God-spun...

Valentines and Roses...

2012-02-14T15:12:00.001-05:00

On Valentine’s Day, the display of love is often embellished with a rose or two or twelve. A bouquet will adorn many desks, accompany many dinners and be the prelude to many kisses on this love day. As I think about valentines and roses, I am reminded of a poem that serves as a reminder that love…and flowers…like so many other things…can’t be rushed.

The Rose
It’s only a tiny rose bud,
a flower of God’s design
I cannot unfold its petals
with these clumsy hands of mine
The secret of unfolding flowers
is not known to such as I
The flower God opens so sweet
in my hands would fade and die
If I cannot unfold a rose bud
this flower of God’s design
Then how can I think I have wisdom
to unfold this life of mine
So, I’ll trust in Him
for His leading each moment of every day
And I’ll look to him for his guidance
each step of the pilgrim way
For the pathway that lies before me
my heavenly father knows
I’ll trust Him to unfold the moments
just as He unfolds the rose. (author unknown)

When you think of your life, have you let God reveal His plan for you…or have you tried to force the way? Our life unfolds as the rose blooms. Take a few moments on this love day to think about it.

Did you Habakkuk?

2012-02-03T16:24:00.002-05:00

We’re a month into our New Year’s Resolutions. So…how’s it going?

Often times, we spout out all sorts of things …err…resolutions for the new year. Topping the list is the usual…spend more time with family and friends; get out of debt; exercise; balance life and work; worry less; stop smoking; get involved in a cause; become more ‘spiritual’; yada yada yada.

Without a plan of action, we’ll likely have this same conversation next year. Habakkuk records a message from God relating to a plan of action. “Write it down and make it plain” (2:2).

As the journey through 2012 continues, try these steps for goal accomplishment.

1. Identify the goal.

2. Commit to the goal.

3. Write down the plan.

4. Make it simple and plain.

5. Execute the plan.

For example, volunteering for a cause requires coordination to make it happen: 1) identify: volunteer at a women’s shelter; 2) commit: contact shelter, arrange time for training or other requirements and set schedule; 3) write it down: allocate time and make calendar entry; 4) simple and plain: arrange for care of other obligations (picking up children, dinner, etc.); and 5) execute: show up and celebrate the moments that you are sowing into someone else’s life.

Of course, all resolutions, visions, and dreams are not that simple to execute. However, the 5 steps are necessary in moving toward your goal - large or small. As we move, let’s keep in mind Habakkuk 2:3 - there may be a waiting time but if you wait in faith …

When's the last time you did it?

2011-10-01T14:27:00.002-04:00

I’m talking about LOLing - Laughing Out Loud!!

If you really look at life, laughter can be found in ordinary things. Have you ever watched episodes of America’s Funniest Home Videos? Funny stuff happens all the time. With the invent of YouTube, Vimeo, and other video sites, it’s easier than ever to post your funny happenings - and to laugh at the adventures of others.

Take a minute to think of something funny that has happened to you - or at least something you have witnessed. It’s easier than you think. I can name a ton of things. For example, last week I watched, from my office window, a lady trying to parallel park. You might wonder why that was funny. Well, it was funny - not because she was trying to parallel park - but the fact there were four people outside the vehicle trying to help her. They were all yelling, “turn your wheels this way, turn your wheels that way…” and the process took at least ten minutes before her car was in the parking space. She ran up on the curb a few times and pulled out to start over several times…forward, backwards, forward, backwards… Got to hand it to her - she persevered. She accomplished her goal - she needed a parking space, she had a parking space, and by golly she was going to use it. By this time, her four helpers were laughing hysterically.

Studies have shown that children laugh on average 100 times per day; while adults laugh (on a good day) maybe 5 times. Clearly, I am not average.

Let’s throw the God-spin on laughter. Does the Word of God instruct us to be serious all the time? Have you every met someone who professes to be spiritual and holy and Godly but the countenance on their face is anything but joyful and happy? If we claim to be spirit-filled Godly people, then we should be filled with smiles and laughter and our hearts should be bursting with happiness.

I want to encourage you to find joy in every day happenings - even when trials show up. Don’t let the difficult patches steal your joy. Meditate on these words:

“For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15, NLT).

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health” (Proverbs 15:30, NLT).

“A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing” (Proverbs 17:22, Amplified Bible).

“For everything there is a season, a time for activity under the heaven…a time to cry and a time to laugh…” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1,4).

So, today (and tomorrow and the next day too) take time for little giggles or full-on belly-jiggling laughs!

What's a daddy good for?

2011-06-19T21:28:00.000-04:00

My daddy is 30 years and one day older than me. It just didn’t work out for me to be born on his birthday - although I’m pretty sure my mom did everything possible to make it happen. In those days, it just happened when in happened - no such thing as “planning a birth”. My dad was SUPERMAN - he had all the answers about everything, he was the strongest man in the world, he could fix anything broken (including hearts), he was the smartest man in the world, and he could beat up your dad.

As I reflect on this Father’s Day and how blessed I am to have a God-loving father, childhood memories come flooding back. My mind is filled with memories of hanging out with my dad and how much it meant to me to tag along. Whether he was teaching me how to ride a motor scooter, properly wash a car, paint a room, play piano and guitar, count the church offering, sing harmony, or about God, the time spent with him will forever be in my heart.

Daddies can also be a ton of fun. Mine would let me do things when mama wasn’t home that led to interesting conversation when she returned - such as allowing me to play in her makeup (somehow my red lips didn’t turn out like hers - I looked more like Bozo the Clown’s sister) or letting me pick out the new color and paint the kitchen walls (sunshine yellow, in case you were wondering); and independently make dinner, including her special homemade biscuits (which turned out hard as a rock). Mama usually didn’t get mad - I could get away with lots of things by using the phrase “daddy said I could”… Oh, how I loved hanging out with my dad.

So, back to the question: “what’s a daddy good for?”

Love. Daddies are admireres.

Joy. Daddies are teachers.

Patience. Daddies teach that sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do - like have your picture taken because mama wants a picture taken...

Faithfulness.

He teaches you about God and how attending church is an important part of spiritual growth…

It is no coincidence that these things happen to be the fruit of the spirit. Love, joy, patience, and faithfulness - along with peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5: 25). In order to reap fruit, seeds must be planted. And daddies play the ultimate role in planting.

Daddies - I ask you these questions:

What seeds are you sowing in the lives of your children?
What successes will they attribute to the seeds planted by you?
Do you purposely lead with a Godly foundation?
Do you love like the heavenly Father loves?
Do your children see joy and happiness in your life?
Are you patient like the Father is patient?
Can they count on your faithfulness just as God is faithful to us?
Are you a witness for peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control?

Remember...children need a daddy like the Father.

Eat your greens...

2011-05-31T19:58:00.001-04:00

How many times did your mama say “eat your greens”? If you’re 29 like me (don’t laugh…LOL) maybe 1,000,000 times. “Try it - you might like it.” I didn’t like greens when I was a kid - didn’t like the way the way they smelled, looked, or anything else about them. Had I ever tasted them? No - because I didn’t like the way they smelled, looked or anything else about them. True to what mamas say - “there are starving children in the world who would like to have this warm food”. True to what children think (think…dare not say) “I wish they would come here and get this food that I don’t like - the way it smells, looks or anything else about it.” Eventually mama gives up and another win for the kid! Hooray!

Fast forward a FEW years (LOL) and a change in perception was miraculously made! Greens are low in fat, high in nutrients, and good for you! Check any health website and all it talks about how low the glycemic index is in … you guessed it… greens. Sort of like being a Christian - what you don’t think you’ll like about it is probably made up of preconceived notions;such as, Christians have no fun, they’re boring, they talk about the Bible all the time, they’re hypocrites, they don’t make mistakes, they think they’re better than everybody else, they‘re judgmental, they don‘t smell good and don‘t look good…and on and on and on and on…

Do you have a preconceived notion about what Christians are all about?

If you’re not a God-observer, why not try it? Acknowledging that there is indeed a divine higher power that is omnipotent and omnipresent and author of hope and faith that will make your life…well…more hopeful…about the present and the future.

“…God has come for your good, to give you life and give it to you more abundantly“ (John 10:10). Try it…you might like it.

The only things missing were white hankies waving and tambourines...

2011-05-07T10:43:00.002-04:00

This will be my first Mother’s Day without my mother. Three months ago, she passed from this earth to heaven. She spent the last three weeks of her life in the hospital - with a week and a half in the critical care unit.

I had a rule for visits from friends and family - NO crying. I believe the sick need to see hope and strength in the eyes of those visiting. The critical care unit wasn’t full of patients so non-family members had been allowed to visit. Several people from her church, nieces and nephews had stopped by to visit on this particular day.

Between visitors, my mom and I talked. She was so weak but it seemed she had so much to tell me. During her rest periods, I sang to her… “rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, again I say, rejoice…come bless the Lord...” I was singing to her about rejoicing in the Lord during this very trying time - truthfully - I was singing to myself as much as I was singing to her. She opened her eyes and said to me “I’m ready to go to heaven to meet my Father who has prepared many mansions for me.” Then … she asked me a question.

“Will you pray for me?” When my mom asked me to pray for her - I was overcome with emotion. I had broken my rule! When I cry - typically, it’s a tear falling like a silently flowing river. But let me tell you… the quiet flowing river turned into a Lucy-like loud cry - a cry of thanks to God for my mama - a cry of praise for His grace and mercy - a cry of groans for my physical sadness - a cry out of spiritual gladness because I knew where she was headed. She was headed for a place where her body would be brand new - a place where her heart disease-riddle body would be free from pain and all would be replaced with newness, and eternal everlasting forever and ever happiness and wholeness.

We had a Pentecostal prayer service in her room. Actually, it wasn’t contained in her room - it poured around the glass walls into the entire critical care unit. I prayed for her peace during transition and comfort for her soul - I prayed for peace and comfort for my daddy, my daughter and me - I prayed for and thanked God for family support during the time of grieving. I prayed Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.”

If the Pentecostal ladies had been there - I’m pretty sure the white hankies would have been waving and the tambourines shaking. Happy Mother’s Day, mama.

If the shoe fits ...

2011-05-02T20:30:00.004-04:00

As a shoe connoisseur, I can say “if the shoe fits…wear it”. I can also say, “if the shoe doesn’t fit but it is REALLY CUTE - explore the possibilities of wearing it anyway.”

Exactly where does it not fit? Is it the heel? Is it a tad too long or too wide? Can a shoe pad fix the problem? Or is it too tight? If it's too tight, can it be stretched or should we ask ourselves “just how tight is it?” Will my feet hurt really that bad? Can I wear them until my feet go numb - then I can’t feel the pain anyway? Hmmm….

I started thinking…

Is that the way we relate to God? If He fits our comfort level then we wear it just fine - without observation or question. If walking with Him requires a little pinch, a little tightening - do we try everything to fix it or do we stick with Him anyway - because of our faith? Or do we decide the walk is too hard and we abandon it all together? Or do we walk for a little while until it starts hurting, then we stop and start back later when we feel better?

Here’s the thing about God. He is just the right size, at the right time - never- changing, never-ending. Sometimes it takes a little pinch, a little tightening, a little pain to remind us how great God really is and how we are, have always been and will always be His first and foremost. Everything is for our good and His glory.

Let this be your prayer today:

Lord, I ask that you guide me, fill me, mold me, use me, and walk beside me every second of every minute of every hour or every day. Even when things are uncomfortable, I will continue the walk. Amen.

Marvin K. Mooney

2011-04-25T22:23:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite Dr. Seuss books is Marvin K. Mooney, Will You Please Go Now! As the story goes, Marvin K. Mooney is being told - the time has come, the time is now, for you to go.

Of course, breaking a relationship with someone - whether business or personal - can weigh heavy on the heart - even when you know a change is inevitable.

Not long ago, I found it necessary to make such a change with a business associate. After several discussions about expectations and issues, the situation did not improve. Actually, it worsened! The person’s performance continued to decline - less and less time was spent on the tasks, excuses about the lack increased, sewing seeds of discontent began, and a plethora of other deeds that were unbecoming a professional.

Personal and business relationships need an evaluation - a performance report, if you will. Often times, people stay “friends” because it’s the easier road. The same is true for business relationships. We often keep the same hair stylist, doctor, dentist, car mechanic, etc. because its easier than looking for someone new - someone who could better meet our needs. However, as part of our personal growth, it is necessary to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the relationships that make up our lives. If you are a good steward, expect the same in return.

Begin by pondering these questions.

Personal relationships:

Is the relationship a two-way street?
Is it equal in the giving-and-taking category?
Are your belief systems alike?
Are you ever in the position of having to cover for or lie for the other?
Is the relationship productive for both?
After spending time together, do you leave refreshed, uplifted and renewed or do you feel drained and unhappy?

Do you look forward to the phone calls and visits, or do you avoid them when you’re not in the mood?

Business relationships:

Is there a clear understanding of what is expected?

Are your expectations reasonable?

Has the compensation been agreed upon?

Are the tasks being completed within the parameters of the agreement?

Are you satisfied with the product or service, or are you just simply letting it go?

Do you spend excessive time thinking about what could’ve or should’ve been done?

After examining these issues - what are your conclusions? Have you looked at it from both perspectives? Once the pros and cons have been laid out - make a decision, then execute it.

As the story continues, Marvin K. Mooney is told that it doesn’t matter how he goes or where he goes - he just has to go. Finally, he gets the message - he has been asked to go and must go. And for me and you - the time comes when someone may just have to go…

What a difference a week makes...

2011-04-17T16:13:00.002-04:00

Today is Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week. Jesus was greeted in Jerusalem by crowds waving palm branches and cheering "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" But by Friday, the sentiment had changed.

During the week, he went about his work: cursing the fig tree, cleansing the temple, speaking parables. Then, his authority was questioned; he was arrested, accused of blasphemy, appeared before Pilate and was sentenced to be crucified. The Roman soliders mocked, spat on, laughed at, and beat him. They placed a crown of thorns on his head. He was forced to carry his cross as he was led down the Via Dolorosa - the road of suffering - the road to Calvary. Jesus knew what the week would hold. He knew it was the Father's will for him to die.

Unlike Jesus, we do not know which week will be our last. But what if we did? How would you spend the week? Who would you call? Seek counsel from? Forgive? Ask for forgiveness? What changes would you make? Where would you go? Think about it.

Oh Ricky...

2011-04-16T11:04:00.001-04:00

In my many readings, I often stumble across writings by or about Ricky Gervais. If you’re not familiar, Ricky has been seen on the big screen and television (i.e., The Office, last year’s Golden Globe host) and is a writer, musician, comedian and atheist (not necessarily in that order). Following up his Christmas message (“A Holiday Message from Ricky Gervais: Why I’m an Atheist”) is his message “An (Atheist) Easter Message from Ricky Gervais” recently published by the Wall Street Journal (http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2011/04/14/an-easter-message-from-ricky-gervais-why-im-an-excellent-christian/. In the article, he reviews whether or not he is a good “Christian” based on the Ten Commandments. Not surprising, he scores 10 out of 10 for being “good”. As usual, his harangue is tiring and boring.

There is one thing I know for sure (actually, there is more than one thing – but roll with me here…). Every day we are here on earth – we must face the world. And facing the world means facing those with opinions, beliefs, doctrines and dogmas contrary to our own. We should remind ourselves daily that we are “in” this world but not “of” it (Romans 12:2).

So, if you are one of the estimated two billion Christians in the world, I speak encouragement over you as the journey continues. Be confident in your beliefs (2 Corinthians 3: 4-5); hold to God’s unchanging hand (Hebrews 13: 8); and rest in knowing there is life everlasting (John 3:16). This world is, indeed, just a temporary place.

Chalk up all the rhetoric as an expression of misery. Misery is believing that this is it – no everlasting, no nothing, no faith, no prayer, no peace… That when we are done here – we”re done. And by the way… misery loves company.

.

Render unto Caesar

2011-04-13T21:45:00.001-04:00

We are on the “tick-down” to the deadline - the deadline to render unto Caesar, also known as the IRS, what is his. Ask anyone and they will give you their spiel on how much and who should pay, how much and who should get, how much and where to spend and on and on and on. Wasn’t it nice to get another weekend and a Monday to get everything done - especially since the decision-makers were so generous as to wait until mid-December to make decisions.

So, I started thinking. What if we look at paying taxes in a different light? What if we look at taxes as simply an exchange for goods and privileges of living in the United States of America - where the deer and buffalo roam; where baseball and apple pie are classics; where we are free to speak our minds, worship as we like, pursue the career of choice, surf the net without restriction; where diversity of people keep things interesting, where abundance flows and entrepreneurial spirit is encouraged; and where we are protected from revolts, civil wars and coups… to name a few.

What if we look at this way? Jesus paid taxes (render unto Caesar…Matt. 22: 15-22) - shouldn’t we just shut up and render?

Before my low-or-no-tax wishing friends get all in a tizzy, let’s be clear. Am I suggesting that we should just pay taxes and like it? That would be a resounding no, nope, nein, nada, no way no how…did I say NO? I just know (like you should) that all benefits come with a cost. Plus, I’m trying to find a happy in writing the check.

God-spun... it is

2011-04-02T17:25:00.001-04:00

After days of contemplation over what to call my new blog, the title finally came. My purpose for writing is to look at events – news, business, life – secular and beyond – and put a God-based spin on the happenings. If we look, God can be seen in situations that appear unrelated to God. Of course, there are things in life that are directly related and can’t be explained any other way. This is a place for such discussions. So, God-spun … it is. God-spun is a blog about … putting a God-spin on every day life. It is designed to be inspirational, thought-provoking, ponder-creating and discussion-generating. And to promote a conscious awareness of how God can be a thought even when the situation appears to be unrelated to God. This is a place to share stories – simple, funny, deep, or sad – about our lives and how faith has seen us through. .