beWARM

I am still thinking of those women in the movie Letters to Our Daughters who were brave enough to share their thoughts on the big screen.  Filled with admiration for all the challenges they have overcome, I gratefully reflect on the relative ease with which I was able to get my education and start a family.

It is remarkable how words can touch the heart – and, when there is a visual image to accompany those words, the message can go deeper yet.

I dredged my memory to recover when I last wrote a letter to my daughters. There it appeared, in My Documents, under “To My Dearest Daughters….Christmas 2005.”

I was particularly thoughtful about the fragility of life that year, as we had just lost Joey’s Mom.  This question came to mind –“What do my daughters really know about me – about the things that fuel my heart and soul?  And which of those would I want them to remember most?”

I had used the letter as an introduction to a book of my favorite quotes that I had compiled for them as a Christmas gift. Upon re-reading, there is not much I would add or change, five years later.

Receiving a letter is an infrequent  but treasured  experience in today’s world.  Those thoughts intended for you and you alone, on paper to grasp your hands around, to hold close to your heart, are a rare gift.

Think of that wave of anticipation you experience when a hand-written letter appears amidst the pile of bills and junk mail! And how often does that welcome sight appear?

Presently my email inbox shows that there are 1342 unread messages (the majority of which are ads and “special offers” accumulated over past months.)  With one mouse-click, I can mark them all as “read”, and relieve myself of the nagging pressure that I am just not keeping up electronically.

By contrast, I have a stack of notes and letters that I have saved over the years; these are expressions  of the heart from family and friends that I treasure, and never want to forget.  Time and time again I am touched when I read them.

If their number exceeded 50, I would be surprised. Maybe they have even more value because letter writing has become a lost art.

Words are cheap…but become precious in the form of heartfelt expression, and even more so when put on paper.

When was the last time you wrote a letter to your daughter…or son…or spouse, parent, or special friend in your life? If you did, was it – or would it be – an expression of thanks, love, sympathy, or even apology?

Or, here’s a wild idea…have you ever written a letter to God? You can share your deepest desires, wildest dreams, and biggest hurts with Him, without fear of criticism, analysis, or rejection. ( I don’t know what the postage would be…so perhaps using a journal would be a good place to begin…)

Think of that letter you have been “meaning to write“, but just “don’t have the time”, or just don’t know where to begin.  Stop and say a little prayer for the person you have in mind; think of what might be on their heart right now..remember all of the good things about them.  My guess is that your words will come…and they will be blessed.

Signing off for now, and reaching for my pen…

I spent yesterday in the company of  amazing women, past and present. During the greater part of the day, I participated in a retreat led by Deborah Douglas, author of The Praying Life:Seeking God in All Things, who lives here in Santa Fe.

An engaging speaker and skilled facilitator, Deborah introduced us to the experience of “praying the Scriptures” – inviting us to place ourselves in the Biblical text itself, identifying with a particular person, and imagining what their thoughts and feelings might have been. 

The title of our retreat was “Also Some Women” – those remarkable figures in the Bible whose quiet presence (well, sometimes not so quiet) and unwavering faith “turned the world upside down”, in Deborah’s words.  Through her expert guidance, we came to know these women more intimately.

Some we already knew well – or so we thought…all of the Marys, of course, and Martha. 

Then, there were the unnamed women who had interactions with Jesus, both sought out and unintentional, who had opportunities to believe in and minister to Him.

Listening to their stories, realizing the courage and strength they possessed, and mentally beaming ourselves back into their lives was an enlightening experience. 

We spent 30 minute segments in silent reflection on the situation/event of a woman of our choice.  I went deep into prayerful thought, totally losing track of where those minutes went. It was both fascinating and edifying. 

From henceforth, the stories of these women will have a whole new meaning for me.  I see them with new eyes, and have deepest admiration for their unwavering faith and devotion.

Then, last evening….Also Some Women, if you will…here and now in New Mexico.  I attended the premier of a movie entitled Letters to Our Daughters,  a real and poignant look at the challenges faced every day by women trying to raise their families.

 Women of various races and color shared their beautiful and heartfelt letters, in hopes of encouraging their daughters to achieve their dreams and make the world a better place.

This event was a benefit for Women Building Community, a program of the New Mexico Community Foundation, and the women featured in the film are a part of this program.  

 These courageous women have made the choice to be good role models for their daughters, and listening to their thoughtful words touched me deeply.  I ached for them as I listened to some of the obstacles they have had to overcome.

For the most part, the mothers encouraged their daughters to seek peace, wisdom, and faith, to make good choices, to get their education,and to set goals ; many expressed their belief and trust in God. 

 Above all, the phrase “We will always be there for you” was a clear and repeated theme.  Such a comfort…and so empowering. I don’t know if this movie will be released at a national level, but I would encourage you to see it if you have the chance. 

Today, in very different ways, I was able to “see” into the lives of women who are love-filled, strong in their convictions, overcoming challenges, and have the courage to affect change.  In my mind, they have been…and are…adding a whole new dimension to being WARM…

I pray for their success…

I  love the mountains here in Santa Fe; they help me to appreciate the majesty and wonder of God’s creation.  Hiking in the fall is especially magical, with the aspens ablaze in gold; I call the fallen aspen leaves “God’s confetti”, and imagine Him joyfully scattering them. My time spent out in this breathtaking beauty is a balm for my soul and a refreshment for my spirit.

During the course of a wonderful conversation with a young friend yesterday, I shared a thought that came from Beth Moore a few years ago.  When she spoke at a women’s conference in Albuquerque, she talked about how we continually ask God to help us climb over those “mountains” in our lives.

What struck me was her statement that, while we focus on the challenges of scaling the terrain before us,  sometimes God brings us around to the other side of the mountain without our knowing it…and we refuse to step away.

Although this awareness struck a chord with me, and caused me to think about those “mountains” I was trying to navigate at that time in my life, the concept had slipped into my archives.  I relayed this memory to my friend in hopes that it would help a mutual acquaintance in the midst of a troubled time. 

How subtle God is in His ways!  Later in the day, as the mist of my vision lifted,  my own “mountain” came into view behind me….once again.  There it stood – a massive hulk of earth and stone, casting a huge shadow on my mind and weighing down my heart, smothering the lightness that I so desire. How did I get to this place….again?  And do I have the wherewithal – and the faith – to step away, to trust that God led me to this other side because there are fresh paths to traverse?

In the book, Sacred Companions by David G. Benner, he describes faith as “a response to a call to a journey – a journey of following and trusting God as he leads us on the adventure he has planned for us.”  I daresay that at times, life seems more like a stint on The Survivor series rather than an exhilarating experience!

Each of us has our own “mountain range”   – unique in its treacherous passes , awe inspiring heights, and verdant valleys.  In your travels, I encourage you to leave those burdensome “mountains” behind, celebrate your passage to the other side, and set your sights on the inspiring vistas ahead that will take your breath away.

As I prepare worship music for tomorrow’s retreat, I am struck by these words from All the Way My Savior Leads Me, a favorite of mine by Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman .

“You lead me, and keep me from falling, You carry me, close to Your heart, and surely, Your goodness and mercy will follow me.”

I can take the first step away from that “mountain”….and I will….

The freedom to vote…

Most days, thoughts about having that privilege never cross my mind.  However, yesterday was an exception.  As I freely and easily entered the voting booth, allowing my voice to be heard, I couldn’t help but think about the lack of this opportunity in other countries. 

In our travels on Third World mission projects, as we have observed and experienced  the quality of life (or lack thereof)  in various countries, I am more aware than ever of the  abundant freedom of expression we are blessed with here. During – and after – each of our trips, I am extremely thankful that I was fortunate enough to be born in the good old US of A, despite all of its imperfections. I will never ever take that for granted.

All politics aside, (and certainly not to be discussed here!), have you ever thought about the concept of taking a vote on certain aspects of your life?  If you could vote for change, where would you like to see  it ? 

Externally, would it be about your job … health… relationships…surroundings…?  Internally, would that even be possible?  Would you – or could you – cast a vote for a change of heart toward someone or something?  Is it as  simple as coloring in a circle on your mental voting card to stop that negative thought pattern – or finally quit that thing you wish you didn’t do?

For one thing (in case you are wondering), I am casting a vote on limiting my consumption of copious quantities of curly, crunchy potato chips. Do you think they could add a hefty tax on those? (Rest assured that my other personal voting decisions go much deeper.)

We could also think in terms of voting to keep the status quo, and let things ride for another “term”, if you will.  Think about what those things might be for you. Upon careful reflection, our list of the things we are content with  in our lives may be more extensive than we thought!

Perhaps the answers to some of the questions above will enter your minds like a flash; others may require some serious thought. All are definitely worth contemplating…

The thing is, we voted yesterday so that our leaders will act upon the results of our votes.  It is up to us ( there’s that word again) to intitiate change of a personal nature.

One thing I know is true…God is constantly out there on the campaign trail…and His vote will always be for you…for the long term…

These words were my answer to the question ” What do you envision as your theme  for the next years of your life?”.  This query was part of a lifeplan weekend for Joey and I at The Retreat at Hidden Treasure in Durango, Colorado.   This hopeful and positive mantra put a rosy glow onto my vision of the future – and it made even more sense when I realized that the word “us” was planted in the center of each word.  What an affirmation that God will be with me for the duration! I took it a step further, applying that “us” to my marriage, family, and my support system at large.

For me, the best part about doing a lifeplan was the conclusion that there is a world of possibilities ahead!  Being an empty-nester certainly has its perks (no more waiting up at night to finally hear the garage door open) – but I must admit, I wondered if I was living as fully as I could.  Thinking about and charting a purposeful course for living opened up my imagination – and got me excited! Setting some personal goals, and coming up with these guiding words was good for a procrastinator such as me.

So… how in this world of distraction does one keep this lovely phrase on autoplay?  Wouldn’t it be fabulous if we could order up a mental marquee, replete with flashing lights? The speed of the flashing could increase in intensity, changing to red when those negative thoughts creep in!  Or…how about a cheering squad, kind of like the Pips in Ally McBeal, constantly chanting in the background? Pompoms would be a nice addition (or shakeroos, as well called them in the old days). 

Knowing full well that  life will challenge my determination, Trust…Thrust…Gusto! will be my mental homepage – the “due north” of my life’s GPS that I can turn to when I’ve lost my way…with all routes leading to God.

  beWARM (with a little help from my daughters) is part of the Thrust.  And…all of you, dear friends, are part of the “us“…