Mamas*Little*Treasures

I Don't Know About You . . . .

If you’ve ever traveled to other countries, I’m sure it has occurred to you just how fortunate we are to live in America. Now, that is not a statement of arrogance or false pride . . . it is simply an observation. I have only traveled to a few other countries, and as a “country girl,” haven’t even traveled to very many of the larger metropolitan areas of our own country.

It is not difficult, however, at least to be aware of all of the poverty, despair, hopelessness, and violence that abound all around the world, even here in America. In an age of instant information, we are so frequently bombarded with images of violence and tragedy, that it is easy to become complacent.

Having witnessed first-hand a bit of the devastation and despair that is a daily part of life for many people around the world, it certainly seems to me that, of all the places I could possibly live, America is by far the best place of all!

In America, we at least have opportunities to create our own destiny. Having grown up in a small, rural community in mid-Michigan, it never occurred to me that we were “poor.” I didn’t realize just how little we really had in the way of material possessions until I went away to college and met other students from wealthy families. It was overwhelming, at times, to realize what it must have been like to grow up having a huge, gorgeous house, beautiful clothing, and parents who drove expensive cars. That was a lesson in economics!

My observations about America do not come from a position of wealth and privilege. I worked for a few years for our country court system where I was the Education Director for a program for people who had been incarcerated to complete their education. During those years I worked with students who were third-generation drug addicts; I worked with a young couple who had lost their children as a result of an explosion in their little hovel of a home while they were cooking Meth.

 Some of my students were in their mid-forties and fifties, and all they had known was a life of hopelessness and violence. One of my students eventually took his own life because of the abuse he was experiencing, and he didn’t tell anyone about it until it was too late.

For me, there is no wistful, unrealistic vision of America as a place that is perfect and everyone is happy, healthy, and safe. This is a country filled with ordinary people, but because of our history, we have opportunities to accomplish extraordinary things. I pray that we do not lose those opportunities because we choose to look the other way, or because we only focus on the imperfections we see all around us.

I don’t know about you . . . . but I believe America is still the best country on earth. God has blessed this country, in spite of our failures and mistakes, because our foundation is built on God's truth. This Independence Day, I choose to thank God for the opportunity to live in a country where I am free to live my life according to the beliefs that I hold.

God bless America!

A New Year a New Choice

“Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God
whose ways you may not understand at the time.”

~ by Oswald Chambers ~

The new year is here! Most of us think about ways to make the most of a brand-new start as the calendar turns the page and we see the possibilities ahead. We don't know what the next year has in store, but we are optimistic that this is God's gift to us to figure out some things that were puzzling and confusing in the past. And so we tend to make resolutions, make plans, get organized, make commitments, and decide to do a few things differently. But in the end, we are just not in control of all of that! It is a good thing to plan for the future, to make a budget and try to live with it, to set out on a plan for a more healthy lifestyle - but ultimately, only God knows what lies ahead. 

How many times over this past year have you encountered a difficult situation, a period of struggle and disappointment, or circumstances that seemed hopeless? Not too long ago our family was facing an ongoing period of financial struggles as a result of unemployment. One day we were wondering what we were going to do next, and the very next day there was a job offer! And not just any job offer . . . . this opportunity to work with a local company that truly treats their employees with respect, appreciation, and kindness has changed more than our financial situation! Not that everything is perfect, by any means - but for the minute, we are feeling much less stress about keeping up with the bills. And that is a very good thing!

There have been many times in our family, and in your family, too, I am sure, when you were confronting something that just seemed absolutely insurmountable. Perhaps a personal tragedy, or death, or a broken relationship, and you simply could not see beyond to darkness which surrounded you. It is at that moment that I want to remind you that trusting in God's grace is not just something to talk about. I can assure that it is true, that it works, and that it makes a difference! Although we all try not to talk about all of those struggles in our lives, especially when we have experienced things like a broken marriage, a spiritual battle with sin, or an ongoing struggle with addiction, God's grace is sufficient for the most devastating crisis you may be experiencing.

But all of this is a choice. Faith is, in fact, a "deliberate confidence." And what is most significant here is that it is a confidence, not in an arbitrary granting of a request that may or may not be heard, it is a confidence in the one thing that never changes: the character of God. Because we know that God's love never fails, His compassion is eternal, and His grace is complete, we can be confident in knowing that He is in control, even when all seems lost. Beyond that knowledge, we can be confident that He cares and is working even when we can't see what lies ahead. Now we can still choose to reject that truth, and create our own future. Or we can make a deliberate choice to believe in His promises, and eventually your heart will be healed, your life will be restored, relationships will be redeemed . . . . but we must do our part, and that is to have "deliberate confidence" in the loving heart of our God.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." Psalm 23:4

If you would like to participate this week with "In Other Words," simply post your thoughts on this quotation on your blog, and then come back here and leave a link to your post so we can come and visit you. Then, please take a minute to visit the other participants' blogs and let them know you stopped by! Have a great week and a blessed new year!  Ninad ambers ~

 

Am I whining or winning?

“Sufferers want to be ministered to by people who have suffered. They are suspicious of people who appear to live lives of ease. He (God) has given a role to messy, wimpy people like me. He has made us His ambassadors of reconciliation, and suffering gives us credibility with a hurting world and demonstrates God’s sufficiency to meet our needs.”

by Stephen F. Saint in his essay,
“Sovereignty, Suffering, and the Work of Missions”

Could this be true? Is it possible that those people who are part of my little world really don't expect me to be perfect? Then why do we so often seem to shy away from people whose lives are marked by pain and suffering? My experience has been that many of us are really confused about this aspect of life as we know it.

So frequently we want to look up to people who appear to be "all put together," with everything in their life still "intact." We want to hope that it is possible to have it all, all in one place, all at the same time. Hope is a good thing . . . . but my observation has been, over the years, that when all we are allowed to see of another person is their victories, their success, and their cheerful, smiling faces, we lose hope. Because we know that our lives are NOT like that, and they never will be.

So, should we go around whining and complaining about all of our struggles? Should we constantly bemoan the pain that we have experienced? That would make for a pretty miserable world! So what is the balance? It is found in one word: Honesty. There is a huge difference between constantly complaining about our very real experiences of pain and suffering, and living a life that honestly expresses our brokenness. After all, our very salvation is a gift that was purchased at great price through the broken body of our Lord. We can be no less humble.

The gift of honesty offers the balance where God can use our lives to reveal His joy, His grace, His mercy, His forgiveness, and His presence IN THE MIDST of the pain, suffering, and brokenness. It doesn not need to be one or the other . . . . we are not doomed to an existence of either the "messy and wimpy" alone, or the cheerful, pretend life of hypocrisy. It is only when we discover that God gives joy and peace in spite of the messiness of life that we can then share that truth with other people who are hurting.

Even if it makes a few people uncomfortable for a minute, remember that the message of God's grace is so much more powerful when you hear it in the words of one who has experienced His grace because they needed it - not because their lives have never been touched by tragedy and they can only speak of God's grace in an academic context. His grace is real, and we need to be real, too, so that the world knows how real is His love, mercy, and truth. "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." The shackles that imprison so many of us in that dark place of pretense will be broken and you will, indeed, be free from the bondage of hypocrisy.

 

I hope you will take a minute to visit our hostess this week for In Other Words, Kathryn at her blog, Expectant Hearts. There you will find links to the other posts by this week's participants, and you can leave your link so we can visit your blog, too!

 

You can still join Team Ruby for Operation Pillowcase

The last time I checked, Operation Pillowcase was working on the next batch of over 1,000 pillowcases to send to our troops in Afghanistan. So, I pulled out all of my patriotic-themed fabric (and a couple of other gender-neutral prints) and got started making a few pillowcases to send along to Debra Spincic. Debra is organizing a group of teams from across the country, and she keeps us up-to-date on the progress or reaching the current goal on her blog at Operation Pillowcase.

Well . . . . as soon as I got started on THAT project, my computer started acting up and there I was for about two weeks struggling with getting my other work done using the lap top. Which makes me crazy because I'm not used to it, and all of my "stuff" was on my regular computer. So, the pillowcase project sat on the ironing board for a couple of weeks before I thought of a solution to getting BOTH projects finished. My sweet mother-in-law has been a professional seamstress for most of her adult life. She was the manager of a bridal shop before she retired, and since that time she always has sewing projects to do for friends and neighbors . . . . and friends of friends and neighbors of neighbors.

I called her up and just ran the idea by her of taking the fabric that I already had and did she have time to whip up a few pillowcases? Well, of course she was delighted for the opportunity, especially because she has three grandsons who are in the military. She always amazes me, because when I decide to do a project like this I have to figure out when it will fit into my schedule of all things related to being a mama of two little girls, as well as working it into my writing and editing schedule. But I believe these kinds of projects are important, so I always think that I will, some how, fit it in between this or that. But with Grandma, I gave her the fabric on a Saturday and she had them finished by Tuesday.

I think I'll pull out some more fabric from my stash and send it on to Grandma so she can make up another batch of pillowcases! So, I'm just sayin' . . . . even if YOU don't have the time to make up a few pillowcases for our troops, perhaps you know someone who does have the time. Some grandmas are the kind who are looking for something like this to do. But then there are other grandmas (like me!) who already have more than enough projects to last for a lifetime. So wherever you are in life, see if this isn't a project that will either fit into your schedule or into the life of someone you love. Because doing something like this could be just what the dr. ordered! Please leave me a comment if you want to join Team Ruby and I'll put you on the list and send you my mailing address so you can send your pillowcases to me. I'll forward them on to Debra where they will be sent to Afghanistan. Thanks for caring!

But do you really mean it?

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."    ~ John F. Kennedy   Actions really DO speak louder than our words.   Yet even those who are devoted and committed to living a life of integrity frequently "miss the mark."  That's because we are not perfect, and as regular human beings, we will continue to make mistakes, stumble and fall, and take a tumble along life's journey.  So, in thinking about the quote for today, I am reminded that, although we may not ever get it all down just exactly right, we still need to do our best every day to see that our actions match up pretty closely with our words.  It is really easy in some communities to use our religion as a "mask" for the deep, dark, hidden places in our souls.  That never works out well, for anyone, including the person who is hiding behind those "perfect" words.    As we approach this season of Thanksgiving, we are all reminded of the blessings we experience in our every-day lives.  Some years we feel that we have more to be thankful for than in other years, but when we think about it honestly, we all have much for which to be grateful.  But then, how often do we turn right around and live as if we are paupers?  Sure, many of us are struggling with the day-to-day necessities of life, finding it difficult to pay all of the bills and still be able to buy groceries.  And that is not easy.  How can we continually act grateful when we can't find money to put gas in the car, or for the kids' school lunches, or to buy baby formula?  I'm not sure I know the answer . . . . but this one thing I DO know:  getting angry, sad, frustrated, or resentful won't change a thing!    Well, except it will just make you miserable   ;o)   There have been many times in my life, and I'm sure in your life as well, when it seemed impossible to figure out how to get from "here" to "there."  No matter which way we looked, there was no way "out."  So . . . . . we have a couple of choices at that point.  We can allow our natural anger and frustration to continue to move us in the direction of bitterness, or we can recognize that holding on to all of that anxiety will only make the situation worse, and make us feel completely miserable.  Then we get the opportunity to sort out the yucky stuff from the blessings, and move forward to discover a solution, or a possible alternative, or even a place of peace in the midst of the uncertainty and sadness.  Is it easy?  Of course not, but then we know that life is NOT going to be easy, so let's get on with it!   As we face every day, we can put on the "mask" of propriety, saying all the right words and pretending to be whatever it is that we think we are expected to be . . . . but at the end of our day, at the end of our life, the real question will be whether or not we truly lived a life of gratitude, honor, and integrity.  And it will no longer matter what "everyone else" thinks, or that you were able to convince "everyone else" that you were something that you were not.  It will only matter that you gave your complete devotion to honoring God with your actions, not just your words, even if you mess up once in a while.  And living a life of trust and joy, even in the midst of darkness and confusion is one way for our actions to reflect our words.    Today, many of us are not feeling that this is the best Thanksgiving we have ever had . . . . . but how about we choose to act on what we know, being grateful for our blessings, and open our hearts and minds to the gifts that God has prepared for us this holiday season.  Who knows, we might just discover that He has provided a way for us to move beyond the difficulties of today, and lead us to a brighter tomorrow.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving, and I pray that you will always remember all that He has for you, no matter what!   Please visit Tami at "The Next Step" to find all of the other IOW participants this week, and then take a minute to visit them on this beautiful Tuesday!   

For this I am thankful

Sunday morning .   . . . a peaceful, quiet, introspective time when we can take a few moments and revisit the past week and make plans for the days ahead. This week we celebrate Thanksgiving. I am again reminded to focus on what we have and not on what we wish we had. We are all struggling through times of uncertainty and confusion, many of us facing financial difficulties which seem to loom so much larger as we approach the holidays. But just remember . . . . all of those things are events in life, they are not the reason for life and they are certainly not the really important things in life. Family, friendships, community, and most importantly, knowing our place in the universe. So, whether you believe in a loving Heavenly Father who cares for you deeply . ... or not . . . . you are loved and treasured, just for being YOU! And it's no big deal that you aren't perfect - neither is anyone else. It's not about being perfect, it is about receiving the loving relationship that is available to you through the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. It is a gift, all you need to do is accept it. Is it real? Is it true? Well, just because something hasn't happened to YOU does not mean it didn't happen! Have a blessed Sunday, and let's start our week of Thanksgiving with a grateful heart.

A time of reflection . . . . .

Autumn always seems like a good time to reflect on life.  Perhaps it is because it is a season that reminds us that the darkness of winter will arrive shortly.  And just like in the seasons of our life, there is a time when we realize that we need to reflect back and to look to the future with hope.  Instead of autumn feeling like a season of anxiety for the winter ahead, I want to see autumn as a time to celebrate the new adventures awaiting our family.  We are looking forward to so many things this year! 

The first thing that we are so thankful for this year is our Daddy's new job.  And then I am especially thankful that I can now be home with our girls, and have time to do all the fun things that this mama loves to do with the kiddlins!  But there is so much more!  We are expectantly waiting to hear of the birth of two new grandbabies.  Both little girls, and it is possible that they will arrive on the same day, or at least within just a few days of one another.  So this Grammie and Papa are very excited about that!  And then there is always the reminder of Gracie's "Gotcha Day," and the year that we celebrated Thanksgiving in a hotel restaurant in Xi'an, China.  

And today, Veteran's Day, offers us the opportunity to reflect on the gift that has been given to every American . . .. . to live in a country where we are free to pursue our dreams, our goals, our beliefs, and our choices.  Today I am truly thankful for the men and women, and their families, who have willingly sacrificed so much to protect us.  We are free because of their courage, and we must never forget.  We remember, and not just on Veteran's Day.

Grandbabies' birthdays, all of the fun and excitement of the holiday season shining in the eyes of our beautiful daughters, building closer relationships with our older children, and the peace that comes from knowing that our family is growing in so many ways, and the gift of freedom and liberty.  Again, I must remember all of the blessings that we have, and not dwell on those things that are not exactly "perfect."  Life happens, and it doesn't always go the way I think it should.  But that's why I'm not in charge of the universe!  This is truly a season of reflection, and a time of thankfulness for all of God's blessings. 

The journey or the destination?

"We Americans are pragmatists to the max.  We want results.  And we want them yesterday.  We want them without too much pondering and too much pain . . . . We have developed all kinds of Christ-coated remedies that are shallow and short-lived.  We are not, by and large, the deeply grounded saints that some of our forefathers were."   

~John Piper

 

Being "pragmatic" isn't always a bad thing . . . . after all, we  need to pay our bills so we can keep a roof over our heads, keep heat and light in our homes, and be wise with our resources so we can feed our families and keep gas in our cars.  However, philosophically and theologically, pure "pragmatism" will always eventually create a self-centered world in which we attempt to then live out our Christian values and commitment by "doing" rather than "being".  That's where the problem comes in.  Christianity is not necessarily "pragmatic," and eveything is not focused on results.  Although, unfortunately, that's what many of us believe about our Christian life.  Ultimately, we need to try to discover and remember that being a Christian is NOT about what I DO but it is about WHO I am in relationship with my Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ.  It is a relationship not a religion, and yet the paradox is that what I DO matters, but it does not define WHO I am.  I think that is kind of like other relationships, including our marriage relationship as well as our relationships with our parents and children.

 

My children will always be my children, no matter what they DO . . . . however, their choices and their actions will affect our relationship, just like my choices will also affect the quality of that relationship.  But it will NEVER change the fact that I am their mother and they are my children.  So, on the surface,"pragmatism" doesn't seem so bad . . . . . but we must always have the courage and integrity to follow our belief systems (whatever they may be) to their ultimate conclusions.  And "pragmatism" is definitely one of those sneaky ideas that seem to be pretty sensible at first glance, but it has devastating consequences if taken as the foundational presupposition of our beliefs.

 

The philosophical implications of pragmatism appear pretty straightforward:  if all of our choices and behavior and beliefs are based on whatever brings the "best" outcome, what is wrong with that?  But if that is all we have to work with, in the end we are left with only the precarious, relative question of just what exactly is the "best" outcome.  And who decides what is "best"?  And "best" for who?  On the face of it, "pragamatism" seems to make sense . . . . after all we should be practical, right?  We want to know that our actions will make a difference, that there will be predictable, measureable results, and we really don't have a lot of time to invest in every little choice and decision we make in life.  So what is the problem with "pragmatism"?

 

I'm not sure that the question really is "what is wrong with pragmatism," but what we really need to determine is what is the REAL goal of the Christian life and how do we best achieve that goal.  Because if all of our emphasis is to "git 'er done," then we miss out on all the really significant aspects our life.  And "pragmatism" encourages us to focus on the destination instead of the journey.  My moment by moment choices, decisions, and actions matter more to God than whether or not I achieve the "perfect" outcome. 

 

I've really had to remind myself that every day, for most of my adult life.  As a wife, mother, woman, friend, Christian in contemporary American Christianity, my perception has been that my value is only in what I do for others.  And, although that is a noble calling and goal in life, it is NOT the totality of who I am.  Unfortunately, for many women, they get lost in the swamp of despair when they finally realize that they CAN'T do everything that everyone expects.  We are just human.  We are strong, protective, loving, and courageous in the face of all kinds of adversity.  We will protect our children and our homes if confronted with danger.  As moms, we can do anything we need to do to care for our families.  But we will also stumble and fall.  Just because that is the human condition.

 

So, "pragmatism" is a sneaky philosophy that steals our joy and sometimes sucks the life right out of us.  When we finally understand that "getting it done" is a good thing . . . . . but taking the time to slow down, seek God's guidance and wisdsom, rejoice in His grace, and be thankful for all of our blessings (even in the midst of our struggles), will keep us focused on reality.  And reality is NOT based on our ability to do it all, yesterday, with our hair combed perfectly, all of our children lined up with bright shining faces and freshly laundered (hand-made) clothing, with all of our home school lessons completed for the day, a piping hot dinner on the table with freshly baked bread and vegetables picked from our garden.  Oh yes, and a perfectly cleaned home, and all of the laundry smelling spring-fresh from the line, folded and put into the dresser drawers.  And if you are anything like me (I hope not!) you have perhaps believed that WAS reality.  Once upon a time, in a land far away, where Prince Charming lived in the neighborhood castle.   But that's NOT my reality, and that's OK. 

 

I no longer focus on the "pragmatic" aspects of life at the expense of living in the moment.  Yep, I still clean my house, do the laundry, and every once in a while bake a loaf of bread.  I pay the bills, and make sure there is gas in the car so I can get to the grocery store.  But all of those practical things do NOT define who I am.  It is really nice to be free from that deception!

 

Please visit Esthermay at "The Heart of a Pastor's Wife" for links to all the other IOW participants so you can share in our weekly time of inspiration and encouragement. 

 

 

 

Just being neighborly

"If you want to have a friend, be a friend."  That's what my mama always told me.  But since we moved into this neighborhood just over a year ago, I have been so busy flying out the door every morning to go to my JOB, that I just didn't have time to be "neighborly."  Of course, I'm always friendly when I run into one of the neighbors at the grocery store or the local diner, but I just didn't have the time or energy to reach out to my new neighbors.  Fortunately, many of the people who live around us here in our little lake community have taken the initiative to get to know us, so that has been really nice.  But for me, one of the best parts of life is meeting new people, making new friends, and connecting with others in my neighborhood.  So, now . . . . . I am having so much fun with my new-found freedom to do things like bake muffins and take them to the neighbors.

The neighbors just across the street from us immediately jumped in and offered us all kinds of encouragement and help shortly after we moved in last fall.  Within days of our arrival in the neighborhood, they popped by one afternoon with a batch of homemade cookies and a "Welcome to the Neighborhood" card.  Then, just a few weeks later, they stopped by for a visit and brought Christmas gifts for our girls.  Just like living across the street from our favorite Aunt and Uncle!  And of course, birthdays are remembered (not sure how they even knew when the girls' birthdays are . . . . . ), Valentine's Day, and most recently they dropped in with some fun Halloween treats.  Oh, I almost forgot . . . . last summer they came over one Saturday with a brand-new swingset for the girls!  Apparently they had purchased the swingset for their grandkids about 10 years ago, and Mom and Dad never got it set up.  So, it was still in the box!  The girls were delighted with their new treasure, and helped Daddy put it together that very day!

Other neighbors have invited us to go out on the lake on their pontoon boat, for the Fourth of July Boat Parade and pancake breakfast.  Another family helps mow the lawn when our Daddy is out of town . . . . . and others have invited us to go swimming off of their dock.  So, when there was a tragic hunting accident last week and the son of one of the neighbors lost his life, it was such a gift to be able to reach out and offer a bit of love and support to the family.  I know that a basket of muffins and a card are so simple and so insignificant in the face of tragedy . . . . but that little basket of muffins represents so much more.  It is the simple things in life that mean the most, especially in difficult times.  It means that we are here for one another, and that, together, we will get through this.  I am so thankful for this opportunity to be a part of something so much bigger and significant than just my own self.  Life is good . . . . but so much better when it is shared with others!

Who Wrote the Last Chapter?

"The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases. All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs his heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” 

 

~ Proverbs 21: 1-3

So many voices all around us, calling us to listen to this and pay attention to that . . . . there is just so much to learn and understand about life.  And when I start to wonder what is happening in my world, and get overwhelmed with all of the chaos and confusion, I remind myself of Who is really in charge of our world.  If we had to depend on any human being to provide all that we need, always to make decisions that were "perfect," and to keep us safe, life would, indeed, be a frightening experience. 

 But I know that, whatever one believes about all of the turmoil that is gripping our country today, that our shelter is in our God.  He is the one who is our Protector, our Redeemer, and our Guide through every difficult moment of our lives.  In the midst of all of the voices that are calling to us today, we must remember that the last chapter of history has not been revealed yet.  It has been written, for sure, but we have not read it . . . . but we can be confident that it has been written by One who knows and cares about our every concern, and He alone can protect us in our darkest moments of fear and struggle.  I am confident that He will provide exactly what each of us needs, no matter our circumstances.  He is in control of EVERY heart, including those who hold temporal power over our lives.  I know Who is REALLY making all of the decisions!

Proverbs 21:1-3