Happy Is a Verb

Every day I find more things to love about Christmas and December. It's the most wonderful time of the year for so many reasons.

Just the other day after work I said to Scott, "This is my favorite time of day in December." Typically, I come home, put on some Christmas flannel pants, warm up a corn bag to cuddle up with, start a Christmas movie and curl up on the couch for a power nap. Fifteen minutes max. When I wake it's dark out and all the lights in our house are twinkling. Aaaaah, I love it!

But as good as that may be, the truth is the early morning time is probably my most favorite. I seem to be in a new stage of life where I don't sleep well.  I can fall asleep like a champ, but stay asleep til morning - not so much.

There is an upside. I get to sit and gaze at this while I observe Advent with the full attention of my truest love, Jesus.

We sit here together every morning while it is still dark. It's quiet so I can listen better. I'm so hungry for Him to reveal a new truth from the very familiar story of His birth. I'm watching for Him to show up in a new way and He never disappoints.

Just yesterday I was reading in Matthew 2 and came across this that I've read at least 75 times over the years about the Wise Men:

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.

And going into the house they saw the child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts. 2:10,11

I didn't rush past. Three actions jumped out: 

1. They rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 

2. They fell down and worshiped Him. Fell down people! When was the last time you fell down on purpose or because you couldn't respond any other way?

3. They offered Him gifts. This is a rabbit trail and I'm not going to go there today.

That first highlighted phrase is what really popped. They rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. That's a lot of adjectives, I thought. God is trying to paint a picture here for us. This verse should land with fireworks! It's almost like saying, 'They were happy beyond happy with overwhelming happiness!'

Check it out in the Message:

Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!
They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.

The Living Bible:

 Their joy knew no bounds! Entering the house where the baby and Mary, his mother, were, they threw themselves down before him, worshiping. Then they opened their presents and gave him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

Phillips:

 The sight of the star filled them with indescribable joy!

Seems to me the Wise Men are like the most hyper morning loving person jacked up on coffee with espresso shots that you've ever seen. You know, the kind you either avoid because they get on your last nerve or the kind you are drawn to because of their incessant joy. Maybe secretly you'd like some of that to rub off on you.

Interestingly, as I consider all the movies, church pageants, and Christmas programs I've watched, this is not how the Wise Men are typically portrayed.

No, usually they are reserved, respectful, reverent, slow. All good things, of course, and very appropriate. But that's not what the Bible says. I get the impression they were high-fiving! Jumping for joy! Giddy with happiness! These men were having a party! They finally were led straight to what they'd been studying and waiting for! They had laid eyes on the co-Creator of the Universe. The Kind of Kings. Their Savior. It was the best day of their lives.

I may or may not be one of those annoying Christmas-loving, happy people. I've noticed the reaction from others. Some smile and celebrate with me. Others groan and try to bring me 'back to reality' or at the very least, ignore.

In recent days I've heard statements similar to these:

"I'm just not into Christmas."

"I don't get excited about all the hype. It's too commercialized."
"I am stressed out! I have so much to do and not enough time to get it all done."

You've heard those and many more similar statements. Maybe you've spoken them to that happy Christmas person who drives you nuts. I get it if you don't know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, but that's not who said those things to me. 

They are believers in the One True God and to them I lovingly say, I think you're missing the point. If you are basing your stance on American Christmas hype, your gaze is off. Modern western cultural traditions are fun and we can enjoy (or dread) them, but they certainly should not be the driving focus of a christian's Christmas activities.

There's so much more. This is why Advent is so important. Taking the time as Christmas Day, the day we observe and celebrate the birth of Jesus, approaches to read and re-read the many passages in the Bible will direct our devotion. Setting aside time to marvel and worship privately should center us and quiet all the other noise.  

And it should spark a reaction. Fireworks! Rejoice exceedingly with great joy! Abundant joy! Smiling. Kindness. Generosity. Maybe Happy is supposed to be a verb.

It saddens me when the cares, pain and losses of life that we all experience dictate how some observe holidays, namely Christmas. Knowing God personally gives us the ability to experience joy even in our pain and what sets us apart from those who don't know Him. That's the purpose of Jesus coming to earth to be with us. To carry these burdens and help us keep walking through by bringing goodness with Him.

If you read through the Old Testament, you will see how God's people were continually dropping everything to build an altar and worship God. Life was hard for them too, but it didn't derail them from recognizing and honoring the God who loves and takes care of them. The God who was with them. Who is with us too.

Listen, I know that Jesus probably wasn't born in December. Likely it wasn't snowing. There weren't trees with lights. (But there were gifts!) Again, that's not the point. December 25 is the day that we have set aside to honor and celebrate the first of two greatest events in our history (Easter is coming!). 

I like the way John Piper puts it, "Christmas (the birth of Jesus) cut history in half." Think about it. This is HUGE and it deserves to be recognized, commemorated and celebrated with great joy! With crazy happiness even if you are surrounded by curmudgeons (notice I refrained from using grinch or scrooge).

Perhaps you are the curmudgeon or just sad or too busy, may I gently suggest you sit quietly, get out your Bible and read the familiar passages. Let them wash over you with a fresh, new awareness. Be in awe. Marvel. 

Then maybe, just maybe when you (and I) do, we will respond like the Wise Men did. We too will fall down and worship. Maybe we will bring Him gifts. Remember, we only have one gift to give and it's the only one He wants. Our hearts. Meaning, our simplest love and devotion, our trust that He is who He says He is.

Now that's the Christmas I want to celebrate, don't you? It's what will last long after the gifts are opened, food is eaten and decorations are put away until next year. 

 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”   

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host 

praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest,  

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:10-14

This should be more than enough reason for us to get happy - out loud! Let's get it right for the world who is watching and wondering what the big deal of Christmas is to Christ-followers. Because it needs to be a big deal.

Merry Christmas

The Songs Matter

Hey there! It's been a while since we have had a chat. I hope you are well.

This morning I got up early and came down from the mountain for some much needed time to myself. Of course, it started here at one of my favorite places.

Back when I lived in civilization I came here often to sit, read and write. It's been months and I'm tickled pink to be back. And if you haven't tried the orange scone at Panera, do yourself a favor, drop everything and go get one right now!

I had to pull over a few times this morning to capture the beauty of God's creation. I've been whining to God for days that we need snow. Locals tell me it will come. I know this, but I'm talking December snow. The scenery is still gorgeous.

When I ride alone, I listen to music kind of loud. Ok, very loud. The reason of course is so that I can sing along and not ruin it. Did I ever tell you I sound exactly like Karen Carpenter when the volume is just right? Oh that Christmas cd. It's a wonder it still plays from all the use.

I love the variety of Christmas music. From the silly to the sacred, they all have their place.  As the songs played today, some tears fell. Nothing like singing "Go Tell it on the Mountain" as you are driving through the Adirondacks. You should try it.
Like every year when taking inventory of the past twelve months, I know we have so much to celebrate and be glad for. Almost every morning these last few weeks  tears of thanks well up because last year our Christmas, our lives, were so very different. We were hoping for hope, praying for hope, waiting for hope. It's not easy to wait. I've yet to meet anyone who doesn't say, "I'm not a patient person. I hate to wait." You are not alone.

Maybe you are waiting right now. May I encourage you? God is faithful. He truly does reward those who hope in Him and wait for Him. He is near even if it doesn't feel like it.

The sacred Christmas songs are so rich and generous in faith-filled, glorious statements and sentiments. Have you noticed? Must be I'm getting older and I think more about these things. I remember my mother who came to faith later in life saying her first year as a believer at Christmas was so different than all those before. The words of familiar songs sung from memory year after year took on new meaning. I totally get this. We mustn't let the familiarity shadow the beauty and depth of the lyrics.

Every December it seems to happen to me now. Beautiful, powerful phrases pop out and all I can do is worship Him.

I think we can all agree that we are living in fearful days. Sin is everywhere. Senseless violence. Intentional terror. Sickness. Unknown futures.

The cultural climate was the same at the time of the first Advent of Jesus.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

His people were up to their eyeballs in the 'law'. Weary. Desperate to hear God's voice after a 400 year silence. No peace. Then the baby came.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices.

 Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

From this year's Advent devotional: "The central theme of Christmas can be boiled down to three words...God With Us."

God sent His Son to us.
Jesus came to us.
He wanted to be with us.
He loved and loves us.

This kind of love is demonstrative in nature. God loved us enough to give us His Son. Jesus loved us enough to be given. Both knew there would be a terrible price to be paid. Both knew the rejection and violent death Jesus would suffer.

Probably the hardest part of that for me to fully understand is that they both knew what kind of people Jesus would come to save.

The undeserving
The unaware
The unbelieving

In all honesty, I would not give either of my beloved sons for people like that.

But God did. And Jesus came down here. To us. Has your soul felt its worth yet?

I like the way The Message puts John 1:14

The Word became flesh and blood,
    and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
    the one-of-a-kind glory,
    like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
    true from start to finish.

This is the message of Christmas. Reminds me of one of my favorite, now 'old school' Christmas songs by Bryan Duncan. I beg you, if you have never heard it (or haven't since the 90's) and like me can't resist a high tenor, to click here and listen.  It will be the best 4 minutes of your day.

One day an infant's cry
In a troubled land
Joined the heavenly hosts on high
In peace, good will to man

(Chorus)
God's thoughts and ways are not our own
And I can't understand
Why He wrapped His love in flesh and blood
And he took the form of man

And Jesus' lowly birth brought riches to the earth
Lord of heaven coming down, risking human birth

(Chorus)

Every heart that knows His name
Lift your voice and sing
To the praise of God With Us
This Child, Redeemer, King

There's never been a greater love
Since the world began
God the Father sent His Son
And we held Him in our hand

He wrapped His love in flesh and blood
And took the form of man
We held Him in our hands....

If your heart knows His name, lift your voice and sing today. I never can sing "we held Him in our hands" without choking. That's because this is real. Jesus came to save us from our sins.

"When the Father gave His only begotten Son, He gave Him to die. That's the kind of love the Father has. It is a giving love. It gives His most precious treasure - His Son.

Meditate on that this Advent. It was a very costly love. A very powerful love. A very rugged, painful love. The meaning of Chrsitmas is the celebration of this love. 'God so loved..'  And wonder of wonders, God gives this clostly love to an undeserving world of sinners, like us."

He came near to us, friends. He is still near - to you. He still loves - you. 

My favorite lyric this year: the hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight. Truth. Let that comfort you. 

I hope you know that and can feel it this Christmas. Because without that gigantic truth and reality, what's the point of all the rest of Christmas?

So enjoy and rock out to all the songs, but make room for these classics. If you let them, they'll speak deep richness into your Christmas - and the whole year through.


Quotes from John Piper's The Dawning of Indestructible Joy

For What It's Worth

It's rainy and windy here in the mountains this morning and I'm up too early but I do love the first hours of the day to begin with quiet.

So many people and their troubles weighing heavy. It may be holiday time, but these are not Norman Rockwell days for everyone. On my prayer list:

a friend who had her heart broken by a church and it's leaders
a friend who is struggling to salvage her broken marriage
a family and church who lost a young wife/mother/daughter/friend/pastor's wife in a senseless, "random" shooting in her home
a friend who is approaching her entrance into heaven slowly, day by pain-filled day and her family, dreading the impending loss and daily suffering

It's the season of Thanksgiving. Finally, something politically correct for everyone - to give thanks. I see many daily posts of gratitude on my social media. It is good to share these reminders of blessings that we enjoy. An excellent exercise for not just November but all year long.

Since reading Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts several years ago, I continue to keep my own record everyday. A list of all the ways God shows His love to me. I have found this to be life-changing. It tends to prevent me from my natural inclination to complain and grumble.

I'm also a big fan of spiritual disciplines, engaging in different practices for specific purposes, especially at holiday time. So as November approached this year I was eager for something to do to make my worship go deeper still.

A good friend sent me a link to an idea and invited me to join her. You can look at it here.
It is a 30 day Scripture writing plan. Of course, we all know we retain more information when we actually write it down, taking reading or hearing a step further. I have written a lot of Scripture through various Bible studies in my life and I absolutely know the deeper value. Yes! I was in!  Seriously, is there anything more wonderful than a blank book and a new pen?

Each morning as I write the suggested passages, I'm amazed at how God's Word speaks. Wild things happen. Prayers form for myself and more importantly, for the others who are on my mind (specifically those mentioned above).

It's thrilling to see repetitive words and themes emerge, especially those filled with promises for Christ-followers and the attributes of God that benefit us. I can't stop thanking Him. My heart loves God more and I'm eager to get up the next day and read what's next.

I know we are half way to Thanksgiving, but it's not too late to join me. I can't recommend this enough. Maybe you are struggling this year and not feeling much like celebrating or giving thanks because what you've got is not what you want. All the more reason to invite God in. Or maybe, like me, you need a little more than just a list of the good things in your life.

Whatever your situation, print this chart off or choose any Scriptures and start writing them down. A little bit each day and watch what happens.

Oh, and before I let you go... if you've read this blog for more than a year, you know that one of my favorite times of the year is coming, Advent.* Now is the time to start preparing for that too. (More to come on this.) You don't want it to sneak up on you.

These came in the mail the other day. I can't wait to dive in. December 1st won't come soon enough.

And yes, that is a tree up already, but it's not a Christmas tree. Notice the brown theme. Very November. Very Thanksgiving. No harm. No foul.



*If you would like to read more about Advent and why I love it so, just scroll through my late November/early December posts for the last few years.

Masquerades

Today is Halloween. The day to celebrate masquerading. We don't use that fancy word very much so since I am a word nerd, I looked it up for us. You're welcome in advance.

Meaning: "false outward show; façade; pretense: a hypocrite's masquerade of virtue."*

Well, that's kind of negative. To be honest I'm not very interested in Halloween without kids in the house. I always enjoyed dressing my three up in cute costumes, going to their school and watching them parade around the property with their classmates and then eat a good portion of the loot they would come home with after trick-or-treating. But with them not here it feels like just any other day.

Unless of course, you consider that tomorrow starts the two most wonderful months of the year in my opinion. Now it's an "eve". The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Eve? It's got a pretty awesome ring to it, don't you think?

That's not really what's at the forefront of my mind today. After waking too early on my day off again, I've enjoyed sitting in my red chair praying. I'm aware of many friends and others who are hurting, whose lives have come to a rough patch.

I've received some messages asking me to pray. One is from a man who's been married for thirty years and headed to a courtroom to end it. Heartbreaking.

The family unit is so important to God. It's a gift to us and ours should model His. He is our Father and loves us with a wild love. This love is unexplainable because we simply don't deserve it. But He lavishes His love anyway - because He is love.

God's greatest expression of love came through His Son Jesus. He gave His most prized possession as a sacrifice for us to make a way for us to enter His family. Maybe like me, you've allowed the wonder of that to fade a little.

I think all of us long for that kind of love and inclusion in a family setting more than anything else. We want to be understood, cared for, protected, provided for and adored. In Christ, all that is abundantly available. We are just one surrender from receiving it and never losing it.

When I consider the family God has given me, I marvel. He gave me a man who is faithful and loving, not to mention patient and fun. I did nothing to deserve that gift. If the truth be told, I did everything to prove I didn't deserve it. But that's not how love and gifts work with God and I am forever grateful. If Scott wasn't blessing enough, God expanded our family and gave me three children here on Earth and two in heaven I plan to meet one day.

These kids. Not every day of the last twenty three plus years has been a picnic and they weren't charming every minute, believe me. (Nor was I as the mom.) They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. In this case, for me at least, it's true. All three have flown out of our nest and don't live here day in and day out anymore. Yet my heart seems to be growing in deeper love for each of them. When I do get to be near them, it's pure joy.

Just last week I got to "see" all of them. One in person and the others on a screen. (I'm a big fan of modern technology that makes this possible.) Looking at their smiles just does something for me. The very best is when every personality is in the same room. Family.

She's the queen of selfies and yikes, I look tired.

As I consider this GIANT, ever increasing love I feel for each of them, how can I not marvel at God's love for me? He is a much better parent than I'll ever dream of being. All love started with Him and He heaps it on us. It's huge. We get to be a part of this family! Don't let that get lost on you.

So this couple who is allowing their family to disintegrate, somewhere along the way one or both lost sight of the gift and began a masquerade. You can't be in church and community with others for the thirty years of marriage, no one suspecting how far away from each other you've drifted, and then suddenly one day reveal it's over, without having been putting on a facade for awhile. Too many times I've seen this and when suggesting solutions have been told "it's too late". The masks finally come off. But is it really too late? Couldn't we all just promise to get help right from the beginning? Fight for our marriages instead of against each other?

What I'd like to say to this struggling couple is this. "You've walked with God a long time. You know His Word and the principles therein that are expected of you if you belong to Him. Are you living it? Treat one another the way God expects you to in each of your roles. Husband, if you love your wife with the self-sacrificing, generous, kind love that Jesus loves His bride (us) with, your wife would never turn her gaze from you. Wife, if you respect your husband and be his helper, his champion, always encouraging, building up and believing in him, his gaze will never leave you."

Sounds simplistic, I know (see note at end of post). Marriage is complicated and can be difficult at times. I'm not minimizing that. It's true in all relationships. But I honestly believe that if two Holy Spirit-filled believers are both seeking to become Christlike above all else, above all else, and making every decision based on that desire, our relationships can be mended, redeemed, resuscitated. Parents and children, siblings, friends.

This is where God really shines. Redemption. Making the broken whole. Repairing destruction. Healing wounds.

Our job: live according to His Word. 
His job: everything else. 

So on this Most Wonderful Time of the Year Eve when love and family will be highlighted and celebrated, don't despair if you are lacking in this area.

1. Know that God is your Father if you have received the truth and gift of His Son, Jesus. Your loving, generous, forgiving, patient Father. Let that settle on you.
2. Entering into His family is the best decision, full of eternity-long benefits and responsibilities, you'll ever make.
3. He can make all things new. You. Your troubled relationship. Your family. Everything.

Invite Him? Do the hard work of obedience. Give up your rights. Seek to be Christ-like in every area. Love your people the way God loves you - with their best interest as priority. 

Then watch God breathe new life into your marriage, your relationship, your family. Do as much as God requires of you and trust Him for the rest.

No more masquerading. There's no shame in honestly living as broken children made whole by their Father. This is who we are. Embrace it and let it give hope to everyone you know. If at all possible, don't give up on family.



*dictionary.com
**If you are in an abusive relationship, this post is not for you. Please get safe and then get Godly counsel right away. If your marriage already ended, this post is not to assign blame or shame. The past is the past and there's no condemnation here. You are loved.

A Conversation With Myself

Nothing like packing up all your belongings and moving to a new location to make you evaluate your life. Last week, after four months living out of a suitcase and in small accommodations, Scott and I have finally moved into our home here at Camp of the Woods.

Just to be clear from this point forward, anything I write will NOT be a complaint. No one wanted to move and start over more than I. My heart is happy and filled with gratitude.

But friends, moving is hard (insert whining). Oh my back, my feet! Not to mention my emotions. Just under four years ago we engaged in what I then referred to as the big move because we packed up our home of fourteen years. At that time, Drew was home from college and at my side as my lovely assistant while Scott finished one job and started another. Ben and Ally were in school.

In case I've never said it here, Drew is a good son. He's the only person on the planet I know who never complains, about anything! I have no idea where he got it from. Oh wait, maybe his Dad. Come to think of it, Ben doesn't complain much either. (Burtis women need some help in this area.)


Anyway, between he and I, we moved twenty one years of life ninety minutes down the road and had it unpacked and settled in less than three days. I would empty boxes and throw them down the stairs. The kid made all the boxes and packing material disappear while I decorated for Christmas. Don't judge me - we moved on December 16, I had no choice! It ain't easy being Type A. It ain't easy being the child of one either. He does it well. For being Scott's clone, he does seem to have a little of me in him. I know, you'll pray for him.

This time around, it was just me and Scott. Same scenario except now we are both juggling jobs and have no slaves, I mean kids here to do all the things we don't want to do, I mean help us. Ahem. The empty nest is great for some things, not so much for others.

I'd like to tell you it was smooth sailing, but in my heart there was a war going on. Believing by faith for the past year that God would be moving us upon Ally's graduation, I was weeding out unnecessary items for months. You know, the things that don't need to follow us to our next place. I thought I was making a significant dent. Well, as I saw the boxes pile up and the space on the trucks (yes, plural - don't get me started - I'm not even going to tell you we also filled two vans, a trailer and Scott has to go back for one more trip) shrink, I grew more and more agitated. What are we doing with all this stuff?

I may or may not have even muttered, "You know the kids are just going to throw all this out when we die anyway, what are we keeping it for?" I was near meltdown stage for two days, the day we packed the trucks and the day we unpacked them.

I may or may not have wailed things like, "Why do we have all these clothes?" or "Where did we get all these reusable bags? and hangers?" or "Are we ever going to drink out of all these mugs?" or "Who is going to read all these books?" "Under no circumstances are you to allow me to buy another throw blanket or pair of colored tights!" and the biggie... "I declare NO ONE is getting clothes for Christmas this year! Not one item! Not even Christmas jammies!" It's bad here, folks.

In an effort to feel better, I left a pile of garbage at the place we left and I created a whole new one upon arrival (significantly bigger!).

Don't tell Scott, he'll never know what he's missing. I even donated 55 books from my own personal library. That's big!

As good as that purge felt, even it didn't make the problem go away.

I inherently knew it was time to take a step back from my life and evaluate its course. I needed to have a conversation with myself. I don't want to be tied down by stuff. But I love my things. But I don't need all this. But I want it all (...and more if I'm brutally honest). See the war?

Ultimately, I do want to live leaner physically, materially, and spiritually so I can serve the Lord without distraction. Kind of like what the writer of Hebrews suggests in 12:1

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,

let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,

and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Speaking of a great cloud of witnesses, very recently, in an effort to learn the history of Camp of the Woods, I read a document written by the founder called "Pop Tibbitts' Personal Resolve" formulated in 1907.

I was quite moved by it and sought permission to share it here. This text motivates me to live a more well-ordered and purposeful second half of my life. I hope after you read it, you are inspired too.
I love that it was written in 1907 and yet is timeless and valuable to all generations. See for yourself.


"Whereas my earthly career must be but a few short years and realizing the necessity of a zealous, concentrated and intelligent service for my Maker:

1.  That with God’s help I will live a true life, with one supreme ambition, namely, to do His will and spend my life in unselfish endeavor to present the Gospel of salvation to mankind.

2.  That I will live a quiet, restful life, not anxious nor restless, knowing that “it is not by might nor by power, but by My spirit” that victory and success is won.

3.  That I shall spend a portion of every day in devotional Bible study and communion with Him.

4.  That I will abide in Him so that His presence and power may be revealed through me. 

5.  That my vision of the work and its need shall be as broad as humanity and the redeeming power of Jesus Christ. 

6.  That I shall be stable in my belief, tactful, a living sacrifice, but not fanatical.

7.  That my ambition will not be greater than my judgment in caring for my body, so that I will be able to do the work to which He assigns me.  That I will live, at stated periods, close to nature that my body may be re-created and my soul refreshed.

8.  That I shall endeavor to introduce at least one person to Jesus Christ each day and teach that one to know Him as a personal Savior.  Where a conversation is either inadvisable or impossible, other means to the same end shall be employed, such as tracts and other religious literature.

9.  That I will prize every individual, making no difference as to condition, education or position, knowing that the soul is of more value than the whole world, and that Jesus Christ came to save every sinner, “not willing that any should perish.”

10.  That I shall have true sympathy and compassion for all men, patient with those who are thoughtless, ungrateful and critical; and ever seek to do for others as I believe Christ would do for them and for me.

11.  That I will rely completely upon the Holy Spirit for guidance, instruction and power for service. 

12.  That these simple fundamentals shall be read at least once each week to the end that I may be “steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” 

See what I mean? That's good stuff! I highlighted phrases that could use attention in my life. Yes, I know it's nearly all of them. I plan to take some time these next weeks as we head toward a new calendar year, to consider these and possibly create my own Personal Resolve, then endeavor to live it with gusto. I have a feeling I may be stealing some of Pop Tibbits' ideas.

In the meantime, we are almost all unpacked. Nothing left to do but decorate for Christmas.

Happy Last Day of September

Is it really only Wednesday? Feels like Friday to me. We've been going, going, going for a while now and I'm feeling a little whipped in an I'm-so-happy-I'm-annoying-kind-of-way.

Today the staff was treated to a lunch cruise on Racquette Lake as a thank you for a hard-working summer. Figures this would be the day it rained and was cloudy all day, but still, the Adirondacks in September are gorgeous.

This was our vessel.

The food and company was terrific.

And need I say more about the scenery? Breathtaking.

We were back in Speculator by about 3pm and were given the rest of the day off. This is where I headed. I'm a little ashamed to say it's taken me a month since coming here on full time staff to come here (look, it's getting bigger!)....

and get one of these, but today is the day!

You'll never guess what I found around a corner....I may or may not have jumped up and down inside. Inside my head, not inside the room.

For all the years we have camped in the Adirondacks, I've always taken note of the books in gift shops written about its history, geography and biographies telling the old stories. I've never read one, but late in the summer declared a new now-that-we-live-in-the-mountains empty nest goal to begin reading these books.

And here they are!  In the Adirondack Room of the Lake Pleasant Public Library no less. Have I died and gone to heaven? Not really, but I certainly have found a new happy place. This should keep me busy all winter. For a few winters most likely.

We had a blast last weekend with my NSBC ladies here at Camp of the Woods. It felt like we had invited them all to our place for a few days. Waiting on them and serving them was an absolute pleasure. It was so wonderful to hug, kiss and catch up with as many as I could spend time with. Some of them even gave me gifts. They know me. I am thankful for longtime friends who give the gift of understanding.

My favorite thing was hearing over and over again, "It's good to see you and Scott so happy." And the way they hugged him and fussed over him was the best.

Friday night I was ready to turn in by 10:45pm (late for me). As I started walking back toward where we live Scott zoomed up, tossed me a set of golf cart keys and said, "Let's go! The 300 Spanish ladies just arrived." Yep, twice in one month.

For the next hour and a half or so Scott, our buddy Paul and I carted these women and their luggage all over camp. For these NYC ladies, it was not only disorienting to arrive in the dark but very cold too. They didn't bring warm enough clothes for our mountain nights and mornings. I especially enjoyed the way they packed like sardines into my cart and when I asked, "Where am I taking you ladies?", they just smiled. No Ingles (accent over e). Woohoo!

The rest of the weekend was a blur, a very happy blur.

However, I was able to sit in on the last two sessions with a special missionary speaker. A few of the things she taught are still rattling around in my head and heart.

In regard to the humility Paul teaches us to emulate in Philippians:

Do nothing out of vain conceit, but in humility 

consider others better than yourselves. 

Each of you should look not only to 

your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature

of a servant, being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself

and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!  2:5-8*

Jesus became likes those beneath Him. To serve them. With no regard for His obvious high standing. We should do likewise. Do I ever do that?

She later asked this question, "Are you willing to follow Jesus anywhere? Into unpleasant circumstances? Into loneliness?"

Jesus walked a lonely road. He started out with multitudes, then tightened His circle to less and less until He had 12, then 3 and then it was just He and God, His Father.

He taught and led us by example. We don't need to be afraid of where He may invite or require us to go. Even unpleasant circumstances. Even loneliness.

Just like God was always with Jesus, they both along with the Holy Spirit, will be with us.

Don't be afraid. If you are in a relationship with God, you will never be alone. It's a promise you can count on.

*bold mine 

Fall is Here

Well, good morning! Today, Timberline, the coffee shop I ate in last week on my morning off (Adirondack latte to jog your memory), is closed but Common Grounds, my favorite is open. Go figure! I hope I learn this rhythm soon. I guess as long as one of them is open I'll survive.

Anyway, as you know, the First Day of Fall has come which seems to be most everyone's favorite season. I've even been known to declare it the 'First Day of the Most Wonderful Time of the Year'. Because it is. From now until about mid-February, every day is delightful.

I'm pleased to disclose that decorating the lobby here at Camp falls into my job description. I can hardly stand it. If ever there was a doubt that God prepared a place for us and called us here (which there isn't), this fact would dispel that notion.

Because we are in this together (aka #emptynestadventure) Scott and I grabbed a van and drove south until we found a farm stand. There are not many farm stands in the Adirondacks.

Maybe a larger vehicle would have been prudent.

We crammed mums and pumpkins into every nook and cranny.

Conversation on the way back was limited.  And our arms were scratchy. He didn't complain at all. This man is a good sport.

The next day things started lining up nicely....

And before you know it....

It all came together.

Just a little aside for those of you who see lights and think Christmas....I am a firm believer that white lights in the Adirondacks are accepted year round. Accepted and expected. Can I get an amen?!

All done! Well, until I move my stuff up here and unpack some more goodies.

I was eager to get this done by mid-week because today is a BIG day. We are expecting more than 500 ladies this weekend and 107 of them are very special to me. The NSBC group will be arriving. Our beloved church of 17 years. The women I lived life, served God, and raised kids with will be here. I am so excited. Scott, formerly known as Mr. MOPS and later Mr. Women's Ministry, is too.

Just like old times, he and I get to serve these ladies every day they are here. Well, let's be honest, Scott will do most of the work while I sit with these favorites and talk, talk, talk. I'm sure there will be many pics to come.

For all those asking, and there have been many, yes the leaves are starting to change. 

 In other big news at camp. Ok maybe that's a slight exaggeration.  I took this picture the other night. I showed it to our marketing guy, Brandon, who promptly put it up on the Camp of the Woods Facebook page. The next day he told me it's the most popular picture ever posted! Over 900 likes and 100+shares.

When God shows off people dig it!

It really was spectacular. You should come for a visit. Rest is a requirement here.

Come to me (Jesus), all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take 

my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you 

will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  

Matthew 11:28-30

Rest is important, my friends, it restores the soul. I pray you enjoy some this weekend.

Would You Like An Adirondack Latte?

It's been another beautiful week here on Lake Pleasant. I wonder if it's ever going to rain. Perhaps God is planning to give us a record breaking season of snow to replenish the lakes and streams. That would be ok with me. The leaves are just starting to change colors. I'll keep you posted on their progress.

Ally, of course, has been gone to Word of Life for ten days now, but only in a temporary dorm as she was there early to try out for the volleyball team (which she made - yay!). So we loaded up her stuff and got her all settled in the room she'll be in until June. It was fun and I was chuckling when she gave Scott this job. She is her mother's daughter. 

It's been another fun week of new discoveries. We finally had an opportunity to go to church here in town. After which, our young co-workers invited us to brunch at none other than my favorite coffee shop. We had a good time hanging out with them.

One day the Director of Housekeeping asked me to come to one of the rooms in the building I work in (picture hotel rooms). When I arrived, two of his staff were also there trying to choose a pattern for new bedspreads and asked my opinion. How fun! Have I mentioned how much I love my job?

Later in the week as work was winding down our new friends asked, "Are you coming to Taco Thursday tonight?" Which of course begs the question, "What's Taco Thursday?"

So I guess all the cool kids go to Oak Mountain, a ski lodge here in town for $1.29 tacos. Since I still haven't moved my kitchen here, it sounded good to us. In an effort to make good on my empty nest pledge that Scott and I become more active, I suggested we walk. Some of the girls said it was probably about a mile and a half. I think that's a reasonable distance for a yummy dinner. So four of us headed out on a beautiful trail I had not seen yet and plan to visit as the foliage turns and later when it's a snowy trail.

Here's the stats: 1.38 miles up, 2 miles down when you choose the path through town. The tacos were pretty good too. Except, note to self, they are small and three are not going to cut it for an entire meal for hungry hikers, especially after walking uphill to get there. But, still, we walked UP A MOUNTAIN for our supper. How cool is that? The company was enjoyable too. It's so nice of these kids to feel sorry for us old folks and ask us to join them.

Just last night this little message was on Scott's board in his office.

Aren't they adorable thinking we stay up that late? I wonder how fun it was.

One of us had a brilliant idea this week. I'm not going to say who. But I will say it resulted in a bit of a schedule change for me. On Fridays, the day groups come, instead of me working 8am-4pm while Scott works 8am-10pm, I am starting to work 12pm-8pm. This way I can be here when they all start to arrive in late afternoon and early evening, because this is when the fun starts. Not to mention that I get to work more with Scott and not hang back in our room by myself all night.

Did you notice the other awesome treat? I get Friday mornings off! Since I don't sleep past 6am ever - that's a long time! Yesterday was Friday. I found another coffee shop to hang out in. My first favorite has moved to "winter hours" which basically means, "We open when we feel like it. Try and figure it out." This will take some time, I think.

Anyway, as I perused the menu, which is delightful to understate it. I asked my server for her recommendation. "Have you tried our Adirondack latte?"
A what? Sounded like something I need to have. "What makes it Adirondack?"
"We make it with real maple syrup."
"Oh my word. Yes. Yes, I'll have one."
Far be it from me not to fully engage in my new surroundings.

I was not disappointed. Next, I learned all the foods and baked goods are homemade. Uh-oh.

ham and pineapple quiche

cranberry almond scone

If all this wasn't marvelous enough, while I was enjoying my breakfast, I could swear I heard the sweet sound of Karen Carpenter's voice, then Barry Manilow. What is this place? A gift, a new place I want to spend time at, that's what it is.

And the best part - it wasn't long before a woman came up to my table and introduced herself. She said, "You must be the new Registrar at Camp of the Woods. I've heard about you and your husband and am so pleased to meet you." Small town, baby. How charming.

When I finally dragged myself out of there so some tourists could have a seat, I discovered the dense fog had burned off and it was a gorgeous morning. So I quickly got my Bible and journal and headed to the empty beach.

I sat there with God for two hours. That's right - two hours. It was glorious. Will I ever tire of this sight?


I tell you, I am a slave to the long quiet time. The more time the better. It's not as easy to come by now that I work full time but I'm not giving up! I really need that slow, unhurried block of time to wholeheartedly listen and pray.

Creativity starts flowing the longer I am still. I get new ideas. I want to try stuff out. Usually on my kids. Some of that is coming their way soon.

More time, means more people come to mind to pray for. Especially the ones who are really hurting or sick. As I thumbed through my Bible, something fell out.

A while ago, on an index card, I had written out the very familiar Psalm 23 and plunked my name and the Lord's in every time there was a personal pronoun. It looked something like this.

The Lord is Angela's shepherd; Angela shall not want.

The Lord makes Angela lie down in green pastures.

The Lord leads Angela beside still waters.

The Lord restores Angela's soul.

The Lord leads Angela in paths of righteousness for the Lord's name's sake.

Even though Angela walks through the valley of the shadow of death, Angela will fear no evil, for the Lord is with Angela; The Lord's rod and the Lord's staff, they comfort Angela.

The Lord prepares a table before Angela in the presence of Angela's enemies; The Lord anoints Angela's head with oil; Angela's cup overflows. 

Surely goodness and mercy will follow Angela all the days of Angela's life, and Angela shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I read it aloud many times, until it stuck and comforted me. I'm glad I kept it and know I need to pass it on. I typed it all out for a friend of mine today with her name inserted and sent it to her. She responded that she loved seeing her name in that comforting passage. Maybe you would too.

And that's how I will leave you today. With homework! I want you to get out your own Psalm 23 and put your name in every slot. Read it until it works. Be sure and read it out loud. It makes a difference. I promise it will.

I'll make it easy for you. 

The Lord is ________'s shepherd; ________ shall not want.
The Lord makes _________ lie down in green pastures.
The Lord leads _________ beside still waters.
The Lord restores _________'s soul.
The Lord leads _________ in paths of righteousness for the Lord's name's sake.

Even though _________ walks through the valley of the shadow of death, ________ will fear no evil, for the Lord is with _______; The Lord's rod and the Lord's staff, they comfort ________.

The Lord prepares a table before _______ in the presence of ________'s enemies; The Lord anoints _______'s head with oil; ________'s cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy will follow ________ all the days of ______'s life, and _______ shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Now exhale and believe it. Repeat often. Know you are so loved.

Do You Think I'm Ready?

It's Friday night and we're back to empty nesting it. Just the original two. Promise you won't tell our kids how much we love it. I couldn't be more surprised and delighted. Best kept secret in parenting. Well, it's not really a secret, we were told by many it would be more than good. I just didn't believe it. I'm a believer now.

Life here at camp has changed drastically since Labor Day. No guests here all week. It's so quiet. The phones don't ring much and I've cleaned just about everything in the office. The full time staffers love it. They are exhaling from a long, busy summer. I'm not quite sure how I feel about it yet.

One thing I know for sure is that  I'm beginning to think I was born to live here. Almost no humidity, cool mountain nights and mornings. And the winter yet to come makes me practically giddy! This is the view about 50 steps from our current housing. Not a bad place to start and finish the day.

And this is the view from where I'm sitting right now (just outside my office, the Front Desk). Why? Because the wifi doesn't reach the beachfront.

Have you ever seen such a beautiful, Adirondack room? I've loved it for many years but now get to look at it every day. What a gift!

While the sad news is that Summer Season is over, the good news is that Conference Season has begun. 400+ Spanish women have descended upon us this weekend. Word on the street is that most of them don't speak any English and they are tons of fun. Guess who's the (new) guy in charge of keeping them happy? They are sure keeping my husband busy. Good thing he's had lots of experience being Mr. Women's Ministry for many years. Nothing rattles him.

After

I finished up my last craft project of the summer. Crafts aren't offered in conference season. I miss it already. Want to see what I made?

Before

It will require these little lights, of course, but since I don't like to rush Christmas (ahem), I won't even put them on to demonstrate. It is too early. But I bet you can imagine the finished project.

Tuesday we took Ally to college. The drop off was so good and comforting. There's no place I'd rather her be. It was also painless. Not sad at all. Probably because we are only living 45 minutes away from her and we expect plenty of "Can you come up and bring me ______?" or "Can I borrow the van to take some friends somewhere?" calls. Still, she's flown out of the nest and will be exercising even more independence. We are all ready.

One of the nights before she left, we were enduring, I mean, enjoying her bedtime shenanigans when she rolled over, sat up, looked me in the eyes and said, "Do you think I'm ready, mom?"

"Yes. Do you?"
"I don't know. I need some of your confidence."

I keep going over that last sentence, wondering how many times in my life I could have said that. For as long as I can remember, even up to recent days, when a well-meaning friend says, "You can do this, why don't you try?", I'm not inclined to believe I can.

I am always attracted to someone else's confidence. Truth be told and no disrespect intended, I grew up hearing things like "Well, no one ever accused you of being a genius." and "You've never been the sharpest tool in the shed."  I'm sure those words were spoken in jest, but it didn't feel like it at the time. They still made a mark. You see how they are still with me?  That's the thing about our words.

No wonder the Bible addresses our speech so often. Words can hurt. They can steal life.  

 Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. Prov. 18:21

Gracious speech is like clover honey— good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body. Prov. 16:24

 The speech of a good person clears the air; the words of the wicked pollute it. 

Prov. 10:32

The words of the wicked kill; the speech of the upright saves. Prov. 12:6

Words satisfy the mind as much as fruit does the stomach; good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest. Prov. 18:20  (I just love that!)

With the Spirit's help and a heart that beats for others' best interest, our words can also give life! And they always should.

You guessed it. We sent her off with a solid dose of our confidence (see it on her face?) but a little something else too. After my initial answer of yes to her question, I added, "But you still need to ______ and _____ and _____ to achieve success in college. I know you've got it in you." Realism. Not going too far in my giving of confidence that might set her up for failure.

Maybe you think it's not possible to do just that, but I disagree. Because we love, we want so much to encourage and sometimes we inadvertently say things that really aren't true. When I hear a parent say to a child, "You can do anything if you put your mind to it", I kind of shudder. That's not realistic. Think about it. Not everything is possible for everyone, no matter how badly you want it or how hard you work for it.

It's like when I watch American Idol. A contestant steps up to the microphone and clearly cannot carry a tune in a bucket (much like myself). Naturally, this hopeful person gets slaughtered by the judges. I often think at this point, "Who told him he could sing? Who encouraged her to go for it?", and "How's he feeling now?".

We really need to avoid the practice of false flattery. This is neither kind or helpful. There's so much room to be kind and generous with our words without crossing that line.

Can someone accomplish more than they think they can? Absolutely! And that's where our resounding confidence should be given generously.

Our words must be measured, well-placed, and delivered with grace and truth. One without the other doesn't work. All truth with no grace is harmful. All grace without truth is dishonest. Hearers need both. I need both. When I know a compliment is coming from a person committed to this type of speech, I will more readily believe it. I won't worry that they said it just because they love me.

Every word matters. I for one, know I need to be more careful with how I sling mine around. (Don't even get me started on the subject of sarcasm.) 

God's Words, graciously recorded for us in the Bible are the ones we should be giving to others in the correct context the most often, which means we need to be familiar with them ourselves. Below is my all-time favorite parenting verse, but it suits this conversation as well. I think it's as good a place as any if you need a fresh start with your words.

Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside you. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder. Teach them to your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night. Inscribe them on the doorposts and gates of your cities so that you’ll live a long time, and your children with you, on the soil that God promised to give your ancestors for as long as there is a sky over the Earth. 
Deut. 11:18-21

That's what I'm talking about! I hope you have a special weekend filled with all the things you love and that many kind, life-giving words come your way.

All Bible references from The Message