Blessings in Disguise

I just found out yoga classes are going to be offered again where I work. I’m very excited. I love the way the Julie, who teaches the class, does so with a Christian perspective. I also like how she slowly guides us from pose to pose, and lets everyone work at their own level.

I really enjoy the feeling of a good stretch.

That doesn’t mean I’m all that flexible. In fact, for years I wondered why I couldn’t more easily touch my toes, or do some of those other amazing poses the people in the yoga videos could do. You know the ones I mean…where they fold themselves perfectly in half, or straddle their legs as sharply as a carpenter’s square.

Even when I stretched twice a day I still couldn’t see the sort of progress I dreamed of. I didn’t understand why I couldn’t do it. It actually bugged me - a lot!

That was until a few years ago when I was watching an episode of Dr. Oz. It was during the Q and A time near the end of the show when a young woman got up and began to talk about her hyper-flexibility. Dr. Oz asked her to show us, so she began bending and twisting her body into all sorts of crazy shapes. I looked on with both wonder and envy.

But then something unexpected happened. Dr. Oz asked the lady if she ever gets aches and pains in her joints. “Yes, Often,” the lady admitted. Dr. Oz then explained that this is common with people with hyper-flexibility. These sorts of people have to be especially cautious to avoid injuries like sprains and pulled muscles.

Hummm...

I thought.

I never get injuries like that.



I guess it's because...



my joints are strong.


That’s when it first occurred to me...

  
Maybe God made me this way for a reason.

 

I imagined God, knitting me together, and deciding it would be better for me to have strong joints, than to be overly flexible. Even though he knew I’d want to be limber, he felt it was better for me to be able to run, and hike, and play with my kids, and climb stairs, and do all the things I enjoy doing without ever having to worry about a sprained ankle or a pulled back.
 

He made me this way because he loves me.

I wondered how many other things about me that I don’t really like, are actually blessings in disguise. Could my big teeth and fat thumbs be a blessing too? Who knows? They could be.

How about you? Are there any things about yourself you used to want to change, but later realized were blessings in disguise? The size of your nose? The size of your yard? The size of your bank account?

As I get older I see more and more what a loving Father we have. He knows best, and his ways are so much higher and better than our ways.

Like it says in Isaiah 55…

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
 neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

So the next time you’re thinking…

Why couldn’t I be more like this?

 or

Why couldn’t I be more like that?

…don’t be surprised if the answer is as simple as this:

Because God loves you.

Great Year for Butterflies

Red Admiral

 This has been a great year for butterflies.

 It makes a "butterfly collector" like me giddy!

 (I collect photos of butterflies.

See my blog posted Aug. 1, 2010 

for the story about how I got into this 

hobby of mine and more photos.)

 Here are a few I've taken so far this spring.
Remember, you can click on any photo to see them close-up.

Summer Azure

Question Mark

You can tell this is a Question Mark (and not a Comma) 

because of the silvery-white "?" marking on the underside of its hindwing. 

Eastern Tailed-blue

Eastern Tailed-blue (female - with wings open)

The Eastern Tailed-blue looks a lot bluer when it's flying.

 It's wings are actually more light grey underneath and dark grey on top,

 but when it's flying it appears a lovely blue color.

Painted Lady

Here are a few that aren't the best quality, 

but are fun for me as they are ones I've never seen 

in this area before this year...

American Lady

The American Lady is quite similar to the Painted Lady, 

but it's wings (when opened) are more orange in color,
 and on the underside it has two big eyespots,
instead of four smaller ones, like the Painted Lady.

Common Buckeye

Talking about eyespots...
I've been trying to get a picture of this Buckeye for weeks!

He finally posed for me while I was out on a walk
 with Jeff a couple nights ago. 

All I had on me was my cell phone, 

and his wings were pretty chewed up by this time,

 but I was still happy to get the photo...such as it is.

Here are a few more from the last couple of years.

 These were all taken in our yard.

(Jeff is nice enough to plant flowers that attract butterflies.)

Dainty Sulfur on Purple Asters

Red-spotted Purple on Agastache

Orange Sulfur (female - pale morph)

Monarch

Hackberry Emperor

Painted Lady

And here are some I took up north.

Northern Crescent on Orange Hawkweed

These Crescents were quite prevalent when we were up there for our

 25th Anniversary last July. So when I saw the next little orange butterfly

 fluttering before me I thought, "I already have you." 

But he was persistent. So I told him, "If you sit down, I'll take your picture." 

And he did! 

I was thrilled to find out, he wasn't a Crescent after all, 

but a very rare Harvester Butterfly.

 I was so happy God sent him to me.

Harvester

Atlantis Fritillary

 This one is quite a bit larger than those other two orange butterflies. 

But it took me a long time before

 I found one who was willing to pose for me. 

 I don't have a fancy camera, so I have to get in really close to take them.

I'm talking 2 or 3 inches.

White Admiral

I played with the brightness/contrast on this one

 so you could see the red in it's wings. 

Just beautiful!

 It's probably my favorite picture. 

Sometimes people compliment my butterfly photos,

but the truth is, all I do is get in close and push a button. 

God is the artist. 

He does marvelous work, wouldn't you agree.

Viceroy

  

It Makes a Mama Proud

Probably by now you've all seen the video I posted with my youngest son, Zack, jammin' on the drums in "Sing, Sing, Sing." If you didn't, here's a link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUgeKRSne7w&feature=youtu.be

I smile every time I watch it.

Since I am an equal-opportunity mom, here's a video of my youngest daughter, Danica, who is now a college Freshman...soon to be Sophomore, singing "Tell My Ma." She is the one in the upper left-hand corner.





Last Sunday was Mother's Day.

My husband has been known to say on special days like these, "Every day is Mother's Day at our house."

This year, I think I'd have to agree with him. When I look at how great ALL of my kids have turned out I just have to say a prayer of thanks. These are 4 amazing people.

My oldest daughter, Mandie (or Amanda as she's known professionally) is one of the most successful 24-year-olds you'll ever meet. And soon, she and her equally amazing husband, will be buying their first home.

JJ, my oldest son, has faced all sorts of challenges this year, but honestly, I've never been more proud of him. He's one of the coolest, nicest, smartest people I know. I'm so happy to be his mom.

Danica, seen in the above video acting like a ditsy girl, is quite the opposite. She's clear-headed, down to earth, fearless, and faithful in all she does. I couldn't even begin to list all of her interests and accomplishments. But believe me, they are many.

Zack, my baby, isn't a baby any more. He's matured this year in every way possible. Everyday I see new ways in which he displays his growing dedication, intelligence and kindness. He really makes a mama proud.

They all do.

And ironically, it also makes a mama humble.

When I think about all the years I've been a mom I realize, I've made a lot of mistakes. More mistakes than I care to admit! But God is merciful. He's been there for my kids when I was clueless, and pulled them through more scrapes than I'll ever know.

And so I thank the LORD for giving me Amanda, Jonathan, Danica and Zachary. I'm both proud, and humbled, to be their mama.

What Going SCREEN-FREE Did For Me

First, I must apologize to all of you die-hard fans of my blog for not posting anything last week.



As a few of you know, I went SCREEN-FREE for 7 days (almost).
Why?
I don't know.

I thought it would be good for me.

And it was. It taught me one thing.



TV is over-rated.

 Let me clarify.

 TV is over-rated... by me!

I used to think TV was great. But after a week, doing without, I think my opinion has changed.



You see...while I was "doing without" TV (or Facebook) it didn't feel like I was lacking anything. Instead, my life felt fuller than ever. It was amazing how much I got done.

Or perhaps not so amazing when you calculate the time I ordinarily would have spent mindlessly glued to the set, but instead spent doing stuff...fun stuff, neat stuff, productive stuff, and even some stuff with the people in my life. Hello!
Is it too much to say going SCREEN-FREE set me FREE? I don't think so.

It wasn't easy though. (Because there's nothing easier to do than curl up in a Lazy-boy with a remote in your hand.) It took a little more discipline than I guess I have, because on Sunday night I decided to just say "good enough" and watch a few of my favorite shows. So I did. And it was sort of fun. The Amazing Race was pretty good, but the couple who we all knew would win, won. And Chopped All-Stars was pretty good too, but the guy I figured would win that one won that one too. Celebrity Apprentice was just okay. How many times can you listen to "celebrities" you've never heard of, say they're just "doing this for charity," and then swear and scream at one another? I turned that one off even before I saw who Trump fired this week. I decided I really didn't care. And so Sunday night I basically wasted 2 1/2 hours when I could have been doing fun, neat, productive stuff.

It's time to make a change.


Sorry TV & Facebook. You're okay, but I think we should spend a little more time apart.
 
I'm changing my status to screenfree & loving it!
 

Still Quillin'

Back on Dec. 31st, 2011 I posted a blog called "My New Hobby."
The hobby I was referring to was quilling, which is the art of paper curling.
Since then people have asked me if I still quill. 

I sure do! Here are a few of the projects I've done so far this year:

 Here's a card I made for our nephew Tristan for his Birthday.

Here's a picture I made for Danica for her birthday.

 This is a card I made for my sister Becky.

And I made this one for my sister Denise.

Here's the Thank You card I made for a girl 
who played piano for our Women's Choir.

 And here are some Easter things I made to celebrate

 the victory Christ won for us on the cross.

 

Happy Easter!

Book Club

Sorry I haven’t been blogging as faithfully as I used to. I’m having trouble figuring out what to blog about. The problem isn’t coming up with ideas. The problem is that I have so many thoughts in my head lately; it’s hard to pick just one. It’s probably because of this book I’ve been reading. It’s really amazing. The best book I’ve ever read. I highly recommend it.

You know the book I’m talking about. It’s your favorite too.

I’ll admit, I don’t read it as much as I ought. Or at least I didn’t. But lately I’ve been reading it a lot more. And the more I read it, the more I want to read it.  There’s power in the Word. That’s for sure!

So, this week I’m blogging to encourage you to join my “Book Club.” Dust off your copy and read the greatest story ever told. God’s love letter to his people. The Bible.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

-          Pick one time of day and make it a habit to always spend that portion of your day in God’s Word.

-          If you haven’t read the Bible lately (or ever) begin with the Book of John. It’s the 4th book in the New Testament. Deep thinkers may prefer Romans, the 6th book of the New Testament. I’m starting in Genesis, which is a good place to begin as well, but I also enjoy just paging through the Bible to see what jumps out at me.  In short, it doesn’t matter where you start. Just start!

-          Don’t be afraid to make notes in your Bible! Use pencil if you want, but mark it up. You’ll be glad you did.

-          Don’t own a Bible? Let me know and I'll send you one.

-          Don’t have time to read? Try listening to the Bible while you’re doing something else. Check out this website: www.biblegateway.com There you can read whichever translation of the Bible you prefer, and/or listen to it right from your computer! It’s super-easy and convenient. (I listen to Genesis while I do my morning yoga. No kidding!)

-          Join a Bible Information Class. It’s not just for new members and it’s a great place to bring up any questions you may have about what God’s telling you. This was advice a friend gave to me, and on Sunday evening I went to my first class. Maybe I’ll see you there next week too???

Communion

Six weeks ago I decided to take a break from blogging to ponder Jesus’ passion.

This I have done.

One of the things I’ve pondered most during this time is the Lord’s Supper, also known as the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

The church I’ve belonged to my entire life teaches that when we take this sacrament we’re not just eating bread and drinking wine, but that in, with, and under the bread, we also receive the body of Christ. And that in, with, and under the wine, we also receive the very blood of our Lord Jesus, shed for us on the cross.

This is a teaching I have always questioned.

Is that really what Jesus meant?

Maybe he was just being poetic.

Like when he said I am the vine, you are the branches or I am the light of the world.

The topic came up about a month ago in Bible Class. I took a deep breathe, raised my hand and said, “I’m not saying I don’t think Jesus could turn the bread into his body and the wine into blood, if that’s what he meant. I just don’t understand why it’s so important we agree on that.”

Thankfully, I was not kicked out of class for saying this out loud. I was even told it was a “good question.” For the answer, I was asked to read 1 Corinthians 11:28. “For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.”

That seemed pretty clear…until I read the footnote of my Concordia Self-study Bible which said, “The word ‘body’ may refer to either the Lord’s physical body or the church as the body of Christ.”

I still wasn’t sure what to believe. But I wanted to know. I had to know.

So I began searching the Scriptures for passages related to this topic. I read every account of the Last Supper recorded in the Gospels, as well as several chapters in the Epistles. I read a few commentaries as well, and even checked out the Book of Concord, on which all of our church’s doctrinal beliefs are founded. After that I exchanged several emails with an old friend of mine who happens to be a Pastor. These were extremely helpful as well.

The more I read and pondered these things the more I wondered why I was having such a hard time believing what Christ himself said.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it,

and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying,

“Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant,

which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Matthew 26: 26-28

A week ago I took communion. Before I walked up to the table of the Lord, I examined myself as I’d been taught to do. I asked myself these 4 questions:

1. Do you recognize your sin and your need for a Savior?
2. Do you believe that Jesus paid for all your sins by his suffering and death?
3. Will you strive to live a holy life, and amend your sinful ways?
4. Do you believe the bread and wine are the true body and blood of Jesus Christ?

Yes, yes, yes, and YES!

With joy I walked up to the altar, took the bread and placed it in my mouth. I washed it down with the wine, and thought about the miracle that just took place. I smiled. Jesus loves me. He knows me, and he still loves me.

It was the most significant participation in the sacrament I have ever experienced. To realize how much I mean to Jesus. To remember and believe all he’s done for me, and all he still does for me. It is truly amazing. Amazing grace. Amazing love. Amazing Savior!

Later I thought about the paralyzed man that was lowered through a roof to be healed by Jesus. The first thing Jesus said to him was, ““Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:5

The teachers of the law criticized Jesus for saying this. They didn’t think he had the power to forgive sins. To prove them wrong, Jesus then healed the man of his physical disability. “What is easier?” he had asked them. Which miracle is more incredible? Curing a physical need, or giving life for all eternity?

And now I ask you, what is the greater miracle, changing bread and wine to body and blood, or forgiving sins and granting eternal life?

I think this week God showed me that he does the first, to help me more fully appreciate the second.

I wrote a little poem about Communion. It’s not very good, but I decided to post it anyway. Maybe it’ll get you thinking, and appreciating this amazing gift God gives us through the sacrament a little more as you prepare your hearts and minds for Maunday Thursday worship.

Communion

The heavy wooden church door

swings shut as we go in

displacing sounds without

with calming sounds within

a handshake, and a welcome,

a bulletin, a nod…

and soon we take our places

within the House of God

perhaps we do not notice

the table right away

distractions pull us left and right

and cause our thoughts to stray

but soon the polished silver

attracts our wandering eye

Looks like there’s Communion

we whisper with a sigh

we sing the hymns as posted

we hear the scripture read

we listen to the message

the Nicene Creed is said

and once the offering’s taken

our thanks have been conveyed

it’s then the Pastor tells us

of the night Christ was betrayed

we’ve heard the words so many times

we know them all by heart

and then we stand and get in line

and mindlessly take part

but do we really take to heart

the beauty of it all?

do we take and eat this meal

with wonder and with awe?

do we trust in Jesus’ word

THIS IS MY BODY GIVEN

and know that through this sacrament

our sins are now forgiven?

this miracle, this gift of God,

no greater love is known

and as we drink the blood of Christ

this gift becomes our own

a great and wondrous mystery

how bread and wine can be

at the same time body and blood

Christ shed upon the tree

but O, a greater mystery still

that in His death I find

all my sins are washed away

His victory is mine

please help me take this sacrament

with joy and peace, believing

that through the bread and wine we are

Your body and blood receiving

and knowing this rejoice to find

the Greater Gift to be

that with your lifeblood as the price

You died, and set me free