Do We really understand the concept of Forgiveness?

First off my I ask forgiveness for not blogging for so long of a time. That said, do we really understand the concept of forgiveness. I know that I have not had a complete understanding of it. I will, of course, expound on what I understand forgiveness to be. I will leave you to ponder my discourse.
Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. I do not forget that "infraction" that needs forgiveness. In fact, it has little to do with said "infraction" per say. Forgiveness has to do with a choice that one makes to not let said "infraction" to interfere with the present or the future. It is a choice to let go of the power, the control, of the "infraction" on one's life.
For example, a friend or family member breaks your trust by spreading rumors about you. This causes you great pain and can make you very distrustful of others. You harbor this injustice inside you and this hurt continues to build and you can not forget what has been done to you. The pain, the poison eats you inside and out. I am sure that you can relate to this. In fact, probably in a number of situations in your past.
To offer forgiveness then is a choice that you make to rid yourself of this poison and the pain. You choice to let go of it all and give up the power and control that has taken over your mind and heart.
Is it easy to do? No! But it is a powerful thing within itself. It is a freeing choice that liberates one from the chains that are put upon us due to said "infraction". It is a choice that says, Enough! I will not continue in this! I give up the power and control! I forgive, I let go!
What also happens is that the more we forgive, the easier forgiving becomes and we are open to live and love in a new liberating way.
So give it a try! Let go of the past and live anew.

What really is "The News"?

What really constitutes the news? Who decides what should be considered news and important information on the morning and evening news broadcasts? Somehow, I fail to understand why it is newsworthy what Michelle Obama wears on her vacation. Not only that but that it should be somehow an issue of controversy. So she wore shorts and a baseball cap. Big deal. She was on vacation. Should she have had a designer made gown as she viewed the mountains in a national park? Give me a break. She wore what any reasonable, everyday citizen of this USA would have worn. Why should she be any different from me or you? Then why is this on the news and a matter of controversy. Why is it any one's business? Now, I do believe that she should dress appropriately as she represents the rest of us to the world when she is meeting dignitaries and meeting the public at public events. But come on she was on vacation. And I would say that she was dressed appropriately. Enough already news people. People out there are looking for help. Struggling to live. Struggling to eke out a living. Or they are helping others in many various ways. This should be newsworthy. What a strange old world we live in!

What are you worth?

I think that I am worth alot. But I'm not thinking in terms of money value. Today I came across a sports news item that made me so upset. With all the problems in the USA surrounding money the football money moguls did it again. The New York Giants gave their "star" quarterback a new contract giving him almost 97 million dollars over the next 6 years.
Who in the world is worth 97 million dollars. Just think how many people one could feed with 97 million dollars. Think about how many business could be started that would employ how many people with that 97 million dollars. Think how many lives could be saved with the help of 97 million dollars. If I was Eli Manning I would be ashamed. No one. I repeat. No one is worth 97 million dollars for playing football. No one is worth that really for anything that I can think of. And you wonder why I refuse to watch professional sports of any kind. Can you guess why?
My time and energy is worth a whole lot more than any sports figure. I can put it to use helping others. Isn't that worth more than money? At least I think so. What do you think?

It's a crazy old world!

I truly wonder how news broadcast people define the word news today. Also, what we as followers of the news think is newsworthy. Somehow, I have difficulty seeing how a 7 year old boy driving his parents car because he doesn't want to go to church is newsworthy enough to not only hit cyberspace but also be on the Today Show. Not only that but the headline is what his punishment is. No tv, video games, and grounded for a week? Oh, yeah and he had to go to church. Meanwhile he also got a free trip to New York City and be on the Today Show and who knows what other media had him on. What punishment. Oh, yeah I forgot, he still had to go to church. Let us not consider the fact that he could have died, killed someone else, and damaged property. Let's make him a celebrity for his recklessness. Afterall he is just a cute blond 7 year old.
It is a crazy old world indeed!

Being a Christian is not easy.

Being a Christian is not easy. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I know that the popular prosperity gospel states that if you give your life to God then you will have a prosperous good life. The problem is the definition of the terms prosperous and good. If you define prosperous as having all you need to sustain life then okay. And if you define good as what is right and life giving to you then okay. But, unfortunately, the definitions of the prosperity gospel are success, money, and an easy rich lifestyle.
Being a Christian is not that easy. It means encountering God. It means being in an intimate relationship with God. It means admitting that one can not live without God and in fact must turn everything over to God. This in itself is no easy feat. Then it means being aware of and communicating with God. Being open to the Holy Spirit moving in, around, and through your earthly body. It means learning to love yourself and stripping away the layers of negativity and pain that cloak the real you. It is risk-taking to the extreme. It means learning to truly trust.
Then and only then can we learn to love others. That is another aspect of being a Christian that is not easy. Because it is risk-taking and often very painful. With new sight we look at others and see their pain and negativity that surrounds them. Once this occurs then we have the responsibility to help others carry their burdens as Christ helps us carry ours.
So I don't care what anyone else says, being a Christian is not easy. But it is the only life I want to live. Care to join me?

Heroes?

Once again, I haven't written anything for a while. It isn't that my mind hasn't been busy pondering, I just haven't taken the time to put things down. I am really tired of all the hype around the death of Michael Jackson. Is he a hero? Not as far as I am concerned. No where close. He did have good qualities but come on not hero material. What is the need for all this media coverage? Oh, yeah he is the KING! The king of what? The only king I acknowledge is God. It is a sad, sad world that we live in that sees Michael Jackson as the hero king.

Trip to PA

Once again it has been a long time since I last blogged. My trip to PA is done and over with. It was a great trip. I got to see or talk to most everyone that I wanted to which was good. It was so good to see my son, Joel and meet his new girlfriend, Nicole. I really think that they make a good pair and hope that this may be the one. Joel looks and is doing very well and it makes my heart glad. As the plane approached Pittsburgh airport, I felt very emotional and on the verge of tears. It was wonderful seeing my dear friend, Helen waiting for me at the baggage claim area. The visit felt indeed like a visit and not a return home. Going to the church that I have belonged to for 28 years was good, sad, and yet I felt more like a visitor. Everyone was happy and surprised to see me. The main feeling that was dominant was negativity. It has been almost a year since I left and it seems like the same issues are still ongoing. Most everyone there is downtrodden and negative. It is soo sad. I am however not there any more. My life here is positive and joyful. It is hard to be negative about anything here for any length of time. I know without a doubt that this was indeed the right move for me. It was also the right move for Joel too. I just wish that things would improve and turn positive for those back in New Kensington.
Thank you God for my new home and my new attitude and for all the many blessings you have bestowed on my.

Going Back

I am going back to PA tomorrow. It is the first time that I have returned since I moved last July to WA. At first, I was alittle aprehensive but now I am really looking forward to going. It will be good to see family and friends especially my son, Joel. It seems hard to believe that I have been gone almost a year and yet I feel that Leavenworth is where I am meant to be. It feels like home. I made a DVD of my life here in Leavenworth. I hope that it will show how much I love it here and why I moved this far away. How will I feel once I get to PA and how will I feel when I return to WA. STAY TUNED!!!

Apology

I apologize for not writing for a while. I had hoped to write a daily blog through Lent. I have continued to read in Matthew but haven't come up with what to write about. I went on a retreat this past weekend which was very good for me. It was a unique group of people who attend the Lutheran church. We were looking at Luther's Small Catechism. The discussion was great and very open. The group dynamics was something else. I really appreciated this retreat. However, I still stumble to know what to write. So, I guess I will close for now and hope that the Spirit will move me soon as to what to write.

There Are No Shortcuts to God

Our world is full of shortcuts. Easy ways to get around things. But there are no shortcuts to God. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. And it is not an easy road or path. There is no pill for it, no self-help book, no yellow brick road, and no easy, carefree way. It takes serious obedience to God's will. It takes giving over control to God. It takes going through the ups and downs of this world with God as our center. There are no shortcuts! So let go and let God!

Pointing the Finger

Matthew 7:1-7 is all about judging others. Don't point out the speck in another's eye if you have a log in yours. And many variations on that theme. Criticism is so much easier to dish out than affirmation. Why? Too many people think that putting someone else done will put themselves up. Or I have to get you before you get me. Competition plus! God calls us to empower others, to affirm others, and to not judge others. I like the image of pointing the finger. If you point the finger/judge another, remember that there are three fingers pointing right back at you.

Prayer

I used to have great difficulty praying especially aloud. What if I don't say the right words? What if it doesn't "sound" right? What if I "er" and "um"? Guess what I found out. It doesn't matter. Prayer is conversation with God. It is talking with a loved one. It is not a big theological, theatrical production it is just simply talking. It does not require eloquent language, just sincere heartfelt words.

Acting Christian

1 "Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding. 2-4"When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure—'playactors' I call them— treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out. (MSG Matthew 6)
Acting Christian. We all do it at times but we also know of many people who hide behind the mask of being the perfect Christian. Some are like politicians that glad hand everyone and make a big show of what they do and how they have helped. Once again we are looking at talking the talk and walking the walk. Thank God we also know those acting Christians who quietly go about doing, being, and loving. No fuss, no muss and no mask. I am reminded of the song, "They will know we are Christians by our love." If we could only keep singing that song in our heads until it becomes ingrained in our hearts and we truly become acting Christian and not Christians who are acting like Christians.

Love Your Enemies

Don't you just hate that phrase - Love Your Enemies. What about an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth? That sound more justified to me. But, unfortunately that isn't God's way. But it is sooo unfair!! The problem is that we either don't understand how to love our enemies or it seems too hard to do. And it gets all tangled up in that forgiveness business. Again, the problem may be understanding "that forgiveness business." Take the bully for instance, the bully imparts fear, strength, and fierceness. That is the surface of the bully. But what is the internal, the heart and soul, of the bully? Often it is a scared, abused, weak and overgrown child. If someone is hurting you in anyway, look for how they themselves are hurting. The abuser has often been abused themselves. This does not excuse their actions. But it sheds a whole new light on why they are the way that they are. And it can lead to our forgiveness and our love. We don't have to forget what they have done but we can let go of it's control over us. I can forgive you and not forget that you hurt me by not allowing the hurt to fester and control me in any way. This is far from easy, but it is the righteous way. It is the Godly way. So, love your enemies. It will change your life and perhaps even theirs.

Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk

33-37"And don't say anything you don't mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, 'I'll pray for you,' and never doing it, or saying, 'God be with you,' and not meaning it. You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong. (Matthew 5 MSG)
Talkin the Talk is easy. Too easy. We can all sound religious, pious, and truthful. BUT, Walking the Walk is a whole other matter. Being religous, pious, and truthful is alot of work. It takes conscious effort. It takes a change of heart. It takes giving our life over to God. Giving over our control. Ohhhh NOOO! Isn't life hard enough? The status quo is so much easier. Yet, think how much easier life would be if we all Talked the Talk and Walked the Walk. Manipulation would be a dead word. Truth would prevail. We know that we can't reach that until eternal life but life here on earth sure would be alot better. So, let us practice Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk until it becomes embedded deep within us. Until it becomes us!

Not Acceptable in God's House

My former pastor and I have had an ongoing discussion about how the mainline church is getting more and more watered down by relativism. This point came to life for me today concerning word usage in the church. In commenting about something I used the word intimate. I was told that there are people in the congregation who have stated that the word intimate is not acceptable in God's house. Now, I don't know about you, but the term intimate is most acceptable in God's house and is important in God's kingdom. I don't know what is more intimate than God's love for me. What is more intimate than the Spirit's breath that gives me life. What is more intimate than Christ's intimate guidance in my life's journey. Unfortunately, we can't separate lust and immorality from sexuality and love. Sexuality and love are gifts from God. Lust and immorality are evils temptations that turn us away from God's gifts of sexuality and love and twist intimacy into something "ungodly". Our world is full of images and temptations of lust and of immorality. So do we in the church need to water down God's gifts of sexuality and love because some can not separate the terms. Somehow we think that by not offending anyone that this is what God wants. Smooth everything over and all will be well and relative. So I will have to watch what words I use in God's House, that is I may have to make sure that I don't say intimacy/intimate every other word! I shall sin boldly because I have an intimate relationship with my God. ALLELUIA!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Inspiration Plus

This weekend is Washington State Special Olympic Winter Games. Yesterday I took Alex, Eric, and Nora to their cross-country skiing time trials. Last night, I attended the opening ceremony. Due to work, I can not make any of the events this weekend. However, I got some of the flavor yesterday. Winning is important to the athlete's but more important is doing their personal best. What a difference in our world if we all just strove to do our personal best instead of having to be #1. The smiles of triumph in simply finishing the race and crossing the finish line is inspiration plus. The cheering on of each other, the encouragement of the coachs and families, and the sheer joy of accomplishment is inspiration plus. One skier took baby steps, stopped half-way along, and with much encouragement from the crowd finally made it to the end - inspiration plus. When I told people that I was moving out here and working with my special friends many said that I would be such a help to them. But, they have and continue to teach me daily, affirm me daily, and are inspiration plus.

Murderer!!!

Most people when asked what commandment they are least likely to break would say, "I'm not a murderer!" And yet that is one that we all break. What you say? Mostly, this occurs because we have a limited understanding of what murder is. It is not just taking the life of someone. It is literally killing any part of a person. We kill/murder mostly with words. We murder a person's spirit, their self-worth, their reputation, and so on. Anger kills. Jealousy kills. Name calling is just plain murder. Thank goodness God loves us and forgives are sins. But remember we are then called to go and sin no more. Be aware! Think before you speak. Affirm and build up each other instead of tearing down and killing the spirit.

Get Thee Behind Me, Satan

I have always been alittle uneasy upon hearing the words-Satan, and the Devil. I believe it is because what appears in my mind is the image of the pitchforked, red suited man and that is such a limited view of evil. I also feel the same about seeing God the Father as this white haired, bearded, and white robed man. But, I must say that there is a good point to this image of evil if used as a means of halting evil behavior. That is to be able to say, "Get thee behind me, Satan!" It is a visual and auditory reminder. For just a Jesus was tested by Satan, we are daily tested by evil. That is we are tested to go against God's will. We are tested to turn away from God. Maybe those old cartoons that had the devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other were a good image for us even today. So, when you are tempted and tested why not join me in boldly saying, " Get thee behine me, Satan!"

Salt and Light

"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (The Message - Matthew 5)
Once again Eugene Peterson shows his wordsmith abilities. I suddenly hear "This Little Light of Mine" in my head, don't you? Unfortunately, my favorite Bible verse is lost somewhat in this translation. May your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) In my daily prayers I say, "May my light so shine before others that they may see good works and glorify you".
Shall we ponder today, how are we bringing out the God-colors and the God-flavors? How are we doing as salt and light? And don't forget to sing, "This Little Light of Mine"

A Healer? Who Me?

We read about Jesus and the disciples healing people and we question why we can't heal others or why is that not happening today. Doesn't anyone have that special gift? The truth is that we all do indeed have that special gift. We may not be able to cast out demons as we read in the Bible, at least not as specifically described. But we do have a great capacity to heal others. How you say? Well, how about with a smile, a touch, a listening ear, and/or a helping hand. These are just a few ways in which we can heal. Think about it. As a massage therapist and a RN, I know that a touch can be healing -physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Rubbing someone's shoulders and neck can relieve stress, physical problems such as headaches, and emotional blocks as well. A smile can change a person's attitude and stop negative thinking. Do you get the picture? So, knowing that you have this wonderful gift, explore the possibilities and use it more and more each day. A healer? Who me? You bet ya!

The Kingdom of God is at Hand

The Kingdom of God is at hand! When I hear that statement I think that it is about to begin, close by, or just starting. Maybe it is better stated - the Kingdom of God is here and now - the Kingdom of God was, is , and will forever be! We know that we live in the kingdom of this earth but do we really acknowledge and "live" in the Kingdom of God also?
I used to think about the two kingdoms in this way: each of my legs were planted in a kingdom and each kingdom was pulling me and my duty was to not split in two. I have come to see the error in this theory. It is my duty to bring my "legs" together and to stand straight and tall. That is to bring the two kingdoms together not to keep them separated. I believe that in baptism we become a child in God's kingdom. Obviously we become a child of this earthly kingdom at our birth. Living in the two kingdom is not easy. But it is made easier when we take charge of our lives and bring them closer together rather than let their pull split our lives. Thank be to God that we are given the strength, guidance, and love to make this possible. God is with us and so are others who also are journeying with us. God is calling, Christ is supporting, the Holy Spirit is empowering. Thanks be to the Triune God.

My Child, Delight of My Life

The moment Jesus came up put of the baptismal water, the skies opened up and he saw God's Spirit --it looked like a dove --descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: "This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life." (The Message)

Did this happen in my baptism? There is no report of a bird landing on my head, nor a voice from heaven. Did this happen in your baptism? And yet we were chosen, became a child of God, and were marked with the sign of the cross of Christ forever. Indeed we became "My Child, delight of My life". Do you feel the Holy Spirit moving within, around, and through you? Do you know and sense Christ walking beside you? Do you believe that "Abba" loves you?

Martin Luther is reported to have stated upon waking "I am baptized." I think that maybe we should have a sign made, that we could see upon waking, that states " This is my child, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life."

A Fad?

Today I read the 3 chapter of Matthew. Again I read from "The Message".
People poured out of Jerusalem, Judea, and the Jordanian countryside to hear and see him (John the Baptizer) in action. There at the Jordan River those who came to confess their sins were baptized into a changed life. When John realized that a lot of Pharisees and Sadducces were showing up for a baptismal experience because it was becoming the popular thing to do, he exploded: "Brood of snakes! What do you think you're doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to make any difference? It's your life that must change, not your skin! And don't think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as father. Being a descendant of Abraham is neither here nor there. Descendants of Abraham are a dime a dozen. What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it's deadwood, it goes on the fire. I'm baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. The real action comes next: the main character in this drama --compared to him I'm a mere stagehand -- will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He's going to clean house --make a clean sweep of your lives. He'll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he'll put out with the trash to be burned.
WOW! Not a new story but Peterson brings it to life for me. What if we put the word Christian in place of Pharisees or Sadducces? How many of us go along with the fad of being a Christian without changing our lives, changing for a kingdom life? Christians are a dime a dozen. Is your life green and blossoming or deadwood or just driftwood? I confess that my life was more driftwood until recently when my life changed to a kingdom life. Where are you?

Reading

I love to read. I don't remember being much of a reader as a child but I certainly have made up for it as an adult. As I read, especially novels, I become a home movie theatre. That is the words conjure up images in my head and it is as if the story is acted out in my mind. I expect that you have experienced this also. But the question for today is does this happen when you read the Bible? I believe that we really don't know how to "read" the Bible. Mostly we want to start at the beginning and read straight through. While this is important to see the whole picture it is not the best way of getting intimately into the Bible. Perhaps that is why I am using Eugene Peterson's "The Message". It is in a wonderful narrative form and I read aloud. How can we make the Word alive in our hearts and minds? That is the pondering for today. How can you make the Word alive in your heart and mind? Any ideas?

The Message

I have decided to read the Gospels and Acts for my lenten devotions. I am using Eugene Peterson's "The Message" and reading out loud. I thank, Pastor Sandy Kessinger for her great spiritual retreat that gave me new tools to help in my spiritual journey. One of the new tools was to read scripture out loud. I find that Peterson's contemporary language also helps to put new perspective on scripture and makes me go into a deeper search for meaning. I often have several translations out because of new insight. As I begin the gospel of Matthew, Peterson's introduction really made me think.
"The story of Jesus doesn't begin with Jesus. God has been at work for a long time. Salvation, which is the main business of Jesus, is an old business. Jesus is the coming together in final form of themes and energies and movements that had been set in motion before the foundation of the world." "...Matthew tells the story in such a way that not only is everthing previous to us completed in Jesus; we are complete in Jesus."
This is not a totally new concept to me but the way Peterson states it stirs me to ponder. Isn't it amazing how from the beginning of time until now God's Word is constant and true. The connectedness of it all. It is truly awesome.
Ponder this with me. Feel free to comment and hopefully we can have a dialog started.

Lenten Journey

Well, today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. I'm thinking that past thoughts about what Lent and a Lenten Journey should be needs to be changed. So, let me define what the season of Lent means to me and what my Lenten Journey will hopefuly be this year. Lent is a time of personal and corporate reflection about Christ and his journey here on earth. But, it is also so much more than just that. It is a time to reflect upon and build on our relationship with God. Yes, what is your intimate relationship with God. It is not just a time to give up some part of our routine, like not eating between meals, but to add to not just our routine but how we live our lifes. How can I get closer and more intimate with my God? How can I help others in their spiritual journey? Personally, I am hoping to write a new blog everyday during Lent. And I pray that this may help reach others and that the Holy Spirit will move within, around, and through me to this end. I will spend more time in "conversation" with God. There is more that I would like to take on but I hope and pray that I can manage to accomplish most of this as is. What about you? Why don't you join me in this Lenten Journey. You know that you can make comments on each of my posts. Let me know what you think. Let me know how you are doing on your journey.

On Eagle's Wings

Isaiah 40:31but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.



Does God speak to you? God "speaks" to me. You notice that I put " " around the word speaks. God speaks in many ways and through many vehicles. Unfortunately, we don't always notice or are not attuned to "hear". There are many reasons for our oblivion. But, let me give you an example of how God spoke to me recently. I was at my friend Barbara's (she has been away) taking in her mail and filling up her bird feeder. The bird feeder is on her deck. She lives up the mountain side in a beautiful setting that is surrounded by pines, birch trees and a wondrous view of the mountains. It is also a very quiet space. As I stood quietly listening and enjoying it all, I heard a swooshing sound. Along came a large bird, probably a hawk not an eagle but I was amazed at the sound. I thanked God right then and there for that experience and was awestruck. That was on a Saturday and during worship the next day we sang Michael Joncas' "On Eagle's Wings" and I believe that the above Isaiah passage was read. This was God's word to me to have hope in the Almighty. This was God reassuring me that I am not alone. This was God telling me that I am where I need to be and I will have the strength to do God's will.



This is but one example of how God speaks to me. How about you? How does God speak to you? Are you listening?

Church Mouse

My friend and co-worker, Sandy, from my former work commented when having read my blog that the church mouse is back. Part of my former job at the Presbyterian church office was the monthly newsletter editor. One of the most popular articles was the church mouse. This was an opportunity to affirm, thank, and announce information that was sometimes difficult to do in any other article. It was written with humor (some may have thought little humor) and often with a message attached. I also wrote one for my home congregation. I guess that Sandy is right that this is like the church mouse. I miss writing those columns. It doesn't seem that anyone has taken these columns on. That is a shame. We don't often get or take the chance to affirm one another as we should. Too often we pounce on the negative, the areas of "blame" and tearing down not building up of others. No, we can't all write articles, but we all can say thank you, great job, give high fives', and words of appreciation and affirmation. So remember the church mouse when you begin to speak words that will break down and not build up. May that picture stop those words and change them to positive, affirming words. Think about how that could begin to change the life of others and just maybe even ourselves.

A New Beginning

Can you imagine? Deb is blogging! Amazing! Why isn't she the same person who refused to journal and now she is writing a blog! It's a blooming miracle.
Really, it is all about new beginnings. I certainly have had a lot of them this past year. Less than a year ago I lived in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. In a town that has seen it's share of economic downturn. As a result it is a very depressed, negative area. I had lived since 1981. There are many happy memories but also many sad and depressed ones. The most difficult part of the move west was leaving friends and my son, Joel.
Since July 13th I have lived in Leavenworth Washington. What a difference and a new beginning! One can hardly be depressed and sad in this beautiful area. The Cascade Mountains surround you. Although the down is a tourist town it has maintained it's small town charm. The people are extremely friendly and kind. It is what a small town used to be like. Needless to say, I love it here. I now understand fully the word JOY! And I thank God daily for this blessing. And I daily see God's hand in this move.
So, my friends and family, what I hope to do in my blogging is to share this new beginning and to hopefully share my ponderings with you.
Oh, by the way, HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!! Take time to read 1Corinthians 13 and think about God's complete love and ponder how we each can love ourselves and others as God loves us.