A strange question, indeed. It could mean how’s your vision 20/20? It could mean weather conditions. It could be existential. Any or all can be true; however, I am specifically asking about the future. Your future as well as the future of our world. Honestly, the future can be quite frightening to me, realizing the uncertainty of things and accepting my role in things. I heard a sermon recently and it stirred emotions in me that were very uncomfortable. I was asked to visualize the world in 2020 or even 2040. What did things look like and how do people interact, what things are primary and essential to living? To all the visionaries and ideologists I know you have maps, pictures and blueprints of future earth, even the universe and on a very small-scale I guess I do too. What I found out about myself as I pondered questions was that I can not see very far. My peripheral view only extended to family, friends and coworkers, but my heart, mind and my soul ache for much more. The sermon was like being forced to choose bad or something worse? Really, not good or bad just bad or worse. You see, my vision was me and the universe circling me when in fact that is not the case at all. To use a metaphor, if this were a puzzle I am not the border, I am a single piece of blue sky in a picture of 5000 pieces of blue sky. Not to say I’m not important because the picture would be incomplete if my piece were missing it would be so very obvious. We all have a part, big and small…we all matter. We all have value! The future I visualized was very limited and only included my own…my career, my family, my life…me, me, me! Shamefully I thought to myself…where is God in my future, where is my church, where are my brothers/sisters in faith? I had tricked myself into thinking “I” was the center of the universe, at least the one I visualized in my head. Let me point out a very important piece of information, I did not purposely place myself above God or in place of God, I just assumed “He” was a “given” entity in my story. I am gravely mistaken and I am acutely aware of the importance of this bible passage I memorized as a child, Ephesians 6:14 (NIV) “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place…” To be fully Christian, God is not and should not be an assumption! Inviting God into our lives is not a chore or task we complete daily like getting dressed or brushing our teeth, He is more important than the air we breathe, without God we are nothing, we do not exist. God wants to share our joys, our sorrows, our everything! He does not rush in, He so desires to be invited in, into your heart and into your life. All too often, God is second place…He should be the last thing we think of before going to sleep and the first thing we seek when we rise to meet a new day. Please do not think I am pointing fingers, I am not…I am guilty of all these things and more, I share these truths in hopes that God can use my words for His good. As I pointed to earlier, I had limited my vision of the world as to how it affects me, but how shallow that is…there’s so much pain and torment in the world, we can no longer put a blind eye to the cruelty that us occurring at a dangerously high rate. Pray, that’s something we can all do…not just pray, prayer is mighty, mightier than all the wickedness in the world. Identify with a cause and then start your own franchising…own it! Look for the commonalities in others, not our differences. Be more open to discussions, less about debates. More about liking and accepting than of hatred. In Matthew 5:44 God says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”

In closing, whether friend or critic thank you for the time you gave in reading this and I leave you with these words from John 14:27 (NRSV) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
http://www.marilynsewell.com

Movie : “Raw Faith” (available on Netflix)

Ephesians 6:11-20
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A11-20&version=NRSV

Matthew 5:43-46 (NRSV).
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%205:43-46

Emma Watson’s speech on feminism
http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/world/2014/09/22/sot-emma-watson-un-heforshe-feminist-speech.united-nations.html

Check out this video on YouTube:

The sermon this past Sunday was entitled, “What’s on Your Bucket List?” Interestingly, two years ago I started a “bucket list” for myself. I currently have seven items listed, only one of which I have sort of completed, so since it’s partially completed I feel it’s okay to share. “To have my writings published,” I have had a few poems printed in poetry books of which I’m certain not many eyes have seen, but nonetheless less they do exist in printed bounded books. In many ways I feel as though my words are being shared through this medium of blogging and back when “MySpace” was cool, I had a few paragraphs on there as well. Almost daily, I am reminded that my words and thoughts are gifts from God, I love sharing them with friends, family, coworkers and even strangers these are all counted as blessings (+) because just writing and being able to articulate my feeling, fears, strengths and dreams is a blessing as well as an answered prayer. When I become distracted, busy with busy things or am just being lazy and sometimes defiant as if I’m hurting someone by choosing not to write. The end result is I’m not honoring God with the gifts He has so generously blessed me with, but I am hurt myself, carrying the words and thoughts around in my very soul not giving them breathing space and places to grab hold of or simply the freedom to fly. One thing I’ve learned to accept is the fact I may never know who or how my words may help others, this knowledge keeps me grounded to not become prideful and take credit for what is “God’s” work. I don’t have the answers to solve the mysteries of the world and those of our vast universe, or to solve the world’s social and economic hurdles. I am a woman seeking to be present and involved in the process, choosing to recognize that I was created and created with a purpose uniquely mine. As I looked at my life today and took time to revisit some very fond memories, I found myself smiling and even laughing out loud a few times, I even shed a few tears…I reminisced and visualized my heritage, where I started from, my beginning, to whom I belong and a future that only God knows, He’s the best travel guide, no matter where the journey may lead. I heard this quote in a movie I recently saw, “A planned life cannot be lived; it can only be endured.”by Ken Williams. Be brave enough to live the life you were created to live. Expect the unexpected and be prepared for the unexplained, count your blessings each and every day!

~Blessings and Peace~

Casting Crowns-Thrive
Check out this video on YouTube:

What or who inspires you? It may be one or both, a person or a thing. Whatever it is, embrace it and seek it often. I have found that throughout my life different things and people have inspired me at different stages of my life. As a kid I aspired to be a great softball player, it was something I loved doing and I excelled in the sport. It was a way to meet new people and my parents were always my biggest fans. I started playing on an organized team at 5 and gradually moved into competitive play and playing for two or three different teams at one time. I was fortunate to play with the same group of girls from my pre teens throughout my teenage years. My dad would play catch with me, he even taught me to pitch and designed a pitching target for me (this was way before fancy equipment was available!) but the old car tire dad hung on the side of the garage and a bucket of balls entertained me many afternoons. I had a coach when I was in my teens that inspired me and help mold me into a versatile player, I learned I could pitch a little, loved the catcher position, I played shortstop as well as outfield. I was known for stealing bases and for being obnoxiously loud! (HaHa!). My coach was so knowledgeable about the game and made it fun! I lost touch with him but I’ll never forgot him either, his name was “Ottie” he was confined to a wheelchair but an awesome coach, sitting or standing! I can’t lie, I also loved the attention and popularity that came with being a notable player. I played summer league ball and when I went to college I was fortunate enough to make the team all four years. After college I played summer leagues again and continued through my mid thirties. During all these years I’ve met a lot of interesting individuals, sadly I don’t really have any connections or contacts with my former teammates, but it’s fun to look back and reminisce. Inspiring…I believe the sport itself was an inspiration for me, I was challenged to hone my skills and develop attributes that helped me to become the person I am today. Teamwork is a skill I continue to use daily in my life, a valuable lesson indeed! Playing a sport also prepared me for competition, there’s lots of competition in the business world. The sense of fair play and following pre established rules prepared me for many of life’s challenges. I’ve had the opportunity to have met wonderful role models within the workforce of places I’ve worked. I met a lady that was the director for a company I work with for only a few years back in my early twenty’s and I still think of her often. She was well-educated, successful business woman, a divorcee and the mother of twins in her mid 40’s. I have continued to meet inspiring people in my life, people who made an impact on my life without even trying. It is because of these individuals that I am able to be typing these words and paying tribute to a few special people who have forever changed my life. God continues to bless me with incredible people, I thank you for taking the time to plant seeds of courage, strength, humility, and authenticity in my life. Here’s to a few and I’m sure I’ll miss someone please know it is not intentional should you read this…grandparents, mom, dad, brother, aunts, uncles, coaches, friends, lovers, enemies, bosses, teachers, co-workers, family and to these few but many more…Darrell, Kim, Dan, Debbie, Connie, Bev, Kelli, Leo, Carolyn, Michael, Mike, Barb, Jennifer, Jan, Janiel, Beth, Julie, Marcie, Stacy, Greg, Tom, Bill, Margaret, Lin, Nancy, Kathy, William, Helen, Betty, Clyde, Hunter, Esther, Regina, Pam, Sandy, Susie, Diana, Michele, Jodi, Leah, Jim, Denise, Betsy, Michelle, Eric, Barry, Cody, Kiela, Robert, Shae, Garrett, Sherry, Lisa, Marty, Oland, Beverly, Everett, Yvonne, Brandi, Leslie, Greg, Joe, Kalya, Teresa, Nancy, Gary…I do apologize for all the people I missed, each person listed made an impact to me whether it was good or bad, I learned and they helped me recognize how I want to live my life and what my life will look like. The single most significant person in my life is ironically the person that gave me life…mom, dad and God! With them I became a reality and at times a force to be reckoned with! My mom taught me so much, she was strong, determined, committed, loyal, fair, friendly, sympathetic, fun, loving, dependable…what a blessing to have had her in my life. My mom continues to inspire me daily, I miss here daily and I’m thankful to God for blessing me abundantly!

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and i…http://www.jctrois.com/dailybibledevotion/devotion.html?devo=QbDGa7cpfL

http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/10-inspirational-bible-characters/

Moses, The Man Of Patience

Abraham, The Man Of Faith

Noah, The Man Of Endurance

Elijah, The Bold

Daniel, The Man Of Devotion

David, The Man After God’s Own Heart

Job, The Man Of Perseverance

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, The Underdogs

Paul, The Man Against All Odds

Jesus, The Sacrificial Lamb

I used to think that life was difficult because I didn’t understand boundaries. I have spent a considerable amount of time talking, readings and visualizing “boundaries” now that I am better at understanding boundaries both figuratively and literally I can now recognize them more clearly. Now I find myself leaning on the posts of my invisible fence signifying my boundaries. I find myself wanting to help out on the other side of my fences but I realize I am here not to just watch but more importantly to be supportive and watch as life unfolds before me and I have to say it can be just as frightening no matter what side of the fence you are on.

Even when the borders and boundaries of our lives are clearly marked, our needs and desires to simply help, care for and even to keep others from being harmed or make mistakes is our natural defense mechanism and it is so strong and difficult at times. It’s at this moments I realize I’m not supposed to proceed or intervene or change the natural progression of life’s experiences. Sometimes we just have to experience things for ourselves. My intuition and soul are telling me that I can do something: “I can pray,” I can ask for God’s intervention and God’s direction and the Holy Spirit but it is at these times and entirely to often my humanism/selfishness wants to tell myself that this is weak, “I am weak,” but I know in my heart that is the power of God the Father, the Holy Spirit working in me drawing me to pay attention and to know that this is the strongest and bravest thing to do. God is always the best and the bravest choice to make. Yet time and time again I think I can deal with this one little issue, telling myself, I don’t need God’s help.” I don’t need to bother God with this small problem! It is in these instances I make myself placing myself superior to God and the simple truth is I am not God! Some days not even “godly!”  We are all created by God for God’s purposes, all that is required of us is obedience. It is ironic that God has already given us instructions for life, these instructions can and do answer almost any given circumstance experienced in life. These instructions are known as the Ten Commandments, many Christians, myself included like to think that we hold these ten little rules in high regard when; in fact, we only pay attention to the ones that matter the most in the public eye and in doing so we leave our hearts and our souls aching for the things this world can never give us and that is peace, love, forgiveness and hope…all of these things are only possible through the Son, Jesus Christ, God, the Father and the Holy Spirit. When we stop looking at the world for approval and love, and turn toward Jesus our view of the world changes, our hearts are filled with love beyond our own imagination.

~Blessings and Peace~

The Ten Commandments-A Fun Way to Learn Them

Have you ever, just once in your life wished for a second chance or a do-over? Tonight I am wrestling with the idea of second chances and opportunities for do-overs. Logic and life in general, support the ideology that things “just happen.” But for me there’s much more to the story, and much like Paul Harvey (for those who know the name you get the reference point I’m making) and his iconic radio voice telling his audience …”The Rest of the Story.”…here’s mine. All too often, (we ) as Christians do not credit God for everything, we use the “just happen” phrase to explain so many things. What’s more believable…random acts just “happening” based upon the lining of the stars or merely cosmic luck or a Creator, purposely creating life unique and specific including everything on, in and around the earth with great majestic detail. I choose “Creator!” Don’t think for a moment I have always done that, or do that all the time, saying and doing are totally different, after all I am human and too often do things repeated proving my case over and over. You see, with God we get much more than second chances and one time do-overs. God knows we are sinful but He still loves us and forgives us over and over and over…He carefully and meticulously took the time using His divine power to create each of us in His image, no two completely alike. I was created for a reason and with purpose and so were you. As we seek to be more Christ like, we begin to make better decisions and sometimes it takes longer than expected to finally learn the lessons He is teaching us, God does not expect perfection because it is not attainable due to our sinful nature but we can strive to be more like Him and to seek Him daily for guidance and discernment. The more we seek God’s will for our lives and follow His teachings the less we are influenced to give credit to chance, I like to call it the “devil’s paradise” the blending into society and taking credit for things that clearly belong to God. I used to think that when bad things happened it was because I didn’t pray enough or I disobeyed or…the list goes on and on. The truth is bad things happen to good people, good Godly people…we may not (probably do not) understand at the moment why bad things happen but later…some later than others it happens and all of a sudden you see things in a different light and then, at least for me it’s a “God Thing!” Life is a series of events that if given the opportunity will build upon one another and as you look back at your life you will see the tapestry of God’s amazing love all around you and in all your experiences. As a child of God, I need reminded that I as much as I like to take credit for the things I do they are not truly mine, I was uniquely and wonderfully made by God and for His purposes. I am thankful for second chances, third, forth, fifth…you get the picture! I’ve had bad things happen to me and people I love have had bad things happen to them and although those experiences are and were sad and frustrating to say the least I can see that they were preparing me for the path I am traveling right now. I’m enjoying life with the most unexpected experiences and it’s all a “God Thing!” I had imagined and even made a list of what I wanted and didn’t want at this time in my life, guess what? If I had stayed true to “my” ideas I would not have met 2 amazing little boys and their pets (a cat and a dog) and a second chance with their amazing mommy! Whatever the future holds, I’m in good hands…God’s Hands! You see what I failed to mention earlier was I had made a list of do’s and don’ts for this particular time in my life and pets and kids were “don’ts” on my list and I would have been missing out on so many wonderful experiences and adventures had I stuck to my list and not listened to God. Sometimes, bad things happen to prepare us for experiences of a lifetime. God loves you and His word tells us that “…for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts. Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children. Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share his holiness. Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”Hebrews 12:6-11 (NRSV)

~Blessings and Peace~