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!

Wings

There are days that I wish I had wings and could fly. I would rise above the challenges of earth and escape into the clouds to hide among them. I repeat the words of the Psalmist and echo his longing. For some reason escape seems to be the path to rest.

Looking into the sky above Galveston Island, I watch the pelicans pass from east to west over the houses and beach.  The waves roll endlessly onto the sand and people bake in the hot sun.  The breeze ruffles the towels as the umbrellas wave in unison.

Maybe it isn't escape that was sought.  The obstacles that loom large on land become different in flight. Funny how that vantage point can calm and bring the rest prayed for.

Making Plans

Kamri was accepted to the College of her choice.  Her plans have been set in motion and the next few years are mapped out. I don't think there is anything more exciting than looking forward to new adventures at the threshold into adulthood.

Then it begins.  The excitement wanes a little when the responsibilities loom taller than the Eiffel Tower.  If the exhaustion of having to motivate yourself to class doesn't get you then the call to the financial aid office can.  Roommates, activities, and the multitude of choices test character.

WHO AM I?  WHY AM I HERE?

Those questions will begin to be answered that beginning semester.  But, in each phase of life, they will crop up again to be reworked and redirected. As I face the last semester of my life span, I keep asking the same questions and He keeps encouraging me to find those answers within His will for my life.

"My times are in His Hands", as the Psalmist said.

Teapots Don't Just Happen.

Misty and Angela always tackled birthdays (especially for Kamri) with much faith and imagination.  This particular year the teapot was the object of their endeavor.  If I remember correctly, it was a challenge!

As I review different periods in my life, I remember a lot of teapots I tried to create.  I found that many times I prayed the correct prayer but relied on incorrect information to bring it about.  Hindsight is a wonderful teacher.  I wish I had owned a GPS back in those days to help me see the correct route.

I have decided to change my pattern as our Pastor has been preaching on doing the same things and expecting to get a different outcome. So, I am taking my coffee outside in the morning to retrain myself to not only  recognize God's voice, but to listen to what He has to say.

I want to build a teapot in this coming year that will bring a smile to the faces of those I come in contact with.  But, more so, I want to hear that I am achieving His purpose for this part of the plan for my life.

Jeremiah 29:11

Important conversations...

There are some conversations that are very important in our lives.  At David's 60th birthday party, Kamri was involved in one of these exchanges.  As I get older, I find myself going over dialogue I have had with those who are no longer here.  I think I love this picture because it reminds me of those encounters with those now absent.

I listened to a song by Dallas Holm today.  The lyrics were along the line that He knew me then and He knows me now.  I am glad that I have a God who is consistent, even when I am not.  His knowledge of my life begins with my beginning.  His presence has always been with me.  

Listening to the song, I had an important conversation with God.  I will listen as well as speak.  That is a conversation, right?  There are two involved.  I am excited about the direction these visits will take and the insight I will find into my life and future.

Jeremiah 29:11.  Life isn't over until it is over.