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We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. Hebrews 2:1

The hubby was driving and waited outside while I ran into a veterinarian’s office several years ago. When I came out, I was telling him all about a yellow Lab I had seen while in there. I was able to tell him all kind of details about how the dog looked and behaved because the dog had my full attention.

The hubby all of a sudden started acting like an interrogator from the police department. Was the owner male or female? Easy one! The owner was a male. We had a conversation about the dog where I learned the dog’s age. What did the owner look like? How old was he? I couldn’t figure out what all the questions were about. Frankly, the guy could have been anywhere from 20-50 years old. All I saw was his jeans because they were in my vision while I was looking at the dog. Was my hubby jealous? He never gets jealous! Nope, he was proving a point.

My youngest can’t tolerate artificial dyes and high fructose corn syrup in his food. When I go to the grocery store, I have to make sure that I read the ingredients of everything I’m purchasing. I give those packages my full attention. While I’m intensely studying a label, everything seems to disappear around me. I’m focused! This has led to some pretty interesting situations that I have gotten myself into.

My hubby has kindly gone along with me to buy the groceries, but as I’m focused on the product, he manages to mosey into a different isle. I’m thinking he’s still standing there, so I start talking to him. When I turn around because I’m not getting an answer, I tend to find people looking at me strangely because I’m talking to an imaginary person! I’ll say, “He was here a minute ago.” Some people believe me and some just give me a wide berth. Thanks hubby. I’ve even started talking to another guy until I realized it wasn’t the man I married. The poor guy just laughed at the shocked look on my face when I finally realized who I was (or wasn’t) talking to.

The character trait for today is Attentiveness-showing the worth of a person or task by giving my undivided concentration (definition from characterfirst.com).

The point my hubby was making with the dog at the veterinarian’s office is that I’m giving my undivided concentration to the wrong things. I’m not aware of what’s going on around me…oops, there went alertness too. He was telling me I needed to be observant for my safety.

The lesson I learned at the grocery store was that even though I was attentive to my task of getting food for my son, I didn’t have alertness for my surroundings. The right response isn’t talking to another guy thinking he’s your husband!

Why can I show such attentiveness to a dog or to a product label outside my home, yet go into a crazy multi-tasking mode where it’s safe to have such attentiveness? I’m not focusing on the most important people in my life like I should!

Are you being attentive to the right things at the right times? Unfortunately, the ones that are most important to us are also the ones that seem to not get our undivided attention. This goes for God too!

Do you put down the phone and focus on your loved ones when they’re talking to you? Giving them the same consideration as you would give to an outsider shows them their worth to you and reminds them that you respect them. If the kids are interrupting a talk with your hubby, let them know that they can’t do that. That’s showing the worth of their father. It’ll be a lesson that’ll help them have a strong marriage in the future.

Today, make it a point to pay careful attention to what God is telling you so you don’t drift away, but also pay careful attention when your family is talking to you so they don’t drift away!

Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. Mark 13:33

The election is over, and I have to say that I’m relieved that my phone might not be ringing so much. I’ve tried to talk to animated voices, but their alertness is not quite there to give me an appropriate response. Also, what is it about competition that can bring out nasty character traits in people? We forget that when we point a finger at someone else, we have three pointing back at ourselves.

We make mistakes because we’re human, but how awesome is it that we can learn and grow? It’s a dangerous thing to start believing the lie about not being able to improve. We shouldn’t ever let the devil tell us that it’s just who we are. We need to remember whose we are. We are God’s children! That beats everything else.

I recently realized that I was letting things into my heart that started to affect my character. So not cool! I wasn’t super excited to be around myself, so I can’t imagine that I was a barrel of fun for other people to be around me. We can try to place blame or make excuses, but the fact of the matter is that we need to take responsibility for our behavior. Don’t let a negative character wipe out everything good we’ve learned.

The boys and I did a character study using characterfirst.com where we learned that character is the inward values that determine outward actions. I felt it was time for me to refresh my mind and heart of what God expects. If my outward actions aren’t exactly what I hope for them to be, then I need to be concerned that somewhere along the way my inward values got off track.

When I write these blogs, the things I write about are what I’m experiencing, what I’ve learned, and what I need to work on. It’s a perfect time to focus on how thankful we can be that even though we deal with sin, God has given us the ability to have a strong character. We can’t necessarily control what happens to us, but with His help, we can control our reactions. We can keep our character when it feels like everything else is being taken from us. Nobody can take that unless we let them.

I’m going to go through a Renewing My Character Journey…maybe you’ll want to join me…

The first trait is Alertness-being aware of what is taking place around me so I can have the right responses (definition from characterfirst.com). The animated voices that I had to listen to over the telephone certainly didn’t have alertness. How often though, are we like those animated voices?

We give the same responses without really listening to what is being said. Here’s an example. Someone says, “What’s going on?” We say, “Fine, thank you.” What? We weren’t very alert because our response didn’t match the question. We just assumed they would ask how we were.  Who knows where our minds were, but it certainly wasn’t in the conversation.

People know pretty quickly when we’re being genuine in our alertness or thinking about something else when they’re talking to us. We really need to listen and engage in conversations without being so worried about what we’re going to say next that we miss out on some wonderful thoughts from the person we’re talking to. Being alert in our conversations is a great way to show respect to others. When we’re alert, we’re saying that we care about those around us, and we’re willing to give them our attention. This goes with the next character trait too!

Today, be alert in what is going on around you. Give yourself permission to be in the moment. If you do, you might hear something God is trying to tell you. Even if you don’t, you’re blessing someone else by showing them respect. Don’t get so wrapped up in the future or the past that you miss out on the present. Stay alert!

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Do you ever blow bubbles with children? I love to hear the giggles and the claps as those iridescent, round globes float in the air! I’ve seen huge bubbles, bubbles with two stuck together, tiny bubbles and even one bubble inside another. Some of them seem to zoom through the air faster than we can catch them. Others seem to simply glide around in a graceful dance. Who knew blowing bubbles could even be an exercise? Listen, when you have a little one wanting you to catch one, you’ll do about any gymnastic move possible! My old pooch would even try to help by getting in on the action!

I admit that I still haven’t gotten over being mesmerized by bubbles even though I don’t have little ones around wanting to play anymore. I’ll let you in on a little secret…you can be completely adult (kind of) while still playing with bubbles. Washing dishes is a very grown-up chore. So, when we can’t shove everything into a dishwasher, it’s time for fun! No, I’m not one of those people who opt to not use the dishwasher just so I can wash dishes. If you are, that’s great, but there’s a reason I have my dishwasher! Ok, maybe it’s kind of because I can hide the dirty dishes so they aren’t all sitting out waiting for me to wash them, but everyone likes that perk…right? Sorry, I get off track sometimes. My point is you can still play with bubbles while washing dishes! I always get bubbles to float in the air, but what people don’t realize is that there’s an art to getting the most out of it. After you squirt that soap into the sink and put the bottle back upright, you give it another squeeze. Oops! Look what happened. I love it! As Cinderella, I can do my chores with bubbles!

Personally, I like to watch the bubbles, but quite a few people like to pop them. They can’t help themselves! Think about it…bubbles are a lot like attitudes. They can be free and flying high, making those around smile until one person comes in and pops it. We need to allow Jesus to strengthen our attitudes so our bubbles aren’t so easy to burst. Have you ever seen one bubble break into two? Let that be us. Take our “flying high” attitude and share it with someone else!

Today, remember the quote “Attitude Determines Altitude”. Keep soaring, and don’t let anyone burst your bubble!

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11

It’s the time of year that stores are starting to carry pinecones that smell like cinnamon. I like to put them into a basket and sit them on the mantle in the living room. The smell signals the holidays are about to begin. It isn’t a smell that fades away very quickly either! When we start thinking about spring and it’s time to take away the pinecones, I dump them into the bottom of the trash can. This way, each time we pull out the garbage, we get a pleasant smell. I’ll keep them there until they’re replaced with the ones from the next year.

God didn’t just put pinecones in the woods for us to use as decorations. I learned a thing or two about them while the boys were studying botany. Certain species of pinecones rely on fire to spread their seeds. The pinecones of jack pine trees are very durable and remain dormant until a fire occurs and melts its resin. The fire also clears the forest floor to make room for these seeds. The fire is what causes them to pop open and spread their seeds. How ‘bout that? Pretty interesting!

Looking at those pinecones we just bought made me wonder what God placed in me that was just staying dormant while waiting for a fire to bring that seed to life. In what areas do I need to wake up?

I remember these little sponges that were in capsules. The boys loved to get the dinosaur ones. When they were put into water, the capsules would dissolve and there would be a dinosaur! They didn’t know which one it would be until it opened up. It would drive them crazy knowing they were there, but not being able to see what was in them.

Is there a gift God gave you that lays dormant? Is it placed in you like the pinecone or one of those capsules? I would hate to see any of us go to heaven with presents still wrapped up. That would have to disappoint God too. I know I would feel awful if a present that I knew would be just perfect for someone came back to me unopened!

Today, let God start a fire in you to clear the way for new growth.  God can melt that hard resin for your seeds to wake-up. Then, keep water on those gifts that God planted in you to allow them to grow! Don’t leave this earth, returning to God, with those unopened presents.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

There’s something to be said about wisdom and good advice. There are times when God can give us wisdom by showing us the mistakes of others. There are other times when God will give us advice by speaking through those same people.

My aunt just passed away, but it wasn’t a good-bye. It was a see-ya-later! In the meantime, when we lose someone we love, we can honor them by living life in a way that passes on something good of them.

As I’m sitting here reminiscing, let me share just a few memories and what I’ve learned from my great-aunt with you:

• When she was young and on a long road trip, she would read…and drive. You think that texting is bad? This is the olden days’ equivalent! Also, stop signs were suggestions according to her. If they were put in a place that didn’t make sense, then you don’t need to stop. Terrible advice! However, she also taught me that you can’t control what other people are doing on the road (obviously she knew), so it was better to stay closer to that solid stripe on the right side of your vehicle instead of being closer to the center line. Good advice.
• It’s very important to dry well between your toes after getting out of the shower. Personal experience? Not sure.
• She lost her pointer finger down to her knuckle in an accident. Be careful around machinery. Also, maybe it isn’t the best thing to go on a road trip and point out places of interest with vehicles on both sides while using the next finger as your new pointer finger. Just saying…things learned without a word being spoken.
• I had two favorite books at her house. She eventually gave them to me and now my children have read them. You never know many generations your simple generosity will touch.
• It’s ok to spend an hour and a half eating breakfast. Take breaks often and let the stories roll! Why are we always in such a hurry?
• I enjoyed our hour long phone conversations. She taught through actions about how to listen and support your loved ones. She really did have solid advice.
• As a young girl, I loved to sit in my special seat at her house while she made out her bills and so patiently showed me what she was doing. I was her secretary! I was able to come back as an adult and help her do those bills when she was older. Take the time to show young ones how to do certain tasks; you just may benefit from it years from now!
• As we would walk down her basement steps, she had a poster tacked above that read, “Hang in There, Baby!” We couldn’t make a trip down there without saying it as we went. Great advice!

Whether we cringe or get excited, our reaction to advice usually has to do with who it’s coming from, if it’s coming from a Godly place, if the timing is right, and how it’s given. Unfortunately, there are times when people will use the excuse of giving advice to be condescending, to get someone to do their wishes, or to feel superior. This is when we need to be careful.

It’s always a good thing to let God help us distinguish between good and bad advice since people are human and do make mistakes. It’s best to ask Him to help us sort out what we should let go and what we should hold close to our hearts.

My great-aunt was one of the people who I enjoyed listening to and receiving advice from.  I’ve been blessed to have several people that I can’t wait to hear what they have to say. Let me get a notebook! Those pieces of advice are given from a loving place and there is exceptional wisdom behind their words. My prayer for you is that you’ve had people like that in your life. I also hope that you become that person for someone.

Today, take the good you’ve received from others, and honor them by passing it on. Be the person that people want to hold close to their heart, and no matter what happens…“Hang in There, Baby!”

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

I remember when the boys were little and we’d make jack-o’-lanterns on Halloween. We’d spread newspapers or a tablecloth down and cut the top of the pumpkin off so they could reach their little hands inside to pull all the goop out. They loved that squishy mess…boys! We would draw two triangles for the eyes, another for the nose, and a big smile on that pumpkin. What can I say? I hate scary stuff, but since I’m not artistic at all, it still looked a little spooky after it was carved.

Some of the pumpkins that artists do today are true works of art. It amazes me how beautiful those pumpkins can look after having a true master work on them. They have everything from presidents’ faces to superheroes and princesses on them. They have animals that are amazing in their detail, and there are even landscapes that leave you speechless.

When we tried to make those pumpkins ourselves, they didn’t turn out so pretty.  I sure am grateful there are pumpkins that true artists carve that I can admire.  And, if artists create beauty out of the pumpkins with those messy insides, the great Artist can create beautiful works out of our messy lives.

Just remember…don’t try to do the work that the true Master should be doing because it won’t turn out so pretty.  He’ll do a much better job!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Linus had his security blanket, but my security blanket was a stuffed dog. Posey was her name, and she was a ratty, yet beloved animal. She was so well loved and worn that she was a bit saggy in the body. She was the perfect shape to flop over my shoulder and go everywhere with me.

When I was in school, guess who had to go with me? That dog was happy to stay tucked in my backpack, but I knew she was there. By the time I started second grade, Posey was starting to not fit in there anymore. I couldn’t put new things in because of the room being taken up by something that would do well in being left at home.

As I got older and braver, Posey was relegated to a spot at home as my journey in life continued. A girl could show an unusual, adventurous side at amusement parks. I specifically remember one ride where we would walk into a big circle and just lean against a wall. It would spin until the centrifugal force pushed us and held us against that wall. Then, the floor would drop down and you were stuck like a gecko. The force was too strong to pull your body away from the wall!

There comes a time when we need to let go of the old comfort in order to make room for the new. If not, it’s like we’re being stuck on that ride. We’re held back and can’t move forward. As long as our lives are full of something that’s no longer in God’s plan for us, we’re tying His hands.  He can’t fill our lives with what he wants to bless us with because there’s no room. When we do that, we’re living in the past, allowing it to dictate our future.

Is there something that you’re holding onto out of comfort? Is God trying to move you forward in His will, but you’re being held back by the force of the old? Ask yourself…do the contents of my life (my backpack) match what God wants for me?

Is there an old grudge in there? Is there an old collection that’s taking up space? Are you filling it up with television or books so there isn’t time for the true goals that God has put on your heart? Is it full of negative friendships just because they’re comfortable? Just because they’re what you know, doesn’t mean they’re good for you. You may be asking God to bring certain people into your life, but there’s no room.

Take an inventory of what is filling up your life today. Do you need to let go of some of your things to make room for God’s things? Are you holding tightly to something just because it’s been your security blanket? Don’t allow any force to hold you back. Put your life in God’s hands. He has plans for you, you just need to make room for them. He won’t hold you against that wall. You’ll feel free again!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

One of the coolest places to have a little fire is on the beach. Watching the flames dance and the waves crashing on the shore is mesmerizing. This is a favorite of ours at Christmas. We start to anticipate the time away, focusing on God and celebrating the life he gave us as a family, a couple months before the holiday approaches. We have our own traditions that we look forward too. They include a beach somewhere and quality time away from the hustle and bustle of it all.

We pack quite a bit into December because we leave before Christmas is upon us. We buy presents, send out cards, participate in raising money for those less fortunate, decorate our house, watch Christmas movies, visit family, and make cookies like everyone else.

However, we’ve also made our own traditions during the Christmas season. We travel to a special place! We spend time together reflecting and being joyful over God’s gift to us as we pull away from home. Life slows down and we breathe.

Christmas Eve always brings the Christmas story and clams and oysters. The boys love to have ice-cream on that day too. I guess we are celebrating a birthday, but hot chocolate makes more sense to me! We enjoy singing Christmas hymns (although I can’t say it would sound like God’s heavenly angels) and seeing lights sparkling on the water.

On Christmas we love to get out into the world God made and go for a walk. It’s our quiet time with Him for reflecting and talking. Then, we have a fire on the beach. We save our Christmas dinner for the evening and have Christmas lunch. The boys love to cook over the fire…hot dogs…on Christmas…go figure. But, we do it!

The boys will try to fly a kite. However, if the wind isn’t just right, they don’t have much luck, no matter how fast they run trying to get it into the air. First lesson…no matter the plans we make and how meticulously we put it all together, there isn’t going to be much flying for us if we don’t have God’s breath of approval.

As I sit around the fire, I always keep a bodyguard near me. It’s not that I’m all that important, but I am to him.  He does take his job seriously. He allows others to get only so close before he’s taking a step toward them. If they don’t take the hint, he’s not afraid to tell them off. He’s bigger than the rest and will keep the perimeter clear of intruders. He never tries to make contact unless I openly invite him to share our Christmas meal. Second lesson…God is quite a bit like a bodyguard…like that seagull. He is always near, yet waits for us to invite him in.

When our fire is coming to an end, and if we happen to have our shoes off, our feet start to get pretty cold. We don’t like to waste one bit of wood so we wait until the fire has almost burned itself out. This is the time the boys like me to put the warm sand from around the fire onto their feet. I’ll scoop it up and pack it around them, making them nice and toasty again. Third lesson…when the world around us seems cold, there’s always God’s warmth to help us feel toasty.

Our traditions might not seem right to others, but that’s ok. We get away from the hustle and bustle not to escape Christmas, but to run towards God. We just don’t want to be distracted from the real reason we’re celebrating. Some feel closer to God and family staying where they are during the season, and that’s great!  There isn’t only one way to worship and praise God. He doesn’t have the same plan for everyone.  He made each person unique and special. What works for one family, may not be His plan for another.

I really believe that one of the main issues we face as children of God is a lack of respect for each other. We are quick to make judgements without understanding people’s hearts. We forget to see things through love. We see the outside, which looks different than ours, and stop there.

God loves us so much!  He could have made each one of us with the same thoughts as the next person, but He didn’t. He made us different and just because someone isn’t exactly how we are or what we know, doesn’t mean they’re wrong.

Don’t let judgement keep you from seeing the good in people. For God so loved the world…not a particular type of person…the world. Put on God’s glasses today and learn something from someone you’re about to judge. God sees through love, and we should too!

Desire without knowledge is not good– how much more will hasty feet miss the way! Proverbs 19:2

My cousin lives on a dairy farm, and I’ve always enjoyed going for visits. There were many days that his wife and I would head over to the barn while the guys were busy doing who knows what. I enjoyed helping with the cows, and her family was very good about sharing with me the different medical issues that would come up. It was always fascinating to learn about the cows and the calves. My fingers were crossed that a calf would be born while I was there!

One day a cow had a twisted stomach and they had a veterinarian there for surgery. Perfect timing! I could watch the procedure. The vet was so kind to take me through step by step letting me know what he was doing. I was focused on everything he was explaining to me, so I never paid much attention when the hubby came barreling into the barn.

My hubby saw that I was concentrating on something and was curious to see what I was doing. He came at top speed to where the surgery was taking place. The look on his face was priceless! He did the fastest about-face you would ever want to see and was out of there within two seconds.

We got a good chuckle out of that. I will tell you that he was extremely cautious at approaching us in the barn from that day forward. There has been more than one time that we grossed him out, and he was determined not to be caught unaware again.

I think we’ve all barreled into a situation that we wished we would’ve used caution…probably more than once…possibly daily! It could be an opinion given, a statement made, a criticism spoken, or an answer offered without taking the time to think things through, get more information, or consult God. We’ve regretted having rushed in so quickly.

I challenge you to not let your curiosity or quick answers get you caught in a place you don’t want to be. God doesn’t want us to speak first and think later!  He doesn’t want us to barrel into a situation that we might want to avoid.  Simply slow down and gather information first.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:19-21

The youngest and I took the pup and went to a parade today. It was a cold morning, around 40 degrees with the possibility of rain. We barely left the house when it started sprinkling. We decided to park quite a ways from the parade route in order to get some of the energy out of the pup before we got around all the people there.

We made it to Main Street and had some time before the parade was to begin. We were standing on a sidewalk with nowhere to step behind and just the road in front. People were constantly walking within inches of us. I had to take a deep breath because I’ve never attempted this kind of thing with the pup. Would he act like he was on a pogo stick and bounce every time someone new walked by us? What about the sirens and the yells from the University students? Oh no, what about the bands with all the noise? Breathe, breathe, breathe…me, not the dog. He was acting like he did this every day. Yes, there were a couple times where he started to get excited, but with a couple corrections he was fine. People were coming up to him and he acted like a gentleman. He sat like a statue with those who just walked by!

When I started hearing the parade come closer, I had to remind myself to relax and breathe again. All these new sounds had to be overwhelming to the pup, but he was a champ! It never fazed him. People were throwing candy and he never even moved! He got up when the drums went by with the first band, but was still under control. As the next bands went by, he ignored those drums! He worked through it. It was a complete success.

The pup was great, but the time with the youngest was even better! We laughed, talked, and got a bit wet together. We made memories this morning and again when we got home and tried to warm up! We met lots of nice people too.

Do you ever hide due to fear? I was listening to a sermon this morning and it was part of a series, but I only got through 20 minutes of the first part. It was glaringly obvious that God was speaking to me through the words of that pastor. He talked about when we are anxious and worried we need to remember Jesus said, “Peace be with you!” He didn’t say it once, but He said it twice.

Jesus has the ability to replace anxiety and worry with assurance, confidence, and joy. I know this, but there are times that I need reminded of that in order to apply it to specific circumstances. The pastor explained that the reason Jesus could do that was because He rose from the dead. He has power over life, sin, darkness, and death, so whatever we are dealing with, no matter how inconsequential or huge, it is small in the realm of His power. That pastor really made me remember what I already knew…Jesus can handle it! We just need to trust in His power and realize that He can work all circumstances in our life for our very best.

Sometimes it doesn’t have to be a big fear you’re dealing with. It could be as simple as running the silly “what ifs” through your mind. The youngest really didn’t want to go anywhere at first…what if I make him and he’s miserable? What if it rains? What if the pup is bad? It would be easier to stay at home. I felt like God was saying to me, “Wrong answer! Stop hiding due to fear. Stop the “what ifs” and give them to me. Peace be with you!”

I’m so glad I listened today because it was a blessing. It was handled, but not by me. It rained, but not terribly hard, and we had umbrellas! I replaced my anxiety and worry with Jesus’s assurance, confidence, and joy. I learned a very valuable lesson from God speaking through that pastor’s message.

Today, don’t hide due to fear. When God is nudging you to do something…just do it! Keep searching out what He wants from you. Pray, read what He wrote to us in the Bible, and listen to those whom He speaks through…thank you Pastor Chris!

“Peace be with you!” Keep those four important words close to your heart today.