November is almost over. That is hard to believe! The Barrons are in full gear as we embrace the December calendar and ALL that it has in it. Today is the day I wipe away November on the command center calendar in our house and fill all the December squares up with a color for every Barron member. I am sure I will need some medication afterwards. I admit, I get overwhelmed as I stand in front of the giant wipe off calendar and begin to pray for God to multiply our time.
On Black Friday, Ridley was sweet to get up early with me, his sisters and brother-in-law as we tackled some potential deals. This was hard for me because I am weak. I usually don't go shopping because I don't trust my wants or my willpower. After cruising about 3 aisles, I was ready to redecorate my house, add another Christmas tree, and increase my gift list by adding everybody including my checkout girl at Publix. I felt myself desiring to get out of control. Ridley saved me! He whispered "Ermias" in my ear several times. Ermias is one of the Compassion International children in Ethiopia that we support. That name would jerk me back into reality quickly.
As soon as we got back in town and our suitcases were unpacked, we began to pull/throw the decorations down from the attic. My "simplify" mentality was easier to maintain while decorating versus shopping. We only put one tree up and decided to donate the second one we usually put up. It is fun for me to take the decorations out of their wrapping or box each year. So many things have memories. There are snowmen that people have given me, a new gingerbread girl and boy that my parents surprised me with last year, and handmade craft projects from our kids. This year, one set of decorations got a new place in our house. As I unwrapped them, the memories brought tears to my eyes.
Three little, gold crown candle holders rolled out of their tissue paper wrapping as the memories rolled from my heart. Years ago, I planned a Christmas luncheon for my closest friends to thank them for the blessing they were (and still are) to me. We continued the tradition for several years and it became my favorite time of the entire year. We met at fancy tea rooms and captured the true meaning of the Christmas season. Each year I gave a candle to them to light with their families on Christmas morning before opening any gifts. It was a reminder to stop and pause with grateful hearts for the ultimate gift. Those luncheons were full of sweet prayers, conversation, tears, laughter and even beautiful singing. I can still hear one friend's laugh, one friend's voice that led us in song, and one friend's sobs as we soaked in the sweetest moments.
I would love to tell you I saved every candle. I now wish I had. As I held those three gold crown candle holders all decked out in sparkly colored jewels, I thought about the three wise men and that night. I thought about the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I thought about my three marriages and the gift of "do overs" from a loving Father. I put them right in our family room and plan to light them this year with my family.
So as I get ready to "face" my December calendar today, I am mindful that it is the memories of family, friends, love and time with those special people that matter. I want December to be a party of celebrating Jesus!!!! We should be excited about this time of year and truly celebrate that He is a gift that keeps on giving.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Date Jesus
As I woke up this morning, there were several things knocking at the door to my Monday. I thought I was ready, but I suddenly wanted to crawl back under the covers and dream. As my family leaves in shifts, I stand before the door with my hand on the knob. I can almost see all the things on the other side that demand more of my attention than I have to give. The little girl in me wants to lock the bolt lock and play all day, but the big girl in me knows better. In my mind and heart, I open the door. The noise is loud and the crowd is thick. In the middle of the chaos, I see Jesus. He is smiling at me. He knows what is ahead and He is still smiling? That is a good sign. As He slowly works his way through the demands, He comes closer. He must feel that I long for His presence and help today. I mean there isn't anything super bad or super hard about this Monday. It is just a busy Monday. He cares.
As I let Him in, I feel Him pull up a stool at the breakfast bar with me. The quiet of the house helps me to hear Him better. I sit in front of my bowl of grits with no cheese and no butter accompanied by my dry toast. It doesn't feel like the breakfast of champions. Jesus turns to look at me with His arm propped up holding His cheek in the palm of His hand. He gently reminds me that I have to get to the grocery store to pick up items for some Thanksgiving baskets for families in need. I am thankful for my grits and toast. I am thankful for a husband that works hard for our family to have food.
As I head to the closet to grab my running shoes, I can almost feel Jesus sitting on the bed beside me as I lace them up. I secretly wish I had new running shoes that weren't stretched out and dingy. I know He heard me. With the same gentle smile and voice, He reminds me to get going because I have shoes in my closet to sort through to donate to Souls 4 Souls at my daughters' school.
I stop at the computer which is nestled between a pile of papers that has been waiting for weeks to be filed. The Monday demands get louder. I once again sense that Jesus is in my office with me sitting in the leather chair across from my desk. He asks me to check my inbox. There are several emails from women I deeply care about. Single moms that are experiencing their first holiday season where they have to share their children and be alone at times. I glance over to look into His eyes and I ask Him what He expects me to say. After all the years of being separated from my girls at Thanksgiving and Christmas, I still can't get used to it. He winks at me and reminds me that He has that taken care of. I explain to Him that I have found a note in the jean's pocket of my youngest, where she is writing to Him. I asked Him if he read the part where she doesn't want to be away from her family and she is afraid to be away. As tears roll down my cheek, Jesus reminds me that all those years of teaching my children to depend on Him are paying off. "After all, she is writing to ME, Lisa."
I head out in the sunshine and feel this incredible wind blowing as I begin to warm up for my run. You guessed it, Jesus is tagging along. I am grateful for the company. With cold muscles and sluggish energy, I get a slow start. He runs ahead of me and coaches me on. He reminds me that I don't need to run from anything. I can do all things with Him because He gives me the strength I need. Jesus is a jokester as He then wants to know if I am up for some Jesus yoga today. He reminded me that He has reached back from before the foundations of the world were laid, and reached ahead all the way to the cross, and reached up all the way to heaven, and reached down to me right there in that moment. Wow!
Just as you would expect a holy gentleman to do, He waits on the couch for me as I get cleaned up and ready for the day. Excitement builds in my heart and butterflies flutter in my stomach. Jesus is taking me out on a date today. He is going with me to run all my errands, have lunch, pick up kids, do homework, cook for my family and all the in betweens. I have a date with Jesus today. I step into the den and look over at the couch where Jesus is waiting. I smiled and said, "Let's go!". I am thankful that He is a patient and loving God. I am thankful that I invited Him into my day......He was waiting.
As I let Him in, I feel Him pull up a stool at the breakfast bar with me. The quiet of the house helps me to hear Him better. I sit in front of my bowl of grits with no cheese and no butter accompanied by my dry toast. It doesn't feel like the breakfast of champions. Jesus turns to look at me with His arm propped up holding His cheek in the palm of His hand. He gently reminds me that I have to get to the grocery store to pick up items for some Thanksgiving baskets for families in need. I am thankful for my grits and toast. I am thankful for a husband that works hard for our family to have food.
As I head to the closet to grab my running shoes, I can almost feel Jesus sitting on the bed beside me as I lace them up. I secretly wish I had new running shoes that weren't stretched out and dingy. I know He heard me. With the same gentle smile and voice, He reminds me to get going because I have shoes in my closet to sort through to donate to Souls 4 Souls at my daughters' school.
I stop at the computer which is nestled between a pile of papers that has been waiting for weeks to be filed. The Monday demands get louder. I once again sense that Jesus is in my office with me sitting in the leather chair across from my desk. He asks me to check my inbox. There are several emails from women I deeply care about. Single moms that are experiencing their first holiday season where they have to share their children and be alone at times. I glance over to look into His eyes and I ask Him what He expects me to say. After all the years of being separated from my girls at Thanksgiving and Christmas, I still can't get used to it. He winks at me and reminds me that He has that taken care of. I explain to Him that I have found a note in the jean's pocket of my youngest, where she is writing to Him. I asked Him if he read the part where she doesn't want to be away from her family and she is afraid to be away. As tears roll down my cheek, Jesus reminds me that all those years of teaching my children to depend on Him are paying off. "After all, she is writing to ME, Lisa."
I head out in the sunshine and feel this incredible wind blowing as I begin to warm up for my run. You guessed it, Jesus is tagging along. I am grateful for the company. With cold muscles and sluggish energy, I get a slow start. He runs ahead of me and coaches me on. He reminds me that I don't need to run from anything. I can do all things with Him because He gives me the strength I need. Jesus is a jokester as He then wants to know if I am up for some Jesus yoga today. He reminded me that He has reached back from before the foundations of the world were laid, and reached ahead all the way to the cross, and reached up all the way to heaven, and reached down to me right there in that moment. Wow!
Just as you would expect a holy gentleman to do, He waits on the couch for me as I get cleaned up and ready for the day. Excitement builds in my heart and butterflies flutter in my stomach. Jesus is taking me out on a date today. He is going with me to run all my errands, have lunch, pick up kids, do homework, cook for my family and all the in betweens. I have a date with Jesus today. I step into the den and look over at the couch where Jesus is waiting. I smiled and said, "Let's go!". I am thankful that He is a patient and loving God. I am thankful that I invited Him into my day......He was waiting.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tis the season
I love this time of year! Tis the season for pumpkin flavored anything, sweaters, fireplaces, extra snuggling and more. However, I feel like we sometimes zip by Thanksgiving. In stores, there seems to be a little bitty section full of a few turkeys, fall leaves, and a mr. and mrs. pilgrim. It gets crowded out by Frosty and Rudolph.
Today, I had a thought. If we are going to buy gifts, why don't we buy people Thanksgiving gifts? Isn't that really who we give Christmas gifts to anyway...the people we love and are grateful for having in our lives? Maybe then we could just focus on celebrating Jesus' birthday at Christmas and He wouldn't get crowded out by Frosty and Rudolph either.
I am a sucker for snowmen and gingerbread men. I think eighty percent of what is in my attic is Christmas decorations. Ridley swears the plastic tubs marked "Christmas" are multiplying every twelve months. It is in my blood! Growing up, my mom always decorated and made our home feel like an extension of the North Pole. To this day, if she is hosting a dinner, her table is decorated like a masterpiece. I love it!
This year is a little different for me. As God pulls me closer to simplifying, I face a bit of a struggle. I admit it! I walk into the stores and my heart starts racing with excitement. I have read the "Five Love Languages" and I am a "gifts" when it comes to loving on others. I absolutely believe in finding bargains, so those gifts don't have to be expensive, but a lot of love and thought goes into each one. This year I find myself not as excited.....about shopping. I don't light up over a bargain. With every sale item I find, I picture what that thirty dollar could be providing for someone MUCH more in need. Our Compassion International children need about $38.00 a month to live on. I paid that for one sweater.
I don't expect my kids to throw out their letters to Santa, nor do I expect all of my extended family to be in the same place I am when it comes to a burden on my heart. However, my gift giving this year looks different. I have found some websites where gifts purchased will give back to orphans or women in other countries trying to help provide for their families. Some gifts are more practical and some are gifts that may spark a memory or make a new one. As for Ridley and me, we are stealing our friend's idea. We are not giving to each other but we are taking the money we would spend and donating it to a person or organization. On Christmas morning we will each open our gift to see how the other spent the money. I have already put way more thought into Ridley's gift than in the years past.
Honestly, I love new stuff. I love the fun of unwrapping. I love to watch others as they unwrap my gift to them. So my struggle is battling that want. I have even gone so far as to stand in the middle of the Christmas section and convince myself that any snowman, ornament, or decoration with JESUS on it, can be called a witnessing tool. Like the exterminator is going to come into my house to spray for bugs and my light up Jesus ornament can do more good than my boldness and words. Silly, I know.
Bottom line.....I read today that Americans are expected to spend 447 billion dollars on gifts this year. That would sponsor 109 million orphans for 10 years. I also know that there is a little girl in my own town that had a fruit cup for lunch today because her lunch tab is higher than her parents can afford. That broke my heart!!!!!
I am still excited about the holidays but my focus is more on celebrating Thanksgiving and Jesus. We have so much to be thankful for. Can a sweater really make that any more exciting? The gift of Jesus is THE BEST gift I have ever received. It is definitely a gift that I want to re-gift to others.
Today, I had a thought. If we are going to buy gifts, why don't we buy people Thanksgiving gifts? Isn't that really who we give Christmas gifts to anyway...the people we love and are grateful for having in our lives? Maybe then we could just focus on celebrating Jesus' birthday at Christmas and He wouldn't get crowded out by Frosty and Rudolph either.
I am a sucker for snowmen and gingerbread men. I think eighty percent of what is in my attic is Christmas decorations. Ridley swears the plastic tubs marked "Christmas" are multiplying every twelve months. It is in my blood! Growing up, my mom always decorated and made our home feel like an extension of the North Pole. To this day, if she is hosting a dinner, her table is decorated like a masterpiece. I love it!
This year is a little different for me. As God pulls me closer to simplifying, I face a bit of a struggle. I admit it! I walk into the stores and my heart starts racing with excitement. I have read the "Five Love Languages" and I am a "gifts" when it comes to loving on others. I absolutely believe in finding bargains, so those gifts don't have to be expensive, but a lot of love and thought goes into each one. This year I find myself not as excited.....about shopping. I don't light up over a bargain. With every sale item I find, I picture what that thirty dollar could be providing for someone MUCH more in need. Our Compassion International children need about $38.00 a month to live on. I paid that for one sweater.
I don't expect my kids to throw out their letters to Santa, nor do I expect all of my extended family to be in the same place I am when it comes to a burden on my heart. However, my gift giving this year looks different. I have found some websites where gifts purchased will give back to orphans or women in other countries trying to help provide for their families. Some gifts are more practical and some are gifts that may spark a memory or make a new one. As for Ridley and me, we are stealing our friend's idea. We are not giving to each other but we are taking the money we would spend and donating it to a person or organization. On Christmas morning we will each open our gift to see how the other spent the money. I have already put way more thought into Ridley's gift than in the years past.
Honestly, I love new stuff. I love the fun of unwrapping. I love to watch others as they unwrap my gift to them. So my struggle is battling that want. I have even gone so far as to stand in the middle of the Christmas section and convince myself that any snowman, ornament, or decoration with JESUS on it, can be called a witnessing tool. Like the exterminator is going to come into my house to spray for bugs and my light up Jesus ornament can do more good than my boldness and words. Silly, I know.
Bottom line.....I read today that Americans are expected to spend 447 billion dollars on gifts this year. That would sponsor 109 million orphans for 10 years. I also know that there is a little girl in my own town that had a fruit cup for lunch today because her lunch tab is higher than her parents can afford. That broke my heart!!!!!
I am still excited about the holidays but my focus is more on celebrating Thanksgiving and Jesus. We have so much to be thankful for. Can a sweater really make that any more exciting? The gift of Jesus is THE BEST gift I have ever received. It is definitely a gift that I want to re-gift to others.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sweet n' Salty
My life has been a trail mix. It has had some of the sweetest moments and some of the saltiest moments all at the same time.
Obviously, I would much prefer to pick out the M&M’s and just enjoy the sweet moments but I am excited about what I have learned about being salt and light to the world in our salty moments. It makes me smile to say I continue to have both. Too much salt leaves you dry and thirsty. I may not be “nuts” about the salty lessons but I do get excited about how I have learned that I am on the right track when I am in the midst of salty moments.
Boy, I sure can taste those M&M’s better when they are mixed in with the salty. Can’t you? Think about it. What a “sweet” reminder that life offers both. The true blessing for me has been learning to enjoy all the flavors that life brings me because I now know that God is at work in both the sweet and salty moments. I am excited to take the next bite that Jesus has to offer.
I pray that you and I enjoy our healthy trail mix life and that we continue to hunger and thirst for righteousness.
I pray these random, crazy, raw, from the heart, blog posts help you whether it is a sweet moment or a salty moment. If you are in one of those salty moments and need me to pray for you, please- please- please let me know. I am here to walk this journey with you!
Obviously, I would much prefer to pick out the M&M’s and just enjoy the sweet moments but I am excited about what I have learned about being salt and light to the world in our salty moments. It makes me smile to say I continue to have both. Too much salt leaves you dry and thirsty. I may not be “nuts” about the salty lessons but I do get excited about how I have learned that I am on the right track when I am in the midst of salty moments.
Boy, I sure can taste those M&M’s better when they are mixed in with the salty. Can’t you? Think about it. What a “sweet” reminder that life offers both. The true blessing for me has been learning to enjoy all the flavors that life brings me because I now know that God is at work in both the sweet and salty moments. I am excited to take the next bite that Jesus has to offer.
I pray that you and I enjoy our healthy trail mix life and that we continue to hunger and thirst for righteousness.
I pray these random, crazy, raw, from the heart, blog posts help you whether it is a sweet moment or a salty moment. If you are in one of those salty moments and need me to pray for you, please- please- please let me know. I am here to walk this journey with you!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Labels
As I ran into a store yesterday, the bathrooms caught my eye. I don't know what was wrong with me. Christmas lights and sale posters were twinkling and flashing everywhere. I didn't even need the bathroom, but it was the label on the door that got my brain swimming. "Family Restroom" jumped out, which was odd. I have seen this sign before but never ventured in. I didn't yesterday either. That would have been creepy since I was by myself but my imagination kicked in as I pictured the whole Barron family choosing that door. I am not sure I get it. I mean if it was created because little boys didn't need to be going with their moms into the Ladies Restroom then aren't they still going to be seeing ladies in the Family Restroom?
Throughout the day I thought about that sign. I thought about labels and how we get so caught up in being gender specific with some of our labels. Ladies night out.....man cave....chick flick....men's bible study...etc. I get the reason for it, but I think it can be dangerous at times. Let me explain. The Bible is very clear to define sin in our life and to teach us what is wrong and what is right. However, I think there are some things we tend to slap a gender label on when it comes to those rights and wrongs. For example, the Bible talks about a nagging or quarrelsome wife, but does that mean that men don't nag or fight?
How about lust? Let's face it ladies, we typically tend to categorized the lust sin as a guy problem. The truth is, women struggle with this too but it looks a little different. Matthew 5:28 says "But I say to you everyone that looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." It is easy for us to be gender specific and slap our husband's on the arm when they look at another woman. Be careful! I have had discussions with women over the years about how we struggle in this area, but it often seems more acceptable.
When a woman is watching a movie and announces to the room that the lead actor is HOT, you can almost hear the amens from her friends, but when a man makes the same announcement about a woman, he is in the doghouse. Maybe it is the guy in the rock band who is the lead singer and you are drooling all over yourself as you picture him singing just to you. A false image of reality is out there in our faces constantly. The young doctor on the soap opera who is operating without his shirt on is not reality. The Bachelorette who is living in a mansion with 14 guys to find her future husband is not reality. Seriously? They walk around in their best clothes, freshly showered, saying all the right things and taking her out on dream dates. How do you pick a husband that way and call it reality t.v.? They haven't talked about bills. She hasn't seen him in his morning attire with his hair sticking up. You never see the guys wearing black socks, shorts and sandals.
My point is this: Don't read the Bible and think there are parts that don't apply to you. We are all accountable for all parts of it. Don't let the pronoun of choice give you an excuse to continue to behave in a way that you think is okay. I have made a point to teach my girls about the reality of the world's reality. They have to be responsible for what they read, watch, and subject themselves to so they can be aware of lusting after the wrong things. I have told them it is not just "busty lusty" for guys.
1John 2:16 "For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions - is not from the Father but is from the world." It is pretty cut and dry for all of us. Evaluate what you are exposing yourself to and what you are excusing away as being okay. Pray for God to show you areas that you have become too comfortable or okay with. Then Admit it, Repent it, and Forget it.
Throughout the day I thought about that sign. I thought about labels and how we get so caught up in being gender specific with some of our labels. Ladies night out.....man cave....chick flick....men's bible study...etc. I get the reason for it, but I think it can be dangerous at times. Let me explain. The Bible is very clear to define sin in our life and to teach us what is wrong and what is right. However, I think there are some things we tend to slap a gender label on when it comes to those rights and wrongs. For example, the Bible talks about a nagging or quarrelsome wife, but does that mean that men don't nag or fight?
How about lust? Let's face it ladies, we typically tend to categorized the lust sin as a guy problem. The truth is, women struggle with this too but it looks a little different. Matthew 5:28 says "But I say to you everyone that looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." It is easy for us to be gender specific and slap our husband's on the arm when they look at another woman. Be careful! I have had discussions with women over the years about how we struggle in this area, but it often seems more acceptable.
When a woman is watching a movie and announces to the room that the lead actor is HOT, you can almost hear the amens from her friends, but when a man makes the same announcement about a woman, he is in the doghouse. Maybe it is the guy in the rock band who is the lead singer and you are drooling all over yourself as you picture him singing just to you. A false image of reality is out there in our faces constantly. The young doctor on the soap opera who is operating without his shirt on is not reality. The Bachelorette who is living in a mansion with 14 guys to find her future husband is not reality. Seriously? They walk around in their best clothes, freshly showered, saying all the right things and taking her out on dream dates. How do you pick a husband that way and call it reality t.v.? They haven't talked about bills. She hasn't seen him in his morning attire with his hair sticking up. You never see the guys wearing black socks, shorts and sandals.
My point is this: Don't read the Bible and think there are parts that don't apply to you. We are all accountable for all parts of it. Don't let the pronoun of choice give you an excuse to continue to behave in a way that you think is okay. I have made a point to teach my girls about the reality of the world's reality. They have to be responsible for what they read, watch, and subject themselves to so they can be aware of lusting after the wrong things. I have told them it is not just "busty lusty" for guys.
1John 2:16 "For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions - is not from the Father but is from the world." It is pretty cut and dry for all of us. Evaluate what you are exposing yourself to and what you are excusing away as being okay. Pray for God to show you areas that you have become too comfortable or okay with. Then Admit it, Repent it, and Forget it.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
A Letter
Dear Lisa,
I miss you. I know that you have a lot going on, but I do miss our time together. Old friends often put each other on the back burner for the sake of others. However, I have so much to share with you and long for some of that one on one time. I love to hear you share some of our stories and memories together with others. I even hear you quoting me at times and it makes me smile. Thanks for believing in me!
Please understand that I am not upset with you. I just find myself patiently waiting for my turn. I watch you glance over at me when we happen to be in the same room together and I can tell that you want to hang out. However, I know you get pulled in other directions. I am concerned that too much time will go by and you won't have anything to quote or share about me anymore.
I know that God meant for me to be a part of your life. I am available any time to help you with all the demands you have and the things you need to deal with. You know me, I am good with people. I can give you something to laugh about or as your mom used to say, "I can give you something to cry about". Ha ha.
We have been through some great times together and some really tough times together. I know you may not always understand me, but I still have all the notes you have written. They are special to me.
I have so much more to say to you so when you have some free time, please sit down with me and listen. I miss you.
Love,
Your Bible
I miss you. I know that you have a lot going on, but I do miss our time together. Old friends often put each other on the back burner for the sake of others. However, I have so much to share with you and long for some of that one on one time. I love to hear you share some of our stories and memories together with others. I even hear you quoting me at times and it makes me smile. Thanks for believing in me!
Please understand that I am not upset with you. I just find myself patiently waiting for my turn. I watch you glance over at me when we happen to be in the same room together and I can tell that you want to hang out. However, I know you get pulled in other directions. I am concerned that too much time will go by and you won't have anything to quote or share about me anymore.
I know that God meant for me to be a part of your life. I am available any time to help you with all the demands you have and the things you need to deal with. You know me, I am good with people. I can give you something to laugh about or as your mom used to say, "I can give you something to cry about". Ha ha.
We have been through some great times together and some really tough times together. I know you may not always understand me, but I still have all the notes you have written. They are special to me.
I have so much more to say to you so when you have some free time, please sit down with me and listen. I miss you.
Love,
Your Bible
Friday, November 5, 2010
New Triggers
Most of the time if you hear me talk about "triggers", they are the things that slap me in the face and take me back to parts of my past that remind me of hurt. I can't stand them. They oftentimes hit me right between the eyes and trickle down to my heart.
Yesterday was a nice change for me. I had good, fun triggers and I bet you will never guess where I was and what I was doing when I got hit with them unexpectedly. I was at the nursing home helping my parents move my grandmother into a new (smaller) room. I am not a big fan of the place. It will quickly bring you to the reality that life goes by fast and we have no control over it. The sights, sounds and smells can be depressing. My grandmother has dementia and to ease my pain for her, I try to remind myself that she isn't remembering the sights, sounds and smells. The smell of cafeteria food has replaced the wonderful smells that tickled my nose in my grandmother's kitchen. The sounds of her fussing at my grandfather for eating too many sweets has been replaced by the motor sounds of wheelchairs and moaning of her hall friends. My energetic grandma who never sat down, now sits all the time.
My mom and dad are living out the Bible in the way they love my grandmother. Ephesians 6:2 is a familiar passage. "Honor your father and mother". We often refer to that verse when we want to beat the stuffings out of our children. As adult children, my parents are still honoring their mothers and fathers. My mom and dad are two of the most unselfish people I know and I have the incredible opportunity to be "trained up in the way I should go" by watching them. (Proverbs 22:6) Their way of loving and caring for their family is a result of my grandparents' training and raising of their children. It is a cycle and a reminder.
So as I made the drive to the nursing home, I found myself excited. That was odd. I realized it was my turn to contribute, give back, love and serve my family. A time to honor my father and mother. I helped to set up her new room and I believe my recent "extreme dorm makeover" for Morgan had me prepared for the challenge. The new, smaller room for my grandmother actually ended up working out great and felt nicer. The new wing of the building that actually gets a more negative label, actually had the most loving and wonderful group of people that were excited and ready to play wheelchair kickball with my grandmother.
Grandma wasn't there yesterday. We sent her on a family field trip for the day so she wouldn't be so nervous and confused. I hung up shirts that I remember my grandma wearing on certain occasions, I got to arrange old familiar pictures, I rummaged through old jewelry and remembered admiring it as a young girl while in church holding her hand. My grandma always had lotion and put it on my hands. I recalled how soft her hands always were as I lined up her lotions in her new bathroom. My mom, dad and I actually had a fun time getting her room in order. We even laughed as the exit doors are painted like bookcases so the residents don't try to escape. I couldn't find my way out. Ha ha!. It ended up being a sweet day of going down memory lane.
As I left yesterday, I passed through the lobby that smelt like Fall. The smell of pumpkin combined with the soft music and a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies for guest, made me smile. I felt good about my grandma's new home. I drove home thinking about making memories with my family. The simple kind like looking at pictures, dancing to music, cooking in the kitchen or playing board games. I don't think running around crazy and buying my kids "stuff" are the kind of memories that will stick around.
Do something to honor your father or mother. Do something to honor someone else's father or mother. Train your children up to appreciate family and the elderly. Take a day and just love on someone, not because it is on your to do list or because it will pay a bill. Just do it to be a blessing and to be blessed.
Yesterday was a nice change for me. I had good, fun triggers and I bet you will never guess where I was and what I was doing when I got hit with them unexpectedly. I was at the nursing home helping my parents move my grandmother into a new (smaller) room. I am not a big fan of the place. It will quickly bring you to the reality that life goes by fast and we have no control over it. The sights, sounds and smells can be depressing. My grandmother has dementia and to ease my pain for her, I try to remind myself that she isn't remembering the sights, sounds and smells. The smell of cafeteria food has replaced the wonderful smells that tickled my nose in my grandmother's kitchen. The sounds of her fussing at my grandfather for eating too many sweets has been replaced by the motor sounds of wheelchairs and moaning of her hall friends. My energetic grandma who never sat down, now sits all the time.
My mom and dad are living out the Bible in the way they love my grandmother. Ephesians 6:2 is a familiar passage. "Honor your father and mother". We often refer to that verse when we want to beat the stuffings out of our children. As adult children, my parents are still honoring their mothers and fathers. My mom and dad are two of the most unselfish people I know and I have the incredible opportunity to be "trained up in the way I should go" by watching them. (Proverbs 22:6) Their way of loving and caring for their family is a result of my grandparents' training and raising of their children. It is a cycle and a reminder.
So as I made the drive to the nursing home, I found myself excited. That was odd. I realized it was my turn to contribute, give back, love and serve my family. A time to honor my father and mother. I helped to set up her new room and I believe my recent "extreme dorm makeover" for Morgan had me prepared for the challenge. The new, smaller room for my grandmother actually ended up working out great and felt nicer. The new wing of the building that actually gets a more negative label, actually had the most loving and wonderful group of people that were excited and ready to play wheelchair kickball with my grandmother.
Grandma wasn't there yesterday. We sent her on a family field trip for the day so she wouldn't be so nervous and confused. I hung up shirts that I remember my grandma wearing on certain occasions, I got to arrange old familiar pictures, I rummaged through old jewelry and remembered admiring it as a young girl while in church holding her hand. My grandma always had lotion and put it on my hands. I recalled how soft her hands always were as I lined up her lotions in her new bathroom. My mom, dad and I actually had a fun time getting her room in order. We even laughed as the exit doors are painted like bookcases so the residents don't try to escape. I couldn't find my way out. Ha ha!. It ended up being a sweet day of going down memory lane.
As I left yesterday, I passed through the lobby that smelt like Fall. The smell of pumpkin combined with the soft music and a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies for guest, made me smile. I felt good about my grandma's new home. I drove home thinking about making memories with my family. The simple kind like looking at pictures, dancing to music, cooking in the kitchen or playing board games. I don't think running around crazy and buying my kids "stuff" are the kind of memories that will stick around.
Do something to honor your father or mother. Do something to honor someone else's father or mother. Train your children up to appreciate family and the elderly. Take a day and just love on someone, not because it is on your to do list or because it will pay a bill. Just do it to be a blessing and to be blessed.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
The bulb is bright!
You may have heard bits and pieces of my story on this blog, at one of my speaking events, or in a casual conversation. I love for people to ask me questions. It gives me a chance to brag on what God has done through the really tough times and through the really cool times. A lot of people want to know how Ridley and I met. It was a total God thing. A friend had told me about his tragedy and a little bit about his story. I found out I lived near Ridley at the time, and began to pray for his single dad days every time I drove by his house. I never saw him. Throughout the next 3 years, I continued to keep Ridley and his kids on my prayer list. I then had the chance to go on a blind date with him. This was orchestrated by his sister and brother in law.....and God.
One of my absolute favorite parts (now) is when dinner was over. We were leaving the restaurant and there were two other couples. Who do I ride with? Do I ride with the couple I came with or do I assume I am riding with him? Yuck! I should have stayed home and read a book first on how to date at this age. Then, as if he almost felt he had to, Ridley asked if I wanted to ride with him. I was relieved to not have to decide myself. He opened the door for me and I had a few moments to regain composure while he walked to the other side of the truck. Now comes the conversation. Dinner conversation had not been easy. As we made our way to his sister's house for dessert, the conversation was much more my style. Ridley immediately admitted that he hated dating. He was honest and open about who he was and what was important to him. He told me he wished God would just put a light bulb over the head of the woman he was supposed to marry because he loved being married. In that moment, I heard my inner voice say, "Pick me". What was I thinking? I didn't think I would ever marry again. I was shocked at myself but his honesty and ability to just talk to me was refreshing. The rest of the night went great. I didn't let him far into my door and I didn't want him to kiss me, but when he asked if he could pray for me, I fell into his arms and felt safe. To hear this man pray for me, I just knew God had sent me someone special.
So, two dates later, it was Valentine's Day and we were going out. I had wrapped my box and stood ready for the doorbell to ring. When my handsome date came in, the look on his face after noticing my box, was sheer horror. I later found out that Ridley was concerned that my shirt box with a possible sweater inside, was a little premature. He had tried to decide whether to buy me a gift or not. He decided against it. No big deal. I didn't get him a sweater. I found out early on that he loved chocolate, so I filled the shirt box with Treasures candies. Inside was a small note with the verse from Matthew 6:21 "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also". Then right smack dab in the center of the box was a 100 watt light bulb with the 100 circled.
The gift made him a nervous wreck. I bet he wished it was a sweater at that point.
Recently, I came across that light bulb. Ridley had made some additions with the Sharpie. He had written the date on the bulb and saved it.
When bills, crazy schedules, laundry, job demands, and routine set in, it can make the light a little dim. I can easily find myself wishing we were back to those exciting dating days. However, I can tell you when I get my thoughts right and focus on the fact that I get to have lots of those conversations like in his truck that first night or I get to hear him pray over me all the time, I am grateful. When I know he is going to call to say he is on his way home and I don't have to wonder when he is going to call next, I am grateful. When I realized the light bulb meant enough to save it, I am grateful. When he tells me I am beautiful with my morning hair, I am grateful. When he works hard for our family and our church, I am grateful. When he realizes Jesus did a super cool thing by bringing us together and he fights for our marriage, I am grateful.
Sometimes I just need to turn the light up brighter so I can see things better. The bulb is bright. I love Ridley Barron.
One of my absolute favorite parts (now) is when dinner was over. We were leaving the restaurant and there were two other couples. Who do I ride with? Do I ride with the couple I came with or do I assume I am riding with him? Yuck! I should have stayed home and read a book first on how to date at this age. Then, as if he almost felt he had to, Ridley asked if I wanted to ride with him. I was relieved to not have to decide myself. He opened the door for me and I had a few moments to regain composure while he walked to the other side of the truck. Now comes the conversation. Dinner conversation had not been easy. As we made our way to his sister's house for dessert, the conversation was much more my style. Ridley immediately admitted that he hated dating. He was honest and open about who he was and what was important to him. He told me he wished God would just put a light bulb over the head of the woman he was supposed to marry because he loved being married. In that moment, I heard my inner voice say, "Pick me". What was I thinking? I didn't think I would ever marry again. I was shocked at myself but his honesty and ability to just talk to me was refreshing. The rest of the night went great. I didn't let him far into my door and I didn't want him to kiss me, but when he asked if he could pray for me, I fell into his arms and felt safe. To hear this man pray for me, I just knew God had sent me someone special.
So, two dates later, it was Valentine's Day and we were going out. I had wrapped my box and stood ready for the doorbell to ring. When my handsome date came in, the look on his face after noticing my box, was sheer horror. I later found out that Ridley was concerned that my shirt box with a possible sweater inside, was a little premature. He had tried to decide whether to buy me a gift or not. He decided against it. No big deal. I didn't get him a sweater. I found out early on that he loved chocolate, so I filled the shirt box with Treasures candies. Inside was a small note with the verse from Matthew 6:21 "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also". Then right smack dab in the center of the box was a 100 watt light bulb with the 100 circled.
The gift made him a nervous wreck. I bet he wished it was a sweater at that point.
Recently, I came across that light bulb. Ridley had made some additions with the Sharpie. He had written the date on the bulb and saved it.
When bills, crazy schedules, laundry, job demands, and routine set in, it can make the light a little dim. I can easily find myself wishing we were back to those exciting dating days. However, I can tell you when I get my thoughts right and focus on the fact that I get to have lots of those conversations like in his truck that first night or I get to hear him pray over me all the time, I am grateful. When I know he is going to call to say he is on his way home and I don't have to wonder when he is going to call next, I am grateful. When I realized the light bulb meant enough to save it, I am grateful. When he tells me I am beautiful with my morning hair, I am grateful. When he works hard for our family and our church, I am grateful. When he realizes Jesus did a super cool thing by bringing us together and he fights for our marriage, I am grateful.
Sometimes I just need to turn the light up brighter so I can see things better. The bulb is bright. I love Ridley Barron.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
