Have you ever wanted to learn more about something so you could not only know it for yourself but be able to repeat to others? Well, Frank has an eye for detail and the ability to remember those details, the history of events or the background associated with a painting or other forms of art, as well as information about the artist. I have several other family members and friends who are also adept at remembering such details.
I, on the other hand, have to work at remembering the historical background of artifacts, mainly because I don't really care. I am not a good gossip because I can't even get my gossip facts straight. If I don't care about something, I just don't pay enough attention to remember the details.
Well, I decided to learn the background about Fu Dogs. Don't ask me why. I just did. So, here goes.
We have two large oriental ginger jars - maybe 2 ft tall and 10 in. in diameter at the largest part of the jars. Each one has a lid with a Fu Dog on it. Chinese people believe the Fu Dog represents authority and is a guardian against evil power.
Fu Dogs are the ancient sacred dogs of Asia who guard Buddhist temples. The association between these dogs and Buddha is one of great significance.
Fu Dogs have the appearance of a lion. The lion in the Buddhist religion is seen as sacred and has sometimes been sacrificed to Buddha. The name given to these guardians originates from China.
The Chinese word for Buddha is Fo, which led to the original title – “Dog of Fo.” There have been other theories that the name developed from the city of Foochow; however, there is no actual proof of this. Another name given to the creature is “Lion of Korea.”
The Fu Dog dates back to the Hans Dynasty - in 206 B.C. There are more impressive facts I could share about the ginger jars, the Fu Dogs on the lids, and the significance of having a pair of them; but I have shared enough to make a point.
The only thing special about the ginger jars and the Fu Dogs to me is that they are beautiful, and Frank and I bought them together. I was quite proud of myself for learning something significant about the ginger jars and was looking forward to having the opportunity to impress someone with what I knew.
There have been several electricians, painters, and handymen in and out of the house over the past few weeks, since we are taking our time updating our home. There are two particular guys with whom I have the most fun.
They are witty and funny, have worked together for 30 years and "feed off of one another" for having fun while they work. One morning when they were at the house, I was gingerly dusting the ginger jar (pun intended) and lifted the lid off to dust the "Fu Dog" when one of the guys walked by and quipped, "hmmm, thar's a dawg on it." He wasn't trying to be funny, just making an observation.
There I stood, knowing all of this history about the Fu Dog, which is really neat to know, and I laughed when he made that comment. For all of the information I had, it was just a "dawg." Now, see, to me that is the better story.
The Lord spoke to me in that instant with this thought. I spend so much time on things that don't really matter. I sometimes make things that don't matter to my personal growth or my eternal recompense so important. Those things in themselves are not bad, but my infatuation with them to the exclusion of what is best is not pleasing to the Lord. My Daddy would always say that the "good in life was the enemy of the best in life."
Please, please don't get me wrong on this. There is absolutely nothing wrong and everything right with knowing wonderful details about life, art, music, and other things that interest us. In fact, it is a gift to love and have a certain affinity for different interests and abilities. I think what the Lord was trying to teach me in that moment was that most things are not nearly as important as I think they are.
When we are admonished not to have other gods before Him, it doesn't just mean graven images, it means anything we put more energy into than loving, knowing, and pleasing the Lord. When we "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things will be added unto us." Matthew 6:33
The words to another wonderful hymn I love are, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."
I am going to continue learning about the "Fu Dogs" of life, but I will strive to keep things in the right perspective by keeping my eyes on the Lord. The next time something seems overwhelming or I am making a mountain out of a mole hill, I want to remember, it's just a "dawg," and not nearly as important as my pride tells me it is. You do the same. Love to you all. Still approaching these "'dawg' days of summer" with joy. Mecca
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
An Active Conscience
This beautiful Sunday morning I want to share with you how thankful I am when my conscience is pricked about a thing. Have you ever waked up with a nagging feeling? You sometimes know exactly what it is, and sometimes you don't. Have you ever ignored that still, small voice?
I have. You have too; I just know it. I have to include you so I will feel better about what I am going to say. Our Heavenly Daddy has taken us into His throne room, sat us on His knee, tried to hold us close and whisper that He doesn't want us troubled and wants to share with us how to have the "mind of Christ." When we ignore that conscience prick, we are actually ignoring the God of the Universe with a thought "wave of the hand," like we would swat a fly or indicate with a gesture to someone that what he was saying was vastly unimportant in our world.
Since I have never been a parent, I can only speak to this from my experience as a child and then as an overseer for children I have taught, for nieces and nephews at different times in their lives, for my younger brother and sister, and even as a supervisor in the workplace.
There is a vast difference in correcting or disciplining because I am angry that someone has disobeyed my rules or inconvenienced me because of his or her disobedience - and correcting or disciplining because I genuinely want the best for that individual. I want her to be safe or I want him not to fall in the proverbial ditch or pothole; and I want her to honor the Lord because obedience to God is in the ultimate path to joy. That is selfless correction and the way our "Heavenly Daddy" approaches us.
I think that difference in motive is what the Lord was talking about when He admonished us not to "provoke [our] children to anger by the way [we] treat them."
This is the point of today's sweet musing. The Lord woke me up this morning gently whispering in my ear (conscience) in the kindest corrective manner that I needed to make something right in order to be obedient and to have the greatest joy available to me today. He wanted that for me because "the Lord corrects those He loves, as a father [corrects] the son He delights in." (Proverbs 3:12)
Amazing love - agape love - that my finite mind can barely comprehend. I share the words to another hymn this morning that reach to the depths of my soul and "almost" help me comprehend the depth of my Heavenly Daddy's love for and delight in me.
I want to share a practical application that I just thought about. I work for an educational child care company. We speak often about how important it is to really know the parents and children. We need to know them by name, their likes and dislikes, what they value and hold important, whether or not they are just satisfied or very loyal to us for what we are providing to the child and family every day.
I have. You have too; I just know it. I have to include you so I will feel better about what I am going to say. Our Heavenly Daddy has taken us into His throne room, sat us on His knee, tried to hold us close and whisper that He doesn't want us troubled and wants to share with us how to have the "mind of Christ." When we ignore that conscience prick, we are actually ignoring the God of the Universe with a thought "wave of the hand," like we would swat a fly or indicate with a gesture to someone that what he was saying was vastly unimportant in our world.
Since I have never been a parent, I can only speak to this from my experience as a child and then as an overseer for children I have taught, for nieces and nephews at different times in their lives, for my younger brother and sister, and even as a supervisor in the workplace.
There is a vast difference in correcting or disciplining because I am angry that someone has disobeyed my rules or inconvenienced me because of his or her disobedience - and correcting or disciplining because I genuinely want the best for that individual. I want her to be safe or I want him not to fall in the proverbial ditch or pothole; and I want her to honor the Lord because obedience to God is in the ultimate path to joy. That is selfless correction and the way our "Heavenly Daddy" approaches us.
I think that difference in motive is what the Lord was talking about when He admonished us not to "provoke [our] children to anger by the way [we] treat them."
This is the point of today's sweet musing. The Lord woke me up this morning gently whispering in my ear (conscience) in the kindest corrective manner that I needed to make something right in order to be obedient and to have the greatest joy available to me today. He wanted that for me because "the Lord corrects those He loves, as a father [corrects] the son He delights in." (Proverbs 3:12)
Amazing love - agape love - that my finite mind can barely comprehend. I share the words to another hymn this morning that reach to the depths of my soul and "almost" help me comprehend the depth of my Heavenly Daddy's love for and delight in me.
"How deep the Father's love for us; how vast beyond all measure; that He should give His only Son and make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss; the Father turns His face away; as wounds which mar the Chosen One bring many sons to glory.
|
I want to share a practical application that I just thought about. I work for an educational child care company. We speak often about how important it is to really know the parents and children. We need to know them by name, their likes and dislikes, what they value and hold important, whether or not they are just satisfied or very loyal to us for what we are providing to the child and family every day.
If we don't make that extra effort, they can be gone, and we don't even realize they have taken their child to another child care facility until we notice they haven't paid or have been absent for an unusual period of time. The point is, we don't miss them until we need something from them - payment.
"Thank you, sweet Lord Jesus, for running to me because you loved me first and delight in me always. It is all about You, Sweet Jesus, and your unbelievable, unfathomable agape love. Help me not to ever treat you as my genie, coming to you only when I need something."
As a believer in Jesus Christ and His redemptive power in my life, I have to approach this and every day with JOY. You do too, if you are a believer and "know what's good for ya."
And all God's people said, "Amen."
As a believer in Jesus Christ and His redemptive power in my life, I have to approach this and every day with JOY. You do too, if you are a believer and "know what's good for ya."
And all God's people said, "Amen."
Thursday, July 26, 2012
An Open Letter of Gratitude
It's been a long few days. Frank and I are still working at updating our home. My mother wisely told us not to kill each other. That reminded me of something Ruth Graham once said to someone who asked her if she had ever thought of divorcing Billy Graham. She said, "Divorce - no, murder - yes."
Frank and I are NOT two peas in a pod about a lot of things. We are the classic example of opposites attracting. Frank has to have everything in its place. I'm just glad if I can find it most of the time. As much as we quibble about our inconsequential quirks, Frank and I love each other completely. Yes, there are some days I want to kill him; but I would miss him, and be sorry he was gone. My middle name is "Ruth." Billy's wife and I do have something in common. She loved her sweet Billy, and I love my sweet Bubba.
If ever there were a sister's bond, it exists between my suster and me. It is industrial-strength, weapons-grade and grows stronger with time. We see each other often throughout the year and talk every other day. Between the two of us, she is the organizer. About every six months, she will help me reorganize my closet, basement, or kitchen, whichever area needs it the most. Usually, it's my closet. I often call her to ask where something is in my own home. She usually knows. She loves me completely.
I have two precious brothers who laugh when I laugh, think I'm smart and crazy as h---, and they both love me completely; (some days they just don't know it, and I have to remind them. LOL). I have in-laws, nieces and nephews, and many other family members who have been such a major part of my life and helped shape who I have become and who love me whether they will admit it every day or not (no denying it from anyone of you).
To my precious friends, the ones that I might see every couple of years, call, text, email, chat with on fb intermittently, and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they love me completely. I can think of four right now. You each know who you are.
I love having people in my life that know my weaknesses, have seen all of my warts and dimples, aren't surprised to find new ones arriving every day and still love me completely in spite of them all. I am blessed beyond all measure. Gratitude is a potent potion. It can make the heart swell, bring a smile to a weary face, put a little extra skip in a tired step, and humble us all at the same time.
Of all of the opportunities God has given me to love and be loved, the greatest love of all is His love for me. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." Portion of I Cor. 13
And I thought my family and friends loved me completely. As much as they love me, and I love them, there is no comparison to the love of God for each of us. He laid down His life, sticks closer than a brother, and calls us His friend.
Another favorite hymn - "Could we with ink the ocean fill and were the skies of parchment made; were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade. To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry; nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky. O love of God, how rich and pure, how measureless and strong. It shall forevermore endure the saints and angels song."
Sweet readers, try doing what I have attempted to do tonight. Identify the people in your life who you know love you and have invested themselves in you. Write them a handwritten thank you note telling each one specifically how he or she has impacted your life. You will be living out your title, "Friend of God." I'm going to do it. Will you do it, too?
Since joy is the outward manifestation of gratitude, I intend to keep approaching each day with an "attitude of gratitude" and joy. Gratefully your wife, daughter, suster, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, (whatever else I am being called today), and friend - Mecca
Frank and I are NOT two peas in a pod about a lot of things. We are the classic example of opposites attracting. Frank has to have everything in its place. I'm just glad if I can find it most of the time. As much as we quibble about our inconsequential quirks, Frank and I love each other completely. Yes, there are some days I want to kill him; but I would miss him, and be sorry he was gone. My middle name is "Ruth." Billy's wife and I do have something in common. She loved her sweet Billy, and I love my sweet Bubba.
My sweet mother (lovingly called "muther") is my hero(ine). I look back at my childhood and what she accomplished on a daily basis, and I am amazed at her organizational skills, her ability to put her husband and children first, to do without so we could have, and to work full time and still make a hot breakfast and supper for us every day. She is going to be 89 this year. Her mind is sharp; her love for the Lord grows stronger every day; and she prays for me, knows me inside out, and loves me completely - as did my daddy (who is in heaven). She is the smartest person I know. I also have a precious father-in-law who loves me and prays for me daily. I love you, precious Papa.
My sweet suster and I have always loved each other but have not always liked each other. I am seven years her senior (but I think I look younger LOL), and I can remember in my high school years, she would snarl at me that she hated me because I thought I was perfect and beautiful, and that everyone loved me. That was childish lapsus linguae, a mere slip of the tongue. She couldn't have really meant it (did you suster?). What she didn't know is that I never thought I was perfect and beautiful, and often wondered if anybody loved me. If ever there were a sister's bond, it exists between my suster and me. It is industrial-strength, weapons-grade and grows stronger with time. We see each other often throughout the year and talk every other day. Between the two of us, she is the organizer. About every six months, she will help me reorganize my closet, basement, or kitchen, whichever area needs it the most. Usually, it's my closet. I often call her to ask where something is in my own home. She usually knows. She loves me completely.
I have two precious brothers who laugh when I laugh, think I'm smart and crazy as h---, and they both love me completely; (some days they just don't know it, and I have to remind them. LOL). I have in-laws, nieces and nephews, and many other family members who have been such a major part of my life and helped shape who I have become and who love me whether they will admit it every day or not (no denying it from anyone of you).
To my precious friends, the ones that I might see every couple of years, call, text, email, chat with on fb intermittently, and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they love me completely. I can think of four right now. You each know who you are.
I love having people in my life that know my weaknesses, have seen all of my warts and dimples, aren't surprised to find new ones arriving every day and still love me completely in spite of them all. I am blessed beyond all measure. Gratitude is a potent potion. It can make the heart swell, bring a smile to a weary face, put a little extra skip in a tired step, and humble us all at the same time.
Of all of the opportunities God has given me to love and be loved, the greatest love of all is His love for me. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." Portion of I Cor. 13
And I thought my family and friends loved me completely. As much as they love me, and I love them, there is no comparison to the love of God for each of us. He laid down His life, sticks closer than a brother, and calls us His friend.
Another favorite hymn - "Could we with ink the ocean fill and were the skies of parchment made; were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade. To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry; nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky. O love of God, how rich and pure, how measureless and strong. It shall forevermore endure the saints and angels song."
Sweet readers, try doing what I have attempted to do tonight. Identify the people in your life who you know love you and have invested themselves in you. Write them a handwritten thank you note telling each one specifically how he or she has impacted your life. You will be living out your title, "Friend of God." I'm going to do it. Will you do it, too?
Since joy is the outward manifestation of gratitude, I intend to keep approaching each day with an "attitude of gratitude" and joy. Gratefully your wife, daughter, suster, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, (whatever else I am being called today), and friend - Mecca
Monday, July 23, 2012
Victor or Victim? The Choice is Ours to Make!
My father-in-law was a pastor for many years, and one of the best pieces of advice he ever gave me was, "never make your happiness dependent on any circumstance or anyone other than Jesus." He would always tell me that I couldn't make it my goal to make everyone else happy because I was just setting myself up for failure.
I have learned that I can never make anyone happy all of the time. In fact, the most freeing realization is that I can't make anyone happy at all. That is a personal choice each individual has to make for him/herself.
Here is a greater lesson; if I can't make anyone else happy, I shouldn't expect anyone else to make me happy. What do you think about that? Does that include my husband? Husbands, does that include your wives?
Yes and yes. I will never forget hearing about a young man who told his future wife when he asked her to marry him that he didn't need her in order for him to be happy. He wanted her and loved her but didn't need her for him to be happy.
My first thought when I heard that was, "well, that's not a very good way to begin a lifelong relationship." I was 100% wrong. (I know, where is the recorder when you need it?) I realized what a precious gift he had given her. He removed the burden for her to make him happy (something impossible to do anyway, right?) He also removed the opportunity for him to ever blame her for his unhappiness.
Can you imagine what would happen to all of our relationships if they were based on "wanting" to be a friend, companion, husband, wife - instead of establishing those relationships because we need them?
Frank's dad also gave some great marriage counseling from the pulpit. He would often say, "when you have found someone that you want to "do for" instead of someone you want "to do" for you, you have the best chance for a successful marriage." Wow! What a concept.
I can't tell you how many times in the 31 years I have been married to Frank that he has disappointed me by not meeting my expectations. You might be wondering how many times I have disappointed him. Well, we aren't talking about that right now - maybe later. Right now we are talking about my disappointments. Pretty selfish, huh? It also makes me the victim.
I can spiritualize with the best of them. I can even quote Scripture to prove my point. What in the world is the matter with him? He is supposed to love me as Christ loved the church and lay down his life for me.
How will he ever be able to lay down his life for me if I can't even get him to appreciate what I do for him, especially when I do it without being asked. That is really big on my part. If you need further description of how big, just ask me. I guarantee you I can make it bigger.
I know I am not the only one that has ever thought that way, am I?
So, what is the answer? The fact is we are incapable of accomplishing anything without God's favor. We can't even take our next breath without His grace, much less take on the daunting, impossible task of making someone else happy.
Once again, the Word of God has all of the answers. What a marvelous thing that God's wisdom is available to us 24/7.
My joy is in the Word of God: "Thy Words were found and I did eat (chewed, swallowed, digested, gleaned their goodness, used for health and life) them, and thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart for I am called by thy name Oh Lord, God of Hosts." Jeremiah 15:16
My hope is in the Lord Jesus and what He has planned for me on earth and for eternity: "the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven..." Colossians 1:5; "'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11 - makes my heart happy.
Here are my two choices - My God is not a God of confusion. He makes things pretty simple for us.
Do I place my hope and expectation in a fallible human being, which increases my potential for developing spiritual heart disease (hope deferred makes the heart sick - Prov. 30) or in the Lord, whose love knows no bounds, and who gave all to give me a hope and a future?
We have all heard the saying, "someone got up on the wrong side of the bed." Well, that is the victim side where your expectations can't be met. Crawl back in, roll over to the other side and let your feet hit the floor with such hope in the Risen One, that you are standing on the Solid Rock as the Victor. So, how about it - Victor or Victim?
Do yourself and others a huge favor and make the right choice. When I make the right choice, my prayer is, "Lord, change me," instead of "Lord, change that sorry Frank that I love with all of my heart." The strangest thing happens when I pray that prayer in all sincerity. Frank cherishes me more, and I respect him more. Pretty cool, huh? I'm approaching this and every day with the joy of the Lord. Love to all, Mecca
I have learned that I can never make anyone happy all of the time. In fact, the most freeing realization is that I can't make anyone happy at all. That is a personal choice each individual has to make for him/herself.
Here is a greater lesson; if I can't make anyone else happy, I shouldn't expect anyone else to make me happy. What do you think about that? Does that include my husband? Husbands, does that include your wives?
Yes and yes. I will never forget hearing about a young man who told his future wife when he asked her to marry him that he didn't need her in order for him to be happy. He wanted her and loved her but didn't need her for him to be happy.
My first thought when I heard that was, "well, that's not a very good way to begin a lifelong relationship." I was 100% wrong. (I know, where is the recorder when you need it?) I realized what a precious gift he had given her. He removed the burden for her to make him happy (something impossible to do anyway, right?) He also removed the opportunity for him to ever blame her for his unhappiness.
Can you imagine what would happen to all of our relationships if they were based on "wanting" to be a friend, companion, husband, wife - instead of establishing those relationships because we need them?
Frank's dad also gave some great marriage counseling from the pulpit. He would often say, "when you have found someone that you want to "do for" instead of someone you want "to do" for you, you have the best chance for a successful marriage." Wow! What a concept.
I can't tell you how many times in the 31 years I have been married to Frank that he has disappointed me by not meeting my expectations. You might be wondering how many times I have disappointed him. Well, we aren't talking about that right now - maybe later. Right now we are talking about my disappointments. Pretty selfish, huh? It also makes me the victim.
I can spiritualize with the best of them. I can even quote Scripture to prove my point. What in the world is the matter with him? He is supposed to love me as Christ loved the church and lay down his life for me.
How will he ever be able to lay down his life for me if I can't even get him to appreciate what I do for him, especially when I do it without being asked. That is really big on my part. If you need further description of how big, just ask me. I guarantee you I can make it bigger.
I know I am not the only one that has ever thought that way, am I?
So, what is the answer? The fact is we are incapable of accomplishing anything without God's favor. We can't even take our next breath without His grace, much less take on the daunting, impossible task of making someone else happy.
Once again, the Word of God has all of the answers. What a marvelous thing that God's wisdom is available to us 24/7.
My joy is in the Word of God: "Thy Words were found and I did eat (chewed, swallowed, digested, gleaned their goodness, used for health and life) them, and thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart for I am called by thy name Oh Lord, God of Hosts." Jeremiah 15:16
My hope is in the Lord Jesus and what He has planned for me on earth and for eternity: "the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven..." Colossians 1:5; "'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11 - makes my heart happy.
Here are my two choices - My God is not a God of confusion. He makes things pretty simple for us.
Do I place my hope and expectation in a fallible human being, which increases my potential for developing spiritual heart disease (hope deferred makes the heart sick - Prov. 30) or in the Lord, whose love knows no bounds, and who gave all to give me a hope and a future?
We have all heard the saying, "someone got up on the wrong side of the bed." Well, that is the victim side where your expectations can't be met. Crawl back in, roll over to the other side and let your feet hit the floor with such hope in the Risen One, that you are standing on the Solid Rock as the Victor. So, how about it - Victor or Victim?
Do yourself and others a huge favor and make the right choice. When I make the right choice, my prayer is, "Lord, change me," instead of "Lord, change that sorry Frank that I love with all of my heart." The strangest thing happens when I pray that prayer in all sincerity. Frank cherishes me more, and I respect him more. Pretty cool, huh? I'm approaching this and every day with the joy of the Lord. Love to all, Mecca
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Ready, Set, Go Dust Balls!
What a great day! I slept well last night and woke up feeling good. I have more energy lately because I am making good choices about eating and exercise. It is so dang hard sometimes, isn't it?
I don't mean making choices just about food but making the right choice about every decision presented. (Where's that fresh bag of wisdom each morning when I need it?) I am often so short-sighted that I "sacrifice the future on the altar of the immediate." I have made decisions based on "right now" not thinking about the impact that decision will have in the long term.
Here's the deal: the older I get, the faster the future is catching up with me. That sounds like a quotable quip, but it is also the truth. I think so much differently about each decision I make than I did twenty years ago. There is a point in life when we believe we have a "looonnnnnnggg" time to redeem any mistakes we might make. I no longer think that way and should have never thought that way. We all know that we have no promise of tomorrow or even the rest of today. We don't really believe it or we wouldn't live like we have forever.
We need to think like the little boy that heard in Sunday School "man was made from dust and to dust he would return." That afternoon when his mom chided him for all of the dust under his bed, he marveled, "there's a man under my bed, and I don't know if he's coming or going." Sweet reader, that pile of dust is you and I. That's how fragile our lives are apart from our creator.
I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to a group of teachers this week who were preparing their classrooms for back-to-school and their attitudes to be role models for children. We expect everyone in our company to know the vision.
Part of the strength of the company's brand is that we all speak with One Vision, One Voice. We have a strong, consistent message about who we are, what we do, and why we do it. We quoted the company's vision together, talked about the core values, and the Principles of how we serve others.
Those are all wonderful concepts, and when we first started implementing the activities to make the vision and values become more than just words, it made me think, "what is my own personal life's vision?" What are my core values?" What is my brand? In other words, what do people think of when they think of me? Have you ever asked yourself that question?
I do. I talk about the Lord, have walked with Him for many years, sometimes holding his hand, or running head or lagging behind. I am like a child with my Heavenly Father - much like we all are. We walk along happily with our Heavenly "Daddy," who remains consistent with a steady gate, while we dance and twirl and kick rocks (His loving arm catches us before we step in big pot holes, because we aren't paying attention or fall in a ditch because we wander off to far from His presence.).
What is my own strong, consistent message for who I am, what I do, and why I do it. Anytime I ask an audience if they have established their own life's vision and determined what their core values are as individuals, I never have more than a few in each group indicate they have done so.
What is your life's vision? Remember, "plans or goals are only dreams until they are first written down." Now, for us "piles of dust," our visions can be written in our souls if we allow our creator to guide their creation; but sometimes we are so "heavenly minded, we are no earthly good." (I didn't think of that, but it's a "good 'urn"). Let's take it from the spiritual to the practical realm; that is, after all, how we live out the Word of God, right? May I challenge you today to write your life's vision and core values? I want to share mine with you.
Vision - "That I might know Him, the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering, being made conformable unto His death." Phil 3:10
Values: Memorizing the Word of God, spending time each day with my "Heavenly Daddy," living with personal and professional honesty, keeping a sense of humor, being physically fit, esteeming others better than myself. (By the way, that is the only lesson the Bible ever teaches about self-esteem. The way to have it is to pour out ourselves in service to the Lord Jesus and others. That's all I'm sayin' 'bout that - right now.)
I find that when I wander from my Vision, I am weakened and lose sight of my values. When I do that, I try to fill the craving with temporal things that end up poisoning my heart, mind, and body (sacrificing the future on the altar of the immediate). God gently pulls me from the pot hole (might have a sprained ankle and scuffed up elbows), sometimes the ditch, sets my feet back on the steady road and establishes my "goings."
We mentioned God pulling us from the pot hole before we fell in earlier in our discussion. If we remain as children, not growing up and understanding the importance of staying close to Him, He will allow us to experience the pot hole. It's a pretty silly sight watching a grown man or woman twirling around, giggling, falling in pot holes or ditches because we haven't grown and matured in the Lord or have reverted back to our childish ways.
I can't get aggravated at the children of Israel wandering around for forty years, because I know how my life's story would read when the writer told how I had wandered from my vision and failed on living out my values. I do not want my pot holes and ditches to become your allegory for "what not to do."
I would be the happiest, more joyful person in the world if when people thought of me, they thought of Jesus. That will only happen if I live up to my Vision and operate according to my core values. "On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand."
Come on "dust balls," let's get rollin'. Write your vision, values, stay close to your "fresh bag of wisdom every day, delivered by your "Heavenly Daddy" when you spend time at His feet. The answer is so simple and so sweet. I am a hugger and would hug you all right now if I could get my arms around you. I'm approaching this day with joy. You do the same. Your fellow dust ball - Love, Mecca
PS. Any italicized quotes are something I have heard somewhere and just don't know to whom I should attribute them.
I don't mean making choices just about food but making the right choice about every decision presented. (Where's that fresh bag of wisdom each morning when I need it?) I am often so short-sighted that I "sacrifice the future on the altar of the immediate." I have made decisions based on "right now" not thinking about the impact that decision will have in the long term.
Here's the deal: the older I get, the faster the future is catching up with me. That sounds like a quotable quip, but it is also the truth. I think so much differently about each decision I make than I did twenty years ago. There is a point in life when we believe we have a "looonnnnnnggg" time to redeem any mistakes we might make. I no longer think that way and should have never thought that way. We all know that we have no promise of tomorrow or even the rest of today. We don't really believe it or we wouldn't live like we have forever.
We need to think like the little boy that heard in Sunday School "man was made from dust and to dust he would return." That afternoon when his mom chided him for all of the dust under his bed, he marveled, "there's a man under my bed, and I don't know if he's coming or going." Sweet reader, that pile of dust is you and I. That's how fragile our lives are apart from our creator.
I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to a group of teachers this week who were preparing their classrooms for back-to-school and their attitudes to be role models for children. We expect everyone in our company to know the vision.
Part of the strength of the company's brand is that we all speak with One Vision, One Voice. We have a strong, consistent message about who we are, what we do, and why we do it. We quoted the company's vision together, talked about the core values, and the Principles of how we serve others.
Those are all wonderful concepts, and when we first started implementing the activities to make the vision and values become more than just words, it made me think, "what is my own personal life's vision?" What are my core values?" What is my brand? In other words, what do people think of when they think of me? Have you ever asked yourself that question?
I do. I talk about the Lord, have walked with Him for many years, sometimes holding his hand, or running head or lagging behind. I am like a child with my Heavenly Father - much like we all are. We walk along happily with our Heavenly "Daddy," who remains consistent with a steady gate, while we dance and twirl and kick rocks (His loving arm catches us before we step in big pot holes, because we aren't paying attention or fall in a ditch because we wander off to far from His presence.).
What is my own strong, consistent message for who I am, what I do, and why I do it. Anytime I ask an audience if they have established their own life's vision and determined what their core values are as individuals, I never have more than a few in each group indicate they have done so.
What is your life's vision? Remember, "plans or goals are only dreams until they are first written down." Now, for us "piles of dust," our visions can be written in our souls if we allow our creator to guide their creation; but sometimes we are so "heavenly minded, we are no earthly good." (I didn't think of that, but it's a "good 'urn"). Let's take it from the spiritual to the practical realm; that is, after all, how we live out the Word of God, right? May I challenge you today to write your life's vision and core values? I want to share mine with you.
Vision - "That I might know Him, the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering, being made conformable unto His death." Phil 3:10
Values: Memorizing the Word of God, spending time each day with my "Heavenly Daddy," living with personal and professional honesty, keeping a sense of humor, being physically fit, esteeming others better than myself. (By the way, that is the only lesson the Bible ever teaches about self-esteem. The way to have it is to pour out ourselves in service to the Lord Jesus and others. That's all I'm sayin' 'bout that - right now.)
I find that when I wander from my Vision, I am weakened and lose sight of my values. When I do that, I try to fill the craving with temporal things that end up poisoning my heart, mind, and body (sacrificing the future on the altar of the immediate). God gently pulls me from the pot hole (might have a sprained ankle and scuffed up elbows), sometimes the ditch, sets my feet back on the steady road and establishes my "goings."
We mentioned God pulling us from the pot hole before we fell in earlier in our discussion. If we remain as children, not growing up and understanding the importance of staying close to Him, He will allow us to experience the pot hole. It's a pretty silly sight watching a grown man or woman twirling around, giggling, falling in pot holes or ditches because we haven't grown and matured in the Lord or have reverted back to our childish ways.
I can't get aggravated at the children of Israel wandering around for forty years, because I know how my life's story would read when the writer told how I had wandered from my vision and failed on living out my values. I do not want my pot holes and ditches to become your allegory for "what not to do."
I would be the happiest, more joyful person in the world if when people thought of me, they thought of Jesus. That will only happen if I live up to my Vision and operate according to my core values. "On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand."
Come on "dust balls," let's get rollin'. Write your vision, values, stay close to your "fresh bag of wisdom every day, delivered by your "Heavenly Daddy" when you spend time at His feet. The answer is so simple and so sweet. I am a hugger and would hug you all right now if I could get my arms around you. I'm approaching this day with joy. You do the same. Your fellow dust ball - Love, Mecca
PS. Any italicized quotes are something I have heard somewhere and just don't know to whom I should attribute them.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
I guess I'll have to...
Good Evening Everybody - I hope you had a good day, trusting and obeying, 'cuz you know there's no other way to be happy in Jesus - than to trust and obey Him, right? I want to share something with you that the Lord gently nudged me about today. By the way, He has the sweetest, gentlest nudges for His children. We have all experienced them. When I'm walking with Him and am aware of my need to be more like Him, I can be gentle in my nudges as well. My problem comes when I am operating in the flesh. Mercy, I can nearly knock some one's head off (figuratively speaking) to get my point across. I know that those of you who know me personally just cannot imagine such a thing, (no raised eyebrows, coughing or clearing of throats).
Today was one of those days when I could not get up to save my life. My alarm went off, and I didn't even bother to hit the snooze button. I just turned it off. I woke up again at 8:30 - just about the time I should be leaving for work. My first thought was, "I guess I'll have to call and let Mary know I will be coming in later." As I was fixing my bowl of cereal, I noticed that we didn't have anymore fat free milk. The only thing left was the 2% that I usually save for Frank. I thought, "I guess I'll have to drink the 2% this morning and remember to get what I need on the way home from work.
Just think about how many times we resort to that conclusion. It is always an expression of having to accept something other than our first choice. I guess I'll have to...mow the grass tomorrow since it rained, and it is too wet today; wear this skirt because my other one is in the cleaners; read my Bible tonight since I didn't get up in time this morning. We can all think of many times we express this sentiment. It is very common, right?
Here's the point of today's musing. Read carefully and think about whether or not you have ever been guilty of what I was guilty of today. As we were getting ready to turn off lights, lock doors, and call it a day, Frank commented about wondering if a rug we had ordered would get here on Thursday or Friday. These are the words that came out of my mouth. "Well, I will be home all day on Friday so it won't be a problem; but if it is delivered on Thursday, I'll guess we'll have to trust the Lord to take care of it until we get home because it will be a pretty big object on the front porch that someone could haul off."
Now, the word, "guess" is an expression of uncertainty. "I'll have to..." is an expression of something I am required to do. In the moment I made that comment, the Lord gently whispered, "you don't have to guess about my trustworthiness, and you should always place your trust about anything in me first. I shouldn't be your last resort." I truly don't want to "spiritualize" mundane things to the point of being ridiculous, but I just wonder if we aren't guilty of using the Lord as a last resort instead of the rock and fortress we run to in all of life's situations - good and bad. I know from the promises of God's Word and my own life's experiences that trust is the most valuable asset I have in Christ. It is also the more vulnerable. I can lose my ability to trust the Lord in the moment I let anything come between "my soul and the Savior." The concept of trust is described as the Assured resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice of another. I become unsure of the condition of my relationship with the Lord, and therefore I am not resting in Him when I "regard iniquity in my heart." I am reminded of a portion of I Samuel 15:22 that says, "obedience is better than sacrifice..." We obey as a voluntary act of the heart because we rest in and trust the promises of God. Obedience is also acknowledgement of Jesus as Lord in our lives. My desire and fervent prayer tonight is that I will not even think, much less speak the phrase, "I guess I'll have to..." when referencing reliance on Jesus.
I just thought of the words to a song I have loved all of my life. "I am resting tonight in that wonderful peace, resting sweetly in Jesus' control. For I'm kept from all danger by night and by day, and His glory is flooding my soul. Peace, Peace, wonderful peace; coming down from the Father above. Sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love."
Sleep sweet, and rest - with complete reliance on and trust in - the deep billows of His love. He most assuredly can and will take care of the "rugs" of our lives. Approach tomorrow with the joy of the Lord. He deserves our trust and praise. Yikes! Makes me want to shout. How about you?
I'll talk to all of you again tomorrow. Good Night. Mecca
Today was one of those days when I could not get up to save my life. My alarm went off, and I didn't even bother to hit the snooze button. I just turned it off. I woke up again at 8:30 - just about the time I should be leaving for work. My first thought was, "I guess I'll have to call and let Mary know I will be coming in later." As I was fixing my bowl of cereal, I noticed that we didn't have anymore fat free milk. The only thing left was the 2% that I usually save for Frank. I thought, "I guess I'll have to drink the 2% this morning and remember to get what I need on the way home from work.
Just think about how many times we resort to that conclusion. It is always an expression of having to accept something other than our first choice. I guess I'll have to...mow the grass tomorrow since it rained, and it is too wet today; wear this skirt because my other one is in the cleaners; read my Bible tonight since I didn't get up in time this morning. We can all think of many times we express this sentiment. It is very common, right?
Here's the point of today's musing. Read carefully and think about whether or not you have ever been guilty of what I was guilty of today. As we were getting ready to turn off lights, lock doors, and call it a day, Frank commented about wondering if a rug we had ordered would get here on Thursday or Friday. These are the words that came out of my mouth. "Well, I will be home all day on Friday so it won't be a problem; but if it is delivered on Thursday, I'll guess we'll have to trust the Lord to take care of it until we get home because it will be a pretty big object on the front porch that someone could haul off."
Now, the word, "guess" is an expression of uncertainty. "I'll have to..." is an expression of something I am required to do. In the moment I made that comment, the Lord gently whispered, "you don't have to guess about my trustworthiness, and you should always place your trust about anything in me first. I shouldn't be your last resort." I truly don't want to "spiritualize" mundane things to the point of being ridiculous, but I just wonder if we aren't guilty of using the Lord as a last resort instead of the rock and fortress we run to in all of life's situations - good and bad. I know from the promises of God's Word and my own life's experiences that trust is the most valuable asset I have in Christ. It is also the more vulnerable. I can lose my ability to trust the Lord in the moment I let anything come between "my soul and the Savior." The concept of trust is described as the Assured resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice of another. I become unsure of the condition of my relationship with the Lord, and therefore I am not resting in Him when I "regard iniquity in my heart." I am reminded of a portion of I Samuel 15:22 that says, "obedience is better than sacrifice..." We obey as a voluntary act of the heart because we rest in and trust the promises of God. Obedience is also acknowledgement of Jesus as Lord in our lives. My desire and fervent prayer tonight is that I will not even think, much less speak the phrase, "I guess I'll have to..." when referencing reliance on Jesus.
I just thought of the words to a song I have loved all of my life. "I am resting tonight in that wonderful peace, resting sweetly in Jesus' control. For I'm kept from all danger by night and by day, and His glory is flooding my soul. Peace, Peace, wonderful peace; coming down from the Father above. Sweep over my spirit forever I pray, in fathomless billows of love."
Sleep sweet, and rest - with complete reliance on and trust in - the deep billows of His love. He most assuredly can and will take care of the "rugs" of our lives. Approach tomorrow with the joy of the Lord. He deserves our trust and praise. Yikes! Makes me want to shout. How about you?
I'll talk to all of you again tomorrow. Good Night. Mecca
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Target on my Back
I began blogging on July 5th, and I think yesterday was the first 24 hour period I had gone without writing something, and I missed it. I hope you did, too.
OK - the message in italics was actually written on Sunday, and I am just now getting back to this blog. Dear friends, now it has been almost 72 hours since I've been able to share with you, and it feels like something is missing in my day when I don't tell you what God is doing for me. In just a few short days this communication has become a very important part of my life. Let me try to explain why.
As a teacher, I realize there are two levels of understanding something. The first level is understanding for yourself. The second, more comprehensive level is understanding well enough to relay it to others in a purposeful way. Sharing with you has strengthened my walk with the Lord and deepened my appreciation for and understanding of His grace and mercy. There has been such a peace, joy, and fulfillment for me since I began this blog. The Lord has been so real to me. That doesn't mean He isn't always real and available, because He is immovable, unshakable, and unchanging. It just means I'm not always where I need to be spiritually to hear from Him. I sensed a closeness to the Lord, reading what He had to say to me, sharing it with you and just reveling in His presence in my life. Here's the "kicker" to that. When I grow closer to my Heavenly Father, it stirs up the biggest hornet's nest for the prince of the power of the air. Yep, I am talking about sorry, rotten ole' Lucifer himself.
If there is one thing I have learned in my walk with the Lord, it is that when God is doing a work in my life, I feel like I have a huge target on my back (even bigger if it is on my backside - lol) for Satan's arrows. He hates God. He resents our love for Him. First, he is mad as h--- that I am a child of the King, and then when I actually start walking in the power available to me as a child of the King, he goes berserk. He will do everything in his power to limit or destroy any abundant life in Christ. Here is a thought for us. He truly doesn't mind that we "sorta" live a Christian life, and I believe we all know what that means. That's not a threat, and actually, it plays very well into his purposes. That's why the Lord hates "lukewarm." But---when I am living with abundant power through Christ, that is a different story. By the way, I'm not special; he's out to get you, too. If the devil is leaving us alone, we aren't much of a threat to his way of life, and I want to be a BIG threat. How about you?
The devil is sly, calculating and knows our vulnerabilities. Let me tell you what I allowed the enemy to do. When our spiritual emotions run high, we are especially vulnerable to Satan's attacks. I had been on a spiritual high, and I was looking forward to and excited about a wonderful weekend with Frank. We are doing some refurbishing in the house, and we have always enjoyed doing that together. Well, friends, I want you to know that we were testy with each other, took what the other said the wrong way, had more than one "snafu" and almost ended up not speaking to each other. We would recognize our sorry attitude toward one another, apologize, and within another couple of hours, we would be right back where we started. We finally sat down tonight, and just hashed it out, admitted our failures to one another, asked the Lord to forgive us, and told Satan in the name of sweet Jesus to go away. By the way, the mere mention of the name of Jesus makes him flee. What a sight that is. He slithers away and can't do it fast enough. My point is, we cannot withstand the attacks of Satan and all of his minions without putting on the whole armor of God. We know he is roaming the earth daily just looking for someone he can devour. Those living abundantly in Christ are especially tasty. He wants to bring us to our knees in defeat and make a spectacle of our defeat for anyone to whom we have tried to be an example of "Christ-likeness."
Now, here is the great news. God has given us a way to escape any weapon the devil might use against us. Spending time is His Word, staying in the protective shadow of His wing and keeping our hearts and minds tuned in to His heart and mind. The devil has no power that we don't give him through our neglect of our power drink each day - God's Word. So, drink up at the well that never runs dry, get up and keep running the race set before us, and wake up each morning with renewed vision of the face of Jesus when He says, "well done, a race well run." Love to each of you. I am still approaching each day with joy. Are you? Mecca
PS. I got up at 5:00 am and walked on Monday. It was a miracle. Then this evening, I walked for an hour. I've been watching what I eat as well. So thankful. Just wanted you to know so you would be encouraged.
OK - the message in italics was actually written on Sunday, and I am just now getting back to this blog. Dear friends, now it has been almost 72 hours since I've been able to share with you, and it feels like something is missing in my day when I don't tell you what God is doing for me. In just a few short days this communication has become a very important part of my life. Let me try to explain why.
As a teacher, I realize there are two levels of understanding something. The first level is understanding for yourself. The second, more comprehensive level is understanding well enough to relay it to others in a purposeful way. Sharing with you has strengthened my walk with the Lord and deepened my appreciation for and understanding of His grace and mercy. There has been such a peace, joy, and fulfillment for me since I began this blog. The Lord has been so real to me. That doesn't mean He isn't always real and available, because He is immovable, unshakable, and unchanging. It just means I'm not always where I need to be spiritually to hear from Him. I sensed a closeness to the Lord, reading what He had to say to me, sharing it with you and just reveling in His presence in my life. Here's the "kicker" to that. When I grow closer to my Heavenly Father, it stirs up the biggest hornet's nest for the prince of the power of the air. Yep, I am talking about sorry, rotten ole' Lucifer himself.
If there is one thing I have learned in my walk with the Lord, it is that when God is doing a work in my life, I feel like I have a huge target on my back (even bigger if it is on my backside - lol) for Satan's arrows. He hates God. He resents our love for Him. First, he is mad as h--- that I am a child of the King, and then when I actually start walking in the power available to me as a child of the King, he goes berserk. He will do everything in his power to limit or destroy any abundant life in Christ. Here is a thought for us. He truly doesn't mind that we "sorta" live a Christian life, and I believe we all know what that means. That's not a threat, and actually, it plays very well into his purposes. That's why the Lord hates "lukewarm." But---when I am living with abundant power through Christ, that is a different story. By the way, I'm not special; he's out to get you, too. If the devil is leaving us alone, we aren't much of a threat to his way of life, and I want to be a BIG threat. How about you?
The devil is sly, calculating and knows our vulnerabilities. Let me tell you what I allowed the enemy to do. When our spiritual emotions run high, we are especially vulnerable to Satan's attacks. I had been on a spiritual high, and I was looking forward to and excited about a wonderful weekend with Frank. We are doing some refurbishing in the house, and we have always enjoyed doing that together. Well, friends, I want you to know that we were testy with each other, took what the other said the wrong way, had more than one "snafu" and almost ended up not speaking to each other. We would recognize our sorry attitude toward one another, apologize, and within another couple of hours, we would be right back where we started. We finally sat down tonight, and just hashed it out, admitted our failures to one another, asked the Lord to forgive us, and told Satan in the name of sweet Jesus to go away. By the way, the mere mention of the name of Jesus makes him flee. What a sight that is. He slithers away and can't do it fast enough. My point is, we cannot withstand the attacks of Satan and all of his minions without putting on the whole armor of God. We know he is roaming the earth daily just looking for someone he can devour. Those living abundantly in Christ are especially tasty. He wants to bring us to our knees in defeat and make a spectacle of our defeat for anyone to whom we have tried to be an example of "Christ-likeness."
Now, here is the great news. God has given us a way to escape any weapon the devil might use against us. Spending time is His Word, staying in the protective shadow of His wing and keeping our hearts and minds tuned in to His heart and mind. The devil has no power that we don't give him through our neglect of our power drink each day - God's Word. So, drink up at the well that never runs dry, get up and keep running the race set before us, and wake up each morning with renewed vision of the face of Jesus when He says, "well done, a race well run." Love to each of you. I am still approaching each day with joy. Are you? Mecca
PS. I got up at 5:00 am and walked on Monday. It was a miracle. Then this evening, I walked for an hour. I've been watching what I eat as well. So thankful. Just wanted you to know so you would be encouraged.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)