Look Up and Understand Your Purpose

A new year. Thoughts about vision and goals and hopes and dreams. Assessing and planning and organizing. Looking at my life from all angles, backwards, forwards, and most necessary, upwards.

     If I am to do what God has made me for, I need to look up. I need to seek His vision for my life. Consider that (if they could) a car doesn't go about trying to be a refrigerator or a bookcase to be a grocery cart. They do what they are intended to do, and so must I. But my instruction manual isn't as clear cut as a car's or a bookcase's. We humans have potential to do many different things in this life. And each of us is created for specific, intentional purposes, depending on the season of life we are in. There are times where we wear a multitude of hats. For me it is wife, mother, director of women's ministry, friend, daughter, aunt, sister, pet caretaker, cook, house cleaner, writer, illustrator, accountant, and on and on . . . So many ways to be, to perform, to serve. But certainly no way to do it all!

     I've got to look up and ask my Creator, "What is your plan for me in this season?" And I need to listen. And I need to be obedient.

     Obedience requires a willingness of the spirit, which I have. It requires discipline, a place where I often struggle, so I lean into organization. 

     In 2018, I discovered a tool called "Todoist" (todoist.com). Maybe you're one of the 15+ million people taking advantage of this application. I am faithful in using it daily. There is a free version, which has proved sufficient for keeping me on task. 

     After months of using it, I've discovered there are 12 areas (projects) of my life that I've defined to help me keep my focus. They are:

1. God/Soul/Spirit/Faith
2. Body/Health
3. Tony (Husband)
4. Luke (Son)
5. Family/Friends
6. Writing/Illustrating
7. Work
8. Money/Finances
9. Errands/Chores/Home Improvement
10. Critters
11. Volunteering
12. Fun/Entertainment

     Under these headings are all kinds of activity that command my attention, that compose my life.  I've decided to write about these 12 things on my blog. Why? Because it will help me stay accountable and track if I'm really being obedient to God's will for my life. 

     And, perhaps, if you join me on the journey, you'll begin to understand your purpose a little more clearly, to hear His voice speaking to your spirit,

and to be encouraged to live your life as fully as He intended.

     Here's to a breathtaking, bountiful, blessed 2019!

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3)

More Than Just Another Picture Book: "The Little i Who Lost His Dot"

I can't begin to express what a sweet, stirring feeling I have within me looking at the bound book on my table. The book with its beautifully illustrated cover is a dream realized. Not my own, but my friend's. It is Kimberlee Gard's first published book: "The Little i Who Lost His Dot". 

The critique group that we belong to is rejoicing with her and feeling blessed by her gratitude for our contributions. The idea and the words in the book are Kimberlee's. But each of us can also see suggestions here or there realized on those printed pages, which humble me. And I can glimpse a future where, with hopes and prayers, each of us will have the joy of holding our own books with each other's suggestions recognized on the printed pages.

Wow! My critique buddy has a published book! I can't even imagine her elation, because my own is high!

So my praise does not come off as some sort of conceit merely because we're in the same group, here are links to discover what a wonderful story and concept Kimberlee Gard has created.

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Who-Lost-His-Language/dp/1641700165/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536938394&sr=8-1&keywords=the+little+i+who+lost+his+dot

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38643540-the-little-i-who-lost-his-dot?ac=1&from_search=true#other_reviews

https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/kimberlee-gard/the-little-i-who-lost-his-dot/

We Are Brothers Picture Book Review

We Are Brothers by Yves Nadon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A younger brother, encouraged by his older brother, makes a big leap in this summertime coming-of-age story. Facing his fears, he now envisions himself--as he always has with his brother--as cat, bird, fish--to achieve his own bold feat.

The reader senses that author Yves Nadon is writing about his childhood memories at a lake in his native Quebec. The exposition is lyrical, motivating, yet soothing. We connect with this younger brother's desire to follow in his brave big brother's footsteps. Young readers will be inspired; adult readers will express concerns about the possible dangers that could come with this rite of passage. That's what makes this tale exhilarating. Nadon challenges our modern-day social sensibilities with a feat that no one would bat an eye at during the '70s.

Illustrations by Jean Claverie are done in pastels and a sharp carbon pencil on recycled paper, which convey memory and reflection. The spreads that show the main character transforming from cat to boy or boy to fish will transfix readers.

Claverie, with input from Nadon, sketched the brothers as African-American. Unlike some stories, where this treatment feels forced in attempts to create more picture books with children of color, it is natural in "We are Brothers," because this book is not about culture, it is about a childhood experience, binding two brothers for life.


View all my reviews

2016 Anointed Organization

Herky-jerky. That's the type of blogger I have been. On so many attempts, I would get excited and motivated, post a thought and then forget all about writing for my blog again for a looong time. With few exceptions, I have only written a single post a year since beginning Silver Linings.

Here it is, the start of 2016, and I am setting a goal of blogging regularly. While once a year is regular to renew a vehicle license, pay taxes, or get a physical, that won't cut it for blogging. Just how much should I blog? Some people would say daily. Ridiculous, I respond. In my opinion, if you're blogging daily (a quality length, not a 100-word query) it is your only job AND you're getting paid for it, at least enough to pay the rent and buy some essentials.

Blogging once a month would fit into my schedule nicely. I could tuck that into a slot alongside raising an almost 15-year-old; buying groceries and cooking for the family; cleaning house; taking care of the pets; managing the finances; being active in a writer's critique group, where I submit a manuscript once a month and review five others; and leading women's ministry at my church, a part-time, mostly volunteer position. But, if I chose that route, I might as well stick to my annual post if that's all I'm willing to crank out. Who wants to follow a blog that's written only once a month (let alone once a year)?

That leaves an option of a few days a week or weekly. I've decided to post weekly and see where blogging takes me from there.

This blogging goal will be a great way to help me teach my son how to set his own goals. After two weeks of Christmas break and a whole bunch of "to-dos" that didn't get done, I told him that we were going to sit down this week (Tomorrow, how's that for goal setting? Okay, I see where the word "tomorrow" could lead. Thursday. Thursday is when we're goal setting.) to outline how he is going to accomplish goals that he has established for himself. School isn't even part of the plan. (Unless, when his first semester grades come in on Friday, I see he's bombed his finals. And then studying for tests will be one of his goals.) There are other important goals he has for himself that always seem out there on the horizon, fuzzy like a mirage. Objectives, such as completing his last merit badge and project to become an Eagle Scout; taking driver's education; planning activities for his Boy Scout patrol; training for lacrosse season, etc.

Tuesday at my church staff meeting, the assistant pastor asked us to give a title or phrase to what 2015 was like for us individually. I used "Plate Spinning," which he teased wasn't as holy sounding as someone else's "Transitional Transformation." Whatever. My summation was accurate, because last year, I felt like a busker trying her hardest to keep plates spinning smoothly on tall poles without any crashing to the ground. I mostly succeeded. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw one plate in particular wobbling precariously, but before it fell, I used my cat-like reflexes to catch it, so that it sustained only the slightest chip when brushing the ground. It's still usable and I may pull it out again if I feel God's urging.

In a year's time, when Pastor Dave asks, I'd like to project that 2016 was the year of Organization. Wait. Check that. I'm gonna call it "Anointed Organization." How's that for holy?

Yet anointed organization is what I'm truly seeking. I don't want to visual, plan and work toward goals that God has not consecrated. I have been praying this prayer:

"Dear Lord,

SHOUT to me. REVEAL your path to me with light and clarity. Help me to see what I should pursue and what I should turn from.

Amen."

I'm tired of feeling as if I'm in a dark forest, turning circles, trying to discern which shadowy path I should take. I want God's lamp to reveal my next steps. While I may not fully see the destination, I want to trust that I am on the path He has chosen for me.

My go-to verse, one that I've actually memorized (well at least an amalgamation of a couple translations) is: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Prov. 3:5-6

I'm confident that if I ask, God will lead me where He's set His sights for me. And I believe blogging is one of those goals He'd like me to work on in 2016. I'm eager for the journey, because it's being led by my Father. And if I let Him lead, follow outlines, identify small- and mid-term goals, and--here's the crux--truly submit to Him, then I won't experience any herky-jerky plate-spinning wobbles with crashes at the end.

Busy Days Bring Thanksgiving

I planned to write every day so that I could share my thanksgivings. The sad reality is I am so busy in this season of life, that I can't make daily writing a priority--as much as I would like.

Things that are keeping me busy include homeschooling my son, visiting high schools so he can pick the one he wants to attend next year, planning the Christmas event for the ladies at my church, Boy Scout activities, shuttling my son everywhere (or so it seems), birthday celebrations, and getting together with friends.

And all within that list are a plethora of things for which I am thankful.


Let me break it down:

Homeschooling my son. I LOVE spending time with him and helping him learn. I love to read books with him--we're currently studying The Diary of Anne Frank--and discussing them and then guiding him as he writes an essay about something he's read. I am thankful that I can help him understand the foundations of our government and the Constitution and how that applies today. The timing is perfect with mid-term elections this year. It's truly wonderful to see him grasping these concepts. I am thankful that math and science come so naturally to him (which don't to me), so that he doesn't need my help as much. I'm also grateful for tools, such as Khan Academy for when a math concept is too challenging for either of us.

Speaking of math and science, I'm excited that today's high schools are offering ways for students with this ken to go deeper and further through their Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.) programs. This is where my son grooves, and he is excited to journey down this path. All three schools that we are exploring as options for him offer S.T.E.M. programs. And all of them have lacrosse programs, which is equally important to him. And here are several more ways that I am thankful. First for the choice of getting to pick the school my son wants to attend, second for the programs that they have, and third, that he's excited about this next step in his education.

When I wasn't homeschooling this week, I was planning the Christmas dessert that my church's women's ministry is hosting in December. Even though there are some big gaps that need to be filled in yet, I have some wonderful sisters in Christ helping me and can see how together we are glorifying the Lord. I am always appreciative of them and their gifts of service!

My son's extracurricular activities also kept us busy. That's where most of the shuttling comes in. He attends regular school every day so he can take two classes: Engineering Communications and Band. He loves them both, and he is thankful to be able to spend time with his peers. He's also very active in Boy Scouts and has weekly troop meetings, serves as a Den Chief leader for younger Scouts a second night of the week, goes to youth group, and is currently camping near the Sand Dunes National Monument.

Many thanksgivings here. First is that my son is physically and mentally healthy that he can be so active. Second is his desire to do these things. Nothing wrong with playing video games, but some of his friends just hang out in their basements all day, and my kid would go bananas if he didn't have the above physical, social and spiritual outlets. Third is my car that God has faithfully kept running. From the day I was blessed with it 12 years ago, I have been truly thankful for it! And even though I couldn't be the one to drive him to his camp out, I so appreciate the other parent who took my son as well as three other boys down to the dunes. What an amazing place it is, and I am thankful that there is such beauty and wonder in my home state. Here, every day, I see God revealing His creativity.

I can't overlook being thankful for my husband. He is a great man, who loves his family and works so hard on our behalf. He has faithfully served to provide for us. Even though we have made keen sacrifices (well, according to our American culture), he has ensured that I and our son can do this home school thing.

I'm also grateful that my in-laws, while not nearby, are coming to visit this weekend to celebrate my upcoming birthday, as well as my dear niece's. I truly love my in-laws and feel so blessed to have them in my loves. They are good, kind-hearted people who love the Lord and love their family. They have changed my life for the better because of their constant, faithful and loving actions.

My sister friends are a huge gift to me, too. I have two sisters, a step- and half-sister. They may not realize how much I love them and long to be connected with them, but life circumstances have put distance between us. I pray that changes. To fill my heart with "sister love" God has given me such wonderful friends. This week, I had lunch and shopped with one. We shared both confidences and laughter. Tonight, I will enjoy the great company of my dearest friend, whom I've known since high school. Our birthdays are close to one another's so we always get together to celebrate. This dinner will be bittersweet as we've always celebrated with our husbands, too. Sadly (doesn't quite cover my feelings), my friend's most excellent husband passed away last May. I miss him, and can only imagine how deep my friend's loss is. Yet I am thankful for the time we will have together tonight, and I am thankful that we WILL see this great man again in Heaven.

"The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21)

Too often we only see what we don't have. But if we pause and take a closer look at our lives, even during the hard times (many gravely intense and burdensome), we can see that there is good weaving in and out of every moment--all for which we can be truly thankful.

With Thanksgiving

Celebrating the season

I love the month of November. The season of fall is in full-swing. Halloween is over, Christmas is nearly two months away. This is when I cherish taking time to focus on the in-between holiday. You know: Thanksgiving.

Somewhere, we have lost ourselves to the consumerism of Halloween and Christmas and forgotten Thanksgiving. Talking with a stranger in the checkout line the other day, she and I commiserated over this loss.

That's why I intend to corporately express my thanksgiving this month. I'm pretty good at being grateful for many things each and every day; I suppose it's my nature (Silver Linings, don't ya know.) But I feel my spirit moving to be intentional about it, and I chose this public forum. I'm not going to give myself a set number of things to list. I want to be true to each day and what my Creator puts into my heart and mind.

So here goes:

Saturday, November 1, 2014

• I'm thankful for the pleasantly warm morning. From the inside it looks chilly outside as the skies are somewhat gray and the wind is blowing, twirling the leaves in a waltz through the air. When I got outside to drive my son to his engineering program, we were both surprised at the balmy kiss we received.
• Speaking of my son, I'm so blessed he is in my life. Words cannot convey my heart's joy because of him. I'm also grateful that he had such a fun night with friends, collecting about 15 pounds of candy each on what was probably his last night of Trick-or-Treating.
• I am thankful for technology that allows me to write my thoughts so quickly and share them--which for a writer is like needing to breath.
• I am grateful for my two black and white creatures, one dog, one cat, who are my constant companions every day. (The mostly black, with a spattering of white, three-legged gerbil is also delightful to enjoy, especially when he's in his ball zooming around the house like Mad Max.)
• I am thankful beyond expression for my sweet husband, who has cherished me since before we said, "I do." He loves his family so much and takes care of us in every conceivable way, whether it's working hard for us, taking care of our home or expressing his love through his hugs and his words.

Even in the hardest times, God gives precious gifts to us each day. I am eager to look for more during this season of Thanksgiving.

New Dawn, New Day

"It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me, and I'm feelin' good."

Sing it, Michael Bublé or Nina Simone. Whomever you prefer, doesn't matter to me, because the lyrics are encouraging and the melody is jazzy and uplifting. Pretty much summarizes how I am feeling on this new day of life. 

Silver linings are my thing. I am an optimist, a Pollyanna, Little Miss Sunshine. Perhaps that sickens you a bit, but I just don't think the world needs more despair and lamenting.

 I'm not dismissing how tough life can be. Pain and hardships are all too real. I have close, dear friends who are right now trying to climb out of a valley of darkness. And I've been in those dark valleys myself. It's hard when it is so bleak, the mountains hovering like towering giants, blocking out the sun. But I know that the sun is shining beyond and there is a silver lining offering hope.

Getting out of that valley requires patience and faith. Choosing to seek peace and comfort and lifting it all up in prayer really work.

New dawns, new days have to start out with prayer in my life. I'm not an early bird by any means, but society requires that of us with few exceptions. "Pffflbt!" I say to ol' Ben Franklin and his aphorism. But I laugh when my 2-year-old pup sticks his face (barely) up by my bed to let me know it's time to begin the day. (He's a praiser.) Fuzz therapy comes first before I let him out in the backyard. Then I make my cup of coffee, wipe his paws to let him back in, and together we let the cat out. The cat HAS to be locked up. (He's a lamenter.) Deep in the middle of the night, he'll start yowling, "Where are you guys? Why are you sleeping?" Sometimes he snuggles with my son, but only if Luke doesn't feel as if Bond (Jameson Bond) won't lurk on top of the screened cage where his three-legged gerbil (that's a subsequent post) resides. 

Kitty, Kitty Bond-Bond gets his fair share of scritches before I start a load of laundry. Even though both critters are ready for breakfast, I make them wait, because with the "sibling" rivalry between the two, I can't feed the cat first (downstairs where the washing machine is) before Oban and make the pup wait. So laundry first.

If it's still early and I don't need to wake my son, yet, I'll take my cup of coffee to my computer. Before I log in to email or Facebook or anyone's blog, I open up my most favorite website, YouVersion. If you're not familiar with it, it's an app available on smart phones as well as the computer, which provides a bajillion versions of the Bible. There are 40 translations in English. If English isn't your first language, you can read Scriptures in a multitude of other languages, including some I've never heard of: Achi, Chachi, Djambarrpuyngu to Հայերէն. YouVersion takes seriously the command to go out and preach the good news to all the nations.

The site has a plethora of studies a person can do. My goal is to "read" through the Bible every year. Last year, I "read" it chronologically. This year, I'm using a study through the English Standard Version (ESV) translation which is incorporating a format of me "reading" poetry (Psalms), the Law of Moses (Genesis), history (Chronicles) and the Gospel (Luke). If you're wondering why I keep putting "reading" in quotes, it's because I'm usually not reading. The ESV translation has been recorded by an actor, so he reads the Scriptures to me. I love it, because, it typically brings out nuances in the Word that I haven't focused on before. My favorite narrator is recorded on the NIV. I don't know his name, but he reminds me of Richard Burton. If you're not old enough to know who he is, go Google him.

Meditating on the word of God sets up my mind and heart to then pray. I do follow one of those acronyms (I prefer ACTS) that leads me through a way of praying.The A stands for acknowledge, which means you focus on who God is. The C is for confession, the T is for thanksgiving, and the S is for supplication (and petition), which is asking God for help for yourself or your friends and family to get through the day. Even though it is a time of asking, it's so much more than a kid's letter to Santa or a grocery list. During supplication the pray-er should come humbly before God. It is a time to move into a position where you recognize that God is the one in control.

I know that's a place many of us find uncomfortable. We're all control freaks to various degrees and don't want to relinquish that power. But I gotta tell you, the older I become, the more relieved I am to learn that I'm not in control of my life; God is. In truth, what's really happening is that my perspective about control is changing. After all, I've never been the one in control--as much as my mind or spirit has thought that.

Beginning my days reading the Word and praying sets a stage. I know that no matter what the day brings, even tragedy (which again I am not diminishing by my attitude), I can see the silver linings. And I feel good.