Spaghetti with Love

The story I'm about to share is one of heartbreak, hope, and miracles. It started with some spaghetti noodles and ended with a community coming together. And the path along the way was sprinkled with a whole lot of love.  I'm choosing not to name the characters in the story because it should be the actions of these heroes we remember, not their names. This is a story about how a true community knows no boundaries, and how kindness always wins.

Several weeks ago we started planning a spaghetti dinner for the Zwiers family. We got to know and love this family when Derek was stationed in Yorktown and they were living in Mathews. This sweet family didn't just live here, they were a part of us.  They embraced our community and our community embraced them.  So when we heard of Derek's accident, we joined together to help them as best we could from far away.

Planning a big event can bring about much uncertainty. What if no one comes?  What if there isn't enough food?  What if it tastes bad? What if the power goes out while we are cooking?  These are all very real questions that may run through your brain at a time like this, all of which are ridiculous things to ponder. Over 100 people came, which turned out to be the perfect number because we had enough food with barely any left over.

Many of the people who came knew and loved the Zwiers. But many, many people who came were total strangers. They had never met the Zwiers, but they came because they were touched by how much this family meant to this community. There was the man who came and brought over 20 family members with him.  It was his birthday, and he told his family all he wanted was for them to support these people he didn't even know. Why would he do this? And then there was the lady who lives in another state. She didn't know the Zwiers family at all, but her husband was in the Coast Guard and they were touched by Derek's story. She obviously couldn't attend the dinner, but she wanted to know how she could make a donation. Why would she send money to total strangers?  Why?  Because the sense of community runs deep and  love knows no bounds. People are good at heart and love always wins.

I'd love to be able to tell you how much money was raised but that is impossible because even though the event is over, the money is still pouring in.  God isn't finished with his miracles yet!  The food suppliers gave crazy good discounts. The people who came and ate left generous donations above and  beyond the cost of their meal. Many who couldn't come made donations the next day and offered apologies for not being able to make it. Think about what I'm saying!  In a world that seems to have gone crazy, we are surrounded by people who are not thinking of themselves, but how to help others.

Can you see yourself in this story?  Maybe you worked tirelessly boiling noodles, cooking sauce, and hauling heavy pots all over the place.  Perhaps you offered to make a cake. Maybe you helped set up or serve food. You might have even showed up to lend a helping hand just because!  Maybe you stayed to help clean up, even when you didn't know the family at all. Of all the heroes I've mentioned here, let's not forget about the most important ones. Those are the ones who are praying for Derek, his family, and his care givers. Our God is a mighty God, and He is in the business of miracles. Thank you all for being a part of this story. I am very proud to know you and call you friend.

From One Princess to Another

For the past six weeks, I feel like a black cloud is following me around.  Some of the things have been Facebook worthy, and some have been kept just among my family. None of the things have been tragic or earth shattering, but it's certainly been enough to get a sister down. For a while, I accidentally allowed the storm clouds to rain on me, but then some friends swept in, encouraged my heart, and set my feet back on a positive path.

One of the best pieces of advice I've ever received is to look for the blessing in every situation. This concept is great in theory, but when you're in the trenches, sometimes it's hard to see the silver lining. But that's why God blesses us with friends. When I am feeling discouraged He always places someone in my path to offer a kind word or deed at exactly the perfect moment. My true friends always remind me to refocus and to thank God for my many blessings. Shifting my thoughts from my troubles to my blessings gives me the courage and energy to move forward.

It's easy to get caught up in the negativity surrounding us. The world would have us believe our situations can be hopeless. But we must always remember we have a Father in heaven who loves us and is always looking out for our best interest, even when life feels hard. The bible tells us in 1 John 3:1, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!..."   So if you are feeling a little overwhelmed, remember you are a child of the King. This makes you a princes, so straighten your crown, put a smile on your face, and move on to brighter days ahead!

Making the Most of the Lasts

When the alarm clock sounds tomorrow, the Bray family begins a series of "lasts." Today is Senior Year Eve. Tomorrow my oldest baby girl wakes up to begin her "last" first day of  high school. I realize she will have other first days of school, but I won't be there to take the pictures. There is no need to panic though, because we've had the opportunity to practice 12 other first days of school. After tomorrow's first, she will be a professional and ready to tackle all the other first days on her own.

The pressure is intense. I have one more year to impart as much knowledge on her as I can, and then I must let her fly. A wise friend recently told me parents shouldn't be sad in this season of life. Instead we should rejoice because our children have been in training all their lives and are now ready to go practice all we have taught them.  This year, as we go through these series of "lasts" together, we will seize opportunities and celebrate adventures. We will make memories and capture them on film and in our hearts.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, " 'For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.' " So I will rest in this promise as I cheer from the sidelines while Kathryn makes the most of senior year. I will treasure these "last" childhood memories and I will be excited to see what God has in store for her. But in the meantime, if you see me at a school or church event wiping tears, I am not sad. I am soaking in memories so hard they are falling out of my eyes.

Throw Out a Life Jacket and Hang On

This last month of motherhood has been extremely difficult for me. It has brought unexpected challenges for not only me, but also my entire family. In our "tell all" society, where WAY too much information is available at our finger tips, the Bray family elected not to share our struggles with the world. Most of our closest friends aren't even aware of what this last month held for us.

I don't write this post for sympathy or to try to make you guess or gossip about horrible things happening to us. Really the things we went through this last month aren't even difficult when you put everything in perspective. I do, however, write this blog so we can remind each other we are all fighting battles most of the world doesn't realize. Maybe the grumpy cashier hasn't slept for weeks because of something heavy on her mind. Maybe your co-worker got some bad news, but was asked not to share it with anyone else, which is a heavy burden to bear alone. Maybe your neighbor is in a tough spot and handling life the best he can.  How come when we know someone is having a hard time we are supportive and understanding, but when we aren't aware, we judge them and label them as being ugly or grumpy?

As I reflect on the events of the past month, many images run through my mind. Immediately my brain fills with negative thoughts about how I wish I had been the strong mom who didn't break down in tears or snap at my family or those I love. But then God reminds me of this verse from Isaiah 43:2, which says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."  What incredible comfort to know that even when I feel like I'm drowning or on fire I am not stuck in the situation. God promises me these hard situations will pass, and I will emerge on the other side and be just fine.

Maybe instead of remembering myself as a raving lunitic for the past month  I should try to think about the times I nailed the situation and handled things like a champ. Because there have been some championship moments! And as the black cloud lifts and dissipates, maybe I should think of myself as the mama who walked through fire and didn't get burned. That's a pretty cool trick, don't you think?

Next time I encounter someone who seems out of sorts, hopefully instead of talking bad about them, I will pause and remember they may be in a life situation where they feel like they are drowning. Let's throw each other life jackets as we walk through the waters of life together.

Buy a Pack of Toilet Paper and Dump a Bucket of Iced Water on Your Head

Turn on the news or open social media and in a few seconds you'll be so discouraged you won't know what to do. Suicide rates are at an all-time high and "peaceful" protests are leaving people dead in the streets. Even the very ones who are supposed to be protecting us have become innocent targets. I don't want to live in a world full of hate and fear, but apparently I do. It seems the whole world has gone nuts.

Speaking of nuts, let me tell you a funny story with an amazing ending. It all started with a friendly competition between two adult Sunday School classes. None of the details are important, except to know we were collecting items for local food banks and shelters in our area. The competition was fierce. Three classmates from the winning class would dump a bucket of iced water on the teacher and two students from the losing class. And so for over a week, both of the classes went crazy buying items for those in need.

I have to admit, the friendly smack talk between the classes was a refreshing break from the nightly news and a great distraction from the madness of the world. Comments like, "Wednesday we go to battle" really meant, "I sure do hope we collect a ton of stuff for the local shelters." Finally the big night arrived and an official judge counted the items and announced the winner. The competition took an unexpected twist at the end, and things didn't go exactly as I planned!

But things did go exactly as God planned. While I was thawing out and laughing at all the fun we had, God was preparing to teach me a lesson. One of the shelters where the goods were delivered was down to their very last pack of toilet paper. I don't know how that strikes you, but it pulls my heart strings. I can't imagine being a mama on the run, trying to protect my children, and not being able to provide them with toilet paper. Toilet paper seems like such a small thing, and I guess it isn't news worthy.  But I can't help but wonder what our world would be like if the news was filled with stories about human beings loving and helping one another, instead of all the horrific stories they choose to share.

News channels usually don't choose to air good news, so it's our responsibility to take up their slack. The bible says in 1 John 1:5-7, "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the       darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."  We live in a dark world, and it gets darker by the day. If we are not careful, the darkness will surround us. Now, more than ever, we need to be the light for others around us.  Look for those who need help and strive to be a blessing to someone. If that means getting three buckets of iced water dumped on your head, so be it, because at the end of the day, we are all winners if we put our faith in God and love one another deeply.

Relationship Goals

People watching.  It's what you do on the beach. To the right we have The Screamers. Every so often one of them has a fit and just goes off the deep end yelling.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not judging them.  They had nine fairly small children with them.  It's not easy keeping small children safe and happy at the beach. I guess sometimes we all just lose it! Also to the right we have Mr Ugly Pants.  He's being rude to everyone around him. Maybe he's just having a bad day. To the left we have the Photogenic Family. They are happy enough,  and capturing every single moment on camera.

I am certain the people around us are judging our family as well. I don't know what they are saying,  and I don't really care. We are happy and enjoying ourselves.  But none of us can help but notice the old couple sitting by the water's edge. They must be near 90 and everyone around is pointing and smiling.  They sit side by side, staring offshore, gazing into the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. We can't hear what they're saying,  but you can tell by their body language they are very content.

As the day draws to a close and it's time to leave, they gather up their chairs and put them in a white cart with very huge, orange tires. Then they turn, both grab hold of the handle, and begin making the trek up the sand dune. Halfway up, they stop and rest together before lugging their stuff the rest of the way up the dune. I don't know how far they had to travel, but it didn't matter,  because they were taking the journey together.

I know I am blessed to have Troy as my husband. I know over the years, we have been like all the people we've seen on the beach this week. Sometimes we yell and are rude, and sometimes we're happy and take pictures.  Regardless, we are in this adventure together for life. When we are old, I know we will sit by the sea and talk about how great life has been and how much we love our kids and our family. And then when we're tired, we will help each other drag our junk up the sand dune and go home. Because at the end of the day, there's no where else I'd rather be.

Flipper

This morning we had the joy of observing bottlenose dolphins frolic in the Atlantic Ocean. These graceful creatures break the surface of the water in a gliding motion, and then dive back down again, totally disappearing in the ocean's abyss. Every once in a while, their whole body erupts from the ocean before disappearing again.

 Dolphins are very social creatures. They travel in pods anywhere from four to 40. They communicate underwater by making sounds,  but also by slapping their tails on top of the water.  I know all this thanks to my good friend Google, and from my experience of growing up on the water in Mathews, Va. What I would love to know, which Google can't tell me, is what they were saying to each other with the tail slap.

Human slaps often mean anger, but these dolphins were rambunctious and playful.  They would leap out of the water, and just before they dove in again,  they would slap their tail flat on the water's surface. The thud could be heard from the shoreline,  and water would shoot up and cascade down again. It was almost as if they were beckoning onlookers,  "Come play with us! The water is crisp and we're having a great day!"

It never really occurred to me to add "watch dolphins slap the water with their tails" to my bucket list,  but thankfully God thought it would be a good one for today, so He added it for me. I've seen dolphins millions of times, but the joy they bring never gets old. The smell of salt air, the sound of crashing waves, the feel of sand between the toes, the peaceful wind,  and the blazing sun makes Nags Head, NC a wonder. Though it didn't make one of the top seven natural wonders of the world,  it should have. Great job, God, in creating this small slice of heaven!

So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. -Genesis 1:21

Off We Go, Into the Wild Blue Yonder!

As the plane taxied down the runway, the anxiety within me heightened. Behind me sat 28 middle schoolers, many who had never flown before. I wasn't sure what I would do if one of them started freaking out. The engines screamed as we began to lift into the air. As we zoomed toward the clouds  I glanced behind me to be sure everything was under control. That's when I noticed it. The sweet, child-like faith of the students.

They were scared, and they were freaking out, only not in the screaming, hysterical way I had imagined. Instead they had linked arms with the person beside them. Some had even stretched across the aisle to hold hands. No one made fun of those who were scared,  but instead they offered words of encouragement to one another.

Soon we broke through the clouds and into the great beyond. The pilot came on and asked everyone to remain seated and buckled because storms were raging below us. It's odd to think it can be wildly storming under the clouds, but perfectly sunny above them.

We would be wise to apply the lessons of flying to our lives.  We live in a world full of things that scare us. Sometimes it seems the whole world has gone nuts. Tragedies surround us, people are outraged,  and cruelty commonly flies out of people's mouths. What if, instead of joining in the chaos, we just fasten our seat belts,  hold hands with one another,  and reassure those we love everything is going to turn out alright. Today I challenge you. Don't be one who freaks out and participates in the violent storms. Instead be an umbrella for others and show them the sunlight just beyond the clouds.

A Fish Story

Have you ever wondered how in the world you got yourself into a particular situation? At times we've all wondered how and why we find ouselves in tough spots. Often we get caught up in the storms of life,  and we find ourselves in places we'd rather not be.

God used a man named Jonah to teach us to trust Him during difficult trials on our life. Through Jonah we learn to grow, even when our circumstances don't seem optimal. Jonah found himself in a situation that did not make him happy.  God gave Jonah direct orders to go into the city of Nineveh and preach.  Nineveh was a horribly wicked city, and Jonah just didn't want to go. So he hopped on a ship to run away.

In a nutshell, God got upset with Jonah and caused a violent storm. Jonah's shipmates got scared and threw him overboard. A big fish swallowed him and he lived in the belly of the fish for three days. What a disgusting turn of events!

I bet at one time or another, we've all run when we should have boldly accepted an assignment from God.  It says in Jonah 1:17, "Now God provided (emphasis mine) a huge fish to swallow Jonah..." When I hear the word "provided" I think solution. Provided means the matter is settled and everything turned out fine.  I'm sorry, but if I was in the belly of a fish, it would not be fine with me!

Here's where I went wrong.  I was focusing on the fish when I should have been focusing on the provision. I'm pretty certain I'm not going to get swallowed by a fish, but the chances of experiencing a storm in my life are definite. I need to remember no matter how high the waves or how strong the wind, God will provide just what I need to calm the storm in my life.

Take a minute to look back over your life and recall all God has done for you. Think about all the times He provided for you when you couldn't find a solution to your problems.  Hopefully you weren't in the actual belly of a fish, but I'm certain God placed you in the perfect spot to help you grow. Even if it sounds crazy, share your story. You never know how God may use your  words to bring healing and hope to another.  And that's a fish story worth telling!

Instead of Giving Up, Form a Plan, and Then Adapt!

I have a love/hate relationship with the sport of running.  I probably hate more things about it than I love,  but one thing I do love about it are the life lessons I learn,  especially in a race-type situation.  Today I ran the Chick-fil-A 10k,  and as always,  my goal was to cross the finish line without dying, and to run the whole time without stopping. Clearly I lived; it was the "run the whole time" part where I struggled a tiny bit.  Though I only reached part of my goal, my experience along the path made me the most successful!

The trail was a beautiful, windy path with a scenic view of ponds, lovely homes, and the river. Doesn't that sound tranquil? Well it wasn't!  That beautiful trail was also very hilly. Those "rolling hills" kicked my butt early on in the race.  I tried hard to focus on the beauty of my surroundings and to be thankful for the lovely weather. This plan worked in taking my mind off my troubles, but only for a while.  

Pretty soon the path  changed. We ran out of the beauty and into a place where the sun was beating down on us.  I caught a view of Jefferson Avenue,  and there is nothing beautiful about that! I also found myself dog-tired, very hot, and thirsty. I tried to shift my focus to the people around me. There were runners  of varying ages, and most didn't seem like they were as near death as I felt, so I decided to suck it up and keep running.  I truly believe 90% of running is mental anyway, so the "don't stop now plan" kept me pushing toward my goal for a bit longer. 

My next plan,  now about 2 mIles in, was to find someone running my pace and just stick with them. This took awhile because everyone around me was either too fast or too slow. Finally,  I spotted a girl who was running a bit faster than I was. I caught up to her and decided I could hang for a while.  We ran along in silence for a bit, but then we started chatting.  After a few minutes,  she said, "You don't recognize me, do you?" I was embarrassed to say I didn't. In my defense,  I was in a near death state state of mind, and I hadn't seen this girl in years.  It turns out, she grew up in Mathews! I think there were over 4,000 people at this event. What are the odds God would pair me up with a familiar face? 

We didn't talk a ton, because I couldn't hardly breathe,  but what an amazing time to be able to catch up with someone I probably haven't seen in 20 years.  We ran several miles together, but around mile four,  our paces varied and I found myself running my own race again.

By now, I was totally exhausted. Much of the last part of the race was uphill so I made the tough decision to walk. At first I was mad at myself for "quitting" but then I decided I wasn't a quiter, I was an adapter. I have never run hills, so I did what I needed to do to finish the race alive. I walked and ran mile five, praying the finish line would soon appear.

Another reason I love this sport is because runners are so kind. I can't tell you the number of total strangers who passed me offering encouraging words and trying to keep me running.  Right at the six mile mark, my friend caught up with me and said, "We've got .2 miles left. Let's finish this thing strong." And so we did!  I didn't die, my time was pretty good,  and God reminded me that when things are difficult,  I need to take my focus off myself,  search for a friend, and keep getting it. Today,  I ran the race marked out for me. It was tough, but was good. Do you want to know what I love best about running? The finish line. It's a beautiful sight!

The Waiting Game and How to Win

As I type this,  I am in a teeny, tiny doctor's office waiting room.  It's very hot in here, and there are no other people around me. I have to keep telling myself the walls aren't actually closing in on me, even though it feels like they might be. The T.V. is on, but the volume is so low I can't even hear it.  I am going to be here a while. I didn't bring anything to read, and there's really nothing to do except wait.

Can you tell I'm a terrible waiter? My brain is filled with thoughts about millions of things I could or should be doing. But instead I'm just sitting here doing nothing but waiting.  Google says the average person spends somewhere between 45 and 62 minutes a day waiting.  Oh the things I could accomplish at home if I had 62 uninterrupted minutes!

But waiting doesn't always look like sitting around doing nothing.  Sometimes waiting can be emotional or painful. It can also be exciting, if you're waiting for something good.  Waiting comes in all forms and fashions. Perhaps we are waiting for company to arrive, or someone who's sick to get well.  Maybe we're waiting for test results or waiting for a break. We could be waiting for someone to keep a promise or stop breaking our hearts.

No matter what we are waiting for, we have these words of encouragement from Psalm 33:20. "We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield." Do you hear the good news packed in that verse? Hope. Like I always say, "If ya ain't got hope,  ya ain't got nothin!" But if hope isn't enough,  the verse also says God is our help and our shield.  No matter what you're waiting for, isn't it comforting to think God is helping you?  And if the waiting seems to be more than you can bear, know the Shield will protect you while you wait. So take heart my friend, and trust God with whatever is making you wait. There just might be a blessing "waiting" on the other side!

A Walk to Remember: Here's to the MHS Class of 2016

Today the Mathews High School class of 2016 put on their caps and gowns and marched the halls of Lee-Jackson Elementary School and Thomas Hunter Middle School. To say it was a touching, amazing experience is a drastic understatement. But here's the thing. I got to see the entire scene unfold from multiple perspectives.  Let me explain.

I spent most of the day working at the high school.  I got to see the hustle and bustle of the seniors getting dressed up and snapping pictures with their friends. I got to see the smiles on their faces and hear the excitement in their voices as they prepared to board the school bus, most of them for their very last time.

Then I went to Lee-Jackson, and found a spot to watch the seniors march through the school.  The halls were lined with small children eagerly anticipating the arrival of the seniors. They clapped, cheered, and chanted "MHS" as they waited.  When the seniors finally arrived,  the students cheered wildly and high-fived the graduates.  There is just something so sweet about watching an event through the eyes of a child. But at the same time, I was watching the event unfold as a former teacher of many of the marching seniors. Memories flooded my mind, and I had to fight back tears as those babies walked past me, now all grown up and ready to make their way into the real world.  

Next I walked to the middle school.  The graduates were ahead of me, marching one step closer to their future. Pomp and Circumstance was blaring over the PA system, but over the music I could hear students talking about how "cool" such-and-such looked in the cap and gown. I also heard one student say, "That was awesome!" Though middle school kids view life very differently than the rest of the world, I couldn't agree more. It was an awesomely cool experience! 

As quickly as they came, they exited the building and headed back to the high school to finish out their day.  This was the first time this type of senior march was done in Mathews, and I know it won't be the last. 

My story doesn't end here. I had to go back to MHS to finish up some work, so I got to see the seniors after the march.  For some it wasn't a paricularly memorable time, because they didn't grow up in Mathews.  But for those who did, I think it was a day they'll never forget. To walk the halls of the place that made them who they are was bittersweet, and to see teachers who loved them was a sentimental moment.

In a few short weeks,  they will put on their caps and gowns for the very last time as they walk across the stage to get their diplomas. It is time for them to go. But no matter where life takes them,  they will always be a part of the Mathews High School Class of 2016. Congratulations guys! Now go do great things!

Shout Out to My MM Peeps!

I write this post tonight with my heart so full it could burst! About a year and a half ago,  God connected me with a group of people who touched my heart and changed my life forever.  When we first came together, some of us didn't even know each other. But it didn't take us long to realize we all loved Jesus, and we were all longing to be His hands and feet.  And so we became the Mission Minded Sunday School Class.

We have spent many hours doing life together. We laugh, we cry, we learn, and we love. Though they think I am their teacher,  they are the ones who teach me. Week after week, they come to Sunday School, and they show me what it means to be a good friend.  Their honest, open conversation teaches me to be vulnerable, because real friends don't judge one another.  None of us are perfect,  but we know God isn't finished with us yet.  So we choose to come together each week to learn about God and what he has in store for us.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us consider how we may spur one another toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together,  as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

If you do not have a church family, I strongly urge you to search for one, or come join ours.  God intends for us to be in fellowship with one another.  Sometimes that means feeding the homeless, or helping people in the community. Other times it means acting crazy and laughing your head off trying to take a group photo on a bounce house sliding board.  Either way, what a blessing my Sunday School class is to me!

Healing is Possible

Perspective is a powerful thing. It can be as different as day and night.  It can be the difference between laughter and tears. It has the ability to make or break a situation. It can even destroy relationships.  But why do we allow perspective to have so much control in our lives?

I think one reason for this is because, by nature, we are very selfish creatures.  We want things to go a certain way, and we want others around us to agree with our thoughts and actions. But in reality,  this mentality can be very dangerous.  It leaves our thoughts jaded, and we run the risk of hurting others in the process of getting people on our side.

Stop and think for a second.  Do you have broken relationships with family and/or friends?  I think many of us do. Broken relationships are extremely painful, especially if you feel you are not at fault or if the other person truly doesn't want to mend fences.  

This is a tough topic for me to write about,  because I find myself right smack in the middle of several situations just like the ones mentioned above. It's so difficult to know when to keep trying and when to walk away. After all, how many times can a person be hurt and then walk back into the same situation to be hurt again? The saddest part for me is I can't fix the relationships.

 But that doesn't mean I am powerless. There are actions I can take.  I can allow myself to see the other persons perspective,  so my heart doesn't become hard toward them. I can check my attitude to be sure I am not holding a grudge. I can choose to be kind instead of being bitter. I can choose to pray for the one who has hurt or saddened me. 

Will this be easy? No. Will this repair the broken relationships?  Maybe. Or maybe not. But that's not up to me, it's up to God. We need to stop allowing the devil to mess with our minds because he's the one making us think the situation is hopeless. We need to stop giving perspective, ours or someone else's, so much power.  Matthew 19:26 states, "Jesus looked at them and said,  'With man this is impossible,  but with God all things are possible.'" So hang in there, my friends, and know everything will turn out in the end.

I Should Win an Oscar for That!

Lately I have been thinking about how our words and actions affect the people around us. I know you will find this shocking,  but I have been know to overreact a time or two! Shocking, right?

Each and every day, we are put into situations we'd rather not experience. Then we are forced to react to these situations with one of two choices.  We will either react in a positive or a negative way. But what if the situation is so shocking you can't find the strength to be positive or negative?  Perhaps there is a third choice, and maybe this is the most critical choice of all. Maybe we need to react with silence.

I am very, very bad at choice number three. Let me give you some examples from the past 24 hours.  A dear friend is awaiting test results that could change her life forever. I want to fix it, to tell her it's all fine. But the reality is it might not be fine. My job is to pray for her.  My daughter told me about something shocking that happened at school.  She told me because she trusts me. It's my job to guide and teach her as she makes her way through life. I can't do that job if I'm flipping out.  A situation came up at work that really didn't make me happy.  My instinct was to explain how the plan wouldn't work.  But in reality some things are out of my control, and they affect more than just me. I want to be one who helps solve problems,  not one who throws a fit when things don't go my way.

James 1:19 says, "My dear brothers and sisters,  take note of this. Everyone should be quick to listen,  slow to speak,  and slow to become angry." God was pretty smart when He inspired James to write these words. If I'm able to apply this scripture to my life, then it let's me off the hook. I don't have to solve any of these problems I heard about today,  because God will handle each one according to His will. All I have to do is lend a listening ear to those around me, and leave the rest to God.

When I control my shock, anger, grief, or whatever negative emotion bubbles to the surface, I shouldn't say, "I deserve an Oscar for the way I handled that situation." Yes, I actually made that statement to someone today. Even if I did handle a situation well, the thought should remain in my head and not come out of my mouth. My flippant words do NOT show the person James was talking about who is slow to speak.

Tonight I will put my head on my pillow and thank God for sending people my way who are willing to share shocking news with me. I will ask Him to help me be quick to listen and slow to speak. Then I will wake up tomorrow thankful for another day to get it right.

A Splash of Joy: A Tribute to Aunt Naomi

Today we attended a celebration of life for Aunt Naomi, Troy's great aunt, who went to be with Jesus on Monday.  The service was beautiful, and the preacher did an exceptional job of capturing her spunk and love of life.

Aunt Naomi was Grandma Marie's sister, and you all know how much I loved that lady!  Marie and Naomi were a lot alike.  They were both very vocal,  extremely competitive, and always up for an adventure!

Once when Kathryn was a baby, Aunt Naomi put a spell on her. She came for a visit, and as she was leaving she said,  "Now Kathryn, you be a good baby girl and sleep through the night for your mama and daddy." Don't you know that was the first time Kathryn slept though the night?  She was only a couple of months old and she's been sleeping through the night ever since! I remember after Caroline was born I couldn't wait for Aunt Naomi to meet her because I was a tired mama, and I just knew Aunt Naomi could make her sleep.

I keep thinking how hard it must have been for the preacher to deliver the message today. He has known Aunt Naomi for a long time. They were on the same bowling league, and they played golf together.  Did I mention earlier she was competitive?  She loved to beat him and then brag about it. As the preacher said, "She was a hoot!" I hope when I'm 82 I am as active as she was!

He also said when she walked into the room, she brought the party with her. She certainly made an impact on people, which was evident by the huge number of family and friends who attended her service today. I heard her son say two of the nurses who cared for her came. I wonder if Aunt Naomi knew she made such an impact on those ladies.  Then again, I guess none of us truly understands how our words and actions affect another.

The Bray fam spent the ride home reminiscing about Aunt Naomi and Grandma Marie. Memories are a beautiful gift from God. Those two ladies taught us so much about life and love.

One day we will all meet our Maker, and we must be prepared to give an account for our actions. I'm not sure if Aunt Naomi can beat Jesus bowling, but I'm sure she will try!  I'm also sure when she entered Heaven He said, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Worry Gets You Nowhere

I haven't had time to blog lately, because I've been too busy being negative.  It really comes down to the age old question of whether the glass is half empty or half full. I'm probably more of the half empty type, but I prefer to think I'm just being realistic instead of negative.  Let me give you an example.

Caroline has asthma. When I was in high school, I had a very good friend die from asthma. So the fact that my daughter battles this disease scares me a lot.  Whenever it comes to her health, I always want to hear the best and worst case senario. I'm pretty sure it drives my doctor crazy,  but he is patient with me. I don't assume the worst will happen every time, but I find it comforting to be prepared for any situation which may arise. So that's being real, not negative. Right?

Though this best/worse case scenario thing is great in some circumstances,  I think it's probably very unhealthy to apply it to all areas of life. Matthew 6:27 says, "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" I am by no means a bible scholar, but I'm pretty certain the answer to this question is NO! The rest of the passage goes on to explain how our heavenly Father knows our needs and will take care of us in every way.

This means there is no need to worry about anything.  I don't have to waste time worrying a tornado will hit my house, when really God is just ushering in spring and watering the flowers with a thunderstorm. I don't need to worry that someone is going to get me or my girls because Target is letting men in the women's restroom.  I'm pretty sure those crazy thoughts will always pop into my brain, but I certainly don't have to entertain them. After all, a glass half full brings much more satisfaction than a half empty one!

Having a Heart for the Homeless

The two thoughts running through my head right now are "shame on me," and "what a difference a day can make!" Let me explain.

Monroe Park is located in the heart of VCU. I don't really know too much about the park, but I do know it's a spot where homeless people gather. I've been there on multiple occasions with the youth group and with my Sunday School class to take bagged lunches to people hanging out in the park.

Yesterday Monroe Park was filled with 30,000 runners, bands, vendors, and spectators for the Monument Avenue 10k.                                

I was in the middle of the festivities, and I am ashamed to admit I didn't even think about the people who normally inhabit the park. At least not until I saw Ron. Ron is a security guard for VCU who works in the park. I have talked to him plenty of times on past visits. The minute I saw him my heart burned in my chest. Where were all those homeless people who had been run out of their gathering place for the day's race events? 

Today my Sunday School class visited Monroe Park to feed the homeless. What a different scene from yesterday! All the events had been packed up and hauled away.

In place of people waiting in line to get their race medals, stood hungry people desperately hoping to get a bite to eat.

Now comes the "shame on me" part. When I am doing something,  I put myself 100% into the job. I work hard and try to do the right thing.  None of this is bad, but I often get so focused on the task,  I don't pay attention to my surroundings. Like yesterday for example, when I went to Monroe Park to run. My focus was on the race, not the homeless. On the way back to the car, I passed a few people digging through trashcans, and it never dawned on me to give them the unopened sports drink or granola bar I was holding in my hand. I just kept walking. I was in a rush to get to the car because I was sweaty from running and it was very windy and cold. Shame on me.

It is important to take care of our own needs, but it's also important to look out for the needs of others.  Matthew 25:40 says, "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" Today I planned to attend to "the least of these." I even put it on my calendar as "Monroe Park Homeless Ministy." I don't want to be a person who only helps others when I schedule it ahead of time. I am thankful my God forgives me when I mess up. I am thankful He gives me another chance to get it right, because after all, tomorrow is a new day!

You've Got This! Don't Give Up!

What a day! Caroline and I ran a 10k race this morning,  and it was the most fun I've ever had running. I don't usually think running is fun, but today was an absolute blast. So what made the 6.2 miles so enjoyable? Two things: anticipation coupled with encouragement.

The anticipation was intense! Will it rain?  Will it snow? Will there really be 40 mph wind gusts?  (Yes, meteoroligists were predicting this kind of insane forcast in the middle of April.) What if we can't find a place to park? Should we eat something before the race? Where will we put our stuff? Will we be able to run the whole time? What if we don't wear enough layers?  What if we get too hot?  Where will we find each other when the race is over? And the list goes on and on. Ridiculous thoughts contantly run through my head. But with anticipation comes determination!

There is something about taking on a challenge that feels just out of your reach. And then it was go time! Just like that,  we were running down Monument Avenue with over 30,000 of our closest friends. People were lining the streets holding posters, dressed in costumes, and cheering wildly. There were bands every few blocks.

So instead of letting my mind fill with thoughts of defeat, and instead of my body telling me I was too old, I focused on all the other things happening around me.  I danced to the music and laughed with my daughter.  I read the posters and signs. I allowed cheers from the spectators to wash over me. I ran my race. I let encouragement from total strangers take me to the finish line faster and with more fun than I could have ever imagined.

All around you, every single day, people are running a race of some kind or another. Life is hard sometimes. The finish line seems so far away. Many people are running, trying so hard, but feeling like they can't make it. What if we stand on the sidelines and applaud for them? What if we encourage them with each step they take? Let's cheer for each other as we run this race of life. And as we run, let's keep our eyes on Jesus, so He may direct our steps.

"...And let us run with perseverance, the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith..."   ~Hebrews 12:1-2

Talking Less is Sometimes Best

I enjoy the gift of gab as much as anyone,  but lately I've been thinking sometimes it's best just to keep your mouth shut. This is sometimes difficult for me, because I am a very opinionated person. But then I think of a lady who had a very significant impact on my life, and I remember how her words encouraged my heart. She was always so kind and thoughtful,  but perhaps it's what she didn't say that most affected me.

Rose Morgan, a.k.a. Grammy,  was a lady who loved and babysat my girls. In the mornings I was always flying in by the seat of my pants, so we would only exchange pleasantries. But in the afternoons, we always took time for rich conversation.  

It would begin by her debriefing me about the day. She would share escapades and funny stories she'd had with the girls. Then she'd inquire about my day, and somehow she'd always work a life lesson into our conversation.  I will always treasure the nuggets of truth I gained from her. 

Sometimes though,  I learned more by what she didn't say to me. Monday afternoons, especially when the girls were babies,  I'd tell Grammy about our weekend adventures. Inevitably one of the girls would have always learned a new trick, and Grammy was always interested to hear the news. Whether it was a first smile, a first word, or a first step, Grammy would just smile and say, "Oh that is just grand!" Her eyes and her smile told me she already knew the great news, but she never took those "firsts" from me. She just let me think I was the first one who got to experience these milestones with my girls. Though I never knew this for sure, I always felt so full of gratitude for this thoughtfulness she extended to me. 

When I look back over my adult life,  if I am completely honest, there have been many times when I opened my big mouth and inserted my opinions.  What if I had followed the example Grammy set for me? What if I didn't always make a comment on everything? What if, like Grammy, my words were always encouraging? Ephesians 4:29 says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Thank you, Grammy for making that scripture so understandable for me.

Run Over...Again

I'm not sure if you know anything about boxwood bushes,  but I have learned over the years they are very hardy plants.  We have a boxwood bush planted in the corner of the flowerbed,  right beside the driveway. We've lived in this house for 16 years, and I cannot even begin to tell you the number of times this bush has been run over. All kinds of people have run over the bush for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes they clip the corner too close,  or accidentally back over it. One person even ran over it for spite, yet the bush remains strong.  Oh it has a gash taken out of it, but the roots run deep,  so the bush can flourish despite the multiple blows.

Do your ever feel like that boxwood bush, where you try hard to stand tall, but it seems there's always someone or something to knock you down? At times like this we may feel hurt and judged by others.  People can be so mean sometimes.  Their comments and accusations can cut us deep, making a huge hole in our hearts. But that's when we must remember that we have a choice.  We can allow the blow to cripple us by believing the lies others are saying, or we can listen to God's voice and know we are dearly loved.

The next time you feel attacked,  remember this:  With God's help, you are stronger than any attack planned against you.  Don't get discouraged and give up just because you get dinged a little. Your roots run deep. So trust God, put a smile on your face, and bloom where you are planted.

Ready, Set, Bowl!

This afternoon I went bowling with the youth group. It was fun watching each kid approach the game in a different way. Some were competitive and wanted to be in first place. Others just willy-nilly threw the ball hoping for the best. Many people go through life emulating one of these strategies.  There is so much we can learn from bowling.

I think friends are a lot like bumper bowling. When life takes a curve and feels like it's headed for the gutter, we can count on our friends to help guide us back on the straight and narrow. We always need to be focused on Christ, the center pin. That's why it's so important to choose the right friends.

Sometimes when you're bowling, the ball accidentally jumps out of your lane, goes over in the lane beside you, and gets stuck. That's when the man in charge has to step in and get the ball back into the game for you. When unexpected life events take us down a path we did not see coming, God is there for us. If we trust Him, He will set our feet back on the right path.

Other times, like a bowling ball heading straight down the center of the lane, life rolls along smoothly and we get a strike. This, my friend, is cause for a celebration.  When life goes well, we should dance, cheer, and thank God for our successes.

Regardless of their score, do you know what all those crazy kids had in common? They were all happy and having a great time. They danced, they high-fived, they giggled and they cheered. What if, regardless of where our ball is rolling, we all approached life in a positive, encouraging way?  Then when asked, "Who won?" we could answer like one of the kids and say,"We were all winners!" And that, my friends, is a good day!

Trapped

This afternoon I went busting out of my office at MHS with an arm load of papers, only to ram smack into the door. At first I thought I didn't turn the knob enough, but no matter how hard I jiggled the handle,  it wouldn't budge. I put pressure on the door and jiggled. I pulled the door to me and jiggled. I even tried to jimmy the door open with a paperclip. Nothing. I was trapped!

My knee-jerk reaction was to panic and start to scream for help, but then I remembered I was in a school filled with people who could help me. So I remained calm and called Mr. Foster, who was in the office next to me. The conversation went something like this:

Mr. Foster: "Hello."

Me: "Don't make fun of me, but I need you to come over here and open my door. I am stuck."

Mr. Foster: "Are you kidding me?"

Me (In typical Lee Anne Bray fashion): "No, I'm not kidding. Now get over here right now and help me."

I won't bore you with all the details,  but in a nutshell, here's what happened. He had to call in reinforcements.  There was beating and banging and comments like, "This isn't working, we may need to cut it out." After what seemed like three hours, (really it was only a few minutes) they got the door open and I was Free!!!!

After a near-death experience like that,  I had to stop and wonder how I get myself into these things.  And then I remembered the words of my Grandma Judy. "Sometimes you just have to laugh, because life is funny." So laugh I did!  I cannot describe to you how relieved I felt when that door finally popped open.

You know, Jesus promises us freedom just like that. We never have to fear because He promises forgiveness to us no matter what we've done. All we have to do is believe in Him, and ask to be forgiven. God doesn't want us to feel beat down and trapped.   John 8:36 says, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Are you holding on to something you need to let go? Bust loose, my friend. Don't stay trapped when you are only one prayer away from freedom!

Life: An Uphill Battle

This weekend I went on a hike in the mountains with eight kids who were almost 30 years younger than me. It was a one mile trek to the top, and we spent every step of the way cracking jokes and making plans of what we'd do if a bear came chasing after us.

As always, when I spend time with teenagers, they teach me huge life lessons. When you stand at the bottom of the trail and look straight up, reaching the top seems like an overwhelming feat.  So you shift your perspective and focus on taking the first step. Once we started walking, it didn't seem so bad. The trail wasn't very steep, so we were able to quickly gain ground.

As we traveled onward, I began to wear down, but I had crazy teenagers cheering for me.  That's one reason we need to always surround ourselves with friends. Life can be a little hard sometimes, so it's important to have people who will encourage you along the path. Having friends by your side makes the journey enjoyable.  Plus a little laughter along the way is good for the soul.

Sometimes life's journey is smooth, and climbing upward is easy. But other times the course is a little more difficult.  There may be bumps along the path, and unexpected things that cause us to trip, and sometimes even fall.  But if you're careful,  you can easily navigate, as long as you keep your eyes focused on what lies ahead. So onward and upward we climbed, enjoying every step of the adventure. The higher we climbed, the more beautiful the view.

But then the trail unexpectedly changed. The terrain became very rough and steep. My legs were burning like crazy, and I couldn't hardly catch my breath. Maybe this hike wasn't such a good idea after all. I mean, I could just wait for the kids while they raced to the top. I was probably just holding them back anyway.

Isn't that exactly what the devil would have me think? Aren't those the same tactics he employs on us?  He tries to discourage us. He tells us we can't make it to the top, and he tries to convince us to just give up on the journey.  Sometimes we may even be tempted to listen to that dumb devil. After all, the view was beautiful.  Did I really need more? When life gets difficult, wouldn't it sometimes just be easier to settle instead of pressing onward to reach the prize set before us? Those are lies from Satan. God has so much more in store for us, but we must keep moving.

Of course this story ends at the top of the mountain,  where all of God's creation is on display.  The view is breathtaking.  So grab some friends by the hand and keep trekking. Don't forget to laugh and encourage each other along the way  because an incredible journey lies ahead of you.

Brothers and sisters,  I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining for what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God had called me heaven ward in Christ Jesus.      ~Philippians 3:13-14

Tappahannock Tornadoes: What I Didn't Know

Today I sat in a meeting beside a lady who looked extremely put together.  She was dressed in a cute spring outfit, and she wore a huge smile on her face. What I didn't know, until after the meeting was over,  was that her home was severely damaged in the Tappahannock tornadoes. I didn't know her vehicles had been destroyed or the houses on either side of hers were totally flattened. I also didn't know her mother-in-law had survived being sucked up in the vortex of the storm. I didn't know the terror, turmoil,  and uncertainty she had faced over the last several weeks. At least not until she chose to share her story.

As I listened to her tale, I couldn't help but admire the poise she displayed and the calmness in her voice. She spoke of those who had stepped in to help, and she kept saying, "It's just such a miracle no one was killed."

All day long I thought about this girl and what she has endured over the last few weeks. Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  My friend is a powerful example of this scripture.  She had business to attend to today, and she went about her work with a smile.  She probably has no idea the major life lessons she taught me today.

So tonight as I lay my head down to sleep, I will pray for those tornado victims again.  I wasn't affected by the storm, and so shamefully I had forgotten about them.  I will pray for peace and comfort for the victims, but I will also pray I won't forget about those all around me who are fighting battles I know nothing about.

You've Got This: An Open Letter to Teenagers

Dear Teenager,

I want you to know I see you over there, trying to act like you have it all together. You smile and politely answer when someone asks you a question, but I see that look in your eye. You are tired, because you work so hard trying to balance school work, sports, your job, your responsibilities, and your social life. Hang in there, teenager. Your hard work will pay off, and you will do great thing in this life.

I see your pictures on social media. I know you are struggling. You think you are all alone and no one else feels the way you do. But I want you to know you are not alone.  Tons of kids, just like you, are fighting hard to make the right choices.  I see the pressure you are faced with on a daily basis. Stay true to what you know is right.

I want you to know I'm proud of you.  I see you balancing all that stuff, and you still have time to be kind to others.  Good job, teenager.  God created you to love others,  and I see how you do that each day.

Try not to worry so much about what other kids think about you, teenager.  Many of them are preoccupied with fitting in with the crowd. They only act like that because they are trying to find their way in this world. Don't take it personally, teenager. It's not about you. Be kind, teenager, even when they hurt your feelings.  Then if they say mean things about you, everyone will know it's not true.

And those Snapchat stories and Instagram posts- that's just what they want you to see. It's not necessarily reality, but a way for them to make you think their life is perfect.  No one's life is perfect, teenager. So don't let social media cloud your thoughts.  You are created for so much more.

Don't be discouraged and lose heart, teenager. You are so unique and beautiful.  God created you just the way you are. Stand tall, be strong,  and make good choices. Above all else,  love and trust God. He is using you, even in these hard days. One day soon, you will be an adult. You will look back on these teenage years and be glad you were bold and went against the crowd.  You are going to do great things,  teenager. I am so proud of you.

Love,
One of your biggest fans

Jerk or Hero? You Decide!

The other day I was texting a friend of mine. I was meaning to say she was my hero. I don't know if my fingers were flying too fast or if my smart phone went dumb, but somehow my phone came up with the word jerk in place of the word hero. Can you imagine doing something nice for someone,  and instead of receiving a thanks, you get called a jerk?

Thankfully I caught and corrected the mistake,  but sometimes I am not that fortunate.  In a flash,  I can say or do something I regret. This is a lesson God has been really trying to teach me. Unfortunately,  I am a very slow learner.

Though there is no autocorrect on our lips, God did provide a tool to help us.  The Bible offers countless scriptures on taming the tongue. I read through a bunch and every single one resonated with me. I know I am not the only one who struggles with keeping my mouth shut. I think that's why God included so many scriptures on this topic. He knew we needed all the help we could get.

So the next time something inappropriate gets ready to fly out of your mouth,  stop and think. Do you want to be a jerk or a hero? Words matter, so choose them wisely.

     Let your conversation be always full of
    grace, seasoned with salt, so that you 
     will know how to answer everyone.
                                                  ~Colossians 4:6

Change of Plans: A Tribute to Melanie

Flashback to the early 90's and hang out with me there while I tell you a story. I was in high school, trapped at work on a Sunday afternoon. When you're 17, and your favorite Sunday evening tradition is going to Pizza Hut with your friends,  being at work is a drag. Sunday nights were a blast, and I looked forward to them every week.

This particular Sunday, my friend was working with me, which helped my mood a ton.  But when we found out our other friends left to go to Pizza Hut before we got off, we were absolutely furious! So what do teenagers do when they get left behind? They make new plans, of course! The two of us traded in the Pizza Hut tradition and treated ourselves to a delicious dinner at a seafood buffet.  That would show 'em! How dare they leave us!

In hindsight,  getting left behind was the very best thing that could have happened to us that night. You see, not too long after that, God decided He needed my friend to come live with Him in heaven. I was a senior in high school, and to date, that was one of the hardest times of my life. It is one of the only times I've ever really questioned my faith. At 18 years old, I could not understand why God would let something like this happen. I still don't understand why it happened, but over the years I've come to trust God. I know His ways are good.

As Isaiah 55:8 tells me, His ways are not my ways and His thoughts are not my thoughts.  I spent several of my teenage years being really angry at God for taking my friend away far too soon.

February is a month I always think about my friend more than usual, because it's the month she celebrates her birthday in heaven. What I didn't realize until the other day was this; God knows every single thing about me and about what will happen to me. He orchestrated everything so even though we felt left out, we were actually given the opportunity of a lifetime to celebrate our friendship.  I will forever remember the laughter we shared around the table that night. But I didn't realize the irony and the beauty of the evening until some 20 years later.

 So as my friend winds up her birthday month celebration in heaven, I will end the month grateful for this opportunity to travel down memory lane. I will think about our fancy dinner, and I will smile. I will tell others about my memory, because life is short. You never know when a sudden change of plans will wind up being your favorite memory.

Hurry Up and Croak

You know what fascinates me? Frogs. Yes, I said frogs. You know why they fascinate me? Because they always sound joyful, and it's really cool how they handle themselves in the winter.  I do not intend for this blog to be a science lesson,  so if don't know anything about frogs in winter,  you should Google it after you finish reading this post.

Here's the thing that really gets me about the frogs. Winters in Virginia are absolutely nuts. It can range from a frigid 12° with snow on the ground to a fabulous, sunny and 75° day all in the same week, and sometimes in a 24 hour period. So where does that leave the poor little frogs?  One day they are asleep, with a slowed heart rate, almost freezing to death. The next day they are croaking a happy song like spring is right around the corner. They must be worn out trying to figure out what to do next.

I don't know about you,  but I am very much like those frogs, worn out trying to complete whatever I should be doing next.  I believe we are living in a time where most people feel this way. Although I try to sing a happy song, by the time the sun sets,  I feel like I could croak, and not necessarily in a sing-songy way.

But that's when I must remember to rest like the frog on a cold, wintry day. God does not intend for us to stay busy every second. Instead we must live out Matthew 11:28, which says, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

So here's the lesson we can learn from a frog.  Sleep when you need to, relax when you're tired,  and the rest of the time, croak on, my friend!

Ruby Lou

It was a time at the Bray house this morning!  Our driveway is an absolute mess.  There is a section in the driveway, where we normally turn around, that is so squishy and mushy with melting snow that even Troy's four-wheel drive truck struggled to get through it.  Kathryn wound up having to leave her car (Ruby Lou) stuck in the driveway. Lucky for her, she has a good friend who lives near us, so she didn't have to ride to school with me today!

Do you ever find yourself in a position like Ruby Lou?  I am sure you are not stuck in the snow, but have you ever been stuck spiritually?  I think it happens to everyone at one point or another.  Scripture tells us:

"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely.  Persevere in them because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."  ~1 Timothy 4:15-16 

When you feel stuck, remember to stay the course.  Don't get discouraged because Satan will move in and make everything worse.  Be diligent in reading God's word, praying, and surrounding yourself with Godly friends.  Pretty soon, the Son will shine and you will not be stuck anymore! 

Don't Let Anything Dull Your Sparkle

As I sit here in my pjs under a snuggly blanket and look at the snow covered ground, I cannot help but notice the beauty of the world around me. The once bare, ugly, dull trees are now glistening beautifully with ice crystals as the sun rises above them. But the longer I sit here and  the higher the sun rises in the sky,  the more the ice melts from the treetops. Pretty soon there will be nothing left of the shimmery, sparkly ice and the dull, brown limbs will be exposed again.

But that's just my perception of the immediate situation.  I could choose to step back and shift my focus. I could choose to see the bigger picture of what God has in store for me. Instead of thinking about ugly, brown trees, I can choose to see the beauty God created this very morning.  I can choose to see the blessings right before my eyes.

Sometimes life feels like winter to me. I get discouraged and my thoughts turn negative. I allow other people's thoughts to cloud my judgement. When this happens, my bad attitude prevents me from being who God intends for me to be.  So when life presses down on me, and threatens to dull
my sparkle, I will try to shift my perspective. After all, why would I want to melt away,  when what He wants is for me to shine like the treetops on a cold, wintery day?

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead put it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." ~Matthew 5:13-16

You're Not the Boss of Me

I got really mad today! My tendency is to go into the whole long story, but I am going to refrain and just stick to the highlights.  In a nutshell,  here's what happened.

A lab company "misplaced" Caroline's bloodwork. After three weeks of waiting, 90 minutes of phone calls today, and a very disturbing story of what happened,  poor Caroline has to have the bloodwork done over again. Needless to say, I was a very unhappy mama.

While trying to get to the bottom of the issue, I had the perfect opportunity to practice James 1:19:

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen,  slow to speak, and slow to become angry.

Now don't misunderstand me. I am not suggesting I did a good job fulfilling that scripture. I'm just saying I had the fabulous opportunity to practice during three calls to the doctor's office, one phone call to my husband, five calls to the lab, (speaking to multiple people in the company) and one call to my insurance company.

Unfortunately,  things did not end as I had hoped.  As it turns out, my insurance company is the boss of me. They would not allow me to take Caroline to her doctor's office to have the blood redrawn. Instead they are forcing me to use the same company that messed up. Here's the good news, though.  My God is the boss of everyone. He forgives people when they mess up. So tomorrow, we will have a do- over. I will give the lab another opportunity to correctly do their job, and God will give me another opportunity to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. I sure am glad God is my Boss and He is in charge of me!