Stuff- or not.....

Yesterday was "Black Friday". Millions around the country camped out-literally for hours sometimes a span of 24 hours or more- to get the best deal on everything from TVs to pajamas. For many years I did not participate in this oh so sacred shopping day- but several years ago,I too began to peruse the Thanksgiving day ads- and began to be drawn in to the "deals" that I saw! Last year...I became "one of them". I found myself standing in line - in the dark - in the cold - at Best Buy with hundreds of other eager shoppers. Sixty minutes later, I left the store with my shopping cart full.... of things I did not have any intention of buying... things I did not need...things that called for an hour or more of rebate clipping and snipping and sending each to "save" even more money! The next day- I took almost all of it back to where it came from. What happened? I had gotten swept up into the moment of excitement and synergy. If the person next to me had it - and it was a good deal- then surely I needed that "mini- dvd player, video web cam combo"... and after all- they offered to save my place in line for me while I dashed back for one more SD card or DVD... if I snagged one or two more for them! It was fun... it was exciting... it was exhilarating... it was exhausting... it was not for me! I know many families enjoy this day for many reasons- it is akin to those who gather at the deer camp and plan their hunt. There is strategy, planning and reconnaissance. For many it is the best day of the year! I am oky with that- and happy for them...but for me this year- I chose not to go. Not that I did not consider it- and not that I was not drawn to a few of the shiny sparkly ads that promised me the opportunity to "SAVE"!! This year I chose not to be drawn in. Instead, I went to the gym and worked out for an hour... then met a good friend for coffee. The rest of the day was spent sorting and cleaning my home office. A box of unwanted "stuff" was packed away for next years garage sale. My office is clean-and my desk has been freed of the clutter that has overwhelmed it for the last month. I am happy. I am writing today because I have cleared at least some of the clutter from my life. I did not buy more stuff. I do not have to return anything today that I don't want or need. This one small decision and the resulting peace it has given me- is amazing. It gave me a little more room in my life for what matters. This is good. We- my husband and I are in the process of simplifying our life - less stuff - more of what matters. This shift in our thinking has been coming for several years and it most often must be a deliberate choice not to fill our lives with more stuff and the accumulation of more things. More people- less stuff. It allows more room for God to move in our lives and use us if He does not have to push so much of our stuff out of the way. I want more of God and less of me. This is even better than good.

You are NOT the boss of ME !

How many times have we heard those words from a small toddler to another equally small toddler... "you are not the boss of me",or perhaps your own child was so bold (or a bit naive) and said it to YOU ?

There are many times (albeit for different reasons ) we need to draw upon that same stubborn spirit stirring within those little scrawny pint size children....when they stomp little feet and dig in tiny heels while declaring in a voice so loud it can surely be heard by anyone in the neighboring county....."you are not the boss of me"! Today more than ever, we too need to purpose once again, to hold firm and stand for that what matters!

Much around us is being questioned on a daily basis and altered to fit the arena we find ourselves in. Values,relationships, finances, our future and our faith- all under attack by the spirit of an age where foundations are shaken and our world consists of a landscape ever shifting like the rolling sea! David the shepherd boy stood up to his Goliath not with a coat of armor or a sword and a spear- but instead with the Spirit of the Living God flowing through his very being. David stood. He did not waiver, he did not back down and he did not run. He stood against the lies of a Philistine giant. He stood against insults that came against his God, his people and his future. Much was at stake that day. If the God of Israel whom David trusted did not fight the battle- all would be lost. David listened and obeyed what God told him to do. He gathered five stones, he placed them in his sling- he stood his ground and declared for all time .... that Goliath and all he stood for would NOT "be the boss" of him!

I want that same strong spirit- to stand for what is true and right- to stand for what matters and not back down... Lord fill me- (fill us )today fresh and anew- that I would not allow the spirit of this age- to "be the boss of me" anymore. That I like David- would be a world changer- making a difference with what YOU have put in my hands!

Launching an Arrow

Today was the day- we did it.... we launched our last arrow out into the world. It is so very quiet here in my cozy warm house. The home that was so often a place of shelter, nurture and strength for my children throughout the years. Today was a milestone arrow shoot though.... in the past few years we have launched my daughter into college, marriage and motherhood. Another child the middle or as I now prefer to call it ... my center child (sounds stronger all the way around don't you think) choose a road less traveled during a portion of his growing up years.....but as he grew into a man- I saw a transformation and a miracle day came when he too.... was launched out into his world..the world of buying a home,and the developing of a long term solid friendship that may develop into a life long relationship... that could mean great things for them both! We saw the step of their commitment to Lord...and now we're sitting out and believing for great things for him in so many ways...my center child! God has his hand there- and we have stood on HIS promise that no one feather will be lost with out my heavenly father's hand right there and his knowing of each and every situation! But this last arrow...my "baby" my youngest child.......I am not sure I was ready to let this arrow go! But it was time- and this week we did it- off to college this last arrow! So much I wanted to say yet...so much I wonder if fwe have done right... does he know how to balance a checkbook, do laundry, and boil water? No time for all of those things- but what I do say is " stay strong - strong and straight- be strong in your faith, do not waver...be strong- trust not in your own understanding, and He will make your path straight!" ( I hope he remembers.... )

Lord as my last arrow launches tonight- first give me strength for this journey....this is just you and him God......all the way.. all the way... all the way! Griff my little boy who has grown into a man..... I pray that you will live your life as a man of God..bold and amazing- a world changer!! Anointing and power wisdom discernment and strength be unto you this arrow of mine. Shoot far- embrace with passion what GOD has for you! Reach for the stars....but keep your feet planted firmly in the faith that is your foundation. (and remember to call home... make your bed... change your socks.... and...... ) sigh- go change your world !!! I love you........