Prisoner? or Free?

When I first saw this platform from the highway, I thought it was an observation tower at a prison.  It isn't.  It is part of a Zip Line that goes over an African Animal Reserve in Arizona.  (But, it is the only picture I have that would make someone think of a prison.)

I have been studying the Book of Hebrews.  In Chapter 13:3 it says:  "Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body."

That thought stuck in my mind - remember the prisoners.  Sometimes I feel like a prisoner.  Sometimes I don't want to be hospitable.  Sometimes I forget how easy my life is and how difficult those in the Middle East and places like Haiti have it.

I have called myself a "Christian" since I was 8 years old.  I have been able to study the Bible and  Doctrine and have an understanding of what being a Christian is about.  But, at different stages of my life I have been overwhelmed by my situation and forgotten to look for those who are in deep need.

The two sides of the coin are abundant life and tribulation.  God's Word gives us direction regarding both.  To be a Christian is to find out what Christ was doing here, then ask the Holy Spirit to create that purpose inside us.  I think maybe that is why Paul was "free" when he was "bound" in Rome.  His relationship with Jesus Christ gave him the freedom to help me find my place in this Body of Christ.

There are a lot of people locked inside themselves for various reasons.  I am asking the Holy Spirit to set me free from my phobias so that I can better fulfill this admonition found in Hebrews 13.

Have You Ever Kissed A Frog?

There is something about our imagination that can take something mediocre (or someone) and transform them into a prince.  It isn't until reality sets in that the mist over our eyesight is gone and we realize we have "kissed a frog".  It isn't easy to erase the frog image and get the prince back.

I did this to a car one time. Someone who was going to help me get an inspection on my car and I went to look at new Volkswagons.  Why? you ask?  I don't know, it was a good idea at the time.  The end result, I drove off that lot with a new car.  I was sick at my stomach.  My companion was excited!  I was terrified.  How was I going to pay for it?

I was attending Southern Bible College at the time and we had a redheaded business manager named Bro. McMullen.  I went into his office and explained my predicament.  Well, Super Dad McMullen went with me to that dealership and I drove out in my car!

That frog led me to a prince who delivered me from a situation I was not prepared to live with.  How often God has done that very thing for me!  He directs my steps and brings about deliverance out of a  place of debt that is not His plan.

Psalm 32:7 says, "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."  He used a special individual to help deliver me.

I have used eye drops more often through the years to ensure I recognized the frogs and didn't mistake them for a prince!  Sometimes it even worked!!

"Welcome Back!" said the Papa

 They were there waiting for us as we drove into the ranch. The road was muddy with ruts that almost took our SUV into a quagmire that would require a chain to pull us to the trailer.  It was phenomenal!  Glenda slapped it into first gear and put the gas peddle to the floorboard!  We wobbled and the wheels spun as the mud engulfed the car.

Gloria was on the edge of her seat gripping the handle with a steel determination.  Nancy sat quietly without emotion beside me in the back seat as I hung onto my purse.  Glenda slid and careened down the muddy road into the compound proper.  There they were.  The cattle were waiting to say hello and eat the corn that Matt had put in the road to make sure we had a reception.

It was three days of fun, food, new places and experiences.  We went to Sequin to Tavern on the Creek. It was decided before we left that we would order several items and divide them.  Some of the food was good, but the best part was returning home and watching Gloria make her famous pecan pie.  It was wonderful!

Wednesday we went to San Marcos to the Salt Grass on the college campus.  It is beside the river and as I munched on my grilled chicken and baked sweet potato, I could watch the river traffic float by.  Students lounged on the banks and reminded me of a distant time when I was younger and beginning adulthood.

For three years the four of us have come to this ranch.  We investigate the surrounding towns and enjoy the scenery and restaurants.  But the purpose of the trip is to see what God has for our future, There is such growth when there are others who are committed to helping you find your spiritual path and build that foundation you can stand on when needed.

Thank you to Gloria, Nancy and Glenda for being supportive and consistent in your love for me, your sister/friend,  Jer. 29:11

Haunted?

Clark Hall is gone now.  It was the dorm and cafeteria building for Southern Bible College, a Denominational College for The Pentecostal Church of God.  I arrived in the Fall of 1963.  I was young and excited to move out of my parents home and begin my journey into adulthood.  This would be one of the most influential seasons of my life.

I remember hearing the prayers of students as God would move in their hearts and lives all over the campus.  I loved this place and what I experienced during my time there.  It forged friendships and life lessons that have lasted.  I remember coming downstairs from my room as they were announcing the murder of John F. Kennedy.  The cafeteria was located just below my room.  My window was one of the two by the palm tree on the second floor.

This property is now a Half-way House.  Inmates from Huntsville head to 10950 Beaumont Hwy, Houston, Texas for interim housing until moving back into society.  My daughter began working at this location several years ago.  She tells this story...

Well, the residents of the facility talked about this building before it was torn down.  They said it was "haunted".

I remember the Holy Spirit moving in our lives over the years I was at SBC.  He moved in the Ad Building, the NEW cafeteria and always in the dorms. He moved especially in this dorm, as it housed so many of us as we worked our way through the curriculum that would give us the spiritual grounding to move into the future years of our lives.

Well, it was haunted.  But, it was inhabited by The Holy Spirit as He directed my life challenges, dreams and future plans.  Some things I did right.  Many times I failed.  But, this building stands as a remembrance of  those years God reached into my heart and forged a forever bond.

JOY

It was a hot summer afternoon on the West End of Galveston, Texas.  A breeze had cooled the air on the beach as the waves pushed in and out.  The water moved at a softer pace as the day wore on.  But the sheer joy of being so close to the Gulf never waned.

I sat watching Kamri watch the water.  At that moment I experienced pure joy.  I was content, happy, at peace and filled with the wonder of God's creation.  I have never felt as close to God or my family as at that dot in time.  

There are not many instances in life that one is completely content.  I can say that the majority of those ocurances, for me, have happened near the water.  There is something about the sound of the surf that relaxes my angst.  I can actually feel the tension leave my body when I drive up to the seawall.  Rolling down the windows, experiencing the breeze on my face, hearing the gulls and watching the pelicans glide overhead set everything in motion, releasing peace in my heart.

Funny, I can close my eyes and I am sitting there watching my granddaughter watch the surf.  That was several years ago, but it remains the same.  I can come to the water for healing,  Quenching my thirst for the Gulf is 15 minutes, 20 miles south for me.

In Rev, 7:16-17 Scripture speaks of never thirsting again.  There will be no scorching heat.  There will be springs of living water.  Think of it!  Eternal contentment. Eternal JOY.

                                                     

Sunrise on Lake Houston

Have you ever stopped and just thought of the beautiful gifts God has placed in your life?

I have spent four days with this view at my disposal.  I didn't see the sunrise everyday, but this one particular morning I was up at just the right time.  In fact, I was almost too late to get a good picture.  The sun was getting higher up in the sky and my phone caught the glare.

This gift embraces me with peace.  I can walk down to the water and feel the cares of life begin to melt away.  The breeze wraps itself around me as I watch the birds glide overhead.

Then, there are the deer.  They wait patiently for the feeders to go off, relaxing in the green grasses of the lawns of those who love the wild life and provide for them.

Every time I take a vacation at my friend's home, I realize how blessed I am to be able to enjoy the views provided.  God knows what we need and makes a way to give us that peaceful retreat just when it is most useful.

I am always amazed at His care as He brings about circumstances to make sure I am doing well.
God loves me so much that He gave friends who have resources that they share to make my life better!

Hopefully, I can return the friendship, Jer. 29;11

The World Through Cataracts...

Cataracts:

Ophthalmology:  an eye disease in which the lens becomes covered in an opaque film that affects sight, eventually causing total loss of sight.  It can be treated surgically by replacing the lens with an artificial implant.

I have cataracts.  Surgery will clear up my vision so that I possibly won't even need glasses.  It is a condition I have developed over the years.  The reason?  Aging.

I think this country has developed cataracts.  Things that were once black and white have now become fuzzy.  Definitions of right and wrong have been rewritten.  I don't think they have necessarily changed, but as our society has walked further and further away from respecting God and having a belief in Him, the definitions have been replaced with those adhered to throughout history by mankind who chooses to do what is right in his own eyes.

There is a cure.  But, I have to choose to undergo an uncomfortable surgery of the soul to see clearly.  When I accepted Jesus Christ, I began a spiritual surgery to remove the cataracts of political correctness and self fulfillment.  Being filled with His Spirit will remove the opaque moral issues and give me clarity of His will.

1 Corinthians 13:12  King James Version (KJV)

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

I like me better when I am under His guidance than the me I am when rattling around squinting, bouncing off walls,

THE CALL OF THE SEA...

Several years ago I discovered a place that brought peace to my soul.  I had gone through a period of immense stress and was unable to relax.  I made a trip to Galveston Island and spent several days lost in the sound of the surf as it rushed in and then raced back into the Gulf.  This experience made me realize how much I loved the water and the calm that came with it.

The picture is from a house that stood directly in front of the one we had rented.  It speaks everything I felt as I looked into the moving waters welcoming me to the West End.  The pelicans flew in formation and the gulls danced at the waters edge.

The moment my tires hit the causeway on I45, I feel a sense of peace and calm that eludes me any other place.  The cares of life let go and I spend the next few hours visiting my favorite restaurant, beach shop and the West End.

The Sunflower Cafe is one of my destinations.  They have anything anyone would want to eat but I keep ordering their quiche. Then, I choose a chocolate brownie or cake or lemon pie or on and on.  Decisions decisions!!!

After lunch I head up Broadway to the beach.  Across the street from The Galvez is my FAVORITE spot in the world!  Murdoch's has two, not one, but two shops!  Connecting the two shops is a porch that I could live on.  There is always a breeze!  It has chairs and rockers and looks out into the vast waters of the Gulf.  If you look to your right, you can see the Pleasure Pier and the excitement surrounding the rides.

Once I have soaked in the windy atmosphere of this beautiful spot, I head to the West End.  Why?  The houses call me to investigate the beautiful architecture and drive onto the beach.  I look for shells and anything unbroken,  Once in a while there are great discoveries!  The pelicans glide overhead as I breathe slowly in and out.

My day ends as I pull into Sonic or McDonald's for a drink to sip on as I head down 61st Street and turn on I45 headng North toward Houston.

God has given me a peace and joy that is inexpensive and wonderful as I leave  the sounds of the Gulf water hitting the shore and retreating.  It is a constant thing and I am reminded of His loving care constantly moving in and out in my life.  Jeremiah 29:11

LaRue and Clara

PROVERBS 3:5,6

My Mother was a tall woman.  Her long legs made sitting on her lap secure and safe.  I would lean back, her arms locking me in place and go to sleep. (She was over 80 when she died and I still felt safe on her lap.)

 My Grandmother Treat, on the other hand, was short and wide.  Sitting on her lap was wonderful; she was like a fluffy pillow.  But, I had to hold on.  There just wasn't enough room between her stomach and knees to provide the width needed for restful sleep.

 The difference in napping on my Mother's lap and my Grandmother's, was comparable to sleeping on a king-size bed or a twin. I would take either one every chance I got!

Proverbs 3:5,6 has been a "king-size" Scripture that I have been able to embrace and in it I have found respite. Try it on.


 "TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING; IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE SHALL DIRECT YOUR PATH."  Proverbs 3: 5,6

Remembering My Youth...

In 1963 I drove my Yellow Volkswagon through the gates of Southern Bible College at 10950 Beaumont Hwy. in Houston, Texas. For the next 9 years, I was engulfed and surrounded by an incredible group of people who nurtured and mentored my life.  I dreamed, failed, overcame and found a foundation for my youthful Faith that has never been destroyed.

This past weekend, there was a reunion of over 150 fellow SBC students in Carthage, MO.  For many years, a couple in North Houston hosted a New Year get-to-gather for those who could come to the Houston area.

Do you know what I found?  It just doesn't matter the amount of time that has elapsed - the bond goes deep and memories rise fast and often when we come together.  Time stands still and the events of 50 years drop away to the wonderful time we were young and just knew that God was speaking directly to our minds and hearts.  We were His Ambassadors.  We heard the "call" and came to learn and find His direction.

There have been many choices made over the past 50 years.  Some were exactly what He wanted me to do.  Others, I did what I wanted and missed His plan entirely.  But, there was a foundation laid that hasn't been destroyed whatever the circumstance. Friendships have lasted like the Pyramids of Egypt.  The nose may be gone from the Sphinx, but it still stands!

I know that God directed this child to that place. I was exposed to ministers who were ethical. They were who they said they were and lived what they preached.  Their lives live on in the ministries that were founded and flourished because of their example.  I miss them.

At times, I am once again 18 and excited about the future.  At other times, I am a mature alumni from a small college tucked away in east Houston, TX.

The site is now a half-way house.  Clark Hall is gone now, but the residents who lived there were convinced it was "haunted."  The Holy Spirit visited that building often during the time SBC lived there.  They were Oh So Right!

(A big thanks to Mark Pendergrass for the photos he found and posted on Facebook.)

Solitary environment...

There was one way in and one way out to Randy's Cabin.  It took three to four minutes driving about 5 miles an hour to reach the clearing.  This was the road that led to the reclusive and peaceful site.

Solitude.  No TV, no internet (except sporadically on the phone), only the fire flies and quiet.  The owners lived just up the hill.  I guess if it had gotten too difficult, we could have made friends with them and watched their dish TV.  Only saw signs of them twice during the entire weekend.

It was a place to make friends with oneself.  There wasn't any distraction from the voice inside that formerly was shouting to get my attention.  Choices and decisions paraded in front of my eyes, seeking solutions and direction.  What to do about this?  Did I choose wisely while buying the three pair of same shoe only in different colors from geek.com?  How much will it cost to return two of them?  The mustard was just too much!

It was somewhat of a relief when we were down the mountain and my phone kicked in.  Those nagging questions left unanswered were put on hold as we stopped at Pickles Gap and wandered the souvenir shops.  I found a Black Hills Gold ring I couldn't resist!

(Just kidding about the shoes.  However, geek.com is a fun place to shop for a few dollars!)

The quiet was good for me.  I sat on the porch and was able to allow myself the time to reflect and get reconnected to me.  When it is all said and done, it will just be me and my Creator.  I must find His plan daily.  To establish that, I must be willing to look myself in the eye, heart and mind and move forward.

Jeremiah 29:11  His plan.  His purpose.  His way.

The Belly of the Whale - Grief

The Belly of the Whale – Grief

I was reading the Book of Jonah this morning and the second chapter stood out like a NEON sign.

“I WAS THERE!  That is what I felt like.  During my care giving experience and following, I related to Jonah’s words:

“From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help…you listened to my cry.  You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me…the engulfing waters threatened me; seaweed was wrapped around my head.  When my life was ebbing away, I remembered You.”

I think it was the seaweed that stood out first.  Following my care giving time, I was deep in the belly of the whale.  I was “deep in the realm of the dead”.  I felt like I had been “hurled into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me.  The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me. “

several years I floated.  I went to work.  I went to church.  I surfed tv channels and the internet.  I could not land and stay put.  I was tossed to and fro by the pressures that I had experienced.  People didn’t realize the extent of my bruises because I was very good at rising to the occasion.  I had always been able to find an answer and have a ready plan at a moment’s notice.

However, grief brought a new facet to my personality that I ignored.  Maybe not ignored as much as I didn’t recognize the feelings or thoughts I was experiencing.  I had never traveled that path before.  It was new and I was alone.

Then my reading moved to chapter 4.  Jonah had gone east of Nineveh and sat down.  He built a shelter.  He sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city.  He was functioning – not very well, but he was following God’s directions.

God provided a leafy plant.  He made it grow up over Jonah to give shade for his head to ease his discomfort.  Jonah was very happy.

BUT – it was time to move forward and not continue to stay placed in the grips of grief.

SO – God provided a worm.  It chewed the plant which withered.  God also provided a scorching east wind and sun which blazed on Jonah’s head.  He grew faint.  He wanted to die. 

I related this to the time God chose to move me out of the deep into His plan for my future.  I liked the couch.  I didn’t want to be responsible to anyone’s pain or comfort.   I hurt.  I struggled with remembering.  I was numb.

But, God had a plan to deliver Nineveh and He had a plan for Jonah.  Jonah’s time in the belly of the whale and watching Nineveh be delivered was a minute on the timeline of Jonah’s life.  There was much behind, but so much more going forward.  And so for me, too.

Happy Father's Day, Jimmie....and brothers

I found this picture of my father and three of his brothers:  Marion, Victor and Charles.  They were all entertainers,  If my dad was in a room with one other person, he would be telling jokes or dancing or playing a fiddle or guitar.

One of my memories centers around Friday and Saturday nights.  Dad's friends and brothers would come over for a jam session.  Mom, Jerry and I were usually relegated to the bedroom until break time.  At the musical break, we would have donuts or something comparable.  Then, for the next couple of hours it would be back to the bedroom to listen to a list of  music from folk to country to gospel to anything they knew.  It was serious  business that brought them together.  They loved to play.  Occasionally, my Mom (who was a really good singer) would join in with a song of her choice.

I didn't appreciate the talent my parents were gifted with until years later.  I was always a wannabe singer.  I could harmonize, but playing an instrument was not one of my gifts.  What I did receive was a great appreciation for those evenings filled with blue grass and love ballads.

This Father's day, I remember my heritage.  I thank God for those events He allowed in my life that made me the person I have become.  I miss those four men.

Happy Father's day, Jim Treat.  I love you.

Maximum HAPPY!

This picture makes me happy!

I saw it and immediately began to imagine what was so thrilling the tiny girl and her camel friend.

Was there a sand storm that rose across the desert and whipped the tents into a frenzy?
Was another camel prancing in front of them?
Could they be witnessing an oasis with palm trees and a pool of cool water?

Whatever the view, it made them extremely happy!

There are people in my life that have this affect on me.  When I am with them, I laugh.  They bring out the funny in me.  It doesn't matter how many years or weeks or days we have been separated, we pick up where we left off and relive previous times while creating new adventures.  Our eyes meet and the communication is instant and filled with fun,

If it has been some time since you have experienced this joy, contact one of those friends immediately!

Have a blessed day!!

Courage

Courage...

This past week I have been reminded of what courage looks like.  Being a caregiver 24/7, watching a loved one as they deal with debilitating health issues, learning to walk through grief...each situation requires courage.

It would be nice if there was a time frame to help guide through the physical challenges, not to mention the emotional aspect.  But, life doesn't give us those options, it sneaks up on us and we often find ourselves figuring it out as we go.  My Faith in God's plan was the anchor I grasped with both hands.  I had been taught that Jesus Christ loved me and that my Heavenly Father had a plan.  Jeremiah 29:11 played over and over in my mind and spirit.  

My personal belief in Jesus Christ and the fact that He loved me gave me the courage to get up and place one foot in front of the other through the most difficult times.  In crisis, the choices we have to make are ours alone.  There are those times no one else can choose - it is our decision alone and must be made like a pelican on a pole with the octopus reaching.

I have three friends who have exhibited this courage to me.  One has MS, another has cancer, and another has a sister with Alzheimers. They daily face their challenges with dignity and Faith.  Life isn't easy.

 Without Jesus Christ, it would be impossible.  Because of my relationship with Him, I have been given the tools to be courageous whatever circumstances I face.

Safe....

Safe.

For years I drove the Houston freeways to go to work.  In my twenties I drove from Houston to Illinois and didn't think anything about it.  I once drove from Miami, Fl. area to St. Louis, Mo. in a Volkswagon without a spare tire, and two kids.

That was when I was young.

Later, my job required me to drive 610 and I 59 from Deer Park to JFK Blvd by the Airport.  I opted to pay the $4 a day to go the beltway because there were people I knew along the way,  I lived by myself and the kids were several minutes away, so I knew if something happened, I would have a place to go.

I did't feel SAFE.

A few years ago, I retired.  I think the most overwhelming feeling of safety comes when it is storming at 6 am and I do NOT have to drive anywhere!  I know that whatever happens, I am not on the road in a vehicle that is subject to wind, rain, obstacles thrown from trucks, and everyday wear and tear.  I am safe.

Jesus Christ has made me feel safe for a long time.  I haven't always taken the opportunity to run to that safety place, (as in driving), but His presence has always been on 610 or Beltway8.  In fact, when I think about it, He has traveled many miles with me.

Psalm 4:8  In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

LOST AND FOUND! (or - Password reset)

I have been away for almost a year.  I did not remember my password.  What I thought it was, wasn't. So - this blog is about the importance of backups.  Do you?  Should you?  Where to keep the important information you will NEED if you wish to continue sharing thoughts.

This is the conclusion I have reached.  Have a notebook, notes on your phone, or some area where ALL important bits of information are together.  I was asked my Social Security number the other day.  Did I remember it?  Well, I remembered 8 of the 10 numbers,  I was talking to a doctors office and one of the symptoms of my issue was forgetfulness.  Was I embarrassed?  Yes.  (When I called back to make my appointment, they didn't even ask that bit of information.)

Am I still Peaceful?

Yes.  I am.  I have been retired for sometime now and find new ways to not work.  One would think I could remember my passwords under these circumstances, but obviously, retirement is not a given that you will still have information on the tip of your tongue.

So:  Have a plan.  Have a place.  Make sure that your will, insurance papers and passwords are where you can find them easily!

God bless!