One Very Good Reason to Buy the Warranty

My friend, Cannie, forwarded this to me today. Too cute.

The Apple of His Eye

Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings...

-- Psalm 17:8

This psalm of David opens with David asking God to "hear a just cause." He goes on to assert that the Lord, having tested his heart, has found nothing against Him; he asks God to show His marvelous lovingkindness by coming to his aid; and he declares God to be the One who saves those who trust in Him. Then, after having made his points regarding his own character as well as God's attributes, David uses this term of endearment in reference to himself: he asks that God keep him as the apple of His eye.

My Webster's Unabridged Dictionary says the term "apple of one's eye" means any thing or person that one cherishes. It isn't casual or obligatory treatment that David's wanting, but the special treatment of one cherished. In fact, he asks to be sheltered under the shadow of God's wing.

I don't know about you, but things I cherish I keep in very special places. My good jewelry is in satin and velvet lined boxes, not tossed in a Ziploc bag. My wedding photos are in a fancy album in a book case, not in a shoe box shoved under a bed. My porcelain antique reproduction baby doll is laying in a wooden cradle, not at the bottom of a toy box. My cedar chest is another safe place for some cherished keepsakes.

Have you ever seen yourself as one whom God would hide in a special place, out of harm's way? As one whom He cherishes? The "reasons" David gives to warrant this special treatment are simply that he has trusted God and has kept himself blameless. Claims which are probably not beyond your reach or mine.

Next time you feel vulnerable or unsheltered, why not ask for safekeeping under His wing? Ask that He display His marvelous lovingkindness on your behalf. As the apple of His eye.

Because it's true: He cherishes you.

Foot Powder Wins Mayoral Race?

Read about the vote to elect a mayor in Picoaza, Ecuador in 1967 that was won by a foot powder! It tickled my funny bone. (I love those guys at Snopes...)

A Lesson from My Teen

Yesterday was eventful for my sixteen-year-old: he had a head-on collision with another basketball player in PE. The school nurse's call informed me that he and the other student had seriously misjudged each other's next move, resulting in my son getting a shiner and a very crooked schnozz.

On the way to the urgent care clinic, he moaned slightly from under the ice pack. Using my best bedside manner, I told him I was very sorry he had gotten hurt. He answered that he was okay -- he wasn't in nearly as much pain as he anticipated, considering he had broken his nose.

Since the clinic was pretty busy, we waited quite a while before a doctor could see him. Again, in Comforting Mother mode, I told him I wished he didn't have to wait so long. He answered that he was okay -- he was mostly just uncomfortable not being able to breathe through his nose and that his lips were sorta dry.

The examination was fairly routine, with the X-ray clearly detailing what was already quite obvious: three fractures. The biggest hitch was when he cracked a joke, tickled himself, then yelped because using those facial muscles suddenly hurt.

We learned that the specialist would need to wait for the swelling to subside before setting the bones back in place. I told my son I was disappointed he would have to wait five days before getting his "old" nose back. He said it was okay -- he was just glad that it wasn't an eye that had gotten injured -- at least his nose was fixable.

Walking back to the parking garage, I told him I wished I could have gotten a parking spot closer to the clinic, and he said it was okay -- having his nose broken was better than an arm or a leg -- he could still get around easily and do almost everything he would normally do.

Wow. In spite of the moderate pain and mild disfigurement my son was dealing with, he consistently responded to my attempts to offer solace by reframing his experience, intentionally focusing on the positive aspects of his situation. I don't know exactly when it was that he grew to this new level of maturity, but there it was. Impressing my socks off. His capacity to recast the negative in a brighter light not only benefitted him, it also made my experience much more pleasant. I couldn't stop thinking about it the rest of the day.

Before heading to bed he said, "Thanks for taking me to the clinic and spending time with me today, Mom." I answered, "You're welcome, and I was glad to help you -- but that's just what parents do." His reply: "Yeah, but you didn't seem upset about it or anything." Probably due, in large part, to the way he handled his distress.

So, I'm thinking I ought to take a page out of his play book. A lot of the things I grumble and groan about are much less hassle than a broken nose. He set the bar pretty high, and I am challenged to follow suit.

We took a quick "before" snapshot before heading to the clinic just for the fun of it. Now I'm glad we did. I think I'll tape the photo to my computer to remind me that I, too, can reframe my negative experiences and choose to focus on the positive. And perhaps uplift others in the process.

I'm glad I had the chance to spent time together with my son yesterday too...


P.S. The last time I inquired, my son reported that the following is his favorite passage of scripture:

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things."

-- Philippians 4:8 NKJV

FBO's Rebuilding in Katrina's Aftermath

Here's a Washington Post article from last week reporting on how faith-based organizations are shouldering a heavy share of the workload of rebuilding in Mississippi and Louisiana in the aftermath of the hurricane. I was surprised as to the scope of the efforts of some groups.

Lori Borgman on Marriage

Here's a fun column on unresolved differences in marriage from Lori Borgman, entitled "Irreconcilable Differences" that I thought was a hoot. Enjoy.

Presidents' Day?

I was preparing to write a tribute to Presidents Washington and Lincoln this morning, just after checking my email. My inbox contained an update from Snope's Urban Legends, curiously, on this very topic: an explanation of what's come to be commonly, but erroneously, referred to as Presidents' Day.

Apparently, there has been no small amount of confusion, inconsistency and irregularity concerning this holiday over the past several decades. According to Snope's research, however, a 1971 executive order established the third Monday in February as the official federal holiday for honoring Washington's birthday. I was surprised to learn that there has never been any subsequent official change to include Lincoln as part of the holiday, even though many of us no doubt have assumed otherwise.

Sigh.

Abraham Lincoln has been a beloved figure throughout my life. I recall commemorating his birthday throughout my school days with countless projects involving artwork, poetry and prose, dramatic presentations and memorization (think Gettysburg Address). His virtues and historical significance were recounted and extolled year after year by my teachers (as well as those of President Washington). My father, a Civil War buff, also reinforced a high regard for our Sixteenth President.

So I admit disappointment after having learned that his birthday has no official recognition by the federal government, but has merely been commonly tossed in with Washington's, creating a hybrid of sorts. Apparently a congressional bill was proposed in 2001 requesting "that the President issue a proclamation each year recognizing the anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln and calling upon the people of the United States to observe such anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and activities," but it died without having cleared the subcommittee.

Too bad. I think it would be much more honoring to both Washington and Lincoln to keep the celebrations distinct. Each president made very distinct and profound contributions to our nation being what it is today. I have extreme difficulty imagining what our political landscape would actually be like without the various courageous decision they made and deeds they each performed in sacrifice and loyal service to their country.

During your normal routine today, please take a moment to reflect on being a direct beneficiary of blessings afforded our nation because of these two men who loom so large in our hearts and esteem.

Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings ; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.

-- Daniel 2:20-21, NKJV

Tastes Like Chicken

A Light Bulb Moment

I mentioned in my January 9th post that my husband and I are facilitating an eight-week marriage class. It's been quite an adventure, since we are participants in the interactive course as well as facilitators.

One major area the materials focus on is communication patterns. In completing our homework the past several weeks, my husband and I have had numerous discussions about how he and I communicate, and the things about our conversation that "work" as well as the things that don't "work". This focus has helped us a lot.

All this thinking, talking, and evaluating (we have to complete inventories as part of our homework) has certainly increased my awareness of how I communicate. I realize that I have some significant areas of weakness. But I haven't understood just what to do about them.

ENTER, THE "TEACHER".

You've probably heard the saying "when the student is ready, the teacher will come". Each time I would hear this saying I cognitively understood its meaning, but it never really resonnated with me.

But this morning, I got it! I was in a restaurant with a dear, long-time friend whom I haven't seen in months, and we were catching up on what's been happening. The subject of my family's new puppy came up, and he asked what kind of dog we got. When I realized he knew nothing about our newest family member, I began to give a several sentence "blurb" about when we got the puppy, how we found out about him, and how little I had previously known about the border collie half of him (the other half is lab).

Because of the relaxed nature of our friendship, he interrupted me, saying, "All I asked was what breed he is." That's when the light bulb went on! I realized that I have a long-standing habit of doing that. When people ask me a question about something, and then I realize they have little information about the subject, I start giving my Cliff Notes overview, just "knowing" they'll appreciate the extra context for the answer they asked for. But he didn't. He just wanted to know what breed the dog was.

We laughed, and then continued having an enjoyable meal. But my friend was, in that moment, my teacher. I had been seeking understanding of my conversational weaknesses, and he had just highlighted one. When I got home I sent him an email thanking him for the assist. Another good friend provided similar feedback in the past several days about a different area of weakness, and she was also, in that instance, my teacher.

I believe that because this student is "ready", my teachers are showing up all around me, providing me with much-needed illumination and direction. As a result, I have already committed to practice two new conversational behaviors:

• decelerating sooner as I approach those conversational four-way stop signs, giving others more freedom to enter traffic
• giving concise, direct answers to inquiries, then pausing to let the other person indicate a desire for more information.

And in the future, when others lessons present, I will seek to apply them too. So to all my potential teachers, thank you, in advance.

Discombobulated

dis com bob' u late, v.t. to upset. [Slang.]

Not a word I use every day, but the only one that comes to mind to describe my current state. Why am I discombobulated? Glad you asked...

The reason: someone very close to me has recently undergone some significant changes. Positive changes, but changes nontheless. And changes, by their very nature, require that we adapt to them.

So here I am. Discombobulated. Unsettled. Working very hard at this whole adapting thing, though the new situation feeling somewhat surreal. It'll probably just take some time for me to adjust, no matter how much effort I expend. But I don't want it to take time. I want to get un-discombobulated right away. ("Combobulated" isn't a word. I checked.)

Reminds me of one of my husband's favorite adages: "People often prefer familiar problems over unfamiliar solutions." In this instance, even though I wasn't particularly pleased with the familiar "problem", the unfamiliar "solution" was implemented by someone else, placing me the role of observer. No hands on. Someone else in control.

Oops. Did I just use the "C" word?

Once again, I find myself in my little dinghy on the Sea of Life amidst Waves of Change. Unfamiliar new circumstances with unfamiliar new implications, the only part of the scenario actually within my control being my response to them.

So during my current discombobulation, I'm deliberately choosing my response: to await the calmer Having-Finished-My-Adapting-Process Waters patiently. I could wrestle with what is outside my control, but then my little vessel might take on some saltwater, or I might even rock my little dinghy to the point of capsizing. No, a much more peaceful response would be to look expectantly toward the horizon, knowing I have passed through these choppy Waters of Change before, and I am able to navigate them yet again.

Ahoy! Who's that I spy in a small verssel over yonder, bobbing among White Caps of Challenge? Why, it appears to be you!

Cheers, Mate! We're in this together.

Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!

-- Psalm 27:14 NKJV

More Exquisite Carvings -- This Time Laser Etched Eggshells

Happy Valentine's Day

Today I wish for each of you:

• Spending time with people you love. (Or maybe just that one special person...)
• Eating something yummy, like a strawberry dipped in chocolate. (Or maybe just omit the strawberry part...)
• Doing something you really love. (Or maybe several things...)

...and...

• Sweet memories of a day spent in the company of a truly lovable person...YOU!

For Glory and For Beauty

And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty.

-- Exodus 28:2 NKJV

I have been reading through Exodus about the specifications for the tabernacle given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. In the 29th chapter, God explains to Moses that the tabernacle was to be place where He would meet and speak with Moses and meet with the children of Israel. He says He would sanctify the tabernacle with His glory and consecrate it. He further states that He intended to dwell among the children of Israel and be their God and that they would know that He was the Lord their God (v. 42-46). All the furnishings, as described in earlier chapters, were to be crafted from beautiful precious metals and richly colored fabrics.

I've understood that all that beauty and richness was to display the great worth and glory of God, but reading it this time through, the above verse about the garments of the priest struck me. God wanted Aaron and his sons to wear clothing that was holy -- set apart for a consecrated purpose -- but it was also supposed to make them glorious and beautiful in appearance.

I looked this verse up in about 8 different Bible translations and they all concur: there's really no hidden meaning here. These clothes were for making them look and dress the part of priests of the Living God.

That got me thinking. I, too, am a modern-day counterpart of Aaron's family. I, too, have been robed in garments of glory and beauty, in a spiritual sense.

...you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

-- 1 Peter 2:5

Sure enough, it's true. Look at what the psalmist says in Psalm 149, verse 4:

For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.

Well, if it's true that I've been beautified with salvation, spiritually speaking, this suggests to me that perhaps my physical appearance, just like Aaron and his crew, ought to suggest my very blessed status. It behooves me to put some thought and effort into demonstrating, in the temporal realm, the reality of what has occurred on my behalf in the eternal realm.

Now I'm not saying that I'm headed straight to the jeweler's to get me some bling, nor am I thinking of bingeing at the women's department at Famous Barr. But I am thinking that as one of a holy priesthood, I must carry myself physically with more dignity and grace. Hold my chin higher. I must also honor the limitations of my physical body and give it the healthy fuel, rest, and stimulation that it needs. So that it will bear a glory and a beauty.

"...do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."

-- I Corinthians 6:19-20

And I will, as a physical demonstration of what He's already done for me, wear my garments -- the best I can afford within my budget range -- as symbols of the glory and beauty that He has already bestowed upon my spirit.

It's the least I can do to perform this priestly role with dignity and gratitude.

Ever Wonder...

When a vulture is dying, who circles the vulture?

If rice is in rice crispies, and wheat is in Wheaties, what's in Captain Crunch?

If tow truck drivers park in a no-parking zone, who tows them away?

Has anyone ever said "Man, that's good tofu"?

When you feed a baby with a spoon, why is your mouth always open?

If Wales is just one country, why isn't it called just Wale?


[From www.airfarce.com, "Confused Philosopher" sketches. Thanks, Tena.]

Looking for a Miracle?

Here's a thought lifted from You Can Experience a Miracle... an article on Donna Partow's website:

"Several years ago, on New Year’s Eve, our pastor urged us to bow our heads and ask God for a mighty miracle in the coming year. Do you know what God spoke to my heart that late December evening? He said, 'Donna, if you really want to see a mighty miracle in your life, learn to do smaller things with greater faithfulness.' Smaller things with greater faithfulness. That’s where the real power... comes from."

We all know this on some level, right? It's a matter of consistently doing those things which are proven to have a positive consequence. Making intelligent choices about food. Drinking plenty of water. Getting the body moving. Reading God's Word. Ample and regular sleep. Picking up after oneself. Giving others the benefit of the doubt. Reading with one's children at bedtime. Meditating. Regular deposits in the savings account. Counting one's blessings. All these things, and many more, when done consistently produce dramatic results.

I'm banking on the fact that if I follow through daily on those resolutions I made January 1st, I'll eventually see some pretty impressive results myself. I don't have to do them perfectly, just consistently.

I'm looking for a miracle in 2006.

[I recommend Donna's Bible study Becoming a Vessel God Can Use -- a friend and I are currently studying it together.]

Mark Twain on Play vs. Work

What work I have done I have done because it has been play. If it had been work I shouldn't have done it.

Who was it who said, "Blessed is the man who has found his work"? Whoever it was he had the right idea in his mind. Mark you, he says his work--not somebody else's work. The work that is really a man's own work is play and not work at all. Cursed is the man who has found some other man's work and cannot lose it. When we talk about the great workers of the world we really mean the great players of the world. The fellows who groan and sweat under the weary load of toil that they bear never can hope to do anything great. How can they when their souls are in a ferment of revolt against the employment of their hands and brains? The product of slavery, intellectual or physical, can never be great.

-- "A Humorist's Confession," The New York Times, November 26, 1905

I was checking the veracity of a story a friend had forwarded to me when I found www.snopes.com on Google. Snopes is a site that provides the facts behind urban myths, both current stories and legends that have been around a while. (Did you know that Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer was created in 1939 by a Montgomery Ward employee as a story book to give to customers as a promotional gimmick? The song was subsequently written by his brother-in-law and recorded in 1947 by Gene Autry, becoming the second most popular Christmas recording ever, following "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby.)

I had fun romping through Snopes' various categories. I stumbled onto the fact that many quotes and stories have been erroneously attributed to both Albert Einstein and Mark Twain -- the former lends credulity to a story, the latter lends an predisposition to the listener finding a quote or comment humorous. Interesting.

You can relax; the above quote is legit.

Watermelon Sculptures

Just thought I'd share these photos of watermelon sculptures. A friend sent the pictures to me a few months ago. Pretty amazing.

Three Insights from Helen Keller

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart."

"Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold."

"Many persons have a wrong idea about what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose."

-- Helen Keller, American writer, 1880-1968

Natural Highs

In our busy, busy culture we often hurry along and miss some of life's best moments. I encourage you to indulge yourself one of the simple pleasures from the following list this week. And then be thankful you have the five senses to enjoy it.

Laughing so hard your face hurts
Taking a drive on a pretty road
Hot towels fresh out of the dryer
Chocolate milkshake (or vanilla or strawberry)
A long distance phone call
A good conversation
Laughing at an inside joke
Making new friends
Spending time with old friends
Swinging on swings
Playing with a kitten or puppy
Holding hands with someone you care about
Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you
Watching the sunrise
Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

-- Psalm 118:24

First Lady of Civil Rights

In Christianity Today's tribute to this very special woman, Mrs. King is reported to have said, "I did not just marry a man. I married a destiny." Indeed she did.

• I am so impressed by how graciously she set aside her own career as a vocalist to support her husband and raise their family.
• I am in awe of her willingness as a wife and mother to suport her husband's fight for civil rights at the risk of their safety.
• I am inspired by how she courageously continued to work for the cause after his assassination, demonstrating that this was also her cause all along.
• I am grateful for her initiative to make Dr. King's birthday a national holiday.
• I deeply respect Coretta Scott King for the tremendous dignity and grace she exhibited in every aspect of her very public life.

Here's a brief bio by the Stanford King Project, and a great photo of her kissing her husband in March 1956, after his being found guilty of conspiracy to boycott in Montgomery, Alabama that I couldn't get to upload.

God's Word

Keep sound wisdom and discretion; so they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck. Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.

-- Proverbs 3:21b-26

Here's to sound wisdom and discretion! Cheers!

Chinese Proverb

This is from a Reader's Digest I read years and years ago. Really made me stop and think. So I saved it. Now I share it with you.

If you want to be happy for an hour, take a nap.
If you want to be happy for a day, go fishing.
If you want to be happy for a month, get married.
If you want to be happy for a year, inherit a million dollars.
If you want to be happy for a lifetime, give to others.