The Stuff of Nightmares

This morning, scrolling through my Facebook page, I got two notices about abducted children.  Then, a few short hours later, an Amber Alert broke through to give the news of a 9 month old abducted right here in New Mexico.

Now, I read that the body of a 10 year old girl (likely that of one of the above mentioned abductees) has been found.  It's enough to make me sick.

Has the world grown that much more evil since I was a kid?  I've heard it said that its simply a matter of social/mass media getting the message out more quickly and wide spread than ever before.  I don't know the stats.  There may be just as many child abductions now as there were in 1985. Maybe I'm just so much more aware of them now, as a mother of two.

Last summer, when my 11 year-old asked if she could walk to the library (two blocks away) by herself, I felt stress wash over me.  Could I let her go out alone?  Would she be safe?  What if something happens?

I finally decided she could go.  I sent her with my cell phone.  I watched her walk away.  I stood in nervous anticipation to watch for her return.  She made it, and had a pride at having accomplished something independent.

How do we allow our children to grow up, when we are afraid to let them out of our sights?  One approach would be to dismiss my fears, saying "let them be kids and experience life".  I get that, but is it wisdom?  I could also shelter them to the point where I have instilled fear in their hearts, and eventually send them out for college afraid and unprepared.

There must be a healthy balance.  I have told them what to do if a car pulls alongside and someone tries to ask them a question.  They know that they will NEVER be picked up by a stranger.  They have been instructed where to kick, punch and bite.  They know how to let their voices be heard when a situation gets uncomfortable.  They are prayed for.

So what else do I do?  If they want to go out and explore life in all their childhood curiosities, I want to give them that freedom.  But that doesn't mean that I will forget my role as a mother and protector.  I will though, have to remind myself, that a city bus isn't an evil vehicle, a mall isn't the place where children disappear, and a bike ride isn't a journey to accident or death.

My heart hurts so deeply for those families that are missing children, or have gotten the word of their death.  There can be nothing more painful for a parent.  I pray for them that they will receive comfort in a way that doesn't seem humanly possible.

As we draw nearer to spring break, and ultimately summer vacation, I want my children to be armed with knowledge, but free from the anxiety that hurts my heart when I hear these terrible stories.  I don't want them to walk in fear.  I don't want to walk in fear.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

Writing Assignments

As I sat down this morning, I knew that I needed to spend some time writing. I needed to work on a banquet recap, begin working on a quarterly newsletter, and begin the next round of e-blasts. 

While I could address the banquet, I was looking for some inspiration for additional articles and turned to Facebook asking what others had been thinking about recently.  The answers surprised me and led to a whole new round of interesting things to write about.

Rodney suggested: What does life look like walking and living out Proverbs day by day?

Good question! I figured I better flip to a Proverb to start thinking about this.  I picked the 27^th. “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.  Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips. . .” vs. 1-2.

Pretty heavy for just the first two verses. While I don’t often boast about tomorrow’s plans, I do get caught up in them.  I can easily let my mind get trapped in the snare of trying to plan out every detail, fretting over aspects that I am powerless to control.  Usually, after an intense bout of stress and mental calculations, my expectations about how things would/should go, are altered by the reality of life’s unpredictability.  You would think by now I would have learned to “chill out”.  The Proverbs are right—you (I) do not know what a day may bring forth.

As for seeking praise, I apply that directly to business (thought it definitely has personal applications as well).  I can hoot and holler about how great we are as a station or company, but is that really going to make an impact?  Rather, if I let our hard work be praised by others, their testimony/recommendation will go much farther in the long run. 

Ed says: Given the availability of very large electronic databases, if it is possible to empirically identify fascinating relationships between different seemingly unrelated variables in the field of corporate finance.

I don’t know Ed, but the questions going through your mind made me very glad that God created us so differently! I will say thought, that I’ve been surprised time and again at how interconnect things really are. While I don’t understand your financial world, it’s a vital part of our economy and affects my daily life.  My data, stored in a wide variety of databases, will help you make decisions that will in turn come back and impact me.  To connect you back to Rodney and his quest, I will have you contemplate Proverbs 27:23 which seems to be wise financial council: “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.”

Steve has a two year-old and is mulling over: The little train that could.

I assume he’s referring to the classic children’s book “The Little Engine That Could.” Now if that’s not ripe with writing applications, I don’t know what is!  While the “I think I can” mantra can be a great motivator, I need to remind myself that “I know God can, I know God can.” 

We all have mountains in front of us.  Some are financial, some are personal/relational and some are faith journeys.  While we need to keep walking, putting one foot in front of the other, our ultimate power needs to come from God’s engine. 

Kim writes: The rapture, Come Lord Jesus!

To Kim I say, “Amen!”  I too feel a sense of weariness trying to get up all of those mountains ahead.  Until we get to that finish line, we can walk with Rodney through a Proverbs daily life, look for how God can use us to connect with Ed and others and chug ahead with Steve. 

Finally, Renee is pondering: Walking with faith.

This is really what it boils down to, isn’t it?  I can think of no better verse to sum this up than “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1.  Renee, I would suggest reading through Hebrews 11 to get encouragement from the testimony of those who walked up their mountains, holding firm to their faith in the Lord. 

A big “thanks” for all of you who shared with me what was on your mind.  Keep the ideas coming!  I don’t know many of the answers, but I serve a big God who does.  May He continue to use us, our talents, traits and curiosities for His glory as we work and think together. 

 

 

 

Red Carpet reality

Last Friday I received an invitation to attend a red-carpet award gala.  It is in Hollywood and could potentially include some very high-profile guests.  I was excited and set to calculating whether or not I could afford the travel/lodging part of the trip. 

I thought through the potential for meeting people of importance in the “industry” and how it could be a good stepping stone for future professional endeavors.  Many friends weighed in on Facebook to share their opinion about if this was a trip worth making.

Then, last night, I watched the Golden Globe Awards with my husband.  I went to bed saddened and dismayed about our society and the celebration of actors, programs and movies that promote raunchy sexuality, drug and alcohol abuse, and the obsession with wealth. 

To be fair, the award gala I had been invited to is designed to stand against those very things esteemed by the Golden Globes.  This “alternative” seeks to promote faith, family, patriotism and justice (all qualities that seemed to be trampled—even mocked—by the Golden Globe selections.

Yet, I understand the pull of Hollywood, and why so many good intentioned individuals get sucked into that culture.  It all has to do with worth.  When something we write, act out or create gets noticed, it’s a source of pride.  The praise of others can be addictive. 

My speculation is that we all are striving to feel a sense of worth.  No matter how self-confident we seem, we long for someone to see us and acknowledge our accomplishments.  In a planet occupied by billions of people, we want to know that we are unique and that someone really cares.  At heart, we are all that 5 year-old kid pulling on our mom’s arm saying “Look at me!  Look at me!”

I really had to check my heart about why I wanted to go to the gala so much.  Part of me does desire to rub up against someone “important” and to make a connection that would be personally/professionally beneficial.  But, to what end?  Even if I became the next big name in the industry, I doubt very much that my involvement would have much impact on the eternal value scale. 

On the flip side, there are many Christians working in a variety of fields in Hollywood.  Their prayers, boldness and faithfulness have gotten results.  I’ve heard testimony that through their influence, on-screen vulgar sexuality has been reduced, harsh language has been tamed and pro-faith and pro-family messages are gaining tremendous traction at the box office.  Over the years, I’ve heard many accounts of how God has used these people where He’s planted them.

So where does this leave me?  Prayerful.  If I go, I want God to be the one to set it in motion.  I want Him to place my steps.  I want my heart right and my focus to be on Him alone.  He’s reminded me time and time again, through His Word, that He sees me.  My worth needs to be found in Him alone.

Should I wear my wedding dress?

Two weeks from today, Son Broadcasting will be celebrating its 30th Anniversary.  Having worked for this ministry for nearly 7 years, I get the honor of being part of the festivities. Much thought and preparation has gone into this event.  Of course we will celebrate the 30 years of ministry work that has already been accomplished.  Yet, looking ahead, this evening will also serve as a launching platform for a new season of work that needs to be done. 

Jesus really began the public aspect of His ministry at age 30. He had been about His Father's business all along, but it was at this point in His life, when the urgency of time caused the intensification of relationship, teaching and ministry to unfold.  

Our world is rapidly changing.  As a ministry, we feel a similar urgency to make sure that we are deeply immersed in doing the Father's work while sharing the hope and love that comes through relationship with Him. 

This 30th Anniversary celebration is a classy event, and I think it should be!  Frankly, we Americans have gotten more casual and many no longer put forth the effort to get dressed up and present the best outward side of ourselves.  While I don't suggest emphasizing external beauty, I do want to encourage you to remember that feeling you get, when you take the time to look your best, anticipating the reaction of your loved one seeing you that way.  It's a giddiness that speaks to your desire to please another. 

As I got ready for work this morning, an image of my wedding dress popped into my mind.  Though I initially thought this was part of the crazy that comes with being me, I went on to contemplate the meaning/symbolism of that dress.

Back in the summer of 2000, that dress meant everything!  It was white, and I wore that color proudly, having saved myself for my husband.  It meant that I was about to be united with a man I would spend the rest of my life with--through good times and bad.  It fit me just right and I couldn't wait to see Bob's reaction.  If you look back on the video of that day, you'll hear an audible laugh from the audience, because I was very eager to begin the ceremony, and nearly sprinted down the aisle.

I desire to have that same level of eagerness when it comes to serving the Lord.  I have set myself apart to serve Him.  I have committed to love Him through good times and bad.  He delights in me and gave His all for my sake. 

So maybe the thought of wearing a wedding dress to Son Broadcasting's 30th anniversary gala isn't all that crazy*.  In this next phase of ministry, showing up ready to delight the Lord in all that we do, may lend itself to a special dress. 

"Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!  For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready." Revelation 19:7

*Wedding dress is completely optional. We'd love to have you either way.  If you'd like information on tickets, please call (505)345-1991.

Sleeping through Christmas and New Year's Eve

For three weeks now, I've been fighting an upper respiratory infection.  It's waxed and waned in its intensity.  Unfortunately, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve were two of my bad days.  I was worn out and slept through family celebrations. 

Though it is horribly embarrassing to admit, I realized that I wasn't sad to miss the conversation or the food.  Rather, I was disappointed that I wasn't in any of the pictures.  How egotistical is that?

In trying to honestly analyze my feelings, I came to a sad realization.  I have been pulled hook, line and sinker into the fake world of social networking and its false projection of humanity.  I didn't get a picture with my family at Christmas lunch.  I was sound asleep and didn't get to snap a "selfie" of a New Year's kiss with my hubby.  I wasn't in the Instagram photo collages that showed my closest family and friends having a great time.  I'm digitally absent.

Those of you that are free from a social networking addiction say "So What??"  I get it.  I can step back and see this for what it is.  However, it does help me to understand why the electronic connection that our tweens/teens (and many of us older "kids") have is so polarizing.  The cyber world is very real to them and the lives they live on-line may be as intense (if not more so) than they one they live in the flesh.

I walked away with two observations after taking the time to think this through.  First, I need to be very conscientious about how much time and effort I spend in living life on-line. It's part of my job, and I enjoy it personally, but its pull and power is great, and can cause me to miss real relationship for the illusion of  friendship.  Secondly, it's causing me to be shallow.  I realize my attention span is shorter, and I'm thinking less "deeply". 

This week, many of us will be making resolutions to get in shape, to cut back on junk, to exercise more, etc.  Have you really thought about what it means to make a resolution? Webster's (office edition) defines a resolution as "firm determination" or "a solving, as of a problem".  I resolve that I want to be more present in relationships, purposeful in conversation, giving of myself and deeper in my reading/thinking.  Care to join me?

May your 2014 be blessed!  Let us all strive to make a Holy impact in the place where we have been planted.

Afraid of Food

Author’s note:  This may have a sarcastic tone, but I really do have big questions about the foods we are putting into our bodies and how to strike a balance that works for our family.

 

photo from:guardianlv.com

I have started to become afraid of food.  Granted, I’ve been sick and sleep deprived for several days.  So this topic may just not bother me as much as when I am well and functioning as “normal”.

The food issue really did start a few years back at my house.  I will blame it on Netflix.  Many of you who have watched the variety of food related documentaries know exactly what I’m talking about.  For a season, we really tried to cut out meat, I started weaning out dairy, and the list of “no-no” foods seemed to be growing by leaps and bounds. Eventually I gave up on most of those changes.

Then I started hearing about GMO (genetically modified organism) food and just how many of our dietary staples that they have invaded.  Red dye, I hear, causes behavioral disorders in kids and Oreos are now scientifically as addictive as crack.

Being sick and couch ridden, I was channel surfing and came across a Dr. Oz episode that talked about nitrates and how they are linked to pancreatic cancer.  And surely you’ve heard about the pesticides covering our fruits and vegetables and the “10 Ten List” of those produce items that we must buy organic.

And don’t get me started on sugar.  I love it, but it’s evil.  Good luck eliminating that from your diet! Diet/sugar-free drinks and products—they are out too.  But I’m sticking with the studies that promote coffee drinking.  You’ve got to allow me at least one pleasure. 

I’m not a big fan of tofu.  I can handle it in small doses, and my kids sure don’t like it.  It doesn’t take long for me to get sick of beans.  Green leafy veggies are great, but I can’t afford to buy most of those organic, so am I eating, or fighting cancer?

Am I the only one who is weary of how broken and damaged our food system has become?  I would love some honest input into how your family handles food, and what it costs you (monetarily or emotionally).

Tonight for dinner I’m ready for some comfort food (in moderation of course).  I’m making a ham (nitrates), low-calorie scalloped potatoes (dairy and some other toxins I’m sure) and green beans (wait, are those safe?).  Tonight we celebrate my sister’s anniversary and I’m pretty sure my mom will bring a cake.  I’m going to eat it!

So, on the cusp of Christmas food madness, I want to know: Are you afraid of food?

Open letter to 30-somethings

 

To my fellow 30-somethings,

How is life treating you? Hopefully, you are healthy, employed and have your needs met.  If you have been especially fortunate, you’ve married your love and have a few children to boot.

You marvel at the fact that you’ve just had, or are on the cusp of having your 20th High School reunion.  How did we get this old?  We still feel young, yet our knees are starting to ache a bit. 

Family and career likely dominate all of your waking hours. Stress is a part of your wardrobe and you’ve developed an unhealthy attachment to your smart phone. 

When you collapse at the end of the day, you “tweet” about the program you are watching on TV to a few hundred “friends”.  You ache for the time to have real friendships with real people who really care about you.  Instead, you scroll through your best Facebook pictures and quickly whip up a digital Christmas card to send out to the masses. 

I feel your frustration.  I too get caught up in this cycle.  Yet, when I’m able to step back and view life from a more eternal perspective, I question why it is that I’ve consumed my time with the worry and activity that fills my days. 

At this point, many of you will look ahead and see that there is still too much to read in the time you have available, and give up.  That’s ok, I understand.  For those that will hang in there, I hope to give you something worth thinking about.

I’m fortunate in that my job reminds me to stay “heavenly” minded.  Working for a Christian broadcaster, the goal is constantly to point people to Christ—through a variety of different programs.  I get the opportunity to see the refreshment that washes over someone as they hear that there is hope.

Statistically, it’s very likely that you are experiencing financial, marital, psychological or physical distress.  You now realize that you don’t have all the answers and you are seeking a God that you may have spent many years running away from.  Suddenly talk radio or Christian television doesn’t seem like something only your grandparents would want to hear/see. 

Admittedly, Christian broadcasters have a lot of work to do.  We aren’t as polished as our secular counterparts.  We can’t come close to competing with the tech and production that well-funded mass media outlets have. 

Our message is simple, without a lot of plot twists and with a lack of CG effects.  Nothing will blow up (God willing) and you won’t need 3D glasses.  But, the underlying message is enough to turn your life around and cause you to see things very differently.

If you haven’t already, I would encourage you to tune in and be challenged.  Don’t watch or listen expecting a Spielberg production. Come instead with a tender heart, allowing yourself to consider what or who you stand for.  Contemplate the values that you want your children to learn.  Ponder what your eternal future holds.

If (or when) you feel that heart tug, reach out to have a conversation with that friend you may have let fall by the wayside--the one you remember as being too “religious”.  Ask them questions (heck, challenge them to really know what they stand for). 

30-somethings, let’s stand together and be counted as a generation who stood against the current.  Let’s be set free from debt, depression, addiction and pain.  As the “Greatest Generation” passes away, let’s rise up and take their place as a group of individuals standing for truth and righteousness.  And let’s do it together—face to face, arm in arm, and only if necessary, tweet to tweet.

With love and hope,

Birga