The process of writing for the Monday Musings blog has been quite interesting for Kathy and I each week as we try to reflect or share something to stir your heart, cause you to ponder, or awaken your passion to know Christ more intimately.  They are often created out of our own personal experiences.  Last weekend was so much fun as we escaped to the beach with our friend Suzanne.  We both were in much need of a personal Restore Retreat…it was way too short, but I was thankful!  I knew it was Kathy’s turn for the blog so I wasn’t too worried with thinking about writing this week.   There were so many object lessons while at the beach, I felt sure that the Lord would choose to let me write on one of those.  Nope!  It’s another lesson in trusting Him because today is Sunday and it will be posted in the morning!  The only thing that seems to be hanging in my mind are three little words for which I had nothing…no meat, no scripture to back up these words!  Only words!  You know, after reading many of my posts, God speaks to me in the most unusual ways!  So here I am, stuck with three words and a scripture verse that awakened me at 3:33am!  Let’s see how God chooses to tie these things together!  Play this You Tube of the Piano Guys and let the music soar as you read the rest of the blog.  You can come back and watch the video later.

Here are my three words:  expect, anticipate, prepare

I was not certain how these words would play out in a blog until I got a little curious about a Christmas hymn, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.  Brian and I put up some of our Christmas decorations yesterday while listening to Christmas music.  I love this 18th century plainsong, which actually derived from a poem dating back to the 5th or 8th century…its origin is unclear!  This Latin chant was used in a call and response fashion during the vespers, or evening, service during the 12th century.  I’ll share more about this special hymn later; let’s get back to these three words!   Expect, anticipate, and prepare… humm?  What should I expect, Lord?  Anticipate?  Isn’t that the same as expect?!  Prepare?  Prepare what?  Or prepare for what?  My mind began to wonder why these three words were clumped together.  I still didn’t know until I read this online while researching the hymn tune:  “Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing.”   Sunday, November 30, 2014, (today as I write) is the first day of Advent!  Talking about chill bumps!  

What exactly is Advent?  As a kid growing up in a Protestant church, I really was unsure but knew it had something to do with a calendar or wreath with candles to mark out a few days before Christmas.  Advent means the arrival of a notable person, thing or event.  The word “advent” comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “arrival.”  Advent begins four Sunday’s before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve.  This year, it begins today, November 30th.  Its focus is double as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in his first Advent and anticipate the return of Christ in his Second Advent.  It was the cry and prayer of the Israelites long ago as they long awaited the coming King.  It is my cry and prayer today, along with other believers, who await and are hopeful for His second coming.  

                                 “Come, O Come, Emmanuel, 
And ransom captive Israel!”

“When we sing each verse of this hymn, we acknowledge Christ as the fulfillment of these Old Testament prophesies. We sing this hymn in an already-but not yet-kingdom of God. Christ's first coming gives us a reason to rejoice again and again, yet we know that all is not well with the world. So along with our rejoicing, we plead using the words of this hymn that Christ would come again to perfectly fulfill the promise that all darkness will be turned to light. That is the promise we hold to as we sing this beautiful hymn.” *

5th century Jewish Christians may have used this Advent hymn, since most of the themes are from the Old Testament. In the 9th century, the hymn was incorporated by the medieval church for use during Advent. During the week before Christmas Day, seven “Great ‘O’ Antiphons,” each of them in praise and wonderment (“O”) of an Old Testament name for the coming Messiah, were chanted.

In the 13th century, these antiphons were put in Latin hymn form, “Veni, Emmanuel,” and the “Rejoice” refrain was added. In Latin, the seven antiphons formed an acrostic from the opening words:

“O Sapienta” (Wisdom): In Christ are found “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3). 

“O Adonai” (Lord of Might): He is called “Mighty God” (Is 9:6).

“O Radix Jesse” (Root of Jesse): After the kingdom of David, Jesse’s son, was cut down to a mere stump, Messiah will come and rebuild it into a kingdom made up of Jews and Gentiles (Is 11:1, 10).

“O Clavis David” (Key of David): The Son of David will have the authority to open and shut heaven’s gate (Is 22:22).

“O Oriens” (Light of the East): As the bright Morning Star and Dayspring, the Messiah will give light to all who walk in darkness (Nm 24:17; Is 9:2; John 8:12).

“O Rex gentium” (King of Nations): At last, when he returns, he will reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords (Is 9:6; Rv 19:16).

“O Emmanuel” (God With Us): He came down from heaven to dwell with us (Jn 1:14). And he will return to take us to his dwelling-place forever (Rv 21:3).

When read backwards, S-A-R-C-O-R-E becomes Ero Cras (“I will be there tomorrow”), anticipating the arrival of Jesus on Christmas Day, God’s answer to the petition, “O come, O come, Emmanuel.” So the verse we usually sing as the first was actually the climactic last of the seven antiphons sung on Christmas Eve.*

 I found this very interesting and there is a little debate on the actuality of reading backwards and whether this was intentional or not! It is said that the Benedictine Monks arranged the verses in this fashion and that it went along with the season of Advent.  I often use acrostics when I create so this isn’t too far out there for me to believe.  Kathy and I even began this ministry with a vision and connected its title with an acrostic.  You can find it on our retreat registration page on the website.

The titles for Christ, as indicated in each verse of the song, describe His character and nature.  They paint a beautiful portrait of what He has done, of this authority, and of His power. 
          “When we comprehend the rich meaning of the titles set forth in this song,
      it is transformed from a simple Christmas carol into a powerful vehicle of praise
            and a heartfelt prayer of anticipation.”  ~ Christopher & Melanie Lane 

When you choose to study the names of God, you learn more about His character and about His deep abiding love for us, His chosen ones.  More knowledge and wisdom about our Savior awakens us to know and see Him more clearly.  Our eyes are opened and our worship becomes more passionate.  We long for Him to come again and we cry out, O Come, O Come…!

So those three little words (expect, anticipate, prepare) opened up a door for me.  Although I grew up not knowing much about Advent, and never observed it, I am experiencing a new excitement about the Christmas season.  I am also learning more about waiting which is at the heart of Advent!  Because it’s been such a tough year for me, many questions saturate my mind.  Along with these questions comes a season of waiting.  Waiting on the Lord to reveal answers, direction, and purpose.  These scripture verses also express the theme of Advent:    

• Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD! (Psalm 27:14)

•  For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. (Psalm 62:5-7)

• Those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isa 40:31)

• The one who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (Rev 22:20)

• I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (Rom 8:18-25)

• Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. (1 Peter 1:13)
  

You may be thinking, okay…those were the 3 words, what about the scripture verse waking you at 3:33am?!  
      It’s Psalm 98:4 
              “Shout to the Lord, all the earth; 
break out in praise and sing for joy!”

With this beautiful carol I can shout and sing for joy! As I have closely studied the lyrics of this Advent hymn and learned of its origin, it has a new meaning for me.  It is with heartfelt hope, longing, and waiting that I too can sing O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.  By the way, this week I am beginning a study by Ann Voskamp on the Greatest Christmas - The 4 Weeks of Advent!  This blog surely isn't coincidence and I didn't plan it this way!  It's simply God at work!

Expecting, Anticipating, and Preparing with a shout to the Lord 
during this season of Advent,
Sherry

Works Cited:
·    http://www.hymnary.org/text/o_come_o_come_emmanuel_and_ransom
·      http://www.twoagespilgrims.com/doctrine/o-come-o-come-emmanuel/
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/markdroberts/series/introduction-to- advent/#ixzz3KbJ7xpRWhttp://www.cresourcei.org/cyadvent.html 
       "Copyright © 2013 CRI/Voice, Institute"    

       Have you ever had one of those days when you weren't sure you would make it through, fit in everything that had to be done. Last Wednesday was one of those days for me. I spent the morning teaching and then rushed to change clothes and get to the funeral of a dear friend's mom. Ken and I were privileged to sing and play for this beautiful service for a family who has blessed us through the years. It was the second funeral of the mother of a dear friend in less than a month that I have sung for. These are always emotional and difficult for me, but I'm so grateful to be a part of their home going service. After the service I had 2 hours to rush over to check on my mom as she fights the pain of her fractured pelvis and run to the grocery before heading home to get ready for about 40 guest to arrive. You see the Chapel Choir and some friends were coming over for a night of worship, prayer and communion at our home that night. As they began coming in, the rush of the day began to wash off of me as we shared hugs and laughter. Then we gathered in the living room and began to sing. The Lord moved. Our voices rose over the weariness and stress of the day that we had all brought in with us. I positioned myself close to Ken near the piano so I could look at the faces of those I love so much as they worshiped.

        I had made a little Thanks Giving Tree for the evening. Little Scripture leaves hung from lighted branches. Each leaf has a Scripture that speaks of thankfulness. It was an idea I had seen on one of my favorite blogs aholyexperience.com by Ann Voskamp. I thought it might be a good focus for me as I prepared my heart for the coming Thanksgiving week and prayed that the Lord would use it in our gathering of Worship. Throughout the night different worshipers came up and pulled off a leaf and read the Word over us. 

      Then we sang some more, paused and prayed…. 
our hearts full of thankfulness to Jesus for all He had done in our lives, for the relationships that have stood together through the storms of life, illnesses, deaths, births, marriages, job losses. As I looked around at the faces, I knew their stories….and yet each one chose to praise Jesus with their voices full, some through tears of pain and loss. I cried at the tenderness of how Jesus ministered through song. He softens our hearts with His music, His truth draws us into His presence. As we focused on His sacrifice for our sin in our time of communion He poured out healing mercies. 

       As people began to leave I felt a change come over my body and I began to get the shakes like a fever. It was so strange. I practically crawled up the stairs and into bed. We looked for the thermometer. Of course it couldn't be found. I don't know where that thing goes when you need it! Ken offered to go buy one, but it was late. I thought I was just overly tired, overcome with emotion. Besides I couldn't get sick. I had to teach the next day and then I was going on a special beach trip on Friday. My dear friend Suzanne offered Sherry and I a long weekend at the beach to come be restored with her as a thank you for blessing her with the Restore Retreat. I had to pack, finish getting groceries, attend a family meeting about mom's condition, thanksgiving family lunch at mom's skill care facility…There was simply no time to get sick! 
Well by the next afternoon after Ken had to go buy the new thermometer, my fever was 101.8 and I felt like knives were in my throat. I was sick! 
                   But Lord, the beach trip!! 
Sweet Ken met my sister at the family conference about mom, did the family lunch, bought the groceries for the "maybe" beach trip if there was a miracle healing for which Sherry and Suzanne and others prayed for, lessons were all canceled and I slept for almost 24 hours. Friday came and I wasn't going to the beach… I was going to the doctor! 

Let me just say I'm grateful for my sweet, amazing husband, for doctors, for shots, and medicine and especially prayers.
         Because on Saturday I felt well enough to go. Sherry had her own set of challenges and responsibilities before she could leave as well. Our four days turned into two, but Sherry and I finally drove up to an exquisite beach cottage Saturday evening, too late to catch the sunset, but we were determined to see the water and hear the waves. Suzanne greeted us with open arms and smiles and said, "There's no time to unpack. We have to hit the beach." You see a storm was coming any moment. 90% chance of thunderstorms were predicted through the night and the next day.

Really Lord, another storm to weather? We just finally got here!

       So we didn't even unpack the car, but braved the wind and cold, brought our beach chairs and sat on the beach in the dark! 
And it was cold and fun and fabulous!! And I was so thankful!!

        Well, I told my early rising friends, ( I am not), to wake me only if it wasn't raining when they woke up before the sunrise so I could see the beach in daylight in case that was our only chance. And the storms did rage through the night! But no problem for me, because the prednisone had hit my system and after about 3 hours of sleep, I was all energy, up and raring to go rain or shine at 5am. Well we watched the radar and finally decided to brave it after coffee and a delicious breakfast and well, that didn't go so well. The sun tried to peak through. It didn't last long, but it was enough. My daddy always said when we would go to the beach each year as a family that he would see the tension and stress just leave my face the minute I walked out and looked at those waves. And it did! The Lord has always spoken to my heart in the majesty of His creation. There's something so peaceful when you face the power of your Creator and see the vastness of His glory in the roar of the ocean waves. He is the one who holds you. He is Sovereign. He is in control. He is more than enough to carry you through the storms of life. We were getting a very clear visual in the weather of the power and might and mystery of our Father God. 

And my heart was full of thankfulness.

It was really ok that the sun only lasted about 30 minutes. We watched the rain come down the beach toward us a little too long and then had to make a run for it to the car - laughing and giggling all the way.

And I was so thankful because I was ready for a nap!

Eventually, later in the day the Lord did bless us with some hours of sun, despite the weather predictions. We carried out the beach chairs once more and  I opened up my Advent Bible study book "The Greatest Gift"  by Ann Voskamp and as I sat there listening to the roar of the ocean these were the words I read based on the story of creation in Genesis1:27. "No matter your story before, this is your beginning now: you were formed by Love…for love. John Calvin, he wrote it like a reviving breath--that every human being is "formed to be a spectator of the created world and given eyes that he might be led to its author…first {to} cast our eyes upon the very beautiful fabric of the world in which {God} wishes to be seen by us…As soon as we acknowledge God to be the supreme architect, who has erected the beauteous fabric of the universe, our minds must necessarily be ravished with wonder at His infinite goodness, wisdom and power". 
And I was ravished with wonder! And I was thankful that my God is so personal, so loving,
 so powerful, so beautiful!

As I walked the beach I started to sing one of my favorite choir anthems,
 The Majesty and Glory of Your Name.

"When I gaze into the night skies
And see the work of Your fingers;
The moon and stars suspended in space.
Oh what is man that You are mindful of him?

You have given man a crown of glory and honor,
And have made him a little lower than the angels.
You have put him in charge of all creation:
The beasts of the field,
The birds of the air,
The fish of the sea.
But what is man, oh, what is man that You are mindful of him?




O Lord, our God, the majesty and glory of Your name
Transcends the earth and fills the heavens.
O Lord, our God, little children praise You perfectly,
And so would we and so would we.

Alleluia, Alleluia, the majesty and glory of Your name.
Alleluia, Alleluia, the majesty and glory of Your name.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
 (by Tom Fettke)

After a delicious dinner and several hours of conversation, we went back out to the beach one more time for some stargazing. They were out and speaking forth the glory of God! The winds had calmed down a bit and the sky was clear. Don't miss this when you're at the beach. 
It's spectacular! 
And the Lord put the same song on our hearts that we have sung together for so many years in choir. We started humming it and then just sang it out to the Father, for we are His beloved daughters.  We "gazed into the night sky and saw the work of His fingers" and my heart was so thankful! 


He blesses us through the storms of life. 
And ravishes us with His wonder.
We have to wait on His timing, His perfect plan and look for the miracle that's found in a heart of thankfulness.

This Thanksgiving week I pray that you will look for the Father even if you are in a storm in your life. Often the holidays don't meet up to our expectations. But the Father is there is the midst of it all. You are part of His love story. Spend some time looking for people, circumstances and things for which you are thankful and then stop and tell the Father.


Wishing you a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!
Kathy


Resources: aholyexperience.com - A Thanks Giving Tree - free download of the Scripture leaves
                The Greatest Gift, Ann Voskamp

It’s amazing to me that as soon as I have a snippet of a little dream or desire/idea for new things to do, and I rapidly race to write it down, it quickly (and that’s not the best word) gets snatched by one little ding!  Yes, the ding of the iphone…sometimes mine, sometimes others.  It’s the largest interruption of life!  What was a happy thought and sent me into a huge smile and carefree moment, just got robbed, belittled, considered less important, and squelched as the process of “tending” to the maybe urgent information just became premier!  It dings in the morning, it dings at night, it dings during meetings, conversations, prayer, and when I’m in the shower!  I put it on silent and it still calls for my attention!  Or maybe I’m with you and yours does the same thing!  I’m starting to call it my little thief!  Suddenly, the happiness subsides as the thief transmits reality, and calls me into the present.   No!  I shout in my mind, just give me a moment!  I absolutely hate losing a creative idea, thought or a chance to dream of the future!  It’s death for me!  What frustration!

Or, another problem is maybe it’s the need to feel important.  People need me; therefore, they contact me!  I must have important thoughts, insights, or wisdom!  What a proud bighead!  I’m sure one of the causes for this is the lack of “friendly-just calling because…” calls.  Typically when I get contacted its only for gathering information.   I do have a couple of friends that call to check up on me!  For that I’m thankful!  We should all learn the art of friendship and relationship building…call just because you care and want others to know that you are thinking about them.

Something else that you may see as a problem with the above scenario is thinking that dreaming is important.  I used to get into trouble at school for daydreaming.  My folks used to tell me that I lived in a fantasy and needed to “come down to earth!”  As a young adult, I was always ridiculed for my big ideas and enormous visions (that are typically out of reach!).  Sometimes this still happens!  This is the sentence that would always follow my imaginative idea, “There she goes again!”  I can’t help it! I’m a big dreamer and my mind is full of creative ideas!  Sure, they may not be feasible but that doesn’t really stop me.  God is greater than my dreams and can make them happen!  It wasn’t until later in my life that others began to appreciate my creative dreaming brain.  I remember a few times during prayer with different friends and the funny feeling that came over me as they actually prayed over and thanked God for my brain!  It was always startling to me.  Then I would smile inside because they knew me best and appreciated my quirks.  I have learned to be careful about sharing too many dreams, visions, and ideas.  It exhausts and wears others out, especially Brian who tries to figure out how to make them a reality!  His brain is designed to quickly analyze, problem solve and decipher every aspect and angle and then discover potential means of achieving a goal.  In the four minutes it takes me to blurt out my idea, his brain is already at work and worn out by the many ways to improve my brainstorm.  Most often my ideas include his ability to help execute them.  He gets so tied up with my visions that he seldom gets the opportunity to carry out his own.

Dreaming is one of the ways things (businesses, ministries, relationships, jobs, travel, visual or performing arts…you name it) get started.  But before the creative process begins, one must become silent before God and allow him plant the seed and begin the procedure of cultivating.  He desires to do a work in us and through us.  Realizing God’s dreams for our life and allowing them to become our dream is not an easy task.  Hardship and spiritual attack often occurs as your attempt to move forward.  It is as a seed planted in the soil.  You know it’s there, but God has to do the growing.  While we wait and assume that nothing is taking place, there is a miraculous event happening that is done in secret by God…germination!  The conditions must be just right before that seed peeks through the ground.  God takes care of the watering of the dream, the fertilization, the pH balance, and the amount of sunlight.  The old crows also come out and try to steal the seeds.  Satan, like the crow, seeks to steal, kill, and destroy.  Spiritual warfare is always taking place when we are seeking the will of God.  Fruition happens on God’s timetable.  

Sometimes I think that God gives us a vision, idea or dream and we place it on the back burner thinking that just someday we will get to it.  Then life happens!  Our dreams become dormant.  I know in our own life, (me & Brian) we have deeply buried ourselves with other things and our visions/desires get redirected, lost, and out of focus.  The weight of the “dirt” burying us has become heavy and we have needed help to realize our passions yet again.  It is interesting how God tills up the ground, removes weeds, and re-fertilizes, using friends, family, circumstances and His Word.  Sometimes it takes unburying…resurrection if you will!  Most often, the process is painful.

The story of Nehemiah is a great story of a man with a vision/dream/desire.  He took His idea before the king and the king financed it.  Nehemiah began working on the dream at night when everyone was asleep to evaluate and make preparations.  He wasn't ready for everyone to know what was in his heart.  Some ideas have to be protected and saved until the perfect timing.  When the time came, and work began, persecution and ridicule was present.  He had to fight for his dream.  Long story short, restoration took place and Nehemiah's vision was fulfilled.  It took persistence and many helping hands.  
                                           Need + Passion + Opportunity = God's Calling
I read this equation somewhere and I think it relates to Nehemiah's story.  Did he have the skill to complete such a large task?  No!  But he surrounded himself with others who in turn joined his vision and made it happen.  I suggest that you take time to read the very short chapters of Nehemiah to gain revelation for yourself.

I do not believe that we should jump into every opportunity that comes along.  That is another reason why God provided us the Holy Spirit.  It's to help lead and direct us.  Trust his prompting.  Don't be afraid if the size of the thing God lays on your heart is huge!  He knows it is outside of your physical, mental, or perhaps emotional capability.  He is offering you a chance to trust Him, to grow your faith, and lean heavy on Him.  He will pull together all of the puzzle pieces.  Remember that He is faithful and He that has begun a good work in you will be faithful to complete it! Philippians 1:6

Over the past two weeks, God has once again stirred up dreams and desires in my personal life.  I desperately want to protect what He has placed in my heart from the “dings” (distractions) of life or by covering myself with “dirt” to be buried yet again.

As I reflect on Restore Ministries, Inc., I am reminded that with God all things are possible.  What began as an idea moved into a meeting of the hearts and a brainstorm that was bathed with much prayer, dialogue, and planning.  The next stage was a walk of faith as Kathy and I faced many questions about how to go about what we believed God placed in our hearts independently and then corporately as we collaborated together.  From there, the questions didn’t stop but grew and God provided the answers to our questions and the finances needed to move forward.  We are still dreaming and continue to walk by faith as we discuss future retreats and opportunities for soulcare.   We desire for God to continue to plant dreamseeds, cultivate them, and grow them.  Who knows what ultimate vision God has in mind for Restore Ministries?!  I do know that it is to bring Him glory as we help others renew their heart of worship, transform the mind with the Word of God, and provide opportunities to rest the body and soul.  As I look back over the first sentence of our mission statement, I am amazed and humbled that God would entrust us with a ministry designed to offer opportunities for you and others to get to know Him intimately!  

Three things this week have promenaded around in my thinking.  This scripture has helped me to move forward and begin dusting off the dirt from a quickly self-inflicted burial and a silencing of the phone.  The sad thing that I have found to be true is that when you are buried, most often you don’t realize how deep until the load is lifted.  What was dark and unlit suddenly is illuminated.  A sudden jolt from darkness to light is staggering and requires slow movement to regain balance and perspective!  Reread that statement.  That’s a sentence with powerful spiritual truths!

• If God is stirring up a desire, dream, or vision, you might be required to: 

                                           “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
                                                              See, I am doing a new thing!
                                                   Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
                                                       I am making a way in the wilderness
                                                    and streams in the wasteland.  Is. 43: 18,19

• Remember that spiritual attack will happen and distractions will come to pull you away from what God has placed in your heart.  Be faithful to your call.

                                    “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. 
                                                     I came that they may have and enjoy life, 
                                          and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”
                                                                      Jn. 10:10 Amplified

• If you are feeling dry, think on this quote:

                                  Helen Keller said, “Is there anything worse then being blind? Yes! 
                   The most pathetic person in the whole world is someone who has sight but has no vision.”  

Vision is what drives us and without it, we perish!    You know that verse…Proverbs 29:18

“Faith is choosing and believing God’s dream for your life. Nothing starts happening in your life until you start dreaming. God gave you the ability to dream, to create, to imagine. Dreaming is an act of faith. Everything you see on this planet started as a dream.” ~ Rick Warren

“Now glory be to God, by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of — infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.” Ephesians 3:20 (LB)

Dreaming Big...as always,
Sherry

     One never knows what a new day will bring. It's Sunday evening and I'm just sitting down to write because life is unpredictable. In the last few days I have experienced the beauty and power of kindness to sustain you through the unexpected trials of life. Last Thursday night when Ken and I were driving home with a friend from a beautiful voice recital of a former student at Tulane University in New Orleans, I went to get my phone out of my purse. It had been on silent and there I saw the dreaded text. "Mom has fallen." My sister had gotten the call and driven to meet the ambulance, even though she had just had eye surgery that morning. She asked us  to meet her at the emergency room at the hospital when we arrived back in Baton Rouge. 

       After going through mom's broken hip over a year ago, we were anticipating the worse and dreading the possibilities of what we might be facing. Trauma with an alzheimer patient is a totally different experience because they can't hold onto any information or instructions or remember what happened to bring on the trauma. It turns out she doesn't have another broken hip, but has a pelvic injury which in causing her intense pain. She can't walk or move without crying out in pain. 

       I won't go through all the details, but summarize it to say that within the next 24 hours we had made two ambulance trips to two different hospitals and have now seen I think 6 different hospital doctors and countless nurses. I realized at the end of the first 24 hours that I was in the same clothes I had worn to the concert in New Orleans and pretty exhausted with only about 3 hours of sleep. This evening when I left my 86 year old mom, 4 days later, she asked me again where she was! Because she has been given a nice new hospital room, she keeps thinking we've moved her to a new house and says she likes what we've done with the place!  It helps to laugh! 

      She introduces and reintroduces me to every nurse and aid who comes in the room and offers them coke and candy (which of course we don't have because we are in a hospital room!!!) 

             Again it helps to laugh!

       Mom is ever the gracious southern hostess - even in the hospital in extreme pain. There's a lesson there for me. They say that with alzheimer patients one's true character comes through. How fortunate that mom's gift of hospitality, generosity and kindness are the traits that linger even when her mind is so terribly confused.

       When I reflect on the last few days I can think of one thing that stands out in the ordeal, besides all of us trying to keep a sense of humor.  It is the blessing of kindness.
 
Kindness and compassion 
                             can cover the frustration, 
                                                the pain, the worry,
                                                                         the fear, 
                                                                               and help to carry you as you face the unknown.

         I'm amazed at what a tender word from a nurse can do to calm mom's fears and ours. I'm awed at the patience and kindness of strangers who walk in to minister to her needs. Throughout the emergency room visits and the waiting…. and the waiting….. the words of kindness and concern that were offered by one health care provider after another sustained us. 

And then there was the unexpected visit of my friend Sherry who persevered through strict emergency room security just to come and give me a hug.,,,,,,kindness.

There have been countless text messages of concern, prayers and calls offered from friends and loved ones…..kindness.

We've divided up the days into shifts between us to ease the load of mom's care. She can't be left alone, because she doesn't remember where she is, what's happened or that she can't walk, so she could try to get up and then fall again. 
Family, willing to share the load for one another……kindness

My sweet husband sat for hours in the waiting room because they would only let in the two daughters. He delivered us meals and prayed and now takes shifts to be with mom. Yesterday when he arrived for his afternoon "shift" 
he came smiling  with a bouquet of roses, mom's favorite ……kindness.

One conversation with mom's nurse named Roger on Friday revealed that we wouldn't see him again because he was at the end of three straight shifts and had to go home to care for his three teenage children. His wife died a few years ago, and he is now a single parent. As we expressed our concern for him, he said, "It's difficult, but I'm very fortunate to have the kindness and help of family." We never know the burdens others carry around, do we? And yet, he so graciously offered a beautiful smile and tender words as he administered healing……kindness.

Of course we all canceled events we had planned for the weekend, but my sister insisted that I attend a prayer breakfast with friends this morning. "No, you go." she said, "I'll take another shift with mom. You need that."…….kindness. 
I did go and returned to the hospital refreshed to care for mom, prepared to offer the love and patience that she needed because of my sister's kindness and the time spent in sweet fellowship and prayer with friends.

I don't know what tomorrow will bring for mom. They may send her to another place to recover which will confuse her even more. Her recovery will be painful and slow with her injury -  that is all the doctors seem to be really sure of. 

Tonight, I am sure of this - the kindness and love of strangers, friends and family will sustain us - whatever tomorrow brings. 

A good character is the best tombstone.  Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered.  Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.  - Charles H. Spurgeon 

Consider how the Lord might be showing you an opportunity to offer kindness today or in the weeks ahead.

I think we often underestimate the power of a smile, a listening ear, a tender word, a gentle touch, a display of kindness, a caring spirit, a patient response, or a compassionate heart. But the Father has poured all of this and more into our own lives and His Spirit within us enables us to offer it to others. 

Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience are the coverings He clothes us with as His beloved.

They make a difference! 


Grateful for the kindness of others in the trials of life,
Kathy

Whew!  What an insanely difficult few weeks I have had with life and spinning those relentless plates!  You too? It seems to be a common topic of conversation that I have had with others lately.  Quickly, I’ll say that, work has been hard, time has been short, family members health has waned, political calls have overtaken my phone, I’ve forgotten appointments, demands continue, death, difficult decisions made with hard conversations, a quest to find my place for spiritual nourishment and where I can use my gifts, and to top it off, my husband lost his job!  You might say I’ve been living a “Job” sort of life lately! I’m not complaining, just stating a true fact!  I’ve been asked, “How much more can you take?”  My response, “As much as God pours on because He has a purpose and I will continue to praise His name!” I really do believe He has a purpose for all things, but….well, as much as I’d like to think that I am a Godly woman, super spiritual, and extremely strong, that isn’t really the case.  I have my moments of anger and outburst of tears as I whine to God telling him I’ve had enough and I’m tired!   I know your shaking your head in agreement and wondering if I’ve been peering into your living room! If this possible type scenario is not the case for you, you better check your pulse!  Or look out!  You are either coming out of a storm or about to walk into one.  It’s the cycle of life.  

I replayed the Biblical story in my mind and then imagined the look on Mary’s face when the angel said that she was highly favored!  First, I imagined her look of being startled and perplexed, coupled with a little fear and then comforted by the words “favored one!”

I love to be greeted with great enthusiasm, big smile, arms spread apart, and my name called with a little extra tag!  “Sheeerrryy-Baaabbby, my special little friend” was a particular greeting I use to receive from my friend Sherlene before she went home to be with Jesus!  What a salutation!  It always made me feel extra special!



Mary’s salutation was nothing short of verifying her special standing with God and then followed with a lifelong promise, “The Lord is with thee!”   Luke 1:28

As I stood gazing into the 7X5 foot mirror that morning, and repeated those King James Version words that I memorized so long ago, I began to think of the many difficult situations that Mary was faced with during her life, and she was highly favored!

Mary was from Nazareth.  It had little wealth, culture or learning and it wasn’t the most desirable place to live.  She worked hard as a woman taking care of daily needs, working in the fields, and walking a distance with her jug to dip water from the well and bring it back home for cooking and laundry.  A different kind of life than what we are used to, yet the same without modern conveniences.

Mary had some troubling questions after the angel left her with the news.  What about her marriage to Joseph?   Since she was bearing a child that was not his, Mary had to face the anguishing prospect of divorce and the shame it could bring down upon her in a small town that frowned on an unfaithful wife. Even though he had a high regard for her, how could she explain to Joseph the mysterious act of God and an angel no one else saw?  Mary must have been a very private person for she pondered many things and keep them in her heart!  That can be a lonely place.

I think about this highly favored girl riding a donkey and traveling when she was just about to give birth.  Then, in a nasty ole stable, her baby boy, Jesus, was delivered…and she was highly favored?  Then, when he was just toddling around, Mary and Joseph had to flee their home…quickly pack up and head out…with the fear of her child being murdered by King Herod.  She also carried the weight of knowing that Jesus would be sacrificed as the Savior of the world.  What kind of life Mary must have lived with so many burdens and so much to carry in her heart? Things not easily shared with even the closest of friends! 
                      "But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."  Luke 2:19

Sometimes carrying the weight around in your heart and mind is exhausting and can leave room for conjuring up deceitful imaginations.  Questions and doubt arise leaving your heart at unrest.  Cling to the promises of God. 
Perhaps Mary knew of the words of Isaiah:
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."  Is. 26:3

When you doubt and question the mighty and precious acts of God, remember to seek the peace of God.
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."           Philippians 4:7

Seems to me that someone who is highly favored should be treated with the best, the easiest, the most, recognized as special, and set apart from the common!  Why, isn’t that the way we treat honored and favored people?!  Well, the world does!  As Christians, we are called not to behave as the world does.  The first will be last and the last will be first.  The Christian life is sort of the upside down life…from a worldly perspective.  So Mary, who really lived a difficult life, was highly favored of God.  He placed upon her many burdens to quietly bear.  She was considered highly favored because of her great faith in God.  See how quickly she responded to the angel with “I am the handmaid of the Lord,' said Mary. 'Let what you have said be done to me.’”  Is that how we respond when we are placed in difficult situations or when the Lord requires something of us that we think is impossible or perhaps we do not want to do?  

After the angel greeted her with this honored greeting, his next words were, “The Lord is with you.”  How cool to be comforted with knowing that God’s personal messenger has come to you with these words!  Number one, I’m highly favored.  Number two, The Lord is with me.  Could this be her sequence of thinking?  I just kinda believe that by the angel stating that ‘The Lord was with her’, it was a powerful statement that Mary would refer to throughout the remainder of her days!  Surely it made an impact!  Yes, the Lord had been with the people of Nazareth for many years.  The Jews were God’s chosen people, and they were descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  God had led them out of Egypt and through the desert.  The prophets proclaimed that God would send a Messiah.  Now, this message became real for her.  The Lord was with her and it was personal!   

The next phrase spoken to Mary from the angel was, “Do not be afraid, Mary.”  Humm…highly favored, The Lord is with me, don’t be afraid.  What an interesting succession!  If she was favored and the Lord was with her, what reason should she have to be afraid?  It wasn’t until after he told her these three things that he revealed the event that would come to pass.  Just maybe, she needed to hear these words spoken to help engrave them on her heart so that when storms and hardships came her way, she would remember!  And they did come her way, over and over again.  

So here I am, standing with wet hair and I shouted out to Brian, who had just lost his job the day before, “Mary was highly favored!”  I don’t really think that he thought that I was nuts, because I’m always saying something out of the blue that relates to absolutely nothing!  I ponder a lot!  Then I said it again!  “Mary was highly favored!”  Don’t you get it?  We are like Mary…chosen…favored…His special possession!  

Our job as children of God is to declare His praises no matter what our circumstance.  He loads us down with things that we think are impossible situations so that we will rely and trust in Him and grow our faith.  The angel Gabriel, in Luke 1:37 reminded Mary, “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.”  And then she submitted to God’s will as a bondservant, one who willingly serves.

The Lord was with her through everything and it wasn’t always pretty.  Likewise, the Lord is also with us.  We need to remember to look to Him for our strength, wisdom, and understanding in every situation.  Don’t be afraid.  Praise and give Him thanks.  It will make your heart smile and grow stronger as you deepen your faith in God.

 “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5:18 NLT

I might add that I was intrigued at God’s choice of revelation to me over that of Job and all of his struggles.  I guess He just wanted to remind me that we are:
                  Highly Favored  ~  The Lord is with us  ~  and not to be afraid!

                  “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, 
                                              according to the power at work within us, 
                     to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, 
                                       forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)


Highly Favored of God, too!
Sherry