ONE BOARD AT A TIME

Mackenzie and Madison are going to get a new little sister in June. In anticipation of Baby Anabel’s arrival, Maddie is relinquishing her crib and graduating to sharing a trundle bed with Mackenzie. To make the transition a little more exciting, Holly (Mom) decided to take the opportunity to redecorate their room. Of course, the excited grandparents had to join in the fun. Holly painted the wall’s a beautiful purple then stenciled their names in deeper purple. A princess border and decals of Cinderella and Belle completed the wall décor. Grandma Niswonger contributed a new mattress, while Grandma and Grandpa Gilbert bought matching sheets, pillows and blankets to dress a bed fit for any little princess. Then came Dad (Phil) and Grandpa Niswonger’s part; a new Pergo floor.

We arrived in Gladstone, Thursday night in the middle of a snow storm. The girls were jumping up and down, waiting at the door to greet us. After hugs and kisses, Steve began to unload the car. Mackenzie excitedly asked what Grandpa was carrying in his arms, hoping for her usual surprise gift. Her mom explained that it was her new floor. “Where,” she asked in a puzzled voice. “In the box,” answered Holly. It still did not register how her floor could be in a box. The next day I went shopping with Holly, Mackenzie and Madison while Phil and Steve laid down a beautiful new floor before the trundle bed arrived. Mackenzie was amazed when we arrived back home to see her room transformed into a giant dance floor, great for twirling, pirouettes, and ice skating. Then the bed arrived, was made cozy and inviting with the new bedding and the other furniture found its place in the room. It was time to go to sleep, so we left with promises to come back for breakfast Saturday morning and say our final goodbyes. When we arrived for breakfast, both girls had to once again show off their new room. Mackenzie told Grandpa all about her new room and informed him that “the floor was made one board at a time.”

If Phil and Steve had laid the floor without the proper preparation, the floor would have been uneven, full of bumps and crooked. The old carpet was removed, nails and staples were pulled out of the underlayment and dirt and trash had to be swept away. A new pad was unrolled, the floor installed with special tools and the finish pieces had to be cut to the precise measurements. Once the proper steps were followed, the finished product was a beautiful, solid floor that will be enjoyed for years.

Often like Mackenzie, we are overwhelmed with excitement over the dreams and promises we have in God. Instead of our vision of God’s promise, we are met with a long box. We can’t see how anything of value can come from such a nondescript box; we want the whole floor. God looks at the situation and sees the old man, stained with sin and dirt that must first be removed. He continues to work on us, pulling out the bitterness and smoothing the scars that have marked our life. He covers us with His blood then bestows His mercy and grace upon us in preparation for His perfect plan to be fulfilled in our lives. If we will let God make us ONE BOARD AT A TIME, we will enjoy a lifetime of blessing and fulfill our destiny and purpose.

THE LAND OF THE FAMILIAR

Have you ever noticed how you ignore the details of the familiar? This is true in marriage, with your children and life in general. Those beautiful eyes that made you melt have just become necessary features in a beloved face. The lips that you could kiss for hours, now receive the cursory goodbye peck as you rush out the door. Remember the fascination with the little toes and button nose on your newborn baby? When was the last time you saw that nose as something other than an orifice needing to be cleaned? There are so many examples; the smell of a new car, the features of your latest electronic gadget or the softness of freshly laid carpet. They all finally become lost to the mundane.

A few years before we moved into our current home, we would ride our bikes through the neighborhood. As we rode through the streets of the newly-developed subdivision, we noticed the beautifully landscaped lawns, the different architecture, and the unique way each home was personalized to reflect the owner. Now that I have lived in the neighborhood four years, I’ve discovered the shortest route to the main road. I pass by each home without a glance while tuning into my favorite radio station. I have entered the land of the familiar.

Last Tuesday, we had one of those rare February days in Michigan. The sky was clear blue and the temperature climbed to a balmy 60 degrees. The promise of spring sent spirits and energy soaring. If you live in Michigan you understand that there will be snow and freezing temperatures by Friday so you had better take advantage of the situation. Grandma and Twenty-one month old Caleb decided to take a walk and enjoy the day. My normal walks are for exercise, I walk fast, focus on the sidewalk ahead and listen to music or the radio. Walking with a soon-to-be two-year old is a whole different experience.

My normal fast-paced steps went from running to a stroll and at times to a complete stop. Dead leaves left on the sidewalk from autumn clean-ups held a particular fascination for Caleb. He picked up a bouquet before becoming distracted by a shiny red truck. He experienced the smoothness of the bright bumper, the ridges in the huge tires and the clearness of the headlights. Then, full-speed ahead, we moved to a pile of crystallized, melting snow. When was the last time you stuck your finger in a pile of snow, felt the coldness, the stinging crystals and looked inside the finger-sized hole that remained? We stomped in a mud puddle to watch the water fly, said hi to a complete stranger then turned around just to watch where they were going. (Children can get by with this behavior, be careful if you are by yourself.) My mind wandered as we moved down the empty road, a little voice jolted me back to reality. “Burdy, burdy,” the small voice repeated. The sound finally penetrated my deep thoughts; birds were singing. We couldn’t see the birds but the air was alive with bird music.

Another noise quickly distracted Caleb. We ran to the side of the street to see what was making this fascinating new tune. It was the sound of melting snow draining into the gutter. I don’t make a habit of checking out drains but on this wonderful day, I dutifully squatted beside my grandson to watch the slow trickle of water disappear. Anyone who has spent time with a little boy knows all about curiosity. What happens if you put one of your collected leaves down the drain grate? We found out! One by one the leaves disappeared, then a rock and then….a distant hum caught our attention. The whirr of blades hitting the air grew louder until it became a roar directly over our head. We watched the helicopter until it disappeared over the horizon. A few more steps and we were home. My mind was filled with wonder at the beauty of God’s creation and all of its sights, smells and sounds.

Has your walk with God become too familiar? Maybe your fascination with the new truths in His word has become a dutiful reading of the Verse of the Day. The time spent in communion with your Heavenly Father has changed to thanks before meals and a hurried prayer at bedtime. Instead of seeking His will for our lives we make a decision, and then seek His approval. Our testimonies have become a glorification of our accomplishments rather than an occasion to lift up the Name of Jesus. Your daily walk with God is in a rut.

Get out of the rut!!! Take 30 minutes out of your day to once again experience the joy of a new born baby in Christ. Allow yourself to feel the thrill of goose bumps as the Holy Spirit washes over you afresh. Talk to Him about anything and everything, and then listen as He speaks His thoughts to your heart. Pick up your Bible, read your favorite verse, explore the precious promise that it holds and why this verse is the one that brings such comfort. Call your pastor and tell Him how much you appreciate his leadership and the sermon he preached last Sunday. Write a note to that special church member to express what an inspiration their life has been and how important they are to the Body of Christ. Spend a few minutes meditating on His goodness and thank your Heavenly Father for each blessing; one by one. God’s mercies are new every morning; partake of them and you will soon move from the Land of the Familiar to the Land of Wonder.

YOU CAN HAVE THE COOKIE LATER!

“Mo, mo,” a little voice pleaded, through the cookie Caleb had just shoved past his crumb-ringed lips. It is so hard for this Grandma to resist his requests, especially when accompanied by the cutest little smile you have ever seen. I gathered all my resolve and answered, “Not now Caleb, wait until after lunch.” The smile left and the voice demanded, “MO, MO.” I stood my ground on this one, “Later Caleb, no more until after lunch.” Caleb screwed up his face, rubbed his eyes and began to cry, “Mo, Mo.” Did I give in? Not this time because the cookie was not what he needed. I distracted him with a book until he forgot about the cookie and we continued with the day. At 21- months old, Caleb has no concept what the best decision is for him. No, all Caleb understands is, “I WANT!”

Spiritually speaking, there are too many times I have behaved like a 21- month old. I enjoyed just a taste of where God wants to lead me in the future and I want more NOW. God may tell me, “Not now because there are some other things we have to enjoy first. Some things I need to do in your life that will benefit you and make you strong. You can enjoy the cookie later.” I “stomp” my foot, question God, and demand “More, NOW!” Since I’m not a 21-month old child, sometimes I reach into the cookie jar all by myself and take what God had not prepared me to receive. After enjoying the illicit “cookie,” I wonder why I have a tummy ache and I am no longer hungry for the good things of God.

If you have been given a dream or you have been asking God to open doors in your life and it hasn’t happened, sometimes God says, “Later.” Proverbs 10:22 says “The blessing of the Lord, it makes rich and He adds no sorrow with it.” When we learn to wait on God’s time, we get the 4-course meal and the dessert with no tummy ache.

20 MORE MINUTES

I had wrestled all night, praying off and on for some people and situations I care about. Then to top it off, about 3:00 in the morning, the creative juices started flowing. My brain would not shut down. Ideas for blogging and finishing my Bible Study kept bombarding me from all sides. I’ve learned to just let nights like this happen. Actually, I rather enjoy them.

Have you ever noticed that restless nights always settle down about an hour before the alarm goes off? I peeked through sleepy eyes at the glowing clock; 6:05, only 25 minutes until my day would begin full force. “Please God,” give me 20 more minutes, I whispered as I drifted off into dreamland. Suddenly, my eyes flew open! Wide awake I reached for the clock; 6:24 a.m. A soft smile lit my face as I realized how much He cares for me. I had been given another 20 minutes; 19 minutes of perfect rest and the extra minute to bask in His love.

The fact that God cares about every little thing that affects my life never ceases to amaze me. Don’t ever think there is something too insignificant or mundane that God doesn’t want to hear about. Go ahead; ask Him for your 20 more minutes!

BTW

The 21st Century has become the Golden Age of Communication. We are more connected than at any other time in history, yet we have less personal contact with friends and relatives than we had a century ago. By pushing #3 on my cell phone, I am immediately connected with my husband whatever his location. I can invade my friends and families privacy anytime day or night with a text message just by pushing send on that same cell phone. Facebook has given me the opportunity to connect with family, old friends, and school mates. I know how they are feeling, view pictures of their family, see who their friends are, what groups they are interested in and I can even know if they are checking their social networking account. I have connected with friends I have not seen or spoken to in over 30 years, yet I feel as if we are intimate again because of their personal page. I still haven’t spoken to them and wouldn’t recognize their voice, don’t know their address and haven't given them a hug, but I know their favorite soft drink, movie, book and what they had for dinner last night because they posted a survey on their site.

We are so afraid of becoming disconnected that we won’t leave home without a cell phone. We even have a device to fit over our ear so we can continue the connection while driving, doing housework, or walking in the mall. Even away on vacation, we search for the nearest “hot spot”, wi-fi, or hotel customer provided computer to check our email or Facebook page. Our vehicles are equipped with OnStar Technology and global positioning devices so that we know where we are at all times and can connect for emergency services instantly. Has all of this brought us closer together? I am ashamed to say it has not. I still can’t tell you the name of the neighbor, I wave to every morning as I’m dialing my cell phone to stay connected.

Studies have shown that we are actually losing our ability to communicate effectively though we communicate more frequently. Children no longer understand grammar, spelling or punctuation rules. It really isn’t necessary because a whole new language has been developed to assist the texting addiction. BTW 143 UR2GTBT CYL. If you understand what I just wrote welcome to the language of texting. I have even started using the ever popular LOL at the end of sentences because the laughter in my eyes softening the sarcasm I just typed cannot be translated any other way. Does anyone know the symbol for a hug? (((H))). No more cheek to cheek or arms holding you tight; just type 3 pair of parenthesis with an H in the middle and I’ll know you love me.

God desires a little cheek to cheek or a personal conversation with us; maybe a time of just sitting quietly and soaking up His presence. Instead we give God a 143 and a TU as we rush out the door texting our husband CYL. We wonder why the day doesn’t go as planned and it seems we there’s another battle at every turn. A colorful bracelet reminds you WWJD but U DNT HV a CLU BCOS UR2BZY. Put down the cell phone, turn off the computer and GDOYK, then RYB, soon your BFFL will GV U an ASWR.

MGB CYL

For all of you uncool people like me, here is a key to help you translate.
BTW – By the Way
143 – I love you (I don’t get it either)
UR – You are
2GTBT – Too good to be true
CYL – Catch you later
LOL –Laugh out loud (just to make sure they get the joke)
(((H))) – Hugs
TU – Thank you
WWJD – What would Jesus do?
U DNT HV – You don’t have
CLU –Clue
BCOS – Because
UR2BZY –You are too busy
GDOYK – Get down on your knees (Now you’re getting the hang of it)
RYB – Read your Bible (another one I made up)
BFFL – Best friend for life
GVU – Give you
ASWR - Answer
MGB – May God Bless You

MAKING LEMONADE

“Making lemonade, we’re making lemonade; in the sunshine or the shade, we’re making lemon-a-a-ade,” the song continued as Caleb and I enjoyed another viewing of “Boz.” Actually, I think I know the entire DVD by heart. I was still a little puzzled to have the song play over and over in my head all night. I figured God must be trying to teach me one of life’s little lessons.

I love fruit; apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, ok, you get the picture. You notice I didn’t include lemons. Lemons may be good for a lot of things but taking a big bite out of one doesn’t send my taste buds into orbit. I like a slice of lemon in a glass of water or squeezed over a plate of shrimp, but a little goes a long way. Now, back to my lesson.

We’ve all heard the expression, “If life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” It sounds good, but the doing isn’t as easy as the saying. Every one of us has experienced a few lemons in our life, some more sour than others and often more than just a squeeze. There are times we’re not in the mood for some lemonade and there’s just not enough sugar to sweeten them. We lay them over for later use or in the hope that they will just disappear. Lemons don’t disappear. If they aren’t put to the proper use in a short amount of time they become bitter, rotten, or so hard you can’t squeeze a drop of juice out of them. When you wait too long, they can only be ground up in the garbage disposal and flushed into the sewer.

On the flip side, there is nothing more refreshing than a frosty glass of lemonade on a hot day. Savor the first long drink, let the coolness flood your soul, the day won’t seem quite so hot. You can share a glass with a friend; use the lemons in your life to minister to a neighbor who has a few lemons of his own. Allow the lemons to bless you; set up a lemonade stand. People will linger just a little longer when you are serving sweet instead of sour.

So if life is handing you lemons, let the sweetness of the Holy Spirit cover the situation, sit back and enjoy the lemonade.

GOD LOVES ME!!!!!!

Sometimes I forget how much God loves me. As a mom I should have a total understanding of this kind of love; yet I have moments of doubt. There are days I trust my love for my children more than I trust God's love for me.

I read this quote by Max Lucado today:

"If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If he had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, he'll listen."

If you are feeling a little unloved or unlovable, let God surround you with His love.