Hair Color - From the Archive

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

"Coloring the hair is about a youthful attitude." My friend relayed this sentiment while we were discussing hair stylist options. My mind turned this thought over and gnawed on it in the same way a dog badgers a bone. However, I can't find truth in it. Coloring my hair may give one a younger appearance but the truth is - I'm not young.

I feel old. I feel the weight of my duties and responsibilities and that weight won't be lifted just because I color my hair. The weight (emotionally and physically) of stress shows in the lines of my face. My frown lines are evidence of more duty and responsibility than fun. The stretched skin over my (okay, I'll say it) - fat - waist and thighs add to the older appearance. That won't go away if I color my hair.

I actually like the color of my hair. I'm even okay with the gray that is in it. Gray that is more evident when stress is taking it's toll. Healthy hair is a part of a healthy body. Coloring my hair will not make my body healthy.

I want to seek a healthy attitude. A healthy attitude will reflect a youthfulness.

(Father God, help me to be healthy. Replace my deceitful heart that cries over the harshness of this task with a new heart rejoicing in Your strength. This won't be easy for me during stressful times. This won't be easy for me over the long run. I am grateful that you are carrying me through this. You are my strong tower, my mighty fortress, my mercy, and my river of life. Thank you. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.)

It's Christmas! Hurry up and slow down.

Luke 10: 38-42

Martha was a woman of means. She loved her family. She cared for her friends. She was courageous. She welcomed the needy. She could have been any one of us during the busy Christmas season. We get together to exchange ornaments, cards and gifts. We enjoy food and more food. We are constantly on the look out for that perfect gift for that special person. We plan dinners and schedule family visits. Our shopping list is long. Our days are jammed with activities.

Like Martha, our minds are occupied with doing things. Somewhere along the way, we've lost sight of necessary time with Jesus. When we don't fill that time properly, the result is bitterness and resentment. We are offended that Aunt Sue didn't remember to bring the salad dressing. We can't believe that Cousin Jill forgot our present. And, where is Uncle Steve? He promised to be here. We get stressed and anxious trying to do it all in a hurry with everyone.

Let's not.

This Christmas, don't get so busy with doing and doing for that we miss the blessing of enjoying. Stop moving. Be still. Rejoice. The sabbath was a gift of rest. Christmas is the time set aside to remember the earthly beginning of the gift of salvation. Delight in the Lord's presence. Do NOT miss it.

(Based on notes from December 7, 2008 sermon delivered by Pastor B.)

Considering Ways

Haggai1:1-2:23

Consider your ways. Again, consider your ways. The Lord God is with you. Be strong the Lord of Hosts is with you. Consider from today and onward. Again, consider from today and onward.

In two short pages, God asks us to consider four times. Twice He tells us what to consider and twice He tells us when to consider. I teach 3rd-6th graders each week. Our public schools have fallen down on the job of teaching vocabulary and I love words. Words are my love language. So, I've come to the realization that many people don't understand what God is trying to say to us through His love letter, the Bible.

What does "consider" mean? What did it mean when the Bible was translated from Hebrew and Greek? Does it mean the same thing now that it meant then? A little research will show you that the word hasn't really changed in meaning over the years. Some words do but this one hasn't. When we consider something we look at it closely and think carefully about it.

So, God asks us to look closely at and think carefully about our ways. What are we doing? Why are we doing it? What is the desired outcome of what we do? This includes everything we do. Our ways are our day to day activities, our habits, our speech, our interactions, our money, our food, our clothing, our movies, our books, our friends, and so on. We are to look closely at and think carefully about each.

Remember that the Lord God of Hosts is right there with you. He sees your activities, habits, speech, interactions, money, food, clothing, movies, books, friends, and so on. As we consider our ways, do they please Him? Do they honor Him? Do they bring glory to His Name? Or, do we shame the fearful Name of God? Do we embarrass Him? Do we cause Him to turn away in disgust? He's right there with us. Consider it.

When are you to start considering your ways? Now. Then, continue on tomorrow and the next day and the next. That's pretty clear. Don't wait.

God repeated Himself. He said each thing twice. That's like saying, "HEY! PAY ATTENTION TO THIS! IT'S IMPORTANT!!"

(Father God, help me to consider my ways beginning now. Thank you for being there with me. Forgive me for the shame and disgrace that I've caused. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Catching Up

Well, I caught up reading the blogs that I normally follow today. I was only a few weeks behind so it worked out well. I am so thankful that God has blessed me. I stand in awe of what He has done. I am reminded that He is.

Vera is such a beauty. She smiles and I respond. Her life has a purpose. Her life glorifies God.

God blesses me by showing her to me.

Ashley holds a special place in my heart. I know a new love because of her. Her life glorifies God. God blesses me by showing her to me.

Tricia and Gwenyth are roses personified. Each life glorifies God in a unique way. God blesses me by showing them to me.

Now, I'm known to chase rabbits when I visit each blog. I follow off on links and end up with tears of joy and tears of sadness sometimes but always I am blessed. I shy away from following too many blogs though. I could invest a lot of time and emotions following all the wonderful stories.

(Father God, thank you for all the reminders of just how gracious and merciful you are. Thank you for the blessings of each blog. Thank you, Lord, for loving me. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Slack and Stopping Slack

Okay, okay. I've been slack in posting lately. I've been re-thinking what this blog is about and how I want to use it. I am very protective of my privacy but I don't want anyone thinking I'm a fake either. And, I want someone other than myself to read it.

So, I'm searching for that middle ground where I can protect what needs to be protected and share enough to be interesting.

I'm going to concentrate on some devotional type postings for awhile. Tidbits of information, insight, and things that God has pointed out through reading or everyday life. We will see how that goes. Sprinkled in every once in awhile will be some personal news. This is a doable thing.

Now, it's off to regular posting...

(Father God, thank you for our electronic age. I am so amazed by what you have allowed us to learn and the knowledge that you've sent before us on which we build. Technology is a wonderful tool for sharing about you. Please encourage me as I endeavor to use this blog for your glory. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Itty Bitty Bunny

I have an itty bitty bunny living on my back porch. Now, I live in a non wild area. Yes, there's some trees and stuff around but there's not a whole lot of places this bunny could have come from. And finally, today, my cat saw the bunny from the kitchen window. I'm not letting that cat out today. No way.

I'm always awed by God's provision for even the least of His creation. I love seeing this little bunny as it ventures out to get food and water. It's quite a treat to see.

Now, I'm amused by my cat as she is intently watching this little bunny. She wants out there very much. But, I'm protecting that itty bitty bunny. My husband said to me, "God will provide for that bunny." And I told him, "Yes, and He's gonna use me to do it."

That little bunny is teasing my cat. He's just sitting there watching the cat. The cat is pacing in the window, breathing hard, whipping her tail around. Okay, maybe that shouldn't be funny but it is.

Itty Bitty has gone into hiding. The cat's still looking for it, though.

Luke 12:6-8

6) Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7) But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. 8) Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

(Father God, thank you for the reminder of your daily provision and care for even me. Thank you for using an itty bitty bunny for that purpose. Please use me as a vessel to care for your creation. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

What about Memorial Day?

Jeptha Wilson Frunk was my great-uncle, the oldest brother of my grandmother.  He never married, nor had any children.  He served in the US Army during World War II and died in action July 3, 1944, in France.  He is the closest relative that I have lost to combat.  Yet, each time I see my own son’s name, I am reminded of the sacrifice that Jeptha made.  You see, he carries Jeptha’s middle name as a constant memorial.

I am considered a part of Generation X.  We are so comfortable with technology- using it, always having it.  I even drafted my notes for this on my cell phone.  But, technology has removed the personal touch of war.  I am a US Navy veteran that served stateside support during the Gulf War, a conflict marked by the use of technology.  Casualties of this war for us were few.  Of the 575,000 troops and support sent, there were 148 combat deaths.  So, in general, my generation doesn’t have a clue about Memorial Day.  We have redefined this day to meet our own selfish desires.  Sadly, Memorial Day has become the beginning of the summer pleasure seeking season.

I challenge those of you that fall in Generation X and beyond, to not let the true meaning of Memorial Day get lost.  Today, with your children and parents, search your family tree.  Find out who didn’t make it home from conflict.  Post their photo on your wall.  Celebrate their life. Talk of their sacrifice.  Add them to your Facebook or My Space page.  Twitter about them.  Share with any who will listen that the honor with which these service members gave all, is an honor to God.  As we are instructed in Psalm 78:4, do not hide this from the children.  Show this to the generations to come.  Show the wonderful works that the Lord has done.  

(Father God, thank you for this country in which I live.  Thank you for the service members that honor you by giving their life for the liberty we possess.  Please bless their sacrifice.  In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.)