Category: Faith

Stay Classy

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Fifteen years ago as Dale and I were driving to meet friends for dinner, he announced that we would be moving. As I was the one driving in rush hour traffic on a Friday night, this was a shock to my system, especially since I almost missed our exit.

At that point, we had lived in San Diego for 25 years. We had raised our daughters there, we had had many experiences there. After hyperventilating on the freeway, I got us to the parking lot of the restaurant. I sat there looking at my husband, only able to ask, “What?”.

As we kept our friends waiting in the restaurant, Dale slowly explained what his day had held. He had had a very busy day with lots of news for him professionally. I sat holding on to the steering wheel trying to absorb what he was saying.

We were going to move, to the east coast, after 25 years. We went into the restaurant and broke the news to our friends. I still remember the conversations, the shock I felt and the anticipation that was growing in me.

The move didn’t happen right away, but it was looming in front of us. During the time of waiting, the Lord taught me many things. I was surprised that I had more than a few moments of panic at the thought of leaving. I did not expect that. We had never planned on being in California for that long. But, as I have relayed before, the Lord told us in 1982 that we would be in San Diego until He was done with us there.

As the move was delayed often, I always told others that I would believe we were moving when I say the big moving van back down our driveway.

Today, on my facebook memories I saw this, “on this day 13 years ago, After two years, the big truck backed down my driveway today… I believe it’s time to go. Stay Classy San Diego….”

I smiled to myself. I had gone to the store to get water and snacks for the day. Our house was visible from the road below coming from the store. I glanced up towards home and there, sitting in our driveway was a big moving van.

In some ways, that day seems like it happened yesterday. Sometimes it seems like we have always been here. It’s funny how memories are like that.

The Lord did move us. He orchestrated the time, the move, the lessons learned while living in our home overlooking the freeway and San Diego bay. For 24 of those years He provided beautiful sunsets out my kitchen window. The sky painted differently over the view of the Coronado bridge.

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16;9 (NKJV)

For years I had longed for the east coast. I wanted to see seasons change. I wanted to be on the same side of the country where I was born and grew up. I did not want to grow old in San Diego.

“I” wanted many things. The Lord had a plan and in His time, He saw those plans through. We often want to rush those plans the Lord has for us. His timing is the perfect timing though. San Diego held so many trials and problems and tests for us. We were weary of it all. Now, thirteen years later, I look back and thank God for all we experienced while living there. Friends, sunsets and food is all missed. Once more the scrapbook in my mind of our life in San Diego is always available. I can open it up, remember and be thankful for all we experienced there with our Savior.

God is so good. He is faithful and just. I will rest in His plans.

He became Man

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“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel,
    which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23 (NLT)

God, the Son, became man. What an impossible thing to fathom. The Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit were at the beginning of time. They created the world. According to my catechism, God always was and always will be. They created man in their image. Everything around us wasn’t until They spoke.

So, the Son of God, Immanuel, the Christ, the Messiah, Jesus was born. He came into this world as we all did. He was born. He left the glory of heaven, gave up that power and authority to become a baby. A baby who depended on His earthly parents to care for Him. Feed Him, clothe Him, change His diapers, take care of diaper rash. Everything a baby experiences, the Son of God experienced.

I would like to think teething for Him was not as hard as other babies, but, He did come into this world to experience all that we have. He played outside. He fell and skinned His knees. He was most likely pushed down by other kids. His siblings wondered why Jesus was a favorite maybe.

Wrapping my head around these things can lead me in many directions. He knew what it was like to be hungry. He knew what it was like to be yelled at by others, to be ridiculed, to joke around. When rain came he most likely played in the rain as a child, splashing in puddles and get muddy. When it was cold, He felt the chill.

He suffered loss. His earthly father died, which left Him, the oldest, to care for His family. He felt that responsibility. He worked, He cleaned up after work. He felt sore and tired after a good day’s work.

He had family and cousins. He had to be at the “kids” table most likely. He most likely had favorite dishes to eat.

He was like us except for the sin part of our lives. He knew no sin until He went to the cross to suffer and die for our sins, my sins. “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 (NLT)

Often we hesitate to draw near to God. We think that He wouldn’t care about things in our lives. That He is much too busy with other bigger things than us. That He would not understand what we are going through. This is not true. He calls you by name. He knows exactly what we are going through. He understands what it is like to be in this world and to deal with this world. Nothing is too difficult for Him. God the Son came down from heaven to live here, experience life here and to give up His life for our sins. I think we can trust Him with our lives today.

“teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” Matthew 28:20 (NKJV)

Wednesday Night WOW

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Each Wednesday night our church has a service. It is a precious time of fellowship with the people who come. A different person teaches weekly, so each week is a delight and a discovery. I love this time together.

Tonight as we were getting ready to drive to the church I mentioned to Dale that I thought I would rather just put on my jammies and head to bed. I felt cold and tired and done with the day. I should have known better.

The woman who taught tonight opened with a bang and kept going. To say my heart was blessed is an understatement.

She opened with how the Lord talked to her, she merely said, He called me by name. Just in that statement I could have gone home refreshed. Our Lord does call us by name. He knows each of us intimately and He knows our name. He has called me Cathi numerous times and I smile. He has called me Mary and somehow it sounds endearing and intimate. My name from His lips is beautiful. It strips away all the angst I have with my first name. To hear Him call me by my name is at once reassuring and safe.

This woman went on to say that after calling her by name, our Lord spoke to her and urged her to use her time well. I know these aren’t her exact words, but, this is what seeped deeply into me. Use my time well. Do I do that? Sometimes, but sometimes not. She urged those in the sanctuary to ask the Lord for divine appointments, you know when you run into someone and somehow the conversation turns toward heaven and you know the Lord is in the middle of the conversation.

After she finished there was a discussion time and I continued to be moved by the words spoken by others around me. Our pastor encouraged us to not think of our lives as insignificant. That hit me directly in my heart. I have always viewed and relayed to others that my life, my words on a page are not major, that I, in the midst of all the more educated and seasoned writers am pretty tiny. I have yearned to do great things for my Savior. I long to reach so many with words of encouragement and words of salvation in our Lord.

Pastor continued saying that we are not insignificant, because we are living now, in one of the hardest and darkest times in the world. I was reminded how in the book of Esther, her uncle Mordecai requested that she go to her husband, the king and ask for deliverance for her people, the Jews. She hesitated and her uncle said this to her, “13 Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. 14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:13 (NLT)

When we were chosen to be alive for this time in the world, it was for a time and a purpose. We may not understand what the purpose is, but God, who calls us by name, knows.

I walked out of church this evening with tears in my eyes and joy in my heart. No matter how small and insignificant I may feel, the Lord has a purpose for me, that perhaps I AM here for such a time as this.

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

I am going to ask the Lord how to wisely use my time that I am here, ask for those divine appointments, those conversations where our Lord joins in.

After all, He knows my name. He knows your name also.

Pain

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I have many friends who are currently experiencing some sort of pain. Emotional, physical, mentally, and grief.

I would like in each case to just pray and see it all go away. POOF! It’s gone. But, the Lord does not work that way.

I saw a meme today about changing the past, but if you do that, you do not learn the lessons given through our previous experiences.

Our Lord has a purpose and a plan for our lives. We don’t always understand. We question and we wonder.

But God…

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 (NLT)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
    You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. 5 You go before me and follow me.
    You place your hand of blessing on my head.” Psalm 139: 1-5 (NLT)

Church Family

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Tonight (October 31st), our church hosted a trunk or treat. Of course, on the way to the church we could barely see three feet in front of us for the pouring rain. Our parking lot event turned into a fellowship hall event.

As usual, our church family went full in for this event. Tables instead of cars were decorated, and bowls of candy overflowed. Hotdogs were grilled and chips and water were available.

At first kids and parents trickled in. Soon, we saw a crowd. It was a delightful evening. Kids were polite and were taking only a piece at a time. Our church family was so generous in donating candy that those of us manning the tables encouraged kids to take handfuls at each bowl of treats. Their delighted faces were wonderful. Of course we all knew that the parents needed treats too, so we made certain extra went into the buckets and bags for Mom and Dad.

This is our second year of doing this event. I am always amazed at how everyone dresses up to come, but the older kids do not take candy. Tonight I encouraged an older boy to take some candy. He politely thanked me and left his younger siblings to fill their bags. I asked if he liked candy, he sheepishly affirmed he did, and finally his parent said put some in your pockets. A smile filled his face and all of a sudden a teen trying hard to be grown up became a little boy again.

Everyone who visited tonight was precious. Each had sweet conversations and we enjoyed each family that attended.

As I sat at a table I looked around at those who were there helping run this event. I love our church family. This group of people have taught me love, care and friendship. I am grateful for them.

As we begin November, I thought I would begin to thank God for all the blessings in my life, especially my church family.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1 (NKJV)

My Sweet Girl

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“Children’s children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.” Proverbs 17:6 (NKJV)

Dale and I are blessed to have two grandchildren, two bonus grandchildren and two bonus great grandchildren. Each one bring us joy and laughter.

Today, our granddaughter turns eight. Little Miss came as a surprise to us. She is always filled with surprises. Her middle name was given in honor of her aunt, our youngest. Like her namesake, she comes up with the wildest things. Also like her parents, she is full of the energy of them. She is blessed with a history and genetics that provide gasps and more gray hair for me. I love that about her.

My daughter did not want to give birth on Halloween. She was adamant about that. She vowed that she would hold off until November. I smiled and asked if she talked that over with the Lord. She now often quotes that we make our plans and the Lord laughs at them.

Our Little Miss came at just the perfect time. Her life has been ordered of the Lord. She is our pumpkin. Her zest for life astonishes me. Her caring and kindness oozes from her. Yes, I am bragging a bit, grandparents are allowed to do this.

So, precious one, have an awesome birthday. May you always have a zeal to meet and conquer whatever is before you. May you greet each challenge with the boldness of your Daddy. May you love unconditionally like your Mommy. Most of all may you continue to love your Creator who blessed us with you.

Thank YOU for our sense of smell

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It’s mid afternoon Saturday as I write this. Dale is in the kitchen now finishing up making homemade pasta. He hasn’t done this in a few years.

It will hang to dry out a bit before I cook it for dinner this evening. Earlier I made sauce. It is gently bubbling in the pan, cooking down to a thick deliciousness. I am looking forward to dinner this evening.

The aroma in our house is delightful today. It makes us anxious for dinner time. I am grateful for the ability to smell and anticipate our meal.

“I will accept you as a sweet aroma when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you have been scattered; and I will be hallowed in you before the Gentiles.” Ezekiel 20:41 (NKJV)

There are several verses in the Bible about sweet aromas before God, the above verse is just one.

As I have smelled the sweet aroma of the sauce today, I have prayed that likewise, I may be a sweet aroma before our God.

Change your Perspective

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November is coming soon. Yes, the calendar says so, but the weather is also telling me that it will soon be November. The pile of leaves on my side porch keep growing, and the blanket of new leaves on our front yard tells me this also.

Today, while walking, it was raining leaves. The backyard was filled with the fluttering of leaves raining onto the ground. The blustery wind blew leaves down our driveway leading them to a place where they could land.

I looked around, fascinated as I always am this time of year. The gazebo is framed with yellow and red leaves, the fall sun shining on it from above. I thought to take a picture and realized I have so many fall pictures already and they basically all look alike. I sighed, and common sense took over. In six months I would not be able to tell which year I took the picture since I am bound to take the same shots over and over.

After walking, I took Dale a cup of coffee while he was working in our loft area. I glanced out the window because there was a brightness coming in through our windows. I walked over to look. In front of me was beauty, and yes, I did take a picture.

I take pictures from the ground. I see the same perspective. My pictures do not convey the beauty my eye is beholding. This image is taken from our second floor. This is what we see when we take time to look while upstairs.

We live basically on one floor, the entry floor. Everything we need is on this floor. We did this so that as we grow older, we do not have to climb stairs since everything is ready on the entry level floor. The upstairs is a sit down office area, another bathroom, an extra room for guests and our toy room for the grands.

As I looked out the upstairs window today the Lord spoke to me about changing my view. Sometimes, if we venture and take the step, we can see a beauty that our God created and we miss by not looking out. The Lord’s artistry, and His hand is everywhere. We can see Him in His creation.

He just doesn’t give us things on the ground level where most of us are safe and contented. If we trust in His Word, His promptings, and through answered prayers we can have a mustard seed sized faith and step up to see a whole new aspect of what God would like to do in us, through us, or in spite of us.

Today, I am glad the sun burst through the trees to beckon me to the window. I am glad the Son gave me a new perspective and a challenge to take a step forward.

““My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. 9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)

Night

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“It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2 (NKJV)

This is one of my favorite verses. Often I cannot sleep, but for the past few months I have not had a sleepless night where I have gotten up and roamed around our home restless.

Tonight, the blankets are itchy, at least to me they are. The pillows I have don’t work either. Dale is peacefully sleeping, as usual about a minute after crawling into bed. I do envy him that.

I am always amazed on sleepless nights how uncomfortable the bed, the blankets and the pillows are. I know in the morning I will want to stay in bed, it being the most comfortable place in the house. The blankets will be the most snuggly blankets and I won’t want to leave their comfort.

I will feel this way because between now and the morning I will fall asleep. It will come quietly and I will succumb to it, unaware that I have fallen asleep.

In the morning my eyes will open and I will be rested. Rested because the Lord gives His beloved sleep. He can make a couple of hours of sleep feel like a full night’s rest. He can calm the mind and the parade of thoughts. He can take tired muscles from a day’s work and quiet them, giving them restoration while slumbering.

So, now I will try once more to sleep, assured that my God gives me sleep.

Ruffled Feathers

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“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV)

I would like to think that it takes a lot for my feathers to be ruffled, but I don’t think that is an accurate statement. We all have our points where we can feel our body tense up and before we know it our feathers are ruffled.

Being on social media, is sometimes a difficult place. You go online, just to relax and have some mindless conversations. Then, BAM! right in the middle of your news feed on facebook, there it is. A feather ruffler. You start to read and you know you should just scroll on by, but somehow you are drawn in. Like a black hole, you realize you are too far in to turn back. It happens daily, doesn’t it?

I have often said that my facebook page is vanilla. I have hidden, blocked and unfriended anything that I know will get my feathers in a twist. I have pages that I love and my friend list is people I enjoy chatting with or keeping in touch with. I say that my page is all puppy dogs and butterflies and church. And, personally, I like that.

In the past few weeks I have seen a change in the tone on some of my very favorite pages. The admins and moderators are doing a great job at keeping peace and keeping the pages under control. It’s an easy group page. I eagerly go to that page knowing I will laugh and smile and be pointed to the Lord.

Although the admins and the moderators are doing an outstanding job, there is a faction that keeps stirring the pot. It’s not just that page, there seems to be an undertone going on. It’s like people are looking to push buttons and once they have an opinion, everyone else is not right.

This spirit seems to be hovering in all areas of life. It concerns me. The scripture above comes to mind often. I see families dissolving over minor things. Communication is strained. It’s not like anyone has done anything, it is like the enemy of our souls is meddling.

In the end days we will see more and more of this. It can cause fear and misunderstanding. I choose to look up in anticipation. To know that soon, and very soon, we are going to see our King. (sounds like a great song there).

I have thought of ruffled feathers throughout today. Maybe it’s because I allowed my feathers to be ruffled a couple of days ago. I simply stated my opinion and went on to another notification. Today, I received back lash from it. Usually when this happens I can feel the anger rise up within me. My nerves start to quiver. I shake as I try to reinsert my views. Today, I merely restated my opinion and walked away. I have a feeling soon, this will be the norm for us all.

The one positive of ruffled feathers, though, is you are forced to examine your own thoughts and opinions. Do I really believe such and such? Why is that my belief?

It’s a good thing while your feathers are ruffled to look closely at them, smooth them down and be rational. I hope someone else needed to see this like I needed to write it.