you agree – the choice is obvious.  Our confidence, determination and bravery grow exponentially when we rely on God’s abilities rather than our own.  He is the Almighty God with unlimited resources.  His love for us never fails.  By His power, we can be more than conquerors. 

Let us be confident in everything that our heavenly Father has given us and does for us each and every day of our lives.  Let us be determined to have His sufficiency in the face of every challenge.   And let us stand proudly as His sons and daughters with no fear because He has said that He will never leave us nor forsake us. 

Note to my readers:  My prayer for all of us is that we can stand tall together in this day and time despite the negatives and distresses that surround us.  

I grew up going every summer to Maine and New Hampshire to visit my grandparents (both sets).  One of the highlights of those vacations was going to the ocean.  The rock-bound coast of Maine and the wide sandy beach in New Hampshire were my favorite playgrounds.  Jumping in the waves, playing in the sand, and exploring the tide-pools were my favorite activities. I can still hear the thunder of the waves as they crashed on the shore and smell the salty marine air.  The cold deep-blue water of the Atlantic provided some of my favorite childhood memories.

Then as an adult, I got to go to Hawaii (thanks to my wonderful husband).  It was my first experience with the crystal clear tropical waters of the Pacific around the islands.  I was enthralled with the color of the water, even out in the deep the beautiful aqua shade was a something to behold.  I got to snorkel with tropical fish and sea turtles.  I got to hear whales singing when I ducked underwater and see them breaching from the shore.  A whole new set of favorite memories was formed. 

The sea has an almost universal appeal because of its beauty and majesty.  It also is a source of inspiration for life.  Here are some thoughts…

The oceans are vast. So also are our possibilities.  But we must be honest in this regard.  Possibilities are opportunities to accomplish something, not free tickets to wonderland.   “The sky’s the limit” is available if we are willing to work for it.  And working has two components – believing and doing.  These two are necessary to achieve any success.  We cannot do anything that we don’t believe we can do.  And we can’t demonstrate believing without doing something.  We know that the scriptures say, “with God all things are possible” which means that God is able to do what man cannot.  So it surely stands to reason that we can accomplish much bigger and better things with God’s help than we can by ourselves.  The next time you look at the ocean as it spreads out to the horizon as far as you can see, think about all the possibilities you have with God’s help, and get moving.   

The waves of the sea are constantly rolling in and out.  So also are our thoughts – information is constantly flowing in and out of our minds.  Sometimes it’s high tide with more waves rolling in than out.  And sometimes it’s low tide, with more rolling out than in.  Sometimes the waves are calm and refreshing – those waves we enjoy.  Sometimes the waves are strong and intimidating – we must be cautious around those waves.  On occasion the waves are violent and destructive.  In those circumstances, there is often a forewarning so that we can be prepared and take the necessary protective measures.  But if we are caught without warning, we still can recover and rebuild.  Like we deal with the waves of the sea, so we can deal with our thoughts.  We can harbor the calm refreshing thoughts that edify and encourage us.  We can avoid or refute the intimidating thoughts that could knock us down.  And we can do our best to protect ourselves against the destructive thoughts.  We can be prepared and intercept them before they cause damage.  But if we do suffer loss, we can regroup and heal.  Of course, no matter what waves of thought we encounter, God will guide us, help us, and answer our prayers. 

The oceans are full of majestic beauty.  So also is life.  We all have seen that beauty in the eyes of a loved one or cherished friend.  We’ve heard it in a child’s laughter.  Or felt it in a healing touch or a helping hand.  We smile at sweet memories, or cheer in eager anticipation of great things to come.  We rejoice in God’s love and in His grace. These are just a few of the things that bring beauty and splendor into our lives. For the real beauty of life is not in fame and fortune.  But in the quiet moments of the heart when we are at peace.  We know that we are blessed by a loving God who cares for our every need.  So the next time you visit the ocean, you can not only be thankful for the grandeur of its beauty, but you can also thank God for all His abundant goodness in your life.

Finally, the sea exudes mystery, which is a big part of its allure. We imagine that the sea holds some great treasure that is yet to be discovered.   Sometimes our lives are perplexing.  We don’t always understand why things happen, or what we should do.  But we can pursue our search for life’s treasures (answers) with the patience and zeal of any treasure hunter because God knows all the secrets of life and He knows us.  And even if our treasure remains undiscovered, we can always trust Him to care and provide for us.

Close your eyes and grab your best ocean mind picture; relax and enjoy.  

“The greatest cargoes of life come in over quiet seas.”  Dr. V.P. Wierwille

Note to my readers:  Thank you for being you!

For my blog this week, I thought I would share a poem that I wrote a few years ago…

 What do you see when you look at me?
 Is it just a jar of clay?
 Is it merely a jug well worn with age,
 That’s clearly past its day?
  
 Do you only see the faded paint,
 And the cracks around the base?
 Is your focus caught by the graying rim,
 And the lines about the face?
  
 Is the top too small or bottom too wide?
 Is the shape not what you like?
 Do your eyes stare only at the scars of use?
 And do imperfections fill your sight? 
  
 Perhaps a change is needed
 To fully understand.
 If the surface is what stops your gaze,
 You don’t see who I am.  
  
 Take a moment to look inside
 And consider what is there
 Forget the wrinkles and the bumps
 And all the graying hair.
  
 Look only at the Christ in me
 And all that it entails.
 Think solely with the love of God
 That for me, never fails. 
  
 See through the tender eyes of God,
 A child He calls His son.
 Consider what a price He paid
 To have me for His own. 
  
 Disregard the shallow view
 Which is all the world can see.
 Fill your thoughts with what God says
 And so, walk in liberty.
  
 Again I ask, Oh looking glass,
 What is it that you see?
 If the surface is what stops your gaze,
 Then you’re missing the best of me.  

Sometimes we are our own worst critic because when we look in the mirror, we don’t always like what we see.  A shallow view can do us a great disservice because it misses the most important part of who we are.  Our exterior is merely a container for the wonderful qualities that make us unique and lovely.  If we look only at the surface, we might not see things like kindness or honesty or integrity.  And those are the types of things that make us truly beautiful.

I was looking at photos of my family and thinking of how beautiful they all are.  Yet, I still had a negative opinion about myself.  I asked myself why?  And I realized that I looked at my family with loving eyes, but I didn’t look at myself the same way.  It often seems like we are good at looking at others through our eyes of love, but when it comes to ourselves, we miss the mark.  So I began my quest to learn to look at myself the way that the Bible says God looks at me. 

God loves His children more than we can fathom.  He looks at us through eyes full of that love. When we look at ourselves like He does, we will begin to see the REAL us. Our reflection will be that of God’s opinion of us.   We will begin to appreciate all the wonderful things that we have and are because of all that God has given us.  The beauty of God’s love will shine in our face.  And best of all, we will see it (and so will everyone else).  No longer will we see a shallow version of ourselves, but we’ll see what God meant for us to be. 

1 John 3:1

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…

Note to my readers:  You are lovely inside and out.  Thanks for continuing with me on my journey.

I was taught that sleep, music, nature, humor (laughter), and the Bible are 5 things that relax and invigorate us.  They calm and uplift us.  They encourage and restore.

Sleep obviously relaxes and restores our energy.  That’s a no-brainer.  Music and nature both evoke emotions that can calm and uplift.  We’ve all probably experienced that.  The Bible is full of edification, exhortation, and comfort.  And of course, is the best source for all these things.  But what about humor?  Have you ever thought to yourself that you could use a good laugh?  Have you found yourself yearning for a “laugh ‘til you cry” kind of laughter?   Sometimes you might even think, “When was the last time I laughed?”  We actually need to laugh from time to time.

The internet is full of information about the emotional and physical benefits of laughter.  Here’s a statement I read online:

Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain, which activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure.

Even if we agree that laughter is beneficial, it sometimes eludes us.  (We all know that there are times in life when we cannot laugh and times when laughter is not appropriate.  I’m not referring to those times at all in this blog.)  But there are times when we are stuck in the doldrums, or feel down because of everyday stresses or worldly pressures.  These are the times when laughter can relax and invigorate us.

When I’m in the doldrums or down hearted, I will often seek comical relief – maybe a favorite funny movie.  Finding entertainment (movies, TV, stand-up comedy, books, etc.) that makes us laugh is a welcomed diversion to get our minds off our troubles.  Everyone’s sense of humor is different, but for me a good slapstick works every time… 

The scene is Inspector Jacques Clouseau, a dog, and a man.  Inspector Clouseau, with his almost unintelligible French accent: “Does your dog bite?”  The man: “No.”  The Inspector reaches to pet the dog, which bites him.  The Inspector: “I thought you said you dog does not bite.”  The man: “That’s not my dog.” 

Knowing movie lines that we can quote, or scenes we can replay in our minds, often makes us chuckle.  Those can be quick ‘pick-me-ups’ when we need them.  Of course this isn’t limited to movies.  Many favorite quotes can come from stand-up comics, sitcoms, or books.  Remembering these can lighten our mood.  Sometimes just talking about a favorite comedy triggers our laughter.  Or just saying a comedian’s name can bring amusing thoughts to mind.

Of course humor is found in more than just Hollywood entertainment.  We can have funny conversations with friends and family about silly things that happen.  We can recap a funny memory, especially with those who share it.  We can quip back and forth with witty retorts or banter.  We can tell a joke.  We can laugh at ourselves. And we can laugh about our common quirks.  How about playing a game?  Board games or card games can many times result in uproarious laughter.  Guessing games like Charades can also be very amusing.  One of the times I laughed the longest and hardest was watching my sons dancing to a video game.  All of these episodes of laughter invigorate us.  Any of them can help us feel uplifted or restored. 

Think about tickling.  Why do we tickle our kids?  To make them laugh.  (however, it might cause the opposite effect on adults, so use sparingly.)  Why do we want our kids to laugh?  Because to us their laughter equates to their happiness.  Silly things like tickling or pretend-chasing delight children and thus delight us.  When my grandchildren were younger, I would pretend-chase them in a circle around the couch and coffee table.  I would use very exaggerated arm swings and steps, but still be unable to catch them for several laps around the couch, all the while they laughed with glee.  Then I would stop suddenly and turn around toward them, which would cause screams of laughter and the chase would then proceed in the opposite direction.  This would continue until I ran out of steam, usually to their dismay.  Those are special memories that bring a smile to my face.  There is nothing like the sound of children’s laughter to delight our hearts! 

But that delight isn’t limited to our kids, how about times when you make an adult laugh?  Isn’t that delightful?  Yes, because really, aren’t we our happiest when those around us (especially family) are happy?  Humor can be an avenue toward those happy feelings for both parties.  One of my favorite things is making my husband laugh.  It’s not an easy task.  So when I succeed, it’s a great victory – very satisfying! 

A word of caution, however…  As previously noted, laughter should have positive qualities.  Teasing, pranks and practical jokes may seem funny to you, but may not be funny to the recipient.  Laughter in these situations might not meet that positive criteria.  Of course that doesn’t make all teasing, pranks, or practical jokes bad.  I’ve seen some pranks that were downright hilarious.  Just make sure the recipient is laughing too.  And never laugh at someone’s expense or make fun of someone.  Laughter in those situations is hurtful.  But I think we all know that. 

At any given time, the world can be an unhappy place with a myriad of stress producing circumstances.  If we find ourselves in the rough seas of worldly pressures, we can use these relaxing and invigorating tools to navigate our way through.  Without any doubt, the Bible offers our best defense against the pressures of life.  (It offers our best offense too!)  But laughter can be an acceptable “cure to what ails you”.  It can aid us in our maintaining a positive attitude and diverting our attention away from the negatives we’re facing.  And as doctors and scientists agree, it can benefit our health.  

So take a moment to think of something funny.  Giggle, chuckle, snicker, hoot, cackle, guffaw or just plain smile.  Try it and see if it doesn’t make you feel just a little better.  😊

Proverbs 17:22

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Note to my readers:  I love you!  Thanks for laughing!

“Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence in society.”
—Mark Twain.

Ted Striker: “Surely you can’t be serious.”
Dr. Rumack: “I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley”
—Ted Striker (Robert Hays) and Dr. Rumack (Leslie Nielsen), Airplane!