FLIGHT INTO EGYPT

The Flight into Egypt…is depicted in these unique figurines from our Nativity Set. They are elegant, simple, and not what you see in a traditional Christmas display. They trigger emotions, both loving and disturbing.

Loving, because they show a mother and father doing everything humanly possible to save their baby from evil King Herod.

Disturbing, because Mary and Joseph again find their lives interrupted with instructions from God. They are on another perilous journey to a distant land—frightened but obedient. They also know the horrible tragedy taking place in Bethlehem, the town they left.

This young couple knew interruption:  the announcement of a Holy conception and a virgin birth, and travel to a far off land to welcome God’s Son in less than ideal circumstances.

Though we cannot begin to compare our struggles with those of the Holy Family, we do have our burdens. Sometimes life gets interrupted in the most inconvenient way. Can you relate?

·   Why the health issues?
·     What’s with this broken relationship?
·      Why the career snag?
·      When will money not be a problem?
·       Why this loss and how will I deal with it?
·        Why illness, tragedy, abuse, evil?

Mary and Joseph didn’t see the big picture, but they obeyed anyway—they trusted. That’s what we’re called to do—listen to God’s direction and obey.

Whatever interruption to life you’re experiencing this Christmas season, may you see God’s leading and feel his love. He’s with you on the perilous journey.

Christmas blessings.

GRIEF & THE HOLIDAYS

My mother died the day after Thanksgiving many years ago. I still remember the devastation. She was 55, too young to die. I was 28, too young to lose a mom.

How do you face the holidays in the midst of fresh grief?

  

Everything about the season seems poised to magnify your sadness: the music, the ads, the parties, the decorations, etc.

A week after my mother's memorial service in Ohio, I returned home to Phoenix to my husband and four young children. Bob's mother had coincidentally (a God-thing, for sure) been there on her way to California from her home in Chicago, and was able to care for my busy family during my absence. I am grateful, even today so many years later.

Before my mother-in-law left to continue her trip, she insisted she and I go shopping to buy the children's Christmas gifts. She wanted my help in selecting them and wanted to avoid having to ship a large parcel.

The LAST thing I wanted to do was go to the mall, but I respected her and realized she had held my family together for a week. No easy task.

On our trek to the noisy mall, I felt numb. I hated the blaring holiday music, I hated the shopping, I hated seeing the long line of children waiting to see a jovial Santa. I even hated when we stopped for a coffee break.

I wanted to stay home and cry and wallow in my sadness. Instead, this wise woman knew I needed to get back to doing "life," no matter how painful.

Looking back, I see it was the best thing for me. The hurt never goes away (even today), but the act of putting one foot in front of the other helped me re-enter life.

Are you grieving this year?

Is there an overall sadness that envelops you as you encounter all the holiday hoopla in the air? 

Take heart. You will re-enter life again, though it might be with a new sense of "normal." In time, the hurt will be less painful. Let positive memories of your loved one ease your pain.

Two verses I find comforting:

Psalm 16:
"I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

Romans 8:26:
"...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."

Mom & Dad - Bill & Marge Faris, circa 1969

SERVICE

We've all heard the old saying:

Service is Love in Working Clothes

I saw an example of that this week. A friend suffered the tragedy of the death of her adult son. The heartache is immeasurable. This mother walked through the agony of her week in a fog of grief. There were hundreds of details to tend to: a service to plan, photos to gather, family and friends to notify, etc.

A good friend of hers called and said, "I'm bringing over the woman who cleans my house. She and I are coming to do yours." And, they did, making it ready for out-of-town family.

Service is Love in Working Clothes

A similar thing occurred many years ago. A dear friend of mine, an accomplished musician and worship leader in several churches, went to the home of a church member who was dying of cancer. She cleaned the bathrooms, allowing the man's wife to take a little break and to return to sparkling bathrooms.

Before she left, she asked him if he wanted her to sing. He had spent his life serving God and she knew he loved the old hymns of the church. Of course, he was delighted....and so she sang.

I wasn't there, but this is the image I have: there she stands at the foot of his bed, dressed in comfy old cleaning clothes, perhaps still wearing her rubber gloves and holding the scrub bucket. She sings several of his favorites. Her beautiful soprano voice echoes throughout the sickroom and home, bringing a bit of God's grace to a sad situation.

Service is Love in Working Clothes

 "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)


 "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?...Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."(James 2: 14-17)


Let's look around and see where we can express our love and the love of God through our service to those who are hurting.

Let's get to work!

 

FRIENDS

We all remember the television show, Friends, that showcased several young adults trying to "do life" together. They became a pseudo-family. The highly successful series resonated with its audience on several levels.

I believe many enjoyed the show because it mimicked a group of friends in their lives both past and present. For others, it may have triggered a longing for such a fun group to connect with.

This past Sunday, my pastor preached on the remarkable friendship between David and Jonathon of Old Testament times. He had a lot of important things to say about the value of friendships.

For me, good friends do three things:

• They make me feel welcomed in their presence. I'm happy to be with them!
• They bring out the best in me by encouraging me to exercise my abilities and tell me when I mess up.
• They complete me. What do I mean by that?

I am blessed with a wonderful group of long-time friends. One of them has amazing spiritual strength. Another exhibits the gift of hospitality. She loves welcoming others to her home and making them comfortable. One blesses me with her sense of humor that helps keep things in perspective. One has incredible Bible knowledge and spiritual maturity. And one has the gift of nurturing others.

These women have much of what I lack. As I look to them as role models, I learn and feel completed.

One of my favorite New Testament passages comes from John, chapter 17, where Jesus prays for his disciples, a group of men he has poured himself into for three intense years. And...get this. He includes US in that prayer! Click here to read it for yourself: John 17. It's friendship at its very best.

* * * * * * *

Are you blessed with a good friend or friends? Cherish that.

To keep from being "me-centered" I should ask, "What kind of a friend am I?"

I must check myself:

• Do I make others feel welcome in my presence?
• Do I bring out the best in others?
• Do I help complete my friends by openly sharing my strengths?

Whew. A lot to consider.

Thanks for reading, my electronic friends! 

 

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

GOD BLESS AMERICA

God Bless America is an American patriotic song written by Irving Berlin in 1918, during World War I. In 1938, in response to Hitler's anti-semitism, he revised the lyrics, making it an important song of World War II. Kate Smith introduced it on national television and in the 1943 movie, This is the Army. It became her signature song.

God Bless America is a prayer asking for God's blessing on a nation looking for peace.

To hear Kate Smith sing it in her beautiful contralto voice, click here: Kate Smith
(Be sure to watch the whole five minutes.)

* * * * * * *

 

After the tragedy of 9/11, when our country was reeling under nationwide devastation, members of Congress gathered on the steps of the Capitol to reassure a hurting country. They broke out in a spontaneous rendition of God Bless America.

Democrats, Republicans, Senators, Representatives--all barriers were down as our leaders led us through our grief.

Click here to read an article depicting that event: Article

Click here to see a You Tube version and hear them singing: Congress on Capitol Steps

* * * * * * *

The most moving rendition of this beautiful song occurred May, 2017, at the National Memorial Day Concert at the Capitol on PBS.

Captain Luis Avila, a wounded warrior fighting his way back from horrendous injuries suffered in Afghanistan, sang this prayer, along with his musical therapist and opera star Renee Fleming.

Music is helping Captain Avila recover. His singing fills me with gratitude for the sacrifices many have made so I can live a life of freedom. His is the most beautiful performance of this song I've ever heard.

Click here for a very special blessing. You won't be disappointed:  Captain Luis Avila

Enjoy celebrating the 4th of July.

Pray that God truly will bless our America.

HAUNTED

Is your mother in your head?

• "Wash your hands, brush your teeth."
• "Mend that hem, don't use a safety pin."
• "Raggedy underwear? Un-uh. Never!"
• "The kitchen isn't clean until the counters are wiped down."

My favorite saying from my mom when I was going through tough stuff was, "You'll live through it, Honey, but you won't look the same!"

And then there was Dad. Why do I think of him whenever I get to the bottom of the toothpaste tube? Having lived through the difficult Depression, Dad always insisted we squeeze out the very last bit of toothpaste.

Dad also said, "If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing right." No slackers allowed.

Bill & Marge Faris--my parents who lovingly "haunt" me, even today!

As moms and dads we work hard to "get into" our kids' heads. There's so much to teach: compassion, kindness, hygiene, work ethics, self-discipline, etc. Part of our job is "haunting" them...in a good way.


The June 2nd devotional in My Utmost for his Highest by Oswald Chambers really touched my heart. Here are the powerful sentences that grabbed me:

• "The whole of our life inside and out is to be absolutely haunted by the presence of God."
• "If we are haunted by God, nothing else can get in, no cares, no tribulation, no anxieties."
• "We see now why Our Lord so emphasized the sin of worry."
• "To be haunted by God is to have an effective barricade against all the onslaughts of the enemy."

And then this:

"'God is our Refuge'--nothing can come through that shelter."

When I allow worry to envelop me, it affects my sleep, appetite, joy, energy--even my face! It paralyzes me. That's why these lines from the devotional speak to me.

May we all be haunted by God, who loves us and know us better than even our moms!

 

PAY IT FORWARD

Ms. Bolin, a fifth grade teacher at Dana Middle School in San Diego, is leading her students in an assignment that reinforces:

• reading skills
• writing skills
• life skills - compassion and gratitude

Together the class read Pay it Forward: Young Readers' Edition by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Originally, this was an adult novel made into a movie starring Helen Hunt. The young readers' version is the same story and concept on a different reading level.

This wise teacher followed up the novel by assigning the students a "pay it forward" activity every day for the last month of school. They must come up with an idea, do it, and write about it for their homework assignments.

My granddaughter is fortunate to be in Ms. Bolin's class. I watched as she performed various good deeds: thank you notes, giving her last bit of change along with a note to a homeless man, giving flowers to a nurse, cleaning a sister's dresser, etc.

This assignment introduces fifth graders to the joy of serving others. Human kindness.

We're lacking that sometimes, aren't we? Hate is on the rise as evidenced by language and actions. Violence and rage seem to dominate news reports.

Evil MUST be destroyed and it has to begin with US.

Perhaps a "pay it forward" every day is a start.

Where is the light of human kindness?  I'm searching. It's there, just buried under all the bad news. It is:

• on a Portland, Oregon, train when three men (heroes) defend victims of evil.
• in Manchester, England, when strangers, one homeless, usher people to safety during the tragedy.
• on a computer app created by a young boy to help physically challenged people find public places with accessibility.
• in a sympathetic smile and offer of help to a young mom with a screaming toddler. Yes, even on an airplane!
• in a fifth grade classroom in southern California.

How can  you and I Pay it Forward today?

Evil MUST be destroyed by US. 

 

TOWER OF GOOGLE?

Picture this:

You're out with friends, enjoying a lively conversation. Someone casually asks, "I wonder if it's still snowing in Colorado?" Then, three people whip out phones and start typing furiously. The conversation continues. Several minutes later, someone says, "Yes." You are puzzled but then realize your friendly banter has been "google-ized"......your conversation among friends has been over-taken with up-to-the-minute facts.

Has Google become the new Tower of Babel?

Read Genesis 11 for a Biblical account of a time when mankind tried to become smart like God. It was four generations after Noah--after God had destroyed nearly the whole earth because of mankind's sin.

Noah's descendants spoke one language and settled the region called Shinar on the plain of Babylonia, between those two famous rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates. The people multiplied and developed a booming city with skilled craftsmen.

Trouble was, they got a little full of themselves and decided to build a city with a huge tower "...that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." (Genesis 11: 4) 

This was human endeavor, full of human pride. It was self-glory instead of God-glory.

Do we do that today? The Internet allows us to wonder about nothing! Whatever question arises, there's an answer right at our thumb-tips.

Be assured, I believe in the power of knowledge, learning, and education--I'm a teacher, remember!

However, does our quest to know, understand, or explain interfere with faith and trust in God?

Adam and Eve got us into all sorts of trouble because they couldn't resist the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil." (Genesis 2:16)

Those who attempted the Tower of Babel soon came under God's discipline when he said, "Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." (Genesis 11:7) That pretty much:

• stopped the building
• caused them to scatter over the known world (something they didn't want to happen)
• gave birth to Foreign Languages 101.

I believe God instilled in each of us the ability to create, learn, discover, etc. After all, we are made in his image. However, I continually ask myself, "When do I need to know for sure and when do I trust God for what I don't know?"

 Apply the pride of "needing to know" to modern life. Where is the wonder, the mystery, the call to trust God even when we don't know his specific answers. It's a tough line to walk.


BTW: I did use Google to research the Tower of Babel....also, two very old commentaries collecting dust on my bookshelf: Halley's Bible Handbook (1962) and The New Unger's Bible Handbook (1984). I, too, have been "google-ized"!

COMFORT WORDS

Words. Words. Words.

Lyrics (words) to songs speak to me. Always have, always will.

Our family is currently walking through a serious medical situation concerning an adult son. It's been a tough time, to say the least. How am I comforted during this stressful, extremely emotional time?

• Prayer - my own, my family's, my friends'
• Bible Reading - God's promises in Scripture are real
• Love of community - family & friends: thank you for listening/praying/loving
• Sound medical practices

 
There's another source of comfort, and that is words...to Christian music.

Old hymns from my youth
Praise songs from the 1980s
Modern renditions from my very progressive church

 

 

These words of comfort come to me at unusual times: in the middle of sleepless nights, during long walks, or when I'm feeling the most frightened.

Songs that are particularly meaningful:

• I Need Thee Every Hour
• Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest Name I Know - especially the line that reads, "...fear not I am with you peace be still, in all of life's ebb and flow..."
• It is Well With My Soul
• Let's Just Praise the Lord
• God is So Good
• The Joy of the Lord is My Strength

Click here to read the lyrics of modern praise songs:

•  Oh My Soul
•  Bless the Lord
• This I Believe

My message to you: As life ebbs and flows, remember God loves you. He will walk you through whatever you must endure, he has a plan for you and your loved ones, and (as a pastor friend wrote to us), "God is God and he is good. He will never let you down and he'll never let you go!"

Take comfort in that, dear friends.

 

A Mother's Day Rerun

(I haven't posted for a while.....life has been happening, with all its ups and downs. My desire is to get back to posting regularly on this blog. After all, I handle the ups and downs better when I'm writing. However, I'm repeating a post I did last Mother's Day, because I think the thoughts have merit. Thank you for reading.)

 

 

Mother's Day Can be Difficult

Hallmark has made sure no one forgets Mother's Day. However, they've also managed to make it difficult for some people to get through it. I always cringe in church when we are instructed to stand and wish the women around us a "Happy Mother's Day."

What about those women who aren't mothers? Who have lost children? Who have lost their moms? Those who are single or those who choose not to have kids? What about those who may be estranged from their children?

I once knew a woman who never went to church on Mother's Day because it was too painful. She spent almost her entire life taking care of aging parents and in-laws. She said they were her mission in life, and there was no time for motherhood. Ouch.

What about single dads? Shouldn't we send them cards or flowers and chocolates on this day?

I feel privileged to be a mom and enjoy everything about it. But, I never want to lose my sensitivity to those who are not parents or choose not to be parents.

I wish all mothers a special blessing as they work diligently to make life good for their children. They deserve the accolades and attention of Mother's Day.

I pray all women (and men) feel God's blessing whether they're parents or not.

Maybe we should celebrate a Happy Adult Day..........

By the way:  call your mother!

Two Formulas for HAPPY

Recently, a dear friend shared one of her life's philosophies with me:

"Every day I try to make at least two people happy."

Wow. What a neat thought. If we all did this, imagine what our world would look like.


Another wise suggestion floating around Facebook is this:

• Eat half as much
• Walk twice as much
• Laugh three times as much
• Love immeasurably

It's like a math formula that steers us toward good physical and mental health.

Hmmm. Some things to ponder.

Have an uplifting day!

Photo courtesy Lyn Whaley

 

 

 

WHY I SIGNED THE LETTER...

Recently, I joined with Christian leaders and volunteers urging the President and Vice-President to reconsider the recent ban on refugees entering our country. I gave it thought and prayer before signing, because Mom always said, "Be careful what you put in writing." I think that extends to whatever you put your name to.

Here are my reasons for signing:

• The letter itself was well-written and signed by Christian leaders I respect. It was polite, Biblical, logical, compassionate, and most importantly, it was NOT accusatory or inflammatory. I've had enough of that lately. It's evident a lot of careful work went into creating this letter that was posted as a full-page ad in the Washington Post last week. You can read it by clicking here. I especially like that the signers promised to pray for the President and Vice-President for God to give them wisdom dealing with complex issues.
• The parable of the Good Samaritan is very convicting. I've read it for years in church, Sunday School, and Bible studies. I even taught it in Senior English in a PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL!!! (The King James Bible is Renaissance Literature and this parable is included in the approved textbook.) The gist of the parable is that everyone is my neighbor, not just those I agree with or like or worship with. All of humanity are God's children and should be protected.
• A verse that swirled around in my mind when trying to decide whether or not to sign, is this one: "Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." (Luke 9:26)
• At the core of my Christian belief, is a love for missions--showing the love of Christ through caring for others. I can't set that aside as I view the plight of many frightened people trying to escape horrific situations.

I totally understand those who hold a different viewpoint. That's the beauty of our democracy--we can disagree and still live together in harmony and respect.

Thank you for reading. May God give us all wisdom.

WORLD CLEAN-UP DAY

I was dusting my globe the other day when a funny thought occurred to me:

"What if I could clean up the world just like I'm cleaning up this globe?

What would that look like?"

My mind went to some strange places...from inhaling too much dust, I suppose.

If I could really clean up the world, I would:

• bring peace to the Middle East
• bring unity and morality to the U.S.
• provide fresh, clean water to all Third World countries
• provide healthy food to all communities
• clean up the air in China
• turn all guns into squirt guns
• turn military budgets of ALL countries into Education Budgets
• put freezer packs on the Arctic so the polar bears could exist
• seal all fissures under the state of California

Well, the list goes on and on.

I wonder what God thinks when he looks at the messes we're in. Does he wish we would clean up our act--take care of the earth and the societies he's blessed us with?

Perhaps that's what Heaven will be like: a truly pristine place where love, respect, comfort, compassion, and harmony exist. Most of all, there will be the very presence of God himself. Can't wait.

Meanwhile, I must continue to do some soul-searching about how I am responsible to clean up my corner of this dusty old world.

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.

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!

 

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!