“Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider the great things He has done for you.”                                                                                           I Samuel 12:24 (NASB)

Traveling to work one day at my usual rate of speed, there was a police car positioned so that it was unnoticeable to me until I was passing by the side street where it was parked on a hill to my right. Two seconds later, I heard the blast of the siren and I saw the bright blue lights flashing in my rearview mirror. Immediately, my pulse quickened.  My heart sank. My stomach became queasy. I can’t adequately describe the hollow, sick feeling. The feeling of guilt that took over my mind and body at that moment. 

Scrambling to gather my thoughts, my mind was on high alert. Trying to decide where it was appropriate to pull over on the divided highway, with clammy palms, I was close to panic for an answer when I checked the rearview mirror again and realized that the police officer was trailing a different vehicle. Whew! What a relief. It wasn’t me that the officer was stopping. It was another unfortunate, speeding soul.

As I drove on, the siren quieted and lights faded from view. My pulse slowed closer to normal and I relaxed the death grip I had on the steering wheel. Then, my mind drifted to more comforting thoughts. I knew I wasn’t speeding. I didn’t do anything wrong. I remembered looking at the speedometer and only being 8 miles an hour over the speed limit. Yet, my stomach still felt a little queasy and I was edgy, uneasy. 

The familiar feeling of guilt. I still felt guilty – or embarrassed – the feelings are very similar and closely related. 

This wasn’t the first time I had felt this way and I am sure it won’t be the last. 

Truth: Sometimes I drive over the speed limit. I am convinced that as long as I don’t go more than 10 miles an hour over the speed limit it’s acceptable. That’s just a little over the limit and no one can stick to the exact speed limit all the time, right?!

Why do blue lights and sirens have that effect on me? Or sometimes just the sight of a police car? Probably because I know I am not perfect. I am guilty of traffic violations. I am embarrassed to think that could be or should be exposed. 

That’s it. Guilt brings embarrassment. 

I am embarrassed because I know the laws/rules; however, I break them anyway.

I bet you have similar feelings when this happens to you. Be honest. If you don’t have some anxiety in a situation like this does it mean you have become too comfortable breaking the law? 

Do you have similar feelings when you come before God? 

Do you steer your life differently when you are at church or with other Christians than you do when you are at home or with your buddies? Do you have feelings of guilt or embarrassment? Or have you become comfortable breaking God’s rules?

When we commit those “small sins” (like gossiping, using profanity, or judging others) is it just like going 10 miles over the speed limit – nothing to get caught for?

Remember with God there are no “small sins,” and with Him the speed limit is the speed limit. 

When we go over God’s speed limit in our daily lives, do we feel just as guilty as when we see those blue lights and hear that siren? We should.

If not, maybe we have become too comfortable and complacent pushing the limit with God.

From today forward, try something new. Try going the speed limit (or under) on the road and in the way you live your life. 

You will experience more satisfaction … and a lot less guilt and embarrassment.

“You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb; I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”                                 Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)

There was a popular game show in the 1970s called The $10,000 Pyramid. It was a timed game where one person would see the name of a category and then he or she would use words and phrases to describe it until the other person guessed it correctly.

Would you like to play? 

See if you can guess the category from these clues:

. Classic style

. Tasteful hair and makeup

. Basic

. Less is more

. Elegant

. Feminine

. Natural

. Grace Kelly or Jackie Kennedy

Have you guessed it yet? Do you give up?

The category is … Examples of Timeless Beauty.

Timeless beauty. This is something many women, like me, seek. We spend a significant amount of time staring in the mirror examining our flaws and then we spend a considerable amount of money trying to correct them. All of this in pursuit of timeless beauty.

But what are we really looking for? Timeless beauty or ageless perfection? They are not the same thing.

If you are looking for ageless perfection then you will most likely always be disappointed. By our very nature, we are perfectly imperfect people. A surgical facelift may fix the problem temporarily but even those remarkable effects don’t last forever. 

When I described timeless beauty, you may notice I did not use the word perfect and I did not use the cover of the Sports Illustrated (swimsuit edition) as an example. 

The tangible beauty of youth is fleeting but true beauty is timeless. 

So how can we each capture timeless beauty?

To harness the power of timeless beauty you first must embrace the reflection in the mirror. Accept the person you have become. No regrets. Every wrinkle represents part of your story – your historical timeline – your journey. Every scar symbolizes a healing or a victory – victory over a difficult situation – victory in living. 

Look more closely and discover what features you possess that reflect a member of your family. Do you have your dad’s eyes? Your grandmother’s hands? And how much did you love and admire them? Their influence can be seen on your face and through your actions. 

Look a little deeper. Become the woman or man of God you know you can be. You are so precious in His sight. Let His word and teachings transform you from the inside out resulting in the ultimate facelift, reflecting confidence and courage.

Beauty radiates from within. God created each of us fearfully and wonderfully. Let others see that through you!

Don’t get me wrong I still want to be the most perfectly imperfect I can be on the outside too.  I must admit I am constantly in search of that magic firming cream that will defy gravity and reverse its effects on my human shell but I won’t let that define me or diminish my confidence in who I am. 

We can all possess timeless beauty that comes from being an obedient child of God. 

Does that thought turn your frown upside down?! Now, that’s a facelift!

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”  2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV)

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”                                                                 Hebrews 12:2

Pinecone battles. Kickball. Bike riding. Thumb wars. These are all part of my childhood memories. A time when most debates were settled by declaring, “Whoever blinks first loses. One. Two. Three. Go.” These words started intense staring contests between me and my brother. 

As kids, these moments were serious and being declared the winner was a badge of honor. All these years later, I can still remember that feeling when locked in a gaze with a friend or sibling bound and determined to win the staring standoff. I also remember how it felt to stare at that other set of eyes so intently that everything else fell out of focus. The background and all of the distractions became blurry and insignificant. 

As many children, I experimented with different interests to see where I fit in – where I could use my talents. In doing this, I tried to tap into the ballerina in me by taking dance classes. That lasted one year – those shoes hurt my feet! I have always admired those real ballerinas who stuck with it and learned to turn on their toes for long periods of time without getting dizzy or falling – a result of their dedication, focus, and balance.

As an adult, literal balance and focus becomes more and more important. This is why people are practicing yoga – to balance mind and body. In ballet and yoga, to keep your physical balance you need a focal point. Focusing on one stationery object or thought helps you stay steady. Clearly, there is a connection between focus and balance. 

Focusing on what really matters and balancing the personal and professional aspects of life grows in value as we grow older. In more than one way, success in our day to day activities is all about finding focus to remain balanced, steady. Obviously, as a young girl I lacked the focus it took to become dedicated to dance. I had not quite learned the philosophy of no pain, no gain. When I think of some of the most successful people I know and the hardest workers I have seen, they all have an intense focus and dedication to their craft, work, sport, or area of expertise. When there is a laser-like focus the distractions become blurred and insignificant allowing you to move closer to your goal.

There are days when I lose my focus and the world around me seems to spin. I find it difficult to find my balance and regain control. I have lost my focal point, and everything begins to swirl. That’s when I need to harness the kid in me and remember not to blink.  

Hebrews 12:2 says, “Fix your eyes on Jesus …”         (The one who blinks first loses…)

He should be our focal point.            (One. Two. Three. Go.)

He can stop the world from spinning. 

Just like that prima ballerina or a yoga instructor or the winner of a staring contest, it takes time and practice. In this world with all of its distractions it takes true dedication and commitment to maintain focus and balance.

As a Christian, fix your eyes on the One who matters – Jesus. When you do, you can’t lose.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for being an immovable focal point for me. You are the one true constant, unchanging support in a world of uncertainty. When I find myself losing focus and my world starts spinning, I will fix my eyes on You to blur the distractions and get back on track.

Amen.

“These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David’s son, Israel’s king – Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it’s going; A manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair; To teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality. There’s something also for the seasoned men and women, still a thing or two for the experienced to learn – Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate, the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.”                           Proverbs 1:1-6, The Message

Because we all seem to have enough stuff in our lives, I find myself challenged to find gifts to send friends and family who live out of town. I never want to send something that isn’t needed or will just sit around. I like to give (and receive) something to be enjoyed – preferably something that is consumable. 

With this in mind, I stumbled upon the idea of sending food items. My son was thrilled the first time I sent him, in his words, “the gift of meat” – specifically steaks. (Sorry if you’re vegetarian or vegan.)

To select his gift, I painstakingly (no pun intended) perused gift box selections to choose just the right cut of meat. I learned rather quickly that those described as “seasoned” filets, rib eyes, New York strips, etc. were much better than the regular ones but not as good as the cuts identified as “aged to perfection.” I ultimately chose the seasoned filets for the cost and the quality – a cut above the rest so to speak.

Not long ago, I was referred to as “seasoned.” I am relatively sure it was a compliment and not just a way to say I’m old. In context, the reference was to my years of tenure in my profession. My time and experience have made me seasoned – not new, veteran, tested. I have had time to improve, get better at what I do like a seasoned athlete, a seasoned professor, or a seasoned pastor.

Time-tested and experienced is generally preferred over a rookie; however, just because you are seasoned it doesn’t mean you are aged to perfection. You can continue to improve, much like those steaks I considered. 

The introduction to the book of Proverbs states there are still things seasoned men and women can learn. The purpose of Proverbs is “To give prudence to the naïve, to the youth knowledge and discretion, A wise person will hear and increase in learning, and a person of understanding will acquire wise counsel…” (Proverbs 1:4 – 5 NASB).

If you are seasoned like me and think you’ve seen, heard, and lived it all, think again.

There is still much to learn and experience especially as a seasoned Christian. The book of Proverbs is a great place to start. If you’ve read it before – read it again. I am confident you will gain new insight. 

Remember, you may be seasoned but you are not yet aged to perfection.

Dear Lord, 

I am often tempted to think I know it all or that I am the one who can teach others a thing or two. Thank you for the wisdom passed on through Solomon and the book of Proverbs that provides “fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate” the minds of those who are seasoned like me.

Amen.

“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; You have taken hold of my right hand.”  Psalm 73:23

Think of times over the years when you held someone’s hand. What comes to mind?

Is it the hand of a parent so you wouldn’t wander too far? Is it the hand of a sibling while you crossed the street? Is it the hand of a friend playing a game? (Red Rover, Red Rover …) Is it hand holding in the dark of a movie theater? Or is it holding someone’s hand during a difficult time?

I have many memories like these too. Think of a recent or special time you held someone’s hand and why.

For me two things come to mind. I held the hand of my fragile mother when she couldn’t find words to say and I didn’t know what to say. Also, I held my husband’s hand just because. Yes, after over 30 years of marriage we hold hands and sit on the same side of the table at restaurants. After all this time, we like to be close and hold hands, just because.

Now, imagine holding the hand of Jesus. Upon your profession of faith as a Christian that is exactly what you have done. You have taken hold of His right hand.

Can you think of a time when it was clear that Jesus held your hand?

I can remember several times. The time He held my hand and pulled me close so I would not run off in the wrong direction, saving me from making a poor life choice. The times He held my hand to form a stronghold when someone or something was coming right at me – just like that game of Red Rover I held tightly to Him to stand strong. He also held my hand while I silently grieved and I have felt His touch in the quiet of the morning, just because. 

He is continually with me and with you. He is always near to hold our hand even when no one else physically can or will. 

As a new Christian starting to walk with Jesus, the feeling is so tangible, His presence so evident. The excitement of entering this new life is vibrant. We take His right hand and walk so closely, like little children crossing the street, good friends, and young couples.

As the years pass, do you stay close to Him – just because?

Do you feel that celestial squeeze of your hand during tough times? Maybe through the words of a friend, the lyrics in a song, or a verse of scripture?

Do you feel the energy and gain resolve to do the hard things because you feel His grip on you?

Do you sit silently because you can’t find the words and just feel His presence?

That’s what holding hands with Jesus feels like. 

30 years, 40 years, 50 years and beyond – He is continually with you, sitting right beside you – just because. Take His hand and never walk alone.

Dear Lord, 

I pray that I never let go of your right hand or stray so far that I feel I can’t reach you. What a blessing, a comfort, and a joy to have You continually with me. 

Amen.

“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens … a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance …” Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 (NIV)

Happy Fall Y’all! Yes, Fall finally arrived in Northwest Georgia. 

I know – the official first day of Fall was back in September, but that generally doesn’t mean much here. One year we were still swimming in 90-degree weather on October 1^st. 

Not this year though. The pool floats are deflated, put away and the pool is officially closed. Our once super-hot days have been replaced with cool mornings and mild afternoons. However, that doesn’t mean we won’t see another abnormally hot day. 

We are fortunate in Georgia to have four distinct seasons annually. The length of each season will vary year to year, but we get a little bit of everything – sometimes all in one day … or so it seems. 

Especially in the Fall. 

I find it difficult most days to decide what to wear. I’m cold in the morning and ready for a sleeveless shirt by the afternoon. Then, I’m cold again once the sun goes down. A long-standing joke here is if you don’t like the weather stick around, it will change.

Change. 

The seasons of the year change often when we least expect it – like someone flipped a switch and suddenly the weather is different.

Different.

We also experience seasons with our emotions. We can be in a season of great joy followed by a season of sadness to be followed by a season of doubt or gratitude or … you name it. 

Like the weather here, I am in an emotional season that changes when I least expect it. I feel different. Not bad, just different. Things are different.

This week it has been one year since my mother passed away. I knew this anniversary was coming but, just like Fall this year, the emotional season it brought caught me off guard. A thought, a memory, a song, a feeling enters my day and the grief is palatable. 

Also, this week my daughter is getting married. We have been planning for the Big Day for almost a year. I knew this time was coming but just like the warmth of the Fall afternoon sun it excites this Mother of the Bride more than I could’ve ever imagined. The garter made from my wedding dress, the song for the father daughter dance, the vows being written by the bride and groom create an overwhelming feeling of joy and pride.

It’s like all the seasons in one week … one day … minute by minute. 

As unpredictable as the Georgia weather.

I share this today because I know I’m not alone and I know this season will evolve in time and circumstance. I wrap myself in the love of our Heavenly Father and those I hold dear. I truly embrace the words found in Ecclesiastes. 

This is my time to weep and to laugh. 

Today is my time to mourn and later this week is my time to dance. And dance we will – in celebration of our sweet baby girl who found genuine love and happiness and to welcome to our family the young man who captured her heart and ours.

Dear Lord,

I thank you for the years of love and laughter with my mom. For her guidance and grace. Thank you for the joy of the marriage of daughter and the time to celebrate with those we love knowing we carry those who are gone in our hearts. 

Amen.

“…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”

                                                                                                            Philippians 2:13 (NIV)

I grew up reading cartoons in the Sunday newspaper – the funny paper. One of my favorite cartoons has always been Family Circus by Bil Keane. I even had the opportunity to meet him after becoming a teacher and he personalized a cartoon for me. Safe to say – I am a fan. 

I think I was drawn (no pun intended) to Family Circus because it depicted life’s real messes through a typical family. The kids weren’t perfect, and neither were the parents but love always prevailed. 

Occasionally in the comic, ‘Not Me’ would be featured.  The mom or dad are searching for who owned the muddy footprints in the house or who broke something and each family member when asked states, “Not Me.” The children actually visualized this imaginary culprit. 

Growing into adulthood, I discovered Not Me wasn’t only in Family Circus. As it turns out, he (or she) is everywhere. Sometimes that can be a good thing but sometimes it isn’t. 

The way I see it, there are three faces of Not Me. 

There is the Not Me when avoiding blame. 

“I didn’t do it.”

Or Not Me when it’s time to volunteer at church or in the community. There must be someone else, right? 

“I can’t do it.”

Or the Not Me who draws a line in the sand.

            “I won’t do it.”

There is an easy way to rid ourselves of the negative Not Me. We can eliminate the three faces of Not Me in our daily lives and replace it with one – the One who makes our lives more content and meaningful.

“It is God who works in you …” (Philippians 2:13)

            Not me but God through me.

Serving on a committee at church. 

            Not me but God through me.

Giving time on the weekend to volunteer at a shelter.

            Not me but God through me.

Using a talent for teaching in small groups at church.

            Not me but God through me.

Using the gift of service by cleaning up after an event.

            Not me but God through me.

Today, consider turning the negative Not Me in your life into the positive One.

            “…to will and to act in order to fulfill [God’s] good purpose.”  Philippians 2:13

Dear Lord,

When I find myself quick to say Not Me, remind me of my purpose – Your purpose for me. 

Help me to begin to change the face of the negative Not Me in my life to better fulfill Your will and purpose for me. 

Amen.

“My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy”                                                                                                                                                                         James1:2 (NRSV)

Do you have a favorite character? A fictional character from TV, movies, or cartoons that you really relate to? I do. 

My favorite character of all time is (insert drum roll here to add excitement) … Eeyore, from the Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

You know him – the little, grey donkey with the pinned on tail. I like to think it is his cute persona that draws me to him; however, I am afraid it is because I can so easily relate to Eeyore’s perspective on life. 

Eeyore, with his signature line “O bother,”  shares nuggets of wisdom which are generally negative.  When stuck in a troublesome situation, which happens to be every time he opens his eyes, he bleats a caution to all. Usually something very uplifting for the group like “We’ll never make it.” Eeyore even has his own space properly named: Eeyore’s gloomy place, and sometimes he even travels around with his very own little black rain cloud. His dreary personality is reflected right down to his droopy eyes and his drab grey color. 

Despite the fact that this lovable little character is modeled after a pack animal, he is very human. He personifies the disparity of the human condition.

 As humans, we have the tendency to evaluate circumstances and situations based solely on the surface. Typically, during trying times, the outlook isn’t too good and it is easy to gravitate toward the negative. Sometimes we get stuck in our own negativity – we get stuck with the Eeyore perspective. We fail to look deep enough to see how God is working through us for the better moment by moment, day by day. 

Considering this, I believe there is a better reason I am drawn toward the character of Eeyore. It isn’t just because I can relate to the feeling of having my own little black rain cloud overhead. It is because Eeyore is generally wrong. While he points out the obvious pitfalls of every situation, entire episodes are devoted to the adventures of his friends who prove him wrong. Through all of the trials and mishaps, they always find the good.

Point being: Every little black rain cloud has a silver lining and we are challenged to find it. If we don’t look for the good, our negative, Eeyore mentality not only brings us down but those around us as well. 

I recently saw a poster of a large glass of milk that was half full – or was it half empty? Either way, you get the picture. To the side, an arrow labeled milk where the liquid was drawn and then another arrow pointed out the rest of the space and labeled it as air. The caption along the bottom read: Always 100% full.

So, why not change your perspective. No matter your circumstances. No matter how many empty, gloomy spaces there are in your life. Allow Jesus to make you 100% full. By concentrating on the good we can minimize the bad. Even on the darkest, stormiest day, it is still 100% sunny beyond those clouds. Dark clouds are only temporary. God is eternal. 

Let God change your perspective and change your life.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”                                                                                                          Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

“Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise.”                                                                                                     James 5:13 (NRSV)  

                              

Simple Divorce: $199 (uncontested)

That is what the billboard advertised.

This sign on the interstate caught my attention as my husband and I were driving home from a relaxing vacation. Because I love words, my mind began to wonder about how other people might read and interpret that sign.

I think most people read it like this: Get your Simple Divorce for this low, low price! Like a product on an infomercial. 

But I am willing to bet that some people, those looking for a solution to a problem, read it at a glance and interpret it this way:  Simple. Divorce. Like the answer to their troubles. A remedy to their unhappiness.

Far too many people come to that conclusion. If a marriage is broken, just get rid of it. We are like that with most things in our lives. Our disposable society and mindset have brought us to this point. Can it be that even relationships are disposable?

Since when is divorce simple? It can’t be simple – even uncontested. Marriages are about people, emotions, and commitment. Nothing about marriage is simple, not even divorce. Yet, our society has made even that oh so simple.

This is part of our problem. Our human condition. We try to make everything so simple.

If you don’t like something, throw it out. Everything is so easy to remove and replace. Apparently, even the people in our lives.

Are you on FaceBook? Don’t like what someone says or does? Just “unfriend” them. One click. Simple.

Think about it though. Life isn’t simple. Relationships, whether you are beginning them or ending them, aren’t simple. The actions we take seem simple but the ramifications of those actions or decisions result in a lifetime of consequences.

Answers are never simple. Doing the right thing is often not simple. 

Don’t be drawn in by the temptations of our world. Be skeptical of quick fixes.

Go to God to find your answers. His answers generally aren’t on a billboard. 

Pray about all things in your life. The answers and outcomes may not be so simple but they will reflect God’s will in your life. 

Remember these truths:

 “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.”       Colossians 4:2 

“And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.” Matthew 21:22

Prayer. Now, that’s simple.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”   Ephesians 4:31-32 (NASB)

I entered the room just in time to see the printer fall, slamming to the floor and breaking. Prior to this, I heard the increasing frustration in my husband’s voice as he battled with the machine trying to get it to produce just one printed page. Consequently, the struggle proved a stalemate until, in a moment of complete dismay, my husband decided to end the standoff once and for all.

Looking over the debris in the moments after the crash, we shared various feelings like “well it didn’t work anyway” and “now we don’t have a printer at all” and “wonder how much it will cost to replace that.”

How many times do we do this in our lives? No, not kill a printer – but how often do we let feelings of frustration and anger take over? We let it take over our thoughts and our actions. How often do we throw our hands up and walk away from the things or people who frustrate us? Probably more often than we care to admit I am sure.

Oh, I like to think I am the calm, level-headed one in our home. Yet, I have those times when anger consumes me as well. You usually won’t see me standing over a broken printer but I let anger and frustration manifest in different – yet still as destructive – ways in my life. 

I let anger build up, taking a toll on my inner being. Even though anger generally does not take over my actions in the moment, it holds my thoughts hostage.

Anger is a complex emotion. Some people are able to get angry and let it go and others hold on to it for a while. Either way when we let anger take over for even that moment, we damage things – like with the printer. On a broad scale we can damage things, people, ourselves, and relationships. Sometimes the damage can be repaired and at other times unfortunately it can’t.

God longs to help us with the anger and frustration in our lives.

First, you need to examine your life. What’s broken? Identify where you need help and then all you need to do is ask for it. Ask God to help you in this area of your life.

God can help. He can help you control or even replace your anger. He can even help you repair your broken printers.

Today, pray for self control and restoration. Give God your anger. Put those things, people, and situations that frustrate you in His Hands. 

Putting things in God’s hands will keep them from falling out of yours. 

“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret, it leads only to evildoing;”

Psalms 37:8 (NASB)