A quick glance at the calendar reveals that this is the week we Americans celebrate Independence Day causing us to hopefully pause and remember those who fought long ago in the battles of war to gain freedom as a nation from the bonds of Great Britain. One of the resources I checked stated that representatives from the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare independence. On July 2, 1776 the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. The “rest of the story” is typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual gatherings with family and friends. Having said this one would think that I’m “up” on my American history. And while that would be a wonderful compliment to hear, truth is I had to do a web search to make certain I didn’t misrepresent anything about this beloved American holiday. And, furthermore, I have to wonder….is July 4th and all the blood, sweat, and tears leading up to that historic moment in time captured in the hearts and minds of an average adult, teen or child? I believe I’m pretty safe to say the answer would be a resounding “no” and admit I can count myself in that group as well, although I like to think I do, for the most part, greatly respect and exhibit an inward gratitude for those sacrifices of so long ago.

Defining “Freedom” is one of those undertakings that could fill pages with thoughts and opinions. It’s a word that is used very frequently in the midst of tragedy or triumph whether an event has taken place within a people group or the life of an individual. Ask a World War II veteran his or her definition of freedom and then  compare the answer to that of a young person who is becoming part of a generation where the memories of fought wars is but reading material in World History or American History textbooks. I’m not sure that many of us would agree on a unified definition of freedom, however, I hope that we could all agree that with freedom comes a price, a price tag bearing blood, sweat, injury, and death–the ultimate sacrifice.

I’ve been blessed to soon be celebrating another milestone birthday. I am amazed at the changes that I have seen take place in our great nation from the time I graduated high school, joined the work force, married and had children, and now enjoying more time in my home again. With my current age, comes the reality that I have had the pleasure of participating in many 4th of July celebrations to celebrate our “freedom” but for me there is a greater freedom that I possess, a state of mind of heart that also came at a great price. A kind of freedom that also benefits “all” who acknowledge the sacrificial power behind the gift–freedom in Christ as described in Galations 5:1. Once I surrendered my life to Christ my yoke of slavery to sin was broken, freedom was granted and a life of abandonment was launched! Wearing a new garment of righteousness through Christ doesn’t mean I am perfect or won’t continue to stumble. What it means is that I am no longer weighed down by past burdens. Furthermore, I now have a license to “be who I am in Christ” while recognizing my license doesn’t include making wrong choices on purpose or in other words–making a mockery of the Cross of Calvary.

I fear there is so much more I could say about freedom as it pertains to our brave men and women who have fought in wars or in my attempt to describe the pain and anguish of one man’s death on a bloody cross 2,000 years ago. This latter death was not that of a mere man, but the Son of God, who came in the flesh in order that His physical death would purchase back  the fallen nature of man. This purchase is described as a gift of eternal life–Freedom!–from the bonds of slavery to sin and the darkness of life apart from God.

Unfortunately, both discussions of freedom–whether it relates to America or the subject of Christ’s sacrifice for mankind–cause disagreements or make some individuals downright uncomfortable or hostile, all of which cause me to grieve. When we miss the truth of our nation’s rich history complete with imperfect leaders or the depth of love by a Heavenly God Who gave His Only Son as atonement for our lives, I have to wonder where we are failing as citizens who make up families to embrace the richness of both “freedom” worlds. Parades will take place across America this Thursday. Firework displays will fill the darkened skies. Countless hamburgers and hot dogs will be enjoyed from a backyard BBQ or a sidewalk vendor. Flags will be waived in the air and the word “freedom” will pour from the lips of many celebrants throughout the day. In all of that I hope that the majesty behind that precious word is revealed to more and more of us. 

2,000 years ago a parade of sorts took place. This parade was different. This parade featured one person–a man riding a donkey. There were no flags being waived. Instead, he was heralded with palm branches. No fireworks were displayed. Rather, shouts of praise filled the air in anticipation of change. Within a few hours change did come and a once triumphant sounding crowd turned angry and vicious….. and ushered in “freedom”….through the death and resurrection of Christ “Who always leads us in victory”…..and thus birthed salvation.

As you celebrate this 4th of July I pray you, like me, will pause and dig a bit deeper into our American history. And when Sunday rolls around why not consider investigating the spiritual side of “freedom”. The price has been paid for both observances–all that’s needed is a willing heart to accept the gift both have to offer. When you discover and experience true “freedom” do something crazy. Waive a flag or shout a praise offering to the One Who is the source of both  “freedom” worlds.

Being flexible hasn’t always been one of my strengths. In all honesty, I can be rather rigid at times. I’m not referring to physical ability; it has more to do with my mindset. Once I get an idea or a plan in my mind, I stick to it and don’t like the ‘apple cart’ being upset which lends to being a control freak (as some people call it) or stubborn (a nicer term?) However one defines this particular personality trait is a choice of his or her own. I think stubborn sounds nicer than control freak. Even nicer though, is being called flexible so that’s an attribute I’m striving for as I mature with grace and wisdom as my teachers.

Tuesday is my appointed day of the week to write and I can see already that I have not guarded my intentions with fully loaded determination. Yesterday was Tuesday, today is Wednesday and here I am writing my weekly blog, yet when I look back on yesterday the activities that wove their way into my day were not time robbing nor mundane. I had an appointment with my eye physician because he is being thorough in the care of my vision. I spent a couple of hours serving as a volunteer in my church office followed by an appointment with my chiropractor who is giving me great relief with two discs in my spine that aren’t behaving as they should. But, my nicest and most delightful interruption to my Tuesday schedule was receiving a call from my son asking if I’d like to go with him to his sister’s place of employment (AT&T Wireless) to replace his broken phone. Those kind of questions from a child are music to this momma’s ears. Would I? Would I? You bet I would and I did. I even drove in order to save him gas and in turn put fuel in mine for a scheduled trip of our own this week….wow…there’s that frugal thing again….creeping right into my rearranged day.

So, my Tuesday was rearranged. My blog did not get written but the part of my heart that hides treasures created from things my kids do or say, received a deposit–a deposit that filled my memories tank. There were significant things my son said during our several hours together that made me laugh, smile inside with great pride and hope, and gave me a glimpse into his world of maturing and making decisions and furthermore demonstrate the values and integrity of the man he is becoming. I got to witness (again) how he interacts with people with great confidence and ease and use his own unique expression of gratitude towards his sister by declaring “you’re a great human being”…..

Yes, I’m learning to be more flexible because I am learning the value behind receiving unexpected deposits into my tank of memories. That ‘tank’ is what motivates me and keeps me emotionally charged. It’s from that ‘place’ that I draw from to exhibit hope and peace on days that seem chaotic and spinning out of control. It’s also a spiritual tool for me to have but a brief glimpse into the heart of Mary where the Word tells me (us) that she carried numerous treasures in her heart regarding her Son…too many to record for us to read. Could it be they were meant just for her as a mom? I like to think so. I can relate because some of yesterday with Dan is only for me and my heart.

Flexibility = 1, Control = 0. I win.

It has been just over a month since I left my last job of 10 years and while it was labeled a “retirement” I’m not convinced in my own mind that’s the box I would check on a form asking my employment status. Because I’m not officially what we refer to as “retirement age” it’s the best term to describe me when talking to others about what “I do”. So, exactly, “what do I do”?

Right now what I do is see what each day holds for me and borrowing from a very close friend of mine I have adopted forming my daily agenda on the concept “of being in charge of my own choices”. To make the decision process more complete, I have added in taking into consideration the weather for the day and what tasks might need to be accomplished in order to keep my household running smoothly i.e. is a good day to hang laundry on the line so that we have clean clothes for the week or are the weather conditions speaking to me to enjoy a walk or bike ride on the “off” days when I’m not reporting to my personal trainer.  I like to read and have found that I can enjoy a good book whether it’s on the deck in the sun or curled  up on the love seat while a good rain gives everything outside a good drink from nature’s pitcher.

Today has already proven to be a mixture of enjoyable activities for me and is the kind of day that gives me great satisfaction. I found myself rising earlier than usual (thank you to the crows in our yard), poured a cup of freshly brewed coffee, got my iPad and settled onto the couch to browse my various apps, eventually open the Bible application and feed from my daily devotional. Getting energized physically, spiritually and emotionally are off to a good start and by 8 am  I am out the door for a 37 minute walk (according to my IPhone app) and marvel at the beauty of a June morning that is adorned with the lush green of lawns, the splashes of color from our neighbors’ flower beds, and the cool breeze floating on the air as I make my way along the roadside back home to get cleaned up to join the “outside world”…that is…being around people.

On this particular morning I had the privilege of working in our church’s office as a volunteer for several hours, a new role that I have enjoyed since leaving my job. I’m enjoying learning new program applications that the church uses to track, publish, and serve the needs of our families and community. It’s a warm feeling to be part of a “team” again, a small group of individuals with a greater purpose in mind compared to  that of a secular employment position.

When finished at the church I kept an appointment with my chiropractor and upon being done there made my way to Wal Mart to fill a need to buy “just a few more flowers” for the front yard (thanks to a friend who posted photos on her Facebook wall and got me inspired—again!). Got those in pots and hanging from their poles and it was back outside on the deck for a half hour of sunshine and reading my current book. Yet, calling my name during the approach to mid time afternoon was the commitment to “blog” (so here I am) followed by some much needed bookkeeping which will soon lead into preparation for supper which, this week, are all quick and small, because this Vacation Bible School  at our church and both of us are volunteers.

One of my favorite Biblical concepts comes from Proverbs 16:9: “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. ” (NASB) I believe this verse. I believe that a day  begun and established by the Lord is a day full of experiences, activities, and opportunities not only for my enjoyment and satisfaction, but for His purpose and accomplishments  that further make any and all given days productive.

So, while I “think” that I am in “charge of my own choices” I have to chuckle because deep down I realize that the “things” I choose to do come from necessity, a servant’s heart, or an obedient spirit. In reality all are good. All are beneficial. All contribute to an “end-of-the-day” ability to lay my head on my pillow and anticipate being re-energized in order to greet a brand new day and say with hopeful anticipation “good morning Lord! Where are we going today?”…grab a cup of coffee, snatch up my iPad and reading glasses…and check the calendar, and kind of “do it all over again”…..whatever “It” happens to be for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday…..you get the picture!

Ah…the benefits of having an open window or two is the ability to hear all the various sounds from the neighborhood. We live on a paved road that is the route for big and small trucks, vehicles of all makes and sizes, farm tractors, as well as motorcyclists. With each new day comes the roar and hum of those various engines as people begin a new day of work or other activities. Unknown to the passers by, each sound I hear brings an attached memory with it.

Right now, although there is a lot of noise coming through my open windows, one in particular is missing. I cannot hear any children playing outside. While I admit that our current neighbors don’t consist of many small children it’s still strange not to hear the laughter and arguments that make up child’s play. Are they inside playing instead? Are they on overnight trips? Whatever the reason I miss the noise that kids make.  My own two children are now young adults, each living in their respective residences and have taken their childhood memories with them. Their childhood friends are now grown as well; many have moved far away and have young families of their own now. As I drift back to those summers when all the kids were small I remember the long, warm week that I suffered through having the mumps. All I could do for the majority of each day was stand at the kitchen window and watch as my friends were outside playing. I remember begging my mother numerous times ‘why can’t I go outside too?” Seeing all the fun made it hard to endure the loneliness and healing time required for mumps to pass.

Also missing from the budding days of summer is the hum of the school bus engine as it makes it turn down our side road to pickup the kids. I always knew the approximate time of morning it was if I lingered under the covers–either 7 or 8 am–depending on the arrival of the bus for each route. The busses are parked for the summer, hopefully replaced with wheels on bikes and trikes for the kids to ride.

Above I can hear a piloted small plane doing maneuvers in the beautiful blue sky complete with small puffy white clouds. As I ponder the pilot’s flight plan I am able to recall with great fondness the number of times that an airplane carried me to a distant place to visit family and friends, or to discover the beauties of our world. We live near two small airports so the enjoyment of seeing small planes in route on their flight plans has become very common.

Down the road someone is mowing their lawn. The buzz of the lawnmower tells me it’s a fairly good size yard–they’ve been at work for awhile now. My dad didn’t own a power mower for a long time. He had a push mower, the kind that the blades rotated and cut the blades of grass. He was the ‘power’ and as years called for, my two older brothers assumed the ‘power’. We lived on a corner city lot so our yard was a bit larger than the average lawn in our block. Dad is gone now. That old push mower of dad’s is now home with me and rests in the backyard flower bed, free of its duties and purpose.

True to their nature the birds are in constant song and communication. I find it amazing that I can hear their distinct voices above the drone of the cars passing by the house…and the person still mowing! As I hung laundry on the line to dry, I was privy to hear a couple of crows raise their voices at ‘something’ that disturbed them and I thought to myself….I wonder if my raised voice towards my children years ago wafted through the air to the ears of neighbors….

Next door the neighbor’s dog does a good job of announcing that ‘someone’ or ‘something’ has wandered into his territory. Most of the time he enjoys his large fenced yard but doesn’t hesitate with warning barks when he deems appropriate. His nature to do so causes me to miss our own dog Russ who lived to be 14 years old, had his own fenced yard to run,  play and protect until age called him to be laid to rest. I miss his ‘barks’ when someone pulled into our driveway. Now I have to relay on sight and the sound of tires on gravel to know that someone has arrived to our home.

Yes, my open window offers many advantages to a cool summer morning, afternoon, and evening. As the sun rises to usher in a brand, new day my open window is the entrance to a cacophony of noises that come either in solo or chorus style, all that serve to create a continued atmosphere of joy and contentment, or allow me to travel back to a treasured place in time where I can camp out for but a brief moment and relish the memory. When the sun sets and nightfall overshadows the sun’s previous light, my window will allow me to hear the various bugs and insects that fill the air, fly and bump into the screens or glass. I will await the chorus of the frogs to begin and serenade me to sleep, all in the comfort of a gentle breeze and occasional passing of an early morning commuter on the breaking of a new day.

Encouragement = The expression of approval and support

When I take inventory of my talents I like to believe that I am a natural encourager. Part of my overall personality is being a positive person. I much prefer to look for the bright side in most circumstances and remind myself that troubled situations will not take up permanent residency on the timeline of life. Quite the opposite, the sooner I  recognize that most unfortunate happenings in a day, a week, a month, or even a year, will pass with each turn of the calendar page  or the ticking away of the minutes by our beautiful clock that hangs on a living room wall.

Now, I’m not saying that I don’t find myself getting ‘stuck’ sporting a bad attitude or entertaining depressed thoughts on occasion. I’d be a liar if I personified that to you. What I have discovered is when I take full ‘ownership’ of how I’m feeling or thinking and deal with those emotions properly, what follows is a release of the ‘bad’ promptly replaced by the ‘good’. How do I accomplish this? How can you be more successful with your emotions too? Be an encourager, to yourself and to someone else in your circle of influence.

My ‘go-to’ source for all knowledge and counsel is the Holy Bible. In 1 Thessalonians 4:18 it says “Therefore comfort one another with these words”. This chapter speaks about the second coming of Christ and gives a description of that triumphant day which is a day full of  great anticipation and hope for all Christian believers. So it is fitting that verse 18 sums up that short portion of scripture reminding us to find comfort and to offer the same to others.

With a grateful heart I can look back and recall with joy the number of times that someone took the time and energy to encourage me. Among those hidden treasures was a phone call that came at the exact moment of need…..a letter…..a stack of cards when my parents died, mom in 1999 and dad in 2012….flowers from my husband for no reason other than to express his love and commitment to me…..cards from my kids on Mother’s Day…..a text message from one of the kids saying “hi Mom, I love you”…..my treasure chest for gifts of encouragement from others is quite full.

When I need a little pick-me-up I like to go for a walk or run, enjoy a cup of hot tea, curl up with a good book, or soak in a hot bath. Doing one of these (and there are other things as well) most always changes my outlook on the moment or the day. I also like to send a short letter on pretty stationery to someone in my circle of friends. I have a wonderful friend who is the master at this particular practice. She has nicknamed her passion as “mailbox sunshine” and most often a card from her always arrives on a day that requires a bit of much needed approval and support.

For my friends and family who are going through a struggle my main objective in helping is always to pray. I  also love to send handwritten notes. And, because we live in a techo-savvy culture, on occasion I will send a short text message expressing my love, my concern, and my support for someone I love very deeply. I even have the advantage of including cute little clip art in my text messages that help define my sentences. Who can resist a goofy smiley face, a string of hearts, or musical notes?

I remember hearing many years ago the saying that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. While I don’t have the science to back this statement, I’d like to believe that it’s true. By no means am I a perfect person, but I much prefer to live a daily life of exerting a positive attitude versus dwelling and living in negativity. Being optimistic far outweighs the agony associated with accepting defeat in the smallest or largest of life’s challenges.

One of my life verses comes from 1 Corinthians 15. Verse 57 states: “But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”. These are powerful words to  teach and remind me (us) that no matter what we are facing, the victory…the end result of a particular setback…is a ‘done deal’. God has it. He accomplished winning my (yours) battles through His Son Jesus Christ. If Christ could endure the cross, and He most certainly did, I continue to encourage myself that I can navigate through a difficult moment or day and along the way stop to be a source of hope, approval and support to someone standing on the sidelines of life. And, do it all  with a ‘smile’.

Since leaving my last job earlier this month, I have set out on a new adventure that is akin to being in training for a marathon. Going from two paychecks to one has catapulted me to finding new ways to save money, whether it’s at the grocery store or in the utilities it takes to run our home. In my quest to discover tips and ideas, I am astounded at the number of web sites, articles, blogs, and Facebook pages that are able to feed my new venture until I go into brain overload. Hmmm…make a note how to organize those pages.

I have “Liked” numerous pages on Facebook, however, I have discovered that I am forgetting to go back and see what it was that intrigued me in the first place. Consequently, if you were to look at my Facebook profile, it would appear that I have accomplished a lot when in reality I haven’t. I’m still seeking the best method to be better organized when it comes to retrieving information.

I’ve always been a coupon user, especially at the grocery store, but I know there’s a lot more to save financially if I would pursue a discount offer for restaurants, major department stores, or for online shopping–a code. Hmmm….more information to store. Make a note of that.

I’ve networked with other women on how they save money. It’s amazing what some families do to accomplish their goals, especially when raising small children. But I’m past that stage. It’s just me and my hubby. I’m still trying to figure out how to cook for two without having leftovers in the fridge beyond a week. Even cutting a recipe in half isn’t the perfect answer. On a perfect day I take time to package, label and freeze leftovers, store them neatly in my freezer compartment and then forget I have them. Hmmm…make a note of how to correct that oversight.

With the wonderful addition of Pinterest to our world, I have discovered how to make my own hand soap, laundry detergent, household cleaners….the list is endless but remember I’m a newbie at this stuff. So, thus far, I’ve made the soaps but nothing else. I’m still using up what I had on hand in my pantry, so I guess I’m exercising frugality by not overbuying. Hmmm….make a note of that–a step of success!

In the energy department I’m planning my laundry based on the weather. If It’s a sunny day, my laundry will be on the line. If it’s raining, well let’s hope we have enough clean clothes until the next nice day. Hmmm…make a note to take inventory of necessary clothing.

I’m also trying not to turn on lights in the house until absolutely necessary.

As this week unfolds I am walking around with heaviness in my heart in reaction to the devastation that took place in Moore, Oklahoma due to the most horrific tornado those townspeople have experienced in the history of their weather conditions. Seeing the images on the news programs only tells part of their stories and further fuels my inability to fully comprehend their anguish and despair. In trying to emphasize and relate to their loss I am finding I am at a loss to dig into my own memories and pull something out to use as a measuring stick.

Whenever a great tragedy hits that makes the news it’s a quick reminder for me of how life is fragile, fleeting, and above all–precious. I am becoming aware that when horrible circumstances fall on someone I immediately look for the believers in the situation. Where are the people of faith? Is God sustaining them right now? Hebrews 12:2 says …”looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith”….. I’m searching faces on the camera lens, and words being recorded. Is faith rising to the surface among the piles of debris and is it present in the question some are having to ask ‘is my loved one alive?’ Is hope outweighing the agony of defeat?

Several days ago I posted on my social media wall that I will never tire of waking in the morning to the songs of birds and the laughter of children as they walk to the school bus. Being able to enjoy these two simple pleasures of life is an indication of my safe and unsuspecting mornings but  my  serene early hours pale in comparison to the mornings the good people of Moore have endured since the destruction of their community. I wonder: Are there still trees for the birds to find a resting place to launch into song? Is the laughter of children on the way to school  now replaced by the drone of heavy equipment moving debris, sifting through rubble, and rescue workers breathing deeply each time a layer of a demolished wall is moved in anticipation of finding someone’s lost child? I

And yet, even though the unspeakable has happened, the loss of life and property, life has resumed for the families in Moore. In the reality of  each passing day, the immediate responses of compassion and countless helping hands will ebb and flow, much like the tides of the oceans. Days will melt into weeks giving way to passing months and the tragedy of Moore, Oklahoma will become but a fleeting memory in the hearts and minds of a watchful nation. Only those who lived through the destructive forces and the robber of precious human life will mark that moment in time in the caverns of their hearts and minds.

So, in an effort to join them in marking this eventful day, my prayer for all the affected families is that one morning they will be able to echo the words of King David in Psalm 144:9 “I will sing a new song to You, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You…”

Have you ever found yourself doing something you never thought possible? or attainable? That is the realization that has settled upon me recently. Years ago I was diagnosed several allergies and asthma was among the list due to: rabbits, deer, horses, and dogs. The news came when I was 21 years old and I found my life altered, mainly in the category of avoiding huge shedding dogs or puppy dander. I also thought that having allergies would limit the amount of heavy cleaning or yard work I’d be able to do as part of life’s chores as a homeowner. Woven into the mix of limitations was the thought or attempts at exercise that caused exertion (isn’t that the idea?)…

Quite a few years have passed since my original diagnosis and with the help of good medicines and improved lifestyle I have found that my tolerance for dog dander has diminished greatly but more so I have become very successful in the exercise department of life! In October of 2011 I began working with a personal trainer for strength conditioning. I’ve pushed my body to limits on various leg presses, arm machines, and ab workouts that have made me cringe under the stress of the weight and yet I have walked out of the training facility feeling victorious. Before hiring my trainer, I had begun my own routine with early morning rotations of walking, riding a bike outside, and to my surprise—jogging, all the while expecting to be limited due to having asthma. Can you imagine the euphoria I felt when I found that I COULD run and breathe without complications? Don’t get me wrong, there are days I’ve had a bit of a struggle but they are far and few between the times as I jog along the roadside enjoying a leisurely pace, or traveling into town to run on the local park’s walking track. Imagine the pride I felt when my trainer once remarked to me ‘you are an athlete…you’re in better shape than some of my younger clients that work with me.’

I’m not out to be the “best”. Rather, I’m “in it” for me. In retrospect and true humility, many ‘tomorrows’ have come and gone. You know what I mean. We’ve all said at lease once “I will begin an exercise program tomorrow…” I like to believe that in 2011 my ‘tomorrow’ arrived and although there have been obstacles along the way, in 2012 I was able to maintain a course of exercise that consisted mostly of weight training. Last summer’s extreme heat and humidity conditions upset my schedule. Happily, 2013 is giving me some beautiful spring days to enjoy being outdoors in between sessions with my trainer.

Beyond the benefits of feeling more physically healthy, is the attitude of my mind. Whether I’m pushing myself during the challenge of a new weight or telling my legs to run a little bit further, it’s my mind that is experiencing a wonderful explosion of satisfaction and accomplishment. I’m winning the battle against the lies that come with living with allergies or the challenges of growing older.

Will you see me in a marathon? Realistically, that isn’t one of my goals. But, you will see me  in July participating in a 5K, a feat I would never have undertaken in recent years. Having good people in my life to encourage me has been key in a changed minset,  the kind of friends I can go to for advice and share ideas.

What is that one thing that has become your ‘tomorrow’? I identified mine, I’ve embraced it and now I’m ‘doing’ instead of merely ‘daydreaming’. Look for me to continue on my personal athletic journey. I will gladly look for you and try not to leave you in my dust as I continue my training program.

When I made the decision to begin writing a weekly blog (article) it was my full intention to do so every Tuesday. So far I’ve been able to keep that commitment with the exception of last week (April 30) when I was asked to fill in at the office where I’ve been employed for the past 10 years. I let working that day and other activities from last week get in the way of meeting my obligation. But, not to be discouraged or distracted, here I am, back behind my keyboard with the hopes of putting together something for you to read that is charming, uplifting, humorous, or encouraging. No matter what strikes your fancy concerning my written thoughts, I am fulfilling a purpose that is deep inside of my soul. I love words, I love to talk, listen, laugh, observe, and then relay all of these memories to you.

My initial post described how I was anticipating a ‘new beginning’ in life. While that is still very true a new dimension has been added. On May 2 I worked my last day at a job that I’ve had for 10 years. When I look back on those years, I realize that I didn’t pursue the position. I kind of ‘fell’ into it and then found myself clinging onto it even when I knew at different times my departure was becoming more and more evident. I don’t have regrets for having stayed those years. The work wasn’t difficult. The joy and laughter created by serving the general public far outweighed the routine of my duties. I won’t miss the hours of typing for processing email for articles or advertising, but I will miss the surge of garage sale ads in the spring, Mr. K selling his chickens every year, Randy and his hay/straw ads–he’s a man right out of a Beverly Hillbillies episode, celebrating with young parents announcing the birth of a child, or giving a much needed hug to a family who needed extra copies of a loved one’s obituary. I will also miss the antics of the local funeral home director who upon my answering the telephone would ask in hushed tones “World Headquarters?” and then assure me he felt safer because I was on duty.

I won’t miss trying to reason with the mom who doesn’t understand why her kid’s honor roll isn’t in the paper the week she expects it regardless of other worthy news or the homeowner who is upset week after week that their ‘free’ paper wasn’t delivered on time. No, I have arrived to a place where it’s someone else’s turn to be the peacemaker.

The decision to leave this position has been long overdue quite honestly and now that it has arrived I intend to fully embrace this ‘new chapter’ in my life. With a bit of certainty I know many exciting opportunities lie in waiting for me whether they spring forth from the lives of my children, the church family that is dear to my heart and spiritual purpose, or the needs of my husband and home.

For now, there has and continues to be spring yard work to tackle, rearranging my daily schedule, and making better use of my monthly calendar. There is a sweet fragrance in the air and it has the aroma of ‘new’, of ‘fresh’ and ‘exciting’….and ‘wonder’. This newfound position of being home is akin to being first married; there is an excitement inside of me as I ponder being back in my home full-time. I have a dear friend who coined the phrase ‘being in charge of my choices’. That’s a phrase that will definitely be a guideline for me as I open my calendar each day and enjoy the luxury of choosing what gets plugged into the various activities of my life. And while I may not always know what will fill the calendar, one thing will hopefully remain constant. Hopefully you will find me at this keyboard each Tuesday, pounding out that week’s collection of words, phrases, and sentences that give you another peek into my heart, spirit, and mind.

From Greek elpis = “favorable and confident expectation”

Do you have a favorite word or emotion? When I was a child and enjoyed reading a novel I liked the word suddenly because I knew it indicated a surprising shift in the story line was coming. I like surprises. I like a mystery that is cleverly woven together with word pictures only to have the final answers to the mystery disclosed in the last few pages of a good book.

I’m not a child any more and while I still enjoy a good surprise, my focus has shifted to holding onto hope. Why? Because when I look past the boundaries of my loving and secure home, I am sensitive and aware of the chaos taking place in our nation, our world, and even within the limits of the small community that I have called home for 24 years. I admit that I’m finding it difficult not to get caught up in the anxiousness and worry brought about by the seemingly endless reports of attacks against people (big or small) or the moral decline in the lives of individuals who are worthy of a headline in a daily or weekly newspaper. It seems that I can’t turn on the television and not be bombarded with yet ‘another’ act of evil or indiscretion.

So, what do you do when you hear and read the news coming across the waves? Do you react or respond in any manner? My response is twofold. 1) I am aware that my prayer list need to grow longer and 2) I need to hang onto ‘hope’ with great fervency.  If I don’t my mind can slip down the slippery slope of despair which leads to an abiding fear and robs me of my confidence and trust that everything in my ‘world’ is okay. Another aspect of losing hope is daydreaming the ‘what ifs’ of the future that are beyond my control such as the economy, safety in my home and in our nation, and abroad, etc. For me, giving permission to the wrong daydreams is an invitation to feed my despair rather than taking action to nurture the hope and peace that I desire. My daydreams also take me back to the little girl who grew up in a home with very loving parents that made me feel safe. I’m  also able to conjure memories from those years that formed my ability to feel loved and secure and even believe that my dad was some kind of superhero who could protect me from anything. Those young years of childhood are a distant memory now which have  yielded to adulthood making it my turn now to take ownership of my own sense of protection. To find that level of secure  protection I  chose to embrace my Christian faith as the solid rock that was once my earthly father’s role. In other words, I’ve exchanged my trust in a father to that of a Father. I’m grateful for a father who instructed me in the knowledge, wisdom, and promises of my Heavenly Father. Thankful is my heart that also has sweet, precious memories of a mother who was a prayer warrior in her own right as well. Foundations of early instruction in the ways of the Lord built strong walls of faith in my inner spirit that rise up against the sadness and unexplained choices of others that create and lead to destruction all around my otherwise ‘normal’ world.

In the course of today, all kinds of people will be making choices and decisions. Many of those choices will be rooted in fear, speculation, worry, greed, jealously, manipulation, pride, evil….the list is endless. What will I choose today? What will you choose today? As I choose I know this: I may not be on the front lines of influence, however, this will not stop me from choosing hope. 

As today unfolds, followed by numerous tomorrows to come, I am clinging to hope, doing so with full confidence that my Heavenly Father, who sees all and knows all, is watching over me, a Father Who possesses a strong arm of protection that is not too short to grab me, reel me away from thoughts of despair and return me to my circle of hope.