My Next Door Neighbor and My NextDoor App

As I was on my early morning walk yesterday, I saw neighbors putting up this Happy Birthday display for their neighbors across the street from them. Hello, blog for this day! Neighbors loving neighbors. Sound familiar?

I’m counting my blessings because I have next door neighbors who I think are on assignment as my guardian angels. They’re the kind of folks who go beyond the call of duty. They’re always looking out for me and checking on me. When I forget to let my garage door down, they are there. I like to think that I’m pretty good at reciprocating. I think we're doing a pretty good job of obeying Jesus’ important second commandment to the “T”: “‘You must love your neighbor as yourself”. Luke 10:27

Last week I talked about the blessing of the NextDoor app. If you’re in a neighborhood, It must be there for you, too! It’s a great online app where you can get recommendations for excellent doctors, lawn, irrigation, electrical and plumbing people. I asked if anyone had a bike I could purchase for my granddaughter and a sweet couple simply gave one they no longer used. I asked for boxes when my kids were moving and a neighbor had more than enough broken down and ready to go. It's also a "lost and found" blessing and we've used it to help us find our little 5-pound Yorkie, twice, when she sneaked out the door or yard.

Right now, there are Biden and Trump signs everywhere in my community. We may not agree on political candidates, but we definitely agree that relationships matter more than politics. We treat each other with respect, disagree agreeably (and often with humor). Neighbors loving neighbors.

Hands down, Jesus took neighboring to a whole new level when he talked about the Jewish man who had been beaten, robbed and left for dead by bandits and the only one to his rescue was the Samaritan (enemies to the Jews) who saw him and was moved with compassion. He took care of him to the point of paying for his care. Jesus’ answer to the scribe’s question, “Who is my neighbor?” was answered when He said, “Go and do what the Samaritan did.” When Jesus said, "neighbor", I think He was actually saying "our fellow man or woman". That is surely loving our neighbors as we love ourselves.

In these days, that’s a HUGE statement! It suggests that all of God’s children must be our neighbors and we must love them just as the Samaritan man did! In this time of deep political hostility, biased opinions, and debates about what's moral or immoral and what’s right and wrong, I’m confident that Jesus would still say the same thing today. So, then, the question really is: “Lord, there are so many that don’t agree with my philosophies, my faith, my values and my opinions, so then, WHO really is my neighbor?” I’m quite sure He’s responding "ALL MY KIDS are neighbors! After 2,000 years of Me telling you that…..nothing has changed in my record books. It’s STILL ‘Love your neighbors as you love yourselves!”"

L-O-V-E — that’s a 4-letter action word. And you know what? That “LOVE your neighbor” admonition doesn’t have UNLESS in it anywhere!

The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr

I'm old enough to remember when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968 – 52 years ago. That date gives me pause. It did then when I was holding my one-year-old baby boy in my arms and hearing the horrendous news of the assassination of this passionate, honorable man who endeavored to make a difference in this world of anger and hate. It was only five years previously, sitting in my 10th Grade Geometry class, that the news came over the loud speaker that President Kennedy had been shot. We “paused” to pray, and later found out that he had passed away. Today, I “pause” again to pray earnestly for our country, our leaders and for an outbreak of a love revolution. As Dr. King said, “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” And as Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. (Matthew 5:43-44)

The night before he was killed, Dr. King spoke at a church in Memphis. He had been receiving death threats for over 10 years but never shied away from public appearances. "We've got some difficult days ahead, but it doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place, but I'm not concerned about that now, I just want to do God's will."

And isn’t that what we all should be saying and living out in our lives – “I just want to do God’s will.” Dr. King was right: God calls us to stand for what is right because it is right. Whatever the cost, whatever it takes, wherever He leads.

I know of no better way to honor Dr. King than to mimic him in and his memory by beginning each day with the strong desire to do God's will and to serve his God.

What does doing God’s will look like? I think it looks like Martin Luther King’s relentless pursuit of peace, goodwill to all men (and women). It is putting aside “anything goes” and living with zeal and determination to make a difference in this world. This isn't a day and time to muddle through and hide in a crowd or a cubicle or a boardroom or classroom. If I’ve come to know about those who have given their lives for our country and those who lived lives of relentless passion for others – it is what I desire my life to look like. So much good has come from the dreams and passion of Martin Luther King Jr. What will be said of our dreams and passion in 52 years?

Making the Most of Our Lives

Over the 19 years since the diagnosis of osteoarthritis in my fingers, some deformity occurred. Initially, the pain was so severe that I needed help to do the simplest things like buttoning a blouse or zipping up slacks. The worst part was being unable to pick up my grand-babies. Through prayer and wise nutrition counsel, I have had no pain or only minuscule pain if I overuse them. I continue to stand in faith for total healing. But, what a small price to pay for years of the gift of using these hands to type, write and accomplish so many things in so many ways. Such a gift to be able to hold someone's hand and lay these hands on those in need or prayer. I'll continue to use them despite looking a little gnarly. I am not complaining.

I can't complain at all, especially when I see others with even worse physical issues. I was touched by Shane Claiborne's book, "The Irresistible Revolution", subtitled "Living as an Ordinary Radical", that describes what a truly Christian lifestyle should be like based on his personal experience with Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India. He wrote: "People often ask me what she was like. Sometimes it's like they wonder if she glowed in the dark or had a halo. She was short, wrinkled, and precious, maybe a little ornery, like a beautiful, wise, old granny. But there is one thing I will never forget -- her feet. Her feet were deformed. I would stare at them. A Sister explained: "Her feet are deformed because we get just enough donated shoes for everyone, and Mother does not want anyone to get stuck with the worst pair, so she digs through and finds them. And years of doing that have deformed her feet."

Years of loving her neighbor as herself deformed her feet. When people are asked about the person whose life they most admire, so often the answer is "Mother Teresa". She made the most of her life which sounds strange when we consider her life was a life of self-denial, taking up her cross, following Jesus.

Life is an extraordinary and a wonderful gift. God's Word constantly urges us not to waste this gift but to make the most of our lives. "Making the most of our lives", to some, varies from seeing the seven wonders of the world, being sure to visit every state in the union, climbing the tallest mountain, running a marathon each year OR, in the case of exhausting this body that was given us to make a difference in our world or at least to make a difference in those who God places in our lives. My bucket-list has become a shorter list these days -- because now I'm seeing clearer what "making the most of my life is really all about". Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, your love and your joy -- just maybe -- I can make the most of my life today by surrendering my will to yours.

Would We Look the Other Way?

I don’t know about you, but I did. Looked the other way, that is! It seemed there were beggars holding signs on every corner of this busy Austin intersection. The light was red and one was coming down the line of cars toward me. I hoped for the light to turn green before he got to me. It did. Whew! Spared that dilemma: “Do I give him a dollar or some change or do I avoid looking at him?” I avoided looking at him. But, my conscience hurt as I passed him. Would it have been worth the change or a dollar to NOT have this moment when I felt like I let God down. After all, I am that girl who makes up bags of a water bottle and a package of crackers and cheese to at least give something. How could I be so heartless?

Yesterday, my blog was about "Loving our neighbors as we love ourselves." The emphasis on "loving ourselves". Now today, our Gospel reading in Luke 10, Jesus speaks those words to an inquiring lawyer. I want "neighbor" clarified once and for all! The lawyer and I both ask: "So who is my neighbor anyway?"

I dove deeper into Jesus response. Whatever this lawyer had in mind for the answer, I’m sure it wasn’t the story that Jesus told. And I’m sure it's not what we would expect either. We all may know the parable of the Good Samaritan that followed in Jesus response. It seems the “neighbor” is the man going to Jericho who was beaten and left for dead -- the one who three men encounter. I think the "Good Samaritan", the one who helped this man, also proved to be a good neighbor. It made me want to be like this Samaritan who helped when help was needed and not get all caught up in questions about who we're supposed to help, and when, where and how, and what if it will make me late for church on Sunday if I stop? I know the dialogue well!

What I’ve come to realize about our neighbors is it's more about OUR identity, not theirs. What matters first is who we are. The radical truth is that in Christ we have been given a right standing before God and we are propelled in love for God and others by the power of His Spirit in us. So that affects the way we see those around us. It's not because they've become something different, but because we have.

Of course, we could make a thousand qualifiers. The Good Samaritan didn't give his spare change to buy another bottle of whiskey, and from what I understand in working with the homeless, it’s not the best use of our resources either. But I’m thinking that more importantly is that maybe we get lost in the qualifiers too often — about when help can hurt and who are the poor. These are all important questions, and we do well to give them careful thought.

But while we think, and think we must, may we never lose sight that the central issue has to do with how the Gospel message bears on our own souls. God made us new creatures in Christ — empowered to love others for His sake. I’m sure God wants us to help the poor and blesses us when we do. In the words of the Psalmist David: “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes” (Psalm 41:1-2).

It is indeed a worthy cause to help the poor, including the sign-holders on our street corners. Each of us must respond to these people as the Lord guides us, not forgetting at the same time to offer prayers for needy people. Personally, I’m determined to not over-analyze should I or shouldn’t I, but I think I’m going to make up some more of those bags or have a protein bar on hand to give to them, look them in the eyes and say “God loves you and so do I.” How could that be anything but loving my neighbor as I love myself and God loves me?

Loving our Neighbors as We Love Ourselves

I’ve been here at my Austin family’s home for over two weeks now. Here’s the bonuses of being here:
1) Breathtaking views of Austin’s Hill Country from their back patio – perfect for a morning of holding hands with God and His creation.
2) Hanging out with the critters.
3) Going make-up free and even coiffed-hairdo free.
4) Being on the elliptical equipment to do my 4.5 mile workout each day.
5) Eating out of their pantry and refrigerators.
6) Wearing jeans and a t-shirt or my work-out clothes.

But, if someone were coming over or I was invited over to someone’s home or taken to dinner (I have been several times), I gussy up, coif my hair, put on a little spray cologne and wear an attractive outfit. After all, I want to dress for success. Actually, I’m loving both sides of this girl – the no frills and the dolling up. I love me – both ways. I love who I have become in the process of loving God with all my heart. It’s taken many seasons to get me to this self-assured season. Remember Jesus’ words to the lawyer: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself!” (Mark 12:31).

But there ARE those times when I allow myself to feel “less than” when I see you younger, flawless, smoother complexions, trim figures, silky hair and wearing shorts that show off your legs especially when, these days, the spider veins in my legs remove all desire for shorts or a swimsuit. There’s all kinds of strange “wisdom bumps” (as my dermatologist calls them) appearing in even stranger places. But, here’s the truth of the matter. We need to stop beating ourselves up for the way we look, be it extra weight around our middle that we call “our spare tire” or whatever our imperfection obsession might be and start loving the body God created especially for us. We are the only make and model of us on planet earth! One-of-a-kind!

While I’ve been here, I’ve taken to the elliptical equipment in the fitness room, doing 4.5 miles daily (76.5 miles for the 17 days I’ve been here). It’s great exercise and good for the body, mind, and soul. AND, the most important, is the quiet, alone time with God and me that builds up the inner me which is the most important, for sure.

We can’t love our neighbors as ourselves if we don’t know how to love ourselves. When we focus on feeling imperfect on the outside, we lose focus of how far God has brought us on the inside. Besides -- I have a feeling our outside isn’t as bad as we think. We have a purpose and we have a calling and we can’t walk in any of it if we can’t see beyond the mirror. We’re all on this journey together and seeing beyond ourselves is a wonderful way to travel.

No matter what we’re struggling with, God is bigger. I need to remember that the next time I get another "wisdom" spot. When we feel defeated by our imperfection obsessions, Jesus is right there to help us overcome those woe-is-me feelings. When the enemy tries to sell us a load of lies, let’s don't buy it! I know that’s easier said than done, but there’s nothing sweeter than trusting God in our human frailties and darkest moments. Let’s look at ourselves the way God sees us and say goodbye to our struggle with imperfection. God sees us through the sacrifice of Christ, and that is more perfect than anything we could ever hope for. We truly can surrender all the pieces of our life to the One Who made us and the One Who gave His life for us.

Going to His Houses for a Pick-Me-Up

I amuse myself when I consider what kind of over-the-top, super-Jesus-fanatic I must seem like to those who don’t take their faith walk quite as seriously as I do. I love hanging out with those who talk the same talk and walk the same walk that I do. You know us. Those “Praise the Lord!”, “Thank you, Jesus!”, “Praise God!” cliche-speaking people who take attending church so seriously that we get there at least 30 minutes early to find the closest seats to the front. We’re the ones who attend Bible studies, retreats and serve on ministry and outreach teams. We just can't carry on a conversation without interjecting something about God’s goodness and even quoting a scripture or two. Besides, I know that we BECOME who we hang out with. So I make sure I'm hanging out with loving, kind, compassionate, brilliant, passionate, alive and giving people.

So, on Sunday, I went to two filling-stations for a pick-me-up! First, I attended Life Austin, a non-denominational church where Randy Phillips of the Gospel recording group, Phillips, Craig and Dean, is the pastor. I got caught up in the wonderful music and praise. Then the message on love gave me more reasons to love myself so I can love others stronger. The scripture reference was “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Mark 12:39)

I left that service and headed to Emmaus Church where, as you enter the property, you see the statutes of Jesus and the two disciples who were walking on the road to Emmaus. Quickly, you're reminded of the scene of them not recognizing Jesus until He broke bread with them. That is what we do when we break bread in Holy Communion. And I love the enormous cross with Jesus ascending to heaven statute in the sanctuary. I rejoiced in our risen Lord when we sang Hillsong’s “Shout to the Lord all the earth, let us sing”. The pastor spoke on -- guess what! “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” I think God was impressing that message to me. Pastor Samuel shared that the disciples wanted Jesus to rain down fire on the Samaritans and Jesus was so incensed at the disciples’ attitude that he rebuked them for their intolerance and unacceptance of the Samaritans. He urged them to love others. (Luke 9:54) Pastor Samuel said, “It doesn’t sound too different than what our country is like today – intolerant of each other and, quite frankly, we would even like God to rain down fire on those who don’t agree with us." I heard God's "love" message loud and clear!

The "icing on the cake" came at the end. The children just finished their “God is Good” VBS (the same as ours in Frisco) and the children sang their theme song for the congregation. It was worth my efforts to be with God’s people this Sunday morning. It was raining outside and it was raining showers of blessings and bucketloads of God’s faithfulness on me on the inside. Indeed, “I was glad when they said unto me ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.” (Psalm 122:1).

Tenderize My Heart, Lord

While writing in my journal, I wrote: "Lord, tenderize my heart for others." Tenderize? Where did that come from? Suddenly, I went "nostalgic" and saw my mom holding a meat tenderizer hammer beating the tar out of a piece of meat. She was beating it to make the meat more tender. And, of course, that went along with chicken fried steak and cream gravy. Yum! And, chicken fried chicken! Lord, have mercy! How have we lasted so long since we grew up eating all that fried food? Oops! I took a rabbit trail!

Back to "Lord, tenderize my heart for others." I'm sure it came from my earlier newsfeed scrolling when I saw many of my friends having a really tough start to this new year -- illnesses, automobile and falling accidents. Others were raising funds for their family members who were in desperate need of finances to help cover their medical expenses and another gal was raising support for surgery for her dog. Each one of those needs God sees and isn't surprised at all by the calamities and distresses, but His heart is tenderized. Shouldn't mine be, too? Shouldn't we be touched by those around us who are in pain because of something gone wrong in their lives? Isn't that what Jesus meant when He said: "Love your neighbor as you love yourselves". How can I love my neighbor if I'm not loving myself? And if I'm loving myself, shouldn't I be loving others to help relieve their pains as I endeavor to relieve my own. And, demonstrating God's love to those we call family and friends is often the easiest to respond to their needs. But what about those we don't know and those who aren't the easiest to even consider wanting to love them in any way?

A friend commented on my "Time Maker; Time Waster" post: "My biggest time waster is Facebook! A bad habit I need to break" My comment back to her was "Instead of it being a time waster, make it a time maker by praying for those who need prayer there and encouraging those who need encouragement. That way, you are making a difference in their lives and yours!" That option is having a tenderized heart.

Jesus was the ULTIMATE example of a tenderized heart. He loved by sacrificing his life. His death on the cross made atonement for sin which humanity couldn’t make. Its power brings about forgiveness of sins and allows humans to have a personal relationship with God: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). My weak and flaw-filled attempts to love as He loves seems like an insurmountable mountain to climb. But, doing my best to follow His "love" lead, is a good start.

Oh, my pen was in the hand of God yesterday morning as I wrote those words. He was nudging me, awakening me to "beat the tar out of the enemy" with a love hammer. And, as the message became crystal clear, I asked Him again: "Tenderize my heart, Lord. Help me to feel as you feel, love as you love, see as You see, speak as You speak. Come and tenderize my heart, Lord. Let me see You as You are and as You want me to be."

Living Our Christianity Out-Loud -- "One Another Living"

Yesterday on FB, I saw this first photo of two family members with opposing opinions about who our next Texas Senator should be. The caption read: "This Longhorn fan prefers Ted Cruz. This Aggie fan prefers Beto. We may not agree on political candidates, but we definitely agree that relationships matter more than politics. Our families play games together, break bread together, drink wine together, float rivers together, and love a great party with other friends and neighbors. We treat each other with respect, disagree agreeably (and often with humor), and try, although not always successfully, to show our kids how responsible adults who don’t agree on everything should act. Be civil. Have conversations with people who don’t think like you. If everyone thought the same it would be boring anyway. And love your neighbor.”

I loved those sentiments enough to pass the message on. Remember the battle cry of the Three Musketeers? "All for one and one for all"! That sounds like a lofty goal, especially in light of the many different, opposing groups of people. If ever Christians needed to become "All for One and One for All", it's today. What does that mean? It means that our lives should become so "Light" bearing, that it is completely obvious who the Christians are. People need to see Christians who manifest the character of Christ, speaking the truth in love with courage and compassion. The more bitter others are, the more persuasive OUR witness will be. Right now is a great opportunity for Christianity. If we actually lived our faith and actually lived Christianity it would be extremely attractive to people. It differentiates Christianity from all that’s going on in the world.

In Galatians 5:14, Paul wrote, "For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” I think what Paul is talking about is the kind of love of neighbor that the Musketeers had for each another. We can learn from their unity and loyalty. As followers of Jesus Christ, not only do we strive to serve, protect, and love God, but we are also called to serve, protect and love each other.

Today, I'm thinking of ways that we can join our hands and hearts together to be a part of something greater than "my four and no more" -- greater than "What's in it for me?" What if we began to pray and humble ourselves to become God's servants who live a life of ONE ANOTHER LIVING? "What can I do for you? What can I do for the cause? What can I do for the team? What can I do for others that helps them to win?" Let’s live our faith. Let’s let people know we are Christians – not by screaming it out off the rooftops. If we know anything about this culture, they’re screaming at Christians “Don’t tell me. Show me." Let’s live our Christianity and teach others how to do the same!”

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

I’m continuing on in my “We Need Each Other” campaign. I was inspired recently when I ran across a FB post that asked, “Remember this guy?” with a photo of this sharp looking, well-dressed man. Yes, I remember this really cool dude that greeted us daily on TV, Mr. Rogers. I apologize to you young’uns’ who were born too late to know him. Today, he'd have to come packaged as a rapper or be able to hip-hop dance for us to think him "cool". BTW -- the word "cool" is still in -- I checked! Mr. Rogers sang this to us: "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won't you be my neighbor?" That was dear, Mr. Rogers! He made us feel that having neighbors was one of life's greatest gifts.

In Luke 10, Jesus told the scribe ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself" and the scribe replied, "But who is my neighbor?" That's when Jesus gave His brilliant explanation in a parable about the Good Samaritan. What a storyteller Jesus was! Mr. Rogers' stories were similar. He taught kids to love themselves and others.

Hands down, Jesus took neighboring to a whole new level when he talked about the Jewish man who had been stripped, beaten, robbed and left for dead by bandits. A priest and another religious man saw him but passed him by. The Samaritan (enemies to the Jews) saw him and was moved with compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day, he gave the innkeeper money and said, ‘Take good care of him. If you spend more than that, I’ll repay you when I come back.’ So, Jesus' answer to the scribe's question, "Who is my neighbor?" was answered when he said, "Go and do what the Samaritan did.”

Whew! In these days, that's a HUGE statement! It suggests that all of God's children must be our neighbors and we must love them just as the Samaritan man did! In this time of so much political hostility, biased opinions, questionable decisions being made about equality and what's right and wrong, I wonder if Jesus would still say the same thing today. After all, there is so much more to consider: Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, African Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, Caucasians, Asians, the poor, the homeless, the unattractive, gays, lesbians, the handicapped, the mentally ill, and countless other groups are still often the victims of ridicule, hatred, and discrimination.

So, then, the question really is: "Lord, there are so many that don’t agree with my philosophies, my faith, my values and my opinions, so then, WHO really is my neighbor?" I'm quite sure he's responding ALL MY KIDS are neighbors! After 2,000 years of Me telling you that.....nothing has changed in my record books. It's STILL 'Love your neighbors as you love yourselves!" L-O-V-E -- that's a 4-letter word to be AND do! That "LOVE your neighbor" admonition doesn't have UNLESS in it anywhere!

Love God and Do Whatever You Want

Love God and Do Whatever You Want
I heard that St. Augustine quote on Sunday and I thought “Did I hear that right? Do whatever I want?” How can that be? The answer is shocking at first. It sounds like a license to sin and a way to avoid responsibility. Anything I please? The key to understanding St. Augustine, as well as my pastor’s message, is found in the order of the words. It can even be brought out with the addition of a comma: Love God, and do what you want. As long as the first command is truly followed, the second will follow after God’s heart and will. LOVE is the answer. If we use the filter of LOVE, it will sift everything else out, that isn’t right.

That message reminded me of a personal story. A couple of years after my sweetheart went to heaven, I met a beautiful, sweet and kind gentleman. We had many things in common, but some opposite opinions when it came to matters of the heart – those “Love the Lord your God with ALL YOUR HEART” matters. I rationalized “This friendship is good and I enjoy his company and kindness, so I’ll continue to be an example of God’s love and, hopefully, he’ll come around to my way of thinking on those areas that we don't agree on. Not long after that, he asked if I would go away with him. I knew what he meant. Immediately, I recognized our main difference was my profound love for God. I explained that I was in a “love” relationship with God and I wouldn’t dare do anything that would damage that relationship. My true “North”, then, and thereafter, has continued to be “Love God. Period.” That “True North” of loving God – is my fixed point that keeps me on track in making daily life decisions, finding compatible friends, reacting to challenges, guiding my walk and talk and staying in touch with my most deeply held beliefs, values, and principles.

Last night, my daughter told me that they had gone to a new movie that they had looked forward to as a family. Just a few minutes into the movie and seeing so much witchcraft in it, each of them agreed, "This movie isn't for us." Their "True North" guided their hearts. “Love God, and Do Whatever You Want” is just that. When we take those words TO HEART, what we want, is to love God with all our hearts, and that becomes our filter for everything. Love God and WWJD are guides for ALL matters.

St. Augustine thought that if we love God, we aren't going to offend Him and so we don't need any "Do's and Don'ts rules". St. Augustine agreed with Jesus in this scripture in Matthew 22:36-40 “‘You MUST love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is exactly like it: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.”

John 14:15 reconfirms those words: “If you love Me, you will keep my commandments.” Here's the point: The person who loves God and seeks Him, the things that please the person, are the very things that please God. That’s my desire. Do I always get it right? Heavens NO! But do I strive to get it right? Heavens YES. I’m so thankful for this “love” relationship that keeps me grounded and looking upward. Even when I mess up – it keeps me coming back to my Lover of all Lovers, asking for His forgiveness and in His case, He ALWAYS forgives. When He forgives me so freely, it causes me to love Him and want to please Him even more. Do you have a "True North"?

God's Recovery Team -- Welcome to Oklahoma -- Birthplace of the BlizzaFloodQuakeNado

It warmed up to melt ALL that big snow (about an inch) in Tulsa and tomorrow, the weather guy is forecasting 70 degrees. Since Oklahoma was our home for 38 years, I can vouch for the authenticity of this sign in the photo, as well as the distinct four seasons that could happen in a week, accompany all those weather conditions. Sounds humorous, but we’ve seen some devastating results from those conditions. During those times, we witnessed the incredible humanity and rescue efforts of Oklahoma’s citizens.

I posted about the sprinkling of snow in Tulsa on Friday. I was so amused when this Facebook Group popped up in my newsfeed. "Oklahoma Winter Recovery" -- not because of the great idea of people helping people, but having lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada for seven years, with its 40+ below temperatures, over 30 inches of snow, and remembering that Winter Recovery there included plugging our cars’ heaters in at night, being always prepared to shovel snow off of cars and driveways, and dressing in many layers. The City of Winnipeg was resilient in handling the abundance of snow. Their snow remover vehicles had the streets cleared long before we needed to drive to work. I was also amused that the Tulsa schools were closed on Friday. If they did that in Winnipeg, school would be out for the entire winter.

It warmed up to melt ALL that big snow (about an inch) in Tulsa and tomorrow, the weather guy is forecasting 70 degrees. Since Oklahoma was our home for 38 years, I can vouch for the authenticity of this sign in the photo, as well as the distinct four seasons that could happen in a week, accompany all those weather conditions. Sounds humorous, but we’ve seen some devastating results from those conditions. During those times, we witnessed the incredible humanity and rescue efforts of Oklahoma’s citizens.

I posted about the sprinkling of snow in Tulsa on Friday. I was so amused when this Facebook Group popped up in my newsfeed. "Oklahoma Winter Recovery" -- not because of the great idea of people helping people, but having lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada for seven years, with its 40+ below temperatures, over 30 inches of snow, and remembering that Winter Recovery there included plugging our cars’ heaters in at night, being always prepared to shovel snow off of cars and driveways, and dressing in many layers. The City of Winnipeg was resilient in handling the abundance of snow. Their snow remover vehicles had the streets cleared long before we needed to drive to work. I was also amused that the Tulsa schools were closed on Friday. If they did that in Winnipeg, school would be out for the entire winter.

This was a post I saw under the Oklahoma Winter Recovery Facebook Group -- **At this time, please only post a new thread if you or someone else is stuck. This will help to keep the page easier to get assistance to the motorist** When posting about a vehicle that is stuck, please make sure to list the location, make and model of vehicle and at least one good phone number (either yours or the stranded motorist if you personally know them). This will help in getting assistance more easily and quickly, and this way it will be known whether or not they have been rescued already, so that someone else does not head that way. If you have Google Maps on your phone, drop a pin. This will also help determine the exact location. Be excellent. Make good choices.”

Impressive, right? Technology provides for people helping people -- and caring enough about their fellow man that they set up a place for support and help during winter storms. Isn't that the mentality and heart for having an attitude to serve and help others.

Helping others is such a great diversion from so much negavity in social media, the news and even those who are bound and determined to look at the "glass half empty". Doesn't it makesense for us to rewind, reload, and shoot some straight arrows toward targets that sincerely make a difference. Instead of being relentless to look for something else to complain about, wouldn't it be great to refocus on matters that matter? Matters like doing what we can to serve and support each other; doing what we can to “love our neighbors as we love ourselves” (Matthew 22:39); and “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Luke 6:31).

Just maybe our little caring "stone" could cause a ripple effect to a world that needs role models and examples of TRUE Christianity. TRUE Christianity is when our love for Christ is at the core of our life and He becomes so bright in us that we radiate that love and light to others in how we live, how we talk AND walk. So much so, that we can’t help ourselves….we see a need, we desire to meet it. We see someone hurting, we endeavor to ease the pain. We act like Him….He Who was willing to model “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13).

Maybe it's time when we ALL could enlist for being a recruit on God’s Recovery Team!

All for One -- One for ALL -- "One Another Living"

Maybe we should take the battle cry of the Three Musketeers and make it our motto. That sounds like a lofty goal, especially in the light of all this presidential campaign rhetoric, bitter and contentious words and remarks from both candidates and parties.

If ever Christians needed to become "All for One and One for All", it's today. What does that mean? It means that our lives should become so "light" bearing, that it is so obvious who the Christians are. People need to see Christains who manifest the character of Christ, speaking the truth in love with courage and compassion. I love Rick Warren's statement "God teaches us to love by putting some unlovely people around us. It takes no character to love people who are lovely and loving to you." The more bitter our nation's politics are, the more persuasive OUR witness will be.

No pun intended, but LOVE trumps everything! It trumps gender and ethnic diversity. It trumps cultural differences. It trumps religious preferences. It even trumps political affiliations.

We’ve gotten so consumed with being right that we’ve forgotten about being IN LOVE. That’s right! We are supposed to be in love with each other.

God's love.....Christ’s love trumps all! ALL! I know it’s not polite to yell (all caps), but we’ve got to get this right and soon.

Back to "All for One -- One for All". In Galatians 5:14, Paul wrote, "For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” I think what Paul is talking about here is the kind of love of neighbor that the Musketeers had for each another. We can learn from their unity and loyalty. As followers of Jesus Christ, not only do we strive to serve, protect, and love God, but we are ALSO called to serve, protect and love each other.

Today, I'm thinking of ways that we can join our hands and hearts together to be a part of something greater than my 4 and no more -- greater than "What's in it for me?" What if we began to pray and humble ourselves to become servants that live a life of ONE ANOTHER LIVING? "What can i do for you? What can i do for the cause? What can i do for the team? What can i do for others that helps them to win?" We're ALL on the same team -- we're God's kids, and we represent our Father Who WILL WIN and win BIG TIME (yes, I'm yelling again) in spite of who this nation's next president will be! Everyone will know us by being on the LIGHT side by our love for one another. All for ONE -- ONE for all.

Come One. Come All.

Come one. Come all.
I saw the Mother Teresa movie a few nights ago. It made me even more inspired about the work this wonderful saint did. She was relentless in caring for the poor. She went "against the grain" when it came to pleasing the status quo, and those who represented the status quo. From sun up to sun down, her love for humanity was seen as she reached out to the homeless, the sick and suffering. She worked so zealously that it affected her physically. When her doctor told her she must get some rest. Her reply was "I have the whole of eternity to get rest."

I thought about her love for humanity that drove her to untold hours of making a difference in the poor and needy, but to the wealthiest, they, too, were affected by her compassion. She left everyone better off after she had spent time with them. She didn't see through the eyes of comparison and measuring up to a certain standard. She just was.

If she had been in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and she saw one of those "beggars" that stand on the street corners with a sign that says "Please help", I don't believe she would have ever passed them by. Somehow I think she would have gotten out of her car and managed to figure out a way to help them. To her, they were Jesus. "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." (Matthew 25:35) She was accustomed to picking babies up out of garbage cans. Those little ones discarded by leper parents, perhaps, who could no longer care for them.

I heard a speaker tell about a wealthy individual that drove up to his church in a Rolls Royce and was concerned about the security of his car when he went into the church. An attendant parked the car in a locked and secure area that the church provides. Then a homeless man came up to the church pushing his grocery cart with everything in the world he owns in it. He, too, was concerned about the security of his grocery cart. The attendant took his cart and parked it right next to the Rolls Royce. I loved that story. They cared equally for both individuals.

That's what Mother Teresa did. That's what Jesus does. He loves us unconditionally. And isn't that how we should love, too? After all, God didn't give us a measuring stick to use on who measures up and who doesn't. He did give us a measuring stick, and it's the Golden Rule stick and it says. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." And another measuring stick that says "This is the first and greatest commandment. Love the Lord with all your heart, your soul and love your neighbor as you love yourself." (Matthew 22:35).

In a world that needs this love and compassion, how can we rest on our laurels? Maybe it's time for us to get busy loving and caring. After all, like Saint Teresa of Calcutta, we have the whole of eternity to get rest!"

No Right to Judge

Still in the wake of the Orlando tragedy, I find myself grasping for explanation of this world we are living in today and how we could all be so different.

Typically, I fight the urge to push away the negatives that are resounding over media because I don’t fully understand it all, and because I tend to withdraw from the place of doom, despair and agony. I sincerely protect my peace of mind because I want to live in a “happy place”. I admit it’s far too easy to close my eyes, shake my head and whisper "I’ll think about this later or I haven’t experienced that, so I won't think about it at all."

For the last few days, however, I’m apologizing for the times I’ve allowed myself to look at the plight of others and think “How could they? Why would they? I would NEVER make that choice!” Heavenly Father, please forgive me, because “but, for the grace of God – there go I”. Luke 6:37 says “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven…”

I have no right to judge because I don’t know how it feels to be rejected, hated, or considered untrustworthy because of the color of my skin. I don't know how it feels to be hated for merely existing.

I have no right to judge because I don’t know the struggle of not identifying with my gender. I was born with the chromosomes of a woman and I can’t imagine wanting to be anything but a woman.

I have no right to judge because I don’t know the frustration and helplessness driven by an addiction. I’ve never been burdened with an all-consuming desire to consume a substance over and over again while knowing that doing so could kill me and destroy my family.

I DO KNOW, that without judging and criticizing and with the loving heart of Christ, it’s time for us to connect with our brothers and sisters in this human race, to remember our need for each other, rather than distance ourselves from each other, to remember and act upon loving our neighbors in the spirit that Jesus asks us to love. The commandment of Jesus to love in Mark 12:30-32 should stir us into action every time we’re tempted to turn away from trying to understand and comfort another.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

Yes, it’s often difficult to wrap our minds around the chaos, the actions and reactions of our fellow man, but it’s not about the why, who, what, when and where……it’s about our boldly proceeding in our thoughts and actions with HIS love running through our veins, our hearts and our minds......because LOVE CONQUERS ALL!

Are YOU Always on Your Mind?

Day 20 of this Month of Love -- Are YOU always on YOUR mind?
Mark 12:31 says "Love your neighbor as you love yourself!" That's a lot to live up to, but that's what God tells us to do. But loving ourselves is one thing, and having ourselves ALWAYS on OUR mind is a whole other story.

I saw Joyce Meyer coax her husband, Dave, to come to the stage so she could sing him a love song. She sang Willie Nelson's song, with two change of words…… "Maybe I didn't love you quite as often as I could have, And maybe I didn't treat you quite as good as I should have. If I made you feel second best, I'm sorry I was blind.  I WAS ALWAYS ON MY MIND.  I WAS ALWAYS ON MY MIND.  And maybe I didn't hold you all those lonely, lonely times. And I guess I never told you I'm so happy that you're mine. Little things I should have said and done, I just never took the time. I WAS ALWAYS ON MY MIND.  I WAS ALWAYS ON MY MIND."

It was hilarious....but point well-taken. Joyce shared that she was so self-absorbed for a very long time. The fact is, when WE'RE always on OUR own mind…selfish and self-centered, people will know it. And, when we are self-sacrificing, and always giving love, people will know it, too. People can always determine our character by looking at the fruit of our life. We're told by St. Paul that we should bear good fruit because that’s what we are going to be known for. Everyone we come into contact with, every single day, and in every situation, will see our fruit. So, how are you known? What kind of fruit do others see in your life? Are YOU always on YOUR mind?  Maybe it's time to have others on our mind -- to encourage, support, lift up and cheer on to their finish line.

Patience is a Virtue

Patience is a Virtue
I saw this Instagram post and photo a few days ago and I was inspired -- so much so that I'm posting about it here today.

"It all started with one baby camel. Three years later, globe-trotting adventure photographer Allan Dixon continues to take selfies with wildlife, sometimes relaxing with them for hours before a photo is taken. “Patience is key in getting so close,” Allan explains. “I think they can sense how I feel and know I have no desire to harm them. ‘You have to be still, lie down, gain their trust in their environment for a while. Most of the time they’re more scared of you than you are of them.' Through patience and care, he’s managed to take some of the best animal selfies the world has ever seen.

His words resonated with me: "Patience is key in getting so close" and "You have to be still, lie down, gain their trust in their environment." This photographer learned the art of patience and it provided him award winning photos and notoriety. Imagine the winning conversations and situations that we could achieve by exercising that amazing quality of patience.

Allan "took the time" to win over those animals. And that time and patience paid off when it was "selfie photo time".

In this culture we live in today, we're too busy to really nurture our relationships. We give little time for real conversations with people. It's either an email or a text message. We rarely have face to face or real voice to voice interactions. We're just too impatient to spend quality time together. There are so many distractions from building true relationships. I can imagine that Allan has his phone turned off when he's patiently gaining the trust of those animals.

Maybe we're not into selfies with animals, but what about taking the time and patience to slow down from the hustle and bustle of “life” to patiently wait on God and patiently take time with His kids -- valuing the people in our lives and gaining their trust? Jesus so profoundly spoke about loving God and loving others. Mark 12:30-31 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” How can you love someone without spending time with them?

Aren't there people who need our love and attention -- people we need to spend quality time with and really nurture a relationship with in order to gain their trust? Perhaps we'd have to have a lot of patience with them because they may just not be as mature or wise or "cool" as we are, but if we give them time and gain their trust, we just may become the best friend they've been looking for, and who knows? They may become the best friend we've been praying for. And when we figure that out.....we can spend time taking selfies with each other. Surely it will be a picture that's worth a thousand words.

I'm Supposed to Love My Neighbor as Myself, BUT Myself Doesn't Have a Barking Dog!

Day 56 of Photo Inspirations:  I'm Supposed to Love My Neighbor as Myself....BUT Myself Doesn't Have a Barking Dog!

I live in the most amazing community with some delightful residents in it, except for a few cranky ones.  But, cranky, is just the nature of some folks.  

So that was my dilemma.  When wonderful new residents moved in......so did their two large dogs.  In a new community where there's cement trucks,  contractors hammering or sawing, geese, walkers, etc.-- those dogs have every excuse in the world to do what they do so naturally: BARK, BARK, BARK!  They have a dog door, so when their owners are at work, they can go in and out all day. Not wanting to be one of the CRANKY neighbors, I sucked it in.  I thanked God that I had such good ears that could hear them. I prayed. I put louder music on to drown out their incessant barking. But, I (and other neighbors) had enough.  

I spoke to their Builder and asked his advice.  He recommended that I get a device that uses ultrasonic sound to deter their barking.  It's completely safe and detects barking up to 50 feet away.  And he told me where I could find one.  $70 later I came home with my solution for a quiet and peaceful day. Quite slyly, I sat out my little "miracle birdhouse" and it appeared to work.  The barking seemed to curb, but not for long.  I think they got wise and stayed more than 50 feet away -- most of the time.

"Okay, I'll bite the bullet and go meet with the dogs' owners."  And,  I did that last night.  And by the way, the dogs were NOT barking -- because their masters were home. They were happy campers.  What beautiful people they are and after a little chit chat and expessing how apologetic I was to have to be there, I announced that their barking dogs were giving the neighbors a lot of grief.  I took a deep breath to hear how they took it.....and, to my absolute joy, they were so apologetic, so willing to do whatever it takes to rectify the situation.  I was told that the owner comes home at noon everyday and could let the dogs out then, instead of leaving the dog door open all day for free rein.  Whew!  Friendship salvaged.

Why did I share this story with you?  I wanted you to learn from my experience.  I could have saved $70 and a lot of frustration and lack of peace if I had only talked to them in a kind and loving way in the first place.  I didn't want to risk a friendship -- but as it turned out a friendship was strengthened because of my honesty and true desire to help the cause.  Once again, I defer to the best Role Model -- Who handled difficult situations and difficult people in exemplary ways.  Our behavior toward people really does influence their behavior toward us.  It's up to us to take the high road to convey warmth, to seek the ultimate good for others, to build up and not destroy, and to forgive.   It's ALL about LOVE!   Love draws out the best in people and situations.  Bottom line...if love is at the core of our motives, then LOVE will conquer ALL.
#BarkingDogsMakesBarkingPeople  #LoveConquers