HE is the GIFT

 I think I've finally seen it all. A child making a Power Point Christmas wish list. Just let that sink in a minute. What kind of world are we living in that we are even entertaining such nonsense? I'm not even going to apologize for my strong opinion today, because I don't know in what world or on what planet that this type of behavior is even remotely funny. Maybe it was done as a joke, but to post it for the world to see–I don't know. I'm not laughing over here, and I love a good funny kid video. Our kids wrote Christmas lists, and so did we as children, but we never expected to get half of what was on them! Half the fun was going through the toy catalog and dreaming. But this new wave of conspicuous consumption is just gross. Maybe not so new, I don't know. 

As my grown daughter would probably ask me, "Mom, are you watching too much YouTube again?" She's right. I've probably seen too many over spenders and greedy grabbers lately, and not enough of what I view Christmas to represent. One man has been posting on the Reason for the season. He held a manger with baby Jesus in his hands. Thank you, sir, that is the whole point! John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. HE IS THE GIFT. Salvation is free and you don't have to request it on a Power Point or on paper. Just invite Jesus into your heart, and you will need no other gifts for living. Every time I'm struggling with how I'm going to make it through the holidays without this person or that person, I stop and remember the manger. My loved ones have the gift of eternal life because of that babe in the manger, and because of that, I can be at peace at a time when missing people is at its heart-wrenching capacity. 

These days, I have different things on my Christmas list. With two daughters out of the home, aging parents and one not doing so well, the wishes we have are things that only God can fulfill. The world can give us temporary things, and it's okay to want new things, pretty things, and enjoy ski trips and fun times, but that's not all there is. It's important to be grateful for what we already have so that we don't look past it for more, more, more. I'm not sure if those kids doing the Power Points were ever taught how good it feels to give to others, but I hope they would learn that at some point in their lives. Before I go off on a tangent, I will leave you with a song that I have loved for a very long time. 

Grown-Up Christmas List (Amy Grant version) 

Do you remember me? 

I sat upon your knee 

I wrote to you with childhood fantasies

Well, I'm all grown up now

And still need help somehow 

I'm not a child but my heart still can dream 

So here's my lifelong wish

My grown-up Christmas list

Not for myself, but for a world in need

No more lives torn apart

Then wars would never start

And time would heal all hearts

And everyone would have a friend 

And right would always win 

And love would never end

This is my grown-up Christmas list

As children we believed 

The grandest sight to see 

Was something lovely wrapped beneath our tree 

Well, heaven surely knows

That packages and bows

Can never heal a hurting human soul 

(repeat chorus) 

What is this illusion called, the innocence of youth? 

Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth. 

Merry Christmas, and I hope you are all blessed by real gifts of love and kindness this season. 

The Gift of Nature

 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. 

Psalms 96:11-12

I've been taking the time to make peace a high priority in my life, as others and circumstances try to steal it. I'll just say here that peace is a personal responsibility. No one can steal it unless we let them, and it's something I'm trying to get better at executing in my life. Boundaries, discipline, and setting limits on myself have become crucial to getting that standard of peace in my life. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. So not only am I learning to implement personal changes, but I have to understand that God already gave me His peace, and not to be troubled by things of this world. That includes when others try to pull me into their chaos, which happens on a daily basis if you live in the world. But God also says here to not let my heart be troubled, which gives me the responsibility, so I turn to the things that give me worldly peace, and that is heavenly nature. 

As I am taking a long ride around the woods surrounding our property, I am taking note of all the different textures and colors of the bark on the trees, the size of their trunks, and the stretch of their expansive branches. I'm observing the backdrop of the brilliant blue sky behind their forms, and the interesting shapes of each variety, looking at them from different angles, and almost seeing some of them for the first time. Did I realize there were so many shades of green in these pine trees? So many different colors of white on the birch? I think I have a sweater in the exact color of the rust of the oak leaves still clinging to the branches. Some of the pines are loaded with cones, while others are swaying freely. The bright red berries are even brighter when the sun shines on them. The sound of my golf cart tires passing through thick layers of dried leaves almost sounds like driving through deep puddles on pavement. Whoooooshhhhhhh! The sights and the sounds of nature lull me into a calm like no other manmade remedy can accomplish. God designed all of these colors, sights, and sounds to coordinate in stunning perfection, even as they transform when the seasons change. Not one can outshine another. The magnificence of snow is just as glorious as the brilliant green of spring grass, although some would disagree. Amazing. Only God could know how all of these things would fit together for our pleasure. Jeremiah 32:17 "Ah, Lord God, it is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." 

The carpet of ferns out by the cabin are now a deep russet brown, making the massive, dark green pines stand out even more. It must be their turn to shine, as the maples and oaks take their turn to rest. When I stand completely still on the cabin porch, I can hear the barred owls calling to each other. Who-Who-Who-Whooooooo? Well, it's me. Lately I have started talking back to them like I do when I feed my little songbirds. Here you go, sweet chickadee-dee-dee-dees. They see me coming and fly right toward me, and yes, I talk to all of them. After years of standing still, hoping for them to eat from my hands, one finally did come, land inside my cup, took a seed, and landed on a nearby branch with complete trust in me. The intense and pure joy that radiated throughout my heart and came out my mouth was sweet joy I hadn't experienced in awhile. I simply said aloud, "Oh, wow. Thank you." Who did I say that to? My Lord, who gave me that sweet blessing. Deer, owls, birds, squirrels, chipmunks, air, sky, clouds, stars, trees, peace.  I live in the woods and the woods lives in me. I will never tire of seeing the wildlife around my home. I will never get bored watching turkeys, rabbits, deer, birds, and whatever new four-legged or winged creature decides to hang out here. (no snakes, sorry) Psalm 104:24 How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. 

While life has been chaotic and full of strife and challenges lately, I take my whole self outside. I look up at the clouds and watch them shift and let my mind shift with them. At night when I take my sweet Angel outside, I look up at the clear, dark sky, and let the stars absorb me and my thoughts. I've prayed and even spoken words out loud to people who have gone before me, or people I miss who are still here.  I let the light that shines in the darkness remind me to keep my light shining, no matter what. Psalm 19 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Nature speaks and I listen. It is quiet outside, and sometimes we just need to be silent in order to hear ourselves, and to hear God speaking into our hearts. When I am outside, I am surrounded by God's creation and instantly reminded to be grateful, humbled, and in His presence. Where else am I going to find that kind of healing and gratitude? God is literally everywhere, yes. But he didn't create my couch, he created the earth I am standing on with my feet, and somehow, that sends ripples of peace into my soul. 

Nature is my medicine. I am drawn to the very thing that has been created to heal me. God created this bountiful earth and everything in it for our use and our enjoyment. And while things within parts of this world may be chaotic and wild and out of our control, we can return to a place of peace when we go outside. We can light a fire, sit beside it, and give God our cares. We can watch the way the sun filters through the trees and remember that we can also filter our own light throughout small spaces and darkness. We can be transformed by the sounds of waves, and soften hardness by the continuous movement of our own gentle waves upon the rocks that others have become. We can stay our sweet, gentle selves, like the moss and the violets that are not concerned about what tramples upon them. We can look at ourselves as nature, as the creation of God, because we are. Isaiah 43:7 ...everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." Not only are we His creation, but we are His masterpiece! Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. God prepared a beautiful place for us before He even created us, because He loved us. Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. What a thought—he was thinking of us when He created all the beautiful colors, sights, and wonders that we would come to experience and enjoy on the earth. How appropriate then, to think of Him when appreciating His gift. 

As some of us gather around Thanksgiving tables this season, let's remember to be thankful to God, who has given us all of our blessings. So many that we could not count them all. Maybe life isn't all we want it to be at the moment, and some things aren't going so well. Reach out for the Lord's healing in all of those areas, and He will answer. If you're able, head outside for some fresh air and nature healing.  Be blessed. 

Thoughts This Morning

 I haven't been very present here, and I know that my writing hasn't reached like I had hoped it would (with the exception of my brief, but impressive following in Singapore-thank you). I started writing a long time ago because my many thoughts needed a place to go. I know I can wear people out with my words sometimes. I wore my husband out just last night.  I sometimes have a lot to say. I spent years being too quiet, afraid to speak not my mind—but my heart. My mind can still get out of order sometimes, but my heart will always be a soft place, and when I write, the truth of me comes out. When someone allows me time to speak and they genuinely listen, I give my heart, and I discover things I didn't know. When I find someone who mindfully speaks, I want to be a good listener and contributor as well. Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 

Even as I sat down to write today, I had a whole list of other topics I thought I was going to touch on, and maybe I will eventually get to those! But today's stream-of-consciousness is kind of who I've been in my head lately, and I will invite you in as usual. As I continue to enter the Autumn phase of my life, sleep is something that has been escaping me, but guess what doesn't? My brain. I awaken full of jabberings, song lyrics, quotes, and verses, and I go all "absent-minded professor." It goes along with my morning hair and scatterings of half-used notebooks throughout the house! It's not really my "normal" personality, but then I could argue, neither have the last few years!  

Yesterday I used the voice recorder on my phone to record some notes about things I may want to write about. I could hear myself getting Angel a treat, making my coffee, and doing my normal morning things. I laughed as I said, "Oh shoot, I forgot to feed the birds." As I looked up at the sky that morning, I saw two planes flying in opposite directions, leaving their contrails behind. I laughed and said into my voice recorder, "You can either believe in conspiracy theories or you can put your belief in the Lord and His Truth." The only "conspiracy theory" in which I may believe is that my refrigerator light might still be on when I close the door. Just kidding...yeah, we all should know by now where I stand on such "theories." 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 

"You can sit around and think about everybody who you think has done you wrong, and all the revenge you're going to take, or you can use that energy to forgive them all, find a new hobby and enjoy your life, and bless the ones who curse you." It sounds kind of simple, right? As I heard myself pouring the water into the coffee maker, this is exactly what I said. It's not that original. God tells us not to take revenge. Deuteronomy 32:35 It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them." Friends, I am not touching any type of payback with anyone with a ten-foot pole! God is on it for us, don't worry. I may not have anything to do with someone who did me wrong, but I will not be toilet-papering their house anytime soon. That's just not how I roll. (if you don't get that pun, I cannot help you) 

But what about that forgiveness part, right? This is not going to be a long post about forgiveness. Been there, done that. Today's simple message is this: If God can forgive me, who am I to withhold forgiveness? Do they deserve it? I don't know, did I? No. But will it bring peace to me if I let this horrible aching bond of anger, bitterness, and never-ending plague of ick-collection go? In a word, yep. But what about?—nope. But they!—nope. Love keeps no record.(1 Corinthians 13:1) And if we keep no record, we instead choose love for God, ourselves, and others, and we can be in PEACE. All I know is that when I am at peace and not angry and bitter, others want to be in my presence. In the words of my mentor and friend Norm Sawyer, the forgiveness statement is simply, "I forgive you. Completely." Say it over and over until it seeps like the warmest healing liquid into your heart. Part of blessing your enemies is forgiving them. You will receive the blessing of a clean and peaceful heart. Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 

"You can be sunshine or you can be a cloud. You can be a beacon of light in the darkness, or you can be the darkness. What you post on social media can be light or it can be dark. Which one do you want to be known for? Which one would God have you be? This was recording number 5. It is really easy to hit "Post" or "Send" in the heat of the moment. I've done it, sadly. I've said some really careless words in the past, and I've been convicted of that, and I pray that God keeps me in line now. I don't want my words or my actions to offend or bother people, but to build up and encourage the people around me.  You can't take certain things back after they are done and said. The impression it leaves on others is sometimes all they have left of you. They often won't come back to see if you are changed. I don't want to blow my chance of showing the light in me. I don't want my bad day or my emotional state to cause me to react or respond in a way that affects anyone else negatively. 2020 taught me so many things, but what I choose to take from it is that I will go on in this world as a person who nurtures and protects people more than projects, politics, and positions. I will always choose love and compassion over the need to be RIGHT. I will choose peace, and I will choose righteousness. Not my own, but God's. (Thank you, Norm Sawyer)  Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

Now more than ever, we need to be a light in this world. There is enough darkness and negativity in the world! We know there are evil, horrifying things and people "out there!" I don't know about any of you, but when you are standing in a dark room, waiting for your eyes to adjust, what do you finally set your eyes on to see your way around the room? The light, however small it may appear! You aren't looking in the dark for the dark to lead you. I don't look to negative people spreading more negative propaganda or more garbage to help me feel better about the sad state of things. I am looking for the ones who are spreading the truth of the One I follow for PEACE. Who is going to get me out of this mess? Who is going to help me find my way out of this dark world? Who is going to help me when I feel like everything is crumbling and scary? Not that negative nelly. It's God, the Savior, the Light.  John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  God is the solution. Not the politician, not the law you want passed, not whatever it is that is stealing your peace. He has overcome all of it for our sakes. I am keeping my eyes on God and I won't be distracted by all the things being waved in my face to try to shade my light or His. Know Who God is for yourself and it will be a weapon against those who try to darken your light. Psalm 100:3 Know that the Lord is God; It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people; the sheep of his pasture. We are His people, and people will seek us out in times of trouble. If we are so busy with our stances and fights, when will we have time for the people who need our tenderness? 

I find my last recording quite humorous. "If people don't wanna hear your advice, stop talkin'." I believe the equivalent to this is the famous author, Norm Sawyer's advice to me as a mother, "Zip it." Yes, unsolicited advice is generally not cool. I think back to all of the unwanted comments and advice I've given and probably still inadvertently give, and I cringe!! Yikes. You know, silence is the best advice sometimes. No one can blame you if it goes wrong. Words have gotten me into trouble, as they often will. Proverbs 10:19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. In short, I know I need to zip it. Stop talkin.' Shush my face. Let people come and ask if they need my help, opinion or my advice. Those egos just need to say everything they think, don't they? Sure, we may have wisdom and insight on some things, and I can see around corners others may not, but it's our pride and arrogance that gets us into trouble when even well-meaning words are spoken at the wrong time or to the wrong person. I need to bite the tongue and lead with grace or it's gonna get messy. With God holding my impatient tongue and extending His grace, life can be so much more rewarding, and my life can be full of love. When it's time to share the wisdom I've been given, it will be received in love, because I waited for the right time, and not when I thought it was time or felt good to me. We humans get ourselves in so much trouble with our big mouths. Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Can you imagine our words being health to someone's bones? They really are, because when our words are tender, people will come to us when they are hurting and know they will leave refreshed and comforted. 

Be blessed today, and may your own words to yourself be healing and light. Listen to your heart. It's where God speaks.