To Worry or Pray ...

Many people know that our family is facing changes.  The 'Joes will be stationed somewhere at some point in the future. We’re not sure when, not sure where … just not sure.  What we are sure of is this: though uncertain about the particulars, we are certain that change is coming --- and possibly sooner (or later) than we even think.  (Clear as mud, huh?)

Over this past year, I have had many people express their concerns over this change that will happen.  Most of these people we know personally, so their hearts are evident with their concern for us.  “I worry about you”  “I am very concerned for your family”  “I don’t know how you (Granny) will handle this”.  All of these concerns come from the very heart of people we love dearly.  So, I just want to take a moment for them.

Please do not worry … choose to pray. 

I have learned and am still learning that “worry” changes nothing – except for my stress level and blood pressure.  When I worry about something, I’m basically saying to God that “I have this under control God.  I can handle it on my own, and I really don't need You on this one”  And although I really don’t have it under control, I sure don’t want anyone looking at me as being weak.  So, the worrying sets in and takes up residence in my soul – my stress level goes through the roof because I am absorbed in worrying. My blood pressure hits its highest level that it hasn't in … well, forever.  My heart begins its arrhythmia beat --- boom boom skip boom boom boom skip boom … And, eventually I end up in a panic.  All of this because of that 5 letter word. Jesus Himself had these words to say about “worry”:

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Matthew 6:25-27 

My King James Life Application Study Bible gives seven reasons not to worry, and I want to share them with you.  All of these are taken from Matthew 6: 25–34:

            The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of you life.

            Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today.

            Worrying is more harmful than helpful.

            God does not ignore those who depend on Him.

            Worry shows lack of faith and understanding of God.

            These are real challenges God wants us to pursue, and worrying keeps us from them.

            Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry.

But by turning my worries in prayers …

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

These words from Paul are some of the most comforting words I have ever enveloped.  Yes, I do mean enveloped.  When I turn my worrying into prayers, I am saying to God Almighty:  Come into my heart, my mind and envelop every space within me – enclose  every space. I’m giving You every emotion, every control-driven part of me. You gave me my life, and I trust You. 

I will admit that the upcoming changes will be challenging.  And to answer some of the concerns I’ve heard – yes, I have grown “attached” to Lucy.  Who wouldn’t grow “attached” to a precious grandchild living in your own house?  No, I’m not sure what life will be like without her here every day.  As she runs around the house calling for “Strawberry Shortcake! Ginger Snap! Orange Blossom!”  Or when she looks at Granddad coming home from work “Hey, Granddad, you're home now!”  Or when she’s ready for bedtime, and she gives hugs, kisses and “noses” to Granny & Granddad.  “I love you, Granddad!  I love you, Granny!” comes out of her sweet little voice.  Yes, life will certainly be different in our house. 

However, Granddad and I have laid the foundation for our relationship with the ‘Joes, and with our little Lucy.  From the very first moments of her earthly life, we have been there.  Yes, she is a tremendous part of our life, and she will continue to be so, just as her parents.  Soon it will be time for the ‘Joe family to continue on the road that God has paved for them.  Just as it will be time for Granny & Granddad to continue on to the next chapter in our lives – empty-nesters.  Of course Granddad is busy with work,  we both have church activities, and Granny’s “to-do” list has been growing some various projects lately (from organizing photos to writing to working out to learning more about healthy eating to … well, as you can see, my list is growing).  And who knows where Granny will be next!

So, with this next step for our family, our family is not allowing worry to settle in.  All of us are just praying.  I heard many years ago from an online devotion:  “Prayer isn’t the least I can do, it’s the best I can do.”  We choose to pray ... not worry.   

“… For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11    

And yes, who wouldn't become "attached" to her?

(This is the first time I have edited a post with a link, so hopefully it will work!  I know I've given Mrs. GI Joe's blog link previously, but she has updated some of Lucy's 2 year old pictures . Yes, more reasons as to why Granny & Granddad are attached!)

Building Up or Tearing Down

One of my favorite passages in God’s Word is II Corinthians 2:3-7.  A dear pastor from years gone by had sent me his message on this Scripture, and oh how many times it has been a blessing to me and my family.  As I write this post, however, I am not sure in which direction this passage will take me.  But, I do know that God is leading.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.  And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.  And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the consolation.

I am a firm believer that one of the reasons we go through situations /experiences /crises or whatever we want to call it is to draw alongside of someone else who experiences something similar and be a comfort to them.  We don’t need to say things such as “If I were you …”  I believe God is saying  “I brought you through this other crisis, now it’s your turn to help someone else.”  And sometimes we really don’t have to say anything in order to be a blessing to someone else --- just being there is enough.

And I believe this happens many times in our lives.  We are either the ones in need of comfort, or God has equipped us to be there for someone else.  I have been both sides of this – and there are probably many others who have too.  Unfortunately, though, there are many times when someone needs encouragement or support, but what they get is just the opposite:  “She should have known better than to …”  “He brought it all on himself, now he needs to get himself out of this mess” “They’re just getting their payback now.”  I’m sure there have been times when I have pointed my finger at someone and have thought or said those very words.  But you know, I praise God for the crises that He has allowed me to go through so that my heart and my eyes would be opened to others’ needs. 

I can recall numerous times when I’ve just needed some encouragement … some comfort … some hope.  Not only do I have family & friends to turn to for these, but with today’s technology I can get those very things in just a matter of seconds.  I’ve introduced my daughter & her family's blog and I can say that I am very impressed with their military online community.  I have felt the pain of a young wife whose husband laid down his life while deployed.  He only saw his daughter in pictures – she was just 2 months old when her daddy became our hero.  I’ve felt the pain of the sister and mother of one of our fallen from the Ft. Hood massacre as they have tried to obtain a proper headstone for brother and son.  None of our Ft. Hood heroes ever thought that they would lay down their lives for us on our own soil.  Numerous times I’ve read of uncertainty for future plans - hurt - deployments – broken friendships – loneliness. 

There have been times also, I hate to say, that I have seen comments left in writing that are so negative and only tear down.  I just do not understand.  But, just as Paul has told us in the passage that as we endure our sufferings, it is with hope that we will also accept God’s comfort.  This is just my opinion, but I believe there are some people who do not want to accept God’s comfort through their trials.  It doesn’t make sense to me, because why wouldn’t anybody want the God of all comfort to bring them through a situation?  And if a person doesn’t allow God to bring them comfort and healing, then they cannot be a comfort to others.  Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why there’s negative comments left online, why there’s friction in everyday relationships, and why there’s no healing. 

I believe we were put on this earth to bring honor and glory to God.  How can we do this when we tear down instead of build up?  How can we reach out to those who are hurting if we ourselves won't accept God's healing?  I, for one, want my life experiences to count for something -- and that just could be reaching out to those who hurt.  

Dear Lord, Please help me to draw alongside of those that You send my way.  I want to comfort not hurt … encourage not discourage … support not point fingers.  You brought me through my tough times, now it’s my turn to be a blessing to others.  I call myself a follower of Jesus Christ, please let that be shown in my actions to others.  Amen. 

Happy Birthday, Miss Lucy Michaela

~~~ Happy 2nd Birthday, Lucy Michaela ~~~

Two years ... WOW!!! I know, "time flies when you're having fun" ... but time seems to zip by at the speed of lightning with grandchildren (even one grandchild).

Lucy Michaela entered our world at 2:17pm September 23, 2008.  Mrs. 'Joe had already decided that she was birthing all natural (she sure didn't get that from her Mother).  'Joe was driving 8 hours (actually should have been longer, but ...) from a temporary post to be with his wife (he actually got to the hospital 20-30 minutes after Lucy's grand entrance).  G-G had driven almost 2 hours in morning rush hour traffic to get to the hospital to be with her granddaughter & meet her great-granddaughter. 

Lucy arrived as her Mommy's OBGYN was down the hall attending to another mommy who was birthing too.  So, with only Granny & the attending nurse in the room with Mommy, Lucy Michaela entered our world.

I would love to introduce you to our daughter, son-in-law, and Lucy by inviting you to stop by Mrs. 'Joe's blog .  Granddad & I are very proud of 'our kids' -- not only for them giving us the greatest gift imaginable, but for their service & devotion to God and our country.  And what better day for the introductions as we celebrate Miss Lucy Michaela!

Lucy & Granddad on Sept 24 ... one of my favorite pics

Sept 25 ... Good thing it wasn't Granddad's busy season!

Happy Birthday Lucy!!!

Love, Granny & Granddad 

From 2 to 27 ... Just This Week

This afternoon I had written a new blog post.  This is a monumental week in our household and I had written a monumental post (well, maybe not so monumental, but still ...)  Then, it happened.  With one slip of the finger on an unknown laptop key ... everything gone.  Not in the drafts nor in the history.  Not in Word (like most posts) nor in any other program.  I'm sure the words of the post will come back to me at some point in time.  But, here is a summary of how this one week spans 27 years.

On Wednesday, September 21, 1983  the guy of my dreams asked me out on a date -- 

I could not believe it!!!  I only had 3 days to find the perfect 'outfit', go to classes & go to work ... oh my, not enough time for everything!  Then, Saturday, September 24 ... our first date!  Yeah, I can recall every detail of the perfect date that almost wasn't -- power outage, no hot rollers, no curling iron, no light to see to put on make-up ... But, we actually had a second date, and a third ... 

And that brings us to Tuesday, September 23, 2008 (in a matter of time-traveling for this post).  The day that our world was turned upside-down.  Around 5:15am my cell phone beeped that I had a text message: "my water just broke"  So, Granny & Granddad shift into gear.  'Joe had been called and he was about 9 hours away on duty.  He hits the road as soon as he can get clearance.  The Great Ones (my parents) were called at 5:30am to let them know that Lucy Michaela would make her appearance within the next 24 hours.  

Lucy with her Granny & G-G

The proud Granddad

Granny & Lucy

Granddad couldn't let go of Lucy!

I can honestly say that neither Granny nor Granddad knew what was in front of us when we went out on our first date 27 years ago ... But we wouldn't have missed this ride for the world!  I am so very thankful for my husband and my family.  God is good ALL the time!

 

Lord, Make me a blessing ...

Several years ago a (former) student of mine gave me one of the best gifts I've ever received.  It wasn't a gift card to a restaurant or store ... it wasn't a box of candy or cookies ... it wasn't a monumental, over-the-top "Teacher of the Year" award.  Instead, it was a shadow box with this picture:

I found this today as I was rearranging some 'stuff' around my house.  Then 'it' struck me.  Okay maybe not 'it' ... but rather GOD asked me some pretty tough questions:  

How often have you prayed this short prayer with a servant's heart?  Do you really want Me to make you a blessing or is this just a passing-thing that will soon fade away?  Are you willing to go where I want to lead you to be this blessing? And what if I want you right where you are?  Is this for My glory ... or yours? 

These questions found me wondering: what does it really mean for me to "be a blessing to others"?  Well, one of the things it doesn't mean is self.  In order to "be" a blessing to others, I need to think of someone other than myself --- to place myself lower on the totem-pole.  It means that I may need to take a minute to smile and ask how the cashier's day has been ... or check on how the manager's new grandbaby is doing ... or greet the receptionist with a "good morning" instead of brushing by her in an act of fury for being late.  It may require that I 'go the extra mile' to show someone that I appreciate them -- whether it be family ... friends ... work ... ministry ... or really just about anybody that God puts in my path.  

This Granny is finding herself with some extra time on her hands these days.  And one thing that God is challenging me on is to focus on "being a blessing to others".  I'm learning with each new day just what this really means.  Sometimes I'm a slow learner, but thank God for His new mercies everyday!  I've had some missed-opportunities that I wish I could 'do-over'.  Some I've been given a second chance, but I know others have been lost.  Our former pastor's motto went something like this  

"If you come & go (on your daily life) to get a blessing, you'll lose, but if you come & go (on your daily life) to be a blessing, you can't lose."   What would happen if everybody actually went about life with this attitude?  I will confess that I wish I did more often than I do.  So now ...

My prayer is that God would set me aside so that He can make me a blessing to others 

each and every day.    

And I hope this post has blessed you in some way tonight ... 

     

My Offering of Worship

Magnificent Holy Father, I stand in awe of all I see, Of all the things You have created, But still You choose to think of me.

Who am I that You should suffer, Your very life to set me free, The only thing that I can give You, Is the life You gave to me.

This is my offering, dear Lord, This is my offering to You, God And I will give You my life For it's all I have to give  Because You gave Your life for me.

I stand before You at this altar, So many have given You more, I may not have much I can offer, 

Yet what I have is truly Yours.

This is my offering, dear Lord, This is my offering to You, God And I will give You my life For it's all I have to give  Because You gave Your life for me.

What a beautiful surrender to God Almighty!  To worship Him by giving Him my life.  It's what I give to God outside of being gathered at church.  It's easy to put on a front to others while singing "Lord I lift Your name on high".  It's easy to smile "I'm doing great, how are you".  It's easy to raise my hands as "I give my life to the Potter's Hands". 

Remember when Samuel went to Jesse's house because God had chosen a king from Jesse's sons?  Samuel looked at Eliab and said "Surely the Lord's anointed one is before him!"  But the Lord said to Samuel, " Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."  (I Samuel 16)  

For so many years, I have looked at this passage and just saw the contrast of my looking at someone's physical appearance, but God actually looking deeper into their heart.  But, I've learned over the past several weeks that this passage goes deeper than just the "outward physical appearance".  There's only but so much that I can truly "see" of a person, and only so much someone else can see of me.  But yet, God sees everything.  He sees my life outside my church, my thoughts, my heart, my motives ... yeah, He sees my everything.

My life is my worship to God.  It's my words, my actions, my thoughts, my attitudes, my very most private moments ... every little detail of my life is my worship to God.  I only have one life that God has given to me.  This is the life that I worship Him with --- not just in song, but in every aspect of my breathing.  

I'm coming back to the heart of worship

And it's all about You

It's all about You Jesus.

I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it, 

When it's all about You

It's all about You, Jesus.

My Heart of Worship

When the music fades, And all is stripped away And I simply come

Longing just to bring Something that’s of worth That will bless your heart.

I’ll bring you more than a song For a song in itself Is not what You have required

You search much deeper within Through the ways things appear You’re looking into my heart.

I’m coming back to the heart of worship And it’s all about You All about You, Jesus

I’m sorry Lord for the thing I’ve made it When it’s all about You It’s all about You Jesus.

 

Have you heard the story behind The Heart of Worship?  I encourage you to take time to read it and imagine yourself as a member of the Soul Survivor church in Watford, England.  What would you do if there were no music in your church services?  If your pastor told you that something has been missing from worship – and it’s your heart? 

I remember several years ago a former worship leader asked this question:  What would happen if we actually lived out the words we sing at church on Sundays?  Only trust Him, Only trust Him, He can save you now, And He will surely give you rest by trusting in Him now.  Or how about Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. 

For many years now, the ‘debate’ has been growing about singing hymns in church versus singing contemporary worship songs.  Some people think hymns are the ‘only’ music that is appropriate to worship God.  Others want more contemporary music to relate to their life in today’s society.  My stance on hymns versus contemporary music is this … it really does not matter if you sing a hymn or if you sing a contemporary song.  I do not believe God has a preference to which style of music you sing to Him.  What He is concerned about is our heart attitude.

Let me make a clear statement – I love hymns and I love contemporary worship music.  I really do not have a ‘preference’ as to which style I sing.  I do not think there is a more beautiful image of God than in Amazing Grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost but now am found Was blind but now I see.  Or in Just As I Am without one plea but that thy blood was shed for me And that thou bidst me come to thee O Lamb of God, I come, I come.  

But how much thankful for the gift of salvation than This is my offering dear Lord, this is my offering to You God, I will give You my life for it’s all I have to give because You gave Your life for me.  Or to anticipate His Coming For His returning we watch and we pray We will be ready the dawn of that day We’ll join in singing with all the redeemed ‘Cause Satan is vanquished and Jesus is King.

Each song is so meaningful in its own message.  I cry every time I hear them.  I would quickly run out of space in this post if I copied the lyrics to all of them.  But you know something, if my heart isn’t in the right place, even these most beautiful lyrics will be worthless.  I can sing to the top of my lungs, close my eyes, lift my hands … but if my heart isn’t right with God, the words coming from my mouth are for nothing.  And it doesn’t matter if it’s a hymn or a contemporary worship song. I may be able to put on a front to others around me … but not to God.  He knows me inside and out … better than I know myself. 

But I still feel like I’m missing something … is there more to worship than just my singing songs to God on Sundays?  I already know the answer, but that’s for another post. 

God is not interested in my lip-service ... He's interested in my heart-service.