Every kernel of popcorn goes through the same growth, drying and heat processes to become a delicious treat. But every single kernel turns into a different shape, size and texture. Some pop and burst into a soft treat. Others burn or their shells get hardened in the heating process. It is the same with people. We are all conceived, go through the birth process and grow. We all have trials and good times. We all are taught by our experiences and learn from them. For some of us, the learning process is quick and easy. We are taught and we yield. Then for most of us the growing and learning takes months and years. Sometimes, that produces a hardened shell, sometimes a sweet, savory taste and smell that others want to be around. We are urged by the Word of God to present ourselves a living sacrifice to the Father. Yield to His will and be conformed into the image of His Son. If we obey, that process starts to take root. It is not always an easy road, it is not always pleasant. But the end results far outweigh the pain and trial. I am not always the first to yield. Probably more the opposite, but I am learning that no matter if I am quick to obey or not, God will get the result He desires for my life. And that will sometimes take repeated pressures, trials and sorrow to produce. So, wouldn't it be a lot simpler to just yield the first time? Of course, but my stubborn attitude doesn't always let me see that. I want my way, or no way. Then God, in His infinite mercy, picks me up and allows those repeated processes to shape me. Looking back, it is simple to see. But going through those trials, I can only open my heart and mind to God and let Him know what I feel and ask Him to control me. In the Psalms, David cries out to God in anguish, bearing his heart to the Lord. It is only through the angry cries that God can reach deep enough to mold those thoughts to His will. Those cries became words of comfort and praise as David realizes the goodness of God in his life. I feel privileged to be on the same ground as David, and the Lord. Each trial, temptation, sin, repentance and yielding textures my life in a way only He can.

Diamonds in the Rough

Sometimes I look at my diamond ring. It has been on my hand for 39 years now, but still has the same shimmer and shine it did when new. That started as a piece of dirty, rough rock. The chiseling and careful cutting has shaped it into a beautiful, brilliantly shining stone. Lately I feel like my life and those around me are in the middle of that rough stage when all the cutting and chiseling is being done. I don't feel like a child of the King, I don't feel special. Just worn down and tired from being carved. That doesn't make me any less His child. But He has promised that we are accepted in the Beloved, children of the King, heirs with Christ in heavenly places. I have to accept that at God's word. I don't know why He has allowed all the turmoil to go on in our family. I thought we were following Him the best we knew how, but I guess He has other plans we can't see. I struggle so frequently with doing what I know that the Lord has for me. The path is not plain, not clear, not lit and I am stumbling through the weeds of self doubt and discouragement. The little rocks feel like boulders. But I know if I did not have the smallest grain of faith, I would have long ago been in despair, with no hope at all. Every time I think I need to be at the end of my chiseling process: I can't take any more. I am waiting to experience the results of being refined and polished, I feel the Hand of God lifting me through the prayers of my loved ones. Saying, I am not finished yet, be still, be patient. Trust Me. I thank God for allowing me to see this. We ate popcorn today, as a snack. It was fresh and warm and tasted good. We all took in the smell and our senses were teased. It has been a hard week. But God has given us a
sense of His presence. It warms the heart and soul much more than the popcorn. I am grateful that His promises never fail, even when we are faithless.

Birthdays Should Be Special Days

Birthdays are special days. They celebrate the birth of YOU as a person, and are milestones in life. I have always believed that everyone should have special treatment on their birthday. Could be choosing a special meal, a favorite place to go, a new outfit, and being surrounded by those that you hold dear in life. I have found a good place to start is to be thankful to my mom for choosing to keep me. Without the sacrificial love of a mother, one would not ever be alive. That, in itself, is something to celebrate. Being acknowledged as someone who is worth giving life. Last week, it was my birthday and last night was my granddaughter, Paige's birthday. Paige told her mom that all day it didn't feel like her birthday. Could they please invite nana and poppop to come for cake. She had no idea that we already had planned to be there when she returned from her soccer practice. I think she was a bit overwhelmed when she came in to see not only nana and poppop, but Aunt Shellie, Wyatt, Sami and Aunt Tina had come to help her celebrate "Paige". Of course, her brothers and sister and mom and dad were there, and cousins Jayden and Keenan with Aunt Kristi and Uncle John from Indonesia. So, all in all, Paige had a special day. Her favorite food, ham, for dinner and cake and ice cream later on. Balloons, presents and cards and handmade banners. What else can you want? Being made to feel loved and showered with gifts. It doesn't have to be fancy. Just genuine. Surrounded by love and family. Knowing that you make a difference to someone. Birthdays are good. Just like everyone needs a hug a day, everyone needs to feel important on their birthday. Happy Birthday, Paige!

Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer?

Not too sure how lazy these days will be... The older I get, the busier I feel. Maybe it is because my stamina is not as great as it used to be. Maybe it's the hectic, everyday work schedule I follow that eats up my energy. I feel nothing though, in the way of LAZY. I remember as a kid, waking up early on an already hot summer day, getting on my bicycle and pedaling through the neighborhood before the noises of a full play day began. Riding through the quiet streets, hearing the locust chatter away announcing another hot and humid day was envigorating to me. I remember as my children got to that same age, waking up before them, and sitting on a quiet screened in porch, enjoying a cup of coffee. One by one they would greet me, and sit for a few minutes before their already-made plans stretched open the day. Chores, and gathering supplies and snacks together for a day at the lake. Packing the car with food and floats and bodies for our daily trek. Baseball playoffs and soccer games and practices. Now, I miss those mornings of quietness: no time for coffee on the porch that no longer exists, no time for a quiet morning on the patio. It is grabbing a briefcase and coffee mug, jumping into the car for my daily commute. Saturday and Sunday are "catch-up"days. Do the laundry, clean the house, do the grocery shopping, and try desparately to have 15 minutes of down time. Now my grandkids have that luxury. They can sleep in, play in the pool, contact their friends, or sit quietly reading an attention-grabbing book. What happened to my lazy days of summer? I guess they are really the 'dog-days of summer'. Beaux seems like the only one who has the time for the laziness in the heat of the day to catch up with her. Me? I find little time to be free. Even vacation days are fillled with chores and have-tos. That is why I savor the stolen minutes I have to give or get a hug, sip quietly on a lukewarm cup of coffee or watch the clouds. Maybe that's where I am now.. in the hazy days. Days that slip into weeks and months: the years just blur past. Life is good.. but nowhere do I see time for laziness.