I Want To Be Rich!

"She was moved to a profound but pleasurable melancholy by the evidence that human life is brief and is long survived by the material things it had believed itself to possess." - And The Ladies Of The Club

Beautiful thoughts penned in a book written many years ago. Its words as true today as when ink was still wet. My husband read this book and was so moved by it that he kept these words in full view on his desk.  It was a time for him to reflect on his desires to acquire, tame, create, master over. 

He had owned land and thought of it as his. His plans changed as he came face to face with His creator.

His plans were not bad. Money is not evil... if it does not control us. 

The recognition that we own nothing changes everything. 

We are caretakers and borrowers. We are indebted to the One who is the Provider, the Shepherd. We are His helpers.

Do we help or do we hinder?

What are we seeking to be rich in?

"Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." 
Luke 12:21 

In Luke 12 Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool. His plans were as big as his crops. His harvest was so vast he needed to build bigger barns. Tearing down the old, to build bigger and better barns... to store up his treasure. He had no thoughts of giving his overflow to the poor. 

Greed was his master. 

Verse 19 says," And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."

But God said to him,
''You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?"

What do we do with the excess, the overflow of our lives? Do we give till it hurts? Why do we hold on with clenched fists.. to a piece of dirty green paper, that sometimes defines us?  Do we ever deny ourselves, so that we can help our brother or sister in need?

Why do we judge the person in need ... deciding if they are worthy or not. Is that the role we were given by our Creator? 

Do we remember Jesus words to Peter? 'If you love me Peter, you will feed my sheep.'' Those words are to us, the church. 

Jesus never said,  check them out and see how hungry they really are, if they have been a good person, if they have made good choices."

Feed My Sheep is pretty clear.

We have been given much, let us be generous with all of it. It is the narrow path to true riches.

"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for all he has done."

Proverbs 19:17

Running The Good Race

Yesterday was hard. Monday called early as I delivered the husband to the airport.
Upon return home....a few moments with the boy. The son was feeling down. The weekend had been the best of times and the worst. From high to low and so it goes, when you are 17.
Struggling with the emotions and feeling like he had let someone down he cares deeply about.  I pray healing in this situation. Tender hearts at tender ages.
Feeling the pressures of new things... a fierce running schedule, two jobs, his families move and college 5 hrs away.. all colliding together. It can get the best of us, especially when so young.

Moving on... A race that had been anticipated, worked hard for, deserved and seemed to be slipping out of reach...  Looking for a reason, with none to be had. It seemed it was bothering the mamma more than the son, but I understand how he handles these situations. "It's no big deal mom." But it's Honor Roll Dan...I was thinking.
We mamas know differently. Sometimes it is a big deal and yet it was too late. A time not turned in. Out of our control...

My heart was sad for the happenings of the past twenty four hours. Lost relationships, lost opportunities.

He watched the race instead of running it. He came home smiling and singing. He told me he would have placed anywhere from 2nd on up. This made it okay for him. He knew he deserved to be there, but he forgave the mistake that had been made. Quick to forgive is a good quality. I will follow him in this.

This morning he came into the kitchen and greeted me with a smile. We know what today is..... the day we have thought about since I dropped him off as a sophomore at that big High School.
Spending his freshman year at a school that was small and not quite what he had hoped for... he had  moved into a school where he had no idea what to expect.
The first day was hard. Dropping him off at school, with the realization that the husband and I would be taking our first born to college, the same day... 5 hours away. Talk about timing... really God?! Cant we spread this pain out a little?

This morning we prayed for this last day of High School. I read him a scripture about justice and faith.
My voice cracked a little and he looked at me and said, "Mom, don't cry." I hadn't planned on it but he walked over to me and gave me a big hug and said, "I love you mom".

Cannonball - Part 3 A Helping Hand

The plans are made. The giving has begun. The faces of these students are priceless. The blessings are returning to us, as we see Jesus reminding us, "Feed my sheep".

Our first stop - A prayer warrior for others. A constant in the ever changing winds that surround her and try to steal her joy. She will have none of it. She will give her last dollar to someone in need, even when her gas tank is empty and her cupboards lay bare.

The blessing.. $500 in grocery cards, $100 in gas cards.

The response.. overwhelming joy as hugs and kisses were spread over these students faces. They were speechless by this woman's outpouring of thankfulness to a God who never forgets. She shared with them a few of the struggles her family has seen and thanked us for being obedient to God's call.

Later she shared some of her blessing with a single mom, in desperate need. The blessing is multiplied.

Next stop - A young high school student, concerned for his mom, struggling to provide for he and his brother. Forced to move out of their apartment and into a house of an older couple. Things are hard and he sees his moms stresses of the everyday. He wants more for her. 

He is a gentle young man, always quick with a smile and a thank you. 

The blessing... $300 in grocery cards and $100 in gas cards.

The response.... a young man grateful for helping his family. A smile and a huge thank you.

Soon to come.. a gift card for him as he prepares for college. There will be things he needs. 

Another stop - a student who has struggles. She and her mom live in a trailer that has seen better days. 

Help has been given and accepted before. More is needed and we feel inadequate here.

The blessing... Gas card and grocery card

The response ... her warm smile and a thank you.

One more stop for the night - wow, this is a hard one. A young student who has had struggles with depression. The family is in financial crisis. One of our students from our group speaks of her. We want to bless. We decide to give gas cards and grocery cards worth $400.

During our planning a text is received. It is the girl, telling our student that her 18 yr old brother killed himself. We are speechless. The gift seems so meaningless now. What do we do?

Our student delivers the gift cards to her and comforts this young girl. Her mom wants to know where to send a thank you. They need money to bury their son.

The needs are great. The feelings are overwhelming and we feel helpless.

There are more plans.... Known To Me - money to help build a kitchen in Africa to feed orphans who come every day, hungry and alone.

A blessing on a student who is not the popular girl. Usually the butt of jokes and mostly alone. The gift of friendship is given first, through one of our students who shares the same school halls with her. We will choose gift cards for a graduation dress and a chance that rarely occurs in her life. A little shopping that every teen enjoys.

There is another student in need, one pregnant and feeling alone. Her parents are struggling financially. 

A single mom, who needs help with her rent. A young married couple who found themselves short this month. They didn't ask but love was expressed.

We are not done..we are waiting on God for the next step. Trusting that He will show us.  The needs are great and sometimes you may feel that you are putting a band aid on a gapping, bleeding wound or that maybe if different choices were made , there would not be these problems.

But..... be careful, that is muddy water and dangerous.

Jesus taught us compassion and love, not judging the walk we have not traveled. 

Let us love as Jesus loves, with mercy, grace and open arms.

Sunny Days

Looking out my living room window, the rain is dripping off the trees bursting in full bloom. Spring is struggling to shine through this gloomy day, but the sun will not win today.

A good day to ponder the last week of beginnings and endings and a week ahead that promises more of the same.  Ah, it has all happened too quickly.

The daughter requested the parentals last week.... bearing tools. Help was needed to move out of the dorm and into the Big House. Oh my, it's something. Three flights of outdoor steps. Up with the leather couch. Up with the bookcases. Up with the queen size bed... and on and on the afternoon went.  All enjoyed in the sub-tropical Nashville climate, while I wondered why she didn't choose a first floor bedroom. 

Reflection is that she wanted our support, our enthusiasm, her dads wisdom, his knack for changing outdoor light bulbs and noticing gapping holes in basements where families of raccoons might entertain moving.

As the day grew long.... thoughts of food made the bellies grumble.  We became a family of 8 by the time we sat down to a lovely Thai dinner. As I looked around the table I saw a young man who exemplifies the word gentleman. His plan is seminary next year. He will be a fine pastor someday. Next to him is another young man who is kind and compassionate. He is working in L.A. and enjoying every moment .  He is a mover and shaker and will do well.  Among the group, two new friends and new roomies in The Big House.  Both sweet and beautiful and remind me how wise my daughter is in picking friends.  The one from Louisville was celebrating her 20th birthday.  Oh, how I felt for her mama, wishing her daughter was home to sing and dance with on her day.  She reassured me she was driving home the next day. 

Besides the daughter, one who has visited with us and we claim her as our own. An Irish Catholic beauty from Chicago..... Notre Dame runs in her blood.  She is funny and kind and a friend to the end.

 I live with the man who is generous and claims all students as his. He always makes me smile when he reaches for the check.

This was the ending of a season for the daughter. Watching over 300 girls these past two years has filled many hours for this Resident Assistant. Never a dull moment and that is what she will miss the most. 

She is moving quickly into the land of adulthood. Rent, utilities and all that comes with living in a home. Some sad moments for her she confided but then a quick smile and , "It's time mom, and this is gonna be great."

Yes daughter, it will be great. 

Under my breath I am telling her she really doesn't need to use that 100 year old fireplace and candles really look nicer unlit and do you realize how many doors are in this house. Who is going to lock them .......... she doesn't hear most of it.

Meanwhile back on the ranch.....

The boy was preparing for senior prom. He picked up the flowers, bought the tickets and was ready when we arrived home. A quick pressing of the shirt,  pictures were taken, money in the wallet was double checked and he was off.

The week ahead is full of last times. The last two tracks meets of a high school career, last days of classes. Last time you will see some of these friends... ever.  It happens as you walk away in that cap and gown. There is a realization that occurs as you put on that fabric and clasp that diploma in your hand. Life changes in that moment.

You now make your own decisions. Never will life be the same once you throw that cap in the air. 

Yes, you are free ..... but adulthood is right around the corner my son. 

Take a few moments my sweet ones to look back and tuck away the memories. Breathe deeply and seek the best from Him, daily.  Go forward with full confidence and excitement for the next chapter.... and know that dad will be waiting with light bulbs, hammer and wallet. I will be the one reminding you that even when its gloomy outside, the joys and blessings of this journey make the sun shine through.

My Mom

A few thoughts about my mom.

My mom didn't fit the mold of the 1970's mom. She preferred her own mold.

She had big ideas and plans. An actress at heart, with a flair for the dramatic. She hasn't changed much. She married her handsome prince and they worked hard, lived well and moved south to the beach, like any smart New Yorkers.     

She taught her kids they could be anything they desired and went out and lived it herself, by working hard and creating the life that she desired for her family.

A business woman from the time I can remember. She may have been cooking in the kitchen but her ear was to the phone, working a deal and making plans.

She taught us to be independent early, cooking, baking, laundry... remembering my 16 yr old brother sewing a patch on his jeans. Mom probably wasn't going to get around to that.

We had to figure out some stuff on our own.. no hovering helicopter parents.

She would not have cried when her kids moved out, knowing this is what they were created to do. Wings to fly were handed out instead of blinders.

 Always quick to support, encourage and help in any way she can.

She thinks her kids are the smartest, brightest, most talented people ever. The grandchildren.. well, just ask her.

She took care of her mom in the most compassionate, grace filled way, in her last years.

Perhaps the most important qualities in moms... compassion and grace that can be layered on their children.

Sometimes they need a cotton sheets worth, while other times only a down comforter of compassion will do.

The mixture of grace and compassion can heal most wounds and give a satisfying measure of peace in the moment.

Thanks mom, for not crawling into a mold that someone else created and thanks for always loving us with grace and compassion.

This piece was to run in The Palm Beach Post on Sunday, May 8th.... as a surprise to the mama.  Last minute change bumped it....

Mothers Day

Mothers Day... O Happy Day, a day to celebrate being a mama.
Just one day... really?

I'm a momma to two, a boy and a girl, completely different and yet similar.  Similar in their love and devotion to family.  Different in most other ways imaginable.

The boy has a kind heart and also a hearing problem. "What, what?" He makes me laugh. He is really going to miss me when he goes to college next year. He laughs when I tell him but he knows its true.   Does he really think the cafeteria lady is going to butter his waffles every morning??

The lovely daughter is away at college.
Mothers Day is important to the daughter. She will call her dad, remind him to not "struggle" over Mother's Day and "make it nice for mom".  She will make sure dad and the brother go shopping together and buy me candles, a book I may have mentioned and some lovely dark chocolate. 

She reminds him she can't be here to make this nice.  "Do a good job dad", she will say in a strong, commanding voice.  You should have seen her in airport security in France. Astounding!  We were convinced she had gone undercover with Homeland Security.

He will make the daughter proud.

Then he will hem and haw and not make a reservation for lunch. He will swear his plan was to cook, as he drops me at the curb in front of our home after church. "But it's noon and I am so hungry I could eat me arm",  I holler as he drives away to the grocery store.  Yes, he is a wonderful cook but I just wanted a burger from someplace cheap and greasy, not steamed mussels and chicken francese.

Oh, but that was last years Mothers Day.

This year will be different. The husband and the daughter are both gone, each to their own corners...of the country.  The daughter to school and the husband to the new job, a few states away.

Most weekends he is home, but not this one. He had asked me if I minded him being gone on Mothers Day.  I reminded him he isn't my mom.  "No sweetie, its fine, leave me with the 17 yr old, nino.  We will have a grand time!" Grand Theft Auto time .... maybe!

Before the husband left for the airport he told the son that it was all up to him this year.  The son mumbled something about lack of funds,  never taking his eyes off his physics project.  Correction... Call of Duty project.  I think that has something to do with school, doesn't it?  He does it like a Rhodes Scholar does homework, so I just figured.

The husband left the room shaking his head.  "No worries" I say, "You can't buy me love, haven't you heard the song?"

He mumbles something about wishing he had known that years ago, and that someone in this house is not being quite honest.

So much mumbling going on....

There is no set day that my family must show me how special I am to them.

Love is all you need.  Hmm....

Love is a marathon, not a sprint.  I can't hold a years worth of "I love you mom" in my heart.  You have to spread it out, little blessings at a time.  Too much and I miss the beauty of the moment.  I miss the look of joy in my child's eyes or the crack in the voice when its said in a moment of pain.

Love, lovely love.

Love is free and only blossoms when shared.  It is fresh every morning and like manna, waiting for us as the sun also rises. 

Let's partake in the joy of it, celebrating this Mothers Day and remembering it doesn't have to end today. It could be just the beginning.

Happy Mothers Day.

Cannonball Part 2- Let The Adventure Begin

In John 21,  Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Peter's response was "Yes Lord, you know I love you." ..... Three times Jesus tells Peter to "Feed My sheep."

When God repeats Himself in His word, we are to pay extra attention. Take notice. An assignment has been given.

Jesus was asking Peter for agape/unconditional love for His people.  

Our High School ladies are seeking to share that agape love within their sphere of influence, their peers and also their wider community.

Their plans are coming together to feed His sheep, in love, grace and desire to build relationship.

They have chosen well.

They will bless strangers with a portion of the money. This will happen at a gas station and a grocery store. They are excited, to meet a stranger and hand them a gift card. They will choose carefully and part of the blessing will be waiting for Gods leading, in who the recipients will be.

They want to include a short comment, recognizing where this comes from..... not them, but from the Maker of heavens and earth.

"Feed me sheep", Jesus said.

They have chosen students in their local schools,.

One.... who is always on the outside, looking in.  The one that is made fun of. Our student is inviting her to lunch next week. She will build that relationship and tell us how we can bless her. She is super excited about this..  and so are we!

They have a family they are excited to bless. A family that always gives instead of receives. A family that never complains, but instead gives God the glory. A family that prays.  Our prayer is that God will remind this family that they need to be the receiver sometimes.

They have a ministry chosen. One that is connected close to our hearts. The blessing will be doubled as we touch children's lives. "Feed my sheep", Jesus said.

They have chosen students from their High School Church service who come from completely different worlds than theirs. The struggles are big. Our call is clear.... Feed my sheep.

These ladies cannot change these students circumstances, yet they can encourage them by offering hope for a future... and funds for a mission trip this summer . 

God provides hope through His people... building up the Body of Christ.

Leaders for Christ... both the giver and sometimes, the receiver. 

These ladies are just getting started... 

"Feed my sheep"...... could Jesus have made it any clearer?

These students have been given $5,000 from First Christian Church. The purpose is to bless others.

In Tha Muthahood

Don't miss this new one from Anita Renfroe...

Get ya ready for Mothers Day!

Cannonball Part 1 - Sunday Blessings...Let The Adventure Begin

Our High School Small Group has been chosen to bless. Bless people who will not expect it, some who will not understand it and others who will smile from ear to ear , recognizing...  it's not from us. They have been blessed from above.

The students are excited. We have talked and shared ideas and are planning and scheming ways to make this the best gift it can be. To touch the people God places on their hearts.

The challenge has been given. Where will they find their passion in this opportunity before them? What breaks their heart... where they want to help, get involved, build a relationship?

The money is only one part of the gift.  When people find out you care about them, well... there is no value that we can place on that. A hug, a kind word, an offer to help. Now we are living as Jesus taught us.

We have $5,000 to use as God directs. The students are praying. Praying for His divine guidance and wisdom. We will use this money, recognizing it is God's money. We will watch for the overflow from this opportunity. It will start in these students lives as they see that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.

Let the adventure begin.