- I'm thinking of how that phrase totally ignores the REAL reason for the season... Jesus' birth is the reason we celebrate CHRISTmas. Perhaps HE is not the reason for THEIR celebration- -SO... should THEY say "Merry Christmas anyway? Like SAYING "I'm sorry." when really you aren't in fact you will do the same again if given the opportunity... Words are worthless if they don't reflect our heart... So instead of saying "Merry Christmas!" or "Happy Holidays!" perhaps we should just say "I hope we get what we want!" "Stay well, and enjoy your family!" "I hope my money holds out..." "Keep your Chin up!" "I hope we don't get all bent out of shape about the money spent or not there to spend... I hope I'm wrong when I sense that to my loved ones, MAYBE I'm just a machine to grant their wishes... " perhaps we don't REALLY believe that Jesus is GOD's gift to us - - to bring us back into harmony with Him when we have used every ounce of our freedom to push Him out of our lives... I KNOW the words are symtomatic of our country's attempt to turn from God, BUT I think we're really upset that the non-believers have put the spotlight on the shallowness the "faith" they see in believers. OUCH! "SAY 'I'M SORRY!' " we shout... when we should be seeking the whys...
- I'm also thinking that for many of us, all holidays (ESPECIALLY Thanksgiving, Christmas, maybe Easter... birthdays ,too...) all these holidays are anything but happy. We remember sad times... we remember happy times that are gone forever... We see people around us buying what we can't buy... talking about family we won't see... It can easily become a pity party! Just writing these words, I first saw the faces of lonely friends... then I became in touch with my OWN lonely places... It's possible to go through the motions and look HAPPY when the depth of sorrow within us seems insurmountable- -death, job loss, broken relationships... Is it any wonder that this time of year sees SO many suicides? Everyone around them acts out the play: "HAPPY Holidays! Merry Christmas!" There is that spotlight again... surely we must be the only one who feels so low... PRETEND- -try to forget, dull the pain with alcohol/drugs. I wonder what would happen IF we took Jesus at His word? When greeted by sisters, heart-broken at the death of their brother: Jesus didn't say "Cheer up! Just don't think about it!" "Jesus wept." That's it. John 11:35 is so telling about what was important to Jesus. Why did He weep? His friend had died. His friends were bereaved. He knew he would also have to die. Whatever was behind his tears, THIS I know: He didn't pretend to be happy, "Jesus wept." Something else though, Jesus didn't stay immersed in his tears, grief - - He did something. he walked and talked to friends and to God... and He gave us a glimpse beyond the brevity of THIS life... no matter how FINAL... how lonely... looking toward the end of His life we see that even under the oppression of government out of control.... Jesus held fast to something bigger than the immediate concern. "Can ANYTHING good come out of Nazareth?"
- "Happy Holidays!" NO! "Merry Christmas!" No. That's not it either. Let's encourage folks to be honest. If you don't believe it, don't say it. NOW, fellow Christians, what should be our testimony to unbelievers? "If you don't SAY you believe, I won't shop at your store?" Come on, let's see the REAL Jesus in this. Jesus knew something we often forget, no matter how happy they SEEM on the outside - -handling their stresses over money, love and maybe they seem to be enjoying undisciplined passions - - They are miserable, without Jesus. AND no matter how miserable WE naturally should be when facing losses, stress and crises: When we focus on Jesus, AND TRUST that God is bigger than all of it, eternal and truly cares for us... our message should be one of hope and confidence in the face of despair, not criticism.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Holiday thots...
"Happy Holidays..." Lot's of reactions to this wish.
Friday, October 23, 2009
My LIFE is a web
In his DVD workshop on Love and Respect, Emerson Eggerich makes a comment about a typical woman's "webbing" way of telling a story. Everything that happens is connected in some way to everything else. Where men are able to compartmentalize everything, we tend to integrate all our experiences. As Emerson says, "not right or wrong, just different!" Confusing to men and alot of women too, this chasing rabbits seems disconnected and chaotic, but give us enough time and we will bring closure to all those loose ends!
My LIFE is like a web- -I always assumed EVERYONE felt this, guess not. Romans 8:28 describes life long webbing. It's not that everything is GOOD: all things work TOGETHER for good, in the end... as we are looking toward HIS purposes. That's webbing, to me.
Whether a story that my husband could tell in 10 minutes and it takes me a good hour, or an event that was over in a span of days- -say my brother's sucide July 23, 1973 up through his burial a few days late: I'm STILL figuring out what God would have me learn from experiences so intwined in the fabric of my life.
My father speaks often of his readiness to depart this world for the next. he confides that he doesn't want to leave ME, he is just ready to see Jesus, my Mom and his son. So often my mind drifts around past, present, future, good, bad, Bible verses and applications... this morning I was pulling together conclusions to share upon the death of my Dad. Why wait for his death?
I'm not going to tell lies and imply sainthood where there was none, but rather look at my folk's marriage from my outside view. Inspite of how things appeared at times, I'll try to give them the benefit of any doubt- -trusting that both of them had good will.
To remain married for 58 years, is no feat if the people are perfect and life is perfect! LIFE is NOT perfect, neither people, so lasting marriages are celebrated accomplishments: ONE year, whew!; TEN years, whew!; 25 yrs, 50 years! Celebrated if for no other reason: they never killed each other!
To my Dad, my Mom was wonderful when he married her... since the two months before her death, he has seen her with those eyes again.
My LIFE is like a web- -I always assumed EVERYONE felt this, guess not. Romans 8:28 describes life long webbing. It's not that everything is GOOD: all things work TOGETHER for good, in the end... as we are looking toward HIS purposes. That's webbing, to me.
Whether a story that my husband could tell in 10 minutes and it takes me a good hour, or an event that was over in a span of days- -say my brother's sucide July 23, 1973 up through his burial a few days late: I'm STILL figuring out what God would have me learn from experiences so intwined in the fabric of my life.
My father speaks often of his readiness to depart this world for the next. he confides that he doesn't want to leave ME, he is just ready to see Jesus, my Mom and his son. So often my mind drifts around past, present, future, good, bad, Bible verses and applications... this morning I was pulling together conclusions to share upon the death of my Dad. Why wait for his death?
I'm not going to tell lies and imply sainthood where there was none, but rather look at my folk's marriage from my outside view. Inspite of how things appeared at times, I'll try to give them the benefit of any doubt- -trusting that both of them had good will.
To remain married for 58 years, is no feat if the people are perfect and life is perfect! LIFE is NOT perfect, neither people, so lasting marriages are celebrated accomplishments: ONE year, whew!; TEN years, whew!; 25 yrs, 50 years! Celebrated if for no other reason: they never killed each other!
To my Dad, my Mom was wonderful when he married her... since the two months before her death, he has seen her with those eyes again.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
At least three generations with unique concerns
WOW! I just listened to part 2 of a FOF program on the dangers of "hooking up." There are so many things we'd like to spare the newer generation- -our kids and their friends. I'd like to tell them TO TRY TO LEARN sooner how to learn by other means than experience...
Our society has a problem with things sexual. It's been forbidden and the object of our rebellion; it's been avoided and the reason for our hang-ups; it's been reinvented - -redefining it's purpose and methodology, and it's been covered by free condoms and abortion which in theory erase any remaining consequences.
For years we have been telling young people a lie. Our media and our schools have stated that protected sex is safe sex. Safe sex protects us from unwanted pregnancy and disease. Sexual behavior outside a committed relationship is casual sex there are consequences besides pregnancy and disease. Consequences remain even after an abortion.
This FOTF broadcast features Dr. Freda McKissic Bush and a discussion of what the current thinking is doing to our young people. Dr. Bush co-authored a book, Hooked: New Science on How Casual Sex is Affecting Our Children. The broadcast is entitled, "The Dangers of Hooking Up." For a limited time, you may click on a direct link from my Blog. After a week or so, you'll need to go to the FOTF archives to hear it. It's well worth the effort!
When the young man tells about the birth of his daughter, watching her fight for her life and then learning that she will be fighting the REST OF HER LIFE to avoid herpes flair up ... all because he contracted Herpes through casual sex prior to marriage and believed the myth that Herpes is harmless absent a flair up. This will break your heart but needs to be stated.
I am so sick hearing people profess to be supporters of young people and yet they lead them into streets marked with destruction. The issues in our country ARE quite complicated. We are a pluralistic nation seeking to give rights to all points of view. The only thing our country opposes right now is any position that would limit options... limiting freedoms is opposed with a vehemently.
My freedoms used to end where yours began. That settled everything. Now the country is seeking to impose a hierarchy of whose freedoms matter the most. even the phrases used by our politicians imply that the country, the constitution, the government, protects only SOME of it's people. Something isn't right here. Sure we protect the defenseless, but we also protect those who prosper and we seek to protect victims from other victims... We seem to be leaning toward taking advantage of victims.
So here we sit. If you're wondering what will happen to your aging relatives or you're wondering how to prepare your young children and grandchildren for the inevitable choices before them... if you are overwhelmed by the day to day frustrations only to be bombarded by political talking which sounds like it will have grave consequences... you are not alone. I pray that you can say with me: "I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds the future."
Welcome to the sandwich generation!
Our society has a problem with things sexual. It's been forbidden and the object of our rebellion; it's been avoided and the reason for our hang-ups; it's been reinvented - -redefining it's purpose and methodology, and it's been covered by free condoms and abortion which in theory erase any remaining consequences.
For years we have been telling young people a lie. Our media and our schools have stated that protected sex is safe sex. Safe sex protects us from unwanted pregnancy and disease. Sexual behavior outside a committed relationship is casual sex there are consequences besides pregnancy and disease. Consequences remain even after an abortion.
This FOTF broadcast features Dr. Freda McKissic Bush and a discussion of what the current thinking is doing to our young people. Dr. Bush co-authored a book, Hooked: New Science on How Casual Sex is Affecting Our Children. The broadcast is entitled, "The Dangers of Hooking Up." For a limited time, you may click on a direct link from my Blog. After a week or so, you'll need to go to the FOTF archives to hear it. It's well worth the effort!
When the young man tells about the birth of his daughter, watching her fight for her life and then learning that she will be fighting the REST OF HER LIFE to avoid herpes flair up ... all because he contracted Herpes through casual sex prior to marriage and believed the myth that Herpes is harmless absent a flair up. This will break your heart but needs to be stated.
I am so sick hearing people profess to be supporters of young people and yet they lead them into streets marked with destruction. The issues in our country ARE quite complicated. We are a pluralistic nation seeking to give rights to all points of view. The only thing our country opposes right now is any position that would limit options... limiting freedoms is opposed with a vehemently.
My freedoms used to end where yours began. That settled everything. Now the country is seeking to impose a hierarchy of whose freedoms matter the most. even the phrases used by our politicians imply that the country, the constitution, the government, protects only SOME of it's people. Something isn't right here. Sure we protect the defenseless, but we also protect those who prosper and we seek to protect victims from other victims... We seem to be leaning toward taking advantage of victims.
So here we sit. If you're wondering what will happen to your aging relatives or you're wondering how to prepare your young children and grandchildren for the inevitable choices before them... if you are overwhelmed by the day to day frustrations only to be bombarded by political talking which sounds like it will have grave consequences... you are not alone. I pray that you can say with me: "I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds the future."
Welcome to the sandwich generation!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
My life has been molded by my response to key events. Yours too? Some of us are bitter; often blaming parents or teachers or bosses. They are correct in saying their parents "screwed up." They will too if they accept the responsibility of children.
But what do we do the blunders happen? life and death issues; the tragedies that knock you in the gut without warning, as well as the longterm conditions- -maybe illness or handicap- -those situations which may change, but are not likely to get much better. Then what?
Originally I began this blog in response to my stress, sandwiched between parents and kids, none of whom wanted to need me. The fight for independence is unrelenting!
Reality includes aging bodies, mental decline, slower reflexes- -which denied can lead us to act out in silly or dangerous ways. Have you watched folks playing contact sports when a broken bone could easily mean being bed-ridden? Should we even mention driving a car in traffic?
Tragedy... CHANGE: Threats to our freedom to IMAGINE we can continue as we are.
God is real and personal. He cares. We want to enjoy what we know- -our comfort zone- -and fear the unknown if we move on and embrace the future. It helps me to know the God is with me and won't leave whether i'm the victim or the one acting out. So how do I respond to life's challenges? I can blame or retaliate. I can stand there staring at the void which once held dreams. I can become bitter, believing that everything is false, tricks, maybe even add a touch of hate. But God is there wanting me to be open to his presence. OPEN-MINDED...just believe it's possible.
True that! I think I'm discovering how to enjoy trips to ER, bathroom messes, and ... Life is the journey. NOT the destination. That interaction with people... even with jerks like ME! we have a lot to offer each other... even when we disagree. Because God is personal, all of these experiences are opportunities for us to connect with HIM- -Jesus relates to us through his Holy Spirit...
That can sound scarey, but god doesn't try to overpower us. often i wish he would! If God would control me, I wouldn't make these blunders. But he doesn't, so I do... Not only that but everyone around me blunders to their own purposes and we really get tangled up!
Is God wanting us to be perfect? TRY... well, no...He knows you never will be perfect. He's looking for the connect. just like we smile and beam when our kid tries to make Mother's day breakfast- -but really makes a MESS! God is looking at our heart- -not just our intention, but WHERE is our heart?
There is so much potential for interating with God... the creator of the whole universe! Jesus said that we can be ONE with God, connected and not at cross purposes. That's more than being one with NATURE... more than just a calm chai...
It's not OUR energy it' GOD we need to tap into to spiritually.
But what do we do the blunders happen? life and death issues; the tragedies that knock you in the gut without warning, as well as the longterm conditions- -maybe illness or handicap- -those situations which may change, but are not likely to get much better. Then what?
Originally I began this blog in response to my stress, sandwiched between parents and kids, none of whom wanted to need me. The fight for independence is unrelenting!
Reality includes aging bodies, mental decline, slower reflexes- -which denied can lead us to act out in silly or dangerous ways. Have you watched folks playing contact sports when a broken bone could easily mean being bed-ridden? Should we even mention driving a car in traffic?
Tragedy... CHANGE: Threats to our freedom to IMAGINE we can continue as we are.
God is real and personal. He cares. We want to enjoy what we know- -our comfort zone- -and fear the unknown if we move on and embrace the future. It helps me to know the God is with me and won't leave whether i'm the victim or the one acting out. So how do I respond to life's challenges? I can blame or retaliate. I can stand there staring at the void which once held dreams. I can become bitter, believing that everything is false, tricks, maybe even add a touch of hate. But God is there wanting me to be open to his presence. OPEN-MINDED...just believe it's possible.
True that! I think I'm discovering how to enjoy trips to ER, bathroom messes, and ... Life is the journey. NOT the destination. That interaction with people... even with jerks like ME! we have a lot to offer each other... even when we disagree. Because God is personal, all of these experiences are opportunities for us to connect with HIM- -Jesus relates to us through his Holy Spirit...
That can sound scarey, but god doesn't try to overpower us. often i wish he would! If God would control me, I wouldn't make these blunders. But he doesn't, so I do... Not only that but everyone around me blunders to their own purposes and we really get tangled up!
Is God wanting us to be perfect? TRY... well, no...He knows you never will be perfect. He's looking for the connect. just like we smile and beam when our kid tries to make Mother's day breakfast- -but really makes a MESS! God is looking at our heart- -not just our intention, but WHERE is our heart?
There is so much potential for interating with God... the creator of the whole universe! Jesus said that we can be ONE with God, connected and not at cross purposes. That's more than being one with NATURE... more than just a calm chai...
It's not OUR energy it' GOD we need to tap into to spiritually.
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