Haunted...

Today's confession:  It's Halloween and I am haunted.  But not by a ghost or goblin, by the very real awareness that there are so many ways that I haven't lived up to the potential to make a difference in the world for Christ that I've been given.  So on a day that celebrates the supernatural, I'm asking the God of all creation (natural and otherwise) to give me the wisdom to do what I can, while I can, with whatever is needed in the moment, so that I won't die with any regrets regarding the coulda's, shoulda's and woulda's that are potentially the most haunting of all realities. 

Halloween is traditionally a day for thinking about life after the grave, dead stuff and roaming spirits, so ponder these compelling words from scripture with me: "And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment..." Hebrews 9:27.

Now, if I have successfully done this "holiday's" duty and scared you by sharing this haunting reminder from Hebrews, do yourself a favor and read the entire 9th chapter for some peace-giving encouragement. Happy Halloween!

Love So Amazing...

~When God fills an empty vessel He doesn't stop at the top--His love fills to the brim and floods over the rim!

Forgiveness...

Christlike is she, who though pierced by the rose's thorn, sees only its beauty.

To Anyone Who Reads My Blog...

I would love to know a little bit about anyone who actually reads my blog posts.  As you might know, this began as a journal of "thoughts" for my grandchildren and has morphed a little since I started this process.

This morning, it occurs to me that as a result of having an online journal, there are people in the world who "know" me (at least a little about the way I think and my own spiritual journey) that I will never meet.  If you are willing, send me a note and tell me how I can pray for you, where you are in your faith walk, and anything else you'd like to share.  You can email: mugsy1959@hotmail.com, or you can leave a comment below.  I am all ears and I am praying for every person who reads my ramblings.

Love,
Sandy

One Foot in Quicksand...

It's time to catch up the study notes for my chronological journey through scripture. Picking up where I left off, today's passages are Isaiah 31-34, a period of time that in so many ways mirrors today's headlines. 

Having forgotten the many reasons for trusting in God alone as their source and strength, Isaiah chastised Judah for trusting in Egypt's numerous chariots and mighty horsemen. The very creator of life and breath who had miraculously delivered them from destruction and doom had practically been forgotten--and instead--these people believed that the strength of human armies merited their trust.

Quick to dispel the notion that there was any credence to this fallacy, Isaiah reminded them of God's might and supernatural power that exceeds the strongest horsemen or sturdiest chariot.  I was reminded here of the contrast with Psalm 20:7 which reads: Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Just as then, I see us as a people (myself included) forgetting the source of blessing, protection, provision and power.  We lament the conditions of this world and feel defeated. We decry the lack of logic demonstrated by our leaders, failing to remember that we are trusting in humans rather than Almighty God when we look to them for our deliverance, success or survival. I claim to have set apart Christ as Lord, but do my actions, reactions, words and deeds, always reflect that?

The people of Judah had not abandoned their faith entirely, they simply had their feet planted in two places.  One foot was planted on the rock--God, and one on quicksand--Egypt.  It doesn't take someone with super-intellect to figure out that sinking's going to happen in a case like this, does it? Lord, help us remember that you alone are our firm foundation!

Lord, plant both of my feet on the solid rock, permeate my thoughts with your promises, and keep my heart wholly devoted and undivided so that I do not misplace my trust and sink with the masses into the world's mire.  You alone are the one who delivers and rescues.  Thank you and Amen.

Authentic Pursuit...

Weeks ago I mentioned that Leslie was working on a new format for her blog.  I'm pleased to announce that http://www.authenticpursuit.com/ is now up and running!  If you have preschoolers, you will enjoy her candid posts related to the joys and trials of homeschooling her little ones, and you may even get an idea or three to use with your children even if you are not a homeschool family. 

I will be the first to say that I was not the perfect parent.  I have regrets and a list of "shoulda's" a mile long, but the children God blessed me with (in spite of myself) are another evidence to me of His unending grace and mercy.  I want to encourage all mothers who feel like failures at least once a day  that our God is generous and willing to answer to the fervent pleas of a desperate mom! I asked Him so many times to overcome my parental inadequacies, and it is with humble praise that I acknowledge His goodness and thank Him daily for hearing my prayers and saying yes.

Breast Cancer and Facebook...

This is an unusual post for the blog today. If you aren't a facebook user you will most likely have no idea what I'm writing about, but for those who are, hear me out and if you are a woman of faith, please give this prayerful consideration.

Breast cancer is evil. I HATE it! I hate it for so many reasons. Like the fact that you do not have to have ANY family history of the disease to become a victim. And the fact that it can sometimes spread before it's detected. And what about how it seems to have escalated in frequency during our lifetimes and we all know MORE THAN ONE person who has had it or has it now. TERRIBLE. AWFUL. NO GOOD. HEINOUS!


Breast cancer robbed me (and many people I love) of one of the best women I have ever known. In her honor and memory, I would love for awareness to be raised and for people to be generous contributors to the cause of finding a cure and supporting those who are currently valiantly fighting the disease.
BUT, I cannot participate in a facebook campaign that requests something to the effect of writing a status that includes your shoe size followed by the word " inches" and then how long it takes you to do your hair. The innuendo is just too obvious and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the mental images this will conjure to anyone who doesn't know why someone is posting this information or what it refers to in reality.

To me, breast cancer is far more serious than this, and I cannot fathom how something like a titillating facebook status that is suggestive of anything other than breast cancer support succeeds at raising awareness or benevolence--but maybe I'm just naive. What I'm not, however, is a person who will intentionally use social media or any other platform to arouse thoughts that may be impure in anyone who might read it. For me--as a believer that all of God's Word is true--I just can't reconcile it.

I know, I know...I'm old. I'm old fashioned. I'm dark ages. I'm also a person who doesn't like to offend anyone by stating controversial opinions about things that don't matter for eternity, which this note has probably done--big time--especially if you have already written a status like the one I'm writing this note about. But I assure you that I am writing this before seeing anybody I know participate and I felt compelled to do this so that my friends who share my convictions might give this some thought and come up with a better, more transparent way to honor those we love and care about who are battling breast cancer.

That's all. I love you--even if you choose (or have chosen) to go along with "the game".

Philippians 4:8
... sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.



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