Here, then gone!

A few Sundays ago, a friend came to church, served in children's ministry, participated in worship, then went shopping before heading home. She never made it. While in a store, she collapsed and died en route to the hospital from a massive stroke. She didn't know when she got up that morning, she would be dead in a few short hours.

When I heard the news, my heart rejoiced for her heavenly homecoming, but I wondered about the last words she spoke. Would she have said something different if she knew those words would be her final ones?

I'm a writer, and I love words, but I've often used them negatively in anger, or frustration. What power we possess through our speech...power and opportunity...opportunity to bless or to curse.

Of course I want to be remembered for the words of blessing I've spoken, words full of grace and mercy. One of the first scripture verses I learned was from proverbs. " Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, keeps his soul from trouble." When I fill my heart with kindness, mercy and things of good report, my mouth reflects it. "Not what goes into the mouth, but what comes out of the mouth defiles a man."

When my final appointment with destiny comes, I hope my friends, family and my readers will remember my final words with a smile or two. Until then, I will be practicing.

Longings

In the dead of winter, with the Columbia River gorge winds blowing, my heart is longing for spring. I want clear skies, warm breezes and fresh flowers on my table. This is a seasonal longing.

I have another longing that runs through my heart like a deep, endless ocean. I am homesick, dreaming of a place without sickness, pain or suffering. This earthly dwelling place is exhausting with the trials of life and all the burdens we encounter as mortal humans while residing here.

When I read scripture, I find I'm not alone in such emotional turmoils. Paul said: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose, I cannot tell." He concluded by acknowledging the body of Christ needed him...they had work to do for the Lord. Phil. 1:21-26 Paul found joy in the serving regardless of his circumstances or his own heart longings, by submitting to God's plan and not his own.

I find great encouragement in this today, watching winter's rain pelt against my window pane. I have a renewed interest in being about my Father's business here on earth, and will continue to serve Him mortally with His eternal Hope.

Are you tired of waiting, friend? Tired of grappling with earthly troubles and burdens? Here's what God said to Jeremiah. "I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans for good and not for evil...to give you a future and a hope." Jer. 29:11

I'll be longing for Heaven until I take my last breath, but in the mean time, I'm willing to "wait upon the Lord," who renews my strength on a daily basis. How about you?

Wasted!

Yesterday was the fourth of July and today I've been thinking about all the money wasted on fireworks (they're legal in WA.) While I was wagging my finger at my neighbors (and others) I was struck with the reality of something I waste on a daily basis. 

To be sure, I try not to put too much pressure on the earth space I live in. I recycle, re-use all my bags, don't run water while I'm brushing my teeth, and try not to leave unrecognizable food in my fridge. No, the thing I waste is not water, bags or food...it's time. Every day, I  waste too much of it on things that frankly are petty. One of my problems is a failure to prioritize my day. Periodically I will get a momentum going and for a while I'm rolling forward like a trucker headed to LA. But then distraction raises its ugly head and I'm side tracked. 

I have no idea how many days, weeks or years the Lord will leave me here, but my heart's desire is to serve Him well in the mean time. I need to be more faithful to begin each day seeking His plan for my day. It's amazing how His plans work so much better than mine.

My oldest son, a father for the first time, shared with me that his work took on a whole new meaning since his daughter, Zoey was born. "It's all worthwhile now."
That got me  thinking about the Lord and what He did for me on the cross. He saw me, a sinner, and said, "Sharon is worth My sacrifice."  This brings me to tears with a grateful heart and words to sing in appreciation.

Amazing love, how can it be

That you my King should die for me!

Amazing love, I know it's true

That it's my joy, to honor You

In all I do, I honor you!

You are my King.

You are my King.

"I live, I ride I am!"

 Last night I had trouble sleeping and that Jeep commercial kept running through my head...I live, I ride, I am, I live, I ride, I am!" Catchy, but not in the middle of the night. I decided, in my non-sleepy-state, to change the slogan around a bit. "He died, I live, I am."

 It fits doesn't it? As a Christian I live by the truth of Christ dying for me. Because He died and rose again, I live. Therefore if I live by/in Christ, I am. 

 Now, if I only had a sleek new Jeep, I could put this on a bumper sticker. Oh well, Happy Easter!

A Ministry of Tears

"Weep with those who weep," the Bible says. I've been shedding a lot of tears lately, and not for myself. Life is extremely difficult for many people right now. A family we've known for years is battling childhood cancer for the third time with their nine year old, while another fights a different kind of cancer with a young wife and mother of four. We, the by-stander, are asked to pray, to come along side and "weep with those who weep." Because each one of our tears actually contains the love of God within the saltiness of their existence, we're invited to pour them out.

 Don't we all struggle with  what to say,  in response to tragic situations? I have. But, I've found it's not what we say, as much as what we do, in response to another's grief that counts. Therefore, I will not ever be embarrassed by my tears. Sometimes there are simply no words.

Lightning Speed!

Here it is the middle of February, things are warming (at least in the N.W.), many trees and Spring flowers are budding. I love this, but it all seems to be going too quickly...at lightning speed. Didn't we just celebrate Christmas? Do I hear an "amen," here?

When our kids are small, we can't wait for them to walk, talk, be potty trained, etc. (OK, I have to admit, I liked my kids a lot better BEFORE they talked.} It seems like yesterday my niece Katie and I were singing "You are my Sunshine," to one another, and just a couple of weeks ago, she got her driver's permit. NO WAY!

A few short years ago I graduated from High School, now my classmates are talking about having a 50 yr. reunion next year. Sorry ladies, but I will not be attending THAT reunion for at least 25 more years.

God alone numbers our days,  each one in His hands, and though life does seem to go by quickly,  I'm determined to enjoy every minute the Lord leaves me here. How about you?

Trust the Lord, with all your heart
And lean not on your own understanding
In all ways acknowledge Him
And He shall direct your paths
Prov. 3:5-6