Have to make our own Spring! Here it is April 30th, John is in his winter coat fixing the broken water line, the deck is all set up for someone to sit on and enjoy, but it is too cold to go out there. You look out the window and see all the beautiful silk flowers I put out A MONTH AGO! and you look up and see what? The Land of the Black Sticks. The Bradley is one month behind, and I can prove it. April 4th of 2010, it was out and gorgeous. Peaked April 11th. Red buds and Rhododendrons were out and peaking by April 11th. I can barely see purple and the Rhododendrons are out now. Bradley is just getting there. What the hay!?
So, we just have to keep our eyes on the FAKE azaleas and other things. Thinking about putting the side by sides on Facebook to prove to everyone WE'VE BEEN ROBBED!
Oh well, like I tell lots of people a lot of times, get your big girl, big boy pants on and go with it. I am not always a good sport.
This has been a very different week. They all seem to be anymore. So many changes, so many losses. Yet, we learn don't we. We learn that ultimately God is always in control. Sometimes we use that phrase and don't take it seriously. It is to be taken seriously. He is always there for whatever we go through or about to go through. Who knew last Sunday when I was walking Dakota on Jack and Joyce Covell's property that when I looked over at the house, I saw their gathering for dinner. The men were outside and Jack's brother Jim had just arrived with his fiancee Suzanne. John, Jack and Jim have known each other their whole lives. Jack and Jim's dad was John's doctor. Jack is a retired doctor. John and Jim graduated high school together. A couple times a month, Jack, Jim, John and John Hursh go for pizza at the Pizza Forum.
And, so I looked over and saw Jack and Jim conversing and ready to go in for a big fancy meal that Joyce prepares every year at Easter. I thought - how nice, the whole family is together (22 of them) and that is so special. Who knew! It would be their last with Jim Covell. Monday night the guys got together and ate pizza. Who knew it would be their last time with Jim Covell. They kidded him about how he needed reading glasses and John Hursh even bought him a pair so he could read the menu.
Wednesday, Jack and Jim as usual went to their two hour lunch date. Jim didn't feel so hot, but continued on. They ate, and decided they needed a few things at Walmart. Jim collapsed inside Walmart, and later died at Lutheran Hospital - Ft. Wayne. He was having an aneurysm. They took him to surgery but it was too late. People have these type of shocks everyday around the world, but when it comes to your back door, it just flies over our heads. God give Jack and Joyce (family and friends) all the grace and strength there is. These two guys went to lunch every day, every gun show in the tri-state area and mowed their huge properties together. Sometimes we do just need to
take stock of every day and make sure it brings glory and honor to God. Everything we think and do. All our responses, all our losses, all our weather irritations, all our everything to God. He will bring SPRING - he always does. No matter where we need it, or what form it comes in - He will bring Spring and a rainbow.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
WE MUST NEVER FORGET!
As I pondered on Good Friday, Sunday's Resurrection, it brought up a lot of things that troubled me last week.
A woman that was going through her cancer scare in 2008 along with John, passed away Thursday. How does that work anyway? But when you turn it around, what better time to go and spend eternity with Christ.
I had other thoughts about friends who lost their elderly mother and their beloved dog all in the same three day event. My hairdressers beautiful Piraneese (spelling) 11-year-old dog is passing away from lymphoma cancer. They struggle with putting her down and so we talked about that whole loosing, death, and dying routine. My Dakota is 11 years old and going blind. I think constantly about that moment when I have to make a decision about her. It made me angry. It made me sad. It made me remember the day I was driving through Churubusco and I started talking out loud. "Hey, you people, don't you know my dad walked these streets too. He ate over there at the restaurant, bought groceries at the Super Value." It felt like no one knew, or remembered, or cared he was once here. My hairdresser brought up a great point. She talked about the Indian culture and how she had heard this story. It was the story of an old Indian who was about to die. He told his family not to cry, just continue to tell stories about me, keep me in your heart, and others as well.
I could get into that. That is why we have family pictures sitting around, I have a million pictures and little movies of Dakota everywhere. I have her on my I-Phone. And, my family as well. We just don't have to forget them when they go, we must remember them by sharing them with others.
That is why Jesus is so alive today - He is risen today so we could tell stories about Him. We must never forget to tell others about His saving grace. Where would we be without that Great Story. Honor your pets, your family, your God. Never Forget to Tell the Story of how much they (He) did for you and what they (He) means to you.
Celebrate a risen Savior everyday!
A woman that was going through her cancer scare in 2008 along with John, passed away Thursday. How does that work anyway? But when you turn it around, what better time to go and spend eternity with Christ.
I had other thoughts about friends who lost their elderly mother and their beloved dog all in the same three day event. My hairdressers beautiful Piraneese (spelling) 11-year-old dog is passing away from lymphoma cancer. They struggle with putting her down and so we talked about that whole loosing, death, and dying routine. My Dakota is 11 years old and going blind. I think constantly about that moment when I have to make a decision about her. It made me angry. It made me sad. It made me remember the day I was driving through Churubusco and I started talking out loud. "Hey, you people, don't you know my dad walked these streets too. He ate over there at the restaurant, bought groceries at the Super Value." It felt like no one knew, or remembered, or cared he was once here. My hairdresser brought up a great point. She talked about the Indian culture and how she had heard this story. It was the story of an old Indian who was about to die. He told his family not to cry, just continue to tell stories about me, keep me in your heart, and others as well.
I could get into that. That is why we have family pictures sitting around, I have a million pictures and little movies of Dakota everywhere. I have her on my I-Phone. And, my family as well. We just don't have to forget them when they go, we must remember them by sharing them with others.
That is why Jesus is so alive today - He is risen today so we could tell stories about Him. We must never forget to tell others about His saving grace. Where would we be without that Great Story. Honor your pets, your family, your God. Never Forget to Tell the Story of how much they (He) did for you and what they (He) means to you.
Celebrate a risen Savior everyday!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
CONVICTION - COMMITMENT - CHANGE!!!
You know, full disclosure can be quite overwhelming. It can be very convicting and all we want to do is run an hide. Can you imagine back in that day on Palm Sunday when Jesus got on the donkey (sign of peace in those times) and rode through town, what was he thinking? He knew. They didn't. Actually as the research indicates, they thought he was instilling peace - role modeling the power of peace in that nation. The Romans were riding in from the other side of town on their great big white stallions and were role-modeling POWER! We are in control, back down, be quiet, stop yelling and singing!
Jesus, on the other hand, is thinking about what He will have to endure next week on Good Friday. He was convicted to do His job for His Father. He was committed to do His job so the world could be changed from sin to peace. He was certain that His horrible beating, death, and resurrection would CHANGE the world forever. It was the only way.
He told them, speak out, or the stones will cry out. Luke 19: 28 through 40. Read it.
The stones were grave sights. The Jews believed, that their ancestors would raise up and come in with Jesus. The Romans are shouting, be quiet. Jesus insists that we rise up and speak out to celebrate the truth. With others.
In my practice I use this Three C's concept for all kinds of issues. Conviction is important. It keeps us honest. It brings us to commitment to Change. We certainly do not have to be whipped, crucified, and resurrected as Jesus was; no one could ever go through all that - only Jesus. However, what we can do is ask Him to show us His plan for our life. Show me where I need to clean it up. Show me where I need to commit my life to be a new creation. Show me where I can sign up for CHANGE. Change that comes only from inside. Jesus Christ being there on the inside. Is He?
Jesus, on the other hand, is thinking about what He will have to endure next week on Good Friday. He was convicted to do His job for His Father. He was committed to do His job so the world could be changed from sin to peace. He was certain that His horrible beating, death, and resurrection would CHANGE the world forever. It was the only way.
He told them, speak out, or the stones will cry out. Luke 19: 28 through 40. Read it.
The stones were grave sights. The Jews believed, that their ancestors would raise up and come in with Jesus. The Romans are shouting, be quiet. Jesus insists that we rise up and speak out to celebrate the truth. With others.
In my practice I use this Three C's concept for all kinds of issues. Conviction is important. It keeps us honest. It brings us to commitment to Change. We certainly do not have to be whipped, crucified, and resurrected as Jesus was; no one could ever go through all that - only Jesus. However, what we can do is ask Him to show us His plan for our life. Show me where I need to clean it up. Show me where I need to commit my life to be a new creation. Show me where I can sign up for CHANGE. Change that comes only from inside. Jesus Christ being there on the inside. Is He?
Sunday, April 10, 2011
PRUDENCE! AN AHA MOMENT!
WHAT A GREAT DAY! Got to enjoy it all, even reading out on the deck. Who knows when that might happen again.
Okay, when I used the term Flashlight aha! moments, it is a term that indicates how God shows us our path each and every day. Think of it as He has the flashlight and He is illuminating the way to all our learning's and ultimate growth. Read Psalm 25. He guides, He teaches, He protects, He delivers. It was truly a Flashlight moment this week when I was reading Joyce Meyer's Confident Woman (a daily devotional). Now the word Prudence has never EVER, never EVER even a close distant thought to my mind. After all, I wouldn't even name a parakeet that name. What does it mean? Anyway?
Oops - it means thinking before you act. It means balance of thought and action. Using careful and cautious planning. Joyce has been talking this whole month about the Proverbs 31 - woman. Her entire platform is one of prudence. oops!
When I came home that morning after work out class it was my simple plan to find a larger gym bag, get that accomplished and quickly head off to the office. I had a very aggressive work plan ahead of me and yet it turned into a three hour plus cleaning and sorting frenzy. How the heck did that happen? That was NOT prudence. Sure, it is spring and spring cleaning is always a good thing, but, what was I thinking? It all became quite clear, that prudence or balance of plans was something God wanted me to look at and evaluate. Prudence or balance of life application plans are very important. He wrote about it in Proverbs 14: 7 and 8. It covers all areas of our responsibility each day. So the question and or flashlight moment was . . . Are we emotionally driven when we veer off track? It can also happen when we shop, when we put off something to do other things that catch our eye. Some call it procrastination. I was all pleased with what I did until I remembered my earlier study. I had to admit, there is some serious praying that needs to go on regarding emotionally driven distractions. Case in point. The gym bag. Whoa! I did not like this new revelation.
I needed to go back and think, in that frenzied moment, STOP! Look at what you are doing. STOP! Okay, leave things, go into the office for two hours, come back, and assess the situation. Decide if it is important to finish today, how can I plan to finish up the rest of these spring sortings? Sounds silly to some of you doesn't it? Some get it. Interesting that I have worked with many clients on how to do that very thing. "Moderation in everything, I always say!" I even helped them write up "Things to Do" sheets and they found it very affective and thanked me. So again, I say, going back to the drawing board is where I am headed. How had I gotten so off track? If you are having the same issue then learn your own flashlight moment. I also hear from clients and friends about how they can't even get emotionally driven to go over the line. Consequently, they have a lot of complaints in the home about what piles of things are taking over the house. Balance today seems harder and harder. I believe to a point that it is having too many things to choose from. There seems to be so many more things to accomplish in any given day. John and I talked at great length Friday night about how intense everyone seems to be with life. And, I must raise my hand and say - "Got to step back and take a good look at balance - prudence!"
Where do you fit in any of these thoughts and sharings?
Okay, when I used the term Flashlight aha! moments, it is a term that indicates how God shows us our path each and every day. Think of it as He has the flashlight and He is illuminating the way to all our learning's and ultimate growth. Read Psalm 25. He guides, He teaches, He protects, He delivers. It was truly a Flashlight moment this week when I was reading Joyce Meyer's Confident Woman (a daily devotional). Now the word Prudence has never EVER, never EVER even a close distant thought to my mind. After all, I wouldn't even name a parakeet that name. What does it mean? Anyway?
Oops - it means thinking before you act. It means balance of thought and action. Using careful and cautious planning. Joyce has been talking this whole month about the Proverbs 31 - woman. Her entire platform is one of prudence. oops!
When I came home that morning after work out class it was my simple plan to find a larger gym bag, get that accomplished and quickly head off to the office. I had a very aggressive work plan ahead of me and yet it turned into a three hour plus cleaning and sorting frenzy. How the heck did that happen? That was NOT prudence. Sure, it is spring and spring cleaning is always a good thing, but, what was I thinking? It all became quite clear, that prudence or balance of plans was something God wanted me to look at and evaluate. Prudence or balance of life application plans are very important. He wrote about it in Proverbs 14: 7 and 8. It covers all areas of our responsibility each day. So the question and or flashlight moment was . . . Are we emotionally driven when we veer off track? It can also happen when we shop, when we put off something to do other things that catch our eye. Some call it procrastination. I was all pleased with what I did until I remembered my earlier study. I had to admit, there is some serious praying that needs to go on regarding emotionally driven distractions. Case in point. The gym bag. Whoa! I did not like this new revelation.
I needed to go back and think, in that frenzied moment, STOP! Look at what you are doing. STOP! Okay, leave things, go into the office for two hours, come back, and assess the situation. Decide if it is important to finish today, how can I plan to finish up the rest of these spring sortings? Sounds silly to some of you doesn't it? Some get it. Interesting that I have worked with many clients on how to do that very thing. "Moderation in everything, I always say!" I even helped them write up "Things to Do" sheets and they found it very affective and thanked me. So again, I say, going back to the drawing board is where I am headed. How had I gotten so off track? If you are having the same issue then learn your own flashlight moment. I also hear from clients and friends about how they can't even get emotionally driven to go over the line. Consequently, they have a lot of complaints in the home about what piles of things are taking over the house. Balance today seems harder and harder. I believe to a point that it is having too many things to choose from. There seems to be so many more things to accomplish in any given day. John and I talked at great length Friday night about how intense everyone seems to be with life. And, I must raise my hand and say - "Got to step back and take a good look at balance - prudence!"
Where do you fit in any of these thoughts and sharings?
WAIT - WHAT HAPPENED TO SPRING?
Goodness, I was wearing two layers of coats yesterday at this time. Now we are mowing, wearing tee shirts and tank tops. Oh! that is right, I live in Indiana. Tomorrow, I could be back to coats again.h well,
Anyway, I trust you are enjoying a sunny, warm, personality turn around day!
I know I need one. A personality turn around. Ha.
Friends are coming back from Arizona, going to San Antonio, coming back from Georgia and Florida. What is wrong with this picture? Oh well, I will pretend I am in Florida today. So, if you are looking for some awe inspiring tid-bit, guess what? I am going outside to play - I will be back later.
Want to share another aha moment I had this week. One of those flashlight moments.
Anyway, I trust you are enjoying a sunny, warm, personality turn around day!
I know I need one. A personality turn around. Ha.
Friends are coming back from Arizona, going to San Antonio, coming back from Georgia and Florida. What is wrong with this picture? Oh well, I will pretend I am in Florida today. So, if you are looking for some awe inspiring tid-bit, guess what? I am going outside to play - I will be back later.
Want to share another aha moment I had this week. One of those flashlight moments.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
RIDING THE WAVE!
Makes you wonder what I was thinking when I wrote this title.
Actually, when you look at the picture, you have to know that I am one of those people who pushes the envelope and rides the wave. My optimism, of course, is enveloped in the idea, that whatsoever you think in your head and heart, will automatically appear! Sun, Warmth, planting, rowing a boat, swimming, having people over for grilling and all those neat things. It hasn't worked for me so far. Getting out there in 45 degree weather and running around without my coat all day - didn't impress old man winter one bit.
So, the literal translation for riding the wave isn't always about going to the ocean and riding the wave. It has many other meanings for me. It is the moment you see the temperature rising and you go and put your face to the sun, it is a joyous moment of learning you are going to be grandparents, or get a brand new puppy, get a new job, see a relative you haven't seen, watch swans leave the lake and fly off into the sun. Riding the wave, is contentment for whatsoever place you are in, and knowing a special spiritual "ah - ha" moment of learning, or even experiencing birds trying to nest nearby.
It can also be a glorious moment when you lead someone or hear that someone came to know Jesus as their personal Savior. Today, Pastor Stu asked a question that took me off guard. Maybe it will you too! "Does God trust you to share Him with others?" Whew! I took the wave down to the bottom for a minute. I pray this challenges you like it has me. To know God, to speak God, and to live God is an awesome responsibility. But, nevertheless, it is ours to share God with others.
I Peter 3: 15 - "But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy (and acknowledge Him) as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully."
I pray that you will be challenged and excited and ride the wave with me.
God's blessings on you all.
Actually, when you look at the picture, you have to know that I am one of those people who pushes the envelope and rides the wave. My optimism, of course, is enveloped in the idea, that whatsoever you think in your head and heart, will automatically appear! Sun, Warmth, planting, rowing a boat, swimming, having people over for grilling and all those neat things. It hasn't worked for me so far. Getting out there in 45 degree weather and running around without my coat all day - didn't impress old man winter one bit.
So, the literal translation for riding the wave isn't always about going to the ocean and riding the wave. It has many other meanings for me. It is the moment you see the temperature rising and you go and put your face to the sun, it is a joyous moment of learning you are going to be grandparents, or get a brand new puppy, get a new job, see a relative you haven't seen, watch swans leave the lake and fly off into the sun. Riding the wave, is contentment for whatsoever place you are in, and knowing a special spiritual "ah - ha" moment of learning, or even experiencing birds trying to nest nearby.
It can also be a glorious moment when you lead someone or hear that someone came to know Jesus as their personal Savior. Today, Pastor Stu asked a question that took me off guard. Maybe it will you too! "Does God trust you to share Him with others?" Whew! I took the wave down to the bottom for a minute. I pray this challenges you like it has me. To know God, to speak God, and to live God is an awesome responsibility. But, nevertheless, it is ours to share God with others.
I Peter 3: 15 - "But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy (and acknowledge Him) as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully."
I pray that you will be challenged and excited and ride the wave with me.
God's blessings on you all.
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