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?