June 20, 2011 · 5:19 am

Dreams


She finds herself alone after three decades of marriage, living in the reality of her husband’s dream without him by her side.

He had held  this dream for as long as she had known him and when the moment arrived for it to come true, she was at his side, ready for a new adventure.

Neither of them could have known that after only two years, illness would take his life.

Her eyes sweep the space around her. I know that she is seeing him in her mind’s eye as he once was…happy, fulfilled, excited about all the possibilities  that each day would hold.

“He really loved this place,” she said quietly, wistfully.

“Is this a picture of your husband?”  I pointed to a large framed photo in the center of the wall…two smiling people, arm in arm. Partners.

She nodded. “Sometimes I look at that picture and yell at him for leaving me.”

“It’s nice to know that he got to experience his dream,” I said. “So many people never get that chance.”

I thought about those words long after she had said goodbye, standing behind the screen door, hand lifted in a small wave.

Two years…730 days.

That is all the time he had to live his dream.

It seems so short.

But isn’t it better than zero?

When this man left this earth, he didn’t leave wondering, “What if?”

He took the risk…and for two years, he knew exactly what it was like to live smack in the center of the dream.

Isn’t it worth it?

What is your dream?

Whatever it is, what can you do today to move toward making it a reality?

The time is now.

“Life passes like a flash of lightning whose blaze barely lasts long enough to see. While the earth and  the sky stand still forever, how swiftly changing time flies across man’s face. O you who sit over your full cup and do not drink, tell me, whom are you still waiting for?”–Hermann Hesse

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June 17, 2011 · 9:47 pm

Weekend Moment: Lion Country Safari


During our last summer in south Florida in 2007, we went to visit Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach. Since Julia has always been an animal lover, being this close to all these wild animals was a dream come true for her.

As you enter the park, they give you a CD, which helpfully tells you about each animal as you slowly drive by.

Our journey through the park got off to a rocky start, however…when this ostrich decided he did  not want want us to proceed any further. He spied our van and began moving purposefully toward us. And he didn’t look happy:

He moved closer until he was right up against our windshield and after taking a moment to carefully inspect it, he must have decided that he did not like what he saw…because he began to angrily peck at at it. This went on for several minutes. I swear he was glaring at us. Eventually, he tired of us and finally moved on, allowing us to gingerly move forward into the park.

We dutifully listened to the CD as we passed the lions, who lounged lazily in the sunshine.

And then we came upon this rhino…and were so fascinated that it was standing right next to the road that we turned off the CD and marveled. We could have reached out and touched it, but we settled for just  taking a picture:

He ignored us so we turned the CD  back on and moved forward….only to hear this:

“Under no circumstances should you stop your vehicle when driving by the rhinos. They are easily startled and can overturn your vehicle.”

Oops.

We kept the windows up and did not stop for the rest of the drive.

Baby zebra

Antelope

Swinging monkey

Giraffe

A turtle that has no common sense

We then moved on to the section of the park where you could walk around and visited the exotic bird area:

We were also able to get up  close and personal with the giraffes and feed them. They are so gentle:

Julia had an unwelcome encounter with a bear:

Before we left the park, we rode some rides:

This was the moment when Josh decided that he does NOT like heights:

We were nearly out of the park when Julia got nabbed by a dinosaur:


That day was absolutely wonderful…we hope one day to go on a real safari in Africa! Until then, we’ll always have the south Florida version. 🙂

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June 16, 2011 · 5:28 am

Polished and Snazzy vs. Broken and Real


Yesterday, I read a beautifully written blog post that had a powerful impact on me.

The author had spent the previous weekend at a small retreat (participants were limited to 75) and she described the event as follows:

“This was not a polished, snazzy event. This was three creative women who know their brokenness standing nervously in front of the rest of us singing their songs and telling their stories. Why would they do that? They did it so that the rest of us would see both our brokenness and our giftedness; so that we would frame our lives and see them as art; so that we would steward our gifts; so that we, broken leaky vessels would anoint the world with the fragrance of Christ.” 

The blogger’s photos showed a lovely outdoor setting with a plain wooden cross at the edge of a body of water. The singer and the speaker were dressed simply…no frills, no glamour.

How I would have loved to have been there!

The world—and even fellow believers—do not need polished and snazzy. Polished and snazzy rarely points anyone to Jesus because polished and snazzy tends to glorify the speaker and his/her accomplishments…not Jesus, who accomplished the only thing that truly matters in all of life (Matthew 20:28).

The Bible describes us humans as  jars of clay that hold the incomparable treasure of Christ’s Spirit :  “We now have this Light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great Treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

When I did the “Experiencing God” study, Henry Blackaby made the point that the book of Genesis was not about a man named Abraham…it was about how God worked in the life of a man named Abraham. Big difference.

I loved that these women came to this retreat just as they were…not as experts, not as those who had it all together…just willing to humbly share their experiences with Jesus.

You and I are called to do the same thing. We have been given the immense privilege to know and walk with  the risen Jesus! All we need to do is open our mouths and speak about what He means to us; the miracles He has done in our lives (and don’t say you don’t have any miracles to share…your salvation alone is a miracle!); the ways He has redeemed and restored our broken places.

You are a unique, one-of-a-kind, never-to-be-repeated person. You have been created in the image of God and are precious to Him. And you have been given an amazing assignment (Matthew 28:18-20).  It is no accident that the people in your life are there. They are your mission field.

All Jesus asks is that you tell them about Him in a way that only you can…respectfully, gently, and always with love. Just be real. Be honest. We are all broken in some way…but you know the Healer.

You are not responsible for their response.

You have a story.

All He asks is that you go and tell it.

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June 15, 2011 · 5:58 am

Siblings


Julia and I were headed to the high school so she could attend a mandatory meeting for all who were interested in trying out for the volleyball team.

As we drove, I suppressed a smile as I observed her checking her reflection in the passenger side mirror. She tucked an errant curl behind her ear, adjusted her sweatshirt, and tapped her foot to the music on the radio.

She has so much more courage than I did at the tender age of 13. Attending a new school would have been my worst nightmare.  However, she is facing this new season with excitement and a sense of adventure. She has already spent a couple of days in band class with her future classmates and now she is going to walk into a gym where she knows no one to sign up for the August volleyball tryouts.

“I think I’ll just send Josh a quick text,” she announced, pulling her cell phone from the pocket of her jeans.

She tapped out a quick message, then placed the phone on the dashboard to await her brother’s reply.

“What did you say?”

“I just asked him if he wanted to meet me in the parking lot,” she said casually. “We could walk into the gym together.”

This time, I couldn’t stop the smile.

Josh and Julia are only 19 months apart and while they were mostly buddies when they were small, the teen years have introduced a new dynamic and there has been some friction.  I have told them many times that they must have each other’s backs and be kind to each other.

I loved that she was reaching out to her big brother.

Josh hadn’t answered by the time we pulled into the parking lot. Undeterred, Julia said goodbye, hopped out of the car, and walked toward the gym entrance.

Shortly afterward, Josh showed up. I told him about his sister’s text but his phone hadn’t been on.  However, he told me that when he learned one of his friends was going to be at the  volleyball meeting,  he asked her to say hi to Julia.

Another smile…big brother was looking out for his little sister.

Julia returned to the car after the meeting, full of excitement. Among other things, she had a paper with workout suggestions. One of the things she had to do was handle the ball with someone else everyday.

Shortly after we got home, I heard the kids outside in the backyard. Josh was helping his sister.

This did my heart good. I loved seeing Josh be so willing to help his little sister achieve one of her goals. Also, it is music to any mother’s ears to hear the sound of her children laughing together.

Maybe they have been listening to me after all. 🙂

“To the outside world, we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We knew each other as we always were. We know each other’s hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time.”–Clara Ortega

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June 14, 2011 · 5:55 am

I Hope You Dance


I heard one of my favorite songs while I was walking Buddy yesterday: “I Hope You Dance” by LeeAnn Womack.

I love this song almost as much as my kids loathe it.

I find it lovely while they think it is incredibly sappy.

Despite  their copious eye-rolling every time it comes on the radio when we are in the car together, I tell them that the lyrics are exactly what I wish for them…in particular the following: “…when you get the chance to sit it out or dance…DANCE!”

The year was 2002.

Doug and I were guests at a beautiful oceanfront wedding in Rhode Island.  It was a picture-perfect summer day. The bride was gorgeous, the food was delicious, the friends at our table were delightful company. Happiness reigned.

Then the dancing started.

Doug and I watched as one by one, each of our friends answered the call of the music and headed for the dance floor. Soon, nearly all of the wedding guests were on their  feet, dancing with abandon and having a blast.

Doug and I sat alone at our table, choosing to be spectators rather than participants.

I was feeling  self-conscious and uncomfortable in my own skin. Because I was carrying some extra pounds that I had hoped to lose prior to the wedding, I was wearing the only outfit in my closet that fit and it was way too warm for the summer evening.

In addition, neither of us can dance in the slightest. We have no rhythm whatsoever.

However…(and I say this with love)…neither did our friends! But they didn’t care! They didn’t let that stop them from getting out there and squeezing every drop of fun out of that wedding reception.

As we left that evening, Doug and I decided we were never going to let that happen again. In the future when we found ourselves at a wedding reception, we would dance.

And we have.

We have taken our middle-aged selves onto every dance floor. We may look ridiculous, but we are seizing the moment and making a memory.

As Dave Barry has said, “Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.”

Amen.

I don’t want my kids to live their lives on the sidelines. I don’t want them to be paralyzed by self-consciousness.  That is not living, that is existing.

“Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to its fullest; make the most of what you have. It’s later than you think.”– Horace

I Hope You Dance by LeeAnn Womack

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June 13, 2011 · 5:28 am

Each Light-Filled Hour


I walked into the kitchen early in the morning and was delighted to find that the scent of sunscreen still lingered in the air. I spotted the now-empty orange beach bag slung over one of the kitchen table chairs and a smile broke across my face as memories filled my mind.

A verse from my quiet time the day before had seemed to leap off the page and issue a challenge to my heart: “Oh how sweet the light of day and how wonderful to live in the sunshine! Even if you live a long time, don’t take a single day for granted. Take delight in each light-filled hour.” (Ecclesiastes 11:4, The Message).

It was as if I could see the twinkle in Jesus’ eye as He invited me into the day ahead, to experience LIFE in all its fullness with Him.

“For today, show me how to delight in everything, Jesus. Show me the wonder of now,” was my prayer.

Shortly after I uttered that prayer, the phone rang and I was able to have a long, heart-to-heart chat with a dear friend.

Thank You, Jesus, for the precious gift of friendship… for leading me to these dear ones so we can share this journey through life. It is such a joy to laugh, cry, pray and dream together.  They inspire me and strengthen me, especially when life is hard. I see You in them.

After the phone call, the singing of the birds and the bright sunshine drew me outside into the beautiful summer day:

Jesus, thank You for the beauty of Your creation. The fact that You have created all that we see is awe-inspiring. It boggles my mind to think that all the beauty of this earth are mere shadows of Your even more surpassing and glorious beauty. You have placed enchanting and shimmering treasures  all around me that continually draw me into Your delightful and magnificent heart…always give me eyes to see.

A quick check of Facebook revealed happy photos of a young family who had been separated by war and horrifying injury but are now joyfully reunited…healing,  flashing happy smiles, loving each other, cherishing the moments, looking ahead to a rich future, celebrating life.

Thank You Jesus for the amazing bravery of those who serve this great country in which we are privileged to live. Thank You for this young man’s life and for protecting him so that he could return to his family who need him so much. May they never take their time together for granted and may they live for You the rest of their days.

A text came from my son, telling me that the barbecue for the track team was scheduled that afternoon at a local beach. Could I drive a friend who needed a ride?

Julia and I headed to the school and two sad-looking boys climbed into the car.

Their band teacher had just told them that he would be retiring at the end of this school year. The news hit them hard. He is a special  teacher who truly loves music and the kids in his classroom. He will be sorely missed and extremely hard to replace.

Jesus, thank You for the gift of this man, who has been such a bright light in so many students’ lives. Josh has learned so much from him. His sense of humor, kindness, and love for music will long be remembered by his students. Let this serve as a reminder that nothing stays the same for long in this world. We must treasure our good times, not taking anything for granted because seasons can change so suddenly. Help me to fully live this season that is before me now.

After dropping the kids off at the beach, Julia and I headed across the street to a charming cafe that boasts wonderful views of the lake. We each ordered an ice cream and took a seat by the window.  I looked up as someone entered the cafe from the back and was pleasantly surprised to see an older lady from our church. I had no idea she owned this business with her sons.

We were able to visit between customers. I was sad to learn that in the span of just a few months, she has lost a sister, a brother, and an uncle. So much loss. Tears shone in her eyes and she practically whispered, “But God is good.”

“Yes, He is. But it still hurts,” I said softly, assuring her that I would keep her in my prayers and stop into the cafe more often.

Thank You, Jesus that You draw especially near and comfort us when our hearts are breaking; that You keep track of every tear that falls; that You listen to every concern we have. Thank You especially for the Cross and taking away the sting of death forever. Thank You for hope in the midst of pain. Let this dear woman strongly feel Your Presence as she lives in this unwelcome new reality. Fill her with hope and give her beauty for ashes.

After savoring our ice cream, Julia and I walked back to the beach.

Despite the oppressive heat, the trees offered refreshing shade and we enjoyed the breeze sweeping in from the water. I drank in all the beauty around me. Julia and I chatted and I enjoyed watching the kids swim, chase each other around, play on the playground, and crowd around the grill as the coaches prepared the burgers and hot dogs. Bursts of laughter were frequent.

Jesus, thank You for these kids.  You love each one of them and long for them to know You.  Reveal Yourself to them.  Thank You for their dedicated coaches who have taught them how to compete with excellence, grace, and goodwill. Thank You for this perfect summer day and allowing all of us to be in good health to enjoy it. 

When the last burger was eaten and the soda bottles were empty, the party ended and we headed home. Josh had homework to do, so Doug, Julia, and I went to Burger King for dinner, followed by a Walmart run.  Our time together was light and full of laughter.

Thank You, Jesus for the precious gift of my family. Thank You for laughter and juicy burgers and salty French fries.  As I am able to fill my cart with groceries, thank You for Your abundant provision. Thank You for always providing my daily bread. Let me never forget how blessed I am to live in this country.

That night, as the sun set below the mountains, my heart was full. Joys, heartaches, disappointments…I experienced the entire day with Jesus, interacting with Him all day long.  His Presence electrifies, transforms, soothes, and beautifies… and adds a richness to all my moments.

As a new day opens before you, won’t you invite Him in to fill each light-filled hour? I’d love to hear about it!

“As the letter to the Hebrews proclaims, ‘Let us fix our eyes on Jesus!’ Let us sit at His feet; let us hear His heart and feel His embrace; let us gaze into His smile, hear His laughter, touch the hem of His garment and be liberated into His joy! Ultimate joy! The joy of Jesus! 

He’s calling you today. He’s here and He’s calling your name and He’s saying, ‘Follow Me.’    —Sherwood Wirt, Jesus Man of Joy 

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June 11, 2011 · 6:55 am

Weekend Moment: Rattlesnake Mountain


One of my family’s favorite activities is hiking.

Back in 2009, we decided to tackle Rattlesnake Mountain, which overlooks Squam Lake (for you trivia buffs, that is where the classic movie “On Golden Pond” was filmed).

This is the beginning of the path up the mountain:

It is quite a hike to the top, but the beautiful view is worth the effort:

My brother Jeff was the first one to reach the top:

I wasn’t far behind:

Doug staking his claim at the top of the mountain 🙂

Josh and Julia enjoying the view:

Even though it is called Rattlesnake Mountain, fortunately, this was NOT a rattlesnake!

We are extremely blessed that we are within driving distance of so many fabulous trails. It is our goal to hike all of them.

Since we had burned so many calories, we headed to one of our favorite places for a guilt-free treat 🙂

It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day.

“Doubly happy…is the man to whom lofty mountaintops are in reach.”–John Muir

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June 10, 2011 · 10:25 am

A Promise Kept


“Your son has won an award. There will be an awards ceremony at the school on Thursday at 9:15 and you are invited to attend.”

That was the phone message that I received from my son’s high school last week. There was no hint of what kind of award he had won, but that didn’t matter…Doug and I would be there.

Once we arrived at the school, we found our friends Steve and Risa, who explained the drill. At the end of every semester there is an awards ceremony. Each teacher selects a few students who have excelled in some way and honors them with an engraved medal.

Several parents arrived early, cameras in hand. Eventually, the entire student body arrived, pouring into the auditorium with animated, energetic chatter.

The principal welcomed all of us before introducing the first teacher. In a group this size, I expected that each teacher would say a few words, then call out the names of the students and that would be that. I could not have been more wrong…and happily so.

For the next two hours, I watched as teacher after teacher took the podium and often struggled with tears as they spoke in a heartfelt manner of the students they were honoring.

These are people who truly care…they have chosen to be on the front lines in order to invest in the lives of these young people; to develop their budding intellects, to encourage their dreams, and celebrate the young adults they are becoming.

One teacher could not even continue her speech about a graduating senior. Overcome, she motioned to another teacher to take over for her and read her prepared statement. Another asked if the mom of one of her students was in the audience. When the woman timidly raised her hand, the teacher ran over to give her a hug, thanking her for raising such a wonderful son.

The applause as each deserving student came forward to accept their award was heartfelt and enthusiastic.

As our son walked up to the stage to receive two medals for academic excellence from his teachers, I was filled with two things: pride for his accomplishment…and most importantly, gratitude and awe for my great and faithful God.

So many years ago, when He was making it quite clear that we were to homeschool our children, I was flat out petrified. Finally, one morning, after staring at the mountain of unavoidable evidence of God’s will, I begged Him…with tears in my eyes…to show me something from His Word that would absolutely clarify that this was His will. I knew that I would need that eternal Word to cling to as time went by and things got hard.

As always, He was faithful to answer that prayer. He is a loving Father who delights to give wisdom to His children when they ask. (James 1:5).

In my devotional reading that day were these beautiful words from the book of Isaiah: “Your children will be taught by the Lord and great will be your children’s peace.” (Isaiah 54:13).

I was right…there were definitely days when I had to go back and re-read that verse over and over again. I had to trust Him for the big picture when the days were rough and the enemy screamed into my ear that I was failing at this.

Finally, the day came last November when Josh quietly approached us and told us that he would like to go to high school full time. He was ready.

We sought the Lord and He said, “Yes.”

Everything came full circle for me that moment in the auditorium. Yes, I was proud of my son because he has worked very hard. But the most of all, my heart was full of praise to my beautiful God who lovingly guided me through those years and has greatly blessed my (sometimes shaky) obedience.

And just as I trusted Him for that season, so I will trust Him for this new one as I await His plan for this next adventure in my journey with Him.

He is faithful. Always.

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June 9, 2011 · 5:46 am

A Sweet Surprise


Last week, at the age of 76, my mom proved that it is never too late to seize the day.
 Josh’s high school band was going to New York City, followed by a ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition at Hershey Park in Pennsylvania.

Hershey is a four hour drive from my mom’s place. She debated back and forth whether or not she should go and surprise Josh. He is her first grandchild and they have always shared a special bond. She hadn’t seen him since Christmas.

My mom is not an “out-of-the- box, spur-of-the-moment” type of person. She likes clear guidelines, organization, and a scheduled calendar. Doing something like this was way out of her comfort zone.

Finally, she decided to go for it. She knows that life is short and we are not promised tomorrow.

So, armed with Josh’s cell phone number, she and her friend (and fellow adventurer) Mary Ellen set off down the highway.

Surprises come with risks and for awhile there, it looked as if she had traveled all that way for nothing.

But then….

Success!

I love the look on my mom’s face! It is a look of pure joy. She told me that at the moment Josh took the photo, she was exclaiming, “I did it!”

She would have missed this moment if she had decided to play it safe and stay home.

Instead, she and Josh shared a memory that they will never forget. They were able to spend an hour together, sharing ice cream and laughter before Josh continued the day at the park with his friends.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box today…get out there and make a memory! 🙂

Seize life!…God takes pleasure in your pleasure…Each day is God’s gift…make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it! And heartily! This is your last and only chance at it. —Ecc. 9:7-10 (The Message)

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June 8, 2011 · 5:49 am

A Path Into God’s Heart (Part 5):


The last entry in this little series is deceptively simple…but utterly life-transforming if you put it into practice.

It is based on Philippians 1:27: Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

One of the best books I have ever read is Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper. He writes: “God created me—and you—to live with a single, all-embracing, all-consuming passion–namely a passion to glorify God by enjoying and displaying His supreme excellence in all  the spheres of life.” (p.31)

All means all. 

I have the  amazing privilege of knowing Jesus personally and telling others about Him. There is no higher calling and no greater joy. After all that He has done for me, I want every area of my life to please Him.

So…every day (especially when trouble hits), I need to ask myself:

“Do my thoughts honor Him?”

“Does my attitude honor Him?”

“Do my words honor Him?”

“Do my actions honor Him?”

I have been amazed at how asking myself those simple questions has transformed my daily life.

My worry doesn’t honor Him. Nor does anger, or  harsh or critical words, complaining or unbelief.

I’m not talking about sheer willpower here. This is living by the Spirit…submitting my will to His, asking Him to take over and live His life through me, producing the fruit of His Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23).

This has drawn my heart ever-closer to  the magnificent heart of Jesus. In the process, He is transforming this self-centered, proud, fearful and sometimes hard heart into one that honestly seeks to honor Him in all I say and do.

It is a beautiful exchange.

Let the King be enthralled by your beauty; honor Him for He is your Lord. –Ps. 45:11

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