January 1: New Year's Resolutions (1/1/13)

January 1 - New Year's Resolutions

 New Year's Resolutions! What do you think of them? Is making a promise to do something better in 2013 a good thing? Or is it something dreamed up by health clubs and Weight Watchers? Somehow the media like television, newspapers and the internet seem to be in on the conspiracy. I heard one thoughtful soul lament that if it was up to most of us, we would skip this exercise of promising to change. After all the statistics prove that only 8% of people are successful. Seriously! And the rest of us 92% beat ourselves up over our failure. New Year's Resolutions have always made me feel anxious and a bit sad. I was sort of enjoying all the rich food and lazy mornings. January 1st came, and I was depressed. But I always tried. Let's see: losing weight was always my number one. And getting more exercise. How about quitting a bad habit like watching "The Bachelor?" Or quitting smoking? Or doing something like actually reading the book assigned by my book club? Or going to bed by 10:30? News over, lights out! Giving blood seems like a good one, too. I need so much improvement (at least I don't smoke or plan to start again).

Here is a fundamentally unique idea: a psychologist commenting on the high rate of failure suggested the following: Commit to doing less, not more. For instance, if you add an hour of exercise a day, something else will have to go. Maybe it is shopping for dinner fixings and suddenly, you are no longer cooking for your family. Or if you go to school to learn French, you no longer have time to pick up your kids from school. Your stress level goes up as your time has to adjust to doing more things. So, his theory is to stop doing things, like watching less television and spending more time playing scrabble with your kids. Something like that. All of the above is just mildly interesting to me. I have another idea for us.

Let's not be so hard on ourselves. I promise not to ask you what your resolution is, or if you have already fallen off the wagon into the ditch. Here are 5 things I plan to do, but won't publish anywhere but here:

1. Take time each day to read God's Word. I am not setting a time on it. I'm finding my best time, yours might be different. I even downloaded the "Jesus Calling" app onto my iPhone. That way it is with me wherever I am. There are lots of great tools like that.

2. Praying daily. I refuse to be intimidated about other's definitions of prayer time. I pray all over the place and in strange places, with people and alone, reading a touching story and calling out to bless those I read about. A Facebook friend is in trouble and I don't wait to pray until "bed time" or "quiet time." That works for me. If I have time, I like to jot down the prayers in a notebook or on a piece of paper. But anything that works for you is what works for God. I believe that.

3. Make a plan to encourage one person every day. Hebrews 13:1 "Keep on loving each other as brothers." Maybe it is the cashier at the grocery store or the man who walks his dog in front of your house. It could be your own child or husband. Just say something nice and true. It has to be true. Find that one thing that is sincerely encouraging and say it, don't just think it. They cannot read our minds, so I plan to be transparent with my words. Who knows what burdens that person is carrying?

4. Live each day as if Jesus was coming back that day. I don't want to wait to do a good thing. I plan to spend my days wisely and playing with a child is very wise! Children never forget honest attention and neither do adults! I would want Jesus to find me busy doing good and taking care of others (and myself…somedays that means a nap!)

5. Cherish and cultivate family and friends. They are God's special gifts to us. Enjoy them, laugh and love them as much as you can. If they are in our lives, they should be in our hearts, and on our radar of compassion and kindness.

So, if you must, resolve to go to the gym every day. But don't make me feel too badly if I only go on Tuesday and Thursday. And consider the list I made. Just don't let it add to your stress. Take God along in 2013. It will be the best adventure you have ever had. I heard He will even go with us to the gym!

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

Pray: 

Father, help us to be honest in our devotion to You. Let us resolve to make you our number one priority in 2013 and watch all the other worries fade away.

 Amen

Day 54 of 4: New Year's Eve (12/31/12)

December 31, Day 54 of 4 more years:

New Year's Eve! Why not "old year's end?" The old year is quickly becoming history, that's why. Why do we celebrate this holiday? What is it for? Is it to party, to drink too much, eat too much, blow horns, shoot off fireworks, shoot off guns (please stop that one!), stay up late and kiss at midnight? Well, sure. All of the above have a history, and I decided to check out a few of the more common traditions.

Traditions of New Year's: How about the song "Auld Lang Syne?" I found it was an old Scottish ballad, and the words are just weird and forgettable. But the poet Robert Burns (yes, he was Scottish) published the words in 1796 with a few refinements of his own. The words "auld lang syne" translate to "old long since" and just mean "times gone by." Our American song leader, Guy Lombardo, was the hero here. He popularized the song and made it a New Year's tradition. In 1929, he played it in New York City with his band. Later it was played on the radio, and then television and "tada!" today it is on Youtube! So, when we hear that song, it is officially the new year.

Let's talk about good luck and prosperity in the New Year. Pagan traditions abound. Without a biblical foundation, people through the ages have tried to find a way to stay safe, become wealthy and protect themselves from evil. Here are some practices believed to be magical: 

1. Eat black eyed peas or at least one - an American southern tradition, since black eyed peas cannot be grown where the weather is very cold. Thank goodness for importation!

2. Eat cabbage - theory is it looks like money

3. Can't find either of those, just eat rice - an Asian staple and the abundance is in the number of rice grains

4. Here is a unique one: a symbol of prosperity for the new year that the first person to walk into your home after the sounding of the new year is a tall, dark, handsome man! I'm looking for him!

5. Give a toast - why toast? In olden times, the wine was communally mixed, acidity was a problem in the fermentation, so a piece of burned toast was floated on the top to absorb the bad flavors. The last person to drink from the bottom of the bowl had to eat the toast! And the host or hostess had to take the first drink to be sure it wasn't poison! Glad that is over.

This post could go on and on. I'm really not about educating you concerning the holiday. I was just a little curious. Many of the traditions for New Year's are centered on being loud. Why? To frighten off the evil spirits. Like firecrackers, noise makers of all kinds, shot guns and singing loudly at midnight. 

Some of the practices are funny, but I think it is sad that we still act like a pagan people in many respects. We have the best protection at our disposal every day, not just on New Year's Day. Let's rely on the One who really can keep us safe, provide us with prosperity in Him, and give us joy for the entire year of 2013! Happy New Year's Eve to all of you!

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." 2 Corinthians 13:14

Pray:

Dear Father, please extend Your might hand of protection over your people today. Keep us all safe tonight from the dangers of the world. Protect us in 2013 as only You can and give us joy. 

Amen

Day 53 of 4: "Sands in the Hourglass" (12/30/12)

December 30, 53 Days of 4 more years: 

"Sand in the hourglass. There is only so much sand. Who gets it?" Max Lucado

Today let's talk about time. I think it is healthy at the end of the year to take a look back and a look forward. All of our evaluations for the past year and the future one depend on time. And time is a gift God gave us at creation. Think about that: our infinite God gave us a finite amount of time to spend… to decide…to choose. Yes, time is a gift. When God created day and night, the seasons and our bodies that age, He wove it all together with time (not the original plan in the Garden of Eden, but Eve and the serpent took care of that). So as human beings we have a birth day and a "going home" day. There are a set number of days, minutes and hours...like the sand…every day moves us closer to going home. We are just "passing through" this world to our real home in heaven. Rather than be sad or mourn or feel petulant about what we missed or don't have or how little time we have left, let's look at the sunrises to come. Look forward and upward, measuring our days with our Saviour and best friend. Only then does each day take on the beauty it was meant to have.

Let's get practical on this last Sunday of 2012. Why not? It is hymn day, rest day, game day… hum? And a great day to consider the following ideas to use our sand:

1. Make a list of our priorities (ours will all be different and unique just as we all individuals)

2. Figure out what our priorities are (this may take a little research… where? you guessed it, God's instruction book, the Bible)

3. Schedule our priorities in the order of importance and let God give you that wisdom

4. Plant those priorities deep in our minds and hearts (that's why they have to be God's choices for you personally)

5. Pray about the list and keep it flexible

6. Start out to tackle the priorities in a daily way (not being discouraged if we don't see instant results)

7. Be patient with ourselves (God is, and we should be kind to ourselves)

8. This one is great: We are all going to delegate some duties we think we have to do ourselves (I've got a few things on my list for some of you to do!)

9. We must learn to say "no" when it is appropriate or we are unsure if something is our job or not. (It is not a lame excuse to tell someone, "I need to pray about it first.")

10. We will not get overwhelmed, but take each day as it comes, covering the plan for the day with prayer and going to God first thing with our list for the day.

Remember: Each day is a gift from God and offers an opportunity to make a difference in our lives, our ministry and most importantly in someone else's life.

"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given you as well." Matthew 6:33

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Pray:

Jesus, take control of our lives in 2013. Help us to be practical as we take steps to make Your priorities our own. Keep us focused and remove discouragement from our paths. Keep us walking in step with You. Amen

Day 52 of 4: Best of 2012 (12/29/12)

December 29, Day 52 of 4 more years: 

Best of 2012! Have you noticed the lists being compiled this time of year?

Best movie of 2012, best television show, best car, best new trend in dining, most interesting person, best color, best kid….on and on… 

I also saw a list of the worst of 2012: worst tragedy, worst dressed, most terrible music trend (my suggestion: Gangnam Style), worst investment, etc. As a people it is a universal feeling: to look back and tie up the past year before we move on to 2013. Let's try this exercise on me.

Amazing things: I tackled a major renovation at the farm (Paradise) and I won! It took me a whole year, but I am proud I attempted this task. Another best for me personally is that all my close family is near me and settled in. Also, I worked hard this year on getting healthier and that seems to be working. So, let us look at things that are measurable: like a renovated house, body fat, and the number of vitamins I take each day. These are not subjective things. 

On the other side, I started to look at the things that really matter. I started posting ideas as I study God's word, and many things that I used to think were important just don't seem to have much value. As I spent time studying God's Word, first looking at the 2012 election, and then absorbing the loss of the one I thought was God's choice, my list for 2012 took on a different meaning. The "muy importante" list shifted dramatically. These items dominated: time with family and friends, the love of the Lord shared with others, time with my sister, grandchildren, distant friends who encourage me every day through Facebook, and health….always, health to get through the time I have left in this temporary place.

Here is my personal best of 2012: best new task is writing my thoughts that I receive from the study of God's Word; best new friends…my Facebook ones; best night of the year…my grandchildrens' sleep over; best new mental exercise…forgetting the things of the past and pressing harder toward the things God has set ahead of me.

Bring it on 2013! We all have a high calling from God. Let Him lead us on to the future. Glance quickly over 2012…and move on…forward! God is in control and He always has been. He already knows the future and He is already there waiting for us! Press on to the task and the joy to come. May God bless each of you in 2013!

"Forgetting what is behind and striving toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

Pray: Father, thank you for the year 2012. Help us to appreciate and evaluate the past year through Your eyes. Give us courage and wisdom to move into 2013 with You as our guide and our strength. Amen

Day 51 of 4: Sleepover (12/28/12)

December 28, Day 51 of four more years: 

Adventure! For the last 24+ hours I have had an adventure with four of my grandchildren. A sleepover at Gigi's during the Christmas holidays has been planned for weeks and last night seemed to work out great for everyone. My kids got a break, and the grands and I had a blast! Lauren and Bo's girls live only 5 minutes away, so it wasn't like an expedition across the state, but we treated it that way. Here they came, sleeping bags and all, pj's, toothbrushes, stuffed animals, special Christmas gifts… the works! We even persuaded Jill to let Henry stay, too, and join the girly bunch over here. We didn't do mani-pedi's, but we did watch "Barbie's Favorite Christmas Gift" and Henry was fine with that! He is a good sport and gets along well with all the "pink drama" over everything! I know it is good training for him! He will be an awesome daddy some day.

The grands just left a few minutes ago, and the house seems so still, quiet and strange. Why, there is the newspaper needing to be read, my chair beckoning to fall back into, a ball game to be watched… and yet I miss those sweet little ones! Oh, yes, my legs are tired, my eyes a little sleepy already. But what is the draw of the children? What is the hold on us old folks? Is it because they are still so fresh from heaven? Their thoughts are pure and unclouded by the world. Now, the time with them is not free from turmoil, drama, tears and quarrels. After all, they are related to me! But I think the best part for me is that there wasn't another adult to glance over at, to talk "adult" stuff, or to filter their comments through. Nope, it was just me and the kids, and our God to thank for the time I had with them. I talked to them about my writing the thoughts I get on Facebook. That puzzled the middle daughter, especially. "Why would anybody want to read that, Gigi?" I told her I didn't know. She just laughed, and said, "Don't tell them about me. They might think I get in trouble a lot." Really? She reminds me so much of her mother that I just want to squeeze the dickens out of that little girl. She is precious. They all are…. So if you don't have a grandchild, borrow one. I mean that. I have a friend in Ft. Worth who has four grandchildren in town, but has a heart so big that she has taken on a "little sister" through the Big Brother/Big Sister Program. She just adores pouring love into another child, brings her little sister to family gatherings when she can and takes her and her mother to church with her every Sunday. This little girl only knows wanting to be a Mommy herself (and she is only 11 years old). My friend tells her, "You must first find a daddy for your baby who loves Jesus. That is the most important part: that he loves you and he loves Jesus." Now, isn't that just wonderful? 

My grandchildren and I didn't talk about babies or getting married, but we did talk about Jesus. We rearranged our nativity, and we decided we would find something about Jesus every day for me to write about! I hope you are ready for that!

So this post did not come from "quiet time" alone with God….it came from a rowdy, noisy, hilarious day! And awakening to a little voice saying, "Gigi, I was so hoping you were awake! I'm hungry and I love to snuggle with you! I know you love me a lot!" I will miss that in the morning.

Pray:

Father, you astound me with the blessing of children in my life. Thank you from the depths of my heart. Amen

Day 50 of 4: A Baby Boy (12/27/12)

December 27: Day 50 of 4 more years:

A baby boy! My Christmas present straight from heaven in 1979! He was so new, so sweet…a good baby right from the start. He was and still is adored. We all laughed and said that Dan was born with three mothers! Because his sisters were the absolute proudest of him! There was no expected jealousy or rivalry over the new baby. The girls held him, entertained him, loved him and as much as a three year old and a five year old could, cared for him. Which also included correcting him, prompting him, "Say thank you, young man!" Lauren's words when he wasn't quick enough with the gratitude on his fourth birthday! Oh, yes, Dan was born into discipline and love! Thankfully, Dan was a good-natured, easy going boy and very kind. If I could use a one word to describe Dan from the start, it would be "kind." As a little boy, he saw a cousin pull off the legs of a granddaddy long legs spider, and his remark was, "Mommy, how will he be able to crawl now?" That comment touched my heart and firmed up my observation of the tender heart which was born in my son. The amazing part was that he could put on a football uniform and fiercely attack the opponents, yet as soon as the pads came off, the sweet person returned! That amazed me!

So how do you know a child is born a certain way? How do you know how God filled him or her? I didn't know at the time but in hindsight, I see it clearly. As a grandmother, your wisdom isn't brilliance usually, but the combination of experience and time. I believe that most Mommys and many Daddys are sensitive to the nature of the babies given to them by God. If you are very still, and hold them close, and study them every day, you will see it. It is the God-given newness on display, but also a character trait or two that you can see and nurture. Peer into his or her eyes, cuddle and soothe. Then ask God to give you the wisdom to nurture that good dominant trait. He will. Observe, look, listen and pray…it is there.

In my grands I see the traits more easily as they are getting older. I also have the benefit of seeing them from a bit of a distance. Parents sometimes are too close and too busy. Here are just a few of the traits I see in my blessings: Mia is loving and kind, sensitive and curious; Andrew is observant, keen on every detail, alert, nothing gets by him; Georgia is feisty and direct, fearless and funny and loves my cat, Carlo; Henry is gentle and creative, loving and inventive; Evelyn is dear and charming, affectionate and observant of beauty; Margaret is good-natured and loving, quick to obey and forgive. In my own children the observations I had as a new Mommy have held true as they became adults. Lauren as a child was friendly, strong-willed yet always tender-hearted, brave and outgoing. Jill was quiet and shy, sensitive and loving to adults, brightening our lives with her sweet little face. Dan was, as I have previously mentioned, the easy-going third-born, the kindest one, loyal to his friends, the one you could tell a secret to, the defender of the needy ones, especially his Momma!

God creates us with gifts born in our character and in the nature of our children. His desire is that we become the best He created us to be and to nurture the best in those He trusts to our care. Those babies straight from heaven, just like my late Christmas present in 1979 are blessings from our Father who loves us. Thank your for our babies and grand babies, dear Father.

"...your Father in heaven will give good gifts to those who ask HIm." Matthew 7:11

Pray:

Dear God, Thank you for the gifts of children, of the little ones that You intrust to our care. Help us to be worthy of the gift of life. Let us nurture the nature you put into each child and assist them in becoming the best You created them to be. 

Amen

Day 49 of 4: "Poor Little Day after Christmas" (12/26/12)

December 26:  Poor Little Day after Christmas (originally written 12/26/12)

"Poor Little Day after Christmas!" Years ago, I listened to a song on an album (yes, kids there used to be these plastic things which held music!) that contained these words. It described the "let down" day…after all the months of anticipation, the preparation, planning, travel, and all that Christmas involves, suddenly it is all over. And the words spoke of that feeling and the song went so far as to having pity on December 26th. It really is a humorous song (sounds like it?) with lots of illustrations of torn paper, empty dishes, disappointing gifts, a dried up tree and a sad feeling. However, the song has a surprise ending. Don't feel sorry for the day after Christmas. Why? Because it is next year's Christmas Day!

After searching in vain for this silly little song, I came upon another song by Matthew West called "The Day After Christmas." It is a beautiful carol with the same general feeling. He, too, describes the "let down" after the big day. But the difference is that this song reminds us that the light of the world is still here. The reason we sing has not stopped or ended in twenty four hours. In fact, our joy is even more complete because it is still here. Some are excited today for other reasons. Perhaps you are a bargain shopper and love after-Christmas sales. Or some of you enjoy the feeling of the pressure of Christmas being over. A time to just "be" with your family and friends. Enjoy it! And don't even consider starting to take down the decorations! I mean it! And if you do, don't tell me, or I will be sad. Enjoy them, at least until after January 1st. Let's cherish today. Laugh with your kids or if they have gone home, take a nap! What is that, you ask? Play games if there is someone to play with, or call an old friend. If you are lonely, the truth is there is another lonely person who would love to hear from you. Being let down is ok for a short while…feel it? Ok, that is over! It is time to move on together. After all, we have a brand new year coming up in a week! We have to get ready for that "big day!"

Let's just remember, the "big

day" may be over for this year,

but the light of the world is

still here. And He will light up

the day at your house today

and next year, too! Remember

the words of scripture:

"And they shall call Him Emmanuel...God with us!"

Matthew 1:23

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but have the light of life." John 8:12

Pray: Father, shed Your beautiful light on the day after Jesus' birthday! Let us not be sad, but move together with You into the last week of the year!

Amen