An observation

First of all to those that wished me a Happy Birthday-THANK YOU and it was. It was great in fact but that is for another day and another time.

I went to a concert with some friends. It was an awesome concert but who was playing isn't the subject of this post. While getting into the arena we had to go thru a checkpoint. There was only one checker at the door so it took a long time. The line we stood in went thru a lobby, up the stairs and around the corner and down a hall. Standing at the top of the stairs, you could see two lines, ours and another one on the opposite side. I looked at all the people, none of who I knew and would never know. I would never see them again or even get to talk to them. There were probably 50 + people. Some were dressed in jeans, some dressed up. There were some on dates and others looked alone. Some wore clothes that were conservative, some revealing. There were all different kinds of hair styles and colors too. And different nationalities.

As I stood their quietly observing the crowd as sadness came over me. All of them are going to end up in either heaven or hell. ALL. Not one escapes! NOT ONE. And it made me sad for those that don't know Him. I would say that they have no clue but then here in America, they have at least heard about Him. May this New Year bring one where we can tell those that don't know Him about Him! Or show them Him thru our lives. I know I have some around me that don't know Him. May this be the year that they discover Him!

A Virgin

Got your attention? Listening to my Ipod yesterday while running errands, a song called "Mary did you know?" came on. I am sure most of you have heard this song, if not please do.

Some of the song ask "Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man, did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand"

That started me thinking about Mary and what it must have been like for her. I can relate some. A virgin and pregnant. What if that was me? Now in society today being pregnant and single is no big deal. Not a shocker. But back then it was. And growing up when I did, it was too. My family would have not talked to me except for politeness. I would have been shunned. A disgrace. People that I know would have stared. The church that I was raised in would have talked. Can't imagine what she felt like. Just being pregnant and a virgin. Much less having an angel appear to her. Now who do you go tell that to? I am sure that she was looked on a strange, maybe a little off. Talking to angels and saying you are pregnant? Not something you really want to announce. Yet she holds the greatest miracle in heaven and earth. So she stands-on one hand probably wanting to tell the whole world, and the other-shunned if she does. It even says that Elizabeth remained in seclusion for five months. Why? And what was it like telling Joseph? Did she rehearse her speech over and over again? Think of who saw her to prove she hadn't been with another man?

Oh the many questions I have for her when I meet her one day....til then, I wonder too....... Do you?

Christmas Question

Well, finally made it thru the week of wild things. And yes, talking about kids. They were so ready to be out this week. I think this is the worse I have seen in all my years of teaching. I had to use my Santa Cam speech quite alot. See we have 2 boxes in the gym used for the alarm system (motion detectors). So I tell the students that these are Santa Cams and he can watch the whole gym because they are at opposite corners. Ever see a kid wave at a motion detector? or stare at it? Too funny!

But today I had to also use my "I believe" speech when asked if I believed in Santa. I told them "if you don't believe, you don't receive." It gets them thinkin as you can see the wheels turning. Then it got me thinking.... Isn't that so true with us and God. Now hang on, I am not talking material things here! I am talking about belief in Him. As I look at the world striving and running after things, I think about those that don't believe. And are not receiving. And it breaks my heart. No joy, peace, love, eternal life, hope......... this list can go on.

So as we move through this season, let's thank Him that we do believe, that He has shared His story with us! And then let's share it with others around us! And when we do...... we will receive!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Do you wonder?

I do. The last month it has been one thing after another. The deer hitting the truck. Now my TV in my room has gone out. Dead. Then the dishwasher handle broke. Now the truck battery is going dead. Makes me start wondering. Is it just life? Of is God trying to get my attention? It is frustrating but I am not in a funk. But when it all happens at once I do start questioning and wondering too what is next. And why all at once. Have I come to any conclusions-NOPe. He hasn't shown me anything. No revelations here. So I wonder........ (and wait for my handyman to show up one day....) ;-)

Well Worth it!

I sat last night at home catching up on emails and news. I started reading Beth's blog and the comments on the survey. In case you haven't read-the survey is on insecurity. It was amazing how many people battle insecurity (yes, I am one of them) and how many of them are insecure when around other women. Why do we do that to each other? Or ourselves? Compare ourselves or automatically feel inferior? Feel like we don't measure up or aren't good enough when we look at one another. And that is before we get to know the person. One look and we feel that we don't measure up. What lies!
I get to see this everyday at work as I work with 150 women. Some days it screams around me. Some days it makes me run and hide. I find myself battling with it as I interact with them...

And then along comes one that for a moment I drop my guard and a friendship begins. One that grows into a friendship that is so valuable that words can't describe. Why, because that one moment I decided to risk the insecurities of my life, the things that kept me from reaching out. I decided to try to step past them and see what happens. And it was well worth it!!

So how about you? Would you take a risk? Forget the "I don't measure up, they are better" thoughts and take that step...... it is worth it!

Part 2- Points to Ponder

Good morning again! Nice to hear from some of you! Hate that it has been so long but life has been crazy busy around here! So glad you got thinking yesterday. Here is another point to ponder. I really like what the ending says. So hang in there-not quite as deep as Lewis was yesterday....

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

And since I am sharing some stuff on my wall-thought you'd love a laugh...
"I read an article about jumping rope being a great exercise. It read in part, "When exercising, jump high enough so your feet clear the rope." Well, dang, now there's a new twist! "

Points to Ponder

Good morning here. I know it has been a while since I have been here. The last few weeks have been real busy. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! And remembered to thank Him for those around you! and for His blessings!

Here are some points to ponder that I have on my wall at work. I was reading them again yesterday and thought I would share....

Yet the people and times and places through which the Romance has seared us will betray us if we think that the Romance is in them, C.S. Lewis tells us:
.... it is not in them, it only comes through them and what comes thru them is longing..... They are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never visited.

Hmmm-what are you looking for?
Part 2 tomorrow....