Old Friends Are Some of the Best

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man's counsel is sweet to his friend. Proverbs 27:9

Yesterday, I had coffee with an "old" friend I've known for over 15 years. I am sincerely blessed to have her, as well as other godly friends, surrounding me. Their counsel IS sweet because they share truth and that resonates with my spirit. They don't simply nod and smile because truth doesn't always prompt nods or smiles. That's my kind of friend and that is the person I will go to for counsel.

Deliver me from the "yes" crowd. They mean well, but stunt spiritual growth faster than the wisteria grows in my yard (and that's lightening fast!).

How about you? Do you find comfort or discomfort in the midst of those who always agree with you? Why is that?

Digging Below the Surface

I found this idea on Sarah's blog, who found it on Courtney and Kim's blogs, who found it on Ginger's, Debra's and Jamie's blog. It was a little scary, especially for this introvert, but definitely therapeutic. Thanks girls!

i am: intentional
i think: I was standing in the wrong line when the Lord was doling out adventurous spirits
i know: I am loved by my Father, my husband and family
i want: my kids and the generations to follow to love Christ with all of their heart.
i have: more than I could have ever dreamed possible
i wish: that the Church could see itself as one incredibly powerful team
i hate: to see children suffering
i hear: rain falling on my window pane
i feel: like a poet; at peace; content with my present circumstances
i miss: my grandmother
i fear: my life not making an impact for the Kingdom
i smell: Starbucks Pike Place roast...and a wet dog
i crave: quiet time
i search: for truth - nothing more, nothing less
i wonder: why God created mosquitoes
i regret: Brian and I not being able to have children together
i love: my hubby; my family; cool breezes on my back porch; simplicity
i ache: over missed opportunities
i care: how others feel, sometimes too much
i always: schedule my days the night before
i am not: easily persuaded when I feel strongly about something
i believe: the cycle of divorce will end with me (thank you, Lord)
i dance: to 70's music like there's no tomorrow
i sing: loudly in my car
i cry: easily when I think of my grandmother or when I'm misunderstood
i don't always: appreciate my blessings
i fight/wrestle: with myself over fears (traveling)
i write: because it unlocks a part of me that would not be shared otherwise
i win: when I see my family happy
i lose: when I put myself before others
i never: say never
i confuse: perceptions and reality when it comes to my self-image
i listen: pretty well. What was the question?
i can usually be found: trying to improve something
i am scared: of too much
i need: a personal chef
i am happy about: life in general

Now it's your turn....

What happens when the hubby is gone?

Picture it.


What you hear:

• 70's music galore
• the sound of magazine pages slowly being turned, one by one

What you don't hear:

• bluegrass music
• lots of laughter (thankfully, Brian and I have the same sense of humor which is sorely missed when he's away)
  

What you see:

• a very pathetic puppy named Rupert (see above)
  
• empty Breyers Ice Cream cartons
• dancing that only Elaine fans could appreciate
• chick flicks into the wee hours of the morning

What you smell:

• coffee brewing
• candles burning
• Eucalyptus Mint Method Tub & Tile Wipes (have mercy! They almost smell good enough to make me enjoy cleaning...almost.)

What you don't smell:

• anything cooking in the oven
  

It's times like these when Brian is thankful to be married to an only child (aka loner). I love being by myself for short periods of time but not nearly as much as I enjoy the hubster being here. He's heading home from France today (yea!).

Goodbye Eucalyptus Mint. Hello Easy Off Fume Free Oven Cleaner.

Kick it Up a Notch

"Kick it up a notch!" Those were the words I sensed in my spirit a few months back when considering the aspect of discipleship in my life. I wasn't quite sure where the Holy Spirit was leading, but as the song says "Where you go, I go." That is my heart's desire.

In the weeks following, the thought of mentoring a younger woman (Titus 2) kept coming to mind. However, the person did not, so I simply remained open to the idea, knowing that if it was the Spirit's prompting, He would pull it all together. My flesh need not bother.

Since the initial promptings, a lot has happened. In all honesty, I totally forgot about it. The Holy Spirit did not.

Fast forward to today. I received an unexpected email from a young woman whom I've had the privilege of getting to know over the past year. The question posed to me? You guessed it! "Would you consider being my mentor?" Oh sweet Holy Spirit.

I love His timing. His leading. His comfort. His discomfort. His discipline. His wisdom. His discernment. His truth.

How Would You Define Discipleship?

Mark Waltz, Pastor of Connections at Granger Community, attempts to answer this question and more on his post today. Check it out here.

Let's Go Fishing

I'm psyched. One of my favorite shows, "Deadliest Catch" is coming on now. The reason I like it? Because you'll never catch me on a ship, on the Bering Sea no less, surrounded by frigid water, sub freezing temps, stinky bait and men who haven't showered in days. But I sure do enjoy watching someone else do it!

Optimize Your Portfolio

"Being rich is having money; being wealthy is having time."
Margaret Bonnano

When it comes to finding ways to practically make the most of my time, I am all over it. Maybe to a fault. Maybe not. Oh well, why spend time debating it?

I have read my share of books on time management and organization but the best one by far has been "Simplify Your Time...Stop Running & Start Living" by Marcia Ramsland. She wrote another book, "Simplify Your Life" that is also amazing. Check out her site here.

If you're looking to optimize your portfolio in terms of time, this book is a must read.

AARP, Here I Come

Our son Zach is convinced that the moment you take an interest in bird-watching, you become an eligible candidate for an AARP (American Association for Retired Persons) membership.

This wild and woolly nest, tucked away in a corner on our front porch, has been home for a mother mourning dove and her little one for a couple of weeks now. Last night, while watching the mother bird feed her fledgling, Psalm 91 came to mind. "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." v. 4. It was comforting to see the mother bird sitting atop her young, caring for its every need. So, imagine my surprise when I realized she had not visited the nest all day. The fledgling sat at the edge of the ledge (see above) as if he were waiting for someone to yell, "Jump!"

The cool part? The mother dove was never far away. You could hear her cooing close by...and so could the fledgling.

What I learned from my AARP experience:

• Our God uses simple illustrations for simple-minded people (thankfully!)
• Only under his feathers will we find protection.
  
• Only under his wings will we find refuge. A place of rest. A safe place. A place where we are not only known completely, but also loved completely.
  
• Although there will be times when we will not sense the Lord to be as close as other times, we can be certain he is near.
  
• This certainty is not based on feelings, which can often lead us astray, but rather, it is based on the fact that we, like the fledgling, recognize his voice above all others. (John 10:4)

Zach, I have only three words for you -- "Sign me up!" :)

Childhood Revisted

While going through my grandmother's things in recent weeks, we discovered every single note, Valentine, and card I had ever written to her. Also, tucked away in one of her back closets were 4 of my childhood dolls. As you can see, this one has seen better days (like 35 years ago!) but seeing them was a fun escape back to childhood, if only for a few minutes.

Kem Meyer posted a link to one clueful (and all too relevant) site on her blog this morning. Check out this excerpt from the Escape Adulthood Manifesto:

Adultitis: A common condition occurring in people between the ages of 21-121, marked by chronic dullness, moderate to extreme high stress levels, a general fear of change, and, in some cases, the inability to smile. Patients can appear aimless, discontent, and anxious about many things. Onset can be accelerated by an excess burden of bills, overwhelming responsibilities, or a boring work life. Generally, individuals in this condition are not fun to be around.

Where's a swing set when you need one?

Birthday Girls

This week we are celebrating our two favorite girl's, Sarah and Megan's, birthdays!

We celebrated Sarah's birthday this past Sunday. Brian and I attended church with Zach and Sarah, along with Sarah's parents and then headed over to her choice of restaurants, Mimi's Cafe. It was a blast hanging out with the Slice family and friends. I was very disappointed, however, to learn they had discontinued my favorite muffin, banana chocolate chip. sigh. Stephanie, how could you let this happen? :) Anywhoo, it was a pleasure celebrating Sarah's birthday on Sunday.

Tonight, we'll be celebrating Megan's birthday (which is officially tomorrow!). She has a big birthday weekend coming up. Brandon has something special planned for her tomorrow night and then her parents come to town to celebrate on Saturday.

Happy Birthday girls!!!

When I Think of the Great Commission...

I think about one of the most faithful and dynamic couples our family knows, David and Sarah Baker. They live and breathe the Great Commission.

"Our passion moves us to choose one path over another, and it is as unique as a fingerprint." Dan B. Allender, PhD.

In January 2008, David and Sarah chose the path that would lead them to Prague, Czech Republic to start a Christian-run hostel, The Mosaic House. Their Passion is undeniable. Check out their story here.

Stop and Smell the... Lilacs?

While scurrying around the yard I caught a wiff of something wonderful. The old adage "stop and smell the roses" immediately came to mind as I was drawn to this plant and away from my yard duties. If only you could "scratch-n-sniff" these old-fashioned lilacs!

I'll admit it. Pausing in general isn't easy for me. How about you? When is the last time you paused to receive those things which God has placed around you as specific reminders of his splendor?

"Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Psalm 46:10, 11

Synergy Defined

I saw a cardiologist today. Nothing major - just minor heart flutters. I thought by now my heart would be accustomed to a little fluttering with such an awesome hubster around (Brian, see garden dream list in 4/12/08 posting) ... but apparently it is not.

The cardiologist tried his best to explain to me how the heart functions - how every vessel running through the heart is designed to contract at the same time, thus creating a synergy known as a heartbeat.

Synergy: A mutually advantageous conjunction where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

As vital as synergy is to the human heart, it is even more so to the Church. Rich coined the phrase "DNA" when describing particular strengths and characteristics among the churches within our community. (If anyone can coin a phrase, it's Rich Butler!) Each church, playing a vital role -- a "vessel", if you will -- in the kingdom. And yet we know the real synergy takes place when all the "vessels" culminate to produce one heartbeat. The heartbeat of Jesus Christ.

Dreams vs. Reality

Today has been a dreamin' kind of day. And when it comes to making landscaping plans, this girl can dream. The sketch above is one of countless others since our moving here a few years ago. Here's a quick run-down of my landscaping dreams...followed by harsh realities.

Dream: A water feature. Perhaps a vintage two tiered fountain or pond?
Reality: A plastic bucket filled with last week's rain. Free housing for mosquitos just waiting to happen.

Dream: Beautiful roses climbing gracefully over a beautiful arbor or pergola.
Reality: Our neighbor's unruly and invasive wisteria growing atop our unruly and invasive viburnum shrubbery. It's a sight to behold, trust me.

Dream: Cobblestone pathways winding through lush, green fragrant "garden rooms" peppered with roses and hydrangeas.
Reality: Crabgrass.

Dream: Picket fences and defined spaces.
Reality: Thanks to my awesome hubster, these two dreams WILL become a reality within the next couple of weeks.

So, with these stark realities at every turn, why continue dreaming? Because when I look at my yard, I do not see what everyone else sees. I see what could be. Beauty waiting to happen.

He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Eccl 3:11

A dream? Thankfully, no.
A reality? Oh yes, and one we cannot begin to fathom. God has made - it's a done deal we can count on - everything beautiful in its time. Everything.

I needed to be reminded of this tonight. How about you?

What Do You Value Most?

An excerpt from the book "To Be Told", by Dan B. Allender PhD:

"We are the sum of every yes that we utter...A yes or a no reflects what we value most and determines the end toward which we will move."

I may have just read this today at lunch time, but I will be chewing on it for quite awhile.

Funny Thing

So who doesn't want to save a little money? While in the grocery line this week, I spot the top title, consider the possibility that I could be a member of Money Wasters Anonymous (something Brian would consider a reality), and decide to purchase it. Hey, I spent 1.99, but think of all the money I'll save!

Wrong. As I began reading it, the articles looked all too familiar. Yep. You guessed it. Not only had I already read it, I had also torn out a couple of pages I wanted to keep and dropped it in my recycling box for pick-up last week. I couldn't help but laugh.

Oh, the humanity.

My Hiding Place

Where is your hiding place? You know what I mean. I'm referring to those places of comfort you find yourself when your soul is in need of a little TLC.

This morning my hiding place turned out to be our backyard. There is something therapeutic about the great outdoors. It naturally lends itself to creating wondrous moments with the Creator and this morning was no exception. As I tended to my garden, I was quietly reminded of the many ways my Father tends to me.

And when I read today's scripture verse found in my daily devotional? Well, let's just say I was ready to come out of hiding. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10

"You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble and surround me
with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:8

Imagine My Surprise

This morning, I received a feedback comment from my Feb. 26 posting. It turned out to be the author of one of the books mentioned in the post! OK. My day is pretty much made and it's only 8:30 am.

Jeff Calloway, author of "VisionalLife", took the time to thank me for purchasing the book (his first!) and pointed me to a free study guide that can be downloaded at www.visionallife.com. Check it out. For the record, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It's a great read for those desiring to learn, in practical terms, what it means to live out God's passion for their lives. It's especially good for those interested in church-planting as Jeff shares valuable insights from his own experiences in that realm of ministry.

While in review mode, here's a quick follow up to other books mentioned in previous posts:

• "To Be Told", by Dan B. Allender, PhD continues to be a very thought-provoking read. It has never taken me so long to read a book, but it's solely by choice.
  
• "The Little Red Writing Book", by Brandon Royal. Rich was right. This little red book is worth its weight in gold. Interested in honing your writing skills? This is a must read.
• "Heaven is a Place on Earth...Why Everything You Do Matters To God", by Michael E. Wittmer. I'm getting a late start on this one, at least from my perspective. But perhaps the timing couldn't be better. I'll keep you posted!

Things I Enjoy & Why

• Spending time with the hubster & kids. We had a blast kicking off the frisbee golf season yesterday afternoon!
• Days like today. Sunny, nice breeze, 65 degrees. Need I say more?
• Our 1930's aluminum glider. It's not the prettiest thing. OK, actually, it is one of the ugliest things we own right now, but it rides like a dream on our back porch, my hide-a-way.
• Our front porch swing. This is where we land when we want to watch the cars go by, hear the kids laughter spill over from the park or simply enjoy the breeze that only a wrap-around porch can bring.
• Our circa 1911 house. To think of all the memories that have been made in a house that's withstood almost 100 years is pretty amazing.
  
• Channel 927. I guess I'd better clarify this just in case our channel numbers differ. It's 70's music. Have mercy. I can get some serious cleaning done with Boston playing in the background!
  
• Guitar Hero. To take a break from cleaning.
  
• Authentic people...like them or not.
  
• Blogging. Both ways. I enjoy reading and writing.
  

Question. How about you?

It's Been One of Those Weeks

Sorry it's been such a slow posting week/weekend.
I'll catch up with you this afternoon!

Picture It

Picture it: My rainy-relaxing-quiet-may do some cleaning but doubt it- kind of day which includes a cup of my favorite tea in one of my favorite tea cups. Love it.

Today

Today:

• I woke up at 4 am. Nope, I didn't forget to take Lunesta. It was a divine awakening.

• I continue to stay awake because...

• I redeemed the coupon above for a FREE any-size treat from Starbucks. Read more here.

• Read a great post from Batterson's blog. I'm not sure how I got two days behind.
  

• Became convinced that God created cold rainy days for venti lattes, good books, and naps. Now that sounds divine!
  

A Place Few People Want to Go

This is my last surviving grandparent, lovingly known as “Ma-Ma”, sitting with my hubster, Brian. I was blessed to be able to spend a lot of time with both sets of grandparents growing up. Time which would leave an indelible mark on my life.

Ma-Ma was well-known in her little community of Fairforest, just outside Spartanburg. She baked pound cakes to cut and share with sick friends or shut-ins on a weekly basis. The gifts of mercy and encouragement were key ingredients.

She also made a habit of taking me to nursing homes where her frail friends and family resided. In all honesty, those were the last places I wanted to be, but Ma-Ma would quickly remind me that Jesus would be doing the same thing and how much it meant to those we were visiting.

Today, thirty-five years later, I’m heading over to visit Ma-Ma, who now resides in a nursing home (a.k.a. assisted living). When I go there, I will be at ease. I will look forward to touching the arms of those lingering in the hallways or saying hello to people who cannot return the favor. I will especially look forward to seeing my grandmother’s face light up when I walk into the room.

Isn't it cool how my grandmother, all those years ago, took me to a place where few people wanted to go, and now, because of this very reason, I look forward to visiting her in the place where she resides? I'm thankful for Ma-Ma's willingness to not only treat me to fun outings as her granddaughter, but to also show me the painful and lonely side of life. I look forward to passing that same unforgettable blessing on to my grandchildren.

At age 89, she continues to tell people about Jesus in her assisted living home. I want to be like her when I grow up.