Last Sunday I woke up about my usual 8 am, in time for The Active Word with Pastor Bob Coy from Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale and he was talking about the Old Testament story of Joseph. It is found in Genesis 37 and Genesis 39.
Joseph had been put in a pit by his brothers who were jealous of him and his favor with their father and wanted rid of him. Eventually he ends up out of the pit but in Egypt in prison, another kind of pit. Both times Joseph continued doing what he knew to be right in God's sight and didn't get frazzled about it all.
Pastor Bob went on to explain that unless a seed falls to the ground and dies it remains a single seed but if it dies then it brings forth a harvest of many seeds. John 12:24
Our lives are like that. If we are only concerned with ourselves and the benefit for ourselves then that's all there is. However, if we consider others before or instead of ourselves then there's more to share.
Joseph was put in a pit which was selfish on the brothers' part but God used Joseph to eventually save the brothers and their families when a famine came to the land. Joseph had been rescued from the pit by a traveling caravan, ended up in Egypt, in pharaoh's house and in charge of the grain supply.... WOW~now that's GOD! The Bible says that God knows the beginning from the end. Isaiah 46:10
Joseph was a type of seed while in the pit, a good seed, alone, covered by earth on all sides, with only sunlight above. He continued living how he lived, being a righteous man, trusting and obeying God, with his eyes on the Lord, eventually grew OUT of the pit, all a part of God's plan for him, as well as for his family. What was intended for evil was used by God to be good. Genesis 50:20
I was struck by this illustration of a good seed being in an earthen pit with only the sunlight to look to and how eventually it can grow out of its pit. Pastor Bob used the words, "being in the pit isn't pitiful". My ears locked onto that phrase and I've been replaying them through my mind this week.
I don't feel like I'm in a pit but I know I am because I'm not where I want to be YET. Better yet, I know the formula for getting out: keep my eyes on the light of God's Son Jesus, trust & obey what He tells me to do (or not do in my case), and eventually, by doing what is right, over time, I'll grow out of the pit I've put myself in through wrong choices and bad decisions over my lifetime, physically, financially, emotionally and even spiritually.
So, my encouraging word right now is: Being in the Pit isn't Pitiful. Praise the Lord!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Your Next HAPPY MEAL
*note* My Pastor recently shared this in an email to the church and I was quite moved by it and wanted to share it here.
John Ortberg says, "When you buy your kid a Happy Meal, you're not just buying fries, McNuggets, and a toy; you're buying happiness. Their advertisements have convinced my children they have a little McDonald-shaped vacuum in their souls: 'Our hearts are restless till they find their rest in a Happy Meal.'"
The problem with the Happy Meal is that the happy wears off, and they need a new fix. No child discovers lasting happiness in just one: "Remember that Happy Meal? What great joy I found there!"
Happy Meals bring happiness only to McDonalds. You ever wonder why Ronald McDonald wears that grin? Twenty billion Happy Meals, that's why.
[Taken from the article Happy Meal Spirituality, Christianity Today, May 1993]
Ortberg concludes by saying, "When you get older, you don't get any smarter; your happy meals just get more expensive."
What's the last Happy Meal you bought for yourself? A car? Some clothes? A house? A spouse? How long did it last? No matter how hard we try, or how much we spend, as long as we live with a happy meal mentality, happiness will elude us.
Ortberg paraphrased a familiar quote by St. Augustine:
"Our hearts are restless till they find rest in thee."
Or as David said it, "My soul finds rest in God alone..." (Psalm 62:1)
Take a moment today to think about your next Happy Meal. Instead of pursuing one more thing, one more possession, one more acquisition ... instead of striving for bigger numbers or better money or more praise directed your way ... spend a few minutes alone with the God who loves you, and let his presence in your life satisfy you.
"Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare." (Isaiah 55:2)
John Ortberg says, "When you buy your kid a Happy Meal, you're not just buying fries, McNuggets, and a toy; you're buying happiness. Their advertisements have convinced my children they have a little McDonald-shaped vacuum in their souls: 'Our hearts are restless till they find their rest in a Happy Meal.'"
The problem with the Happy Meal is that the happy wears off, and they need a new fix. No child discovers lasting happiness in just one: "Remember that Happy Meal? What great joy I found there!"
Happy Meals bring happiness only to McDonalds. You ever wonder why Ronald McDonald wears that grin? Twenty billion Happy Meals, that's why.
[Taken from the article Happy Meal Spirituality, Christianity Today, May 1993]
Ortberg concludes by saying, "When you get older, you don't get any smarter; your happy meals just get more expensive."
What's the last Happy Meal you bought for yourself? A car? Some clothes? A house? A spouse? How long did it last? No matter how hard we try, or how much we spend, as long as we live with a happy meal mentality, happiness will elude us.
Ortberg paraphrased a familiar quote by St. Augustine:
"Our hearts are restless till they find rest in thee."
Or as David said it, "My soul finds rest in God alone..." (Psalm 62:1)
Take a moment today to think about your next Happy Meal. Instead of pursuing one more thing, one more possession, one more acquisition ... instead of striving for bigger numbers or better money or more praise directed your way ... spend a few minutes alone with the God who loves you, and let his presence in your life satisfy you.
"Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare." (Isaiah 55:2)
Sunday, August 15, 2010
PASSION
The other evening I 'caught' a movie which I absolutely love. I've seen it several times but no other time impressed me as it did the other night.
Wikipedia explains: Chariots of Fire is a 1981 British film. It tells the fact-based story of two athletes in the 1924 Olympics: Eric Liddell, a devout ScottishChristian who runs for the glory of God, and Harold Abrahams, an English Jew who runs to overcome prejudice.
Wikipedia explains: Chariots of Fire is a 1981 British film. It tells the fact-based story of two athletes in the 1924 Olympics: Eric Liddell, a devout ScottishChristian who runs for the glory of God, and Harold Abrahams, an English Jew who runs to overcome prejudice.
The film was written by Colin Welland and directed by Hugh Hudson. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won four, including Best Picture. It is ranked 19th in the British Film Institute's list of Top 100 British films.
The film's title was inspired by the line, "Bring me my chariot of fire," from the William Blake poem adapted into the popular British hymnJerusalem; the hymn is heard at the end of the film.[1] The original phrase "chariot(s) of fire" is from 2 Kings 2:11 and 2 Kings 6:17 in the Bible.
The film's title was inspired by the line, "Bring me my chariot of fire," from the William Blake poem adapted into the popular British hymnJerusalem; the hymn is heard at the end of the film.[1] The original phrase "chariot(s) of fire" is from 2 Kings 2:11 and 2 Kings 6:17 in the Bible.
I was familiar with the 2 Kings 6:17 reference about "chariots of fire" but didn't quite understand the correlation. However, that night, when I saw the other scripture reference for "chariots of fire" I checked it out and it all 'clicked' for me.
2 Kings 2:11 (New International Version) As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.
The Old Testament story tells of Elijah & Elisha and their time together and how it ended, here in verse 11.
The movie Chariots of Fire is similar to the 2 Kings story. It is about two individual men, with the same talent for running whose lives only run parallel for a brief period in time. One is Harold Abrahams who is Jewish and feels he has something to prove with his speed. The other is Eric Liddell who is a Christian Scot who only runs for the pleasure of his Creator. It is a pure pleasure without inhibition or obligation.
It made me consider how I run this race called life. Do I run out of obligation? Do I run with pleasure? Do I run without inhibition? Do I run for the pleasure of My Creator?
I think at times, I run out of obligation. At other times I do run with pleasure.... mine and at other times, hopefully, My Creator's. However, I question if I ever run this race called life without inhibition.
This summer I've taken a real look in the proverbial mirror at myself, more emotionally than physically; although, I've done that too. I'm beginning to see things which I've never seen before. One of the realizations having to do with PASSION... Running without inhibition... A commitment to convictions.
I am impressed when I see someone display passion for something or someone. There is no doubt, no question about what motivates and drives their life. It has moved me to question my own life, my desires, my motivations. Is there passion there? Can someone else see ME running without inhibition, with a passion for one solitary thing?
It made me consider how I run this race called life. Do I run out of obligation? Do I run with pleasure? Do I run without inhibition? Do I run for the pleasure of My Creator?
I think at times, I run out of obligation. At other times I do run with pleasure.... mine and at other times, hopefully, My Creator's. However, I question if I ever run this race called life without inhibition.
This summer I've taken a real look in the proverbial mirror at myself, more emotionally than physically; although, I've done that too. I'm beginning to see things which I've never seen before. One of the realizations having to do with PASSION... Running without inhibition... A commitment to convictions.
I am impressed when I see someone display passion for something or someone. There is no doubt, no question about what motivates and drives their life. It has moved me to question my own life, my desires, my motivations. Is there passion there? Can someone else see ME running without inhibition, with a passion for one solitary thing?
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
HEAVEN
Last night I watched the movie "Five People You Meet in Heaven" based on Mitch Albom's book. Well..... it was interesting to say the least. I'm still not sure if I liked it even. Uh.... what????? But, it was Food for Thought and I like that.
It got broken down to this. In heaven, you will meet strangers, people who sacrificed for you, someone you need to forgive, people you love and someone who holds a strong connection to you. INTERESTING. It's not exactly my picture of heaven, nor is it the Bible's picture of heaven.
But, having said that, obviously there will be strangers in heaven and I don't expect to know everyone, just as I don't know everyone here. The Bible does say that we will be known as we are known I Corinthians 13:12.
I do believe that I will meet Someone who sacrificed for me, definitely, no doubt, JESUS.
Well, meeting people who I need to forgive for something done against me or something I have against them. I am unsure about. Heaven to me is a place where the resolution is behind you, not yet to be done. So, that one I'll leave for now.
Definitely, I expect to see people whom I love and have lost here in this world, not the least of being my mom. Can't wait to see my Auntie Margaret & Pap Pap too!!!!! Even time can't erase love.
Lastly, I am pretty sure I will see people there whom I have had a strong connection with. Considering that I usually have a strong connection with most anyone who is in my life for any certain amount of time, I'm sure I will be more than blessed in heaven!
The actual places pictured in heaven were interesting too. All five people were found in five different scenes or types of places. One was the man's favorite and most familiar place. Another was the battlefield where his life was changed. Another was where he met his 'true love'. The other 2 were less significant but ones of serenity: a snowy woodland and a peaceful pond.
Of course, my favorite place on earth is near water so I hope that heaven is filled with majestic waterfalls, languid lakes, roaring oceans and tranquil streams. I love the fluidity of water, how much it moves yet doesn't change its character or consistency.
Familiar places would be so comforting, like around the dinner table with family, or in a car with my mom, perhaps the foyer of my childhood church home, but definitely the narrow country roads I grew up on.
So much of who we are is where and how we grew up. I wouldn't trade my childhood for anyone's. I knew I was loved unconditionally and always felt safe. In today's world that statement says A LOT.
You know what, though, maybe heaven has more to do with a familiar place than we realize. Isn't heaven supposed to be your final home? Aren't you supposed to feel like you're finally home? And what is more familiar than home?
Heaven, my home. In the words of Carrie Underwood, this life here is just my Temporary Home.
It got broken down to this. In heaven, you will meet strangers, people who sacrificed for you, someone you need to forgive, people you love and someone who holds a strong connection to you. INTERESTING. It's not exactly my picture of heaven, nor is it the Bible's picture of heaven.
But, having said that, obviously there will be strangers in heaven and I don't expect to know everyone, just as I don't know everyone here. The Bible does say that we will be known as we are known I Corinthians 13:12.
I do believe that I will meet Someone who sacrificed for me, definitely, no doubt, JESUS.
Well, meeting people who I need to forgive for something done against me or something I have against them. I am unsure about. Heaven to me is a place where the resolution is behind you, not yet to be done. So, that one I'll leave for now.
Definitely, I expect to see people whom I love and have lost here in this world, not the least of being my mom. Can't wait to see my Auntie Margaret & Pap Pap too!!!!! Even time can't erase love.
Lastly, I am pretty sure I will see people there whom I have had a strong connection with. Considering that I usually have a strong connection with most anyone who is in my life for any certain amount of time, I'm sure I will be more than blessed in heaven!
The actual places pictured in heaven were interesting too. All five people were found in five different scenes or types of places. One was the man's favorite and most familiar place. Another was the battlefield where his life was changed. Another was where he met his 'true love'. The other 2 were less significant but ones of serenity: a snowy woodland and a peaceful pond.
Of course, my favorite place on earth is near water so I hope that heaven is filled with majestic waterfalls, languid lakes, roaring oceans and tranquil streams. I love the fluidity of water, how much it moves yet doesn't change its character or consistency.
Familiar places would be so comforting, like around the dinner table with family, or in a car with my mom, perhaps the foyer of my childhood church home, but definitely the narrow country roads I grew up on.
So much of who we are is where and how we grew up. I wouldn't trade my childhood for anyone's. I knew I was loved unconditionally and always felt safe. In today's world that statement says A LOT.
You know what, though, maybe heaven has more to do with a familiar place than we realize. Isn't heaven supposed to be your final home? Aren't you supposed to feel like you're finally home? And what is more familiar than home?
Heaven, my home. In the words of Carrie Underwood, this life here is just my Temporary Home.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
The Love of My Life
Yeh, at 46, still looking for "the love of my life".... or am I?
Over lunch the other day I was telling a story to my friend and she said, "could be the love of your life." "Yeh, right, of course." I thought. As I was driving home though I was listening to some of my music (i.e. Christian) and was listening to the words of a song. It was all about how he (the Lord) loves me. It was then that the two thoughts connected:
Jesus is really the love of my life!
Who else knows me better? Who else loves me more... faults, scars et al? Ultimately, who already died for me, not who would 'take a bullet' for me? JESUS. JESUS. JESUS.
Now that I realized the love of my life, I suppose the next question is am I in love with Him? Do I know Him better than anyone else? Do I love Him more than anyone else? Would I give anything to be with Him?
Can I say with the psalmist, "...my soul longs for you Oh God..." (Psalm 42:1) ? Hmmm.......
Over lunch the other day I was telling a story to my friend and she said, "could be the love of your life." "Yeh, right, of course." I thought. As I was driving home though I was listening to some of my music (i.e. Christian) and was listening to the words of a song. It was all about how he (the Lord) loves me. It was then that the two thoughts connected:
Jesus is really the love of my life!
Who else knows me better? Who else loves me more... faults, scars et al? Ultimately, who already died for me, not who would 'take a bullet' for me? JESUS. JESUS. JESUS.
Now that I realized the love of my life, I suppose the next question is am I in love with Him? Do I know Him better than anyone else? Do I love Him more than anyone else? Would I give anything to be with Him?
Can I say with the psalmist, "...my soul longs for you Oh God..." (Psalm 42:1) ? Hmmm.......
Saturday, August 7, 2010
SCARS
I was headed out this morning to work and was sitting at the first light and pulled my make-up bag out to start 'my face' for the day. YES... I'm one of those who puts her make-up on in the car but I've stopped doing it on the interstate at 70 MPH. (audible *sigh of relief* from my Dad and Stepmom)
Anyway, back to my story, I began with the concealer to cover those blemishes I wanted to smooth out and try to blend in. I was doing just that when the thought came to me about our 'blemishes' or our scars of life.
We all have them. We all try to cover them up and hide them hoping no one will notice.
And yet, the only one who really needs to 'come to grips' with them is the person looking in the mirror.
I remember looking at a picture of myself with my sister over Spring Break. I commented on how my bangs were messy and uneven and she nonchalantly replied, "Oh, but that's you! That's what you look like."
How true! I can never get perfect bangs because I hate things hanging in my eyes or touching my face. That is who I am and at this point in my life why try to change it or get frustrated with it? It is who I am, accept it. Everyone else in my life, who chooses to be in my life, has already accepted that.
Back to what I was saying about scars. We all have them why try to cover or hide them? Really, sometimes it is only ourselves who is the one consumed with the scar. The people in our lives have already accepted that that is who we are, scars and all.
Scars say that there was something in our past that hurt us, that we can't or don't want to forget.
Being the Christian I am, my mind went to Jesus and the scars which he had imprinted on his hands from the sacrifice on the cross. In the book of John, chapter 20 (John 20:19-31)
the story is told about Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection and how he pointed out his scars as proof of His Act of Love. He wasn't trying to cover or hide his scars. He wasn't hoping that no one would notice. He showed them as evidence.
Maybe our scars are more evidence of life than they are mistakes. A scar isn't necessarily a negative thing, as in the case of Jesus' scars. They are part of us. They are there as a reminder. Why are we always trying to cover up who we are and who we have become?
Why hide the real me? Why wear an impostor's mask when I can be an authentic original? Why do we think noticing our scars is not a good thing?
I think more people appreciate and more readily accept someone who is real, with real-life experience, who isn't covering up or hiding anything, who is authentic. I know when I see a person's scar, or vulnerability, I more easily identify with them and more quickly appreciate who they have become.
And sometimes... our scars are there for the whole world to see and to learn from. They become a platform from which to share our experience.... like Vietnam Vet Dave Roever or motivational speaker Nick Vujicic.
Anyway, back to my story, I began with the concealer to cover those blemishes I wanted to smooth out and try to blend in. I was doing just that when the thought came to me about our 'blemishes' or our scars of life.
We all have them. We all try to cover them up and hide them hoping no one will notice.
And yet, the only one who really needs to 'come to grips' with them is the person looking in the mirror.
I remember looking at a picture of myself with my sister over Spring Break. I commented on how my bangs were messy and uneven and she nonchalantly replied, "Oh, but that's you! That's what you look like."
How true! I can never get perfect bangs because I hate things hanging in my eyes or touching my face. That is who I am and at this point in my life why try to change it or get frustrated with it? It is who I am, accept it. Everyone else in my life, who chooses to be in my life, has already accepted that.
Back to what I was saying about scars. We all have them why try to cover or hide them? Really, sometimes it is only ourselves who is the one consumed with the scar. The people in our lives have already accepted that that is who we are, scars and all.
Scars say that there was something in our past that hurt us, that we can't or don't want to forget.
Being the Christian I am, my mind went to Jesus and the scars which he had imprinted on his hands from the sacrifice on the cross. In the book of John, chapter 20 (John 20:19-31)
the story is told about Jesus appearing to his disciples after his resurrection and how he pointed out his scars as proof of His Act of Love. He wasn't trying to cover or hide his scars. He wasn't hoping that no one would notice. He showed them as evidence.
Maybe our scars are more evidence of life than they are mistakes. A scar isn't necessarily a negative thing, as in the case of Jesus' scars. They are part of us. They are there as a reminder. Why are we always trying to cover up who we are and who we have become?
Why hide the real me? Why wear an impostor's mask when I can be an authentic original? Why do we think noticing our scars is not a good thing?
I think more people appreciate and more readily accept someone who is real, with real-life experience, who isn't covering up or hiding anything, who is authentic. I know when I see a person's scar, or vulnerability, I more easily identify with them and more quickly appreciate who they have become.
And sometimes... our scars are there for the whole world to see and to learn from. They become a platform from which to share our experience.... like Vietnam Vet Dave Roever or motivational speaker Nick Vujicic.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Food for Thought
I was reading my email tonight and got an interesting one. Let me preface this by saying that I'm not disagreeing with the writer or defending anyone in the pictures. I just found it interesting how differently I read and viewed the pictures. So, I'm sharing it......
Our Christian nation cannot put up a Christmas scene of the baby Jesus in a public place, but the Muslims can stop normal traffic every Friday afternoon by worshiping in the streets. Something is happening in America that is reminiscent of what has already started happening in Europe. This is Political Correctness gone crazy...
This is in New York City on Madison Avenue, not in France, or the Middle East or Yemen.
This is an accurate picture of every Friday afternoon in several locations
throughout NYC where there are mosques with a large number of Muslims
that cannot fit into the mosque - They fill the surrounding streets, facing east
for a couple of hours between about 2 & 4 p.m. - Besides this one at 42nd St
& Madison Ave, there is another, even larger group, at 94th St & 3rd Ave, etc.,
etc. - Also, I presume, you are aware of the dispute over building another "high
rise" Mosque a few blocks from "ground zero" - With regard to that one, the
"Imam" refuses to disclose where the $110 million dollars to build it is coming
from and there is a lawsuit filed to force disclosure of that information - Just some
facts FYI
Funny.... I interpreted this totally differently than the commentator of the pictures. I looked at the pictures and thought to myself, what if Christians got together in a group like this and got on our knees in the middle of NYC and prayed to OUR GOD? What would people say and do? Would people be taking notice of us? Would people be snapping pictures of us? Would Muslims get upset with us? Probably not! The 'non-religious' would probably be more upset than anyone. In one of the pictures the people have heavier clothing, sweaters, jackets on. Would we be out there in the chilly air praying?
Hmmmm.... What if we were different?
Food for Thought
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
In Just a Moment
How many times have we said that? "Just a minute." or "I will, in a minute." or "Just a moment, please."
The other day I was thinking about how much our lives can change in an instant. Life is never the same with the words, "It's a Girl!" or "You have cancer." or "She's gone."
Psalm 103:14 reminds us that we are only dust. Dust... interesting.... here today and gone tomorrow.... not rock, that which is unmovable, but dust... such a fragile existence.
In an instant one's entire world can change.
Last Saturday I was happily driving home from my lunch and afternoon outing with Ibi, breezing along at 70 MPH south on I-95, with tons of other drivers, windows down and spirits up! Thinking about what I was going to do next: Go visit more friends? Take a nap on the beach? Grab the computer and blog?
When all of a sudden out of the corner of my eye, on the northbound lanes, just below the airport, I noticed a parking lot of cars six-lanes wide. Uh oh! That's never a good sign. No flashing lights. No rescue vehicles. Guess it just happened. What? Smoke? What's going on? Then in the farthest and fastest lane I could see a pile of metal turned upside down with 2 wheels spinning, exposed above the concrete median. UGH.
My heart sank.
In that moment my light mood crashed to one of sobriety at what just took place. I don't know exactly what happened. I didn't read, see or hear any news about it. I don't know of anybody having an accident. But in that instant I felt the gravity of that moment in time. I began to silently intercede for whomever was involved and the lives which would be effected, even as far as the ripple effect. Someone's life changed that hot, humid, July afternoon in South Florida. Someone lost a driving vehicle. Someone may have lost their mobility or their very life. Someone lost money. Someone lost a family member or friend. Someone lost that secure feeling of driving along in a car. IN JUST A MOMENT the world stood still and changed for someone.
I couldn't believe how much this random, unrelated event affected me.
Needless to say, I slowed down, held the wheel a little more responsibly, considered my lane-change choices more carefully, even missed the slower two-lane country roads of home more than usual.
What are we all in such a rush for? In just a moment this life is going to be gone. What of that dust will be left for someone else to consider?
Tim McGraw had a #1 song several years ago, Live Like You Are Dying, talks about all the things he did because he knew he was dying. Aren't we all dying? Why don't we all live like that every day? Why don't we LIVE on PURPOSE every day?
I'm struggling with a lot of things in my heart this summer. This is one of them. If I knew I had three and a half weeks to live what would I do? Why am I not doing those things now? What am I waiting for? Don't I already know that I'm dying? Does knowing about how long I have make that big a difference? Why not live every day as if I didn't have another? We don't know the time but we're not guaranteed the next breath.
The only thing I know is what Psalm 139:16 says, which is that the number of our days is written by the Eternal Author. He is the one who first formed this dust now called Maureen. He is the one who will be there when I've taken my last breath and am no more. What am I doing about those days in-between? What am I doing with those moments within those days?
In Just A Moment......
The other day I was thinking about how much our lives can change in an instant. Life is never the same with the words, "It's a Girl!" or "You have cancer." or "She's gone."
Psalm 103:14 reminds us that we are only dust. Dust... interesting.... here today and gone tomorrow.... not rock, that which is unmovable, but dust... such a fragile existence.
In an instant one's entire world can change.
Last Saturday I was happily driving home from my lunch and afternoon outing with Ibi, breezing along at 70 MPH south on I-95, with tons of other drivers, windows down and spirits up! Thinking about what I was going to do next: Go visit more friends? Take a nap on the beach? Grab the computer and blog?
When all of a sudden out of the corner of my eye, on the northbound lanes, just below the airport, I noticed a parking lot of cars six-lanes wide. Uh oh! That's never a good sign. No flashing lights. No rescue vehicles. Guess it just happened. What? Smoke? What's going on? Then in the farthest and fastest lane I could see a pile of metal turned upside down with 2 wheels spinning, exposed above the concrete median. UGH.
My heart sank.
In that moment my light mood crashed to one of sobriety at what just took place. I don't know exactly what happened. I didn't read, see or hear any news about it. I don't know of anybody having an accident. But in that instant I felt the gravity of that moment in time. I began to silently intercede for whomever was involved and the lives which would be effected, even as far as the ripple effect. Someone's life changed that hot, humid, July afternoon in South Florida. Someone lost a driving vehicle. Someone may have lost their mobility or their very life. Someone lost money. Someone lost a family member or friend. Someone lost that secure feeling of driving along in a car. IN JUST A MOMENT the world stood still and changed for someone.
I couldn't believe how much this random, unrelated event affected me.
Needless to say, I slowed down, held the wheel a little more responsibly, considered my lane-change choices more carefully, even missed the slower two-lane country roads of home more than usual.
What are we all in such a rush for? In just a moment this life is going to be gone. What of that dust will be left for someone else to consider?
Tim McGraw had a #1 song several years ago, Live Like You Are Dying, talks about all the things he did because he knew he was dying. Aren't we all dying? Why don't we all live like that every day? Why don't we LIVE on PURPOSE every day?
I'm struggling with a lot of things in my heart this summer. This is one of them. If I knew I had three and a half weeks to live what would I do? Why am I not doing those things now? What am I waiting for? Don't I already know that I'm dying? Does knowing about how long I have make that big a difference? Why not live every day as if I didn't have another? We don't know the time but we're not guaranteed the next breath.
The only thing I know is what Psalm 139:16 says, which is that the number of our days is written by the Eternal Author. He is the one who first formed this dust now called Maureen. He is the one who will be there when I've taken my last breath and am no more. What am I doing about those days in-between? What am I doing with those moments within those days?
In Just A Moment......
Saturday, July 31, 2010
The Way You Make Me Feel
I am fascinated that of the 5 senses the olfactory sense is the one that makes the deepest imprint on our memory.
There's nothing like the smell of freshly cut cantaloupe to transport me 40 years back to my Grandma Blubaugh's country kitchen. And the smell of an approaching summer thunderstorm immediately conjures up memories of Good News Camp where Colleen, Bill and I shared some of the best summers of our childhood (outside of Cape Cod, of course).
Adversely, a 'Waste Management' garbage truck passed me in traffic the other day and for the moment my mind went back to when I was 16 and my first impression of Haiti as I stepped off the small Florida Air 'puddle jumper' at the Port-au-Prince airport. Never before in my young life had I smelled such an odor, the stench of poverty in actuality.
Unfortunately for me, a garbage smell also reminds me of riding through the streets of Shenzhen, China in the company van. For the 16 months I taught there, every morning, the masked women with straw-thatched whisk brooms would be sweeping the streets into garbage piles only to lift those same piles into plastic barrels. YUCK!
Paul wrote to the church in Corinth in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 about what are lives say to others. To some we are as vibrant as honeysuckle on a warm spring night or as delightful as a lilac blossom from a neighbor's garden. To others we are as a stench of rotting waste piled in the streets in the humid tropics!
Well, these images and thoughts have been wafting through my mind this week as my friend (and present boss) Ibi returned to the small office where I'm spending my summer. She was gone for 7 working days and it seemed like an eternity emotionally. We have such a wonderful warm bond between the two of us! In contrast, this week flew by as we 'knocked out' the work and enjoyed the shared time. Even an hour's lunch seemed like a vacation to another place!
Yesterday she kept asking me about where I wanted to go for lunch and I didn't have any preference and didn't really answer. She pressed me for a real answer even as we drove to where we thought we had agreed upon; when all of a sudden, she passed a restaurant which a friend had recommended, Tamarind.
"Do you like Thai? Do you want to go there?"
"Oh yes!" was my instant reply.
It was where we were to be for our Friday afternoon lunchtime. The restaurant was decorated nicely. It had the feel of Thailand with napkin rings of dainty pink tropical flowers. The salad was refreshing and filling. We raved about it as we shared more of our lives. The pad thai was ginger-spiced and peanut-y delicious! The lingering conversation over the plain white pot of jasmine tea completed the aura of our Thai get-away!!!!!!!!!
Driving back to the office I remarked to her how unique our relationship is. She is old enough to be my mother and her daughters are about my age yet it's not one like that.
It has a shading of that but more than anything we are friends who simply enjoy each other's company. I had a similar relationship with my own mom.
My mom was my best friend and we treasured all the moments we had together. In the nine and a half years of her absence I have never sought to replace her with a mother figure. Likewise, I haven't imagined finding another to share such a wonderful bond. Ibi and I have that! I'm so thankful. It's easy. It's special. It's nothing short of divine!
For instance, we worked together this week, shared lunchtimes together and hadn't planned to see each other this weekend. I had a friend over late last night and didn't get to sleep until past 2 am. However, when the phone rang only 7 hours later on my morning to really sleep in I wasn't sure if I wanted to answer it. I discovered it was Ibi and immediately wanted to hear what she was thinking. She 'invited' me to go into work and do some unfinished things and then go to lunch together. I didn't have to think about it.... SURE! I got ready and was to work even before she arrived. =)
We got things done and went to the Festival Flea Market Mall to a Jewish deli for lunch where we found an available bench and 'people-watched' as we ate and chatted. Next we strolled through the Hillsborough Antique Mall which was a journey across the continents to times past and present. My head spun with memories and dreams as we browsed. It was a pure delight to be with her!
Conversely, I have spent time with others who seem to just zap the life from me. They take. They exhaust. They don't give. They don't replenish. Nor do they share with you. It's so hard to have a relationship with them. Every step with them seems to be so much work. It takes more energy than you can imagine or sometimes want to give. There's no reciprocality. There's no give and take. All these relationships in my life have ended up like the pile of trash swept by the Chinese women of Shenzhen: lifeless, wasted, spent, done!
So, my thought this afternoon is about The Way You Make Me Feel. If you are reading this, more than likely, I've shared this blog with you because you and the friendship which we share are a lovely fragrance in my life!
(I sigh and take a deep breath) Ahhhhhh..... the fanning pages of a newly-printed book.... a summer's late afternoon rain shower..... waking up on Thanksgiving morning to a roasting turkey.... the first night after the Christmas tree has been brought in the house.... fresh baguettes of bread baking across the alley in Marrakech....
There's nothing like the smell of freshly cut cantaloupe to transport me 40 years back to my Grandma Blubaugh's country kitchen. And the smell of an approaching summer thunderstorm immediately conjures up memories of Good News Camp where Colleen, Bill and I shared some of the best summers of our childhood (outside of Cape Cod, of course).
Adversely, a 'Waste Management' garbage truck passed me in traffic the other day and for the moment my mind went back to when I was 16 and my first impression of Haiti as I stepped off the small Florida Air 'puddle jumper' at the Port-au-Prince airport. Never before in my young life had I smelled such an odor, the stench of poverty in actuality.
Unfortunately for me, a garbage smell also reminds me of riding through the streets of Shenzhen, China in the company van. For the 16 months I taught there, every morning, the masked women with straw-thatched whisk brooms would be sweeping the streets into garbage piles only to lift those same piles into plastic barrels. YUCK!
Paul wrote to the church in Corinth in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 about what are lives say to others. To some we are as vibrant as honeysuckle on a warm spring night or as delightful as a lilac blossom from a neighbor's garden. To others we are as a stench of rotting waste piled in the streets in the humid tropics!
Well, these images and thoughts have been wafting through my mind this week as my friend (and present boss) Ibi returned to the small office where I'm spending my summer. She was gone for 7 working days and it seemed like an eternity emotionally. We have such a wonderful warm bond between the two of us! In contrast, this week flew by as we 'knocked out' the work and enjoyed the shared time. Even an hour's lunch seemed like a vacation to another place!
Yesterday she kept asking me about where I wanted to go for lunch and I didn't have any preference and didn't really answer. She pressed me for a real answer even as we drove to where we thought we had agreed upon; when all of a sudden, she passed a restaurant which a friend had recommended, Tamarind.
"Do you like Thai? Do you want to go there?"
"Oh yes!" was my instant reply.
It was where we were to be for our Friday afternoon lunchtime. The restaurant was decorated nicely. It had the feel of Thailand with napkin rings of dainty pink tropical flowers. The salad was refreshing and filling. We raved about it as we shared more of our lives. The pad thai was ginger-spiced and peanut-y delicious! The lingering conversation over the plain white pot of jasmine tea completed the aura of our Thai get-away!!!!!!!!!
Driving back to the office I remarked to her how unique our relationship is. She is old enough to be my mother and her daughters are about my age yet it's not one like that.
It has a shading of that but more than anything we are friends who simply enjoy each other's company. I had a similar relationship with my own mom.
My mom was my best friend and we treasured all the moments we had together. In the nine and a half years of her absence I have never sought to replace her with a mother figure. Likewise, I haven't imagined finding another to share such a wonderful bond. Ibi and I have that! I'm so thankful. It's easy. It's special. It's nothing short of divine!
For instance, we worked together this week, shared lunchtimes together and hadn't planned to see each other this weekend. I had a friend over late last night and didn't get to sleep until past 2 am. However, when the phone rang only 7 hours later on my morning to really sleep in I wasn't sure if I wanted to answer it. I discovered it was Ibi and immediately wanted to hear what she was thinking. She 'invited' me to go into work and do some unfinished things and then go to lunch together. I didn't have to think about it.... SURE! I got ready and was to work even before she arrived. =)
We got things done and went to the Festival Flea Market Mall to a Jewish deli for lunch where we found an available bench and 'people-watched' as we ate and chatted. Next we strolled through the Hillsborough Antique Mall which was a journey across the continents to times past and present. My head spun with memories and dreams as we browsed. It was a pure delight to be with her!
Conversely, I have spent time with others who seem to just zap the life from me. They take. They exhaust. They don't give. They don't replenish. Nor do they share with you. It's so hard to have a relationship with them. Every step with them seems to be so much work. It takes more energy than you can imagine or sometimes want to give. There's no reciprocality. There's no give and take. All these relationships in my life have ended up like the pile of trash swept by the Chinese women of Shenzhen: lifeless, wasted, spent, done!
So, my thought this afternoon is about The Way You Make Me Feel. If you are reading this, more than likely, I've shared this blog with you because you and the friendship which we share are a lovely fragrance in my life!
(I sigh and take a deep breath) Ahhhhhh..... the fanning pages of a newly-printed book.... a summer's late afternoon rain shower..... waking up on Thanksgiving morning to a roasting turkey.... the first night after the Christmas tree has been brought in the house.... fresh baguettes of bread baking across the alley in Marrakech....
Monday, July 26, 2010
"To Guard and Protect Your Heart"
While watching The Bachelorette (real meat to chew on, eh?)
Anyway, the one bachelor is famous for the quote "I'm here to guard and protect your heart." He even got a tattoo on his arm to prove it with a heart, a shield and a rose.
My thought on that may surprise you (maybe not~considering I have a tattoo for a similar reason). As the host of the show and the bachelor sat discussing it and the phrase was repeated over and over, I thought about guarding and protecting one's heart.
In Proverbs 4:23 we are instructed to "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." So, first of all we are to guard our own hearts and not let it up to someone else to do. No one can do for you what you can do for yourself. I have definitely (and still) struggle with this because it certainly doesn't come easily or naturally for me.
In the New Testament, Philippians 4:7 says, "The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
So, the only thing outside myself which can guard my heart (and mind) is the peace of God found in knowing Jesus Christ and trusting His Word over anything else.
I need to think about these two scriptures a lot more, meditate on them and let them soak in more.
But WOW! All this profoundness from watching a silly 'reality' TV show!?!?!?!?!?
If we're open to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives it can be done through anything at anytime.
Anyway, the one bachelor is famous for the quote "I'm here to guard and protect your heart." He even got a tattoo on his arm to prove it with a heart, a shield and a rose.
My thought on that may surprise you (maybe not~considering I have a tattoo for a similar reason). As the host of the show and the bachelor sat discussing it and the phrase was repeated over and over, I thought about guarding and protecting one's heart.
In Proverbs 4:23 we are instructed to "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." So, first of all we are to guard our own hearts and not let it up to someone else to do. No one can do for you what you can do for yourself. I have definitely (and still) struggle with this because it certainly doesn't come easily or naturally for me.
In the New Testament, Philippians 4:7 says, "The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
So, the only thing outside myself which can guard my heart (and mind) is the peace of God found in knowing Jesus Christ and trusting His Word over anything else.
I need to think about these two scriptures a lot more, meditate on them and let them soak in more.
But WOW! All this profoundness from watching a silly 'reality' TV show!?!?!?!?!?
If we're open to the Holy Spirit's work in our lives it can be done through anything at anytime.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Ninety
A woman in my church turns 90 tomorrow and is having a celebration for it at church. Ninety! WOW!!!! I can't imagine being that old. I'm not sure I want to live to be that old. At least not the way I feel today. I'm in process currently (but who or what isn't?). We are more like the ever-churning ocean tide more than a linear-flowing river. I'm just not too sure where I'm going and who I am right now. Remember that children's song, "He's Still Working On Me"? Well, MAUREEN UNDER CONSTRUCTION! =)
But since I'm thinking about my life and being ninety I decided I'd record (or maybe a better word would be 'capture') some of the big things I have wanted to or still desire to do in my life. Having said that, these are MY DESIRES and I'm not so sure if they are HIS DESIRES...
Psalm 37:4 says to "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."
First I need to learn to find my delight, my joy, my contentment, my focus on Jesus and then the rest will fall into place because what He desires will be what I desire. (of course my paraphrase)
So, here goes, in no particular order, MY BUCKET LIST:
1. Being a missionary (Ever since my mom read The Book of Life to us at bedtime during our childhood years, I've wanted to be a missionary like there was in "Julieta's Bible" one of the stories she read over and over again at my request. Another favorite was "Keith Gets Angry" (my sister's favorite) and (everyone's favorite) "The Grumbling Glasses".
2. Go to Africa (check~Morocco 2004) but maybe this is still yet to be fulfilled
3. Sing like my mom (check~I can't open my mouth in church without hearing her and at Christmas time my family always hears her in the pew singing along with them) Along with this one would be to have a singing ministry (either part-time or full-time).
4. Have a husband/companion/complement/best friend/soul mate.... yeh well, have been there, done that, twice, and failed. Both times I was at fault.... for the simple fact that I was all about helping them out and forgetting that I matter too (of course until INTO the marriage). If there is to be a third time (which they say "is a charm") HE had better have this bumper sticker on his vehicle REAL MEN LOVE JESUS. It says quite a bit in only 4 words!
5. Teach (well, this one I've gotten right but I know I want to be a BETTER teacher).
6. Write a book (lots of ideas, some inspiration but much reservation~some day I'll be in print.
7. Know what it's like to be thin (this would definitely be a God-project because I'm so weak)
8. Live on the beach (check) However, I will always desire to live along water before anywhere else on earth.
But since I'm thinking about my life and being ninety I decided I'd record (or maybe a better word would be 'capture') some of the big things I have wanted to or still desire to do in my life. Having said that, these are MY DESIRES and I'm not so sure if they are HIS DESIRES...
Psalm 37:4 says to "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."
First I need to learn to find my delight, my joy, my contentment, my focus on Jesus and then the rest will fall into place because what He desires will be what I desire. (of course my paraphrase)
So, here goes, in no particular order, MY BUCKET LIST:
1. Being a missionary (Ever since my mom read The Book of Life to us at bedtime during our childhood years, I've wanted to be a missionary like there was in "Julieta's Bible" one of the stories she read over and over again at my request. Another favorite was "Keith Gets Angry" (my sister's favorite) and (everyone's favorite) "The Grumbling Glasses".
2. Go to Africa (check~Morocco 2004) but maybe this is still yet to be fulfilled
3. Sing like my mom (check~I can't open my mouth in church without hearing her and at Christmas time my family always hears her in the pew singing along with them) Along with this one would be to have a singing ministry (either part-time or full-time).
4. Have a husband/companion/complement/best friend/soul mate.... yeh well, have been there, done that, twice, and failed. Both times I was at fault.... for the simple fact that I was all about helping them out and forgetting that I matter too (of course until INTO the marriage). If there is to be a third time (which they say "is a charm") HE had better have this bumper sticker on his vehicle REAL MEN LOVE JESUS. It says quite a bit in only 4 words!
5. Teach (well, this one I've gotten right but I know I want to be a BETTER teacher).
6. Write a book (lots of ideas, some inspiration but much reservation~some day I'll be in print.
7. Know what it's like to be thin (this would definitely be a God-project because I'm so weak)
8. Live on the beach (check) However, I will always desire to live along water before anywhere else on earth.
Ezekiel 43:2 "and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with his glory."
Revelation 19:6 "Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:'Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.'"
9. Have a child/children (to me this is probably the most impossible thing on my list) BUT GOD....
Luke 1:37 "For nothing is impossible with God."
Luke 1:37 "For nothing is impossible with God."
Stripping
For some reason I'm 'hooked on' HGtv this summer although I don't have a house or a garden. Go figure! I like dreaming that someday I may have my own beautiful house with a $60,000 kitchen and a $35,000 bathroom....."Getting the Biggest Bang for My Buck!" =)
But the other day I found them doing a project on one of the shows which really 'spoke to my heart' and made me really think about something. They had a door that had been painted over several times in the course of the past 80+ years, the age of the house. They were restoring the floors and wanted the door to match so they took the door off and outside and used what they call 'furniture stripper' to take off the layers of old paint within seconds.
Now, I'm not a 'handy-kinda person' so this was the first time I had seen this done. I knew that you could get old paint off of something but didn't know how or how quickly.
As I watched the process unfold before my eyes, within moments, and watched how much a transformation was made, I was struck with the realization of how similar the scenario was to what God does in hearts and lives.
God takes the layers and layers of selfishness, wrong choices, bad decisions, and my own futile attempts to satisfy my heart's desires. He, with one sacrifice more than 2000 years ago and wipes it all away, to expose the fleshy heart which is the original me!
I am the one created in his image (Genesis 1:27)
The one who is the apple of his eye (Deuteronomy 32:10)
The one whom he loves with an everlasting love (Deuteronomy 33:27).
The one who is the apple of his eye (Deuteronomy 32:10)
The one whom he loves with an everlasting love (Deuteronomy 33:27).
I have so much to undergo in my exposed state!!!!
Only through 'stripping' me of myself, my past, my pain, my own passions can HE reveal, restore, repair and replace the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25)......
even if I allowed the locusts to eat from my life
Only through 'stripping' me of myself, my past, my pain, my own passions can HE reveal, restore, repair and replace the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25)......
even if I allowed the locusts to eat from my life
It is in that 'exposed state' that I find myself presently in the scheme of life......
uncertain about the big picture...... but trusting the Master Craftsman.
uncertain about the big picture...... but trusting the Master Craftsman.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Tropical Storm Bonnie
This morning, I waded through 3 inches of water to get into my SUV then crawled along I-95 at 40-45 MPH in blinding torrents of rain next to tractor trailers, trying to see 25 feet ahead at the blinking emergency lights of the car in front of me. Then all 5 of the overhead signs announcing delays and accidents had to say "Tropical Storm Warning In Effect" !?!?!?!?!? Ya think? No kidding? (sarcasm intact) So, suffice it to say.... my summer commute of 23 miles to Pompano Beach wasn't the usual joy this morning! =)
Thursday, July 22, 2010
My Muse Ibi: EAT, PRAY, LOVE
As I wrapped up a hectic day filled with phones and emails in the small office, I pondered what to do to fill the hours until Big Brother 12 came on at 8 pm. Hmmmmm..... I was having my (supposed) last conversation of the day with Ibi (my boss, but not really) and she challenged me to go do something different for me that I would enjoy and creep out of 'the box' I feel like I'm in (desperately alone and lonely).
So, instead of heading west to I-95 to get home I chose to go east toward US1 (my favorite in South Florida). No other road is like it! It has everything you could ever want, dream or imagine if you keep driving!!!!
Anyway, I decided that I would 'stop' at the huge 2-story Barnes & Noble just north of Sunrise Blvd and US1. I haven't just wandered around a bookstore in ages, no purpose to be there except to relax and discover a treasure somewhere.
So, I meandered around, starting with the magazines (quick reads and my usual attention span for reading). I picked up Florida Design firstly since (for some reason this summer I'm INTO Home and Garden TV). Next I found People magazine with Carrie Underwood and new groom Mike Fisher on the cover (must see the wedding photos~I am a hopeless romantic after all). Next, I gathered O magazine (for the advertised 265 summer deals) and lastly something like Real Simple magazine (can't even remember now~that's how important it was). I avoided the men's magazine rack with cars, sports and women....no one was there anyway! =)
On the clearance table was Julie Andrews biography, picked that up since I like her and usually enjoy biographies. As it ended up I only flipped through it to see the pictures!
And then on my way up the escalator to the chairs where I could 'chill' I spotted the book EAT, PRAY, LOVE which has a movie coming out in a few weeks with my fav actress Julia Roberts! Not been interested in it but thought I'd try it.
As it turns out, chairs and tables were available along the window where the palm trees swayed from the breeze outside and I got comfortable in an old schoolteacher's kinda chair. Since EAT,PRAY,LOVE was on top of my pile I started there and barely got passed it. Inside I found someone else going through something like me, a separation and divorce that doesn't seem to come to an end, a failed love affair (or 17 in my case~LOL), and a writer who loves to travel and believes the world is open for exploration although deep inside she's never come to terms with her own heart, mind and life.
I was sucked in and kept reading and reading and enjoying! Before long 90 minutes had gotten away from me and I figured I had to pry myself away from this delight so as to at least give the others in my pile a chance.
The biography was only her early-life... not interested. Even the pictures were pretty lame for me so I'm glad I hadn't expected too much.
Next, the magazines (can you tell I'm a goal-oriented person who just couldn't walk away from the pile).... So, Florida Design (expected to be my divulgence was a mere flip of the magazine pages inside of 5 seconds). Done! Next, Carrie Underwood wedding photos (thankfully, found the 5 pages with lots of pictures and little copy). Too pink for me, although I like pink! Done!
Oprah... want to love her but gotta pass, too (something) for me! Did flip through the 265 summer deals but didn't find any worthwhile for me. I can't save 45% on a $398 purse. I like 'bags' but I have my standards and $199 for a purse right now is not where I'm at. (I really need to get back to EAT, PRAY, LOVE).
I replaced the two hand-painted greeting cards with lighthouses on them for $2.95 each. Don't need them. But the momentary walk down memory lane fondly remembering the times with my mother spent at Ponce Inlet light, Jupiter light (one of my fav's), and Key Biscayne light was refreshing and oh so comforting. A different time. A different life.
I waited at the cash-wrap listening to the guy on his cell phone decide between 2 Arabic phrase books and noticed the young girl try to make up her mind about which China book to get for traveling. But this time, the only trip I wanted to take was home to explore EAT,PRAY,LOVE some more and have a glass of red wine with some crusty French bread dipped in olive oil and a side of strong cheese! Ahhhhh my Thursday afternoon trip to delight!!!! (Before Big Brother of course).
I got in my car and could barely contain myself bubbling over to phone Ibi back and tell her what a delightful time I had with myself, by myself.... all because she challenged and encouraged me... she must be my muse! And I'm thankful for her.
So, instead of heading west to I-95 to get home I chose to go east toward US1 (my favorite in South Florida). No other road is like it! It has everything you could ever want, dream or imagine if you keep driving!!!!
Anyway, I decided that I would 'stop' at the huge 2-story Barnes & Noble just north of Sunrise Blvd and US1. I haven't just wandered around a bookstore in ages, no purpose to be there except to relax and discover a treasure somewhere.
So, I meandered around, starting with the magazines (quick reads and my usual attention span for reading). I picked up Florida Design firstly since (for some reason this summer I'm INTO Home and Garden TV). Next I found People magazine with Carrie Underwood and new groom Mike Fisher on the cover (must see the wedding photos~I am a hopeless romantic after all). Next, I gathered O magazine (for the advertised 265 summer deals) and lastly something like Real Simple magazine (can't even remember now~that's how important it was). I avoided the men's magazine rack with cars, sports and women....no one was there anyway! =)
On the clearance table was Julie Andrews biography, picked that up since I like her and usually enjoy biographies. As it ended up I only flipped through it to see the pictures!
And then on my way up the escalator to the chairs where I could 'chill' I spotted the book EAT, PRAY, LOVE which has a movie coming out in a few weeks with my fav actress Julia Roberts! Not been interested in it but thought I'd try it.
As it turns out, chairs and tables were available along the window where the palm trees swayed from the breeze outside and I got comfortable in an old schoolteacher's kinda chair. Since EAT,PRAY,LOVE was on top of my pile I started there and barely got passed it. Inside I found someone else going through something like me, a separation and divorce that doesn't seem to come to an end, a failed love affair (or 17 in my case~LOL), and a writer who loves to travel and believes the world is open for exploration although deep inside she's never come to terms with her own heart, mind and life.
I was sucked in and kept reading and reading and enjoying! Before long 90 minutes had gotten away from me and I figured I had to pry myself away from this delight so as to at least give the others in my pile a chance.
The biography was only her early-life... not interested. Even the pictures were pretty lame for me so I'm glad I hadn't expected too much.
Next, the magazines (can you tell I'm a goal-oriented person who just couldn't walk away from the pile).... So, Florida Design (expected to be my divulgence was a mere flip of the magazine pages inside of 5 seconds). Done! Next, Carrie Underwood wedding photos (thankfully, found the 5 pages with lots of pictures and little copy). Too pink for me, although I like pink! Done!
Oprah... want to love her but gotta pass, too (something) for me! Did flip through the 265 summer deals but didn't find any worthwhile for me. I can't save 45% on a $398 purse. I like 'bags' but I have my standards and $199 for a purse right now is not where I'm at. (I really need to get back to EAT, PRAY, LOVE).
I replaced the two hand-painted greeting cards with lighthouses on them for $2.95 each. Don't need them. But the momentary walk down memory lane fondly remembering the times with my mother spent at Ponce Inlet light, Jupiter light (one of my fav's), and Key Biscayne light was refreshing and oh so comforting. A different time. A different life.
I waited at the cash-wrap listening to the guy on his cell phone decide between 2 Arabic phrase books and noticed the young girl try to make up her mind about which China book to get for traveling. But this time, the only trip I wanted to take was home to explore EAT,PRAY,LOVE some more and have a glass of red wine with some crusty French bread dipped in olive oil and a side of strong cheese! Ahhhhh my Thursday afternoon trip to delight!!!! (Before Big Brother of course).
I got in my car and could barely contain myself bubbling over to phone Ibi back and tell her what a delightful time I had with myself, by myself.... all because she challenged and encouraged me... she must be my muse! And I'm thankful for her.
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