Psalm 34:3!

I Must Focus!

2010-08-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

Today I was checking out a new blog and was excited to find one dealing with focus. “Yes – that’s for me!” I thought. There are so many projects I need to work on, yet most days I see very little progress. I’ve suspected the culprit is lack of focus, so I sincerely sought inspiration and instruction.

The author began with a definition of focus – “to pay attention, to clarify, to concentrate.” It was right about here that my attention was diverted by my cell phone. No, it didn’t ring. I just happened to remember that I needed to turn the ringer down so it wouldn’t disturb my husband’s sleep.

Got that done. After re-reading the first definition, I continued on to find a second … Oops! Interrupted again – this time it was my husband’s cell phone. I heard the funky music ringing faintly from the bedroom where he was supposed to be sleeping. Poor guy – awakened from his sleep by a telemarketer. Ugh. I brought his phone to the table where I was working.

Now, where was I? Oh, right –a second meaning of the word “focus,” this time as a noun – the center, that which holds my attention. Hmmm, right then I had to admit that nothing seemed to be holding my attention.

The blog entry finished with Scripture passages - the first one,

Phil. 3:13 “ … forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.“ (ESV)

I found during my third reading of this same verse, trying desperately to focus, that my mind had somehow wandered to my desire to bake chocolate chip cookies. Shaking off the strong urge to grab a bowl and spoon, I tried a fourth time - Stop! The race was put on hold as I stopped to jot down a note – Return movies TODAY!!

Alright, I was now ready to return to my task at hand. Shoot! I had tried to ignore it, but it kept peeking at me from behind my laptop. I had forgotten to clear the table of breakfast dishes, and there it sat - a plate full of toast crumbs begging to be cleaned. “Well, you’ll just have to sit and wait,” I silently ordered. “I must focus!”

My declaration, however, seemed to ring hollow. I felt hopeless, as I inwardly whined and sort of prayed, “Why can’t I focus?” At this point, I recounted all the distractions that had stolen my attention up to that point. I could see each one in vivid detail. My apple-motif oven mitt holding a cookie sheet filled with hot, chewy, golden-brown chocolate chip cookies, the crumb-filled plate waiting patiently on a woven placemat just behind my computer, the dvd’s perched on the tv in their plastic cases, our cell phones sitting closely enough to me so I would know when they vibrated … each of these recorded by my mind’s eye in living Technicolor!

At first, I chided myself at my apparent lack of discipline. Then it hit me! Pictures! I had recalled all of these scenarios as pictures! That’s it! How I love the fact that Jesus taught using word pictures. He was thinking of me when He did that, I’m for certain. Whenever I read a story or a poem or even a letter, my mind sets it up in pictures – sometimes moving, many times still shots. Considering this, I decided to return to the blog

Hebrews 12:1,2 " ... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (ESV)

Wow! The pictures invoked by this reading appeared fast and furious! My vision, you might call it, was actually set in slow motion, like a photo-finish of a race. A smiling Jesus with outstretched arms motioning for me to keep going! Nail scars, visible each time the sleeves of His white robe were jostled as He waved me on! His eyes locked on mine, exuding strength - as if to will His strength in me.Yet He was having fun, laughing, and obviously happy to be cheering me on – like a parent or a big brother watching and waiting for me to finish my race well!

I must say I really enjoyed this worship experience. Yes, this time of reading actually became a chance for me to commune with my God personally and profoundly. He spoke to me through His word as He helped me to retain my focus. I’m sure this will continue to be a struggle for me.So I choose today to keep running the race, looking and focusing on Jesus. He is not only waiting in heaven for me, but today He is cheering for me and sharing His strength and joy!

"O, magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3

Happy Birthday, Aunt Lou!

2010-03-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

My Aunt Lou's birthday marks the beginning of spring. She graduated to heaven a long time ago, but memories of this sweet lady flood my mind especially at this time each year. As a child, I would ride with Aunt Lou to church most Sunday mornings, and in the spring and summer months, I was often entrusted with the task of carrying her fragrant flower vase on my lap in the car. I had to be so careful not to let it tip and spill water during our trip. The blooms were supplied by her ever-flourishing backyard garden. They would adorn the old grand piano while she played the hymns for our little church.

As I reached my teenage years, occasionally the flowers would linger a bit longer as we'd stay after Sunday evening church to sing around the piano. Aunt Lou would pull out her "special music" books and sheet music and encourage me and my friends to practice for future services. I always admired her talents for playing piano and singing harmony which seemed to come so easy to her.

Brave soul that she was, Aunt Lou actually allowed me to practice driving once I received my permit. I drove back and forth to church while she held the flower vase in her lap.

I eventually became the worship leader accompanied by Aunt Lou, and whenever we had a hymn sing, I'd ask her for a favorite. She refused to be nailed down to one - she'd just quietly assert, "I like them all." Certain hymns still remind me of her, and tears flow freely when I consider how she nurtured me through the years. I didn't always make wise decisions; yet, Aunt Lou demonstrated a constant love and concern for me.

Thank you, Aunt Lou. I love you. Happy Birthday!!!

2010 - His Plans/My Plans

2010-01-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to a new year with excitement! We found out that we'll be welcoming a new grandbaby sometime in 2010. My friend, Bobbi Chance, and I will work feverishly to promote and develop our speaking ministry, "Becoming Women of the Word." My family and church are praying together that Jerry's shop job will change his schedule to afford him more opportunities to enjoy his music in different venues. Even better yet, I'm praying that God will give Jerry a full-time position using his music. I'm starting a workout regime coupled with improving my eating habits in order to take better care of my body and hopefully see awesome results for the longterm!

So today, as I revel in the ideas floating around in my head - I ask God to give me concrete plans for each of my goals. I also ask for wisdom along with tenacity to see them through. Of course, the icing on the cake is the knowledge that God already has wonderful plans set for me!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I really just want to get in on His plans and enjoy this life to the utmost as I glorify Him! Won't you join me?

"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!"

Mary Christmas - No, it's not a misspelling!

2009-12-06T12:22:00.000-08:00

Celebrate this Christmas with wonderful music! Just click the link and enjoy this song by my friend, Christian music artist, Brian Bates. www.brian-bates.com/marychristmas

And while you're at Brian's website, be sure to check out his music video, "You Danced!" It's great!

Merry Christmas - God is with us!

"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!"

Thanksgiving: A secular holiday?

2009-11-26T08:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I thank the Lord for His generous blessings in my life - food, family, friends, fun, fulfillment. I thank Him for this blessed land in which He chose to place me. I thank my God for revealing Himself to me so graciously every day. I thank Him for His faithfulness toward me even - no,especially - when my faith is weak. THANK YOU, LORD!

Thanksgiving was first celebrated to honor our God for blessing our forefathers. Later, it was declared a national CHRISTIAN holiday by none other than our American presidents! Wikipedia says, "While perhaps religious in origin, Thanksgiving is now primarily identified as a secular holiday." NOT WITH MY FAMILY!! How about yours?

"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3

Prepare - why, how and for what?

2009-11-18T12:47:00.000-08:00

WHY PREPARE? Yesterday, a friend told me her gym teacher once warned the class that they should exercise their bodies in light of needing to buy insurance when they got older. She had no idea what he was talking about, so she dismissed his comments. Now, as an adult, she realizes the implications of her teacher's advice. But, alas, it fell on deaf ears at the time.

HOW DO I PREPARE? I confess I also didn't consider the future when my parents tried to train me in life skills like laundry, cooking and the dreaded dishes! I pretty much did my utmost to avoid all of these chores in my home. I'm actually infamous in my family for all the excuses and stunts I pulled to get out of doing dishes. My dad insisted that with five children in the house, he didn't see a need to buy a dishwasher. "I've already got five dishwashers," he would proclaim. So my siblings revel in the irony that I am the one who grew up to have the most children (five) in my household - and no dishwasher - until we became empty-nesters a few years ago.

If I had worked on those chores through the years, I would have been much more prepared to be a homemaker. Fortunately, God and my husband, Jerry, have been gracious through the years as I learned on-the-job. But boy, would things have gone so much more smoothly had I learned those skills from my mother when I was given the chance!

FOR WHAT DO I PREPARE? I've watched other Christians deal with tragedies. Those who have a consistent walk with God definitely shine in those instances. Although they most likely didn't realize it, God had obviously been preparing them emotionally and spiritually. That's what I want! I really desire to be ready if a doctor says that "c" word, or if a beloved family member dies tragically, or a trusted friend betrays me, or if I burn dinner and have no time for a fast food run. Whatever happens. I want to have a godly reaction.
What I have figured out so far is that God will probably not tell me about future events, but He knows them. And He will prepare me to deal with them as they come. He already is and will continue to build my faith gradually through daily disciplines. Here is my general working list of disciplines:

1) care for my physical body

2) meditate on and memorize God's Word

3) pray with thanksgiving

4) minister to others using my spiritual gifts

In 2 Timothy 3:16,17, God says that "all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Be encouraged today! No matter what is in our future, God knows. God cares. And God prepares.

"O, magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3

The Gift of Music

2009-10-26T08:45:00.000-07:00

I was so blessed to worship yesterday morning with other believers at Broadway Covenant Church in Rockford. My favorite person to worship with is my wonderful husband, Jerry. God has truly gifted him to perform and lead others in worship using music - guitars, drums, keyboards, voices, etc.

As we prayed the other day, Jerry thanked God for music. It was a simple prayer from his heart. And I agree with him in his prayer of gratitude. Won't you join us? And remember, God says we are to make a joyful noise to the Lord. So you don't have to be as talented as Jerry. You just need the same grateful heart.

"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!!!" Psalm 34:3

A Girly Day!

2009-10-10T05:59:00.000-07:00

Today's a Girly Day at my house! I'm so excited! Early afternoon, my twin nieces, Brittany and Chelsea, will be here bobby pins, curling irons, etc. in hand to get dolled up for Homecoming. No - I don't do hair - my daughter, Mindy, is the guru for that. Then a few hours later, a handful of younger girls will giggle their way in for a slumber party! Mindy's helping out there too. Yep, frosting cookies, painting pumpkins, eating pizza - and hopefully a lot of giggling.

Lots to do to get ready. Farmers market for the pumpkins; grocery store for - oops! - forgot to borrow air mattresses! Gotta go! My Girly Day is calling!!! Am I blessed or what! Hope you enjoy your weekend too!

"O, magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!!!" Psalm 34:3

Striving for Perfection

2009-10-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

Perfection - impossible, right? Right? Hmmm ... as I ponder this thought just now, I consider whose standard of perfection I am using.

"Let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith ..." Hebrews 12:1b, 2a

My mind trails back to track season when my son, Randy, was in junior high. He was quite the pole vaulter in his day. He didn't wake up one day and jump over 6 feet on his first attempt. He worked each day to do his best, perfecting his technique at each level, while his coach kept raising the bar. I was so proud of his tenacity as he continued to soar to new heights despite regular missed attempts. He kept striving while his dad and I kept cheering him on!

God, our loving Father, Creator and Judge, desires and deserves our attention and devotion. Let's allow God to set our bar for today. He does not expect us to do more than He's equipped us to do. He expects us to "perfect our technique" at today's level, completing the tasks He's assigned for us with hearts set on pleasing Him.

Can you see Him cheering us on as He coaches us with His Holy Word? He's holding a "10" high for us to see, and He'll "raise the bar" when He knows we're ready!

"O, magnify the Lord with me! Let us exalt His name together!!!" Psalm 34:3

Stop and enjoy the moment!

2009-10-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

Happy fall y'all! I've been enjoying the sunshine and blue skies this season. But it seems they've only been showing up every other day. It's so easy to fall into the trap of commenting only on the gloomy days and complaining about them. Well today, as I endure a sinus headache, I've decided to focus on praising God no matter what the weather and even FOR the weather. A good friend I met through Radio 91, Jeanne, always says, "God only sends different kinds of GOOD weather." I think of that often and have made a conscious effort to appreciate the different kinds of weather rather than lament them.

The phrase "Enjoy the moment," comes to mind. So here's your assignment for the next few days. Look for shapes in the puffy clouds (not while driving), allow a breeze to blow your hair around, walk outside in the rain to look for a rainbow. I know, sounds a little like Pollyanna, doesn't it? And it's also Scriptural. The book of Job says, "Stop, and consider the wondrous works of God." Did you catch that first word? STOP!!
Stop complaining, stop talking on your cell, stop driving, stop worrying, stop typing, just stop.

Stop and enjoy the moment! "O, Magnify the Lord with me, let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3!!!

My Checklist is My Cheerleader!

2009-09-10T18:22:00.000-07:00

I've had a full day - full of ideas and words and dreams and people and ... How about your day? Can you look back and say you've accomplished something today? I try to keep a running checklist so that I can check off even menial tasks as they're done. I know brushing my teeth is something I don't need to be reminded of - which is generally the reason for a checklist - but mine functions also as a cheerleader. I did it! I got something done!

When I had children in the house, I could blame my lack of neatness on them. They always messed rooms up as I was finishing straightening them! But now, I can only point at Jerry, and he's pretty much sleeping and working most of the time now. So alas, it's me. I have a hard time keeping on task - I admit it. As a matter of fact, I was on my way to get a new pad of checks for bill paying when I somehow ended up here at my computer typing this blog. How do these things happen? Oh well, at least I can mark this off my list! Yeah! Hurray! Go Char Go!!

"O magnify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3

Be sure to check out http://www.becomingwow.com/ to see where Bobbi Chance and I will be next! Our calendar will be listed soon - that's also on my checklist.

Are You Ready? Let's Talk

2009-09-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

Well, wouldn't you know it? I stayed up VERY late with my husband last night and consequently slept in VERY late today. Okay, so you have to picture this - or maybe you'd rather not - I was sitting in my bathrobe returning phone calls in the garage (yes, in the garage - trying to keep from waking Jerry.) While talking with my lovely daughter, Melinda, I saw a body pass the window to my front door! Oh boy! Noone ever comes to our house; who could this be? So messy hair, bathrobe and all I apologetically opened the door to our mail carrier. She insisted that she saw no problem with my appearance and really wished it was her instead! How embarrassing! Glad that was over.
On to breakfast, and the door bell rang AGAIN! Can you believe it!? This time I opened the door to a dear lady delivering events flyers all around the condo neighborhood. Great. The more I tried to explain my apparent slacker attitude, all my explanations just sounded like excuses to cover up my slothfulness.

I'm telling you, we hardly ever have visitors unannounced! And normally, I welcome guests with arms wide open - but today - let's just say I was caught totally unaware and unprepared.

A comforting thought came to mind as I mused later at my awkward "welcome" to my unexpected visitors this morning. The scripture passage in Matthew 25 referring to Jesus as the Bridegroom coming for his Bride says, "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."

Although my outward appearance definitely did not shout out, "I'M READY!" My inward spirit is absolutely ready for life ahead - not because of my own merit. I'm ready because I've asked Jesus to forgive my sins based on His merit, His sacrifice; and He gave me new life, His eternal life. How do I know this has happened? The Scriptures say it's so, and more than that, He gave me His Spirit who speaks to my spirit teaching, disciplining, comforting, and just basically confiming that He's real and He's here with me FOREVER!
Do you know that you're ready for the Bridegroom to take you away to His wedding feast in heaven? You can. If you need to talk it out and ask some hard questions, please let me know.

Standing on the Promises

2009-09-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

As I write this, it's nearing midnight. Having recently lost my 16 1/2- year job, I don't have a set time to awake in the morning. So staying up late seems like the right thing to do, since I'm on a roll with this blogging stuff.

Yes, I have worked at a Christian radio station for over 16 years, and the church that owned us decided to sell us. I'm so disappointed for the loss of the service the station provided to the community. And, of course, I am so disappointed that I no longer can talk with all the listeners who have come to be my extended family.

I especially missed my job when I awoke the morning after my newest son-in-law became a Christian just recently! I wanted to shout it from the rooftops, and for so long I have had the radio airwaves for my joyous announcements! When grandbabies were born, folks at my husband's shop would know their names, length and weight before he even arrived at work, because I'd already announced it on Radio 91 as soon as my mic was opened!

We were all about good news and we were good at it! We talked candidly about the good news of Jesus and how that applied to our own lives. Our programs were loved by so many - young and old. And the music - boy do I miss it! The genre of Inspirational Christian music is and always will be my favorite!

God has encouraged me throughout this time of transition with a verse in the Old Testament. I learned it while studying with Child Evangelism Fellowship back in my college days. Isaiah 26:3 - "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee." (I memorized it in King James, so that's the only way I can say it now.) Each time I've started to fret, he's reminded me that He always made good on His promises in the past, and He's not about to stop now! You can rest in that truth as well! It's for all of us!