ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?

The county fair.

I love going to the county fair!

A couple of weeks ago, my youngest son and his wife were planning to go, and since I was in town, they kindly asked me to accompany them!  I hadn't been in quite a long time, so I was quite excited about it!

For one thing, I knew I was going to able to do something about my recent fixation on corn dogs!

Did I indulge, you ask?

Oh yes, and instead of wasting my time eating two of them, I ordered a foot-long one, and it was delicious!

(Sidenote: I'm particular about my corn dog condiments – the ketchup and mustard must lie next to each other like a yin/yang symbol – therefore ensuring that I will have a bit of both in each bite!)

I also ate part of my son's dessert choice – a half brownie/half chocolate chip cookie concoction. 

It was not a night to count calories, my friends!


After eating, we wandered around, just looking at the sights, and taking in the smells!  

And then I finally bought some tickets for games.  

Yeah, we played a couple of games, even though I know how *rigged* they are.

(Does anyone know why you always see several people with those huge stuffed animals?  How do they do it?  I figure that those prizes probably cost someone a lot of $$$!)

And speaking of rigged, those carnival game people are smart.

The tickets were sold in blocks of 5 or 10 – but all games were played for either 6 or 7 or 12 tickets.  So, at some point, you'd either be left with unused tickets, or forced to pay for more.  (Clever, clever…)

I digress.


As we walked, I looked at the rides, and it didn't take much to know that I would not be going on any of them!

No one, and most certainly not me, was interested in seeing corn dog or brownie/cookie again – as my inner ear doesn't do well with any sort of challenging movement!

However, little did I know that my son and daughter-in-law had some plans.

There was one ride they wanted to go on – and they wanted me to go, too.

The Giant Slide!

They mentioned their plans as we approached…

Well, I looked at that towering monster of undulating lanes, as I tried to focus on the "ants" at the top (people?), and inhaled deeply.

"I don't know, it looks kinda scary," I said hesitantly.

They convinced me that that was half the fun.

So, I climbed that tower with them, laid down my (flimsy) little sliding mat, and pushed off.  There was absolutely nothing to hold on to!  I prayed that I'd be able to continue to sit upright the whole ride down!

I did, but it was super fast!  

I yelled laughed until I reached the bottom!  

In retrospect, I'm so glad that they urged (forced) me to do this ride with them.  I think they had more fun because I did it.

And you know what?

I was rather proud of myself for doing it!!  

Take that, 62 years old…


We finished the evening by looking at some exhibits, visiting the animals, and admiring the vegetable gardens.

But the highlight was the thrill of that slide ride.

You know the feeling – that curious mix of great fun and sheer terror – when you want to scream and laugh at the same time.

It's like…

Going to college.

Getting married.

Starting a new job.

Moving to a new location.

Having a baby.

Yeah, like that.


When the evening was done, and I got ready for bed, I pulled out the ticket that I had bought for the evening.  And as I looked at what was printed on it, I chuckled softly to myself:

THIS IS YOUR FUNCARD.

Yes, permission granted to have a great time!


I've thought about that.

Sometimes I think my serious, pondering nature makes it harder to have fun.  And sometimes, it's almost like I don't allow myself to let go of my problems.

Yes, life is tough.

It can be a great big slide – full of ups and downs and frightening speeds – and sometimes there's not much to hold on to.

Sometimes life itself is just sheer terror and unmitigated joy, all mixed together.

And sometimes that feeling happens in our faith journey, too.

Like when we are asked to take a leap of faith with the Lord!

When He calls us to something bigger than we can handle.

Or when He ends one thing even though we see no new thing on the horizon.

Or when He asks for greater patience, or greater endurance, or greater trust.


Frankly, I find the life of discipleship to be a little dizzying sometimes, and the way the Lord moves challenges me!

Yes, my greatest challenge is to not let fear keep me from His plans.

But when I get afraid, or dismayed, or unsure, or discouraged, I remember a certain day in time…

A day when an empty tomb was discovered.

For most people, it was a moment of sheer terror and unmitigated joy.

Especially for those who had followed Jesus most closely.

I wonder at their thoughts…


Can it be true?

What if it is true?

Will we see Him?

If we see Him, will He be angry with us?

What will He say?

What will we say to Him?

What's going to happen now?


Yes, a giant slide of emotions and thoughts must have swept through their ranks, stirring their hearts in a jumble of conflicting reactions.

And yet, we know how the story ends.

It was true.

They saw Him.

He wasn't angry.

He told them a lot, and gave them a job to do.

They responded in faith.

And the world changed.


I don't think it's much different for each one of us when we accept His gift of salvation.

Something fundamental changes about our lives in that moment.

Why?

Because I think it is the moment when Jesus hands us the ticket to abundant life.

THIS IS YOUR FUNCARD.


So, how will we respond in the aftermath of our salvation?

Will we climb the heights, even though we're afraid?

Will we weather the ups and downs, even when there's not much to hold on to?

Will we follow even though the end is far off in the distance?

Will we laugh and cry and yell?

Most certainly.

Because the life of discipleship is crazy – crazy scary, and crazy good.


But I will take the challenge.


Punch my funcard, Lord.

I'm along for the ride…



What do you think about the life of discipleship?

Life is a roller coaster,
up and down,
Full of twists and turns,
and then, a crown. 

"'I am the LORD your God, who teaches you how to succeed, who leads you in the way you should go.'" (Isaiah 48:17, NET Bible)

"…whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it…they will be blessed in what they do." (James 1:25, NIV)

"For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart." (Ecclesiastes 5:20, NASB)

"Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever." (Psalm 23:6, NLT)

"For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved in His life!" (Romans 5:10, Berean Bible)

"Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him…" (Hebrews 7:25, ESV)

"In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men." (John 1:4, AMP)

"And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son." (1 John 5:11, ESV)

"This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him.  And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life." 
(1 John 1:2, NLT)

"'I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.'" (John 10:10, ESV)

"'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'" (John 14:6, NLT)

"'I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" (John 8:12, NIV)

"'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.'" 
(John 11:25-26, NASB)

"'I give them eternal life…'" (John 10:28, NLT)

Linked with:

SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, 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, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, MOMENTS OF HOPE, GLIMPSES LINKUP, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, WISE WOMAN, TELL HIS STORY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, CHRISTIAN BLOGGER COMMUNITY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, FROM MESSES TO MESSAGES, THE LOFT LINKUP, GRACE MOMENTS, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, 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, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, BLOGGERS SPOTLIGHT PARTY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, FRIDAY FEATURE PARTY, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, TGI SATURDAYS, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

A CROWN FOR CHRISTMAS

It's not what you think.

Well, it will be…eventually.

But first, an entertaining little story about my teeth!!

So, earlier this year, I noticed that something was *weird* with one of my back molars.  I was having all sorts of trouble keeping it clean, and flossing it – (You know what flossing is, right?  That thing that you do a week before getting your teeth cleaned??) – flossing was becoming a futile chore.

That's when I noticed that part of an old filling, and a goodly portion of the tooth, had chipped off.

Oh phooey.

(Can't imagine why a 50+ year-old filling was so weak…ahem).

Well, at my next teeth cleaning in June, I mentioned it to my hygienist.

She said, "Well, let's clean your teeth, and then I'll have the dentist look at it."

OK.

Said dentist then came in, and in utter horror, informed me that the gums surrounding this tooth, and his backyard molar neighbor, were in serious need of repair.

"Lucky for you, we now have a periodontist in the office every other Thursday, and he's here today."

Yes, lucky me.

Well, this guy opened my mouth and uttered another expression of horror, and dropped the hatchet of verdict – (that's what I like to call it).

I needed gum surgery.

"Oh, and by the way, there's decay in that tooth, too."

Double-lucky me.


Well, I had the gum surgery in July.

And healed for the next six weeks. 

And put the cavity/filling on the back burner.

After all, the tooth wasn't bothering me.

Fast forward…

Remembering that my dentist was retiring at the end of this year, I called and made an appointment to take care of this.

It was about six weeks off.

I figured that would be fine.  The tooth still wasn't bothering me, and there were countless other things going on that I thought took precedence over a stupid filling.

Uh, yeah.

You know how this story goes…

The tooth started bothering me.

A little bit – and then A. LOT.

And so I lumbered through the remaining three weeks until my appointment.

I went in last Wednesday, now eagerly (??) looking forward to having this dumb molar taken care of…

If wishes were pennies, I'd be a rich girl.

They took x-rays so my dentist would have an accurate idea of where the decay was, and how he was going to proceed.

That's when I was informed that the tooth had *exploded* in the last six months, and he couldn't fill it, and he was going to try to pull some strings and get me into an endodontist for an emergency root canal.

Say what???

He showed me the x-ray, and almost the entire tooth was now consumed with decay.

No wonder it was bothering me.

Well, to cut to the chase, the endodontist was kind enough to stay extra hours to fit me in.  At 5:30 that evening, after close to two hours in the chair, I walked out into the cold evening and muttered to myself…

"What just happened?"

It's kinda good that it happened this way so I didn't have to fret and worry about it ahead of time.  I am not a dental hero, I've never had a root canal, and needles frighten me.  So, having less time to ponder was probably a good thing.

But, we're not done yet.

Next week I have to go in to get my first crown.

And, oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I'm still going to the same dental office that I've been going to for years – you know, the one that's 2 ½ hours away from our mountain town – so now each visit requires five hours of traveling time.

Yeah, that office.

Sigh.


All I can say is that I'm humming my own version of that classic cute song, "All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth."  My version goes like this:

All I want for Christmas
Is one really good crown
A lovely crown
A beautifully functioning crown
Gee, I if I could only have a totally repaired tooth
Then I could wish you Merry Christmas…

CODA:
Except I won't be able
To buy you a gift
For my bank account is empty now, ow...
Yes, my bank account is empty now.
Tra la.


Yup, my version isn't nearly as cute and endearing.

But as I was driving back up the mountain the other day, the Lord revealed to me three things that were true about my root canal and upcoming crown procedure – and how they parallel Christ's arrival upon the earth.

And yes, there's a Christmas devotional in it all.


1) It was unexpected

When I walked into the dentist's office that afternoon at 2 PM, I was expecting an easy, straightforward *drilling & filling* experience.  I was prepared for a short visit, but what I got was an odyssey.

In similar fashion, the arrival of the Messiah didn't happen like expected.

The Jewish people had been looking for a Messiah for hundreds and hundreds of years.  He had been talked about, wondered about – anticipated, sought, and longed for.

Of course, they were expecting a vanquishing King, a mighty Deliverer.

Someone who would swoop into their world and rescue them in overpowering fashion…quickly.

Perhaps he would be a rebel, a revolutionary, a righteous warrior.

A whirlwind.

What they got was a whisper.

A baby.

Unexpected…


2) It was expensive

Any of you who have had gum surgery, or a root canal, or a crown know that all of these procedures are very expensive.  And, adding the expense of my tooth travails to the already hefty costs of all the other medical stuff we've had this year, well, let's just say that it's been taxing on the budget.

Yeah, our Christmas gifts to each other might involve just paying bills…

In like manner, the coming of Christ was expensive, a costly venture that would eventually require the greatest payment of all…

A life.

People were counting on a quick fix, an *in-and-out-and-Israel-is-restored* kind of Messiah.  They would never have guessed that delivering them would cost him his very life.

And certainly not in the way it happened.

On a cross.

Gone was their vision of the hero, the strong and powerful King.

What they got was a beat-up, mangled, bloodied, humiliated, weak, taunted and rejected and abandoned man.

They did not understand that this man was also God.

Yes, the coming of Christ was expensive, for it cost Him so much…

Willingly giving up His place of honor in Heaven, emptying himself of His God-ness, relinquishing His power and majesty, He deigned to become a cell, an embryo, a fetus, a baby.

Helpless and completely reliant on His earthly parents to preserve and nurture His life.

Just so He could one day give it up.

Expensive…


3) It was necessary

Tiny pockets of decay can be fixed with a simple filling.

But decay that has completely invaded and consumed a tooth requires drastic measures.  For if the problem is not remedied, the poison could invade the bloodstream and multiply in rampant fashion.

An out-of-control situation that could one day become fatal.

As much as I tried to stall my treatment, as much as I wanted the *simple fix,* in the end my dental problem required extensive and necessary work.

Why?

Because it was the only way to bring healing.

Is this not the perfect metaphor for sin?

We might look at sin as a minor pocket of decay.  Causing a little aggravation sometimes, occasionally a moment of pain – but easily taken care of with minor correction.

God saw it different.

He saw a pervasive, virulent, poisonous corruption of the very essence of man.

He knew that it was going to require something painful to restore His beloved children to spiritual health, to give them eternal life.

And because of His love, He did what was necessary.

He gave His only begotten Son.

And Jesus willingly gave Himself, and chose to die.

Alas, sometimes the cure requires more brokenness, more agony, more suffering, more misery.

But Jesus did what He did because it's what had to be done to keep sin from killing us.

He literally saved our lives.

Necessary…


So, yes, I've been on a dental odyssey lately.  

And when the title for this blog post came to my mind – "A Crown for Christmas" – I was only thinking about the upcoming "awesome" gift of a new crown for my pesky molar.

But then I got thinking about the King, about Jesus –

About how He laid aside His glorious crown in exchange for a crown of thorns.

About how the whole mission of salvation was unexpected, expensive, and necessary.

I got pondering...

He deserves a crown, but He gave it up…

We do not, but He gave us one anyway…

A crown of life.

An awesome gift!

Oh joy!

Forever live the King!!



MERRY CHRISTMAS, ONE AND ALL!!

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down...
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.

"Don't be afraid...Look, your King is coming…" (John 12:15, NLT)

"Because God's children are human beings – made of flesh and blood – the Son also became flesh and blood.  For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death." (Hebrews 2:14, NLT)

"Now Jesus was standing before Pilate, the Roman governor.  'Are you the king of the Jews?' the governor asked him.  Jesus replied, 'You have said it.'" (Matthew 27:11, NLT)

"The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head."  
(John 19:2, NIV)

"…Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.   Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord..." (Philippians 2:5-11, AMP)

"They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." (Revelation 17:14, NIV)

"And behold, on the clouds of heaven one like a Son of Man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him.  And to Him (the Messiah) was given dominion (supreme authority), glory and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and speakers of every language should serve and worship Him.  His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed." 
(Daniel 7:13-14, AMP)

"'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.'" (Hebrews 1:8, ESV)

"And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.  His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself.  He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.  And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses.  From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.  And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, 'KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.'" (Revelation 19:11-16, NASB)

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, NIV)



This Christmas let's celebrate our Lord Jesus' journey – cradle, cross, crown – and thank Him for giving us the gift of eternal life!!



Linked with:

MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, WISE WOMAN, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, WEEKEND WHISPERS, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY




BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

MARTY THE BEAGLE TALKS TO GOD

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

I ate too much, talked non-stop, had so much fun, and didn't get nearly enough sleep!

But hey, isn't that what the holidays are for?!

Unfortunately, I am also a bit brain-dead...

So I'm re-posting something written a few years ago.  I think it's timely, as it talks about being thankful.  

Grateful.

Appreciative for the things we have, and for who we are.

It's a letter to God from my grandbeagle, Marty.

Who is one of the most appreciative creatures I know...



Dear Mr. God,

This is me, Marty the Beagle.

I just have something to say to You…OK?

I think You are a pretty cool guy! 

I know that You made me, and You take care of me. 

Thanks for that.

But I have a few questions.

How come people go around not wagging their tails? 

I mean, I'm happy every day.  It doesn't matter to me if it's raining or if it's sunny.  I just like being alive.  I've got water and food and toys and people to love me.

And I've got You.

So, I'm good.  What else do I need?

But people – it's like they don't even know You're up there.

They walk around with their faces all scrunched up with worried looks. 

They like this green stuff, they call it money, really a lot.  I don't get it.  It just looks like green paper to me (if I had the chance, I'd eat it just like I do the newspaper!) 

Why do they care about it so much?

They're always rushing around in these machines with tires on them.  Don't they know that you can see so much more with your nose to the ground? Sometimes I hear one of them say, "Take time to stop and smell the roses."  I do that every day (along with all the other things I smell – I am a hound, after all!) 

Why are they always in such a hurry?

Then they wear all these fancy things called "clothes."  I know that their *people rules* include putting this stuff on.  But I think they've forgotten their fur.  You know, the particular colors that make them who they are.  I've got three colors on me.  Brown, black, and white.  I think I look pretty awesome, because that's how You made me.

Why don't they appreciate how You made them?


Just one more thing…cause I know You're busy.

I like my life.

I like it because You gave it to me, and You're with me every day.

I appreciate a bowl of water, a good feast of kibble, a lengthy nap, a cuddle with my people, a soft blanket, toys to chew on (it's so much fun trying to get that squeaker thing out), and a couple of long walks a day.

Why aren't people thankful?


I think they think too much…about stuff that doesn't really matter.

I think they feel too much…about stuff that doesn't really matter.

Sometimes I don't think they know You…and You're all that really matters.


I don't think they wag their tails enough.


I'll go for now.  I'm thirsty, and I see a fly I'm going to try to catch.

Thanks for listening…I just had something to say to You.


Your friend,

Marty the Beagle


P.S.  Did I tell You that I think You are a pretty cool guy?!

All creatures
great and small,
The Lord God
made them all.

You care for people
and animals alike,
O LORD.
(Psalm 36:6)

"…God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him..." (Genesis 1:27, ESV)

"When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?  Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor." 
(Psalm 8:3-5, ESV)

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.  Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!  Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it." (Psalm 139:13-14, NLT)

"For we are God's masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)

"For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7, AMP)

"…beauty is something internal that can't be destroyed.  Beauty expresses itself in a gentle and quiet attitude which God considers precious." 
(1 Peter 3:4, GOD'S WORD)

"For the LORD your God...will take delight in you with gladness...He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV)

Are you wagging your tail?!



Linked with:

PLAYDATES WITH GOD, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, GRATEFUL HEART MONDAY, REFLECT LINKUP, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, UNITE LINKUP, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED HOME, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, WISE WOMAN, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, JOYHOPELIVE LINKUP, THE (NOT JUST) HOMEMAKING PARTY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE LINKUP, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAYS, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, TGI SATURDAYS, WEEKEND WHISPERS, LIVING PROVERBS, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

JUST STOP IT!

I have an alter ego.

Her name is Negative Nora.

Actually, I have two alter egos.  Nora has a twin called Nervous Nellie.  She can be quite annoying, but today we're talking about Nora.

Sometimes she takes up residence inside of me.

And sometimes I don't even know it until "The Hub" says, in the kindest way, "You know, I just can't listen any more right now.  I'm worn out."

It's true.

Negative thinking is burdensome...to the thinker and the listener.

I have to admit, sometimes when I feel compelled to air out my feelings, to share my heart, Nora has a tendency to take over the conversation.

And she has a bad habit of reciting a litany of negative things.

You know, stuff like this:

"It's a beautiful day, but I have a terrible headache."

"This is a pretty dress, but it'll probably make me look fat."

"Thanks for doing the laundry, honey, but you hung up my shirts backwards."

(Yes, I have said that to my husband.  My southpaw, left-handed husband.)


I think you get the gist of how Nora thinks.

She sometimes says good stuff, but always adds that negative spin at the end.  Yup, Nora's thoughts always have a *but* attached to them...


So, I was talking about this with a dear friend the other day (you know who you are out there!!), and we tried to figure out two things – 

1) How have we fallen into this pattern of thinking and speaking?
2) How do we get out of it?

One thing we agreed on was the idea that the whole attitude of joy has to be intentional.  

Some people are just happy-go-lucky by nature.  Not me.  I tend to be a grumpy-go-gloomy, glass-half-empty (there's a glass??) kind of girl.  So, joy is not something that bubbles up inside of me because of my innate sunny temperament.

And, we also agreed that gratitude has a lot to do with joy.

If Nora and Nellie, negativity and nervousness, are twins – then their counterparts have to be Joy and Gratitude.

I'm a bit dismayed that I'm going to have to work on being joy-full.  It seems counterintuitive, in a way – to work at something positive.  But, when Nora lives inside of you, sometimes it does require intentional work to silence her.

I know this is true because often when I've been told to "count my blessings," my first reaction is to grumble, "I don't want to count my blessings.  I want to be in a bad mood."

Oooo, Nora is a stubborn girl.


My friend and I also talked about what we think might be causing this current negative slant on life.  We thought of several commonalities in our lives.  Middle-age angst, family situations, stressful upheavals, aging parents, health challenges, etc – you know, the general *stuff* of life that plagues us all in one way or the other.

But we also acknowledged that negativity can become a habit, a comfortable way of thinking and speaking that can insidiously become 
second-nature if we're not careful.  

Like I said, Nora can become a very comfortable companion, very quickly.  


So, in an effort to try to change our way of thinking and speaking, we came up with four tangible things to ponder and work on:


1) Say Scripture out loud

My Bible Study group is currently doing Beth Moore's study, "Breaking Free." Every couple of weeks, we listen to a video of Beth's teaching.  Last week she said several things that really spoke to me.  But one that stood out was the fact that the enemy of our souls cannot read minds.

Therefore, it is crucial to say things out loud.

And, there is nothing more powerful to say than the words of God Himself.

Jesus used Scripture to fight the devil in the wilderness.  And if you notice, they had an out-loud conversation.

Jesus quoted Scripture with His voice.

There is something powerful that happens when the Word of God is spoken.

So, my friend and I agreed to start our days by saying something from the Bible – OUT LOUD – thereby letting the enemy know exactly where our focus is first thing in the morning – and also confirming that focus in our own hearts.

Try it, it's quite effective!

(Bonus: Nora doesn't like this.  It tends to keep her quiet…)


2) Make a take-along compilation of Bible verses

You could use post-it notes, or attach verses to a key ring, or get one of those little boxes that has pre-printed Bible verses on little cards.  I'm going to use one of those spiral-bound notebooks of index cards, and write a verse on each card.

I'm going to concentrate on verses that speak about fear.  

Because in my life, Nora and Nellie are constantly talking to each other.  And when I'm afraid, I'm more negative – and when I'm negative, I'm more afraid.

Then, I'm going to take that little notebook with me wherever I go.  It's going to be my not-so-concealed weapon as I battle the forces that strive to make me negatively ungrateful and fearfully un-joy-full.


3) Change the order of your sentences

I confess, this is not an original thought.

My dear blogging friend came up with this idea, and it's an amazingly effective tool.  (I couldn't remember her specific post, but here's her blog link).

This helpful hint encourages one to reverse the order of negative or fearful sentences.

Here's a couple of examples:

I know the Lord is with me, but what if that horrible thing happens?

New version:  That horrible thing could happen, but I know the Lord is with me.

It's a beautiful day, but I have a terrible headache.

New version:  I have a terrible headache, but it's a beautiful day.

I trust the Lord, but I'm so very scared.

New version:  I'm so very scared, but I trust the Lord.


There's a few reasons that I love this practice:

First, it acknowledges the negative thought – denial doesn't help when dealing with negative feelings.

However, it doesn't give the negative thought precedence – the positive thought takes center stage.

And finally, it subtly tweaks our thinking.  It steals the negative *but* and puts a positive spin on the ensuing *but* statement.


Old math: Positive thought – negative *but* = Negative outlook
New math: Negative thought + positive *but* = Optimistic outlook


Thoughts lead to feelings, and feelings lead to behavior.

But there are several psychological theories that posit that the opposite can also be true – that by teaching one to change their behavior, they can then influence their thoughts and feelings.

My paraphrase: "Fake it 'til you make it."

For instance, research performed over the past few decades suggests there could actually be a benefit to producing a fake smile.  According to many experts, smiling may not only be an outward manifestation of a happy feeling. It may actually be able to cause a happy feeling.

Try this sentence-tweaking with some of your negative thoughts and statements.  

See if it makes a difference…and plaster on a fake smile, too!

You just might find yourself feeling more joyful.


4) Stop at the comma

OK, so, sometimes it's really hard to stop a negative thought or feeling.  I totally get that.

But, we can stop short of expressing it.

You see, Nora loves inserting her negative *but* after the comma.

Example: It's a beautiful day, BUT…


Honestly, isn't it time to shut Nora up?

It's probably going to take some time and practice and discipline to change my negative approach to life, but in the meantime, I don't have to "share the wealth" of my negative thinking with everyone I know and love.

For instance, it would probably be just fine to stop that comment to "The Hub" at, "Thanks for doing the laundry, honey."

Ahem.

It's been years since I saw the movie, "The Lion King."  But I remember one scene when Rafiki, the wisest mandrill I've ever known, is leading Simba through the jungle.  At one point, he turns quickly to Simba and says,
"Stop!  Shhh…"

Growing up, my sons used to tease me in the middle of me ranting, or regaling them with my worries, or offering unwanted meddling, by looking at me and quoting Rafiki.

Honestly, isn't it time that I do the same to myself?

Isn't it time that I stop at the comma and make it a period instead?!

"Stop!  Shhh…"


I have a feeling that this *stop-the-negativity-and-refocus-on-joy* process is going to take some time.

I'm fighting my temperament, I'm battling my sinful nature and the enemy who loves to inflame it, and habits are hard to break.

Not to mention the fact that Negative Nora is a chatty sort of girl.

But, I want to change.

And perhaps that is the beginning of all good things…

 The cares of my heart
are many,
but
your consolations
cheer my soul.

(From Psalm 94:19)

Synonyms for *intentional*: deliberate, voluntary, willful, designed, done on purpose, intended, meant, planned, purposed, willing


"Stay alert!  Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.  He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.  Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith." (1 Peter 5:8-9, NLT)

"'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10, NIV)

"For though we walk in the flesh [as mortal men], we are not carrying on our [spiritual] warfare according to the flesh and using the weapons of man.  The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood].  Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.  We are destroying...every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ..." (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, AMP)

"Let his faithful people rejoice...and sing for joy on their beds.  May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands..."
(Psalm 149:5-6, NIV)

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the...soul...and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT)

"...be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father..." (Ephesians 5:18-20, NASB)

"We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed...we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day by day.  For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]!" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 16-17, AMP) 

(Notice the *new math* – with the positive *but* statements!!) 

"Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ?  Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?...[No]...in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]." (Romans 8:35-37, AMP)

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.  Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." 

(Philippians 4:8, NLT)

"Always be full of joy in the Lord.  I say it again – rejoice!" 

(Philippians 4:4, NLT)

Has Negative Nora moved into your neighborhood?

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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

WATCHING A MIRACLE UNFOLD

Yes.

This is what it feels like.

Wanna hear about it?!

As many of you know, a little over two years ago, life changed.  It was at that time that it became very apparent to my siblings and I that we needed to step into our parents' lives.

We began a sort of tag-team visitation schedule that continued until my dad fell and landed in the hospital.  Ten days later, he passed away.  This left my mom all alone, after nearly 62 years of marriage.  She was so very scared, so we spent the first six months or so after Dad's death shuttling her around.

This worked for a while, but then everyone became exhausted.  So, we went back to a visitation schedule, with days that Mom spent on her own.  A few months ago, as Mom became increasingly more fearful and confused, we knew we needed to do something more.

But…WHAT to do?

Mom wanted desperately to stay home, and yet, she didn't want to be alone. The dilemma arose when she also wasn't keen on having a *stranger* come in to help out.

Oh, the prayers that went up to heaven in the last several months.

Until…

Until God intervened, and we saw a miracle unfold.


Watch the dominoes fall...

A few months ago, I was down visiting my mom, and I got really sick (domino #1).  Too sick to drive home on the day I had planned to leave.  I stayed a few extra days (domino #2).

Because I was still in town, my brother opted not to come over to Mom's on his "regular" day (domino #3).  Instead, on the spur of the moment, he decided to head down the coast to an outlet store to buy some hiking boots (domino #4).

While there, he decided to try to have lunch with one of our cousins (domino #5).  (My sibs and I have only three first cousins – Dad being one of two sons, and my mom being an only child.  Therefore, we are more like siblings than cousins!)

She was having lunch with our other cousin, and my brother joined them (domino #6).

Of course, they asked all about how their special Auntie was doing.

My brother related some of the struggles we were facing (domino #7).

A bit later in the conversation, my brother asked one of my cousins how her job was going at a local surgical center (domino #8).  (She went back to school to become an R.N. after her boys were grown). 

She then informed him that she wasn't doing that anymore.  She was now working as the RN Case Manager for a company that does in-home caregiver placement for the elderly (domino #9).

I think time stopped at this point…

(I know if I'd been there I would have heard a choir break out into singing!!)

She offered to help us find a caregiver for Mom.  

Incidentally, she mentioned that if this lunch had happened a very few weeks later, she would not have been able to personally help us, as a new franchise was opening in Mom's county, precluding her ability to manage Mom's case (domino #10).


Fast forward to last week.

One thing after another fell rapidly into place, and my mother now has a wonderful Christian woman spending time with her.  

A woman who *just happens* to have lost her own mother.

A woman who *just happened* to hear about a job opportunity through someone she knew, who *just happened* to hear about it from our cousin.

A woman who *just happens* to have experience taking care of elderly people with cognitive challenges.

A woman who in her interview *just happened* to mention her father's passing, and how they played his favorite song at his funeral – "Great Is Thy Faithfulness."  A song taken from Lamentations 3:23.  A verse that *just happens* to be on my dad's headstone.

A woman who *just happens* to be supervised by our cousin, who will personally be managing my mom's case and visiting her on a regular basis.

A woman who *just happens* to be able to cover all the shifts with Mom.

A woman who has stepped into our lives like she's always been there.


My family is standing in awe.

Rarely have I seen such a direct answer to prayer.

I am humbled by it, so very grateful for it – still standing in disbelief at how this has all worked out so perfectly.

The other night, I was talking to another cousin (who has been part of our *care team* for Mom).  We were talking about the *miracle* of this whole situation.

And then she said something that has really stuck with me.

She said, "You know, Sharon, very few people get to see something this miraculous happen.  Few get to see an answer to prayer so directly linked to God's intervention.  I tell you what.  I told Him the other night that no matter what He asked me to do in my life going forward, I would do it.  I am His servant."

After I got off the phone, I couldn't stop thinking about what she said.

First of all, I am rather stunned at all the *just so happened* moments in this journey.  At each turn in the road, there was something that "just happened" right when it needed to happen.  

Like a wonder-full chess match, God was moving each piece into place.  

God works = CHECKMATE!!


I have seen His hand at work like that over and over again in His Word.  

The Bible is full of these moments:

"Now it happened at the end of two full years that Pharaoh had a dream…" (Genesis 41:1, NASB) – Joseph

"Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns…" 
(Genesis 22:13, NASB) – Abraham

"Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river…She saw the basket among the reeds…" 
(Exodus 2:5, ESV) – Moses

"Now the LORD had arranged for a great fish to swallow Jonah." 
(Jonah 1:17, NLT) – Jonah

"Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?" 
(Esther 4:14, NLT) – Esther


Even in the life of Jesus and His disciples, there were many, many *just so happened* moments.

Yes, at each twisty turn in His life, there was Someone at work.

The same Someone who is at work in our lives.

There are no coincidences in the believer's life – these moments are *God appointments* – divinely orchestrated by the wise Providence of our Lord.

Not serendipity – but sovereignty.


Now, the other thing that I've really been pondering is this:

When I hung up the phone I thought to myself, "Yes, you have seen a miracle.  Now what are you going to do about it?"

I've been pondering.

What did people do when they saw the miracles of Jesus?

Reactions were mixed.


Some were grateful, others were thankless.

(Remember the ten lepers who were healed?)  

"One of them, when he saw that he was healed…fell to the ground at Jesus' feet, thanking him for what he had done…Jesus asked, 'Didn't I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?'" (Luke 17:15-17, NLT)


Some were awed, others were skeptical.  

"But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him." (John 12:37, NLT)


Some wholeheartedly believed that He was who He said He was.  They instantly grasped onto His offer of salvation.

"And many who were there believed in Jesus." (John 10:42, NLT)


Others were threatened by Him, and began plotting to kill Him.

"Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus." (Mark 3:6, NIV)



So, what am I going to do?

Praise Him, thank Him – of course.

Tell others about it – yes indeed.

But I want to do more than that.

I want this Divine Intervention to infuse my faith with more faith.

I want it to make a difference in how I trust God.  

I want it to deepen my understanding of God's faithfulness.

I want it to bring me peace as I face other turmoil in my life.

I want to KNOW more than ever, that God is in control, that He still sits on His throne, that His ways are wise and good and timely.

I want to believe…

Oh Lord, please help my unbelief.


I cannot end this post without one last perfect moment.

My mom's new caregiver has a name very similar to a member of our family, sometimes confusing my mom.  My sister was joking with her about it the other day.  The caregiver suggested, a bit tongue-in-cheek, that we could always call her by her middle name.

"What is your middle name?" my sister asked.

Are you ready for it?

"Oh,” she answered, "It's Grace."

Well yes, of course it is!

God, You are amazing.

Sweetest Mommy.

Full of Joy.

Blessed by Love.

Watched over by Grace. 

"It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not.  They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness." 
(Lamentations 3:22-23, AMP)

"Blessed be the Lord, Who bears our burdens and carries us day by day, even the God Who is our salvation!" (Psalm 68:19, AMP)

"Commit everything you do to the LORD.  Trust him, and he will help you...Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act...Day by day the LORD takes care of the innocent...The LORD directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives.  Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand...He will keep them safe forever...The LORD rescues the godly...He saves them, and they find shelter in him." (From Psalm 37, NLT)

"Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." (Psalm 55:22, NASB)

"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (1 Peter 5:7, AMP)

"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.  In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, AMP)

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Romans 8:28, NLT)

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think...to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.  Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, NASB)



Have you ever witnessed a miracle?  Please share your story!



Linked with:

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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"