New, New Years Resolutions

Okay...so I've really been inspired...again! I have sat down, put my thinking cap on, and have come up with a true beginning for this new year God has given us. A necessity for me because we have committed to our LifeGate group to not only lead this endeavor, but to encourage along the way, as we travel this new year together.

I do realize, to stay focused I must place the goals where I'll see them each day. My plans are to keep my Facebook family aware of my successes, and my failures, by placing a hash tag in front of FinishYear when I post anything concerning these goals to my Facebook wall. Most likely there will also be blogs concerning my adventure. =} Aren't you happy about that? Double whammy, with the exception of more detail. Hmmmm....could be worth looking at. =}

Jon Acuff is a part of the Dave Ramsey team, and has truly inspired me. You can also be inspired by visiting Jon's web page, www.jonacuff.com. Look for the Archived items or the FinishYear tab to get the jolt you need to make 2012 an exceptional, productive year.

As you create the palate for your delicious year, remember to visit me here...in Mary's World.

Finish Well

It all started this past Dec 7th. (Actually, now that I'm thinking about it, it's seed was planted way back in the days of Fellowship of Christians, when my brother-in-law, pastor of the church we attended, preached one Sunday about it.) But it became very clear to us December of 2011. We were attending an ATI meeting in Tulsa, OK. and a close friend of ours was praying over us, as we look ahead to new beginnings. Not the new beginnings a new year brings...but the new things we'll face when making the move from Oklahoma to North Carolina.

For the past 37 years, our lives (my husband's & mine) have been rooted in Oklahoma soil. We met, fell in love, married, struggled at times accepting each other, had our children, dedicated our lives to God & His Church, Home Educated our daughters, started a support group for home educators, organized Curriculum Fairs (yearly for 5 years), led a church drama team, taught a children's group, opened a business, and pastored a church. Oh yes...and managed a home. Not necessarily in that order.

Our friend, while praying for us, said these words over and over, "finish strong!" No matter where we found ourselves to be, we were to finish strong. I do realize this is something that should be common sense for everyone. But for some reason, God really wanted us to get it. And we did!

Fast forward to today. While visiting in N.C. over the Christmas holiday, our son-in-law gave us both a challenge. Not knowing what has already happened in our hearts, he connected us to Jon Acuff and his challenge to finish well. Finish what you start...well. Very interesting. Especially to me. That's how God yanks my chain. He seems to enjoy using numbers with me. Three times I must hear something for it to attach itself to me...to really get my attention. The first time, it's something I know would be good in my life. The second time, I start to sit up a little straighter. And the third time, I say, "OKAY! I've got it!" Maybe it's because He knows I'm a number person and that I believe in the significance of numbers. The number three? It means "resurrection" and speaks to me the resurrection from a dead area in my life. I love how He loves me.

For the first time in a while, I actually enjoyed cleaning the business we own. Planning, rearranging, dusting, removing, adding, creating. I am determined to "finish well...finish strong" no matter where I find myself to be. Many things the Lord has spoken to me in 2011, but the most prominent is to finish well/strong. The Word He has given me to ponder in my heart...and alongside it, He has promised me His Grace. I can't begin to tell you (just because I couldn't count) the number of times He has spoken grace to me. "Grace multiplied" is what He shows me. Yes, in numbers. When others aren't speaking into my life, God uses His numbers alongside His Word.

Today, I opened an email from ChurchLeaders.com. Want to guess what it's thrust was? "New Year's Resolution: Finish Well"...now you gotta agree with me. Our God is the awesome God.

And now, I'm ready for anything...I think...here in Mary's World.

The Reason for All Seasons

This is the time of year we begin to see posters, billboards, scribblings of pencil drawings and even books on why Jesus is the "reason for the Season." I couldn't agree more with this statement...He IS the reason we celebrate with gifts & parties; and we can't forget the wonderful Church Cantata's and Plays, that are (many times) big productions. Yes...we celebrate the birth of the One who reconnected us to the Father, so that we might live better while here and have an eternal home with our Creator.

Yet, for some reason, this has always bothered me. Just as we celebrate our own birthdays, we should also celebrate the main event...Jesus coming to earth. I can agree with that. However, there are a couple of problems I'm experiencing. Do we really KNOW what day His birth was? Sure...don't be petty, Mary. Of course, we don't know the EXACT day, that's why we chose a day ourselves to celebrate. Okay...I can go with that.

Yet, the saying, "Jesus is the reason for the season" has taken over to a new level of focused opinion. I'm about to walk into deep water here...but I believe we Christians have vicariously made Christmas superficially about this. I say "superficially" because we can't seem to stop trying to please people with our "gifts". Christmas has become a dreaded experience for most of the people I talk with in any given week. And they are the ones that say, "Jesus is the reason for the season." Jesus has become our excuse rather than our freedom.

I do know there are people that love God/Jesus/Holy Spirit with a love that comes from a deep part of their being. So why does the season overtake us with dread? May I submit that it's partially because we don't have the fortitude to say, "ENOUGH!"?

Don't get me wrong. Gift giving is really gratifying. I feel so very blessed to have reached a place that we can give without pain in the offering. (Which in itself is contradictory to satisfaction). But what about those that can't give? Does it cause them to feel less than acceptable? If "Jesus is the reason for the season", why must we put others in a head lock, forcing them to either go into debt or crumble under the pressure of non-gift giving? Maybe we could ALL just get back to the real reason for the season. Just a thought...

The truth? Jesus is the reason for ALL seasons.

Now that we've established that...couldn't we also say gift giving is for ALL seasons? Why must the last month of every year be a burden that would take our eyes off celebrating the main event? Jesus, coming to earth, to satisfy the weary, the broken hearted, defeated and in-need-of-a-saviour, person?

Yes, Jesus is the reason for all my seasons. And He has called us all to reach the lonely, the broken, the desperate, the weary...in all seasons.

So, could we just say it like it is? Christmas time is the time many substitute love for bitterness. If Jesus really is the reason for our season, why aren't our hearts filled with joy? With celebration? With expectation? "Oh come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant. Oh come ye, oh come ye, to Bethlehem."

Just a thought...please don't stone me.
Here you will find me, in Mary's World!

I Remember Her

I remember the day I was trying to find a place to put her picture, (the real one, not this frail attempt at a pencil sketch). I heard her voice, clear as a bell, say, "You're going to forget me." 

Anyone that has known Becky Johnson, is highly unlikely to forget her. Ever. I admit, I rarely stop by the grave site. Just can't find it in myself to stand there at the foot of her grave, knowing the body of one I cherished is under dirt. I do know she isn't there. And such a comfort that is to me. I can deal with this horrible situation much better knowing the person of Rebecca Louise (Prater) Johnson, is no doubt having a wonderful experience all her own. I can only image what it must be like..with the Lord of Glory. But if dreams are any indication of what life is like there...well, she's got it pretty good! (to say the least). She is so beautiful, happy and full of life. Radiant, might be a better word.

Our oldest daughter, Lindsey, has been having frequent dreams of her and calls to share them with me. I, too, have the dreams...but Becky likes visiting Lindsey, it seems, more than me. I must have a talk with her about that. Now, don't pretend you don't "talk" with those you've loved that have gone on to be with the Lord. It just seems to come naturally. The Bible tells us not to talk to the dead. But I'm pretty sure the Lord was talking about us trying to conjur up spirits, with candles and darkly lit rooms, and such. I'm simply talking about when she comes front and center in my mind, I just talk to her. It's mostly a one sided conversation...but that's okay with me. Sometimes I think I can hear her answer me...but it's probably just what I remember about her and how I think she would respond to my silly discourse.

She was a jewel, that one. Always said what she thought and was sweetly (some of the time) direct. But her goal was to help you see how very wonderful you really are. She always prayed for people to be ruthless with their problems. Wanting us to be victorious...not victims. "If you face your problems, they cannot conquer you." "Jesus is the answer." "Everyone creates their own value." "So? Take care of it!" "Now listen, Mary..." Yup...she was passionate. Now I've made myself cry. Back in a minute... :*

I miss her so much at times. I miss her coming to the house, even if we weren't home, to borrow a can of something or other. She would never call and ask if I had it on hand, she just brought her spare key down and helped herself! I wouldn't know it was gone until I had need of it. Then, I would go to HER house and get whatever I needed! We could do that, ya know. She was my sister, my protector (for many years), and my spiritual guide. Her instructions always made sense, I just didn't like a lot of them. Especially when she told me I couldn't always have it my way. She loved me anyway...wanted to kill me probably, on occassion.

Well, I could possibly write a book about her, but I'll save that for later. Just know that from the time I was 9 years old, I can remember her saving me from something or other. There was the time I was thrown into deep water, as my assailant stood on the shore and laughed, yelling "sink or swim." Well, I was drowning! Becky to the rescue! And did my brother ever get a tongue lashing from her! She was so mad at him...but as far as I know, she never ratted on him. That was only one occassion. There were many more to come...much more tramatic. But Becky was always there, being the hand of God, for her little sister.

This pencil drawing of her, came as a result of seeing another blogger's drawings that I follow. She's a pencil artist and I love visiting her blogs. I visited her site this a.m. and found enough inspiration to bust open the new drawing tablet that was a part of a Christmas gift last year. I have never attempted a portrait of anyone, but couldn't think of anyone else I would rather try to sketch than Becky. I knew it was going to be difficult, but I just had to try. As you can see, I must practice, practice, practice. But the passion was there as my pencil gently glided over the pad. I kept telling her I was doing my best. "Yes, I know the lips need work." "Uh-huh...you never wore your hair that high." Erase, erase, re-sketch. "Sorry, Beck...I just can't get the shadowing right." Finally...when I finished, I sent the drawing, via text message, to my girls in North Carolina, with the inscription, "Does this look like anyone you know?" I was very relieved when they recognized their Aunt Becky. (Of course that was after Lindsey said, "Marilyn Monroe?")

Well...here's to you my beautiful sister and friend! I will see you soon!

P.S.

Lindsey and Meg...that does not mean I'm headed there anytime soon. Well, I don't think so anyway. LOL. It's just my way of saying that time passes quickly. I'm hoping I'm allowed to stick around to meet and influence any grandchildren I might be blessed with. And...I hope they like my slobbers, cause I'll be kissin' them ALL THE TIME!!! AND...

Until then, you'll find me here...in Mary's World!

 

The Fulfillment of Creating

I'm not so much a fan of summertime, yet, I love what it produces. For the most part. I love the cool early morning breezes, blooming flowers, lush vines and other bushy plants. I don't love the insects...the wasp, spider and snake. I still haven't figured out the purpose of these critters. Maybe they were created to show us differences. Varmits to bring clarity to just how wonderful the opposite is. Understanding that if all were perfect, we wouldn't know it, for lack of something to compare it to. Bringing life from sub-standard mediocrity, to a role of clear choices. Whatever their purpose, they have my attention and I will always be on the look-out for them, so that I won't fall prey.

One of my favorite things is the time of the earth being renewed by the onset of springtime, that rolls into Summer. Coming out of the very low temperatures of Winter (which I love), and into rain that softens the earth so that seeds may spring into life once again...producing green where once was seeming death. We clean up our yards and purchase plants and flowers to dress up the chorus that Spring asks for. Oh how I love it!

Over the years I have come to respect beauty. Yes, we must endure the storms that wreck havoc with our own pieces of the planet. It really doesn't belong to us, we just take ownership as if it did. And that's okay. God gives us opportunities to show ourselves what we are made of. He already knows...He just wants us to know. So we are given stewardship over his earth. Each of us has our own "little world" to care for. And I love mine! However, should it be taken from me, or should I give it up willingly, I know God will allow me another piece of His earth to care for. And I know that involves whatever my hands find to do. When He created, He said, "It is good."

Don't you just love making something beautiful out of things not so beautiful?  Putting your "touch" (my signature...as I like to call it) to an existing piece of property, just does it for me! I love creating! And I have found that my husband of 36+ years, does also. He just has to have a little coaxing from time to time. But something else I've noticed, is that as the years sweep past us, he needs less and less coaxing. =}  When left alone, he comes up with some really great stuff!

Well, time to go make something beautiful out of my long neglected refrigerator/freezer. You know it's time when you have to move things around to close the door. How it gets that way I cannot figure out! When I clean, I organize. Top shelf is for sandwich add-ons ONLY, (includes soft drinks). Second shelf, right side, is dairy (cottage cheese, dips, sour cream, butter)...left side, sauces ONLY. Third shelf for jellies and small unexpected refrigerated items ONLY. Fourth shelf, neatly stacked left-overs (and bagged coffee) ONLY. I think we have someone living here that instead of pulling the shelf out where he can see what's in the back, simply moves the front items to another shelf. And there you have it...

Until next time...you will find me creating (or re-creating) in Mary's World!

The Beauty of this World

Some do not like all the rain we've been getting. And it is true, that even too much of a good thing becomes not so good. Yet, as I look out my study window, I love the lush green carpet of grass, the deep green color of the leaves on our large Oak trees and gracefully slender Elm, that comes only from sufficient moisture.  Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.

The wind is gently caressing the leaves of the trees as it makes it way from east to west, and I am so very relaxed and confident in the wisdom of my God, as I sit and sip my early morning coffee. There is no need...or room for, complaint. Everything is as it should be in my world. Well...most everything.

There may be a few things I can work on changing...as I receive grace to help me change them. It's true...some things we just cannot change. Like the weather. Other things, well yes, they are changeable...and it is up to us to change them. Like our attitude, or how we view each other. I suppose irritants will always be close by to place stumbling blocks in our path. Life takes a little work. If all was perfect, I'm afraid we would be very lazy people. Opportunities face us daily, and says to us, "Let's see what you can do with this." Only the determined, with focus and desire, (and a good dose of God's grace), will pry that stumbling block right off it's axis.

And then, then...the beauty of this world will shine through!

As always, you will find me here...in Mary's World

What I Really Know About the Downhill Side

Awwww...the "downhill side." I'm beginning to see more clearly what this is all about. In June of this year, I will be turning 64. This simply amazes me. "The Golden Years," it's been so gracefully called. Many have a negative view on this and tell me those golden years aren't so golden.  I would like to shine a light, so that we may have a clearer view than the dark side has.

What could be so great about arriving to the 60th year?  As good as those earlier, busy times of my life were, I'm beginning to think that living in the "60's" might have them beat. Sure, I treasure the years of my children growing up, organizing home education for them, over-seeing a home school support group, leading a drama team at our church, and owning/managing/working in a beauty salon, keeping a home (some-what) and a husband, happy. Those are memories I am so grateful for. Some really great memories, some not so great. Every season of life has it's ups and downs. Can you remember your teen years, your courting years, your work place years? I see complaints DAILY on fb about the down side of life. Let's not mourn about our senior years, or any year! They all have purpose.

Now I am freer than ever before to choose how I spend my time. What shall I learn more about or become better at? Or what new activity shall I try. Maybe I will get back to my art. Sketching & painting. For now, I'll put my artistic talent to use in giving the rooms in our house, face lifts. I can sense a world of possibilities...not much different than the former years, just more time to explore them.

My husband nor I are rich, monetarily speaking, and I do feel a bit of arthritis in my left arm, wrist and hand. Glad I'm right handed! =} Maybe I am a little slower than back in the day, yet I still have business responsibilities that take up much of my time, and I am the happiest I've ever been. I really wondered how my husband and I would get along, once our girls were gone. Truthfully, it frightened me. Our girls were our world (still are...to a degree) and I worried if the spark would ignite once again. Would we have to re-discover each other?

As it turned out, we had nothing to worry about. We DID find each other and we're lovin' it! I find it impossible to dwell on what I don't have or can't change. I suppose some people may have been born with this attitude or developed it along the way, but I cannot imagine having reached this state earlier than 60. Becoming an AARP card carrier member of the senior generation was a reality check for me. I simply do not have time to waste on ways in which the glass is half empty. Or three-quarters empty. I must see (and do) the glass as still having a portion left for me to enjoy! I even try to find the good in the bad. I am not preoccupied with how I can make life turn out one way or another. For the most part, it has already turned out. I find myself appreciating things I didn't notice earlier in my life...a stranger's smile (maybe they're smiling because I'm smiling)...the reason's people say what they say (not just the fact they are saying them)...the value of every person created (not just the people in my holy huddle). So much we over-look in the busyness of life.

Observing my children move into their destiny, does not make me want to relive my earlier years. I thank God for those years...they formed even me. But now I have come out on the other side of those extraordinarily rich parts of life, free from the demands that go along with them and free from "what if" and "if only" thinking. Now I find myself feeling so blessed to have had the opportunity of raising two beautiful, inside and out, young ladies that are carving their own paths in society.

Oh, it's not over for me!!! I still have my statement to sign. My heart is to do everything with excellence, not perfection, but with all that I have to offer. Yesterday I saw a toddler in the seat of a cart being pushed by what appeared to be his grandmother, and my eyes could barely keep from staring. That is a future I am so looking forward to.

Until then, you will find me here...in Mary's World