Your Personal Top Ten List of 2011

Looking back at the ending year makes me thankful and more conscious of how I need to change in the next year. What has God done this year? What do I need to work on next year? With all the Top Ten lists coming out this week, I thought I would make a list of Ten Top things in my life this year.

Here are the categories/questions I used. You may want to consider them when you have a few minutes today or the next week or two as you begin 2012. Enjoy the memories, but also be open for God to speakJ

Christmas Carols Rich in Meaning

Last weekend my husband and I were blessed to attend a concert here in Dallas by the Orpheus Chamber Singers. Although we were not familiar with most of the music, we so enjoyed the quality of the group’s voices in a church built for sound without microphones. I was thankful for the printed program which included the lyrics to the unknown carols. Once again I was reminded of how much theology is present in Christian music of ages past. Although I enjoy contemporary Christian music, often such depth is missing.

As I listened, I allowed the truth of the words to pour into my heart. Beautiful and often deep, they brought home the true meaning of the season. Here are some of my favorites:

Blown Away by the Incarnation

On December 1, we received a wonderful Christmas gift—our first grandchild. I was blessed to visit the family for eight great days, including lots of time loving on her. Because of her birth’s proximity to Christmas, I often thought of the baby in the manger when I held her, and my mind was blown away by the truth of the incarnation.

How can God become a baby? How could he remain God and yet be totally dependent and helpless? How did Jesus grow in wisdom and knowledge like other children when he is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end? How can the Creator be enclosed in a created body?

Thankful in Everything? Really?

Each year I ask God for verses to pray for myself for the next twelve months, focusing on some weak area in my walk of faith. During 2011, I have prayed 1 Thess. 5:16-18: “Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (NET). Apparently, all three of these commands are included in the statement that it is God’s will for us. The terms always, constantly, and in everything mean that these responses are to be part of our daily lives.

As we approach the celebration of Thanksgiving here in the U.S., many of us consider the good things for which we are thankful, and that is appropriate and good. It may be, however, that we should spend time being thankful for the other circumstances and even heartaches for which it is difficult to rejoice and give thanks.

How can we be thankful and joyful in everything? Here are some things that I have learned to do.

Processing Herman Cain and Joe Paterno Stories

The fact that the world is broken has once again been confirmed by headline stories this week. Someone is lying in the Cain saga, and many are guilty of failing in their responsibilities at Penn State. Some reactions to the stories surprise me, too. Our world is broken by sin, affecting our actions and our thinking. I am trying to process these messes. I would love to hear your thoughts after you read mine.

Kim Kardashian and the Minute Marriage

Explaining her divorce filing from NBA player Kris Humphries after only ten weeks of marriage, reality star Kim Kardashian released this statement: "I hope everyone understands this was not an easy decision. I had hoped this marriage was forever but sometimes things don't work out as planned." Court documents cite irreconcilable differences as the reason behind the divorce. Humphries seems upset by the filing, saying he is “devastated” and willing to work on the marriage.

Apparently, they had plenty of time to plan an elaborate made-for-television wedding, spending lavish amounts of money, but they don’t have time to plan their marriage and discuss the issues that are now irreconcilable.

What thinking in our culture has led to the “minute marriage” or even those that last longer but get no more effort to fix the problems than this one? What attitudes that devastate marriage are flourishing even in the church? Here are three thinking patterns I hear when I listen carefully.

Holding onto Hope in the Midst of Broken Reality

Life is tough; we face problems in relationships, careers, families, finances, and every other situation involved in living on this broken planet. God calls us to have hope and joy despite such challenges, even while we grieve and suffer and hurt. I am particularly challenged in the practicalities of having hope and believing that God can make the broken whole while at the same time not let it cut me right now. 

Maybe you relate. Perhaps your marriage is broken and your spouse has filed for divorce. Do you fight it or do you protect your future and what is rightfully yours? When do you simply accept a new reality and move forward? It could be that you have a life-threatening illness. Do you continue praying for healing when the treatment is failing or prepare your family for your death? How does hope work with the reality of life’s brokenness? How do we continue to trust God and show deep faith when reality suggests otherwise?

Wishing for the Easy Life

There are days when I wish for an easy life; I want to lie around and fall asleep at any time in any situation, just as my dogs do. They aren’t bothered by the worries and trials of life. Although they enjoy chasing various critters in the yard and alerting me to the dangers of anyone who walks down the front sidewalk, they immediately forget it and focus on the nap or food before them. They have servants (primarily me) to cater to their every wish for food, water, playmates, walks, and comfy places to sleep.

Why is life so hard for us? Why can’t we live like dogs? Three thoughts come quickly to mind.

The Little Guys (Texas Rangers and Us)

Congratulations, Rangers! I am so excited that the Texas Rangers are headed to the baseball playoffs again this year. When the team failed to sign free agent pitcher Cliff Lee last winter after he led them to wins in both the division series and the league championships, I wondered how they would fare this year.

I love the fact that they are back without a heralded ace. Their starting pitchers have been wonderful, far surpassing their efforts a year ago. The five consistent starters have all won 13 games or more this year. CJ Wilson has truly stepped up as their ace. It has been an amazing year with over 90 wins for only the 5^th time in team history.

So, how does this relate to our faith?

Rain for the Drought and for the Soul

Early last night we were surprised by a wonderful soaking rain at our house that lasted several hours. After dinner my husband and I simply sat outside for a couple of hours taking in the smells and sounds of a steady and refreshing rainfall. How thankful I am to God for his grace and goodness in providing this bit of relief for the parched ground and thirsty plants! I ask Him daily to provide large measures of unexpected rain all over Texas in His mercy, filling our drying lakes despite forecasts of continued drought in the coming months.

Our souls cry out for drink, much as the dry soil cries out for water. How can we seek and enjoy a soaking spiritual rain in the midst of busy schedules that zap the life out of our souls--a drought of the spirit?

Remembering 9/11

We all know exactly where we were when we first heard or saw the pictures of the smoking Twin Towers on September 11. I was about to head to work at the church when my husband called me and told me to turn on the television. I sat there in stunned silence barely comprehending what had happened; it seemed so surreal.

Several weeks later we flew to New England to see the beauty of the fall leaves. Everywhere we went, American flags were flying—on porches, barns, shops, restaurants, and fences. America was united by the threat of those who seek to destroy our people, our land, our faith, and our freedoms.

During my lifetime, I never recall another point when America sought God as we did then. The tragedy resulted in higher numbers of people in church and in prayer. When life is clearly out of our control—whether from sickness or disaster or war—we realize how much we depend upon God, our only hope for peace and protection and comfort.

What are my takeaways on the 10^th anniversary?

Musing on Multiple Disasters--Storms, Wildfires, Tornados

From the catastrophic tornadoes in Alabama and Missouri in the spring to the today’s aftermath of storms and the Texas wildfires, natural disasters have been big newsmakers this year. Thousands of people are homeless from floods and tornados. The Texas drought, a tragedy in itself to farmers and ranchers, has fueled the wildfires currently burning in dozens of places. At today's count more than 1000 homes have burned down so far.

I have been trying to process this biblically. Here are my thoughts and I would love to hear yours.

Seeking and Knocking

I find myself doing a lot of waiting on God these days. For the past year I have been transitioning from my job to something else—not quite sure what. I have finished the book that I set out to write, but I wait to know what to do with it. I have speaking engagements on the spring calendar while I wait for direction as to what to say. More income would be very nice as we face retirement years so I wait for opportunities.

What do we do during a time of waiting?

Friends--Unique Gifts from God

Do you love fresh flowers? One of my favorites is a gardenia, not because of its beauty but because of its delicious fragrance. I could easily pick one out if given a blind smell test of a number of flowers. Of course for their beauty, roses can hardly be beat. I look forward to receiving a dozen red ones from my husband each year for our anniversary. Each type of flower provides a unique gift to the person who enjoys it.

Recently I have been thinking about various people whom I know. I see each one as a unique gift from God—family, friends, co-workers, fellow believers.

How are you a gift to your friends? What gifts do they bring into your life?

Defining Modesty

I read a blog this morning calling for a return to a sense of modesty in the church. As I perused the comments, I realized what a highly-charged topic this is! Some commenters were unfair to the author by accusing her of judging others. Others suggested that the culture determines the definition of modesty. Some commented that only God could show individuals what to wear. Of course, many agreed with her, decrying the revealing clothing they frequently see, even at church.

How should we define modesty?

Jesus, the Ultimate Hero

With temperatures in North Texas over 100 degrees every day for a month so far this summer, my husband and I have gone to see a number of movies. We always enjoy movie-watching, but I can’t remember going quite as often as we have this year. Most of them have been action shows, ranging from stories about aliens to “Harry Potter 7.” Some have been pretty good while others have been weak in plot, characters, and acting. Whether good or bad, many of our choices focus on a character who rescues those at risk—the earth, the universe, the town, the pretty girl, etc.

Big Mess-ups!

I am just sick and tired of messing up—unintentionally hurting someone, making a bad choice, being mistaken, and on and on! I hope you know what I mean. Although motivated by something positive, I too often end up accomplishing something negative.

I’m just tired of my own brokenness and wish God would just zap me and fix it! I guess that’s coming eventually but not quite as quickly as I would like! I wish it would happen in my earthly life rather than in the eternal one to come. Why can’t becoming like Jesus come more quickly and easily? Do you ever feel that way? Do you have times of regret over your words, actions, selfish heart—things done and not done?

Living on the Edge

I remember my first trip to Colorado at the age of seven. As an inhabitant of the flat Texas coast, I found it both exciting and scary to ascend Pike’s Peak. I could hardly bear to look out the window when we veered next to the precipice, fearing our car would slip on the curves. However, avoiding the danger would have meant missing the grand view of the Rockies and the valleys below. Despite my terror of heights, I would choose to travel that road again any day to once again observe God’s majestic creation!

God has challenged me to consider whether I value my safety over his will. Am I too fearful and controlling to risk the dangers of walking with God when he takes me to the edge? Are you?

Strength for the Storm

Last night we experienced storms in our area—much needed storms! I am not sure how much rain we had, but our crepe myrtles were victims of the downpour. After my husband’s extensive trimming last winter, they developed a large number of new limbs that grew long rather than thick. Two dozen or more of these weak branches broke off last night from the weight of the rain.

Some time ago I encountered a storm in my personal life that would have broken me if I had not been strong enough to weather it. Without knowing what was coming, I had the support needed to persevere through the difficulties. How did that happen?

Time to Celebrate!

The people of Dallas celebrated the NBA Champion Mavericks in style yesterday with a downtown parade which drew about a quarter of a million people. The fans cheered and danced together in honor of the first Maverick’s championship. For those of us not present, we had live coverage on all the local channels. It seemed there was no other news in the world if you watched the local broadcasts last evening since the parade was the only conversation piece.

Doing What Comes Natural!

About eight o’clock last night I went into my backyard with my two terriers. As soon as they exited the door, they started running wild. They appeared to be chasing something in our yard and teaming up against it. Soon Maggie came out of the bushes carrying something in her mouth. Oh no, it was a baby rabbit! How could my sweet dogs have done such a thing? They simply did what comes natural, being bred to grab ground critters. I look forward to Christ’s return when even the animal kingdom is at peace. I cry over dead bunnies!

Even worse, is what happens when we humans do what comes natural. Brokenness and death follow our selfish actions and hurtful words. Jesus called his followers to live differently from the rest of the world by living supernaturally. How do we live out his teachings to love our enemies, to turn the other cheek, to forgive, and to seek what is best for others rather than ourselves?

I can only share what helps me move toward Christlikeness instead of doing what comes naturally:

The Power of Dirk!

Even if you aren’t a basketball fan, you have likely heard about the numerous comeback wins in this year’s NBA playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks. Their star player Dirk Nowitzki has led the charge from behind game after game. It seems unbelievable that he has been able to rally the Mavs so many times with his own brilliant play and determination to win a championship.

What can we learn from Dirk as Christ-followers?

My Stupidity and God's Sovereignty

I believe that the mighty Creator is also Ruler of all. Nothing happens to me without his approval. My actions are fenced in according to his will. Yet, my choices are mine, and my stupid mistakes are my own fault. I can only blame myself when I mess-up. However, I take comfort in knowing that God allowed me to blow it because of his purposes, even when I can't figure them out!

I traveled home from Los Angeles almost two weeks ago now. Stupidly, I left my laptop in the security area and never realized it until I was safely home.

Destroyed Lives and the Power of Hope

The town of Joplin Missouri is already rebuilding after an EF5 tornado tore a wide path through the town on Sunday, May 22. With around a third of all homes and apartments gone, the task must seem impossible to many residents. Not only homes but also hundreds of places of work and businesses were swept away by the powerful storm. Family members were lost, and lives appear destroyed.

When destruction takes away life as we know it, rebuilding requires hope. We must believe that it is possible to erect new homes, lives, friendships, trust, or marriages. Without hope, we cannot persevere through the hard work necessary to rebuild.

The Need for Competence

Competence is a requirement for anyone who wants others to follow her. Far too often we watch in horror as someone botches the job for the entire group because of incompetence in leading them.

Does this sound familiar? If so I need your story. 

I recently watched Undercover Boss, a current reality series on television. Each week the bigwig of a large company goes undercover, working at entry-level jobs. I have seen them package goods for shipping, make sandwiches, run a PowerPoint for a college class, and lead dancing on a cruise ship. In every case the boss wasn’t particularly competent! 

American Idol and Our Freedom to Choose

Last night James Durbin, this year’s rocker, was eliminated from “American Idol,” and I was among his disappointed fans. Whether you watch the show or not, you are likely aware that the public votes on their favorites and eliminates a contestant each week until the last man/woman is standing. Despite James’ consistently amazing performances, his vocal range, and his emotional singing, three others will move on in hopes of winning this year’s prize.

The remaining singers are good but not great, engaging but not wowing. (And I do like Scotty, but he can’t touch James for showmanship.) In my view the AI audience has picked bland over exciting the past few seasons. The freedom to choose includes the risk of mistake, as we see in elections when voters fall for charisma over character and sound bites over issues. God allows us to choose, and that means he lets us make mistakes. 

The Way of the Cross

In observing reactions to the death of Osama Bin Laden this week, I am reminded that we Christians travel a different route from the world; we follow the way of the cross. That journey is generally misunderstood and unappreciated, even in the church. God asks us for a different response to events in our own lives and those in the news than the majority of people. We are called to follow Jesus to the cross and die to self, dispensing love for hatred, forgiveness for injury, and generosity for selfishness.

How are you and I doing at that? It’s not so easy when it involves someone like Bin Laden, who is so obviously undeserving. But we each have someone in our own lives who doesn’t deserve such treatment. Who is that person?

Overwhelmed by Disasters

Earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires—all in the last few weeks! Do you feel as overwhelmed as I do by all this news? Families left homeless, wildlife killed, crops destroyed, thousands missing. It’s more than I can really comprehend. It seems that each day brings news of fresh disasters; today we hear about a line of incredibly destructive tornadoes in the southeastern U.S.

I seem to be getting immune to the sense of horror that each situation should evoke in me. The disasters in Japan, coming one on top of the other—earthquake, tsumani, nuclear meltdown, and more earthquakes—simply seem surreal. What about you?

Bloom in the RIght Climate

I grew up in Southeast Texas, where azaleas bloom in abundance. My husband (our home gardener) has enjoyed only limited success with them here in North Texas because of harsher winters. This year’s record snow and ice and consecutive days of below-freezing temperatures resulted in near death to our azaleas. (Unfortunately, they look nothing like this pictureL)

If you find yourself struggling as a believer, consider whether you are in the right climate to bloom. Look at these factors for your present community (not just your church but your go-to friends):

A Tale of Two Trials

I saw the envelope, I knew what it was—a jury summons. For two days last week I sat in the courthouse hearing a DWI case. Because Easter is near and I have been reading in the gospels, I couldn’t help but compare the trial I observed with those of Jesus (Matt. 26:57-67; 27:11-26; Mark 14:53-15:15; Luke 22:66-23:25: John 18:12-14, 19-40).

Facebook--Entertaining or Ensnaring?

Yesterday I saw a news report that many teenagers are becoming depressed from viewing the happy photos and reading the positive posts on their friends’ Facebook pages. Called “Facebook envy,” jealousy is emerging in both adults and children who imagine that their friends have amazing lives and perfect relationships. Although such perceptions are always more fantasy than fact, such thoughts profoundly affect many who negatively compare their own disappointing circumstances.

Facebook can reveal what’s in our hearts. It’s so easy to be ensnared by attitudes such as these:

Sleeping Air Traffic Controllers

You were likely as appalled as I am with the thought of an air traffic controller sleeping on the job. How scary to realize that there was no guidance for pilots attempting to land at Reagan National Airport in DC! Two commercial jets apparently landed without guidance after numerous attempts to contact the control tower were unsuccessful.

I saw a news report Thursday evening about a new generation of air traffic controllers in training to replace the aging group now in place. My first reaction was that I wouldn’t ever want their jobs because of the heavy responsibility involved.

God’s Spirit immediately impressed me with the reminder that our responsibility as Christians is even more critical. We alone have the good news of Jesus, the way to life. If we aren’t pointing the way, what happens to those trying to find a safe place to land?

Why are you and I often asleep on duty?

Cleansing the Soul and the Spring Equinox

Monday’s Dallas Morning News’ contained an article “Clearing the Air for Spring.” The accompanying photograph featured a woman from the Jung Society inhaling smoke while saying a cleansing and smoke prayer, described as a way to cleanse the soul. How can smoke purify something intangible and eternal?

Historically, the equinox has been associated with pagan rituals and nature worship. Instead, we might use it as a time to adore the Creator by cleaning our souls as an act of worship, particularly if we don’t do so for Lent.

The rebirth of nature reminds us of the resurrection of Christ, who died and returned to life by the power of God’s Spirit. We, too, share in his resurrection—now as we live a new life, dead to our old selves, and at Jesus’ return when our bodies will be raised. “By his great mercy he gave us new birth through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3b).

As people who have risen from death to new life, let’s do some soul-cleansing, knowing that only God can wash us through the death and resurrection of Jesus. 1 John 1:9: “But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.”

Here are some questions that allow God access to areas in my life which may need cleansing. (There are too many to put them all!)

Decisions, decisions, decisions!

My recent Tapestry blog on waiting elicited a comment about decision-making. The author suggested that we must not wait to be 100% sure before making a decision. Such thinking had immobilized him in fear of making the wrong choice.

I agree—God expects us to act and not sit back out of fear. He isn’t playing a game with us to hide his will from us. He wants us to seek him in prayer, to apply his word, to act in accordance with his character, and to seek godly counsel—and then to move on, not waiting on some sign or feeling. He is capable of stopping us if we choose the wrong path after genuinely seeking his will.

However, when God sends us warnings that we ignore or when we fail to seek his guidance, we can’t expect him to stop us. People pray for closed doors, but generally he gives wisdom instead of closed doors. We must take time to listen and seek counsel from his word and his people instead of seeking a shortcut—a closed door.

Yesterday a friend asked me why I am writing a book.

Encouraging Words that Don't Encourage

Have people ever tried to encourage you but missed the mark, perhaps leaving you less encouraged?

Last week my book was rejected by a major publisher. Although I knew it was a longshot, deep inside I hoped that God would move them to accept it. Christian publishing is in crisis, and few publishers risk new authors without a built-in following (mega-church pastor, blogger with thousands of readers). My faith knows that God can overcome such obstacles but trusts his plan. His greater will is that I look like Jesus, perhaps involving a lot of rejections.

After receiving the news, I contacted people who have prayed with me about the book. Their responses varied, but my favorite was “Oh pooh!” When we experience disappointment, pain, or loss, it is validating when others mirror our feelings. Expressions of sorrow and disappointment were salve to my wounds.

Although I appreciate every heart-felt response, some of them weren’t quite as uplifting as intended. (My disappointment was minor compared to true hardships, but similar comments either encourage or not.) What kinds of remarks were less than encouraging?

God's "No"

My dog Libby has been on limited activity for eight weeks now from ACL surgery (see blog of 1-17-11, “I Don’t Always Get It”).  One of Libby’s favorite pastimes is watching TV on alert for other animals, particularly dogs. When they show up onscreen, she goes crazy, impulsively jumping up on the chair nearest the television and barking furiously at them. Right now when I have her with me and an animal appears, I scream “NO!” and grab her collar to hold her on my lap. Twice she jumped off so quickly that I was unable to stop her—not healthy for her leg!

Similarly, I can imagine God watching and saying NO to my foolish or dangerous actions.

Spring Cleaning--House and Heart

My mother’s generation believed in a season of spring cleaning, and my sister and I learned to appreciate setting aside a definite time of year for such tasks. We repapered and straightened shelves, gathered old clothes, dusted the ceilings, washed the windows, and generally spruced up the house. The end of our labor gave us a great sense of accomplishment and celebration.

Today begins a spiritual season of house cleaning known as Lent. Why practice Lent?

You are God's Beautiful Creation!

One of my favorite trees is the redbud, which grows wild in the east Texas piney woods near my hometown. When we bought our house, a nice large one centered the back of our yard. Its early spring beauty overwhelmed us, particularly as we viewed it through our second story windows as an umbrella of gorgeous violet blooms. Sadly, it began to die branch by branch over the past year, and we were forced to cut it down. All we have left is a crater where it was anchored in the ground by its roots.

This past week we shopped for a new tree. Although we considered several options, the springtime beauty of the redbud was such a strong attraction that we chose to replace the one we had with another of the same variety. We hope to get it in the ground before it buds to be once again overcome by the splendor of God’s great creative power.

As people, we are the crowning achievement of God’s amazingly diverse creation. He designed each of us as a unique and original work of art. God wants us to reveal his great glory by becoming beautiful women, not on the outside but on the inside.

The Lure of the Idol of Beauty

Last night our television was on, but I wasn’t really paying attention to it. I did note my husband flipping through a report featuring an aging television star who has clearly gone through a number of facelifts—common among celebrities and the wealthy. Beauty is a very popular idol.

I have to admit that I hate looking in the mirror. Yet I know the beauty culture is the antithesis of God’s view of me. I would never have surgery simply to improve my appearance, but I still wish I could look better! The pull of beauty is so pervasive that it’s almost impossible for any of us to feel good about ourselves. I have to watch my thoughts to be sure I am not falling prey to the idol.

The culture defines us by our bodies rather than by God’s assessment, the truth of scripture. In bowing to the beauty idol,

The Downside of Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day has grown into a major event over the past few decades. I enjoy observing it with my husband each year, just like thousands of other couples do. Love is a wonderful thing to enjoy and to celebrate. So what is the downside of this day?

A Picture of Trust at Cirque du Soleil

Last night my husband and I went to Cirque du Soleil, the OVO show. It was our first time to attend one of these creative and spectacular performances. My husband asked me if I knew what to expect, and I answered “amazement!” Almost every performance had roots in the circus of old, but it was enhanced and ramped up to a new high. Wow—it truly was incredible!

One outstanding act involved a man and woman hanging together on a rope, similar to the women who twisted on ropes around the tents of circuses that I attended as a child. However, this couple was more daring than any of those rope swingers (not sure what you call these performers).

Unexpected Road Problems

We are experiencing quite a winter here in North Texas! Today is day four of a deep freeze that we rarely see. An inch of ice fell four nights ago, and last night five inches of snow covered it. Although the scenery is beautiful, it’s a transportation nightmare. This morning my husband encountered an unexpected closure on the tollway and then found the side roads so slick from snow-covered ice that he turned back home.

Sometimes the road where God leads us isn’t easy,

Lying Down in Green Pastures

Psalm 23 may be the most beloved and memorized of all the Psalms. We appreciate the images of peaceful fields and of clean, white sheep tended by God. However, I have found that the reality of living out the truths of this passage can be tough. According to verse 2, the shepherd forces the sheep to lie down in green pastures. Apparently, lying down isn’t easy for sheep, and it’s certainly not normal for me. I like to know that my days are filled with purpose and plans. To rest seems wrong somehow!

I am clearly in a season of resting. A few months ago God

Transitions and Rubber Duckies

My kids were always fascinated that they couldn’t sink their rubber ducky. Regardless of how hard they pushed it to the bottom of the tub or how long they sat on it, the toy resurfaced. It’s the law of the rubber ducky!

This law applies to life transitions. Transitions, like rubber duckies, involve feelings which will surface no matter how hard we try to keep them down! Ignoring what is lost in an effort to move forward sounds good but it isn’t healthy emotionally. We can’t truly embrace the new without saying good-by to what is gone.

Not long ago I failed to grieve some transitions and became overburdened emotionally. Each change seemed small, but they built up, eventually becoming a huge pile of loss. Finally, at a spiritual retreat

I Don't Always Get It

My dog Libby had surgery three days ago for a torn ACL. (Yes, dogs tear them just like we do!) She spent twenty-seven hours in a strange place handled by unknown people. She awoke in pain, unable to put weight on her left rear leg without additional hurt, wearing a cone on her head. It is impossible to explain to her why we sent her alone into such misery and pain. Our actions will allow her to use her leg without discomfort, but she only knows temporary agony. Even when she begins to feel better, we must restrict her from running or jumping before her leg is totally healed. She won’t get that either!

Frequently God’s people endure painful situations because God must hurt us in order to help us. Although scripture gives general explanations,