Leap Day :)

Well, today is the last day of February and the day is creating a quite a stir because it is Leap Day, the 29th.  This day only occurs in years divisible by the number 4 and makes our year have 366 days instead of 365.  So if you are hoping 2012 is better than 2011, you have one more day in which to enjoy the year.


And trivia abounds...an old Irish legend says that St. Bridget struck a deal with St. Patrick (who gave the saints this authority, I want to know) and women were allowed to propose to men on this day, and only on this day.  An old tradition held that if the man refused, he was to pay the woman money or buy her a gown.  In mainland Europe's upper class society, if the man refused, he was to pay the woman twelve pairs of gloves!  Okay....I'm sure there is a reason for this, although who even goes through that many pairs in a lifetime!  The reason being...the gloves were to hide the embarrassment of not wearing an engagement ring.  I guess you could wear a different pair each day.  Hopefully, though you would not wear the gloves out and certainly become engaged before that happened!!  (Might not be so bad if you were given a variety...leather, cashmere, sheepskin....)


Well, ladies, if you do risk it and follow the legend....and ask that special guy to marry you...and he refuses (and gives you a reeeeeeally goooood reason), you could ask for a pair of nice leather gloves to compensate for the embarrassment and then wait until 2016 and try again :)


Sorry, I have been a bit lax lately in writing on my blog.  I let details rule my life sometimes and don't sit down and write.  I plan to...I will....I promise....I am actually taking a 12-week online instructional course on improving your blogging (whoever thought that would be a course....and the verb blogging....hmmm); and I have been reading some great books on writing.  So if I can pull away from the reading and my photography class (which by the way is in it's final week)....you will hear from me more often, I assure you!  


Well, as we say good-bye to February and hello to March, may your days be filled with joy, peace and weather which doesn't require the wearing of gloves!

(photo courtesy Bryant Arnold/cartoonist)

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To Breathe or Not to Breathe?

Breathing....we all do it, right?  It keeps us alive. Without breathe, we would gasp, struggle and either very slowly, or probably more adequately, within a few minutes our very life would end.  That's the physical side of things.  But metaphorically....what gives you reason to breathe, what brings you life?  For me, my very relationship with Jesus Christ gives me reason to get out of bed in the morning....reason to love and live....reason to face the struggles that await us each day.  I can love my family, my friends, my "neighbor" because He first loved me (1 John 4:19); He taught me how to love.


But what other beauty that this life holds keeps us breathing (metaphorically speaking again)?  What other creative processes, interests and desires cause that heart to pound and brings a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction to our life?  I love to write....so even now as my fingers tap on the keyboard and my mind is at work, I feel a sense of excitement and fulfillment.  Ideas form in my mind that I want to put to paper.  Something comes alive.


I had lunch the other day with a very dear young woman whom I have mentored in the past.  She is like another daughter to me.  A daughter of the heart.  Her life currently consists of work and along with the help of her mother, keeping watch over her autistic brother.  She has wisely put aside an evening or two of relaxation and "just her" time.  She knows she must feed a part of her that will bring her "life" and keep her "breathing".  She loves her family and brother with all her heart....she knows this is a season of her life and she does it all as "unto the Lord".  But nourishing the creative side of her will bring her the breathe she also needs to be fully alive each day.  As I shared with her the joy the photography class I began this last week has brought me, she got excited and shared she also is pursuing a latent passion.  She begins cello lessons this next week!  Her face shone as she conveyed the joy of beginning something new and creative.  I was so excited for her!  


Depending on what phase of life you are currently in, our days can be filled with diapers, laundry, cleaning up messes....school, study.....9-5 employment, sometimes enjoyable, sometimes to pay the bills....people, meeting needs...and the list goes on.  All necessary, all vital, all a part of life.  In the midst of living, find time to breathe...stop and smell that rose...stop and enjoy that sunrise...or sunset....stop and drink in the beauty of that smiling child you just cleaned up after....and maybe you need to intentionally "breathe" a bit of creativity into your days.  A few moments in a day or night of the week to learn something new.....a class....a latent desire for creativity to express yourself.  Breathing new life into yourself so you can continue to breathe life into those you love each day.  Whether it be a cello, painting, cooking, writing, piano...learning something new keeps us alive.  It keeps us breathing....it feeds the creative side of us and we ALL have a creative side...whatever shape that takes.


My photography class is breathing creativity inside me....

Macro and close up photography inspire me :)

And I love photographing those I care about and think are beautiful :)

Sorry, you may be the recipient of some of my attempts at creativity... :)

This was a fun week....it lit a "fire" inside of me and I am determined to 

breathe fresh air :)

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Sistering...And Brothering :)

Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters....remember Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen in their blue feathers singing this out....I'm there to keep my eye on her...

Okay, I am going to take this one step further...so the men don't feel left out in this blog...should any be reading :)

Despite our independent streak, we really do want someone to "keep an eye on us", don't we, sisters?  We really do not want to be left out there all on our own, without someone knowing who we are, where we are and what we are doing.  

WE NEED EACH OTHER!

GOD created us for relationship.  He created us for accountability.  Pam Farrel says in her book "Woman of Influence"..."Accountability isn’t a biblical word, but the principle of accountability is found in the Bible.  The biblical word “exhortation” means “a calling alongside to bring out the best in another”. “Admonishment” means “to put to mind”, it carries the idea of putting the right thoughts into the mind of another.  That is what we NEED; friends who walk alongside, putting the right thoughts in mind to bring out our very best!"

As my husband and I raised our children, I NEEDED other moms walking beside me during those years to help me understand "I was not alone...this is a 'season'...you are normal". I looked to God for my help and wisdom but also other moms to give me much needed input and advice when I hadn't a clue what to do.  Godly women who could give support and speak into areas only a woman could understand.  I NEEDED other moms to pray with me for my children, their children - rallying together to see God Almighty work in the lives of those precious ones who mean the world to us.  As families, we have each other...husbands and wives to support and pray with each other.  But what about the single mom who desperately needs the love and companionship and guidance of other moms (single or married); what about the married woman whose husband is "absent" in the raising of the children.  What about just the basic human need of companionship and friendship...we NEED each other!  And I know I am speaking to women here, but this rings very true for men as well.  

Do you know that when workers build a house on the bearing walls and around doors and windows, they nail 2 x 4’s together so they can bear more weight.  The building term for nailing the boards onto bearing walls is “sistering”.  When we (as women) hammer our lives together, we help one another bear more weight and handle whatever life throws our way.  Oh, how we need to SISTER one another :)

Four years ago, my husband cut his right hand using a skill saw.  Being a construction worker, this put him out of work for nine weeks.  Self-employed and on our own....during a time that could have been incredibly despairing, God was so faithful.  "Sistering" came into play....men and women :) ....friends stepped up to support us and bear the weight during this heavy time for us.  What was incredibly humbling was the majority of those who helped us financially were full-time missionary friends whom we had served with in years past.  Those who were in need themselves gave to us who were in need.  We saw a circle of "sistering" that overwhelmed us with God's goodness.  We will forever cherish these wall-bearing friends.


Finishing off the reflection of Psalm 16:3 "...these holy people who are in the land, the noble ones who make great friends and in whom is all my delight..." I close with a thought...

When a flock of geese are flying together in a V, they fly 72% farther than when alone.  The honking drives them on. Those flying behind the geese in front give uplift to the air to keep them going.  Oh dear friends, let's honk loudly, to keep each other moving forward!  Let's "sister" together to bring support!  

We all NEED it and WANT it!

  

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One Big Family - Psalm 16:3

The third verse of Psalm 16 has so much meaning it may take a couple of blogs to convey it's depth.  And even then I am sure we won't get it all.  God's word is amazing!

"I say of the holy people who are in the land, 

they are the noble ones in whom is all my delight."

Take a glimpse at a few other translations:

And these God-chosen lives all around - what splendid friends they make!  (The Message) - I LOVE this one!
The holy people in the land are the ones who are worthy of honor - all my pleasure is in them. (Complete Jewish Bible)
Those who lead holy lives on earth are the noble ones who fill me with joy! (God’s Word Translation)
How excellent are the Lord’s faithful people! My greatest pleasure is to be with them!  (Good News Translation)
As for the godly people in the world, they are the wonderful  ones I enjoy. (New Century Version)
The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!  (New Living Translation)
As for the holy ones in the land, they are the NOBLE, in whom is all my delight.  (New Revised Standard)


What richness in describing the people of God...that is YOU and ME!!  One word which stands out above all the rest is NOBLE - of high birth, rank or title...a child of a KING, stately, imposing, choice, excellent.  The word "noble" is a 
synonym of the word grand and moral...virtuous, righteous, ethical, honorable, upright, just and honest.  We may not feel like we actually live up to these meanings, but oh, how our Father delights in US and by His Spirit is working daily to form us into a people of nobility.


Another word used in this verse is "saints"...



This adjective in Hebrew is described as sacred, holy, set apart...meaning clean, set apart free from defilement, crimes, unclean and profane things.


Ex. 19:6...you will be for me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.  GOD meant for us to look different.


1 Pt. 2:9, But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.

We belong in a "family" that is to stand out in this world.  We are to look and be different...even noble and saintly.  NO...we are NOT perfect!!  We make mistakes (and a lot of them at times!).  We fall, but by His grace and strength, we get back up. At times, we have no answers to give in tragic circumstances, but we have a HOPE today and for the days ahead.  

  

Do we look different or are we trying so hard to be "relevant" and fit in that we no longer stand out? Yes, we want to be relevant....but we mostly to be authentic and honest.   Are others drawn to us because they sense something different...a hope, a friend they can count on to just be there?  As a good friend of mine points out..."Are we agents of change to transform our society?"  Are our lives living out the kingdom of God here on earth?  

We are the noble ones in whom is all His delight.  The Hebrew noun for this also means....in whom is all my purpose.  Wow!  Let's jump back a verse...I have no good thing apart from the Lord...but then it goes on to say “As for the godly in the land...I love them...they bring me delight....You meant them for good in my life...I am not to “be apart from them” (paraphrased!).

This "people of God" -

He delights in us!

We are His purpose!

We bring Him delight!

This "people of God" - these noble ones -

They are meant for good in my life :)

I am not to be apart from them :)

You, dear friend, belong to a people bigger than yourself.  They are there for you...to be encouraged, to be strengthened, to be supported, and to be loved.  Next blog we will wrap this verse up like a gift with a ribbon and tag that says "we need each other!"  But for today, remember...

And these God-chosen lives all around - what splendid friends they make!  (The Message)

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February: Loving and Leaping

I'm starting out February being very photo-conscious :)   I have enrolled in an online photography course which I more than a little excited about.  My polarizing filter arrived in the mail - been waiting since Christmas, along with a book I am already devouring and highlighting 

         

By Brenda Tharp and filled with incredible images

I have submitted two photos in the 12-month photography project I joined in January...

The theme for February is "Love" or "Leap". (2012 is a leap year)...both caught my eye 

Yes, he loves to leap :)

Sister Love <3

I can tell already this is going to be a very fun month capturing a wide assortment of pictures depicting loving and leaping....both of which my family does a lot of - and yes, I do a whole lot better loving than I do leaping...I'll leave that to the below 30 group :)

Oh, and I almost forgot...I am entering a photo in a contest (I said at the beginning I was gung-ho into picture-taking already for February).  Below is the first photo I plan to submit...

I can almost imagine being in Narnia with this one :)

So into February we venture....go ahead - love and leap a bit in your excitement of being loved by the Father!

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My Stayer

As I venture into Psalm 16:2 today and looking at my notes, I really just want to give several translations and nuggets of the same words...

"I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord, apart from you I have no good thing."

"Without you, nothing makes sense."

"I have no good beside you (present or future) without you."

My Lord,...my goodness (righteousness) there is none beside you."

"I have no other help but yours."

"You are my Lord, my goodness is nothing apart from you."

"O my soul, thou has said unto the Lord, thou art my Lord."

"...my goodness extendeth not to Thee" (literally, I have no goodness but Thee)

These words are a song to Adonai, our Master. Matthew Henry's commentary states that Adonai signifies "My Stayer...the strength of my heart.  My soul cries this out....do NOT unsay it!"   I love that..."soul, listen to me, do not unsay that which strengthens me....My Adonai, my master, my strength."   How many of us throughout the day experience the flips and flops of our heart and emotions when life throws the unexpected at us.....maybe we need to say..."soul, let's wake up...My Stayer and the strength of my heart is alive and well within me!"

Sometimes my little ole' heart needs some strength throughout the day :)

I love this quote...

Let nothing disturb thee; Let nothing dismay thee; All things pass; God never changes.Patience attains all that it strives for. He who has God finds he lacks nothing: God alone suffices.” -Teresa of Avila

Looking at different translations can give new meaning and insight into a verse which we never noticed before.  Without HIM, nothing makes sense. This is my favorite - with so many voices out there screaming for our attention....telling us what is "important" and what we need in our lives; just watching the evening news gives this phrase such credibility....without HIM, nothing makes sense!  I find rest and assurance in the knowledge that when things don't make sense, I have SOMEONE who does!


Apart from HIM, I have no good thing.  I think this little verse is packed with life for us today.

He is My Stayer, the strength of my heart.

Okay....this clipart might be a little hokey, but for us romantics, I love the idea of My Hero riding in on a white horse to give me strength :)

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My Gift

Like most people (I think) the book of Psalms in the Bible is a favorite.  The chapters (each Psalm) are fairly short and generally they make easy reading.  They are the praises and heart cries of principally one man, David, and a few other men who in their joy, rest, struggle, sin, anguish, war and being pursued by enemies poured out their hearts to God.  They are words we can easily identify with.  On any given day, we can take a psalm and make it our own.  Reading, singing or shouting in joy or hope, these verses of 150 chapters become the very emotions we are feeling and need to express. 


A couple of years ago, I took on the task of really studying one of my favorites.  Psalm 16.  I originally began by desiring to write a Bible study for others, but ended up writing pages upon pages of my own study, discovering riches I had no idea were hidden in these eleven verses.  I did word studies, culture investigation, inspecting the man, David, and towards the end of an entire year focusing on this one Psalm, came upon another Bible study devoted to Psalm 16:6 which wrapped up my own in depth investigation of this Psalm like a beautifully wrapped gift.  


However, this "gift" has sat in a drawer and in a file on my computer for months.  Recently, I felt a strong nudge from the Lord, to get it out, dust it off and share it.  So for the next weeks, off and on, I will hand over to you my gift and hope as you open it, will bask in the beauty of God's Word and the endless understanding Word can bring to our lives.


Enjoy and open with care....

Psalm 16:1 "Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge."

When I began studying this...I inserted "Keep me (my heart) safe, my God..."

Psalm 17:8 says..."hide me in the shadow of your wings."  Psalm 7:1 tells me to take refugee in you.  The Amplified Version expresses it this way... "I hide myself in you."

Hannah Whithall Smith in her book "Safe Within Your Love" says...”I feel just like a little chick who has run out of a storm and under his mother’s wings and is safe there.  I hear the raging storm and I am utterly unable to comprehend it or measure the damage it is doing.  But I am safe under His wings  He can manage the dark storm but I cannot.  Why then should I worry or be anxious?....When I feel hopeless or fear, I know I need to get back under His wings.”

Have you ever seen the movie "Twister"?  The movie starts out with a family running for cover to their cellar when a tornado is approaching.  They are underground hearing the unimaginable roar of the twister, the wind and rain.  When it has passed and they come up for air, the camera pans the absolute devastation the twister has wrought all around them. They could "hear" the storm, but they were safe underground.  Only after it had passed, did they actually see.

Our family was in Indiana once during a tornado "watch", a first for us.   I awoke in the middle of the night hearing the most terrifying wind and noise.  The rest of the family slept peacefully (I am a light sleeper...but it does add a touch to this story :)  I heard the storm, but the hubby and kids were at peace.  The radio in another part of the house was telling our friends "what to do". As I marveled that anyone could sleep through that, I was reminded that it is the same with God and His Word - a storm is approaching (as will always happen in life) and God tells us what to do.  Do we take refuge in Him?  

The Message Bible says "Keep me safe, O God (El Shaddai...The MOST GOD ALMIGHTY), I've run for dear life to you."  Sometimes we need to actually RUN towards God for his protection - there is no where else to go.

To seek refuge or to give refuge means:

** to keep, to guard

** to have charge of, to keep watch over, to protect (a watchman)

** to keep within the bounds and to restrain (I like this!)

A refuge is a shield, a fortress, a dwelling place and a strong tower.

What does taking refuge mean to you when you are in the midst of disaster or chaos?  What does that look like to you?  When I began this study, the devastating earthquake had just happened in Haiti.  Total loss for hundreds of inhabitants of that island.  How does someone who has quite literally LOST IT ALL...loved ones, home, all belongings, only the shirt on their back and a pile of rubble to look at realizing "this is all that is left".  Where do you go...what do you do....what does "a refuge" look like to you?  It could be a medical diagnosis you weren't expecting, a flood, a death of a close family member, a betrayal.  Where do we find hope in such seemingly hopeless circumstances?

Our family experienced a house fire nearly 25 years ago.  We lost all material possessions except the clothes on our back.  I grabbed my year-old son as I ran out the door.  I will NEVER forget waking the next morning in the home of good friends and realizing I didn't even have a comb for my hair or a toothbrush.  I had slept in my only clothes.  The feeling of losing all you owned.  As the shock wore off, I was incredibly grateful that what really mattered was lying in the bed next to me....my husband and year-old son (although he was asleep in a cardboard box next to our bed :)  I can honestly say, if I had not had the LORD, as my REFUGE during that season, my life today would look sadly different.  I would pour out my heart daily to Him of the aches of losing it all.  There is so much more to this story, I will share at another time....or today's blog will turn into a book....but GOD proved His faithfulness to us above and beyond what we could have even imagined as we walked through those oncoming weeks and months.  He was our REFUGE.  He was the One we poured our hearts out to.  He was the One who carried our burden.  He was the One who provided friends to support us during that time.  

What did that look like?  Daily expressing my heart to Him, daily crying out when I couldn't make a decision and life was too overwhelming...walking into the store that next day with a check from the Red Cross to "buy what we need"....where do you even begin?  A comb? A toothbrush?  Underwear?  Getting out of bed each morning, taking another breath and acknowledging HIM as my protector, my guide, my refuge...the One who will keep me within my bounds.  Crying out to Him for understanding and grace, when the tensions of decisions could greatly affect your relationships with those around you.  Keeping my focus on HIM rather than what I could "see".

Sometimes God allows it all to be stripped away...so we have no where else to go but to HIM.  And when we do...He gives Himself to us....and He is released to pour out blessing upon blessing.  Sometimes we don't know how much we need God to be a refuge until we actually need one.  The great thing about God being my refuge is He will never disappoint!  All other "refuges" or forms of protection we seek will disappoint.

Today, let Psalm 16:1 be a song on your lips.  And He will not disappoint!

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