Happily Ever Laughter

What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with lots of laughter...and with those you love? Love and laughter. The world needs more of it!

Rain captured the evening, preventing firework shows in the area, but I had not really plotted seeing any. My nontraditional day of activities prevailed in happy moments...I had a lazy morning and start to the day, hanging with my BFF, VLM. We went shopping and had a ball as usual finding some fun July 4th gear. For the afternoon/evening fun, I was able to join LBP and her family in good fellowship, playing Nines, and eating until my heart was content.

As I thank God for the opportunity to laugh, I also thank Him for the freedom I have found in becoming a slave to Him...Surely, that sounds a bit undone or unpolished--raw even...The subject was actually a part of my day's devotion reading. When I strive to model Jesus' ways, there are gifts and benefits. I feel better about myself and my circumstances. Oddly enough, there is much grace and favor that come in dying to flesh...There is a fullness that cannot be described, but life is better and--I dare say--easier.

Researching laughter surfaces facts such as it leading to a healthier and happier life. There is a lot of truth in that. Additionally, though, the freedom to easily laugh comes in dying regularly to live..."Jesus' call to die to our own agenda each day will make it possible for us to really live. Follow His example of the paradoxical life: As He died in order to live. He surrendered to achieve victory and He won everything by losing everything."

I am trusting in Him to guide me daily...It makes appreciating a holiday like today's that much richer.

Connect the Dots

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. dot 1 - Generosity
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... dot 2 - Encouragement
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.. dot 3 - Support
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.. dot 4 - Joy...
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.. dot 5 - Love . .
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My intention is not to change but inspire you.

Do you remember as a child the amount of activities in school requiring you to connect-the-dots? Perhaps, it was your parent or family member who liked to buy you activity books with the game.

Being a person who loved puzzles, the idea of putting dots together seldom seemed bothersome. In fact, there were times when I found it a relief to have mindless work, where I could get out some crayons or color pencils and show my creativity and skills. On a few occasions I would become a little perturbed with how easy this game of making a picture was (e.g., knowing it was of a Christmas tree or banana), but I still went along and did the assignment or went through the entire activity book.

So, as an adult, what on earth could a game like connect-the-dots have to do with my world now? While I am an educator, that is not the purpose. For two weeks in a row, I have attended church an had the message to speak loud volumes to me about how I am living, what I am doing, and (more importantly) answering the questions I continue to visit in prayer. At times, it is pretty mind-boggling...almost a bit scary...yet in the same moment there is relief.

This idea takes two directions...

There are current dots in my life I continue to try to connect, and I feel as though the "big" picture is not turning into the masterpiece it's meant to be. For me, this hurts because like a good child and student I am putting everything in it (e.g. love, support, etc.) but can't seem to have a nice return. Yep, I know that is screaming rip that puppy up and move on to an easier puzzle or new challenge. The stubbornness in me desires to keep at it, thinking that perhaps the fault isn't in the creation but the one trying to do the puzzle...The truth is, though, maybe the issue isn't puzzle or the person doing the puzzle but that it's not meant to be solved.

In another thought, there is beauty in knowing that I don't ever have to worry about the BIG picture because as long as I am faithful in following God's will and walking in my purpose, the dots connecting and path followed--the good and bad--will lead me to the masterpiece He desires. And, isn't that really what it is all about?

I am defeated but never destroyed. I am tested but will not grow tired.

There is a systematic order to the game connect-the-dots, and for this I am grateful. There is a lesson in discipline, obedience, and following. As puzzling as it is, we've got to keep at the bigger game called life, knowing that it was never meant that we live life in sadness, depression or with a feeling of worthlessness. If I cannot be of good or use to another's dot connecting, I've got to go back to my own and ensure I am moving to the proper dot on the page.

Do More...

Recently, my boss and I planned a retreat for our leadership team. We desired to set the tone by having a few icebreakers at the beginning. One of the activities called for a response to a phrase or question. I happened to get the one that asked that I share my life's slogan(s). Well, two quotes/slogan immediately surfaced: A. Find the good and praise it; and B. Just do it! I did not share both quotes. I focused more on the one that stresses finding the good and praising it, which overlapped into the second quote that's a popular phrase from the familiar brand Nike.

As I read over Proverbs 24 today, the verses to stand out for me were verses 16-18: "For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again but the wicked are brought down by calamity. Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him."

This goes back to motives...As I shared in another entry, this has been a recurring theme for me--one that has convicted me. As I read in a great blog about proverbs today, initial thoughts in reading this chapter are of relief. You see your faults and know that God will carry you; however, I immediately tripped/stumbled over the words that would follow about our "enemies". I know there are times when I hope I'll prevail to prove or make a point to others. The reminder and truth is that should not be of my concern. In fact, if I get real with myself, I should go back up to one of the earlier verses in the chapter that also stood out while reading:

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures" (vs. 3, 4).

I am working to establish my home--literally and figuratively. I realize that in the settings where I dwell, I possess the power to affect the atmosphere, which can be one filled in those virtuous things spoken of in the Bible and valued by God, or the very same things He brings up in contrast to these positive characteristics.

On Sunday, our pastor challenged us to be the best we could be, doing more to overcome the Enemy known as Average. John L. Mason is the author of a book, which preaches and teaches to this type of stinking thinking. We must strive to be excellent and with the right, proper motives--not to prove anyone wrong or show off, receive fame, etc. etc.

When we work to give our best, it just makes life better for all involved. I'm stiving to do and be more...in every area of my life. This summer has been a season of being stretched. I feel myself expanding.

Living Life Skillfully

The latest battle has been doing with a cheerful heart. While I am often doing things for others at work, with children I mentor, and in my personal life, I am not always enthusiastic about doing it. In fact, I have a few close people in my life who I typically turn to in order to complain about why I feel things tend to fall in my lap to take care of or get done. It is hard trying not to show the frustration, exhaustion or irritation when it comes to needing people to step up to the plate and JUST DO IT. If you have the ability to and can help somebody, just do it...It's what I tend to model for others regularly. However, this week I was convicted due to my outer and inner not aligning. I do, but I knew in my heart I was going through the motions, expecting something in return, and becoming angry because I desired credit or appreciation in return.

I am reminded of Proverbs 19:21, "You can make many plans, but the LORD'S purpose will prevail."

Regardless of what those around me may be doing, God's only concerned with my motives and actions. It is my desire to please him. And, fortunately for me--all of us--he cares enough that regardless of how simple we may act or respond to his will, he will still take us to that place of fulfilling our purposes.

As I come to the last week of studying Proverbs, perhaps what I've been constantly reminded of in this book are the following: fellowship/actions with others, practical instruction for life, preparation for any day of the week on the hour, and (of course) the importance of wisdom and applying it.

God is my source. When I think of everything He's sacrificed and given me, I'm reminded that I ought to give my very BEST in everything...not for glory, benefits, handouts, or anything else, but simply because I can because God has equipped me to be able to do so. I want to be the best me I can be because I was created by the best there ever was...Why wouldn't I want to showcase Him in my swagger (Laughing)?!

And, it is funny or ironic: The more we give, serve and do, the more we're blessed. When we're obedient, life comes together. Why simply exist in the world??? LIVE!

I am skilled in living (for him), which makes every challenge or situation I face one that can be managed, achieved and overcame!

Life in the Fast Lane

RIGHT-OF-WAY
Traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings do not always resolve traffic conflicts. A green light, for example, does not resolve the conflict between a car turning left at an intersection while an oncoming car is going straight through. The right-of-way rule helps resolve these kinds of conflicts. They tell the drivers who goes first and who must wait in different situations.

I'm not a bad driver I tell myself. I love to drive, but perhaps I scare those who have to sit in the passenger seat and surrender to my control. I think I got a big head when in driver's ed. I had very little experience when my hands touched the wheel, but my instructor praised me to the highest for how quickly I caught on. She was quite comfortable in the passenger's seat letting me take us all throughout the county and neighboring towns.

So, the other night when headed back to work, I couldn't help but start thinking and doing a self-examination when the woman in the car facing me started shaking her head at me like I had done something terribly wrong. She had a green light, but the turning arrow had disappeared, meaning she had a signal to yield to the oncoming traffic: ME. I was the traffic with the right-of-way. However, she was determined to cross over traffic and had I not slowed myself there surely would have been an accident. I had to put on brakes and offer her the completion of her turn, as she stared me down and offered choice words.

For a moment I felt the need to throw up my hands, honk, and make some gestures to her about looking at the lights; however, my spirit was calmed. I stopped. What if her signal was still showing she had the right-of-way? The car behind her had appeared anxious to turn as well. Was I doing something wrong? No...the cars behind me were continuing as well...How often in life do we miss or misread signals? And, in misinterpreting the signals, are we then shunned, not forgiven or dismissed completely?

Daily, I am in a role where I have to be able to read signals to help resolve conflicts. Those signs help me determine the approach. And, no two situations are typically alike.

I also know that I'm one those who at times falls short of always following the signs that have been put so blatantly and clearly before us to get us safely to our destination. My impatience gets the best of me. Or, I am so caught up in my own thoughts, I neglect paying attention because the route is so routine. In my negligence, I don't want to miss the "signs" planted before me for detours, nor do I want to overlook the scenery because I'm so rushed.

What should have been an annoyance and irritant to me, became a blessing. On the literal level, I was kept from what could have been a bad situation. On a more figurative level, I brought to some revelations on life and reminded that the fast lane doesn't always mean I will make it to the finish line and come out the best.

Cruising. On a Sunday afternoon...and I'll work to be a better cruiser in more areas of my life.

DayLIFE Saving Time

The second Sunday in March is the start of Daylight Saving Time for North America. At 2 A.M., we lose an hour of sleep; however, our days become longer in that we have more daylight.

While I hated losing an hour, it is nice to begin leaving out of work with it still appearing to be light outside. This past week will not really count for me since I had to keep later hours in preparation for testing with our eighth graders. And, I cannot stress how glad I am that we do not have to do anymore major testing until May...Yes, it is right around the corner, but I've got a little time. Allow me to enjoy it.

This innovative idea of daylight saving first began with Benjamin Franklin. He created an essay to discuss his thoughts, but not much was really done with the concept. Later, the argument would be propelled by William Willett who created pamphlets to explain to people how they were wasting daylight--particularly during the Spring and Summer months.

So, in my studying and quiet time with God, the concept struck me: DayLIFE Saving.

In this season of Lent and giving up something--in my case the television--we are to insert time of prayer and study in to draw closer to Him. Yes, there is sacrifice involved, but the benefits are worthwhile. I dread the loss of an hour, but appreciate the gaining of lighter, longer evenings. Similarly, I have in some ways dreaded the loss of those things that I have given up for this period of 40 days, but I have truly been blessed with the LIFE saving nuggets of wisdom God has graced me with over the last couple of weeks.

Small moments of time with him are so much greater in the end. I am growing, learning, and better realizing more effective ways to use my time. More so, I am more caught up in remembering powerful verses and positive words that speak to me during the more stressful moments of life. My intake is good although I still need to work on my eating habits!

When you start putting in, you'll stop stressing out (Psalm 71). Meditate on that.

Now, it is off to another exciting week of work. I must get myself ready for rest!