Coasting Along
June 11/2005
Well, I am excited! My daughters and I will be leaving for Winnipeg, Manitoba in another couple of weeks.
It's been almost a year since we've travelled paved roads, walked on grass and saw trees...almost a year since we've seen a McDonald sign and a traffic light...and I can't wait to be a part of it again, even if only for a month.
You see, while on vacation, we make positive memories to last a lifetime. We record videos and take photos so we can recapture some of the details which fade away in time, like the reflection of the sun off the ocean or the way the moon shines over a lake on a starry night.
However, on a personal note, some memories I make will never grow dim. The details will never fade away:
--the way I feel when embracing a friend I haven't seen in a long time
--the joy of conversing with a friend, in person, as opposed to over telephone wires or through the internet
--the freedom to interact with my friends and do things together; to laugh and have fun
--the wonder at seeing my writing partner, Michael T. Ingram, for the first time, and meeting his family, while they meet my two daughters
--the flooding joy which comes at hearing the sound of my girls' voices laughing in merriment at some shared joke or event witnessed
--the fascination on my daughters' faces after having explored and learned something new.
Right now, I'm filled with anticipation...a good feeling of anticipation. In fact, I'm so excited that I'm breathless with anticipation!
Need I go on?
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May 16/2005
Isn't life interesting?
When you wake up in the morning, can you anticipate everything a day will bring forth? Can you predict that a day which starts out with great difficulty will end the same way, or that a day which begins with happiness will end with the same? No! You can't.
From one moment to another, you don't know what you will encounter, and that's what makes life so interesting! There are times you want to be gentle as a dove or as peaceful as a lamb. Albeit, during other times, you want to growl like a tiger, or roar like a lion, depending on what gets thrown your way.
Nonetheless, life is made up of a series of actions and reactions. How you react to a situation, today, can influence how you will feel tomorrow! Be careful of how you react to any situations you're presented with!
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Mar.24/2005
I was just reading through Colossians and a verse caught my eye. Actually, lots of them did, but this one caught my attention in particular, and I just had to share my thoughts with you.
It says, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him." Colossians 3:17
In essence, this verse is telling us that whatever we say and do should be words and actions Jesus would be pleased with.
It goes on to say that, when we live our lives in this manner, we are, essentially, thanking God.
We're all guilty of falling short of God's grace and, the truth is, while we live in time, that won't change. We'll never be perfect. We're bound to slip up somewhere.
I've met some people through the course of my life who would argue that they are as close to perfection as one can get! They will argue that they say all the right things, perform all the right actions, and have appropriate attitudes for each situation they face.
I hope you don't believe them! Regardless of their actions, words, or attitudes, everyone is born in sin.
What's more - everyone has a mind. It's a playground which allows us to wander into a lot of areas, even when they are forbidden!
Many people believe their mind is a safe place to roam and explore because no one knows their thoughts.
Well, according to the Bible, their thoughts will, ultimately, be reflected in their words and actions because what's in the mind has a way of travelling straight into a person's heart.
And, from personal experience, I can tell you one thing - when something is in my heart, I have to reveal it!
When my children wrap their arms around me and, freely, tell me they love me, it makes my heart burst with song and I can't help but smile and tell them I love them.
When I pick up the phone and hear the voice of a friend, I can't help but show my appreciation that they thought of me enough to call. They hear the joy in my voice because I, literally, can't help myself!
When someone says, or does, something which hurts me, I can't help but express my feelings, whether through my words or actions, or lack thereof.
If someone was to mess with one of my children, whether physically or emotionally, it would stir up anger and I could go for the jugular, regardless of who the person was. I would have a very difficult time walking away from a major confrontation (and I hate confrontation).
I could elaborate but I'm sure you get my point. The interesting thing is that you are just like me!
If you feel something, it's bound to be revealed, at some point in time, in some manner.
So the advice I give to you, and to myself, is to be careful of what we think.
Be careful of the paths we explore in our minds. Be careful of the way we think about others. It's sure to be reflected somewhere along the way.
I would also make another suggestion - something I do quite faithfully.
Count your blessings!
-every friend you hold; every relationship you cherish...
-every day you can rise from bed; every day you can retire, peacefully, at night...
-every day you have your health and strength; every day you have food and a roof over your head...
-every day you realize, despite your sorrow or triumph, that there is One who walks beside you, cheering you on, wanting you to become more like Him.
When we make a habit of counting our blessings, lots of other things fall away. We see something to be thankful for today, that we didn't see yesterday.
Just think! Even if someone drives you crazy, it gives you a reason to call a friend or pray, so be thankful, because without that person in your life, you might not have the close relationships you hold today.
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Mar. 05/2005
I've been thinking a lot lately about change and how it can be good for us, depending upon what we decide to change.
We get used to daily routines and, sometimes, we feel like pulling our hair in frustration. We live the same lives - day in, day out - with no exceptions.
This, in itself, is not a bad way to live, depending on how you live.
If your family is healthy, don't complain because you don't have any emergencies to set your adrenaline pumping.
If love abounds in your home, don't take it for granted. Treasure it for the gift that it is, and don't think little of it, because not everyone is as fortunate.
If you have friends, who love and support you, don't turn your back on them. You may need them sometime when you least expect it!
However, if you live each day while your heart is filled with sadness, despair, loneliness, and regret, determine to make a change today. Don't wait until tomorrow because tomorrow may be too late!
Pick up the phone and call a friend if you live with abuse.
Talk to someone you trust, who won't judge you for your feelings, when you feel broken-hearted and don't know where to turn.
Share your grief with a friend if it seems to be crippling you today.
If your relationship with a friend or family member is suffering, examine yourself to see whether your biggest problem, or obstacle for improvement, is you, and act accordingly!
Determine to change if you realize you're lacking, but remember that you can't force anyone else to change.
Look around and count your blessings! You'd be surprised how God pours His love upon you, if you took time to pay attention to the little things:
-the little hugs from your children
-the embrace of a person you love
-the smile and kind word from a friend who lives down the street, or in another town, province, or country
-the roof above your head and the blankets on your bed
-the food on your table, even if it is mostly processed foods, as seems to be the norm in some households
-the stars and the moon to gaze upon at night
-the kiss of the sunshine which awakens you in the morning
-vacation time - a blessing to spend time with family and friends, travelling to new places and embracing new ideas.
So, while you think of what needs to be changed in your life, and go about making those changes, don't forget to count the blessings which surround you! Remember that every good and perfect gift you have comes from God.
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Feb.26/2005
I just finished looking at some pictures sent to me, under the title, "I'd rather be fat!"
My mind started wondering why people allow themselves to become so thin and frail, and sickly looking.
My mind drifts back to high school when I had to do an essay on Anorexia/Bulimia. It wasn't a pleasant subject to say the least. However, I did learn a few things.
Many of you already know what these diseases are so I won't elaborate. For those of you who don't, I'll summarize.
Anorexia is a disease in which people starve themselves, too often, to death. Bulimia is when people splurge on foods, to satisfy their cravings, and then throw it all up afterwards.
Just imagine, parents, how the phrase, "You're getting too fat - stop eating so much," can cause your child, usually your daughter, to avoid food, when it's heard often enough.
Imagine how your daughter feels, knowing she's a little overweight. She may be struggling to maintain her weight, yet she has to deal with such lack of support from those who should be her avid supporters.
I understand there are limits for all parents. No one wants to see their child eating 3 or 4 bags of chips a day, drinking 3 or 4 cans of pop, while their waistline continues to grow.
However, when parents talk to children who have eating habits like these, they often speak with criticism instead of showing love.
In turn, these children tend to deny themselves the foods they enjoy, hoping they will finally make someone proud of them.
Please, parents, the next time you want to mention a weight problem with your child, place yourself in her shoes first. Would you want to hear the words, spoken to you, that you are about to say? If not, please refrain from speaking them because they can cause more damage than you can ever imagine.
And, girls, if you're in the position of denying yourself food, or binging and purging, please realize that Jesus loves you just the way you are. The more pounds you weigh, the more pounds of you He has to love.
Still, strive to eat nutritious foods, but don't limit your junk intake completely, unless you feel you have to.
Enjoy life as God intended you to do and, while you're at it, ask Him to help you with your struggles and feelings of worthlessness.
I promise...your life will never be the same.
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Feb.02/05
Though it's been a couple of months since I've placed an entry on this site, my mind has wandered lots!
And, right now, it's wandering again...
In reality, I'm sitting in my little office at the rear of my house, writing this.
In my imagination, it is early morning and I am walking along the base of a mountain.
As I look around, I see a forest of trees. Birds peek outside their nests, determining whether or not danger lurks nearby.
Then I hear the flapping of their wings, as they take flight, in search of breakfast. They chirp and cluck, singing their individual songs, which brings a smile to my face.
Then I turn to look at the mountain. I can't see all of it. I can only see the base. Even when I crane my neck to look way up, I can't see the summit. It's massive but it's beautiful!
Then my mind wanders to God. How big is He that this mountain trembles in His presence? Compared to God, this mountain is nothing - a little pebble to be pushed aside.
I can't imagine it! This mountain is strong. It's endured. Sure, it's face has changed over the years, but it stands firm and erect throughout the test of time. It's absolutely amazing!
Perhaps that's why I love mountains so much. They seem permanent; steadfast.
But people have died while trying to climb it, or while skiing down. Conditions on top of this mountain aren't as beautiful and calm as below.
On top, you're exposed to nature. On a beautiful day, it's quite the breath-taking sight to behold! No doubt!
But when nature is at its worst, you don't want to be up there. You want to be protected from the elements. You want to feel as I do while I'm marvelling at the peace and calm down below.
In an emergency, you're in trouble. There's nowhere you can run. There's nowhere to hide.
With me, I can run into the trees to seek shelter. I can leave the mountain area, without the worry of having to get down from the mountain first.
Whatever the case, despite the allure of reaching the summit, I'd prefer to stay where I am, because here I am safe.
Up there...I'm not so sure!
So until I am, this is where you'll find me, walking around the base, wondering what it's like to be at the top, yet content enough to enjoy the beauty down below, which you can't see from way up there!
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Nov.12/2004
Through most of my life I used to thank the Lord for a gift, or blessing, and be done with it...
It isn’t so, lately. I can’t seem to thank my Lord enough for my friends, family, my home and job, as well as all the talents He saw fit to bestow upon me.
There are times, my heart dances all day long. I’m so excited and happy and it’s impossible to contain my joy and enthusiasm. I sing the day away, or act like a clown, making people laugh (including myself). I love these days and I’m thankful for them. It seems my Father is smiling down on me and joining in on the fun.
Then there are the other days...the days when I feel burdened...the days when my heart dances to a slower song...the days when I can’t keep time with the wild, unfettered, exuberant pace. My eyes shed tears while my heart bleeds, so much so I think it’ll bleed me dry.
I hear the song of salvation and eternal love playing in my soul and I sing along, with great effort, wondering how much more my spirit can take, before it shatters, completely.
But then a miracle occurs!!!
I lift my head and my voice towards Heaven, in Thanksgiving.
I have so much to be thankful for, even on the tough days.
Would you like to hear my reasons? I’ll tell you anyway.
#1
I have feelings. They are not always happy and joyful, but I’m not void of emotion. I can FEEL.
#2
I know God is preparing a way for me to get through each day He grants me new day.
#3
I know God will never give me more than I can bear. He promised! If something was going to occur in my future that He knew I couldn’t bear, He would take me home to be with Him.
#4
I know God sees everything and I can, safely, trust His eyesight. His vision is better than 20/20. It’s clairvoyant (He sees everything). He won’t lead me on a wrong path. If I journey somewhere, it’s for a reason, and He will show me when the time comes, and I will appreciate His effort.
#5
I know God won’t be surprised by anything I go through, any emotions I feel, or any thoughts I think. He has already set plans in motion to deal with the times I step away from His ideals.
#6
Because of the rough days, I can more fully appreciate the exuberant, wild, unfettered dance of carefree days...
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