By George!

“How rude! That kid wouldn’t work for me. Not for long, that is.”

“It’s not his fault, George. He’s not the one in charge. Calm down.”

“But they lost our bags and now I’ve missed the game.”

“So, you think he should lose his job? Why not can his boss? Would you stand still while your boss yelled at you that way? Who made the rules? I feel for the guy. You had a boss like that once, and what did you do? You walked out. Let’s just take a seat, like he said. I need to get off my feet.”

George stood where he could watch as new bags dropped. Round and round. Black bags, brown bags, large bags, small bags. Bags from Miami, but not their bags. Most of them grabbed on the first pass.

Wanda kept her eyes on George. When the red from his neck reached his face, he would need two of his pills. They were for his Type A, but George told folks they were for his heart.

She watched as he pulled his phone from his belt. “Who could that be? The kids should be at work by now.”

“Dad, you left your bags by the front door. How could you do that? Didn’t you think about them when you checked in? What do you want me to do?”

“Ship them. I’ll send you the cash.”

Wanda rose from her seat to join George as he walked back to the young man.

“Found our bags. By the way, I had a boss like that once. It’s tough.”

Without explanation, George grabbed the back of Wanda’s arm, and directed her toward the exit.

“But our bags?”

“Let’s go.”

There was no rattle in his pocket.

“Wanda, where are my car keys?”

“In one of the bags.”

Know anyone like George? He (or she) wants everyone to think they have life all sewn up. I’ve changed his name to protect the guilty, but George gets loud and seems to think he (or she) has the right, if not the responsibility to point out mistakes and call out the one who erred.

Ever been absolutely sure you were right, only to discover, like George did, that the problem you’re in the middle of was created by you, and no one else? No public confessions required. We’ve all been guilty. Even George. But don’t expect an admission of imperfection or hold your breath for an apology. It won’t happen.
The most we get from the “Georges of the world” is an attempt to gloss over his (her) own flaws or errors in judgment with a joke or belated kindness. When the Georges I know sense they have hit too hard or aimed their harsh words in the wrong direction, they seldom back down quietly. It’s more likely their “victim” will be the one to apologize.

I could go on with my description of George, but is it really necessary? If you haven’t identified a “George” by now, God has blessed you in a special way.

You might be saying, “So, we can’t change George, so why waste time thinking about him (or her). What can we do when we encounter a George?”

Well, every George is different, but here’s where to start:

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)

It’s my memory verse of the week, and something I’m working on.

Did You Get Everything You Wanted for Christmas?

Jan8

Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas? If you don’t count having all my children and grandchildren around the same Christmas tree, I did.

In 2013, I was already thinking about my Christmas list in October. No, I wouldn’t write my wants on a piece of paper in the form of a list, but believe me, I had started a list. Then I came across this verse of scripture, and realized I was about to step into one of the oldest traps in history. Colossians 3:1-2 says, If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (NKJV)

So I did that, but it wasn’t easy. A history of retail addiction made setting my mind on the heavenly and the intangible one of the hardest things. Christmas 2014 was a little easier for me to focus on what was important. This past Christmas – the junk mail, especially the retail propaganda, went straight to the trash. Problem not completely solved, but tragedy averted. Setting my mind is not only possible, it’s worth the effort. I celebrated the birth of Christ with heavenly expectations, and God delivered – without reindeer, a chimney, or snow.

Colossians 3:1-2 is worth committing to my memory. It’s my verse for the coming week.

I wrote the poem below in October of 2013. Writing it was just one way to set my mind in a different direction.

A Devil’s Tool

I’ve been caught by this tool of the devil,

And suppose that you might have been too.

It sneaks through our thoughts to our actions.

Then soon drives many things that we do.

As a sin, it gets little attention.

It can be really hard to ID,

But there’s evidence of its destruction,

In everyone’s family tree.

As children, we might have been scolded,

Without hearing this sin called by name.

Maybe that’s why there’s so much frustration,

When we want what another has gained.

Have you guessed which of the commandments?

Is it two, four, six, eight or ten?

Here’s a clue: This tool of the devil,

Makes us feel that we always must win.

We call it the big, green-eyed monster,

And preach without offering grace.

Yet, when we spend time with the mirror,

We see all the green on our face.

The haughty and proud deny envy,

But if they would only think twice.

Beyond their material possessions,

Would more skill or influence be nice?

You won’t hear me saying, “It’s easy.”

Instead, hear my cry, “Help me, Lord!”

I use up my time and my wages,

And then want what another has stored.

When we do harbor envy or covet,

It’s disguised rather well as a need.

Our fam’ly and friends might not see it.

But God knows our pride and our greed.

He says to us, “Thou shalt not covet.”

Not to punish, withhold or control.

For each of us personalized blessings,

More than needs, His abundance can flow.

Help us run from the good and the better,

And to chase after all of God’s best.

Then His goodness should pour out on others.

Not hoarded. Not owned as a quest.

Oh – The list could go on – what we covet.

Some take this sad sin to the grave.

Where they want for the peace and contentment

Of others, forgiven and saved.

The last of the Ten Commandments,

Should never be seen as the least.

When we fail to obey the nine others,

Could covetous be the true beast?

So I ask of the Lord to reveal it,

When He sees this sin in His way.

I can count on His tender reminder.

It’s something like this that I pray:

Now I lay me down to sleep.

I trust the Jones’ you will keep.

If all my stuff someone should take,

I’ll be content when I awake.

Thanks for your wise and clear commands.

Thanks for your strength and guiding hands.

Whatever circumstance I find,

Help me not want for what’s not mine.

Help me to pray this every day,

For envy has a sneaky way.

I pray your mercy on this fool.

Help me avoid this devilish tool.

Rita Klundt

October 2013

Hope in the New Year

Jan3

by Kathy Stanford

2016 – a New Year! What is it about a new year that fills us with hope and optimism for better things to come? It’s really just another day on the calendar, another bend in that flowing river of life. But turning the page to January 1 fills us with more hope and anticipation than turning to any other new month. Another thing that goes with a new year is lists. We have resolutions – things we hope to change, and we have goals – things we hope to achieve. Some of these are practical, like “I will exercise and eat more healthy foods”. Some are broad dreams, such as “I will find my true love”. All are valid, because they represent our hope for a better future. And if you have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, you know the only source of true hope is found in Him.* (1Tim 4:10; Ps 71:5)

And then there are those lists you find everywhere at the end of a year. You know the ones – “Ten best (or worst)……”, “100 most (or least)…..”, etc. Usually I am focused on looking forward, but for some reason I enjoy reading these lists. Maybe it’s a way to let go of last year’s mistakes and disappointments. Every year of life brings both good and bad days. We must live each one, processing it into our life story. I believe the healthiest way to do this is to hang on to the lessons learned and let go of the pain. I’m not saying it’s easy because we all know it’s hard and we have to really work at it. But Philippians 3:13-14 gives us the formula. We focus on Jesus, pressing on “for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” And when the days get tough, remember the promise of Romans 5:3-5, “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Even in the trials of life we know God is at work in us, through the Holy Spirit, building our character and strengthening our hope.

Rita challenged us to join her in memorizing scripture this year. I plan to take up the challenge and encourage you to do the same. It will be an excellent way to focus on Jesus and hold tight to the hope we have in Him. 2016 may be a little bumpy, but it can be a great year of growing closer to God.

“Thank you Jesus, for the hope we we have in You.”

*If you don’t know Jesus or are unsure, click on the tab at the top of the page for more information.

2016 – New Plan for a New Year

Jan1

Here goes. I’d better say it quick – before I back out. Two weeks ago I promised to share my plan for change in 2016. So here it is. Not just one thing, but two:

1. Memorize 1 verse of scripture per week.
2. Spend at least an hour per week de-cluttering our basement.

I would say naming my goal for 2016 was like ripping off a Band-Aid, but I’ve been praying about this since early November. The Band Aid won’t get yanked off until I click “Publish.” That will hurt a little, but I’m counting on feeling some relief when it’s done.

The basement de-cluttering is probably self-explanatory, but I might need to post pictures to keep myself accountable.

The scripture memorization is something I tried a few years ago – and quit after only a couple of weeks. It’s a “Here I Go Again” sort of resolution, except this time I have you to hold me accountable.

I’ll be sharing my verse of the week with you. Some will be short and some will be a bit of a challenge. Some will be newly memorized and some will be re-memorized, if there is such a thing. Pray for me.

I have a lot of scripture floating in my head. Much of it from my early years, and God was right when he said, it wouldn’t “return void.” But where is that written? I couldn’t tell you without using a concordance – or Google.

For this coming week: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

Tomorrow: I’ll get the Christmas decorations put away, and throw away some of the “stuff” I won’t use next year or in the near future.

You’re Invited

Dec17

Anyone out there already have a resolution in mind for next year? If you do, I’d like to hear about it.

Here’s mine:

My first thought after being invited to a holiday party was, “What will I wear?” I know I’m not the only woman out there with such a mindset. I hear the question, in one form or another, all the time.

To quickly set the stage, I should let you know that in the early nineties I was busy trying to be both Mom and Dad to a couple of teenagers and an eight year old. Any date night was special. A date for a New Year’s Eve party was a fairly spectacular event for my calendar!

The invitation came about a week before Christmas. I started shopping for a dress after work the next day. For a solid week, I did a little Christmas shopping and made my way through every dress department in town, and within a fifty mile radius. Buy a present or two, then try on dresses. Fill up the gas tank, then shop some more. Drop off some take-out so the kids don’t starve, and then follow an advertisement to another store. Some of you are in the middle of a week like that.

Around midnight on Christmas Eve, the presents were wrapped and under the tree, but still no dress for the party. I was concerned, but not frantic. There was another week. Maybe I would find something on sale, and save a lot of money?

December 26th came and I was in the stores, returning clothes that didn’t fit the kids, and looking for “the” dress. The 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th and then the 31st of December arrived, but I hadn’t found a dress meeting my criteria. It had to make me look thinner than reality, and be modest, but accentuate my best features (don’t laugh! I had best features 20 years ago). Oh. And there was also this thing I sometimes ignore – my budget.

Without a new dress for the party, I sat on the floor of my bedroom, crying. The beautiful pair of black patent leather shoes I’d picked up off a sale rack would be wasted if I didn’t go to this party, but how could I show up wearing an old dress? Time for the melodramatic is a luxury for the single moms of the world, so I took a moment to indulge.

Tears flowed. Loud sobbing called my eight year old to my side. She could be counted on for a little sympathy. Now we were both sitting on the floor, leaning against my bed, and staring into my overstuffed closet. I was prepared to cancel the date for later that evening and settle for the current pity party when my daughter rose to her feet and started organizing my wardrobe.

“Mom. You could wear these black slacks with a fancy top.”

“No. He’s seen me in all my good tops.”

“How about this?”

“I wore it to a wedding last year.”

“So? No one at this party was at the wedding.”

“I know. But they might have seen the pictures.”

“You think they will remember, even if they did see a picture? How about this?”

“It’s sleeveless. OK for summer, but not New Year’s Eve. Maybe if it was red?”

“Wear a sweater.”

“Tacky.”

“This looks good on you.”

“Too plain.”

“Not if you wear your Austrian crystals with it.”

“I don’t know. I’ll just call and cancel.”

“What’s that?”

“What’s what?”

She pulled two dresses and a glittery blouse from the back of my closet. They were covered with a bag from the store, and the tags still dangling. I tried one on, then did the math. Twenty plus hours, over the course of two weeks, during the busiest season of the year – wasted by looking for what was in my closet all along.

“That’s it. No shopping for clothes for a whole year.”

And so it was. For twelve months I avoided the ladies department, paid off a credit card, saved money for a vacation, and changed the way I shop, for good. I used to enjoy meandering through racks of clothes pairing tops with bottoms and looking for just the right bargain. No more. I go looking for what I need, and then go home.

Shopping was an addiction. It was a substitute – a pacifier.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t difficult. Something about having a witness to my distress and the simple solution kept me faithful to my words. Of course, I had the desire to complete my commitment, but accountability is a great tool for success. Aimee (that’s my daughter) was a great accountability partner.

So one might expect I’d have twenty more stories of positive changes brought on by a new calendar year, but no. That’s it. Only once have I made a New Year’s resolution and followed through, so I am by no means, an expert or example.

Yes, I wrote a post recently, celebrating a year without my favorite soft drink (see my Oct. 30 post), but that doesn’t count as a New Year’s resolution. I started my recovery from that addiction in October. But with my limited experience, this I know: Accountability is key. And any time of year is the right time for commitment to positive change.

Since that post in October, I’ve been thinking and praying about a new commitment, and I finally have it. I really didn’t plan it this way – starting at the first of the year. Truth is, I still don’t have confidence in the whole “resolution” concept. I know how far my resolve, determination, steadfastness, and perseverance will get me. Not very far!

Here’s another thing I know: It won’t be my resolve, determination, steadfastness, or perseverance that will cause me to report another change this time next year. It will be God’s faithfulness.

Psalm 31:3-4 says, “For you are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for your name’s sake, lead me and guide me. Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me. For you are my strength.”

Still, I could use an accountability partner. Anyone willing? Anyone out there thinking and praying about a change for the coming year? Anyone willing to share their need for a change with a group of encouragers? Have an idea for a better year next year, or a story to encourage the rest of us?

I’ll share my goal for 2016 on Friday, January 1st. I’m taking the next two weeks off from posting, but I’ll be watching for your comments.

Until then, have a very blessed and merry Christmas.

Give Thanks?

Nov24

by Kathy Stanford

Do you ever feel like you just aren’t ready to “give thanks”? Have you approached the official day with a feeling of dread and wished you could just put it off for a month/forever? I have. But that is when I need to give thanks the most. You may already be familiar with the concepts of sacrificial praise and thanksgiving. However, did you know that the old testament sacrifice of thanksgiving was a part of the peace offering? (see Leviticus 7:11-13) OH! Of course! There is not going to be any peace for a heart that is unable to give thanks to our loving, gracious, all mighty, creator God – “from whom all blessings flow”.

This has been a month of mess ups for me. I really, really, really need a 30 day do over. No details-just trust me in this. And while we don’t offer sacrifices of animals today, it can be a real sacrifice of spirit to offer thanks in some circumstances, even though 1 Thessalonians 5:18 clearly tells us to give thanks in all circumstances. Sometimes, I would really like to erase that little word all. However, in my own experience I have found that when I determine to give thanks in all circumstances, I stay more focused on Him. And my focus on Him leads me to thoughts of praise and worship. Psalm 50:23 says “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me”. When we choose to give thanks we can’t not honor Him. The more I focus on Him, the less I think about the “bad Stuff”. Thinking less about the “bad stuff” leads to – you guessed it- peace. No, my life is not miraculously fixed. But perhaps I have a better perspective on it. And I am truly thankful for a God that I know is bigger than my mistakes.

So, no matter your circumstances, I sincerely wish you a very “thanks filled” Thanksgiving Day and pray the next few weeks will be a season of thanks and celebration for all that God has done and continues to do.

Getting to The Point

Nov20

I had planned to post another poem this week. Like a lot of you, time is at a premium as the season of holidays approaches. Posting a previously written poem was the answer to my time crunch. No introduction necessary. Just copy, paste and post. Done, until next Friday.

So what changed my mind? Why am I awake, well past my bedtime on a work night, putting thoughts out there into that “cloud” I’ve heard about, but never seen, and certainly don’t understand?

I know I’m not the only one with thoughts of refugees, terrorists, political agendas, ideologies, pain, suffering, death, and grief on my mind. My body can hardly rest on my clean and comfortable bed. My spirit, usually calmed by the regular and easy breathing of my husband as I fall asleep, is restless. But the point is NOT that we’re losing sleep!

I had a point – about 1,500 words worth. Problem was – every keystroke was influenced by what I’ve watched on television or heard on the radio over the past week. My thoughts and opinions were based on incomplete truths, delivered in sound bytes and video clips intended to influence my vote, not provide me with news.

I deleted all 1,500 words. And opened up the Psalms – hoping. Not for a new point, but for some peace and clarity as only one loved woman in a world where hate is in every headline.

I found it in Psalm 116-117.

There’s a way to recover my 1,500 words, but I’ll leave them out there in that “cloud” for the Lord to read. Psalm 116 starts out by telling me He hears my thoughts. You, on the other hand, don’t need another persuasive essay, however skilled the writing or powerful the point. (Trust me it was good!)

Read Psalm 116-117. The Word of the Lord says it better than I ever could.

Thanks for Serving

Nov12

They stood to be acknowledged. The rest of us applaud.
They served through fear and danger. Can’t know just what they saw.
The way one man explained it, made sense enough to me.
“War makes the kind of stories that never were to be.”
He seldom watched war movies, but saved his uniform.
He paid our price for freedom. He’d lived through battle storms.
Some guys had seen Korea. Some served in World War II.
One, whose ponytail was gray, saw Nam for me and you.
A younger looking female, stood straight with humble grace.
Her children prayed not knowing that death was in Mom’s face.
Small numbers in proportion to those who sit in pews.
They more than paid. They sacrificed. We watched the evening news.
Each one had served their nation. The tallest of them all,
Looked up to all the others. He never got “the call.”
No doubt I am indebted to everyone that stood,
And to the countless loved ones whose loss was for my good.
I cry with just the music of military bands.
They’re ready to get dirty. White gloves upon their hands.
Each branch, a noble purpose. The Army and Air Force.
The Coast Guard and the Guardsmen. The strong who won’t change course.
I will add this disclosure: Compelled, I must come clean.
I’m partial to the haircut. My son’s a brave Marine.

by Rita Klundt

Written on the occasion of Veteran’s Day 2014

Judy’s World

Nov9

Today we welcome a guest post from our friend Judy Mandrell. We think you will enjoy her descriptive visit to the world of her childhood. In this season of Thanksgiving it reminds us to be truly thankful for the everyday gifts God sends our way.

By Judy Mandrell
Since I was a little girl, growing up on ten acres in the Midwest countryside, I have been fascinated by God’s Creation. I loved watching the butterflies flutter around Mom’s irises in the Spring. So many beautiful colors.
If the weather was good I was outside. The Summers were the best. I would sit under a tree, on a blanket, and play with my toys while making a fuzzy caterpillar crawl over my hand several times to get to the other side of the blanket. There were birds calling to each other in the trees and bees buzzing around. Dad had a couple hives. He loved his honey.
In a discussion with my grandson awhile back I mentioned we didn’t have air conditioning, when I was little. He asked me how I got cool and I told him I sat in the shade and fanned myself with a homemade fan. His exact words were, “that’s cruel and unusual punishment.” He’s eleven going on thirty.
There was nothing cruel about my time in the shade. God sent a lot to keep me interested. From many different types of birds to the ants crawling in and out of cracks in our old sidewalk and over the peony bush, chewing the green outside off the buds to let the flowers open up. My favorite was the wild bluebells that lined the fence between the side yard and the pasture. A beautiful shade of blue.
Every Spring there were wild violets under the trees at school. All the mothers got bouquets of purple violets and yellow dandelions wrapped in wet paper towels. I’m glad my Mom was always happy to get hers, it taught me how rewarding it was to give.
There was a bunch of kittens every Spring to play with. I enjoyed watching them get milk from their Momma and the way she washed each and everyone of them, setting in motion my instinct to be a good mother to my children.
There was always a large garden. I can’t say I was too fond of hoeing and pulling weeds but it was interesting watching plants grow and produce, such as Mom’s strawberries turning from white to a bright red.
I remember chasing lighting bugs on a Summer night and being amazed at how their tails lit up, always wondering how and why God created them that way.
In the Fall when the leaves turned, there were so many colors; colors in a rainbow, sunsets, birds in the air, beautiful colors every where. I believe God loves pretty colors.
My pony’s coat always got thick and soft in the Fall. Ever feel a horse’s muscle? It’s as soft as velvet.
I’m so grateful to God for letting me be born before cell phones, I-pods, and electronic games. I wonder how many children today notice half the things I’ve mentioned?
I miss seeing the minnows in the creek that ran through our property and the pristine, white snowfall in Winter before all the pollution. But I have my memories of that time and I have never lost the wonder and amazement of God’s Creation.

So take some time to thank God for some of the small daily blessings that we so often take for granted. I am thanking Him today for you, dear reader.

For Chocolate and Much More

Nov5

I’ve a lot to give thanks for, but I’d rather grumble. Ever feel that way?

It’s been one of those weeks.

I’ve been:

ignored
overworked
forced to do what others ought to do
laughed at
and lied to.

I’ve:

listened to excuses
repeated simple answers
felt guilty for spending five extra minutes in the bathroom
overindulged in chocolate
and tomorrow doesn’t look to be much better.

All that in four days, and I’m not even raising teenagers!

All that in four days, and I still have reason to give thanks.

If you read my last two posts (and I hope you have) you know I’ve been thinking about thankfulness. It’s been on my mind again this week, and marrying my thankfulness to obedience has proven to be a challenge. A verse of scripture came to mind, just when I was about to divorce the two. In John 14:15 Jesus reminded me that if I love Him, I’ll keep His commandments. It’s not a stretch to say that if I am thankful for Him and to Him, I’ll be obedient to what he asks of me. Is it?

If Jesus’ words weren’t enough, my own words from last week scolded: “He made obedience to His commandments simple to understand. First: Love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and secondly, love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:38-40). We have no excuse. No loopholes. Our obedience and thankfulness are inseparably married. We’re getting it wrong if we obey, yet grumble. We are liars when we offer thanksgiving, yet live comfortably in disobedience.”

So, here I am before you and the God of all creation asking forgiveness for my disobedience, and hoping you will love me the way Jesus said to love your “neighbor.”

Heavenly Father,

Some days it’s not easy to be me. Remind me tonight as I fall asleep how I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Remind me again in the morning when I wake. I have been given the ability to be patient. You help me to listen and understand. You gave me the privilege that comes with my vocation and a voice to speak truth in kindness. Be with me. I am not persecuted. I am barely uncomfortable. Forgive my grumbling attitude. Thank you for payday – the one next Friday, and the forever one. Have I thanked you lately for chocolate? Thanks again for chocolate, and so much more.

Amen.