Predictability at its Best

I love my morning cup of coffee! And Frank bears total responsibility!

I was a tea drinker until he decided he would like an early-morning "coffee buddy". He kept looking at me with those big baby blues - how's a girl to resist? So I learned to drink coffee.

Now, I'm pretty much addicted I think.

But it's more than the shot of caffeine first thing each morning. It's the ritual. The predictability.

Most mornings, Frank wakes earlier than me. So the pot sits ready and all I have to do is hit the right button. Viola! Perfect brew.

Even on days when I make the coffee it's pretty much the same. This seems to work the same with any operator. Put in the right elements; expect the desired results:

• Six cups of filtered water.

• Three scoops of Maxwell house.

• Wait thirty seconds.

• Morning Comfort!!

Consistent! Dependable! Exactly the same every time! CONSTANT! Smile.

(I once knew a lady who enjoyed this feeling while doing math problems. "One plus one always equals two," she said. Yeah, math is a foreign language to me! So I'll stick with coffee.)

Oddly enough as much as things have progressed, it's still necessary for me to add the right elements before I expect the desired results. And no one thinks that odd.

This morning I was reminded how that is repeated in our lives. (You knew an application was coming, didn't you? Smile.)

I talk with so many young moms who wonder how they are supposed to raise their children to love God in this crazy world. Well, believe it or not, providing a foundation of faith and trust is actually pretty predictable.

The secret is found in the most concise child-rearing manual I've ever seen.

Deuteronomy 6 gives the necessary information. If we take time to add the proper elements we'll get the desired result:

• Live for God the way you want your children to.
• Talk about Him in the mornings and evenings.
• Point out His goodness while on the run.
• Take every opportunity to remind them of His love.

Prayer adds the power to get things rolling. Wait with expectancy......enjoy the desired result!

I know. I know. This sounds overly simplistic - especially on a Tuesday morning. And there are many variables to factor!

But sometimes we over-complicate what God meant to be straight-forward.

One of my favorite thoughts is found in the Presbyterian catechism: "The chief end of man is to love God and enjoy Him forever."
Simple? Yes.
Profound? Definitely.
Possible? Totally!

Just a thought for you this morning as we enjoy that cup of coffee together.

Contrast

My goodness, life lived fully has its extremes, doesn't it?!

Last night found me in the "nose bleed" section of the St. Pete Times Forum. We had snagged cheap tickets and all went to see the Tampa Bay Lightening play ice hockey!!

This afternoon I will spend several hours combing stores in Orlando for just the right bridesmaids dresses!!

Must admit, I'm much more comfortable with the second adventure than the first. Smile.

Raising three daughters afforded precious few opportunities for venturing into sports arenas of any sort. You would have laughed out loud had you seen me last night -

• holding tightly to Frank as I cautiously climbed the steep stairs to the very top of the seating area.
• jumping out of the tiny seat when some nut case blew an air horn repeatedly after every point scored.
• putting on a sweatshirt - power surging - taking off the sweatshirt - freezing - putting on the sweatshirt.......
• asking a million questions about a game I've never before seen.
• jumping up to cheer, then grabbing Frank because I thought I was falling!

Come to think of it, the best part of the evening from my perspective was being with Frank. Holding his hand; snuggling up close; having him whisper in my ear. Even if he was only explaining the plays. Smile.

Oh yeah, that and the post-game trip to Krispy Kreme just in time for hot glazed doughnuts! A truly resplendent evening.

This morning found me waking from a dream about a precious church member and praying diligently before I could even get fully awake. All part of life in contrast.

Hockey games and bridesmaids dresses.
Baby smiles and dirty diapers.
Fabulous family dinner and unbelievably messy kitchen.
Engagements and transitions.
Laughter and tears.
Joy and sorrow.

Life best lived is in constant motion and contrast. It's how we're geared. It's how we mark the highs and lows. It's just how things are!

I sat with Joy at Shriner's hospital last week and tried to help absorb information she and John will need in about twelve months. Our own situation seemed pretty overwhelming until we took time to observe the other children in the massive waiting area.

Casts, leg braces, missing limbs. Huge smiles, laughter, pink hair bows, loud car sounds. Stark contrast. LIFE!!

Not sure how I got from ice hockey to life issues except for this........
If you find yourself trying to process massive "contrasts" today, be encouraged dear reader. You are NOT alone! Smile.

You probably are simply living life fully. And bear in mind, it's not all as bleak as it may seem nor are the high's the only part to be desired. Life best lived is a blend of it all; every single contrast!

Actually, a friend of mine named Paul said it best, "God works all things together for our good." (There's my whole post in one sentence. No wonder he is a best selling writer! Smile.)

There is help available for us as we navigate and process this journey called LIFE. Our Father. Our Friends. His Word. Prayer.

It's the hand we cling to during uncertain climbs. It's the voice that whispers needed instruction when we don't understand. It's the steadying force when we feel we're falling. It's the hug of compassion when we cry. And the smile of hope when we rejoice.

Contrast is certain. Loneliness is optional.

May your Sabbath be blessed!

Argument FOR Magazines

My Better Homes and Gardens magazine arrived in the mail this week!

The cover this month sports a bright green background with brilliant pink and white flowers in the foreground. A veritable spring, color-feast for winter-starved eyes.

I know full well that I should transition to a Kindle (or some such) for magazine reading. I'm aware of the arguments against "hard copy" newspapers, newsletters, and so forth.

But every month when my BHG arrives, an uncontrollable smile spreads across my face! Over the next thirty days: I flip the pages, peruse the articles, absorb new ideas.

AND I feel loved.

What?! Wait a minute. How can a magazine make anyone feel loved?

Well, you see, it just so happens that my monthly copy of BHG is a gift from my sweet mother-in-law, Joyce! Mom Hawley has always enjoyed reading magazines. (I think this actually developed because she couldn't say no to the school kids who annually knocked on her door selling them! Smile.)

At any rate, Mom noticed once how much I enjoyed her copies of BHG. That Christmas, she bought an extra subscription as one of my gifts. And a tradition was born.

We've lived in FL for almost six years now. And every month, just like clockwork, a BHG magazine arrives in my mailbox.

Each one is filled with gardening ideas, decorating tips, fabulous recipes, etc. But MY copy contains something more.

Tucked in those colorful pages I find hidden this message, "Sheri, someone in Dunn, NC loves you. This lady has loved you for over thirty years just like one of her own. She wants you to know that on a regular basis."

Can't get that from a Kindle!

I love you too, Mom!

Blond Baby Jesus

I know; I know! The title is a tease, right?

Explanation found here:

On Saturday, I sat in a beautiful church downtown that has fabulous stained glass windows. Because I'm a lover of stained glass, I devoured every detail of the windows (while also focusing on the speakers, of course! Smile.)

A total of eight windows reaching from floor to cathedral ceiling graced the traditional sanctuary. The resplendent colors painted scenes like: Moses on the mountain, Jesus in the temple, the Resurrection and so on.

But as I went back over the scenes (such beauty begs to be studied again and again) I suddenly found myself chuckling quietly. The artists, who obviously had given great care to necessary details in each piece, had overlooked one important point of "historical inaccuracy" in the Nativity.

They created a stunning BLOND baby Jesus!

Hadn't any of them read that Jesus was born a Jewish child? Very few blond-haired, blue-eyed babies in that lineage!

I've always loved the Christmas carol, "Some children see Him......" Have you heard it? The song beautifully describes how children "see" Jesus like themselves. "Some see the baby lily white; almond-eyed; tanned and brown, etc."

Seems like the kind of Christmas carol Jesus himself would enjoy.

One of the most exciting parts of Friend's Day yesterday at church was getting to observe the colorful diversity of our congregation. Asian, Hispanic, African American, Caucasian........we all worshiped together yesterday. Focusing solely on Jesus. Blending our hearts, voices, prayers, and colors in a mosaic for His enjoyment.

In many ways, we became a living stained glass window through which our world can better see The Artist of Life.

Somehow I think that's what the baby in the manger originally intented, don't you? Smile.

Three for the Price of One

So many things I'd love to share with you today.

Pondering. Pondering. Pondering. Which topic should I talk about?

Our wedding venue search?
Meagan is diligently searching on land, sea and sky (that would be 'on-line') for the perfect location.

Her heart's desire is an outdoor ceremony to be followed by the party of the century. This young lady has laughed her way through most of her twenty-three years - both good and bad. And she wants the reception to fully reflect that.

Must say that as the M.O.B., I took great delight in Nathan's response yesterday when she asked him to join her in checking out a potential site.

He walked beside her offering genuine interest in what couldn't have interested him less. Shaking hands, nodding, asking questions, making eye contact. No sighing, no moaning, no impatient tapping.

Only after we left did I learn that he had passed up time with a buddy to accompany his little sweetheart. Ah, young love. That kind of unselfish love really WILL last a lifetime!

Our upcoming "Friend's Day" at GGC?
This Sunday will be our annual Friend's Day at Garden Grove Church and we have been scurrying to get things ready. Thankfully rain is not in the forecast.

But our church family continues to grow.

So new questions arise: Where do we stage the fabulous food our ladies are famous for? Where do we seat everyone? What games will we have? Where do we park everyone? Are there enough name tags? Do we have enough tents for outside? Is everyone ready to "show themselves friendly"?

Good problems to solve!

The drain dilemma?
Funny little story.

I've confessed that I am an unorganized house keeper. But I am NOT nasty! There is a HUGE difference!

We spent two days this week trying to determine the origination point of a terrible smell emanating from the garbage disposal. It sounded very much as though the disposal (which is new) had ceased operating.

I poured bleach! I used baking soda! I scrubbed, scoured, and scowled.......all to no avail!

The odor laughed at my futile attempts to eradicate it. And it even went so far as to begin to invade the air space around the entire sink area!

"Stupid, faulty disposal," I complained to all who would listen.

That's when Frank got involved.

We came home from church Wednesday night, exhausted but determined. That odor was going down! (Pun totally intended! Smile.)

Frank took stock of the situation in typical male fashion. He poked. He prodded. He tested said disposal. He sniffed. He snorted at the clear and present danger!

And in one fell swoop - he identified the source of the trouble, conquered said trouble and gloried in the cheering of his thankful and adoring wife.

(Ummm. Seems the smell wasn't coming from the disposal at all. It was actually something in the drain of the other sink. I hadn't even considered that. [Insert sheepish grin.] Quick use of a simple, chemical free cleaner took care of everything. Thank the Lord for spouses who think outside the box!)

Application of the preceding story?

Very often the problems of our lives may be originating from a source we haven't previously considered.

I was ready to remove the new garbage disposal because I couldn't imagine such an odor coming from anywhere else!

Sometimes we need to allow a friend to examine our trouble and lovingly offer a different perspective from the one we've been touting.

Maybe the anger and frustration you've been carrying around aren't the result of that boss or co-worker. It may not even be the fault of a family member.

As a friend, may I lovingly suggest another perspective? Look inside.

Allow the One who knows us best to use His powerful cleansers to get rid of any odoriferous elements we've been hiding. Spring is a great time for purging our hearts too!

Well, look. I've hit all three topics I was pondering in one post. Thanks for stopping by - blessings for your week-end!

Make It a Habit

Habits affect us.

Good habits impact us in good ways.

That's why it's so important to intentionally develop good habits.

(I could stop right there for today. But, as always, a good story goes with this observation.)

Most of you know that we are gearing up to become "Wedding Central" around the Hawley house. The initial excitement of the engagement; the squealing; the jumping up and down; the phone calls; the facebook status changing; the showing of the ring.............. All these things have taken place and NOW (cue loud reverberation) the planning begins.

Meagan's birthday is December 20th. Most years we tried to celebrate on October 20th so people would actually come to her party. Smile. The parental wedding anniversary is marked on December 30th. And of course, Christmas falls in there too.

She has spent her life observing that things get a bit squished/short-changed when celebrated near the end of the year.

Sooooo, she had rather strong feelings against planning a wedding for late fall or early winter. (Nathan's birthday is in September.)

July seemed the best time in her thinking. In fact, she and Nathan were pretty settled on July 23th. Until...........we started searching out venues to accommodate an outdoor ceremony; in FL; in July; with more than 150 guests!

Panic started pushing in around the edges.

Enter lifetime habit.

Meagan has a habit of stopping in the middle of a panic moment and looking up scripture on the matter at hand. This serves a dual purpose:

• re-directing focus
• feeding better thinking

So yesterday afternoon, she took a few precious planning moments and starting looking for scriptures on JOY. She didn't want to miss the joy of planning her wedding by worrying over every single individual she needed to please and every detail she needed to work out. (Who can do all that anyway?! Smile.)

In the midst of her "copying and pasting" this beautiful kiss from heaven showed up from the hidden recesses of II Chronicles -

".....on the twenty-third day of the seventh month, he sent the people to their homes joyful and glad in heart for the good things the lord had done......"

(I realize the Jewish calendar was different but for us that meant - JULY 23RD! Smile.)

You can not make up such as this!!

Habits affect us.

Good habits impact us in good ways.

Choose to start a good habit - you may need it down the road.

I-95

Interstate 95 is, for our family, more than a main corridor for the eastern sea board!

(For those unfamiliar with this highway, it runs the length of the east from FL to NY and beyond.)

During our years as evangelists, I-95 was the starting point for most of our journeys. It has also served for decades as a ribbon connecting family living in FL to family living in NC. Mom and Dad Hawley live just off the first exit there in the great metropolis of Dunn.

And who knew that we would also need this thoroughfare for connecting us to the Schreck family in Poughkeepsie, NY?!

Now, life moves on and soon another part of our family will live two hours east of I-95 in Manteo, NC. (That would be the Smith family, of course.)

So it was that this morning I texted two of my precious daughters. One on I-95 headed south and the other on I-95 headed north.

(Meagan and Nathan - traveling back from Manteo. Joy, John and Spencer - journeying toward Poughkeepsie. After they stop to see Grandma and Grandpa Hawley, of course! Smile.)

I texted Joy around 6:00 AM to see if they had made it safely to Dunn. (Overnight road trips seem to work better with children.) They were all getting ready for a much needed nap. We talked briefly about how odd it was that she and Meagan were both traveling the same road in opposite directions.

"What happened to the days when we told our three little blonds, 'Time to go, girls. Hop in the truck!' and we all hit the road together?" I asked.

"We've all grown up, Mom. I miss those days. Fun Times!" she texted back.

"Truth is, these are fun times too, Sweetie. Just different."

Yesterday while Joy tried to do laundry and pack, I did the babysitting. What a delightful trade-off! She had use of both hands and I got to snuggle! Win/Win.

I did the walk-and-jiggle; utilizing my nana-roll, of course. Smile. And finally young Mr. Schreck dozed off allowing me several delicious moments to study his features and ponder.

He is almost a miniature version of his handsome dad, John. But every so often I catch a glimpse of my own little Joy in his face. And in that moment, I'm twenty-five years old again; filled with wonder at new life!

I've known women who ache for a return to those days. Women who frequently and loudly lament - oh, how I wish I could go back to when they were just babies.

But many years ago, the Lord helped me to understand the importance of living in the moment - contentedly!

We can waste valuable time longing for yesterday and fearing tomorrow! (Wow, that's pretty good. Think I'll write that in the back of my Bible. Smile.)

Contentment serves like I-95. It connects us to the joy of yesterday while helping us journey on to the fulfillment of tomorrow. The critical point? We must choose to travel.

God promises to order our footsteps not our sitting down. Smile.

All those trips up and down I-95 and we had no idea that two of the young men we prayed for were essentially connected to us already.

Hmmmm. God never wastes anything, does He?!

Whether your travels today are literal or emotional, may they be abundantly blessed with contentment!



P.S. I have a HUGE list of things that to accomplish today. But my wonderful husband volunteered to take a chunk of those so I could blog. Thanks for the support, Sweetheart!