Ears Forward Before Winter Takes Control

This had to be one of the best days I have had in a long while.

Because it was time to set our clocks back, I woke well rested with an extra hour of priceless sleep. Heaven. I remember how my dad hated losing that hour in the spring, and I thought of him this morning, realizing how he must have loved this day (like me) when we get to get that hour back.

It was a beautiful autumn day, with clear blue skies and sunshine. I drank coffee as I did Bible study, and then I got to write. I realized as I wrote, that I reallllllly need to write. It is cathartic for me. Or maybe it is just something in me. I don't know. I just know it is necessary and I have neglected it far too much this summer and fall.

I knew more was going to be in store for me today, so I made my plan while I showered and dressed. Things were off to such a good start. And it was still early!!

This was going to be a day for doing the things I love to do. I had been wanting to get out in the yard but a project in the house this fall had thwarted my ability. We had started a project that really should have been saved for winter. And when the early snow came, I was afraid I had blown my chance to get my normal fall and winter preparations done. But today proved me able and I was thrilled to be able to do end of season work in my yard, pasture and garden. Perfect. I also helped my husband with the burn pile. Yes, these are the things I love. Part of it is that "scratch it off the list" feeling that I require.

As I worked, I realized I had a craving for Chile, so I came in after a turn at monitoring the burn pile and made Chile and corn bread for lunch. It was the perfect day for that, too. So good. So autumn.

We rested a bit before deciding to start the other burn pile in the pasture. While hubby did that I decided I would ride. I knew this would be one of my last opportunities this season, as I am a fair weather person in everything, the older I get. I just don't do much of anything in the cold anymore. I have turned into a wimp.

As I brushed and curried Juliee, I realized how much I need to do this, too. I have been thinking about it a lot lately. I am no "spring chick". There is not enough time to let days fade away. I must keep active and do the things I love to do. Sometimes I find I have to force myself to do the things I used to love. I think I have only ridden about six times this season - not enough. But the truth is, when it comes to some things, there simply may not be a tomorrow. Juliee is not a spring chick either. I don't want to take her for granted. She is a gift.

She fully cooperated today and I knew it was going to be a good ride. She was actually like her old self and it warmed my heart to see her like this. Oh how that girl used to love to ride. She was always ready and never balked. It was just something she loved. And one always knew it...she has always just been an "ears forward' kind of girl. But as she has grown older, just like me, she has days where she hasn't responded as well, either. Sometimes (just like me) she doesn't want to get out. She is 25 after all, and I think sometimes her arthritis kicks in. I am 25 too and understand that fully! ;-) I always tell her we are just two old women and we will do nothing aggressive on our ride. Simply two old grey mares...well just one of us is grey, she is a bay ;-) out to enjoy the ride. We are both in the winter of our life...well, maybe on a good day - the autumn of our lives and we will ride accordingly.

Anyway, this was definitely the highlight of my day, and I was so happy to see her respond so favorably. The conditions were right and she obliged. Ears forward the whole ride. She enjoyed it as much as I did. Sometimes I have worried about her because of her age and a ride being too hard on her. But my vet assured me she needs this too. Animals can get depressed just like humans. They need to stay active and feel useful, just like us. It is good for her even in her old age. (Besides all that, there does kind of seem like a COVID lesson in there, doesn't there?)

Anyway, all of this caused me to stop and think. What a pleasure everything is when she is so agreeable. So heartwarming when she is her old self. When I don't have to worry about how she is feeling and if this is too much for her. I can always tell. I always want her to be comfortable. 

I think the view between those two ears is my very favorite view ever. There is a piece of my soul that this salves. I think Ronald Reagan said it better. But anyway, it caused me to think. Now why don't I live my life like that? It is certainly more enjoyable for the ride (in this case the horse) and also the rider. It is true, it's not always an "ears forward" kind of day, but there certainly is no use in living it like that. It is just better to enjoy. And it isn't really that difficult, is it?

This year of 2020 certainly hasn't been an "ears forward" kind of year. So much strife and so many challenges. But as I sit here at the end of the day, while enjoying a soft drink on my deck, I watch the sunset turn the sky all shades of red, pink, and orange. Everything is so still. Taking in all that I was able to do today, everything just seems so right with the world. It makes me wonder, maybe it has been an "ears forward" kind of year all along. Maybe I just didn't know it. Maybe I let age and arthritis and circumstance dissuade me from the joy I should get from "the ride". Maybe I have been a bit like Juliee when she balks, not always enjoying the moment. Maybe I have just refused to set myself forward.

I don't know. But I know I am going to try harder. I am too young to let age effect me negatively. I am going to take the vet's advice and realize the ride is good for me too. 

And I will definitely try to get a bit more in, before "winter" takes control. 

"I've often said there's nothing better for the inside of a man [or woman] than the outside of a horse."  ~Ronald Reagan.

Believe

 This is just so absolutely beautiful. I have to keep this.        

Pure poetry and pure truth.

Imperfect Warriors

So this is what happens when I mow my lawn; weed my garden or work in my flower beds. I think. Then I come in to rest and write. Today it paid off, I started these thoughts this morning, but didn't know if I should post this. After working, I thought about even more, and decided that I should share my thoughts.

I can remember probably, four famous people at whose deaths I cried.

One was Don Knotts - my favorite comedian, hands down, ever - humor at its finest; the other was Antonin Scalia who was all about American justice and preservation; and of course Billy Graham, who needs no explanation - for me, his death seemed the end of an era. Reverend Graham's death was expected, so I think I was crying more about the ending of that era.

The fourth one I cried about was Andrew Breitbart. I had barely gotten to know him, it seemed. He was a warrior. I almost always cry at a warrior's death. He was crass, and flippant, and a bit Trumpean before there was Trump. But boy did he have a message. He didn't simply deliver it, he was also in the battle. And for that, he had my respect. No, he wasn't a politician, but he did so very much for a righteous cause....kinda like Trump. He has come to mind the last few weeks, because of all that is happening in our nation. And then, as I was reading another author last night (a Christian author writing about the mess we are in today), he too, mentioned Andrew Breitbart and Andrew's book from 2011 - "Righteous Indignation". I was thankful someone remembered, like me.

If we think that all of what is occurring today is new; and that this is something that is happening only because of President Trump, (and blaming him for the division) we are extremely deceived. This is a decades old battle, exacerbated under President Obama and now merely heating up further, to explosion status, fueled by a media that seems to have only one agenda - destroy Trump or America, whichever comes first.

For those interested, I highly recommend Breitbart's book "Righteous Indignation". It will seem a bit dated now. But just replace the labels of then, with the labels of today and it will all fall right into place. It's a book by a man wakened from the liberal agenda to become one of America's greatest warriors for truth. He exposes the deception of the media, the agenda of the left, and the Saul Alinsky tactics they use. It explains then, exactly what is happening now.

From his book:

"It's a long war. I know. I've lost friends. I have the scars. My wife married an almost inappropriately always-lighthearted guy fourteen years ago. Now she wakes up next to a fire brand who is one of the most polarizing figures in the country.

But I have also met the America that was rendered silent by the media and is now shaking itself to life again. These are the years that we will look back on and question whether we did enough for our country and for our children. That's why I'm so determined, so [angry], so righteously indignant."

The war continues;  Even more, today it rages. Personally I believe we need more "fire brands", like Andrew. Some will not understand, or agree with me. Some may criticize me for looking to a worldly view, or source, for something that needs a Godly answer. But I think there is a place for both and truthfully, and I do not look to anyone for the answer. For the Christian, EVERYTHING is about God. It is ok to look at the sacrifice or work of others. I do not have to check my faith at the door and be silent about the turmoil of the day. In my opinion, silence is what got us here. No one should render us silent, whatever our beliefs are.

I think history will one day look back at President Trump in the same way that I look at Breitbart. He is an imperfect warrior fighting for the soul of America, and for that I am grateful. It certainly isn't the first time God used ungodly men to bring about all that He is orchestrating. For one thing, it's how we know it is God that is the One who is behind it.

Anyway, Andrew died way too soon. Now I really don't know if Andrew Breitbart was saved. I kinda think he wasn't. He never made public, that faith statement. Perhaps that is why I cried so hard when I learned of his death. But, truthfully, I have no idea what may have happened on that morning walk, when his heart failed him. Maybe God reached him. Maybe he had given his heart to God a long time ago. Or maybe at some point in the tumultuous trials and hatred he faced, he one day reached out to God. I just don't know. I simply believe God used him, regardless.

One thing I do know for certain, is when I think of Andrew's life and death, sometimes I still cry - in fact, this morning. I think the reason for that is because of all the reasons I stated in the beginning of this post:  Humor, Justice, A Fight to death for our nation; AND our God. I shared the people I loved, who remind me of each of those characteristics. But the truth is, Breitbart's life encompassed all of them in one way or another. He just did things BIG. Read the book; you'll get it. ;-)

Here's to the warriors that encourage us to the battle, in whatever capacity that might be.

Easy and Soft and Slow

I had a nice Mother's Day, yesterday. It was easy and soft and slow. My kind of perfect.                    

We had a beautiful spring day filled with sunshine. My husband and I have been staying home quite a bit and loving it. We are getting caught up on a lot of projects during this down time, which are not so easy to get done when things are in full swing. It has actually been very nice and super productive.

But yesterday, I was feeling like I wanted to get out a bit. I was afraid if we stayed home, I would just work all day, until our kids arrived later in the afternoon. So we decided to go for a little drive that morning to see if anything around us was open for coffee. Much to our surprise the little coffee shop we had in mind, was indeed open and even serving breakfast.

"Let's get breakfast and sit at the tables in the sun" I exclaimed to my husband. He readily agreed. The coffee was good, the biscuits and gravy, just right; and the moments in the sun, perfect.

After a leisurely spell of coffee, breakfast and sunshine, we went home to wait for the kids. We weren't sure what time they were coming. But for me, it would be the highlight of my day.

As I waited, I sat on my deck and read my book for awhile and also surfed Facebook. I saw a post from Tim McGraw that made me smile from the inside, out; from the top of my head to the bottom of my toes.  Haha...real original, creative writing right there, but that is just how I felt. ;-)

Yeah, sure, he was promoting his new single, but it was done in such a heartfelt way, I couldn't help but share. For me, there is nothing shallow or trivial about Tim McGraw. I have read he is always very careful in his song selections, wanting them to mean something to him. I believe he has always fulfilled that commitment and this time, it was certainly no exception.

I had seen him advertise his song for a week or so, prior, with a photo of his mama at the center of the post. It was obviously a photo from her youth, not really a "mama" looking photo. This is his post:

His comment on this post hit my heart like an arrow, I guess out of missing my own mom. I couldn't wait to listen and when I did, it certainly did not disappoint. He nailed it. It is "a story we can all wrap ourselves up in no matter what...".

But this is what he posted on Mother's Day after his own mom had seen his new lyric video release.

"My mama saw the lyric video yesterday and sent me this. #ICALLEDMAMA"

 Hahaha...Yeah, always just the right words.

 

It made me smile so deeply. I guess because I could see my own son and I having the same type of conversation...were we both famous. ;-)

Big fat sigh... there is something about the love between a mother and a son. And there is just something about a country music song that always makes my day complete. This one, easy and soft and slow.

So beautiful. Take a listen.

The song was written by Lance Miller, Marv Green and Jimmy Yeary, but it is perfect for Tim McGraw.

From Me to You

The whole world is in turmoil. We are living in an unknown. People are isolated and frightened. Some are losing patience. Most are trying to comply with governmental guidelines and be a good citizen.

In a time like this, of course it is only natural to wonder, to think, to try to understand. We read and we try to follow the news. For some, that is too much and we shut it off. We try to keep up with what is being said through social media. Some of it is alarming. We often do not know what to believe.

It is a perfect storm for rumors and conspiracy theories to abound. It is just the right time to frighten people and to attempt to manipulate people. It is a time, now more than ever, that we must be on our guard.

I write. I don't always write well. But it is something I like to do, so I write. I like to study and learn; and I like to think. SO. This is what I have learned. And this is what I think. Read, at your own discretion, of course. 

Something we know to be fact is that there have been around four or five viruses that have started in China in the last several decades. In just the last twenty years, according to "US News", three corona-viruses began in China, causing major worldwide outbreaks.

The Wuhan Virus started in Wuhan, China. It was originally thought to have begun in a "wet market", after someone ate a bat. This is something that is easily believed. A wet market is an open, outside market where fresh meat (questionable) is sold and water is splashed on it to keep it cool. Those markets are horrible and should be shut down. This isn't the first time a virus has begun there.

There has also now been discussion, with some proof, that the virus started in a lab while doing research. A careless employee, gave the virus to her boyfriend and thus it spread. There is much truth to this. This thought is more and more being revealed. We know as fact, China has a history of bad laboratory safety. We know they were doing testing in these labs. More research is needed to find out exactly what happened. China needs to tell us what they know. This is neither a rumor or a conspiracy theory. In fact, as more and more comes to light, this is looking exactly like it might be the case. Again, this is not conspiracy theory, rumor, or even suspicion. These are developing facts that absolutely must be investigated. And there needs to be consequences for China's actions in hiding the information.

Many believe that this could be a retaliation of China against President Trump for taking the actions he took regarding policy. This is a suspicion of many. No one in authority is stating this as fact, as of yet. It is ok to be suspicious and want answers.

What we do know as fact: China is not being honest with us. China is hiding information. China cannot be trusted. It is still Communist China, after all. CC knew about the virus before they warned the world. They stopped flights within their own nation, before alerting the world. This prevented the world from stopping travel there and more importantly, from traffic coming out. This lasted for at least six days. President Trump was among the first to finally stop travel coming from China and he was widely criticized for it. All of this is proven fact. Communist China withheld information from at least eight doctors who were trying to warn the world. Some of these doctors have disappeared. Some have died. That is neither  conspiracy or rumor. It is fact that needs to be investigated.

The idea that the WHO is too involved with Communist China, and is being used as their pawn is neither rumor, nor conspiracy theory. It is a question that must be researched and investigated. Until the answer is known, the President is right to remove funding from them, in my opinion. There is an investigation beginning, with millions of dollars allocated for it.

The virus is deadly. The world is right to be shut down. This needed to be done until more information was known. This was sprung upon the world without warning. We were right to "over -react" even if it is revealed that the virus is a less problem than originally thought. What is also true, is that this virus is being used for political purposes. Though some numbers grew out of an abundance of caution, some numbers are being/have been intentionally inflated. This is fact.

As for the United States, we have a diverse and widespread makeup. We have political affiliations that vary in each state. Our parties have become so drastically opposite in thought and policy, that solutions for this problem are going to be diametrically different from state to state. We have a 10th Amendment that gives power to the states. The governors of each state will be in charge of their own states. We will all see to that, including the President. But, this is also a national disaster. All 50 states have declared a state of emergency, and asked the federal government for help. This puts the President in charge. As Mark Levin recently stated, his power lies within the "Interstate Commerce Clause". Our President is doing his best to facilitate, orchestrate and walk the fine line. There is no precedent for him to follow. He is a man that listens to counsel. He always has, and I have always known that about him. He understands, "in a multitude of counselors, there is wisdom." If someone does not believe that about him, they are ignoring proven fact. And it is probably out of political differences, that they do not choose to believe that fact. Or they have believed lies in the media. Dr. Fauci, who is of a different political persuasion than the President, is one of many that have testified to the fact that he listens and follows their advice.  Fauci recently listed five times, the President followed their advice and counsel. I won't take the time to list that here. (I know this is getting long. Yikes!)

We are all learning as time goes on. No one has all the answers. Facts will even change to some degree, as time goes on and more information is revealed. That doesn't mean anyone purposefully made a mistake. It just means it is a learning curve which needs allowance for adjustment.

Still rumors are going to abound. They always do during an unknown. For example, people are claiming the hospitals in New York are empty, while demonstrating that for us using a video. But that isn't what the death tolls reveal. That isn't what the First Responders' documented calls reveal. And that isn't what the hospital admission numbers reveal. This rumor is easily disproven, if researched. The fact that Samaritan's Purse was asked to come to New York to bring their transportable hospital is proof. The last I checked the Samaritan's Purse Hospital had served 160 patients. This is fact, from a trusted source - Franklin Graham. It is a "rumor" to suggest otherwise - a rumor that was probably based on a "conspiracy theory" that some were hoping to prove. There is a difference between the two. If one is to google the source of this video, one can see that those who produced it, have ties with questionable sources, who promote other fake theories. We always need to be willing to dig a little deeper before we believe anything.



Resilience

I am trying to differentiate between facts, suspicions, rumors and conspiracy theories. It is important we understand. I have given an example of fact, suspicions and rumors. A little more dangerous, I think is a conspiracy theory. For example the widely spread theory that Bill Gates is using this to promote vaccines and force us all to take them is conspiratorial. It is promoting a fear, based on no fact. Some even take it further to say, this is exactly what will be used to bring about the "Mark of the Beast". There is no way to prove this statement. It is a conspiracy theory, with no basis in fact. Yes, there must always be a bit of truth included in something to get people to believe the lie. We see this here. Bill Gates is too involved with WHO. He is their number one donor after the United States. He may have selfish motives. Maybe he is trying to make money off of all of this. BUT, there is also the possibility he actually believes he is helping. Maybe he believes that with the resources he has, he is obligated to help. I don't know that for a fact, but I am not out there spreading it as either intent. This theory that is making the rounds, does not consider that option.  The former is a rabbit trail theory that is dangerous, in my opinion. BUT even if it WERE TRUE, I believe it is nothing more than a distraction at this point. It is distracting us from absolute truth. I would just hope to encourage us all to not get to distracted with improvable theories.

Now, for my thoughts for Christians regarding all of this. What is TRUE in my opinion, (as well as many others' opinion) is that this is a wake-up call from God. This is a chance to get a few things right. This is a chance to bring people's fear, to calm; people's theories to Truth; Christians faith to action. This is a time to share Jesus and explain God's plan for the world. The world was created for man - to subdue it and be a steward of it. But more than that, we are created to serve the living God and bring others into that knowledge.

If we are chasing rabbit trails, how are we able to do that? Are we instead instilling more fear in people? Are we giving our government more excuse to take more control, because we are not displaying any competent rationale? We have already seen news articles stating that social media will be cracked down on, due to false information. That is just one dangerous result of not seeking and informing truth. Power will use our lack of information against us.

But back to our faith. I wonder. Are we on our knees? I know there have been many calls to fasting and prayer. Did we participate in that? Are we continuing in that practice? We have seen many examples of compassion and care. Truthfully, love is abounding in many wonderful, and heart-warming ways. Are we supporting others in this, or are we beginning to get too distracted with theories and fear?

Is our patience getting thin? And are we more often expressing our anger, than our common sense? Take a quick peruse through social media. It is getting pretty ugly out there.

It is wise to distrust the government. Our Founders warned us about that. But there is also a time where a little trust is warranted. And now again, I am specifically talking to the Christian. We, as Christians, overwhelmingly elected this man to the most powerful office in the world. The President of the United States, the most powerful nation in the world. Why would we not trust the man we elected? At least until he has proven that we shouldn't? I think we could find some answers and peace in that trust. Of course, not ultimate faith and trust - that is reserved for our Father God.

There are many signs to be optimistic. The President has said that there are 29 states with low infection rates. He said yesterday, that he feels many of those states will actually be able to reopen BEFORE May 1. Of course, there will be gradual conditions that still need to be in place. It will not and should not be a full-blown re-opening in any state. We are going to need to social distance a bit longer and wear our face masks and gloves. Elderly and people with low immune should probably still stay home. It is only common sense.

Now we are also still seeing wrong thinking in many of our leaders. Nancy Pelosi has gone home, rather than pass the "small business bill". She has stated she won't pass it until her pet projects and agenda is included. She has gone to the safety of her multi-million dollar home. Yesterday, Andrew Cuomo, governor of New York, condescendingly told us that the success they have achieved has nothing to do with God, or our prayers. It is only all due to the hard work that they have done. Shame on him! I wouldn't want to be in New York after a statement like that! The governor of Michigan is trying to enforce heavy-handed laws far beyond her right or authority. People are right to not comply in a circumstance like that. We are seeing multiple examples of situations like this that require our attention and action, but also still demand our flat out repentance and prayer.

 

This is a time that we need to support one another, alleviate each other's fears and encourage a turn back to God. We need to forget about what might happen and focus on what our Creator wants from us during this time.

It's all going to be ok. Father God has heard our prayers. He also sees our humility. And  He has seen sincere hearts. I don't think God will punish a leader who has supported our Christian faith more than any President in my life time - 65 years. This is a leader who has brought prayer back to the White House. Fact! He is a President who has followed the Biblical mandate of supporting Israel more than any President ever. Fact!  Those are guidelines God has given in order to receive His blessings. Those guidelines have not been negated. Of course, our President and many leaders have faults! We ALL do! Things are not aligned yet, for us to give up and give in. Yes, we are to keep looking up. Yes, we should expect Him at any time. But never are we to stop working; stop praying or give it all up, because someone believes "what will be will be".

Our God is going to bless our repentance and our sincere hearts...IF... we who are called by His name will humble ourselves and pray. He WILL heal our land. (The oft quoted 2 Chronicles 7:14)

I think we need to quit chasing rabbit trails and get on our knees. The cause of this virus rests with Communist China. The solution resides within us. This is on us, Christian, and no one else. I think we should all quit looking for someone else to blame and focus our eyes on Jesus.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I didn't write this to offend anyone. It is my worst fear, that I will. I wrote it is because it is on my heart....and well...I write. ;-) I am not casting judgment on anyone. I am worse than anyone about spreading the Gospel and fulfilling the Great Commission. I do it mostly through writing, because I am usually at a loss for words. But I do believe it is a time for each of us to use what God has equipped us for and what he has commanded us to do.

In Jesus' Name and Love,

Jan

^"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." ~ John 3:16 (KJV)

^"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." ~ Acts 4:12 (KJV)

 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9

 

 

All of Me

I received a friend request not too long ago from a classmate from high school. I didn't know her well back then, but there has been a Facebook page created for our class and it has connected a lot of people. I really didn't know much about this person, or what had happened to her over the years. But from our class page I knew she and I had diametrically opposite view in politics. Actually, it was that way back in high school too.

I was happy to see her want to friend me, but I almost cringed. Ugh! She is going to hate me, I thought. Another one that will just bite the dust, i.e. "unfriend" or restrict me, once she sees how political I am. Yes, one knows when that happens. It is actually so strange to me, that someone would be so offended that they would restrict someone. Can't they just scroll? How are they ever going to learn anything outside their bubble, if they only see and read what they believe? That's pride. If one isn't willing to see other view points, how are they going to influence anyone, if they believe their view is so absolutely correct? Wouldn't they want to bring others along? To speak for truth? If indeed they have the truth? I don't get it.

Anyway, I'm not gonna change. It is who I am. Part of the "You do You" campaign. Or as I like to say, ur sing:  "All of me. Why not take all of me. Can't you see...." Ha! OK, enough humor; in truth, I view politics as my responsibility - even my mission from God. I am to do "politics". But back to my story. I accepted the friend request with a disclaimer in messenger to my new friend.

"I am kinda political on here,"  I told her. "You will not like my politics. We are on opposite ends of the spectrum. But I am happy to accept your request, I just want you to know up front. I will not feel bad, if you change your mind or have to restrict me. You won't be the first."

Something to that effect, anyway. It is not the first disclaimer I have given when someone asks me to be their friend. In fact, I simply do not make friend requests, myself, because I am so afraid someone will be sorry they accepted one from me when they find out I talk about "politics" on my page. It isn't so bad if they are the ones that ask and it is on them. ;-)

Anyway, the other day, I accidently posted some misinformation on Facebook. I was angry and I forgot my rule to verify every article before posting. Even my comment at the top of the post was angry and not what I like to do or how I like to represent myself. It was simply not how I like to be seen, publicly.

Well, to her credit, my newest friend who is a liberal commented on my post and corrected me. "This article is from January, 2019." She simply stated. And then politely and calmly stated what the article was about from that time. I was ELATED to get her comment. I quickly posted: "Thank God!!!!! Thank you!!! My apologies."

 And I meant it. I was so thankful she corrected me. I was even more thankful that the article wasn't in regard to what I thought it was about when I shared the post, in the first place. That would have been horrendously shocking and sad.

But truly, I was so happy she commented. And then I got to thinking. Why don't we do this more often? What are people so afraid of? Why can't we simply communicate and discuss?

I am a firm believer that one of the biggest lies from the devil in these times is "Never talk religion or politics." I have written about that before. Why would we not??? That is the most dangerous philosophy we could ever believe. How else does one ever learn Truth. Yes, Jesus = Truth. I meant to capitalize it. He is our Truth, and that old message tells us not to talk about that.

But also in the political realm, it is a dangerous message. However would we - do we learn? I have always been so discouraged by that belief. I think it was probably my dad that first taught me how wrong that expression is. "Never talk religion or politics." RIGHT!! Who learns from that???

But anyway, I was tempted to post a statement about my new friend's comment and how respectful and kind she was. We do not have to be rude, or uncompassionate. We don't even have to be argumentative. She had the facts correct and I did not. I have no problems with her correcting me. In fact, I was extremely thankful!!! I do not ever want to be the author of incorrect facts, or dissemination of incorrect facts.

And truthfully, I do not even care if she responded with a statement that was her belief, at any time. If she gave incorrect facts or truth, I would just give mine back. I would do as she did, and provide some information based on facts. It SHOULD BE OK to do that!

I simply want people to discuss! To be able to say their feelings and have a logical conversation or even debate! It's healthy and it is wise. It is how we learn. It is how right information goes out and bad information gets stopped. Ideas and thoughts are birthed in discussion.

It is my firm belief, that because we have been so trained, or shamed into being quiet, that our nation is in the shape it is. Our faith cannot grow in silence. Right thinking cannot grow in silence. We are neglecting our responsibility given us by God in remaining silent.

Of course there is a time we should keep quiet and keep our thoughts to ourselves, but we rely on that far too often for our own comfort and convenience. In truth, we thrive in communication. And it should be easy to do it politely.

 

 

 

 

Flowers Are For the Living

We went to a birthday party a while back for a friend who was turning 80. Her kids threw her a beautiful surprise party, complete with appetizers, a meal, and then ending with cake and coffee. The tables were all beautifully decorated with live flowers in pretty teapots.

It truly was a beautiful affair and our friend was quite surprised.

The kids all spoke to the attendees and presented a wonderful slide show of their mom's life. It was all very reminiscent of today's funerals...except of course, it was joyous. One of the daughter's explained the flowers on the table.

"You know how everyone gives you flowers when you die?" She asked. "Well, we wanted to give them to you now, Mom. Flowers should be for the living. You know how everyone gets up at a funeral and says nice things about the deceased? Well, we wanted to do that for you now, so that you will know how much you are loved. We have small note cards on the tables and everyone will write down a memory they have of you, so you can read them later."

It truly was a beautiful sentiment, and found me wishing we had done this for my folks before they had passed. Other than the note cards, it was exactly what we did do at both of their funerals. But then I realized. Oh, wait! We did do this for their birthdays, before they each passed. My mom had a beautiful, surprise 90th birthday party on a warm, summer's day in my sister's back yard. Mama was born a summer girl. Family from both sides came as did many longtime friends. I remember her embarrassment, but more than that I remember her joy.

And we had thrown a 90th party for my dad in the same back yard; later we had an even larger 93rd birthday/going away party, just before he died. We knew he had a very short time to live. And we weren't even sure he would make it to his party. He did, and then lived about 2 weeks longer. We had food, and flowers, music and dance. We made a video of his life and showed it on a big screen. People were able to share their love.

I cannot be more thankful that we gave those parties for them. That kind of delight on their faces and a memory like that is extremely important for them. But it is also important for the kids. It has become a common refrain in our society, that we should send the flowers while one is still here so they are able to enjoy the attention and love while living. And yes. We should.

But this morning, I was reflecting on funerals. My aunt's brother had died and his funeral would be today. I didn't send flowers, but I wondered if I should have. I began reflecting on all the flowers at my folks funerals. I remember each person who took the time to send a bouquet. I remember my sister asking me when my dad had passed and we were preparing. "Should we just ask donations be sent to a favorite charity in lieu of flowers?"

"No." I had simply, but adamantly replied and then I had reasoned:

"Let people send flowers if they like. I don't want a plain church, or a grave undecorated. I want people to know how much they were loved."

And I am glad we did that. Because you see, flowers in actuality, really are for the living.