Milestones

Proverbs 22:28 "Remove not the ancient landmarks."

It seems like summer is the special time for milestone celebrating. Graduations, Weddings.......sprinkled with births, birthdays, deaths throughout the year. We keep busy with marking milestones.

This past year, our youngest grandchild got her first tooth and took her first step. A brave little one is learning to ride a bike! We have one just beginning to experience her once in a lifetime adolescence journey. We had three grands phase into teenage years in recent months. Another went on her first mission trip. The two older have gotten driver's license in the recent past. Two baseball players are first time state champions. A high school graduate; a college graduate. And, as much as they don't want to, we have several entering middle age. The younger parents are experiencing parenthood with 2 and 3 year olds! We have had many milestones in the past little bit! Our highway is adorned with all kinds of colorful markers!

Milestones were originally placed in places to instruct people. The marker was saying "Go this way and you will arrive at your destination." They were trustworthy to follow.

Maybe milestones aren't so much about the present accomplishments as a tribute to the trust we have in the previous milestone makers who have paved the way before us!

When we see baby milestones (teeth, first steps, etc.), we are delighted because we know the child is normal. There is assurance, (because of our observance of other infants), that he is on the right track. 

Birthdays mark years of living. Every year is celebrated as a gift from the past to the future. We really like to mark the 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th and 80th!!! 10 year increments are major milestones!

I was able to parent decently because of those who had done it before me. So many times, I told myself that if they could, so could I.

I am a little sentimental about our first grandson's high school graduation. I'm sad because he isn't a child anymore. But I am excited that he can look at the mile markers of older people and know life can be good. Happiness can happen! He is anticipating the future because he sees a lot of successful people he looks up to!

We experienced a college graduation this month. It was emotional because we knew God had given some extra grace and grit for this particular milestone! Hopefully, it will point the way for other travelers who are feeling unsure and insecure about their next step!

We have some weddings on the schedule. I love it that young couples are still willing to marry when the world is destroying the signs about how to do it. These couples have seen some examples of loving relationships to have the courage to follow.

Some of our friends have planted their last mile marker this past year. It is so encouraging to see those who have experienced eleventh hour experiences worthy of celebrations. Still a milestone. There are some decorated milestones of those in my life who have always been there, pointing the way. Their death didn't erase the memories and the sermons still  witnessing to me, " This is the way to go."

Traveling has always been a big part of my life. I've seen every kind of billboard; read a lot of mile markers. That's good! I've learned a lot. But I especially like the really old ones that have been there for awhile. I'm pretty sure I can trust them.

 

Storm Chasers

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"Chase the things that reinforce your soul."

 Proverbs 10:25 "As the whirlwind passeth......the righteous is an everlasting foundation."

I was in Louisiana visiting, in March, on the day the devasting flood hit the area, wreaking havoc on the local church where our daughter and family and many friends live. I was flying out of the storm and witnessing, via Facebook and texting, the horror of the storm. Safely back in my dry Missouri home, I was feeling their pain, because I had personally witnessed the rising water that day. I actually saw it happening; and there was not a thing anyone could do. It came suddenly and destructively; a horrible disaster.

I have also stood paralyzed, as a tornado passed uncomfortably close right before my eyes. There have been many times I stood, as the storm howled, with no protection, praying God would keep His hand over me.  In my life, I have witnessed storm devastation time and time again!!!

What really amazes me are the men who enjoy the storm chasing. I have listened to the reports of these excited individuals as they expose themselves to the elements for whatever reason. I am told there is a thrill in the endeavor to capture the rare beauty of the sky and land in a storm. The excitement of the moment is laced with the mystery of not knowing  what is unfolding around you. What really  wowed me was observing the mammoth Tornado Intercept Vehicle which is armored and equipped with high tech instrumentation to detect and warn and also enable men to sit in the middle of a 150-175 mph winds and watch it all. When most are seeking shelter, these machines are heading into the storm.

What started as thrill seeking has developed into a science that is benefiting the National Weather Service and the public in general.

I can't say I'm a storm chaser. In truth, I hate storms! But I have to admit I analyze the amazing variance of the emotions that are graphed during the storms!  Excitement, unbelief, horror, amazement, and thankfulness all mixed together. Sometimes, storms are unexpected and short lived. Others are expected and can be quite a long lasting experience.

One author penned: " If you chase anything in life, chase the things that get you excited about living. Chase the things that give you hope, happiness and a glimpse of a better life. Chase the things that make you want to be a better person. Chase the things that inspire you to think, create and live joyfully. Chase the things that reinforce your soul that can make a difference. Chase the things that transform your heart from selfish to selfless. When you chase that kind of storm, you are chasing rainbows."

2 days ago, holding a sick baby,  I found myself singing:

"In the dark of the midnight

Have I oft hid my face 

While the storm howls around me

And there's no hiding place 

Mid the crash of the thunder

Precious Lord hear my cry

Keep me safe til the storm passes by."

I think that was my way of chasing the storm.  It gave me hope and courage. It gave me grace to hold the fevered grandchild and believe that "this, too, shall pass!" It inspires me to sing in a storm! That's my way of making a difference. 

I also returned to Louisuana and observed some of the tired backs and stretched emotions, yet the selfless giving to bring back white walls and new creation to the flooded church I had walked away from in March. Someone had been chasing some storms. I saw a rainbow there.

I observed the dreary storm predictions in the weather forecast this week. I live in the Midwest. Fear can strike you when you hear "Some storms may be severe".  

I've been through a few. 

I am also witnessing hopelessness in the political storms that are surrounding us. I see despair on the faces of the broken hearted and the broken in spirit. This generation is scared of the future. Storm clouds surround us. 

It's time to chase those storms! Offer hope in the God of All Ages who has stood the test of time!!!! Get into your Interceptive Vehicle. Ride out the storm with Someone who has endured some strong winds and can pilot us through! Chase the things that strengthen you! Fortify your Foundation like the wise man! Build on the Rock! 

Be a Storm Chaser! 

A Tribute to Mom

 Proverbs 31:28 ".....her children arise up, and call her blessed."

A couple of weeks ago, a lone tulip bloomed in my front yard. It was an overlooked bulb from when I had transplanted my mother's flowers into one flowerbed. She was a lover of flowers and thought the more the better!  I don't have her knack for horticulture, so I have scaled down, trying to keep starts of all her flowers. Thus, the lone tulip in the front yard.

I left the tulip there in all its single glory because it was a reminder, more than once daily, of my mama. She was little, but spunky. She was no nonsense, tempering her toughness with her jolly laugh and fun loving nature. Today I pay tribute to her again. She left me a legacy of a lot of important lessons!

I will always remember her laughter. She taught me to enjoy life and to have a positive outlook! Just weeks before she died, at 92 years, and housebound, she was trying her best to look on the bright side. Knowing she was staring death in the face, she was making the hospice workers vie to be her caregiver!

She taught me that applying myself to hard work was rewarding. She was never idle, even sitting in her rocker. Projects were a joy and challenge to her. As a result, her mind was very alert almost to her dying day!

I learned that organization and cleanliness stabilized a home. It kept the family content, loving to come back. She surrounded herself with color and beauty.    We all benefited from it!

Creativity was so much a part of her. She believed that you could do most anything you set your mind to do!  Flowers, crafts and pictures!  This was who she was and she used her creativity to weave them into her life everywhere! 

She was thrifty to a fault, but at least I know that " a penny saved is a penny earned". She economized by using fabric scraps and recycling leftovers of food as well as lots of other things. As one of a more modern throw away era, I just shook my head at her drawers of recycling. Not fun to sort through when we had to start the "pass it on",  but still an important life lesson.

Her prayers were heartfelt and sincere. When Mama prayed, I was prepared to stay on my  knees for awhile. The prayers were all encompassing, particularly for her family. A lot of tears accompanied those pleadings!

Mama loved unconditionally. She didn't overlook my faults (and didn't hesitate to confront me!!!) but she still loved me. I'm grateful that she knew my well being was at stake when she corrected me. I treasure the arguments where she cared enough to be stern, even angry with me. I'm a better person because she scripturally disciplined me!

Probably the most admirable thing is that Mom lived her convictions. She came to Jesus  as a young woman. She knew this was the kind of life she wanted to live and she pursued it and never looked back. I often heard her refer to her God-given convictions that she was unwilling to alter or change. She didn't budge an inch!

Today, I rise and call her blessed. As uneducated as my mama was, she recognized the high calling of motherhood; she lived and learned and passed it on!  I was one of her students and I'm truly blessed!

Mother's Day isn't about the perfect moms. It's about the moms who have and are hanging in there when many choose to jump ship! It's acknowledging that motherhood includes a lot of failures. It's recognizing that enough was done right to merit gratitude and recognition. 

It's a perfect day to acknowledge God's great Family Plan works......I am living proof!

One Way Street

 Proverbs 13:13b: "....he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded."

Is it just me or do you ever feel like you are walking in the opposite direction of most everyone around you? You're like trying to follow directions from here to there.....following what you believe to be the roadmap....or in today's world the GPS..... And you catch up with a fellow traveler going your direction every now and then. But there are hoards of people going the opposite direction? Sometimes, you just have to stop and ask: who's going where here? 

I've been thinking about Bible Patriarchs this morning.  Their true stories are based on what looked like silly decisions in one sense. But on the other hand, their stories all are recorded because of their obedience or disobedience. Obedience being willing to do what you are told to do. Disobedience being the failure or unwillingness to obey.

Adam and Eve failed the test. They are a prime example of human curiosity to see what happens if you don't choose to confirm to the rules. Result: a life of wandering outside God's protection. 

Noah went to work building an Ark for a flood in a land where it hadn't ever rained. He daily endured ridicule and was made to look and feel like a fool. But he kept pounding. Result: refuge when the world around him was drowning.

How do you gain an inheritance by leaving home? Certainly, Abraham probably had that question. But he unfailingly trekked across unknown territory because he was following directions. He obeyed and is known as the " Father of Faith"

Many of the children of Israel died before seeing Canaan because they grumbled, complained and disobeyed. 

On the other hand, the new  Israelite generation who chose  to follow Joshua into the Promised Land met with immediate big problems: Jericho. Because of their example of disobedience by their forefathers, they could have turned back or panicked or questioned. But they chose obedience and silently marched around Jericho for 6 days. They were marching on a promise. God had already told them this insurmountable city was theirs. Joshua, a military leader, led them in a feat without a fight. Just a challenge of obedience! And the walls tumbled!  This, after wondering for forty years, lost, because of disobedience. What a lesson!

I know a little about obedience. I was a child. I am a parent. I have been a teacher. I am under civil authority and respect the laws of the land. I have been employed and understand company policy is necessary for the success of any business. So I believe I respect authority and the need for obedience to it.

I am amazed at the disrespect I witness in this world around me. I seldom walk through a store to purchase anything without witnessing a full blown battle of the wills between child and parent! Not to say this doesn't happen from time to time....but something is wrong with the picture I see of the lack of respect for authority. When I witness the altercations, I can plainly see the child is rebellious and, also, the parent cannot be respected because of the way they are handling it.

Adults display disrespect in restaurants and other public places. Name calling, and nasty slurs fly about wherever you choose to be these days. it is the day of self expression. It's all about "me". There is little respect for rules.

I'm concerned that I remain a part of the remnant who choose to be respectful and grateful and obedient. It is tempting to join the crowd. But when I am, I remember those before me who walked on in obedience, risking rejection and even bodily harm. They were walking down a one way street headed to their given destination.

It's a choice; this matter of an obedient heart or a willful, proud, and disobedient attitude. I stood in the Walmart checkout behind a little, old confused lady last evening. She took a long, long time. I could have become impatient and made a scene. But I  chose to stay behind her and to make sure she was ok. That really was the One Way. The cashier kept watching me to see if I was upset. I just kept smiling and made positive comments. You could tell she was relieved and surprised.

What a different world it would be if more people exemplified patience and respect and obedience in daily living. I still like my Roadmap. Still on course. Smiling at the people going the wrong direction. I'm on a One Way Street. No turning around. Hoping that amidst all the shouting, pushing and shoving, they might turn around and join me! Yes, I sometimes feel silly but  I am still confident. I deliberately turned on this street way back there!

"Always take the high road. Sometimes it will be a one way street, but you're never going the wrong way."  Unknown