I talk with people every day who are jobless. Some old, some young; some depressed, some optimistic; some who'll do any type of work to make ends meet, some who refuse work just to stay on unemployment. I've been there myself (">you can read about that in this older post).
I'm a planner. A type-A personality who is used to going after what I want and succeeding. Since I was very young, I wanted to be a TV news reporter. I love writing, I love asking people questions, I love the minute just before you go on air and you get that buzz, that "good pressure." The plan was to go to college, meet the perfect guy, get married right after graduation, get the TV job, then start having babies. Wellllll...I still wonder who I'll marry, obviously don't have any youngins' (other than my fur-baby), and I was laid off from the "dream" job.
For almost two years after being laid off, I worked different odd jobs (that I enjoyed and really was grateful for), but felt like I was NEVER going to find a "career" job. I would try to imagine myself in all different types of jobs and just couldn't picture anything that felt right. I would literally beg God, cry out to him, get mad at him and tell him about it, feeling like I would never be happy in a job again.
Then one day Debbie Turner called me. About a job I didn't even know existed. A job I didn't apply for. A job in Greenwood, SC...where I never thought I'd settle down. "Lindsay, I have a position open that's going to be a mix of payroll/administrative assistant/account executive at my staffing agency and I'd like for you to come interview with me." So, what's a praying, job-seeking girl to do? Turn it down. Duh. Having nothing to lose, I boldly told her, "I don't want to be an administrative assistant and you don't want me anywhere near your payroll." She convinced me to come meet with her anyway. Telling you, she's persistent, that Debbie Turner! I met with her and immediately felt a kinship. But, I still wanted nothing to do with the front desk or the payroll, though I told her if it was strictly an account executive position, I'd love it. We ended our interview with a prayer and decided to meet again the following week.
I left there with a scary, sinking feeling that I'd be walking out that door a lot in the days to come. God, this was NOT part of the plan! Greenwood?! Payroll/admin asst?! But, the more I prayed that week, the more I knew...her calling me was no coincidence.
When we met the second time, Debbie offered me an account executive position...no payroll, no administrative duties, just account executive! The one thing I told God I wanted! Then, through both of our tears (this was no typical job interview), she told me that she'd somehow found my facebook page (we are not friends on facebook and my page is private) and that the Holy Spirit kept telling her, "This is the one. You should hire her." Of course, she told God how crazy he was being, that she didn't even know me, and that I probably wasn't even looking for work. Then, a couple of weeks later, someone I've never even met forwarded her my resume...she pulled up facebook to make sure there was nothing racy of me on there...and imagine her surprise when she saw the same girl she'd "stumbled upon" before!! This was just confirmation to me that I was indeed supposed to be there.
Apprehension and nervousness filled the days before my first day at StaffSource. Would I like it? Did I just get myself into something that I'm not going to be good at? What about my co-workers, would we get along? Would I really be using the gifts God gave me on this job?
YES, YES AND MORE YES! I LOVE my job! Seriously, if it wasn't sucking up, I'd probably thank my boss every day for persisting in hiring me. I still get to write, I interview lots of people every day, I help people find work, I help clients find good workers. I work in a Christian company and get to live that on the job without fear. My co-workers? I feel like I just got a whole bunch of new friends! If this is sounding too good to be true...well, I've been trying not to let myself worry that it'll be taken from me, because it is SO wonderful! If you could meet the precious people I work with/for, see the way work is handled, or sit behind my desk and see the joy someone has when they get a job, you'd understand why it is worth the wait. That year and a half of worrying about never finding the right job...it was hard. Some days it was impossible to have hope. I would recite Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28 to myself, but sometimes I just couldn't take them personally, couldn't believe they would apply to me.
There were so many times I heard that I was "overqualified," "not experienced enough," or didn't even hear back at all from jobs I applied for. There were a couple of times I actually turned down jobs that seemed right but when I prayed I knew they weren't. It was all really tough. But, seeing how God brought me to this job that I love has given me hope. Though I'm disappointed in myself for losing hope and allowing my circumstances to to weigh me down, I now have this great perspective to share with the people I interview daily. Old or young, depressed or optimistic, I know that I have something they need. The story of hope.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
FAT Tuesday
Is. it. ever!!
Eggs and canadian bacon. Handful of Cheez-Its. Marshmallow puff. Fried chicken sandwich and french fries (dipped, OF COURSE, in rotating cups of honey mustard, ranch, and ketchup). Caramel Cadbury egg. Teriyaki chicken sub.
Whew!
You thought it was New Orleans, but FAT Tuesday is really celebrated in Abbeville, SC! What they forgot to mention about this horribly fun little holiday is what comes after...the self-loathing and guilt. WHY did I eat that?!
Ironically...At work we've started having a 15-minute Bible study every Monday morning before the business opens. We're doing fruits of the spirit and I was asked to lead our first devotion. Naturally, I chose the one I struggle with the most: self-control.
Let me back up a few years and paint you a full picture of myWAR little problem with this little fruit. About 15 Christmases ago, my grandma baked a pan of caramel swirl brownies I can STILL smell them for the family. While everyone else was unwrapping presents, I snuck into the kitchen and ATE THE ENTIRE PAN. Crunchy corner brownie, gooey middle brownie, big chunks still-stuck-to-the-pan brownie...the ENTIRE pan! I remember thinking, "this is SO GOOD. Just ONE more, and then I'll stop." But, I didn't. I couldn't. And then I felt it. The nausea. I got sick and felt awful for the rest of the night. But, I could. not. stop. And this is one reason you will never see me drinking or smoking...this teensy little problem I have with self-control and knowing when to stop with "too much of a good thing."
I grew up in a non-denominational church. I'd never heard of lent. In a crowded elevator at USC, I (embarassed for her) told a girl, "Umm, you have a little black smudge on your forehead." And (embarassed for me) she said, "Yeah, I know," and rolled her eyes. My friend elbowed me and made a mortified face and informed me when we got off the elevator that it was part of her religious celebration of Ash Wednesday. This was my introduction to all things Lent.
Fast forward to last week's devotion on self-control, and I readily confess that after "preaching" on this subject...I struggled mightily with it all week! Funny how that happens! Some of my co-workers celebrate lent and as they've talked about it, I really felt convicted that I should fast something this year, too. I think this will be a good time to give something up for God, not just for me and because "it's bad for me." <--- That argument obviously does no good with my feeble stubborn brain. If I'm going to do it, I have to know I'm doing it for Him, or I'll fall flat on my face. Again. So, on this FAT TUESDAY, I'm promising God (and you) that I will not eat any sweets (fruits don't count) for the next 40 days. If you see me, feel free to ask me if I've had anything sweet to eat. If I snap your head off, you'll know that I'm going through withdrawals and the answer is no! Hopefully, I won't have anymore FAT Tuesdays for awhile!
Eggs and canadian bacon. Handful of Cheez-Its. Marshmallow puff. Fried chicken sandwich and french fries (dipped, OF COURSE, in rotating cups of honey mustard, ranch, and ketchup). Caramel Cadbury egg. Teriyaki chicken sub.
Whew!
You thought it was New Orleans, but FAT Tuesday is really celebrated in Abbeville, SC! What they forgot to mention about this
Ironically...At work we've started having a 15-minute Bible study every Monday morning before the business opens. We're doing fruits of the spirit and I was asked to lead our first devotion. Naturally, I chose the one I struggle with the most: self-control.
Let me back up a few years and paint you a full picture of my
I grew up in a non-denominational church. I'd never heard of lent. In a crowded elevator at USC, I (embarassed for her) told a girl, "Umm, you have a little black smudge on your forehead." And (embarassed for me) she said, "Yeah, I know," and rolled her eyes. My friend elbowed me and made a mortified face and informed me when we got off the elevator that it was part of her religious celebration of Ash Wednesday. This was my introduction to all things Lent.
Fast forward to last week's devotion on self-control, and I readily confess that after "preaching" on this subject...I struggled mightily with it all week! Funny how that happens! Some of my co-workers celebrate lent and as they've talked about it, I really felt convicted that I should fast something this year, too. I think this will be a good time to give something up for God, not just for me and because "it's bad for me." <--- That argument obviously does no good with my
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
"Turn Off the News"
When people find out I was a news reporter, inevitably they will say, 'Oh, I don't watch the news, it's too depressing. They only put the bad stuff on there.' And I totally agree. It is depressing and if you work in news you know, 'if it bleeds it leads.' Sad, I know.
For awhile I subscribed to that same theory. After I was laid off from the tv station and didn't have to cover the news everyday, I didn't watch the news for a few months! It felt so good to not hear about all the horrible things around me. Working in news made me paranoid, it made me more cynical, jaded. I'd always looked at people and thought they were mostly good; the more news I covered the faster my opinion ran in the opposite direction.
At my current job (have I told you how much I LOVE my job and how thankful I am for it? Cause I am.) we keep the tv in the lobby on FOX news all day. I literally almost started crying at my desk today after hearing all the death and destruction headlines. I was overwhelmed with how dark our world is.
In the past few months God has been dealing with me and my 'turn off the news' attitude. Turning off the news doesn't make the bad stuff go away. Ignoring it doesn't help. If I turn off the news and turn on some mindless, happy show...how is that a better use of my time, really? I'm not here in this world for my comfort, I'm here to glorify Him and show Him to others. Who needs him more than the hurt and the lost? If I was in Egypt, if I was in China, if I was in Haiti...would I want people to turn my news off simply because 'it's depressing to hear about?' No! Of course it's depressing to hear about...but can you imagine living it??
As Americans, we are so spoiled that we take for granted the freedoms and safety we have. If you've never been to a third world country, if you've never seen a hungry orphan drink water from a dirty storm drain, if you've never seen people scared to death of being beaten/killed by crooked police officers, if you've never seen a pregnant woman hide for fear the government will find her and kill her baby...go. Go to the hard places. You'll be a better person because of it. That is the reality millions face every day. And we - myself included - complain because we have to HEAR about it!
I truly believe that we, as Americans and as part of the 'modernized' western world, will not be apart from this harsh reality forever. It's coming our way. We are not immune to the world's problems. So maybe it's time we start listening to them. Maybe it's time we watch the news and take even five minutes to pray for what breaks our hearts. Think about what a difference it could make! Next time you think about 'turning off the news,' don't. Stop. Pray. Ask God to break your heart for what breaks His. Ask Him to show you how to pray for what you see. Ask God to show you how to help. Wouldn't you want someone to do that for you?
"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." Helen Keller
PS God likes to pop this verse in my head in those times when I know I should watch, I know I should pray, and I just don't feel like it:
On the last day, Jesus will say to those on His right hand, "Come, enter the Kingdom. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was sick and you visited me." Then Jesus will turn to those on His left hand and say, "Depart from me because I was hungry and you did not feed me, I was thirsty and you did not give me to drink, I was sick and you did not visit me." These will ask Him, "When did we see You hungry, or thirsty or sick and did not come to Your help?" And Jesus will answer them, "Whatever you neglected to do unto one of these least of these, you neglected to do unto Me."
For awhile I subscribed to that same theory. After I was laid off from the tv station and didn't have to cover the news everyday, I didn't watch the news for a few months! It felt so good to not hear about all the horrible things around me. Working in news made me paranoid, it made me more cynical, jaded. I'd always looked at people and thought they were mostly good; the more news I covered the faster my opinion ran in the opposite direction.
At my current job (have I told you how much I LOVE my job and how thankful I am for it? Cause I am.) we keep the tv in the lobby on FOX news all day. I literally almost started crying at my desk today after hearing all the death and destruction headlines. I was overwhelmed with how dark our world is.
In the past few months God has been dealing with me and my 'turn off the news' attitude. Turning off the news doesn't make the bad stuff go away. Ignoring it doesn't help. If I turn off the news and turn on some mindless, happy show...how is that a better use of my time, really? I'm not here in this world for my comfort, I'm here to glorify Him and show Him to others. Who needs him more than the hurt and the lost? If I was in Egypt, if I was in China, if I was in Haiti...would I want people to turn my news off simply because 'it's depressing to hear about?' No! Of course it's depressing to hear about...but can you imagine living it??
As Americans, we are so spoiled that we take for granted the freedoms and safety we have. If you've never been to a third world country, if you've never seen a hungry orphan drink water from a dirty storm drain, if you've never seen people scared to death of being beaten/killed by crooked police officers, if you've never seen a pregnant woman hide for fear the government will find her and kill her baby...go. Go to the hard places. You'll be a better person because of it. That is the reality millions face every day. And we - myself included - complain because we have to HEAR about it!
I truly believe that we, as Americans and as part of the 'modernized' western world, will not be apart from this harsh reality forever. It's coming our way. We are not immune to the world's problems. So maybe it's time we start listening to them. Maybe it's time we watch the news and take even five minutes to pray for what breaks our hearts. Think about what a difference it could make! Next time you think about 'turning off the news,' don't. Stop. Pray. Ask God to break your heart for what breaks His. Ask Him to show you how to pray for what you see. Ask God to show you how to help. Wouldn't you want someone to do that for you?
"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." Helen Keller
PS God likes to pop this verse in my head in those times when I know I should watch, I know I should pray, and I just don't feel like it:
On the last day, Jesus will say to those on His right hand, "Come, enter the Kingdom. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was sick and you visited me." Then Jesus will turn to those on His left hand and say, "Depart from me because I was hungry and you did not feed me, I was thirsty and you did not give me to drink, I was sick and you did not visit me." These will ask Him, "When did we see You hungry, or thirsty or sick and did not come to Your help?" And Jesus will answer them, "Whatever you neglected to do unto one of these least of these, you neglected to do unto Me."
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Don't Read Hungry...
Consider yourself warned...don't read this if you're the least bit hungry!
Today at work thisevil nice lady brought us some hot, fresh, chocolate chip scones. The smell took me right back to the days of living in the sorority house when the biggest worry we had was whether to have the raspberry white chocolate scone or the blueberry. Tough times! But, today, the worry was...can I have just ONE bite? ;)
And the delicious temptations reminded me that I have yet to blog about one of my most favorite meals of 2010. This is pretty late, but I promised I would so here goes...
Introducing...FRIED COOKIE DOUGH! The State Fair meal of champions! It sounds weird, but these little fried balls are so good they make ya wanna slap yo momma! (Which is probably not a good idea cause you may want her to drive you to the hospital when your arteries clog.)
Seriously, folks...it is ALLLL it is cracked up to be! And cookie dough isn't the only thing you can deep fry. Uh uh, here in the South, we get creative about the important things in life. You can try deep fried oreos like my friend, Tori...
You can even have fried butter or fried Pepsi!
Fried Snickers was okay, fried milky way pretty good, I LOVE a fried pickle, but only fried cookie dough will leave me licking my fingers!
No judging, folks. Save that for the man I saw wolfing down the Krispy Kreme donut cheeseburger. I mean, onions, ketchup, and beef in the middle of two glazed donuts? Now that is something I can't bring myself to try!
Oh, and after you've stuffed yourself with 10,000 calories, make sure you go hang out with Boyz II Men!
It makes for a really FULL day!
Today at work this
And the delicious temptations reminded me that I have yet to blog about one of my most favorite meals of 2010. This is pretty late, but I promised I would so here goes...
Introducing...FRIED COOKIE DOUGH! The State Fair meal of champions! It sounds weird, but these little fried balls are so good they make ya wanna slap yo momma! (Which is probably not a good idea cause you may want her to drive you to the hospital when your arteries clog.)
Seriously, folks...it is ALLLL it is cracked up to be! And cookie dough isn't the only thing you can deep fry. Uh uh, here in the South, we get creative about the important things in life. You can try deep fried oreos like my friend, Tori...
You can even have fried butter or fried Pepsi!
Fried Snickers was okay, fried milky way pretty good, I LOVE a fried pickle, but only fried cookie dough will leave me licking my fingers!
No judging, folks. Save that for the man I saw wolfing down the Krispy Kreme donut cheeseburger. I mean, onions, ketchup, and beef in the middle of two glazed donuts? Now that is something I can't bring myself to try!
Oh, and after you've stuffed yourself with 10,000 calories, make sure you go hang out with Boyz II Men!
It makes for a really FULL day!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
I just don't have time
I haven't blogged in awhile. I've thought about it, and have even thought of several blogs that need to be written. They'll pop in my head, and I'll start writing (still in my head) them and then I'll think, "I'll never remember just how to write this if I actually pull up my computer and then it won't be as good," so then I just don't do it. And I've been busy. If you asked me about it, I'd probably tell you, "I just don't have time."
There are a lot of things "I just don't have time" for:
-cleaning my room (oh darn)
-cooking healthy meals and taking the left overs to work for lunch the next day like a good little dieter (eating out is much more fun!)
-lifting those lil 5lb weights that have been sitting by my bed for a year now
-taking Lou for long walks (he likes the cold)
-calling my friends more often
-taking more than 30 secs to throw on clothes and makeup when I leave the house (sorry to Abbeville and the surrounding area for my scary appearance as of late!)
-having the hard conversations that need to be had
-reading my Bible every morning
And the list goes on. But, something I heard tonight really resonated with me: God always gives you enough time in the day to do His will. Let that sink in. Each day has a mission, a purpose, a plan. Each choice follows the path or veers from it. Each waking moment is a chance or a missed opportunity.
Jesus had only 1,000 days to make the biggest impact any man has ever made on this earth! He didn't waste even a SECOND. This doesn't mean we should run around with no sleep - rest is an investment, too! But, it means to make the most of our time, to fulfill our purposes and not waste our lives, we have to prioritize.
When we say, "I don't have time," what we are really saying is, "I'm not making time for that b/c it's not as important to me." It doesn't sound nearly as pretty, but it's so true. When I lay in bed and talk to God at the end of an exhausting day and I say, "God, I'm sorry I didn't read your word today, but you understand, right? I just didn't have time, I really didn't," what I am really saying is, "I chose ________ over you." And, yes, that happens, and yes, God has grace for that, but no, it is not living in His will!
The most important thing in a Christian's life should be his/her relationship with the Creator. Period. End of story. Having some distraction-free quiet time with God every day is a must. It should be numero uno, priority one. It's what sets our lives on course and brings us into a more intimate knowledge of Him. We have time, we just have to choose it. I'm choosing to maximize my time here and have the least regrets...that starts by getting on my knees before my Lord in the morning. No more snoozing and rolling over, I "just don't have time" for that anymore!!
There are a lot of things "I just don't have time" for:
-cleaning my room (oh darn)
-cooking healthy meals and taking the left overs to work for lunch the next day like a good little dieter (eating out is much more fun!)
-lifting those lil 5lb weights that have been sitting by my bed for a year now
-taking Lou for long walks (he likes the cold)
-calling my friends more often
-taking more than 30 secs to throw on clothes and makeup when I leave the house (sorry to Abbeville and the surrounding area for my scary appearance as of late!)
-having the hard conversations that need to be had
-reading my Bible every morning
And the list goes on. But, something I heard tonight really resonated with me: God always gives you enough time in the day to do His will. Let that sink in. Each day has a mission, a purpose, a plan. Each choice follows the path or veers from it. Each waking moment is a chance or a missed opportunity.
Jesus had only 1,000 days to make the biggest impact any man has ever made on this earth! He didn't waste even a SECOND. This doesn't mean we should run around with no sleep - rest is an investment, too! But, it means to make the most of our time, to fulfill our purposes and not waste our lives, we have to prioritize.
When we say, "I don't have time," what we are really saying is, "I'm not making time for that b/c it's not as important to me." It doesn't sound nearly as pretty, but it's so true. When I lay in bed and talk to God at the end of an exhausting day and I say, "God, I'm sorry I didn't read your word today, but you understand, right? I just didn't have time, I really didn't," what I am really saying is, "I chose ________ over you." And, yes, that happens, and yes, God has grace for that, but no, it is not living in His will!
The most important thing in a Christian's life should be his/her relationship with the Creator. Period. End of story. Having some distraction-free quiet time with God every day is a must. It should be numero uno, priority one. It's what sets our lives on course and brings us into a more intimate knowledge of Him. We have time, we just have to choose it. I'm choosing to maximize my time here and have the least regrets...that starts by getting on my knees before my Lord in the morning. No more snoozing and rolling over, I "just don't have time" for that anymore!!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
'Tis the Season for...
Tis the season for greediness giving. I really am happy for retailers that they make good money during this time of year, but I despise how wrapped up in STUFF we get and how "I gotta have ____!" I've been guilty of it, too. But, it doesn't have to be that way. Some kids/people get nothing, not even a meal, not even a warm place to sleep. But, it doesn't have to be that way. We can help! We can make this a time of true giving and not just for the people we are closest to.
This Christmas, join me in giving something to those who otherwise might not get anything at all. If you're in Abbeville: call the schools and find out if any of their students need clothes, shoes, jackets and donate your hand-me-downs. Call local churches to find out if they're serving meals or having a clothing drive. Ask around - it won't be hard to find someone who's been laid off and needs help giving their family gifts. Call DSS and donate old toys kids who aren't in their parents custody.
If you're in Greenwood: Grace Community Church has an Angel Tree with families you can sponsor (due Wednesday), work with the Salvation Army, or help with the soup kitchen at the First Presbyterian Church.
In Columbia: help the Nehemiah Project deliver hot meals to families next Saturday (comment below for details on this); donate food/money/clothes to the homeless shelter on Two Notch or to the womens' shelter on North Main St; find a boys and girls home nearest you and make their Christmas brighter!
No matter where you live, there IS something you can do to help others. If you're like me and have way more than you need, tell someone to donate something in your honor instead of giving you a present this year! If you can't spare much in the way of money this year, you can still invest in others simply by giving them time - volunteer at a shelter/soup kitchen, or even volunteer for Big Brother/Big Sister! Wouldn't you want someone to do that for you, if you needed it?
Maybe you're like me and have this strong desire to help those who need it most? And if you're like me, it's easy to get discouraged just thinking about all the millions of people out there who need so much. It's overwhelming - like using a medicine dropper to empty the ocean! But, helping them one by one is better than not at all! So this year, if you can...give back (the more medicine droppers we use, the faster that ocean empties)! And remember that prayer is not the 'least' we can do, it's better than any sweater or hot meal! So, if you want to give to those who need it most this year, pick someone or a family and pray for that person/people in 2011. Let's make this the season of giving to others!
This Christmas, join me in giving something to those who otherwise might not get anything at all. If you're in Abbeville: call the schools and find out if any of their students need clothes, shoes, jackets and donate your hand-me-downs. Call local churches to find out if they're serving meals or having a clothing drive. Ask around - it won't be hard to find someone who's been laid off and needs help giving their family gifts. Call DSS and donate old toys kids who aren't in their parents custody.
If you're in Greenwood: Grace Community Church has an Angel Tree with families you can sponsor (due Wednesday), work with the Salvation Army, or help with the soup kitchen at the First Presbyterian Church.
In Columbia: help the Nehemiah Project deliver hot meals to families next Saturday (comment below for details on this); donate food/money/clothes to the homeless shelter on Two Notch or to the womens' shelter on North Main St; find a boys and girls home nearest you and make their Christmas brighter!
No matter where you live, there IS something you can do to help others. If you're like me and have way more than you need, tell someone to donate something in your honor instead of giving you a present this year! If you can't spare much in the way of money this year, you can still invest in others simply by giving them time - volunteer at a shelter/soup kitchen, or even volunteer for Big Brother/Big Sister! Wouldn't you want someone to do that for you, if you needed it?
Maybe you're like me and have this strong desire to help those who need it most? And if you're like me, it's easy to get discouraged just thinking about all the millions of people out there who need so much. It's overwhelming - like using a medicine dropper to empty the ocean! But, helping them one by one is better than not at all! So this year, if you can...give back (the more medicine droppers we use, the faster that ocean empties)! And remember that prayer is not the 'least' we can do, it's better than any sweater or hot meal! So, if you want to give to those who need it most this year, pick someone or a family and pray for that person/people in 2011. Let's make this the season of giving to others!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thoughtful on a Tuesday
"Lindsay, I know it's your day off, but can you come in today and meet with me?" said my boss.
"Ummm, sure," I said very reluctantly, because it was my day off, but more so because I knew this couldn't be good. I racked my brain and knew I had done nothing wrong, but still I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. It was January and our news station had already had three rounds of lay-offs, some workers who were much more tenured than I.
That sinking feeling was confirmed when I sat down at a conference table with my news director and our station manager. "Lindsay, you know how the economy is really affecting TV stations right now, and..."
"Just spit it out," I interrupted (yes, can't believe I did that, but curiousity was killing me), "am I being laid off?" Then, with tears in her eyes, my news director told me they could no longer afford my position. She said some really kind words and I knew it was through no fault of my own, but still, it stung.
My immediate thought was, "I'm supposed to go home." I had no idea why, but it was immediate and I felt a peace about it. I've always been close to my parents and liked being around them, but home was somewhere I really hadn't lived since I was 18. In college, during the summers, I worked in different places and never lived at home. After graduation, I lived in the Dominican Republic, then in Charleston before moving to Florence. But, somehow, the very minute I was laid off I knew I was supposed to go home.
Convincing my father that I was supposed to be home was a different story. "You can get a part-time job until something permanent comes a long and I'll help you with your rent," he said.
"Dad, I'm coming home, I really feel like it's what I'm supposed to do...oh, and I'm bringing my dog." Boy, how he did not want a puppy in his house!
I've been home over a year and a half now and it's been hard. I've had work most of the time, but nothing yet that I feel like is my 'career.' For a long time I allowed myself to feel shame or even failure because I was living at home with my parents after having graduated from college and been out on my own. But, I just knew I was where I'm supposed to be.
And recently, God has changed my perspective. Now I'm thankful for this time I've had at home. I'm thankful for this time with my family, for the time to try out all kinds of different careers I'd never considered, for the opportunity to invest my life in different ministries, and mostly, I've realized God wanted this time with me so I would seek Him.
I've learned a lot about what's important in life and about pleasing God instead of people. I've still got a lot to learn and I'm still not sure what's next, but at least now I'm thankful for each day of the journey.
When I leave and take Louie with me...Thom Tyner will not be a happy camper. He LOVES his grandpup now!
Oh, and Louie is thankful for this time at home, too. He is SPOILED rotten!
"Ummm, sure," I said very reluctantly, because it was my day off, but more so because I knew this couldn't be good. I racked my brain and knew I had done nothing wrong, but still I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. It was January and our news station had already had three rounds of lay-offs, some workers who were much more tenured than I.
That sinking feeling was confirmed when I sat down at a conference table with my news director and our station manager. "Lindsay, you know how the economy is really affecting TV stations right now, and..."
"Just spit it out," I interrupted (yes, can't believe I did that, but curiousity was killing me), "am I being laid off?" Then, with tears in her eyes, my news director told me they could no longer afford my position. She said some really kind words and I knew it was through no fault of my own, but still, it stung.
My immediate thought was, "I'm supposed to go home." I had no idea why, but it was immediate and I felt a peace about it. I've always been close to my parents and liked being around them, but home was somewhere I really hadn't lived since I was 18. In college, during the summers, I worked in different places and never lived at home. After graduation, I lived in the Dominican Republic, then in Charleston before moving to Florence. But, somehow, the very minute I was laid off I knew I was supposed to go home.
Convincing my father that I was supposed to be home was a different story. "You can get a part-time job until something permanent comes a long and I'll help you with your rent," he said.
"Dad, I'm coming home, I really feel like it's what I'm supposed to do...oh, and I'm bringing my dog." Boy, how he did not want a puppy in his house!
I've been home over a year and a half now and it's been hard. I've had work most of the time, but nothing yet that I feel like is my 'career.' For a long time I allowed myself to feel shame or even failure because I was living at home with my parents after having graduated from college and been out on my own. But, I just knew I was where I'm supposed to be.
And recently, God has changed my perspective. Now I'm thankful for this time I've had at home. I'm thankful for this time with my family, for the time to try out all kinds of different careers I'd never considered, for the opportunity to invest my life in different ministries, and mostly, I've realized God wanted this time with me so I would seek Him.
I've learned a lot about what's important in life and about pleasing God instead of people. I've still got a lot to learn and I'm still not sure what's next, but at least now I'm thankful for each day of the journey.
When I leave and take Louie with me...Thom Tyner will not be a happy camper. He LOVES his grandpup now!
Oh, and Louie is thankful for this time at home, too. He is SPOILED rotten!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Weak Sauce
Have you ever felt like pure 'weak sauce?' Like you're going against something that is too big, too much, too scary to even think about? Something 'impossible for little ole me?' I have! The Bible says we are to rejoice in ALL things, especially trials, because when we are weak in our own strength, God's strength in us is stronger. I picture it like a thermometer stick...the lower our levels are, the more room God has to insert his strength in us! And, of course I complained rejoiced in every trial I faced. :)
If I'm being honest, I actually called my bestie today to complain about a situation that was intimidating. Ha, and this after I prayed for an opportunity, God gave it to me, and because it wasn't easy, I whined about it!
The Old Testament is hard for me to read sometimes. I feel like I need a history lesson to understand what everything means. But, reading my Bible tonight, I stumbled upon a little treasure named Gideon. You see Gideon was pure weak sauce. His people (Israelites) were being dominated by the Midianites in a major way. When the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites came through and stole EVERY SINGLE PIECE. And they took all of the Israelites animals (their meat and transportation) and things with them. Gideon's people had NOTHING left.
What do you think they did then? What we all do. After worshiping idols and ignoring God, they finally cried out to Him for help.
Judges 6 says that the angel of the Lord came down to that place in the form of a man and appeared to Gideon. (Umm, WOW! How awesome/scary would that be?!) He told Gideon that he, Gideon, was going to lead his people in victory over the Midianites. And in verse 15, "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." Told ya, Gid was weak sauce. Even in a poor country, he was a poor 'nobody.' But, God chose Gideon to lead his people to a victory.
So, after asking for several signs from God just to make sure God knew he had chosen the weakest man around for the job, Gideon gathered together an army. In Judges, the Midianites are described as a swarm of locusts in the land. It says their camels were numerous like the sands of the seas. So, basically, they were like China and Russia put together against the state of South Carolina or something. Now we see why lil ole G was so scared. But, God had spoken so Gideon knew he better act.
He gathered together as many men as he could and prepared for battle. But, on the way, God stopped him and said, "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands." Ummm...what? God, maybe you didn't notice, but there's like a million of them and 30,000 of us! Around this time, Gideon is probably thinking, "Am I sure this God is real? Are these voices in my head? This is IMPOSSIBLE. This is INSANE." But, he told anyone who was scared they could turn back. So, 22,000 left and 10,000 remained. But, again, God said too many. He narrowed it down to 300 men!! Three hundred men were going with Gideon to fight hundreds of thousands of trained warriors! Ya'll, this is a true story, not a fairy tale. This happened.
Can you imagine the faith it must've taken for these men to go into battle?! AND, they didn't even carry weapons in their hands. As they crept in the middle of the night to where the Midianites were camping, these soldiers carried a trumpet in one hand and a glass jar in the other. (To the world they must've looked crazy. Sound familiar?) When they got to the edge of the camp, they all blew their trumpets and smashed their jars. The Midianites got scared and the Bible says they ran, CRYING, as far as they could!!!
Gideon didn't know what the outcome of his march would look like. After God spoke to him, he tried everything in his power to get his people ready to win. But, God didn't need Gideon's human strength. God made almost the entire Israelite army turn back, "In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her..." Judges 7:2. God doesn't need us. Sometimes when we are in the middle of that impossible situation it's so hard to imagine anything good coming from it, but from now on, I will try to remember to rejoice in my weaknesses because I know that God's strength is magnified in me and His strength is infinitely enough.
If I'm being honest, I actually called my bestie today to complain about a situation that was intimidating. Ha, and this after I prayed for an opportunity, God gave it to me, and because it wasn't easy, I whined about it!
The Old Testament is hard for me to read sometimes. I feel like I need a history lesson to understand what everything means. But, reading my Bible tonight, I stumbled upon a little treasure named Gideon. You see Gideon was pure weak sauce. His people (Israelites) were being dominated by the Midianites in a major way. When the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites came through and stole EVERY SINGLE PIECE. And they took all of the Israelites animals (their meat and transportation) and things with them. Gideon's people had NOTHING left.
What do you think they did then? What we all do. After worshiping idols and ignoring God, they finally cried out to Him for help.
Judges 6 says that the angel of the Lord came down to that place in the form of a man and appeared to Gideon. (Umm, WOW! How awesome/scary would that be?!) He told Gideon that he, Gideon, was going to lead his people in victory over the Midianites. And in verse 15, "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." Told ya, Gid was weak sauce. Even in a poor country, he was a poor 'nobody.' But, God chose Gideon to lead his people to a victory.
So, after asking for several signs from God just to make sure God knew he had chosen the weakest man around for the job, Gideon gathered together an army. In Judges, the Midianites are described as a swarm of locusts in the land. It says their camels were numerous like the sands of the seas. So, basically, they were like China and Russia put together against the state of South Carolina or something. Now we see why lil ole G was so scared. But, God had spoken so Gideon knew he better act.
He gathered together as many men as he could and prepared for battle. But, on the way, God stopped him and said, "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands." Ummm...what? God, maybe you didn't notice, but there's like a million of them and 30,000 of us! Around this time, Gideon is probably thinking, "Am I sure this God is real? Are these voices in my head? This is IMPOSSIBLE. This is INSANE." But, he told anyone who was scared they could turn back. So, 22,000 left and 10,000 remained. But, again, God said too many. He narrowed it down to 300 men!! Three hundred men were going with Gideon to fight hundreds of thousands of trained warriors! Ya'll, this is a true story, not a fairy tale. This happened.
Can you imagine the faith it must've taken for these men to go into battle?! AND, they didn't even carry weapons in their hands. As they crept in the middle of the night to where the Midianites were camping, these soldiers carried a trumpet in one hand and a glass jar in the other. (To the world they must've looked crazy. Sound familiar?) When they got to the edge of the camp, they all blew their trumpets and smashed their jars. The Midianites got scared and the Bible says they ran, CRYING, as far as they could!!!
Gideon didn't know what the outcome of his march would look like. After God spoke to him, he tried everything in his power to get his people ready to win. But, God didn't need Gideon's human strength. God made almost the entire Israelite army turn back, "In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her..." Judges 7:2. God doesn't need us. Sometimes when we are in the middle of that impossible situation it's so hard to imagine anything good coming from it, but from now on, I will try to remember to rejoice in my weaknesses because I know that God's strength is magnified in me and His strength is infinitely enough.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Deal of a...Lifetime!
My blog is random. This I know. I'm not a Mom. Not a health-nut. Never been accused of being an exercise fanatic. In the 'about me' section of the blog I've warned that my posts will be about my life and all the different facets of it. Some are serious. Some are funny (you know you laugh when someone falls). Some are about the South (no worries, more to come soon on FRIED goodness). Some are about good deals (I'm a 'deal' girl, what can I say?). But, there's something I've never written on here. I've thought about it, but (for reasons which will be obvious) have not broached this particular subject outright. However, recently I've become increasingly aware of just how little people really KNOW of the TRUTH.
This past year I volunteered to be the chaplain (through FCA) for the JV/Varsity cheerleaders at Abbeville High. Once a week, after practice, I lead them in a devotion from the Bible. This being the South, I assumed that everyone already knew the basics of Christianity and that I would probably just teach from the Bible on different life issues each week. But, when I was praying on what to teach on the first week, God led me back to what I thought was obvious. "What exactly does it mean to be a Christian?" And again the second week. "How do you come to know God? How do you know you're a Christian?" Even this past week, "What does it mean to truly repent?"
America is supposed to be 'the Christian country,' but I've been shocked and saddened by how much we truly take for granted here in our 'freedom.' We're so 'free' that it doesn't mean as much to us anymore. Maybe all of the persecution and threats to Christianity in politics lately should be a big wake up call to us! If not, then maybe the fact that our teenagers, many who think they are Christians and who know parables and Bible stories, don't really know what it all means. My time with these precious girls at AHS has taught me a lot, and in particular, that we shouldn't assume everyone around us knows the truth; we need to be bold in our faith and not afraid to speak up for what we believe in.
"Christian" is literally translated to "follower of the way." In the Bible (John 14:6), Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." As followers of Christ, we are called to live like he did. No, we will not be perfect, but yes, we are to set our standard there. Yes, it's hard. And thank God that we do not have to sacrifice animals, or pray a certain number of times daily, or travel to a mecca to make up for all the times we fail. When we repent (not just acknowledging our sin to a God who already knows about it!) God forgives us. When you truly repent from something you are agreeing with God that it's wrong and Matthew 3 says you will "produce fruit" in keeping with repentance,which means you will take ACTION! (To stop doing something or to start doing what you were avoiding.) It can be super hard (but God will give you his strength) and you might fall right back into it and have to repent again, but forgiveness is a well that never runs dry. We don't do anything to deserve it. It's a gift. Called grace.
Accepting that Jesus Christ, who was fully man (and perfect) and fully God, was an actual person who walked the earth and was severely beaten and tortured to death on a cross because he loves us is not logical. Our earthly minds and human reason rebel against faith. Ironically, deep down inside we all know there's a Creator, a God; we know right and wrong (at least in some ways) intrinsically. We all yearn for the love and companionship of a Lord. And sometimes we try to fill our desires with relationships, money, or power...and we fail. Peace cannot be found until we accept the truth, and then, peace cannot be taken from us even amidst chaos.
Going to church, simply saying a prayer, being good and kind, trying to do the right thing...this does not make you a Christian. Many people are scared to become Christians because they think of 'what I'll have to give up,' but don't realize all that they're missing out on. It's not just about going to Heaven - it's about having the fullest life on earth! It is accepting Jesus as Lord over your life (as Paul says, becoming a slave to Christ, surrendering your everything!) and living for Him. It is a relationship. It is the deal of a lifetime! We deserve Hell; we get Heaven. Christians are not always good and kind, do not always do the right thing and are hypocrites much of the time. But to judge Christ by Christians, unfortunately, does not give the world a true picture of Him. If you are a Christian, watch how you walk, because others are. If you aren't, then don't miss out on this deal of a lifetime! :)
This past year I volunteered to be the chaplain (through FCA) for the JV/Varsity cheerleaders at Abbeville High. Once a week, after practice, I lead them in a devotion from the Bible. This being the South, I assumed that everyone already knew the basics of Christianity and that I would probably just teach from the Bible on different life issues each week. But, when I was praying on what to teach on the first week, God led me back to what I thought was obvious. "What exactly does it mean to be a Christian?" And again the second week. "How do you come to know God? How do you know you're a Christian?" Even this past week, "What does it mean to truly repent?"
America is supposed to be 'the Christian country,' but I've been shocked and saddened by how much we truly take for granted here in our 'freedom.' We're so 'free' that it doesn't mean as much to us anymore. Maybe all of the persecution and threats to Christianity in politics lately should be a big wake up call to us! If not, then maybe the fact that our teenagers, many who think they are Christians and who know parables and Bible stories, don't really know what it all means. My time with these precious girls at AHS has taught me a lot, and in particular, that we shouldn't assume everyone around us knows the truth; we need to be bold in our faith and not afraid to speak up for what we believe in.
"Christian" is literally translated to "follower of the way." In the Bible (John 14:6), Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." As followers of Christ, we are called to live like he did. No, we will not be perfect, but yes, we are to set our standard there. Yes, it's hard. And thank God that we do not have to sacrifice animals, or pray a certain number of times daily, or travel to a mecca to make up for all the times we fail. When we repent (not just acknowledging our sin to a God who already knows about it!) God forgives us. When you truly repent from something you are agreeing with God that it's wrong and Matthew 3 says you will "produce fruit" in keeping with repentance,which means you will take ACTION! (To stop doing something or to start doing what you were avoiding.) It can be super hard (but God will give you his strength) and you might fall right back into it and have to repent again, but forgiveness is a well that never runs dry. We don't do anything to deserve it. It's a gift. Called grace.
Accepting that Jesus Christ, who was fully man (and perfect) and fully God, was an actual person who walked the earth and was severely beaten and tortured to death on a cross because he loves us is not logical. Our earthly minds and human reason rebel against faith. Ironically, deep down inside we all know there's a Creator, a God; we know right and wrong (at least in some ways) intrinsically. We all yearn for the love and companionship of a Lord. And sometimes we try to fill our desires with relationships, money, or power...and we fail. Peace cannot be found until we accept the truth, and then, peace cannot be taken from us even amidst chaos.
Going to church, simply saying a prayer, being good and kind, trying to do the right thing...this does not make you a Christian. Many people are scared to become Christians because they think of 'what I'll have to give up,' but don't realize all that they're missing out on. It's not just about going to Heaven - it's about having the fullest life on earth! It is accepting Jesus as Lord over your life (as Paul says, becoming a slave to Christ, surrendering your everything!) and living for Him. It is a relationship. It is the deal of a lifetime! We deserve Hell; we get Heaven. Christians are not always good and kind, do not always do the right thing and are hypocrites much of the time. But to judge Christ by Christians, unfortunately, does not give the world a true picture of Him. If you are a Christian, watch how you walk, because others are. If you aren't, then don't miss out on this deal of a lifetime! :)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
I Promise I Don't Work for Target!
Ha, I promise ya'll I don't work for Target (but I am up for grabs, Mr. Target. Cough, cough.) However, every time I'm looking online for good deals and find something I like, there always seems to be a cheaper version of it at the 'red dot' store!
I love Loft. All you teachers (esp Miss A.L. Williams) know Loft. I can't even walk past the store without losing myself-control money. When they have a sale, they have a SALE. When they don't, they DON'T. It can be a little on the expen$ive side!
So, this is sort-of a 'two-fer' blog, if you will. A 'two for one' special! Loft has a 25% off entire purchase and free shipping deal that ends today. But, even with the discount, this adorable sweater dress (can't get the pic any bigger)
is more expensive ($90) than its twin at Target ($25 and in more colors).
I have this dress in the green (from Target) and haven't worn it yet, but plan to wear with leggings and boots, or tights and ballet flats. Cute with a long necklace or a belt!
SN: The Loft dress is made with wool, so it's probably a little nicer quality. But, the Target dress is more A-line (less clingy on the child-bearing hips), which will probably flatter more body types. And the Target dress is a Junior size, so you may need to size up.
I love Loft. All you teachers (esp Miss A.L. Williams) know Loft. I can't even walk past the store without losing my
So, this is sort-of a 'two-fer' blog, if you will. A 'two for one' special! Loft has a 25% off entire purchase and free shipping deal that ends today. But, even with the discount, this adorable sweater dress (can't get the pic any bigger)
is more expensive ($90) than its twin at Target ($25 and in more colors).
I have this dress in the green (from Target) and haven't worn it yet, but plan to wear with leggings and boots, or tights and ballet flats. Cute with a long necklace or a belt!
SN: The Loft dress is made with wool, so it's probably a little nicer quality. But, the Target dress is more A-line (less clingy on the child-bearing hips), which will probably flatter more body types. And the Target dress is a Junior size, so you may need to size up.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Deal of the Week
Brrrr...yesterday was the first day it really felt like Fall to me. The rain was falling, the sky was dark, and the air was chilly! It was a perfect day to sit out on our back porch and reminisce and laugh for hours with some old friends - which is exactly what I did. To top it all of we had home-made french toast and bacon for breakfast. Annnd I got to cuddle with not one, but TWO little babies. I mean, seriously, if that doesn't sound good to you...well, then, you need to come over and see how fun it is!
There's only one thing that would've made it better...getting in bed to flannel sheets! I love the moment when I fold back my sheets and nestle in at night. In the winter, few blends feel as good as thick, warm flannel sheets! Annnd, they're ON SALE right now at Target. Twin, double, and queen size...all only $19.99!!! And guess how much King size cost? Ummm, duh, $19.99!! That's really cheap, people!
Now, I can't attest to the quality or durability of these sheets, as I don't work for Target (umm, HELLOOOO, Target, don't you want to hire me to blog about your deals? I'm totally sure Mr. Target reads this). But, hey, even if you only use them for a year or two and then sell them for $5 at a yard sale, you've gotten your money's worth!
PS There are more colors and sizes in the store than I've found online.
There's only one thing that would've made it better...getting in bed to flannel sheets! I love the moment when I fold back my sheets and nestle in at night. In the winter, few blends feel as good as thick, warm flannel sheets! Annnd, they're ON SALE right now at Target. Twin, double, and queen size...all only $19.99!!! And guess how much King size cost? Ummm, duh, $19.99!! That's really cheap, people!
Now, I can't attest to the quality or durability of these sheets, as I don't work for Target (umm, HELLOOOO, Target, don't you want to hire me to blog about your deals? I'm totally sure Mr. Target reads this). But, hey, even if you only use them for a year or two and then sell them for $5 at a yard sale, you've gotten your money's worth!
PS There are more colors and sizes in the store than I've found online.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Great Deal!
So...I have a teensy lil problem. It's nothing, really. I'm just a tiny bit addicted to shopping. Retail therapy. Online shopping. In-store shopping. Shopping for others. Finding a deal. Bargaining. SHOPPING. I only go for good deals, though, unless it's just a 'got-have-it-totally-worth-the-money" purchase. (IE: My favorite summer Anthropologie dress.) I trace this back to Saturday mornings at the Jockey Lot growing up...you only get $5 so you better make it stretch!
But, really, one of my favorite things to do is shop for others. I loooove when my friends get me to take them shopping to pick out new clothes! Or when someone gives me money to get clothes for a certain occasion. And buying gifts is fun to me, too. One of my 'dream' jobs is to be a personal shopper...sadly, I don't even know how this would work. ?? And, sadly, I think I shop better for others than for myself!
However, I thought maybe you (sorry to any guys who read this blog) could benefit from my hobby! So, introducing the Deal of the Week:
Anthropologie (one of my favorite stores) has this cutie-pie sweater/shrug for $68.00
And...Target has the same thing (and in more colors) for only $25!
Same exact sweater - believe me, I have this Target version hanging in my closet! Due to my shoppingaddiction hobby, I find lots of these, so if ya'll are interested, I can blog more of them! Enjoy this 'Deal of the Week!'
But, really, one of my favorite things to do is shop for others. I loooove when my friends get me to take them shopping to pick out new clothes! Or when someone gives me money to get clothes for a certain occasion. And buying gifts is fun to me, too. One of my 'dream' jobs is to be a personal shopper...sadly, I don't even know how this would work. ?? And, sadly, I think I shop better for others than for myself!
However, I thought maybe you (sorry to any guys who read this blog) could benefit from my hobby! So, introducing the Deal of the Week:
Anthropologie (one of my favorite stores) has this cutie-pie sweater/shrug for $68.00
And...Target has the same thing (and in more colors) for only $25!
Same exact sweater - believe me, I have this Target version hanging in my closet! Due to my shopping
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Following His Footsteps
Raise your hand if you get up two hours before work every morning to exercise. Raise your hand if your children or spouse do. Keep hands raised if both apply. Seeing no hands...
So this morning my lovely dog, Louie, woke me up at 6:20a to go outside and use the bathroom. Being the chirpy morning person I am, I jumped out of bed, brushed my teeth, fixed my hair, put on my contacts, and skipped him down the Main Street sidewalk in front of our house. Okay, okay, it didn't happen exactly like that. So maybe I grumbled at him, put on my (two-inch thick) glasses and stumbled down the stairs barefoot to walk him. It was still pretty dark outside (a clue to him that it was still sleepy time), and I'm pretty blind (glasses are old) so it shocked me to hear footfalls behind me on the sidewalk as we were turning back to my house. Paranoia, partly due to my reporting days, and partly because of my previously-blogged-about overactive imagination, immediately overtook me. I turned to see who was running fast at me and was surprised by the sweetness of what I saw.
My neighbor, father of two, out jogging, while his middle school aged son rode his bike behind him. When I used to host the morning radio show on the square I would see them, too, but this morning it really hit me as to how sweet that is. We all know how hard it is to get up in the mornings, and especially for middle schoolers! But, here they were, out bonding over the early-morning exercise.
Said Dad works hard, then I see him doing yard work, or playing with the kids in the yard, or grilling...pretty sure it's tempting for him to hit the snooze. But, maybe his motivation isn't just staying fit, it's spending that time with his baby boy. It may sound silly, but I bet this boosts his son's sense of self and will help him succeed in life. So, fellas, listen up, women look for men who will be good Dads. It's so important!
I remember when my Dad used to ask me to play catch with him in the front yard. I secretly dreaded that question because I just knew the ball would knock out one of my perfectly braced teeth or shatter one of my four eyes. I knew I would miss the ball or not have the strength to throw it far enough. He knew that, too. But, since he wasn't a cheerleader (picture that!), it was the only way he knew to bond with me. It was that time together that was important.
This all hit me this morning when I saw my neighbor (whose yard is Louie's favorite for pottying...shhh!) exercising, with his son literally following in his footsteps. What a great example!
So this morning my lovely dog, Louie, woke me up at 6:20a to go outside and use the bathroom. Being the chirpy morning person I am, I jumped out of bed, brushed my teeth, fixed my hair, put on my contacts, and skipped him down the Main Street sidewalk in front of our house. Okay, okay, it didn't happen exactly like that. So maybe I grumbled at him, put on my (two-inch thick) glasses and stumbled down the stairs barefoot to walk him. It was still pretty dark outside (a clue to him that it was still sleepy time), and I'm pretty blind (glasses are old) so it shocked me to hear footfalls behind me on the sidewalk as we were turning back to my house. Paranoia, partly due to my reporting days, and partly because of my previously-blogged-about overactive imagination, immediately overtook me. I turned to see who was running fast at me and was surprised by the sweetness of what I saw.
My neighbor, father of two, out jogging, while his middle school aged son rode his bike behind him. When I used to host the morning radio show on the square I would see them, too, but this morning it really hit me as to how sweet that is. We all know how hard it is to get up in the mornings, and especially for middle schoolers! But, here they were, out bonding over the early-morning exercise.
Said Dad works hard, then I see him doing yard work, or playing with the kids in the yard, or grilling...pretty sure it's tempting for him to hit the snooze. But, maybe his motivation isn't just staying fit, it's spending that time with his baby boy. It may sound silly, but I bet this boosts his son's sense of self and will help him succeed in life. So, fellas, listen up, women look for men who will be good Dads. It's so important!
I remember when my Dad used to ask me to play catch with him in the front yard. I secretly dreaded that question because I just knew the ball would knock out one of my perfectly braced teeth or shatter one of my four eyes. I knew I would miss the ball or not have the strength to throw it far enough. He knew that, too. But, since he wasn't a cheerleader (picture that!), it was the only way he knew to bond with me. It was that time together that was important.
This all hit me this morning when I saw my neighbor (whose yard is Louie's favorite for pottying...shhh!) exercising, with his son literally following in his footsteps. What a great example!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Truth
My Bible study ladies and I frequently talk about Israel and what the Word predicts about Israel and the 'end times.' I subscribe to OneNewsNow, a Christian news organization, and get emails about political goings ons in the world. I love this one particular reporter, an African American man by the name of Ben Kinchlow. He speaks TRUTH in a way that everyone can understand. What he has to say about the Obama administration and the US/Israel is scary:
"Washington has stepped up pressure on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to move forward with the resumption of direct talks after 18 months of stalemate. Observers say President Obama is in a full-court press for purely political reasons and desperately needs some kind of foreign policy success before the mid-term elections in November, where the Democrats could take a sound thrashing.
Kinchlow says one only need look at countries throughout history that have either divided the land of Israel or persecuted the Jewish people.
"And you will find all the way from Egypt to Rome and all the way down to the last great empire, which was the British Empire which divided the land of Israel -- every one of those empires have fallen on the ash heap of history," he states.
"And I am deeply concerned that if America pursues this anti-Israel policy demonstrated by a current president we might find ourselves equally on the ash heap of history."
It is imperative, says Kinchlow, that the Christian community get out and vote en mass for someone who understands the real significance of Israel in God's plan."
"Washington has stepped up pressure on Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to move forward with the resumption of direct talks after 18 months of stalemate. Observers say President Obama is in a full-court press for purely political reasons and desperately needs some kind of foreign policy success before the mid-term elections in November, where the Democrats could take a sound thrashing.
Kinchlow says one only need look at countries throughout history that have either divided the land of Israel or persecuted the Jewish people.
"And you will find all the way from Egypt to Rome and all the way down to the last great empire, which was the British Empire which divided the land of Israel -- every one of those empires have fallen on the ash heap of history," he states.
"And I am deeply concerned that if America pursues this anti-Israel policy demonstrated by a current president we might find ourselves equally on the ash heap of history."
It is imperative, says Kinchlow, that the Christian community get out and vote en mass for someone who understands the real significance of Israel in God's plan."
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
This Kind of Love
"Mommy, do you love me more than anybody in the whole wide world?" My young mind fully expected the answer to be something like, 'Of course! You know you and your sister are the center of my universe!' Instead, I experienced a revelation so shocking that I still remember it today. "Actually no, I love your Daddy more," she said. Upon seeing my bottom lip poke out, she continued, "I love you and Tiff a lot in a different way, but God says I'm supposed to love Daddy more than anyone else. One day you'll get married and you'll love your husband more than you love me." To which I sulkily replied, "I will NOT!" "Yes, you will, and I'll be okay with that. That's how God says it should be."
I can still picture that-little-me sitting by myself in our den, thinking about this. My Mom had always been my go-to source for everything, so this was quite a big idea to take in. One day I would love a boy more?! No way. But then, amazingly, the light bulb turned on. I realized I actually felt more secure knowing that Momma loved Daddy more. And this is my first memory of thinking about my future husband, and being excited about loving him more than anybody in the whole world! (Yeah, I don't think I ever went through a 'boys are gross!' stage.)
Now that I'm older and know that a marriage symbolizes Jesus' (man) love for the church (and wife) I can't imagine a greater love than that. Last night in Bible study, my girls and I talked about how often nowadays this kind of love is distorted. We get it wrong all the time. We aren't supposed to love our kids more than our spouses. We aren't supposed to love our families more than God. And for goodness sakes we aren't supposed to love ourselves more than anything at all.
True security only comes from one love. This kind of love is humble, giving, unconditional...it's the love that God first gave to us, while we were yet sinners. It's an undeserved love. It's a love that cannot be rivaled by any earthly relationship, yet we try to replace it frequently with 'cheaper' loves. It's a love that is supposed to be symbolized in marriage. This kind of love is what my Mom was talking about (they've been married 40 years!!) and what I hope to share in a marriage. This kind of love is what saved me.
*Because ya'll know I love music...and this song is perfect for this. Love it!
I can still picture that-little-me sitting by myself in our den, thinking about this. My Mom had always been my go-to source for everything, so this was quite a big idea to take in. One day I would love a boy more?! No way. But then, amazingly, the light bulb turned on. I realized I actually felt more secure knowing that Momma loved Daddy more. And this is my first memory of thinking about my future husband, and being excited about loving him more than anybody in the whole world! (Yeah, I don't think I ever went through a 'boys are gross!' stage.)
Now that I'm older and know that a marriage symbolizes Jesus' (man) love for the church (and wife) I can't imagine a greater love than that. Last night in Bible study, my girls and I talked about how often nowadays this kind of love is distorted. We get it wrong all the time. We aren't supposed to love our kids more than our spouses. We aren't supposed to love our families more than God. And for goodness sakes we aren't supposed to love ourselves more than anything at all.
True security only comes from one love. This kind of love is humble, giving, unconditional...it's the love that God first gave to us, while we were yet sinners. It's an undeserved love. It's a love that cannot be rivaled by any earthly relationship, yet we try to replace it frequently with 'cheaper' loves. It's a love that is supposed to be symbolized in marriage. This kind of love is what my Mom was talking about (they've been married 40 years!!) and what I hope to share in a marriage. This kind of love is what saved me.
*Because ya'll know I love music...and this song is perfect for this. Love it!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
It's all fun and games 'til someone gets hurt....
I have a vivid, crazy imagination. There are all kinds of funny stories from when I was little. This can be a great thing...I have all kinds of inventions floating around in my head! But, it can also be very annoying. Because of this imagination, I often have the most clear, seemingly real NIGHTMARES. Sometimes I wake up scared, or angry, and sometimes it takes me a few seconds to realize that I was only dreaming. I'm not sure if they're caused by sub-conscious worries or fears, but I frequently have these vividly cruel dreams. Not being a morning person by nature (as in do not talk to me, and for goodness sake please DO NOT ever sing 'rise and shine' or any of the like, to me until I've had a good 20 minutes to wake up) these nightmares frequently leave me feeling drained and grouchy in the mornings.
So, last week, after a few consecutive nights of tossing and turning and fighting off the bad guys in my head, I prayed that God would give me 'sweet sleep.' Ya'll, I didn't wake up once during the night, and when I woke up in the morning I was LAUGHING. It was the weirdest thing. (And no, I'm not insane. Well, maybe sometimes. A little.) I was dreaming that I was laughing and thoroughly enjoying it, and then woke up because I WAS laughing! Talk about waking up on the RIGHT side of the bed! It was so refreshing.
I LOVE to laugh. I LOVE to hear other people laugh. In middle school my friends ribbed me because when I laughed I would do so with my mouth wide open and suck in air. The only sound was when I breathed in and it sounded like a grating hiccup. You know the kind. Hard to describe in words, but it was AWFUL. Every once in awhile a snort would sneak out. People would stop and just stare at me. I literally had to retrain myself to laugh silently.
In college, one of my favorite sounds was when a friend, Margaret Harritt, laughed. It was like a machine gun firing out giggles. It sounded like peals of laughter in fast forward - they came out so fast that it was just HILARIOUS. If you ever meet this girl, you must tickle her (just don't tell her Lindsay Tyner said so)or tell her a joke so you can hear this.
Most of my friends know that my favorite thing to fall asleep to is America's Funniest Home Videos. I know some of those things hurt those folks, but I just can't help myself. My Dad and I will watch and afterwards my stomach will just ache from the laughing.
I'm going to go ahead and apologize.
I could seriously hurt your feelings here.
If you fall down...I WILL LAUGH.
Ya'll, I CANNOT HELP MYSELF. Hopefully, shortly thereafter I will ask if you're okay and help you up, but my first reflex is to giggle. It happened when my grandma fell! I felt awful, but it just slips out. When Robyn came to visit me in Florence once, she was literally running into my apartment as fast as she could when she tripped over her feet and face-planted into my apartment. It was GREAT! One of the greatest stumbles in recent history was when my friend Brandon Greene (who was home on a short vacation from his AirForce job in Germany) was walking backwards and fell into a planter. Legs akimbo, butt in the dirt, arms flailing in the air...I snicker just picturing it again. His pride was obviously wounded, but I could not stop laughing! If I ever fall, I will probably laugh at myself, so you can, too, and don't feel bad.
The Bible says, "He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy!" Job 8:21 What an awesome God! He loves it when we laugh and are filled with joy! I don't know about you, but to me, laughter can be like medicine. It's as good as any anti-depressant. So, if you have nightmares, pray for 'sweet sleep,' and maybe the Lord will wake you up with laughter like He did me. If you're having a bad day...these are some things that always make me laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMHaiMzgCNA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aemXgP-2xyg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IytNBm8WA1c
It's all fun and games 'til someone gets hurt...then it's hilarious! :)
So, last week, after a few consecutive nights of tossing and turning and fighting off the bad guys in my head, I prayed that God would give me 'sweet sleep.' Ya'll, I didn't wake up once during the night, and when I woke up in the morning I was LAUGHING. It was the weirdest thing. (And no, I'm not insane. Well, maybe sometimes. A little.) I was dreaming that I was laughing and thoroughly enjoying it, and then woke up because I WAS laughing! Talk about waking up on the RIGHT side of the bed! It was so refreshing.
I LOVE to laugh. I LOVE to hear other people laugh. In middle school my friends ribbed me because when I laughed I would do so with my mouth wide open and suck in air. The only sound was when I breathed in and it sounded like a grating hiccup. You know the kind. Hard to describe in words, but it was AWFUL. Every once in awhile a snort would sneak out. People would stop and just stare at me. I literally had to retrain myself to laugh silently.
In college, one of my favorite sounds was when a friend, Margaret Harritt, laughed. It was like a machine gun firing out giggles. It sounded like peals of laughter in fast forward - they came out so fast that it was just HILARIOUS. If you ever meet this girl, you must tickle her (just don't tell her Lindsay Tyner said so)or tell her a joke so you can hear this.
Most of my friends know that my favorite thing to fall asleep to is America's Funniest Home Videos. I know some of those things hurt those folks, but I just can't help myself. My Dad and I will watch and afterwards my stomach will just ache from the laughing.
I'm going to go ahead and apologize.
I could seriously hurt your feelings here.
If you fall down...I WILL LAUGH.
Ya'll, I CANNOT HELP MYSELF. Hopefully, shortly thereafter I will ask if you're okay and help you up, but my first reflex is to giggle. It happened when my grandma fell! I felt awful, but it just slips out. When Robyn came to visit me in Florence once, she was literally running into my apartment as fast as she could when she tripped over her feet and face-planted into my apartment. It was GREAT! One of the greatest stumbles in recent history was when my friend Brandon Greene (who was home on a short vacation from his AirForce job in Germany) was walking backwards and fell into a planter. Legs akimbo, butt in the dirt, arms flailing in the air...I snicker just picturing it again. His pride was obviously wounded, but I could not stop laughing! If I ever fall, I will probably laugh at myself, so you can, too, and don't feel bad.
The Bible says, "He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy!" Job 8:21 What an awesome God! He loves it when we laugh and are filled with joy! I don't know about you, but to me, laughter can be like medicine. It's as good as any anti-depressant. So, if you have nightmares, pray for 'sweet sleep,' and maybe the Lord will wake you up with laughter like He did me. If you're having a bad day...these are some things that always make me laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMHaiMzgCNA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aemXgP-2xyg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IytNBm8WA1c
It's all fun and games 'til someone gets hurt...then it's hilarious! :)
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
It'll bite ya in the butt...
So I got this daily devotion (will share at bottom) in my email this morning and think I could probably read it every single day...I definitely need the reminder. Obviously, as God brought the issue to mind last night and then I got an email about it this morning. (He knows I'm thick-headed.)
Just last night in bed (side note: anyone else's brain kick into high gear around midnight when you should be sleeping?!) I was thinking about how our hearts are evil. Now before you get all defensive...yours is, too. :) Not always. But, our hearts are fickle and often led by pure emotions. The battle for that is in our minds, our thoughts, our spirit.
I've often had the not-so-fun experience of my heart leading me in one direction while my brain is screaming at me to run the other way. Which to listen to? Unless it is a Holy Spirit conviction of the heart (Romans 14; and we cannot judge others if their convictions are different from ours) then your 'feelings' can be a dangerous lead to follow. Proverbs 15:28 says 'The heart of the righteous weighs its answers.' But, oh how much more fun is it to give in to your desires and taste the deliciousness of all you crave?! That can seriously come back to bite you in the butt...hello, Eve and the apple, anyone? And doesn't Satan just looove to bite us in the butts later!
So back to the question: what should we listen to then, when our heads and hearts are warring? THE TRUTH. (A good example of why memorizing scripture is so important!) OUR FAITH. Even when feelings aren't there, or when they are and they're up to no good, we can TRUST and BELIEVE. Even when we don't want to. Don't feel like it. Are sick of feeling disappointed when we don't get answers we want, or any at all. And this leads me to what I read this morning:
"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Job 1:20-21 (NIV)
"God is always present, even when you are unaware of him, and his presence is too profound to be measured by mere emotion." Rick Warren
When you are a baby Christian, God gives you a lot of confirming emotions and often answers the most immature, self-centered prayers—so you'll know he exists. But as you grow in faith, he will wean you of these dependencies.
God's omnipresence and the manifestation of his presence are two different things. One is a fact; the other is often a feeling. God is always present, even when you are unaware of him, and his presence is too profound to be measured by mere emotion.
Yes, he wants you to sense his presence, but he's more concerned that you trust him than that you feel him. Faith, not feelings, pleases God.
The situations that will stretch your faith most will be those times when life falls apart and God is nowhere to be found. This happened to Job. On a single day he lost everything—his family, his business, his health, and everything he owned. Most discouraging—for thirty-seven chapters, God said nothing!
How do you praise God when you don't understand what's happening in your life and God is silent? How do you stay connected in a crisis without communication? How do you keep your eyes on Jesus when they're full of tears? You do what Job did: "Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.'" (Job 1:20-21, NIV)
Tell God exactly how you feel. Pour out your heart to God. Unload every emotion that you're feeling. Job did this when he said, "I can't be quiet! I'm angry and bitter. I have to speak!" (Job 7:11, TEV)
He cried out when God seemed distant: "Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house." (Job 29:4, NIV)
God can handle your doubt, anger, fear, grief, confusion, and questions. Just have FAITH.
Just last night in bed (side note: anyone else's brain kick into high gear around midnight when you should be sleeping?!) I was thinking about how our hearts are evil. Now before you get all defensive...yours is, too. :) Not always. But, our hearts are fickle and often led by pure emotions. The battle for that is in our minds, our thoughts, our spirit.
I've often had the not-so-fun experience of my heart leading me in one direction while my brain is screaming at me to run the other way. Which to listen to? Unless it is a Holy Spirit conviction of the heart (Romans 14; and we cannot judge others if their convictions are different from ours) then your 'feelings' can be a dangerous lead to follow. Proverbs 15:28 says 'The heart of the righteous weighs its answers.' But, oh how much more fun is it to give in to your desires and taste the deliciousness of all you crave?! That can seriously come back to bite you in the butt...hello, Eve and the apple, anyone? And doesn't Satan just looove to bite us in the butts later!
So back to the question: what should we listen to then, when our heads and hearts are warring? THE TRUTH. (A good example of why memorizing scripture is so important!) OUR FAITH. Even when feelings aren't there, or when they are and they're up to no good, we can TRUST and BELIEVE. Even when we don't want to. Don't feel like it. Are sick of feeling disappointed when we don't get answers we want, or any at all. And this leads me to what I read this morning:
"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." Job 1:20-21 (NIV)
"God is always present, even when you are unaware of him, and his presence is too profound to be measured by mere emotion." Rick Warren
When you are a baby Christian, God gives you a lot of confirming emotions and often answers the most immature, self-centered prayers—so you'll know he exists. But as you grow in faith, he will wean you of these dependencies.
God's omnipresence and the manifestation of his presence are two different things. One is a fact; the other is often a feeling. God is always present, even when you are unaware of him, and his presence is too profound to be measured by mere emotion.
Yes, he wants you to sense his presence, but he's more concerned that you trust him than that you feel him. Faith, not feelings, pleases God.
The situations that will stretch your faith most will be those times when life falls apart and God is nowhere to be found. This happened to Job. On a single day he lost everything—his family, his business, his health, and everything he owned. Most discouraging—for thirty-seven chapters, God said nothing!
How do you praise God when you don't understand what's happening in your life and God is silent? How do you stay connected in a crisis without communication? How do you keep your eyes on Jesus when they're full of tears? You do what Job did: "Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.'" (Job 1:20-21, NIV)
Tell God exactly how you feel. Pour out your heart to God. Unload every emotion that you're feeling. Job did this when he said, "I can't be quiet! I'm angry and bitter. I have to speak!" (Job 7:11, TEV)
He cried out when God seemed distant: "Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house." (Job 29:4, NIV)
God can handle your doubt, anger, fear, grief, confusion, and questions. Just have FAITH.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
SUPER FREAKY
"You're a freak!" That's like every middle schooler's worst nightmare in a sentence. Even as you get older, I don't think it'd feel too good to be looked at like you're a weirdo, because we all want to fit in somewhere. Yes, even if someone dresses in all black, with off-putting makeup and piercings, that person wants to fit in, too.
I think our desires to fit in with a group, especially when we're younger and more impressionable, come from a deeper need to be loved. Like Beth Moore says, under the desires of our hearts is really the heart of our desires. It's proven everyday. It's usually the ones who aren't loved or encouraged at home who most seek that attention elsewhere. I saw a clip on the news today about the Columbine High School killings. I wonder how different things might have been if the killers' classmates wouldn't have labeled them, 'freaks.' Or if even one of their peers would've reached out to them, despite their differences, and shown love and acceptance.
All too often we, especially as Americans, place importance on looks, economic status, job status, and forfeit getting to know good-hearted people because they don't look like us. I am ashamed to admit that I recently did this myself. I was out to eat at a restaurant when a homeless man came in to ask the server for a glass of water. I felt the strongest urge to invite this man to sit and have a meal with me and just let him know that someone cared for him. I knew this urging was from God, but immediately, my pride stepped in and I thought, 'I can't do that. People will wonder what I'm doing, sitting with this dirty man who is probably on drugs.' And so I let the moment pass. I have no idea how God could've used me to make a difference in that man's life, and for fear of what others might think, I will never know.
I've never been in his exact place, but I've been a 'freak' before. Middle school was a rough time for me, when I was made fun of a lot and didn't always have a true friend to turn to. In college, the choices I made and things I choose not to do set me apart. It's hard when people leave you out or poke fun at you, even good-naturedly. Thank God my confidence and self-worth don't come from what others think of me!
You see, I don't think being a freak is all that much of a bad thing. In fact, Jesus tells us people won't like us because we're different. And you know what? That's okay! Paul writes in Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." That hit me like a ton of bricks. It's so much easier to think that if we make everyone else happy, then we will be happy because they'll like us. But, sometimes it's better to be a 'freak.'
So, I try to live my life devoted to my beliefs. Along the way some will probably think I'm crazy, but what is 'normal' anyway? If you can show me a 'normal' person or a 'normal' family, well, then I'd say there are some skeletons that just haven't come out yet! But, more importantly, who wants to be 'normal?!' To me, normalcy screams of a cookie cutter, average life. No one wants on his tombstone, 'Here lies Mediocre Joe. 1970 - 2020. We don't remember anything else about him because he just blended with the crowd.' Now, that, that would hurt more than not being in the 'in crowd.' So, the next time you're feeling like a 'super-freak,' or judging someone who you think is a 'freak,' just remember...we all are!
I think our desires to fit in with a group, especially when we're younger and more impressionable, come from a deeper need to be loved. Like Beth Moore says, under the desires of our hearts is really the heart of our desires. It's proven everyday. It's usually the ones who aren't loved or encouraged at home who most seek that attention elsewhere. I saw a clip on the news today about the Columbine High School killings. I wonder how different things might have been if the killers' classmates wouldn't have labeled them, 'freaks.' Or if even one of their peers would've reached out to them, despite their differences, and shown love and acceptance.
All too often we, especially as Americans, place importance on looks, economic status, job status, and forfeit getting to know good-hearted people because they don't look like us. I am ashamed to admit that I recently did this myself. I was out to eat at a restaurant when a homeless man came in to ask the server for a glass of water. I felt the strongest urge to invite this man to sit and have a meal with me and just let him know that someone cared for him. I knew this urging was from God, but immediately, my pride stepped in and I thought, 'I can't do that. People will wonder what I'm doing, sitting with this dirty man who is probably on drugs.' And so I let the moment pass. I have no idea how God could've used me to make a difference in that man's life, and for fear of what others might think, I will never know.
I've never been in his exact place, but I've been a 'freak' before. Middle school was a rough time for me, when I was made fun of a lot and didn't always have a true friend to turn to. In college, the choices I made and things I choose not to do set me apart. It's hard when people leave you out or poke fun at you, even good-naturedly. Thank God my confidence and self-worth don't come from what others think of me!
You see, I don't think being a freak is all that much of a bad thing. In fact, Jesus tells us people won't like us because we're different. And you know what? That's okay! Paul writes in Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." That hit me like a ton of bricks. It's so much easier to think that if we make everyone else happy, then we will be happy because they'll like us. But, sometimes it's better to be a 'freak.'
So, I try to live my life devoted to my beliefs. Along the way some will probably think I'm crazy, but what is 'normal' anyway? If you can show me a 'normal' person or a 'normal' family, well, then I'd say there are some skeletons that just haven't come out yet! But, more importantly, who wants to be 'normal?!' To me, normalcy screams of a cookie cutter, average life. No one wants on his tombstone, 'Here lies Mediocre Joe. 1970 - 2020. We don't remember anything else about him because he just blended with the crowd.' Now, that, that would hurt more than not being in the 'in crowd.' So, the next time you're feeling like a 'super-freak,' or judging someone who you think is a 'freak,' just remember...we all are!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Anything but that...
We've all heard Miley Cyrus sing about 'The Climb' (unless your head has been in the sand for a year). You've heard it, but have you thought about it? Life is a long hike...lots of climbing the mountains, just to get to the top, enjoy the view ever so briefly, and then realize your peak is overshadowed by an even bigger mountain waiting to be scaled.
Though I am a girly-girl, I love to hike. I relish the feel, the smell, almost (not the bugs) everything about being outside. However, I have never, never wanted to be a mountain climber. Hanging on a rope, trying to get these short arms and legs up into the high crevices, clinging to loose rocks for dear life...maybe I don't know what I'm missing, but it doesn't appeal to me in the least. You spend all that time sweating it out, wanting to give up, scratching your knees, breaking nails, just to see a view you could way more easily see from an airplane.
But, unfortunately for our 'I want it now' human nature, that's a lot like life. We spend the majority of our years waiting. Waiting to get our driver's license, waiting to graduate high school, waiting to get a career, waiting to meet 'the one,' waiting to have kids, waiting to retire. Whew! That's a lot of waiting. Every time you get to the top of your mountain, there's something else to 'wait' for. It dawned on me as I was thinking about this, that the LIFE is in the waiting. The view that we crave so much is brief, and then we start sweating and climbing again.
My life lately has been all about waiting. I called one of my confidantes earlier this week and cried to her, 'how long do I have to wait?!' 'When have I waited enough?!' I pray every day for God to show me where to go, what to do, to give me a yes, or even a no - just a sign or direction. Just no more waiting, anything but that!
But we know that when we are the weakest that's when He's the strongest. In this time of waiting in my life, He's been showing me some things. If we're not happy in the waiting, we will not be happy when we get whatever it is that we've been waiting for. No job or significant other or goal reached will do more for us than has already been done. We are to be content in all circumstances because Jesus has already given us all we could ever need. Even in the waiting. Especially in the waiting.
God uses these waiting periods to develop our perseverance, which leads to character, that blossoms into hope. It's only when we are in the fire, the hottest, most uncomfortable part, that we are soft enough to be molded into what we were made to be. The Bible says He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver (Mal. 3:3). He may hold us in that uncomfortable position, but He will never take His eyes off of his, will never drop us in the flames to be devoured. It's in that waiting that He will teach and grow us.
For me, this waiting has been the hardest thing I've ever gone through. But, I've never been closer with God. I would give up anything not to have wait anymore. Anything but that. This new level of intimacy with God is worth the wait.
A friend told me about this poem and I love it. Maybe you will too! :)
Wait
by Russell Kelfer
Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .
And the Master so gently said, "Wait."
"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.
"My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.
"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."
Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"
He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . .
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.
"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.
"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.
"You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.
"The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.
"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.
"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."
Though I am a girly-girl, I love to hike. I relish the feel, the smell, almost (not the bugs) everything about being outside. However, I have never, never wanted to be a mountain climber. Hanging on a rope, trying to get these short arms and legs up into the high crevices, clinging to loose rocks for dear life...maybe I don't know what I'm missing, but it doesn't appeal to me in the least. You spend all that time sweating it out, wanting to give up, scratching your knees, breaking nails, just to see a view you could way more easily see from an airplane.
But, unfortunately for our 'I want it now' human nature, that's a lot like life. We spend the majority of our years waiting. Waiting to get our driver's license, waiting to graduate high school, waiting to get a career, waiting to meet 'the one,' waiting to have kids, waiting to retire. Whew! That's a lot of waiting. Every time you get to the top of your mountain, there's something else to 'wait' for. It dawned on me as I was thinking about this, that the LIFE is in the waiting. The view that we crave so much is brief, and then we start sweating and climbing again.
My life lately has been all about waiting. I called one of my confidantes earlier this week and cried to her, 'how long do I have to wait?!' 'When have I waited enough?!' I pray every day for God to show me where to go, what to do, to give me a yes, or even a no - just a sign or direction. Just no more waiting, anything but that!
But we know that when we are the weakest that's when He's the strongest. In this time of waiting in my life, He's been showing me some things. If we're not happy in the waiting, we will not be happy when we get whatever it is that we've been waiting for. No job or significant other or goal reached will do more for us than has already been done. We are to be content in all circumstances because Jesus has already given us all we could ever need. Even in the waiting. Especially in the waiting.
God uses these waiting periods to develop our perseverance, which leads to character, that blossoms into hope. It's only when we are in the fire, the hottest, most uncomfortable part, that we are soft enough to be molded into what we were made to be. The Bible says He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver (Mal. 3:3). He may hold us in that uncomfortable position, but He will never take His eyes off of his, will never drop us in the flames to be devoured. It's in that waiting that He will teach and grow us.
For me, this waiting has been the hardest thing I've ever gone through. But, I've never been closer with God. I would give up anything not to have wait anymore. Anything but that. This new level of intimacy with God is worth the wait.
A friend told me about this poem and I love it. Maybe you will too! :)
Wait
by Russell Kelfer
Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .
And the Master so gently said, "Wait."
"Wait? you say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.
"My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.
"You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply."
Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting for what?"
He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . .
and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.
"I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of my love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.
"You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.
"You'd never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.
"The glow of my comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.
"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I'm doing in you.
"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still . . . Wait."
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