A Story to Tell...

"There are times I wish my story wasn't mine...but it is mine to tell" MaryBeth Chapman.  

I heard this tonight from MaryBeth Chapman, wife of Grammy & Dove award winning CCM singer, Steven Curtis Chapman.  The Chapmans were part of an event in Connecticut, along with other Christian singers/speakers to minister to folks in the Newtown area.  

For those not familiar with the Chapman's story: In May 2008, their youngest (5 yrs old) daughter was killed when she ran in front of a car driven by her then-teenaged brother.  The accident took place in the driveway of the family farm/home.  

Both MB and Stephen expressed with her words and his music that even with the passage of time, they would love more than anything if they & their family had not suffered the loss they did.  That this event, which will always be part of 'their story'  just simply had not occurred.  

The other part of their message is that  even when life gives us those trials that we cannot change or "make it all better", we can get through it.  Our faith is still there beside us, even when we wish things were different.  We may can, at some point in the future minister to someone who may be experiencing a similar loss/challenge.  

What I took from Marybeth's remarks were that it's absolutely normal and OK to wish our circumstances were different.  There are times where maybe we won't "count it all joy", but we can heal.   My 'story' is uniquely mine and and each chapter brings us  lessons we may not be aware we need.  Some lessons can be shared...others will be for our own "private tutoring" 

The song I was reminded of was "I Love to Tell the Story". I'm not into 'tract evangilism", I just hope simply to be a witness as I go about my daily activities.   If you want to hear more of my 'story'...all you have to do is ask.  

I love to tell the story of unseen things above, Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.  I love to tell the story, because I know ’tis true.  It satisfies my longings as nothing else would do.

1. • Refrain:
     I love to tell the story,
     ’Twill be my theme in glory,
     To tell the old, old story
     Of Jesus and His love.
2. I love to tell the story, ’tis pleasant to repeat, What seems each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet; I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
   The message of salvation from God’s own holy Word.  Arabella Hankey/Public Domain
3. 
   

Decision 2012...

I posted a response about praying for the President on a friend's FB page that that I wanted to share and expand on a bit:

My maternal Grandmother kept a daily prayer journal she would use to jot down the things she prayed for during her daily quiet time.  I believe she updated it until not long before her final hospital stay.  When Grandmother Hackett passed away, we found entries in her daily prayer journal for "PC", along with listing out her children & spouses, her grandchildren and "her" pastors (from my parents and my Aunts' churches, who visited and checked on her) and other loved ones.

It took a little bit to figure it out: it wasn't 'Phenix City' (and yes, my Mom's family was living in Columbus during the height of the 'Sin City' era across the river in Phenix City).  We finally figured out that 'PC' was President Clinton. Grandmother prayed daily for him, along with her loved ones.  Grandmother didn't "like" him and hadn't voted for him.  So, she simply used his initials (instead of his name). She didn't let his not being 'her choice stop her from praying. 

We've become so focused on "winning" and what 'side' (left/right) or color (red/blue) we are affiliated with, that many no longer feel respect for the office holder.  When 'our' candidate loses, we immediately start looking ahead to the next election, and hoping the next time 'our' candidate will do better. It's the "wait til next year" attitude we use when our favorite sports team loses or their season ends, without the SuperBowl or World Series ring.  

We shouldn't just pray/wish/hope for our desired outcome, but remember the men/women who have been tasked with leadership roles.  We can disagree, debate, discuss and 'agree to disagree' in ways that don't add to the division.  

A Careful Outlook

Was heartbreaking a few weeks back to wake up on a bright Friday morning, to see reports of the Aurora, Colorado shooting filter in.  First via social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook  then confirmed on the morning news shows.  My thoughts & reaction were probably similar to most everyone else:  the more I heard, the more heartsick I felt.  A collection of everyday folks doing an everyday activity.

Later that morning, I happened to mentioned to group of CoWorkers that Hubby had plans to attend a matinee showing, as part of a team outing.  One said he's going...aren't you afraid.  I thought a second and said, no.  We can't  stop just going about our business and let fear of the unknown 'bad guy' keep us from living our lives.  Does it mean things will always be ok?  No, we know bad things can happen out of the blue

There's a difference between being carefree, careful and captive.  Carefree is riding down the highway with the convertible top down, careful is putting on the seatbelt.  Captive is not taking the car out of the garage.

Psalms 32:7-8 You are my hiding place; you protect me from distress.
You surround me with shouts of joy from those celebrating deliverance. (Selah)
I will instruct and teach you about how you should live.  I will advise you as I look you in the eye.

I love the phrase "protect me from distress" it doesn't mean the 'distress' is removed or never comes, instead I see it as we have the tools to get through the distress and that where the comfort comes in.  We don't have to live in fear when God will 'look us in the eye'.  

Tis So Sweet

I love the classic hymns and wanted to share some thoughts that tied into one such song (and one of my favorites):  Tis So sweet to Trust in Jesus.

Through our/my 15+year struggle with endo and infertility, one of the key lessons I was about trust.  I had to re-learn to TRUST that God does understand those moments when I questioned/bargained/argued/cried/yelled...you name it. TRUST that he has equipped us for this journey that we are traveling on and TRUST for the future.

For me...infertility was a type of  loss that shook my foundation, like an earthquake.  I had been blessed in the sense that I had never previously lost trust in the people most important (husband, parents, good friends).  Being in a place where I was asking "why" and "how come??" was uncharted territory for me.  And at the same time, felt guilty for asking why.

There wasn't one 'aha' moment, but as I simply gave myself time to work through this and accept that this was the path, that we've been chosen to walk down...the faith and the hope came back;  the joy came back, the laughter and music and love of life and all the normal ups and downs came back.   Infertility had broken my heart, but it didn't break my spirit.  That's the beauty of grace and faith...the Lord gives us time when we have to step aside to get our bearings..and he's simply standing there with open arms when we turn back to Him. And yes, it is something very 'precious'.

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise, And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Refrain: Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end. ~ Louisa M.R. Stead

19 and Counting...

Almost two (2) weeks ago, Robert & I celebrated our 19th anniversary on Halloween day. Yes, I was a Halloween bride! No, it had nothing to do with any 'connection' to the day or fondness for Halloween. It just so happened that it fell on A Saturday that year:-).

We 'celebrated' this week, with a date night in downtown Columbus at the RiverCenter to see John Tesh performing with his Big Band tour. Have to say it was a great evening! John was great in person (someone that I've always wanted to see), very personable and charming, as I hoped. A good time was had by all, even if we did have to miss our favorite show - The Big Bang Theory:-)

The King's Speech

Happy Birthday to my Dad, who is 74 years young today!  Love, Always :-)

I happened to watch "The King's Speech" today.  Didn't think about the timing until I was well into the movie, but it hits really close to home.  If you're not familiar with the movie, it tells the story of the current Queen Elizabeth's father, King George VI and his relationship with a speech therapist:

The current monarch and her father were not supposed to be on the throne.  The Queen's father, then Prince Albert, the Duke of York, was the second-born son.  The Duke only became king after his older brother abdicated the throne, to marry a woman deemed "unsuitable" to be Queen.  Can you imagine if that had been the outcome of the Charles-Diana-Camilla triangle?  At worst, he just has to deal with citizens who wish he'd voluntarily "step aside" in lieu of Prince William

The Duke also had a lifelong problem with stuttering.  At the time, it was considered to be a major "flaw" and something to be ashamed of.  It was something the Duke struggled with for most of his life.  The movie tells the story of how the King worked Lionel Logue to gain control over his "issue". 

The reason this resonates with me is that my wonderful Dad has also struggled with stuttering all of his life.  He worked with speech therapists and the public speaking group, Toastmasters International, and now is a very well respected speaker.  I'm so proud of how hard he's worked.

Standing on the Promises

I love the classic hymns and from time to time, I may jot down some things that come to mind when I think of these classic words I grew up with (and maybe from time to time, some more "modern" hymns or worship music:-)

Standing on the Promises of Christ, My King, through eternal ages let His praises ring;
Glory in the highest I will shout and sing, Standing on the promises of God


Standing on the promises that cannot fail, When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail; By the Living Word of God, I shall prevail, Standing on the promises of God


Standing in the promises I cannot fail, listening every moment to the Spirit's call;
Resting in my Savior as my All-in-All, Standing on the promises of God

The tune for this song is what you might call "lively" and it fits. We aren't asked here to "whisper" our faith, but to Shout & Sing & Stand - all active, action verbs. God wants us to exhort our faith. Doesn't mean we make a nuisance, or be show-offy, like the Pharisees, but we find ways to keep it active: through prayers, devotions, worship in the corporate setting, in small groups(like a bible study) or just at home. As Psalms says "let the words of my heart and the meditation of my soul, be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

The second verse addresses times when we doubt, the promises are still valid. I'm living proof that the answer to your most heartfelt prayer can be a clear and resounding NO, but that doesn't mean that God is saying that you're not worthy, or you don't belong as part of the "family" or that God has turned his back on you. What it means to me is that even if I get discouraged and I step away from God for a time - He's STILL there. This time, it's God who is standing beside me.

I love verse 4. I didn't skip verse 3 because we Southern Baptists learned to count as 1-2-4. This time the verbs are more sedate actions: Listening and Resting. I'm a couch potato by nature and can spend hours, when I have the time, doing all nature of 'solitary' activities: reading, listening to music on the iPod or any number or things. I married my total opposite: My wonderful husband can't sit still longer than absolutely necessary. He has this wonderful, active mind and spirit that I love, but I just can't manage to emulate. Add to that, I'm a procrastinator, and well, you get the picture! I think after almost 19 years of marriage, we may be starting to move a litllte more toward the middle. It's like a fun game of tug-of-war...which side of the line will we wind up at?! I dont know, but Will be fun to find out!

'I cannot fail' doesn't mean that I won't make mistakes, but that when I do, I want to learn something. It's the learning that keeps me from failing. That's where the listening comes in, trying to hear what the message is from our shortcomings, and the cool thing about God is that his "messages" are custom fit for each of us.

Lastly, "rest" doesn't mean to sleep, but more to stop, to take note and simply be AWARE that there is nothing we deal with in our daily life that God doesn't want to be a part of. He is
the 'end all, be all' (or all in all) as we like to say. This time, we are standig still. Its like the verb has become a noun, and the "thing" it represents are his wonderful promises, which are as many as the stars n the sky. We can turn our concerns and joys over to the Lord, knowing he'll walk beside us as we face the day.

Auburn-LSU Game

Tomorrow is the game where the "Go Tigers" plays the "Geaux Tigers". I can't say it's one of my favorite series, because more often than not, it's a crazy nerve wracking game. From the Earthquake game in '88 to the year the old Arena in Auburn caught fire DURING the game and flames were visible in the skyline above Jordan-Hare, it's always one of the toughest games of the season. The old adage "2 yards and a cloud of dust" is good fit for this series.

My take on this years game: on paper Auburn has no chance, we're the same very, very young team that lost 90% of the players from our BCS championship team, playing the number 1 team in the nation and our QB will be making his first start in Death Valley. Talk about getting thrown into the fiery furnace :-). We may or may not win the game, but I'm liking how these young Tigers are playing. They make mistakes, no doubt, but they play to the whistle and I'm liking what I'm seeing as a foundation for the next few seasons. Will we win: won't know for sure until tomorrow, but I definitely wouldn't mind being pleasantly surprised :-)

War Eagle!!!!

Update: Auburn lost 45-10. Largest margin of defeat in this series. Oh well, We'll see the "LSWho" tigers in Auburn next year!

Dan Wheldon

Was watching today's between the Falcons and Cam-olina (Carolina) Panthers when my twitter feed started exploding with reports of a 'big one' during today's race, that involved driver Dan Wheldon.

Now, I'm a NASCAR gal. Hubby works for one of the companies that's a lead sponsor for a driver, so we're fans of that driver & I'm also partial to JR. I knew NASCAR had their race last night, so wasn't sure at first which series this was. Turned out to be IndyCars. Other than the Indy500, I don't watch IRL racing. I'm a sucker for the spectacle that's The 500, from the Perdue band & Jim Nabors singing "back home again in Indiana" to the milk & roses for the winner, to the massiveness that's the Brickyard: it's an American as apple pie.

I remember Wheldon winning in flukey fashion this year. A rookie led almost the whole race, and was on his way to clearcut win, when, well...racing stuff happened. The rookie had an accident on the last lap, and Wheldon was in position to speed around and claim the race win. Today, just 13 laps in, what might have been a simple accident became a horrific 15-car, fiery crash with debris spread over a long stretch around Turn 4.

About 2 hours later, the announcer told the viewing audience that Dan Weldon had not survived the crash. Wheldon was 33, with a wife and 2 young sons. The remaining drivers took to their cars, some openly weeping and completed a slow 5 lap tribute to their fallen friend and competitor, to the strains of Danny Boy and Amazing Grace.

It was such a stark reminder that we truly don't know how long we'll grace this life with our presence. We know in our heads that it can all end in a moment, but there's a part of us that assumes we'll be allowed the maximum number of the "days of our lives". We really don't know how long we're going to have to "finish the race" so we need to make sure we make the most of our time, Count your blessings, love your loved ones, don't let wounds fester into something that becomes a deeper hurt, if you can. Let your time count!

Henry

Last month marked one year since we brought our then-latest canine addition into our home: a Lab~Austrailian Shpherd mix, that I dubbed "Henry". Henry's original puppy name was "Peter", which isn't bad, just didn't feel like the right 'fit' :-)

In early 2010, we lost two (2) of our dogs: Sam, a 12 y/o beagle and found out our 11 y/o Lab, Jake, had skin cancer. Jake survived longer than the normal time for that type of cancer diagnosis, but finally died in May. Have to be honest-that was a tough one! Jake was the first dog we had gotten as a puppy. He came home as a 12lb ball of fur and VERY quickly grew into a 125lb. couch potato.

When we got Jake, we weren't doing the "let's see if we can handle a puppy and if we do ok, maybe we won't screw up the baby" thing. We'd already been married 6+ years. I think at that time, I already had some 'whispers' in my head that our "when are you going to start a family" was turning into a 'hmm, something might not be right'. At the time I was just starting on a big work effort (remember Y2K??) and had that to keep from worrying about what 'might' be going on.

I knew Robert wasn't keyed up about adding a new dog to the house. Jake was the Gilligan to his Skipper: his big, little buddy. They'd been pals for almost 12 years. Jake was great with me, but he 'belonged' to Robert. Our 2 remaining dogs are also both 10+ years old. I just couldn't see us with an empty house - or having just one surviving dog, who'd always been part of a pack.

So.....I took the initiative and started looking online & on our work classifieds for puppies. Finally, I found "it". I found our new puppy. Still can't explain it....but something about the picture on petfinder.com website got to me :-) And...even better, he was just over in Auburn and not off in Nebraska, or Timbuktu. I contacted the rescue group and THEN told Robert ( but before SETI led out the application...promise:-) In 17+ years, this was first time I'd gone out on that long of a limb.

Call it a 'calculated risk', but I knew this was right for us...and a year later, it has been :-). I wasn't looking for another lab-promise :-). H was listed as an Aussie, but turned out to look like a mini-Lab, but hates water, is skittish, and well, just kind of goofy. Hismpersonality is nothing like his outer 'shell'. He had a lot of health issues to deal with - so in a sense, we both rescued each other. We gave Henry a home and he helped us get over our loss. At the end of the day...not sure who gets the better deal, but it's going to be fun finding out!!!

Henry