Trust the Numbers

I work in an endocrinologist's office and hear from our diabetic patients over and over how 'bad' they feel when their blood sugars are in normal ranges. You would think that 'normal' would feel good to them. On the contrary, once their body adjusts to extreme highs, normal feels as if they are dropping too low. They struggle with fatigue, dizziness and difficulty concentrating. That sounds like how I feel every morning! Have I mentioned that I'm not a morning person? Anyway, they panic. These bad feelings CAN"T be good?! Surely they were better off when their blood sugar was high?! It takes quite a bit of explaining by our nurses that they weren't better off. Their bodies are, in essence, lying to them. They can't trust these feelings. They need to trust the numbers.

I'm one of those 'feeling' people. In three years of Bible college, I only failed one course, Systematic Theology. Theology, science, math and all of those don't make sense to me. My brain doesn't work that way. As a little girl learning my numbers, the only way I could relate to them was to give the personalities and build stories around them. I'm not a bottom line kind of person. It's all about feelings and comfort for me. I can usually see multiple sides to an issue. While that can be a blessing, it makes some lessons He has for me harder. The Cross of Jesus Christ doesn't have multiple sides. There is only one way to our Heavenly Father. And believe me, these absolutes DON"T feel good! We get used to sin in our lives. It becomes the normal and we numb to it. When the Cross and Jesus' Blood are applied to us, it can hurt! The children of Israel weren't happy in the desert. In spite of the fact that they were slaves, they began to wish for the 'good old days'. How slavery can be referred to as good old days lets us know just how uncomfortable they felt. Again, they were basing everything on their feelings.

Consistently high blood sugars destroy the body's kidneys, eyes and nerves, just to name a few. Sin causes death, physical and spiritual. We can't listen to the feelings of our body when we start to gain control of blood sugar. We have to watch the glucose meter. It tells the truth while the body lies. When the heady excitement of following His new direction fades and the difficulty of it hits home, pull out the 'meter', His Word. Trust the numbers. They're rigid. They don't change. He doesn't change. His best is not reliant on our feelings. Trust the numbers.

Mirror Image

Have you ever known someone who complains constantly? Maybe someone who is self-absorbed? What about a martyr? Have you ever lived with, worked with or attended church with any or all of these folks? They're everywhere, aren't they? The churches I remember attending number somewhere around fifteen, and that doesn't even count the ones I've visited. The jobs I've held number somewhere around thirty, not counting various volunteer opportunities. In every one, with the exception of the different dog/house sitting jobs, I've worked with what preachers used to call 'holy sandpaper'. You know the ones. They 'rub' those rough edges off of us by getting on our last nerve. They, through their most annoying attributes, push us closer to who God is making us to be. We know they're out there. Every one of us is familiar with them. But what about when we see our own most annoying attributes in them?

A few years ago, I worked with a very nice girl. You wouldn't think she was sandpaper just to look at her and spend a little time with her. She was a hard worker who did her job well. She was funny and, most of the time, fun to be around. She had friends there, as well as those she wasn't fond of. She, in short, was just like the rest of us. But there was one thing she did that drove me crazy. She complained. Her drive into work was worse than everyone else's. Traffic was longer and more horrible on her way than any other. The management put more on her than anyone else. Her husband, her in-laws, her family was worse/better depending on her day. Many days, during my work experiene with her, I rolled my eyes and/or said to God, "Can you believe her? There she goes again!"

Now, I haven't often heard God speak. He usually speaks to me through His Word, the words of other people or through peace. But occasionally I will hear a still, small voice in my heart. The last time I complained about her to Him, was one of those times. He spoke to me and reminded me of how much I complain. He put a mirror in front of my face. I realized that my co-worker was a mirror image of myself. You see, they aren't always sand-paper. Sometimes they are mirrors. Sometimes they show us that what we don't like about them, are things that He wants to work out in ourselves. So next time that annoying person makes you count to ten, see if what they are doing is something that you do. It's not fun, but it does make the image in that mirror look a little more like Christ!

Provision

A couple of months ago, I began 'freaking out'. I know, I know, what a shock, huh? But what happened is that I realized that I had no options for the cover of my script book. Buying graphics and the rights to photos that look expensive were and are not anywhere in my budget. And those who could help me required more money that I had. I was sitting staring at my computer when it finally dawned on me to tell God about this. Why do we wait to do that? So, I told Him. Actually, I cried it out to Him in my heart. As if He were just waiting for me, I heard that still, small voice tell me to contact the Princess Sistas. With out waiting, I sent out a bunch of e-mails and they came to the rescue. After discussing it over supper and ice cream, we came up with Tina and Kathi's crosses paired with Marlene's camera and Lisa's ability to arrange things.

We used swatches of burlap that Lisa had used in decorating for different church projects. Lisa and Kathi arranged the crosses against them as well as black material. Marlene took photos of Tina's crosses individually and as a group. I couldn't have done anything without these amazing 'sistas' of mine. I wanted to show you their handiwork. You'll see, as I did, why God led me to recruit them. He truly does know best for us!

Marlene cleaned up the photos, gave them some cool effects, and made them look even better. And these are just two of them! I can't imagine them looking any better than if a professional had done them! Who would have thought? These are just two of the pictures. I couldn't figure out how to change the directions of the ones that weren't landscaped. I'll try to inclued more once I do

Don't forget to ask for His help. He's just waiting to show you His provision!

In the Shadow

I'm sorry I've been out of contact for the last few weeks. They have been crazy ones, starting with the Southern Christian Writers' Conference in Tuscaloosa, AL. I've gone several years now and have been immensely blessed with each attendance. I was up late the night before, getting my script compilation book together. I sold two. Not a big start, but a start none the less. The next day was Liberty's VBS. I'm getting tired just writing about it. God showed up and anointed it, but that didn't stop the enemy from doing his best to wear me down. After VBS, it was house cleaning time, as my brother & family came down from NY. Lisa & I met them in ATL on Monday morning, had breakfast then took his kids with us to the Liberty Pastors' Conference in NC. I happened to sell an exorbitant number of one. Are you tired, yet? Richard & Janet drove my car here to the 'Ham to begin their own vacation. They drove down to the beautiful Gulf Coast of AL yesterday and we will all join them tomorrow for a weekend at the beach. Then Monday starts a new week of work for me. Have you ever needed a vacation from your vacation? Lisa's doing laundry so that we will have something to wear in Gulf Shores. AND, we haven't even packed yet. Have I mentioned that I'm tired?

But there is one cool thing that has happened through all of this. That is my completing 'In the Shadow'. I'm not known for finishing things. I'm sure that it still needs some work, but I have put it up for sale. And, if I do say so myself, it looks pretty good. I'm working on a website, and I'll be sure an place a link on this blog. There are so many people who have sown so much into this book. Liberty Church, Birmingham for giving me the opportunity to work my passion into their services and for the use of their stage. The Princess Sistas who are the reason it looks so good. This book is so much more than just me. I'll add the front and back covers to my next blog so that you all can see it. As I told Pastor Bruce Terry, "It's a God thing!"

Happy Fourth! I'll post again next week.

Lara

Being Kept

I received an e-mail today. You know, the ones that have the letters "FWD" maybe once, maybe three times at the front of them? The ones that we read while we are working, watching TV, or even just delete before we read. Well, I didn't delete this one and I'm so glad I didn't. I'm just a little afraid of deleting letters from my friends. Have you read a few posts back when I admitted that I'm a pack rat? Well, that applies to e-mail, too. It's when those letters get too long or they threaten me that I toss them. I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and neither are the folks in my address book. And if I forward them junk e-mail, it's just going to make them mad, too. So, I don't. But, every once in a while, one of them ministers to me. And I have to share it with my loved ones. I can relate to this one, especially the picture.

Have you been there? Nothing but the wall in front of you, filled with dark shadows? Where is He? Right there with you, His hand on your shoulder. He's keeping you...

I Am a 'Kept' Woman.

You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind,

But GOD kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)

There were times when I thought I could go no longer, But the LORD kept me moving.

(Gen 28:15)

At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong, But the LORD kept my mouth shut.

(Psa. 13)

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough, But GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc..,

(Matt. 6:25 -34)

When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up. When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong! (I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)

Enjoy being 'kept' by Him. And don't forget that we are, every minute of every day.

Lara

Remember When?

Well, I'm back from vacation. Aren't those some sad words? I thoroughly enjoyed the cruise and can't wait for the next one. Tina held up well, although the rough waves from a tropical storm put Lisa into bed two evenings. For a little while there, she swore that she would never step foot onto a cruise ship again. (She's a little dramatic, too, but she was pretty sick.) Thankfully, she's reconsidered as our last day on board was close to Heaven. (There's my dramatic side.) And now, we've hit the ground running.

Saturday was spent, making the basement playtime friendly for Mom and my nephews. Vacation Bible School starts on the 22nd, so Lisa's getting frazzled. It happens to be sandwiched, for me, by the Southern Christian Writers' Conference in Tuscaloosa, AL and the Liberty Conference. And somewhere in all of this, I'm finishing the compilation of my script book, 'In The Shadow' so that I can sell it at both conferences. Whew! Can we say that June and July are busy times for me?

On Friday, I took a few moments to be nostalgic. I know, I know, when am I not nostalgic? In craving a really good hamburger, I drove through the suburb of Birmingham where my family and I lived when we came to Birmingham. As I drove Hwy 31 South, I went back to the years when it was my route home. When I passed the turn to our old apartment complex, I realized that two days had passed since my 15 year anniversary of coming to Birmingham.

15 years ago, I was younger, thinner, and still remembered the few words of Japanese I had learned. My parents had moved to AL while I was overseas, so home was no longer the little house on Lexington Street in High Point, NC. My brother and sister in law were expecting their first child. And for the first time in my life, I was living in an apartment. Throughout my life, we have moved to another town, another ministry at least every four years. I have always been ready for 'the next thing'. Yet, we never lived in an apartment. But here, in such a transient form of living, was home for 8 1/2 years. That number alone is fascinating to me, but I have to say that fifteen years in one place (for me) blows my mind. Those of you who have always lived in one or two places are confused by this, I know. But when all you've known is change, fifteen years is a LONG time.

It took a few years, but I love Birmingham. I love my church. I love being near to my dearest friends. I love the fact that I've hung out with them longer than I've lived most places. As I write this, I realize that I've been active at Liberty longer than I've been a member of any other church. Again, there goes the mind! Always figured I'd move around for my entire life. Just when you think your life will always be a certain way, God throws a curve ball. Have to say that I've enjoyed this curve ball!

Happy Summer,

Lara

TPS Annual Trip

It's that time of year!!!! Summer. Most of you know that I am NOT big on summer heat or humidity. Every summer, I look at my family and ask, "Why do we live in Alabama?" But something special happens in May. The Princess Sistas take their annual beach trip to Orange Beach, FL!!!! The picture you see here, explains what these trips are like. I, who have sun/skin issues take a paperback book, snacks and water bottles and find my refuge under this umbrella. And a very nice young man comes and makes sure that it protects me from the sun through out the day. Some vacation, huh?

This year, we Sistas are doing something different. We are going on a CRUISE!!!! We leave tomorrow, from Mobile, AL for Cozumel. It's a short one and we'll be back on Monday. I'm already regretting the shortness of it, and I'm not even on the ship. Tina and Lisa have issues with motion sickness as well as a fear of water and are being gracious in taking a chance on our behalf. Tina informed us that if we wanted her to go, we'd better choose the shortest cruise. So, we're trying it and I already believe that we ALL are going to love it. Please pray for them, if you think about it, I want us all to enjoy this time away. And I'm hoping to take a longer one next time!

The next big 'summer thing' will be the arrival of my NY family on June 30th. The kids will go up to NC w/Lisa & I for the Liberty Conference and Rich & Jan will come to B'ham then to the beach. After the conference, we'll all join Rich & Jan for a short family time. We'll get to be together for another week, then have the kids for some time after that. I have to say, it's the best time of my summer.

I'll be posting more about all this at the time, just wanted to let everyone know that Summer is officially HERE! And rest, family, movies, and laughter will abound! I hope your summer is as much a blessing to you as mine is working up to be!

Lara