The Exuberance of Youth, part 2

The funny thing is this..............

Yesterday, as I wrote...............I ended up in a very different place that what I anticipated........"Dad" does that sometimes.

Last night, again I had the opportunity to witness some young people with purpose. This time it was a theatre group from NYC. Seventeen to twenty-one year olds, sharing a message through their craft. Their passion and talent were inspiring.

So often, in our news we see kids in trouble. We must remember that those young people are just one little piece of a much larger and grander whole. Our kids have heart, passion and a message to share which we often overlook. I believe that we are called to nurture this.

I look at my own...........so often, given the opportunity, they have stepped up to the plate (even without me). Their compassion and their attitude of service are an inspiration and an encouragement to me: making donations of their beautiful hair to help provide hair prosthesis for other children; fasting and raising monies for international hunger programs; donating shoes "that i just wore once" to another child who lost home and possessions in hurricanes; baking cookies for disaster workers; distributing food and water door-to-door; repairing homes for families in need; walking for cancer awareness; working at a soup kitchen.

Recently I took a second job, working weekends. My ten year old took on a job at our church's soup kitchen. For me, it was adult supervision while I was at work. For her, it was so much more. She would be out the door between 7am and 8am and be finished at 6 or 6:30pm (with an afternoon break of course) I heard over and over what a hard worker she was, preparing and serving meals and what a joy she was in her "work". In each instance, not only have these "children" acted as heart and hands of our Savior. But they have been changed and grown through these experiences as well.

The Word says that we are to "raise up a child in the way that he should go..." And while I do believe that calls us to set a Godly example and to administer appropriate discipline, I believe that it means so much more than that. To me, it means that God has given each of us a unique personality, gifts and passions and that we all have a special purpose. As a parent it is my responsibility to recognize the special attributes in each child and nurture and encourage that (despite the rolling eye syndrome of the teen!)

Jesus said that we are to come to him with the faith of a child. I pray that today we each experience a moment of unadulterated joy, a hint of that anticipation that knows no boundaries and gratitude that we can know him as Savior and friend. And I pray that each of us will share the blessing of service which he call us to..........regardless of our age or youth.

LOL. I Knew That I Didn't Have Time for This!!!

Dear Reader or Fan,

Thank you for your patience. lol.

Last evening I had a wonderful opportunity to attend an awards function at a local Christian University. Our company is partnering with one of the student programs, local businesses and governments to provide a home for a family. As I watched these young people and their excitement over the accomplishments they had achieved this past year, a myriad of thoughts and emotions came flooding.

Remember when we were so full of anticipation and excitement and joy??? Remember when the world seemed new and fresh? It was just waiting for me. It's hard not to get jaded, discouraged, frustrated. The world creeps in on us, bills and schedules and disappointments. Divorce and death. I know some that think that we, as Christians are immune to the sadness of this world. Scripture tells us that we are overcomers in Christ and some seem to believe and teach that "cheerful" is a designation of our faith. Think about it ....... how often have you pasted on that smile at church and said "fine" when your insides were screaming......"Im am so NOT FINE............my life is a mess, I'm angry, I'm depressed!!!" In fact..........scripture also says that because of our faith we will suffer. As our souls long for "home" we will be impatient and frustrated by this world which we encounter.

Each day, as I trudge through............my work schedule, the commute, dealing with teenagers, financial burdens, tires, brakes and the hundreds of other barbs that come flying at me...........I pray. I pray that God will use me despite my failures. That His light will shine through this flesh even briefly. And that He will be glorified despite me. And when I come to Him, there is where I find contentment and peace. When I step into His waiting arms, when I bow at His knee, when I humble myself at The cross........this is where I find joy. One day that will be eternal. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Jesus!

Go in peace..........The world is waiting for HIM!!!

Well...........here goes!!!!!!!!!

Well, my friend Mike has finally convinced me to "blog"
(hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm)
Initially, my reaction was.........."blog" o! my! (it does sound like something a bit on the edge now, ya gotta admit!) But after reading his sometimes funny, sometimes sad, often wise and always entertaining entries..........I became intrigued and so, here i go!!!!

If you are looking for philosophical you'll be disappointed. If you're looking for grammatical correct-ness (a distant cousin of political????) this ain't it either! (I am a strong advocate for writing in vernacular!--e.g., Eudora, Katherine, Marjorie--dontcha just want to live at the post office?? lol!) In fact, I suspect that the only ones who will really be interested in my ramblings are likely to be my children. At that they will probably be searching out "interesting tidbits" to use on their mom. lol. Others have much more dramatic life experiences with much more interesting stories to tell but mine is, well, unique in that it is mine. And special in that it is a testimony of our Lord's grace and forgiveness and love!

O! yeah! I'm a Christian! And soon to be a grandmom!