(Monday was Memorial Day – a time to reflect and remember those who gave their lives for us to live as free people in this great country. Today, let’s pause and reflect on someone else who sacrificed His life for us.)

“Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover up for evil; live as God’s slaves.” I Peter 2:16 (NIV)

“It’s a free country!”   

“I’m not your slave!”  

“I can do whatever I want.”

Or the ever-popular: “I pay taxes; I have the right to know/do/say … (you finish the sentence here).”

Familiar phrases. Maybe you have heard them from your child, your spouse, a friend, an acquaintance, or even a total stranger. Maybe you catch yourself saying these things. All of these statements are generally made in the heat of a moment – usually out of anger or frustration. Usually when someone isn’t getting what he/she wants. 

Why is it that people believe that since we are blessed to live in a “free country” that we can act carelessly or irresponsibly? Why do people feel entitled to demand things from others? 

Instead of acting grateful and living with a servant attitude for the purpose of giving back to a place that gives so much individual freedom, people tend to use the idea of freedom as a reason to be – well – unreasonable. 

The scripture directs us to “live as God’s slaves.” 

To be obedient and follow through with this instruction in those moments when we are tempted to say, “It’s a free country…” we must instead respond with love, humility, and understanding. 

Ouch! That’s painful. We must think before we speak.  

Sure we have the right to free speech but even that has its limits – morally, ethically, and legally.

In this “free” country, there are rules and laws. There is always someone to tell you what to do whether it is a boss, a community official or someone else with authority over you. 

It is a hard lesson to learn but possibly the most important one: Exercising our freedom is less about doing what we want to – whether it is right or wrong – and is more to do with being free to follow Jesus. 

Aren’t we all a slave to something? I believe so. 

What has you shackled? What is weighing you down? 

Is it your work? Your attitude? An Addiction? Face it – You are a slave to something.

Yet, you have a choice. It is a free country, you know. 

So choose God. Choose to be a slave to doing what God would have you to do. You will find that when you choose to live as a slave to God, you will become free in so many other ways. Free of worry. Free of anxiety. Free from fear.  

Don’t use your freedom to cover up your shortcomings or to get your way. Use your freedom to show others the Way … not to get your way.  

(Today is graduation day for our school district. I know many parents are proudly reflecting on the accomplishments of their children during this season and maybe you are too. Congratulations to all graduates everywhere!)

“Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you, were I to speak and tell of your deeds they would be too many to declare.”                                                                                                                                  Psalm 40:5 (NIV)

I sat silently on the floor in the closet carefully removing the lid of each box, taking a solemn stroll down memory lane. Box after box revealed a different period of each child’s life. I uncovered artifacts that included handmade tokens of affection, samples of academic progression, and certificates of accomplishments.

Proof of the past – times gone by. Each item jogging my memory. How could I have forgotten that medal or that talent show? The memories and moments of accolades came flooding back as I catalogued the accomplishments of my children. Each one important, big and small. Their successes are numerous, from writing a name for the first time to state wide academic recognition.

My kids have now entered adulthood. It is overwhelming and encouraging to look back and realize how God has worked in and through their young lives. 

Yes, life is good and God is great! 

My family is proof of God’s grace, mercy, and salvation. These boxes that tell our story and reflect our challenges and accomplishments are so small compared to the larger story and accomplishments of Christ. 

Each time I sit silently and carefully open the cover of my Bible I should be reminded of the amazing deeds and goodness of God. Just as I treasure the contents of the boxes tucked away in my closet, I am to treasure the teachings, life, and love found in the Bible. 

I love my children and if you have a minute, an hour, or more I can fill that time telling you their amazing stories. Similarly, I could go on even longer bragging about my God, whose deeds are too many to declare. 

Lord, as I take time to reflect and brag on the accomplishments of my children help me remember to brag on You, telling others about all that You have done and continue to do in our lives.

“I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”                                                                 John 14:27 (NLT)

It’s 5:30 a.m. and there is a calm throughout my home. Only the sound of the air blowing through the vent penetrates the silence around me. Peace. This is peace to me – the quiet time I enjoy before diving head first into the deep end of my day.

It’s 1:00 p.m. on a holiday and looking around the table at an extended family gathering I scan the smiling faces of the ones I dearly love. I enjoy their laughter and chatter as we set the world aside to focus on those closest to us. Peace. This is peace to me – protected time together, knowing those I love are safe and happy.

It’s 9 p.m. on a lazy weekend and after tackling a few small projects my husband and I quietly read and relax in each other’s company. Peace. This is peace to me – the comfort of nothing special … simplicity. 

Peaceful moments, large and small, dot the landscape of our lives much like the valleys scattered through the mountains. I try to remind myself to enjoy those moments, to take in that tranquility of mind and heart knowing those feelings are fleeting – temporary. 

That serenity is soon disturbed by tumultuous times, large and small. An angry email, a frantic phone call, a crying child, a sick relative, or a troubled friend enter our lives quickly and unexpectedly disturbing our peace, throwing us for a loop, providing an obstacle in our day. 

Why does this happen? Why do even the smallest disruptions throw us off kilter? 

The answer is simple. The peace we create for ourselves is circumstantial. 

We create our own peace by removing ourselves from the chaos of life, by creating Norman Rockwell picture perfect moments in our homes, by carving out quiet time. Although these moments are nice and needed, they don’t last. We leave home and return to work. We take our holiday snapshot and pick up our individual burdens at the door.  We enter society where our lives are intertwined with others we cannot control.  

Our homemade harmony spoils very quickly; however, there is a long lasting peace that is available to each one of us. We can take comfort knowing the peace given by Christ. He promises “the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 4:7)

This genuine peace of heart and mind allows us to remain calm in disturbing moments. It is this peace that makes it possible for us to look at a situation and know this too shall pass. This peace will not remove the pain and heartache we will most definitely encounter but it does give us the unexplainable, calm assurance that God is with us and He will walk us through that pain.

God gives us everything the world cannot give. 

Accept this gift of peace.

Replace your self- made substitute with the very real peace that comes from God which gives us hope for a better tomorrow.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”                                 Romans 15:13 (NIV)

“Let all that you do be done in love.”                                                 I Corinthians 16:14 (NASB)

(My Baby Girl turned 28 on May 10th~ This week I celebrate her life and all that she adds to mine!)

A little known fact about me: I am an expert at “The Back of Hair.” (as established and certified by my daughter)

How did I gain this illustrious title? Years of experience. 

It all started with pig tails and pony tails. Then, I moved on to more complicated things like braids and such. Later, over time, my primary role became the back of hair. I spent so much time on this task that I promised my daughter I would write a book with the same title. For now, this will have to do.

I know what you must be thinking, The back of hair  …  how lame. 

Let me explain.

There she sat, perched on a stool in front of the bathroom mirror. So small, innocent, wide-eyed, excited about the day ahead. There I stood – behind her. Carefully brushing her long, dark hair. Dividing it into equal parts to make the perfect pig tails – complete with ribbons to match her outfit. 

Later, she grew taller and began to mature. Changing hairstyles to suit her age and the times.  Trading her rubber bands and ribbons for a flat iron and headband. She still sat perched on that stool each day, eager to get going. I remained there – behind her – carefully brushing and straightening “The Back of Hair.”

During the many mornings we spent together, we shared time that I consider precious to this day. 

As she grew older and learned to do more and more on her own, she began to need me less and less. However, she always needed me and still does for – you guessed it – the back of hair! You know the part she can’t quite see. 

During her early, cranky years (not to be confused with her later, cranky years) at times I was called on and then forced to wait until the right time to serve my purpose in this task and firmly told my help was no longer needed in other aspects of her little life. I must admit I didn’t always do this with a happy heart. I felt put out. Like this small thing was no big deal. Yet, I tried to remind myself that it was important to her and that, somehow, it meant she still needed me in some small way. So I began to take pride in this job, this position. I began to boast of my expertise in “The Back of Hair.” 

I found the joy in just being with her. I began to do this job with love. This made all the difference. I told my daughter how important this job was for me because no one should underestimate the importance of the back of hair – especially if you are a leader. Those followers are going to notice how it looks back there!

My daughter understood at an early age the importance of the 360 degree view. It all matters – head to toe; but more importantly, inside and out. She often exclaims that people have to like her for who she is and if they don’t “oh, well.” She is fine with that. Yet, she remains consumed by the back of her hair and insists that it be perfect. 

In her doing this, she has taught me a couple of things. 1) Do everything with love, a happy heart. Take pride in all that you do. Even a small task is important. 2) Nothing is too small to dismiss – even the back of hair is important. 

For a while it hurt my feelings that my help wasn’t needed anymore. Then I realized this is the way it is suppose to be. From now on, she may only need me for small things and then occasionally the huge things that life throws our way when we least expect it; but day to day, she is self sufficient. That’s why those random calls on a normal day just to say hello are so special. 

I have come to realize my relationship with God is the same way. 

I think I can do it all myself until I encounter something I can’t quite grasp and then I need His help. I need Him for those things just out of my reach.

We need to remember to use God not as a selfish child but as a mature adult. Checking in just to say thanks. Asking for help on the little things. Including Him in our lives. 

I will be there for my daughter – always – whether it is for the back of hair or something much more serious. God does the same for me. 

When I pray each day, He listens and never fails to be there for me no matter how big or small my request may be. He calls me to do the same for those around me – for my family. I am called to do it all through love. This makes all the difference.

No matter what great titles this world may bestow on me, the one I received from my daughter will always mean the most.

(This one brings back a sweet memory of my mom, who loved me unconditionally and supported all of my “creative” ideas and projects through the years. She always saw the beauty in me. This will be our first Mother’s Day without her. If you are missing your mom like I miss mine, I pray you find peace and comfort this week when you celebrate her in your own way.)

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”                                                                                      Ephesians 2:10

A while ago, my two best friends and I discovered one of those painting places – you know the studio where you sign up for a class and an instructor leads you through painting your own masterpiece. We enjoyed our first class so much, we decided to go a second time. 

Armed with a basket of refreshments and set to enjoy our time together, we settled in for our lesson. The materials we were given to work with were different than the last time and it didn’t take long for us to realize this was a watercolor class … yikes! Not exactly what we had expected. 

In case you aren’t familiar with painting using watercolors, they are very difficult to work with as an amateur. The color spreads through the water you add to your paper – many times in very unpredictable ways. We didn’t let this dampen our spirits though. 

Being adventurous, we gave it our best shot. The instructor had already sketched out the design on our paper and each of us struggled to stay in the lines as we tried to mimic her developed technique.

I quickly learned less is more – a little watercolor goes a long way! I had to use towels to dab up the excess water until I began to develop more control over how much I was using. I also learned it was a messy process. The colors don’t stay neatly in the lines where you intend. They bleed into each other. Some areas became too light while others were too dark. 

My friends and I joked about how pitiful our paintings were. We also laughed about whether or not we would be able to display these works of art anywhere. These paintings were nowhere near the masterpiece of our first venture.

I remember laughing and telling everyone I would give mine to my mom just like when I was little. Certainly, the woman who gushed over a heart made of macaroni and construction paper would see the beauty in this pastel puddle in front of me. She’d love it no matter what.

I also remember how we encouraged one another. I looked at my work and saw only flaws, yet I looked at my friends’ work and they looked strikingly similar to the sample painting – just wonderful!

Afterward, I did share the painting with my mom. She loved it! I framed it for her to hang in her home. Only after completing it with a frame and hearing my mom’s approval did I recognize the beauty in my work.

This experience with watercolors and the lessons I learned that day parallel my life in many ways. It has taken me many years to understand that less is more and excess is not best. Also, life is messy. My life gets so messy that I can’t see the beauty close up. I look at the lives of others and wonder why mine isn’t as wonderful – oh, how deceiving that thought is. 

Just like my painting, in life it helps to step back, put a frame around it, and take it to the heavenly Father to realize the true beauty of it all.

You know … it is a masterpiece – life – as cluttered and messy as it gets. As long as you leave it in the hands of the Master, it all comes together: unique, colorful, beautiful.

(For all of those working in the field of education and the medical profession, this is a season of exhaustion. Here’s some encouragement for all of those experiencing fatigue for a variety of reasons.)

“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (NASB)

For some reason, when I read this scripture this phrase comes to mind: 

I am dog tired. 

Are you familiar with this saying? I have heard it used for years by family and friends and I have used it myself on occasion. I imagine being “dog tired” is a lot like growing weary from doing good.

Just think of all the faithful, four legged friends out there who eagerly greet their owner each and every day – day in and day out without fail. Dogs are always happy to see you, eager to please, and overcome with joy to come when you call (I wish it were the same with cats and children!). 

Dogs generally spend their days in hard play and service to their masters. They provide unending love, companionship, and enjoyment for millions of people. No wonder they are dog tired! 

Yet, I tend to look at my precious pooch and think, “Boy, you’ve got it made!” On some really difficult days I have wondered what it would be like to live like my dog. No pressures. Great accommodations. Now I realize I couldn’t have been more wrong. I never really considered how hard it would be to be pleasant and excited every time I saw my owner – all of that tail wagging – and drop what I was doing to tend to his needs. Wow! What selflessness. I think we can all draw wisdom from our four legged friends. 

With this in mind, I read this passage and compare my own weariness with that of the fur people around me. Then, I don’t think I should be weary at all. I wonder – Am I really doing all of the good that I can? Do I serve my Master faithfully the way that I should? Am I the companion I should be? Probably not. If I were a dog, my owner would have probably taken me to a shelter by now or at least considered it. I imagine he would tell the folks at the shelter, “She’s too lazy, stubborn, and set in her ways.”

On the other hand, I also notice this scripture does not put limitations on doing good. It doesn’t say doing good to others. It merely says doing good. So don’t leave yourself out! We have to take care of ourselves. Run. Play. Rest. Within their lives of service to their masters, dogs take time to enjoy the basics: running through the grass and leaves, playing with their favorite toys, and catching a nap when they can. Shouldn’t we do the same? I believe this would help us not grow weary as quickly. So, what’s your favorite toy? A hobby? A way to relax? If you don’t have one, you should acquire one. It might mean you are working too much – take it from someone who knows. 

First things, first. We must always remember what, or I should say who, comes first – our Master. My dog drops whatever he is doing when I call and comes running. We should do the same when God is calling. Make sure you take care of your relationship with Him first. 

Serve the Lord with the same energy and enthusiasm a dog – a good dog, the world’s best dog – serves his owner. And the next time you are dog tired, go to the Master and curl up with Him. He will care for you and you will be renewed.

“Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.”                                                        2 Timothy 2:5 (NIV)

I have seen it happen so many times, good people who do something wrong to get what they want … cheating to win … pursuing winning no matter the cost.

Teams have forfeited an entire season’s worth of victories for playing an ineligible man (or woman) on their team. Famous athletes have been stripped of titles and lost careers after cheating or performance enhancing drug use was discovered. 

Great athletes have lost focus and become misguided in the pursuit of the win. There are numerous athletic examples about dishonesty in winning a game, title, recognition, or status; but the same things happen with everyday people in the game of life.

I consider myself a rule follower, sometimes to the extreme. Yet, I have found myself tempted to take a short cut or two along the way. Who among us hasn’t looked for an easier road, considered cutting corners, or tried to find a loophole in life? 

Life is hard. Often even more difficult when you play by the rules.

When you consider the rules for any sport or game, they can be interpreted differently by different people. I recently learned a rule I was not aware of for the game of monopoly. As it turns out, if I had been following that rule those two day monopoly marathons wouldn’t have lasted that long and the game would have been more manageable and consequently more enjoyable. Somehow, I never noticed that rule or didn’t read carefully as a kid. I have been playing the game all wrong for years!

Now, I realize that ignoring or misinterpreting the rules of a board game is very minor compared to using steroids to advance your career. The point is the higher the stakes you are playing for the more important the rules become. There is one, universal rule none of us can afford to misread, misinterpret, or misunderstand.

In John 14:6, it states, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the father except through me.” (NLT)

As we play the game of life in pursuit of the ultimate win – eternal life, this one rule cannot be overlooked. Yet, it happens. You see it and so do I. Good people living good lives. Many falsely believing their good deeds and kind heart will get them into Heaven … but, it won’t.

No matter how nice you are to others. No matter how much money you give to the church or charities. No matter how many selfless acts you perform and no matter how good you are at your work, none of it adds up to winning if you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. 

Too many people, some calling themselves Christians, get caught up in living the good life – for show, for recognition. Some have become more interested in making their deeds known instead of making their Savior known. Some have lost focus. Some are sacrificing the long term victory for short term happiness or success. 

As we continue playing the game of life, working for the ultimate win, may we remember to play by the rules – even when it is hard. Remember to share the gift of salvation with others. Make sure everyone is clear on the real rules, especially the most important one of all. There is plenty of room in the winner’s circle and a victor’s crown for all who believe.

“I press on toward the goal of the upward call in Jesus Christ.”       Philippians 3:14

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”                                                                                                  Peter 1:3

The church we attended while raising our children had some precious traditions during Holy Week. One of my favorites was the flowering of the cross. As you may have experienced, we attended a service on Good Friday that focused on the suffering of Christ and His death and on the cross. It was a somber service, one which concluded in a dark, unadorned sanctuary. We parted in silence to mourn our savior’s sacrifice and reflect on all that Jesus suffered for each of us. 

When we returned on Easter Sunday morning to celebrate our risen Lord, the solemn, dark sanctuary was transformed for this bright new day. The rugged cross with nails and dark draping had come to life blooming with flowers. This symbol of suffering was made beautiful. The cross in bloom is an image I carry with me and love. 

Easter is a turning point in various ways. Our seasons of weather begin to shift. Winter turns to spring. Barren trees produce green leaves again and the first flowers cheer us with their beauty. The change of season causes us to rotate our wardrobe too. Goodbye, turtlenecks and sweaters, dark colors and scarves – Hello, shorts and short sleeves, floral prints and Spring colors. However, the ultimate turning point at Easter should be marked by our Christian walk and new birth in Christ. 

As the flowers begin to bloom all around us, this is an excellent time to evaluate our faith. 

Today, is your faith in full bloom with living hope? Just beginning to bud with so much more faith to unfold? Or stuck in the bleak mid-winter … the frozen chosen?

Our faith, hope, and rebirth in Christ Jesus should be flowering in full bloom just like that Easter cross. We have been given the promise of eternal life sealed through Christ’s sacrifice.

Be in bloom! 

Bloom with the hope and promise of a better tomorrow and the knowledge of the gift that awaits us when this race is done.

Bloom in this time of renewal, rebirth, and new life.

Make sure as a Christian you are flowering for others to see and to be encouraged by the life you live which was given by Him.

Not a Christian yet? There is no better time than now to come alive in Jesus Christ. 

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the sacrifice of your son for my sins, which are too numerous to name. I pray that the excitement and joy of the Easter resurrection will be reflected in the way I live for you, every day. Help me to surround myself with others and experiences that nurture me so that I can be in full bloom for you. 

Amen. 

(Just a thought for all of you Spring Break travelers … )

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything that I need.”    Psalm 23:1 (NCV)

In my life, I have been fortunate to be able to travel a good bit. Nothing very exotic and often not too far from home, but traveling nonetheless. 

As a young adult when I packed for a trip, I always over packed. If I was going to be gone for a week, I packed enough clothes for two weeks. I liked choices. I didn’t want to be caught unprepared for certain whether or a special occasion that might unfold along the way. 

Later as a young parent traveling with children, we would leave the drive way in a minivan piled high with anything and everything for the kids. I am not sure my husband could see out of the rearview mirror!

Growing older, and I like to think wiser, I began to realize how senseless this was. This packing to the extreme. I would come home from a trip and discover more clean clothes still in the suitcase than dirty ones worn on the trip. So, it finally clicked. It was useless for me to over pack. I didn’t need to plan for every “what if.”

As soon as I realized this, I began to leave a little more at home each time I traveled. Oh, I have taken baby steps … an item here and an item there left behind knowing I could really do without it. 

Now, I think I have truly mastered traveling light. Going to the beach? Throw a bathing suit, two t shirts, shorts, sunscreen and a toothbrush in a bag and I am out the door. An overnight trip to the mountains? Grab a jacket, a sweater, jeans, and a toothbrush (of course – always the toothbrush) and I’m gone.

One day I noticed the joy of traveling light. I was happily rolling along with one small suitcase and not struggling with 3 or 4 bags. It was truly liberating.

Now, if I could only do that in my daily life. 

I am the world’s worst at dragging along stuff I don’t need on a daily basis. I tend to leave home with extra baggage, physically and emotionally. I hold on to worries and woes, anxieties and personal drama. Then, I pack them up and tote them around as if I might need them for something. 

Don’t get me wrong – I understand we all come with extra baggage as we travel through life. We just don’t need to take it everywhere we go. There is a time and place to pull out and deal with each thing in our life. There is also a time to start setting things aside and moving on without them. 

We are wise to realize this now and pack light on the days that we can live in the moment. Don’t live each day in the regrets and consequences of the past or the worries and fears of the future. 

Live for today. Pack light for the trip at hand. Take along just what you need for today. As we read in today’s scripture, as long as you take Jesus on each trip you will have everything that you need. Even if you realize you left something behind, He will provide the right thing at the right time. 

Travel light with Jesus and you will feel better for it. (You might want to take a toothbrush, too!)

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”   

I Peter 5:8 – 10 (NAS)

Lunch, anyone? Have you ever encountered a totally unreasonable person? The kind who make you feel like they just had lunch and you were the main course. Who hasn’t, right? I have found myself in situations, more often than I’d like, where I have to keep quiet and endure some pretty demeaning statements, irrational outbursts, and personal attacks. After these confrontations, I am left with an unsettled spirit, bad feelings, and lots of stress to say the least.

Lucky for me, I came across this scripture after one of these situations. Then, I realized – sometimes unhappy people are just prowling around looking for something to devour…too bad it had to be me! Quickly, I am reminded that through strength given by God we are able to resist being provoked by these people and stand firm in our faith. 

Safety in numbers! This passage further reminds us that we are not alone. Other people in the world are having the same frustrating experiences. That’s right – no matter how big or how small the issue is, other people are going through the same trials as you! I don’t know about you, but that makes me feel better. No one likes to suffer alone. I am somehow able to pull through difficult times when I know others have endured and survived similar things. 

This too shall pass … What a comfort to know that by the grace of God suffering does come to an end. He will perfect you and strengthen you as a result of your suffering. We are all an accumulation of the choices we make and the events that shape our lives. As I grow and mature, I can see how each challenge I faced helped shape me into the person I am today – whether it was the time I turned all of our laundry pink after we first got married or when the pipe busted while I was home alone or the many times another person made me feel less than I am or the day I sent my child off to college or as I faced a family member’s illness and death, these sufferings are a part of life.  

I have a friend and coworker who posted on her computer, “If God brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it!” That sums up this passage.

So, what can I do? We know there are pains we must endure, but how do we get through this suffering? Read the two verses just before the passage listed above. I Peter 5:6-7 tells us: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

The next time you are faced with an adversary eagerly waiting to devour you or when someone “has you for lunch,” cast your cares on Him and you will be comforted and rewarded in due time – His time.