I might gripe about winter cold (what Me? never) But I have to admit I love the snow. The peacefulness and stillness - I sometimes wonder if that is maybe a piece of Heaven. I love opening my bedroom window in the morning and listening to the sound that is Winter - the stillness that only that blanket of snow brings upon the world. Nature's insulation against the harsh sounds of the world. A reminder from God to be still and know I am here. There is nothing more fulfilling than to stand in the midst of the falling snow and hear the whisper that only that tiny snowflake can make as the snowflakes fall through the branches of the trees or gently float past you. To lift your face to the Heavens and feel the gentle brush of the flakes falling against your cheeks. And, of course, to try to catch an elusive snowflake on the tip of your tongue - there is nothing sweeter. And yes, snowflakes have no taste, but the thrill of being a kid for a small amount of time, letting go of all of your anxieties and troubles and turning your face towards those tiny miracles falling from the sky and rejoicing in what God is providing for us, a gentle reminder of His great love that is so beautiful and gentle and peaceful and ....... still.
There is such a beauty in Winter, that many people fail to see. Everyone knows that each snowflake is individually designed - no two are alike and isn't that amazing that God took the time to do that for us? But each of those tiny snowflakes all come together to blanket the earth and bring beauty and calm to a troubled world. And when the sun shines on the large expanse of solid white - each of the snowflakes individually sparkles and shines glimmering in the light. I am always amazed at the beauty, even after 51 years of Winter, I am still in awe of the beauty that only God can provide in the season of this cold time of year.
I know that many people find this same feeling in warmer climates and I love the sound of waves on our little lake or the crash of the waves on Lake Superior as they engulf the rocky shore (the Great Lakes are the Northern states mini version of the ocean). Or the sound of nature, the birds singing - my favorite is the Loons as they call hauntingly across the lake at night. And isn't it amazing that God created all of these wonders? But, to me when I'm standing in the midst of the falling snow, arms stretched out wide and lifting my face towards the sky to feel the tiny specks of cold melting on my warm skin or standing in the middle of my driveway in the dark of night hearing the rustle of the few remnants of leaves gently being caressed by the falling snow or on a cold Winter night when the sky is clear and looking up at the sparkling stars (and yes, I really think the stars shine brighter during the Winter months) my heart fills with the wonder of God and for that brief moment of communing with Nature, I feel so close our Heavenly Father - like He's right there and in a sense, He is, in each of those flakes, in the silence that only comes when the snow has covered the ground and at that time you can hear God whispering in your ear: Be still and know that I am God. It reminds me of a passage in Mark 4:37-40:
37 And there ariseth a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the boat, insomuch that the boat was now filling.
38 And he himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion: and they awake him, and say unto him, Teacher, carest thou not that we perish?
39 And he awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
40 And he said unto them, Why are ye fearful? have ye not yet faith?
When we are in the midst of the storm that is life and it seems that nothing is going right, we are inundated with trials and tribulations - when the gentle snow falls from the sky and you hear that ever so quiet whisper that only a snowflake can make, it is then that God is softly saying: Peace, be still. Why are you scared? Where is your faith? I am always here with you...........even in the smallest of snowflakes.
.And yes, at that moment you can feel God smiling.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Waiting for the first snow
Go ahead yell at me all you nay-sayers, but being a born and raised Minnesotan, there is something about the cold weather that awakens the anticipation of snow. There is nothing like the excitement of the first snow flakes gently falling from the sky. I say excitement, because there is a level of excitement of waiting and watching for those first snowflakes and the knowledge of a long Winter ahead. Many people become snowbirds at the first sign of snow, but not me.
There is a beauty in all seasons that only God can provide:
Spring, the promise of new life as all of the world awakens from a deep Winters sleep. And I can imagine all of the plants yawning and stretching as they feel the warmth from the sun calling them to reach upwards towards Heaven in greatful praise for God's promise of new life.
Summer brings the promise of warmth and the calmness that can be obtained from gardening, the sound of the waves lapping against the shores of our northern lakes or the call of the Loons during the night. There is something serene in watching the birds dancing in air, singing their songs of Praise for God. There is no better concert than that of the birds calling and singing in unison.
For me, Fall shows the Lord's artistic hand that brings the promise of the beauty that is Gods love as all the colors blend together to make a quilt covering the land. To see the Autumn colors reflecting from the trees onto a calm lake or coming upon a group of trees in their bright, jeweled glory of gold, orange and red just takes your breath away. Fall also brings a promise of bounty from harvest after a long summers work preparing us for that long Winters sleep. The anticipation for the first snowflakes begins in late Fall as the temperatures start to drop and Indian summer has passed.
Winter brings a peace and beauty that is like no other on earth. There is nothing so calming as to stand outside on a Winters night and just listen to the gentle whisper of the snowflakes falling through the trees. To hear the peaceful sound of the world asleep under the thick blanket of snow. It is always amazing to me that God created every single snowflake and each one is different. No two are alike, just as we are each different and isn't that glorious? I am simply amazed to look closely at each intricate and delicate design that is a snowflake. And yes, I may complain about the shoveling but it's all in good fun. There is just something about the world blanketed in snow that fills my heart with a gentle peace which is God's amazing love.
So now I sit and wait in anticipation for the first snowflakes to begin falling. But as I contemplate the arrival of Winter, I remember Gods words in Ecclesiastes 3:
1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
As we go through through life's trials and tribulations, just as each Season has it's own beauty in nature, so do our 'seasons' have beauty, even when it doesn't look so pretty. We are given these 'seasons' as opportunities to grow into the person that God has created us to be and through these 'seasons', God is there lovingly guiding our steps, laughing with us, crying with us, feeling our joy, feeling our pain, in some instances, waiting for us to stop rebelling against Him. Through it all, God is always there gently smiling at us as only He can.
So we must remember, that each Season has in itself a beauty that only God can create and this beauty is a smile from Him to us. A reminder of how much we are truly loved.
There is a beauty in all seasons that only God can provide:
Spring, the promise of new life as all of the world awakens from a deep Winters sleep. And I can imagine all of the plants yawning and stretching as they feel the warmth from the sun calling them to reach upwards towards Heaven in greatful praise for God's promise of new life.
Summer brings the promise of warmth and the calmness that can be obtained from gardening, the sound of the waves lapping against the shores of our northern lakes or the call of the Loons during the night. There is something serene in watching the birds dancing in air, singing their songs of Praise for God. There is no better concert than that of the birds calling and singing in unison.
For me, Fall shows the Lord's artistic hand that brings the promise of the beauty that is Gods love as all the colors blend together to make a quilt covering the land. To see the Autumn colors reflecting from the trees onto a calm lake or coming upon a group of trees in their bright, jeweled glory of gold, orange and red just takes your breath away. Fall also brings a promise of bounty from harvest after a long summers work preparing us for that long Winters sleep. The anticipation for the first snowflakes begins in late Fall as the temperatures start to drop and Indian summer has passed.
Winter brings a peace and beauty that is like no other on earth. There is nothing so calming as to stand outside on a Winters night and just listen to the gentle whisper of the snowflakes falling through the trees. To hear the peaceful sound of the world asleep under the thick blanket of snow. It is always amazing to me that God created every single snowflake and each one is different. No two are alike, just as we are each different and isn't that glorious? I am simply amazed to look closely at each intricate and delicate design that is a snowflake. And yes, I may complain about the shoveling but it's all in good fun. There is just something about the world blanketed in snow that fills my heart with a gentle peace which is God's amazing love.
So now I sit and wait in anticipation for the first snowflakes to begin falling. But as I contemplate the arrival of Winter, I remember Gods words in Ecclesiastes 3:
1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
As we go through through life's trials and tribulations, just as each Season has it's own beauty in nature, so do our 'seasons' have beauty, even when it doesn't look so pretty. We are given these 'seasons' as opportunities to grow into the person that God has created us to be and through these 'seasons', God is there lovingly guiding our steps, laughing with us, crying with us, feeling our joy, feeling our pain, in some instances, waiting for us to stop rebelling against Him. Through it all, God is always there gently smiling at us as only He can.
So we must remember, that each Season has in itself a beauty that only God can create and this beauty is a smile from Him to us. A reminder of how much we are truly loved.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Searching
Some days it feels like you just cannot find God's smiles. Lately, it's felt like that alot. During our journey it seems like the hits from the enemy are non-stop. Many times you yell out to God - enough, c'mon can't I catch a break? It is then that many times I feel like the prodigal sons brother - what about me? I haven't left, I'm still here - but it seems like no one cares that I haven't left, that I'm standing here! I don't like this feeling. It is at this time that I lean on Psalm 23, although recently the hurt has been so bad, that I can't seem to find comfort even in my favorite Psalm.
You feel like your prayers aren't being heard, you feel like God doesn't care. I know that is wrong to feel that way, but sometimes it is hard not to feel that way. God always cares, I know this, but I guess maybe, our faith is being tested. Mother Teresa once quoted, "I know that God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He wouldn't trust me so much." Boy, do I know this feeling. With every hurt and heart break, I know this feeling and wonder where my prayers are. My friend, Joe, gave me an angel ornament a number of years ago with this saying on it. He smiled when I opened it and said it reminds me of you. The angel ornament is on my desk where I can see it at all times. It's at this low time in the desert that I try to remind myself that things aren't so bad. So my family has been going through some tough times and split apart for now - we are all still here, alive and healthy; so I can't pay the bills because my hours have been cut drastically at work and bill collectors are threatening - there is still a little bit of a paycheck; so the roof leaks - I have a roof; so the windows are falling apart and duct tape can't fix it - I have windows; so the car needs new brakes and tires - I have a car; so I can't afford the healthy food I need - I still have food to eat. It's during this 'desert' time that I also think of the poem, Footsteps in the Sand:
Some times during our journeys, it feels as though God leaves you alone. Why? I'm not sure, to test our love? our faith? to build our character to what He wants us to be? I wish I knew. I know God is real, I know He is there, I know He is carrying me right now to get through this time of trial and suffering When I can't find God's smiles, it hurts and it is a sad feeling. But I know its there, just have to keep searching.
You feel like your prayers aren't being heard, you feel like God doesn't care. I know that is wrong to feel that way, but sometimes it is hard not to feel that way. God always cares, I know this, but I guess maybe, our faith is being tested. Mother Teresa once quoted, "I know that God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He wouldn't trust me so much." Boy, do I know this feeling. With every hurt and heart break, I know this feeling and wonder where my prayers are. My friend, Joe, gave me an angel ornament a number of years ago with this saying on it. He smiled when I opened it and said it reminds me of you. The angel ornament is on my desk where I can see it at all times. It's at this low time in the desert that I try to remind myself that things aren't so bad. So my family has been going through some tough times and split apart for now - we are all still here, alive and healthy; so I can't pay the bills because my hours have been cut drastically at work and bill collectors are threatening - there is still a little bit of a paycheck; so the roof leaks - I have a roof; so the windows are falling apart and duct tape can't fix it - I have windows; so the car needs new brakes and tires - I have a car; so I can't afford the healthy food I need - I still have food to eat. It's during this 'desert' time that I also think of the poem, Footsteps in the Sand:
'Footsteps in the Sand'
One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along
the beach with the Lord.
He dreamed he was walking along
the beach with the Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed
two sets of footprints in the sand,
one belonging to him and the other to the Lord.
For each scene, he noticed
two sets of footprints in the sand,
one belonging to him and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the
very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the
very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life there is
only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when I needed you most
you would leave me."
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life there is
only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when I needed you most
you would leave me."
The Lord replied "My precious, precious child,
I love you and would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints in the sand,
it was then that I carried you."
I love you and would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints in the sand,
it was then that I carried you."
Some times during our journeys, it feels as though God leaves you alone. Why? I'm not sure, to test our love? our faith? to build our character to what He wants us to be? I wish I knew. I know God is real, I know He is there, I know He is carrying me right now to get through this time of trial and suffering When I can't find God's smiles, it hurts and it is a sad feeling. But I know its there, just have to keep searching.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Today is the first day of the rest of your life
Today is the first day of the rest of your life. I've heard that saying many times over the years, from many different people and many different religions. Today, it's stuck in my head and making me really think and I keep repeating it and just thinking, what does it really mean? Is today really the first day of the rest of my life? I love listening to Christian music, we have an awesome Christian radio station based in St. Paul and I have it going 24/7 (unless the power goes out from a storm) and I've heard a song on the radio many times that has this saying in it.
Many mornings, through out my life, I have awakened with a song going through my head. My inner alarm clock? Maybe. I have actually found myself waking up singing many mornings. Rarely is it the same song. Since my journey started 7 years ago, I find myself waking up singing more and many songs are songs of praise to our Lord. I am always amazed when I do this and it makes me smile and starts my day off on a great step.
This morning, I woke up singing 'This is the first day of the rest of your life'. Over and over again, it started quietly as I was waking up and just kept building stronger until I was awake. I knew that I had heard this in a song on the radio, I admit, I didn't know the name of the song or the artist, but I always like this song and sing along with it. I also know I didn't hear it last night or rather this morning driving home from work. I believe that it was God smiling at me and trying to teach me another lesson. I wasn't arguing this time. I was smiling and I've been pondering these words all morning. This is the first day of the rest of your life, what exactly does that mean? While pondering, God let me know it was a God Smile and started putting the words that He wanted me to type. God is so amazing because He knows exactly how to get your attention - with me this morning it was through this lovely verse from a great song. I wanted to hear the whole song, I mean really hear or rather read the lyrics to this song and yep, God wanted me to really listen and learn. As I listened to the song and read the lyrics, the words struck home and were an answer to my questions I recently asked Him in prayer. God is so good. The song is 'Hold Us Together' sung by Matt Maher and if you get a chance today, listen to it, really listen to it.
My journey these past years, have been tough, painful and many moments joyful. Lately it's been very painful, but I am leaning heavily on Jesus to get through this valley of darkness; to walk out of the desert. During tearful conversations with God, I've admitted I'm not strong - I need your strength to hold me up; I'm not brave - I need your calm to keep me from falling; I can't do this alone - I need you to hold my hand. He has provided me with the strength, the peace and calm to get through this, while always reaching his hand out for me to hold on to. Just as Jesus reached his hand out to Peter who panicked while walking on the water, so has Jesus done this for me and I am so greatful. While listening to the song, I knew what God was letting me know to hang on, that love will hold us together, give us a shelter from the storms, to be our brothers keeper (this made me think of the song 'he ain't heavy he's my brother'), we are not alone - that everything is going to be alright, hang on for just a bit longer. Praise God.
A lesson that I have learned over the years was strengthened today. That God's love is waiting for us - all we have to do is ask. He's right there waiting for you and that love, that strength, that peace and calm, that hand to grab onto is right there for each and everyone of us. Just take that step of faith and know, that yes, today IS the first day of the rest of your life. It all makes sense now.
Many mornings, through out my life, I have awakened with a song going through my head. My inner alarm clock? Maybe. I have actually found myself waking up singing many mornings. Rarely is it the same song. Since my journey started 7 years ago, I find myself waking up singing more and many songs are songs of praise to our Lord. I am always amazed when I do this and it makes me smile and starts my day off on a great step.
This morning, I woke up singing 'This is the first day of the rest of your life'. Over and over again, it started quietly as I was waking up and just kept building stronger until I was awake. I knew that I had heard this in a song on the radio, I admit, I didn't know the name of the song or the artist, but I always like this song and sing along with it. I also know I didn't hear it last night or rather this morning driving home from work. I believe that it was God smiling at me and trying to teach me another lesson. I wasn't arguing this time. I was smiling and I've been pondering these words all morning. This is the first day of the rest of your life, what exactly does that mean? While pondering, God let me know it was a God Smile and started putting the words that He wanted me to type. God is so amazing because He knows exactly how to get your attention - with me this morning it was through this lovely verse from a great song. I wanted to hear the whole song, I mean really hear or rather read the lyrics to this song and yep, God wanted me to really listen and learn. As I listened to the song and read the lyrics, the words struck home and were an answer to my questions I recently asked Him in prayer. God is so good. The song is 'Hold Us Together' sung by Matt Maher and if you get a chance today, listen to it, really listen to it.
My journey these past years, have been tough, painful and many moments joyful. Lately it's been very painful, but I am leaning heavily on Jesus to get through this valley of darkness; to walk out of the desert. During tearful conversations with God, I've admitted I'm not strong - I need your strength to hold me up; I'm not brave - I need your calm to keep me from falling; I can't do this alone - I need you to hold my hand. He has provided me with the strength, the peace and calm to get through this, while always reaching his hand out for me to hold on to. Just as Jesus reached his hand out to Peter who panicked while walking on the water, so has Jesus done this for me and I am so greatful. While listening to the song, I knew what God was letting me know to hang on, that love will hold us together, give us a shelter from the storms, to be our brothers keeper (this made me think of the song 'he ain't heavy he's my brother'), we are not alone - that everything is going to be alright, hang on for just a bit longer. Praise God.
A lesson that I have learned over the years was strengthened today. That God's love is waiting for us - all we have to do is ask. He's right there waiting for you and that love, that strength, that peace and calm, that hand to grab onto is right there for each and everyone of us. Just take that step of faith and know, that yes, today IS the first day of the rest of your life. It all makes sense now.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Gentle Reminders
Not a good way to start the day by trying to pay bills which made me quite cranky. I'm still playing catch up from when our state government shut down for 3 weeks. Which meant, many of us were off of work for 3 weeks with no pay. That was the beginning of July and just last week we all got our first 'full' paycheck since the shutdown. It made me cranky, to say the least, paying bills this morning. No, I'll be honest here, it made me mad. I was angry at my situation in life - so I was talking with God and no I was not arguing this time, but I was yelling and He was listening. He always listens and I am so greatful for that. And like the gentle Father that He is - I was given some smiles/lessons to remind me how blessed I am. God had 3 smiles for me to be exact.
First smile: I admit - I was driving a bit too fast, not over the speed limit by too much, but faster than I normally do. As I turned the corner and being in a hurry I was forced to suddenly slow down, there was a squirrel in the road - walking. I growled at the squirrel, he still walked, unphased by my now slowly moving car and my growling. This was odd to see, a walking squirrel, they don't walk they run, crazily. Everyone knows that, normally, squirrels run back and forth in the road. I imagine the dialect in squirrel language as they are darting back and forth across your path in the road is this: 'oh my gosh, I have to get across! I can do it! No I can't do it! Yes I can do it! Uncle Lou made it, oh no he didn't better go back! No I have to get that nut over there!" That's is normal squirrel behavior, right? They don't walk, this squirrel was walking - slowly. So I slowed down for the walking squirrel who was ever so slowly meandering across the street. After I growled and grumbled to no avail, I realized who made the squirrel walk in front of me and I smiled and grumpily and silently prayed, "Thank you God. I know I have to slow down." As I said the prayer, the little squirrel took off running. My smile got a smidge bigger. God has such a sense of humor. He knows I slow down for squirrels.
Second smile: The next smile started while I was at the local post office to mail a birthday card. I admit, I don't use 'snail mail' much anymore. I email, IM and FB chat with family and friends all over the country and across the pond. I even pay bills online. So here I am in my still rather grumpy mood trying to remember how much a dang stamp cost. I knew it was forty-something cents. The last time I bought stamps, I bought them by the book and I think it was 2 years ago, maybe longer. So I was sitting in my car in the parking lot at the post office, counting out 40 some odd cents so I would have the correct change - hopefully. Again, I was grumbling to myself and to God over little trivial things. All I wanted to do was mail a birthday card - wah, wah, wah. So my delay and grumbling counting out change while sitting in my car brought me my next smile. First hint of a grin, there was no line in the post office, so in and out. Next smile was when I walked out the door of the post office. There walking towards me from across the parking lot was a lady I know from my place of employment and who we all affectionately call 'The Candy Lady'. She is just the sweetest lady you will ever be blessed to know. 'Candy Lady' and her husband are retired and a couple days during the week come up and play cards at the card room. While her husband plays cards, she sits and reads or visits with the employees and always gives us little candy bars to 'sweeten' our day. She is who sweetens our day. She is our Candy Lady and we all love her dearly, not because of the candy she spoils us with, but because she is so dear to us all. Recently, Candy Lady and her husband went through the horrible tragedy of losing their son. He died suddenly. We all grieved with them. When they came back a few days after the funeral, still shaky and teary eyed from burying their son, we all gathered around them with hugs and condolences and most of all love. I never thought I would see that in a gambling establishment - God's love pouring down on grieving parents. But there it was. So seeing Candy Lady and talking to her this morning and seeing her gentle smile, made me smile and the awakening that God was trying to get through to me after my own grumbling started to stir. My grumpiness was going away quickly.
Third smile: This one occured just a few miles away from the post office. While driving home, a great song by the band MercyMe came on the radio called "Move". If you haven't heard it, go to YouTube right now and listen to it. It's awesome! This song always seems to come on when I need to hear these words in the song: "When life won't play along, and right keeps going wrong and I can't seem to find my way. I know when I am found. So I won't let it drag me down. Oh I'll keep dancing anyway. Gonna move, move. Gonna move, move...." Just a great uplifting song. As I was listening and singing this, I noticed up ahead someone walking down the side of the highway and this persons steps were right to the beat of the music. As I got closer, the smile from God got bigger and, yep, I got His message. There walking down the highway to a steady beat that just happened to match the beat of the song on the radio, was a soldier in full uniform. Looking straight ahead and moving, his steps never faltered, but stayed a steady pace. God bless that young man.
I got God's message loud and clear. My situation in life isn't so bad after all, even when it's heartbreaking, frustrating and it seems like I can't get a break - my life is so very blessed. So after slowing down for a walking squirrel, meeting up with a parent who's son recently went home to Jesus, and seeing a young soldier who made the decision to serve his country and put his life on the line everyday he served, God's lesson for me was learned and smile was smiled. Thank you God for my smiles today, I am truly greatful.
P.S. and in case you are wondering, a stamp costs .44 cents. :-)
First smile: I admit - I was driving a bit too fast, not over the speed limit by too much, but faster than I normally do. As I turned the corner and being in a hurry I was forced to suddenly slow down, there was a squirrel in the road - walking. I growled at the squirrel, he still walked, unphased by my now slowly moving car and my growling. This was odd to see, a walking squirrel, they don't walk they run, crazily. Everyone knows that, normally, squirrels run back and forth in the road. I imagine the dialect in squirrel language as they are darting back and forth across your path in the road is this: 'oh my gosh, I have to get across! I can do it! No I can't do it! Yes I can do it! Uncle Lou made it, oh no he didn't better go back! No I have to get that nut over there!" That's is normal squirrel behavior, right? They don't walk, this squirrel was walking - slowly. So I slowed down for the walking squirrel who was ever so slowly meandering across the street. After I growled and grumbled to no avail, I realized who made the squirrel walk in front of me and I smiled and grumpily and silently prayed, "Thank you God. I know I have to slow down." As I said the prayer, the little squirrel took off running. My smile got a smidge bigger. God has such a sense of humor. He knows I slow down for squirrels.
Second smile: The next smile started while I was at the local post office to mail a birthday card. I admit, I don't use 'snail mail' much anymore. I email, IM and FB chat with family and friends all over the country and across the pond. I even pay bills online. So here I am in my still rather grumpy mood trying to remember how much a dang stamp cost. I knew it was forty-something cents. The last time I bought stamps, I bought them by the book and I think it was 2 years ago, maybe longer. So I was sitting in my car in the parking lot at the post office, counting out 40 some odd cents so I would have the correct change - hopefully. Again, I was grumbling to myself and to God over little trivial things. All I wanted to do was mail a birthday card - wah, wah, wah. So my delay and grumbling counting out change while sitting in my car brought me my next smile. First hint of a grin, there was no line in the post office, so in and out. Next smile was when I walked out the door of the post office. There walking towards me from across the parking lot was a lady I know from my place of employment and who we all affectionately call 'The Candy Lady'. She is just the sweetest lady you will ever be blessed to know. 'Candy Lady' and her husband are retired and a couple days during the week come up and play cards at the card room. While her husband plays cards, she sits and reads or visits with the employees and always gives us little candy bars to 'sweeten' our day. She is who sweetens our day. She is our Candy Lady and we all love her dearly, not because of the candy she spoils us with, but because she is so dear to us all. Recently, Candy Lady and her husband went through the horrible tragedy of losing their son. He died suddenly. We all grieved with them. When they came back a few days after the funeral, still shaky and teary eyed from burying their son, we all gathered around them with hugs and condolences and most of all love. I never thought I would see that in a gambling establishment - God's love pouring down on grieving parents. But there it was. So seeing Candy Lady and talking to her this morning and seeing her gentle smile, made me smile and the awakening that God was trying to get through to me after my own grumbling started to stir. My grumpiness was going away quickly.
Third smile: This one occured just a few miles away from the post office. While driving home, a great song by the band MercyMe came on the radio called "Move". If you haven't heard it, go to YouTube right now and listen to it. It's awesome! This song always seems to come on when I need to hear these words in the song: "When life won't play along, and right keeps going wrong and I can't seem to find my way. I know when I am found. So I won't let it drag me down. Oh I'll keep dancing anyway. Gonna move, move. Gonna move, move...." Just a great uplifting song. As I was listening and singing this, I noticed up ahead someone walking down the side of the highway and this persons steps were right to the beat of the music. As I got closer, the smile from God got bigger and, yep, I got His message. There walking down the highway to a steady beat that just happened to match the beat of the song on the radio, was a soldier in full uniform. Looking straight ahead and moving, his steps never faltered, but stayed a steady pace. God bless that young man.
I got God's message loud and clear. My situation in life isn't so bad after all, even when it's heartbreaking, frustrating and it seems like I can't get a break - my life is so very blessed. So after slowing down for a walking squirrel, meeting up with a parent who's son recently went home to Jesus, and seeing a young soldier who made the decision to serve his country and put his life on the line everyday he served, God's lesson for me was learned and smile was smiled. Thank you God for my smiles today, I am truly greatful.
P.S. and in case you are wondering, a stamp costs .44 cents. :-)
Thursday, August 25, 2011
God's Smiles
The idea for writing about the silly things I have done on my journey to know God came about a year ago, when a friend from high school, Jeanine, and I re-connected on FaceBook of all places. We found so many things we have in common it was unbelievable. Including our faith in God. Many of the things we have in common are hilarious and we just laugh and laugh. One day while discussing our faith and one of the many goofy things we discussed, or have done, we both decided that God must be in Heaven just rolling His eyes and giggling at us. That's the precise moment when God put in my heart to write God's Giggles. But I wasn't so sure I should be doing this, I'm not a writer - am I? God are you sure? I argue with God on alot of things.
Recently, another dear to my heart friend had started a blog on her own personal journey, oh what a God given talent Kim as with her words - such a blessing. (and yep, we re-connected on FB), Kim, brought up God's Giggles and said I really need to start a blog and write this. A few days, before Kim mentioned this, the idea had been tossing around in my head for awhile, during prayer and meditation - God has been nudging me to start writing and reminding me of things that have happened that are truly God's smiles and giggles. But I argued and kept pushing it to the back of my mind.
I argue with God alot, I know, I'm not supposed to do that, but I do. Another dear friend, Joe, told me one day: "God must just slap Himself in the forehead and roll His eyes everytime He asks you to do something, because He knows you will argue." Then we decided God must just laugh also, because He knows I'm going to argue. God knows I'm going to question it and remind God, I'm just me - are you sure you have the right person? I've even had our parish Priest laugh when I told him that God rolls his eyes and laughs everytime He asks me to do something, because He knows I'll argue. It's not really an arguement, I guess, but it does remind me of when Moses kind of argued with God when God asked Him to speak to His people, Moses wasn't sure he was qualified to do what God asked him to do, he had a stutter, he was insecure, he was nobody - who would listen to him? I'm not saying I'm up there with Moses - oh no! Far from it! No, no, no! But after I read that Moses argued a bit with God, I thought to myself, okay, maybe God doesn't mind a bit of an argument, I mean, He really must just laugh because He knows what is coming. I can just imagine the conversation in Heaven: God: "I have to ask Debbie to do something - again." Gabriel - "Lord, You know she's going to argue." God beautifully smiling and maybe chuckling a bit answering: "I know she will, but I also know she will do what I ask. I just have to nudge her a bit more."
So, I'm sure God had a good giggle when He put it in Kim's heart to help nudge (maybe nag a bit?) me to finally hear Him and start writing about God's Giggles or now God's smiles. The adventure begins.......
Recently, another dear to my heart friend had started a blog on her own personal journey, oh what a God given talent Kim as with her words - such a blessing. (and yep, we re-connected on FB), Kim, brought up God's Giggles and said I really need to start a blog and write this. A few days, before Kim mentioned this, the idea had been tossing around in my head for awhile, during prayer and meditation - God has been nudging me to start writing and reminding me of things that have happened that are truly God's smiles and giggles. But I argued and kept pushing it to the back of my mind.
I argue with God alot, I know, I'm not supposed to do that, but I do. Another dear friend, Joe, told me one day: "God must just slap Himself in the forehead and roll His eyes everytime He asks you to do something, because He knows you will argue." Then we decided God must just laugh also, because He knows I'm going to argue. God knows I'm going to question it and remind God, I'm just me - are you sure you have the right person? I've even had our parish Priest laugh when I told him that God rolls his eyes and laughs everytime He asks me to do something, because He knows I'll argue. It's not really an arguement, I guess, but it does remind me of when Moses kind of argued with God when God asked Him to speak to His people, Moses wasn't sure he was qualified to do what God asked him to do, he had a stutter, he was insecure, he was nobody - who would listen to him? I'm not saying I'm up there with Moses - oh no! Far from it! No, no, no! But after I read that Moses argued a bit with God, I thought to myself, okay, maybe God doesn't mind a bit of an argument, I mean, He really must just laugh because He knows what is coming. I can just imagine the conversation in Heaven: God: "I have to ask Debbie to do something - again." Gabriel - "Lord, You know she's going to argue." God beautifully smiling and maybe chuckling a bit answering: "I know she will, but I also know she will do what I ask. I just have to nudge her a bit more."
So, I'm sure God had a good giggle when He put it in Kim's heart to help nudge (maybe nag a bit?) me to finally hear Him and start writing about God's Giggles or now God's smiles. The adventure begins.......
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