I Can...

Last week I went to get on my trusty trike to take my usual ride about the neighborhood, but had quite the start one particular morning. I went out to the garage to get my wheels, (I sport a Schwinn Jaguar), but there right in the middle of the driveway, between the two vehicles where I would need to roll my trike, was a squirrel curled up in a ball so that it looked like it was sleeping. I made a loud sound so that it would move, but nothing. I thought I might get a stick

Hey, are you sleeping Mr. Squirrel?

and move it, but I had opened the garage automatically from the house and I didn’t want it to run in so it could set up residence, so... I went back into the house closed the garage door, went back to the squirrel, made noises, stomped my foot – nada, so... 

I went back to the house and got Seth who was sleeping because it was a tad before 6am, (late for my ride). Why pray tell did I get Seth. I don’t generally handle animals tame or wild. Seth fancies himself as Crocodile Dundee of sorts. He was handling wild baby raccoons at three! So, Seth was the man of the hour. My sister always says, “God watches over babies and fools…”

Seth was none too happy, but intrigued, I could tell. So my words to him as we walking out the door were, ‘we’re not keeping the squirrel as a pet!’ …And just as I said, there was the squirrel… now under the car, right in line with the wheel. It had a death wish...

Why me? I can’t even move the car without…

Seth eventually got the squirrel into a bucket, because it was an injured squirrel, however, it used all of its strength and hopped around like a rabbit in the yard, but eventually succumbed to its injuries and died. We named it Bob.

I left on my bike ride before its demise and saw Carla from church, (I ride pass her house everyday on my trek). She was putting out recycling. I had put ours out the night before. Putting out the recycling and such are new duties for me. With Stephen gone on a mission trip until January, I’ve had to take on new duties. I had to share what just happened, so told Carla and she asked what did I do? I told her, I initially told myself, ‘I can do this’; but eventually, got Seth to do the job. But with Stephen gone, I just set my mine and tell myself that I can do this or that, I have to… She agreed, as she too, has had to set her mind to do this or that.

I rode away - but a light bulb came on in my head. I actually don’t “do” – God does! This HUGE fact was pointed out to me nearly 30 years ago, when a friend’s dad gave me the comeback of the century, countering my boasting of carrying for my then two very small children, working full time and working on a master’s degree. I had said, ‘I don’t know how I do it all?’ (You can almost hear my haughtiness – I was so foolish). This older gentleman said emphatically, “You don’t”. I have never forgotten that admonition.

I say, ‘I can do this!’ But in reality “I can’t ”. (Dare I say, anyone who says he can, is foolish), but truly God can and does for those who know HIM.

So Carla and anyone who is a child of the most high God, because we are His, we can indeed do whatever He directs us to do for whatever season we are in. Our Father, God has us where we are for such a time as now - equipping, (now this is a word that needs further study. What does it mean or what does it take, for us to be “equipped” by God? Chew on that for a bit.), us to do whatever it is, within our circle of influence, to further His kingdom.

I can because God does – I am simply the conduit.

Hmmm. Food for thought:

What do you do? What can you do? What are you doing instead of what you're supposed to be doing and why? And what are you going to do now?

Nina

Storms: We Must Experience the Clouds to See the Silver Lining

Be Careful for What You Pray For

By Nina Benson

Very few folks who are given over to beseeching the Lord, knowingly pray for adverse circumstances. Prayers are usually praises, and/or “wish lists”. Sadly, our prayers, my prayers; are a list of things I want, with little to no consideration for what God may want. It’s funny, God just wants to hang out with me and help me to understand and know Him better. He’s relational that way.

I asked my eighteen year old the other day, ‘Do you know anything about me?’I was thinking more than the basics, (I'm the mom: I work, I cook, I clean, etc.) I recognized our communication as being unidirectional – his way - to me - about his wants, his hopes and demands. In and of itself, this communication isn’t so bad, however, the dear boy is at an age where he is able to listen as well and we can have an exchange of ideas and grow. Likewise, I know that God listens to my crazy ramblings and suggestions/demands; however, does not need to act upon them at all. In fact I’ve been wondering, ….‘What if, I asked God, what was on His mind for me… and respond with a, ‘Let’s do this!’ But wait a minute – that’s if it’s all good… But sometime, (most times), God isn’t all about being warm and fuzzy. He’s not even really interested in what we think might make us happy, (He'll listen, however, He never promised happiness - it's so temporal - like of this earth... But joy from the Lord is eternal and has the potential to be internal!) – He’s God! And God knows exactly what we need – in order to see Him more clearly, to know Him more intimately.

Photographed by me while driving into a storm

I was coming home the other day after dropping off son number one at his place, and in front  of me, on the return trip, was a major storm. It looked frightening as it moved across the sky with lightening speed, (pun intended). As I drove straight for it – it just kept getting darker and larger and ominous – It felt like I was going to be eaten alive and what made it worse, I was willingly driving straight for it. I wanted to get home.

Driving straight for what appears to be sure harm or worse, death, is not at all recommended, however, sometimes, if the heart is ready, (and only God know this), then get ready – God is in control, and He promised that He will never leave you, nor forsake you. God has got you covered

It’s not easy at all to let go and let God, especially under crazy circumstance, but that’s the only life to live – covered by  His grace 24/7

Living recklessly, while covered under grace 
Nina
Read Romans 8:28-39 God's Word says it so much better than I. :-) 

GPS

Image from Christianfaithatwork.com

GPS

I visited with friends the other day, but started my journey using my cell phone’s GPS. I was out in Evanston and needed to get to Naperville, during rush hour traffic on a Friday early evening. I knew it was going to take some time, and actually, knew in theory how to get from point A to point B, but thought the added assistance of my GPS would somehow get me there faster – technology makes things simpler – therefore faster. Right? Wrong.

It was hot and there was lots of traffic. I’m just tech savvy enough to be dangerous, but I thought no problem. I got this! The first leg of my trip getting over to 294 was no problem, but there was all of this traffic and did I mention it was hot and I told my friends, ‘Sure, I can get there in about hour and half…’.

But what’s that I hear? The voice on the GPS lady is speaking – I must hearken my ear, for it is she who has wisdom… Take 90 west. That’s going towards O’Hara ? But I haven’t gone south enough. Maybe, it’s found a quicker route without all of this traffic… Should I risk following my gut – what I know? Or do I follow that nice mechanical voice? She sounds like she knows so much more than I do… Sigh! No, I better not… That route just doesn’t make sense to me.

“Stick with what you know is true Nina” - speaks the inner voice of truth.

Traffic is just as backed up on 90 – I’ll stay put and go slow and steady…

…Without boring you with the details of my very long and very arduous trip – I did mention that it was hot – even with air conditioning… I made it to me destination nearly three hours later, with me fighting with the GPS. I’d go one way, she’d say go this way, but it wasn’t any better… I knew she was laughing hysterically at me with every turn, (driving the back roads to Naperville is not fun).

Moral of this story is: Look up and see life for yourself. Trust what you know to be true. If I had taken the advice of the GPS I believe I may yet be driving about. This isn’t to say that one should never listen to the advice of others, however, if you have an inkling that something just isn’t right, get the opinions of at least two other trusted friends. Trusted is the key word here and then make a final decision based upon common sense and of course, prayer, (this goes without saying).

 A picture of my friends and I taken with my cell phone, by a passerby, that Diane said to trust, because he was wearing a pastoral collar. :-)

Always Winter… Never Spring... But...

By Nina Benson

Truly, this is what people will say of winter 2013-14 – winter seemed to be never ending, with it’s howling winds, bone chilling gusts of snow and ice that pelted exposed faces and hands. No amount of moisturizer could protect these areas from dryness and cracking. The most conscientious fashionista gave up and looked like the rest us – like sta-puff marshmallow people braving the elements. We had snow days and blizzard days, and sub-zero days… Is it ever going to end?

Then last week, well into April, there were the sounds of spring. Funny we have to go with “sounds” of spring first. It’s like we have to accept that spring is coming by faith, because it didn’t ever feel like it and we certainly couldn’t see it. We just had the sound of birds chirping – something that we thought we heard, but surely no bird in their right mind would be up north, yet… But there it is again that sound. I couldn’t see them – early in the morning; when it was yet dark, and cold with wind still blowing, but I did hear them. Then I began to see them pecking at the hard ground – there’s no food there my fine feathered friends. The worms are buried many feet underground, but here have some bread.

Then as if to defy the beast of winter itself a shoot of green popped through the hard, dry earth and shouted, like Dr. Suess’ Whos from Whoville “We are here, we are here!” – “ Spring is here!”

This long awaited spring reminds me so much of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, where Mr. Tumnus exclaimed to Lucy, “The White Witch has made it always winter and never spring”. Such has been our wait for some change in the weather…Surely, some break would happen. The calendars claimed that it’s “spring”. The store have changed their mannequins to spring and summer wear – but who wants to buy summer clothes, when all I need now is another pair of mittens…

So we wait. What else can you do? (Actually, there is much to do)...

But we wait also for something else… Jesus return!

As we anticipate the coming spring – whenever it comes and settles in for a while; we also anticipate the return of Christ – especially with this season of lent.

With all the “birthing pains” of this life; Christians are saying more and more, surely "Jesus’ return is imminent…", “How much worse can it get?”, “Look at the weather!”, “Look at the wars!”, “Look at the persecution!”, "Look at to the heavens.",  “People have no regard for each other, let alone, God…”

But just like the coming of spring – Jesus’ return is anticipated by faith. NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY OR TIME – but He is coming.

He is risen! Hallelujah! He is risen indeed!

Spring "shoots" in our yard. Photo taken by Stephen, my husband

The Battle

The Battle

We do battle constantly.

We battle traffic. We fight colds. We have endless battles with our bulges. We battle taxes. We battle bad habits. We try to beat the clock. We fight inflation. We battle our children, co-workers, family members. …Lines at the stores… Other customers… Stuck doors…

We are often on the defense – passive aggressive, stealth like; or offense – attack – “Take no survivors”! We are conspiring and weighing our next move and/or blitz. When are we not considering the next thing – perhaps when sleeping. Sadly, I would wager that even in our dreams we are even fighting then, (ever wake up tired)… According to scripture there is a constant unseen war that wages about us 24/7. Perhaps we are more caught up in “spiritual” battle than we know – since we are the objects of that war, (but that is indeed, another subject).

And does any of the battles make a difference? Surely, when my side wins, or when I win, or when you win... When we champion right causes – that’s when there is a difference made. But by whose definition is it a right cause? Which another battle could ensue depending on which side of the fence you’re on.

Perhaps, why, what and when we battle, comes down to a moral code, and that is determined by… WHO? Our mindsets change with whatever is the newest fad or popular thought for the moment - Whoever is out there shaping the minds of the young and weak; the old and the stubborn; the lonely and the outspoken... The “WHO” sometimes is the one with the most toys, whistles, and funds to get their agenda in the faces of the public.

Does anyone THINK for themselves, truly?

For me, my battles are all God’s. I am not always in agreement – which I know is foolish – because after all God is – i, am not. Here’s a word picture: Me as a child at age two telling my mom what to do and doing what I want without  even listening.

For me God is omniscient and omnipresent, so it makes sense to be with the One who knows the outcome – of everything. This isn’t to say, (like I stated above, but here it is worded differently in case you missed it). I’m okay with it all, and I’m just looking for the next big thing to happen. I have major questions about life and what the **** is going on and WHY are things going on at all, and if I were in charge, I would so wipe the slate clean and never bother to start over again – but I’m not in charge – remember I’m the two year old – God is the adult in charge. I don’t know squat. I respectfully submit.

So, my battles are usually a result of those who are in opposition to these beliefs that I hold to be true, (that God is – i am not). So, my battles belong God. Simple for me – maybe not for you – but that is your battle if you care to take it on with all that you already have going on. J

Does this mindset make life better or easier? Sometimes yes, sometimes not. I still worry about battles that aren’t even mine, but are, because I look upon others as my brothers and sisters, so I empathize: with the missing Malaysian passengers of flight MH370; with jailed American Pastor Saeed Abedini in Iran; with the homeless man who “lives” at the bus enclosure just east of six corners; with human trafficking victims; with the old man at the nursing home who is always calling out; with the child who is loudly disrespecting their parent… These battles are God’s – all of them – I don’t have to fight in my own strength – I alone would surely loose.

…But…

Ephesians 6:10-18

^“10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” 

Me at age 4

Soli Deo Gloria

The Details of Life

February! 

Black History Month. President’s Day. Ground Hog Day. Mid Terms! Parent/Teacher Conferences… The list can go on and on…

…But, what is the big focus of the month? 

Thanks to advertisers, florists, chocolatiers and Hallmark – Valentine’s Day. At least, one day in the month,

L-O-V-E!

It’s crazy that we need a day to help us, s – t – o – p and focus.

Love. What does this mean? A good Lutheran question. The answers are as numerous as there are hues of the color red; or better yet as numerous as there are colors for roses that are specifically grown to have certain meanings.

While love has many meanings to many different people, I want to address the details of love. The details that usually go totally unnoticed and in some cases not even remembered.

In the wee hours of a sleepless night, one’s mind may drift back in time to the things that our parents used to insist upon doing. At the time we didn’t take notice and if we did, it may have been viewed as an annoyance – their insistence of doing things their way:

“Why must I wear that scarf mom?” “Really!”

“You want me to do what when I get there…”

“Dad, can you please talk to your wife about her comments around my friends”

“What does it matter, if I do the dishes your way, as long as they get clean!?”

And of course there was the body language: the rolling eyes, the hand on the hip, the haughty eyes, the pursed lips… All because someone wanted to give you their best and/or got caught up in the details of what they had to give you.

I thought about the “details” the other day, when I opted to give the thicker, nicer napkin to my sons, when I was serving them breakfast in bed. Now, breakfast in bed is indeed an act of love and care, but I thought, as I was bringing their hot meal to them, to grab the really nice napkins instead of the single ply that came from the diner from the night before. As I was grabbing the nicer napkins I wondered – will they even notice. The youngest son, sometimes is annoyed when I serve him breakfast in bed. Perhaps, it’s too early.

Then there was the time when my mother insisted upon me wearing gloves that had “grip” instead of mittens when I drove, because she thought I could grab the steering wheel better. I was a new driver and the weather was turning cold and by golly, she just could imagine the wheel slipping through my hands if I wore mittens.

Funny, I think about it now, as I drive through the snow and ice and grip the wheel a little bit more tighter in my suede gloves. That was mom just saying in her way – the details of life – that she loved me.

What details do you do for your loved ones? Do you tuck them in bed when they come to visit, even though they’re 24? Do you take their glasses off for the umpteenth time because they fell asleep with them on again? Do you bring a little treat home every time you go to the grocery store? Do you stare at them at night as they sleep and say silent prayers? Do you go quietly throughout your day petering about doing small acts of kindness that go unnoticed?

Perhaps they’re not unnoticed. Perhaps, when the time is right – these detailed acts of love will come to mind like a bright light and shout – YOU ARE LOVED! YOU HAVE VALUE TO ME! YOU ARE SPECIAL TO ME. It doesn’t take Hallmark to remind us to do the details.

 

My niece helping at a nursing home

The Gumbo Story and Faith

The Gumbo Story and Faith

By Nina Benson

Once upon a time, a good friend asked about the history of why I make gumbo for New Years, a tradition in my family.

From somewhere in my mind, (I know not where), came these words…

My 2014 Gumbo

“Well, the small grains of rice represent a poor man’s meal, mixed with potatoes, (I don’t use okra – I have never developed a taste for the this vile vegetable and was forced to eat my life’s allotment, totally, as a child - nevermore), and carrots…  And we can’t forget the tears from the onions that represented a sorrowful past of generations of family that worked hard and never achieved as much as they had dared to dream – but had faith that with time.... When things got a tad better there was chicken to add to the mix, then pork, (which I exclude, because so many people don’t partake, but I do used smoked turkey sausage)… Oh, but things got even better for the man, as he worked harder and harder, so in time, he was able to add beef. Eventually, the man reached his pinnacle and was able to add an assortment of seafood to the mix….  But the meal is about having faith in the face of insurmountable odds that through the struggle and striving for something better, there is accomplishment. The gumbo is about the steadfastness of honest hard work and it’s rewards - The coming together of family and celebration of achievement…. ”

I had to confess to our friend some years later – I had no idea the truth of the words I spoke. They simply sounded good at the time and seemed to make sense. I asked my older sister about what I had said and she too had no clue about any “Gumbo Story”.

The “Gumbo Story” really did exist in the lives of my family, in theory… However, the “story” now exist, this made-up one; and I have faith that it will move forward in the family now that the words have been spoken, put to paper and given life.

I have faith.

Faith, like that of the generations in my “story”, really did exist. In my family life has always been about moving forward and upward – even when times appeared as if nothing was happening – when life’s waters were dark and stagnant – out of the depths, hope prevailed.

There has been a millennia of people with faith that something better will come out of hardship – that something good will come. It could start with faith as small as a mustard seed…

New Years are opportunities for reset, starting fresh, stepping out in faith and moving mountains. Seize the day, move forward…

Soli de Gloria