Sunday, January 22, 2017

STRANGE WEEK IN POLITICS

The events of this past week have caused me to do some introspection. I have a responsibility to make things better in my little corner of the world. I must:

AVOID HYPERBOLE

I should strive to speak in truth and NOT exaggeration

"But I tell you that men [and women] will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew 12 :36-37)

That means FACT CHECKING my own words when necessary.
"Dear Sue: Do not exaggerate just to score a point in a verbal discourse." (Guess that means I can no longer say, "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!"

SPREAD RESPECT & KINDNESS

"Bloom Where You are Planted"
"Brighten the Corner, Where You Are"
"Pass it On" - Kindness, that is
Pay it Forward"

Respect must become a GRASS-ROOTS LEVEL movement.

SPEAK UP AGAINST:
  • Racism
  • Bullying
  • Inequality
I must use my rights of free speech as an American when I see something that doesn't benefit ALL Americans.

PRAY
  • That legislative leaders will step up and do what's right
  • That the checks and balances built into our government will work
  • That Americans will start dialoging (listening) to one another
  • That evil around the world will be defeated 

Whew! That's a lot of heavy. It's the only way I know how to personally deal with what's going on in this, the country I love.

Final note to self: "Remember, God's in charge. I read the Book and he wins!"

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8) Moses' advice to Joshua who was taking over as leader of the Israelites.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

RAINBOWS ABOUND

Enjoy these photos a dear friend shared with me. Occasionally, she is greeted with this phenomenon: rainbow colors reflecting off the heavy cross sculpture displayed on an end table in her living room.




She's not sure why this happens or what time of day/year it occurs. She just smiles, as she sees it as a reminder from God:
  • I'm here.
  • I'm awesome.
  • My Presence is all around you.
Science would explain it as sunshine hitting a beveled window or mirror just right and deflecting in prism-like drops of moisture. Even that explanation is a phenomenon, because God is the creator of science. Isn't he amazing?

We all need rainbows because,

Life is tough.
The world is a mess.
The future looks frightening.

Take heart, blog readers. Look for "rainbows" that serve as reminders of God's existence. He's in charge and he loves you.

What might that look like?
  • An amazing sunrise or sunset
  • A child's laughter
  • An act of kindness
  • Funny animal antics
  • A hug from a friend or loved-one
A paraphrase from the book The Story (the whole Bible in readable form from the NIV translation) goes like this: "He [God] had rescued his people from slavery, showed them his power, guided their steps, given them his law and gifted them with his presence." (The Story, page 71)

Gifted them with his presence. We have that in today's unsettled world. We must look all around and take note.

And, as my friend says--

Rainbows are free!

 

Monday, January 2, 2017

HAPPY NEW YEAR

HELLO 2017!


Resolutions, goals, promises. Whatever you call them, let me offer a few ideas:

  • Create a MISSION STATEMENT for yourself for the new year--much like organizations or committees do to focus a team's goals.

  • Make a list of PRIORITIES. What is important in your life? (Remember: "People are more important than things.")

  • List 2 or 3 GOALS for each priority.

Make sure each priority and goal aligns with your mission statement.


Review this every 3 or 4 months to see how you're doing.



GOODBYE 2016!