A BIG STORM

I looked up the must-have list of supplies to be prepared for a hurricane:  Water, food, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, medications and personal hygiene items, copies of documents, device chargers, contact information, cash, and fuel for a generator/car.  How long would it take to gather these up?  I have a cousin that would say, “No time at all.  I keep a bag of supplies ready to grab and go.”

Here, in my state, we might get some rain, but our home is not going to wash away.  It might blow away, because we get tornadoes.  How long would it take me to gather my must-have supply items?  Probably longer than it takes a tornado to form and blow through.  We do not get much warning!  And….we quit listening to the warning.  Why? 

MAJOR WINTER STORM – 2 FEET OF SNOW – Everyone goes to the store and waits.  We get …. A dusting of snow.

TORNADO SPOTTED – TAKE SHELTER NOW – Everyone stands on their front porch and waits.  The clouds roll through and we all shake our heads and wave at the neighbors.

The problem is, occasionally, the snow starts in and continues and continues and continues.  Occasionally, the clouds do not roll through, a funnel forms, buildings are blown away, and lives are changed. 

Do I pay attention to other warnings?  YES I DO!!!

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

The weather is a forecast.  The storm might happen.  It might not. 

The Lord will come!  I am ready!

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If you would like to donate towards relief from Hurricane Laura here are four suggestions.  There are two items which are greatly needed:  Cash donations and Blood donations.  Consider helping where you can.

RED CROSS – Drop down menu allows you to pick Hurricane Laura.  Donations of money only!  Because of COVID, donations of clothes, food or other items cannot be accepted.  Blood is also a need, so consider donating at a local blood drive.

https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/

AUSTIN DISASTER RELIEF NETWORK – This organization is local and was awarded the 2020 Gold Seal of Transparency

https://adrn.org/give/

MERCY CHEFS – Faith based, non-profit, meals for victims, volunteers, first responders

 https://mercychefs.com/donation/

LOUISIANA STORM PATROL – nonprofit organization that helps in rescue, relieving and rebuilding, during times of disaster.  This says paypal but there is a place for credit/debit cards.

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=zqa9in9x2iqcKRu7F6Tk4aZXSizCmUTa576xylPX63CGCZ4SfFw0glZdChAmhKQwKkd9Pm&country.x=US&locale.x=US

 

 DIDN’T SEE THIS COMING

I knew what I wanted to be when I graduated from high school.  I wanted to be an airline stewardess!  I was going to study French and fly international.  Then I met this guy and my plans changed.  How I saw my future changed.

We got married and had two children.  Life happens.  Jobs end.  Families move.  The vision of my future changed often.

I always had a vision of what life was going to be.  No!  I have never worn a pair of rose colored glasses and I have never thought life would be all wrapped in shiny paper and tied with a beautiful bow.  I am very realistic and I am very adaptable, but I also know life is not supposed to be as it is now and I think that is why we are all having trouble comprehending our future.  We did not see this coming. 

Graduating seniors had a vision for their future.  They would carry on the time honored traditions:  Prom – Graduation Parties – Graduation – One last summer of fun – Off to college or to begin a chosen career.  Then life happened and the vision disappeared.  They had to change their vision of the future and had no idea how to do that. 

Grandparents had a vision for their future.  Most people in nursing or retirement homes have changed the vision of their future many times.  I am sure, though, each vision included family and grand or great-grandchildren.  Then life happened and the vision disappeared.  Sadly, many were left with a hole in their lives they did not know how to fill.

All of us had a vision of our future.  Some contemplated retirement, while others were working to receive a promotion.  Some sent children to school, while others turned in after working the third shift.  Some planted a garden, while others sat back and had a glass of wine.  (That would be hubby doing the garden and me having the wine.)  And we all knew what was on the calendar for tomorrow.  Then life happened and the vision disappeared.  With no vision, how do we plan?

If you noticed, I used changed and disappeared.  The vision or dream or desire, of our future, can change and often does.  Sometimes, the change is one we willing make.  Sometimes, the change is not one we want, but we adapt.  Both of these are based on what we expect to happen.  Graduation came, but we knew what to expect.  We got older, but we had been told getting old is not for sissies.  We knew what to expect.  Even the changes we adapt to came with an expected outcome.  Cancer can be defeated.  Diabetes can be controlled.  Children will leave home and empty nest is an opportunity not a time to put on sack cloth and ashes.  The heart will continue to beat, even when it has been broken.  With each of these, we knew what to expect because others had been through it.  We knew what to expect and could change our vision of our future.

But what happens when a vision just…just disappears?  What is tomorrow going to hold?  We do not know!  How do we cope when the things we took for granted are pulled out from under us?  We do not know!  I no longer have control of my future plans, even my daily plans.  What now?  What next?  We do not know! 

I feel like tomorrow has been snatched away.  And a vision of my future is blurry.

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I rarely write a “downer” blog, because I am not a “downer” person.  I can get angry at a situation, but I face the situation full on and, if it is something I am passionate about, I will not let up.  I might get down on myself, but that does not last too long.  I give myself five minutes – ten tops – and then tell myself, “Suck it up and get over it.”  I see the glass half full.  But, the last few months are even getting to me.  My vision of the future is blurry, BUT….

five minutes – ten tops – I take a breath and realize my vision might be blurry but Jesus can restore my vision.  I want to be like the blind men in Matthew 9:27. 

As Jesus went on, I followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on me, Son of David!”

 

Jesus went indoors, but I went inside also.  He asked me, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

 

“Yes, Lord,” I replied.

 

Then he touched my eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and my sight was restored.  Jesus warned me sternly, “See that no one knows about this.”  But I am telling all of you and want you to spread this around the world.

THE VISION OF YOUR FUTURE HAS NOT BEEN DESTROYED!

WHEN YOU ARE BLINDED BY WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD,

JESUS CAN RESTORE YOUR SIGHT.

HE WILL OPEN YOUR VISION.

If you are feeling like your today and your tomorrow are being destroyed, give yourself five minutes – ten tops – then call out, “Have mercy on me, Son of David!”  When Jesus asks, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?, answer, “Yes, Lord.”

ARE YOU DOING WHAT YOU ARE TOLD?

Church was about to start as one gentleman walked in.  Hubby asked him, “Are you doing what you are told?” 

ARE YOU DOING WHAT YOU ARE TOLD?

How would you respond to this question?  Oh you want to know how I would respond.

I would answer, “Of course I do.”  I see the look on your face.  You do not quite believe that do you?  You would be right.   In my defense, there are way too many people telling me what to do. 

When I look back, I realize I have never liked being told what to do.  My attitude got me on the wrong side of the paddle a few times.  More than a few times.  My firm belief that speed limits are suggestions has gotten me on the wrong side of a ticket or two.  I am having trouble with all the Covid restrictions. 

ARE YOU DOING WHAT YOU ARE TOLD?

I love this man’s answer.  He replied, “It depends on who is telling me what to do.”

Guess this leads to another question: Whom do I obey?  Obey?  That is a tough word.

OBEY: To follow commands or guidance, conform to or comply with

We have already established that I did not always obey my parents (Remember those paddling’s I mentioned?) nor do I always obey the speed limit (Remember those tickets I mentioned?).  I also have a bit of trouble conforming and complying.  If someone commands me to do something, it is probably not going to end well.  That leaves guidance.  Even that can be a slippery slope.

Bill and I did not have obey in our vows.  I tell everyone I promised to love, honor and keep it on the top half (He does not like it if the fuel tank gets below half.), but our vows were to love, honor and cherish.  We do love and honor each other.  For sure, we cherish each other.  We take care of each other.  He even learned to cook and clean toilets when I was off my feet for eight weeks.  I have helped deliver calves and fed cattle.  He sweeps the floor.  I navigate when we travel.  Heck, in the beginning he cancelled out my Republican vote, but has since seen the light.  We do not always agree, but it would be boring if we did. 

Our marriage is based upon love for each other, submitting when the needs of one are stronger than the needs of the other, and united as one when we make decisions.  But obey?  That is one word that does not fit our relationship.  Obey would mean that one of us would have control over the other.  When one has control, marriage is no longer a mutual relationship. 

This brings me back to the question:  Whom do I obey?  That has an easy answer!  GOD!

(Moses to all Israel) Obey the LORD your God and follow his commands and decrees that I give you today.     Deuteronomy 27:10

(LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says) but I gave them this command:  Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people.  Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.     Jeremiah 7:23

We find our way to the Father through Jesus.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you really know me, you will know my Father as well.  From now on, you do know him and have seen him”     “If you love me, keep my commands.  Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.  The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”     John 14:6, parts of 16-21 

ARE YOU DOING WHAT YOU ARE TOLD?

“Hey Mary.  So are you doing what you are told?”

My goodness.  You said, “Hey Mary.” instead of me having to call you first.

“The question, Mary.  Are you?”

Am I doing what you tell me?  Do I obey and walk in obedience?  I sure do!  Well, I am trying.  I am working on it.  It is hard to obey.  Okay.  I fail miserably.  

“I got you, my child.  I have already told my Father about you.”

Oh.  That is a bit scary.  I am trying to obey but did you really mean that part about paying your taxes?

 -   - - - - - - - - - - - -

This brings me back to the question:  Whom do I obey?  That has an easy answer!  GOD!  I obey of my own freewill because I want to be God’s people.  I want to be His child!  I believe Jesus is the Son of God and I want him to introduce me to the Father. 

WHOM DO YOU OBEY?

STEALING CORN

Hubby told a friend, “Come get some sweet corn.  We are not going to be home, but help yourself.”  Our friend came to pick corn and tagging along was his eight-year-old son. 

They opened the gate and the young fellow asked his dad, “Why does he have a board across the gate.”  He explained it was to keep the rabbits out.

They started picking corn.  With a look of concern, this innocent child quietly asked, “Why are we stealing corn?”

Laughing, the father told the child, “We are not stealing.  Bill told us we could come pick some corn.”

Now there are a few directions this could go.

First, why would the child even think his daddy would let him steal something? 

Second, the child trusted his daddy enough to ask a question.

Third, there was an offer of a sweet gift and they took advantage of it.

I like number three.  Throughout our lives, we are offered so many amazing gifts and our lives are better when we take advantage of them.

TIME:  Time can be a wonderful gift.  We use time to sit and talk with a loved one or watch a good movie or read a book.  Time allows us to clean the house and bake a cake.  Time gives us the opportunity to watch the sun rise or the waves come in or to get the bugs off the roses.  Time is a gift. 

THE ABILITY TO THINK:  What a blessing to be able to think.  How wonderful to read, research or listen and then use reason to make wise choices.  The ability to think allows us to find the facts instead of giving others the power to control our minds.

FRIENDS:  Friends are an extremely valuable gift.  If, in our lifetime, we have one, very true friend, we are blessed.  Friends make us laugh and cry and tell us that the dress really does make us look fat.  Then they walk proudly beside us as we strut our stuff.  Friends are a gift we should cherish.

IMAGINATION:  I feel sorry for those who have not cultivated their imagination.  I have one.  Our kids have great imaginations.  I loved playing imagination games with the grandkids.  An imagination can make a book come to life and run behind your eyes like a movie.  An imagination can take you to space or on a safari or to a quiet place.  Imagination is one of my favorite gifts.

RELAXATION:  Somewhere along the line people have come to believe it is lazy to relax.  Personally, I love to relax.  I do not feel guilty at all when reading a good book or watching those British bakers mess up a simple cake.  I can sit on the deck with a cup of coffee and allow the morning to appear.  Our bodies need to relax and just because some less-than-smart-person-in-the-government decided it needed to be daylight right up to the time we put our jammies on does not mean you need to be working or playing at 9:50 PM.  Give your body, soul and mind time to unwind by relaxing.  And if you feel guilty, pull the blinds so the neighbors do not see you taking a nap.

 A nap?  Now that does not seem like a bad idea. 

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Third, there was an offer of a sweet gift and they took advantage of it.

I like number three.  Throughout our lives, we are offered so many amazing gifts and our lives are better when we take advantage of them.

What amazing gifts are you taking advantage of?  What amazing gifts are you missing out on?

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Every so often I like to do random thoughts that pop into my brain.  Sometimes these thoughts start slow and then they pick up speed, but I never know what is coming next.  (Of course, if you know me well, you will shake your head and think, “We never know what will pop into her mind.”)  Let’s see what happens.

I really do not like it when the Sunday scripture is one of those really tiny books with only one or two chapters.  How do you find Haggai or Obadiah between all those Old Testament Books?

Since I am on the Bible, I wonder if those that had to copy the Bible played rock, paper, scissors to see who lost and had to copy all those names in 1 Chronicles. 

While on the subject of naming names, why are so few women listed.  Listen up; ye male humans, without the female humans, that Biblical lineage would be really, really short.  And I wonder if Noah, daughter of Zelophehad, was ever teased for having a “male” name.  (Numbers 26:33)

Do you suppose the wife of the farmer said, “You want me to do what with those?  You do know they came out of a chicken’s butt, right?”  Why would anyone look at a snail and think it looked yummy?  And canned peas are mushy!

Hey, I warned you.  Random thoughts…..

Why do all mothers know how to give “the look” and all children understand it?  Whoever came up with daylight savings time did not have children and did not have to repeatedly say, “I know it is not dark out yet, but it is your bedtime.” 

Why would the car not start for me, but would start the moment hubby turned the key?  Why did the oven work when the repair man arrived?  Why does the washer stop working on the first load instead of the last?

Why do I fall asleep the last ten minutes of a mystery show?  What happened to funny sitcoms?  Why did Marshall Dillon never marry Miss Kitty? 

Why does the dictionary have page numbers?  Along the lines of alphabetical, why do teachers always set their students in alphabetical order?  Those poor a name students are always on the first row.  They can never get away with any mischief, while those w,x,y, and z kids are shooting spit wads.  (I did not sit in the back.  I have no experience with spit wads.  None.  Nada.  Well, there was this one time….)  Still thinking about school, someone can mention chewing gum and thoughts of gum under every seat in the school auditorium pops right to the front of my mind. 

Who in the world thought the phrase ‘raining cats and dogs’ made even an iota of sense?  Or why in the world would anyone want to sleep in a tent, on the ground, where spiders and bugs and snakes could join them and bears could easily tear the fabric and consider them their evening snack.

Random thoughts.  They can appear out of nowhere.  I can be praying and the vision of clothes still in the dryer floats through.  Or listening to the sermon and the chicken will call from the freezer, “You forget to take me out.”

That is it.  No big finish.  No big meaning.  I hope my random thoughts have brightened your day.  I really hope this will encourage you to do the same. 

Take a deep breath.  Now another.  Close your eyes for just a second or two.  Open them.  Begin!  And if you need a jump start, write: I wonder what it would feel like to fly like a bird.

May you find joy in every day!!

HERE I AM LORD

I manage the website and Facebook page for our church. 

The Facebook page has three, reoccurring, weekly posts: Monday Funny, Wednesday’s Songs and Sunday Worship times.  I search for cartoons (church appropriate), listen to song after song on YouTube (believe me there are some really bad singers out there), and put together a “come to church” reminder.  This is a way to reach out to the congregation and friends during the week. 

There is one problem with picking songs.  No matter how hard I try to use each song only once, one song has been used three times.  I can guarantee it will be used again.  Hey, I am picking the songs and this hymn is my most favorite. 

Here I Am Lord, was written in 1981 by Dan Schutte.  39 years – does that mean it is old enough to be a traditional hymn or still new enough to be contemporary?  Either way, I love this hymn.  It touched me the first time I heard it and that feeling has never changed.

This song covers it all.  It tells us who the Lord is.  He is the Lord of the sea, sky, snow, rain, wind, flame, and stars.  The Lord hears our cry, borne our pain, and tends the poor and lame.  He will save us from the dark and sin, has wept for us, and will set a feast for us with the finest bread.  The Lord will make our darkness bright, give us hearts full of love, speak to us, and give us life.

This song, sadly, tells us what the people do.  The people turn away.

In this song, the Lord asks, “Who will bear my light to them so I can speak my word and give them life.  WHOM SHALL I SEND?”

I have used this song after almost every message I have given.  I have never sung this song without raising my hand, as I asked the question, “Here I am, Lord.  Is it I, Lord?  I heard you calling in the night.”

I have never sung this song without tears in my eyes, as I answered, “I will go, Lord, if you lead me.  I will hold your people in my heart.”

Where does the Lord want me to go?  I know he gives me words and then I turn them over to him.  I have no control over who will or will not read them.  He will direct those words where he wants them to go.

I know he has put trials in my life that I did not want and did not understand.  I also know those trials have given me an understanding of what others are going through and the opportunity to encourage them.

I know he gave me a desire to hear other’s stories.  I have met amazing strangers because they made a comment and I asked a question.  I have heard joyful and sad stories from people I know.  I love to record their stories and need to start doing that again.  Or maybe, recording stories is something the Lord had me do for a certain time and place.

Sometimes I have no idea where the Lord is leading me.  I only know one thing.  After hearing this song, all those years ago, my hand raises and my heart, my very soul, cries out, “Here I am, Lord.  Is it I, Lord?  I will hold your people in my heart.”

If you have never heard this song, please use this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcxOkht8w7c

ISN’T IT OBVIOUS

We have had an ice cream freezer since the day of our wedding.  I think we received three.  They all worked for a bit, but each eventually made cold milk instead of ice cream.  A White Mountain was purchased and, sadly, after 30+ years, it has worn out.  I do mean worn out!  Parts that began as square were now worn into a circle.  It was time to purchase a new one. 

First, who could have imagined the price of a wooden bucket, a can and paddle, and motor would increase so much! The new freezer will still be working — or it better be — when I am looking down and watching the grandkids figure out who gets possession of the freezer.  (Inside story for the grandkids: This canister does not have a hole in it and the ice cream will not taste like salt.)

Second, there was an owner’s manual and recipe guide included.  We have not laughed so hard in a long time.  Please remember this is an electric ice cream freezer and does not have an on/off switch.  Some of the instructions and warnings:

·       To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plugs, or appliance base in water or other liquid.

·       Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.

·       Unplug from outlet when not in use or before cleaning or storing.  (This was mentioned twice.)

·       To disconnect, remove plug from wall outlet.

·       Avoid contact with moving parts.

And to cover all the bases:

·       Heavy-duty Hand Crank (sold separately) — No cords or batteries needed.

But I am still curious:

• Did someone put the ice cream freezer in a heated oven?
• Did someone clean it and store it with it plugged in?
• Did the lawyer keep a straight face when he told the committee on safety, “You better point out that the ‘hand crank’ does not plug in and does not run on batteries.”?

I want to know why we have to point out the obvious.  How do people not know?

THE OBVIOUS — GOD THE CREATOR

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

Everywhere I turn, I see God.  He is in the wind.  He is in the peace and he is in the struggle.  God created the wood our home is built of.  He created the water we drink.  He created sound and color.  Oh how dull our world would be without color.  He gave us wisdom so we could use his creation to develop electricity and medicine and toothpaste and ink.  Without ink we could not write letters. (The mail carrier’s union would never allow them to deliver chiseled pieces of rock.)  I see God in every baby!

I want to know why we have to point out the obvious.  How can people look around and not know there is a God who created all this?

THE NOT SO OBVIOUS – JESUS, THE SON OF GOD

This is how God showed his love among us:  He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.  This is love:  not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  1 John 49-10

Jesus – not so obvious.  No one alive today saw him born, heard him teach, saw him heal, or saw him crucified.  No on alive today saw him go to be with his Father.  Jesus – not so obvious.

I know!  We can pass out Bibles.  We can tell each person it is a safety manual for their lives.  We can point out the highlights.  We can tell them the Bible connects them with God and Jesus just like an extension cord connects the ice cream freezer to the source of energy.  We can tell them, “Here.  Read this and you will be saved.” 

Fun facts:

• Every day over 168,000 Bibles are sold or given away
• 20 million Bibles are sold each year in the USA
• 66,000 are using the Bible app at any given second
• Isaiah 53:5 is the most shared verse on social media

Well bless my soul!  With all that why isn’t Jesus obvious?  With all those Bibles, printed and on devices, why hasn’t everyone read the Bible?  How hard can that be?

But, the Bible, which apparently can be read in 70 hours, contains …

• 66 books
• 1,189 chapters
• 31,102 verses
• 783,137 words
• 3,116,480 letters

How hard can it be?  Apparently, pretty hard.  Many of those Bibles are never opened.  Many give up on reading it.  Many stop because they do not understand.  Sadly, many do not have the freedom to read the Bible.

So how are we to make Jesus obvious?

WE LOVE OTHERS

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.  No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.  1 John 4:11-12

WE TELL OTHERS

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

Matthew 28:18-20

WE ALLOW OTHERS TO SEE CHRIST THROUGH OUR ACTIONS

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’

Matthew 25:37-40

How does your life make Jesus obvious to others?

Or does it?

WHY ME?

Every so often, something reminds me of a previous blog or message.  This was my reminder this week.
                                               
This is a pin I have had for years.  From way back when pins were popular.  I wore this when I was having a bad day.  Sometimes I would wear it for a week.  Bad days can turn into weeks and years.  It was a fun pin to wear.  It made people laugh.  Just about everyone could relate.  When things are going bad, we want to know why.

We ask, “What did I ever do to deserve this?”  Know what?  God never gave me a list.  He just promised to get me through.

YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?

In 2001, a friend encouraged me to take a Lay Speaker class.  I am not sure how it happened, but, as my mind was screaming NO, my mouth said okay.  Off to Lay Speaker 101 I went.  I figured it would be interesting and the book and class would give me tips on how to speak in public.  It was only when the leader informed us we would be writing and presenting a ten minute message that I realized I WILL HAVE TO ACTUALLY SPEAK IN PUBLIC!  I know.  I know.  You are laughing at the thought of me being so … so   We will leave it at so…

Hubby was no help.  He chuckled and asked, “Exactly what did you think you would do in a Lay Speaker class?”  Then, as he has always done, he encouraged me and I began to worry about what to say.  10 minutes!  I continued to wonder what to write as I prepared for the first assignment:  a short devotional.  Although there were no blogs back in the dark ages, I did a monthly writing for the church newsletter.  Writing a short devotional would be a piece of cake.  Not so easy to present.  Present to a class of people.  Real live people! 

Written.  Rehearsed.  Ready.  Set.  Take a deep breath.  Go.  What happened?  It took five minutes to read it at home.  I think it took two and a half when I read it to the class.  The comments all said, “Talk slower.” 

Moving toward the ten minute message, panic set in.  If five minutes could be said in two and a half minutes, how much would I have to write to last ten minutes?  Two pages?  Three?  Four?  Then I remembered the advice:  talk slower.  Maybe I could throw in a southern accent.  That would slow it down.  Then I thought, “Talk slow on what?”  A subject.  I need a subject.

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

I saw the pin.  I began to write.

WHY ME LORD?

(Excerpts from that message)

Why me Lord?  I have asked that question many times.  …..  Have you raised your fist toward the heavens and asked loudly?  Have you bowed your head and asked quietly?  Have you just asked, confused as to why things are happening?  Why me Lord?

Maybe I was asking this question at the wrong times.  Since then, I have had many quiet talks with God.

That day all I wanted was a subject.  I wanted something…anything…to write about.  What I received was a gift.  A thought.  A different perspective. 

Why me Lord?  I am no better than anyone else.  Why am I so fortunate?  Why am I allowed to…?

WHY LORD?  What have we ever done in our lives that could possibly begin to earn us your gifts, your wonderful blessing?

“What did I ever do to deserve this?”

How will you ask this question?

RED, WHITE, AND BLUE

As the USA gets ready to celebrate our independence, we have to admit July 4, 2020 is a July 4th like none we remember.  There are memories!

Growing up, my home town had a July 4th celebration that lasted a week.  The carnival came to town!  Rides – the Tilt-a-Whirl, Merry Go Round, and Scrambler – were 5¢ to 25¢ and that meant moms and dads kept extra quarters ready to give for just one more ride.  The smell of carnival food is unique and cotton candy made for sticky hands.  In the middle of the carnival and all the noise was the bingo tent.  My dad had a knack at bingo and we always ended up blankets and towels and dishes.  I am not sure why he only won things mom would like.  They had games and stuffed bears big enough to fill the bed of the pickup.  Or maybe they just looked that big to a little girl.  We were not allowed to go in the tents along the outside.  That is where the bearded lady and the half man/half beast and the wild man that ate live chickens were on display.  On display if you had the entrance fee. 

The Civic Band played those patriotic songs that made our hands go over our hearts and soldiers wipe away a tear before anyone could see it.  Babies cried and little kids waved flags.  And everyone kept looking at the sky to see if it was getting dark enough for the fireworks.

I love fireworks!  I love the colors and the noise and the smell and the bangs that make your breastbone quiver.  The thrill of seeing a trail going higher and higher and suddenly exploding into a burst of red and gold or blue or silver.  Then hearing a collective AHH from the crowd.  In the shadows, on the ground away from the crowd, you could see the shape of something, but it was too dark to tell exactly what was going to appear.  A figure would move closer and closer.  A flare would touch the fuse.  The shape became the Statue of Liberty or the Flag.  Hey, that was pretty high tech for 63 years ago.  I tried to find a picture, but we were all too busy enjoying the fireworks to take pictures. 

Yes, life has changed.  Celebrations have changed.  One thing I pray never changes is the word UNITED. 

UNITED is what makes this country special.  UNITED is what makes this country strong.  We are fifty individual states UNITED as one country. 

UNITED does not mean we have a perfect past, because this country was founded by imperfect people and our laws have evolved through time.  It means we are a country using the lessons from the past to improve our future.

UNITED does mean we all have to act the same or believe the same.  It means we take what we have in common and what makes each of us unique and weave them into a tapestry that is beautiful to behold.

UNITED means that on July 4th we wave a flag to celebrate a country that has opened its arms to the world and sent our soldiers to protect, not only our freedoms at home, but the freedom of those too weak to protect themselves.

My prayer, for July 4, 2020, is that we will remember the words of the Declaration of Independence and be UNITED in achieving the goals of our founding fathers.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness—

ASK FOR LITTLE …

Today’s blog starts out with a pet peeve I have about men.  I will only use one or the blog would be way tooooooo long.

MEN – LISTEN UP--- When your spouse or your children ask you, “What would you like for your birthday/Father’s Day/Christmas?” GIVE THEM AN ANSWER!!!  I am so tired of hearing, “Oh, you don’t need to get me anything.”  That answer is right.  They do not need to, but they want to.

For goodness sakes, do you realize the joy you are taking away from others?  Picture your loved one being a balloon, all excited about giving you a gift, but they want it to be something you would like.  When you answer, “Oh, you don’t need to get me anything.” it is like taking a pin and popping that balloon. 

Flip it around.  Do you enjoy finding just the right gift for your mother, father, spouse, child, or friend?  I bet you do.  And I bet you can hardly wait for them to open it.  You want to see the look in their eyes.  You want to see the smile on their face.  Why do you take the joy of giving away from those you love?  And do not give me the macho routine. 

EVERYONE – LISTEN UP --- When God asks you, “Which of my gifts will help you?” ---

“Mary, so you think men are taking joy away from others when they tell them not to get them anything?”

Yes I do.  I have had this conversation with hubby for years.  I have tried to explain …

“Along that line, Mary, have you ever taken my joy away?”

Not that I remember.  I want every gift you have for me.  I really like the eternal life one!!

“I do believe your memory is a bit fuzzy.  What about when you have had surgeries?”

Hey, anesthesia and I do not get along.  I have a right to be afraid!

“Oh, Mary, did you come to me or did you take away my joy by trying to handle your fear on your own?”

I seem to remember…

“Mary.”

I kept my fear. 

“You and I have something in common.  You want men to quit taking joy away when someone wants to give them a gift.  I want my children to quit taking my joy away when I want to give them a gift.”

Do you suppose we could have a conversation where you are not always right?

“Mary you are quite the creation.  I think I need to take a look and see if there was a design flaw…”

What? 

“Just kidding.  I have so much I want to give my children – give you – and so often I hear, “I don’t need that.  I got this.”  My joy slips away as I watch the world not use wisdom and faith.  My joy slips away as I see my Word gathering dust instead of being used.  My joy slips away as people do not use my gifts of hope and love and mercy.  My joy slips away as people do not use my gifts of forgiveness and compassion.”

My memory is better.  I am sorry that I have been so stupid.  I guess I am as bad as the men.  Tell you what – I WANT IT ALL!  BRING ON THE GIFTS!  ENRICH MY LIFE WITH EVERY BLESSING! 

“One more thing.  Next time you are afraid, read Psalm 34:4.  The situation will be there, but the fear?  Mary, I got this.”

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It is so easy to suck the joy out of life.  And, it is easy to suck the joy out of other’s lives.  The joy of giving is a real thing.  You want to allow your loved ones and friends to have the joy of giving?  Tell them what you want.  Tell them something:  a special candy bar or a book or a game or a trip or maybe time with them.  Give them the opportunity to have joy.  And humbly receive their gift.

Instead of telling God, “I got this.”  Tell God what will help you get through this day or this second.  Give God the joy of saying, “I have that right here.  You give me great joy by allowing me to give you this gift.”  And humbly receive God’s gift.