Christian – Long walks and dark chocolate

Desperate

January 23, 2021 5 Comments

Jesus, You were spit on, ridiculed, beaten, called a drunkard, a glutton and a liar. You were betrayed by many including those close to you. You beheld the hatred, the depravity, the gross reality of the state of the human heart. You were hung on a cross between ungodly men, mocked and provoked.

Yet you died for those who had committed these sins against you. You gave your life so that these and many millions after them might have hope, a chance at salvation, and eternal life.

Yes, you were disgusted by the religious leaders, yet so merciful that your love changed Saul to Paul. You got angry, even turned over tables, but never committed sin.

You witnessed the atrocities man is capable of, you heard our pathetic excuses, you saw our doubt and unbelief.

Yet, you died for us.

You knew there would be more of us, generation after generation of self-righteous, flesh-gratifying, self-loving, immoral humans, born into sin.

Yet, you willingly went the way of the Cross.

Your love is unfathomable, your mercy undeserved, your long suffering immeasurable and your grace, ever amazing.

I want to love like you do; to see hearts, instead of hands; to see possibility instead of reality, to see hope instead of despair and life instead of death.

Oh, to truly be your hands and feet, all the time. This is my prayer. I know that kind of love is impossile without Your love, without Your spirit dwelling in me. Teach me, show me, mold me. Forgive me my pride and arrogance, my detestable desire to be right at all costs, any bitterness or hatred towards people who I disagree with. Humble me and break my heart for what breaks yours.

For You are the only hope and my faith is in You always.

Filed Under: Christian, Inspirational, Uncategorized Tagged With: Christian, forgiveness, grace, Jesus, love, mercy, Prayer, salvation, Woman

One step forward

May 27, 2019 4 Comments

Outside this morning, I remember being on my knees, in the dirt, pulling weeds. I felt the slight pull from my incision site as I shifted positions and I was reminded how far I have come in just a few short weeks. Mind you, as they passed, they felt like long grueling weeks. Overwhelmed with thankfulness that I am over the worst of it, I sat back in the grass, listened to the birdsong and reflected.

I remember taking that first hesitant step. It almost brought me to my knees, but I took it. And, you don’t take one step without anticipating taking another and another. That is how it’s been; a few more each day, less pain as the steps increase and healing is progressing.

As I reflect on my recent healing journey, I can’t help but see the parallels in emotional and spiritual healing. We get wounded and we can either take steps toward healing or let fear of further pain stop us in our tracks, immobilizing us. If we stay that way long enough, body and soul begin to atrophy.

We often try to shelter ourselves from the unknown, behind our walls of fear keeping us from stepping into the blessed light of healing.

I’m limping now, but I’m moving. The walk isn’t pretty, but it’s forward. My steps are sometimes tentative, but step by step I am leaving this pain behind.

The physical wound is healing, there isn’t as much fear of it splitting open again. New, strong skin is weaving a covering over what was once a gaping wound. I’ve covered it some, especially in the beginning for protection, but I’ve also let the sun shine on it. Importantly, I haven’t touched it. You can’t keep touching a wound, and expect it to heal.

Now that I am edging closer to full recovery, my progress is greater every day. I don’t talk about it as much. I have shed the crutches and the scooter. It’s all quickly transforming into a memory, albeit one I have learned much from.

So, I think about what I have learned and the main points are three-fold; I need others to help me when I’m at my weakest and I must let them, empathy for others who have gone through something similar and understanding about this particular struggle. Going forward, if I am wise, I will remember the lesson and encourage others.

Of course, above I have been speaking of my recent foot surgery, but as usual, if you keep your heart open, God will open your eyes and impart knowledge of deeper things through your struggles.

If you are going through any kind of pain, be it emotional, spiritual or physical, just take a step; one small baby step toward recovery and healing. God will meet you where you are if you will let Him.

Blessings,

Lisa

“Go back?” he thought. “No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!” So up he got, and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him and one hand feeling the wall, and his heart all of a patter and a pitter.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien

Filed Under: Christian, Inspirational, Uncategorized Tagged With: baby steps, fear, healing, progress, recovery, surgery

Mid-Winter Musings

January 27, 2019 5 Comments

It’s that time of year when many of the trees are bare except for a few stragglers; dried out crunchy leaves that shiver in the wind but seem to cling ever so tightly to the only home they have ever known.

The days can get overcast, over-long and over-dreary if you let them. The beautiful colors of fall have disappeared and at first glance, we are left with a monotonous, almost colorless picture.

Oh, but if we look a little deeper, we may catch the flamboyant male cardinal, a mighty splash of red against a mass of drab, dry branches. Or, we could admire the gentle descent of a pristine snowflake, falling, falling, falling.

One of the things that I find to love about winter is knowing that it’s hiding something beautiful in it’s depths.

Inside the sturdy tree bark, underneath the frozen ground, change is lurking. Just when it looks like all is dead and cold, the chilly curtain of winter will close and colorful spring will arrive dancing, with all of it’s change and hustle and bustle.

I always say that God used seasons because we are such fickle creatures. We get bored entirely too quickly. As soon as spring arrives, we will pine for summer.

If you know me at all, you know that glorious fall is my favorite season of all, but I continue to enjoy the beauty in all of them.

Such is life…We have to learn to find the beauty in the seasons of our lives as well. Hold fast, spring is coming!

While the earth remains, seed time and harvest, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease. Genesis 8:22

Filed Under: Christian, Family and Home, Inspirational, Uncategorized Tagged With: God, life, seasons, spring, winter

Restful Saturday at home

December 1, 2018 2 Comments

tree There is something so deliciously satisfying about an afternoon nap; joyous partly due to the sheer infrequency you get to enjoy the pleasure. There you are, adrift on the ocean of peaceful slumber so sweet, languidly waking, body warm beneath a cozy blanket. Equally wonderful is slowly coming alive to the sounds of a fire and family; book pages turning, quiet conversation, a soft snore from someone enjoying the same wondrous pleasure;

Lazily peering over your publication of choice, admiring those whom you love, the scent of holiday baking and lunch left overs hovering in the air. Relishing these all too rare moments, living in them, appreciating them. Thankful that in this moment, there is no rush, no deadline and nothing on social media worthy of stealing this time of hushed leisure.

Time is ticking, hurriedly rushing forward to the next hour. May we cherish restful times like these and the cherished ones we share them with. It’s too easy to squander our time with loved ones during the holidays as we get caught up in the hustle and bustle. We should strive to truly “be there” in every shared moment.

Happy December 1st,
Blessings,

Lisa

Filed Under: Christian, Family and Home, Inspirational, Uncategorized Tagged With: Christmas, Family, family life, Holidays, loved ones, refresh, relax, rest

“Mommy, be my safe”

August 9, 2018 6 Comments

When my eldest was around 3 years old, she began to express her fears or concerns with her own original phrase that I thought was just precious.

When we found ourselves in situations where there appeared to be a cause for concern, she would nestle her tiny little body up close to mine and quietly say, “Mommy, be my safe.” She meant, protect me and shelter me until the threat has passed. It could be stormy weather or a creepy noise, or that stranger in the grocery store who got a little too close for comfort.

Whatever the peril, she trusted that I would save her from it. Wrapped around mommy’s legs, with one sticky little hand in mine, she could be at peace.

Yesterday afternoon as the sky darkened, it started to thunder and the wind was bending the tree branches and lightning cracked across the sky. We went from sunshine to eerie skies, with the promise of a good storm. My youngest granddaughter came over to me and buried her little head in my lap and then looked up with her big blue eyes and said, “Nana, what noise?” She’s always said that when she hears a noise that upsets her. We have always speculated that all the time spent in the NICU and the strange noises might have affected her in some way, so we are always quick to reassure her that all is well.

Her cuteness reminded me of my daughter’s cuteness years before and I smiled thinking of the all the times that we have cried out for help from our Father. What do our cries for help sound like to Him? Are there times He thinks we are “cute”? Do our petitions ever bring a smile to His face because of the way we phrase them? I think so.

The storms of life roll through without warning, we are exposed to traumatic things all day on whatever type of media we choose, there is so much noise. Noise, by definition, is “a sound that is loud or unpleasant that causes a disturbance”. Yes, there is much noise in our world.

Thankfully, like my daughter and granddaughter, I have a safe haven, a place where I can run to find peace and comfort. I can cry out to God, “What noise?!?!” As He stills and comforts my spirit with His still small voice, I can lean in and say, “Be my safe.” And, He will, every time.

Filed Under: Christian, Family and Home, Inspirational Tagged With: comfort, family life, God, grandchildren, grandparents, life, peace, salvation, storms

Thoughts on a summer day

July 14, 2018 5 Comments

Feet planted in a little green pool painted to resemble a watermelon, I’m thankful for the cool water while sitting on a scorching hot back deck. I silently wonder how long my feet will be safe from toddler pee or if they have already been contaminated. Considering I just polished off a blackberry after she licked it and offered it to me, I suppose I will live.

The cardinal showing off his vivid red coat on the fence post looks as if he would love to join Cali in the little pool for a midday bath, but he is staying out of reach. Smart guy because I am positive he would get more than he bargained for.

Cali, sitting in the shade of her umbrella, is oblivious to the cardinal and seemingly to the heat as well as she munches on blackberries and strawberries and repeatedly dumps water from one bucket to another while singing bits and pieces of “head, shoulders knees and toes”.

I am thankful for my day out shopping, the mani-pedi and a long lunch with two of my favorite people. I was anxious to get home and babysit this little rascal though tonight after my errands were complete. With Cali and her mommy living back at home, that means I am the primary baby sitter when Morgan works. Sometimes, Nana gets a little tired.

Being an empty-nester for a couple of years, I got quite used to my free time. Time to read or write for hours without interruption. Time to take a long nap on a Saturday without a little munchkin banging on my door. Yes, there are times I long for more solitude.

At these times, however, God always reminds me of my prayers to Him when we didn’t know if Cali would make it. Those long drives to and from Miami filled with fears and tears and prayer. The months in ICU, the surgery days, the ups and downs.

I’m reminded once again that life is a journey. We travel through seasons with all kinds of weather. The seasons will never cease, but we can learn to face them with His strength and grace. He is our great Help and Comforter.

It is how we handle the journey, it’s our attitude while we walk it out, it’s our abiding in His sweet vine. Don’t kid yourself into thinking that the next big milestone is the destination, that once that “thing” happens you will forever by happy or you will have finally made it. There is always something (good and bad) around the corner as long as we walk this earth. If you acknowledge this, it makes the unknowns a little less intimidating.

Take joy in moments, learn to find the lessons in the trails, look for God’s plan in the middle of your messes, be grateful and find your peace and rest in Him.

Blessings,

Lisa

Filed Under: Christian, Inspirational, Uncategorized Tagged With: Cystic Fibrosis, God, grandchildren, grandparents, journey, joy, life, Prayer

Cherish the moment you’re in

May 23, 2018 2 Comments

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What if we woke up thankful for the beauty of a new morning filled with mercy? If we relished the fresh, cool running water we splashed on our face? if we savored every warm sip of our morning coffee or tea?

If you are like me, you too often have your mind set on the “next thing” to enjoy the now. We look forward to lunchtime, Friday, summer. There is nothing wrong with living hopeful and expectant. The pity is in letting the desire for what is to come, rob any pleasure from the current moment.

If you’ve had children, you know how fast they grow. You might have even said, “I can’t wait until she walks, talks, starts school, graduates…” When those milestones and moments pass, you quickly find yourself wanting to reverse them, often aware that you wasted precious time.

When I am living in the moment, that’s when I am the happiest. When I slow down and allow myself to fully tune in and participate, I thrive.

The added benefit is to others. When I am living in the moment, slowing down and taking notice, this is when I find myself really pouring into others or at least listening to them. When I am fully engaged, I catch things like the sadness lurking behind a smile, the worry underneath the nervous laughter or the need for a hug.

When I make it a habit to be intentional about living fully in every God given moment, I am a better person. I find more peace and more good.

In my spiritual life, it means I’m not clicking off scriptures or praying words of repetition with no heart behind them. It means I can bask in His presence, taking time to enjoy my heavenly Father.

This is just yet another reminder of something we already know. Slow down and truly live in the moment. Be present. If we truly love our fellow man, we owe it to them and we certainly owe it to our families.

Blessings,

Lisa

Filed Under: Christian, Family and Home, Inspirational, Uncategorized Tagged With: cherish, mercy, slow-down, thankful, tulips

Simmering pots and changing views

April 7, 2018 5 Comments

“Up, up”, cried the curly blonde headed toddler as I stirred the big simmering pot of lima beans. The scent of supper hung in the air, tempting me to perform yet another taste test. My palate satisfied, I turned to put away the remains of the ham I had used to season my savory soup.

I felt a tug on the leg of my blue jeans, prompting a downward glance at a vision resembling my youngest 20 years ago.

The practical, get-things-done side of me almost said, “Go play, sweetie”, but the Nana in me bursting with love for this little angel, took one look in those blue eyes filled with curiosity and I picked her up and positioned her on my hip instead.

She was fascinated by the steam coming off the pot and pointed toward it, exclaiming “Hot, hot!”. Right on the heels of “hot, hot”, was “eat, eat”. I guess she repeats things to make sure she gets her point across. God does that with me.

As I held her, allowing her to touch the cool granite counter, and hold a round, ripe grapefruit and smell it’s clean citrus scent, she smiled. I gave her a taste from a small spoon, after she and I “blew it” to cool it off, and I was reminded of something.

While she stood on the kitchen floor, hearing the sounds of lids banging, water boiling, the chopping of onions, she couldn’t see any of it. She could smell something that awakened her hunger, but she couldn’t dig in, she heard noises but she couldn’t identify their source. From her line of vision, her viewpoint, her perspective, things were unclear, possibly a bit confusing, maybe even a little scary or unsettling at times. Only when Nana picked her up and began explaining things, did it start to make sense. At her age, and with her limited knowledge, things still aren’t 100% clear, but at least she got a glimpse.

Another spiritual lesson or reminder for me in the everyday things! We can’t see the whole picture, yet the goodness God has prepared for us continues to unfold, but often from our perspective we can’t understand. At times, our lines of vision are obstructed or clouded by unbelief. Since His ways are not our ways, we can’t fathom His plan.

As we lean into the Father, tug on Him and say “up, up”, we begin to get at least a glimpse. And because of His unconditional, passionate love toward us, even if we don’t understand 100%, we have peace in knowing we are in good hands. The more we seek Him, the more we find Him. The more we eat, the hungrier we become.

Let His word and His love change your perspective today.

Filed Under: Christian, Family and Home, Inspirational, Uncategorized Tagged With: Cooking, faith, God, grandchildren, perspective, point of view, viewpoint

The love in the No-nos

December 17, 2017 5 Comments

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As Nana instead of mama, I can get tickled when my almost two year old granddaughter is testing my daughter. I have earned that right but I am wise enough to hide my laughter. My cousin’s wife has termed it being “rascally” when she starts acting like a little stinker. This usually happens when she is fighting sleep, but lately with the two’s looming in the near future, it happens more often.

She will go up to something she knows she isn’t allowed to touch and get her finger as close to it as she possibly can and look at you, studying your response. There is a snowman dish that captivates her, but she knows she can only look at the “no-man”, not touch. The other day, she touched it and took off running.

She is trying to see how far she can push before it’s too far. What can I really get away with? Will this really hurt me, or is mom just saying that? What happens if I touch the forbidden? She runs full speed ahead trying to taste, touch and see everything as fast as her little legs will carry her. When she knows she has committed a “no-no”, she will swing those golden curls back, look at you and swat her own little behind, all with a smile on her face.

She knows exactly what she is doing, yet there is something in her that rebels. She doesn’t always just listen and obey. At times, she has to learn the hard way.

This morning, I was contemplating sin and temptations and how long suffering God is with us. I am a firm believer that Jesus died for my sins, but I also believe when I committ them, I need to repent. Daily I pray that God will search my heart and help me to live a holy, committed life for His glory.

I thought about my granddaughter’s behavior and it reminded me so much of us as God’s children. Oh, how He loves us!

How often do we run through life anxious to see it all and do it all, and we wander too close to the things that God knows might cause us harm? He warns us, yet sometimes we fail to heed the Father’s voice. That seemingly harmless conversation we are being lured into might cause us pain later. A still small voice whispers, “no-no” but we ignore the plea and carry on, like a toddler running with scissors.

Thankfully, when we fall, He is there to pick us up. He willingly forgives the offense and loves the hurt away if we let Him. If we are smart, for our part, we will repent and learn something and we don’t have to repeat that lesson over again. We aren’t toddlers trying to figure out who is in charge. We do already know that God wants the best for us, and that His plan for us is perfect! Why do we question that? If He keeps something from us, it will always be for our benefit. If He changes our direction, it’s to keep us on the best path.

His banner over me is love. Maybe we can remember that the next time the spirit of God is dealing with us about something. His no is always shrouded in love, just like ours are with our children. It always means, I know a better way or I want a better outcome for you. It means, I love you. Trust that love.

Filed Under: Christian, Family and Home, Inspirational, Uncategorized Tagged With: Father God, grandchildren, Jesus, love, obedience, Parenting, repentance, testing, toddlers

An authentic love

October 8, 2017 1 Comment

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Many times I am asked to explain what I mean when I talk about feeling close to Jesus and having more than a superficial relationship with Him. How can I say he is my best friend? How do I know when He is guiding me in a certain direction?

When I was very young, I was taken to church by my mother and grandmother and as I grew it continued to be part of my life. In my pre-teen years, I went for the fun and games, to see my friends and because I genuinely wanted to be good. I wanted to do the right thing and I was afraid of the consequences if I didn’t. Somehow, in spite of all of the lessons telling me that Jesus died for me and how much He loved me, I couldn’t wrap my head around what it meant to be in a relationship with Him. There were times I felt more inspired than others, but I still didn’t grasp the depths of His goodness at the time.

Many years later, after multiple failures and the death of my mother, I found myself in a bad place. I felt alone, insecure and without much hope. As a young wife and mother, I didn’t feel like I had anything left to offer the ones I loved.

But slowly and surely, the things I had learned in my youth came back to me and the timely words of a friend reminded me that there was somewhere to find strength and peace. I found myself thinking about God and wondering what it would feel like to run to Him and cast all my cares in His lap. Would it work? My mind, educated in the bible, said yes but my emotions were a wreck and my doubts numerous.

I don’t remember the exact day and time like some people do when they have life-changing experiences, but I do remember feeling like I didn’t have anything to lose. Why not cry out to God? I was at the end of me (and therein lies the key). That was almost twenty years ago and I haven’t regretted my decision to fully surrender to Jesus, not one time.

On the contrary, my love for Him has grown by leaps and bounds. He has been my friend when there was no one else who could possibly understand me. He has forgiven me though my sin was deep and He freely gave this precious gift of salvation. All I had to do was believe and ask and surrender my life to Him.

Has it been easy? No, I would be lying if I answered that with a yes. There were times I felt weak and frail when He has been my strength. When I felt faithless and my shortcomings seem to come in droves, He was long suffering. When my tears fell like rain, He taught me to have joy in spite of my circumstances. When I was afraid and fearful, He spoke peace. Making a decision to surrender didn’t make things perfect and life still had it’s curve balls to throw but now I had a perfect God to run to, Who gave strength like no other and a peace that I had never known my entire life.

Having said all that, I still haven’t fully explained how I feel so close to Him, why I am certain of His abiding presence and direction. How do I know how much He loves and and how can I confess such an overwhelming love for Him? Intentional time spent with Him, loving Him, getting to know Him and in the process, getting to know me.

The only way I know how to explain is this. When you love someone (and I’m not talking about the superficial relationships this culture is wrought with), you spend time with them. You get to know them. You read their notes or letters over and over again because you want to discern how they really feel about you. You’ll take the time to discover what moves them. It’s not a “hook-up” or a “best friends with benefits” type of attraction. It’s way deeper than that. You put them first and even in the midst of life’s craziness, they remain a priority. You look forward to their touch and you share with them your heartfelt thoughts and desires. You turn to them for direction and advice because they know you so well, they are the best to give it. You take every opportunity you can to be in their presence. It’s intentional.

This made all the difference for me. I went from feeling like I was outside looking in, to a beautiful, holy relationship with my Maker.

I felt inspired to share this on this beautiful rainy Sunday. We will all have our perfect sunshiny days, but we will all also experience the rain. Let us love Him intentionally, placing Him in the proper place in our lives. When the rain comes, He wants to be your shelter.