7 Quick Takes (Volume 111)

1) Poor Ladies Man. If missing a week of school being sick isn't enough, yesterday he tore his hamstring in P.E. I've never seen the guy in more pain. Who knew a muscle injury could take a person out like that? He'll be on crutches at least a week.

While we were waiting in the Emergency Room, I got a call from Drama Queen, who'd heard the news at lunch.

Drama Queen: Is Ladies Man going to die or something? I heard he was ushered out of P.E. in a wheelchair. What's going on?

Me: We're waiting to find out. I'll let you know as soon as I know something.

Drama Queen: What's the matter with that kid? He's always got an issue.

Now that he's going to be okay, she's taken to calling him Gimp. He's on enough pain meds he doesn't care.

2)
We survived the run of "The Gift." It was a great experience. To be part of an amazing group of people with one purpose is a gift in itself. One of the cast members wrote about it on her own blog and captures it well. Click here to read her post.

And I want to thank the unsung heroes of the production, our directors.


These people put in countless hours. Paul spends the summer designing our set. His drawings are a work of art themselves. Linda spent weeks coming up with choreography. The two of them together dissected the script (making me sweat!) and worked tirelessly with the actors to bring home the story and message. They do everything from painting sets to choosing costumes to pulling raw emotion out of people and everything in between. This production is a direct result of their efforts and they never get a chance to be recognized. So let me do it today. Thank you Paul and Linda. Wonderful job!

3) Drama Queen was ready to leave, but waited on her little sister.

Drama Queen: Where is she?

Me: She's brushing her hair.

Drama Queen: Sheesh.

Miss Innocent One: I just need some socks.

Drama Queen: Oh brother.

Ladies Man: You got your shoes?

Miss Innocent One: Yes!

Drama Queen: Are you good now? You need anything else? You got it?

Miss Innocent One just looked at me and shook her head.

Drama Queen: You about ready Princess Dawdle?

And now she's trying to make the nickname P.D. stick. Miss Innocent One isn't crazy about it, but is being realistic.

Miss Innocent One: Like I have anything to say about it. You're going to call me whatever you want.

Can you tell she's used to being the youngest?

4) I heard someone whistling in the hall.

Me: Who is that?

Kevin: Drama Queen

Me: She's happy?!

Shall we say the tension between us at times reminds me God prepares people for the next step in life? Her good mood honestly surprised me. Drama Queen entered our room, indeed, whistling. Hmmm. Imagine.

Me: Why are you so happy?

Drama Queen (her eyebrows furrowed together): What kind of question is that?!

Now there's the Drama Queen I know.

5) We attended Drama Queen's madrigal feast last night. I don't understand why this girl has an aversion to pictures. She's beautiful! The first time I tried to snap a shot she snatched the camera out of my hand. This is the best I could do beforehand.


My first attempt at the feast.


One with her dad.


And finally a decent one with my girls.


6) Several girls in Ladies Man's class were servers at the madrigal feast. Whenever we encountered one, they'd ask.

How is Ladies Man?
Is he going to be okay?
Oh, tell him I hope he feels better soon.
Is Ladies Man all right?
Will he be at school?
Can he walk yet?
Will he be able to go to the party Saturday?
Tell him to take care of himself.
Tell him I said hi, okay?

"Oh sure," Miss Innocent One said, "All the GIRLS ask about him."

7) As we were getting ready for bed I asked Miss Innocent One if I should change her name on the blog to Princess Dawdle.

Miss Innocent One: NO!

Drama Queen: Just call her P.D.

Miss Innocent One: NO!

Me (to Drama Queen): See. I told you she hates that name.

Ladies Man: Yeah, she slapped me when I called her that last night.

Drama Queen: Hey P.D., don't slap Gimp.

Yeah. She thinks she's hysterical.


I hope you have a great weekend friends. Catch more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

No Such Thing as A Blessed Few

You are blessed.

I'm not sure why, but I've heard this phrase often in the last week. The words have been directed to me audibly, in e-mails, in comments left here and on Facebook. While I appreciate the kind words, I don't get it really. Oh, I understand God's blessings in my life and thank Him all the time, yet I know there's nothing special about me. When someone says, "You are blessed," it makes me wonder if they think I have some unusual touch from God they don't, which can't be. If any of us is a child of God, we are blessed, aren't we? There are no degrees of blessing, no job more important than another.

When someone says, "You are blessed," I want to respond, "And so are you. You aren't missing it, are you?"

I'm as guilty as the next person. I long for a divine anointing no one can miss. I envy the accomplishments, the gifts, the opportunities of others. I've written ad nauseam about my desire to be somebody, to have an impressive title, or earn my own money, yet that is not God's call on my life. I will know His pleasure, His blessing, when I do what is before me, accepting and following His lead for me.

I do feel blessed, not because I'm all that (My teenagers are hollering "Amen sister!" to that!), but because I understand my call. I know what God wants me to do and I do it. There's no special talent involved, only a seeking, willing heart.

You are blessed.

You are. Your blessings will be as unique to you as the timbre of your voice, the curve of your jawbone or the way you like your tea. If you can't see it, ask God to show you. He will open your eyes.

You are blessed.

You are. You aren't missing it, are you?

Taking Advantage of My Tribe

It's my favorite sight at any funeral, the family walking in together moments before the service starts. You know this group of people have had plenty of arguments, disagreements and hurt feelings, yet in crisis they come, united in purpose, as one body.

There's something beautiful and soothing about being part of a family. It doesn't mean everything's all butterflies and roses (there are times you don't get each other at all and would love to slap one another), but you have a people, a tribe, a group that has your back. You may not even like each other very much, but they give a you a place in this world.

I haven't always felt this appreciation for my tribe. As a teen and young adult I felt like the black sheep of my family being the "religious" one. No one gave me any grief about it (unless you count my sister and cousin who consistently teased me about being "square"--I'll be milking that guilt trip as long as we live girls!), but I thought no one got me. Worse yet, I assumed they wouldn't understand and found me stupid.

But in making these assumptions I isolated myself from them. I didn't give them a chance to know me. I didn't tell them my thoughts, my struggles, my dreams, assuming they would think I was silly. It wasn't fair to them or me. In not sharing my real self, there was no way for them to know what I needed from them. And in keeping my personal feelings to myself, they weren't aware of my affection for them either.

Our tribes, our families aren't perfect and often bring the most grief, but I'm convinced we don't give ourselves a fighting chance. We make assumptions about what the others are thinking without asking or risking our own true feelings. We peg each other as being a certain way and allow no room for growth. In doing so we build walls isolating us from the tribe which is meant to bring us protection and validation.

I see the same phenomenon in the family of God. When you become a Christian, you have a new tribe, yet I see many people in the body of Christ without that sense of belonging. We hide our true selves wanting to appear together and fit for the body. We make assumptions based on how our family members look or their position.

We don't get to know each other because we're so worried about proving ourselves worthy.

But what would happen if we gave up something personal? What if we let someone know what we really thought? It's risky, I know. You open yourself up for judgment and criticism, but if we never let anyone in, how can they know what we need? How can they be there for us if they aren't aware of our struggles? How can they rejoice with us if they don't know where we've come from and how we've been delivered?

If I'm not honest, if I hide myself away, I don't take advantage of the tribe God has given me, both my earthly family and heavenly one. I know it's tough and I know doing so will cause us grief sometimes, but to me the risk is worth it for the payoff of deeper relationships and that feeling of belonging. I want to feel cared for in the family of God, but I can't without giving up something of myself.

Will you take advantage of your tribe? Will you open yourself to your family?



Photo Credit: Native American Seals/Logos

Faith in Prayer

A long week, preceded by months of preparation put me in a funk.

After opening night of our church musical, my body, my emotions let down. How can you know your effort is worth it? The entire next day, my mind swarmed with questions. How much is enough? Was the work valuable? Were people touched? Does it matter? Does it make a difference? One question in particular haunted me.

Is God pleased?

I lay in bed Friday night, two performances behind me, yet doubts lingering, tears dripping into my pillow, begging Him for confirmation of His pleasure.

It means nothing if You don't like it Lord. How can I know if You're pleased?

Silence.

I don't need accolades from others. I need to know what You think. Can You do something for me? How about a sign?

As I thought about a good indication of His pleasure, my mind went to what I wanted, what I wished to see. My brothers aren't big music or theater buffs. They rarely come to our productions. I don't blame them and don't push them because I know it's not their thing, but I've always wondered what they'd think of the words I write. They have no idea I do this, but whenever I pen anything, I think of them. Would they think it sounds too preachy? Is it something they could relate to? Thinking of their response helps me write better dialogue, more realistic conversations, yet they never hear or read my words. So when I thought of the perfect sign of God's pleasure, I thought of them.

God, I'll know You're pleased if you bring my brothers. That would be a miracle.

The minute I prayed it, I knew it was too much to ask. I was testing God, putting conditions on Him that weren't right and I regretted saying it.

I'm sorry Lord. Never mind.

The next morning the heaviness lingered so I took some time to see what Scripture says about God's pleasure. I looked up references containing the words "please", "pleased", "pleasing" and "pleasure," and found these.

My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with him.
Hebrews 10:38

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He earnestly rewards those who seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6
Yet again, He said, "Trust Me."

Okay Lord, I'll trust You are pleased. I'll finish the work and believe You will use it for Your purposes. I won't shrink back. I'll rest in the fact that I've earnestly sought You and assume that is enough to make You smile.

“Prayer invites us to rest in the fact that God is in control, and the world’s problems are ultimately God’s, not ours. If I spend enough time with God, I will inevitably begin to look at the world from the point of view that more resembles God’s own. What is faith, after all but believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse.”

~ Philip Yancey ~
Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference?

I chose to believe He would make the work matter. I chose to have faith, no matter what was said or who attended. I chose to believe He was pleased and readied myself for two more performances.

Because what is faith if not believing in what you can't see? Faith believes. Faith trusts. Faith knows God is in control. Faith rests. I chose to have faith.

The rest of the performances went well and my spirit was encouraged by the kind comments of others. I didn't look for God to do anything and knew my time in prayer had brought about a change in perspective I desperately needed. Though my spirit could have been daunted by a small crowd for Saturday's performance, I trusted God brought exactly the people He wanted. I enjoyed conversations with people afterward and felt satisfied with God's leading and grateful for His goodness.

So when I entered the auditorium for the final performance, I thanked God for allowing me to be part of His work. I descended into the orchestra pit one last time, played the tuning note for the players, got my score and script settled, then nervously scanned the crowd to pass the few minutes before we started. I acknowledged familiar faces, joked with some in the front row and spotted my mother. As I waved her way, my sister-in-law peeked her head out and my heart beat faster as I struggled to see behind heads blocking my view. There, in row four, next to my mother, sat both of my brothers and their wives.

Incredible.

Though I blinked back tears, nothing could take the smile from my face. God is so good. So very, very good. Though He got His point across that I needed to do what was before me and trust Him for what may come of it, He still threw in some pizzazz and answered my prayer.

First came the lesson in faith, then He let me know, beyond any doubt, He was pleased. Wow.

God hasn't always worked this way in my life. Usually He delays His answers long enough for me to wonder if He hears. Often He says no. And yet, when I come to Him in honest prayer, He makes any answer easier to swallow. His presence centers me and gives perspective. The prayer itself reassures me, regardless of His response.

For He wants us to come to Him, not for the flashy answers we desire, but for the attitude adjustment He provides, for the peace and perspective He offers. He wants us to commune with Him to give us His point of view, to build our faith.

And sometimes, He boosts our faith by replying in an amazing way.

Thank You Lord.

Join our host, Debbie, at Heart Choices for more interpretations of this quote.

7 Quick Takes (Volume 110)

1) News bulletin: I am one tired cookie. It's production week at our house (Don't worry. I'll get my official plug in before we're done here.) Busy, busy, busy. We've spent our days completing the set (Come see my rocks--they look awesome!) and our evenings at dress rehearsals. Making matters worse, I've been sleeping horrible. Nerves or something, I guess. Kevin and I write these musicals ourselves and by this time every year I start getting worried about how our words will be interpreted . . .no, how they'll be criticized. I feel exposed and open for judgment. So I don't sleep well and I'm busy every second of every day. I've got that I'm so tired I'm weepy feeling. Be warned. If these Quick Takes seem a little disjointed, now you know why.

2) Look what Drama Queen presented to me. Victory!


Maybe my parenting skills aren't totally lacking! (See #5)

3) Drummer Boy reminded me yet again he's not a little boy anymore. The father of his roommate passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday and he was there when the difficult news was given. It's tough, tough stuff and he handled it with compassion and maturity. I was proud of him.

Pray for his roommate's family. The death is a shock and leaves a huge hole that will take a long time to heal.

4) Kevin and I were talking with relatives last night about how tired we were.

Me: I think we should get the kids to school and go back to bed. Isn't that a marvelous plan?

Kevin: Yeah, I'd love to have the whole house to ourselves.

We honestly weren't insinuating anything except that a quiet house sounded wonderful, but Miss Innocent One was in earshot and made herself known in a hurry.

Miss Innocent One: Hello, your child is sitting right here. I know how I got here, but I don't need to hear about it. Ew.

5) Poor Ladies Man has been sick since Thanksgiving. I've had him to the doctor THREE times in the last week. I'm hoping he turns a corner soon. I miss his goofy remarks and commentary on life.

6)
You knew it was coming--one final plug for our church musical. We opened last night to rave reviews and thunderous applause (or something like that). And it's not too late for you! We have three more performances. Come check it out. An original production. My husband gets decked. And it's all free. FREE I tell you. What are you waiting for?

7) In case my discreet suggestion isn't enough and you're wondering exactly what this program is about, here's a clip of Kevin promoting it on a local news station. I can't believe he sounded coherent at 5:50 AM. He is NOT a morning person by any stretch of the imagination. Nice job, honey.

Make "The Gift" part of your weekend and come say hi to the crazy lady swinging the stick in the orchestra pit. Check out more Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

Looking the Right Way

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

Amen.

Space Cadet?

Another day from the archives. The following post originally appeared December 26, 2006.

I ran across a sentence in the classic book, In His Steps that has been on my mind for days.

"She was never absent-minded, but often thought herself into a condition that left her alone in the midst of a crowd."

I'm guessing those of you who are part of the blogging community find yourself in this "condition" often. Am I right? Aren't blogs an outlet for the mess of thoughts running through our little brains? Don't you blog to get it out and give yourself permission to stop thinking about it? Rest assured you are not alone, my friends. For myself, I consider this thinking "condition" both comforting and disheartening, a gift and a curse.

It is a curse when I find myself thinking over things too much, giving them too much importance in my mind, making a small problem bigger than necessary. Getting lost in my head prevents me from seeing what is before me. I imagine conflicts that aren't there. It can isolate me from others and make me assume too much. At times it can be debilitating when, in my deep thinking, I don't get much else done.

But there are times I find the ability to get lost in my head very soothing. I can be in line at the post office and talk with Jesus as easily as chatting with a friend on the phone. I can wonder about His plans for me and where He's taking me while grocery shopping. In a church service, surrounded by people, I can worship Him without reservation because in my mind, He picks me out and knows my love. Watching a movie can be an intense experience as my wheels spin the whole time, searching for spiritual truth in relation to the human condition. In the midst of a deep conversation, I can flip through my mental lists of Truth and find answers I've been searching for. Being able to be alone in my own mind means I can enter the sanctuary of God at any time and soak in His presence. It is a tremendous gift if used properly (there's a statement and then some!).

And there is the problem. My mind is not always thinking right. It is just as easy to be irritated that the lady in front of me at the post office did not address her packages at home, as it is to have a conversation with Jesus. I am distracted by a roomful of people as I try to sing worship songs. I am more likely to go over my mental to do lists while grocery shopping (and bemoan my many tasks) than to focus on God.

The answer is simple in theory. For me, the only way to fight off the tyranny of my mind is through scripture. It is paramount. When wrong thinking or dwelling hits me, I have to meditate on some truth from the Word.

What do you do? How do you fight off the over analyzing thoughts and the temptation to shut everyone else out? How do you make your thought life pure? How can you be sure you are not merely lost in space?