"That Angle, Though!!!"

I was SO HAPPY I got to go to church today! It is the first day I have been since June and how I loved, loved, loved it! I was so sick last night I didn't think I would go this morning but chalk it up to #determination #notgoingtoslowmedown

My sweet friends Jenny and Amy helped me in and out of the church. Keri (behind me) was in charge of the keys and making me laugh as I made my way back outside.

The sermon drew us in to Zacchaeus' life and invited us to remember he was the very "type" of person Jesus was most drawn to. Through God's grace his life was restored and redeemed and he was able from that day forward to see people through "grace-healed eyes".

Grace-healed eyes ...

I can't help but think of that as I look at this picture and crack up over Keri saying "That angle, though!!!" as I tried to get a good shot of us all.

Grace-healed eyes ...

It's impossible to look at others in the way Jesus wants if we are not aligned with God's grace, if we're off-center, out of focus.  To be out of angle impairs our ability to see things in a particular way -- or to look at another in a new light.

To have grace-healed eyes is to realize we, too, are Zacchaeus. For each of us needs the saving grace and redeeming work of God in us. NO ONE is above another. NO ONE. We are all beloved Children of God -- ALL OF US.

Do you recognize them? The other children of God?

I left worship with a freer spirit and perhaps even better eye-sight. It must have been for on the way home I recognized them, Children of God. The man walking down the road with a bag of groceries, the family entering the restaurant, the kids out running around in a neighbor's yard, the couple trying to reign in their two big dogs and get them in their car. All of them were so beautiful.

I have no doubt it was through grace-healed eyes I saw them and recognized each of them -- relatives of mine ... Children of God.

I'm liking this eye-sight. But by the grace of God ...

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

BREATHE

Breathe. Just breathe.


Stop and be still..


I've always had a tough time with that.

It is far easier for me to GO, to do something, to be busy. I've had this life-long struggle of allowing myself to fall in to the trap of doing for God rather than being with God.

Are you like me? Do you pound through life never, or rarely, allowing yourself opportunities for pause?

I have various favorite devotions that I have pasted onto the empty pages in the front and back of my Bible. Words of wisdom from some of my favorite authors who guide me in my faith journey: Henry Nouwen, John Wesley, Ann Weems, Max Lucado, Barbara Brown Taylor, Cynthia Heald.

This morning Max Lucado reminded me of the importance to "pause" rather than "pound" through life. He says it this way:

"... there was one instruction in music I could never obey to my teacher's satisfaction. The REST. The zigzagged command to do NOTHING. What sense does that make? Why sit at the piano and pause when you can pound? 'Because,' my music teacher patiently explained, 'music is always sweeter after a rest." 

Max Lucado, The Applause of Heaven

Do you stop to pause in life or are you stuck like a proverbial hamster on the wheel in constant motion?

It's ok, you know. It's ok to pause and be still and be quiet. You'd be amazed at how refreshed you will be in spirit, body and soul. You will be especially blessed as you breathe in the breath of God and let Him renew you and give you what you need.

I admit it. I'm a slow learner. I want to say I am a beacon of glorious example... When others look at me they will always see a wonderful, loving, joy-filled child of God. I want to say that but I can't for it isn't true.

Accepting this truth about myself is a step ...
      .... a step closer to God and away from my stubborn independence
      ... a step closer to God's presence in my life and deeper communion with Him.

I pray you know that truth is available for you as well.

Let's not pound through this day. Shall we try a pause or two?

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

Unsung Heroes

 I enjoyed watching @Harry Connick Jr.  with his new show on ABC yesterday as he featured NURSES in his "Unsung Heroes" show.

It's amazing the things nurses do. They see you at your worse and help you move to your best. They cheer you on. They laugh with you and give you a hug when tears escape from your eyes.

Nurses are there with you when no one else is. They take the time to be with you and get to know you even though they have so much to do. They are the ones who come in the door when you have pushed the "help" button.

So here's to the UNSUNG HEROES, NURSES!

I'm sure you have encountered a nurse or two. You might even have been cared by a nurse. Perhaps today is a good day to put a note of thanks in the mail, or go by for a visit. It isn't often, after all, that they see their patients looking healthy and feeling good!

Go on, get out there -- and say, THANK YOU

That's it. It's a short and sweet post but sometimes all it takes is two short, heart-felt words: THANK YOU

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

Sometimes "the way it used to be" isn't so bad ...

I wonder what ever happened to "the customer is always right?" When I was a teen and in my early twenties working retail, we were always taught the importance of kindness and helping others. I learned both at home and at work the importance of reaching out to help when I saw a need.

That doesn't seem to be much of an emphasis anymore.

I realize to some I am considered older than dirt. I, however, consider 52 a spring chicken with living to do. Not convinced it is an age thing anyway -- don't we teach our children the importance of kindness to others, being respectful, opening the door for someone in need?

Silly me! I am expecting too much, I get it -- but I don't.

Get it, that is.

Had a post-surgical follow-up with my surgeon yesterday. My health requires me to be in a wheelchair to get out and about. So off we go -- my sister-in-law and me. We arrive at the surgeons office and are surprised to discover no "Handicap" entrance at the door. You know -- it's the funky little button you push that opens the door for you. No matter -- I figure one of the women sitting at the "Welcome Desk" will jump up and come hold the door so Susan can wheel me in. Nope. So here we go, looking like a Laurel and Hardy routine trying to get the door open, hold it open and wheel me through the door while people looked on... not just the women at the desk, but people sitting in the waiting rooms.

After getting in the car we both looked at each other in astonishment.

Most of the trip home was spent discussing what happened -- or did not happen -- and how it made us feel.

So I go in to this day prayerfully seeking to be alert and have an open heart because I never know when I might see someone in need. And when I do -- let me not wait to be asked or sit about engrossed in my own little world. Let me immediately respond with kindness.

That is my prayer.

I hope it will be yours as well.

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

Invasion

I didn't hear them come in but she did.

It didn't matter there were three of them. She was going to take them down no matter what. I awoke to her running through the house and shrieking in such a way that I knew immediately something was wrong.


It was when Sarah stopped barking as suddenly as she started that threw me. I called out to her -- concerned something had happened but she came trotting in to the living room with her tail wagging away.

To say I was confused is an understatement.

She needed some petting and then curled up in her bed and before I could say "What is going on ..." she was already out -- snoring loudly.

So I'm in the midst of a dilemma. I'm sitting here in my recliner thinking someone has broken in yet Sarah is peaceably sleeping and I hear no noise in the house. After a few minutes I decide she must have been dreaming or something. I don't know.

I settled back to watching the early morning news and I heard it. A deep growl coming from her -- something I have NEVER heard before. To hear her would have been to think she looked like a guard dog ready to attack. The hair on the back of my neck was standing straight up and I was thinking, "Great. Here I am with stitches and unable to move much at all. What am I supposed to do?"

By this point Sarah is sitting up straight and looking at the door. I'm reaching for my phone to at least text my brother so someone will know I'm in the process of being murdered. I mean -- it made sense to me at the time. Besides -- Sarah may have been sounding like a huge guard dog but her temperament is that of some cute little fluffy thing.

Confusion entered the room further as she continued growling but stayed rooted in her bed. She continued to growl but this time she was looking up at the ceiling.

"Someone's in the attic!"

But then she was growling and looking at the window.

The way she was acting we were about to be invaded via the back door, the attic and the front porch. I knew I had nothing that would merit such a well-orchestrated attack.

I started getting suspicious. "Sarah -- fess up. WHAT is going on?" She had no time for me. The attack was on and suddenly she ran around the living room like her behind was on fire. I felt like I was at a tennis match as I watched her run one way and then another and down the hall and back in the room again. It was nuts!

It was the last time she came running back in the room that I caught on. She was bravely protecting me from the three attack flies that had gotten in the house. I feel so safe. I'm in good hands. I can only shake my head.

A little chuckle to go in to the day ...

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

Messy Spirituality

I recently re-read Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli. It's a great read and I can so relate! In one chapter he wrote: "I just want to be remembered as a person who loved God, who served others more than her served himself, who was trying to grow in maturity and stability. I want to have more victories than defeats, yet here I am, almost 60, and I fail on a regular basis." That book was originally published in 2001. 

Mike was the co-founder of Youth Specialities. I tried to attend the National Youth Worker's Convention every year as I always returned refreshed and renewed for ministry. At the convention in October, 2003, Mike was his usual high-energy, goofy self. It was always wonderful to be in his presence and be inspired by the faith he lived. 

That was his last convention here on earth as he died on his return trip home. The official cause of his death was a car accident, though word spread he had suffered a massive heart attack that caused the accident. He was dead immediately. There was no hope of resuscitation.

As I re-read Messy Spirituality recently, I was reminded of this from Mike: "I just want to be remembered as a person who loved God, who served others more than he served himself, who was trying to grow in maturity and stability. I want to have more victories than defeats, yet here I am, almost 60, and I fail on a regular basis." 

We tend to think more of our final days as we grow older. We also think of such things as we face major life events: marriage, birth of children, major surgery. There is a need to "be prepared ---- just in case".

So I was drawn to his thoughts as I faced my surgery last week. That is only natural. You are told to "be prepared." While no one expects anything to go wrong, there is always that possibility. The nature of the surgery was so severe I was required to complete six pages of documentation that included many initials besides statements as well re-writing some of the paragraphs to demonstrate my clear understanding of what would be happening. As I told a friend, it seemed that every other paragraph I wrote "And I might die." ... or "I could die" ... yet again "AND I might die ..." Goodness!

I did what I was supposed to do -- made sure I had a complete will as well as any other things in order. I was ready. It was probably the only time in my life I have been so ready for an event such as death. 

Don't mean to sound morbid -- just ... prepared.

I must admit I'm glad my "riches" aren't being distributed among loved ones. I'm glad I am around a bit longer. I'm excited for the days ahead. Who knows what's around the next corner? I have no clue but that doesn't matter.

It doesn't matter because I'm ready.

I'm ready for a new day of living life and loving.

I'm ready for new beginnings, whatever that means.

That's what is called of us -- to be ready. We are all called to be prepared because, in being preparing, we don't allow life's blows to throw us. Being prepared most especially means where we are in our faith life so that when we are in the worst of times others see the best in us. That is certainly my prayer though I begrudgingly admit I think people see me at my worse far more than I care for ... my prayer as I go in to a new day is that others may look at me and see God in me. 

Less of me, O Lord, and more of You!

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

Hospital Living' Ain't So Bad!

There's something to be said for being the patient.

Of course there's the getting cut and having stitches and bandages thing: not so much fun. I don't give high marks to the coughing either. Coughing hurts. Coughing is bad.

But then there's being treated like a queen. I don't know if I said it out loud or not -- better living through chemistry will do that to your brain -- but I think I should have packed my tiara. I felt like a queen. I think I already said that.

Did I mention they sent me home on meds for pain and nausea? They're GREAT! Don't call and expect to have a reasonable conversation with me. It has taken me hours to get these sentences written out. For all I know I might tell you it's fifteen shopping days to Christmas, have a Happy Fourth of July and don't forget to take out the trash.

At the hospital they serve you.
They bring you everything you need.

Home is different.
Home expects you to get off your butt and do for yourself.

Well that's no fun.

I tell you where the power is: it's in the nurse call button. Oh yeah! Push that baby and here they come -- ready to take care of me, the queen in residence. Carmen and Jason and Alyson and Juan and Nellie and Nichole -- they rule! And not only that -- they talk to you. That's great! I'm a sociable person by nature. I want to know about you. I enjoy you telling me that you are taking your child to look at colleges in a few days or that you recently moved here from Florida or that you visited the area so much you decided to move here.

And not only the nursing staff. I was surprised to see Lisa out with the huge cart she had to haul around as she cleaned each room late on Tuesday night. I was surprised because she had been there since very early that morning. She was all smiles as I greeted her again and thanked her for her hard work. She truly had one of the most beautiful and radiant smiles I've ever seen.

Here I am back home. I need more water and I keep trying to find the "call button" but one doesn't exist. I told Sarah I needed water and asked her to get me some but she just thumped her tail and licked my leg.

Thank you for your prayers. Keep 'em coming!

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

Where Do I Belong?

The movie DIVERGENT was on TV last night. Although I've seen it before it fascinates me as I watch the journey of the main character ("Tris") as she tries to find her way in her world, trying to understand who she is and where she fits in. It is not an easy journey.

I have to wonder if it truly is an easy journey for anyone. Some certainly make it look easy. Some flail about most of their life. I know my life journey has not been one that looks like a straight line, always knowing what I'm supposed to do, always being who I'm supposed to be. Far from it!

In the Choosing Ceremony, Jeannine Matthews (Kate Winslet) tells each young adult entering adulthood: "the future belongs to those who know where they belong." Thus each one must choose which "faction" they belong. Once that decision is made there is no going back. To do so is to become an outcast, factionless", no longer recognized by society.

While there are many (intentional) correlations to the world as we know it today, there is a blaring difference: the absence of grace.

It is true, you know. The absence of grace prevails among us. US -- human beings.

There is grace a plenty in the Kingdom of God. Thank God! I'm so relieved for you and for me! That message is loud and clear: we CAN go back. We can do a complete turn-around and run to God's welcoming arms. 

"The world will ask you who you are, and if you don't know the world will tell you." Carl Jung
          Whether we like to admit it or not our actions say loudly who we are.
          The words that come from our mouth shout out to the world who we are.
          Even the things we leave undone leave a clear imprint.
          So if we don't know -- listen, for the world will clearly tell us. It will tell you and it will tell me.

There is a mirror in my bedroom that hangs in just a spot where Sarah sees herself in it every night when she enters the room. And -- yep -- she goes nuts barking at that strange dog in my bedroom.

She does not recognize herself.

The minute she does she stops the barking. And then comes the funny expression that says "I really should have caught that ... this time." But she doesn't. It happens every night.

I could joke about my dog's intelligence but I won't because I realize Sarah's reaction is our reaction. Too often we are surprised by who we see in the mirror. We don't recognize that person looking back and we need a moment to figure out who it is.

Like Sarah, we will only quit "barking" when we admit we like, or don't like, what we see. And we have a choice, we can make positive changes so that the reflection is far more pleasant.

I don't need the world to tell me who I am. I am a Child of God and so are you. Now I pray as I go in to my day that is who the world will see.

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

Forget Liver & Lima Beans!

I had to go out on one errand yesterday -- hadn't been out in awhile as it's difficult to drive with a bum leg. The exit I had to take was where some of my favorite restaurants are: Zaxby's, Fat Buddies BBQ(!), Wendy's ... I looked straight ahead and started singing a crazy version of LIVER & LIMA BEANS to crazy made--up tunes.

It hit me as I'm driving along to stop that ridiculous song -- it wasn't a chart-topper, believe me.

Instead I turned on my C.D. player and one of my favorite songs I used to sing with the SONday Praise Worship Team was on. I drove down the road singing "How Great!" at the top of my lungs.  A few songs after that was "Jesus, You're All I Need". I loved having that time of worship and remembrance in the car.

Music has always been an integral part of my life; so much so I make up songs dealing with daily living -- such as my "Liver and Lima Beans" song. I admit it: I have songs for Sarah. There's her "Good Morning" song ... her "I Love My Little Miss Wiggle Butt" song ... "Time to Pee Pee & Poo Poo" song ...

I really don't think Brad Paisley or Carrie Underwood will be calling me anytime soon.

With that said, I also have my daily favorites that exist beyond my personal repertoire such as:
How Great Is Our God
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
I Love You, Lord
Ancient Words
and many more.

While I really enjoy all genres of music, the only one that really feeds my soul is any song that worships God. It picks me up to sing songs of adoration. And there's not a better feeling.

SO -- liver and lima beans are helpful in this full liquid diet journey but worshiping God is awe-inspiring.

I think I'll keep on singing ...

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

Macey has been grounded

I think the last time I saw Sarah really sad -- I mean mourning sad -- was when my fourteen-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Buddy died. She was so pitiful. It was difficult getting her to eat or play or do much of anything for about a month.

It started yesterday.

I noticed how sad she was. She kept wandering through the house, looking out the window, looking out the door and then turning and looking at me. I wasn't sure what she needed me to fix.

It hit me up in the morning. We hadn't heard Macey barking. Sarah was worried about and missing Macey.

Macey is our next-door neighbor of the canine variety. She weighs about twelve pounds. She is the community ambassador as she travels around greeting her many friends a long the way.

Where is Macey? Not even the sound of her cute little yap.

Every morning we hear that little yap and Sarah goes tearing outside and there we find Macey: she is standing on two paws with two of her paws up against Sarah's fence barking and waiting for Sarah to come out.

And then the chase is on.
And they yap and run back and forth and back and forth.
It's the cutest thing I've ever seen. When Macey won't come in as she's told she always returns to my yard and Sarah.

We found out yesterday afternoon what happened to Macey.

Macey has been grounded.

I learned from family members who are visiting my next door neighbor that Macey brought them a surprise. It was a "rat" and it was "the grossest thing we've ever seen." I started to tell them about life on the farm and dogs and groundhogs but I figured that wouldn't make them happy nor help Macey. They told me they leave Monday.

I can only assume that is when her imprisonment will be lifted.

My devotion this morning reminded me that our pains and difficulties in life are opportunities to demonstrate our trust in God. I realize that doesn't apply to Macey but I sure have had times where I've felt like I was "grounded!" How about you?

No matter what, good times or bad, I'm thankful for opportunities to praise God. Do I always understand? Nope! Do I sometimes waver? In my faith in me, yes. In my faith in God, NO.

As for Macey and Sarah, they'll be ok too. I'm even grateful God gave us our four-legged fur kids to see His grace at work.

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

LIVER & LIMA BEANS -- continued!!!

It was a fun day yesterday, yes it was.
My brother picked me up at 7:30 a.m. to head out for the pre-op visit at the surgeon's office. That was a breeze. Then we went to the hospital for blood work and tests.

That's when the fun began.
We sat there and sat there and sat there and sat there ... and sat there and sat there some more.
It was fun. I got bored quickly. My brother was busy on the phone so I started watching people.

I enjoy watching people. We are a funny sort. 

As I didn't know them by name I gave them my own names:
Clanking boot lady was constantly on the go and constantly on the phone
Kind gray-hair man was either smiling or looking out the window
Uh-huh, uh-huh lady was on the phone a lot
Constantly eating dude sat right across from me. LIVER and LIMA BEANS, I told myself, LIVER and LIMA BEANS.
May I help you? lady was very helpful as she patiently answered every phone call with kindness.
These people are driving me nuts lady was not so much. She sat beside May I help you? lady.
Constantly talking man roamed around the room.

Basically it was a bee hive of activity. Some were there waiting on loved ones who were in surgery. Some waited with a loved one waiting to go in to surgery. Some were there for tests and pre-op appointments.

I thought of each of them this morning as I read my devotions. But not only them -- my mind drifted to family, to friends, to foes, to people who have hurt me, to people I have hurt, to people who have angered me as well as those I have angered. People came to mind I so greatly admire as well as people I so desperately miss. As I read I thought of those "life-long friends" who decided not to be life-long friends. 

Because the two verses that I read over in various translations (as I love to do when I study) told me the same thing about each and every person that came to mind: LOVE. I just share what I read. I can't twist it -- it is God's Truth from 2 Peter that I read:

Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. - New Revised Standard Version

 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. - New International Version

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”  Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. -- New King James Version

What motivates my love?

Is my love motivated from the joy in being with you and enjoying who you are?
Is my love motivated by your wealth?
Is my love motivated by what you can do for me?
Is my love motivated by your power?

Is my love unconditional so that I love you no matter what?

According to what I read this morning: YES. 

Help me, Oh God, to honor You by loving all Your children. 

Forgive me when I do not. 

This is a new day, Oh God. 

I welcome Your Spirit to breathe new life and new love in me.

Help me put anger and hurt aside.

Let feelings of  being wronged be a thing of yesterday.

May peace abound and love triumph.

And at the end of this day, may someone somewhere know 

Your love through me.

Amen.

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

Livers and Lima Beans

I'm in the second week of a two week liquid diet in preparation for Bariatric Surgery on Monday. While a great deal of stigma continues in our society regarding obesity many people don't realize that there are those who deal with physical issues that keep them from the ability to lose weight. I am one such person. After numerous doctor visits and tests, it was determined medically very difficult for me to lose weight on my own.

That still does not stop the comments from those who do not know me or have not been around me enough to know otherwise.
"It's a shame you let yourself go."
"I did it. Why can't you lose the weight?"
"Why don't you call off the surgery and join a gym?"

Let me be the first to say, however, that I am an emotional eater. Not proud of that. 

I have had to work hard and learn how to vent my frustrations in other, healthier ways. I'm so grateful for my faith that reminds me to pray, to think of others, to do anything constructive!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So I had to go to Wal-Mart yesterday to get some more of the things I am allowed to have during this time. It hit me the minute I entered the store. Right before me was my absolute favorite area: fruits and vegetables. Seriously, I have been known to eat salads every day for both lunch and dinner for days on end -- LOVE it! It is, however, a bit pricey to keep in stock all the fabulous things you can put in salads.

I put my head down and kept going.

Ice cream aisle. Uh-oh
Actually it turned out to be a breeze. I picked up the Sugar Free Popsicle I am allowed to have and put my electric buggy in "go" and off I went.

Then I hit the "Breakfast" area. Oh no! I LOVE breakfast foods: eggs, bacon, biscuits, gravy, waffles, pancakes, sausage, oatmeal, toast ... You name it. There isn't much of any breakfast food I do not like.

THINK FAST!!!! (I told myself) And then I had it. LIVER and LIMA BEANS!

THAT'S what I had to focus on. Everything became liver and lima beans and from that moment on it was a breeze getting through that store and finding what I needed..

THANK YOU, GOD for liver and lima beans! UGH -- do not like liver and lima beans. They are now my best friend.

Have trouble seeing pizza before me? Nope -- it now looks like a mash of liver. UGH!

I imagine I'm not alone with battling some type of addiction: whether it be emotional eating, shopping, drinking, you name it -- everyone has something they are addicted to.

For me, I have decided liver and lima beans are my buddies.

I've always believed God has a great sense of humor. I can almost hear laughter from Heaven as I look to things that revolt me. It's a good start as I learn to love other things that are better for me.

If you pray I cherish your prayers Monday as I will undergo Bariatric Surgery.
If you are not a pray-er I cherish your good thoughts.

Enjoying the Journey,

Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

Here Comes the Sun!

I have it playing now -- I can't quit singing it

Whether you were alive at the time of The Beatles or not you're most likely familiar with the song:

Here comes the sun (doo doo doo doo)

Here comes the sun, and I say

It's all right

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter

Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here

Here comes the sun

Here comes the sun, and I say

It's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces

Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here

Here comes the sun

Here comes the sun, and I say

It's all right

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

Sun, sun,…

OK, so it repeats a lot but come on, tell me it doesn't bring a much-needed smile to your face?

For some reason I have the Beatles playing and I'm sitting here typing and moving to the beat of the music. You just can't help it with them.

I couldn't figure why The Beatles were on my brain this morning and then I remembered. It was a text from a friend referencing them and how they were much "simpler days back then." NOT.  

From the beginning of history we have been a people in crisis ... 

      Where there is peace in one area, there is war in another. 

      Where the sun is shining in one area, the winds and rains are wreaking havoc in another.

      Where some might know freedom in one area, others are bound by oppression

      

It's called human nature

That got me to thinking ... I love how our ancestors of faith paved the way for us today. They offer us a glimpse at grace. They help us see we can have hope. 

I say that because they messed up -- just like I do. 

They disagreed with each other -- as I have done. 

We read of them when they were at their worst -- oh, have I been seen at my worst.

We also read of them when they were at their best -- thankfully, I have a few of those moments.

Throughout Scripture -- from Genesis to Revelation -- I see God's love and grace reaching out over and over again. And I know without a shadow of a doubt that God reaches out to us today. Like our ancestors of old -- it is our choice to reach out and receive.

My prayer today is that more of us choose to allow the sun to shine in our hearts and souls so much the beams are contagious.

Enjoying the Journey,

Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

In Search of ...

... something else!

I'm in search of peace, hope, joy, love

I didn't realize it as I was typing out those four words but now that I sit here and look at them I know what I'm looking for, Those words: peace, hope, joy and love are the main emphases during the Advent Season leading up to Christmas. I LOVE Advent! It is the time of preparation and anticipation. Excitement builds each week in each worship service leading us up to Christmas Eve where the Church is proverbially bursting at her seams with excitement for the news we get to share:

Jesus Christ is born!


I'm sure I'm not alone in this. It seems we are so unsettled. 

Hurricane Matthew slammed in to the east coast a few days ago and it continues to make its mark in southern coastal communities today and in days following. Flooding abounds and winds are so strong weather forecasters can hardly stand as they provide live newscasts. 

As I watched The Weather Channel I realized the howling winds and pouring rains gave me a visual picture of how I feel things are in our communities, our country, our world. We are in a storm of racial unrest, the political season has become a comedy-horror debacle, winds of anger abound.

Peace -- Hope -- Joy -- Love

I think it is time to look to a little baby born in a manger.

He was born in to a time of extreme political unrest, horrible oppression, brutal killings of babies due to the insecurity of an oppressive ruler. That human ruler knew of the prophecies -- he knew a divine ruler was prophesied to come. And he was threatened.

We are threatened. We're threatened when we don't agree.
We are afraid. We're afraid of racial unrest, of the horror of our neighbors being treated differently due to different skin color.
We are confused. We're so confused because we live in an age of great intellect and technology yet we act like immature children who don't get our way so we throw sand and stomp off the playground to sulk.

Enter the One who caused animals and Shepherds alike to gather and kneel before him because they knew something was different and they knew it was good.

Enter the One who caused grown men to travels miles to offer gifts fit for a king.

Enter the One who grew to teach about those very things for which we yearn.

Enter the One  who offers us those same things today.

It is a far better path to take. It won't be an easy journey. We always think things should be easier -- there is the child-like mentality again. But if we exude a spirit of peace and hope, if our daily living is one of joy and unconditional love to everyone -- we will make a difference in a hurting world. We will make a difference one person at a time.

That is my prayer for me and for you today -- that we may be abundant in kindness and love -- no matter what -- to everyone we encounter today.

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

Super Heroes Arise!

I absolutely loved the show of support as friends and community gathered around family to be with them at the funeral of six-year-old  JACOB HALL. Jacob's family were dressed as super heroes -- though I must say I already view them as super heroes as they plod through these days of raw emotion ... as they do now what has never been asked of them: live out their days without Jacob in their midst.

Not a head was turned, nothing seemed unusual as a super hero nation flew in and surrounded the Hall family. There was nothing unusual if you saw Batman driving down the interstate in his Toyota or Wonder Woman driving not far ahead in her Honda Accord. News coverage from the funeral and pictures in our local Asheville-Citizen Times features lines of people in their super hero attire. Age did not matter. Grown men arrived decked out in complete Super Man costumes, Bat Man costumes and so on and so on and so on -- it was glorious.

In the midst of tragedy, a little boy's love of super heroes united a hurting community in ways we cannot begin to comprehend. And not only that, it offered a nation the opportunity to stop and think.

STOP ... and THINK:
I have to wonder how can I be a super hero to those I encounter?
It isn't about always wearing the costume -- it is about taking on the persona.
Jacob's family has invited me -- whether they know it or not -- to stop and wonder how I can be super hero-like. How can I be ever vigilant and aware of what is going on around me? How can I stay alert and take action when action is required? How can I offer kindness and compassion?

I have to go run an errand this morning.

It's time to head out -- I think I shall wear my cape.

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

Do You Know What's In That?

Leonard Sweet tweeted this a few hours ago: "The soul is organic. It needs fertilizer to grow. What/Who will fertilize your faith today?"

That caught my eye ... made me think. I found my nose and lip kind of snarling up at the corners as I thought about growing up on the farm and just exactly what "fertilizer" can smell like at times. Ugh.

Thank you, Leonard Sweet, I have fertilizer on my mind this morning.

There were different kinds of fertilizer. Dad taught me that different soil needed different fertilizer to feed it and repair it. We had natural fertilizer -- otherwise referred to by me as "cow poo." We had a lot of cow poo because we had lots of cattle. You never ever wore nice clothes or shoes in to the barn where the cows were. It was inevitable you might have a close encounter with cow poo. It can be quite pungent.

But Dad also bought fertilizer because he sometimes used a mixture of our cow poo with it in the flower beds. Oh my goodness, I've gone and claimed ownership on cow poo. I really need caffeine. But I digress. He let me smell that other fertilizer one time. I did not like it. It burned my nose. Believe it or not, I will take cow poo any day over whatever that stingy stuff was.

The combination did its job because the flower beds were spectacular. We used to say that the farm was a "mini Biltmore Estate". The expanse of grass that had to be mowed was mowed regularly and meticulously. The flowers beds were weed free.

The beauty came out of great care and that care included cow poo.

I do not think that is quite the idea Leonard Sweet had when he wrote that. I think perhaps he is honing in on the positive aspects of fertilizer and how much it is needed to help something grow and mature. That sounds far more dignified than my rambling on about cow poo. But he is the expert in communication -- not me.

Then again, is he asking me to consider the negative aspects of fertilizer?
Is it possible I can look to the wrong thing or wrong person to influence (fertilize) me and then have to live with the consequences?
Yep. This could be.

I certainly have let myself be influenced in negative ways. I prefer not to re-live those days.

So Who will fertilize me -- nourish me, nurture me, stimulate growth in me today?

Oh God, let me look to You as my source of love and grace this day. When others look at me please, Oh God, please let them see You in me. When words come from my mouth may they be seasoned in your spirit of compassion. Grow a new thing in me, that my soul might continue to grow and hunger and thirst for nothing, for no one -- but You. And may I know a heart overflowing with gratitude when I realize Your great generosity in answering that prayer. Amen.

Enjoying the Journey,
Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved

A Frog Named HOPE

I make a practice of looking for good news every morning as I watch the news and read the ticker tape that runs along the bottom of the TV screen. Some mornings I am hard-pressed to see much good news. It seems we are inundated with the horrible and the ridiculous.

Although I did have to look a little harder this morning here are a few things I discovered: 

Pope Francis makes a surprise visit to a town in Italy reeling from a horrific earthquake. How wonderful to see peace enter in the midst of the storm.

Police officers escort three daughters of one of their fallen comrades to the school homecoming dance. The officers drove the three girls and their dates to dinner and to the dance. They waited for the girls throughout the evening and drove them home. When asked about their choice to do this, one of the officers said: "The important thing for everyone in that family, the girls' family, to remember, is that they’ll never be by themselves, we will always be with them. We will never replace their dad, that’s for sure, but we will share in their moments with them."

A 102-year-old Missouri woman who has made over 400 items that she gives to those in need was given a special gift herself. She has always wanted to ride in a police car so the local police responded to her wish. When they escorted her to the patrol car she asked if she could be handcuffed and ride in the back. They granted her request and then escorted her to several homes so she could deliver her most recent homemade goodies. At the end of her adventure she was asked if it was fun and she replied: "Oh yes! Handcuffs and all!"

A once thought endangered frog has resurfaced in Yosemite National Park. One representative stated it brought them great hope in the resilience of the little guy that they would survive and increase.

I decided to name the frog HOPE. I'm not sure what it says that one of the good news features today is about a frog. But I figure, why not? Good news offers hope in any size, color, shape or form. So a frog it is. 

And perhaps there is some of the great mystery of God's handiwork at play in the news of this frog and the future of its species. I think it may be significant this little bit of news is stirred in to the pot of all that is going on in the world today. 

I am just as guilty as the next person to look for God's presence and miracles to be BIG. A little frog is not so big. 

Yet I am reminded daily if I will set aside my tendency to look and discover and sometimes judge (ouch), I will enter the realm of new discoveries all around me.

This picture I found is not the frog from Yosemite National Park but I suspect it and that frog have something in common. It's stretching out and relaxing -- it feels pretty good. After all, it is not headed to extinction after all. It has others like him and they are going to see to it they flourish.

THAT is something pretty miraculous and yes, it offers us hope.

Jesus told the disciples: "I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”

I am casting my eyes on Christ and in that I find peace and renewed hope. In the midst of this messed-up world, God is in our midst. 

Enjoying the journey,

Debra

bebprov356.blogspot.com

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6 --

© -- 2016, All Rights Reserved