This Life

It's tornado season in Oklahoma.

I'm not sure that I ever get used to it, but I do get prepared, especially since I've survived one before.

Since we don't have a television in our home, the weather radio is critical during this season. It screeches at an alarming decibel when the warning is issued.  That deafening warning is followed by a robot sounding voice coming on over the intercom explaining exactly what the weather is doing and what we should be doing.  Moments later, I get a text message from the local weather station; a warning has been issued for our county.

I've been outside taking photos of  God's extraordinary sky when it becomes clear that we may have to take cover in our neighbor's underground shelter. So, I start the routine. First things first, I make sure I'm dressed in something other than my pj's, and I put on my boots.  Boots are good for slogging through rain, mud, and debris. I'll be ready for anything.  Once I'm ready, I get my things ready.  I pack my briefcase making sure to include my Bible, my laptop and charger, my phone and charger, my wallet, makeup bag,  and some important papers.  I can't forget the proof of citizenship - just in case.  I wasn't born in the US, but I was born to US citizens abroad.  I bring my paperwork that proves this.  I also grab my camera bag.

Once I have my briefcase and camera bag ready to go, I grab a few important items for safe storage in the interior hallway closet:  my photos on disc, a few photo albums and books, and a few more important papers.  I place these in the closet and cover them with pillows.

If we have to take shelter, I'll grab the two bags now sitting by the front door;  I'll put the leash on the dog, and follow my husband across the street. 

This whole process takes about 5 minutes, and I do it in advance of the arrival of every storm that could hold a tornado.

As I sit and look at the photos I had taken earlier in the evening, and I wait for the core of the storm to arrive; I begin to think about my routine and the items I've selected to save.

What I pack when a storm is coming shows a little bit about what is important to me.

God's Word

My US Citizenship

My family photos

My photography in general

My camera

My laptop (which holds a lot of my photography)

Being able to connect with the outside world.

Putting on the best face possible.

I do all of this because I know of the reality that my home could be destroyed.  It doesn't usually cross my mind that I could be destroyed.

And so today I wonder about how I am living my life in light of the fact that I'm not promised tomorrow.  As I have cared for my elderly parents over the last several months, I have become more in tune to my own aging.  When I wrote my mission statement recently I included these words. "I will love others as if it is their last day on earth, and I will live with the reality of the brevity of my own life at the forefront of my mind."  

Being keenly aware of the fact that the moment that just passed can't be regained should cause me to make wiser decisions.  I'm reminded of the meaning of my blog title. A defined life has a deliberate form.  It is not passive or without intent.  I am choosing to live my life moment by moment, and I'm beginning to realize that wasting time or killing time is far worse than throwing money in a trash can.  Killed time grieves God, and it accomplishes absolutely nothing beneficial for anyone.

I'm challenging myself, and I'd like to challenge you, to spend our moments abiding in Christ.  Living moment by moment in fellowship with Jesus will place us directly in the center of his will, and our time will be invested in things eternal rather than thrown away to the distractions of the trivial, and we will soar.

 

 Thank you for indulging me in this re-post.  I thought since I am on a quasi-blog break, it was appropriate to share this post as tornado season has arrived one again in Oklahoma, as it always does. I would also like to request prayer for those affected by the tornadoes yesterday in Oklahoma and surrounding states.  Bad weather is again in the forecast today.  Blessings to you until I return full-time! 

UPDATE:  After I posted this  today (5/20/13) a massive tornado went through the Oklahoma City Metro area.  Yes, I had my bags packed, and I headed for cover right behind my husband and that dog on the leash!  We were safe today, but many were not.  There was massive destruction in Moore.  Lives and homes have been destroyed.  Please pray for God's presence to wash over our city and other areas affected.

Sharing with:  Hear it on Sunday, Share it on Monday, The Weekend Brew, Spiritual Sundays, Sunday Stillness, and Tuesdays Around the World.

Mom ~ She Cared Enough To Send the Very Best

Wrapped in ribbon and stacked in boxes of hope in an old chest that she gave me, mother's letters rest, but her words still jump, and run, and gather speed with each passing year of my life.  I have them all - every single letter or card she ever gave me.  Somehow the good Lord saw fit long ago to give her words that I would need on numerous occasions in my life. I have often pulled out her hand-written notes to read over and over when I needed encouragement over the years.  I remember holding her written voice in my hands and listening, not always taking heed, but knowing the words were rich and worthy.  Now I take them out of my blessing box (That's what I call that special box that holds all things dear.), and I read the words as I ponder Mother's Day, and then I read them to her over the phone.  And now I see how the Lord saw fit long ago to give her words that she would need one day.  She spoke words long ago to minister healing into my heart and now they are bouncing back off the doorways of time right back  into her very own soul as I read, and she listens, and she can hardly believe she wrote the words.  Faith still comes for this 83 year old, but it comes harder and in fits and starts as the trials get deeper and the climb gets steeper.

When I was 22 and a senior in college, I went through a very difficult time.   These are just three of the notes that she wrote to me that year, but they are some of the favorite words I have received over time.  Maybe these words of hope will bring you or someone you love a similar comfort to that which I have found in them.

September 5, 1988

My dear Steph,

It grieves me and makes me feel sad that you are having these hard times to go through.  I guess mothers are never ready to see their children suffer.  I am praying much for you, and if your suffering causes you to depend on Christ and Him alone, then all the heartache will be worth it.  You are loved and little do you know the wonderful things God has in store for you if you will but trust and obey.

Under separate cover you will receive your new Bible.  Digest the words you read and let the Holy Spirit speak to you and guide you.

Love & Prayers
Mom

10-3-88

Dear Steph,

I think of you so much and pray for you with every thought.

Steph, it takes a long time for a pearl to be formed, and the beauty and value of that pearl depends on the color of the mollusk in which it is found - the same with a life.  The beauty of a life depends on the character of the one in which it is found - and that one is Jesus.  Even though on the outside that mollusk is going through all kinds of trauma, deep inside is a beautiful and precious gem being formed.  I am confident the same is happening with you as long as you allow Christ to enfold you with His love, care and protection.

Praise Him for all He is doing in your life.  He is worthy to be praised.  He is altogether lovely.  He is truth.  He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you.  Exert faith Steph, even when things look hopeless - that is real faith.  It doesn't take much faith when we can see.  Great faith comes when we can't see.

Jesus can be trusted.  You can rest in that.  Try to learn all you can about Him.

Love,
Mom

P.S.  Jesus heals the broken-hearted, but He wants all the pieces.

4-23-89

Dear Stephanie, (Mom always spelled my name with an "e" on the end even though it doesn't have one.)

Well, this will probably be my last letter to you during your college career.  It's been a growing up and maturing time - hard times, good times - sad times, happy times - and I've been emotionally up and down right along with you.  This is another milestone completed.  Not the last one, but a very important one.  I am proud of you and so is Daddy.  You've hung in there through some very hard times and probably no one realizes that like you do.  Seeing you grow spiritually and learning to fully trust Jesus is most gratifying to us.  You don't need to fear what comes next, because the Christ we serve has promised to direct our paths and to never leave us nor forsake us.  God is faithful. "And I am sure that he who has begun a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."  Phil. 1-6.

You can approach the future with confidence "for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self control." II Tim . 1:7.

Stephanie, you have many wonderful qualities.  Just remember, Satan works hardest on those that can be the greatest blessing so keep your hand in God's.  Don't struggle.  You can know peace as He leads you.

I love you.

As Always,
Mom

See you in a few days!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you Mothers that are reading this!  May the words of your mouths and the meditations of your hearts be acceptable in his sight, and may you speak truth and life and love into the lives of your children, and may they be words of eternal value that will speak to them again and again throughout the years.  May you be blessed because you've been a blessing

Sharing with:  Spiritual Sundays, Weekend Brew, Faith-filled Friday

A Day in April

  I'm setting down my computer after today to take a blog break for a few weeks. I will still probably be active on Twitter if you would like to connect there.  You can find me @adefinedlife.
Otherwise I will see you when I get back . . . 

Today is . . .  April 28, 2013 - 10:06 PM

Outside my window . . .  I expect my husband to pull into the driveway at any minute with ice cream.

I am hearing . . . crickets, sirens,  and other evening noises coming through the open windows

I am wearing . . . a tank top and flannel pants.

I am creating . . .  a mess.  It's true!  My house looks like the wreck of the Hesperus!That's what my Dad used to say my messy bedroom looked like when I was a kid.  Well, my house looks like that today!

I am looking forward to . . . a special date night on Saturday.

I am remembering . . .my first date with my husband.  It was on my birthday.  I had the amazing experiencing of falling in love with my husband while we were friends and before he had ever asked me on a date.  We worked together and had been friends for 9 months when he finally said something to me about how we should go to this certain place to eat.  We planned to meet there after work, but because of the way he asked me to go, I wasn't sure if it was a "date" or not.  I called me girlfriend to ask her if I should take money.  We concluded that it would be wise just in case he intended it to be dutch treat as friends.  When I arrived at the restaurant I could tell by the look on his face that something had changed, we were no longer just friends.  My suspicions were confirmed when he asked me to sit next to him at the table instead of across from him.

I am thankful . . . for rest.  I'm anticipating it will come.

I am praying . . .  for rest and refreshment.

I am needing . .   rest and refreshment.  Are you noticing a trend here?

I am reading . . .  21 Days To a More Disciplined Life by Chrystal Paine

A quiet time thought . . .  Jesus is the pen God uses to record my name in the Book of Life.  It is written with his very own blood, inked onto the pages of eternity. - That thought came to me as I read Revelation 20:12-15 this week.  His blood, his life, his righteousness - what a gift.  I can't fully comprehend it, but yet I must comprehend it enough to accept it, unwrap it, and put it on.

Words to think about . . . "Are you seeking great things for yourself?  Not seeking to be a great one, but seeking great things from God for yourself.  God wants you in a closer relationship to Himself than receiving His gifts, He wants you to get to know Him.  A great thing is accidental, it comes and goes.  God never give us anything accidental.  There is nothing easier than getting into a right relationship with God except when it is not God Whom you want, but only what He gives." Oswald Chambers

A random fact you may not know about me . . . I love mushrooms!

One of my favorite things . . . .pepperoni and mushroom pizza, preferrably made homemade by my
husband!

A blessing captured . . . his pizza.

Sharing with The Simple Woman's Daybook

Hello Mornings!

Beginning May 6th I will be participating in the Hello Mornings summer challenge!

 

If you are a morning person and especially if you aren't, this will be a great way to spend 13 weeks!

Here are the details!

• A 13-week challenge to maximize your mornings, via online accountability groups.
• Starts May 6th and runs through August 2nd.
• Registration is open until Friday, May 3th.
• Perfection is not a requirement. Just a desire to meet with God in the morning and a commitment to checking in with your group.
• There is also a free Bible study for all HelloMornings participants, Meet Jesus, a walk through the book of John.

I'm excited to "meet" with other like minded women early in the morning when I'm up and preparing for my day.  This will also be an excellent summer Bible study for me.  My year long study of Genesis with Bible Study Fellowship will conclude on May 20th so  this will give me another study to shift to until another year with BSF and the book of Matthew begins in September!

Here's to an enriching and renewing summer!

Capturing Life

The lake was a bustling on Sunday afternoon with walkers, cyclists, Frisbee throwers, sunbathers, wind surfers, and the occasional convertible with it's top down.  But a Sunday afternoon in Oklahoma just wouldn't be complete without a little bow fishin'.

I've actually heard some photographers say they don't even carry their camera during the middle of the day when the sun is high and the light is not at it's best for optimum photos.

I have to beg to disagree.  Is it about optimum light, or is is about capturing life? 

Sure, these photos might have been more brilliant had they been taken during the golden hour before the sun sets.  But then again, all I would have had was the water and weeds because this fisherman was long gone by then.

A whole lot of life happens in the middle of the day.

Sharing with:  Tuesdays Around the World, The Happiness Project, and Sweet Shot Tuesday

Eviction Notice!

The Devil, and there is a very real devil, roams around seeking whom he may devour, but he will only be as instrumental in our lives as we allow him to be.  The same is true of the Holy Spirit.  We have a choice where our strength lies, and continually yielding to one over the other will strengthen their effectiveness in us, and our usefulness to them.  Like a muscle that is worked out and strengthened or left to atrophy, so is our relationship with those warring for our soul.  Not choosing to yield one way or another, is a choice in and of itself. Apathy will make the choice for us because abundant lives don't happen passively.

  Satan will flee from a life continually surrendered to Jesus Christ.

Yield to the Holy Spirit and watch Satan run.

 

The following words are by Brennan Manning

Disgruntled and disgusted, The Prince of Darkness slinks up to the chalet of bummed-out disciples who have made their home in Jesus and nails a legal document to the door:

Eviction Notice!

You are hereby banished from

the House of Fear forever.

With malice aforethought, you have

flagrantly withheld the montly rent

of guilt, anxiety, fear shame

and self-condemenation.

You have adamantly refused to

worry about your salvation.

Already I overheard one dismal tenant say,

"There goes the neighbohood!"

Your freedom from fear is not only 

dangerous but contagious.

Real estate values have plummeted;

gullible investors are hard to find.

Why? Your callous and carefree

 rejection of slavery!

A pox on you and

all deluded lovers of liberty!

  

The Prince

(Taken from Brennan Manning's book The Ragamuffin Gospel)

 Heaven gets sweeter and sweeter every time a saint goes Home.

Brennan Manning April 27,1934-April 12, 2013

Sharing with: Still Saturday 

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Finding Jesus on Friday at Five O'Clock

On any given Friday afternoon the classroom building where my office is located, is mostly abandoned.  There are no classes held in the late of the day on the final stretch of the school week, so the halls grow dim and quiet.  On occasion you will see a student sitting cross legged on an oversize chair in the corner with a textbook on her lap, or a group of friends gathered on the couches of the first floor near the big screen monitors that splash news and stock quotes, feet propped up on the coffee table, laughter echoing in the otherwise empty halls.  The secretary responsible for locking classroom doors and turning off hallway lights makes her trek around the building, often before my day comes to a close, leaving dark corridors to wind through on my way out. 

While navigating the halls at the end of a Friday, my eyes scanned the announcements covering bulletin boards and filling display cases in the stairwell and near the exit.  There were notices about clubs, meetings, workshops, and campus activities. I didn't see Jesus' name anywhere.  The name Christian didn't pop out at me, not even the word God or god. I walked the length of the dark, empty hallway of this public institution and said, "Lord, I wish your name was everywhere and that everyone loved you.  I wish - I wish everyone was a Christian."

That's when He reminded me of the significance of the events encased within the walls of my office and in this academic building.  It is here where my vocation becomes a mission field - a mission field no less significant than Swaziland, where my church members serve or New Guinea, where I was born. 

A lost soul is a lost soul no matter what land they come from. 

It is here where I meet one-on-one with hundreds throughout the year who come to me with their needs. It is here where fears are challenged and conquered, tears are shed and dried, dreams are born and pursued, paths are forged and followed.  Questions are answered here in this place, and I have the only answer that really matters.

Called to serve right where we are, our vocation becomes our mission field.

  What a responsibility.  What a privilege

Today I'm sharing with:  Five Minute Friday (Today's word prompt is HERE), Spiritual Sundays,  Weekend Brew ,
 and Faith Filled Friday

Before Hope is Washed Out

I had been on the highway for an hour-and-a-half and had only managed to go the same distance that it normally takes about seven minutes to travel. The rain started in the night; rolling thunder and lightning banged and clacked through a restless sleep. With no TV and a failure to listen to the radio before I left for work, I had no idea what was transpiring in the city. Streets were under water, highways shut down, and exit ramps closed. I was in the thick of it before I realized what was going on – kept company only by the DJ on the radio. “This is unprecedented flooding for the metropolitan area.” The weather man kept repeating – unprecedented.

As I was approaching the 10th Street exit, I knew a decision had to be made about whether to keep going, or turn around and go home. It would probably take me at least 30 more minutes to get to the 23rd street exit.  Besides, that exit ramp was closed. It could be two more hours before making it to the town where I work, a drive that normally takes 30 minutes. I spoke with a co-worker on my cell-phone, and I was encouraged to turn around and go home. No students had been coming in, and three of my colleagues were unable to make it through the treacherous streets to get to work. So, I took the 10th street exit, the first available exit that might get me home. Earlier on the phone my husband had expressed that it might be a bad idea to take the 10th Street exit, and not for the grace of God, it would have been.

The idea was to take that very exit, go back under the bridge, and get back on the highway going east back home instead of west as I had been headed before. I turned left at the bottom of the ramp, turning onto 10th, and with the bridge up ahead, I saw the flood water. More fearful than I would have ever expected to be, tears dripped heavy out of my eyes as I realized I couldn’t go backwards. Two cars were already stranded under the bridge, sitting hopeless with water seeping in the doors. With my husband in my ear, tears on my face, and fear in my heart I said, “What do I do?”

“Drive very slow.” said my stronger half.

“There are cars stranded, flooded. Water is up the doors.”

“They are stranded because they tried to drive through too fast.”  My husband reassured me.

The reporters on the news, who are usually over-zealous, will always tell you not to drive through high waters. But, when faced with driving through or being a sitting duck waiting for the water to come to me, I had to go through before it got any higher.

They were on either side of me, the wide-eyed people with nowhere to go. I wish I could have helped them, but I had my own ocean of worry to drive through. I began to wonder, Is my house built on sinking sand? When the waters come will my house be swept away? As I drove down this first river street, everything in slow motion, I began to see a different kind of flood, one caused by the deluge of sin, and poor choice, and self. I could picture the high waters that consume those whose hearts haven’t received the gift, the gift purchased for them, but left unopened. The life preserver left behind. Their faces fear stricken.

With tears, fear, and prayer, and great faith in an incredibly calm, and protective husband, I drove on through. Relieved, my hopes were soon dashed as I saw the entrance ramp back onto the highway that I had wanted to get to.  It was  flooded. Closed. Cars stranded. Water was all around me, but God’s hand was under my little Honda. “What do I do now?”

My husband was directing my every move. He knew which roads would be best to take. I made my way to Eastern Avenue still shaken by that liquid torment I had just driven through, and concerned because I couldn’t get back to the highway. Courage in my husband’s voice kept me going. Then I saw it ahead. Cars making U-turns. U-turns to where? It was flooded behind us. People were making choices to go on through or turn around. White caps were washing across the street. "Do I go on through? Jesus help me." They are there again, the people who took it too fast, turned in every direction and unprepared for how to travel through water on wheels. They were helpless and hopeless, and again I wanted to stop to help, but I was headed home, and my beloved was leading me there. 

What will it be like when as Jesus said in Mathew 24,  “For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”?

Jesus will come in a fury. We will round a corner and find ourselves before his throne. There will be no more life preserves thrown then because all of the life saving work will be done. Did we accept the saving grace when we had the chance? Are we prepared for the flood waters to come? They will come unexpectedly, and they will come quickly. There will be those that are left, that don’t make it through. Will you make it through? Will I?

“I have to put the phone down.” I cried to my husband.

I drove, and I prayed. “Jesus, sweet Jesus. Oh, Jesus help me cross safely. Help me get home.”

“You don’t understand honey. There are whitecaps in the water. It is rushing across the road.”

“Drive slow. Just drive slowly.”

“Jesus. Oh Jesus help me.”

“I’m through! I’ve made it through!”

“Okay.” My hubby said. “Are you on 15th street yet?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. Drive safe. You’re almost home.”

As I rounded the corner onto my street, I saw water covering curbs, traveling up yards, and creeping up driveways, but I knew we were on high ground, and we would be okay. We were blessed.  Some streets had water covering the cars.  Homes were completely flooded.  When I saw that familiar little white house, my soul was washed with peace as I fully realized that I had made it all the way home.

We’re almost to our eternal home you know? Are you prepared for rising waters? Do you have your life preserver? Are you traveling with the Savior? Are you listening to his voice?  Before hope is washed out, let Him take you all the way home.

It rained all through the night last night and for most of the day today.  The deluge brought back memories of this story I shared quite some time ago.  We didn't have a flood today, but temperatures dipped below freezing, and the trees bowed and bent and snapped under the weight of the ice.  What a beautifully strange sight to see Redbud trees completely frozen in April.  I hope you enjoyed the retelling of this story as I get some much needed body and soul rest.

Sharing with #TellHisStory and Walk With Him Wednesdays

You're Very Own Millionaire

I thought I'd lighten things up a bit today!  You know me, I get pretty serious here on this blog.  I spend a lot of time reading, thinking, pondering, pouring over things, and spilling them out here on this screen.   But, life doesn't just happen in the deep places, it also happens in the kitchen!   Today we've got food for the tummy, and boy is it yummy!

This is my husband's absolute favorite pie, and I knew if I was ever going to make it for him, I was going to have to get the best recipe I could find, so who better to get it from than his very own mother!

Millionaire Pie

So, here we go . .  .

Part One - The Base

1 9-inch pie shell

1/4 stick of butter at room temperature

1/2 pound powdered sugar

3 egg yolks

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Whip butter, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla until light and fluffy.  Pour into baked pie shell and spread with the following:

(Now don't eat all that yellow rich goodness before you make the topping!  If you do that, you won't have a pie to share, unless of course that is what you're hoping for!)

Part Two - The Topping

1 cup whipping cream

5 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 cup crushed pineapple (drained well)

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Whip cream, gradually adding powdered sugar; fold in well-drained pineapple and pecans.  Pile on top of the first mixture and refrigerate for several hours.

Hope you enjoy! I'd love to hear from you after you try it! Or before, or anytime for that matter!

 Sharing with: Tuesdays Around the World, The Happiness Project, Project Inspired,
You're Gonna Love it!, In and Out of the Kitchen, 36th Avenue, Inspiration Gallery,
Tasteful Tuesday, and Show and Share