Tip of the Day 8/31/12

99 Days of Summer: As most of you know by now, tonight we will have the joy of experiencing a "Blue Moon." In case you don't know, tonight is the second full moon in the month of August. All full moons are given a name, and this one is called a Blue Moon because two full moons in a month are infrequent, they happen only "once in a blue moon." We will not see another o

ne until 2015. So don't miss it. With this fun event being on a Friday, and a holiday weekend, plan an evening around it, do something out of the ordinary. Enjoy the evening in the backyard, eat blue moon ice cream, dance to the Elvis rendition of "Blue Moon of Kentucky" while wearing blue shoes, drink blue koolaid and eat blueberries. Just don't sit around with the blues.

 

 Word for Today, Worthwhile: There is so much in this life that we can do or participate in. Our schedules easily become so full we forget how to relax. There is always one more activity or task that needs our attention or attendance. My tendency is to line out my tasks for the day and feel greatly accomplished only when I have completed them all. Sometimes I put unrealistic expectations on my

self and then feel guilty when I don't accomplish the unrealistic goals I have set. It is not a part of my nature to think others are being lazy, I just think I am. So, I purpose to set realistic goals for myself based on importance. The determining factors of importance need to be, and hopefully are, based each day on the time I spend each morning listening to my Father's voice. He desires to "instruct me in the way I should go." His word shows me how to prioritize. It has taught me not to plan so much for my day that I am still working at household tasks when Richard arrives home. You might be thinking, "sure, you read that in the Bible." But the fact is, I did, "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest of others." Richard loves to come home to a calm home, with time to sit and unwind as we share a cool drink and just chat. I know this is important to him and I make it a priority in my day. By planning out my day to accomplish what is important for me, I have the joy of spending a fulfilling evening or weekend doing what is fun. A spontaneous trip to the carousel or a walk on the beach is possible because I set my priorities. Does this mean we NEVER have work to do except 8 - 5? Of course not! We just have chosen what is worthwhile to us and make it a priority. "I must work the works of my Father while it is day." " Know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." Have a great Labor Day weekend!

 

Tip of the Day 8/30/12

99 Days of Summer: We are experiencing some perfect late summer days. The breezes and beautiful blue skies make it hard to believe that it is hurricane season and others are in peril. It also makes it hard to believe that in two months we could be seeing the first snow fly. But, in my spirit I feel the tugging to prepare and to stock up. This weekend is a popular time for garage sales. Take advantage of these fun and bargain filled adventures. Go with a list looking for needs and feel the thrill of finding that thing you don't need, but is too fun to pass up.

Word for Today, Boldness: I am not a naturally bold person. I was always, and still often am, the shortest person in the class. I had to wear an eyepatch because of lazy eye in second grade and have worn glasses since then. My naturally curly hair brought me a lot of frustration until good products were developed. I was not a great athlete, my flute playing and singing are average, my grades

were also average. When I became a parent I had no self confidence and the criticism I received from even those closest to me caused me to strive for perfection instead of relaxing and enjoying the experience. Even my first marriage was to someone who considered and treated me as not worth much and I believed it. When Richard was called into the ministry I was terrified. It was a very difficult time in my life physically and the prospect of having to be all a Pastor's wife entailed was almost overwhelming. Even posting an invitation for anyone to join me for pizza in Tulsa took me two weeks to decide to share. I figured no one would care or want to come. I may be right. LOL I am not sharing these examples because of who I am, or what I have been through, but rather because I want you to know who Jesus is, and what He went through on your behalf. Each morning as I get ready to type this little message to you I hear a voice saying, "Who do you think you are, no one reads this stuff." So, in obedience, I ask God to say what He wants you to hear. A lot of days I would prefer to be anonymous. I like being at home, social events don't excite, playing hostess is not my favorite thing to do. I am always afraid I will say or do the wrong thing. But God... He has called me to step out of my comfort zone. He has put His words in my mouth to share. Not because I am anything, but because He is everything. I have nothing to lose, but everything to gain by my obedience to His call. What are you afraid of? What hurts and scars are you dealing with? What role do you find yourself in that is uncomfortable? You cannot do it on your own. I can tell you that with all confidence. I am in your shoes. "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Tip of the Day 8/29/12

99 Days of Summer: As summer winds down I have found my days filled with activity preparing for the seasons ahead. I love the preparations and the anticipation of the fun and tasty things that are ahead because of it. Blueberry pancakes and homemade spaghetti sauce, along with Christmas gifts and warm clothing, are a few of the things I am preparing. God's Word instructs us to be wise and prepared, not to be like the sluggard. It is a joyful activity when the "work" you are doing will have rewards, like the joy on someone's face when they open the gift you put time and thought into, the homemade pancakes for the family on a Saturday morning made with the blueberries you put up, time to sit and play a game because the house is already clean because you and everyone in the family have worked together to make it a home. Yes, I am a busy person. Today I will chop and freeze onions, make granola, do laundry, and work

on a dress I am sewing. These are important activities for my home. Your day may be filled with a job that provides the means for support. That activity is just as important. If my husband did not work to support us, there would not be a home for me to care for. Find your purpose, evaluate your call in life. Is it a season of working outside the home? If it is, embrace that and develop the skills to meet the needs of your family in the way best for you. When I worked outside the home, I did not do the things I do now. We ate out more, I made "semi-homemade" meals. Taking ironing to the dry cleaners was an important decision. Cleaning was consolidated and Richard helped because I needed him to. Now when he cleans the kitchen after dinner, like he did last night, it is because he has chosen to give me a break from that task. I do not expect him to do things I am capable of when he gets home from his job. This is our current season in life. Spend some time evaluating the needs of your home and family. Formulate a plan that works for you. Being prepared is the key whether you are waiting on a hurricane to hit land or just anticipating the season ahead. How will your family meet the needs of Christmas gifts this year? What about the kids soccer games, dance lessons, and homework along with everyone needing to be fed? Are your cars ready for the winter? Do you need to take care of flower beds or cleaning out the gutters before the first snowfall? Evaluate your home and family's needs and do what is right for you. If the plans are in place, you can all have winter coats and gloves ready to wear, Christmas gifts planned, and still eat blueberry pancakes, even if IHop makes them. :)

 

Word for Today, Good: I am an optimistic person, one that sees the glass half full. I am also very realistic and can often see what consequences of actions are going to lead to. It is difficult to convince someone that the actions they are taking, which look so "good," can lead to dire consequences. I am not an "I told you so" person, I strive to be a "pick you up, dust you off, and help you on the right path again" person. When I see someone choosing what I know will lead to heartbreak or harm, my desire is to point them toward good. As a believer that "only God is good" as His Word says, it is easy for me to find the help to give someone. Since I am often asked for counsel as a Pastor's wife, I know I always have an answer. Yes, you read that statement correctly, it is not arrogance, it is confidence in the One who is the answer. You see my counsel is often, "I don't know, but I know the One who does." The answer I give may be a scripture I read that morning or a word I heard taught recently. By filling my life with the good that comes from and is God, I will always have an answer, Jesus. He is the answer to the bad, the evil, the sad, the frightening, the disaster, the challenge, ... Yes, I can see good in all there is as long as my eyes are on the Giver of Life. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea." "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"

Tip of the Day 8/28/12

99 Days of Summer: In honor of the U.S. Tennis Open which started yesterday, why not try a match. Or try playing badmitton with the kids. Or at the very least toss a tennis ball around with the dog. It's still summer, enjoy it!

Word for Today, Trees: I love beautiful old stately trees. The ones that arch over a road, the pines you can hear the wind whistling through, Spanish moss hanging off the beautiful trees in the south. The leaves as they change color in the fall, in full leaf offering shade in the heat of summer, ones covered with snow or the first buds of spring. Trees represent strength and show us vulnerability as one lightening strike can split them and yet they survive. My Mom and I always talked about how we loved the time of the evening when the sun is going down and the trees look black against the sky. There is majesty in that moment. Some people bemoaned the fact we took down a 60 foot tree from our yard, but it had reached the end of it's life and we offered it a dignified way of leaving us. The Bible refers to trees from the very beginning, the Tree of Life, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, the Tree Jesus died on to bring us eternal life. We are also told heaven is filled with trees. Living in a part of the country filled with trees that bear every kind of fruit must be similar to what heaven will be like. But I can't wait to see the trees that bear a different kind of fruit every month. I hope this Fall as you enjoy the splendor of the colors and fruit the trees around you offer and that you will rejoice in the glory the Creator has blessed us with. "The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."

 

Tip of the Day 8/27/12

99 Days of Summer: We are officially in the last week of summer. It has been a long one for the upper midwest this year, and even longer for a lot of you in other parts of the country. I am enjoying the changing of the seasons and it inspires me to begin preparing for the long midwest winter ahead. The foods of fall and winter are delicious with soups and sauces. B

aking takes a top priority once again. Of course I love the planning for and celebrating the holidays and all the decorating that goes with. Since it is still officially summer, and Michigan, unlike most states, doesn't start school until next week, I will offer some last summer fun ideas, to celebrate the end of the season. According to geocaching.com "Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location." Why not give it a try this week. It would be an awesome way to end the summer whether you are a little kid, or a grown up kid. :) Happy hunting.

 

 Word for Today, Alert: My husband is a headline reader. He will share a news headline with me, but when I ask for more info he says he didn't read the whole article. He does read full articles, but only when they appear really important. I don't usually watch the news. I stay informed on major issues and am well aware of current events, but discovered I can too easily become distracted or obse

ssed over things that aren't relevant to my desire to walk daily with my Savior. I know I need to be aware of international events, especially in the middle east. It is also important for me to be well informed of politicians positions so I can vote the way I feel led. Crisis' that occur are important to be aware of so I can pray for friends and family whether they are facing a fire, hurricane, or cancer. We live in perilous times and it is easy to become distracted from the things that we need to be focusing on. We can become so involved in a national interest that our spiritual and personal life can suffer. God's Word tells us to be alert, to be aware of the "seasons." The events we see unfolding all around us make us more aware of the impending return of our Savior. There is work for me to do as I walk this earth. I need to be on the alert, not distracted. Am I taking care of my walk with the Lord? Am I doing all I can to make others around me aware that there is a God who loves them and wants to spend eternity with them? Am I taking care of my body, home, and family? "Lord, save me from those things that might distract me. Please take them away and purify my heart." "Now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed."

Tip of the Day 8/25/12

99 Days of Summer: As summer is winding down, the Farmer's Markets are filled with beautiful produce. Don't miss out on the bounty of beautiful fruits and veges that can fill your pantry and freezer for the winter ahead. Make a giant pot of spaghetti sauce from the tomatoes, peppers, and onions, pack them in Ball jars, freezer containers, or freezer baggies. Canning is time consuming, but anyone can find the time to do freezing. Don't miss out, you will happy to see that produce in your freezer in January.

Word for Today, Speech: "Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in pslams and hymns and spiritual songs." As I read and contemplated this verse this morning I saw a couple of things. First I need to be filled with God's Spirit. Without Him I am not able to fulfill the next part of this verse. That seems like a no brainer, but if what the world is lacking in speech is any indication

, apparently it is. According to this verse, if we are filled with the Spirit we will speak to each other in a way that pleases God and is pleasant to the hearer. We all know how much easier it is to learn something when it is in the form of a song. How did you learn the alphabet? The same is true of scripture and God's principle's. As we listen to and sing songs of praise and worship those words are becoming a part of us. Ever notice how you can hear a song from 1972 and still sing every word? Music is a powerful force. In case you were unaware, Satan was a worship leader in heaven before he became puffed up in pride and was eventually cast out. Music is not bad, it is what is done with it and what it can do to us that can be bad. I know someone who says listening to a certain style of music takes them down a path they want to avoid. I can listen to the same song and it will take me to a happy place. Our daily speech is peppered with lines of songs because music permeates our world. It is playing in every store and restaurant we enter. If we are listening to uplifting, encouraging music then our speech will be filled with encouraging, uplifting words. I love all kinds of music, but I want it to be words that will encourage, not tear down. What are you feeding your mind? "Sing with grace in your hearts."

Tip of the Day 8/24/12

99 Days of Summer: The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting cooler. Why not celebrate one of the last Fridays of summer with an outdoor movie night. Set up an outdoor theater in the backyard, make some fun drive-in food for dinner, hotdogs and snow cones would be great, pull out the lounge chairs and blankets, and enjoy a fun night in your own yard. If you aren't up to a do-it-yourself drive-in, take advantage of the earlier start time at a real drive-in and treat yourself and the kids to an old fashioned Friday night adventure.

Word for Today, Work: Yesterday I was thinking about retirement. Many people commented when I left the "work force," going to an office everyday, that I was retiring. Since that time I have often wondered how I found time to work outside my home. I have never been one to sit around doing nothing. I often think of my Grandma Hanks and how she spent her life. She was one of the hardest working women I have ever known. She sewed, for family and many regular customers in Tulsa. I admired her work so much and it inspired me to create beautiful garments. She was always cooking. Eating out was not a regular habit in her home. There was always something cooking in her kitchen. My Grandpa had a huge garden and she canned and preserved all kinds of things. I miss getting my pre-packaged cut and breaded okra from her. Her house was always clean. Her mother lived with her for many years and she cared for her until she died. She and my Grandpa

cooked the Wednesday night fellowship meal at their church for years. She really was a Proverbs 31 woman. She never did retire. A very good Pastor friend, Gayle Erwin, once said, "retiring is living where you want to live and doing what you love to do." So, Richard and I decided we retired when we moved to Michigan. We love our life here and are blessed by the "work" God has given us to do for Him. Have you found that place and peace in your life? We were not created to be miserable in this life. Because of Adam's sin, man was told he would have to labor for his needs. But, when Jesus came He said, "I have come to give you life more abundantly." Yes, we work, but we can find joy in our labor when we allow God to direct our path. "The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich."