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.

An Endless Love

Luther Vandross made a single I still enjoy listening to entitled Endless Love. I don't think he was the first to sing it, and Mariah Carey joins him in the ballad. Those who know anything about Luther know he could deliver a mean performance, making lovers grow closer and anyone single want to be loved. Truly, he was a gifted artist who is still missed today.

I have spent a better part of a year's time embracing intervals, changing and growing through seasons, and transitioning-literally and figuratively...From the physical changes on my job to the on-and-off emotional stages.

On most days, I still find it hard to believe I am an adult who lives independently and is blessed immeasurably. On most days, I lift my head from my pillow, hold my head high and smile big to make the best of the day. On most days, while a small sadness may be within, I strive never to allow others to see or know the hurts, trials, or silent prayers prayed asking for confidence, patience, and love.

A few months ago, I was driving and came across a billboard for a popular cellular phone company that read: Signal is Strength. It got me to thinking and truly reflecting on how amazing the love of Christ is for all of us--an Endless Love. Better than any love I have ever experienced from a human, His love is so powerful and more tangible than skeptics question. Where I've been weak, He has brought me people who are strong. When I have questioned or doubted, He has restored loudly and clearly with answers and promotions. Through periods of sadness, He has brought me wonderful, beautiful friendships of those who may not have known or understood my full situation but would give obediently, selflessly, and in timely fashion.

I can sit here and type tonight that a connection to Him--a real relationship--is strength. It is manifested in the growth I have had through my church. I see it in the accountability offered via my best friend, who does not even realize how vital her presence in my life is. There is recognition in the way I feel...about myself and life. Like the little bars one sees on a cellular phone providing information about how strong the signal is, I realize mine is stronger than it has been in a long time...For a moment, I was going through the motions but had hit a real wilderness experience. However, His Endless Love kept strong. While my signal was low, the strenth of His love allowed me to stay within reach to be helped.

Tonight I realize I have an awesome service provider whose signal never fails! I recognize that I have the best life ever (words stolen from VLM). My life is not perfect, but it is special, purposeful, and full of potential. Excitedly, I am embracing the steps ahead because I know there is an endless love where the strength of it is so strong that even if I wander off the path, a signal will bring me back...He guides me.

Enjoying Time While I Wait...

Congratulations, Serena
Williams, on another Wimbleton win! I am feeling like a winner today, too.

The message has been pretty in-my-face these past few weeks regarding where I am and need to be...

"God will strengthen us and enable us to handle life peacefully
and wisely if we start praying about things instead of merely
trying to get through the day. When we take time with God and listen to His
voice, He renews our strength and enables us to handle life and not be weary.
But we have to start by using the time we have wisely by always putting God first."

-- Joyce Meyer

Psalm 40:1-3 "I waited patiently for the LORD;he turned to me and heard my cry.He lifted me out of the slimy pit,out of the mud and mire;he set my feet on a rockand gave me a firm place to stand.He put a new song in my mouth,a hymn of praise to our God."

"Those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired."
— Isaiah 40:31

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!

Being a Wise Guy (or Gal)

Consider this: "It's God that answers."

What comes to mind with the statement? Does it give you peace? Is it a bit of an indifferent feeling, or do you feel I need to offer a little more before you can respond to the questions?

My sarcasm has a way of interrupting progress and hurting feelings, especially when I get on a roll. My dealings with children often causes me to be aware of my mouth and I remind myself of the importance of modeling good behavior for the adults and children I connect with daily. However, the reality is I do have my moments...There is a little wise guy/gal in all of us if we are honest with ourselves. In thought, tongue, or actions, it is the wise guy who gets the laughs and attention--not only in life, but on the main stage...With such glorification along with some of the perks that come in putting others in their place, who wouldn't want to have a small measure of "wise guy" in them?

Proverbs 16 starts out with some peaceful truths that should hopefully remind us that he will answer when we're "wise"--the right way--in him:

"To human beings the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. People may think all their ways are pure, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (Proverbs 16:1-3)

To transition due to my being a little behind with my posts each day, Proverbs 17 discusses the positive traits and characteristics of a friend. A familiar passage is verse 17:

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

What type of wise guy are you? Are you using your words to hurt, put down, kill & destroy, OR do you put truth out there in order to strengthen your neighbor?

Remember the say growing up, "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say it at all"? I think we need to remember to check our attitudes at the door in order to be better for those in our environments. Working to be more appreciative and cheerful makes life so much sweeter.

For work, we're aiming for continuous improvement in several areas. And, while the heart of my organization is learning and teaching, the reality is nothing can be accomplished without the establishment of strong, solid relationships. Relationships require us to keep wisdom in view in making decisions in the best interest of others. From strong relationships are such descriptors as trust, love, joy, peace, kindness--fruits of the spirit that are spoken of in Galatians.

If your tree is bearing "bad" fruit, perhaps you're not putting the right things into it that are needed for proper growth: a little (holy) water, some food (daily bread/the Word), and of course "son"light.

What type of "wise" guy/gal are you? One who is wise in the Lord and attracting/drawing in others to Christ, or are you avoiding the Good Director's plan for your life in order to have a show full of drama???

The awesome thing about a journey with Christ is he always allows for second, third, and fourth performances to perfect your role. And, he won't recast you if your motives are right and you desire him to be in control.

Each day we're on some one's main stage. Work to have your performance feel right the first time in order to not feel like you have to do it over and over. This comes with studying the lines to become the best wise guy you can be.

Break a leg!

Wee Hour Thinking. Then Rest.

Does walking in darkness provide a logical reason for also choosing to then walk backwards? Too often we allow the setbacks & disadvantages of this life to pave the way for making more excuses. Are we then sabotaging ourselves by creating more obstacles and barriers simply because we can? Thinking it seems the logical, practical thing to do? Cripple myself more???

I've been forced more recently to reflect on my current state. While I'm not where I need to be, I cannot allow myself to walk backwards in the dark simply because I already can't see. No, I determine that walking in darkness can't be the set-up to set me back--not when I have so many resources and supports that could successfully pull me forward, leading me through and out of the darkness.

I keep asking God to show & reveal it to me. I've got silence. But, just maybe He's planting things right in the darkness & asking--needing--me to stop walking backwards.

God helps those who help themselves.

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!