Celebrity

This week saw the deaths of Ed McMahon, Farrah (Angel) Fawcett and Michael (King of Pop) Jackson... famous people that many felt they knew... celebrities.

I grew up aware of these people, but I'm not feeling any particular loss. I suppose there is some sympathy for Fawcett's family and friends, but that's more because of the common bond of cancer and the firm hope that the disease is not what ends my life.

What really strikes me about these deaths is what has been revealed about Michael Jackson. The lengths he went to in order to cover his pain and find meaning in life are truly disturbing. The drugs, surgeries, self-indulgence... the poor guy was seriously unhappy. All the fame and money in the world can't buy you love or contentment.

Another thing about celebrity: how do you conduct your life under a microscope? The paparazzi would make me crazy. Everything scrutinized and recorded on film... yikes! What does it say about us that we care what the "stars" are wearing, eating or driving? We drive the feeding frenzy.

I know there are many times when I wish I were more popular, or had extra money for luxuries, but would that make me happier? I doubt it. My life is good. I know who I am and that I am loved. I have all I need... food, shelter, and work to do.

God's love is all encompassing. A relationship with Him fills those empty spaces and makes the need for "stuff" and adoration from people unnecessary. We can be completely content in Him.

Something else: God is omniscient. He knows everything about me - the good, the bad, and the ugly. My thoughts, actions, fears, and dreams. Nothing is hidden from Him. STILL... He loves me. And offers forgiveness. I'm an ordinary girl, but a child of the King of Kings!

Stuff 'n Things

Today I won a free book from Bonnie Grove! It's called "Talking to the Dead" and I can't wait to get started. Bonnie made several presentations at the writers' conference I attended recently. Her humour, passion and advice was one of the reasons I started this blog... just to see if I could really get into writing. One thing she preaches is that writers also need to be readers - and that's me. I read voraciously, even when I don't really have time to! Check out Bonnie's blog at http://fictionmatters.blogspot.com/.

"Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?" Thanks for asking. My little plants are doing beautifully! Multi-coloured blossoms welcome me each time I step outside. My tomatoes need to sprout a bit more to make use of their cages, but it will be fun harvesting the fresh fruit later this summer. I also purchased a combination swing/daybed for my backyard. With imagination, it feels like another universe for a few hours.

This weekend my Dad fulfilled a dream of his by purchasing a pretty red used dirt bike! He's looking forward to going out riding with my brother and the grandkids this summer. Dad will celebrate his 70th birthday in August. He had tuberculosis as a kid and wasn't expected to live past age two. I sure hope he stays safe (and that my Mom doesn't worry too much) but he definitely sets a strong example that you're never too old to try something new. If the bike is like past "toys" he'll spend more time fixing it than driving it!

Fresh face to the world - isn't it amazing what a good hair cut will do? My friend and hairdresser fit me in at noon today. I was feeling shaggy and unkempt but she fixed me right up. Of course tomorrow I'll have trouble recreating "the look" but I enjoy the challenge of getting all those hairs to cooperate.

Grieving friends have filled my heart today. One lost a son way too young. The other mourns her mother. There is no way to fill the void left by these precious family members. Caring requires seasons of compassionate action, a simple presence and praying always. I am so grateful that my family remains intact... and that my Heavenly Father is a God of comfort.

Wanted: A Little Good News

I love getting mail. Snail mail, email... it's a daily surprise. I don't even mind receiving bills. It reminds me that I've enjoyed purchasing things and have the benefit of a cozy home and convenient utilities.

Sometimes the mail brings an encouraging note. Or communication from friends across the continent. Other days you get bad news. Or the inevitable junk mail. (I have a minor magazine addiction, but that's another story!)

My spam catcher delivered the weekly batch for review this morning. Occasionally good emails get trapped here, but not today. All garbage. Multiple viruses that could have trashed my computer.

Total strangers devise nefarious schemes to lure us to get rich or sexy or healthy online. Instead, a bad decision... one wrong click and... destruction.

Today the world saw a different kind of destruction. My friend's colleague was kidnapped and then killed overseas. We won't ever know all the details of this horrendous event, but evil people succeeded in purposeful destruction of nine lives.

This bad news has made the front page all over the world. The really sad thing is that this type of incident is almost commonplace... until it happens to someone you know.

I'd like to see websites and newspapers and other media focus on good news for a change. But for that to happen, the world needs to be at peace. And that's not going to happen unless we make new choices.

To end oppression and injustice. To exercise love and compassion. To embrace God and live according to His standards.

Angels brought the good news of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem so long ago. Peace on earth, good will to men... a message still applicable today.

Lifesavers

Ever feel like you're drowning?

Work and volunteer projects have kept me treading water this past while. Just when I thought things were under control, something new popped up to create challenges that must be overcome. In the midst of this, my emotional state was as up and down as turbulent seas.

Yesterday though, my parents spent the day with me... and with their able and persistent help, the burden of a major job was lifted. Finished. Done. Off my desk. YAHOO!!!

I'm not sure what I would have done without Mom and Dad. What great lifesavers! Our relationship is close and loving. They live within easy driving distance and are always willing to "go the extra mile" for me and my brothers.

Not everyone can brag about their folks. Some of my friends are from broken homes or are orphaned. Or their family relationships are completely messed up. I am very, very blessed.

God is known as our Heavenly Father. He is also my Saviour... my spiritual lifesaver. I'm safe, no matter what storms come my way. For that, I am very grateful.

Dandelions and Dirty Hands

Tonight I faced my nightmare and spent 2 hours tackling my blooming back yard. I was exhausted after a busy day at the office, but the dandelions appeared ready to do a stealth attack under the fence and into my neighbour's garden.

Despite missing one garden glove, I spent time on my hands and knees to get to the root of the problem. Pesky weeds. They had no intention of being being eliminated. My stubbornness kept me going until I'd filled 4 buckets for the composter.

It was a relief to come inside and wash my filthy hands. It took several tries. The use of a nail brush and plenty of soap. Now the soil and weed juice is finally out from under my fingernails. Perhaps some lotion will soothe the roughness away.

Hands can say a lot about a person. Soft and gentle. Caring hands. Calloused and strong. Working hands.

Jesus' hands... rough from carpentry. Nail-scarred from His sacrifice on the cross. Reaching out to all of us in love. Healing hands. Holding mine in His each day.

I want my hands to look like that...

Sunday Blessings

The weekend is winding down and I've enjoyed the change of pace.

Being lazy yesterday was just what the Dr. ordered. This morning I enjoyed church and reconnecting with friends. Took care of some errands this afternoon and then the "parental unit" came to take me for supper and a drive.

It was a good day!

Nothing significant took place and yet... there is so much to be grateful for.

1. People who love me. Encourage and accept me.
2. Health to enjoy whatever the week brings.
3. Freedom to worship. Praising God through song.
4. Connecting in community.
5. Cleansing rain - literally and spiritually.

The week ahead will be busy. But I want to take this feeling of peace and rest with me. To remember how faithful God is. To trust Him in all the hard things. To praise Him no matter what. To pace myself and find balance in His strength.

I must choose joy... and focus on the many undeserved blessings I enjoy on a daily basis. The "attitude of gratitude" is a good prescription for life.

Happy At Home

Summer television seems to rely heavily on reality shows.

The only ones I watch are the crazy do-it-yourself renovation type series. Or folks jumping into their first home purchase. You watch them try to make the huge decisions about location, price, size, and must-have features.

It's bizarre how I find myself rooting for these strangers to succeed in these ventures.

Nothing comes easily in renovating. Problems are discovered. Compromises are made. Cost overruns are standard. Then the cameras come back months later when they've settled in and voila, everything is amazing.

If only it were that simple. I've never been able to snap my fingers and have rooms accessorized instantly. Even simple decisions such as purchasing a $12 item for the bathroom can cause me stress. Is it necessary? Do I really love it? How much other stuff would require updating if I add this lamp? Shelf? Pillow?

Our quest for "things" literally fills in the quiet spaces. There is a North American discontentment that is visible every time you go to the mall. We generally have way more stuff than we can ever use, but it doesn't stop us from getting more.

Some of the poorest people in the world are completely content and only possess bare necessities for living. I've met these loving, happy people... and they have nothing.

My mission for tomorrow is to purge, recycle and reclaim my space. Use it or lose it. More does NOT equal better. It's time to let a new vision shine through... to catch a breath of fresh air... to push back the walls and get rid of the claustrophobia.

The Bible says God will supply all of my needs. That I can be content no matter what the circumstance - whether in plenty or in want.

I'm ready to simplify. I can share generously from my excess... and maybe I'd better ignore those home-decorating channels.

Regrets... I've Had A Few

Today has been a race for survival. Scurrying from activity to activity and dealing with a headache that wouldn't quit... I was less than my best.

If I had a do-over, I'd:

1. Speak with kindness
2. Not let past confrontations cloud my judgment in today's conflict
3. Cut others some slack - they're dealing with stuff too
4. Take my coffee breaks
5. Remember my name is not Wonder Woman - I can't pull off that outfit!!! And it's not my job to solve all the world's problems.

So, tomorrow is a new day. God's mercies are new each morning. In a few minutes I'll close my eyes to get physical rest. But before that, I will confess my shortcomings and crawl into Jesus' arms for my spiritual rest. It is so sweet. Even better than the cheesecake tonight...

Late Night Lists

Another day draws to a close and although much has been accomplished, a new list must be created. I like to be organized and despite the current state of my home, there's generally a method to my madness.

There's immense satisfaction when I cross another project off the list. The items not completed get transferred to tomorrow's tasks. Decisions are made regarding the urgency of these jobs, and I'm learning to prioritize.

I do wonder, though, what would happen if everything was finished? Would I be bored?Would it take just another email or phone call to start the list again? What level of effort would be required to get the list done each day?

On some level, I think we're meant to have unfinished business. There's a reason to wake up each morning. Steps to take to keep moving forward.

There might be setbacks as we work, but daily determination and persistence will allow us to get closer to the goal.

God promised to keep working on me. Philippians 1:6 says, "I am confident of this very thing. That he who began a good work in me, will carry it on to COMPLETION until the day of Christ Jesus."

That's an encouraging thought...

Confronting Change

I like traditions. The comfort of sameness. Routines and habits.

However, the world never stops. Electronics are updated before you’ve even mastered the original version. There’s never a good time to buy a new cell phone, laptop, iPod or TV because a more amazing model is getting released… next month.

Friends go from single to married to having children and in the blink of an eye those kids are graduating high school. Loved ones develop health conditions or are lost to us through death.

Changes. Not always fun.

Today my boss assumed a new role. My world of familiarity has been upset. Some adjustments are required. New colleagues to learn to know and the disruption of current office friendships.

Some folks relish change. They don’t last long in relationships or job-hop endlessly… seeking the next thrill… whereas, I’m generally dragged into change. There has to be a good reason for moving forward or making mid-course corrections. Even so, I’m cautious. Worried. Stubborn.

In my head, I realize that good things can happen when you’re open to change. Challenges along with exciting opportunities. Depending on the outcome, I will eventually admit that the forward momentum achieved by taking a risk has been worth the struggle of the journey.

My thought is that God’s not very pleased with reticence to change. He asks us to step out in faith and promises to transform us. That can only be good, right?

God often uses unpleasant circumstances to draw us closer to Him. How we respond to these situations is a reflection of our fear or faith.

I’m learning to trust. To remember that He’s in control and has my best interest in mind. I don’t have to know the end from the beginning before stepping forth into new adventures… especially at work tomorrow!

Christ
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Adjustment to
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