It's been awhile...

I suspended my blog for awhile, but I miss putting my thoughts down. As much as I like the idea of penning words to fun paper or journals, my writing is horrible, and I get frustrated by it and then distracted from what I really want to write about. Yes, yes I do have issues! :-)

I'm taking a break from some things this August. Not "Facebook-ing"; trying to not fill my week nights with "commitments" and meetings; and so on, and on and on. It's funny how when you try to put some boundaries around time, it starts an external and internal struggle almost immediately! Here's some responses I've gotten...

• "you can't"... we have----
• "it's great you can take a whole month off: enjoy"
• "I know you are trying to take the month off, but..."

Here are some response I've so wanted to give:

• "You are not the boss of me"
• "it's not like I'm going to movies and shopping every day"
• "Why do I have to defend or explain myself.."

I guess putting boundaries around time, whether it's how I spend mine or with whom, isn't comfortable for folks. Heck, it's not always comfortable for me! But if nothing else, I'm learning already how influenced we all are by how other's view our use of time'. It's BIG! My goal right now is to play to an audience of ONE. It's also made me sensitive to the time and commitment decisions  others make and supporting them vs questioning or judging.

So... it's August 2nd and I've already had to struggle with this... but there are 29 days left. We'll see what they bring...

2014: BE CROWNED!

Psalm 65:11" YOU CROWN THE YEAR WITH YOUR GOOD BLESSINGS, AND YOU LEAVE ABUNDANCE IN YOUR WAKE."

Something's NOT QUITE RIGHT...

So, I've been pondering something for quite some time..."mulling it over"; "trying to understand"; "make sense of"; "reserve judgement, etc."... all thing thins your supposed to do when you have a very definite and decided inclination about some thing, some one or some issue, etc. I think I'm finally "there", I think I've figured out what it is that is making me think so much about this subject.


HERE IT IS: I don't like the way our American  Christian Culture is evolving right now. And I'm not willing to blame it on the media (which has it's own issues); perceptions; etc., etc. etc. I'm squarely placing the onus on "Christians". We are the ones playing out our own feelings, attitudes, reactions, and so on on every social media outlet possible. We Facebook, Tweet, Blog, Instragram...all over the place. Trying to WHAT? WHAT in the world are we trying to prove? WHAT in the world are we trying to defend? WHY are we so prone to acting the victim and expecting the world to meet our expectations of what we have decided is "the right way of living" ?

I'm sorry, but I just don't believe that we are called to make the unholy, holy...the impure, pure. ONLY GOD can do that. Why are we trying to build our version of HIS kingdom on this earth. Called to be kingdom builders? OH YES, most definitely...but HIS kingdom, not our version of it. THANK THE LORD, HE WILL NEVER ALlOW OUR VERSION TO WIN OUT!!!

SO, NO... I don't think our democracy is God-ordained. NO human form of government has been or will be ordained by God. When we all get to heaven, it will not be a democracy. He is the KING and we won't be voting on anything. WHAT A SHOCKER to us! Thank goodness that we will have the mind of Christ in heaven, because quite frankly, American Christians, would not be able to handle it.

SO, NO... I don't think Christians are called to exemplify holiness by spewing hateful rhetoric at those who do not know God. I believe we are to be holy, because HE is holy. And the only way any of us do that is by the power of the Holy Spirit. Speaking the TRUTH in LOVE. 'Not really seeing that from many of our Beloved "Christian Role Models" and their loyal followers.

SO, NO...I don't think it's ok for "Christian" commentators to act like Non Christian commentators. To be liberal and mean- spirited is no more or less wrong than to be conservative and mean- spirited. Why in the world our supposed "thought leaders" in the Christian Culture patterning their work after the world? WHAT sense does that make?

So, NO...I don't think to be a Christian it means we are to blindly follow certain "Christ-iany" speakers; radio/tv hosts; reality shows; etc., etc. Since when did we ever think we were supposed to check our brains and thoughts and opinions "at the door"? To have the Mind of Christ should be just that the Mind of Christ, and "NOT the  Mind of Man-who-talks-a-big-Christian-game, etc."

SO, NO...I don't think it's ok to major on the "small things". I don't really care about the Elf on the Shelf vs. those fake kids on the mantle (whatever they are called)...I'm not really going to freak out about Santa or no Santa or whether he is white, real or ....whatever. And, I'm certainly not going to attach Christmas to ADVENT. I'm not going to call Halloween a "fall party" (where kids dress up and get treats just like in HALLOWEEN) to FEEL better about it. I'm not going to "Christian-ize" every thing of the world so I can sort of enjoy it, but in a way that I've (completely and totally and mistakenly) "holie-fied"it.

SO, NO...I'm not going to rail about contraception and who takes it and who doesn't. Here's an idea: if you don't believe it's right to use contraceptive devices don't.  Start by being personally holy before expecting those who don't believe to understand what that really means for themselves...after all they don't even know the ONE who IS HOLY.

So, NO...I'm not going to side with "certain politicians" (either party) because certain churches, or religious pundits tell me too. For so many of us, we take the easy way out. We get someone to think for us. It's just easier, quite frankly.

So, NO...I'm not going to buy into all the talk about Christian Purity, when frankly so many of our young ladies and men dress and act no differently than the world. Their very parents going to several Bible studies a week and sitting in that pew every Sunday. I've seen more embarrassing clothing at church than I thought possible. As adults in the church we flirt, we "play with fire" in relationships and we are broken as models.  Our divorce rate is not different than that of the worlds. And we have as many youth pastors showing up in the news as predators as we do non Christian coaches and teachers.

For all of this, the failing of our Body of Believers, and MY OWN FAILINGS every day at personal holiness, GOD still uses the CHURCH. HE STILL chooses to work through His bride. WE are HIS AMBASSADORS and CHRIST IS making HIS appeal through us. I'm praying in 2014 our Appeal is on CHRIST's behalf and NOT on our own "Christian version of holiness".

So, NO...I don't give up hope, on myself or my brothers or sisters in Christ. God is so full of grace for all of us.  But I still think something's NOT QUITE RIGHT...and I'm praying we will look more and more like the early Christians and less and less like 21st Century Christians; more and more like JESUS FOLLOWERS. I'm gonna try to figure out what  exactly that is this year. I'm going to find some really good role models and STICK TO THEM LIKE GLUE. Their out there, I know they are.  Their just harder to find...

White Santa & Megyn Kelly's Apology

When you mess up...fess up...this is NOT an apology...no way excuses the cursing on  Jon Stewart's part, but the point is still there...

White Santa & Megyn Kelly's Apology: Megyn Kelly let's American in on her funny Santa joke.

This is it...the real meaning of Christmas!

Speaks for itself

What would one even think of being able to add to this? It's beyond the ridiculous. Sadly, it's so indicative of how little we think and consider before emote...It's our culture today...sensationalism and appearance before TRUTH or true gentleness and kindness towards others.

This isn't news, it's bad manners...and a lot more!

When Nothing is Sacred

I couldn't help but think of this old song that I've always loved, it just seems so fitting for where we find ourselves these days! We settle for such much LESS than what God has for us. In doing so (myself included!) we cheat Him, ourselves and we are a very poor reflection of what living an "abundant life" is to those who need to see/hear/feel that the most. 

In other words, if we are settling, then how in the world could you and I as believers expect anything different of those who don't know Jesus? What in the world would make them want what we have? It's not much different, and actually looks pretty weak in so many ways.  I want don't want to be that anymore. I don't want to live like that, think like that, BE. THAT. I want to say a bit NO to it ...and a Yes to the Sacred...FOR REAL!

 

 

 

When Nothing is Sacred

People need true love, but chase infatuation

They need a hope, but live on short supply

People need wisdom, but get more education

People need forgiveness, but settle things eye for eye

 

People need identity but are satisfied with titles

They need true courage, but bravado looks sincere

People need a living God, but seem content  with idols

People need destiny, but settler for careers

 

And the soul remains unsettled

And the world -a wilderness

In a time when nothing’s sacred

And soul’s settle for less

 

People need faith, but place their bets on science

They need a refuge, but stay out in the rain

People need each other, but rely on self- reliance

People need a Christmas, but settle for a holiday

People need dignity, but survive on ego

They need the truth, but will take an alibi

People need a Savior, but much prefer a hero

Most long for heaven, but have settled for the sky

 

And the soul remains unsettled

And the world a wilderness

In a time when nothing’s sacred

And soul’s settle for less

 

-Billy Sprague

Ready to say ADIOS to 2013

 

Mulling over what one word I would use to best describe 2013...all I could come up with was

 

"BRUTAL"

 

I know, not very "cheery" or hopeful, right? It's the truth though. And if I think longer, I can come up with a second descriptive word

 

"COMFORTED"

 

Yes...those fit perfectly the more I think about it. Brutal because the world was so harsh in so many ways, and it just didn't stop...it kept piling on, and it didn't let up. Here' what I would put in pile of "BRUTAL":

• Massive, Draconian job cuts at work. Many seemingly without rhyme or reason. Hurts that run deep for those of us who had to make cuts (that we didn't agree with) and for those whose positions were cut: such disappointment and hurt. It still physically hurts to remember it.
• Deep disappointment in leadership, or lack of, and not believing in or supporting much of the decisions that were being made.
• Feeling extremely let down by those above and around me at work.
• Watching a few people around me make massively hurtful decisions that cost them ...A LOT...myself included.
• Standing by and seeing my family hurting and knowing that I couldn't do much except pray and support as best as I could figure out (yep, prayer was pretty much IT...and I found out IT was more than enough)
• Experiencing personal pain, both mental and physical the like of which brought me to my knees (literally) at times.
• Watching family and friends experiencing horrifically difficult deaths of loved ones, and no one was exempt: young children (LOVE YOU BRAVE BEE!), fathers, friends, cousins, co-workers. Death was so final and encompassing this year.
• Personally struggling with crushing FEAR....like I've never experienced before.

HURT? FEARFUL? ...oh yes, BRUTAL...

 

Looking back, I know the Heavenly Father's hand was on me, arms around me, comforting me in significant ways, through special people (in no particular order :-)

• My Bible Study gals, who prayed, texted, prayed, texted over/for/with me...over and over and over again
• My "bestie" Stacy...who let me cry, ate breakfast with me, and challenged me to love Jesus and pursue holiness NO. MATTER. WHAT.
• My family, who just let me be me and not try to "make it better" with easy/simple/surface type platitudes. REALNESS!
• Jennifer Ruttan's chair and cover on many a Friday nite...a trusted place to "let it out"; "let it go" and "move on"...
• SWEET Jesus time...a new and appreciated longing for Heaven, the home prepared for me that is REAL, is in my future, and will NOT DISAPPOINT!
• The best banquet team I've ever been on. Just Jesus and lots of awesome gals. Easy...sweet...restful...restoring...a bunch of Ragamuffins  in desperate need of Healing and Community with the only ONE who can do it.

So, would I want to relive 2013. NOT A CHANCE! Am I grateful to look back and see God comforting me through His Word, His Spirit and His people? OH YES!  So on to 2014...LORD Come Quickly!

 

 

 







2013 Videos: Wheaton College Football 2013

2013 Videos: Wheaton College Football 2013: Wheaton College Football 2013 from G.O. Ministries on Vimeo .

Sometimes I really do think dogs are smarter than people!

crazy talk and what get's a response

SO...just a few years ago the Dixie Chicks talk about being embarrassed of the current President and all you know what broke out...radio stations refused to play their music; there were CD smashing parties and they got death threats...quite the OUTRAGE...

Ted Nugent rants and raves and about the President, the Supreme Court Judges and the President's Cabinet  and what's the response thus far....hmmm...nothing comparatively. 

SO...a pundit says something not all that respectful about Ann Romney and there's outrage; and Mrs. Romney calls the episode a "birthday gift"....it's in the news for DAYS!!!

Ted Nugent uses sexual innuendos and talks violence and....hmmm not a whole lot of outrage from his affiliated party. 

Wow...'knew it was going to get ugly, but the reality of it is really depressing...I wish we could be more like France in our elections, wouldn't that be refreshing!!!

maybe's and what if's

....maybe instead of trying to fight with the world about right/wrong, Christians should work on personal holiness.  When our teachers and students at Christian schools abuse and kill each other; the divorce rate for self proclaimed Christ followers is the same as "non-believers"; and the # of teens who have premarital sex is not significantly different, etc., etc. we really are not being a light and "shining city on a hill".  I guess it's easier to put forth what others SHOULD be doing, than to pursue righteousness for ourselves.

...what if Christians stopped reacting to every news story (whether fact or fiction) and actually prayed over a situation before responding?  How that simple action might influence and change those around us to pursue God because they are so incredibly intrigued?

...maybe if believers quit fighting with each other, the world would listen to us when we proclaim God's desire for us "to live at peace with all men"...

...what if Christians provided homes and loving, supporting environments for unwed, pregnant women vs. rallying against and bombing abortion clinics? What might our fellow citizens think about the right to, and respect of, life?

....maybe if Christians really did help each other when financially in need (or needing housing, food,  etc.), they wouldn't have to rail against "social programs" like food stamps, etc. In other words, practising what the new testament church did in sharing all of their resources with those in most need and holding each other accountable?

....what if's....maybe's...so it starts with one, and then another, and then another...the multiplication process set forth by none of then Jesus Himself! AND then....instead of me hoping and wanting others in the Body of Christ to do this, just committing myself to live my life in such a way...no matter what...
..what if?

Getting Dumber: Our new strategy?

So now, the latest political leader is arguing against college attendance and developing intellectual capacity and critical thinking skills. It's as if the current argument should be the following:
"If we just stop developing the thinking skills and ability to discern and decide, maybe our citizens won't make so many BAD decisions." If only this were true! Knowing Too much or Too little doesn't change the quality of our decisions, it's WHAT we do with the level of knowledge we have...how we integrate our knowledge into the questions/problems at hand that makes the difference. 

Being less educated and less knowledgeable is our strategy for the future? Yikes, CHINA has to be laughing at us at this point! And lastly, it won't make us more Christian to more stupid...it's just not a spiritual principle that will work from what I can tell...

Safety in stupidity? I don't think so!

Fishbowl: sans gummy sharks

Sometimes the sistas just gotta fishbowl!

2nd from left: Brandon Gray, my youngest nephew.  Bran's graduating this spring and just got accepted to Wheaton and will be playing football there, alongside his big brother Carson.  So proud of him and Carson too.  Can't believe they are almost grown ups!

It's been awhile....

...mostly because I 've been playing on Face book and journaling on paper.  Maybe because I'm just not sure I have too much to say (which has NOT stopped me in the past, that's for sure)...because there have been some low lights and highlights as 2011 ended and 2012 is now well "on it's way"!

• LOW: Mom not feeling well: definitely a low.  I just value her so much and love her, that it's hard to see her in pain, or not feeling as well as she would like.  It also reminds me that I won't have her around forever, and how thankful I am to have her for a mom.  I have some very dear friends who need a mom like my mom! I don't take her for granted...
• LOW: Charley-the-Wonder-Dog: getting older and likely not around much longer.  This one is hard.  He and I have shared a lot of life together, and he has been a great friend.  I hate to see him struggling with getting up and down and hurting. It will be harder than hard to say good-bye, but I know that time is coming
• HIGH: Pilgrimage to Houston with my BFF Stacy and experiencing a fresh word from God was a HIGH, and spending time just being with her.  Memorizing scripture and seeing God using it in my life and others !
• LOW/HIGH: Having to have knee surgery is a low, but being blessed by the help and love I've received from all my friends has been a high. 
• HIGH: Seeing some of my dear sistas grow in their relationship with Christ...it just doesn't get any better than this!
• LOW: Disappointment with some relationships...perspective has not been my strength, but I'm hopefully growing in maturity here....time will tell
• LOW: Disappointment with our country's leaders and those who would-be leaders: can we get anymore ridiculous? DON'T ANSWER THAT!

I know there are more HIGHS/LOWS to come, but I'm trusting in the ONE who is above, beyond and bigger than either!

Sad commentary...but creative examples!

I miss

John Kerry.  He's smart and he thinks things through and I like his plans.  I miss him.  Just sayin'

I want a leader who's also a reader!

Yep...it's true. I think it's good to have a leader who can also read, consider, discuss, discern, decide. I want a leader who actually IS one of the smartest people in the room (and if he/she IS the smartest all the better!)...yep I want one with some real grey matter...a big ole, useful, BRAIN. Sorry, I just think it's important. SO...if here's my plea to any candidates (presidential or otherwise) who want to throw their proverbial hat in the ring: PLEASE don't get excited about being ignorant...please don't expect me to get excited about your ignorance...BE SMART, BE STRONG...It's a GOOD THING! :-)

The "silly season"

This is a descriptive title given to these last few day/hours to our legislative session by some of my friends who are intimately acquainted with all the antics that take place there. It might be funny if it were't so positively sad and scary. Today I heard both sides rant about education and planned parenthood. I saw lots of condemnation; accusation; labeling and so on. Didn't see a lot of problem-solving or commitment to "shared sacrifice".

I hope we can survive "silly season" til Friday. We can take a breather from some real "stumpers" for a time...til reality sets in?
Here's some of my favorites:

1. Can't text and drive in Indiana, but you can some"pack some heat": no problem!


2. No worries, it's "take your gun to work day", every day, if you like. It gives a whole new meaning to "I'm going out to my car for a minute, be back in a jiff"...supervisors everywhere are wondering who is going to go postal next (if they have any sense). The only people who should be taking their gun to work are law enforcement officers and hunters. Everyone else really shouldn't...just sayin'


3. I, for one, am THRILLED that our representatives spent a great deal of time on changing the ID requirements for vendors of alcohol. It was simply to, to challenging for adults to get their id out when buying their Jack. 'Certainly wouldn't want to waste a moment providing id, even though you do it for all kind of other things! Yep, this one makes a lot of sense, now we are asking cashiers to estimate if Hoosiers look to be about 40 or over...this is gonna be interesting! BOTOX stock, I'm yours!


4. LOVE the idea of holding teachers responsible for EVERY aspect of a child's life. For example: even if the child's parents aren't around, aren't feeding or clothing them or disciplining them at home, NO MATTER...let's hold the appropriate adult responsible: the TEACHER NOT THE PARENT...this one is SURE to succeed.


5. Consistently, the data and information about charter performance shows they do no better than public schools, SO: LET'S FUND THEM COMPLETELY!!!! YAY! By the way, I'm so NOT against charter schools, I just think we are avoiding the hard work of revitalizing public schools


6. Looks like we are getting rid of Planned Parenthood funding... That's certainly going to help out with the access issues we already have in a state that is VERY FAR BEHIND in basic healthcare provision. I'm NOT pro-abortion, but let's get real. Where else are women getting healthcare in low income and challenging communities? I don't see a lot of folks out their lining up to provide cervical cancer and breast cancer screening, or contraceptives. Baffling...just baffling...


7. Immigration: this one has been fun to watch. I guess I'm kind of bummed that the BIRTHER provisions have been taken out. That one was so meaningful and certainly helpful in a myriad of ways. Thanks for focusing on WHAT's REALLY important.


8. Speaking of immigration: I guess it would be cool for Indiana to have another distinction: our sister state could be Arizonia! We could become Ariana or Indizonia if we merge. That would be a first, and IMPRESSIVE! This one just plain befuddles me. I wish I could say befuddle in another language: oh wait, I probably shouldn't cause that's not this state's official language (as if we Hoosiers speak English well anyway!)


9. We are all up in arms that if the gas tax is suspended to help with the cost of gas for the summer, we might not get our stimulus dollars. I thought Indiana was AGAINST federal stimulus dollars. Didn't we initially refuse them on our high moral grounds? OHhhhhh, I guess that changed. The political phrase is "flip flop" but I hate to denigrate flip flops in that manner.


10. Lastly, I just want to say that in the middle of two very important debates (education and planned parenthood) I was impressed that the Speaker took time to remind the legislators that tomorrow is picture day and to "dress pretty"

Silly Season...coming to a close soon: happy hunting til Friday!