A helping hand

The other day, my husband and son were running errands when they noticed an older homeless man on the side of the interstate ramp. Typically, for some reason, there is always someone there with a sign trying to collect money. Its a very busy intersection. My husband noticed this man in particular for some reason. He mentioned that he was an older black gentleman with the whitest beard. Looked like the had all his possessions on his back. He contemplated stopping and new he would be back by that way.

After he and Nick were driving back toward the ramp, they noticed that a black car was stopping to help the man. Kevin was glad to see that someone did help. He typically helps most anyone - especially women who have car trouble. I've never known my husband not to stop in those situations. But this time....someone else helped. As Kevin watched the man accept the ride and walk around to get in the car....he could not help but see who had stopped to help this man. It was Bart Starr. Yes, the MVP of Super Bowl 1 and 2!

We hear alot how Bart Starr has helped so many in our community and others around as well, but seeing it...was such a highlight for Kevin. What a role model too. I wonder if when that man sat in Bart's car...if it dawned on him who it was. I am sure it did. Kevin said that they looked to be about the same age. It kind of makes me think, what was that man doing back in 1966 when Bart was throwing a football and becoming a legend. Where was this man then? Was he successful at that time? Did he have his own home then? A family maybe? Or has life always been this hard for him.

I too am encouraged that someone like Bart Starr would stop and help someone in need. The NFL community also realized the character of Bart Starr. The Athletes in Action/Bart Starr Award was created to honor the NFL player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. I wonder who has been the recipient of that award. I'll have to look and see.

Bart was quoted as saying; "I don't think it makes sense to strive for perfection. Perfection is not attainable. I believe totally in striving for excellence, and I think there is a great deal of difference between the two. Although we strive for excellence, we set sensible goals because one of the most frustrating things in the world is to set our goals so high that we have no chance of reaching them."

I just loved this story and thought there would be some of you that would enjoy it as well. It may also inspire you to help someone out when you see a need. Though Bart is not striving for perfection, I can see that he does have a guiding influence in his life. I've always heard about his strong Christian faith. Though I've never had a reason to doubt it....I now see that he puts scripture to action. May we all do the same for someone in need.

Philippians 2

Imitating Christ's Humility

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

Nana

My precious grandmother is in the hospital. She has been there since Wednesday of last week and it doesn't look as if she'll come home sooner than the weekend. She first went in with breathing problems, that turned to pneumonia and today it was confirmed that she has lung cancer. Sadly, that is not a surprise for us. She was a heavy smoker most all of her life until December of 1999.

Right before we were getting ready to celebrate the big Millennium, we decided as a family to make a time capsule. Ok..right about now you must be wondering where this is going...but just wait. Anyway, we all planned to write letters and place the letters along with a few personal items inside a box that we would seal until the year 2010. (I can't believe that we are just about to be in 2010!) Well, as we were talking about writing our letters, my Nana mentioned New Years Resolutions. Scout was quick to find Nana when she was over. He has always loved her so much. Well, as she was talking, he was listening as usual and asked her what a resolution was and she told him. Out of the blue, he asked her if she would quit smoking for her New Years Resolution because he wanted her to be healthy and live a long time. Wow...if it were only that easy. Well...for her it was. Scout asked, she agreed and on December 31, 1999 my Nana wrapped up her cigarettes inside her fancy cigarette case and that was that. She's always said that is all it took for her. My Nana is strong willed. Believe me!!!! She'll do whatever she wants...and pleasing her grandchildren and great grandchildren is one of her favorite.

Scout and Nana

I remember being with her so much as a little girl. My sister and I would spend the night with her often. One of my favorite things about spending the night with her was her jewelry box, long dresses and fur coats. Seriously...I thought she had millions of dollars!!! She literally would let us play in her stuff and she totally enjoyed watching us. One time we told her how much we loved her satin sheets on her bed...but we weren't allowed to sleep with her. She said we kicked too much! But soon after that...every time we went over to her house....our bed in the guest room had satin sheets. Jennifer and I were giddy!!! I know this sounds crazy...but it was awesome. She loved having fun with us...and I know she enjoyed us to the fullest.


I love this lady!!

When I moved out of my parents house and into my own apartment, my Nana took me to dinner if not weekly at least every other week. Even if it was a quick dinner...and included my roommate. She would call to make sure we were seeing each other. After being in my own apartment for a year or so, I moved a bit further to Tampa, Florida. I guess I had been in Tampa for 2 or 3 weeks when I got a call from Nana that said, "Shan, I need to see you and so do your mom, dad and sister. I am sending you a plane ticket to come home next weekend" And she did. In fact...she did that another time that I remember not too long after the first time! She was always generous. Always!!!

Well, tonight as I looked at my sweet Nana in the hospital, she looks so small, tired and sick. Its hard to see her like that...but even though her body now looks so small, her heart is still SO BIG! Seriously, there is not a time I see her now that she doesn't tell me how much she loves me and what a big part of her heart I hold. Her mind and memory are not there on some days....but even after she's asked me the same question 3 times in a row - she'll sometimes randomly say, "I remember the day I was waiting for you in the hospital Shannon Lea" and then she'll recount the day...the exact same scenario time after time with no forgotten details. She loves big....and doesn't forget those things.

Its a reminder to me that though things in this world may catch our attention and pull us away from time to time - the things that hold true and strong are the relationships that we carry with our friends and family. Those are the things that last....and that we hold old to until the very end. I am so thankful to be loved by that woman. She's taught me so much about being a lady, a business woman and loving life...every minute of it. Living fully....and maybe even dance on a table or two if you have the chance. (while being a lady.....of course) Don't you wish you knew my Nana? Some of you do....and for that I am so glad to have been able to share her with you. I pray that these next weeks, months or however long my Nana is with us, are filled with peace, joy and comfort for my sweet grandmother. God is good and she has loved him and taught us how to love and live as well. How blessed I have been!

Phillipians 1:3-4
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy

This is Nana with our boys last year - Christmas 2007



This is Nana this Christmas with all the girls.

Remembering to turn the fish light off - I wish everything was that easy!

Each night before Max goes to sleep we have the same ritual. Kevin tucks him in bed...and Max will come downstairs for a second goodnight to me and remind me, "Mom, don't forget to turn off my fishlight". He's 10 years old....and I fear that soon he will not come down that second time to remind me! I love his light - (knowing its really there because he has a thing about being in the dark...much like his mom). He says it calms him.....but we all know the truth around here. The same truth that is the unspoken reason why Max has the morning shift for dog walking. We avoid the dark....

Anyway, last week as I was tucking Max in I had one of those moments where your heart is just heavy. You know what I mean? It had been a long day of some grown up drama with one of my teens. And to be honest....I just felt completely overwhelmed. And seeing that little 10 year old face....just about did me in. Especially when he's all tucked in bed, eyes closed tight and said, "Ok mom, let's pray that I have a good night sleep". Ughhh... I am sure I would have freaked him out if I had burst into tears hanging over him. Thank goodness that did not happen. But, I did give him an extra hug....and kiss too and certainly prayed that he would sleep well that night. As I was leaving his room, he said, "Oh mom, don't forget to turn my fish light off!" My reply...was, "Of course bud". I am so thankful that the biggest thing on his mind that night was making sure I turn off the light...and if we can go buy his friend Isaac a Lego set before the big party on Friday. Such simple requests....I can handle that!

So simple....and so different than one of my other boys right now. What a difference a few years makes.

Now that my boys are getting older...they are walking their own spiritual road. And I know they are going to fall....get banged up from time to time....but they will learn, and God's grace will be there. But...my heart will break for them each time. Like it did last week...and still today, as I watch my son walk through this situation. I remember one time, I was talking with a man at my church....how to protect our kids from making the wrong decisions. He and his wife have raised 3 of the most wonderful boys I know. They are men now....and all love the Lord and have wonderful families. He quickly assured me they too had their share of bumps...and then made a comment that has stayed with me. He said, "if the never fall or feel the need for God's grace...how will they know or feel the value of its worth??" Wow...that's right...I had to learn that same lesson. My kids also need to have their own experiences and that means.....experiencing life....not just watching.

The word that comes to mind is Isaiah 43:1-3. This verse is one that I promise you helped both Nick and me through his 6th grade year! That was rough year. This verse encouraged him....and held me above water...literally.

Isaiah 43
Israel's Only Savior
1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I know God is with all three of my boys for every step that they take. Especially after they've messed up...and need courage, grace and love to keep on going. It takes courage to face your mistakes and keep fighting....keep holding your head up. But we can do that...because of Christ, His grace....and his promise to us.

I don't know where you are in life...if you have kids...maybe you are awaiting that gift....or maybe you are walking through something entirely different. Know that God is there. And if you know him as your Lord.....that promise is for you. "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze". That...is good stuff. Be encouraged.....I know I am.

I know that raising kids will bring many trials. I know this. But experiencing them....is another thing. You can think you prepared and you can think you've got your bases covered....but when something happens in the lives of one of your kids - you've got to lean on everything you've been saying that you believe. Trials make our faith stronger.

1 Peter 1:5-7 (New International Version)
who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

As parents, when we trust God with our children especially in times of error or crisis, our faith is refined. If we say we believe in a God that that can do miracles....then we believe in miracles even when they seem so impossible. If we say we believe that he will direct our steps, then we need to walk as if we are being led by the God of love and victory and not by fear. If we preach that we serve a loving God who sent his son to die on the cross for us offering amazing grace and mercy, then we need to show our kids discipline showered in love for them, not anger and unforgiveness.

Faith refined by fire - results in praise, glory and honor when Christ is revealed. Wow....that is much harder than remembering to turn off the fish light each night. Don't you agree?

2009 and my resolutions for the year.....or for now anyway.

I always love sitting down in a quiet place during the beginning of each new year. My problem this year seems to be that I have not yet had that quiet moment. It could have been this morning....but my sweet husband let me sleep on this last morning of laziness before school begins again. I won't complain about that at all. Its actually unusual that my body clock actually let me. Something has changed lately and I'm not certain how to react. I guess my body is just needing more sleep and is totally letting me know it....and just does it! Oh well...

I have things in mind that I want to do this year as I will be turning 40 in April. I have to tell you...I am excited. I am going to be 40. I'm not sad....not nervous or anxious.....but in some ways I am so excited. The next half of my life promises to have great joy, adventure....and some sadness as well I am sure. Life is never perfect or always happy....we've been warned of that in the Bible. But the joy...and the happiness...that is also promised. I would guess that within the next 10 years, my oldest will likely be married, possibly my middle son as well. I might have a grandchild that calls me something cute (that is a pre-requisite). And....with God's goodness...I'll still be married and enjoying life with my best friend, Kevin. I can't imagine him not being there. Goodness... I assume Max will be in school......hopefully. But also hopefully out of my house. (I think that is healthy) Which all means - my house will be filled with only the conversation of me, Kevin and our dogs on most days. Wow...how did I go 10 years already...I was supposed to be looking only at 2009. Woe....let me back up.

Alright...here is my tentative list for 2009

* Pray more - Listen even more
* Share my faith more - the reason for my gladness
* Sigh.... Exercise......yes I said it. Friends, hold me accountable. (Jennifer, I know you signed up for Planet Fitness....you'll see me there hopefully sometime this week)
* Go on more dates with my husband. We have the luxury of having kids that are older and typically have plans all their own. I want to plan some creative dates this year. yes...that means we'll probably be back at Sips and Strokes. (Call me if you want to double)
* Read the Bible all the way through. I have yet to do this. I cheated one year...I don't want to cheat this year. I skipped some old testament. I don't want to skip that this time.
* Shop Less. Yes...I just said that too. I love it....it feels great and its fun....but I have so much. I want to give more. Just haven't figured all that out yet.
* Take more fun trips with the family. If I shop less..this should not be a problem.


I also want to see my kids do more and plan more this year. Last year, while meeting with one of my favorite mentors, we discussed many times a reoccurring bible verse that I kept running into. I would hear it....read it....come across it time after time until finally, I had to take a time out and say..."God...what do you want me to know about this verse??". Thankfully....as I became more quiet...he began speaking what that meant for me.

Psalm 119:133 (King James Version)

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

I love the passage written in The Message as well;

Psalm 119:133 (The Message)

129-136 Every word you give me is a miracle word—
how could I help but obey?
Break open your words, let the light shine out,
let ordinary people see the meaning.
Mouth open and panting,
I wanted your commands more than anything.
Turn my way, look kindly on me,
as you always do to those who personally love you.
Steady my steps with your Word of promise
so nothing malign gets the better of me.
Rescue me from the grip of bad men and women
so I can live life your way.
Smile on me, your servant;
teach me the right way to live.
I cry rivers of tears
because nobody's living by your book!

I began to hear God tell me...and I feel it even as I write this blog - that unless I steady myself and every move...every action according to His word....my steps will not be steady. It won't matter how hard I work, or try, it will fail and fall. I can commit to any resolution, but unless it lines up with his plan for me, I won't find joy. It's true.

So today....as I feel crazy that I have yet to sit down and do my list for real, I already know that God has one for me. I think the things I listed above are good and I feel quite certain that God would say...Girl, that's a start. But I know...he's calling me to more this year. Now, I need to make the time to be quiet to listen...and He will order my steps and they will not be shaky. Thank you Lord....you are good!

Happy New Year Everyone! May your year be blessed....and full of His joy!