WHEN... When You're NOT So Lovable...

Linking up with the Tuesday at Ten Writing group for the week of Feb 9-15... The writing prompt... WHEN

Have you gotten to the age yet where you look back at yourself in your younger days & wonder, "Why did anyone love me? I was not very lovable back then!" Honestly, there were times when I tried not to be lovable. I wanted to distance myself from others and feed the voice inside that said I was unworthy of love.

Part of youth and part of maturing involves making a lot of mistakes... some by omission and some by co-mission. While we are making those mistakes and poor choices, we are watching others around us make their own. The trick is to

Silence Can Be Deceiving

I love finding quotes that hit a chord within me. Here's one that grabbed me a while back:

"The fact that I'm silent doesn't mean I have nothing to say."

~ Jonathan Carroll

Today is busy - like most days. But, I want to write and share -- especially with a community of writers whom I've grown to love. I haven't written much in the past few months. I've managed to keep jotting down three blessings each day. (My #JoyDare / #1000gifts lists.) But, I've even been slow in editing and posting those. Other things have filled my days. 

I guess, with regard to writing, you could say I've been silent. But, in those times of infrequent blog posts, my writer's mind hasn't been silent at all. There are few things that happen in my normal day-to-day life that don't evoke a flood of thoughts... 

All 5 eggs were laid in the same box by the Golden Comets one cold morning... Coincidence? Well, I make a note of the low temp in their coop on the preceding night & come to the conclusion that sticking together is warmer. My crazy brain immediately envisions 5 hens crowded in one box with each one wiggling out when she's laid her own egg. It reminds me of how important "community" is for all of us. I'll write more about that later.

I vigorously scrape off frost and ice from the windows of our daughter's car in the wee hours of the morning before she takes the Little to school. I pause and snap a shot of the glints of diamonds that shine in the snow as her headlights illuminate the crystal forest that was made of our property in the night while we slept. It occurs to me that I'm freezing there in my jammies, boots and a heavy coat. I walk in and am warmed by the sight of the little seascape I placed above the sun room door years ago. I'm reminded that I can be at the seaside anywhere I am on this planet. Happiness is in me... not in a place. I'll write more about that later. 

I wake in the middle of the night for no logical reason other than "I ,myself, am no longer a spring chicken." I pray for everyone I can think of - at the same time really wishing I was sleeping. Just as I begin to drift off, I hear the pitter-patter of little bare feet running from the east side of the house. I think to myself, "Wouldn't it be nice to sleep in today." And, within minutes I'm drowning in hugs and kisses from a toddler giggling and proclaiming, "You're my best friend, DeeDee." I'm reminded that sleep can be highly overrated and that life often happens just as it should happen... not as we had envisioned or planned. And, I acknowledge that even the most difficult chapters of our lives are filled with sweet, sweet blessings we might not otherwise have received. I'll write more about that later.

Each morning I wake and know there are some things which absolutely have to be done that day - commitments, appointments, etc. And, each morning I wake with a long list of what I'd like to do that day. Truth be told, some days I just desire to hide under the blankets for the day. But, life pushes me out of bed. I go about my day-to-day life - making mental notes and writing blog posts along the way (in my mind). I'll write more about that later.

Whether the day ends up being great or grave, it always contains blessings - just waiting to be seen. I write daily in my mind. I record those thoughts for others to read when I feel I can. But, don't be fooled... "The fact that I'm silent doesn't mean I have nothing to say."

Join the conversation with me on Twitter & Instagram at @stuckinindiana And, hop over to the Facebook Page stuckinindiana :) Oh, and I'm on Pinterest at "stuckinindiana" too... but, don't do so well keeping up with that one :)

HAPPY ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY TO...

It feels funny to make a big deal over something that I created & that I administer... but, today I am making a big deal of AND celebrating the ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY of the stuckinindiana Facebook page! 

It's kind of a dream come true -- in that I finally feel that I have a forum for communicating with so many more people than just my small circle of friends. And, "the world" might not look at what I share. But, at least it's out there in a very accessible format and location.

#JoyDare No. 2911. Calling Out My Friends & Family Members

Pictures related to 9 people who were a
blessing to me in the month of August 2014

I prayed last night for God to order my steps* today. I have so many things that need to be done around my house and in my yard - 3.5 acres! This morning I woke up & asked God again to help me set my agenda for the day - so that I would be productive around here but more really, so that I would be effective

Talk Amongst Yourselves

"Talk amongst yourselves." For some reason, that statement always cracks me up. Nothing like being at a seminar or meeting where you are told to "talk amongst yourselves" while things are figured out or fixed so that the meeting can continue.

I thought about that statement today in a different way...

I'd like to challenge you to take some time today or in the coming days to touch base with someone who might benefit from a kind word or word of encouragement. Take some time to just TALK with someone -- face to face, if possible. Perhaps you need to take time to make a phone call to a distant friend or relative. Be mindful of your time with new friends & friends who've been in your life for years. I shared a health & wellness tip about building friendships via my church's Women's Ministries some time ago was:

"To build new friendships, put away the phone. Keeping your phone out can ruin conversation and make new friends feel less connected." via Cleveland Clinic

We could all do with more face to face time and less screen time. So talk amongst yourselves. Be an encourager. Be a friend. 

"There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a sister (perhaps the original said brother)." Proverbs 18:24

This is a small group from my church.
They meet weekly -- often just to talk.
But, eating is always fun too :)

I'd love to HEAR from you. Who are you going to contact? How do friends make your life better? 

Linking with the One Thousand Gifts Community:

Wanna DO SOMETHING?

We are DOING SOMETHING in my town...

This email was sent by Madison Park Church of God.
Email not displaying correctly? Click here.

Do YOU wish you could make a positive difference in our community & in our world. In the midst of our busy lives , we still long to do something meaningful.  Well here's a great chance! Beginning this coming Sunday, September 30, we can work together - DO Something Anderson!  During the week, hundreds of volunteers from 7 churches & the community at large are coming together to tackle work projects that the city has been unable to address, due to economic down turn and a shortage of government funding. All of the projects and work sites have been identified by the City of Anderson. Participating Churches:  Celebration Church East Side Church of God Florida Station Church of God Madison Park Church of God Main Street Church of God Park Place Church of God South Meridian Church of God Community Sponsors Bendle Lawn Equipment Herald Bulletin Phillippe Water Ricker's Open to the entire community!! Sign up with a friend or your family!! DO Something Anderson is an initiative designed to make a positive difference in our community.  Volunteers from all over the area will be coming together  & working side by side! Visit the DoSomethingAnderson website... download the project list and sign-up form.  You may sign-up online too! There are a variety of "hands-on" tasks that can be done.  We are also in need of hospitality team members.  There's something for EVERYONE. Won't you join us!!  Through a partnership with city leaders, the 2012 DO Something Anderson Blitz week has been designated as September 30 - October 6. Join us & make a difference! Have a great week! The Communications Gal - cyndee RE: Women's Ministries at Madison Park The best sources for all the information about what the women (young & not-so-young) of MPC are up to can be found via The Tuesday Scoop, our Facebook page & our Twitter feed. For the complete picture of what's happening at Madison Park Church, we encourage you to check the main website daily AND subscribe to the Threads Email Updates. MADISON PARK CHURCH WOMEN'S MINISTRIES MISSION STATEMENT: Loving God... Loving Women... Loving Well Connect with each other & with us in the following ways: FACEBOOK  - "Like" us & Share our page at http://on.fb.me/MPCWomen & http://on.fb.me/MPCZumba  TWITTER  - 'Follow" us & Share our posts at @MadisonPkWomen & @SisterFitness  For Women's Ministries Updates to email addresses, your friends can SUBSCRIBE at http://www.madisonparkchurch.org/ministries/womensmin Find out what's happening in & thru Madison Park 24/7 at www.madisonparkchurch.org

Madison Park Church of God Anderson, Indiana www.MadisonParkChurch.org

My Darkest Days

My darkest days were those when I hid behind my shame.

I fled from community & into the arms of solitude.

I reasoned that I was alone in my struggle... that it was a struggle of the unworthy, of the weak, of the lost.

In those darkest of days I sought to be healed but, refused any human help!

I believed in God's power of healing but... I would only accept His complete healing... on my own terms.

He would have to heal me quietly -- without the knowledge or involvement of others.

They say that when something hurts you enough... that then, and only then, will you truly change.

When the struggle's worn you down for countless hours, weeks, months, years... how can strength to begin such a change be found? And, what's the source of that kind of strength?

The strongest chord of a strand is the deepest one. When all the others unravel, the strongest remains. The chord that ties us to the eternal. The chord that binds us to the source of of all strength.

Light began to dawn the moment I stepped out from behind my shame & said,

• "God, I will accept Your healing on Your terms."

• "I will allow others to see my wounds."

• "I will no longer define what is unworthy, weak, lost..."

• "I will trust in the chord at the center of my being that can never be severed by this world or the powers below."

I cling tenaciously and with complete hope & acceptance of this promise...

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." 

Philippians 1:6

Stuck in the Mud or Firmly Planted??



Photo by T. Getz

Have you noticed the following in your life, as I have? 

Life has a way of beating us down. 

Yet, God has a way of building us up. 

I was raised by a Church of God minister (and minister's wife/missionary's daughter). The things I learned from them that have made the largest impact on me as an adult were not the "sermons" they presented in words but, the "sermons" they presented with their actions & reactions to life's circumstances.  

My mom & dad went through a lot of challenges & changes in their married life serving God side-by-side. They weathered many storms. Why?  Because their feet were planted firmly! 

"The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

Matthew 7:25 

When the storms of life beat us around, we have assurance that we will make it since our feet are firmly planted on "the rock" - Jesus Christ! 

On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand. All other ground is sinking sand!

Keep your feet firmly planted!

All I Really Need Today...

I don't want to get dressed & go anywhere today. It looks like a snow globe out of my window! I want to stay inside all by myself. I want to settle down with a nice cup of hot cocoa & listen to music or watch a mindless romantic comedy by a roaring fireplace. And, I don't really feel like making dinner for anyone (including me!).

Sometimes the simple things feel like all we really need on a given day. Other days, the simple things don't feel like enough!

 
My proclamation for today & for every day is that... HE IS ALL I NEED! God said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." Paul replied, "So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:19. I'm weak a lot -- especially in the winter months. I can take all the help I can get. Thanks God!

Paul also said in Philippians 4:19, "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."

Someone who can create a living snow globe outside of my window one day & paint a breath-taking sunset on another day, is there reminding me daily of all of his glorious riches & gifts to us. His glorious riches are abundant. All we need to do is open our eyes.

My words to God... "O Lord, let me echo YOUR Word in my heart. Let those words be played out in the story of my life!"

Some days I want to stay in but, I also know that I really need community. I know I need to be in communion with God & his bride (the church). Are you a part of a weekly worship gathering? I am. It's a commitment I've made regardless of how I actually "feel" on any given Sunday. I'm looking forward to this coming Sunday at Madison Park Church. 

What will God think? Will He find my worship sweet? As told in John 4:23-24, "if we worship Him in spirit & truth, we offer true worship - the kind for which He longs." And, I can tell you, in the winter months, if I'm going to be truthful with God, I'm going to have to admit to Him that I struggle with being out & about. But, my obedience is part of my worship. And, He always honors that.  

Worship is between YOU and God. No one can worship for you. No one else can show God what His worth to you is. But, we can't worship just on our own. God desires us to be in community... God has given us all we need and, often those needs are met through community with other children of God. 

But for the moment, I shall enjoy the quiet peaceful home... I shall sit by the fire... I shall trust in the protection of God's angels... I shall seek to know Him better in the quietness...

All of this... knowing that God will give me the nudge that I need on Sunday to meet in His house and on other days to do what He needs me to do out in His world.

And I will reflect, each day, upon the words of God shared by the Psalmist in Psalm 46:10, 
"Be still & know that I am God." 
In the winter months, I'm good at being still :)
 

(written 01/13/12)

Shared with the #1000Gifts Community with Ann Voskamp... 

Church Isn't Required for Strong Christians



Photo taken by T. Getz

Community... is BIG for me. I believe in making a conscious effort to connect & have real relationships with others. People in my local church fellowship encourage me, inspire me, and challenged me to be a better person -- not just a better Christian. I know some of their stories.  I know that life isn't that easy for most of them - as they face the up's & down's of life.

The Apostle Paul said in Hebrews 10:24-25, "Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love & good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near." NLT

I love the New Living Translation  with the words of "encourage one another to outbursts of love & good deeds". I'm thinking we could all use some outbursts of love & good deeds - whether we're the recipient or the giver of those.

Can we effectively & consistently do this on our own - without community with other believers?  Who hasn't seen that the closer we get to God, the harder Satan tries to draw our eyes away from Him.  It's easy to fool ourselves into believing that our close relationship with God diminishes our need to be with His people in His house. Often the smallest gestures (such as just BEING at church) can be an encouragement to those around who are watching us.  I would like to encourage you today - if you claim the name of Christian - to make a commitment to regular fellowship with other believers.  And be reminded, we aren't always there for just us!  Sometimes other believers who know our story are encouraged by our regular attendance.


End of sermon.
Signed. 
The Preacher's Daughter -- but more importantly, 
A Daughter of the King :)


(written 14 Jan 2011)

Not a Fan of Choral Music...

 

Not a fan of choral music... WHAT? Could I truthfully say that? I 'm a long time member of the choir in my church. If I had to list my favorite songs, the list begin with (and consist mainly of) songs that are recorded by specific artists. There are several choral selections that I love but, the majority of the time, I listen to songs by an artist or a small group. I'm not a fan of country music either. I've heard several pieces that were okay to me; however, I can honestly say that I am not a fan of country music. I don't really like hard rock & roll either - aside from the classic rock. WOW, I'm just a picky, stick-in-the-mud music snob.

Well, if I'm not this huge fan of choral music, why do I continue to participate in our church choir? Well, I participate in our church choir because of community... because of accountability... because of support. The choir & Worship Arts ministry at my church is my small group-my family, so to speak. I have friends there who help me to grow in Christ. They ask me the "hard questions". They open their lives to me and give me the strength to make my life more open. They share their struggles & their triumphs. I am challenged to be a better person & a better Christian by those sitting around me AND by the leader of our group, our Pastor of Worship Arts, the director of our choir.

In choral music, you might have a small part for a soloist but, the blend of the voices is what makes the best sound for a choir. We've all been out there & heard one voice sticking out. Sometimes that's an okay thing. But, most times it's not good. You expect a choir to BLEND. When I sing in the choir I am not the soloist! I take direction from the DIRECTOR and allow him to determine what sounds best for the group. In God's kingdome, I'm not the soloist. I must take direction from GOD - often speaking through the leaders & always speaking through the Bible.



photo courtesy of Tom Getz

Do I see the current validity in the use of choral music in the church? I would have to say yes. The lessons to be learned through participating in a choir are great lessons to learn for our relationships with others -- in and out of the church setting. The lessons to be learned from observing & listening to a choral presentation are valuable. We lift Him up so that He is the one seen. There's not really a lot of room for big egos in a choir. It occurs to me that there's not all that much room for big egos in God's church either.

Oh well, those are my "off-the-cuff" thoughts today! Be Blessed... and BE A BLESSING!

Scripture of the Day: Colossians 3:16 says... "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."