Summertime fun??

A few days back, I stood at the door of the classroom listening to a mom celebrating the fact that school was almost over for the year.  She had been eagerly anticipating this day for weeks.  I felt like a big jerk, and held my tongue from saying what I really felt: "What's to love about summer?  I love it when the kids are in school!"

In all fairness, I can't begrudge the kids that incredible feeling of knowing you have been set free from the oppression of long school days and hours of homework.  However, from my perspective, I have a hard time getting anything done when they are on summer break.  All the errands, appointments and home projects that usually get done without their notice, now involves them tagging along accompanied by a chorus of whines.  Case and point, between the last sentence and this one, I've had to break up multiple fights, try and get permanent marker off my sister-in-law's table, ground my children from TV indefinitely, and pack up a tent.

The sad reality is, that my children don't know how to "be".  This modern world (and yes, I think a bombardment of technology is partly to blame) inundates us with sights and sounds so frequently, that when the gadgets are turned off, they don't know what to do.  But, much of the blame lies with me, as I often look to unwind at the end of the day (or in the middle of the day) by turning on the TV or checking Facebook.  I've not set the best of examples.

This last weekend, we did do lots of activities together.  We went bowling and bike riding.  We took walks and baked.  Now today, as I try and get one entry completed, the fighting begins and the glazed look of boredom washes over their faces.

Do you remember being bored as a kid?  If you actually admitted it to your parents, you very likely were given a list of chores to do.   So, in honor of times gone by, that's exactly what I did!  My children have now cleaned the bathroom, dining room, living room and playroom.  Their rooms are clean and they are quietly (for the first time today) writing lines, including the passage from 1 Corinthians 13 about what love is.  Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, etc. . .
Once they finish the current assignment (depending on how close it is to bedtime) they may also be writing the passage: do all things without grumbling and complaining. 

While I acknowledge that I may sound a bit hypocritical, my goal is not to launch a blog full of complaints.  Rather, I want to vent into cyberspace and make sure that my reaction to my children, and their bad choices today, doesn't come from a place of anger.  Just as the Lord continues to work on my character through the trials He has given, He is also working in the hearts and minds of my girls.  Lord, help us all to not grow weary as you mold us into your image!

Memorial Day

Not too long ago, I attended a "Welcome Home" party for a friend who had just returned to America after being stationed in the Middle East.  I wanted my girls to join me as we celebrated his safety and service.  Not having anyone in our immediate circle of influence who is active duty military, I wanted them to see what it looks like for a soldier, with a wife and children, to come home after serving his country.
While they probably enjoyed the Frito Pie more than anything else that afternoon, I am glad that they got a chance to see a "real" soldier.  Our overexposure to media produces so many images, often causes the personal faces of war to be forgotten.

 

Me, Carlos and wife Jennifer

It's easy for me to overlook the fact that serving our nation requires incredible sacrifice at all levels.  Those who wear the uniform risk it all to make sure we enjoy the freedoms we take for granted.  But the families of those who serve are left to hold down the fort and carry on with the everyday business of life, all the while praying for the safe return of those they love.

So this Memorial Day weekend, take a moment to pause from your cookouts and camping trips to pray a prayer of safety for our troops and give thanks for the generations of men and women who were willing to do their part to make sure that America remains "The Land of the Free."



My thoughts on Oprah's thoughts

I’m not a huge Oprah fan, though I have watched many a show over the years. I have succumbed to several well placed show “teases” and spent an hour with several million others watching humanity played out on the small screen.

I felt it was important for me to watch the final episode of the Oprah show.  I wanted to see what she had to say after 25 years of impacting our culture.  I ran on the treadmill as I watched her bid America (and her global audience) farewell. 

While my emotional response may have been due in part to an elevated heart rate, I couldn’t help but shed a tear or two as I imagined what it would be like to walk in her shoes.  Unlike retiring from a “regular” job after 25 years, this final day didn’t include a “Good Luck” cake and a pat on the back from co-workers.  Instead, Oprah delivered a 50 minute (roughly) monologue to express her gratitude to her fans, and to challenge them to live life full of passion and energy.

As a small time radio host, I would be lying if I pretended that I wasn’t in awe with the power and influence this woman possesses.  Her rise to super-stardom and the way she can shift public opinion is something that most hosts would envy.  While I don’t ever want to be hounded by the paparazzi, it must be a good feeling to know that your words hold weight, and are of profound importance to so many.  I’m sure I wouldn’t mind her pay check either!

But, all kidding aside, I was disturbed by some of Oprah’s closing comments.  While she did credit God and Jesus for bringing her from a very humble origin to the place she is today, her speech was also intertwined with generic spiritualism.  She described everything on earth as holding a “life energy” and encouraged everyone to listen to the “whispers” that they hear.  Because she acknowledges the omniscience of God and references “amazing grace,” it would be easy to believe that what she practices (and preaches) is Biblical Christianity.  But scripture is clear: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6

Oprah is so right when she talks about every human being’s need to feel validated and accepted.  But, how we choose to meet this need is where I differ greatly from the opinions of Ms. Winfrey.  I can’t simply pull positive energy from those around me, or will enough positivity out of myself to meet my needs.  While I wish we all had Oprah’s spirit of generosity and compassion, I know that my value can’t be found in what I give away.

A positive self-image and having others affirm my worth, are only temporary patches to an eternally cancerous problem.  It is in the recognition of our unworthiness that we can begin the process of permanent healing.  To admit that we are sinners seems so “last century”, but the simple truth is: we are all guilty of sin, we all deserve to be punished, but we all can be redeemed through the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross.  It IS amazing grace that has set us free! 

In your times of quiet reflection, it is possible to hear a still small voice.  But, if you are not grounded in the Word (the Bible) it is anyone’s guess as to whose voice you are hearing.  Our minds are deceitful and we have a real enemy (Satan) who wishes to distract us away from the Truth.

As Oprah leaves the afternoon television line-up, may I suggest a simple alternative that will meet the needs that she sought to fill?  Learn the truth about who you are in the eyes of God.  Read His words, and begin to grasp the depth of His love for you.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 

Oprah may be thankful for you, but God gave His all for you.  And His goodness, grace, and love will never retire!

Paying by the ounce

My girls have been asking for weeks to go to a specialty yogurt shop.  I told them that we could do it to celebrate the end of the school year.  With only 2 half days of school left, we decided to partake in a frozen treat this afternoon.
The sign on the wall read: Only $.39 per ounce.  Not bad I thought.  After the four of us had gotten a modest serving each, we put our treats on the scale.  $14.40 later, we sat out on the patio while we marveled at what had just happened.  My husband reported that we could have each purchased a half gallon of ice cream per person, while I calculated the exchange rate of 14 hot fudge sundays at McDonalds.
While I know gold's value is much higher, I am now tempted to complement someone by saying: "You are worth your weight in frozen yogurt!!"

Stoping a storm in its tracks

Yesterday I spent a lot of time thinking about a problem that was brewing, that I was absolutely powerless to control.  I work for a Christian ministry that has fallen on some hard times financially. I was informed that there wasn't enough income to fund my paycheck.  So, my mind was off and running about all the possible "what ifs":  What if things don't get better?  What if they still can't pay me next week?  What if I have to look for another job?

I'm really good at worrying about things down the road.  But, that isn't a spiritual gift!  The irony is, I do trust the Lord and His provision for us.  I've witnessed time and time again His had of blessing on our family.  We have never been left without.

So then why do I worry?  I think the underlying truth is, that by worrying, I retain control of the situation.  I've taken it into my own hands.  I'm working out my own plan.  But, as with so many of the storms that come my way, there are countless variables that I can't control.  There is no way for me to plan my own future because of the God factor.

Quite simply, I must submit, with gratitude, to this simple truth: "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

There is no better way to stop a storm in its tracks than to reflect on that verse.  Do I need to loose sleep, or stress myself out over the future?  No!  It is time to loose control and let the Lord take the reigns of my life.

Lord, help me to trust you when the future is uncertain or looks scary.  Help me to remember your past provisions, and trust your future plans for me.  Let me lay my worries down at the foot of your throne, and give you the authority to do what You deem best for my life.  Amen.

Overflowing

I am not naturally a joyful person.  I have at times been around those that seem to have happiness oozing out of them.  In my cynicism, I wonder if it's a front--masking pain with a costume of smiles. 

My life has been full of blessings, and I recognize and thank the Lord for them.  However, the reality of life is that there are many days that are difficult to navigate.  The challenges of parenting sometimes get the best of me, and planning for the future can be a daunting task. 

A few years back, I was reading my Bible and came across a verse that made me stop in my tracks.  It's Romans 15:13. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

That verse challenged me in a big way!  Not only is God a God of hope, but he can fill me with joy and peace (as I trust in Him).  But it is the next phrase that I have a desperate longing to experience: overflowing with hope!

I can't begin to imagine what that would look like in my life.  When the kids fight, when illness hits, when the money's tight--overflowing with hope.  When death takes a loved one, when crime affects us, when unemployment strikes--overflowing with hope.  When dinner's not ready, when the car accident comes, when I've been demeaned--overflowing with hope.  I have to question if that attitude is really possible. But, in my heart of hearts I know the answer: yes (by the power of the Holy Spirit).

It is an ongoing challenge in my life, heart, and mind to line up my thinking with the truth I read in scripture.  But today, I choose to turn Romans 15:13 into a prayer and trust that the Lord will continue to mold me.

Father, you are the God of hope.  I pray that you will fill me with joy and peace as I trust in you, and that you would reveal to my heart how I can experience the overflowing of hope, through the power of your Holy Spirit.  Amen.

What's in a Name?

I have a strange name.  It's German, and pronounced beer-ga. It's frequently mispronounced, and occasionally mocked.  I disliked my name throughout my childhood, but have now found that it "fits" me. 

I began hosting a radio show a little over 4 years ago and had the opportunity to get a fresh start.  I could pick any name that I wanted.  I asked around and tried out a few possibilities, but nothing seemed right.

So, Birga it is.

I wish I could report that my name had a great and deep (even spiritual) meaning, but it's just a name.  However, for those in my life, it means: wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, radio host and neighbor.  What's in a name?  For me, everything.