My Elephant Has Become Pink!

Anyone that knows me well, knows that I like to live by my conservative principles. Yet, I realize that I must pepper them with a balance of grace and patience. One main directive that keeps me balanced is that of not becoming a stumbling block to anyone in their relationship with God, by letting my actions be disprespectful or ugly in any way. I could easily tell those that are off base that they're especially challenged, but I must refrain from that initial reaction. I only say it on the inside! Just kidding, but God is shaping me into someone with more patience for those that are blinded by thier own rhetoric and/or doctrine. I have to pray for discernment that I have the wisdom and understanding I need from God to discern His word and stand firm on that. Albeit, continuing to represent Him in an honoring way.

In all honesty, I'm directed to be salt and light in this world and stand up for what is right in a way that can be respected. It's often that kind of truth that is not tolerated on all sides. It's not politically correct to speak of truth because it is offensive. Salt is a substance that can be abrasive, yet that is often needed in order for it's cleansing attributes to be fully realized. Light represents exposure and truth, yet those that aren't willing to accept it seem to turn away because to them it becomes a glare; something they aren't willing to look at or even consider. They just don their rose-colored glasses and continue along their misdirected way. Does this frustrate me to no end? You bet! But last time I checked, I wasn't responsible for them. My only responsibility is to show them unconditional love and grace and hope that God's truth will one day penetrate their souls and show them truth in all areas. The only way that can truly happen is if one honestly seeks God's direction and asks for wisdom and discernment in the instructions He gives us. The instructions are meant to bring us good and to keep us from harm and evil. It's unfortunate that we often think we have a better plan and go our own way. It hasn't worked yet. I would venture to say, it never will.

That brings me to the point of my latest frustration. As much as I would love to, I'm not sporting my bumper sticker or displaying my yard sign for my presidential candidate of choice. I understand that it could be a deterrent to how God wants to use our influence to bring people that don't know Him into a relationship with Him. I get that. Yet, I must admit that my flesh rises up when anyone presumes to suggest that I shouldn't do so. I have my own discernment, thank you, and I plan to use it! What really burns me though, is the fact that those in christian ministry are not expected to be leaders in politics. I can't sit on the sidelines for that one! If we can't lead in politics, how can we effectively reach the ends of the earth for God's purposes? It's okay to "lead" everywhere but in politics? I'm sorry, but that doesn't make any sense to me. It's just a cop-out for being politically correct. In the meantime, we're in danger of falling in line with the wrong leaders. I can't believe its God's will for us not to stand up for what is right, so He can be well represented, not only in our personal lives and in our homes, but in the way our country is led. I believe He is calling us to do just the opposite, to lead by example and be proud of it, because it's the right thing to do.

I couldn't believe my ears recently when I heard someone say something to the effect that God doesn't tell us who to vote for; He just lets us make our own decision. WHAT?!!! Carnally, we make our own decisions about anything and everything. Choosing our own way has always been our human problem and it will always be our downfall. However, God does have direction for everything in our lives. It's called the Bible. It's meant to be read and taken seriously. Dare I even suggest that doing so could lead to obedience in ways He wants us to follow? Within the pages of the bible, God gives us good indications of what is right and what is wrong. He gives us His wisdom and knowledge in areas we are willing to submit to Him and in areas where we are willing to follow His lead. Does that sound like He's telling us to make our own decision? I guess, ultimately, He gives us free will to make those decisions, but we are not left without direction as to what He has to say about it. No, He's telling us to follow His instructions. Doing so is rewarding. It could result in a leader being elected that is actually the right man for the job. We don't have to settle for what human choice determines. We can pray that God will lead us in our choice and in His ultimate choice of who should lead our land. It's too important a choice for us to leave to chance or political correctness.

So, I guess I'm just talking about my pink elephant in the church. At least its an elephant!

It's been a while, but I'm back!

I can't believe it's been nearly 4 months since I've last posted a blog, but time has gotten away from me and here we are. Today finds me basking in one of those rare beautiful weather days in Rockford....something we don't see very often, but an anomily I eagerly anticipate and increasingly appreciate. When days like these burst forth in glory and splendor, I tend to store their beauty and warmth away somewhere in my subconsciousness....to be drawn upon in the depths of the grey winters we experience in the Midwest. It's like a deposit of sunshine into my mental savings account. I thank God for the gift of His beauty and warmth, which leaves me enveloped in the grip of His love. His hand was all over this day; the rays of sunshine were His very fingers stroking my hair and and leaving me Son-kissed. The refreshing breeze was His spirit engulfing me in a glorious whisper heard deeply in my soul. I so often miss His blessings in everyday life, but, today, I was a little more observant and stopped to breathe in Sonshine. I can't adequately describe it, but I think you get my drift. Me and God got a thing goin' on and sometimes He just has to remind me of that in tangible ways. That leaves me reflective and oh so thankful for the wake up call.

Bill and I just got back from Ft. Meyers, FL, where we enjoyed a fun-filled family week with our daughter and her boyfriend. We spent our days on Sanibel Island in the Gulf waters. It was beautiful and a welcome reprieve from the daily routine. Now Bill is in NYC for a few days for some fun with his family and friends. In the meantime, I've become totally enthralled with the summer Olympics. They're fantastic to watch and I find myself routing for the wonderful athletes as I hear their stories and anticipate a dream of theirs being realized as they compete. I just watched the American Men's Swim Relay team beat the French by a fingernail. The French had been talking trash and being arrogant...as usual...so it was especially sweet to watch Michael Phelps and team celebrate with unabashed enthusiasm as they literally snatched the gold. How exciting! And how about that opening ceremony - WOW! Was that ever a great show?! I cannot even describe how incredible it was. I hear you can watch it on YouTube, so pull it up if you didn't see it. It's worth your time.

Well, this has really been a catch up for the last 4 months, so I apologize for my hybernation. Hopefully, I'll be back to post soon. In the meantime, take care and join me in looking for God's everyday blessings. They're abundant and ever-present. I pray for comfort and joy for my mom and I would love for you to join me in that prayer. God watches over her and is her blessing day in and out. I am ever grateful! Blessings to each of you.

The World according to Elvis!

Our 110 lb. Weimareiner gives new meaning to "My Space"! We got "Elvis Marvin Gaye Ledbetter", by default, when he was two. He's been both a joy and a royal pain to me in the seven years since then! Heaven knows, he is typical of his breed, but I dare say he's in the high precentile of those that are their own breed. Yes he is a dominant alpha dog which makes him socially unacceptable to most other dogs...until he shows his prowess and is comfortable with them. After initial contact with another dog, he either becomes boss or the other dog has to leave - by force or by wise choice of its owner. Let's just say animals that aren't dogs cannot cohabitate in his space. It would be detrimental to their health and wellbeing! Despite his social ineptness, he is still a sweetheart of a big boy. He's lovable to us, albeit a bit challenging for the rest of the general population. They just don't understand his passion! Like the original Elvis, he loves to shake his booty and eat good food. Inadvertently, its cause for bouts of tunnel vision more often than not. Get out of his way when he's excited or has a meal in his reach. Anything between him and his target is going down!
Bill and I had to laugh the other night at his behavior....for the umpteenth time! He has to have his own space and sometimes invading that chosen space makes him pace around until it is freed, fluffed and fixed for his sole occupancy. We have moved our liesure time into a family room where we have a new tv setup and it has messed up his routine hangout space which is normally on a couch or bed, but always by our sides. He, like many of his breed, has separation anxiety that makes him want to be close to us at all times when we are home.....close, but not always touching - that would invade his space! Yet, the other night, he had enough of just a rug separating him from a hardwood floor. The comfort zone had been minimized, so he paced for a while and eventually jumped up between us on the one couch in the room. Surprisingly, he didn't care that his behind was touching me and his head was in Bill's lap. Normally that would just not have cut the mustard, but now it was the better choice for his comfort. If he couldn't have his own cushy space, he would encrouch upon ours. After all, its all about him!
Being the softie that I am, I went out yesterday and got him a new dog bed for the room, so his comfort would not be compromised! Yes, I helped create this monster, or at least enable him to get his way. He loves his comfy new bed and as I'm writing this, he is snoring at our feet as we watch Tiger try to come back from behind to win the Master's. He could care less. Once again, he's in his own space, his own world, according to Elvis! What could be any better?!

My baby is 21 today! Happy Birthday Kristen!!! To say I am proud and honored to be her mother is an understatement. Thanks, Kristen, for being you (even when it's not cool!). The little premie that came into the world a month early on April Fool's Day, 1987, is nobody's fool. Did I tell you she made Dean's List at the University of KY last semester? SHE DID!
She's a pretty cool CAT!
Happy Birthday Baby. WE LOVE YOU!!!