Take 2

Years ago I went through a divorce.   It was very painful to me, not only because it was the end of a marriage, but it was also the death of a number of dreams.  I had little left to dream with or hope for.  The Lord pushed me through a number of choices and eventually I ended up remarrying, but gave little thought to the dreams of the past, other than to occasionally grieve their passing.

This next week I will be married 25 years.   The old dreams are still gone, but the Lord has given me many more to take their place.  A silver anniversary.  It’s a very nice milestone.  One that says that dreams can still be made and chased and even caught.

Lori <><

Turn

I really hate confrontations and yucky, difficult situations. My first response is just to back away, but God has been on my case lately about something different. He said, “Instead, turn … to Me.” 

I’ve been trying it out and it’s really, really cool.  The other day someone cornered me and asked my opinion about something.  I gave it and then got an earful of their opinion delivered with some pretty forceful attitude (and it’s happened on more than one occasion with this fellow).  My first thought was just to drop it (i.e. back away), but then God nudged me to “turn” instead.  I spent a moment just relaxing and trusting God to give me the words (which went something like, “did you really want my opinion or did you just need to share your opinion?”  I mean, really, I have no problem just listening to folks.)  I confess I winced a bit, but the guy just looked shocked for a minute and then seriously apologized to me.  We ended up being able to hear each other.  Imagine that.

So I’m off on a new adventure, learning to “turn” on a dime.

Lori <><

Christmas Is Here!

Every Thanksgiving we roll out the Christmas music (and play it really loud). My favorites are Manheim Steamroller and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (I especially like the chaotic Wizards in Winter).

It was so fun to play orchestra director to such fabulous music, looking out over a snow covered scene (I look down over a valley and then across to Mt. Spokane). Christmas has arrived and in our family sticks around for quite awhile.  We have a hard time putting the Christmas music away.

In the next week we’ll put up a tree and Paul & John will go a little crazy with lights.    Gift giving has changed for us over the years.  We send out a few packages to loved ones far away and we usually get a couple of new games and a few gifts to exchange (the more “use-up-able” the better).  We’ll probably go to the beach (a much further drive this year) and visit with friends.  I hope to do some baking as well.  I haven’t made decorated sugar cookies in years and I have a whole collection of cookie cutters.  My favorite shape is a jalapeno pepper, just make them up, toss on a bit of green and red icing and you have something very Christmassy and Texan at the same time (can’t seem to get away from our Texan roots).  Mostly we just love to relax, love on each other and love on our friends.  No serious hustle and bustle for us.

Back to my music …

Lori <><

Sticky Note – Stay the Course

I went to a ladies’ group this morning (very sweet gals). I think the thing that stood out to me the most was something said like, “we just need to stick to it, to have passion, to not give up, to keep trying” (said about our walk with God). So much of the (really) bad stuff happens when we give up and stop trying. Sticking to it just gives God lots of opportunities to continue working in our lives, growing us up to look like Him.

I hope to keep going to that little group. I need some folk to remind me to keep on keepin’ on.

Lori <><

Ain’t Necessarily So

Last night I was out with friends and heard their perspective about an event that happened.  Each time I’ve heard about the event I’ve heard something different (four times now).  All of the folks that have shared with me are good, decent folk who love the Lord and, honestly, I respect them and their walks with the Lord.  How in the world do I now have four really quite different versions of the same event?  <sigh>

I guess it just goes back to something I tell myself often, “just because someone says it, doesn’t make it so.”  I do try to give people the benefit of the doubt (understanding that it’s their perspective), but I am slower to respond to things based on people’s words these days.  I much prefer to listen and then just do what God says.  A few hugs.  A prayer or two.  It works.

Lori <><