So What Happened Was . . .

Notes on Choices, Part 1

2010-02-04T12:52:00.002-06:00

One of the first and most important truths we should know about choices is that we all GET to make them.

The freedom to make choices for ourselves is a God-given right and He is extremely committed to that right. God is the ONLY being in all of creation who could justifiably CONTROL our decisions, and yet He refrains from doing so. He has carefully and clearly laid out a path for us to follow which will lead to blessing. And He has repeatedly warned of the path that leads to destruction. But in the end, He gives us absolute freedom to choose which path we will walk and He weeps when our choices lead to ruin. God places such a high premium on our freedom that He even shies away from forcing us to do things that would benefit us! He understands that we will never learn to love or respond to Him without that costly freedom.

Awareness of our power to choose and our responsibility for the outcome is the first step in understanding choices, decisions and discipline.

Choices, Decisions, and Discipline

2010-01-23T21:38:00.002-06:00

Sometimes a thought gets stuck in my head and I can't shake it. It pops up at random times for no apparent reason at all. It starts as a miscellaneous thought and then begins to develop into an "understanding". That's when I know the Holy Spirit wants to teach me something. I love these moments of revelation because they remind me that He is real, He is present, and He is very interested in me and my spiritual growth.

So what happened was . . .

About two months ago, I began to think a lot about CHOICES. It all started in the area of healthy diet and exercise. (I guess I was focusing on making better food choices.) One day in my prayer time I asked the Father if He had any thoughts on the subject and if so, would He please give me some insight.

Note to Self: Don't ever ask the Creator of the Universe if He has any thoughts on any subject unless you are prepared for an avalanche! Oh my goodness! (I thought He might say something simple like "lay off the soda". I wasn't prepared for an entire life lesson. Geez!)

Thoughts and insight began to come. All of a sudden I became keenly aware of my choices. I started to realize with deeper understanding how my choices impact my life (and my eternity). And I became more aware of God's participation (or lack of) in my choices. He also began to teach me more about DECISIONS and DISCIPLINE. For the past two months I have been trying to take notes as my teacher (the Holy Spirit) has revealed truth to me. He has had to go very s-l-o-w-l-y as my human, stubborn and sinful mind resists the process of renewal. One thing is certain; this is a very important subject to the Lord.

Romans 12:2 (NLT) – Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

I know this lesson is far from completed. In fact, I have only scratched the surface. I am struggling to grasp the higher ways of God and let go of traditional, worldly thinking. It’s not easy, folks! It’s a process.

At any rate, in the next few posts, I will attempt to share some of the insights I have gained. To some readers, this stuff may be "old news". To others, perhaps this will be a good “refresher”. Or to still others, maybe you will experience a few "ah-ha" moments. Either way I would love to hear your thoughts along the way.

More to come,

That Fateful Day

2010-01-08T13:41:00.003-06:00

NEGLIGENT: failing to exercise the care of a reasonably prudent person in like circumstances.

Three years ago today, my daddy went in to Las Palmas Hospital in El Paso, Texas for surgery. Because of the negligent, deplorable action of one nurse, he never made it home.

I will admit it is very, VERY, difficult to swallow the pain that chokes me as I remember the 10 weeks following daddy's surgery that changed our lives forever. It's still so fresh. It is so hard to look back on events and not wish for a "do-over". Why didn't we choose a different hospital? Why didn't I take daddy to Chicago or L.A. instead? Why did we leave daddy alone that afternoon and go get lunch? If only, if only, if only . . .

Now, three years later, I must reconcile one fact. Sometimes there are no "do-overs". Only lessons.

Upon reflection, here are a few things I have learned:

I have gained a greater and deeper compassion for others who have suffered an "unfair" loss. Before Las Palmas Hospital, I could not in my wildest imagination fathom the depth of someone's pain at losing a loved one because of a care-giver's fatal mistake.

I have stood before God - sometimes strong, sometimes weak - and learned to trust Him regardless of the pain, anger and disappointment I sometimes feel. I trust that He loves me. I trust that He is the God Who Sees. I trust that He will restore.

I have learned what a great and precious gift "hope" is. The hope of His return. The hope of His promise. The hope of being united together with Christ in glory forever.

I have learned that I am not alone. Jesus understands my pain. Remember, He's the One whose sweat became like drops of blood in the agony of the cross. If anybody undertands trauma, He does. Completely.

Well, these are all good lessons . . . no, great lessons. I just wish I didn't have to learn them the hard way.

Goal Setting For 2010

2010-01-02T17:19:00.005-06:00

I have avoided making New Year’s resolutions in recent years because I don't have a very high success rate. I start out strong, but unfortunately I loose momentum by early February when my enthusiasm fizzles out. I chalk it up to lack of discipline and plain ole laziness!

But this year I believe things will be different. The latter half of 2009 I got my hands on some excellent "self-help" resources and have been s-l-o-w-l-y working through the chapters. It has been a very rewarding, enlightening experience and now I feel I am ready to incorporate some of the things I have been learning into some good old fashioned “Goal Setting”.

Why “goals” instead of “resolutions”?

A resolution implies a promise. It’s pass or fail. It has an inflexible ring to it. A goal, on the other hand, is a specifically defined, reachable result. Reaching a goal is tangible progress on my objective(s).

For example:

Resolution: I will work out 5 times a week.

OR

Goal: I want to loose 8 – 10 pounds of body fat by summer. I will incorporate exercise and activity into my lifestyle that will help me achieve the tangible goal of loosing 2 pounds of body fat per month until I reach a total of 10 pounds fat loss.

Actions I Can Take: I can find a walking buddy. I can join a gym and find an accountability partner to make sure I go 3 times per week. I can set aside 15 minutes (first thing in the morning) 3 times per week to hop on my elliptical to jump start my metabolism. I can schedule at least one 45 minute DVD workout at home over the weekend when I tend to avoid exercise. I can find / join a free on-line support group for encouragement, suggestions, information . . . etc.

So, now the question is, what goals do I want to set? Hmmmm . . . the possibilities are endless! I found an awesome questionnaire on a blog that I follow that gave me lots of food for thought. I haven’t finished answering mine yet, but I thought I would share some of the questions with you in case anyone wants to join me in goal setting. If anyone wants the complete list, leave a comment below and I will email you the entire list.

Happy New Year and may you achieve all of your goals in 2010!

Food for Thought
Compiled by Tsh @ Simple Mom

I. Personal Growth
1. What character traits would you like to see developed in your life this year? What are some specific steps you can take to develop these?
2. What are some of your learning goals for this year?
3. What books would you like to read this year?
4. What spiritual goals would you like to focus on this year?

II. Physical Health
1. What is one area of progress you’d like to see this year for maintaining or improving your physical health?
2. What are some tangible, daily choices you can add to your life that will improve your health?

III. Marriage & Family Life
1. In what ways can you grow in intimacy with your spouse this year?
2. What plans will you make to pray and/or have “family meetings” together? What books would you like to read together this year?
3. What will regular family time look like in your family this year?
4. Do you have specific planned vacation time in mind for this year? What needs to happen to make this vacation a reality?

IV. Goals for Your Children
1. What are ways you’d like each of your children to grow in the following areas?
a. Physically:
b. Emotionally:
c. Relationally:
d. Spiritually:
e. Educationally:
f. Other:

V. Money Matters
1. What is one specific area of progress you’d like to see this year in your financial health?
2. How much debt do you have? In what ways can you eliminate a portion of it this year?
3. How is your savings account? In what ways can you save more money this year?
4. Are you giving regularly? If not, in what way can you give financially this year?

VI. Relationships Outside the Home
1. In what specific way would you like to grow in relating to your friends this year?
2. What are some ways you can be of service to your immediate community?
3. Who are some specific people in your life that can use some encouragement? What will you do to encourage them this year?
4. Who are some people in your life that you admire? What are some practical ways you can positively use their influence in your life?

Camarillo, California

2009-12-18T18:56:00.004-06:00

I am so blessed to have a house in California! I am especially grateful this time of year when the weather in Chicago is so COLD. Don't misunderstand, I love living in Chicago too. To me it is the most beautiful city in the United States . . . but, not in the winter!

Recently I took a few pictures of my little town in California - Camarillo. I thought I would share them with those of you who have never visited before, or haven't been here for awhile.

Enjoy!

More On Christmas

2009-12-07T21:30:00.003-06:00

Today I went in to the local Subway shop to get a sandwich. The shop is a combination Subway and ice cream place. I didn't eat in - just picked up something to go.

As I was paying at the register I realized something.

The entire shop was completely VOID of Christmas. There were no lights, no Christmas tree, no garland, no holiday music . . . absolutely NOTHING. The realization stopped me in my tracks. I was actually stunned. I turned and asked the kid behind the counter about it and he seemed almost as surprised as I was. It was as if it was the first time he had realized there was not a single acknowledgement of the season. I also asked the girl behind the ice cream counter why there were no decorations and she just shrugged and said, "Oh, yeah. I guess I should put up some stockings or something," YA THINK?

What in the world is happening? Where is the Christmas spirit?

Since my last post I have been trying to adjust my attitude regarding Christmas and I have been reminding myself to focus on the reason we celebrate it. Last night for instance, I devoted my prayer time to giving thanks for the precious gift I have been given in Jesus. I tried to imagine what my life would be like without the gift of salvation, the promise of heaven, and the blessing of being His own. It would be pretty grim without Him.

Wow!

He is worth celebrating every day.

Holiday Blues

2009-12-03T00:11:00.015-06:00

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm struggling. I'm torn. I have a love / hate relationship with Christmas.

Did I say that out loud?

Oh . . . I guess I don't really "hate" Christmas. That's too strong of a word. Maybe it's more like, "I'm afraid I will not experience . . .

That picture-postcard perfect Christmas with a beautifully decorated (live) tree that fills the house with the intoxicating scent of pine,

Perfectly chosen, perfectly wrapped gifts that no one will re-gift next year,

A crackling fire in the fireplace,

Mouth-watering smells coming from the kitchen,

A loving family gathered together around the piano singing Christmas carols in perfect harmony,

A tangible gentleness that settles over neighbors, shoppers, co-workers, friends and strangers who are all on their best behavior in honor of the Christmas season.

In short, am afraid I will be disappointed - AGAIN."

I know what you're thinking. "Really, H.A.! With unrealistic expectations like that it's no wonder you're afraid of being disappointed!"

Well, I can't help it. I long for the ideal. I want to experience the TRUE meaning of Christmas. I want the love of Christ to fill my heart, my home, my family, my friends, my business, my city, my state, and my nation!! I want the miracle of Luke 2:13, "And suddenly to the shepherds there appeared a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth PEACE and GOODWILL toward men!'"

I want my response to be the same as those who experienced the first Christmas. Joseph, Mary, Elizabeth, Zacharias, the angels, the shepherds, Simeon, all basically had one response . . . praise and thanks and blessing and glory to God. The saviour of the world has come!

And . . .

I also want the Norman Rockwell / Thomas Kincaid Christmas. I miss having "traditions" to look forward to. For some reason I have never been able to create them. I don't have a special recipe, an annual photo, a special party dress or an occasion to wear one! Last year my sister-in-law Rosanne decorated the house from top to bottom and believe me it was stunning. Not a single person came over! I tried to pull various entertaining opportunities together but because of the hustle and bustle that attends the holidays, everyone was just too busy with their own plans. It was sad.

I'm not trying to sound pathetic. I'm merely trying to process my love / hate relationship with Christmas.

Maybe this year will be different. Maybe I am being unrealistic. Maybe I've watched too many old movies.

What do you think? Any thoughts?

November 25th

2009-11-25T20:27:00.001-06:00

Today is Daddy's birthday.

I selfishly wish he were here but I keep reminding myself that he is celebrating with the King of Kings today.

Grief and Hope

2009-11-19T13:18:00.005-06:00

I had a dream about my dad last night. I was being attacked by a snake and he rushed out of the house with his rifle and shot it. I was so glad he was there to save me.

I miss my dad. It has been two years since he passed away and the ache of his loss still squeezes my heart. Unfortunately many of the memories that flood my mind are unpleasant, painful memories of his last weeks in the hospital. I run circles around the “why” and “what if” questions. I go back in my mind and try to re-write the events that transpired and change the outcome. I cry. I shout. I pound my pillow. I grieve.

I can relate to King David.

Psalms 6: 6-7:
I am worn out from sobbing. Every night tears drench my bed; my pillow is wet from weeping. My vision is blurred by grief; my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies.

But thankfully, dawn comes.

And with it; hope.

After a night of thrashing about I am spent . . . and finally the Comforter can get a word in edge-wise.

1 Thessalonians 4: 13-14, 16-18
And now, brothers and sisters, I want you to know what will happen to the Christians who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus comes, God will bring back with Jesus all the Christians who have died.
For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the call of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, all the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and remain with Him forever! So comfort and encourage each other with these words.

I am comforted. I have assurance. I will see Daddy again and be with him and the Lord forever. I can hardly wait.

Wait Patiently

2009-11-16T22:30:00.001-06:00

Have you ever been faced with a problem that seems to have NO solution? Something that seems totally out of your hands? A problem that follows you around all day - taunting, nagging, distracting you?

Me too.

My type A personality hates those kinds of problems. I'm more of a "jump in and fix it" kind of girl. Standing by the sidelines unable to spring-in-to-action is the worst kind of torture for me.

Psalms 37:7 says, "Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for Him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes."

Okay, Lord. I'll try.

Redneck Jokes

2009-11-13T19:48:00.001-06:00

My friend Janna forwarded me a cool "redneck" email. You've probably heard the "you might be a redneck" jokes by Jeff Foxworthy, right? Well, the email I received from Janna offered a cool twist on that theme. I don't know who the author is but the fine print at the bottom says, "By Design Publishing". Check it out:

"If it never occurred to you to be offended by the phrase, 'One Nation Under God', you might be a redneck."

"If you've never protested about seeing the Ten Commandments posted in public places, you might be a redneck."

"If you still say 'Christmas' instead of 'Winter Festival', you might be a redneck."

"If you stand and place your hand over your heart when the National Anthem is played, you might be a redneck."

"If you bow your head when someone prays, you might be a redneck."

There are more, but I think you get the idea.

I guess I'm a redneck! Who knew?

Another Chapter

2009-11-12T13:10:00.009-06:00

This date rolls around every year. It must. It's set in stone. It's my birth-date.

Its funny how differently one feels about one's birthday as they get older. I remember anticipating my special day with great joy and expectation when I was a little girl. I loved being the center of attention and getting to be the princess for the day. Thoughts of birthday parties, presents, cupcakes, and outings with friends are still fresh in my mind.

Now things are a little different. I dread adding one more year to the "how old are you?" question. I don't like looking too closely in the mirror and seeing those tell-tale signs of aging. I'm sometimes anxious about how quickly time is passing and realizing that I might not actually reach my goal of becoming a movie star before my life is over! And is it really possible that motherhood will never find me?

Sigh.

But then something sweet and wonderful happens. I read an encouraging email from a dear friend telling me how important I am to them. I listen to a cheerful voicemail of the "Happy Birthday Song" sung by a loved one who can't carry a tune in a bucket but who sings for me anyway. I receive a funny card in the mail reminding me that age is just a number and as long as I still have all my teeth I have reason to celebrate! My mom calls and tells me the story (again) of the day I was born. And most importantly, the precious Spirit of God whispers in my ear, "You are relevant. You have been bought with a price. You are Mine. I love you yesterday (in-spite of your failures). I love you today (as you walk out My plans for you). I'll love you forever (because that is My promise)."

Ahhhh.

So today begins another chapter in my life's story.

Travel Day

2009-11-09T10:38:00.006-06:00

Today is a travel day. Which translates into running around like a mad woman getting everything cleaned and organized, packing (not forgetting anything important) and getting to the airport ON TIME. That last part is always a challenge because my clock runs about 15 minutes behind everyone else's.

As I run around checking things off my list, I am reminding myself to invite the Divine to participate in my ordinary life. Although some would say my life is far from ordinary, still, I want to experience the higher plans of God today . . . and everyday.

My New Blog

2009-11-06T15:35:00.002-06:00

Welcome to my new blog spot! I am so glad you stopped by for a visit.

As some of you know, I have been wanting to start a blog for about a year . . . and today I finally did it! I have no idea why this is such a strong desire, because Lord knows I really don't have time for this. (I got an inkling of how time consuming this venture could be this summer when I wrote a daily blog during my trip to Europe. I enjoyed working on it . . . but I had lots of help from Stan!)

In addition to being too busy, I also put this off for many months because I was very intimidated by all the other creative, interesting, beautiful blogs I have been following. (Oh, how I have wished and prayed for talent like Natasha! She is so gifted.)

But in the end I decided I must give in to the call of my heart to express myself! My purpose for creating this blog is to:

have a place to connect with friends
share news, tips, and photos
have a place to think out loud and share the sometimes silly, sometimes deep reflections of my heart.

So, here I go. I hope you will stop in from time-to-time and share your thoughts too.