We Are the Lucky Ones

To be honest, I am struggling with the politics at present. In my home state, we have an open senate race. I am not thrilled about either candidate. Although, the one, scares me. This is the one that people are flocking to see. I have observed that the main part of his campaign is bashing the president and anyone that is associated with the presidency.

Of course, for those who don’t like the president, this makes him a “good guy” in their eyes. I have to say that he is a master manipulator. When I hear him speak, I cringe. Which I am sure people that don’t like the president also do when the president speaks.

This candidate does not answer questions. When he speaks, he makes me think of Fauci when he was being questioned and just kept pleading the fifth. This candidate, when questioned about anything, the mantra is the same “put money in your pockets, money out of politics, Medicare for all. We shouldn’t be giving money to Israel for a war.” I can guarantee you that if the U.S. would aid Iran, he would be perfectly fine with it.

Many people are thinking this guy is honest and wonderful. Both of which I have to disagree. He is a danger. When asked about Iran being a threat, still no answer and says it’s a ridiculous question. It definitely is not a ridiculous question! He claims to be a Muslim and a while back, He said that Muslims hate us. So, why-why would anyone get excited about him? I don’t know if all Muslims hate us, but apparently this one does.

This candidate is cocky, hits below the belt and is just not a good guy and people want to give him full access to high level security access. Oh my goodness! I just don’t get what people see in this guy. The things that he says about his opponent, after researching it, I found that he has twisted the truth quite a bit to make his point and then throws the presidents name in there and people believe it.

I also don’t like that his opponent talks more about what a danger he is, than actually what he, himself is running on and I don’t think that’s good either. It just makes me ill to think this guy who I feel is a danger to us, will be in our senate. I just can’t understand how people can be fooled by this guy. I do think that he will win though.

Given a choice over someone who has given many years to serving and protecting our country and someone who wants to destroy it and has never paid for his own schooling. I think I will pick the one who fights for our country.

Having expressed this, a couple weeks ago, my pastor had a message from Jeremiah. It was when the Babylonians had taken the Israelites into exile. God had appointed Jeremiah to take a message to the people to let them know that they would be in exile a while. They were under oppressive rule. Yet, God told Jeremiah to “Seek the peace of the city, of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it, for in it’s peace, you will have peace.”

It’s interesting to note that ancient Babylonia is the current Iraq and Persia is the current Iran.

I feel, without a shadow of a doubt that this candidate IS actually part of a many year plot to take over America. So, if we are not killed, we will be in exile. I do think that just as Jeremiah was to tell the Israelites to seek peace where they are at, that we are too.

Regardless of what happens, we are to pray for our leaders whether they are good or bad. There may be rough years ahead, but our hope does not come from the government. Our hope comes from the Lord.

Jesus said to pray for our enemies. So, I must lay down my fears before the Lord and do just that.

Today , September 8th, is the 11th anniversary of my Mum’s passing.

One thing that I will always remember about my Mum is her ability to be loving and forgiving and extend that to the people that she met.

I pray that my kids could say the same for me.

As someone who has been teased about being a chatterer, I embrace those around me. I love interacting. This wasn’t always so, being such a shy child. I have found that my love for the uniqueness of people is what I am so drawn to.

This past week, I have seen a lot of people. Had lunch with a longtime friend and attended 2 celebrations of life of 2 sisters that passed exactly a week apart. It is so hard to lose people.

I feel that is why I enjoy people so much. Knowing that our time on earth is limited.

On Sunday,we had not only one but two of Leonard’s sisters drop by. Neither knew the other was going to be here. What a blessing! Yesterday, we got to hangout with my daughter, son-in-law and grandson. What a joy that is!

Having stated these things, I do fail at times to bring blessing to others.

Social media can be a useful tool in connecting with people but more often than not, it causes division. I have to admit that I, too get angered by things I witness on social media. I am appalled that it is flooded with articles that have very little truth in them. People share these articles without checking their validity. Often, they are negative about people in politics.

Recently, I am embarrassed to admit that I have fallen into this trap. Even though I HAVE checked into validity of claims, I have engaged in commenting on some articles. I apologize to everyone for doing this.

We have a candidate in our state that I feel is a danger to all of us. I have listened to him speak and he has a mantra that he recites over and over that causes people to think that he is a “good guy”. Yet, if you listen to how he addresses people, what he is actually saying and how he lashes out below the belt, you realize he is someone who not only would not be good for us but will be a danger. He is big on criticizing the president. So, many people don’t actually listen to what he says. They think that if he’s against Trump, he has to be good. You should not compare him to anyone- if you vote for him, it should be because he would benefit our state and country.

This, has occupied my mind for quite some time and it has spilled out in social media. This should not be.

As I was reading in James 3:1 where it states, “Let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgement.”

When we first read this, we think to ourselves, “ I am not a teacher, so this does not apply to me.”

But…

It goes on to say,”for we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a “perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.”

Whenever we try to make a point about something and we think we are right- we are trying to be teachers.

I pray for forgiveness for this. We are also called not to slander.

So, instead I am choosing to pray for this man.

James also teaches that “out of the same mouth proceeding blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be.

So, with the Lord’s help. I plan on not having blessing and cursing come out of my mouth.

We so often fall on our own understanding and it is so flawed. May we always draw back to our Lord who guides and yes, reveals to us when we are going astray.

Since being assessed as having stage3b chronic kidney disease, I have had a lot of questions.

Is this REALLY what this is? My lab numbers seem to confirm. Yet, they are not done testing. This coming week, I will be having a renal doplar ultrasound, as they suspect hardening of the arteries in my groin, causing blood not to flow into the kidneys. I misunderstood, and thought they said that this was going on. They are just assuming until this test is done.

One symptom that IS consistent with kidney disease is fatigue and I have had that and some brain fog. Although, these are consistent with so many things.

We, “the Lucky Ones” are quite a pair at present with Leonard’s confusion and his own brain fog. Communication is hard. Two peas in a pod.

Still, our journey as a couple, has endured many ups and downs and we press on.

We all have situations in our lives that cause us to want answers. Be that with health, relationships, finance, uncertainty of the future.

Being that I do have an inquiry mind, I tend to ask a lot of questions. No, not to the professionals, to myself. These questions in essence are worrying.

What did Jesus say about worry? Don’t do it!” Do not worry about tomorrow.

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭27‬ ‭

Whether it’s world events, our health, health of a loved one, finances, relationships, anything in the world as we know it— we are not to worry.

God sees our pains, our joys and our struggles. Sometimes, He chooses not to take us out of it and tells us to trust Him. He will not leave us. He sees us and He will walk us through it as we rely on Him.

No, we may not get all our answers to our questions but God has a plan. He is God and I am not.

There is a question that can be answered. Will I fear the unknown or will I rely on the One who holds me in the palm of His hand?

I hope that you all had an enjoyable Independence Day. We celebrate being an independent country. Where we have freedoms that other countries don’t. This all came at the cost of many young men and women’s lives. I am grateful that I live in America. To worship as I please, to do many things as I please, in the confines of the law. Yet, it came at a price.

I used to get a kick out of Hermey in the Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer movie. He always stated, “I’m Independent”.

As a child of God, do I really want to claim that I’m independent? Yes, we like doing our own thing, being unique, making our way in this world, but is that the way?

God orchestrates every detail of our lives. We find comfort in this. However, when things don’t go as we would like, what then? Do we exercise our independence and rely on ourselves? Do we blame God for” not holding up His part of the bargain”? (How dare we) Do we disregard Romans 8:28? 

We often read this verse and claim that all things will work out good for us and overlook the remaining part of the verse. “those called according to His purpose”. HIS purpose, not our purpose. 

I am often like a little kid, wanting my own way. Settling for things that are not the best, because I don’t have adequate vision. It’s all about me, me,me.  Our God has a purpose for everything He does. He gives us glimpses into His purposes but many things, He wants us to take by faith. Knowing that He loves us, despite what we can see. Trusting in His loving hand to guide us through those things that are difficult and those that bring us joy. Knowing that it isn’t about me, it’s something much, much bigger. Yet, God loves us – you and me,  He’s asking us to join Him in His journey to greater things. We are just a tiny piece of His plan but He treats us as if we are the biggest part.

Hermey also asked Rudolph if he’d like to be independent together.

So, maybe that is the way to look at being independent. Independent together – independent from the world. Joining God and being intertwined in His story and not my own. For our independence from this world and freedom from sin came at an extremely high price. 

I have been really paying attention to the second part of the “Serenity Prayer”

“Living one day at a time,enjoying one moment at a time”

” Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace.””

Taking, as he did, the sinful world as it is,”

  “not as I would have it.””

Trusting that he will make all things right
if I surrender to His will;”

 God does use our hardships as a pathway to peace as we come to Him–the author and finisher of our faith.

For this, I am grateful. Will you join me in being independent from this world and dependent on our Heavenly Father?

As I stated in my last post, we are going through the book, “Control Girl”.

Today’s lesson, asked the following question: “Have you ever been the victim of a controlling person?”

Oh my goodness! All through my life, I have been surrounded by controlling people!

One of my irritations with people that are not only controlling but also dominating is this…They pride themselves, and others praise them for “telling it like it is”. For stating boldly what they feel, what they will allow, their opinions as if they are law. Yes, they are truthful, but at what cost? Most people that have these traits, in my opinion, don’t want to hear anyone else’s point of view. They do not give others the same liberties that they, themselves take. Their interests, opinions, actions and how others relate to them is their only priority. Simply put, all of life evolves around them.

It seems that I am married to one of these people and through the years has caused me much frustration.

It is funny how God orchestrates things. As we are doing this study, a recent event has caused me to take inventory of my own self.

We recently, had our roof replaced. We have had a skylight in our bathroom since we purchased our house. I have loved having that skylight because it brought light and joy into that room. My husband decided that it would be more energy efficient to just remove the skylight and just roof over the top of it. I did not want this, even if it would be more efficient. As of yesterday, that bathroom is dark and gloomy even midday.

Where does my mind go? I am so very saddened and disappointed that outside light no longer enhances that room. I know! Seems like a small thing. Yet again, where does my mind go?

When we picked out our home, the model had a fireplace with a beautiful bookcase and sliding door in the dining room. Does my house have these? No. Apparently, they are not efficient. Over and over, my wishes of things that would bring me joy are of no value.

As I type this, I am reminded of the love chapter in 1 Corinthians 13, where it states that love keeps no record of being wronged.

Again, our lesson, asks the question: “How have you responded to that controlling person?” Then, it asks the question. “How would you respond differently if you were putting God in control?”

If I had put God in control, I wouldn’t be tallying up all my hurts.

The author, made this statement: “You don’t have to be in control to be a control girl.

God is asking me, as He did Hagar. “ What are you trying to escape and what do you want to find?” Again, the answer to both is control. God pressed Hagar to look both directions. Was she truly on the path headed for freedom?

When I pout and get bitter about all the times that my opinions didn’t matter, I am trying to take control. It puts me into bondage of unforgiveness. Which harms my heart and my relationship to God. It’s only in laying this before God, the author of “equality” that I get freedom.

Throughout this study, over and over, I am reminded that when I get upset about things, I am trying to control the situation. For my voice to be heard. Last week, In this chapter that focuses on Hagar, it reminded us that God sees us.He sees us when we are (or feel as if we are) mistreated.

So often, I have stewed about situations that were out of my control. I pray, as I continue to go through this journey, that God would give me the power to show my husband and others, the same enormous grace that He has given me.

A bit ago, my friend was doing a book study with her church and suggested that I do it also. I bought the book, but didn’t start it. While cleaning out my bookshelf, I noticed this book and suggested it to the Bible study that I go to.

The leader of our Bible Study found a test on this book. Which I took. What an eye-opener!

If you had asked me prior to taking this test, if I considered myself a control girl. I would have stated, “Definitely not!”

Some of the questions that I answered, “yes” to: Do you struggle with worry or anxiety? Do you worry about the safety of those you love? Obsess over small concerns because you are worried about where they will lead? Do you tend to project into the future, consider all the “what ifs” and overreact? Are you undisciplined? Do you regularly eat too much, stay up too late, or spend too much time on social media? Are you constantly late? Do you struggle to live within any sort of boundary lines or limits?

The Lord has been showing ways where I struggle with selfishness and I am looking forward to what He will show me in this study.

Please pray that I will have ears to hear and a heart to rely more on God and less on myself.

Today, the pastor’s message was in regard to telling, “ our story”.

Growing up in a household with a high moral standard, caused me to strive for this and be pleasing to my parents. When my actions after I left home did not meet up to what I knew to be right, I felt much guilt and remorse. This lead me to repent and ask Jesus to be my Savior in December 1987.

At this point, I must ask forgiveness from my children and husband. I did not really understand salvation. Just the part of forgiveness for sins that I personally had committed. I didn’t really grasp that we were born in sin. That I needed a Savior to make me clean of what my nature desires. Self. Yes, I read my Bible, prayed, went to church…even taught Sunday school. The fact is, I spent most of my Christian life reading the Bible and striving to live out what I read.

I’m not saying that this was not helpful. It caused me to hang on to the Word of God when things don’t necessarily go right. To bring peace and unity.

What I have come to learn through these years is this:

*He doesn’t want us to have our life and Him as a side to call upon when we get in trouble.

*When we come to Him, we die to ourselves. He doesn’t fix us up. We are new and the best part! No condemnation.

*My natural man cannot please God. No matter how moral I might be, I can not obey, understand or please God on my own.

• The “new birth “ is faith in the crucified Christ. That I need nothing more.
• I share in His crucifixion when I place myself on that cross too. Saying no more to me. Sometimes, I forget and let self creep in and have to go back to that cross.
• He owes us nothing but, He is always trying to connect with us but we often choose to ignore it.

I am thankful that He is always pursuing me. Thankful, that He speaks to us. Thankful that we have won the victory in Christ. Thankful that He IS my new life .

Yes, He is my life. I can only testify to what I have seen.

He has always provided. He has spoken to my heart to help me understand. He is my purpose and friend. He really is everything.

Does that mean that life is smooth. No way! He told us it wouldn’t be. How often do we put God in a box? Expect Him to act in our limited thinking?

There is much I have learned about the One who saved me but, as with any relationship, it continues to grow. I am thankful that I don’t have to worry that He doesn’t understand me. I am thankful that He has created forgiveness in me. So, I can be forgiving to others.

That is my story, and I am thankful.