The Day After Christmas

Twas the day after Christmas and all through the house,

were papers and dishes--I tried not to grouse.

Remnants of parties and presents and friends,

caused my rigid sense of order, so slightly to bend.

My prayer sent to heaven with thanks for my blessings,

asking strength for the day and a freedom from stressing.

Soon the mess will be cleaned and the home set aright,

but until then, it need not give me a fright.

For disorder, you see, is a sign my house lives,

and hospitality is one of the gifts we can give.

So, in the days that fly by between now and New Year,

I wish you and your family an abundance of cheer.

Reflect on the joy you’re equipped to provide,

and make your heart light as you open doors wide.

 

Waiting For What Matters

Once again, I find myself in a position of waiting.  I never really like this place.  You think I'd be more comfortable with this space.  After all, I seem to do it quite often.  But, just as a waiting room is never your final destination, our position in life's timetable is never permanent either.  

I was going to reference the Dr.Seuss poem "The Waiting Place" and insert the iconic image of his strange cartoon people waiting.  But, curious about what other "waiting" images there were out there, I began to explore, and was struck by the fact that this "condition" is universal.  Time and again, through art and photographs, human kind has been captured waiting  We all wait.  Some of us for things of great importance in our careers or situations, others for the simple necessities of life. 

Scroll through the images and take a moment to reflect on the saying "The best things in life are worth waiting for."  After my image search, my frustration with waiting seems to have been greatly diminished. 

Husaybah, Iraq (Dec. 15, 2005) - Iraqi citizens wait in line at a polling site in the city of Husaybah, Iraq to vote during the country’s first parliamentary election. Iraqi citizens elected their first permanent parliamentary government, which will lead the new democracy for the next four years. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sheila M. Brooks (RELEASED)

 

 

…

Photo by Rod Waddington.  Ethiopia

 

Photo by Charles O'Rear.  1941  Waiting for a train outside the station at Albuquerque, NM

Photo by Jennifer Murawski. The lone salaryman gets sent out to reserve a picnic spot for the office during cherry blossom viewing season. They usually show up before 9am to just sit there all day long in suits, alone until everyone else shows up, probably after 5-6pm.

Photo by SGT Zach Sheely.  Family members wait for U.S. Soldiers with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment, Kansas Army National Guard to arrive during a homecoming ceremony Sept. 7, 2014, at Forbes Field in Topeka, Kan. Soldiers with the unit returned home after a 10-month deployment to Afghanistan.

Why I Cleaned Up Their Mess

Running the social media pages for Son Broadcasting, I come across lots of cute sayings, Tweet-worthy quotes, and pictures of everything from cats to vacations.  There are no lack of videos of people wiping out on skateboards, or elephants painting pictures.  Most of it doesn't catch much of my attention.

Today however, I came across a Spanish language (with subtitles) commercial/video for IKEA.  It made me cry and once again caused me to ask myself how I am spending time with my children.

We have some good laughs together.  There are countless conversations about choices, boys, homework and character.  Yet, I was convicted that much of my time with them is distracted.  The demands on my time are heavy, and I find myself spinning more plates than I probably should. 

When I came home at lunch time today, I found the kitchen wrecked.  The girls had obviously made cookies before they left for school.  But, based on the caked-on remains that covered the cookie sheets, it was evident that they hadn't been very successful. 

My options were: leave the mess and make them (rightfully so) clean up the kitchen after school or clean it up myself and allow time for us to make a successful batch of cookies this afternoon.  I'm not suggesting that the lesson be "leave your mess, and let mom pick it up" but after weighing my options, I choose planned, purposeful, uninterrupted time with my children this afternoon. 

They will learn how to do dishes and to pick up after themselves.  But the only one who can teach them to have a great relationship with their mother is me! 

The Gift of Freedom

And, they’re off!  American shoppers began lining up Thanksgiving Day to take advantage of discounts and special offers for Christmas.  Maybe you got lucky and scored a few great deals yourself.  While you may know exactly what to get some of the people on your list, I’m guessing that shopping for your spouse isn’t all that easy.  It’s sometimes those we know the best that are the hardest to shop for.

I have a theory, that the more intimate the relationship, the more difficult it is to come up with a meaningful gift.  Sure, they may love a new gaming console, giant TV or iPhone, but it isn’t what they really need.  When it comes to our spouses, we usually can’t wrap up their heart’s desires. 

Perhaps, what they most need is assurance that they are loved.  I haven’t found that on Amazon yet.  Maybe the real issue is that they need to feel respected and heard.  Walmart was out of stock.  Even Target was a bust when it came to finding validation and motivation. 

In all seriousness, one gift that millions of men and women are craving is simply, freedom.  To be set free from addiction to drugs or alcohol is a dream.  Maybe the struggle lies in overeating or self-doubt.  For a huge number of both men and women, they want freedom from pornography. 

Porn is destroying marriages and lives at an alarming rate.  You won’t find many people that would say “I want to stay lost in this dark, seedy world.”  That’s because porn is a mirage.  That allure and excitement that first pulled them in, led to a world without life; no rest, no shade, no water that ever satisfies.

There is a tool out there, to help those struggling with porn.  It’s software from X3watch that offers accountability and resources, while providing a block to inappropriate content on all internet connected devises.  This program is designed to help provide the freedom that so many are craving.

This may be a gift you can give your spouse.  Or, maybe it’s a gift you give yourself.  Sadly, porn has reached its dirty hands into the lives of men and women, in every age group and defied all socioeconomic bounds. 

If you are ready to deal with porn addiction head on, click here . Let X3watch help you in this quest for freedom.  As you celebrate the Christmas season, let X3watch help restore hope to your family. Begin the journey of healing and come to know what a gift it is to be set free.

A Willing Chauffer

Oh, how much can change in a week’s time!  Last weekend, I was deeply immersed in the experience of watching God at work through my dear friend Carlene Prince, who had come to share her testimony and music at the Son Broadcasting banquet.  Since I dropped her off at the airport, we’ve had Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and many of my neighbors have put up their Christmas lights.  Before the memories of last weekend’s events succumb to the busyness of the season, I wanted to be sure to capture some important thoughts.

Have you ever been host to a guest who relied on you, not just for food and lodging, but for transportation as well?  Then you will know that you must lay down your own schedule, and normal routine for the sake of that guest.  If this guest is a person of influence/importance, then your time table must defer to that of the guest.  This was the case last weekend.  By no means am I suggesting that it was a burden or unpleasant.  I simply mean to set the stage for a greater understanding of a beautiful God moment.

Sitting in the “audience” at Abundant Life Christian Center in Belen, I had a jealous thought pass through my head.  As I was watching Carlene share her music, I wished that I could be used in such a way.  I wished I was more than just her driver.  I must pause to say that my confession of jealousy is real, but God, in His goodness allowed me only a moment to stay in self-pity.  He quickly showed me my role in His Kingdom work, and how even drivers play a very important part.    

From church we went out to lunch with Pastor Barney and his wife Sandi.  This conversation was full of life and Spirit and encouraged my heart.  Through my brother and sisters in Christ, the Lord affirmed me, and reminded me that my desires, my prayers, and my talents were important to Him.  I have no doubt that this lunch meeting set the stage for future ministry work that only God could have woven together. 

The weekend I served being Carlene’s driver was necessary to remind me of important principles.  First, I should never be too proud to carry out any job that the Lord has assigned me to.  After all, it isn’t (and shouldn’t) be about me.  Secondly, the tapestry that God is weaving together with the treads of my life, may have looked scattered and disjointed, but I was reminded that I was standing on the wrong side of His work.  What, to my natural eyes looked like nonsensical patterns and colors, was the back side of the weaving.  Had I been in front, observing the masterpiece for what it is, I would have seen purpose, design and artistry!

This last week, a classic movie continued to come to mind.  The 1954 version of Sabrina, with Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn, is the story of a rich family with two sons, and the intrigue/love story that plays out with the chauffer’s daughter.  While it’s a cute romantic comedy, I couldn’t help but think of one of the closing scenes with Sabrina’s father, the chauffer.  With a grin on his face, he gives the stunning news that he has become quite wealthy.  Throughout the years, he’d listened closely to the business dealings that had transpired in the back seat of the car he was driving.  He learned when to buy and sell stocks, and came to learn about investment opportunities that a man of his position “shouldn’t” know.

God needs willing drivers.  I want to not just be obedient if He calls upon me to chauffer, but to carry out the task with a willing, cheerful heart, ready to see what I can learn on the drive.  If you have been put in a position to serve as a support to someone else’s ministry, don’t grow weary.  God is so good, and knows your heart, desires and giftings.  Allow this season to be one of great growth and education as you learn from those He’s called you to drive. 

1 Corinthians 12 (various verses):
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. . . . For the body does not consist of one member but of many.  If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

Watching God Work

Yesterday morning, I sat among 20 colleagues, friends and ministry leaders at a special breakfast.  This was on the heals of the Son Broadcasting banquet, which had been just the night before.  Directly across from me was Congressman Steve Pearce.  The fact that this man has become a friend, is a God story all its own.  To my right, sat a woman who has become so dear to my heart, Carlene Prince.  Both of these remarkable people had been guest speakers at the banquet.

The Congressman began to tell a story: "When I was in Jordan, talking with the King. . . "  I just had to laugh.  What a strange and beautiful way God has connected people from around the world.  I don't have time to share all the details of the story, but at the end, he grinned and told Carlene that she should perform for the Jordanian King when he visits Hobbs, NM.  Somehow, I don't doubt that this will happen one day.

At the banquet, it had been my role to introduce Carlene to the audience.  I was able to take a moment to share a mini version of how so many prayers had been answered through both Carlene and Congressman Pearce. 

My prayers for provision for a broadcasting conference had been met indirectly through the actions of these two.  I had prayed a big, bold prayer that God would provide the means for me to travel to Nashville for the NRB (National Religious Broadcasters) conference.  He did it, and in wild and extravagant ways. 

I had been praying for a friend.  Someone with whom I could really connect.  Someone who could understand me and love and understand my weirdness.  He did it, and through NRB, brought me a sister in Christ, and a dear friend, Carlene.

I had prayed that the platform God had given me, through radio and speaking, would be used to bless and encourage others.  After the banquet, I got several comments that others had been affirmed through my remarks.  He did it.

This morning, I will be driving Carlene down to Belen, NM to speak and sing at a church.  After the banquet, a pastor had sought her out, and asked if she would be willing to come minister at his church before she had to leave town.  Feeling God at work, she agreed, and soon we will travel to see Him do something amazing once again.

Carlene has an incredible voice, and is in the process of recording her first CD.  She has a big, bold faith that God is going to provide.  I'm excited to watch with her, as He uses His people to provide for all her needs.  If you would like to be part of her answered prayer, you can contribute to her project here: http://www.gofundme.com/carleneprince

I pray that you are encouraged, knowing God is at work, and is in the business of answering prayers.  I have to cut this short, as we get ready to hit the road, with eager expectation of what God is going to do through this brand new day.

The Hoarder's House

About a month ago, I got a call to inform me that someone who I'd known since childhood, had been admitted into the hospital.  The diagnosis is cancer, and there have been many complications that have led to a prolonged hospital stay.

This individual has a cat, and my father, being compelled to make sure it was ok, went to the house to check up on it.  What was discovered when he first walked through the front door was something that has literally caused him nightmares. The sick man is a hoarder.

I've heard about hoarders, and may have even seen a few minutes of a TV special about them.  But, to walk through one of these houses, is something that affects you--deeply.  There is a spirit of despair and defeat in the air.  The dust is so thick, the contents of the home so dirty, that you feel contaminated just standing there.

God bless my parents!  They have been working a few hours each day to begin to clear out the years of newspapers and debris. They've made amazing progress.  I, along with my husband, sister, some extended family and friends, have also put in many hours of work.  We've finally gotten to the point where we can uncover surfaces (counters, tables, floor) and what we have found is disgusting. 

My point in writing this account is not to shame or accuse this man.  Something is horribly wrong in his mind if he is unable to see the damage to/danger of his own home.  To let years pass by, without asking for help, has likely kept him in a prison of shame and paranoia of discovery. 

For as long as I've known him, this man has put on an air of pride and arrogance. I of course, had never seen his house prior to this, but many times he'd been over visiting my parents, I'd see him and heard his loud objections to many of the tenants of our faith and values.  It turns out, this very vocal and difficult man, was hiding a big, dirty secret. 

I'm not sure what to expect the next time I see him.  Will there be embarrassment and humility in his eyes?  Will there be angry defiance?  No mater what transpires, I know that I will never be able to view him in the same way.  For me, what once was an irritated annoyance at his personality, has been transformed into a sympathetic wonderment.  What type of sadness or hurt has plagued his life?  What has it done to his spirit to hide this secret for so many years?

We've all heard the expression "Don't judge a book by its cover."  This of course, can be directly applied to people, and their sometimes rough and ragged exteriors.  I've been reminded once again, that some of the most difficult people we encounter, are those that need the most love and help. 

Finally, it makes me even more thankful for a close-knit group of people who love and care about me.  If something in me were to "snap", they would jump in and intervene before things got out of hand.  For this man, he had no one who he trusted enough, to really allow them into his life. 

Let us all take a second look at those people who rub us the wrong way.  It just may be someone who desperately needs our tenderness and compassion.