What to do on a snowy day..... taxes and the Olympics

So it is snowing. Again. On a Saturday.  This has been a ridiculous winter of cold and snow.  In fact it is the 4th snowiest winter in Chicago's history. When it is snowing and cold there is really not much you can do. It's not all bad to have a day at home to do some catching up.  I decided that I would accomplish some tasks that needed attention.  Taking care of filing our taxes was the task that I decided needed doing the most. 

I am pretty good at keeping things organized to do this job.  I keep an open folder during the year and accumulate all the paperwork that is needed.  As it gets closer to January 31, I make a list of any outstanding documents that are needed and check them off as they arrive.  So it didn't take me very long to get the job done. 

I remember my mom working for several weekends just to assemble the information that was needed to take to the tax accountant.  And the years that I did the taxes, by hand with a pencil and paper forms are fresh in my memory.  It would often take me several weeks to fill out all of the paperwork and then check and double check all the addition and subtraction.  I am so thankful for internet tax filing.  For computer programs that almost do it all for you.  In one quick hour session the task is completed, the forms are filed and received by the IRS.  Amazing the difference that a few years makes. 

Then, like so many people, Ken and I watched some of the Olympics. There is something that is so wonderful about seeing all the nations coming together.  It was so amazing to watch the trials of snowboarding, knowing that this 20 year old American won the Gold medal in the finals of this event. 

I was thinking about these two activities - paying taxes and watching the Olympics.  Two very "American" things.  On the one hand, I was thinking about the amount of money that our government collects from all of us.  On the other hand, I was thinking about all of these very young athletes that are representing our country.  And the primary thought on my mind was how much I wanted some of my tax dollars to support these brave team members.  But, alas, this is not to be.  Our athletes are not supported by our government unlike so many of the other countries.  Interesting difference that doesn't seem to make for a level playing field. It is amazing to me how many medals we actually win, considering this fact.  I know that we are a "wealthy" nation but still, this just doesn't seem fair! 

I reminded myself of something that I often said to my kids..."life is not fair"!  Isn't that true?  Sometimes things seem to be so wrong.  Bad things happen to good people and great things happen to very bad people.  That is, in the short term.  I am so thankful that I know that it is God that is really in control of every situation.  So when those "not fair" things happen, there is another side to the event that we just might not be seeing.  Sometimes eventually we understand the "why" but often we don't.  I am convinced that Jesus blesses his children and uses all of the things that happen for our good.  This was a great way to end this day. 

So my taxes are filed and the USA has it's first Gold Medal of 2014.  And I am breathing a bit easier and filled with the peace that passes understanding, in spite of the "not fair"!

Jesus, thank you for everything you do for us.  Thank you that you are in control even when we don't see the why or the how.   Bless all of our Government officials - the local officials, senators and representatives, the judges, the Vice President and the President.  Surround our centers of government with your presence and your peace.  Holy Spirit, remind us all to pray for those in authority.  And keep everyone safe at the Olympics!   Thank you!  Amen

New perspective on Valentine's day.....

All you have to do is be around a group of 3 year olds to appreciate that next Friday is Valentine's day.  Isn't this a cute bulletin board (thanks Jackie!)?  I got to help most of the kids make these adorable bees.  Each of the kids got to cut the black "stripes" for their bees and glue them together.  They also got to choose the eyes!  You can't see in the picture but several have 2 different color eyes.  We thought they might all look the same, but happily, they are all very different.  And the kids love to see their very special bee on display.  The board is a bit fuller today, but I didn't get another picture.  We now have 21 bees on display as well as 21 hearts. 

As I was helping the kids make their bees I asked them what they thought Valentines day was.  I got some interesting responses.  One little girl told me "well it's all about love and you give cards".  I thought that was pretty good for a three year old.  Then there was the boy that looked at me and said "What?" So I restated the question.....what is Valentine's day?  He stared at me.  So I said, that is why we are having a party next week.   His face brightened up and he said "will we get candy?" Obviously not very aware of this holiday.  Another boy gave me a long description of the pack of Power Ranger papers that he and his mom bought at the store.  And he was going to give them to all of his friends and even the friends that he didn't really like.  I guess 3 is a bit young for Valentine's day.

But these comments made me think about this "Hallmark" holiday (you know,  the kind that is really all about the card companies getting you to buy cards).  I haven't really ever been very fond of this holiday.  I don't think my parents ever exchanged cards or gifts on Valentines day.  Ken and I never really did anything special, that is until we had the kids.  I bet they would remember the year that we got our first ever video player on Valentine's day.  Or the year that they got their Cabbage Patch dolls as a Valentine's day gift.  One year we got our first microwave oven! But, I have a confession to make.  Remember that this blog is about truth telling.  The reason these purchases were Valentines day gifts is that it usually we received our income tax refund around that time.   But I digress........

I will go with little Anna's description....its all about love!  Its good to have a reminder that it is important to tell those closest to us just how special they are.  And it is also a great time to remember those that we don't see every day.  Those special friends or family that may not have heard loving words from us for a long time.   And I am so thankful that I can celebrate that Jesus IS love and he loves us all.  There is nothing better than that. 

Yes, I think that Valentine's day will be a bit different for me this year. Instead of just dismissing the day, I am going to focus on just how I am supposed to be celebrating it.  I will be using the next couple of days to STOP and listen to what Jesus may be saying to me about this subject.   Then I think I will be sending out a couple of cards! And getting to participate in a Valentines Day classroom party.  That will most likely, include some sweet treats. 

Jesus, thank you for the ways that you use secular events to turn my eyes to your plans and purposes.  Holy Spirit, thank you for reminding me that God is Love!  Thank you for these little children that bless me each day with their hugs and their smiles and their excitement.  Thank you for "Freeze Dancing" and silly songs.   Amen

My favorite "Slimy Pit" Psalm......

Today my morning Bible reading landed me in Psalm 40.  Oh how I love this Psalm!  Many years ago this Psalm spoke to me and gave me hope in a time of great despair. I bet you didn't know the Bible included a "slimy pit"!   Over the years when I have quoted this passage to people, they can't believe this is actually in the Bible.  Personally, I think this is one of the most powerful three verse passages there is! 

1.  How great is it that God turns to US and hears our cry! 
2.  Then HE lifts us out of that slimy pit of mud and mire.
3.  Then HE puts our feet on a rock (Jesus) and gives us a firm place to stand.
And now that he has rescued us when we haven't done anything but wait patiently for God.....
4.  He puts a NEW SONG in our mouth, a special song that praises God.

And then there is this amazing wind up to these verses......
Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

This is the most amazing thing to me.  In the last 20 years I have told many people a bit of my story.  I have even quoted this Psalm.  And I have been blessed to have witnessed people getting a new perspective on the Lord and a new understanding of how little WE do and how much HE does to change our life.  This is what changes peoples minds and hearts.  I think that the real-ness of this Psalm is part of what grabs people's attention.  When you hear about a pit filled with mud and mire, you can relate when your life feels like the worst, deepest hole you have ever seen.  And then when you hear what God will do FOR you, well that is just the best news ever.  

And I have told people over and over (when I am quoting this verse to them), when you get to the other side of the slimy pit you are in right now, Jesus will put a new song in your mouth.  And the best thing is that your testimony of being pulled out of that pit, will change someone else's life.  And THEY will put their trust in the Lord. 

Yes, this is a power packed Psalm.  And I was blessed to read it again this morning.  And then reflect on it through out the day.  Hopefully, you have been blessed by it today also.

Jesus, thank you for reminding me of all that you have done for me.  Holy Spirit, give us all opportunity to share our stories with someone in need of your touch.  Remind us to call to mind this Scripture when we can bless someone with this truth.  Thank you for lifting me out of despair, planting my feet firmly on you, Jesus, and giving me a new song to sing!   Amen

"Collective Wisdom" through email

On Sunday I received an email titled "Collective Wisdom".  It was sort of a "chain" letter that asked you to send a thought, prayer, bible verse or really anything you wanted to the first person on the list.  You then took that name off, moved the second person up to the number one spot and add your name as number 2.  Then email this letter to 20 people on your email list.  Usually, I avoid these type of things like the plague.  But, for some reason, I decided to go ahead and do this one.  I think the title "Collective Wisdom" was part of the reason.  I have been looking for input and asking for Jesus to speak to me in any way possible.  This has been an amazing surprise.  I can't wait to check my email to see if there are any "mystery emails" since I know that these emails will come from people I most likely will not know.  Today's surprise was this email............................

When there is love in the home, there is joy in the heart!

 

I recognized this immediately!  If you see the picture above, I have this sentiment framed on my bedroom wall!  Interesting!!

 

Here are a sample of the really great emails I have received.....

 

No matter what this day entails, enable me to live in your grace and love so that I may rejoice in all things and trust that all things work together for good.  God’s plans for your life far exceed the circumstances of your day.

 

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.  On the contrary,  they have divine power to demolish strongholds."

2 Corinthians 10:4



 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy,

He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection

 of Jesus Christ from the dead.   - 1 Peter 31:24

 

I am very happy that I decided to do this little email thing.  I have been encouraged and surprised by every email that I have received.  I have even gotten a reply from the person that I sent a little "Collective Wisdom" email!   It's wonderful to know that not only have I been blessed, but also that I blessed someone else. 

 

I guess that I will not be so quick to disregard this type of email the next time I receive one.  I have to say that I have really taken the time to think about and reflect on every email I have received.  It is great to know that there are people out there that have chosen to take the time to send me their "Collective Wisdom".  What an amazing thing to be a part of a group of people with no motive accept to bless each other. 

 

Jesus, thank you for this email experience.  Bless all who are participating in this and even those who received the email but decided not to forward this on.  Holy Spirit, thank you for using all means to speak to us and to remind us of exactly what we need each day.  Thank you for computers and email and facebook and blogs!  Amen

Basking in the sun (and the Son!)

 

So I got to be Grandma Lyn again today.   It is simply wonderful.  And I just had to include a couple more pictures of Anna!  I got to Gwen's early enough to help with the before school scramble.  Anyone with multiple children will understand what this is like.  It was quite something getting three kids out of bed and dressed, getting some food into their tummies, getting all the hairs combed and fixed, finding shoes, coats, hats, snow pants, backpacks, and making sure the dog went out,  in time to make the bus.  Gwen managed to shower and dress and feed Anna during this same time frame. We made the bus, got Ellie and Zeke to preschool and made it to Anna's doctor appointment on time. So Anna needed that dreaded heel stick blood check to determine her bilirubin level since she is starting to look a bit jaundiced.  The doctor recommended the old fashioned light treatment.... a sun bath! Since today was a wonderful sunny day, Anna got her time in the sun this afternoon.

She was quite relaxed and mellow sitting in the sun.  On the way home tonight, I was thinking about the times I have been able to "Bask in the SON"!  You know what I mean.... those wonderful worship times when you are filled with the warmth and presence of Jesus! I confess that I have been blessed to have lots of these basking moments, and they are not all "big event" times.  It's a wonderful thing that all alone, in your quiet spot, you can enter into that presence with just a single word - Jesus.  Or you can find that warmth and peace just by reading scripture.  My favorite place to "bask" is the car!  I turn on that worship music and the atmosphere of my car becomes a real "Son bath"! 

Considering my blog yesterday......today was a wonderful time of stepping out of my regular world.  It might not sound like this was a relaxing day, in fact, tonight I feel calm and rested.  Holding a sweet tiny baby or a rambunctious two year old or a cuddly 4 year old or a loving 7 year old, causes you to know that nothing else really matters.  All of that day to day stuff, all of the concerns and cares, all of the trying to figure it out stuff, just melts away.  I can honestly say that today felt like I stopped on a warm beach and just rested! 

My encouragement to you today is to do some basking!  Stop and breath deeply.  Close your eyes and call on the name of Jesus.  Put on some music and let it soothe your soul.  Let the light of the SON clear out the junk from your spirit in the same way that the light of the sun helps to clean Anna's blood of that excess bilirubin. 

Jesus, thank you for this reminder today of the value of basking in your light and love.  Holy Spirit, continue to show us all how to be rested and refreshed.  Jesus, watch over Anna and bring peace and health to her body.  Give supernatural rest and refreshment to Gwen and Tim during these stressful first few weeks with a new baby and three older children.  Thank you for the doctors and nurses who watch over new babies and their mommies and daddies.  Thank you for the sunshine and for the SON!  Amen

Putting the shell to my ear.....

Today, Lyn, we believe God wants you to know that ...

big decisions need time and space.

To make a big decision, give yourself time and space away

 from the mundane so that the sacred can emerge

 

 

So once again, this crazy online devotion has hit the mark.  After yesterday and considering what, how, and where to go on vacation, I saw this today.  I realized that I have had so much going on in the last couple of weeks that I do need to give myself some time and space to just re-center and refocus.  I am committed to seeking Jesus and finding his plan for me.  And that means that I have to set aside all the other stuff and just spend some time being.  I have been working lots of hours in the last month.  They have been short staffed and I agreed to help out.  I am so happy that starting next week, I will have a day off.  I am using that time to help Gwen and spend time with my grandchildren.  I know that in that time away from my day to day, I will begin to see and hear Jesus in new ways. 

Last night I was dreaming of being on a beach.  This was no surprise because of all my vacation thoughts and attempts at trip planning.  The interesting thing was that I saw this amazing shell way down on the beach.  I started to run towards this shell, but as fast as I ran, the further away the shell seemed.  When I stopped running and just slowly walked towards it, it was right in front of me.  And then when I stopped, It was laying at my feet.  When I bent over to pick it up, I realized it was the shell that sits on our mantel!  This is the shell...........

As I held it in my hand and turned it over, and then held it to my ear, I heard so clearly.......

Slow down, stop, and listen.  There are beautiful and wonderful things for you to discover.  Don't hurry past all the wonder in each minute of each day.  There are miracles in the mundane.  There are glories in the muck and mire.  There is joy in the junk.  Look for the miracles and the glory and the joy.  Then you will see the answers. 

I love that it was when I stopped running I was able to get what I wanted.  I love that even in this odd dream, there was such an important lesson.  If I want to hear and get direction, I need to stop racing around and take the time to listen.   And I will be remembering this every time that I look at this amazing shell sitting on my mantle.

Jesus, thank you so much for speaking to me and answering the questions I didn't even know I was asking.  Holy Spirit, thank you for giving me hope and joy today.  Jesus, I know that I am not alone in my preoccupation with the day to day stuff.  Help us all to slow down and see the miracles, feel your glory, and express your joy no matter what our circumstances are.  Thank you for leading and guiding me every day.  Amen


Thinking warm thoughts.....

Like so many people I have been thinking about vacation!  This winter of snow, ice, freezing cold followed by more snow and days and days of subzero - AGAIN has made most of us, well TIRED OF WINTER!  Ken and I have not arrived at any decision regarding where or when or how we are going on vacation.

With this reminder of last years wonderful, warm, oceanfront trip, today I spent some time looking at lots of different options. We have not been able to decide where, when or how we will go on vacation.  We have even been considering an all inclusive vacation of some kind.  So I spent some time researching different destinations and various ways to get there.  For the past several years we have taken driving vacations.  As a matter of fact, in 2010 we drove 3850 miles on our vacation!  Today I was checking airfares and car rentals and hotel rates.  After hours of frustration and no decisions made, I shut off the computer. 

I was thinking of an important truth.  It doesn't matter how you get there, its the destination that counts!  Gwen and I were just talking about this!  It really doesn't matter if you have a "natural" delivery or a cesarean delivery - what matters is a healthy baby.  And when considering a vacation, it really doesn't matter how you get there, whether by car or plane, its all about the final destination!  Now, granted, there are positives and negatives to each of these examples.  Considering the vacation... last year we drove in some of the most horrible stormy weather that I have ever experienced.  And we have seen our share of traffic jams and road construction. And we have driven some VERY LONG days.   But on the positive side, we can take anything that we want that fits in the car.  We can change our plans and come and go as we please.  We can take a different route and travel when we want.  Considering the air travel, you get to that destination much more quickly - usually in just a matter of hours.  You really get to enjoy every bit of your vacation.  There is no thought of that long car drive home.  However, there are delays and even cancellations.  And there is no changing your plans (at least not without paying fees).  And then there are the security checks and baggage fees.  And the car rental. 

So I know that the most important thing right now is to decide on the destination.  How we will get there is yet to be determined.  Yes, I think this will change how I view many things.  I will be spending more time thinking about the end rather than the process.  Sometimes the process is long and difficult.  Sometimes the process is a short easy road.  Again, it is the destination that really matters.  I will be spending less time thinking about my ongoing path to the destiny that Jesus has for me and more time thinking about what that destiny is.  I am really not in control of the process anyway, so fretting about it doesn't make much sense.  I will just keep my eyes on the prize.  And that includes thinking about a warm, sunny day sitting on the beach, with the waves lapping at my feet!

Jesus, thank you for helping me to understand more clearly, how important it is to let go of the worry about the day to day.  Thank you for reminding me that your destiny is the most important thing I can think about.  Holy Spirit, guide and direct us as we make vacation plans.  Help us all to look at the end result, rather than the process.  Thank you for the reminder that there are many roads that lead to the same end.  Amen.