Handing the Baton to the Next Generation

Today my feet literally touched Holy Ground. I am in Israel! The first words our guide said to us were, "Welcome Home". It did not take me long to really get was he was saying - it is our spiritual home. He said that many of us had been taught our spiritual heritage and history way before even our American History. I never looked at it quite like that. He also said that all of the stories that we had heard since we were toddlers were about to come alive. Little did I realize then how amazingly true that would become. I was overcome by emotion on many occasions as I saw places and heard the lectures. When he made the statement again about our spiritual heritage and those who taught us God’s Word I became very emotional. I was incredibly grateful for the gift I had received as a child. It was not until my family moved to the coast when I was 4 years old that I ever went to church. There was a tiny lady there who went by the name of “Shorty Sullivan”. I don’t know that I ever knew her real name. She was very tiny, very old and wrinkled, and had the appearance of a little gnome. She and her husband, Leroy were very poor. Her husband was illiterate and trapped muskrat and "shrimped" for a living. Yet, this tiny little lady began to teach me the scriptures and made the Word come alive for me. It was her that began a hunger in me to know all of the stories and all of the details, and the questions that I asked surely drove her crazy. So…as I stood here yesterday – on Holy Ground – and saw story after story come alive before my eyes I found myself ever so thankful for Shorty Sullivan’s ministry. She was someone that the world would not remember but I certainly did. Thank you God for placing her in my life. I don’t know how I would have learned about who God was and is without her.

Thinking about this has reminded of the incredible responsibility that we parents are given. We are to teach and train our children in God's Word and ways. We must teach the next generation and "pass the baton" to them. Deut. 5 - 7 says "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments I give to you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk with them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Each day there are hundreds of teachable moments to share with our children about God. We just have to be intentional and look for them. It is easy to think we don't know enough or they won't understand or sometimes we are just too busy. However, those reasons (or excuses) do not remove the mission we have been given by God. He was pretty plain in those verses in Deuteronomy.

Rich Mullins had a song with a verse that spoke to the importance of reading the Bible to children. The verse said, "Stories like that make a man grow bold, stories like that make a man walk straight." Even when our children were very young I can remember reading Bible stories to them. It is one of my most precious memories. They had to take turns choosing the story and we often read the same stories over and over again. Funny how their personalities come out in their choices. Our oldest son always chose Samson and our youngest son always chose David and Goliath. We were not master theolgians and often could not pronounce correctly the names. However, the good news is that God promises that "His Word will not return void". I know that I am clinging to that verse and pray the same for you.

The Other Side of the Fence

Our youngest son was a very easy and compliant child - most of the time. However, there were a few things that he just seemed to test the limits. One such example had to do with the rule at our house that under no circumstances were you EVER to go into the street without an adult. If your ball rolled into the street - you went and got Mom or Dad but you were never to chase it. Because we lived near the High School our street was sometimes used as a short cut - generally by teenagers. So...the end result of going into the street was a spanking. It was that serious! We lived in a house that had a long driveway that was concrete and the street was asphalt. Thus, there was a very obvious line where the drive met the street. For reasons I can't begin to explain, Zach would walk directly to the crack where the street met the drive and put his big toe on it and then look at me. Technically, he was not really in the street but in his mind he was. He knew the boundary. He knew he had the entire front and back yard to play in with tons of toys. He knew the consequences. Yet...he pushed on the boundary to see if it was still the same that day. So...he would get a swat and be told to stay out of the street. Then he would run off and play - satisfied that the lines had not moved and nothing had changed. I have no idea why he needed to know that on more than one occasion!

This morning I was reading in the Psalms and I came across a verse that reminded me that I often do the very same thing as my toddler. Psalm 16: 5 - 6 says, "Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." The commentary said these lines were used to describe God's blessing and that He can be trusted - in every circumstance. In other words, I can rest in the fact that God has me where He wants me and that He has a plan for my life. Just like Zach, I have "boundary lines" that are for my good and I also have wonderful things inside of those boundaries.

Why then does the "other side of the fence" look so appealing at times? If where I am is what is best for me, why do I put my big toe on the line? I think that one of satan's greatest tactics is getting us to first, look over the fence trying to make us dissatisfied with our side. Then, when we feel like we are missing out on something, we start leaning on the boundary and putting our toes on it. Next thing you know we are running into the street. Funny though, you don't often get hit on the first venture across the line. However, the day will eventually come and the results will be disastrous. As a result of this great reminder today I think I am going to be thankful for what I have and keep my eyes and toes where they belong. I will rest in the fact that my Heavenly Father does love me and He only wants the best for His little girl!

Through the Eyes of a Child

I saw a family walking around my block this weekend. Dad, Mom, Grandma & Grandpa, and children were spread out for a little less than half of the length of the street. It reminded me of days gone by. Taking 4 children for a walk meant that some would be "hares" and others would be more of the "tortoise" kind. A walk could take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. It also meant that someone or multiples of someones would beg to be carried somewhere on the journey. At times I found myself impatient that a simple walk could take so long. From my point of view, the purpose of a walk was to go around the block to tire out the children so they would take a nap or to entertain them for a short while. Yet, a child's purpose is completely different. They see a walk as a great adventure - the treasure hunt was limitless. A caterpillar crossing over a stick on the sidewalk was great excitement. Seeing a "rolly-polly" curl and uncurl was even more amazing. Then, if sunset was upon us, to catch a firefly and watch it light up in your hand was nothing short of miraculous. Clouds also had their own fascination. Seeing the various shapes, sizes, and colors made for great games and imagination. Puddles were the absolute highlight though. Children do not walk around them or play neatly in them. They jump in with both feet - screaming with delight the entire time!

Oh, to be a child again! Sometimes I think being an adult is a real disadvantage. I can't remember the last time it took me an hour to walk around the block and the only puddle I stepped in brought screams - but not ones of delight! To have the eyes that see and appreciate all of the miracles of God (no matter how big or small) would be a much needed "vision correction". I don't know when or how it happens, but it seems like most adults become so very busy and dare I say it "cynical". We forget to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures God has just waiting for us. Jesus told us in Matthew 18 that we needed to become like little children. I think He wants us to do that for lots of reasons. One of them is so we get to experience life in the delightful way of a child. So...maybe tomorrow night run outside and see if the sun paints some brilliant colors on the landscape. Gaze on it, and laugh, and clap - if you are brave enough. See life through the eyes of a child...and it just might open up a whole new world!

Out of the Mouths of Babes...Part 1

This blog title is Part 1 because there are many more "parts" to come. When it comes to the things children say that are just plain "black and white" in their truthfulness NOTHING is off limits. Having worked with children all of my adult life plus having four children of my own I could write a book with those comments that make your face go bright red with embarrassment. So...here is the first installment.

As I was pondering my weekend, a story came to mind from many years ago. I put off the chore as long as I could but the dreaded "haircut day" finally arrived. I don't know who dreaded it more - me or my three children. Toddlers are particularly challenging when it come to getting their hair trimmed so less in number is always better. However, this particular day I had our two boys ages 6 & 8 and our daughter who was 4. Since the place that we could afford did not take appointments I was uncertain of the wait but was hopeful we would arrive at a less crowded time. My worst fears were realized when we walked into the lobby. The place was packed which meant that haircuts were to be given and received one at a time -- not two or three at a time for which I was praying. So...thinking it reasonable to start with the one with the least attention span we went in order of youngest to oldest. All went well with the first haircut and we were off to the second. However, that now meant I had to entertain the toddler and keep her from getting into things or bothering other customers. She had quite a vocabulary even as a very young child and I saw her looking intently at a man minding his own business and reading a magazine. (I might also mention at this point he was smoking too.) Before I had time to think, blink, or react she walked right up to him and said "Do you know that smoking cigarettes can kill you?" The entire lobby froze - myself included! He simply looked at her and said, "Yes". A thousand things ran through my head at once and getting out of the building as quickly as possible was on the top of the list. Though I am mortified beyond belief I can not leave because even though the second son has finished his haircut, the oldest son just got the first snip cut from his hair. So...we are committed to staying. At this point, I must have looked like a "tap-dancing bear" trying to keep two children entertained but I had to do something to keep them away from this poor man. I watched to see that the final haircut was about to be completed thinking we were going to escape without further incident. Success was almost within reach when without further discussion or prior warning my daughter looks at the man again and in a voice loud enough for folks in Little Rock to hear asked, "So why are you still doing it?" If the lobby had been quiet with the first question, the silence was now deafening. I grabbed all 3 my children and threw down my money on the counter and ran. I really can't remember knowing how much it was and it may well have been all of my grocery money for the week but it was worth it just to escape!

Even as I type and remember I am laughing (very hard and loud). That was almost 17 years ago and it is very funny now. And...it is certainly great material for a really good story. My daughter spoke truth into that man's life even though it was uninvited. Out of the mouths of babes...Funny how it comes around though. I told you earlier that I was pondering my weekend. It seems that I ate a lot of stuff that I really like but was not very nutritionally sound and I never really got around to exercising. Without warning, I heard her little voice enter my thoughts saying, "Don't you know that will kill you?" That too was uninvited but still true. Paul tells us in Romans that we are to "offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God". If I am to be as useful as possible to God I have to take good care of my body. It is the only one that I will get! Now make note, I am not saying that I am NEVER to enjoy treats. However, I just can't make candy corn and peanuts my dinner!! Out of the mouths of babes!

The Waltz

I found something this morning that I had written late last Spring. It reminded me that I have a choice of "living an extraordinary" life or an "unintentional & ordinary" one. Hope you enjoy it.

As far back as I can remember I have wanted to dance. Not just the dance moves of gangly teenagers in a high school gymnasium but rather the polished and nimble-footed floating of a princess. The scenario in my mind was always complete with a gilded ballroom, wearing a beautiful ball gown, and of course dancing with a handsome prince. I suppose I, like every little girl, dreams these same dreams at some time of their young life. Over the course of time, I married my handsome prince but…never learned to dance. Not having the opportunity, money, and time were always my best justifications. Then one day all of the excuses were no longer valid and my prince and I gathered our courage and invested our time and money. We decided to take lessons and finally learn to dance.

I learned quickly that being nimble-footed required hard work and practice. For most of us students in the class, ballroom dance was a skill to be learned. It did not come naturally to many. After several lessons and a few sore toes later, I can say that my prince and I accomplished our goal. When the music begins our movements have the skills present that resemble a dance. However, I have discovered that the more I learn the more I realize I do not know. My heart is actually a little discouraged when I comprehend that it will take years to make the stuff of my dreams become a reality. However, one evening I got a glimpse of something wonderful and beautiful. Words may not do justice to the emotions I felt but I shall attempt it no less for I feel compelled to share this experience.

The waltz music began and I found myself without a partner. The instructor looked around the room to make sure that his students were progressing as they were taught. Then he realized I was standing alone on the side. My heart skipped a beat when he held his hand out to me. I tried gracefully to say that I did not mind waiting until the next dance. He insisted that there “was no waiting this one out” and so I placed my trembling hand into his. Immediately I was whisked away into a series of turns and spins so that I could hardly recognize my surroundings. The room became a blur of people and furnishings. My heart was in caught in my throat, barely allowing me to breathe. I vaguely remember using the basic steps I had learned – but there was so much more to this beautiful mosaic of movement. The feeling of flying or soaring may be a better description because it appeared that my feet scarcely touched the floor. The master was in charge – his leading allowed no room for misunderstanding as to what he asked of me. He was to lead and I was to follow. He was gentle, patient, and kind - but he was most certainly the one in control. Even a missed step on my part did not deter him from his intended direction or movement. He simply helped me to recover and we moved on. As the music began to end I realized a hush had fallen over the room and people has stopped to watch. There was a sense of awe or dare I say a reverence for seeing the master at work. Applause broke out as the dance concluded. I blushed at the attention but also immediately understood it was not my performance that was being applauded. It was the performance of the instructor who so masterfully guided his pupil to make her appear graceful and skilled.

I shakily thanked the teacher for the dance and made my way back to my spot to continue my lesson. My hand and legs took several minutes to stop quaking and my heart took even longer to calm. What had just happened had left me changed and different. There was the physical realm of knowing how a waltz could and should be danced. That alone was the stuff of my dreams. However, there was another dimension that I had not expected. It was a spiritual one – a lesson so unexpected and so astounding that it took many days to put words to it.

Simply put, God has a plan for my life - a beautiful dance. Just as the longings and dreams of a child to dance and float around as if on air, He has put within me the desire to want to live my spiritual life in that same manner. When done correctly God alone is the one who leads. He is the “master teacher” and can see what I cannot and guide me around unseen obstacles and potential hazards. He also takes me out of the “safe and rehearsed” steps and puts me into places that are far outside of my comfort zone. Isaiah 58:14 says “then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob” and Isaiah 40:31 says “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow wearing, they will walk and not be faint.” Both of these verses describe a life that is adventurous, exhilarating, and anything but ordinary. It portrays a life that is constantly sensitive to the guidance and direction of the Father. The challenge for me is to follow, to rest and to trust. However, many times I want to be the one in control but the “dance” does not work when I attempt to lead. It is awkward and gangly – a constant battle of direction. This kind of “dance” is one filled with frustration and “sore toes”. So…my dilemma (and yours) is this. A decision has to be made about which kind of life will be lived. I can try to assume control and help “steer” or I can let go and soar and fly. There really is no middle ground or trying to straddle the fence. That said…I think I hear the orchestra warming up. I can’t speak for you but I think I am going to put on my dancing shoes...and strap them on real tight!

Things Children Make Their Mothers Say

I have discovered that the profession of motherhood is unlike any other in the entire universe. In fact, I have decided that mothers may be the most talented of all professionals. The job description requires us to be caregivers, cooks, medics, taxi drivers, sports coaches & enthusiasts, tutors, negotiators, theologians, engineers, peace-keepers, linguists, multi-taskers, and locators of all lost things to name only a few. I only recite a few because the list is really endless since each day brings a host of potential new job descriptions. As I said in an earlier blog entry, I entered motherhood in 1985 with absolutely no idea of the adventure that lay before me. With a brand new bachelors degree in education I quickly learned that no amount of "education" could have readied me for what I was about to undertake. However, children have a way of teaching you things that you never even thought you needed to know. So…like most moms I became a fast learner.
Over the years I have told my children that raising them was worthy of writing a book because some of the things that I have had to say or do were just too good not to share with other moms on this same journey. I always have said that my book would be entitled The Things Children Make Their Mothers Say. This is due to the fact that moms have a unique vocabulary or lingo that is used only in this particular vocation. For example – in what other profession would you have to ask the question, "Why did you flush your shorts down the toilet?" Or… "Why did you stick green peas (or play dough or whatever…) up your nose?" And my personal favorite is “Your brother made you hit him with a bat. So…he took your hand and put a bat in it and swung it so that it hit him?” These are but a few of the hilarious and bizarre things that mothers say. As a result, this leads me to applaud mothers everywhere. Our jobs are not easy, require much from us, and are never-ending. However, I am quite certain when I say that we have the BEST jobs in the whole world! God Bless each of you - never lose faith and keep up the good work. The world needs you!

Follow the Leader

Children learn best by playing. Over the years we have spent hours pretending, discovering, acting, following directions on board games. It is and was some of our favorite times together. When I think back over the myriad of games played with our children, "Follow the Leader" was usually a big hit. You know the game, one person leads and everyone else follows and imitates the leader. A really good leader had the followers always guessing what came next and laughing hysterically at the antics. The only real issue about that game was the "discussion" that would arise from starting. The arguments almost always had to do with the coveted position of who would be the leader. Everyone would get a turn but it seemed that "who was first" was still the point of contention. So...since all mothers are required to have the diplomacy skills of an ambassador to the Middle East some sort of rotating system would have to be installed so that all was "fair".

I was reminded of the "Follow the Leader" game this morning as I was reading about when Jesus called Peter and Andrew and James and John to become his disciples. He simply said, "Follow Me". No directions, promises, future predictions, or even a time frame. Just a simple command with only two words. The amazing thing to me is that "they went". They had families, obligations, and even were self-employed. Yet, they trusted Jesus so completely that they "followed their leader". In the process they did an amazing job of mimicking Him - so much so that when Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, he bailed out of the boat and did it too (maybe not for long but he did it!!) As a result they impacted the Kingdom incredibly from their day until ours. "Follow Me" led to the Gospel being spread around the world and lives being set free from the chains of sin.

That kind of faith and trust blows me away. I struggle so often with either being a terrible follower because "I want to be the leader" or when I am following I want to have all of the questions answered before I leave. The interesting thing about both of those struggles is that they each involve pride and fear. I am afraid of what is ahead so I have this crazy mindset that if I am the one in control that will fix everything. I am not sure why I think life can be played like the childhood game and that it will be successful when I am in charge. The reality is that I can trust only my Heavenly Father because He sees the "entire picture". He knows how the pieces all fit together - not just my life but how all of our lives connect together. He understands what we each need - even more than we do. As I was thinking about all of the reasons I come up with "not to follow Jesus" I thought about the fruit that kind of life produces. It was not a pretty picture. Following Jesus can be scary but it is a life worth living and one that reaps a great harvest. My prayer is that the words of Casting Crowns' song will encourage you today.

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. 'Boy, you'll never win!'
"You'll never win"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth