Time for Downsizing...

It seems the time has come. It sort of came upon us quietly, so as not to alarm us, I suppose. We've always been a couple with the mindset of bigger and more, is better. One of life's lessons has taught us that is not always true. There are definitely defining moments in our lives. We've hit one...again.

My husband of 37 plus years, and I, are seeing the importance of squeezing into smaller spaces, meaning smaller (maybe less) furniture and less stuff. The word itself means to produce smaller models or styles of. I'm just a tad claustrophobic, so I have the challenge before me to create spaces of calming ambiance. That's one area I believe myself to be good...if not great, at. I can do it!

The funny thing about this is that it feels REALLY GOOD! At first we were a little shaky about the whole concept of uprooting from what we've always called "home". Starting over at the ripe old ages of 60 and 65, was a little daunting...to say the least. But we had that proverbial carrot dangling in front of us. And never a doubting word came into our hearing world. There was only one person, out of the many, I could see doubt in the eyes of. But she had something to feel loss from. It took her a while to wrap her heart around. But even she has gotten on board with the vision God has put in front of us. With so much encouragement, how could we fail? God has set the path in front of us. There will be challenges...maybe a few real obstacles, to overcome. But there has been placed much peace in our hearts concerning this move.

In the beginning, I tried to feel sorrow. It just wasn't there. I asked myself why I wasn't sad about leaving behind a business that had become more than the services it provided. It was a platform of God's love...to not only the people sent there, but to me also. Yet, I have never felt sorrow that it was time to leave. Our home, church, and work, have met the needs of the time spent in Oklahoma. Memories will be with us forever. Great memories. Some sad, some heart wrenching, some joyous, some over-the-top exciting. Some "what in the world was I thinking", some "we really did good". The years have flown by, seasons have changed, and now it seems to be time to "finish strong".

Please don't misunderstand that last statement. None of us know exactly what time has been allotted us and I don't speak with fear or anticipation of the end of my days. I understand that the beginning of things must also have an end of those same things. Everything...everybody. I'm just enjoying the journey! The "Winter" of my life will most likely be the best season of all. God says it's the time He cloaks us in His glory. So, if He says, "downsize", it's time to downsize! I trust in His provision.

It seems to me that God has saved the best for last. Isn't that just like Him? Oh my goodness...I am actually beginning to cry. Not from sorrow...from simple amazement of the things God has in store for those that love His appearing. Even in this life...especially in this life! I am soooo looking forward to the next leg of this wonderful journey! To be able to wrap my arms around my girls and Todd and my next son-in-law...and to feel their arms around me. To hold my future grandchildren in my arms. To watch the light in my husbands eyes spark once again. To be met with challenges and watch as God brings the solutions.

One last thought...

It has simply amazed me, to find all the STUFF we've collected over the years...quietly gathering dust. The lesson I hope I've learned is when we are finished with whatever it is we no longer have need of, let it be a blessing to someone else that doesn't have what they need. And carefully consider a purchase before laying the cash out for it. Maybe my grand babies or their parents could use a little of that unconscious spending.

Here's to seeing you again, if not in person, at least here...in Mary's World.

I Had Forgotten

Sometimes we forget from whence we came.

Recently, I sold the building that housed my business, causing me to take the building back to it's original state of being. Well...almost. I didn't take the flooring up, nor did I de-paint it, or take the columns down...or knock the walls down from the new room I had added. I didn't reverse the bathroom and the hall either.

I suppose actually all I did was remove everything, but what I started with...after remodeling the old place. The floor was falling through in one area at that time. Actually had a hole in it. The decoration was simply horrendous; nothing matched, and the bathroom actually opened up into the waiting area. It was tiny...it was gross. I don't suppose I could do the description of the hall, justice. There were painted shelves...pink (painted many times over), an old sink with a huge paint bucket sitting in it...very gross. The place was just nasty...yet I could see the possibility of beauty.

My husband, always allowing me to be me, said "yes" we could venture into this...if that's what I wanted. It was. Never allowing "grass to grow under my feet", I/we, began the journey of creating beauty from ashes. That's what God did, ya know...with us! And because we were created with His creativity, we have that ability to create beauty also. It all happened within a few short weeks.

Our handy man friend got right on the design I drew up for him. Repairing the floor had to be first...right after the tearing down and clearing out of old, yucky stuff that had it's own odor.  Add a room, enclose a room, install round pillars, new sheet-rock, enclose and increase the size of the bathroom, and make it to open up in the hall...not the waiting area! Make the hall wider by taking out the shelving, and create a place for a washer/dryer stack...it's own room. Sweet! Paint the siding and eves a difference color, making them more pleasing to look at. Texture the walls and lay the ceramic tile...now it was time for my touch...right after my husband installed new shelving in my new office area, and carried in my beautiful Grecian Lady water fountain (with help, of course). :) After designing a work station for two, my cabinet maker got busy. It was simply beautiful! There was plenty of storage in the design and the large mirrors really opened up the place...reflecting the fountain and very large mirror on the opposite wall. The place looked twice, if not three times as big, as it actually was. We needed a check-out counter to match, so my brother-in-law created one! Beautiful! Perfect for the computer and it's data base of clients, retail, and contact numbers for manufacturers and their reps. Twinkle lights strung over grape vines in just the right places, made for a place that even I could relax, at the end of very busy days. It was a haven for me...

Several up-dates have happened since that time...new black awnings out front with round columns at the edge of rounded steps...awnings at the back and side windows...new hand-made wooden railings running down the sides of the back steps...a beautiful wooden fence that encased my exposed air-conditioner in the back...two large (and gorgeous) Grecian urns filled with cork-screw Juniper trees for the front entry..and finally a new roof...the look was becoming complete.

It was a beautiful journey, as I pondered the next move in making it look the absolute best it could look. I worked long hours. During the day, I worked my day job...at night, I was creating the new look in the new place...preparing for the day I would move into my new location. A place where people could come and relax, as they were being pampered. Even the wait (when there was one) was peaceful. The water fountain and soothing (mostly instrumental) music, quietly playing in the background gave them a sense of well-being. It was not the normal beauty shop where gossip and drama creates unrest. It was a place where all was well...a place of escape. Without me saying a word, they could feel the calm of the Holy Spirit. The most often quote was, "It's so peaceful in here." Mission accomplished.

I would cry, but no tears come. This was a place that God provided, not only for me, but for those He would send my way, as well. It appears that time has ended. Knowing that the God I serve, never asks me to lay something down, without having something else waiting for me, I can't be sad. Another part of the journey...another trial, possibly...another mountain top experience, possibly. Whatever it is...I am His. Now, THAT makes me cry. Tears of gratitude, of joy, of expectation. He has taken this heap of ashes (my previous life) and given me beauty. He's allowed me the most wonderful experience of touching others lives and them touching mine. He's caused me to see the beauty that can be there...because we were created for beauty.

I feel much like that renewed old building at 1829 North Main Street, in Miami, OK. I'll never forget the talk about it, coming from the businesses sitting on either side of it...as the work progressed on it. When all the foundational stuff was complete, the previous owner walked in and was speechless. He just couldn't believe what it now looked like. You see, anything can be turned into a thing of beauty. And we, as human beings, are not exempt. All it takes is an acknowledgement that the Creator of this Universe and all that is in it, put creativity within us. HIS creativity. He was the One that breathed life into our humanness. And He has left us a hand-book on how to accomplish the best for ourselves and Him. We bring honor to Him, much like our children bring honor to us, when we live in the truth of His Word. We don't have to remain untouched by the Master's Hand. All we have to do is invite Him to do the reconstruction...and He creates a thing of beauty...of peace.

These are the most recent events that have surrounded my life. I am so excited to see what is in store for the next leg of my journey.

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

Geez...when did THAT happen?

I've decided I need a meeting with anyone over 70 years of age. I'm going to need more than one person, though. Let's say, maybe 100.

I have begun to notice a consistency, in the way my brain processes speed. No, not the drug, speed. SPEED, as in the turbo affect. That's another thing...I've got to be careful of how I talk now a-days. Words that used to mean one thing, now mean something entirely different. When did THAT happen?

Well, back to my original story. That's another thing...I'm always getting off on what my brother-in-law calls "rabbit trails." I think. When did THAT happen?

So...I've begun to notice that when traveling 70 - 80 miles per hour down the Interstate...(geez, I almost typed "Internet"), it seems as if I'm traveling at the speed of light. And when I'm driving on Hwy. 43, heading North to Joplin, it seems like I'm traveling at the speed of light (going 65 mph). Driving home from work (usually after dark), at 55 mph (45 mph in certain construction places), it seems as if I'm traveling at the speed of light! When did THAT happen?

This has me a little more than concerned. You see, I'm the one that patiently, *wink*, follows all these little old people that think if they are in a 55 mph zone, it really means they should not go faster than 35 mph. And when we hit the 45 mph zone, they interpret that as no faster than 18 mph.

This group meeting I'm about to call together...I really hope they aren't going to tell me this is the next step immediately after feeling as if you're traveling at the speed of light. If that's going to be the case, I now relinquish my independence, and hand over the car keys. But if you tell me I agreed to this, I won't remember a thing. :) And that's the beauty of "Geez...when did THAT happen?"

Hopefully, sitting here protected..in Mary's World, won't have similar consequences. If the meeting goes well, I won't have to worry about giving up my keyboard. If it doesn't...

I'll be waiting for YOU to catch up to me...here, in Mary's World.

A Pet Peeve

Just thinking about my experience a couple of weeks ago, in  a well known small town establishment, takes my metabolism up a couple notches...as if I'm on a caffeine binge. I keep telling myself that at some point I will offer my "Quest for Excellence" services, to any and all business owner's that have employee's who must meet the public.I'm sure all of you in cyberspace, are very anxious to hear about my pet peeve, so hang on tight...here we go.

I had been to visit my in-law's in Granby, MO. and had promised my honey I would stop for a pizza on the way home. Sounded like a good plan to me and since he's such an agreeable young man (hehe), I made the phone call before leaving Granby. To make the pot sweeter, my sister-in-law gave me a coupon that saved us an extra five bucks! Every thing's going pretty good...

Now I've arrived at the restaurant to pick up my prepared dinner. My hand reaches out for the glass door, pushes it open, and I have begun the walk that will take me to my food. In a world of experienced servers, one can expect to be greeted cheerfully, with possibly a slight smile and a "Good evening! Are you dining in or have you placed an order to go?" Right? Ya know...just a "HI!" would work for me. That's pretty simple...isn't it??? Not particularly stressful.

I swear, this young lady would never be able to pick me out in a line up. Not once did her eyes meet mine. As I opened the door that was a good 15-20 feet away from where she was standing, holding up the cash register, she says something that sounded like, "Do you have a pick-up?" I wanted to say, "Well, ya know...my husband does. But it's not for sale."

I wait until I reach the counter where she was, and then say, "I'm sorry. Were you talking to me?" "What's your phone number?" she asks. Knowing why she was asking, I just bit my tongue and told her what it was. She still hasn't made eye contact. She types in the number and without another word, turns and heads to the kitchen...or someplace where they hold the "to go" pizzas. She sits it down on the counter nice enough, so I think she's okay and can maybe be a little more personal now that the hard part is over.

Clickity, click, click, clickity...she types in something or other on the register. "That will be $15...something or other." "Well, I have this coupon," I say. "I'm really sorry. Didn't know I would have it when I placed the order, but my sister-in-law was kind enough to grab it for me. May I still use it?" Clickity, click, click!!! No words came, but she did know how to reach for the coupon. Whew! I was beginning to worry again. Still no eye contact.

"Ten dollars and (whatever)." I'm really starting to get a little ticked off at this gal. "My sister-in-law says I should ask you for a calendar if you still have any. She says there are coupons for the whole year." She never responded, just turned, grabbed a calendar and laid it on top the pizza box. Still no eye contact, not even a "will there be anything else I can get you?"...nothing!

I'm debating on asking if she is the manager, but instead I say, "Having a rough night?" Ah-ha! Did I see a tiny smile flick across her face??? Still, all she could muster was, "Just ready to go home." I tried to engage her in some light conversation to pick her mood up a little. Didn't work. I asked about the busyness of the week, which nights were hardest, etc...just small talk. She answered all my questions with very short answers and not once did she ever look into my face.

I pay her, grab the pizza, (and the calendar) and head toward my car, (since I didn't have the pick-up). "Hope your night gets better," I say...and leave.

WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS THAT?!!! Who trained this young lady? Was she trained? We all have troubles of some sort, but come on now...you just missed a really good tip! And I'm pretty sure you're not going to last at this job.

Yada, yada, yada...here I am, breathing deeply, trying to figure out how to worm my way into high traffic businesses and train employees in the simple techniques of being friendly.

Oh well, here I'll be in Mary's World, if anyone needs a good quest for excellence provider.  :)

Facing Eternity

"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience." ~Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

My Father-in-Law has been told he has anywhere from 2 months to 2 years to live. Stage 4 cancer in the lungs and liver, has struck yet another blow. The family is heart-broken, not looking forward to what he may have to face. He is such a trooper though, never complaining much about anything.

I'll never forget "the walk" we took many years ago, when the Lord asked me share His love with Denzil. I've always loved my Father-in-Law...never feeling an outcast by him; and that same love wanted the reassuring words to come from his mouth that he knew the same Lord & Saviour I did. Those were wonderful moments we shared. We returned to the house, my spirit happy within me, because he told me he would consider my words. "Where would you go, should you die today?" was my question. I shared Jesus with him...(he already knew and believed in Him). Difficult issues had caused a separation from the church. So, here we were, walking around his property, with Jesus loving on him, confirming His love for him. A few months later, as we walked through my in-laws front door, an announcement came from my Mother-in-law. With tears in her eyes she said, "I have a new husband." Denzil had rededicated his life and service to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Early this morning I was awakened with "facing eternity." Many thoughts came pouring into my mind. Hopefully I can get some of them out here, because I do think it will give a truer perspective on what we've always known as death.

Death is not an end of things...it is the beginning of things! We've "fought the good fight, have finished the course, have kept the faith; and now there is a crown of righteousness laid up for us in heaven, (to those who have loved His appearing)" ~2 Timothy 4:7-8. God never intended for us to set down stakes here. Our home is with Him. An old hymn declares this. "This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through..."

Gravity is said to hold us here, and yet it was by God's design this should be. But when it's time to go home, gravity won't be strong enough to maintain our spirit.  My Father-in-Law made a comment yesterday...after getting home from the doctor and hearing the outcome of the biopsy, he said, "Well, I don't guess I'll get to see the Cardinals play this year." A big Cardinals fan, this one!  How I wish I had been there to hear that comment. I would have most likely teared up, put my arms around his shoulders, and said, "Oh, Denzil...you will have a front row seat! You may even choose to stand beside the pitcher and encourage him as he throws the ball. Or beside the batter, as he bats the home run of the season." Why would I say such a thing??? Because he won't be bound by anything!  "But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory" ~2 Corinthians 15:54.

Some months ago, a close friend of mine, shared a dream with me. She had dreamed about my sister, Becky, that had gone on home to be with the Lord. Kasey was at a gathering of some sort, when she spotted me across the room. As she walked toward me, she saw Becky standing beside me, surprised, knowing Becky was "no longer with us." When she approached us, she asked Becky what she was doing there. I'll never forget the response. "I can be anywhere I choose to be, Kasey Lynn." Wow! And why not? The Spirit of God that gives us life, doesn't ever leave us. Is He bound by anything? So why would we be then...once we are loosed from this phenomenon that holds us here. Once we "break the surely bounds of earth & touch the face of God" (President Ronald Reagan), nothing can hold us down.

If you haven't read the book, Return from Tomorrow, you should read it today. Amazing accuracy that lines up with God's Holy Scriptures. At the age of twenty, George Ritchie apparently died in an army hospital and was pronounced dead twice by the doctor on duty. Nine minutes later he returned to life. Dr. Ritchie wrote of his near-death experience (NDE) in Return from Tomorrow, co-written with Elizabeth Sherrill (1978). In this book he tells of his out-of-body experience, his meeting with Jesus Christ, and his travel with Christ through different dimensions of time and space. Return from Tomorrow has been translated into nine languages!

Ritchie's story was the first contact Dr. Raymond Moody, PhD had with NDEs, during his undergraduate studies in philosophy at the University of Virginia. This led Moody to investigate over 150 cases of NDEs in his book Life After Life and two other books that followed.

My purpose in this morning's blog is to get our eyes on the truth about death. There is sorrow and mourning, but we that belong to God, need not fear death. As we near that mark, we can actually face it with excitement as we peer into the face of God. I have watched a few of my loved ones come near the boundaries of heaven and earth. Those that were able to speak, spoke with excitement at seeing those that had gone on before. "Death is nothing more than a doorway, something you walk through." ~Dr. George Ritchey

 Until I reach that final destination, here you will find me...in Mary's World.

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.