Lisa J. Crane's Blog, page 3
August 21, 2014
Thankful Thursday: A Challenge
If you're reading this, I probably count you as a friend. We may have never met in person, and unless you come to Texas, we probably never will. (I'm a homebody.) But we may have met through my books, your books, our children, a mutual friend ... bingo, lol. One way or another we are friends in person or online. So I see the things you post on Facebook. I read your Tweets. I see the pictures you post on Instagram. I read the emails you send me.
I know when you're hurting, angry, lonely, frustrated, worried, or overwhelmed by life. And I hurt and worry and get mad right along with you. I empathize with you, and I pray for you.
So today's blog is for all of my friends' children and all of my young friends who will soon be starting school (or already started). I want to remind you that you are not alone. For one thing, nearly every adult you know is pulling for you to succeed in everything you do this year, whether it's academically, musically, dramatically, artistically, or athletically (and I'm not even sure that's a word). Oh, sure, there's always that one teacher, coach, administrator, or whoever, who truly seems to take pleasure in tormenting young people. But really, they are few and far between.
We want to see what you'll accomplish this year. We want to see you blossom and flourish. We want to see your smile, hear your laughter, share in the joys that come your way every day.
Speaking personally, I want to remind you that as hard as your teenage years can be--and make no mistake, they can be painfully trying--they don't last forever. A world awaits you after high school, and an even bigger and better world awaits you after college. Life just keeps getting better. I promise.
So as the school year begins, I'm throwing down a challenge.
Parents, I challenge you to talk to your children every single day. Ask open-ended questions, and listen. Don't let your kids get off with some lame, mono-syllabic reply, the goal of which is to make you stop asking questions. Make them give you details. If you need to make a list of questions to rotate through the week, do it. Who'd you eat lunch with today, and what did y'all talk about? What was your favorite class today, and why? Tell me about a new friend you made. Tell me about your new teachers. The key lies in not asking questions that can be answered with a yes, no, fine, or whatever.
Young people, my challenge to you is multi-part. First, answer your parents' questions. They really do want to know what's going on in your life and in your head. Second, talk to your parents. Tell us things we didn't ask about. Tell us what excites you, worries you, is hurting you. And third, when you talk to us, if we offer advice, listen. We were in your shoes once, and we probably learned a thing or two along the way. We would love to help you avoid some of life's more painful and/or embarrassing lessons (i.e., a revival of most 70s fashions is NOT a good idea).
Young people, nearly every adult you know is sitting on the edge of their seat, just waiting, excited to know what the future holds for you, and what you'll do with it. Go get it. Take the love of your parents, surrogate parents (like me), teachers, your friends' parents, and go out and conquer this year. And remember: You are not alone. I'm with you. But better than that ... God is with you. Every step of the way.
I know when you're hurting, angry, lonely, frustrated, worried, or overwhelmed by life. And I hurt and worry and get mad right along with you. I empathize with you, and I pray for you.
So today's blog is for all of my friends' children and all of my young friends who will soon be starting school (or already started). I want to remind you that you are not alone. For one thing, nearly every adult you know is pulling for you to succeed in everything you do this year, whether it's academically, musically, dramatically, artistically, or athletically (and I'm not even sure that's a word). Oh, sure, there's always that one teacher, coach, administrator, or whoever, who truly seems to take pleasure in tormenting young people. But really, they are few and far between.
We want to see what you'll accomplish this year. We want to see you blossom and flourish. We want to see your smile, hear your laughter, share in the joys that come your way every day.
Speaking personally, I want to remind you that as hard as your teenage years can be--and make no mistake, they can be painfully trying--they don't last forever. A world awaits you after high school, and an even bigger and better world awaits you after college. Life just keeps getting better. I promise.
So as the school year begins, I'm throwing down a challenge.
Parents, I challenge you to talk to your children every single day. Ask open-ended questions, and listen. Don't let your kids get off with some lame, mono-syllabic reply, the goal of which is to make you stop asking questions. Make them give you details. If you need to make a list of questions to rotate through the week, do it. Who'd you eat lunch with today, and what did y'all talk about? What was your favorite class today, and why? Tell me about a new friend you made. Tell me about your new teachers. The key lies in not asking questions that can be answered with a yes, no, fine, or whatever.
Young people, my challenge to you is multi-part. First, answer your parents' questions. They really do want to know what's going on in your life and in your head. Second, talk to your parents. Tell us things we didn't ask about. Tell us what excites you, worries you, is hurting you. And third, when you talk to us, if we offer advice, listen. We were in your shoes once, and we probably learned a thing or two along the way. We would love to help you avoid some of life's more painful and/or embarrassing lessons (i.e., a revival of most 70s fashions is NOT a good idea).
Young people, nearly every adult you know is sitting on the edge of their seat, just waiting, excited to know what the future holds for you, and what you'll do with it. Go get it. Take the love of your parents, surrogate parents (like me), teachers, your friends' parents, and go out and conquer this year. And remember: You are not alone. I'm with you. But better than that ... God is with you. Every step of the way.
August 14, 2014
Thankful Thursday: Mercy
Have you ever read a Tweet, a status update, or a blog and just cringed? Thought to yourself the Tweeter, Facebooker, blogger could have found a better way to say something?
I just finished reading a blog about Robin Williams' suicide. The blogger states that Williams died, not from a disease, but by his own choice. Okay. I understand that. And technically, I agree.
However ...
It truly bothers me to see/hear/read people who claim to be Christians using what I consider to be "shock jock" methods to get their point across. Tossing out a Tweet or writing a blog that's sure to stir up controversy. In this case, the controversy, of course, is saying Williams didn't die from a disease.
I'm troubled that in the year 2014, many Christians still don't understand that mental illness does exist, and it's just that: illness. To say a Christian should never be depressed, as in clinically diagnosed depression, is disingenuous, and undermines the faith of any Christian who suffers from depression. Maybe the problem lies in calling it depression. Depression implies a minor setback, a temporary situation. I'm depressed because my Bug is at the mechanic's shop. I'll get over that as soon as I have my car back. So maybe we should say someone suffers from a mind-numbing, horrible pit of despair from which they see no escape.
To imply that anyone who suffers from a true mental illness--and make no mistake, there are more forms of MI than you think--isn't truly sick is just plain wrong. But to imply that a Christian who suffers from any of those diagnoses isn't truly sick is exactly the same thing as a so-called faith healer telling someone they weren't healed because they didn't have enough faith. (Are you going to be the one to tell the apostle Paul that his faith wasn't strong enough? Hello? 2 Corinthians 12:9 anyone?)
Furthermore, saying someone should be able to overcome mental illness without medical assistance is dangerous. Left untreated, many forms of mental illness, like any other disease will worsen. You wouldn't tell someone who has cancer, "Just pray about it. You'll get over it." Why then, do we, as Christians, say that to someone who's been diagnosed with a mental illness?
Let me clarify, I do believe there are a lot of people out there who just need to suck it up and realize life isn't fair. But there are also a lot of people who have battled mental illness their whole lives, and it will always be a part of who they are.
And I want to be very, VERY clear on this point: I believe suicide is sinful. I believe people need to understand that. I believe people need to understand, from a worldly standpoint, the devastation suicide leaves in its wake. I've never known anyone personally who took their own life, but I've known several people who had a loved one commit suicide. To a man, those friends and loved ones were left guilt-stricken, wondering what they did, what the didn't do, why didn't they see it coming, why didn't the person ask them for help ... the questions are endless and tortuous. I'll say it again: Suicide is sinful, and it's wrong on every level.
However ...
Isn't a lack of compassion also a sin?
I'm thankful that when I stand before my God, He will look at me, not through the eyes of my fellow man, which see every spot and stain, but through the eyes of a divine Father. Eyes so filled with love, compassion, and mercy that He sees me washed clean with His Son's blood.
So in the coming days, when people are talking about suicide and mental illness, stop. Say a prayer before you speak. Ask for guidance and wisdom in choosing your words. Because you have no way of knowing if your words will uplift and encourage someone, or just pile guilt and doubt on top of someone already struggling. Do you want your words to be the ones that drive someone away from God?
I hope and pray my words will always be tempered with the knowledge that I have been shown mercy, even when I don't deserve it.
I just finished reading a blog about Robin Williams' suicide. The blogger states that Williams died, not from a disease, but by his own choice. Okay. I understand that. And technically, I agree.
However ...
It truly bothers me to see/hear/read people who claim to be Christians using what I consider to be "shock jock" methods to get their point across. Tossing out a Tweet or writing a blog that's sure to stir up controversy. In this case, the controversy, of course, is saying Williams didn't die from a disease.
I'm troubled that in the year 2014, many Christians still don't understand that mental illness does exist, and it's just that: illness. To say a Christian should never be depressed, as in clinically diagnosed depression, is disingenuous, and undermines the faith of any Christian who suffers from depression. Maybe the problem lies in calling it depression. Depression implies a minor setback, a temporary situation. I'm depressed because my Bug is at the mechanic's shop. I'll get over that as soon as I have my car back. So maybe we should say someone suffers from a mind-numbing, horrible pit of despair from which they see no escape.
To imply that anyone who suffers from a true mental illness--and make no mistake, there are more forms of MI than you think--isn't truly sick is just plain wrong. But to imply that a Christian who suffers from any of those diagnoses isn't truly sick is exactly the same thing as a so-called faith healer telling someone they weren't healed because they didn't have enough faith. (Are you going to be the one to tell the apostle Paul that his faith wasn't strong enough? Hello? 2 Corinthians 12:9 anyone?)
Furthermore, saying someone should be able to overcome mental illness without medical assistance is dangerous. Left untreated, many forms of mental illness, like any other disease will worsen. You wouldn't tell someone who has cancer, "Just pray about it. You'll get over it." Why then, do we, as Christians, say that to someone who's been diagnosed with a mental illness?
Let me clarify, I do believe there are a lot of people out there who just need to suck it up and realize life isn't fair. But there are also a lot of people who have battled mental illness their whole lives, and it will always be a part of who they are.
And I want to be very, VERY clear on this point: I believe suicide is sinful. I believe people need to understand that. I believe people need to understand, from a worldly standpoint, the devastation suicide leaves in its wake. I've never known anyone personally who took their own life, but I've known several people who had a loved one commit suicide. To a man, those friends and loved ones were left guilt-stricken, wondering what they did, what the didn't do, why didn't they see it coming, why didn't the person ask them for help ... the questions are endless and tortuous. I'll say it again: Suicide is sinful, and it's wrong on every level.
However ...
Isn't a lack of compassion also a sin?
I'm thankful that when I stand before my God, He will look at me, not through the eyes of my fellow man, which see every spot and stain, but through the eyes of a divine Father. Eyes so filled with love, compassion, and mercy that He sees me washed clean with His Son's blood.
So in the coming days, when people are talking about suicide and mental illness, stop. Say a prayer before you speak. Ask for guidance and wisdom in choosing your words. Because you have no way of knowing if your words will uplift and encourage someone, or just pile guilt and doubt on top of someone already struggling. Do you want your words to be the ones that drive someone away from God?
I hope and pray my words will always be tempered with the knowledge that I have been shown mercy, even when I don't deserve it.
August 12, 2014
Terrific Tuesday: What Have You Got?
You've probably heard by now of the studies indicating that Facebook can cause depression. In case you haven't heard of them, the studies show that people get on Facebook and compare.
That's right, they compare people's vacation pictures, favorable job news, new relationships, new homes, grandchildren, you name it. And they start thinking about the things they don't have. Not enough time/money for a vacation, no exciting new relationship, same old home, same imperfect spouse, and so on. And they get depressed.
I read an article about one of these studies yesterday, and it stuck with me. I kept mulling it over, thinking about the things I see on Facebook. Then upon waking this morning, while drinking my coffee, I went scrolling through my news feed. And you know what I saw?
Dirty laundry.
Yup. One person complaining (and I really need a much stronger word, because that person was livid) about their spouse. A parent angry about something their child did. A third griping about their job.
I realized then that yes, I, too, am guilty of comparing. And when I compare my life to some of those around me, I realize I'm blessed.
Don't get me wrong. My life is far from perfect. We are a (mostly) single-income family right now. My writing doesn't pay the bills (yet). I've been unable to find a job that fits within our family's needs. As I write this, I'm looking at a dirty towel left on the floor by one of my children (and I'm in the dining room, if that tells you anything). There is hedgehog stuffing (don't ask) scattered on the living room floor that I just vacuumed yesterday afternoon.
But you know what? I have a husband who loves me, healthy children, a roof over my head ... you get the idea, right? I'm not saying nobody ever has a right to complain. Everybody complains occasionally about something, and sometimes it's justified.
I guess what I'm saying is, when you're comparing your life to those of your Facebook friends, what are you seeing? Are you seeing all the things you don't have? Or are you reminded of what you do have? Not taking pleasure in someone else's problems, but just remembering that maybe your life is pretty good.
I challenge you today to take a minute and think of all the things you take for granted. All those things you lump together when you thank God for "all my blessings." Name them. Name each loved one, each amenity, if you will, like reliable transportation and a house with air conditioning and plumbing. What about freedoms? What about health? What about that job you moaned about?
So to make this a Terrific Tuesday, instead of complaining about something, I'm going to find something positive in every aspect of my life today. I'll start with being thankful I have a really good vacuum cleaner ... one that will suck up hedgehog stuffing. ;-)
That's right, they compare people's vacation pictures, favorable job news, new relationships, new homes, grandchildren, you name it. And they start thinking about the things they don't have. Not enough time/money for a vacation, no exciting new relationship, same old home, same imperfect spouse, and so on. And they get depressed.
I read an article about one of these studies yesterday, and it stuck with me. I kept mulling it over, thinking about the things I see on Facebook. Then upon waking this morning, while drinking my coffee, I went scrolling through my news feed. And you know what I saw?
Dirty laundry.
Yup. One person complaining (and I really need a much stronger word, because that person was livid) about their spouse. A parent angry about something their child did. A third griping about their job.
I realized then that yes, I, too, am guilty of comparing. And when I compare my life to some of those around me, I realize I'm blessed.
Don't get me wrong. My life is far from perfect. We are a (mostly) single-income family right now. My writing doesn't pay the bills (yet). I've been unable to find a job that fits within our family's needs. As I write this, I'm looking at a dirty towel left on the floor by one of my children (and I'm in the dining room, if that tells you anything). There is hedgehog stuffing (don't ask) scattered on the living room floor that I just vacuumed yesterday afternoon.
But you know what? I have a husband who loves me, healthy children, a roof over my head ... you get the idea, right? I'm not saying nobody ever has a right to complain. Everybody complains occasionally about something, and sometimes it's justified.
I guess what I'm saying is, when you're comparing your life to those of your Facebook friends, what are you seeing? Are you seeing all the things you don't have? Or are you reminded of what you do have? Not taking pleasure in someone else's problems, but just remembering that maybe your life is pretty good.
I challenge you today to take a minute and think of all the things you take for granted. All those things you lump together when you thank God for "all my blessings." Name them. Name each loved one, each amenity, if you will, like reliable transportation and a house with air conditioning and plumbing. What about freedoms? What about health? What about that job you moaned about?
So to make this a Terrific Tuesday, instead of complaining about something, I'm going to find something positive in every aspect of my life today. I'll start with being thankful I have a really good vacuum cleaner ... one that will suck up hedgehog stuffing. ;-)
August 10, 2014
Super Sunday!
Sometimes I get so excited about something I have to act totally out of character. Oh, wait ... excitement pretty much is my character. But when I walked into Bible class this morning, I was expecting to continue with 2 Kings.
Imagine my surprise when the Bible class teacher turned on the projector to reveal a new topic. Lord, Teach Us to Pray. The title of the class comes from Luke 11:1.
I've blogged before about prayer. I can name examples--sooo many examples--of answered prayer. My prayers, the prayers of others, prayers for other people, the list goes on and on. So when I think about prayer, I'm kind of amazed.
Imagine I wanted to talk to the President of the United States. I can't just pick up the phone and call the Whitehouse. I can't just walk up to the front door and ring the bell. Wait, does the Whitehouse even have a bell? Anyway, no. If I have a sudden desire to speak to the POTUS, I'd have to jump through all kinds of hoops to do so. And I'd probably get turned down.
How about the Queen of England? Nope. Not likely.
No, I can probably say the most famous (see I can't even say powerful) person I've ever talked to would be some musician on Twitter.
So what makes me think I can just talk to God? Well ... He does. That's right, God invites my conversation. He listens to me. He responds to my requests for peace, for comfort, for healing, for all kinds of favor and blessing.
So yes, when I saw the new topic for Bible class, I was pretty excited. Any opportunity to learn more about communicating with my Father, my Creator, is an opportunity that makes me eager for the next class.
This brings us, finally, to the out of character part. It's not so much out of character as it is out of order. I don't usually blog on Sunday. That's how excited I am about this class. So there you are. Super Sunday. Not a day I usually blog, and the day is more than half done. But sometimes you just have to share your excitement.
Imagine my surprise when the Bible class teacher turned on the projector to reveal a new topic. Lord, Teach Us to Pray. The title of the class comes from Luke 11:1.
I've blogged before about prayer. I can name examples--sooo many examples--of answered prayer. My prayers, the prayers of others, prayers for other people, the list goes on and on. So when I think about prayer, I'm kind of amazed.
Imagine I wanted to talk to the President of the United States. I can't just pick up the phone and call the Whitehouse. I can't just walk up to the front door and ring the bell. Wait, does the Whitehouse even have a bell? Anyway, no. If I have a sudden desire to speak to the POTUS, I'd have to jump through all kinds of hoops to do so. And I'd probably get turned down.
How about the Queen of England? Nope. Not likely.
No, I can probably say the most famous (see I can't even say powerful) person I've ever talked to would be some musician on Twitter.
So what makes me think I can just talk to God? Well ... He does. That's right, God invites my conversation. He listens to me. He responds to my requests for peace, for comfort, for healing, for all kinds of favor and blessing.
So yes, when I saw the new topic for Bible class, I was pretty excited. Any opportunity to learn more about communicating with my Father, my Creator, is an opportunity that makes me eager for the next class.
This brings us, finally, to the out of character part. It's not so much out of character as it is out of order. I don't usually blog on Sunday. That's how excited I am about this class. So there you are. Super Sunday. Not a day I usually blog, and the day is more than half done. But sometimes you just have to share your excitement.
August 5, 2014
Terrific Tuesday: The REAL Secret
I get a lot of emails that include advice. Everything from cleaning tips to hairstyles to relationships to ... well, you get it. Some is great. Some is really good, but I'll never use it. And some is just stupid. (NOTE: Yes, I'm aware that parents are teaching their children that's the S word, but let's face it, folks, there is stupidity in this world of ours. Recognize it, deal with it, and teach your children how to appropriately use the word.)
This morning, one of the articles in my inbox was about lies we tell ourselves that keep us from being happy. The first one was, "There's not enough." That makes sense. We, as humans, are often unhappy with what we have. But the advice was to change the statement to, "I’m open to receiving unique opportunities in abundance."
Wait. What?
Admit it: you snorted a little when you read that.
This called to mind the book The Secret that was hugely popular a few years ago (thanks, Oprah). The book and its ridiculous tenets remain popular today. I follow a musician on Twitter who has a calendar based on the book. On a fairly regular basis, he'll tweet some quote that has me rolling my eyes so hard I see those little colored squiggles. You know what I mean.
The irony is, there is no secret to life. We aren't here to get more stuff. We're here to serve. God first. Others second. That's it. As Solomon said, "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
This doesn't mean when I serve God I'll automatically have earthly riches or power or success. It may not even mean I have happiness as the world defines it. Ms. Byrne's biggest secret is that she was able to fleece millions of people out of their hard-earned money on this drivel, and she continues to do so. To date you can find just shy of 4,000 reviews on Amazon. That's just Amazon. I didn't check other vendors. As an author, I know what a small percentage of readers leave reviews, so I can only imagine how many copies of this tripe have been sold at $14.95 a pop for the Kindle version. So if there's any secret, it's this: write some absurd mumbo-jumbo that promises people wealth, happiness, love, etc., and yes, you will become rich. Law of attraction? No. Law of stupidity. (See? There's the appropriate usage of the S word.)
Secret? No. There is absolutely no secret to happiness. God has given us a pretty clear roadmap to eternal joy. The key is in following it. And sharing it. He never meant for the path to life with Him to be a secret.
Now go make it a Terrific Tuesday and share the roadmap.
This morning, one of the articles in my inbox was about lies we tell ourselves that keep us from being happy. The first one was, "There's not enough." That makes sense. We, as humans, are often unhappy with what we have. But the advice was to change the statement to, "I’m open to receiving unique opportunities in abundance."
Wait. What?
Admit it: you snorted a little when you read that.
This called to mind the book The Secret that was hugely popular a few years ago (thanks, Oprah). The book and its ridiculous tenets remain popular today. I follow a musician on Twitter who has a calendar based on the book. On a fairly regular basis, he'll tweet some quote that has me rolling my eyes so hard I see those little colored squiggles. You know what I mean.
The irony is, there is no secret to life. We aren't here to get more stuff. We're here to serve. God first. Others second. That's it. As Solomon said, "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
This doesn't mean when I serve God I'll automatically have earthly riches or power or success. It may not even mean I have happiness as the world defines it. Ms. Byrne's biggest secret is that she was able to fleece millions of people out of their hard-earned money on this drivel, and she continues to do so. To date you can find just shy of 4,000 reviews on Amazon. That's just Amazon. I didn't check other vendors. As an author, I know what a small percentage of readers leave reviews, so I can only imagine how many copies of this tripe have been sold at $14.95 a pop for the Kindle version. So if there's any secret, it's this: write some absurd mumbo-jumbo that promises people wealth, happiness, love, etc., and yes, you will become rich. Law of attraction? No. Law of stupidity. (See? There's the appropriate usage of the S word.)
Secret? No. There is absolutely no secret to happiness. God has given us a pretty clear roadmap to eternal joy. The key is in following it. And sharing it. He never meant for the path to life with Him to be a secret.
Now go make it a Terrific Tuesday and share the roadmap.
August 1, 2014
Faboo Friday: A Good Day All Around
Some Fridays are fabulous. But some are just so good that they automatically get bumped up to being a Faboo Friday. Faboo is even better than fabulous. Today is one of those Fridays.
You see Friday is nearly always good because it follows Thursday. I go to my critique group on Thursday evenings, and the writers in that group are just ... well, I just love them. They make me a better writer. But more than that, they're all really good people. So there's the first part of a great Friday. Call it a good mood hangover from crit group.
Then--are you ready for this?--it's 70 degrees on August 1st. In TEXAS. In case you've never been to Texas in August, let me assure you, this almost never happens. It's like a white Christmas. A perfect double rainbow. The Dallas Cowboys winning the Super Bowl. Well ... maybe not quite that rare. But you get the idea. Very unusual, and very welcome.
But the very best part of this Friday is the fact that it's my favorite Friday of the year. Today is the first day of the annual Youth Lectures at Westside church of Christ. This is a weekend of strong, scriptural messages from six different men (and I'm proud to say one of them is my older brother, Rusty). It's several hours, spread over three days, of hundreds of voices raised in song, a capella as in the first century church, singing that can induce chills sometimes--yes, even in the usual August heat.
If you're anywhere near the D/FW area, and you aren't, oh, say, getting married or having open-heart surgery, you should try to make it to at least one of the services. You can find more information here.
So while I normally begrudge a day that might take me away from my writing time (straightening the house for a couple of guests, making desserts for a get-together on Saturday, etc.), this time I don't mind at all. Because today is Youth Lecture Friday, and that is an unbelievably Faboo Friday .
I hope to see some of you this weekend. Now go make the rest of your day as Faboo as mine is shaping up to be.
You see Friday is nearly always good because it follows Thursday. I go to my critique group on Thursday evenings, and the writers in that group are just ... well, I just love them. They make me a better writer. But more than that, they're all really good people. So there's the first part of a great Friday. Call it a good mood hangover from crit group.
Then--are you ready for this?--it's 70 degrees on August 1st. In TEXAS. In case you've never been to Texas in August, let me assure you, this almost never happens. It's like a white Christmas. A perfect double rainbow. The Dallas Cowboys winning the Super Bowl. Well ... maybe not quite that rare. But you get the idea. Very unusual, and very welcome.
But the very best part of this Friday is the fact that it's my favorite Friday of the year. Today is the first day of the annual Youth Lectures at Westside church of Christ. This is a weekend of strong, scriptural messages from six different men (and I'm proud to say one of them is my older brother, Rusty). It's several hours, spread over three days, of hundreds of voices raised in song, a capella as in the first century church, singing that can induce chills sometimes--yes, even in the usual August heat.
If you're anywhere near the D/FW area, and you aren't, oh, say, getting married or having open-heart surgery, you should try to make it to at least one of the services. You can find more information here.
So while I normally begrudge a day that might take me away from my writing time (straightening the house for a couple of guests, making desserts for a get-together on Saturday, etc.), this time I don't mind at all. Because today is Youth Lecture Friday, and that is an unbelievably Faboo Friday .
I hope to see some of you this weekend. Now go make the rest of your day as Faboo as mine is shaping up to be.
July 29, 2014
Repeating Things
Please note, this is a slight departure from my usual Marvelous Monday, Terrific Tuesday, etc. blog. It's still a terrific day, but my topic is ... otherwise.
There are certain things in life that are cyclical. Certain weather patterns. Fashion trends. Teaching techniques.
There are also certain social mores that seem to be cyclical. I'm old enough to remember the if it feels good do it philosophy of the 70s. Free love, burning the bras, hemlines rising, necklines dropping, and so on. Then in the 80s, we swung back to longer hemlines and preppy button-up shirts and blouses. I guess you know where we are in the fashion cycle now, with more skin than ever being bared on a daily basis.
I've also seen things swing back toward teenage boys and girls wearing purity rings and pledging sexual abstinence.
Socially, I've seen women go from being June Cleaver to being militant feminists who hate men and feel they're being objectified and trivialized. And now there's the disturbing trend of women who are actually encouraging the objectification. How do they encourage this, you ask? By continuing to dress immodestly. By listening to music that objectifies women as nothing more than decorations, just waiting for their Prince Charming to drive up in his jacked up truck and rescue her (and by rescue, I mean he'll drive her out to the country and get her drunk by a river). By buying books that are nothing but glorified pornography to the tune of billions of dollars.
Listen up, ladies. God intended for you to be a precious jewel. He did not intend for you to be a brainless, trashy piece of eye-candy in the front seat of some guy's vehicle. He certainly never intended for you to be abused emotionally, physically or sexually by some arrogant, twisted billionaire.
Your turn, gentlemen. God's plan for you is to be a spiritual leader in your family someday. He didn't design you to waste your life on drinking and partying.
Where is this rant coming from (because make no mistake, I'm ranting)? It comes from listening to the radio, filled with guys singing, "I got to get me some o' that." And lest you think that's from some rock or rap song, nope. It's the ridiculous genre called bro-country. It comes from looking for books on Amazon and finding one work after another that seems to have the sole purpose of describing graphic (and sometimes abusive) sex. Don't believe me? Take a look. How many titles do you find under the romance category that include the word billionaire or alpha? Sometimes you get a bonus with BOTH words in the title or subtitle.
This brings me to the repeating part in the title of this blog. It bears repeating that God meant for us to be so much more. He's given most of us more talent and gifts than we will ever use. He's planned amazing things for us to see and experience. So why are we selling ourselves short? Why are we not living up to His potential for us?
Don't get me wrong. We will never be worthy of God's love, grace, or mercy. But shouldn't we at least try to achieve what He wants for us, not only for eternity, but here in this life, as well?
Let's stop wasting God's gifts and the time He's given us. Let's strive to be, do, and see everything He intended for us.
There are certain things in life that are cyclical. Certain weather patterns. Fashion trends. Teaching techniques.
There are also certain social mores that seem to be cyclical. I'm old enough to remember the if it feels good do it philosophy of the 70s. Free love, burning the bras, hemlines rising, necklines dropping, and so on. Then in the 80s, we swung back to longer hemlines and preppy button-up shirts and blouses. I guess you know where we are in the fashion cycle now, with more skin than ever being bared on a daily basis.
I've also seen things swing back toward teenage boys and girls wearing purity rings and pledging sexual abstinence.
Socially, I've seen women go from being June Cleaver to being militant feminists who hate men and feel they're being objectified and trivialized. And now there's the disturbing trend of women who are actually encouraging the objectification. How do they encourage this, you ask? By continuing to dress immodestly. By listening to music that objectifies women as nothing more than decorations, just waiting for their Prince Charming to drive up in his jacked up truck and rescue her (and by rescue, I mean he'll drive her out to the country and get her drunk by a river). By buying books that are nothing but glorified pornography to the tune of billions of dollars.
Listen up, ladies. God intended for you to be a precious jewel. He did not intend for you to be a brainless, trashy piece of eye-candy in the front seat of some guy's vehicle. He certainly never intended for you to be abused emotionally, physically or sexually by some arrogant, twisted billionaire.
Your turn, gentlemen. God's plan for you is to be a spiritual leader in your family someday. He didn't design you to waste your life on drinking and partying.
Where is this rant coming from (because make no mistake, I'm ranting)? It comes from listening to the radio, filled with guys singing, "I got to get me some o' that." And lest you think that's from some rock or rap song, nope. It's the ridiculous genre called bro-country. It comes from looking for books on Amazon and finding one work after another that seems to have the sole purpose of describing graphic (and sometimes abusive) sex. Don't believe me? Take a look. How many titles do you find under the romance category that include the word billionaire or alpha? Sometimes you get a bonus with BOTH words in the title or subtitle.
This brings me to the repeating part in the title of this blog. It bears repeating that God meant for us to be so much more. He's given most of us more talent and gifts than we will ever use. He's planned amazing things for us to see and experience. So why are we selling ourselves short? Why are we not living up to His potential for us?
Don't get me wrong. We will never be worthy of God's love, grace, or mercy. But shouldn't we at least try to achieve what He wants for us, not only for eternity, but here in this life, as well?
Let's stop wasting God's gifts and the time He's given us. Let's strive to be, do, and see everything He intended for us.
July 22, 2014
Terrific Tuesday: God's Word in Action
If you follow me on Facebook, you know I'm a frequent teacher in the baby Bible class at church. Our elders decided a long time ago that we would have an actual class, as opposed to a nursery. Anyone who tells you babies can't learn about God is just wrong. They are little sponges, and while what we're teaching them is very, very basic, they are learning.
This week is our VBS (Vacation Bible School), and our theme is Spiritual Boot Camp: Operation Godliness. The two passages that serve as our basis are 2 Peter 1: 5-8 and 1 Timothy 4: 7-8. As luck would have it, I get to be with the Little Bitties in VBS, too. I have every bit as much fun as they do, singing and learning. Granted, VBS class lasts longer than our usual Bible classes, so we do take Wiggle Breaks and get out of our chairs to run around and burn off some energy.
But during the times that all the children are together, all the different ages, and they're answering questions about what they've learned, it's hard to describe the feeling I get. It's almost as if I'm watching a time-lapse photography video of a plant growing, but in this case, it's young souls. You can actually see them learning, growing in the knowledge of God.
So that's it. Pretty simple from a worldly standpoint, but from a spiritual standpoint, it's huge. And that makes this a Terrific Tuesday.
If you're in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, it's not too late to bring your kids to VBS. You can find out website at www.justchristians.com for our location. VBS starts at 9:30am and ends at 11:30am, for ages 1 year to 6th grade. I guarantee if you bring your kids, they'll have a Wonderful Wednesday, a Thankful Thursday, and a Faboo Friday.
This week is our VBS (Vacation Bible School), and our theme is Spiritual Boot Camp: Operation Godliness. The two passages that serve as our basis are 2 Peter 1: 5-8 and 1 Timothy 4: 7-8. As luck would have it, I get to be with the Little Bitties in VBS, too. I have every bit as much fun as they do, singing and learning. Granted, VBS class lasts longer than our usual Bible classes, so we do take Wiggle Breaks and get out of our chairs to run around and burn off some energy.
But during the times that all the children are together, all the different ages, and they're answering questions about what they've learned, it's hard to describe the feeling I get. It's almost as if I'm watching a time-lapse photography video of a plant growing, but in this case, it's young souls. You can actually see them learning, growing in the knowledge of God.
So that's it. Pretty simple from a worldly standpoint, but from a spiritual standpoint, it's huge. And that makes this a Terrific Tuesday.
If you're in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, it's not too late to bring your kids to VBS. You can find out website at www.justchristians.com for our location. VBS starts at 9:30am and ends at 11:30am, for ages 1 year to 6th grade. I guarantee if you bring your kids, they'll have a Wonderful Wednesday, a Thankful Thursday, and a Faboo Friday.
July 11, 2014
Fabulous Friday: Use Your Words
One of the earliest life lessons we learn is patently wrong. Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me. Puhleeze. If there's a bigger lie people teach children, I don't know it. I made a choice when I had my first child that I'd never try to pawn this bit of nonsense off on them.
As adults, we all know this little rhyme is wrong. Not the part about sticks and stones, but the part about words. Sure, words don't leave visible scars or wounds. The scars and damage done by words, however, are very real.
The opposite side of that coin, though, is that sticks and stones can't build me up. But words? Oh, words can do so much. They can encourage, build up, cause laughter and smiles, educate, edify ... so much good can come from words.
Less than fifteen minutes ago, I was so annoyed about something--someone's words--that I seriously feared for the safety of the next person I saw. I wanted nothing more than to walk up to someone--anyone--smack them right in the forehead, and say, "Don't be stupid." This is absurd, I know, because the next person I see will be one of my children, and since they're both still asleep, they've done nothing to warrant being smacked in the forehead. (Give it time, the day is young. Kidding.)
Then someone said something that completely changed my mood. Odds are good I'll kiss the next person I see. (Hopefully, that will still be one of my kids, and not, say the mailman or the guy at AutoZone.) This person said something about me to others. It was a quick, 5-word sentence, but it changed my mood, my day, my very heart. Those words changed what was turning into a crummy morning into a Fabulous Friday.
So today, find something good to say to someone. It's pretty simple, really. Tell your husband how much you appreciate the things he does as the leader of your family. Men, tell your wife that you realize the sacrifices she makes for the family every day and that you love her all the more for them. Tell your kids how much joy they bring to you. Tell a stranger you like her shoes, his tie, his car, whatever.
Use your words and make this a Fabulous Friday for someone else. It costs nothing, and better still, it's contagious.
As adults, we all know this little rhyme is wrong. Not the part about sticks and stones, but the part about words. Sure, words don't leave visible scars or wounds. The scars and damage done by words, however, are very real.
The opposite side of that coin, though, is that sticks and stones can't build me up. But words? Oh, words can do so much. They can encourage, build up, cause laughter and smiles, educate, edify ... so much good can come from words.
Less than fifteen minutes ago, I was so annoyed about something--someone's words--that I seriously feared for the safety of the next person I saw. I wanted nothing more than to walk up to someone--anyone--smack them right in the forehead, and say, "Don't be stupid." This is absurd, I know, because the next person I see will be one of my children, and since they're both still asleep, they've done nothing to warrant being smacked in the forehead. (Give it time, the day is young. Kidding.)
Then someone said something that completely changed my mood. Odds are good I'll kiss the next person I see. (Hopefully, that will still be one of my kids, and not, say the mailman or the guy at AutoZone.) This person said something about me to others. It was a quick, 5-word sentence, but it changed my mood, my day, my very heart. Those words changed what was turning into a crummy morning into a Fabulous Friday.
So today, find something good to say to someone. It's pretty simple, really. Tell your husband how much you appreciate the things he does as the leader of your family. Men, tell your wife that you realize the sacrifices she makes for the family every day and that you love her all the more for them. Tell your kids how much joy they bring to you. Tell a stranger you like her shoes, his tie, his car, whatever.
Use your words and make this a Fabulous Friday for someone else. It costs nothing, and better still, it's contagious.
July 8, 2014
Terrific Tuesday: Forgiving and Forgiveness
I'm a big fan of apologies. A sincere, "I'm sorry" can go a long way toward appeasing anger or hurt. I realize there are people who toss out a flip, "Sorry!" that actually carries no hint of sorrow. But a true apology? Very powerful.
But once you offer those words, the power shifts to the ... let's call them the injured party, for lack of a better term. They now hold the power over whether or not they accept your apology. Do they forgive you? Do they continue to be hurt and angry, building their case against you until you're convicted and sentenced to death, metaphorically speaking? That's a lot of power, isn't it?
Then there's a third facet of forgiving. The power of forgiving someone actually makes the forgiver a better, stronger person. Am I alone in this belief? Think about it. Someone injures you in some way. They hurt you or anger you. You forgive them. It's as if you had a weight sitting on you, and you're able to let it go now, isn't it?
I woke up this morning with two people, two different situations, weighing heavily on me. They each said some really ugly and un-Christian things to and about me. And you know what? Neither of them cares. They'd deny it if asked about it. They've each gone their merry way, oblivious to and uncaring about the emotional and spiritual turmoil they've thrust on me. I seriously doubt either of them will ever come back and ask me for forgiveness for their words, their lies and accusations.
Would you look at that? Yet another type of power. The power of an un-offered apology. The hurt and anger, the frustration of wanting an apology from either of these people, has had a tight grip on my heart for a long time (a couple of years in one case). It disrupts my happiness. It sometimes blocks my thought process completely, causing me to think things like, "She thinks she's such a good Christian, and she's not." Or "Ha! So much for that Christian author thing. I write better than she does, anyway. And I wonder what her fans would think if they knew what she did?"
So this morning, I'm making a determined choice to let those things go. To forgive when no forgiveness is requested. Because it's the right thing to do for ME.
Is there an apology holding power over you? Spit it out. Offer it to the one you've injured. Or is there an apology hanging out there, offered to you, which you've not accepted? Why not? Is that anger, that festering wound making you a better person? Not likely. Accept the apology and forgive. Maybe it's an unspoken apology owed to you? Stop waiting for it, drop the weight, and move on.
I've been offered the ultimate forgiveness from my Creator. Can I do any less? Why not make this a Terrific Tuesday and offer forgiveness to someone?
But once you offer those words, the power shifts to the ... let's call them the injured party, for lack of a better term. They now hold the power over whether or not they accept your apology. Do they forgive you? Do they continue to be hurt and angry, building their case against you until you're convicted and sentenced to death, metaphorically speaking? That's a lot of power, isn't it?
Then there's a third facet of forgiving. The power of forgiving someone actually makes the forgiver a better, stronger person. Am I alone in this belief? Think about it. Someone injures you in some way. They hurt you or anger you. You forgive them. It's as if you had a weight sitting on you, and you're able to let it go now, isn't it?
I woke up this morning with two people, two different situations, weighing heavily on me. They each said some really ugly and un-Christian things to and about me. And you know what? Neither of them cares. They'd deny it if asked about it. They've each gone their merry way, oblivious to and uncaring about the emotional and spiritual turmoil they've thrust on me. I seriously doubt either of them will ever come back and ask me for forgiveness for their words, their lies and accusations.
Would you look at that? Yet another type of power. The power of an un-offered apology. The hurt and anger, the frustration of wanting an apology from either of these people, has had a tight grip on my heart for a long time (a couple of years in one case). It disrupts my happiness. It sometimes blocks my thought process completely, causing me to think things like, "She thinks she's such a good Christian, and she's not." Or "Ha! So much for that Christian author thing. I write better than she does, anyway. And I wonder what her fans would think if they knew what she did?"
So this morning, I'm making a determined choice to let those things go. To forgive when no forgiveness is requested. Because it's the right thing to do for ME.
Is there an apology holding power over you? Spit it out. Offer it to the one you've injured. Or is there an apology hanging out there, offered to you, which you've not accepted? Why not? Is that anger, that festering wound making you a better person? Not likely. Accept the apology and forgive. Maybe it's an unspoken apology owed to you? Stop waiting for it, drop the weight, and move on.
I've been offered the ultimate forgiveness from my Creator. Can I do any less? Why not make this a Terrific Tuesday and offer forgiveness to someone?
