You've heard the saying, "home is where the heart is." I came to understand the meaning of this phrase at a young age. We moved from my birthplace of Beaumont, TX just before my tenth birthday. Our new home? Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. It is hard to find two more different locales than that. I never imagined the land of sand, camels, and giant sunsets would ever feel like my home, but three years it was as hard to leave as Texas had been. Then the suburbs of Washington D.C., also know as Northern Virginia, took over the "home" spot and after my high school graduation, Waco, Houston and Dallas all took turns at hosting my belongings. Now "home" is in several places, and it has nothing to do with where my bed, makeup brushes, or shoes reside. Home is where I feel most comfortable and most comforted. Home is where I'm loved unconditionally and confronted most honestly. Home is wherever I can be with my family and hear the truth about myself and the love that they offer because of, and in spite of, that truth.
The past couple of weeks have been hard ones, as I faced a heartbreaking loss. I struggled to swim through the grief, despair, and disappointment, and I knew that I needed to find an island where I could rest and recover my strength. I needed a place where I could find my feet and stand firm again on the solid ground of God's truth. I found that island at "home". At my home in Dallas with my husband where his words, his love, and his steadfastness held me upright. At my home in Houston where my parents met me with wisdom, comfort, and their own stories of Christ's faithfulness through hard times. At my home in Germany, where my sister shared my grief and prayed for my wounded heart. At my homes, in the suburbs of Washington D.C., Dallas, Plano, Houston, Lantana, Miami, and more where my friends loved me via phone and email with prayers, encouraging words, and true empathy. Home is where I feel safe and secure. It is where I know God loves me far beyond what can be measured. It is where the words of Psalm 102 come alive,
"The children of your people will live in security.
Their children's children will thrive in your presence."
No matter how great the sorrow, disappointment, or loss, I am never alone or abandoned. I am always in the presence of God, comforted by His grace, mercy, and love. He keeps me surrounded by those who love me, support me, and encourage me, and He uses their words , their arms, and their physical presence to show me His love. I am always at home, and there is truly no place like it.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Springing Forward
I despise springing forward. I really do. I love sleep and when you love sleep, anything that takes away sleep is bad. When it is time to fall back, I love it. I get an extra hour of sleep and for about three days I feel like I've gotten an extra hour of life each day. I don't change my clocks for days and enjoy knowing it is actually an hour earlier than it feels. However, it all comes back to haunt me in the spring when Daylight Savings Time steals that hour back from me. I have to change my clocks early on Saturday to begin to convince myself I haven't lost anything and its going to be okay. I realize, I'm a bit crazy. Don't worry, I do have a therapist.
However, this year I have not really focused as much on the hour lost, as the term used. Spring forward. Somehow, it feels more like an encouragement from God than a reference to the time change. Spring forward into a new adventure. Spring forward into a new season. Spring forward into the wonderful things that I have planned for you. Spring forward into troubled times, knowing I will be there with you. Spring forward, my child, and I will catch you.
The LORD will work out his plans for my life—
for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever.
for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever.
Psalm 138:8
This year, I'm excited to spring forward and see what He has next for me.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Look Out, You're Surrounded!
One of my favorite perks of my new-to-me car is that I get to take it to the dealership to get it washed whenever it needs it. The free car wash coupled with a waiting area that offers sodas, coffee, and sometimes ice cream makes for a two-fold treat. I like that I get to sit in the designated waiting area and enjoy my coffee/coke/ice cream while reading the novel I brought along in relative quiet, all while someone else does the work of making my car clean and shiny. However, the last two times I've gone for my little thirty minute oasis, my peaceful time has been interrupted by people who seem to be unaware that they are surrounded by, well, other people.
Last time, it was a woman discussing her personal business at full volume with someone on her cell phone. While trying to enjoy my vanilla ice cream and cinnamon cookie, I could not help but learn that she had recently lost a parent, and after that loss had discovered a heretofore unknown sibling. I, along with everyone else in the waiting area, learned of her discomfort with this new sibling and all the ways it was making settling the estate harder. The entire time I was there she held two different phone conversations on this subject. After such an experience, you can imagine my relief when, today, I walked into a quiet waiting room filled with people peacefully reading or playing with smartphones. However, a few minutes after taking my seat I was hit with the well-known voice of the movie preview voiceover guy describing an upcoming film. A few quiet seconds would pass before the voice would come back to describe another film. To my surprise, the source of the movie previews was an older gentleman's iPhone as he enjoyed the Movie Trailer app at full volume. On both occasions, these two individuals were oblivious to the silent glances thrown their way. They missed the body language of their fellow customers plainly telling of their discomfort. They were clueless to the comments quietly made as people hoped they would overhear and be more considerate. They just went on with what they were doing as if they were alone in the room.
These moments lead me to wonder, do they not realize that we can hear everything they can hear? Are they so focused on themselves that they are unaware of those around them and how their actions are impacting others? Then, it hit me. We all do this. Not necessarily the loud use of cell phones in public places, although many of us are guilty of that too, I'm sure. No, I'm talking about the ability to be so overly self involved with our own problems, needs, interests, or concerns that we are blind and deaf to those who surround us. How often do we go to work, school, the gym, playgroup, or wherever so focused on ourselves, that we miss the silent glances from someone needing our help, the body language of another who is hurting, or even the quiet comments that if we were tuned in we would recognize was someone wanting to be considered, noticed by us? The words that came to my mind as I was convicted of this bigger issue are from Philippians 2:3-4. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (NLT) However daunting my own problems or concerns may be at any moment, I am always supposed to be taking an interest in the needs of others. I believe God knew just how easy it is for us to be so into our own stuff that we can create an invisible bubble around ourselves and never look outside of it.
The fact of the matter is, we are constantly surrounded by others, others we impact. The question we must ask ourselves is, are we looking within and having a negative impact as we bombard them with our selfishness, or are we looking out and preparing to impact them for the kingdom of God?
Last time, it was a woman discussing her personal business at full volume with someone on her cell phone. While trying to enjoy my vanilla ice cream and cinnamon cookie, I could not help but learn that she had recently lost a parent, and after that loss had discovered a heretofore unknown sibling. I, along with everyone else in the waiting area, learned of her discomfort with this new sibling and all the ways it was making settling the estate harder. The entire time I was there she held two different phone conversations on this subject. After such an experience, you can imagine my relief when, today, I walked into a quiet waiting room filled with people peacefully reading or playing with smartphones. However, a few minutes after taking my seat I was hit with the well-known voice of the movie preview voiceover guy describing an upcoming film. A few quiet seconds would pass before the voice would come back to describe another film. To my surprise, the source of the movie previews was an older gentleman's iPhone as he enjoyed the Movie Trailer app at full volume. On both occasions, these two individuals were oblivious to the silent glances thrown their way. They missed the body language of their fellow customers plainly telling of their discomfort. They were clueless to the comments quietly made as people hoped they would overhear and be more considerate. They just went on with what they were doing as if they were alone in the room.
These moments lead me to wonder, do they not realize that we can hear everything they can hear? Are they so focused on themselves that they are unaware of those around them and how their actions are impacting others? Then, it hit me. We all do this. Not necessarily the loud use of cell phones in public places, although many of us are guilty of that too, I'm sure. No, I'm talking about the ability to be so overly self involved with our own problems, needs, interests, or concerns that we are blind and deaf to those who surround us. How often do we go to work, school, the gym, playgroup, or wherever so focused on ourselves, that we miss the silent glances from someone needing our help, the body language of another who is hurting, or even the quiet comments that if we were tuned in we would recognize was someone wanting to be considered, noticed by us? The words that came to my mind as I was convicted of this bigger issue are from Philippians 2:3-4. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (NLT) However daunting my own problems or concerns may be at any moment, I am always supposed to be taking an interest in the needs of others. I believe God knew just how easy it is for us to be so into our own stuff that we can create an invisible bubble around ourselves and never look outside of it.
The fact of the matter is, we are constantly surrounded by others, others we impact. The question we must ask ourselves is, are we looking within and having a negative impact as we bombard them with our selfishness, or are we looking out and preparing to impact them for the kingdom of God?
Friday, March 2, 2012
Happy Texas Independence Day
When you're born and raised in the Lone Star State, Texas pride is imprinted on your genetic code and reinforced in the drinking water. At least that is what I have come to believe now that I'm married to a non-Texan. My sweet husband was born and raised in the beautiful state of South Carolina, and while I now have him firmly entrenched deep in the heart of Texas, he is constantly amazed at my awareness of Texas history and the over the top pride Texans have in their state. Over the top? Maybe. In a state where everything is bigger, we don't really see it that way. If anything, we don't understand why everyone doesn't have the same love for their home state (maybe because those states aren't Texas?). I have lived other places, and I know there are lots of great places to live in the USA. I also can admit there are parts of Texas I would not want to spend the night in, never mind live in, but I'm guilty and unashamed of being in love with my state.
I love living in a place where football is not just a sport, it's a way of life ("Friday Night Lights" you got it right). I love living in a state where people who are into high fashion might be at a table next to people who can rope a calf and breed bulls. I love living in a state where having the title Miss Texas is considered something to be respected and every little girl once dreamed of being a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. I love living in a state where young men say yes ma'am and mean it. I love living in a state where you'll see cars pulled over on the freeway so parents can plop their kids down in the midst of some bluebonnets and take the annual spring pics. I love living in a state that once was its own country, that's right the rumor is true. And speaking of rumors, let's clear up a few things I've heard from non-Texans. We don't all ride horses, although I do own some cute cowboy boots. We don't all have an oil-well in our backyard although we probably know someone that works in the oil industry(shout out to my Daddy). We are proud to be Americans, we just like to point out that we're Texans too. We do eat a lot of Mexican & Tex-Mex food because it is GOOD (Chuy's anyone?). And most important, if you're watching a movie that allegedly is set in Texas, the accent they're using is not accurate at all! ("Varsity Blues" you got it wrong!).
So today, it is with a great deal of Texan pride that I want to say Happy Independence Day to Texas. And for all of you non-Texans who don't know: on March 2, 1836 Texas declared its independence from Mexico and a month later at the Battle of San Jacinto 800 Texans under the leadership of General Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna's army of 1600, and only nine Texans died. Yeah, that's right!
I love living in a place where football is not just a sport, it's a way of life ("Friday Night Lights" you got it right). I love living in a state where people who are into high fashion might be at a table next to people who can rope a calf and breed bulls. I love living in a state where having the title Miss Texas is considered something to be respected and every little girl once dreamed of being a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. I love living in a state where young men say yes ma'am and mean it. I love living in a state where you'll see cars pulled over on the freeway so parents can plop their kids down in the midst of some bluebonnets and take the annual spring pics. I love living in a state that once was its own country, that's right the rumor is true. And speaking of rumors, let's clear up a few things I've heard from non-Texans. We don't all ride horses, although I do own some cute cowboy boots. We don't all have an oil-well in our backyard although we probably know someone that works in the oil industry(shout out to my Daddy). We are proud to be Americans, we just like to point out that we're Texans too. We do eat a lot of Mexican & Tex-Mex food because it is GOOD (Chuy's anyone?). And most important, if you're watching a movie that allegedly is set in Texas, the accent they're using is not accurate at all! ("Varsity Blues" you got it wrong!).
So today, it is with a great deal of Texan pride that I want to say Happy Independence Day to Texas. And for all of you non-Texans who don't know: on March 2, 1836 Texas declared its independence from Mexico and a month later at the Battle of San Jacinto 800 Texans under the leadership of General Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna's army of 1600, and only nine Texans died. Yeah, that's right!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Something New
New adventures are filled with mixed emotions. Excitement, fear, eagerness, anxiety, curiosity, and doubt all mix together to create a wonderful blend of anticipation and...nausea. Right now, I'm not sure what is winning, but if you have some ginger ale go ahead and pass a glass to me. In February of 2011, God began to speak to me of a new season in my life, a season that was going to require me to leap without being able to see. Notice, I did not say without looking. Oh, I tried to look. I spent almost a year trying to look and see what exactly it is that God has planned for me next. I'm a girl who likes a plan laid out before me, but often times, in our lives as believers, God asks us to trust without being able to see what is coming.
"The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you."
Genesis 12:1
This verse was a model for me 10 years ago when I left my family and career in Houston to answer God's call to ministry. It was very literal to me at that time. Now, a decade later, that same verse comes to my mind only this time it was figurative. Leaving my staff position at Fellowship Church has truly felt like leaving my native country, relatives, and father's family. Although I am blessed to still be a member and volunteer at FC, there is an indescribable support system among the staff that starts with the encouragement, love, and leadership from Pastor Ed Young and Lisa Young. To leave that place of comfort and security and step into the unknown truly feels like moving to a new country in many ways. However, I do so with a joyful heart, because I trust that I'm going to a "land" that God will show me. He is leading, and I always want to follow His lead.
"The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you." Genesis 12:1
This verse was a model for me 10 years ago when I left my family and career in Houston to answer God's call to ministry. It was very literal to me at that time. Now, a decade later, that same verse comes to my mind only this time it was figurative. Leaving my staff position at Fellowship Church has truly felt like leaving my native country, relatives, and father's family. Although I am blessed to still be a member and volunteer at FC, there is an indescribable support system among the staff that starts with the encouragement, love, and leadership from Pastor Ed Young and Lisa Young. To leave that place of comfort and security and step into the unknown truly feels like moving to a new country in many ways. However, I do so with a joyful heart, because I trust that I'm going to a "land" that God will show me. He is leading, and I always want to follow His lead. "The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you." Genesis 12:1 This verse was a model for me 10 years ago when I left my family and career in Houston to answer God's call to ministry. It was very literal to me at that time. Now, a decade later, that same verse comes to my mind only this time it was figurative. Leaving my staff position at Fellowship Church has truly felt like leaving my native country, relatives, and father's family. Although I am blessed to still be a member and volunteer at FC, there is an indescribable support system among the staff that starts with the encouragement, love, and leadership from Pastor Ed Young and Lisa Young. To leave that place of comfort and security and step into the unknown truly feels like moving to a new country in many ways. However, I do so with a joyful heart, because I trust that I'm going to a "land" that God will show me. He is leading, and I always want to follow His lead. "The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you." Genesis 12:1 This verse was a model for me 10 years ago when I left my family and career in Houston to answer God's call to ministry. It was very literal to me at that time. Now, a decade later, that same verse comes to my mind only this time it was figurative. Leaving my staff position at Fellowship Church has truly felt like leaving my native country, relatives, and father's family. Although I am blessed to still be a member and volunteer at FC, there is an indescribable support system among the staff that starts with the encouragement, love, and leadership from Pastor Ed Young and Lisa Young. To leave that place of comfort and security and step into the unknown truly feels like moving to a new country in many ways. However, I do so with a joyful heart, because I trust that I'm going to a "land" that God will show me. He is leading, and I always want to follow His lead.
This verse was a model for me 10 years ago when I left my family and career in Houston to answer God's call to ministry. It was very literal to me at that time. Now, a decade later, that same verse comes to my mind only this time it was figurative. Leaving my staff position at Fellowship Church has truly felt like leaving my native country, relatives, and father's family. Although I am blessed to still be a member and volunteer at FC, there is an indescribable support system among the staff that starts with the encouragement, love, and leadership from Pastor Ed Young and Lisa Young. To leave that place of comfort and security and step into the unknown truly feels like moving to a new country in many ways. However, I do so with a joyful heart, because I trust that I'm going to a "land" that God will show me. He is leading, and I always want to follow His lead. This verse was a model for me 10 years ago when I left my family and career in Houston to answer God's call to ministry. It was very literal to me at that time. Now, a decade later, that same verse comes to my mind only this time it was figurative. Leaving my staff position at Fellowship Church has truly felt like leaving my native country, relatives, and father's family. Although I am blessed to still be a member and volunteer at FC, there is an indescribable support system among the staff that starts with the encouragement, love, and leadership from Pastor Ed Young and Lisa Young. To leave that place of comfort and security and step into the unknown truly feels like moving to a new country in many ways. However, I do so with a joyful heart, because I trust that I'm going to a "land" that God will show me. He is leading, and I always want to follow His lead.
"The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you." Genesis 12:1
"The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you." Genesis 12:1
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)