I FELL OFF MY BIKE

Oh yes, I did.

Wiped out, pancaked, crashed and burned.

Me and asphalt – new friends.

Would you like to hear the painful story?

(If you're saying yes, shame on you!  However, I would also say yes…)


I celebrated my birthday several days ago.

I turned 62.

"The Hub" and I decided it would be fun to go out of town for a couple of days to celebrate.  And, when you’re celebrating, you might do some out-of-the-ordinary things.

One day we went antiquing.  (I am very lucky that my husband enjoys doing this with me!  A birthday gift in itself!)

We had so much fun!

Sometimes we saw things that we remembered our mothers or grandmothers having, sometimes we saw toys from our childhood, sometimes we saw things that reminded us of our high school years.

It was a great day.

We spent over six hours traversing all the stores, perusing and pursuing potential treasure.

The next day I wanted to go on another sort of adventure – I wanted to go on a bike ride – even though my antique-aching legs were protesting.

We don't go bike riding too much.  

For one thing, living in the mountains makes it more difficult.  Nothing is flat, and the hills are steep.  And, I am "incline-challenged."  Anything more than a 0% rise in elevation and I am toast.

So, it's been several months since I hopped on my bicycle seat.

But, where we were planning to ride our bikes was ALL FLAT.

You can go for miles, and that was our plan.


Things went well for quite a long time.

I enjoyed the fresh air, the cool breeze, and the wonderful sights and sounds.

I enjoyed feeling like a kid again…and since it was the eve of my birthday, this was important.

"Ha, ha, 62 years old – take that!"

(Pride cometh before a fall…)

It was just after we had turned around, maybe a good three miles into the journey, that I made a fatal error in judgment.

We re-encountered a small circular area where bikers and skaters and walkers came to a meeting place.

On our way through the first time (on the going-out phase of our trip), I stopped and got off my bike.

"What are you doing?" my husband asked.

I pointed to the sign that said something to the effect, "Bikers must walk their bikes in this area."

"See," I said.  "And I'm a rule-obeyer."

Yes, well, consider that statement foreshadowing.

When we returned to this area, I didn't feel like stopping.  I was feeling pretty cocky about my skills at that point.  Feeling kinda *fit* in spite of my long bike-riding moratorium.

I saw that there were hardly any pedestrians in the circular area.

And, I noticed a little "driveway" next to a parking area where I could quickly ride through without getting off my bike.

So much for rule-obeying.

Thing is, this little driveway had a bit of a lip in it.  Not much – maybe only an inch or so.  But not completely flat.

No worries.

I remembered distinctly that it was important to approach and ride through this type of obstacle head-on.

You see, years and years (and years) ago, my dad and I used to take long bike rides together from our house to his parents' apartment in the next town.  It took about four hours to make the trip.  Which, in my humble opinion, was pretty impressive as I made the journey on my *one speed, me speed* Schwinn!

But, there was this one trip when he attempted to cross some railroad tracks.

A little too parallel, not enough perpendicular…and BOOM!

He crashed.

Things probably would have been OK if he'd been on a mountain bike.  Those big tires would have saved him.  But alas, he had tiny little skinny *racing bicycle* tires...

Enough said.

(For the record, this incident is not to be confused with the time that he fell when traversing a pothole hidden by blowing sand.  Or the time he crashed into a bridge over a small canal at the beach – a place where for years, every time we went over the bridge, my sons would say, "Look!  There's Papa's paint!"  

In my dad's defense, this incident is also not to be confused with the time that he told me to ride really fast to get up a hill, and not to worry about whether he was behind me.  Well, I did, and turned my head to look back.  My handlebars followed my lead.  And no, my dad wasn't behind me – he was beside me.  Yeah, that.

Nor should this incident be confused with the time that my dad had me hop on his handlebars to ride around a bit.  This, after admonishing me to keep my feet up.  Well, my legs grew tired, I dropped my feet, right into the spokes of the front wheel.  Ahem...)


So, lesson learned, right?!

Maybe not.


Fast forward 50 years, and I remembered this incident, but perhaps not completely enough.

I approached the little driveway at about a 45-degree angle, which I (inaccurately) figured was "enough of an angle" to negotiate it just fine.

Nope.

While I did get up and over the lip, it sent my handlebars gyrating in an out-of-control manner, and headed me straight for the curb only a couple of feet away.

"Houston, we have a problem."

In the next nanosecond that passed like an eternity, my mind raced through possible rescue scenarios.

If I turned sharply to the right, I'd avoid the curb – but the turn would have to be very sharp, and I'd crash.

If I applied my brakes, I might avoid the curb – but the stop would have to be instantaneous, and I'd crash.

I distinctly remember my next thought, "I am going to crash.  How badly am I going to get hurt?"

And then I did.

Taking a sudden fall is a weird thing.  

One second you're up, and the next second you're down.

Your brain is like a stunned computer – unable to initially process what just happened.  I had a couple of seconds of preparation, but the moment you find yourself on the ground, something just "does not compute."

I remember looking at the sidewalk – up close and personal.

I remember thinking that "The Hub" was going to be so sad to see me like this.

I remember feeling all the pain, especially my right knee.

I tried to get up, but couldn't move.

And then, my hero was there.

With tears in his eyes he plaintively asked me, "What happened?  Are you all right?"

Well, yes and no.

Thankfully, I knew that I had not hit my head, had not broken any bones, had not sliced anything open, had not knocked out any teeth.

But I knew I was hurt.

My loving husband helped me up, and we slowly – oh, so sloooowly – walked over to a place where I could sit down.

I remember feeling kinda dizzy and very nauseous.

And I remember the pain.

My body – and my injured pride.

That might have been the worst – the knowledge that I had made a mistake, even though I knew better.  That I had chosen not to obey the rules and do the safe thing.  That I could have prevented all of it.

I thought about my dad.

My dad, the one who had given me such sage advice about bikes.

And yet, the one who had a reputation for being accident-prone himself.

I could almost hear him saying, "Sharon, what a knothead."

(Takes one to know one…??)


Well, how does the story end?

I had to ride my bike the three miles back to our car.  I returned to the hotel room, took some ibuprofen and iced my knee.

The next day was my birthday.

And instead of counting candles, I counted all the places that hurt…

"One, two, three…sixty-two…and one to grow on."


What spiritual lessons could I draw from this?

Well, there's the obvious –

Be sober-minded and alert.

Be careful to avoid false pride.

Be obedient to the rules.

But, the other day as I was driving in the car and listening to a local Christian radio station, I heard something that hit me right between the eyes.

They had a man sharing his story.

He said that he always listened to the radio station every day on his way to work.

But on one particular day, he listened and his heart was moved.  He decided to turn his life over to the Lord, not just as his Savior, but as the Lord of his life.

Later that same day, on the job, he fell 26 feet into a pit…landed on his stomach…and lived.

He recounted how several of the workers in the bottom of the pit said that they saw angels soften his fall.

He ended his story with this line:

"Angels kept me from falling as hard as I should have."


I ponder this.

After my fall, I was hurting.  

But I was also grateful.  

Things could have been so much worse.  My injuries could have been terrible.  And though my pride took a blow, in the end, I was still relatively intact.

I wonder now – did God send an angel to protect me?

Years ago I read Frank Peretti's two classic books, "This Present Darkness" and "Piercing the Darkness."

And I vividly remember one scene when a car careens down a mountainside, narrowly missing a head-on collision at one point.  Later we get to see behind-the-scenes, and find out that an angel kept the car from crashing.

A timely angelic shove to safety.

Fiction, yes.

But I wonder…

Could this have happened to me?

Maybe, maybe not.

I have no need or desire to enter into a theological discussion or debate over the individual work of angels in the life of a believer.  I don't know enough to say for sure that we are each assigned our own personal guardian angel.

It matters not, perhaps.

What matters is this – I do believe that sometimes God allows bad things to happen to us, but they are kept from being as bad as they could be.

Think of Job.

Twice God limited the scope of what He allowed Satan to do.

"'All right, you may test him,' the LORD said to Satan.  'Do whatever you want…BUT…'" (Job 1:12, NLT)

"'All right, do with him as you please,' the LORD said to Satan.  'BUT…'" 
(Job 2:6, NLT)


We may never know this side of eternity how many times we are protected in our circumstances.  How many times we are spared, saved, rescued, shielded, preserved, delivered.

How many times the worst-case scenario could be so much worse.

But isn't.

How many times we don't fall as hard as we should.


This is the spiritual lesson that I have drawn from my bike accident.

That God is my Protector, and I thank Him for the many unknown times when He just may have saved me from injury or disaster, from pain and sorrow, from certain death.

He alone knows the times appointed for me.

And nothing happens too early or too late.

Nothing happens outside of His watchful eye.  

Nothing happens beyond what His hand allows.

Nothing happens that is not for my ultimate good.

I have learned another step of faith and trust – which ironically happened when my steps were hindered by the pain of an accident.


God has ways of teaching His most precious lessons.

Thanks, Father, for teaching me…



Do you have a story when God protected you from *something worse*?

Be thankful the photo choice
is this...
It could have been
my knee.


"These bruises make for
better conversation...
Everybody loses, we all got bruises
We all got bruises."

("Bruises" by Train)

"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14, NIV)

"For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.  They will hold you up with their hands…" (Psalm 91:11-12, NLT)

"He will guard the feet of his faithful servants…" (1 Samuel 2:9, NIV)

"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." (Psalm 34:7, NIV)

"In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them.  In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them…" (Isaiah 63:9, NIV)

"'See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you.'" (Exodus 23:20, NLT)

"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13, NIV)

"Having hope will give you courage.  You will be protected and will rest in safety." (Job 11:18, NLT)

"…let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." (Psalm 5:11, NIV)



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, REFLECT LINKUP, US, COFFEE & JESUS, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, UNITE LINKUP, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE  R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, GROWING IN GRACE, WINSOME WEDNESDAY, WISE WOMAN, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, ONE WORD COFFEE, GRACE MOMENTS, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, BLOGGERS SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, GRACE & TRUTH, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, LET US GROW, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

MY BIRTHDAY CAKE IS GONNA EXPLODE

OK, sometime in the next few weeks, I am having a birthday.

Before you stand up and give me a *TA DA* – might I just ask you to take into consideration the number of candles on my birthday cake – (and then, please call the local fire department…)

I am turning 60.

Yup, I'm pretty sure that cake is going to explode.

How on earth did I ever get to be this age??

I can remember when I was in my teens, I would calculate how old I'd be if I lived to see the turn of the millennium.  Ooo, I would utter with googly-wide eyes – I'll be 46.

Sigh, 46 sounds so young right now.

I gotta be honest – 30 didn't really bother me.  And 40 was really OK – not so bad.  Hitting 50 didn't faze me too much.  I was a lot thinner, in much better shape, full of energy, and falling in love with "The Hub."

Turning 55 made me pause.  

That number no longer meant just an advisory speed limit, it represented *turning the corner* for me.  Now I was heading down "the other side" of the slippery slope into those middle-aged years.

What kind of a dumb phrase is that anyway?  Middle-aged?  I'm not liking it on principle alone – because if you look carefully, it has the word "aged" in it.


I'm not sure how I really feel about this milestone birthday.  

Usually I'm a big fan of my birthday.  I'm the sort of person that likes a lot of fanfare, a lot of attention.  Cards and gifts and flowers – bring 'em on!! I actually wouldn't mind telling the server at a restaurant that it was my birthday.  Beyond the free dessert, I like the extra attention.

There's this particular seafood restaurant where my sons live that actually makes you put on some sort of outfit and dance around the room acting silly.  Again, I don't think I'd mind doing that.  I did mention that I like attention, right?!

But, this year, I'm not so sure.

Maybe this year I'd like to crawl into a quiet corner and count wrinkles or pluck chin hairs.  Maybe I'd just like to toast this birthday with a glass of Geritol – (remember that stuff?)

Hey, let me tell you that the father of lies is already starting his party early. He's been whispering a lot lately.  Telling me all sorts of negative stuff.  He's brought to mind my aching joints and sometimes-faulty memory.  He's pointed out the age spots and the sagging jowls and turkey neck.  Oh, and it's been really enjoyable being reminded of all the cute little clothes I can't wear anymore (emphasis on *little*).

And most of all, he's tried to convince me that I am past my prime.  Useless and purposeless.  That my dreams are unattainable now, that my goals will never be achieved, that the Lord will pass me over for more vital disciples.

You know, I've almost bought into it all.

But, with greater age I have also gained some greater wisdom.

And he's full of baloney.


At the end of this post, I am including some wonderful words from Scripture about growing older.  And as I read these verses, I was overcome with a renewed sense of God's message and purpose for me – at just such a time as this!

Here's what I learned:

Growing old represents gaining a crown of glory as we live a righteous life.

Experience brings a certain splendor to us – and we should share it with others.

We have a responsibility to proclaim the Truth about God to future generations.

God never leaves us, and He will carry us along when our bodies and spirits grow tired.

God remains our hope for a future in His presence – an eternity guaranteed by Jesus Christ.


OK, that sounds pretty awesome, doesn't it?!

The Lord loves His people, and perhaps never more than when they start to slow down a bit (or a lot!).  For in our weakness, He can become more. His strength can shine brighter in bodies that are aging – for His Holy Spirit can renew our inner souls until we glow!

As prayer warriors, our achy knees can still storm the gates of Heaven.  We can use every ounce of our abilities to intercede on the behalf of others.

We can strive to live like Jesus.  Sometimes growing older affords us the ability to let go of the false enticements of outer beauty, enabling us to cultivate that inner quiet and gentle spirit that the Lord finds so attractive.

And we can pass on Truth.

I like that idea best of all.

For it truly doesn't matter how many years have flipped over on that calendar called life, I'm still needed for Kingdom work!  In some ways, my testimony and witness to the faithfulness of God holds more weight – for I can tell about decades (!!) of His great love and unchanging character.

This world, and perhaps more than ever, the younger generation, needs to hear about Jesus.  They need to hear from the ranks of gray-haired Christian soldiers.  We have a duty to speak.


And so, my birthday this year comes with a mandate to re-focus on what's important.

And what's important is that I have walked with the Lord for almost 57 years. I have stories to tell, and I have a Savior to share.

I still have purpose – and I am still needed.

Oh Lord, may You empower me to do the things that You purposed for me since before the time of creation.  May You grant me the wisdom of experience, and the opportunity to counsel others with the Truth I know about You.  May others see in me the many years that You have walked with me and shaped me.  May I never forget to tell others about Your faithfulness, and the mighty wonders You have done in my life.  May I reflect You more clearly, and glow from within.  May I serve You ever more faithfully.

Oh, and one more thing…

Could you maybe give me enough breath to blow out all those candles???

Put another candle on my birthday cake,
I'm another year old... 

"Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life." 
(Proverbs 16:31, ESV)

"The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old." (Proverbs 20:29, NLT)

"I will be your God throughout your lifetime--until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you.  I will carry you along and save you." (Isaiah 46:4, NLT)

"O Lord, you alone are my hope.
I've trusted you, O LORD, from childhood.
Yes, you have been with me from birth;
from my mother's womb you have cared for me.
No wonder I am always praising you!
My life is an example to many,
because you have been my strength and protection.
That is why I can never stop praising you;
I declare your glory all day long.
And now, in my old age, don't set me aside.
Don't abandon me when my strength is failing…
God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood,
and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.
Now that I am old and gray,
do not abandon me, O God.
Let me proclaim your power to this new generation,
your mighty miracles to all who come after me."

(From Psalm 71, NLT)


"So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong." (Hebrews 12:12-13, NLT)

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8, NIV)



Are you *buying the lie* and thinking you're "over the hill"?  Or will you grab on to God's purposes for some much-needed gray-haired warriors to serve in His Kingdom?!



(True confession: My gray hairs are dyed, but I still think I'm wearing a crown!!)


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD
Jen at UNITE
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Jen at SOLI DEO GLORIA
Kathy at TITUS 2 TUESDAYS
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS
Beth at THREE WORD WEDNESDAY
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Kasey at WALKING REDEEMED
Lyli at THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAYS
Crystal at THRIVING THURSDAY
Julie at FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS
Bonnie at FAITH BARISTA JAM
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Birthday

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!


Today's word: birthday

Do you like or dislike your birthday?  Why?

What would you love to do for a perfect birthday celebration?

Do you remember your *second* birthday, when you were born again?

If you feel like it, I would love to hear your story!


(The word this week was inspired by my youngest son's 26th birthday.  How did that happen?  I'm only 29...ahem, times two!)  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Son!  


Let me know what you think!!


"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY...AGAIN??

OK, I had a birthday last month.

I'm not gonna tell you how old I am now - but it rhymes with *fifty-eight*...

I celebrated with some local firefighters who responded to the smoke alarms set off by the candles on my birthday cake.  They were quite nice - they stopped counting at 30...

Seriously, I cannot believe that I have reached this rather stunning age.

(I picked the word *stunning* because it was the adjective LEAST likely to describe how I feel at this ripe ol' age!)

Usually I like my birthday - not so much the AGE - but the fact that on that one day I like to feel kinda special.  Like I'm someone important.  Just for one day...

But this year, I just felt old.

I had a grand old pity party - treated myself to some Misery Cake, with a scoop of Poor Me Ice Cream, a mug of Pout Soda, and followed it all up with a gift of "Waa Waa Waa."

I don't know why it hit me so hard this year.

Maybe it's 60 looming??

The funny thing is this - I really admire older ladies.  There are a few in my Bible Study who are in their 70's.  I've spent quite a bit of time around even older ladies - in their 80's and 90's.  The thing is this - I am very attracted to their inside stuff.

The part of them that just glows with the presence of the Holy Spirit.

I love being with them - I guess I'm just not ready to BE one of them.

So, God and I had to have a little *pow-wow* this year about my lousy attitude.

He helped me come to terms with some rather powerful stuff.


HE planned my birth.


HE planned my life - every single moment of it - before I was born.


HE has wakened me up every single day of the last 58 years for a reason.


HE has a purpose for me to fulfill while I am alive.


HE has a place for me after I die.


HE thinks I'm special because I am made in His image.


HE likes the parts of me that resemble His Son. 


HE is more attracted to my inside stuff than my outward appearance.


And HE thinks I am special - someone very important.


Yup, quite a reality check, huh?!

It's all so human to get caught up in the numbers - the creeping onset of old(er) age.  The way it's changing us, making so many things more difficult - walking, sleeping, thinking, remembering.  We ache with pains we haven't had before.  We have to manage *health issues* that aren't talked about Glamour magazine.

We are no longer candidates for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue - (just to set the record straight, I was NEVER a candidate for that...)

It's all so human to worry about temporal stuff, isn't it?

So, this year, this birthday, I have to battle against my natural tendencies. I have to battle against my self-focus.  I have to battle against worrying about the calendar.  I have to battle against...well, against me.

Again, my birthday tempted me to focus on the unimportant - the temporals, as I like to call them.

But this year, God is asking me to focus on the eternals.

The truth of how He feels about me - and what His purposes are for my life.

The truth of these eternal facts...

God created ME - and He died for ME - and He loves ME...He calls ME friend.

May God give me a grace this year that begins to fill my spirit with His gentleness, His kindness, His mercy.

May God grant me the wisdom and discernment that comes from life's experiences.

May God begin to grow me into one of those older women that I so admire.

And most of all, when I look into the mirror this year, may I resemble Him more and more...

May I just glow with the presence of the Holy Spirit!


Do you like birthdays or not?


(SIDENOTE: I am being driven to distraction with the new Blogger changes. Please forgive the appearance of my posts lately.  Evidently, the Blogger gremlin is automatically changing the formatting of my posts.  My double-spacing is magically changing into triple-spacing sometimes, and sentences are arbitrarily indenting themselves against my will.  Doesn't Blogger realize that OLD ladies DO NOT LIKE CHANGE?!)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIRTHDAYS - OH DEAR!

Keep the fire extinguishers handy.

Turn off the smoke alarms.

Yup, this month I had a birthday!

There were...um...*MANY* candles on my birthday cake!

I've been blessed in my life so far – God has been good to me. And I'm very grateful that He saved me at a young age. It's been an interesting faith journey – God and I.

We've walked a convoluted path – sometimes I've wandered, sometimes I've gotten lost. Sometimes we've traveled many miles – sometimes we've just had to stay in one place for a long time. Sometimes the Lord has had to wait for me to catch up – sometimes He's had to wait for me to come back to Him.

There have been valleys and wilderness times. There have been green meadows and peaceful streams. And yes, there's even been some mountaintops.

But always, always – He's been there. Every step of the way.

So...I ponder.

What's it like at this point in my life?

You know, when we're young, we've got the world by the tail. We feel invincible, unstoppable. There doesn't seem to be anything we can't do. We're fresh and idealistic – and yes, sometimes a bit naïve.

We have the greatest and most glorious plans.

But, sadly, most of them do not pan out.

When we reach our middle years, we often wonder how we got where we are. We're wearied and realistic – and yes, sometimes a bit cynical.

Many of us hit middle age a bit disillusioned.

So here's my question – have we focused on what's really important?

We may be older – but are we wiser?

When we're young, it's easy to rush from one goal to another – tyrannized by the urgent. We sometimes forget to enjoy life while frantically pursuing it.

At some point, we stop and realize a few things.

We can't always trust our finances.

We can't always trust our health.

We can't always trust our friends.

We can't always trust ourselves.

Where do we turn?

We turn toward Another. We turn toward a Consultant. We turn to the LORD'S counsel.

We need His direction. We need Him.

So, this is what it's like at this point in my life.

I am searching for God – intensely, determinedly, purposefully, single-mindedly. I have come to the realization that there's nothing else that's more important.

I search His Word and find that some of the things that seemed so important at another time in my life – aren't. And some things that I might have deemed trivial are vital in God's view.

Money, prestige, power, possessions – measuring sticks of our culture.

God shakes His head at our compulsive and fruitless pursuit of these things.

They're not wrong – they're just not central.

So, at this point in my life – I'm going back to the basics. I want to discover God's purposes. I want to pursue them with my whole heart. I want my plans to follow His leading…

I want Him.

"Sharon, is it really just Me?"

"Yes, Lord – it really is."

"You can make many plans, but the LORD'S purpose will prevail."

(Proverbs 19:21)

"You must be careful to obey all the commands of the LORD your God, following his instructions in every detail. Stay on the path that the LORD you God has commanded you to follow." (Deuteronomy 5:32-33)

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the LORD. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope…If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,' says the LORD." (Jeremiah 29:11, 13)

"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, find. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7)

"'And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.'" (Mark 12:30)

(Thoughts based on devotional from "The One Year Daily Insights with Zig Ziglar" c. 2009)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

A FUN BIRTHDAY QUIZ

Today is my oldest son’s birthday.

He’s turning 28.

Which is quite a feat when you consider the fact that I am only 29…

He’s a great guy. Both of my sons are. (I guess it just goes to show you that even feral mothers are able to raise decent human beings…)

And so, in honor of both of my sons, and my joy at their presence in my life, I wanted to have some fun today.

So, I’ve got a quiz for you.

Here’s a list of some of my favorite "MOM memories" – try to guess

which son each question applies to – youngest or oldest. (IF you want to, you can leave your answers in the comments section, put #1 for my oldest, or #2 for my youngest – I’ll respond back with the answers. Or, you can just read along – but c’mon, you know you really want to play…)

1) This SON recently bought a kayak – for OCEAN kayaking, mind you.

2) This SON’S favorite "cuddly" thing was one of those cosmetic sponges.

3) This SON took a 14,000 mile road trip all around the U.S. with his college roommate – hitting ALL 48 contiguous states – in a month.

4) This SON is nick-named "The Internet Ferret" because he can find ANYTHING on ANY subject on his computer.

5) This SON still drives the same car he had in high school - he calls it

"The White Zombie."

6) This SON used to "sculpt" his food at Sizzler’s restaurant – using mashed potatoes as a base.

7) This SON, after crawling for months, suddenly stood up one day and starting walking – no, not ATTEMPT to walk – just WALK, like he’d been doing it all his life.

8) This SON hates condiments – of all kinds – but especially mayonnaise (Sidenote: Other son loves to squirt entire ketchup packets into his mouth just to BOTHER this son.)

9) This SON is a sports FANATIC, and has played soccer, basketball, roller and ice hockey!

10) This SON once played the clarinet – because he thought the "mandatory" violin requirement in school was just too boring.

11) This SON used to collect tigers – of every shape and size.

12) This SON used to get up at 3:00 or 4:00 AM in high school to do his homework so he could "have the night off for what I WANT to do!"

13) This SON was standing stark naked in the front yard when I came home from the market one day, because after all, MOM, "Bugs Bunny doesn’t wear clothes…" (Sidenote: This was quickly followed up by, "Where’s your father???")

14) This SON used to have a "bowl-cut" (thoughtfully provided by Mom) and wore Hawaiian shirts – and was nicknamed "Thomas Magnum" for a while. He also did a mean rendition of "You Belong to the City" ala Miami Vice.

OK, here’s a bonus question for extra credit:

Which mom is SO proud of her sons she could just pop, and loves them EVEN MORE today than when they were born?

If you’ve got children, ask God today to take care of them. Ask God to guide them and direct them on His pathways. Pray for their wisdom in these crazy times.

Tell them today how much they mean to you – tell them you love them.

And if you don’t have children of your own – tell a kid in your family (maybe a niece or nephew), or in your classroom, or at the market, or anywhere – just tell a kid that you notice them, and that God loves them.

They need to know that – it’s a tough world out there…

BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”

MARTY’S NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

MARTY’S NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

1. Do not chew the couch cushion.

2. Do not chew the couch cushion.

3. OK, do not eat the stuffing after chewing the couch cushion.

4. Do not hog the recliner.

5. Do not steal socks.

6. Do not run away after stealing socks.

7. Learn how to CHEW the string cheese – not swallow it in large chunks
even though it’s my favorite food in the entire world.

8. Do not mess up the blankets to make a “tent” to sleep in.

9. Do not lick my fur for such a long time that I gag.

10. Do not bite my fingernails – (I didn’t used to do this until I joined this
infamous family of nail-biters…)

11. Perfect the “pound puppy” look – it works every time.

12. Try just a little harder to conceal my zeal for treats.

13. Do not place my cold nose on unsuspecting necks of dozing people.

14. Do not jump up on furniture and show off my “mountain goat” imitation.

15. Do not speak when asked to speak – just “Harumph” – or is it the other
way around? Hmmm…

16. Resist the urge to “dog paddle” when I am carried in the rain. (This
“instinct” thing drives me crazy…)

17. Avoid the dreaded black poodle.

18. Try to decide on ONE tree to do my “morning constitution” – and make it
the SAME tree every day.

19. Ignore #18 – (that instinct thing again)

20. Try to stop snoring – even though my people are worse.

21. Try to sleep in just once in a while, like to 7:30 AM.

22. Try to stay up just once in a while, like to 7:30 PM.

23. Ignore #21 and 22 – it’s a dog’s life, and I love to sleep!

24. Do not place my paws on people unless asked.

25. Do not jump on people unless asked.

26. Do not lick people unless asked.

27. OK, put paws on people, jump on people, lick people – ask for forgiveness
instead of permission – easier that way. (Note to self: See #11 - "pound

puppy" look)

28. Remember that there is a body attached to my nose...(we hounds tend to
forget that)

29. Be cute.

30. Be Marty.

31. Do not chew the couch cushion.

Love my people even more than I already do…(I think that’s impossible!)

Love God the most!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to my four-legged, and two-legged, friends out there!

(P.S. Today is my BIRTHDAY! I am 4! I hope I get some cake...if not, I'm

re-considering #1, #2, and #31!!)

BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

THE PREDICTION

Yet a ruler…will come.

And He will stand to lead His flock with the LORD’S strength, in the majesty of the name of His God.

He will be highly honored around the world.

And He will be the source of peace.

(From Micah 5)

For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.

The government will rest on His shoulders.

And He will be called:

Wonderful

Counselor

Mighty God

Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace.

His government and its peace will never end.

(From Isaiah 9)

THE FULFILLMENT

Look!

The virgin will conceive a child!

She will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means "God is with us."

(From Matthew 1)

"Don’t be afraid, Mary…for you have found favor with God!

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.

He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High.

And He will reign…forever; His Kingdom will never end!"

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.

She gave birth to her first child, a son.

Glory to God in highest heaven,

And peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.

(From Luke 1 and 2)

So the Word became human and made His home among us.

He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.

And we have seen His glory.

(From John 1)

THE ANTICIPATION

Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory.

And He will send out his angels to gather His chosen ones from all over the world – from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

(From Mark 13)

For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God.

Then we will be with the Lord forever.

(From 1 Thessalonians 4)

I am coming soon.

Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.

(From Revelation 3)

Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

(From Revelation 22)

THE CULMINATION

Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!

And He who sits on the throne will give them shelter.

They will never again be hungry or thirsty.

For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd.

He will lead them to springs of life-giving water.

And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.

(From Revelation 7)

Praise the name of the Lord!

Praise Him, you who serve the Lord.

Praise the Lord, for He is good.

Your name, O Lord, endures forever!

(From Psalm 135)

AMEN! Come, Lord Jesus!

May the wonder of a starlit night,

The power of our Savior’s might,

The glories of His merciful love,

Bring blessings to you from above.

Wishing each of you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”

IN A MANGER THAT DAY

IN A MANGER THAT DAY

The hands

that made the universe

were born –

In a manger

that day.

The eyes

that had seen

the edge of eternity

stared,

unfocused,

at an unfamiliar world –

The great voice

that thundered “I AM”

to generations past,

and made the foundations

of the world

quake,

cried out,

hungry,

totally dependent

on the dust

He had made –

In a manger

that day.

It was a miracle

of humility,

A wonder

too wonderful

to understand.

A moment

that made heaven

stand still…

The angels

looked down

on the Master

who knew them by name,

As He lay helpless,

unable to speak

or walk…

A baby.

And yet

the devil and his demons

trembled

in fright,

as their judgment

lay quietly –

In a manger

that day.

Most of the earth

woke up

that morning,

None the wiser

that Wisdom

had been born –

For who could comprehend

that the Eternal One

had entered time

and space –

In a manger

that day.

A moment

of joy

of awesome

Marvel…

Shepherds came

and wise men too,

Knowing something

but yet

not knowing yet,

that their Creator

was now with them

right there –

In a manger

that day.

As the bright

and

beautiful

Star in the sky

shone down

on the face of Love,

The shape

of a cross

lingered

in the shadows

A dark day

coming –

In a manger

that day.

And yet,

a triumph

had also

arrived…

The desperate

condition

of mankind

was given

Hope,

The chasm

that had separated

God

from His creatures

was bridged,

And every person

who had ever been

Or

would ever be,

was given the chance

to be rescued

and saved –

For it only

takes

an open heart,

a moment of belief

to see

with the eyes of faith,

that God

came for you –

In a manger

that day.

© Sharon Kirby

December 24, 2007

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

CHRISTMAS SONGS

It came upon a midnight clear…

A beautiful, cloudless, starlit night –

Angels we have heard on high…

What’s that? Can you hear it? It sounds like heavenly music –

Hark, the herald angels sing…

It IS music – it’s a heavenly choir! Oh my heart, be still. What are they saying?

O holy night. O little town of Bethlehem. Away in a manger, round yon virgin mother and child…

Oh, look! A young mother who has just given birth to her first child. And it’s – it’s a boy!

What child is this…

She and her husband have called him Emmanuel – God with us. His name is Jesus –

For unto us a child is born…

Oh my, this is THE CHILD. The One prophesied from centuries ago. This is HIM – the Messiah!

Holy infant, so tender and mild…

Look at His sweet baby face. His tiny hands and feet, His soft cheeks, His precious mouth, His shining eyes –

I have no gift to bring…

I have nothing – I am poor, lowly in spirit. But He should have something from me – there must be something I can give Him.

O come, all ye faithful. Joyful and triumphant…

Yes! I can give Him my heart! I can be faithful and joyful. He is bringing my victory!

Joy to the world. The Lord is come...

The Lord of lords and King of kings has come to earth! He has brought Light to the darkness, and Life to the dying! He has brought redemption –

Oh come, let us adore Him!

Oh Lord Jesus, how I adore You. Thank you for loving me before the world began. Thank you for coming to earth, to live as one of us. Thank you for understanding what it means to be human. Thank you for dying, for sacrificing Your life – for me. Thank you, Lord – for everything –

O Holy Night...

"And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."

BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”

HAPPY HALF-BIRTHDAY

OK, I know you're asking...what is a half-birthday?!

Well, it's exactly that - the day of the year that is exactly 6 months after your birthday (or before your next birthday if you're one of those "glass half-full" types!) And today is my oldest son's "half-birthday!" Today he is halfway between 27 and 28 years old. I don't know how he achieved that milestone, because his mother is too young to have a child that age! HA!!

We started this little "tradition" in our family a long time ago - I'm not really sure how it evolved. I guess it just sorta came up - it became another chance to celebrate someone.

My son is a special person.

I have had the privilege of being his mom, and enjoy the honor of being his friend. He is everything a mother could hope for - someone to be proud of, someone to treasure. He has brought me more joy than I could ever express! He is funny, intelligent, creative, thoughtful, loyal, genuine - he's a real "people person." And he loves the Lord! What more could a mom ask for?

So, "Happy Half-Birthday, Blake!" I LOVE YOU DEARLY!

Birthdays are important days, aren't they? I think they're great. Some people don't like them because it reminds them that they are getting older. But I tend to think of my age as a "medal" - I am proud of reaching another year! And I like to be treated special on that day! I know, the world didn't drastically change on that day in 1954 - but my parents' world did! I venture to say that there was NO OTHER NEWS that compared to my arrival. I don't say this in an egotistical way - I just know what it feels like to have a child! Earth-moving!

You know, someone else celebrated the day I was born. God did!

He had planned my birthday.

"You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." (Psalm 139:15-16)

What a glorious thought! The Creator of the very universe watched as I WAS BEING BORN! He did the same for EACH one of you! You are special to Him - He loves you beyond understanding, beyond comprehension.

How do I know this?

Because He sent His Son to die for us - just so He would never have to be separated from us again.

"For God loved [insert your name here] so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

There's only one thing we have to do to make this possible. We have to have another birthday.

WHAT?!?!

Yes, we have to be born again.

How to do this? It's simple - God paid the cost for our sin. He sent His Son to die for us on the cross. And then He raised Jesus from the dead, conquering sin and death once and for all. All we have to do is believe that He sent His Son to die for us, confess our sins to Him, ask for His forgiveness, and invite Him into our hearts as Lord of our lives.

I've done this - have you?

If you haven't, I would encourage you to do this today, this moment. God is right here, waiting to save you, to give you the gift of His eternal life.

"...if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness." (1 John 1:9)

So...on the occasion of my son's "half-birthday," let's all celebrate our other "birthday" - the day we were born again into the Kingdom of God, the day we became His children!!

P.S. My other son is pretty terrific, too!!

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"