My husband, Chad, and I met Roy twelve years ago when we moved to Three Rivers. He and his family lived kiddy-corner from us and were some of the first people we met in our new neighborhood. The first time I saw him, he was walking up his driveway in a manner I couldn’t quite decide if it was a high-energy bounce or a cocky strut. His scruffy hat was turned backwards, he wore a red, cut off t-shirt and diamond earring in his ear. He introduced himself in such a way that led me to lean more on the cocky side and I thought to myself, “What a schmuck.”
We were polite and neighborly toward each other at first. Roy and his family invited us over to swim in their pool and cook hamburgers on the grill. We talked like neighbors do, here and there; borrowing tools and cups of sugar and pretty soon our relationship grew from neighbors to friends. It was a rather odd pairing – especially Roy and Chad. The self-proclaimed bad boy and the church going “goody goody” had very little in common. As Roy would later disclose, “At first, I didn’t like Chad at all.” And Chad would say, “I didn’t like Roy either!” But somehow, in a way only God can, He started weaving all of our hearts together and began to create a beautiful tapestry of friendship and love.
And so began our journey as friends…we shared life together in all of its ups and downs - good times and bad. Roy leaned on us during turbulent times in his marriage, and then as a single dad and we accepted his support as we worked through the grief of lost loved ones and health crises. From birthday parties to funeral luncheons, camping trips and bible study groups we were in this thing called life together. The bond we had gave us permission to show up at each others houses at any time day or night. We had a "2am friendship" – the 2 am friends are the ones you call when you don’t know where else to turn – the ones you know will be there no matter what. And it was many of those crazy 2 am moments that tied the threads of our friendship tapestry together.
Roy not only was a friend to Chad and me but to our kids as well. His love and encouragement to Carley as she endured the traumatic experience of losing her hand was a tremendous support and breathed fresh wind in her spirit. His kind words were an inspiration to her just like she was to him. They shared their own special bond that included surprise visits with chocolate shakes and 18 rolls of Sweetarts on her 18th birthday. Roy also took our son, Alex, to a Jeremy Camp concert on his birthday because he knew how much Alex would enjoy it and he loved Cam’s spunk and love for life because it was so much like his own. Just last week he sat with Madi and me at the boys’ track meet and bought Madi a handful of suckers – a ritual that has carried over from basketball games. He would always tell her how cute she was and expressed his love to her by listening to and laughing with her. For all these things and more, he is cherished and will be deeply missed.
I would be remiss, however, if I didn’t mention that through all of life’s ups and downs we experienced together with Roy, what kept us connected was our common faith in God. Roy would be the first to say that he was not perfect, just like the rest of us, but what was refreshing about Roy’s faith was that it was genuine in the sense that he knew apart from God, there was nothing good in him or his life. Roy gave God deserved credit for the power to break the chains of alcoholism and knew his son, John, was a treasure and gift straight from His hand.
Roy’s faith had been strengthened as he searched, and sometimes groped, in the dark for God through the pain of wrong choices and relational hurts but every time Roy reached out for God, he found Him there - loving, forgiving and accepting him unconditionally. This is the message that was so heavy on Roy’s heart at his untimely death.
We might question God as to why He took Roy so soon, since he was only 40 years old, but a thought penetrated my own sadness as I felt God question, “Do you think I took Roy or could it be he gave his life willingly?” I began to ponder this possibility. Maybe, just maybe, this was a secret bargain Roy struck with God. I believe it to be entirely possible knowing Roy so well. Ultimately Roy wanted nothing more than his friends and especially his family to know God. He kept saying, “I want everyone to know that God is real, He cares and no matter what you’ve done, you can have a personal relationship with Him.” Knowing that was the burden of Roy’s heart, I can only imagine him praying this to God, asking Him to bring them to Himself. And I can hear God say, “Are you willing to do whatever it takes for me to show myself to them- even if that means laying down your life for theirs?” No doubt about it, Roy wholeheartedly said, “YES!”
Because we live in two realities simultaneously, I believe this scenario could very well be true. We live in the earthly realm where we can see and taste and touch. But there is also a spiritual realm where God dwells and longingly desires to be in a relationship with us...to connect with us in our soul. His heart cries out in a gentle breeze, a brilliant orange sunset, and the softness of a baby’s cheek.
“The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is silent in the skies yet their message has gone out to all the earth and their words to all the world.” ~Psalm 19:1-4
Roy loved the outdoors and saw God’s handiwork not only in His creation but also experienced it in his own soul. Perhaps, one might argue, that is where God performs His very best work. Roy saw God bring beauty from ashes in his own heart and I believe that is the lens he would want all of us to see him through.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. There is no judgment awaiting those who trust Him.” John 3:16-18
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Roy is with His friend and Savior, Jesus. He experienced his warm embrace just a few earthly days ago. He is no longer searching to fill the bottomless hole in his heart with something or someone but is finally at peace and experiencing a fullness of joy that only comes from God. Would Roy come back if he could? I highly doubt it but if he were to…I believe he would deliver the message found in John 14:6 with a high-energy bounce that says, “Guys! JESUS is the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Him!” Just BELIEVE!
I am a better person because my life brushed up against Roy’s. I have seen God use someone I didn’t care for at first to give me a greater understanding of His love, His grace, and forgiveness. And for that I will forever be in his debt.
I will miss you, Woy, you truly are my brotha’ from anotha’ motha’ and there is no one - or will there ever be - anyone else just like you. Like I told you a few weeks ago, you hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for touching my life in such a way that leaves me forever changed. I look forward to seeing your schmucky grin again and spending eternity with you.
Your sister in Christ,
Kwissy
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Someday
Ever since I became a mother it seems my favorite word has been "Someday."
Someday I will be able to sleep again.
Someday I won't be on my hands and knees in the dark looking for a dropped pacifier.
Someday I will save money when we no longer buy diapers.
Someday I won't have a toddler in tow everywhere I go.
Someday I will read something other than Dr. Seuss.
Someday I won't step on Legos as I walk down the stairs.
Someday I will be able to go to the bathroom uninterrupted.
Someday I won't find pink chapstick in the bottom of the washer.
Someday I will be able to eat at a restaurant that doesn't have a playland.
Someday I won't have to bring forgotten gym shoes to school in the middle of the day.
Someday I will only have one load of laundry a week.
Someday I won't have to remind anyone to brush their teeth.
Someday I will buy a gallon of milk and have it last all week.
Someday I won't hear "Is my uniform clean?"
Someday I will have a car without french fries on the floor.
Someday I won't make a trip to the doctor at least once a month.
Someday I will watch something other than the Disney Channel.
Someday I won't worry if my teenage driver will arrive home safely.
Someday I will have nothing on my schedule.
Someday I won't have a sink full of dirty dishes.
Someday I will have time to garden.
Someday I won't have to repeat "take out the trash" five times a day.
Someday I will have a clean house.
Someday...Someday...Someday.
Someday... I will miss today.
"Teach us to number our days so we may grow in wisdom." ~Psalm 89:12
Someday I will be able to sleep again.
Someday I won't be on my hands and knees in the dark looking for a dropped pacifier.
Someday I will save money when we no longer buy diapers.
Someday I won't have a toddler in tow everywhere I go.
Someday I will read something other than Dr. Seuss.
Someday I won't step on Legos as I walk down the stairs.
Someday I will be able to go to the bathroom uninterrupted.
Someday I won't find pink chapstick in the bottom of the washer.
Someday I will be able to eat at a restaurant that doesn't have a playland.
Someday I won't have to bring forgotten gym shoes to school in the middle of the day.
Someday I will only have one load of laundry a week.
Someday I won't have to remind anyone to brush their teeth.
Someday I will buy a gallon of milk and have it last all week.
Someday I won't hear "Is my uniform clean?"
Someday I will have a car without french fries on the floor.
Someday I won't make a trip to the doctor at least once a month.
Someday I will watch something other than the Disney Channel.
Someday I won't worry if my teenage driver will arrive home safely.
Someday I will have nothing on my schedule.
Someday I won't have a sink full of dirty dishes.
Someday I will have time to garden.
Someday I won't have to repeat "take out the trash" five times a day.
Someday I will have a clean house.
Someday...Someday...Someday.
Someday... I will miss today.
"Teach us to number our days so we may grow in wisdom." ~Psalm 89:12
Sunday, January 15, 2012
"Thou Shalt Not Steal"
“Thou shalt not steal.” Anyone even vaguely familiar with Scripture knows that it’s a big moral no-no. It’s so big that it even made God’s Top Ten list so He must think stealing is a really big deal. I remember my first experience with the consequences that God intentionally built into the act of stealing. I was about five years old and my mom and I went to K Mart. I vividly remember standing in the check out line, staring at the huge rack of candy that was to my right. From my perspective the four-foot wall of various treats seemed larger than life and it’s brightly colored packages called my name. I reached for the green roll of Lifesavers and held them up so my mom could see. “Mom, can I get these, pleeeeaaaassse?!” I begged. She glanced in my direction and then denied my request as she handed the cashier money for our purchases. And then a little voice whispered from the back of my five year old mind that said, “Just put them in your pocket.” It seemed like a brilliant idea so that’s exactly what I did. I then proceeded to walk out of the store feeling somewhat excited but mostly extremely scared as if I was being chased by a big, black, ravenous monster.
On the ride home, I sat in the back seat of our wood-paneled station wagon with my hands pushed deep into my pockets, rolling those Lifesavers between my fingers. I could hardly wait to get home and hide them in my bedroom so I could savor each stolen piece one at a time. I was just about to the top of our shag-carpeted stairs when I heard my mom call out my name. I stopped dead in my tracks and pulled my furry, pink hood over my head attempting to cover my guilt. She appeared at the bottom of the staircase and casually asked, “Why don’t you take off your coat so I can wash it?” I stuttered and stammered while quickly devising a plan. So in about 2.5 seconds – the same amount of time it took to put the Lifesavers in my pocket in the first place, I decided to tell her to wait while I went and got something from my room. My five-year-old mind did not know that mothers really do have eyes in the back of their heads. Knowing all along what I had done, she quickly aborted my plan. “Take off your coat right here and empty your pockets.” BUSTED!
My mother grabbed her purse and keys and told me to get back into the station wagon. Confused, I asked, “Where are we going?” “Back to K Mart. You are going to return the Lifesavers and tell the Manager that what you have done is wrong,” she stated in a way that was simply matter of fact. My fear skyrocketed and it now felt like I had a whole slew of monsters grabbing at me from all directions. My mother briskly walked into the store as I stayed one step behind, dreading what was going to happen next. She walked up to the tall counter and asked for the manager. The obliging cashier paged him over the intercom. Finally he appeared and after my mother explained I had something to “say”, he leaned over and peered down at me. I remorsefully gave him my “I’m sorry” schpeel as I handed over the wintergreen Lifesavers. He nodded gravely – adding to the two-ton weight of consequence that sat on my chest. And then it left as quickly as it came. The host of scary monsters that had been chasing me since I put the candy into my pink pocket was gone. My mother’s mission was accomplished and I learned a valuable lesson…nothing that stealing gives you is worth more than it takes from you. Stealing those wintergreen Lifesavers was not worth the cost of my peace of mind, disappointment I faced from my mother and the embarrassment I felt admitting what I had done to Mr. Manager. My choice to steal turned around and stole from me!
I had no one else to blame but myself. I chose to steal and I hate to admit it but that wouldn't be the last time I ever stole something! As I was reminiscing over this uncomfortable memory, it dawned on me that the choices I make even today can be likened to stealing.
When I choose to stay up later than I should, I steal. When I choose to eat more than what is considered healthy for my body, I steal. When I neglect proper exercise, I steal. I’m stealing from future opportunities that I have to make a positive impact in my world because I’m too tired and out of shape to do what’s necessary to make a difference. I’m too tired to give my full attention to my family when necessary. I don’t have enough energy to help that friend who could really use an extra bit of strength I could offer. Stolen moments I can never get back.
It’s been 35 years since that trip to K Mart where I learned that stealing is wrong and our choices – good and bad – carry consequences. Come to think of it…the lesson I learned turned out to be a lifesaver.
On the ride home, I sat in the back seat of our wood-paneled station wagon with my hands pushed deep into my pockets, rolling those Lifesavers between my fingers. I could hardly wait to get home and hide them in my bedroom so I could savor each stolen piece one at a time. I was just about to the top of our shag-carpeted stairs when I heard my mom call out my name. I stopped dead in my tracks and pulled my furry, pink hood over my head attempting to cover my guilt. She appeared at the bottom of the staircase and casually asked, “Why don’t you take off your coat so I can wash it?” I stuttered and stammered while quickly devising a plan. So in about 2.5 seconds – the same amount of time it took to put the Lifesavers in my pocket in the first place, I decided to tell her to wait while I went and got something from my room. My five-year-old mind did not know that mothers really do have eyes in the back of their heads. Knowing all along what I had done, she quickly aborted my plan. “Take off your coat right here and empty your pockets.” BUSTED!
My mother grabbed her purse and keys and told me to get back into the station wagon. Confused, I asked, “Where are we going?” “Back to K Mart. You are going to return the Lifesavers and tell the Manager that what you have done is wrong,” she stated in a way that was simply matter of fact. My fear skyrocketed and it now felt like I had a whole slew of monsters grabbing at me from all directions. My mother briskly walked into the store as I stayed one step behind, dreading what was going to happen next. She walked up to the tall counter and asked for the manager. The obliging cashier paged him over the intercom. Finally he appeared and after my mother explained I had something to “say”, he leaned over and peered down at me. I remorsefully gave him my “I’m sorry” schpeel as I handed over the wintergreen Lifesavers. He nodded gravely – adding to the two-ton weight of consequence that sat on my chest. And then it left as quickly as it came. The host of scary monsters that had been chasing me since I put the candy into my pink pocket was gone. My mother’s mission was accomplished and I learned a valuable lesson…nothing that stealing gives you is worth more than it takes from you. Stealing those wintergreen Lifesavers was not worth the cost of my peace of mind, disappointment I faced from my mother and the embarrassment I felt admitting what I had done to Mr. Manager. My choice to steal turned around and stole from me!
I had no one else to blame but myself. I chose to steal and I hate to admit it but that wouldn't be the last time I ever stole something! As I was reminiscing over this uncomfortable memory, it dawned on me that the choices I make even today can be likened to stealing.
When I choose to stay up later than I should, I steal. When I choose to eat more than what is considered healthy for my body, I steal. When I neglect proper exercise, I steal. I’m stealing from future opportunities that I have to make a positive impact in my world because I’m too tired and out of shape to do what’s necessary to make a difference. I’m too tired to give my full attention to my family when necessary. I don’t have enough energy to help that friend who could really use an extra bit of strength I could offer. Stolen moments I can never get back.
It’s been 35 years since that trip to K Mart where I learned that stealing is wrong and our choices – good and bad – carry consequences. Come to think of it…the lesson I learned turned out to be a lifesaver.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Change
I'm still stuck on the topic of "Words" like a fly on honey. (*scroll down to my last post for further explanation.) The word that has been bouncing around in my brain like a tennis ball in a dryer is the word "change." If you've been to my blog before you can see that I've changed a few things around here...and that's what sent me on a rabbit trail thinking about the word "change." I concluded that in it's entirety "change" isn't a very comforting word. It means I might have to edge out of my comfort zone and that can be, well, uncomfortable. It means I might have to inconvenience myself. It means I might have to readjust to a new system, routine or schedule. It means I might feel awkward and even slightly irritated because for the most part, I liked the way things were. I just told my daughter she wasn't going to ride the bus home from school tomorrow like she usually does and suddenly she burst into tears! For various reasons I'm still trying to figure out, she is clearly unhappy about this change!
I must admit, however, not all change is bad. Just eight days ago as our calendar changed from 2011 to 2012 a burst of freshness came with it. A changed ideology accompanies a new year - an ideology that says, "You can have a fresh start, a second chance. Now is the time for a new beginning." I find that attitude refreshing and encouraging. Maybe there is hope that 2012 will be the year I can give up Little Debbie Snack Cakes! That would bring a nice change to my waistline. The idea of change is all the buzz in the month of January.
Connections Community Church where my family and I attend has begun a series about making 2012 your healthiest year ever - body, mind and spirit. Our insightful pastor and teacher, Dave Sanders, has uncovered some basic, biblical principles regarding our health. He says, "If we want to live long, be happy and accomplish something of transcendent value we need to possess good health. Our success depends on our health." 3 John 1:2 shows how health and success are linked together, "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." So all of this has me thinking...what practices do I need to change in order to be prosperous? Here comes the uncomfortable part, the readjusting to a new routine part, the creating new habits part. BUT...
Instead of focusing on that part of change, I'm going to change my word - which is an attempt to change my attitude. I'm trading the word "change" for the word, "improvement." While there are things that we simply can not change like our past, there are some improvements we can make - physically, spiritually and mentally that will change our future. Personally, I'd like to run another 5k this year, spiritually I'm committing to deepening my relationship with God through more time spent in prayer and mentally my goal is to get rid of some pesky thought patterns that keep tripping me up relationally.
I think that's it for now...but if I change my mind, I'll let you know ;)
"Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." ~Romans 12:2
I must admit, however, not all change is bad. Just eight days ago as our calendar changed from 2011 to 2012 a burst of freshness came with it. A changed ideology accompanies a new year - an ideology that says, "You can have a fresh start, a second chance. Now is the time for a new beginning." I find that attitude refreshing and encouraging. Maybe there is hope that 2012 will be the year I can give up Little Debbie Snack Cakes! That would bring a nice change to my waistline. The idea of change is all the buzz in the month of January.
Connections Community Church where my family and I attend has begun a series about making 2012 your healthiest year ever - body, mind and spirit. Our insightful pastor and teacher, Dave Sanders, has uncovered some basic, biblical principles regarding our health. He says, "If we want to live long, be happy and accomplish something of transcendent value we need to possess good health. Our success depends on our health." 3 John 1:2 shows how health and success are linked together, "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." So all of this has me thinking...what practices do I need to change in order to be prosperous? Here comes the uncomfortable part, the readjusting to a new routine part, the creating new habits part. BUT...
Instead of focusing on that part of change, I'm going to change my word - which is an attempt to change my attitude. I'm trading the word "change" for the word, "improvement." While there are things that we simply can not change like our past, there are some improvements we can make - physically, spiritually and mentally that will change our future. Personally, I'd like to run another 5k this year, spiritually I'm committing to deepening my relationship with God through more time spent in prayer and mentally my goal is to get rid of some pesky thought patterns that keep tripping me up relationally.
I think that's it for now...but if I change my mind, I'll let you know ;)
"Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." ~Romans 12:2
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Words With Friends
I am addicted to a game on my iPhone called “Words with Friends”. It’s like a virtual game of Scrabble and right now I have about seven games going with different friends and family members. I have no idea what draws me into this silly little game but I find myself staying up way too late trying to pick the best word that will give me the highest number of points. The right word can make all the difference between winning and losing!
Words mean a lot in real life too! Words are more than just letters put together that describe objects or allow for basic communication. Words possess power and influence. Words have the potential to linger in our memory long after they have been spoken. Words convey meaning and evoke feeling. The right word choice can make all the difference and a wise person chooses their words carefully.
Scripture describes a spoken or written word from a wise person as a life-giving fountain. Their words invigorate and quench the thirst of the parched recipient. Have you ever eaten a bag of chips without a drop of liquid to wash down the layer of salt left on your tongue? Or after having worked out opened a water bottle and guzzled as if your life depended on it? A godly person’s words give life and are simply refreshing.
I was in the 10th grade and feeling rather insecure on the particular day I opened my locker to find a ripped piece of notebook paper lying on the top shelf. I carefully unfolded it and smoothed out the crinkles. Written in smeared pencil were the words, “Your kindness is as great as your beauty.” I will never, ever forget those words. I have long since lost the note but I have carried those words in my heart for over twenty years. They have comforted me during interludes when I wrestled with subsequent bouts of insecurity and have given me clarity about virtues that truly matter in life. I do believe of any compliment I have ever received, that is one I most deeply and tenderly cherish. The words on that torn piece of notebook paper were a life-giving fountain to my parched and withered teenage soul.
Not only can words help…they can also hurt. Negative, harsh and critical words pierce through our soul like needles inflicting pain and discomfort on their intended victim. When tempers flare and words are shouted in anger, it’s like pouring gasoline on a fire. The intense heat burns within and can cause serious emotional damage. Bitter words, jealous words rip apart relationships and tear our hearts into pieces that may take years to mend and repair.
As we say hello to 2012, will you allow me to encourage you – as I remind myself - to choose your words carefully over the next 12 months? Choosing the right words contributes to the health of our relationships, helps us gain favor with others and allows us the privilege of exerting positive energy into our sphere of influence.
“Lord, give me wisdom to choose my Words with Friends carefully and may they always be a life-giving fountain. ~Amen"
"The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words."~ Proverbs 15:28
Words mean a lot in real life too! Words are more than just letters put together that describe objects or allow for basic communication. Words possess power and influence. Words have the potential to linger in our memory long after they have been spoken. Words convey meaning and evoke feeling. The right word choice can make all the difference and a wise person chooses their words carefully.
Scripture describes a spoken or written word from a wise person as a life-giving fountain. Their words invigorate and quench the thirst of the parched recipient. Have you ever eaten a bag of chips without a drop of liquid to wash down the layer of salt left on your tongue? Or after having worked out opened a water bottle and guzzled as if your life depended on it? A godly person’s words give life and are simply refreshing.
I was in the 10th grade and feeling rather insecure on the particular day I opened my locker to find a ripped piece of notebook paper lying on the top shelf. I carefully unfolded it and smoothed out the crinkles. Written in smeared pencil were the words, “Your kindness is as great as your beauty.” I will never, ever forget those words. I have long since lost the note but I have carried those words in my heart for over twenty years. They have comforted me during interludes when I wrestled with subsequent bouts of insecurity and have given me clarity about virtues that truly matter in life. I do believe of any compliment I have ever received, that is one I most deeply and tenderly cherish. The words on that torn piece of notebook paper were a life-giving fountain to my parched and withered teenage soul.
Not only can words help…they can also hurt. Negative, harsh and critical words pierce through our soul like needles inflicting pain and discomfort on their intended victim. When tempers flare and words are shouted in anger, it’s like pouring gasoline on a fire. The intense heat burns within and can cause serious emotional damage. Bitter words, jealous words rip apart relationships and tear our hearts into pieces that may take years to mend and repair.
As we say hello to 2012, will you allow me to encourage you – as I remind myself - to choose your words carefully over the next 12 months? Choosing the right words contributes to the health of our relationships, helps us gain favor with others and allows us the privilege of exerting positive energy into our sphere of influence.
“Lord, give me wisdom to choose my Words with Friends carefully and may they always be a life-giving fountain. ~Amen"
"The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words."~ Proverbs 15:28
Monday, October 10, 2011
A Visual Reminder
God and I have a mutual understanding. I remind Him that sometimes, okay, most of the time, I am either a slow learner or a “quick forgetter-er”…and in return He teaches me sloooooowly and patiently - knowing that sometimes, eh hem, most of the time, I require a lot of practical, visual illustrations in order to absorb spiritual truths.
For example, I had an uneasiness in my step today as I walked down the driveway to grab the mail. I was kicking around all kinds of solutions to a current predicament weighing heavily on my mind. I have prayed and asked for God’s help so I “know” the right answer is to wait and I reminded myself to do just that as I approached the mailbox.
So imagine my surprise when I opened my mailbox to find ...not a bill from Consumers Energy or a Pottery Barn catalog or a flyer with a pretend key saying I could win a new car if mine matches the one at the dealership but instead…...
A loaf of bread! At this point, I’m not exactly sure who put it there, although I have an idea, but a loaf of Aunt Millie’s Honey Whole Grain was not what I expected when I pulled down the grey handle.
I really did LOL and thought to myself, “This gives a whole new meaning to the often quoted prayer, ‘Lord, give us this day our daily bread!”
It's just God's way of providing a visual reminder that I don’t need to be “anxious for anything” and God “will supply all my needs” even if he has to use the United States Postal Service to do so.
For example, I had an uneasiness in my step today as I walked down the driveway to grab the mail. I was kicking around all kinds of solutions to a current predicament weighing heavily on my mind. I have prayed and asked for God’s help so I “know” the right answer is to wait and I reminded myself to do just that as I approached the mailbox.
So imagine my surprise when I opened my mailbox to find ...not a bill from Consumers Energy or a Pottery Barn catalog or a flyer with a pretend key saying I could win a new car if mine matches the one at the dealership but instead…...
A loaf of bread! At this point, I’m not exactly sure who put it there, although I have an idea, but a loaf of Aunt Millie’s Honey Whole Grain was not what I expected when I pulled down the grey handle.
I really did LOL and thought to myself, “This gives a whole new meaning to the often quoted prayer, ‘Lord, give us this day our daily bread!”
It's just God's way of providing a visual reminder that I don’t need to be “anxious for anything” and God “will supply all my needs” even if he has to use the United States Postal Service to do so.
Friday, August 26, 2011
The Carley Challenge
When I awoke this morning the first thought that ran through my head was, “I can’t believe it’s been two years already since Carley’s right hand was amputated.” Even the word “amputate” has such a harsh, cutting feel to it. I don’t even like to say it much less think that my daughter experienced this cruel reality.
I reached for my small devotional book, turned to today’s date, August 26th, and was drawn in immediately. The title in bold lettering caught my attention, “A Platform of Suffering.” My eyes fell to the words below – words breathed by God himself and penned through the Apostle Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
The author of this short devotional writing focused on the one burning question we all ask at one point or another – “Why?” Circumstances that cause suffering are different to each of us but the one common denominator is the question they provoke us to ask, “Why did this happen?” Some of us ask through clenched teeth, shaking our fists in the air at the God we thought we knew. Some through cloudy, tear-filled eyes whispering, “I just don’t understand.” Others wrestle during sleepless nights punctuated with stabs of pain and desperation. “Why?”
Paul, too, was no stranger to this question as he begged and pleaded with God to take away the intense pain he suffered and described as being impaled with a spike. Paul asked and God responded with an answer that drew Paul’s eyes away from looking at his circumstances and instead pointed to God himself.
MY grace is sufficient…MY power is made perfect in YOUR weakness.
It was as if God was saying, “You can’t change your situation but look to me, I AM your answer. I have the ability to give you strength to make it through and the power to rise above.” When Paul refocused his eyes on God’s grace and power, his attitude changed and he realized, “it’s this weakness that allows God to work through me.”
I remember the first time it really hit me how difficult life with one hand could be and I practically fell into a heap. I sobbed until tears ran down my chin and dropped onto my lap causing my Kleenex to get soggy. My head hurt and my throat felt tight. Questions like “How is my daughter going to be able to get dressed, write, cook, and so on” buzzed around in my head like a swarm of bees attacking a honeycomb. And from the deep places within I heard His voice say, “My grace is sufficient for her…for you.”
Today marks the 730th day of grace and not once has He failed her…or me. So many accomplishments in a relatively short amount of time that include returning to the basketball court and completing her first year of college. God alone has provided Carley with the strength to learn how to button her pants and put earrings in. And he has given her the determination to learn to write left-handed too. The enemy’s plan was to steal her joy in the Lord, kill her self-confidence and destroy any plans for a wonderful future. (John 10:10)
I believe I can speak with credibility as I’ve seen Carley in the privacy of her own space and say that she isn’t just surviving…she is thriving! Thriving because God’s grace is sufficient. We might not understand but we know he has a greater plan. I am so thankful so many of you prayed for her and while He didn’t respond by healing her hand, God alone deserves the glory for carrying her through.
With that in mind, I’d like to propose that anyone and everyone participate in “The Carley Challenge – a testimony to 730 days of Grace”. This can be one way we take the evil the enemy intended for her and turn it into “God-glorifying good”!
Here are the ground rules:
1. Do one task today using only your non-dominant hand from start to finish. *No cheating! Whenever I do this, it allows me a glimpse into the struggle Carley feels at times on a daily basis. Sometimes a new perspective is all it takes to make us appreciate what we do have and allows us to feel for others in their trying circumstances…and then
2. Help someone else who is struggling. It might be as simple as picking up something they dropped, carrying a bag, opening a door, pushing a cart, whatever…you decide.
Take the challenge, will you? And then share how your experience affected you and those you helped. It would be so cool if 730 people participated - one participant for each "day of grace"! I know it would be a HUGE encouragement to Carley to know that even though her hand is no longer attached to her body – it is touching others in ways she never could have imagined.
I reached for my small devotional book, turned to today’s date, August 26th, and was drawn in immediately. The title in bold lettering caught my attention, “A Platform of Suffering.” My eyes fell to the words below – words breathed by God himself and penned through the Apostle Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
The author of this short devotional writing focused on the one burning question we all ask at one point or another – “Why?” Circumstances that cause suffering are different to each of us but the one common denominator is the question they provoke us to ask, “Why did this happen?” Some of us ask through clenched teeth, shaking our fists in the air at the God we thought we knew. Some through cloudy, tear-filled eyes whispering, “I just don’t understand.” Others wrestle during sleepless nights punctuated with stabs of pain and desperation. “Why?”
Paul, too, was no stranger to this question as he begged and pleaded with God to take away the intense pain he suffered and described as being impaled with a spike. Paul asked and God responded with an answer that drew Paul’s eyes away from looking at his circumstances and instead pointed to God himself.
MY grace is sufficient…MY power is made perfect in YOUR weakness.
It was as if God was saying, “You can’t change your situation but look to me, I AM your answer. I have the ability to give you strength to make it through and the power to rise above.” When Paul refocused his eyes on God’s grace and power, his attitude changed and he realized, “it’s this weakness that allows God to work through me.”
I remember the first time it really hit me how difficult life with one hand could be and I practically fell into a heap. I sobbed until tears ran down my chin and dropped onto my lap causing my Kleenex to get soggy. My head hurt and my throat felt tight. Questions like “How is my daughter going to be able to get dressed, write, cook, and so on” buzzed around in my head like a swarm of bees attacking a honeycomb. And from the deep places within I heard His voice say, “My grace is sufficient for her…for you.”
Today marks the 730th day of grace and not once has He failed her…or me. So many accomplishments in a relatively short amount of time that include returning to the basketball court and completing her first year of college. God alone has provided Carley with the strength to learn how to button her pants and put earrings in. And he has given her the determination to learn to write left-handed too. The enemy’s plan was to steal her joy in the Lord, kill her self-confidence and destroy any plans for a wonderful future. (John 10:10)
I believe I can speak with credibility as I’ve seen Carley in the privacy of her own space and say that she isn’t just surviving…she is thriving! Thriving because God’s grace is sufficient. We might not understand but we know he has a greater plan. I am so thankful so many of you prayed for her and while He didn’t respond by healing her hand, God alone deserves the glory for carrying her through.
With that in mind, I’d like to propose that anyone and everyone participate in “The Carley Challenge – a testimony to 730 days of Grace”. This can be one way we take the evil the enemy intended for her and turn it into “God-glorifying good”!
Here are the ground rules:
1. Do one task today using only your non-dominant hand from start to finish. *No cheating! Whenever I do this, it allows me a glimpse into the struggle Carley feels at times on a daily basis. Sometimes a new perspective is all it takes to make us appreciate what we do have and allows us to feel for others in their trying circumstances…and then
2. Help someone else who is struggling. It might be as simple as picking up something they dropped, carrying a bag, opening a door, pushing a cart, whatever…you decide.
Take the challenge, will you? And then share how your experience affected you and those you helped. It would be so cool if 730 people participated - one participant for each "day of grace"! I know it would be a HUGE encouragement to Carley to know that even though her hand is no longer attached to her body – it is touching others in ways she never could have imagined.
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