The one whose throne is in heaven sits laughing.
Psalm 2:4

When I get up in the morning, I come down the stairs into my living room and the first thing I see is the beautiful lake in front of me.  Today, the lake is still.  The reflections in the water are awe inspiring.  The sky is a beautiful clear blue.  The sunshine makes little shadows on the lawn.  The flowers seem happy this morning, glad for the sunshine and a chance to dry out after all of the rain.  I smile.

Life is like that.  Sometimes, day after rainy day, our spirit can lose altitude.  Bad news, stress, and sickness can bog us down; make us crabby, tired and drained.  Then, just one sunshiny morning like today can elevate our spirit.  Just as the rain of some days can burst our “spirit bubble,” our sunshine days come in the form of a new baby being born, a child graduating from high school, or just a good friend calling to say hello.

One of my favorite pictures of Jesus is the “Laughing Jesus.”  His head is thrown back, his eyes are squinted, his mouth open wide.  He looks the picture of happiness, love and rejoicing!  God encourages us to laugh.  He encourages us to hand our burdens to him, to relax and to stop trying to control every moment of our lives.  He encourages us to find joy in everything, to be thankful, and, yes, to laugh. 

Find your laughter today.  Find the good in each situation and rejoice! 

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.

Job 8:21

And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.”

Genesis 21:6

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

Philippians 4:4

Goodbye, Dear Friend...

About 13 years ago, our little neighbor, Kevin, marched down the hill (from his house to ours) with a puppy under each arm.  With the biggest smile, he asked again if we wanted a dog.  “No!” was our answer.  But with two wide-eyed little boys at home asking, no begging, to keep that dog, that is just what we did.  Well, that’s what we did after sending Kevin and his two puppies back up that hill and having a most serious family meeting.  My husband began with the ground rules -   “No dogs in the house!” which quickly changed to “No dogs in the bedrooms!” which quickly changed to “No dogs in your beds!” Of course, another battle lost, we sat back and truly began to enjoy our new little dog, Kaysee.  Kaysee was, from the very beginning, the best dog I’d ever known.  She was calm (Really?  A puppy?)  She was well behaved, she was trained quickly, and she was smart.  She could wrestle with the boys, get sat on by babies, do the “puppy scrunch” (you know, where they put their little butt in the air and paws on the ground), she could sit up, sit down, shake, roll over and lay down.  She was our constant companion and loved each of us with unconditional love.  She followed us from room to room, seeming to say, “Where are you going?”  “Is it time for a walk?” “Time to play?” “Time to fetch, jump off the dock, roll in the sand, chase my tail?”  And, her favorite, “Is it time to EAT?!”  If we missed her morning or afternoon feeding for even one minute she would go downstairs and toss her bowl around “Snoopy Style” until we paid attention. 

Today we said goodbye to our dear, sweet Kaysee.  It’s one of the most difficult things we've done.  My husband and I sat next to her on the floor of the vet and said our goodbyes with tears rolling down our cheeks.  We told her thank you for all the years she’s been our friend.  We told her she was a good, good dog.  We told her goodbye.

I want to believe that “All Dogs Go to Heaven.”  I want to believe that right now she’s up there with my dad, my dear friend Annie, and all who have passed before.  I want to believe that she is following people from room to room, that she is still taking walks, fetching a ball, jumping off a dock, rolling in the sand, and, yes, chasing her tail. 

I’ve been praying a lot over the past few days, asking God to take care of Kaysee.  So, I will believe that “All Dogs DO Go to Heaven!” 

So long, dear friend.  You will be so missed.

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Luke 12:6-7

And God said, “Let the earth bring forth every kind of animal – livestock, small animals, and wildlife.” And so it was.  God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to reproduce more of its own kind.  And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:24-25

Faith Journey ~ Gratitude for the Twists and Turns

When I began this blog, I had an inspiration for its title.  Faith Journey.  This blog became my way to share my life journey with others and also share my faith and inspiration.  I know that each of our life journeys are unique.  Some of us speed through life, never stopping at the stop signs, never slowing down at the yellow lights, never yielding to others or to God.  Some of us plod along, taking whatever comes our way with a “grain of salt,” one step in front of the other, no looking back, no looking sideways… no lessons learned.  And others of us take this journey, this journey of faith, watching for all of the signs along the way.  When our journey tells us to speed up, take a risk that may sometimes lead to a fall, we do it.  And we reap the rewards of taking that risk.  When our journey tells us to slow down, stop and smell the roses along the way, we do it.  And again, we reap the rewards of having taken the time to really look around and be grateful for all that we see. 

I haven’t "blogged" in a long while.  That is because during this past year and a half my journey has taken so many twists and turns, so many stops and starts.  I needed time to pause, reflect and, frankly, process all that has come my way.   So, I’d like to share a recent page from my journal.

11.14.13

After several days, weeks, months... of sadness, tears, anger, confusion... And, coming to the conclusion that I needed a bigger, better newer home (then I would be happy)... 

After a series of discussions, arguments, and again, tears, over how our new addition would look... And finally agreement and the "go ahead" to begin the remodel … and realizing that this didn't make me any happier, it just made me more confused.

After soul searching, praying, and crying, crying, crying… 

I finally had a light bulb moment.  And this is what I realized.  

Yes, it has been a very tough year (and a half?)

Selling our home on Peaceful Ridge was tough.

Moving to the condo was hard.

Making Ottertail our permanent home was unsettling.

Planning Chelsea's wedding (a very joyous event) while dealing with Cole's cancer (a most horrific, gut wrenching, world-rocking journey) was soul splitting.

Leaving Red Wing, my friends, my business relationships, my kids, and largely, my old life behind left me feeling lost, lonely and depressed.

But remodeling our home or buying a new home won't change this past year.  

It won't change the sale of Peaceful Ridge, it won't change Cole's cancer, it won't change anything...

What needs to change, then, is me.

I need to rebuild in this new life.

Create or re-create myself.

I need to build stronger relationships, build a schedule that gets me out of bed with enthusiasm, build a life based on blessings and simple abundance.  

I will depend on God and His Holy Spirit within me to help me embrace each day and be thankful for each and every moment.

Thank you, Father, for getting me to this point.  Thank you, Chelsea, for listening and helping me to reach this realization.

I feel happy and revived!

No, I haven’t "blogged" in a long while.  But I have learned much over these past months.  I have learned that God is with us every step of the way.  He has planned our journey – Yes, even the tough times.  He knows exactly where we are and exactly where we are going.  It is difficult to see that during chaotic, stressful, sad times, but at every step of our journey, we need to be thankful.  There are days when all I could say to God was, “Thank you, God, for whatever it is you are wanting me to learn right now.”

So, today, especially during this month of Thanksgiving, give thanks for being exactly where you are, whether you are happy or sad, excited or fretful, up or down.  I promise you that in just a very short time, you will see all that God wanted you to see.  And you will be grateful for your unique journey.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

-1 Thessalonians 5:18

O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 107:1

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Ephesians 5:20

VISIT RUBY FALLS

In the fall of each year, at least for the past several years, I have driven my mom to her home in Florida for the winter.  We drive her car, I spend a few days with her, and then I fly home.  In the spring, it is the same in reverse.  Each time, as we drive through the Chattanooga, Tennessee area, we see big red signs urging us to SEE RUBY FALLS, COME TO LOOK-OUT MOUNTAIN, VISIT ROCK CITY.  We’re intrigued.  “We should go,” we say.  But, because of weather or timing we haven’t made the stop.  For the past couple of years, my husband and I make the very same trip to Florida to spend time with my mom and to spend a few weeks enjoying the warmth and sunshine during the cold Minnesota winters.  Each time we drive through Chattanooga Tennessee, we, too, see those big red signs – SEE RUBY FALLS, COME TO LOOK-OUT MOUNTAIN, VISIT ROCK CITY.  So, a few weeks ago, on our way home from Florida to Minnesota, we decided to stop.  My mom was happy that someone was finally going to check this thing out and wanted a “full report” once we’d made our visit.

We followed the signs up, up, up the mountain, curves and switchbacks this way and that, stunning views of the city below, beautiful vine covered trees in the woods as we climbed higher and higher.  At the top, we see a castle of sorts, the entry into Ruby Falls, and the somewhat typical touristic destination.  Ticket counter, coffee and snack shop, and, of course, the obligatory gift shop.  We purchase our tickets and get in line with about 10 others (a small group compared to others we learn later).  At our tour guide’s beckoning, we enter a large stainless steel elevator with a glass door.  Once the door is closed we drop quickly, 260 feet (about 20 stories) down into the mountain.  My first response is to grab my husband’s arm and make a small moaning sound.  I’m really not into speedy plunges into the unknown.  But, very quickly, our ride is over.  We are now in the belly of this great mountain.  As we exit the elevator, we move into a cornucopia of stalagmites and stalactites, limestone, sandstone and rock.  Cave like tunnels meander through the mountain; in some areas there is plenty of head and shoulder room; in other areas we have to duck and turn slightly sideways to get through.  So, after a drop of 260 feet, we traveled about ½ mile through these tunnels.  Our tour guide pointed out beautiful rock formations of interest; one looked like an alligator, another, like angel’s wings, and still another, like a plate filled with steak, potato and a carrot!  Every once in awhile you would hear the sound of water trickling beneath your feet or see a small stream off to one side or the other.  As we neared the falls, the sound of water became louder.  The lights dimmed and beautiful spa-like music filled the air.  Colored lights did a delightful dance on the walls as we walked closer and closer.  The music hit a crescendo as the falls were lit up in gorgeous pinks and blues.  Here, inside this mountain, a 146 foot waterfall crashing into a small pool below.  We were in awe!  What a beautiful work of God’s making!  What a miraculous moment!

This past weekend, I attended Set Apart, a faith-filled conference for women at Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN.  The weekend reminded me of my trip to Ruby Falls.  We plunged down deep into our souls; we traveled through the tunnels of our life journeys.  We remembered the times that our journeys were filled with sharp, treacherous rocks.  We remembered the times that our journeys got very tight in places, forcing us to duck, turn sideways and sometimes turn around.  We searched, we studied, we learned.  And as we remembered, as we searched, we saw many beautiful things along the way.  We even saw how some things in our past that were dark, sharp and treacherous at the time, had now become smoothed and made beautiful.  And, at the end of the weekend, after much soul searching and God searching, we found our Ruby Falls; the beauty and wonder inside each of us, the grace and faithfulness of God who has made us as we are, just as He wants us to be.  Beautiful, unconditionally loved, Women of Faith.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!  Your workmanship is marvelous – and how well I know it.

                Psalm 139:14

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.

Ephesians 3:20

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love.  Death can’t, and life can’t.  The angels can’t, and the demons can’t.  Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away.

Romans 8:38

Thanksgiving ~ to acknowledge God’s goodness

For the past couple of days, my daily devotional, Jesus Calling ~ Enjoying Peace in His Presence ~ has been focused on giving thanks.  I’m a great believer in giving thanks for all things, but lately in all the hustle and bustle of my life, I’ve forgotten to do this most simple thing.  

I know that giving thanks is a gift we give to God and that it is the gift that comes back to us in the form of Peace and Joy, a foundation for a strong relationship with our Heavenly Father.  Thankfulness in all circumstances allows God to work through you to help you bear even the most stressful or grief-filled moments.  

Today’s Jesus Calling created such a strong picture in my mind that I wanted to share it with you.  As you go through your day, look for tiny treasures that God has strategically placed along your way.  Yes, our Father goes before us and lovingly plants little pleasures to brighten our day.  If we focus on Him and focus on gratitude, we can “pluck” these little treasures one by one, creating a beautiful bouquet.  And as we lie down to sleep tonight, we can offer that bouquet back up to God with our heartfelt THANKSGIVING.  With our thanks, God gives us peace and joy. 

Just picture it!  As you drive through town, hitting green lights all the way, “pluck” that little treasure and add it to your bouquet.  When you see a beautiful home all decked out for fall and Thanksgiving Day, “pluck” that little treasure and add it to your bouquet.  When the cashier at the busy and chaotic grocery store gives you a special smile and wishes you a Happy Thanksgiving, “pluck” that little treasure and add it to your bouquet.  When your kids give you a hug, when your grandchildren stop to visit, when your daughter calls just to talk, when your husband helps with the laundry and fills your car with gas, when your best friend calls just to say I love you, when you look at the sky, the trees, the falling leaves, “pluck” those little treasures and add them to your bouquet.  And tonight as you lay down to sleep, offer that huge bouquet back up to your Loving Father, saying “Thank you, Lord, Thank You!”  And let his Peace, Joy and Love sing you a lullaby as you drift off to sleep.

Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you.

I come to your altar, Oh Lord, 7 singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your miracles.

Psalm 26:7

You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and wine.  8 I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you along, Oh Lord, will keep me safe.

                                                                                                Psalm 4: 7-8

I will thank the Lord for he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.

                                                                                                                                Psalm 7:17

It's Not the Heat, It's the Humidity

Here's what I've been hearing in Minnesota for the past few weeks – “You can’t do anything in this heat!” “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” “Oh my gosh, I am SO hot!”  “This heat is oppressive.”  And on it goes.  Of course just a few short weeks before this, we were complaining that summer had yet to start.  We were whining about the rain and the cold.  And, just as the heat began, people were griping about the fact that half the summer was over.  And, yes, I was one of those people.  I complained about the heat, the humidity, the cold, the rain, and the fact that summer is halfway over.

Why oh why can’t we be satisfied with exactly where we are, what we have been given (even the heat!) and how very, very lucky we are.  Why oh why aren’t we counting our blessings.  Where is our gratitude?  

I am continually looking behind, “The weeks are just flying by!”  “Oh, I’ve been so busy.”  Or looking ahead, “We need to do this, get that, change this and change that.”  I know that I need to live in the moment and to savor all that is in front of me right now.   And to be continually thankful for all that God has provided.

He provides the strength and peace we need.  He provides us with our basic needs; food, shelter, clothing, sanitation, education, healthcare.  All we need to do is communicate with Him and be grateful for all He provides.  He even encourages us to ask for more!  And, He knows exactly what we need when we need it.

So, today I will be grateful.  I will reach out to my Father and be thankful for exactly where I am, which is exactly where I am meant to be.  I will be thankful for my husband, my children, my grandchildren.  I will be thankful for my mom, my sisters and their families.  I will be thankful for my talents, the gifts he has given me to carry into the world.  I will be thankful for all of the beauty I see when I look out my window.  I will even be thankful for the heat, the humidity and whatever weather we have coming our way.

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonions 5:18

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:20

 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Collossians 3:15-17

Values

Awhile back, I was at a workshop where we were to identify our values.  After several large group, small group, and individual exercises, I came up with these four values.  

God . . . Family . . . Grace . . . Inspire

God ~ I know that if I put God first, always put Him first, that everything else will fall into place.  Whether the journey I am on at the current point is difficult and challenging or simple and rewarding, when God is at its center, I can be thankful and feel a sense of peace.  God is Present to me when I am present to Him.

Family ~ The old cliché, “Nobody ever laid on their deathbed wishing they had spent more time at the office” is so very true.  Time spent with family is never wasted.  I want my husband, my kids and my grandkids to say that I always had time for them.  That I listened to them.  That I got down on the floor and played with them (well, maybe not my husband…).  . That I read them books, helped them with homework, and allowed myself to be wrong with them.  That I wasn’t afraid to get dirty with them.  That I laughed with them, respected them, and loved them unconditionally.  Second only to God, my value of family has helped to form the person that I am and has helped my husband and my children to know that every moment is a learning experience and that God is guiding our journeys.

Grace ~ My favorite word!

grace  (gr s)n.

1.       Seemingly effortless beauty or charm of movement, form, or proportion.

2.       A characteristic or quality pleasing for its charm or refinement.

3.       A sense of fitness or propriety.

4.       a. A disposition to be generous or helpful; goodwill; b. Mercy; clemency.

5.       A favor rendered by one who need not do so; indulgence.

6.       A temporary immunity or exemption; a reprieve.

7.       a. Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people; b. The state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God; c. An excellence or power granted by God.

8.       A short prayer of blessing or thanksgiving said before or after a meal.

9.       To honor or favor: You grace our table with your presence.

10.    To give beauty, elegance, or charm to.

11.    Music To embellish with grace notes.

The grace of God is such a gift!  Sometimes, it’s difficult to understand grace.  Think about the definitions I’ve highlighted above.  Isn’t it wonderful when someone renders to us a favor, even when it isn’t necessary?  Doesn’t it define true friendship when someone offers a hand with no agenda and no paybacks needed?  And, God’s grace is so much more than that.  We don’t deserve God’s divine love and protection.  We don’t deserve to be sanctified.  And, excellence and power?  Think about that.  Excellence and Power.  The word grace reminds me to always strive to be grace-filled.  To give of myself freely.  To love people unconditionally.  And to see the excellence and the power, the face of Jesus, in everyone I meet.  

And, finally . . .

Inspire ~ I chose this value carefully.  Inspire isn’t a noun.  I should have chosen “inspiration.”  But, the word inspire inspires me in a couple of ways.  It tells me that when I have God, Family, and Grace, I should spread the good news around.  I should use what I know to inspire others to do the same.  I feel that I’ve been given the gift and the talent of inspiration.  It’s my duty to use my gifts and talents to glorify God.  I like to inspire others to search for, find, and thank God for their gifts and talents.  Then, I want to inspire others to use those talents, not to hide them or run from them.  These gifts from God are meant to be seen by others.  These gifts were meant to please God!

³⁷ Jesus said to him, "`You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'
³⁸ "This is the first and great commandment.                                                                                                               Matthew 22:37-38

 ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.                                                                                                                                                                                          John 3:16

 ¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.                                                                                                                                        John 1:14

⁸Your lives are echoing the Master’s Word . . . The news of your faith in God is out.  We don’t even have to say anything anymore – you’re the message.                                                                                                                                                                        1 Thessalonians 1:8