Dahlia, Pencil Sketch Effect

Our Father is preparing us to meet the deep inner needs of others by bringing us through the dark places first. ~ Chuck Swindoll

God...comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.    2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

What I've Learned: There are No Lessons Without Learning.
Dear Reader, the above quotes came from yesterday's message on my reusable spiral-bound daily devotional.  A Baptism gift from my spiritual mentor, the devotional features one deeply-ponderable topic or challenging thought accompanied by a Bible verse each day for 365 days.  I have found it tremendously inspiring these last months and keep it on my desk at work where it occasionally sparks a conversation.

Yesterday, I turned the page from the previous day and was immediately struck by the relevance of the topic and verse.  Lately, I find myself going over and over the pain of past events in my life.  My head is full of small revelations about cause, effect, and the still unfolding, far-reaching ramifications.  The above idea of using the pain we endure as a tool to help us guide others through their pain sits well within me.  It has that feel of a God-inspired revelation in the making.  Which usually means I could soon face a situation where it will come in handy.

The thing I'm learning about this spiritual journey, is that I only continue to grow and become more Christ-like if I take the time to pay attention and learn.  It's not a passive process.  With that in mind, this week I started two different Bible studies: one through my church and another through the church of an old high school friend.  One is a women's group.  The other, involves men, women, adults, and children (in a child-care-built-right-in atmosphere).  One group is comprised entirely of Caucasian people.  The other, entirely African American--except for me.  Both are incredibly warm and welcoming.  Both have a definite sense of how to proceed in a group setting, though they take markedly different approaches.  One is currently studying Women of Contentment in the Book of Ecclesiates.  The other, a MasterLife series on Discipleship.  Both studies involve daily readings, quiet time with God and...homework.

Homework five days out of seven.  I feel like I'm back in college again...and I'm kinda lovin' it.  Between the two studies, I'm all over the Bible every day.  Job, Ephesians, Genesis, 1 Corinthians, Luke & John--I'm finding good stuff everywhere I look!  I know, I should be overwhelmed.  I should be confuddled, not knowing what to apply where or overrun with questions and no time to sit and ponder them. 

But that isn't the case.  In fact, each concept we study in one group seems to magnify or reflect lessons in the other.  I've always been a big picture, extrapolate & draw-conclusions sort of thinker.  Did my best academic work in college when my classes happened to overlap material.  Each new perspective on the same topic yields a new and fascinating facet to be understood.  It's like changing the lighting while shooting a photo and getting a whole new image.

Bottom line, I am seeking knowledge and understanding of God's Word and how it affects my life.  I want my life to change.  I want to be different--a better person than I have been for 35 years.  I want to see Jesus in what I do and say; in the ways I interact with others and impact their lives. 

But this, like everything else in life, is a choice.  You have to choose to walk that path.  You can also choose to stand still or run back to what you already know.  I've tried those things.  They don't work for me.  So, I'm gonna try something radically new.  If going back to school to learn about Jesus is what it takes, this girl is all in.  Will keep you posted on what we're learning...   
              

Purple Phlox

Practice is the best of all instructors. ~ Pubilius Syrus

What I've Learned: Practice Brings Continuing Joy.
Spent yesterday afternoon at the Morton Arboretum with my friend, LK, taking photos with my new lens. What a lovely day, Reader! It was hot--low 90's--but the Arboretum was not crowded, so we strolled leisurely through the gardens, stopping to shoot whatever caught our interest. I am quickly getting addicted to my new Zuiko 40-150mm lens (my DSLR: the Olympus E-420).

Of course, with my first wedding shoot coming up in a few months, I'll be practicing non-stop all summer. Which gives me the perfect excuse to drop everything whenever there's a chance to practice with my new gear. How great is that?! Below are my favorite shots from the Arboretum. If you haven't had the chance, Reader, it's a wonderful place to visit.

Use your gifts faithfully, and they shall be enlarged; practice what you know, and you shall attain to higher knowledge. ~ Matthew Arnold





Lilies


Big Talker


Waterlily


Lily Pond


Waterlily


Whoozy-Whatsit


Purple Phlox


Hydrangea?


Fuzzy


Dragonfly


Astor


Lake


Blush

Quotes courtesy of thinkexist.com.

MC & KB

You know when you have found your prince because you not only have a smile on your face but in your heart as well. ~Author Unknown

What I've Learned: God Grants us Gifts so that we might use them in Service to Others.
I've known for sometime now, Reader, that God has a plan for my photography. True, I'm not sure what it is yet. But, having been blessed with this gift and the tools & opportunities to make beautiful images, I know He is as much at work in my creative life as in the spiritual. I love that. I love that God takes our creative passions seriously. I love that expressing my creativity in praise of Him can be as much an act of sacred worship as tithing or serving. I love that He provides joyful work.

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of driving out to a friend's farm to shoot her engagement photos. I've known KB for many years and was very touched when she and her fiance asked me to photograph their wedding this October. After praying about it and doing plenty of research, I felt convicted that this was a wonderful opportunity to use my gift to serve my friend (in my first wedding as a photographer). I arrived at the farm with my trusty Olympus E-420 and was greeted by KB, who wore a gorgeous plum dress and looked more lovely than I'd ever seen her. Her fiance appeared shortly thereafter and we embarked on a relaxed morning shoot involving the couple and their horses--all with gorgeous views of their property in the background.

Took me most of the week to edit the photos but I finally got them done and presented them to my friends this afternoon. I hope they enjoy them as much as I have. Perhaps the thing I love most about photography is the unique opportunity it provides to clearly show a viewer that special something or personality quirk that makes your subject so interesting.

Photography was never a gift I aspired to, and yet, it was in God's plan that I would one day pick up a camera and discover a calling. I can't wait to see how this gift He's given me will impact the lives I encounter. It's already completely transformed mine. What a wonderful way to serve my brothers and sisters--and to serve my Beloved Father.

So, without further adieu, here are a few of my favorite shots from last weekend for your enjoyment, dear Reader. Love is a mighty fine thing to behold...


















He felt now that he was not simply close to her, but that he did not know where he ended and she began. ~Leo Tolstoy




True love stories never have endings. ~Richard Bach

Quotes courtesy of Quote Garden.

Elementary School Chicks

There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousands truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away. ~Henry Ward Beecher

What I've Learned: The Best Way Aunt Knows to Pick Up Chicks.
What I always forget, dear Reader, until spring comes 'round again is how wonderful it has been to grow up in a family that keeps farm animals. I'm 34 now, a responsible, upstanding adult who dutifully rushes off to work each morning in chandelier earrings and returns many hours later, her mind full of what was accomplished and what still needs to be done. I breeze into the house, deflecting canine affection, and drop keys on the desk while juggling ipod, cell phone & purse. The same dull routine every night.

But God blessed me with a family whose unabashed philosophy about loving all forms of life is best explained in hyphenated phrases like: go-with-the-flow, we-had-a-change-in-plan & okay-this-is-what-happened. There have been countless times when a new baby goat, lamb or other critter in need of special care has come to stay at the house for a few days or weeks. Animals in need just appear in a crate in the garage, mudroom or kitchen. Which is why I only do a brief double-take when I come through the door and hear peeping coming from a large cardboard box on the kitchen counter.

Peering into the box, I see 20 adorable assorted baby chicks, all staring dubiously up at me. They're fully-outfitted with a tiny feeder, watering station and a red-glowing heat lamp. The driveway is empty and no one else is home. There's no obvious explanation for a box of chicks. At most other homes, this might seem strange. But at Aunt's house, one simply remembers that ah, yes, it's spring and the parade of baby animals has begun.

A day or two later, I peek on my way out the door and, suddenly, there are a lot more chicks in the box. Then Aunt appears and explains the presence of peeps. It seems several local grade schools had just completed their class projects of raising chicks from eggs. With the school year ending, homes must now be found for all the chicks and Aunt is on the chick-placement list for 2 different school districts. As hobby farmers, getting 50 or so chicks a pop at no cost makes fine business sense. So, here we are: 70-plus chicks cute as a button and free to good home. Our new Future Egg-Layers of America.

"It's the best way I know to pick up chicks," says Aunt, the 7th grade English teacher.

It might just be the best way I know to live too.

Quote courtesy of The Quote Garden.

My New Diet Plan (a.k.a I Love Cheese)

What I've Learned: Being A Fast Oxidizer Rules!

Met with the nutritionist yesterday, Reader, for an hour-long metabolic consult to determine what type of metabolism I have and which healthy eating plan would be the most beneficial. This is all part of my RELINQUISH focus for 2011: I'm letting God guide me in healthier lifestyle choices for my body, soul and pocketbook.

Having never seen a nutritionist before, I went in kinda nervous. What if she told me I could only eat stuff I don't like? What if the best way to accomplish what God wants for my life is to give up on tasty food? Do I have the strength to do that? What if it's yucky?

After some informative supplement talk, the nutritionist revealed my diet plan. Turns out, God doesn't want me to endure yucky. He wants me to rejoice in Cheese. Well, at least in protein and fats. I'm what they call a Fast Oxidizer, which means that I do best on a diet low in sugar and carbohydrates but high in protein and good fats. So yes, breads, potatoes, rice, pasta, chocolate and coffee are now off limits.

I should be in tears. I should be heartbroken I can no longer eat raspberry buttercreams from Fannie May. Instead, I could hardly tear my eyes away from the list of foods I do get to eat, which includes: 17 kinds of cheese, salted butter, heavy whipping cream, whole milk, eggs, bacon, beef, lobster, caviar and scallops as well as 18 other kinds of my favorite seafood. Most of my favorite vegetables are on the list too: spinach, asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, avocado and olives. The list also includes: bananas, most nuts, corn, peas and 35 herbs & spices.

I started laughing. I asked the nutritionist if she was serious. Do I really get to eat all this? This is good for me? She assured me it is. Suddenly, my new healthy eating plan seemed like the Holy Grail. Who knew that all the stuff I've been craving (but that we're told is WAY too fattening) is exactly what my body needs? I was floored.

I thanked the nutritionist and left with a great big grin. I had trusted in God and was willing to do whatever He asked of me to get healthy. But never in a million years did I expect Him to find me a plan I could love as well as live with. Amazing!

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear. ~Ambrose Redmoon

What I've Learned: incredible sacrifice happens quietly every day, as a matter of course and with great honor.
I've been in tears several times today, Reader. For almost a week now, I've been keeping tabs on the latest earthquake/tsunami/nuclear crisis news coming from Japan and praying for the Japanese people as they deal with unimaginable devastation, intolerable conditions and now, the threat of radiation exposure from a damaged nuclear power plant. I can't wrap my head around the magnitude of the destruction being reported.

As the casualty estimates rise, I've been hanging onto the few stories of hope that are surfacing: a 4 month-old baby found alive 3 days after being swept from her parents' arms during the tsunami, a Japanese student studying in America who feared her family was dead but then found a You Tube video of her house (the only one left standing in her neighborhood) and her sister holding up a sign, proclaiming everyone is all right. I can feel God working in these small miracles.

Then today, I heard about the Fukushima 50. Reader, I don't have the words to describe how it felt, reading report after report of these brave plant workers, engineers, soldiers, policemen and firefighters who volunteered or chose to remain behind at the crippled Daiichi plant after hundreds of their fellow workers and the surrounding inhabitants were evacuated.

These people are working in dangerous conditions amid flood debris, wrecked buildings and the constant threat of more fires and explosions. That alone is reason enough to call them courageous. But it isn't what moves me to tears. As these workers risk life and limb flushing damaged nuclear reactors with seawater in an attempt to keep them cool, they're being exposed to radiation levels that The New York Times calls, "five times the maximum exposure permitted for American nuclear plant workers."

They are braving lethal radiation to prevent more radiation leaks and protect their families and countrymen from the effects of a full nuclear meltdown. They are sacrificing their own health and lives to save their country. This isn't a movie plot or a cheesy, made-for-TV miniseries. These are live, thinking, feeling people with families who are out where no one wants to be, giving everything they have to do their jobs, knowing that it will almost certainly cost their lives.

How do you describe or honor that kind of courage? Their ability to put fear aside, keep suiting up and going out there every single day echoes what Jesus did for us by dying on the cross. Yes, I do think there is something very Christ-like in the quiet, matter-of-fact work of the Fukushima 50. He died for us. They too, are making the ultimate sacrifice to save others. I'm praying for them, for their families and will continue to do so throughout this crisis. Please join me, Reader, and keep them in your heart. Whatever the outcome, let us honor what they do there. And may our Heavenly Father, bless and keep them. Amen.

Shot at the Heinz Bros. Nursery, St. Charles, IL

The flowers of late winter and early spring occupy places in our hearts well out of proportion to their size. ~Gertrude s. Wister

What I've Learned: Seed Catalogs are My New Favorite Harbinger of Spring.

Came downstairs this Sunday morning, Reader, to find Aunt had spread tantalizing new seed/plant catalogs on the kitchen table. Is there a better feeling than sipping a fresh cup of coffee while you peruse the latest trends in plants, trees & shrubs?

Whatever your gardening style, the 2011 Burgess Seed Catalog & the Four Seasons Nursery have a gazillion affordable options. Some of the plants & trees that caught my eye this morning: the Tahiti Sunrise Dahlia, the 3-in-1 Angel Trumpet, the Black Bat Flower, the lavender Climbing Angel Face & the dwarf Top Hat Blueberry bush.

I can't wait to unpack all my favorite pots and start container gardening! Am really feeling anything with splashes of mixed color this year. A color palette of pinks, purples and blues seems to be in order. Isn't it funny how turning our clocks ahead this weekend and dreaming of border plantings full of butterflies and hummingbirds make spring suddenly feel much closer?

Adios, Winter! It's been a trip but I am not sad to see you go!

Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world. ~Virgil A. Kraft

Quotes courtesy of The Quote Garden.

At Table Rock in Maine, April 2005

 No question is so difficult to answer as that to which the answer is obvious.
~George Bernard Shaw

 What I've Learned: Seek & Ye Shall Find.
For years, Reader, I have searched for a love to fill me up. In retrospect, much of that need for love and acceptance stemmed from early childhood where I never lived up to my father's expectations.  That sense of being unloveable was compounded by a deep sense of loneliness and abandonment when my parents divorced.  I was seven years-old.  Years later, I assumed the bottomless craving in the middle of my being was for romantic love. So, all through my teen years, my 20's and into my 30's, I chased relationships. I squeezed myself into every romantic entanglement that looked even remotely viable (and a few that were obviously wrong from the start), all in the name of finding the perfect man to fulfill my every need, desire and fantasy of being loved.

Sure, it sounds silly now. But that's exactly what I was doing. I was sure that once I had real, romantic love, things would change. All the ugly parts of my life and character would suddenly begin to turn around. Being in love would somehow work the changes in me that I couldn't seem to bring about myself.

Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. ~Daniel 5:27

Of course, it never worked. Even when I finally found a man who loved me, his flaws coupled with my own were enough to topple the relationship and leave me vaguely sure that finding a significant other still wouldn't solve the problem.  It took many years to realize that no mortal man is capable of the kind of love I craved. (And it was down-right unfair to lay that impossibly heavy burden on someone else.)

 But my need to be loved remained. It was there all through college as I sought to be a writer. It was there in every job I landed, driving me to find something--anything--to feel significant, respected. That need was the catalyst for turning a surly, tongue-tied kid into a boisterous, adventure-seeking extrovert who makes friends easily. Looking back, I'd been searching for anything to fill that emptiness my entire life.

So, what exactly did I need? Why wasn't the love of my wonderful mom and extended family enough to fill the void in my heart? Why was it still there, even when I acknowledged my flaws and shortcomings? What could possibly fill it? Even if a person could live with this giant hole inside, I knew I didn't want to.

People see God every day, they just don't recognize Him. ~Pearl Bailey

Turns out, God had been nudging me into the path of His love for years.  I met countless wonderful people who were living by Jesus' example and gently guiding me in the right direction. My dearest friend, Brown, was the first person to take me to a church where I found solace (a revelation for a confirmed atheist). My paternal grandfather lived out his faith every day of his life--though I wouldn't see the significance until after his death. While I lived in Texas for a year, a fabulous, high-heeled coworker-turned-confidant showed me each day how a love of the Lord had worked miracles in her life. Another friend came and demonstrated the unconditional love of Christ by helping me paint a room and move twice--all in one week.

And there were many more: people I came to admire and respect who had a steady, unwavering assuredness about where they were going and the peace of knowing whatever happened next, they were LOVED. In fact, they were so LOVED, that they were able to freely give that same LOVE to others. This was the kind of LOVE I had been looking for.

There is a God-shaped vacuum in every heart. ~Blaise Pascal

But there were a few obstacles. I didn't believe in God. I didn't know anything about faith. I'd heard of Jesus but was really skeptical and afraid that giving my life over to Him would mean succumbing to some sort of religious brainwashing where common sense and intellectual thought went right out the window. I was scared to consider believing in something I couldn't see or touch (Santa and the Easter Bunny had me a little gun-shy). What if it wasn't true? What if I were deluding myself?

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
~Martin Luther King Jr.

These questions scared me. But, I found myself continually drawn back to God and the deep peace His church offered. My need for LOVE was met when I went to worship. When I took the time to really, truly pray, I felt a deep sense of belonging--now I'd call it being a child of God. Sure, I left each service with more and more questions and some anxiety about where this spiritual seeking would take me, but I couldn't ignore the sense of peace--of rightness--I found in listening to God's Word spoken by God's people. As my desire to learn more and read the Bible grew, more spiritual advisers appeared with even more books and resources to help me make sense of what I was hearing.

I was told repeatedly that if I just kept seeking, I would begin to understand and God would find a way to bridge the chasm of my sins and all the ugliness that made me feel unworthy. Still, it surprised me when, on Saturday, Feb. 26th, 2011, as I was listening to former Buffalo Bills Quarterback, Jim Kelly and his wife, Jill, speak at my church that the last of the pieces suddenly dropped into place and I understood. I don't have all the answers in this life and I won't. But God does. W hen I put my faith in Him and trust that He will see me through whatever life has in store, remarkable things happen. My life changes. The lives around me change. Each time I have honestly put my faith in God to find a solution, He has done amazing things and granted more than I ever hoped for.

Hunting God is a great adventure. ~Marie DeFloris

So I prayed sincerely (not half-heartedly as I had a couple of times before) for Jesus to come into my heart and life and change me. I asked Him to forgive me and take this life, make it into whatever He wants it to be. I had never been more serious or exhilarated. I felt thrilled and also a little dumb-founded. Here I was, a former atheist, a person who used to think people of faith were weak and deluded but now I was purposefully--gladly--handing over the direction of my life to something so much greater than myself. How's that for a surprise ending?

Of course, it isn't the end. It's just the beginning of a new life, a whole new way of being. For the first time in my life, watching the sun go down doesn't make me sad, thinking about another day being gone and wondering how many more I have left. I don't fear loneliness or worry about how I will handle the next tragedy when it arises. I don't wonder anymore if my existence is meaningless or purposeless. I no longer despair, trying to beat back the choking fear that this life is all there is. But more than that, I know I am LOVED. Precious & treasured.

And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. ~John 8:32

For me it was true, dear Reader. At some point if you seek, you will find. God Bless and Keep You.

Faith is reason grown courageous. ~Sherwood Eddy

Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. ~Psalms 119:105

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. ~I Corinthians 15:26

Quotes courtesy of The Quote Garden.

Who knew this would lead to our first family book club?

What I've Learned: 5 Love Languages = A Reading Revolution.
Had I only known, Reader, that a little purple book would inspire my books-are-for-sissies Cousin to spend most of the weekend devouring chapter after chapter while sharing what she's learning with the rest of the family, I'd have brought home Dr. Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages ages ago!

My fabulous fun-friend, K, suggested it to me over the summer back in 2009. After hearing what a difference the book made in her relationships (her entire family read it), I always meant to pick it up and garner some new insight into the love-motivations of the people in my own life.

But it wasn't until just a few weeks ago, after again hearing about the power of this book on K-Love, my favorite Christian radio station, that I stopped by my local Family Christian Bookstore to pick up a copy.

Fast forward to this weekend where Cousin is up for a prolonged stay owing to some medical stuff. While out having lunch yesterday, she and I got to talking about relationships and the importance of showing the people you love how much you care in ways they will really appreciate. The 5 Love Languages immediately popped into my mind. I told her I knew just where to go and we zipped right over to the FCB and bought another copy.

Much to my amazement, Cousin (who I've never seen in close proximity to a book) cracked that book open as soon as we got home. Well, if she was that serious, then I was all in too! So I ran upstairs and got my copy. We've been readin' fools ever since. Cousin reads aloud important parts and after each chapter, we discuss Aunt Chef's favorite question: what have we learned? Who knew this little purple book would start an impromptu family book club? And I'm not naming names but there's definitely some color-coded highlighting of important points going on...


This girl is even taking notes...

Funny stuff aside, Dr. Chapman's book is straight-forward, easy to understand & offers wonderful, practical advice for improving all of your relationships. His concepts of the love languages and the importance of having a full 'love tank' are right-on and simple to execute. Love really is a choice we make each and every day. Highly recommend you check out this book, Reader, as well as the accompanying website (linked above), which offers numerous tools and an online assessment to help you determine your own love language and dialect(s). I'm betting it will revolutionize the way you approach the important relationships in your life.

Shoot, just buying the darn book has turned the literary status quo upside down in our house! I'm so enjoying sharing this knowledge-journey with Cousin, Aunt and (hopefully) the rest of our clan. Thank You, Lord, for this opportunity to better love those around us!

Mud-Masqued!

What I've Learned: There's nothing quite like bonding over facial products.
While Cousin is up visiting for the next few weeks, we have plenty of quality time to spend together. Unfortunately, the cold is still keeping us mostly indoors. So, we've had to get creative and find new ways to stay occupied. Tonight, she humored me and sat patiently while I broke out the skincare regime. Nothing like a good mud masque and hyaluronic acid serum treatment to cap off a quiet Tuesday night. Of course, we must have pictures. And you knew, Reader, they would end up on my blog for you to enjoy too.

Ah, the joys of girl-time & mud masque memories!


A few of my favorite skincare products...


Cousin ala Facial

Bubba, My 1999 Dodge Ram 1500

What I'm Learning: I Need to Rethink My Auto-dentity.
Crashing my beloved truck into a telephone pole has brought some surprising revelations, Reader. When the insurance adjustor called to say it was a total loss and the damage was too expensive to fix, I immediately felt despair. I also felt profoundly naked. Oh, I had clothes on. But I suddenly felt like a big part of my outward identity was gone.

Owning a big truck had somehow become an integral part of how I defined myself--the freedom of mobility, driving something big and useful (and, frankly, cool) had inspired a certain bravado & pride. I let driving a truck go to my head. I was up higher, had a bigger engine and could intimidate any silly little Toyota or Nissan in my path (my apologies, Toyota & Nissan owners). I felt safe & invincible. Not surprisingly, my driving became more aggressive. Then, in an instant on a slippery road, the truck that always kept me safe was gone. And there I was, alone and not feeling safe at all. An uncomfortable realization.

What would I drive now? The Kelley Blue Book value was not promising and I'd only just finished paying off the truck in October. Instead of thanking God for keeping me safe, I felt helpless and afraid. Add to that, the pain & increased nervousness caused by another accident shortly thereafter and I've been feeling pretty low about my transportation prospects.

Which got me thinking about my Auto-dentity. Why did owning a truck significantly change the way I saw myself? What difference did it really make (other than adding a good-sized car payment to my budget)? I was the same person--same flaws, same weight, same life. So, what was different from driving the 20 year-old Impala I had before? And why did that sense of confidence seem to evaporate when the truck was gone?

Maybe this seems too personal a topic to discuss in my lovely little blog. But I know a lot of people whose identities are tied up in or shaped by the vehicle they drive. So, this feels relevant. Why is it that we (for the most part) accept as unconditional, this idea that we're defined by the style, color, make, model and year of our cars? Why do we buy into the idea that our status--how important we are--is defined by what we drive? True, a vehicle is one of the largest and most expensive purchases many of us will ever make. It's also true that we want to get the best value for our money.

But a car, like money, is a man-made thing. A piece of stuff. I can't consume either one. Neither is crucial to nourishing my body or spirit. Neither can create life or heal the sick. Whatever power they represent we have assigned them.

Funny, everything I have: body, mind, soul and spirit were given to me by God. I never needed a big truck to change the way I see myself. I didn't need a vehicle or a chunky car payment to raise my 'status'. The only person in who's eyes I appeared less, were evidently my own.

Big stuff. Anyway, now I'm kinda hoping to buy a hoopdie, a jaloppy, a clunker--well, anything that has low mileage, gets good mileage and has enough room for all my photo & show gear. If it has nice lines, that's cool too. But however that vehicle-to-be depreciates (and you know it will!), it won't change the value I have in Christ.

Just something to think about, Reader, when the next Lexus commercial comes on.

It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not. ~Author Unknown

Quote Courtesy of The Quote Garden.

Snowpacalypse Feb. 1st, 2011

What I learned today: Ask God for opportunities to improve yourself and He provides.

Here I sit, Reader, tucked into a warm bed and typing away on my new laptop (an incredible Christmas gift from my family). Meanwhile, the worst winter storm in over 40 years is raging outside with 60 mph wind gusts and blowing snow coming down at the rate of about 2-4 inches per hour. Though I was able to leave work early today due to the impending weather, it still took me almost 3 hours to get home. Isn't it funny how all our technological whiz-stuff makes us feel all smart and superior? At least until uncontrollable natural events disrupt everything and rake havoc with our tidy, time-tabled lives.

Ah-ha! But, you see, now is not the time for petty frustration and the grumpy rolling of eyes. For here, God has provided me with an opportunity to practice my word: relinquish. I had the chance to relinquish all control of the situation, my timetable and even my apprehension about driving in bad weather (stemming from my recent auto misfortunes). I took a few deep breaths, stilled my panicky thoughts (what if I get stuck somewhere?) and prayed about it. I prayed for a calm heart and to accept that I am not really in control of what happens next. I gave it over to God, knowing that whatever happened on my drive home, it is part of God's plan and He would be there with me.

Several times I had to mentally stomp on the fear that threatened to spill over at every weather report and dire storm warning, but once I got behind the wheel, I felt a strange sort of working-peace descend over me--my head was clear, my reflexes ready (if need be), but I wasn't panicked or dreading the extended drive. Well, I made it home safe and unruffled. Check off one well-used opportunity to practice my word. I can't wait to see how focusing on these little challenges will shape my character. Can already feel myself stretching in positive ways.