Stable Crew

The sign out in front of Mathews Chapel says "Are you part of the inn crowd or the stable crew?" When I take a moment to really ponder this question, I am amazed at the many different meanings of this question, and the play on words is uncanny. The world pushes us to desire to be a part of the "inn crowd." The "inn crowd" seems glamorous, fun, and appealing. But the "inn crowd" doesnt' have room for everyone. If we are not extremely careful and on guard, we find ourselves willing to compromise our beliefs and values just to be accepted by this "inn crowd." We live in a dark world, and so many things take our attention away from our true mission, which is glorifying God. Think about the original "stable crew." No one ever would have imagined that the King of Kings would have been born in a lowly stable, yet that is exactly how God chose to bring his Son into the world. When we think about the Christmas story, it's easy to say we want to be a part of the "stable crew." But what about the other days of the year? Being part of the "stable crew" requires service and sacrifice, but it's so worth it. 1 Peter 4:11 says, "If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." So during the Christmas season, and every other day of the year, let's strive to be a part of the "stable crew." And when we find ourselves getting wound up and a little stressed out because of the holiday busyness, a little dose of "stable" will go a long way!

Half Empty

I don't know about you, but I have always been the kind of girl who likes to know the best and worst case scenario for every situation. I'm pretty certain I get this trait from my dad. Mom gets on us all the time for it, saying we are always being negative and thinking of the worst. She says we are "the glass is half empty" kind of people. We always justify this best/worst case mentality by claiming it makes us prepared in every situation. If the best scenario happens, we can rejoice! But if the worst scenario happens, we will not be totally devastated, but instead we will be prepared to handle the situation. But if I am 100% honest with you, it would probably be way more accurate to say I am a worrier. I don't want to brag or anything, but I am a really GOOD worrier! I know this is not healthy, and it is something I constantly have to keep in check. I know when I worry about things, it says I am not fully trusting God in the situation, and I certainly don't want to be THAT girl! I do trust God, and I know His plans for me are good. God offers us advice on this situation. In multiple places in the bible. Matthew 6:25-36 is that whole passage about worry that ends, "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own."There's the one in Philippians 4:4-7 reminding us not to be anxious about anything. If you Google "What scripture talks about worry?" you will get many, many scriptures to address the topic. If you, too, are a worrier, it would be wise to Google and then pour over scriptures about worry. It will definitely encourage your heart, and who knows, it may even help you see the glass as half full. Here is a piece of good news, in case you are a "glass is half empty" thinker. I heard this quote in a Hallmark movie once, and I think it is very fitting: Somebody has to see the glass half empty, or else we'd run out of milk! Happy Wednesday, my friends. I hope your cup is mostly full, but in case it's not, turn your worry over to Jesus and allow Him to fill up your cup.

The Journey Toward Graduation

It's very difficult for me to put words to a page as I sit here with tears streaming down my face. In a few short hours, my sweet, beautiful Kathryn will be waking across the stage of her high school auditorium and closing this chapter of her life. What a strange mix of emotions graduation is for the mama. My other mama friends, who walked this road ahead of me, warned me about how difficult this day would be. It's not that I didn't believe them, but like child birth, it's not really something you can fully understand until you live it for yourself. At the start of Kathryn's senior year, I had this overwhelming realization this was my last chance to be the mama. I needed to be sure I had taught her everything she needed to know. I realize I will always be the mama and will continue to teach her things, but in a few weeks she will be living on her own. My role as the mama will look very different. So I prayed and asked God to help me be sure Troy and I had done all we could to prepare her to enter the world on her own. Although I really meant, "make all my teaching opportunities happy and amazing," God had a different plan in mind! Kathryn had some crazy things happen to her this year, and most of the world doesn't even know about them. None of the things she experienced were earth-shattering, but most were things no 17 year old should have on their plate. While it was heartbreaking to watch her deal with some of the things thrown at her, it was also very beautiful. You see, that is how God answered my prayer. There were a few life experiences Kathryn needed to have before she left home. So God, in His infinite wisdom, provided her with some difficulty. But in His great love for her, He also surrounded her with the very best people to support her, love her, and give her wisdom. Kathryn has been blessed the past 17 years with amazing friends, and amazing adult role models. To the family, friends, church family, and teachers who have poured into her life, I say "thank you," because she wouldn't be where she is today without each of you. To Kathryn Grace I say, "Congratulations!" I couldn't be more proud of you. You have always been determined and courageous. It has been a joy to watch you grow. Continue to pursue your dreams with your whole heart. Whenever you find yourself in a difficult situation, search out the people God has placed in your path, and walk humbly with God by your side. As Grammy used to tell you, "Your Mama is your very best friend!" So as you stand on that stage today and deliver your valedictorian speech, know I am sitting in the audience (maybe crying a smidge) cheering for you. Treasure the moments as you walk across the stage to receive your diploma, for that walk symbolizes walking away from your past and into your future. God has great things in store for you, and you are ready. Fly high my sweet girl!

Sorry, Wrong Number!

Would you ever call someone who had just done something that got on your nerves and just rip them apart? Probably not. Chances are, if you found yourself in an irritating situation, you may vent to someone you are close to before you actually confront the person who aggravated you. A good friend of mine recently told a story about receiving a phone call from a lady she knew. When she answered the phone, she could hear yelling on the other end of the line. It took a few minutes to realize what was happening, but eventually she realized the lady had called her accidentally. The lady on the other end of the line was yelling and saying really ugly things about my friend, clearly not aware my friend was listening on the other end. YIKES! How awkward! I don't know if the lady realized what she'd done and hung up, or if they just got disconnected, but either way, the damage was done. I was very bothered by this story. I found myself "accidentally" judging the woman for her actions. How wrong of her to be saying those things at all, much less into a phone that was relaying all that ugliness to my friend. But then God reminded me how often I had done the very same thing. Maybe I didn't accidentally call the person on the phone, or maybe I did, but either way, I often vent about other people and say things about them I shouldn't say. I'm sure most people are in the same boat as me, but they doesn't make it right. No one is perfect, and heaven knows living on this Earth with aggravating people is certainly a challenge. Ephesians 4:29 says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." So to my friend I say, "I am sorry her words hurt you. I am sorry she was tearing you down when your heart was in the right place and you were doing the right thing." To myself I say, "Stop judging others, and guard your words. If you are saying something about someone you wouldn't say to their face, then you shouldn't be saying it at all." Think how different this world could be if we all decided to stop bad mouthing one another.

Lessons from a Coconut

Recently my parents went to Florida, and they brought back some coconuts. While we were visiting them Sunday, we decided to crack one open. Mom had read/studied up on how to crack a coconut open, and she was convinced it would be no problem. All I can say is, however much you pay for coconut ANYTHING at the grocery store, it's totally worth it. Two hammers, an ax, and an hour later, we finally had the coconut open. If you know my dad at all, you can imagine the experience was quite entertaining for all of us. Here's what I learned: 1. The coconut you always see in the grocery store isn't even the real deal. The coconut that falls off the tree has a REALLY tough outer shell. It takes MAJOR tools to bust that sucker open. Once you get inside, the coconut like you see in the grocery store is secured in that outer shell by a bunch of tough, stringy, grassy looking stuff. Once you get the actual coconut out, you still have to break open it's shell to get to the coconut meat. Who knew???!!! 2. Sometimes,no matter how many YouTube videos you watch, you still cannot be fully prepared for life! 3. Real coconuts are not nearly as delicious as a Mounds candy bar!!! I think God is a lot like a coconut. As He thought about his people and their needs, He knew life was going to be really hard and we would need a lot of help. John 14:16-17 says, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be be with you forever-the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." I am amazed by the way God created coconuts so they have three layers of protection. I am also amazed at how God can be three in one: Father, Spirit, Son. I am thankful that just because I don't know everything about the way my God operates, and I cannot always see him, I can trust him because He protects me and loves me. I bet God thinks I am a lot like a coconut too. I bet He looks down at me and says "She's a tough nut to crack!"

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!