Celebrations

The Groovies are headed to the coast this weekend to celebrate Kelley's 25th wedding anniversary. The Groovies are all about celebrations, especially if is has to do our our marriages or our families. Since all but two couples are in blended marriages, it's a treat to honor one couple's dedication to making it work after all these years.

Heaven knows, the politically correct gang is not on their side. Hollywood celebrities are worshiped for their willingness to change spouses on a regular basis just to keep things fresh and exciting. Jumping off a cliff into the ocean would do the same thing, with a lot less emotional turmoil and baggage

I'm one of the Groovies who went through the pain of an unwanted divorce. I'm happily remarried but as shocking as it may sound, I would have preferred being a widow over being a divorcee. At least I used to feel that way. I've since forgiven my ex-husband for my pain. I'm still working on the pain it caused our son. But God is good, and He's helping me work through the tough stuff and replacing it with joy.

Generational Love

My son was home this weekend for a quick but sweet visit. The best part for me was watching my Mom's eyes light up when she saw her grandson. They have a very special relationship and he affectionately calls her Gramcracker. It's a relationship that is based on pure love and respect for each other. At 92, Mom still has sage advice for my son ~ and he listens to her. It's a generational thing. I"m content to let her do the talking while I just bathe in the beauty of their love.

Soap Box, Greed and Joy

I'm on my soap box today because I'm not a happy camper. The source of my frustration is human greed as it has been playing out in the financial arena. The source of my frustration is watching cheaters and liars, both the big guys and the little guys, walk away from debt and responsibility ~ and then the rest of us are supposed to pick up the tab.

Kerry Killinger is one of those big guys. This former head of WaMu (Washington Mutual Bank) took a 120 year old company into financial ruin over the course of 5 quick years while he freely walked away with over $54million in compensation.

The little guy is someone's neighbor who trashed his new house before deserting both it and his mortgage obligation.

God's Word is forceful and direct on the subject of loving money above all else, because He knows that worshiping money can unleash personal, relational, social and economic havoc.

I'm not a happy camper when I pitch my tent in the world. But my source of joy is that as a follower of Jesus Christ, my citizenship belongs in heaven.

Lord, thank you for your wise and solid teachings on money. My inclination is to despise those who grow rich on the backs of others, but I know that You love both the rich and poor alike. Justice is yours, not mine, to dispense. So Lord, help me forgive the greedy; help me to see them as people who need You just as much as I do.

Religion, Social Justice and Politics Part 4

The last in my series covers a topic that suggests that Christians need not to affiliate with any particular party but be focused on the issues, regardless of political affiliation. So the last of my vote-smart series covers:

Works that Suggest that Christianity Transcends Politics and Party Affiliations

A New Kind of Conservative by Joel Hunter

The Divided States of America? - what liberals and conservatives are missing in the God-and-country shouting match by Richard Land

Beyond Left and Right - helping Christians makes sense of American politics by Amy E Black

The Case of Civility - and why our future depends on it by OS Guiness

The Future of Faith in American Politics by David Gushee

No, I have not read all the books recommended in my four-part series. However, I have made a personal commitment to read at least one in each category. Let's get some dialogue going on this topic.

(References from Cornerstoneweb.org)

Kind Words About My Dad

Yesterday I posted about how much I miss my Dad. I decided to contact my ex-husband. I wanted to talk to someone who remembered Dad before ~ before the dimentia.

Rick had nothing but kind words to say about my Dad and I know he spoke from his heart when he said, "I've known your Dad since I was 17 years old. He was a man's man, a product of his generation. I think the world of him."

I think the world of you, too, Dad, and I know that Rick was speaking for everyone who knew you.

Religion, Social Justice and Politics Part 3

In the Bible, Christians are admonished to get involved in and support our government. The question is how to do it in a God-honoring way. So the topic of part 3 of my series is:

Encouraging Christians to Engage in Political Activities in Order to Influence Governments for the Kingdom of God

Culture Shift - engaging current issues with timeless truth by Al Mohler

How Would Jesus Vote? - a Christian perspective on the issues by D James Kennedy

God & Government - an insider's view on the boundaries between faith and politics by Charles Colson

(Resources provided by Cornerstoneweb.org)

Difficult Anniversaries and Beloved Birthdays

I love this photo of my Dad and his five brothers. Dad's the one in the middle. He later gained another brother when his family adopted a childhood friend.

This past weekend was the one-year anniversary of interring my father's remains in the family plot on the east coast. It's a difficult anniversary to acknowledge. I miss my Dad.

Autumn was a lovely time to officially say goodbye. My Dad loved autumn. He loved the crisp cool mornings and warm afternoons. He loved the colorful leaves. He loved deer hunting, although it became more about being in the woods than bagging a deer. He didn't like all the get-ready-for-winter stuff like putting up the storm windows, but he didn't complain much.

My Dad was not a complainer. Even at the end of his life when he was very ill, he never complained. Dad just didn't want to burden anyone. And Dad was tough. He was the proverbial don't-sweat-the-small-stuff kind of guy. He also didn't sweat the big stuff much, either. He just dealt with life and moved on.

I miss you, Dad. I miss your wisdom. I miss your love. I miss knowing you were always there for me no matter what.

I love you, Dad. You were and always will be my hero.

I'm am posting this on your first birthday in heaven. Happy Birthday, Dad.

In Continued Celebration of Autumn

Religion, Social Justice and Politics Part 2

To be an informed Christian voter is to be an effective Christian voter. I have found that TV, radio, internet, magazines, and newspapers are not the best resources for a Christian perspective on religion, social justice and politics. So part 2 of my series features in-depth readings on:

Sharply Distinguishing between the Role of the Church and the State:

The God Strategy - how religion became a political weapon in America by David Domke & Kevin Cole

The Myth of a Christian Nation - how the quest for political power is destroying the church by Gregory Boyd

Thumpin' It - the use and abuse of the Bible in today's presidential politics by Jacques Berlinerblau

Unchristian America - living with faith in a nation that never was under God by Michael Babcock

The next post on this subject will be on Friday. Sept 26th. (Resources from Cornerstoneweb.org)

Religion, Social Justice and Politics Part 1

In the interests of the upcoming election, I'm going to do something I don't normally do on this blog, I'm going to address four issues head on regarding the church and politics. I am not going to provide editorial comment, just resources for you to go to and work out in your own mind the relationship between religion, social justice and politics. I'd love to read your comments and get some dialog going on this very important and relevant subject.

Works That Advocate a Strong Christian Influence in Social Justice Issues:

Red Letter Christians - a citizen's guide to faith and politics by Tony Campolo

The Great Awakening - reviving faith & politics in a post-religious right America by Jim Wallis

The Scandal of Evangelical Politics - why are Christians missing the chance to really change the world by Ronald Sider

Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne & Chris Haw

(References from Cornerstoneweb.org)

Happy Autumn

Enjoy the beauty of this season.

Diamond Amongst the Rough

My husband and I attended a street fair yesterday. Going downtown and enjoying its ambiance on a fine, end-of-summer day is a reward in itself, but add a street fair and I'm in heaven. I just love strolling down our tree-lined Main Street perusing the booths along the way. Some of the merchandise calls out for me to take a closer look, and some encourages me to step along a bit faster to see what is next.

Every once in a while, my husband and I will see something that makes us stop in our tracks, and then move in for a closer look. Something that is so unique or better made than most of the other items on the street. Something that speaks of the person who created it. Something that whispers, "Take me home."

We've got a pretty good handle on impulse buying, and have a pack that we buy nothing that first allures us. Nope, it has to have the second-time-around allure. And yesterday, beautiful, unique, handcrafted porcelain vases hooked us in again as we passed by the booth for another look. After a considerable amount of deliberation, we settled on our prize.

I love finding diamonds amongst the rough ~ unexpected treasures in unexpected places. I love it best when those diamonds are people who become friends, or who merely touch my life for a moment.

I Confess

Yes, I confess, I'm a tree hugger. I thought being eco-friendly meant talking to my plants!

Unexpected Treasure

I was at our local home store the other day, and in the garden section was a tray of very exotic looking plants. Most of them came from Africa. I've included a photo of the rock splitting plant. I don't know it's real name, but doesn't it look like a rock split open and out came a flower?

Life can be like that. On the outside all tough, unattractive and even a bit off-putting, but if you look for it, there is beauty in even the roughest of places and toughest of times. Come to think of it, people can be like that, too.

I, for one, am absolutely charmed by this delightful little plant so small it fits in my teacup. I like finding unexpected treasures.

Simple Pleasures & Favorite Things

To paraphrase a popular song ~

Wind chimes that sing when a breeze passes through,
Sweet-faced young children who smile back at you.
Fresh fruits and veggies from a farmer's stand,
These are the things that I think are just grand.

Sunrise in morning and sunsets at night,
The sound of a songbird while taking sweet flight.
Bright colored flowers sharing a big red bowl.
These are the things that just nourish my soul.

When the storms blow,
When the rains flow,
When I'm sad and blue.
I simply remember my favorite things,
And I praise God for you.

Here Comes Another One

We awoke to sunshine and blue skies this morning. It's a beautiful start to what looks to be a beautiful day. Yep, I feel another zippety-do-da day coming my way. Thank you, Lord!

New Possibilities and Answered Prayer

As I posted earlier, today is a day of new possibilities, and with it, answered prayer. Groovy Ted's daughter received a clean bill of health and release from what was formerly thought to be a devastating health concern. Thank you, Lord, for your protection over this young woman and the new possibilities of a renewed outlook on her future.

The Possibilities of Today

Today marks the beginning of a new season of women's Bible study at our church. I always feel like a kid on the first day of school. My workbook is unmarked and full of possibilities, my pencils are sharpened, my hi-liter is new, and my trusty Bible is packed in my tote and ready to go.

Today marks a time of spiritual renewal and of new growth. I will be reunited with women I have shared study with before, and I will meet new women who offer up the potential for new friendships. I will be studying Scripture that I have searched before and I will be venturing into new Scripture that I have yet to ponder.

Today marks the start of a new season with God. I know He has a message that's just for me as I dive deeper into the study. I also know that I have sometimes been inspired and sometimes been shaken by the messages He has had for me in the past. In any event, my life has always come away the richer for it.

Today marks a day full of possibilities. I will be sharing those possibilities with you as the weeks unfold.

Calling All Prayer Warriors

Back on September 10th, I blogged about a fellow Groovy, "Ted", needing prayer for her daughter's health. Well, tomorrow morning, Wednesday, 8:30am Pacific Daylight Time, is when her daughter goes to the doctor to get more detailed results from her tests. Urgent prayer is requested that the initial diagnosis was incorrect and that what she has is minor and treatable. Better yet, that the mass has miraculously disappeared. Prayer is also asked for a sense of peace and comfort for both "Ted" and her daughter that God is in control.

A Celebration

Over the weekend, several of us Groovies and our favorite dates (husbands) attended a milestone birthday party. Most of us had already reached that milestone so we were happy to welcome someone else to the club. And welcome we did! With good food, fine friends and foot tapping music, we celebrated the night away. What is it about music that breaks down barriers, brings people together and fills us with joy? I think it's just another one of the wonderful gifts that God bestows on his beloved children. So if today is your birthday, Happy Birthday to you, and may you hear beautiful music all day long!

Food for Thought

"Most people...have unthinkingly exposed themselves to so much deception that they do not even realize they are being deceived...Unfortunately, most people mindlessly accept whatever they hear and see. We listen to music, read books, (internet) and magazines, watch movies, listen to advice, and respond to advertisements without asking ourselves important questions:

• What is the message?
• Is it really true?
• Am I being deceived by a way of thinking that is contrary to the Truth?"
  

(Excerpt from Lies Women Believe & the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss).

I Tried to be a (Shopping) Bag Lady, Really I Tried

I must confess ~ I got all inspired by InStyle Magazine to go clothes shopping. I was reading it this morning while riding the exercise bike, and decided I needed to check out the new fall fashions. My husband will be happy to hear that I didn't spend a dime. I don't know where all the cute fashions were but they certainly weren't hanging out at our mall. Or maybe I just don't have an eye for fashion these days since most of the clothes look shapeless and colorless on the hanger. Or then again, maybe I just need my own personal wardrobe consultant.

Remembering September 11, 2001

God Bless the United States of America

When a Rock Blocks Your Path, Go Around It

My elderly neighbor is at it again. The hot weather streak has broken and she's off on her little red "Ferrari" to go shopping. Despite renewed troubles with her old nemesis, polio, she has found a successful way to get around the rock that blocked her path. With a smile and a flip of the ignition switch, her little electric cart gives her the freedom she would otherwise lose if she let polio win.

I want to be like my feisty little neighbor. I want to take my lemons and turn them into lemonade. I want to get off the entitlement train and walk down humble lane. Thank you, dear neighbor, for being such an inspiration.

Trouble in a Troubling World

One of our Groovies is going through some family difficulties. As I've mentioned before, the majority of our group is in a blended family and blended families are hard work. They are based on a foundation of loss ~ the loss of a dream, the loss of the original family unit, the child's loss of a parent, the adult's loss of a spouse. Blended families carry baggage and if not dealt with in a loving and honoring way, the baggage weighs down the blended family ~ sometime to the point of destruction.

Okay, so it's one thing to know this truth, it's another thing to live it out. Old hurts come back. Old, ineffective ways of communicating continue. And we stumble. We stumble in spite of ourselves and our determination to do it "right" ~ to deal with a difficult situation in a loving and honoring way ~ to create an interaction between both "old" and "new" family members so that the everyone's needs are getting met and no one is being purposefully harmed.

We stumble. And our Lord God, in His grace and mercy, lifts us back up, brushes off the dirt, heals our cuts and embraces us in love.

I know that my Groovy friend is sad and dismayed at both the continued rancor between her and her ex, and her reaction to the current "flare-up." But I also know her heart. I know that she wants to do things differently. I know that she knows it is impossible without the help of her heavenly Father. I know she will lift her face towards Him and will open her heart as a receptacle for the love and grace she needs to deal with this troubling situation in a troubling world.

Lord God, thank you for your love, your mercy, your grace, your forgiveness. Thank you for walking along side my Groovy friend and picking her up when she stumbles. Thank your intimate involvement with this family.

This Groovy is also dealing with upsetting health news about one of her children. Would you please lift up this child in prayer that the final test results will be not what is feared?

Relationship Priorities

The other night, my husband were enjoying a downtown stroll in the warm evening air. Other residents were strolling, too, and many had dogs with them. I've been noticing lately that people seem to interact more with their dogs than they do with other people. Oh sure, they stay in touch with friends and family, but via text message, IM, cell phone, email and video. But the dogs! They get taken everywhere, talked to, stroked and generally pampered. I've seen couples have more "conversation" with their dogs than they do with each other!

I think we've gotten our relationship priorities upside down.

Beauty and the Beads

I design and make jewelry. Not the fancy stuff, just beading, but it's a nice creative outlet for me. I went to a bead show yesterday and bought some beautiful red beads from a company called Beauty & the Beads. What a great name, especially since it brings to mind one of my favorite childhood stories, Beauty & the Beast.

While the two titles share a a similar "beginning" (beauty), their "ending" (beads vs beast) appears to be different ~ or is it?

In the story, the beast was not who he seemed to be. And the same is true with the beads. Anyone who has been beading for awhile knows how off-shore processing of natural stones has changed the face of finished beads. So unless you know your beads, you can think you are buying something naturally beautiful, when in fact, it has been enhanced or is a bona fide fake.

Stick with me on this one. I do have a point.

So back to my beautiful red beads. As gorgeous as they are, I know that underneath that beauty lies a "beast." That's because these beads are being sold as red coral, which is highly desirable and hard to come by. So hard to come by that the price and color of the beads I purchased are a dead give-away that underneath that red exterior lies something far, far different than natural red coral. Indeed, they most likely started out as common, plain white coral and have been intensely dyed and highly polished.

So what's my point? The point is that things are not always what they seem. We can hide behind an artificial facade of beauty, but is there really a beast hiding underneath it all? Or we can choose to deflect people from our true selves, which may be truly beautiful, by hiding behind a mask of the beast. Either way, we are falsely presenting ourselves to the world.

I want to be authentic. I want my heart/attitude to match my facial countenance. And I want that visage to be a pleasing reflection of the beauty of God within me. That's a beauty I can't attain on my own.

Lord, bless me with the beauty of your presence within me. May I be a pleasing and acceptable vessel for your love. May I overflow with that love and pour it out on others so that they may see and feel your beauty, too.

Perchance to Sleep

Ah, to sleep. Sweet, sweet rest. You menopausal women ~ and mothers of newborns ~ know what I'm talking about.

Thank you, Lord, for a full night's sleep with no interruptions.

Paths and Signs

We don't know God's heart,
but we know
something that pours out over us
like rain over our hands.

We don't see His eyes,
but we see invisible light over everything
as on a summer night.

We don't hear His voice,
but we find
roads everywhere and signs in our hearts
and paths with hushed light.

(Norwegian poet Rolf Jacobsen entitled "Breathing Exercises")

Paths and Signposts

I'm in a reflective mood today. I've been musing over the pathways and signposts we encounter on our journey of life. It would be nice if we took the super highway and knew exactly how far and how long and where we were going ~ or would it? While I never envisioned the life I have now, and the journey has been sometimes a trick and sometimes a treat ~ but how much more interesting and enriched the journey has been because of it.

To Dream, To Hope, To Believe

It is that dream we carry that something miraculous will happen, that it must happen ~ that time will open, that the heart will open, that doors will open, and that the rock face will open, that springs forth ~ that the dream will open and that one morning we'll glide in to a harbor we didn't know was there.

(Norwegian poet Olav Hauge from his book of collected poems)

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

(Apostle Paul, 2 Corninthians 4:18)

Glorious

I woke up this morning to the promise of another incredibly beautiful day. I love the waning weeks of summer and the hint of autumn in the air. Of course, you'll later read that I love the crisp white snow of winter, the freshly minted look of spring and the warm days of summer.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of nature's seasonal cycles. I treasure each and every day.

Desperately Hanging On

At the risk of sounding "catty," I have to bemoan the fact that many women do not like to age gracefully in the California wine country. That may be true elsewhere, but it's really prevalent with the crowd that showed up yesterday for day one of a two-day wine harvest festival. I mean, these women were generally in good shape but the tight skirts "up to here" the tight tops "down to there," and the botox faces were just no competition for the fresh, young women who mingled in the same room. Why the obsession with looking like someone they can never be again? Why the obsession to hide the wisdom of life on their faces? Or to put it more bluntly, "honey, get real, you're just not 25 anymore."

France has at least one thing right. They allow their women to age gracefully, and indeed, celebrate the beauty of a mature woman. Come to think of it, they have pretty good wine, too.