Sailing in the San Juan and Gulf Islands required not only knowledge of our boat, navigation skills and charts to map out safe routes, but also knowing where the safe anchoring spots were – both for a long leisurely stay or a place to tuck in from a storm.
A rocky bottom would not hold the typical anchor. Exposure to prevailing winds gave little protection from dragging and required constant surveillance. If your anchor site was too deep, a high incoming tide could lift the anchor off the bottom. If you arrived at high tide and were not prepared for low tides, you could end up high and dry with your boat on its side.
I thought of that today as I read Is. 33 where God instructs us how to live. The Message states that the answer is simple:
“Live right, speak the truth, despise exploitation, refuse bribes, reject violence, avoid evil amusements. This is how you raise your standard of living! A safe and stable way to live, a nourishing, satisfying way to live”
I was thankful for all the time my husband and I had spent taking navigation classes, reading about the areas where we would sail and knowing where the good and safe anchoring spots were.
I am grateful that I have the wisdom of the ages and the words of God available to direct me to those places where I can set my anchor – not only for the night, but for each day.
If I do not take the time to read, study and learn how to navigate the waters of life and apply the principles and values set down for us, then I am at the mercy of whatever storms and adversities may strike. I will not know where to find those safe harbors and inlets of peace and hope to set my anchor.
I knew him as a friend. My kids knew him as Uncle Jack. Others knew him for his smile and hugs – others for the amazing cakes he baked and decorated or the chocolates that melted in your mouth. Others remembered stories when music and drumming competed for his time in the culinary arts. However you knew him, his loss was felt by everyone.
We came together to celebrate a life that touched each of us deeply. We came to mourn a special person who met many adversities with determination and resolve and a smile that never went away. He lived life with passion – a passion to create pastries and chocolates you would never forget and a passion for family and people. And by his side was a wife who worked, lived and breathed the same passion. Their love was great – her grief will be deep.
Today we think of funerals as celebrations. Some are. Others fall short. But this last Sunday 400 or more people gathered to cry, laugh and share stories. They came not to celebrate his many achievements, but to celebrate the person – the Jack who reached out to everyone leaving an indelible imprint on their lives forever. When we left the church full of memories and the residue of cake and frosting on our fingers, we carried in our hearts a bit of Jack that will stay forever.
Goodbye, Jack, until we come to join you in our Lord’s kingdom.
How long does it take for you to go from one frame of mind to another? Seconds – mille-seconds?
I was given a complimentary ticket to attend a symphony concert last weekend that featured two young musicians, a brother and sister, playing a violin and cello. No sooner had they begun to play, when I was transported into that indescribable world of music; mesmerized by the precision, sound and coordination that existed between these siblings. It was as though they were of one mind while playing – they were synchronized – both instruments played as one while playing separate notes.
In such moments, we are caught up in the surge of life that transports us out of the ordinary into the exquisite. Cares are gone. Worries vanish as if by magic and we are suspended in time and place.
Every day, every hour, every minute – and yes even every mille-second, we are given opportunities to see the world in a different way, to experience the synchronization of nature and life through sight and sound. We are captivated in that second and transported into a space of deep contentment and pleasure.
The miracles of life which hold the tenets of deep peace and joy surround us every day. We find them everywhere – in the beauty of a sunset, the gentle swaying of leaves, the intricacies of a spider’s web, or the busyness of hummingbirds and bees. We are confronted with the endurance of life in the persistent weed that finds a crack in the earth’s surface to poke through. Our cares melt in the smile of a baby or a happy toddler running to us with open arms. Contentment is captured in time spent with friends.
In these and many other moments, we are taken out of the ordinary and mundane into a world of uniting and connecting.
Which begs the question:
If these moments are available to us all the time, every day, why aren’t we taking advantage of them? Why don’t we seek them out? If our mindset can be altered in a second or mille-second, from gloomy and sad to enthusiasm and contentment, why do we choose to spend so much time in the world of negativity?
Is it possible to exchange a negative attitude that only focuses on concerns to ones where we see potential and good in a second of time? Can we quickly change our attitudes to reflect encouragement rather than discouragement, harmony versus chaos – beauty instead of the ugly?
Scripture and science tell us we can. When I realize I not only have the ability to choose my responses to life but am doing so all the time, I look at life differently. I am choosing my frame of mind, my attitude and way of thinking every moment. While I still want to enjoy that ticket to the theater or symphony, I realize that I can produce my own music, harmony and symphony in my life.
God extends to us not only a beautiful world, but endless grace and love and potential. We are free to accept and build on that or continue to focus on the negativity in our lives. We choose – every minute – every second and mille-second.
Words – that vehicle of expression that conveys to another the sharing of information, encouragement and understanding – attempts to put into language that which is felt and experienced.
As a new writer, I enter that formidable world where concepts without form or physical substance use existing symbols and pictures to create an understanding.
I had the honor this past week to hear Paul Young, author of The Shack, speak at our church. After six weeks of a study of his book with a group of fellow Lutherans, it was a privilege to not only hear him speak but have him sit at our table and share an evening meal and friendly conversation.
There are many who started reading The Shack and when they reached the point in his book where God is portrayed as a big black woman, closed its covers and never went any further. Paul shared with us that evening that his own Mother struggled with that at first. He then proceeded to tell us how God used people to bring clarity and understanding for what he had written.
As we listened to his stories, we rejoiced at the indescribable love of God, His timing, His awesome power and the freedom we have in and through Him. If there was any doubt of this man’s personal relationship with His Lord it was soon dispelled.
What has this got to do with my topic of words? Only that here was a book that was never originally written to be sold, but to convey to his children and family the struggle and experiences he had encountered. He wrote the book while commuting to and from work and had 15 copies printed to give to his family and a few friends for Christmas. It was his friends who recognized the value of the book’s message and worked to have it published. After 27 rejections from publishers, a small publishing group was formed and the book published. From that beginning, the book has been translated into many languages and over 20 million sold.
As sojourners on this earth, we all have a story to tell. That story may be one another needs to hear to understand their own pain, be encouraged by hope, or find ways to work through difficult situations. We may write at first to meet the need to record our own thoughts and feelings and in the process find that by sharing them with others we form a connecting circle of lives where God meets and intervenes for good in our lives.
With that in mind, I will continue to struggle with proper sentence structure and grammar and punctuation so that I can use the words God gives me to paint pictures of the soul and spirit that can be uplifting and healing.
Write. God has given each of us who He calls the words we need. I want to read and be enriched by your stories – and I don’t care if the punctuation is right. I only want to hear your voice ringing through the words you use to share your message.
I was privileged to attend another NWCW’s Renewal Writer’s Conference last weekend. We not only had the opportunity to talk to editors and agents but to attend invaluable workshops they and others presented.
One of those workshops I attended was given by Kathleen Kerr; Associate Senior Editor of Harvest House Publications entitled “Voice – What you can’t learn from a Workshop.”
While struggling with all the technicalities of writing, we were encouraged not to forget our own voice. In an in-class exercise, we were asked to write in “our voice” the 23rd Psalm. I share that exercise with you this morning.
Oh Father, you are my shepherd – my comforter, my counselor – the one who guides my life. You direct me to places that are pleasant and sweet – those quiet places where my soul can be regenerated. You guide me so I don’t fall off the mountain’s path or slip into stagnant water or get lost in the desert going nowhere. You show me the roads to take and the direction to go. When I let you lead, I am not afraid – I know you are protecting me and keeping me safe. You provide for my needs as I go through life and I am satisfied. At the end of the day, I have food to eat and a place to sleep. I don’t fear my enemies – enemies of loneliness, doubt, rejection or distrust – for you are my protector as well as guide. Even if I have enemies all around me, I do not have to fear.
Oh Lord, I am so grateful – for I have been blessed. Others may not see the blessings, but I do – and my heart is full. I see your beauty around me every day and am satisfied and content. Wherever I am, I am with you – in your hands, your care, your protection, your house of love. Nothing can hurt me.
It’s not only writers who are challenged to be more of who they are. Within all the rules and demands on how we should and ought to live, and what we can and cannot do, our identities are often squelched leaving us feel like little robots. As we compare ourselves with others, we lose sight of ourselves.
God gives each of us a unique personality. We are not to be carbon copies of someone else. We are meant to be who we were created to be.
On March 22nd our community was preparing for a gala fundraiser for our chorus. People in and around Oso, Darrington and Arlington, WA were going about their day as usual.
And then, without warning, a tragedy struck. A giant mudslide came tumbling down, obliterating everything in its path, taking the lives of people who were loved and cherished.
This blogspot today is dedicated to all those who have been impacted by this tragedy.
Pastor Michael Duncan from Darrington, WA, one of the survivors, tells us what minutes can mean and why the minutes in our lives are so important. Thank you, Michael, for sharing God’s saving grace and love and comfort, even in the midst of the worst of tragedies.
Please click on the link below to visit his website and the video of his talk as he tells us his own personal connection to this tragedy.
Our mind loves to focus on what is negative. Perhaps it helps us perceive danger so we can protect ourselves. However, when we perceive danger or distress in everything, we become super vigilant, depressed and worn out. We no longer experience laughter or happiness. There is no joy in our lives.
I do not like gray skies that go on day after day. I would not be a very good cave dweller. I need light. During long, northwest cloud-covered days, a light box joins me and my cup of coffee as I begin my day with The Message and my laptop. But while I am encouraged with God’s word, and the light box changes melatonin levels in my brain, I also bring to the mix my automatic responses to what is going on around me.
In Philippians 4, St. Paul tells us to “celebrate God”. We are told not to fret or worry but instead pray and fill our minds with things that are “true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” (The Message)
So I put a new perspective on the gray northwest skies. I look out my window and see instead of rain and gray the green landscape of lawns, trees and bushes. In spring, I marvel at the abundant colors from tulips, daffodils, rhododendrons and azaleas that thrive under rainy as well as sunny skies. I change my focus from the color gray to the green, red, purple, and pink colors of plants and trees that bloom in spite of cloudy days and make the Pacific Northwest one of the most beautiful places in the world to live.
In the same way, we are challenged to put a new perspective on other things in life. Parents are challenged to teach their children rules and responsibilities while giving them freedom to be children. We are challenged to see the good in the grumpy neighbor and difficult family member. We are asked to pray for those that aren’t nice to us. We grit our teeth and try to work with that difficult supervisor. Every day, life presents challenges that when we respond to them at face value leave us angry, stressed, resentful and oftentimes bitter. Life is more than unfair – it can be downright cruel.
As we search scripture for words of comfort and love we also find a God who is teaching us to change our perspective and focus. When we allow God’s love to enter our sphere, we see the wounds and pain that cause people to strike out; we see the losses that have colored their internal skies not only gray but black. And we can appreciate the loving traits as well as the struggles of our spouse, children and co-workers. And in so doing, we can offer a new perspective to their day – that bright spot of love that changes another’s gray existence of hopelessness and despair to bright colors of hope and peace.
How often have you felt like screaming at the top of your lungs when everything that could go wrong has gone wrong? I know I have. A critical e-mail should have gone out yesterday, my office gremlins keep hiding the information I need, I’m 15 minutes late for my dental appointment and the school just called and told me my child is sick. And while running around in circles trying to decide what to do, what not to do and how and when you will do any of it, you are screaming “AAUUGH!”
Even when we are organized and on top of things, there will be those moments when everything falls apart and stress levels skyrocket.
How do we lower our stress to make it work for us instead of against us?
If there is a real emergency, by all means use that accelerated stress to act quickly. Our Flight/Fight System is designed to give us that instant boost of speed and strength. But most situations we face are not life threatening – but rather a perception of an exaggerated and amplified threat.
Here are some suggestions to reduce stress to a manageable and workable size.
Many years ago people were advised to hang a “closed” sign on their business and “go fishing” when faced with an overwhelming problem. While it sounds simplistic, in many ways it was sound advice, because it shifted the focus away from the distress and allowed the mind to relax and do its job without our interference.
When mental stress is high we do not think as efficiently. Fear and anxiety take center stage instead of clarity of thought, organization and definitive direction.
Try one of the following exercises:
• Visualize yourself on a mini-vacation. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes and slowly take some deep, even breaths. Redirect your focus away from your problem to an image of yourself at the beach, by a quiet pond or whatever pleasant place your mind creates for you. Allow yourself to become immersed in the beauty, fragrances and relaxing atmosphere. This can be done anywhere and anytime unless you are driving or in the middle of a job.
• Take a coffee break with your Lord. Go somewhere quiet and talk to Him quietly about the problems you are experiencing. Ask His Holy Spirit to calm your spirit. Breathe slowly and evenly. Resist focusing on panic or time pressure. Instead, focus on how wonderful it is to be taking a coffee break with your Lord. Remember all the times He has helped and all the blessings He gives us every day. Thank Him and focus on that gratitude.
• Go for a 10 minute walk. Purposefully walk slow as you take slow, even breaths. Imagine you are holding a handful of balloons. Place one of your problems or struggles in each balloon. Raise your arm and let them go. “Watch” your imaginary balloons sail into the sky taking your stress with them. Smile as you think about all the times as a kid you had fun. Feel your spirits lift. (Research indicates that when someone holds a smile for a minute or two the chemistry in our brain changes.)
• Take a quick time out. Stand up and concentrate on breathing slowly and evenly. Slowly raise your arms above your head. As you reach for the ceiling, hold your breath for a second. Then as you slowly lower your arms to your side, release your air. Do this several times until your stress and tension have been reduced.
• Reframe your thinking. Most of our stress is generated between our ears and is perpetuated by us. The world will not come to an end if your work is delayed five to ten minutes. You may be late, people might have to wait another day, but stress leads to mistakes and accidents. It lowers our efficiency and productivity.
Most of these exercises take about 5 to 10 minutes. When stress levels rise, hormones and chemicals affecting every organ in the body are dumped into our system to prepare us for a real physical danger. But most of our perceived dangers are psychological. Taking 5 to 10 minutes to reduce stress and tension will give you more constructive energy, enable you to think more clearly, and work more effectively.
Marlene Anderson
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Sailing in the San Juan and Gulf Islands required not only knowledge of our boat, navigation skills and charts to map out safe routes, but also knowing where the safe anchoring spots were – both for a long leisurely stay or a place to tuck in from a storm.
