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I don’t know about you, but there is a bit of dread as we head to 2024.  Since 2020, we have remained in a 48-month-long election cycle.  To say I am tired of political rancor and turbulence is quite an understatement.  Vying for power is quite ugly and brings out the worst in most people.  Then, often, the “worst” filters down to the rest of us becoming followers of bad behavior.

Congressmen are leaving Congress; people elect not to vote or care.  “I give up!” they say instead of “Let me try giving and doing more to help!”  Is the lousy conduct winning and creating more bullies?

 Some people applaud hate-filled rants and crave retribution.  “Let’s punish the world!” becomes a mantra instead of “Let’s encourage the world by our example!” 

Now, do you, too, dread 2024?  However, there is good news.

Now, the good news

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Savior.   God didn’t give up or not care, did he?  He sent his son to teach us how kindness, humility, and love bring us closer to Him.  Christ taught us not to fear death and to honor His Father in all we do.  And he didn’t mean only to do so on Christmas, Easter, or any given Sunday. 

I am constantly amazed at how folks can dismiss Christ’s instructions when it comes to politics.  It is as if our chosen candidates or political party preferences come before the words of God.  How does it become the “right” way in our minds when it is clearly the opposite of what we were taught?  How do we dismiss godliness when God is still alive and walking among us?

Does America win when we accept rude, intimidating, self-righteous behavior?  Maybe God needs to be the winner in 2024.  And the only way He can is by us being godlier every day in all aspects of our lives.

Christ was born in a lowly stable to show us that a king can rise from humble beginnings.  Jesus died as a villain to some, but again, he rose from the trials and tribulations of the hate placed upon him.  Folks couldn’t see who He was through their political blindness and allegiance to their leaders.  So, what has changed in 2023 years?

What we now know

Politics is not the answer to our problems, nor is a congressman or a president.  The response to our various issues is to find solutions with respectful compromise and better attitudes among our leaders and ourselves.   When we put our Savior in the middle of the conversation, we become stewards of His words.    And those who care must never give up or give in.  Christ sure didn’t, even as he suffered all the slings and arrows thrown at Him.  He uttered, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  They didn’t, but we do now.

   We know better than those who tormented Christ below the cross.  The difference is that we know God’s son lived on after his death.  He walked out of a tomb and showed the world the scars of living, yet his spirit remained and is with us now.  If only we believe that to be true.

That’s how we revive hope and dignity in 2024.  That is how we will be the world’s light and help the generations that follow us.  Rather than using the adage, “I am yelling and misbehaving  because I want to create a better America for my children,” why not say instead, “I want my behavior to reflect the words of my savior, and then America will be a better place for my children.”   

The glory God showed to us on Christmas night long ago should never become secondary to anything we do or are.  If you think about it, no greater leader has existed than the child born in the stable.  There has never been a more significant influence on Earth than Christ.   And the people didn’t elect him but instead chose by God to lead the people home.

Let’s not forget as we head to 2024 to take Christmas with us each day, to honor the Savior through our actions, and to remember that power lies only in the beautiful hands of God.

A friend unexpectedly passed away, and another is in the hospital with an undetermined illness.  A father has just entered hospice care, and a mother lost her only child.  Cancer will strike someone today, while another receives equally horrific news.

A loved one will betray another, a friendship will end, and someone will lose their job.  More children will die from the brutality of war or abuse while a teenager suffers an illegal drug overdose.

All of this is happening now to someone somewhere near us.  And even as I type these words, a tear falls for those who I know are suffering.  Sometimes, it is a struggle to find happiness and hope.

We live in a complicated world amid woe, fear, anger, division, and blame.  And sadly, we have gotten more accustomed to doing so.  It is as if the pandemic we lived through created an aftershock of negativity, mistrust, and doubt that we can’t seem to cure.  Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for animosity and vitriol.

Many political leaders fail miserably at providing one ounce of enlightenment or calm.   The behavior exhibited by those we expect to lead is often appalling and shameful.  Courage, dignity, honor, and godliness have succumbed to their insatiable need for power.   This is not a political party issue; it is, instead, a terrible personal flaw that affects multitudes. 

What to do?

So, what can we do to help turn things around, calm the outrage, and encourage respectful leadership? 

When I was a small child, my father rented a house on a vast farm in Tennessee.  I can close my eyes today and see the white fences framed around red barns and open lush green fields.   The idyllic ranch provided memories for a lifetime, even though we lived there for only two years.

It was Christmas Eve, 1954, when my excitement and a bout of asthma refused to allow me to sleep.  I crawled out of bed and went to the window to see if I could spy Santa heading toward the farm.  I pressed my nose against the cold windowpane and scanned the meadow behind the house.

The moon was full, and its glow illuminated the cows lying in the pasture beyond the fence.  Stars sparkled brilliantly in the clear sky as I watched the scene before me.  Suddenly, far in the distance, I saw the brightest star I had ever seen. 

As a child, I didn’t understand that Christ was born long ago; instead, I thought he was reborn every Christmas.  So, I believed that Jesus’s birth was occurring out in the pasture under that beaming light behind our house!

I wanted to run to my parents but knew I would be in trouble for being up at such a late hour, so I didn’t wake them.  I wish I had because my asthma vanished when I saw the star and knew it was Jesus.

The window of our souls

We can succumb to the despair and darkness in our world or look for the light.  Our leaders will not find our peace; it is up to us to be peaceful.   We have many problems and much heartache during our days here on Earth.   And so many times, we search for remedies for our troubles in the back corners of shallowness instead of the open fields of understanding. 

We follow and applaud idols living in mansions instead of the baby born in a stable and wonder why we aren’t out of our self-imposed pandemic of hostility.

The only way to live through the deaths, the betrayals, the broken friendships, and failed leadership is to look out the window of our souls and find the child born on the first Christmas.  The son of God came to aid us and give us the wisdom and strength to endure our trials and tribulations.

Christ is not a religion that lives in a church.  He lives in our homes, walks in our fields, and abides in our hearts.  He is our leader who is with us below the stars.  And if we seek him,  we will understand how to soothe the anger and stop the evil ones who use hate to win instead of love to ease our pain.

So, as we head to the final chapter of 2023 and this holiday season, I pray we can each look up and not down, forward and not backward, and find the hope and happiness only the child born in the manger can provide.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  Psalms 46:1.

God sent His son on a star-filled holy night to remind us that He is.

She was only 24 and being wheeled into surgery to remove a brain tumor.  During the long operation, her heart stopped.  The staff recorded the time of death at 10:55 am.   The team of doctors and nurses struggled to revive her, but only to find out later that she was disappointed they did so.  While unresponsive, Angela floated away to find an indescribable freedom and meet the Lord’s face.  Just as He was ready to take her hand, she returned to the body she had left behind in the operating room.

Once in recovery, she told the doctor what she experienced.  She said she noticed the clock on the operating room wall before leaving.  “What time was it ?” the surgeon asked.  She answered, “It was 10:55 am.”

When I had the good fortune to meet this lovely lady, she possessed an illuminating aura one couldn’t ignore.  However, the doctors were unable to remove the entire cancerous lesion from her brain.  She passed away less than a year later with no fear of death and no hesitancy to leave only because of her faith in a child who was born long ago.

In the early seventies, I walked into my bathroom with a bottle of pills, determined to end my life.  Depression overwhelmed me, and I could not see a way out.  I didn’t understand why I was the way I was, but my strength was gone, and my fight to find a reason ended.  Just as I held the water in one hand and the pills in the other, for some unknown explanation, I flushed them down the toilet and threw the water in the drain.

I ran to my bedroom, fell to my knees, and prayed.  I knew something or someone stronger than I was stopped me from ending my life.

The Savior

 You see,  I didn’t realize at the time I was expecting a child.  Today, I often stop to gaze at the beautiful grown woman this child has become, and I know she is wonderfully here today because a child was born long ago.

Angela lived a short life but lived her purpose in her time.  She told her story to anyone who would listen to assure others there is a life beyond this one and not be frightened.   The child born long ago gave Angela the power and stamina to use her faith to share the glory awaiting us.  And she did it well.

I only sat with Angela for an hour, but she impacts much of how I view life today.  Because of her lack of fear, I have no trepidation in discussing my battles with clinical depression or other tribulations.  Earthly life isn’t over when we can no longer see a way out.  God will lead us out of our pain if we are faithfully patient.  Give Him the time because He gave us Himself. 

I overheard a group of religious men discussing our political environment.  They were calling folks names and degrading others with each sentence.  The Christmas tree sparkled in the adjoining living room, and the nativity was beautifully displayed near them.  The carol “Oh Holy Night” softly played in the background.  Will such hypocrisy be forgiven by all who are so humanly erred?  And then I remembered because a child was born long ago, all we must do is ask.

 Let us momentarily stop and hear the carols instead of the rancor and discontent.  Curb the name-calling, bad-mouthing, and spreading distrust, and instead, honor, respect, and celebrate our Savior’s birthday.   Pause to remember the baby born long ago still walks among us and listens to each word.  How sad even a manger scene cannot remind us who we should be.

The true meaning

We are no longer doomed because God sent Jesus to share His life with us on a glorified night.  If we believe in the power of the infant born, there is no need to live in fear and darkness.   Even when we sin, we can seek forgiveness.  When we fall, we will be given a staff to stand.  There is nothing we cannot endure because a child was born long ago.

Even though I love everything zany and am kid-like regarding the holidays, I know the true reason for the season.  I understood ages ago that without Christ, I would never have celebrated another Christmas, enjoyed the years with my family, watched grandchildren grow, encountered priceless folks, and found peace. 

Because of the baby born in a stable in Bethlehem, we are given victory over death, showered with strength, and granted abundant forgiveness.  How God must love us still.

Joy to the World!

It was early December 2011 when it was decided that my husband and I must be physically separated during Christmas.  David’s mother had planned for months to travel to our house from New Orleans for the holidays.  My two grown stepdaughters were overjoyed that their MawMaw was joining the family for Christmas. 

I, on the other hand, was planning to leave for Florida to help my daughter through the holidays as she dealt with the effects of chemotherapy while working and taking care of her six-year-old child. 

While anticipation graced our home in Georgia, difficulty seeped through the doors in South Florida.

Typically, our home is decorated to the max by Thanksgiving.  However, because of the trips back and forth to assist my daughter, the house was bare of holiday ornamentation. 

“Honey, let’s not worry about a tree this year because I know you are exhausted!  My mother, the girls, and I understand, and we will be just fine!” My husband assured me.

David flew out of town on business for a few days just before I was to fly south.  After he left, I stood alone in our un-Christmasy, bleak house and shed a few tears as sorrow engulfed me. 

I begged God to help us through this terrible and uncertain time. 

A Charlie Brown tree

Suddenly, I decided there was no way that I would leave my husband’s family to celebrate Christmas in such stark gloom and doom!

I grabbed my keys and headed to Hobby Lobby, searching for a small Charlie Brown-looking Christmas tree.  Something inexpensive, funny, and full of color.  The tree would be complete with ornaments representing the things in life David loved.

There it was!  On sale!  A five-foot pencil tree that was a bit sparse of fake needles, but yet, it seemed oddly perfect.   I grabbed it along with some old-timey colored lights, a few ornaments, and hooks.

The next stop was Walmart, where I found red and white fishing bobbers,  golf tees, and plastic practice golf balls. 

The tree would represent all things David enjoys… golf and fishing, beach Santas, and any reminder of his hometown, “The Big Easy.”

I glued the golf balls to the tees and tied them with red and white checked ribbons.  The floats attached to the branches perfectly, and the few purchased ornaments were related mainly to David’s favorite recreations.  I found an old picture of David fishing on a beach and tied it to the tree. 

When he came home, the tree was lit, and the house seemed to shine with a glimpse of joy.  The once ugly little tree seemed magical since it made my waving goodbye easier.

Reminders of life

Finally, later in January, when I returned home, I took the tree down and stowed it in the attic.  

“Are you keeping the tree?” David asked as I wrapped up the ornaments. 

“Yes, I am.  I may even put it back up next year as a second tree.  It seems enchanted and joyous!”  I declared. 

Every year since that fateful Christmas, the tree reemerges to bring more than magic to this house.  Each year, we add another David ornament.  We still hang the original ones on the tree, but there are also decorations depicting a camera, a glass slice of pizza, a poor boy sandwich from New Orleans along with beads, the Christmas Story movie floor lamp, an Italian flag, pictures of grandchildren, and many more outlandish mismatched meaningful reminders of life. 

The large tree in the living room is beautiful, but David’s Tree in the adjoining room is the heart of Christmas.  The whimsical tree tells the story of love, healing, hope, and family.  David’s mom died several years ago, but each time I turn the tree’s lights on, I think of the colorful life she led. 

A wooden tree-shaped plaque is embedded in the tree that reads, “David’s Tree, established 2011.”   Each Christmas, when I hang the plaque, I also put a pink ornament on the back of the tree with a picture of my daughter taken soon after recovering from cancer. 

David’s tree depicts the journey from heartache to victory, despair to joy, and doubt to faith, all because of an answered prayer.   

God indeed helped us all through a terrible time.  There isn’t a day that I am not aware that Christ is the magic of Christmas.  He planted in my mind the way to bring a bit of light to darkness and a smile to wipe away the tears.

As the little pencil tree beams brightly in our home and folks stop by, they often look quizzically at the crazy ornaments.  As I notice their questioning glare, I respond, “This is David’s tree full of everything he loves!”

But, oh, it is so much more.

A few years ago, I decided to relinquish my Crazy Christmas Queen crown.  I even mentioned this idea in a column, and my husband (bless his heart) was relieved thinking his prayers were answered.  They were not. 

Christmas begins whirling in my head toward the end of July.  And, when the leaves start to turn brown, and the weather dips below 85 degrees, my Christmas fever rises, and it doesn’t drop until January 1.

 Each New Year’s Day, my resolution is to give up the Christmas crown and grow up.  However, I haven’t reached the over-blown grown-up status yet, nor have I lost those ten pounds I resolved to lose the same day.  

This year, I have learned through some scientific Gendusa knowledge that being a certified long-standing Christmas Candy Cane Crazy Kid is due to a gene embedded in one’s spirit.  I was born with the ability to fail in mathematics but succeed in everything involving Santa, Baby Jesus, wreaths, toys, cookies, and gifts.

The official stamp

I was marked from birth with this capability, and to prove the theory, I was stamped with a birthmark on my left arm in the shape of a Christmas tree.  I hate that it faded after so many years, but I’m glad Mama lived long enough to verify its existence to my children.  

This year, my granddaughter, Avery, is a freshman in college.  I suspected Avery was also assigned the Christmas gene, but until recently, I was still determining if it was a fact. 

“I can’t wait to come to Atlanta for Thanksgiving, Grandma!” She excitedly exclaimed on the phone in October.  She continued, “Are you going to have the Christmas tree up and the house all decorated?  I am past ready for the holidays filled with good food and family!”

Avery called again a few days later.  “Grandma, would you read over an essay I wrote for my English class?” 

“Sure, honey.  Send it on!” I happily replied. 

When I opened the emailed attachment, I laughed out loud. 

“Do you Believe in Santa?”

Yes, she inherited the gene, and after I read her thesis, I thought, “Boy, are her future kids going to have fun!”

That is the beauty of the Christmas Crown.  The spirit of Christmas brings pure joy to all around you. 

Never outgrow Christmas

Those of us who overdo the holidays and go a bit crazy are the ones who didn’t leave the kid in us at the North Pole or lost forever in maturity or age.  We decided to hang on to the magic through our earthly days and share it with those we love.

None of my neighbors or friends are surprised that my tree was up and the house was decorated at the beginning of November.  My husband (bless his heart) still attempts to lecture me on the dollars I spend and the overcooking I do.  Nothing works because I am the official Queen of Christmas, complete with an official faded stamp, crown, and those inherited genes.

All good and perfect things began at Christmas.  Jesus was born and given to us.  He taught us the meaning of giving, kindness, forgiveness, and love.  His birth changed everything about living and dying.  What is there not to celebrate? 

What is there not to love about happiness and cheerfulness?  There isn’t a soul in reader-land who doesn’t love a Christmas story or hearing about a miracle.  It is good for us all to stop and enjoy the blessing of Christmas.  

A bit of magic?

We look at the world and often wonder if hatred and war will triumph over peace and love.  We lose ourselves in the sorrow and desperation that surround us.  Yet, because of Christmas, we are given the opportunity to renew our spirits and our faith.  

I still believe in Santa.  Yep, I never told my children any differently.   The heart of Santa lies within us.  We can still become the giver of gifts to children who need our joy.   We can become what God intended us to be: the provider of hope for others.

  If we replace our dread and despair with the glory of Christmas and share it, we have developed and distributed happiness.

So, the holidays are upon us.  Santa arrives this week amid laughter and song.  Pick up the child within you, take yourself into a Christmas wonderland, and provide joyous celebration wherever you roam. 

You are worth it, and who among us couldn’t use a bit of magic?

Love,

The Crazy Christmas Queen

Every day, a new poll is released by someone regarding different issues in America.   Would you vote for him or her?  Do you believe the economy is the most critical American problem?  Is the country headed in the right direction or not?   Countless polls whose tallies change daily according to what is going on in the news. 

No matter what the polls say about us and how we feel about our society, there is one matter we should agree on…. Thankfulness.  The truth is we are not grateful enough for our blessings.  I mean, none of us… zero, nada, no way, etc.   We can’t vote thankfulness into our world, nor can we convince another to be humbled, but each November, we are reminded to count our blessings.  Does it take a season to remind us to update our appreciation?

If we become more thankful daily, it will cure many of our ills.  One thing is for sure: it would calm our anger and settle our nerves.  Being grateful for the smallest of life’s gifts increases the size of our hearts.  We become more empathetic and understanding.  And the main benefit derived from thankfulness is we see God clearer. 

A year ago

Last year, on Thanksgiving Day, my husband was in a hospital’s Cardiac Care Unit recovering from open heart surgery.   The week prior was a whirlwind of negativity.  He didn’t know there was a problem with his heart until an intelligent physician questioned what we thought was a benign ailment. 

Thanksgiving Thursday was David’s worst day.  A problem arose in recovery due to an erratic heart rate, and for a few hours, I wasn’t so sure about tomorrow.  I spent most of that day staring at a heart monitor, afraid I would miss something significant if I took my eyes off the squiggly lines jumping up and down.  Of course, buzzers blared if something went haywire, but one can never fully trust automation, right?  The polls say some medical equipment might be made in China anyway!

After midnight, I tried to rest near the room’s window, where cool air seeped under the glass.  As I thought about families who had gathered around tables thanking God for their bounty, my prayer that evening was quite simple, “Dear God, get David’s heart rate down!” 

It was nearly 1 am Friday morning when I rose, almost frozen from the seeping air, and walked toward David’s bed, where he was dozing.

A simple prayer

Again, I stared at the monitor.  His heart rate was too high, hovering around 150 beats per minute, and I knew the buzzer would alert the staff at any moment.  “God, please help us!” 

“What does the monitor say?” David woke and asked as he must have felt my panic.  “It’s okay, honey, not too bad.”  I lied, knowing he couldn’t turn to see the actual number on the machine behind him.  Of course, he knew I was lying.

One minute later, I glanced at the numbers again, and his heart rate had dropped to a normal 72 beats per minute.

Folks celebrated last year and thanked God for the feast before them.  They will do the same this year.  The holiday season will arrive on time, and most of us will join the cheer and joy.  

Until last year, I thought I was thankful enough for my life and grateful for the folks in it, but no, I wasn’t.  I am more than thankful to see my husband playing golf or tennis today or getting frustrated when the dust settles on his little red car.

Last Thanksgiving Day, I ate a piece of cheese and drank many cups of coffee.  I didn’t see Santa arrive in a parade, but I watched lines jump on a monitor instead.  I didn’t feel the warmth of family around me but felt cold, damp air seep under the glass.

Beauty is in God’s face

Yet, the beauty of that Thanksgiving Day was I saw God clearly.  How grateful I am for the blessing of life and love and to know that no matter where we are on this Thanksgiving Thursday, there will be God also.

If the Lord were conducting a poll, what would be the questions?  Do we judge others?  Are we influenced by power or kindness?  Do we vote for goodness or evil?  Are we grateful for our blessings?  Is it better to be revengeful or forgiving?

Thank goodness God doesn’t need to conduct polls; He just reads our hearts.  If we remember to be thankful for life and those who share it with us,  we will all see God clearly, and He will lead us where we need to be.

Thanksgiving is a beautiful day, but to be thankful through all our days heals our souls and captures God’s heart.

While we can never do enough to show gratitude to our nation’s defenders, we can always do a little more.”  Gary Sinise

Mr. Sinise is correct; we can always do more to thank our soldiers who line our streets with freedom.  Their sacrifice and courage are often set aside by headlines, political mumbo jumbo, or our personal worlds.  When we become absorbed in our daily routines, we often fail to remember that without them, we would have no political mumbo jumbo or headlines.

Freedom of the press, freedom to vote, and freedom to succeed and worship come at a high price paid for by our past and present heroes.  Our Veterans and fallen soldiers have saved us from ourselves many times over. 

Without independence, we don’t need to look far to see what life resembles.   Women who aren’t allowed to be educated or countries whose daily news events are controlled or censored.  Places where tyrants rule by ego-infused power and armies are fueled by fear.   Lands where children are used as human shields and corruption is apparent.  

Yet, when we do see those who suffer under such evil, do we stop to realize that those who served our nation are the ones who kept us from falling into such horrors? 

Pausing is not enough

We pause to honor our fallen warriors on Memorial Day and our Veterans on their day in November each year.   But pausing is not enough.  Two days is insufficient, and there could never be enough thankfulness. 

Today, 67,495 veterans are homeless.  Furthermore, according to VA Claims Insider, our former military members are two times more likely to become homeless than those who never served.

One million Veterans live below the poverty line, and 4.9 million or 27% of all veterans have a service-related disability.  

A new and troubling report found that 24 veterans per day commit suicide.* Death by suicide is 1.5 times higher than the general population and 2.5 times higher for the women who once served.

So, clearly, after reading those statistics, are two days of gratitude enough?  Is our freedom worth doing a wee bit more?

Our personal divides, our seemingly endless politicizing of everything and everyone, should become secondary to our thankfulness for those who served our great nation.  We must resolve to take care of those who protect us from harm.  We as a nation are obviously not doing enough to protect them. 

Love grows

My love for our service members grew enormously as I aged.  My peers served in Vietnam, and many came home with profound, long-lasting disabilities.  Mental and physical scars accompanied them through life, and those that made it home still grieve for those who didn’t.

These selfless men and women are the best of America.  They continue to serve our nation with dignity, courage, and inspiration. 

On December 6, 2018, a wheelchair-bound World War II veteran rose with help to salute another soldier.  It took all former Senator Bob Dole could physically muster to give a final farewell to his friend and former rival, President George H.W. Bush.  The love of country and their fellow man came before the physical scars they bore.  Ultimately, it was their honor to serve our nation with the class and dignity America should always represent.  

No one who does not understand the sacrifices of those who served our nation and protected our rights should lead our country.   They should never be in Congress or serve in any capacity in government.  With an evident appreciation for our military members, our heroes can maintain hope and avoid dire consequences.

Deliver honor

The best way to honor our Veterans is to live an appreciative life and never undermine their achievements by being insensitive to their needs.   We are still America because of these brave men and women, no matter how self-absorbed we can become or how divided we can be.  As long as they keep up the good fight, we must battle to become better and more appreciative citizens.

 We can open our wallets and hearts and give to those who need our help.  We can demand more support and less rhetoric from our representatives.

So, for more than two days per year, let us do more than pay lip service to our Veterans; let’s unite and care for our heroes.

“Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.”  President Abraham Lincoln.

We must do more; we must endure.

By the time you read this, hopefully, I will be sailing away.  Yes, we are heading on a much-needed mission to find tranquility.  It’s called vacation, and to be honest, I have never been good at those things.  As a matter of fact, I know God left out the ‘relaxation’ gene when he made me.  

When I do go on vacation, I usually feel somewhat guilty or embarrassed because there is something I should have done or forgot to do before I sat down.  Furthermore, it does bother me to go on such a lavish adventure when so many are suffering today. 

It begs the question, “Why am I so blessed?”  If I’m cold, I turn up the heat.  If I am hungry, I grab a snack in the kitchen.  If I am sick, I call the doctor.  It’s all so easy, isn’t it?   The truth is that most of us are spoiled in our American way of life.  It’s pretty cool to be us, but how and why are we so blessed to be us?

Perhaps God chose us to be the caretakers, the reminders, the kind ones who will promote goodwill.   He blessed us with abundance so we could aid others who have no heat, little food, and no healthcare.  The problem for so many is that we cannot for the life of us remember we are blessed!

Ringing any bells?

Shoot, I get mad when I can’t find my glasses, when the oven doesn’t heat faster, or when David hangs his jeans over anything but a coat hanger.   I want to yell when Amazon is late or when I forget to buy snacks at the store around the corner.  I complain about the high price of gasoline but think nothing about the high price I paid for the car, which requires expensive gas.

Ringing any bells out there?

Remember the old song, “If you worried and you can’t sleep, count your blessings instead of sheep.”  Sometimes, I sing that to my mind in the night when tossing and turning accompanies me to bed.  There, I lay in a warm bed under clean sheets with a roof over my head and worry about whether I have the right clothes for my vacation to tranquility! 

I forgot to replace the worry with thankfulness for the shelter over my head and the warmth of a blanket.  And how do any of us find tranquility when thankfulness is missing?  Impossible. 

No complaint

As we watch the wars rage in other countries with horrific scenes of death and destruction, we must realize that our pettiness has no place right now.  Instead of complaining or arguing, let’s praise God for the gifts He bestowed on this scraggly group of people.   Our fights are no comparison to the battles they endure and the hardships they face. 

When we count our blessings, we subtract our worries, and we strengthen our spirits.

  No, I have never been good at vacations, taking it easy, or resting.  However, perhaps I need to watch the moon fall into the ocean or study a cloud that floats in the sky.  Maybe I need to reflect on the presents the Lord gave me, taking the time to value them more.

 “Come to Me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”  Jesus said in Matthew 11:28

God must know I need to rest for a bit.  He may have to tie me in a chair, but so be it.  I, like many, must take time to reflect, pray, and count my immense blessings. And when I do, I will be more thankful for the jeans that still hang over anything but a coat hanger.

  I know when we stop to smell the rose or breathe in the fresh air, we renew our souls and clear our minds.  I just wish I could take the rest of the world with me to do the same. 

Today, many are living through terrifying and horrific hours.  Children are brutally murdered at the hands of human animals.   Whether the beast is dressed in a pristine suit watching a parade of his Russian troops or the dirty rascals dressed in fatigues in the Middle East, they are still the same: pure evil. 

For most decent people, it is hard to imagine how one becomes soulless, but power, ego, and warped beliefs can destroy anyone’s heart.  Unfortunately, these creatures live among all people everywhere.  How their ability to influence so many with their deranged, narcissistic minds has always been a mystery to me.  I fear it is because when many lose hope, they also lose the ability to care.

When we think, “Well, it doesn’t matter how I vote or what I say because we are doomed anyway,” we open the door to brutality.   Doing so proves that our lives are more important than our children’s.  So, we must never give up or give in for their sake, and we must stand firm against the rabid scoundrels of the world.

The tentacles of these inhumane humans travel far and sneak into safe havens to kill.  If we don’t show that our ‘caring power’ is strong, they will turn off the lights in America.

A juxtaposition

As I watched the news this morning, it seemed an odd juxtaposition between the frenzy of bombs falling in Gaza and Israel and the fever Taylor Swift causes as her Eras Tour movie debuts.  It all appeared remarkably strange yet very American. 

Don’t get me wrong, Taylor brings delight to many with her generosity and warmth, but she also reminded me to be thankful.  Thankful that joy still abides here.  No bombs are falling on this corner of the world… yet.  Happy celebration creates dancing in the aisles when Taylor performs.. for now. 

 At the premiere, the mega star’s elegant blue gown is pristine, her makeup flawless, and her shoes are tinted the same shade of sky blue.

 A world away, a child is barefoot, his face covered in soot, and his clothes are torn and stained with blood.  American youngsters rush to catch a school bus this morning, while in other countries, children run to a bomb shelter.  Yes, American life is normal…today.

Many say, “We just can’t keep giving US money to aid foreign wars!” Yet, how can we not?  Do we believe we are impervious to barbarians who fear nothing?  Clearly, September 11^th, 2001, proved we are not.

If we are concerned about the future world for our children, we and our allies need to keep writing checks.  We must encourage all peace-loving nations and citizens to care enough not to fall prey to those who wish for our fall.  We cannot save the world, but we cannot lose ours because we failed to try.

Roar and not become a victim

Remember, God is not an American, and he is not an isolationist.  He is the father of all humankind.  His message is clear… “Don’t withhold good from someone who deserves it when it is in your power to do so.”  Proverbs 3:27

Apathy is deadly.   The lion will die if the mighty beast does not roar and lazes in the sun, unaware of the hyena slinking behind him.  The hyenas hide in the bushes, waiting for the lion to become impassive and sluggish.

 We must remember to roar.

Our gratitude for living where we are free to roam without constant fear of death is immeasurable.  More importantly, it should never be taken for granted.  Human animals can thrive with very little to steal life from their victims.

We cannot become victims. 

This is the day to stand as one nation.  This is the hour to put our political blame games aside and move our spirits forward.  We must value others, denounce selfishness, and let our goodness shine.  Now is the moment to defeat terrorists lurking on every corner.   It is time to punish the antisemites, the racists, and the haters everywhere.   

Americans should lead the chorus of roars, keep the hyenas away, and destroy the evil lurking in the darkness before they find us sleeping in the sun.

For the love of all nations under God, join hands and pray for terror to end and for those who suffer from the brutal wounds of soulless, barbaric human animals…now.

“Lord, remind me to just breathe and let the cool fall air seep into my senses and calm my soul.   Between ridiculous wars waged in the halls of our Congress and the battles abroad, we need your professional help. 

I often wonder if you are walking away and ending this old world.  I couldn’t blame you much.   For those who have read your book’s last chapter, you are following the words John wrote and what he saw.  Fires, earthquakes, wars, immoral selfish leaders, self-righteous folks, and turmoil fill our earth.  Now Israel attacked?  Wow!

And even though you do know what you are doing, could you give us another chance to do better?

Thank you, Lord.”

I know folks have discussed the end of time since the beginning of time, and who knows when we will be gone, but there is still hope.  So many good folks are still around, even though we all get sidetracked with wackiness occasionally.  We genuinely aren’t that bright; we just think we are.  That may be the main problem.

Power belongs to God

The quest for power is in a race with the pursuit of justice and equality.  Evil, indeed, is battling goodness on many fronts.  Churches are separating into sects, our government is splitting into factions, and often, they can turn folks away from caring at all.

 Every person believes they are correct, and boy, do we argue over our beliefs!  But when our idea of what is right or wrong comes before God’s words, we are all wrong.

Sometimes, I feel the Lord is trying to shake us silly to remind us to first follow Him instead of any earthly power.  We endured a killing plague, wildfires, floods, storms, and some mighty bad Washington behavior, but many still aren’t shaken.

 Some folks blamed others for all the horror we endured instead of working together to find solutions.  We proved the old theory that blaming and hate is much easier than admitting fault and love.

We witness evil proclaiming innocent lives and horrors we cannot comprehend.  However, those who inflame and spread hostility must be held accountable.

Character matters

 My children were put in time out or grounded if they bullied, spoke ill-will, poked fun at others, and disrespected any human soul.  When we elect leaders who do not follow the same principles, it is an affront to godly behavior and civility. 

When I witnessed a well-known political candidate openly mock a disabled reporter during a campaign, I walked outside to my porch and cried.  I have seen everything I taught my children to not do from our presumed government leaders.

 Character matters, and lack of it results in dire consequences.  Does policy come before godly behavior?  Does spreading fear come before the fear of God? 

Many in the political realm gain popularity by promoting ill will, blame, and vengeance.   That’s a shame because they would win and have more support if they were more respectful and showed dignity.  They lose because many American mothers proclaim, “You’re grounded.”

This is not a Republican or Democratic issue but a humanitarian one.  It is not about winning a race but running with grace and God. 

So, which way do we turn?  We saw a smattering of how untruths and lousy behavior can corrupt our nation when our capital was attacked.   How does terrorism begin, or how does a dictator start his reign?  It begins with selfish behavior, lack of fear of God, disrespect for human life, and inaction by those who believe in peace.

Kindness does not kill

“Lord, help all people to see you on the road, stop and offer you a ride through the hills and valleys of our entire existence.”

For each person to aid those in need and demonstrate love will advance goodness instead of evil.  We can be less combative and listen to others by being more open-minded and courteous.  Kindness does not kill. 

It is easy to be thoughtful and compassionate if we raise awareness of the benefits.  We can prevent many disasters if we try to help the Lord and fear His judgment instead of judging others.  If we applaud respectfulness, tolerance, and understanding, we can remind the world of the goodness of our nation.

“And Lord, help us all to breathe the cool air of autumn, feel the warmth of your love, and find peace.  For we know you will win the ultimate battle.”

“If anyone respects and fears God, he will hate evil.  For wisdom hates pride, arrogance, corruption, and deceit of every kind.”  Proverbs 8:13