To Everything There Is A Season (like it or not)

Ecclesiastes 3:1

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; {to refrain from: Heb. to be far from}

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace

This had been a particularly emotional day. Many changes taking place in my life and those I hold dearest.

I was standing at my kitchen window and observing everything that was going on outside, all the while trying to process the range of emotions.

Our little area of the country had desperately been crying out for rain, and the heavens had answered. The temperatures had dropped, and the mist of rain made the atmosphere grey. The squirrels were scurrying frantically along the fence row doing what squirrels do, totally oblivious to the weatherman’s threat of thunderstorms. The entire scene looked like a fresh watercolor painting – paint brushes still wet with creativity.

The winds had escalated. The trees seemed to be in a tug of war, and they were losing. Their limbs were waving in the winds responding to the force that was assailed against them.

By now, the leaves had lost much of their strength being evidenced by their color or lack there of. Although, each leaf was in a different state of transition, they seemed to dance with grace as they fell to the rain soaked ground. I became fascinated with the process.

These mighty oaks were forced to relinquish complete control over their destiny. I watched in amazement as these pillars of strength bowed to the providence of God. One by one they released their covering and succumbed to being stripped bare – totally exposed to the elements.

It was then the Lord began to speak these words of truth to my heart and teach me a life lesson from my own backyard. He said, “The favorite part of a tree’s life is when it is lush with life and fulfilling its’ purpose and providing shade/shelter or even fruit. The harsh elements are being used to force My creation, (the tree) into its’ next season, perhaps, not one of its’ own choosing, but in accordance with My divine plan.” GASP! Selah…think of that.

It was a fresh revelation for me to realize that everything has an expiration date whether it be visible or not…not just leaves, but our very lives.

It is our frail humanness, selfishness, regret, and ultimately lack of trust in God that makes us want to hang onto our loved ones long beyond their expiration date.

As the leaves piled higher and higher I no longer viewed them as a nuisance to be swept or raked, but a gentle reminder…that obedience is better than sacrifice.

Slowly….reluctantly…. trustingly…..I am releasing my grip. In due season, the wise old trees will bud again with renewed hope…and life.

What is the proper salutation for a Blog to honor our Veterans?

It is a day that for those who fall into this category, and their families, is so emotionally charged. A majority of people will mark through the date with a black pen when in fact; it should be marked in red.

How do you define the color of shed blood - the blood of victims and victors alike? The solemn wave of flag lined streets and overgrown, neglected cemeteries serve as a grim reminder that freedom isn’t free.

I graduated in 1970. Many of the guys I went to school with were drafted into the Vietnam War. The same guys that I ate lunch every day with, laughed in class with and maybe dated came back as amputees or not at all.

I still remember the sting of hot tears and mingled mascara when I received the call that one of my very best friends had returned as a quadriplegic. I slid down the kitchen wall and wailed.

He had been one of the most handsome in the school and the funniest. I seemed to always be his target. He organized the football team to pick my Volkswagen up from its parking spot and place it in the main hall at school. We talked everyday about everything.

He was so ashamed of his injuries he would not return any of my phone calls. He never really came home.

As a country, we have expressed our gratitude and grief in many different ways. Nothing seems quite adequate. Thanks to a very dear friend and gifted young man, I would like to try and say thank you one more time in one more way. With his permission, I am sharing the expression of his heart through the video he put together in honor of this Veteran’s Day - 2010.

As a side note….just as I was in the process of downloading the video to my Blog site a piece of paper flew out of one of my art folders. This paper was totally unrelated to art, but was completely related to this Post.

This paper detailed a message dated November 22nd, 2005. It was a statement informing friends and family that my cousin’s vehicle, while serving in Iraq, had been struck by an IED. He was the Battalion Commander and had been the only one injured (that day). This was a fresh reminder that the God of this nation has not forgotten him or his comrades.



Part II: A Woman Never Outgrows the Need To Be Beautiful To Someone

Ministry takes whatever form our hearts need.

Several years ago our daughter attended Bible College, and had the opportunity to go on a mission’s trip. So what’s the big deal about that? People go on mission’s trips all the time.

First of all, you would have to meet our daughter to fully appreciate this story. Upon first impression, you might count her out. It’s not just because she is our daughter, but she is simply gorgeous. With her long eyelashes and perfectly manicured nails, she looks like she would be much more comfortable adorning the cover of some beauty magazine than sitting under a mosquito net.

Plus, this was going to be an extremely rigorous, dangerous trip. The ministry team would be going into the jungles of Mexico. The ministry they would be serving for two weeks had already experienced the heartache of several of their ministry team being attacked.

If you took a closer look you would find that under all the make-up, latest fashions, and Cosmetology License was such a shy, gentle spirit, and a pure heart of compassion. She would not be denied! Our daughter had made her mind up, and was praying to be one of the 20 that would be chosen. There were the nay sayers that told her there was no way she would be selected. Which, honestly, would have been perfectly fine with me. The only problem…the Lord had spoken to my heart and informed me just how important it was that our daughter be a part of this trip. So even before the announcement, I began compiling a letter complete with a list of scriptures to pray while they were gone.

We knew up front there would be very little, if any, communication. We also knew that among the students allowed to make this trip the majority were male, fiery upcoming preachers. We had to trust that our “little girl” armed with her Bible, and hair cutting equipment was being aimed into the perfect will of God.

Upon her return home, we had a Sunday afternoon housewarming party to thank all the friends and family who had made it possible for her to go. After the cake and punch we all gathered around to hear of her exciting adventure. They had been spared  any real danger, or encounters with real jungle animals. What she did encounter- face to face- was the will of God for her life at that specific time and place.

The missionary’s wife in the camp where they stayed shared a secret with our daughter, not knowing she was a Cosmetologist by trade. She confessed that one by one, she had come to terms with letting go of the everyday conveniences that we all take soooo for granted, with the exception of one. She longed for the day she could travel back to the states and have a “Spa Day.”

Our daughter choked back the tears as she described how in the middle of a jungle, 5,000 feet above sea level she had been able to fulfill the longing of one of God’s servants. Ministry takes whatever form our hearts need.

A Woman Never Outgrows the Need To Be Beautiful To Someone.
(To be continued)

t-t-f-n (ta-ta-for-now)

PART I: A Woman Never Outgrows the Need to Be Beautiful To Someone

Many, many years ago there was a young lady in our church who, to be politically correct, was a midget. People assumed because this person was unusually short, that she was also handicapped. SOOOOOOOO WRONG! She was very bright and articulate, but few had taken the time to find that out.

A dear friend of mine had befriended this lady and her husband. Their lives consisted of more challenges than the average person could endure. At the time her husband was both an alcoholic and was battling cancer, not to mention their financial difficulties.

After a few visits to the church, and just plain being loved on they both gloriously gave their hearts to the Lord. Their faithfulness was admirable. It was close to the Christmas Holidays and our newest church member had joined the choir and was going to sing in the Christmas Cantata. I felt the Lord impressed me to make an investment in this woman in the form of a shopping trip and a day of beauty. Little did I know she had NEVER had this experience.

When two of my best buds found out what I was up to they wanted to be included in on the adventure as well. The plans were made. I made an appointment for her at the local beauty school for the works…hair, make-up, etc.

I prayed about where to take her shopping. In the morning newspaper were the BEST coupons to one of my favorite stores. I also prayed the Lord would stretch our finances. He did! Without knowing it we all arrived waving the same coupons! We had three times the amount of money to splurge. The Lord also told me to bring my camera, which I promptly forgot. Being more obedient than I, my other bud pulled a camera out of her purse. YAHOOOOO! We were on our way!

I have never had so much fun in my life!!!! We laughed and cried everywhere we went. The entire beauty school sniffed and dabbed their eyes as they watched this precious soul get transformed before us all. They donated all of their services.

My “little” friend cried as well. She had the hair dresser turn her around and around in the chair to see her new ‘do’ from every angle. I had determined that she had naturally curly hair and if she would allow the girl to cut it quite a bit all of those glorious curls would pop into place. WA-LAHHH – Just as predicted!!!!

Once we arrived at the store we all three went in different directions to make our own selections for our beauty candidate. Just one little problem….she did not have a clue as to what size she wore. All of her clothes were hand-me-downs that someone would cut up and alter for her.

When the sales clerks realized what we were doing they were WILD! They were running in different directions waving their opinions in the air yelling across the store, “Hey, what about this?” Clothes, hangars, and price tags were flying. We looked like a game show!

Each time we threw an outfit over the dressing room door our ‘little’ model would step out and turn round about for our applause whether it fit or not. Even though we found the correct size, everything was still about six inches too long, both the arms and legs. A precious saint of the church agreed to do all of the alterations for free.

We worked every discount we could find. In addition to the new church clothes and a bit of jewelry, the coupons made it possible to buy her a red winter coat and gloves. We were high with excitement!

We were running out of time and money, but I felt the Lord prompt me to ask her what kind of shirt would her husband like. I nearly fainted when she very accurately described a plaid western shirt, but only with pearl button snaps. She knew his size. Where were we ever going to find anything like that in such a short amount of time?

I told the girls to hold on while I ran next door to the men’s department. There on the sales table was the shirt she had described just waiting for me to pick it up for delivery. I was hysterical!

These sales clerks were not privy to what was taking place next door and just probably thought I had missed my hormone shot. I don’t remember exactly if I kissed that shirt or not, but I would say from the strange looks, YES, I did.

Our newly dressed friend was so exhausted, she actually asked us to take her home!!!! We did not know she was ill. On the trip back to the church we prayed for her healing. By the time she crawled out of my vehicle, she had a complete makeover and a healed body. Her little face was flush with the presence of the Lord. WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY!!!!

The night of the Cantata I met my friend early in the church bathroom. Look out! I was a woman on a mission. Armed with every beauty paraphernalia I could single handedly carry I was going to help her get dressed for her debut. I felt like I was wrapping a present. When she stepped out on that stage she looked like the “Christmas Star.” I could hardly contain myself.

She has never been the same, and neither have I.

(To be continued)….

t-t-f-n ( ta-ta-for now )

One Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

t-t-f-n (ta- ta- for - now)