beWARM

Have you had one of those benchmark moments in your faith walk? Where you are so certain that you are hearing or experiencing God that nothing can convince you otherwise?

For me, the vision of beWARM was clearly one such moment.

God doesn’t always speak so emphatically, though. Sometimes His messages drift in like a beautiful fragrance, permeating life with a peace like you have never known.

In other instances, God’s thoughts take you by storm. (This often occurs when there is a sense of urgency on His part).

Then there are those situations when you hear God’s voice accompanied by an awareness of truth that provides the strength and courage to move forward, after which you have a fresh and expansive vision.

These are “AHA” moments, a phrase used by our friends Geri and Ron in Durango for their “AHA” blog. When they recently invited me to share an “AHA”, my thoughts traveled back to 2006.

This was a challenging time for me personally; vulnerability and self doubts ruled my world. I had committed to walking with the Lord, delving into His word in various Bible studies, and believing I had strong faith in Him.

Still, my broad view focused on me rather than Him. For many years I felt that I had to be more of this, or better at that, or “just like that person” to be significant.

God then revealed to me a most freeing concept…that He loves me just the way I am, and that He will never abandon me.

At the time, I realized the hugeness of this message – but now as I look back, this was clearly the most important “AHA” of my life.  From this moment forward, the roots of my confidence and trust in God’s plan for me have been firmly planted within.

A short time later, God also told me that I should feel “content with” rather than “less than”. Small phrases that packed a huge punch.

In the ensuing years, many doors have opened, both in spiritual growth and in service to Him. My heart has soared in the light of His love. And I am so thankful for this holy insight that God graciously granted me.

My faith in Him is secure. He is my strength and my refuge.

The eyes of my heart are open…and looking in His direction.

If you have an “AHA” moment you would like to share, visit Hidden Treasure Community and go to “AHA” blog, and click on Add Your “AHA”.

You can also feel free to share on beWARM!

I have a special name for each of my grandchildren ~ Fabulenza, Theo the Magnificent, and The Divine Miss V (Hallowed Vera was a close second.) The love we have for these three little bundles of life and joy is beyond description.

I am sure that every grandparent can relate.

Most of us have ample heartspace for the children and grandchildren of our friends and families too. Our daughters are fortunate to have Great-Grandparents as well as a cadre of Aunts and Uncles who love them fully – and are at the ready whenever encouragement is needed.  And some are not even part of our immediate family!

Not all babies are fortunate enough to have such a welcoming committee.

Thankfully, many of these little ones are lovingly taken in and embraced by adoptive parents. I know many of these very fortunate children, and have utmost admiration and respect for their moms and dads.

Preparing to adopt a child lacks the physical experience of pregnancy – but requires emotional calisthenics and courage of a different sort.

All parents know that initial shock that sets in when we realize that life as we once knew it is, well…over. I liken this feeling to jumping into the icy plunge pool at Ten Thousand Waves. (Why my daughters find this torture invigorating I’ll never understand.)

Aside from the abrupt lifestyle change, adoptive parents also must accept their lack of knowledge about their child’s family of origin – though there are some exceptions to this.

When our children are quirky, we can put the blame on Great Aunt Agnes – or that weird cousin, twice removed.  Adoptive parents don’t have that option.

With hope and faith, they “take the baton” from the birth parents, bravely traversing the next laps of the parenting marathon in a most generous way.  What lucky children, to be on the receiving end of this expansive love.

We know and appreciate that feeling of specialness as God’s adopted children.  He casts no one aside.  And, like most parents, He is always there to welcome us back if we have drifted away.

His love for us is unfailing – even if He doesn’t like how we are acting. I, for one, should thank God for such largesse more frequently than I do.

And to all parents ~ this is the Supreme Standard we should live by.

For I have always been mindful of your unfailing love, and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness. ~Psalm 26:3

Vera Uslé Wisdom arrived on March 18!  7lb. 1 oz., 20 inches long.  Proud parents – Emily and Ray         God has blessed us with yet another beautiful grandchild!

After watching my daughter’s progress through labor and delivery, I have new appreciation for the fortitude and stamina required to bring a precious new life into the world.

(Thankfully, God blesses all Moms with selective memory – especially 35 years later.)

Emily had a multi-faceted birthing experience; labor had to be induced after her water broke.  I cannot imagine anything more strenuous than super-hard contractions every 2 minutes.  Once it was time to push, they discovered that little Miss Vera had twisted enough to impede her safe passage – and so a last minute Caesarean was in order.

Phew! Nothing like a continual change of plans to keep you in focus.  I think by the time Vera was born, it was according to Plan G. (God’s)

Ray is in training for a marathon in a few weeks.  He is an amazing runner, and I sure hope Vera inherits a bit of his speed and endurance. He is also a committed and wonderful dad.

As I marvel at his training regimen, I got to thinking about the athletes that compete in the events reserved for the most elite – like the Ironman competition.  Hours and miles are religiously logged – all for the purpose of fitness and achieving excellence. Post-race, celebrations and rest are in order – and perhaps a thought about the next challenge in the offing.

The paradox of labor and childbirth is that the finish line is non-existent.  Your baby enters the world…and the race has just begun.  R & R is not an option. No resting on your laurels here.

Pregnant women log in their miles with an extra 25-30 pounds on board, then endure Labor & Delivery Boot Camp in preparation for Active Duty. Recovery time and uninterrupted sleep are but a figment of the imagination.

I have great admiration for the super athletes whose endurance is astounding – my son-in law Ray included.

But…truth be told…new moms rock when it comes to stamina – and all out dedication. Talk about hitting the ground running…

IronWomen, I salute you everywhere!!!

At this moment, the world is consumed with the disaster of epic proportions – continually unfolding – in Japan. The photos of the destruction are beyond our worst imaginings; the tragic stories of lost lives, heart-wrenching.

I continue to hold the people of Japan in prayer.  How they will ever begin to put life back together is something only God knows.

And, by His grace alone, such tragedy has eluded us.  We can never be thankful enough for this unremarkable normalcy.

While the other side of the world suits up to prevent harmful exposure, God reminded me of a phrase I wrote down years ago;

Radiance – that which emanates from our edified souls...

Such an atmosphere was pervasive during a women’s retreat last week at our church. Who knew there were such compelling speakers in our midst?

Gretchen, Maggie, Margaret D. and Marilyn captivated us with their perspectives, their walk with God, and messages of hope and faith. Margaret J., seated in her wheel chair, touched the hearts of all as she spoke of her challenges with brain cancer, bringing laughter and tears with her words.

These amazing women blessed and inspired us all.

What really struck me was the revealing of such radiance – free-flowing, brilliant, and warm. Receiving it was effortless, yet so powerful to the soul.

We take great pains to keep ourselves and our bodies free from environmental pollutants. We drink our hormone-free milk in BPA-free plastic cups. We choose to buy organic produce, grown without nasty pesticides.

Awareness of such things promotes a healthy lifestyle.  Are we just as vigilant about the feeding of our souls?

If we are observant, we can find inner light radiating around us – in people everywhere. Sometimes we can turn it on with a smile, a caring remark, or just by being present and willing to receive it.

If we look carefully, we can find surprising pockets of “soulbeams” shining around every corner.  Have you taken the time to really – really look into the eyes of the person before you at any given moment?

What you see – and feel – might just blow you away.

Throw off your “protective gear”.   Face the light from others head on.  Revel in it.

And in doing so, you will get a glimpse of God.

Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around (her). This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.  ~ Ezekiel 1:28  (parentheses mine)

Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.  ~ Psalm 119:105

Love, Laughter, and Listening with the heart…this was the experience of my weekend.  On the cusp of the arrival of Emily and Ray’s new baby  – and grandchild number three! – family and friends showered them with necessities for their little one.

From the elders in the group, myself included, came stories about every aspect of pregnancy, labor and delivery, and child rearing. Advice was generously offered – and graciously accepted.

A cherished part of the weekend was time spent with my precious YaYa’s – dear friends of 25+ years from my Ohio days. Free flowing conversation with few interruptions…and words received with full attention. As always, we latched onto the threads of our last shared words (weeks ago) without dropping a stitch.

Even more special…celebrating Emily’s 35th birthday…and sharing the excitement and anticipation of childbirth. These moments are without duplication, especially after a new infant enters the world and requires so much energy and care; extended, uninterrupted talking time is at a premium.

In my efforts to be fully present (an ongoing challenge), the absence of Continuous Partial Attention over the weekend was so refreshing.

According to Linda Stone, who identified this phenomenon, “It is an always-on, anywhere, anytime, any place behavior that involves an artificial sense of constant crisis.” 

How many times do we think, “Oh my gosh, I just got a text/email.  It might be really important, so I better check it now.”

In essence, CPA, as I call it,  is paying partial attention continuously. (and how many of those emails are truly worth the distraction?)

Communications from outside sources trump and discard the opportunities before us.

We all observe this behavior – each and every day – in public places, and with those we care about, as they prioritize electronic messaging while in the presence of others.

I am the first to admit my guilt in being a bit too dependent on my Blackberry (and I also am ramping up my efforts to lessen that focus).

Thankfully, God isn’t consumed by technology!

In thinking about meaningful advice for Emily and Ray – and all young parents, I came to the conclusion that the simple gift of undivided attention is one that children value highly – almost as much as the unconditional love they so desire – and deserve.

As adults, it is when we ourselves are recipients of this increasingly rare “whole presence” that we feel fully accepted, loved, and heard. Such encounters of the heart permeate our souls, the gracious listening refreshing us.

In our quest to be welcoming and attentive listeners, let us also remember where our own voices can always be heard…

…in the presence of Him who is continually available – to us all.

Additional Reading: Have We Forgotten How to Concentrate?

When Someone Deeply Listens to You – a beautiful poem by John Fox