Some babies come into our studio sound asleep and they stay that way through the whole entire session.  Sure that makes life a little easier for us!  Sweet Sophia had other plans!  She must have been much more interested in checking out our studio than getting a nice long nap while we photographed her!  Except for the fact that this can take us a little longer to get great images we actually love that we got some images of her eyes so wide and bright!  You’d never guess by these photos that she was awake more than she was asleep!  It seems by the last image she knew what she was doing all along!

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First, I have a disclaimer:  As I prepared for this weeks blog, my mind kept coming back to one thought.  I feel as though there is someone out there that God wants to challenge to step out in a certain area of obedience to Him.  Whoever you are, I trust today’s post will be a confirmation of sorts to what God is already prompting you to do.

I usually have my blog prepared at least the day before but just this morning, I read in my quiet time something that went right along with the thought I want to share today:  (It comes from “Thoughts for the Quiet Hour”)

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should…obeyed.  Heb. 11:8

Where he went, he knew not; it was enough for him to know that he went with God. He leaned not so much upon the promises as upon the Promiser.  He looked not on the difficulties of his lot, but on the King, eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, who had deigned to appoint his course, and would certainly vindicate Himself. O glorious faith! This is thy work, these are thy possibilities: contentment to sail with sealed orders, because of unwavering confidence in the love and wisdom of the Lord High Admiral: willingness to rise up, leave all, and follow Christ, because of the glad assurance that earth’s best cannot bear comparison with Heaven’s least.         F. B. Meyer

Life can get crazy, can’t it?  If I’m not careful I get caught up in the tyranny of the urgent – you know…the things that don’t really matter but demand your attention.  We all do it at some point.  And at the end of the day, we find that we’ve checked a lot of things off of our to-do list, but not many of them will matter in just a few days.  Could this be the enemie’s way of keeping you for the call God is placing in front of you?

The reality is that God is beckoning each one of us on to a “God-sized” task.  It’s a task perfectly designed for us and only achievable in His strength.

You may be saying now, “Really?  Me?  I’m not ‘in full-time ministry’.  I’m not some ‘super Christian’.”

My answer to you is, If you have said yes to Christ in your life…you can be sure God has a calling for you!

Ephesians 2:10 says,
” For we are God’s workmanship (valuable masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” 

God tell us in Ephesians that He has “good works” for us to do that He prepared in advance – good works for YOU to do.

I’m sure not one of these “good works” is something that will be easily forgotten.

In fact, I’m quite certain each will have eternal significance.

So what good work is God giving you to do?

What I’ve learned as I have said “yes” to God’s work for me is that the more I open up my life to God as a vessel for His use, the more I find I’m truly living.

God is in the “exciting”.
God is in the “life-changing”.
God is in the “unthinkable”.

What is God calling you to do? Have you asked Him?

God IS calling you to a specific work even now.

You may say, “I don’t believe I have heard a call from God to any type of work.”

Is there a hindrance to the voice of God on your life and in your heart?  Is it being drowned out by entertainment, pain, insecurity, selfishness, something else?

You cannot accept a call you cannot hear.
You cannot hear if you are not listening.

Ask God to reveal to you what He would like you to do.  Ask and then wait for Him to speak to your heart.

Are you wondering if a present opportunity is a call from God?

As I consider the works God has put before me to do over the years, I’ve learned, in each situation, there have been characteristic signs that it was a call from God.

• The call is usually God-sized – It will no doubt stretch you.
• The call will always align with God’s Word – The Bible.
• The call  may often sound crazy to you.
• You can guarantee you will not be able to accomplish it without His empowering hand.
• This work He is giving you is customized to you, your influence, your social circle, your life.

Here’s my message to you today – whomever this blog post is for.  Do what God is asking of you.  Be like Abraham, a man blessed by God, and known for his obedience.  Say yes and live in abundance as you fulfill the work God planned for you long ago.  And remember you won’t face the call alone…  For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the POWER to do what pleases him.  Phil 2:13

MY CUP OF TEA:

Today is the Maurice’s Jeggings Give-away drawing!  I want to thank everyone who submitted a photo.  I am happy to see so many of you love Maurice’s Jeggings like I do!  We had entries not only from Delaware and Maryland but also places as far away as Alabama, Texas and even Alaska!  If there were a way I could give each entry a pair, I would do it!  But there can only be one winner.  So, the winner of the Maurice’s Jeggings Give-away, chosen by Random Generator…all the way from Marion, Ohio, is Amber Stone-Cameron!  Check back next week to see what else is My Cup of Tea!

Have you ever found yourself praying for a friend or loved one and doubting God’s ability or desire to act?

Sometimes it seems the only way God can cure a person from the disease of doubt is to carry them through tragedy.

God has done this very thing in my life more than once.  But I felt led, this Tuesday, to share  my experience with God’s grace specifically in the life of my son, Hudson.  The following is a letter I wrote just after a near death experience for Hudson just before his first birthday.

Hudson, My Little Blessing
March 21, 2003

Well, we’re home.

This morning I received an e-card that said, “When our vision is clouded by circumstance, God sees clearly. When our understanding is shadowed by questions, God knows perfectly. When our path is shaded with uncertainty, God leads faithfully. -He writes EVERY detail of our lives with love!” — When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2 B

My heart is full of joy today as I write to you because I know just a little more what means to be a child of God. I want to give account of what miracle has taken place this past week but as I look back on what has happened, I realize the miracle began long ago, as God was preparing us for what we’ve just come through.

Twice over the winter months, Hudson had been to the hospital with a viral illness- once in December where he was hospitalized over night with IV fluids for dehydration and once in February when he was seen in the ER for lethargy due to a bad cold. The hospitals did blood work both times and and found nothing that would explain his condition.   The doctors in both accounts chalked it up to him not handling viral illnesses as heartily as other children.  In every other way, they assured us he was perfectly healthy.

Little did we know that we would find out otherwise when we left to sing with Calling Levi (our vocal ministry) this past weekend.

For a long time our group had been scheduled to sing in Enfield, CT on Sunday morning, March 16.  I’m the scheduling coordinator for our ministry and I tried for months to schedule a Sunday evening concert somewhere in that area. No opportunities opened up for us.  My last attempt was Wednesday of last week. I guess it was a last ditch effort.  It is just unusual for us to have a Sunday evening open. But since no concert was scheduled, we decided to pack up after the morning service and head home.

While we were setting up Saturday evening prior to the concert, Hudson got sick and began to vomit and show signs of a viral illness. I figured I’d watch it carefully and, when we got home Sunday, I could make sure he got extra rest and attention. Through the night, Hudson continued to vomit – 6 times in all. He seemed tired but I assumed it was because it was nighttime and he would be more alert in the morning. He did seem a little better by morning. He hadn’t vomited for several hours. So we did our concert while he slept. I felt more confident that he just needed to get home and in his own crib.  I assumed the worst was over.   Just before we headed back to Delaware,  Hudson vomited once again. Knowing Hudson’s inability to fight well against viral illness, we thought it’d be good to just go to the nearest ER and get some IV fluids before we left. We didn’t even know if they would do it.

We were admitted in the ER at 3:00pm and Hudson was given 2 bags of IV. It took an hour to find a vein because he already was showing signs of dehydration. Still we thought, in a couple of hours, we’d be on our way home. We were wrong.

Hudson continued to get worse. My usually active smiley boy, began to get very lethargic.  They decided to run all the general blood work and x-rays.  Everything was normal. Finally, someone suggested  a glucose test. In a normal healthy child, the glucose reading would be somewhere between 70-110. In a very sick child, it can be something like 50. Hudson’s reading in the ER was 12. The medical staff immediately began to race around, talking fast and making plans. I saw panic on some of their faces.  THIS WAS NOT GOOD!  I was confused and worried.

With all the noise and chaos around us, Hudson was becoming more and more unresponsive.   I’d call his name and get in his face and he would just lie there looking blankly right through me. He didn’t fuss, cry or even fight all the picks and prods of the nurses. He just lay there lifeless. In all the confusion, no one took the time to explain what was going on until finally a nurse came in and told us they would be flying him to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center of Hartford and that the helicopter was on it’s way. She told us this was the only way to save Hudson’s life.

The drive would be 45 minutes to an hour so I begged that they let me ride with Hudson in the helicopter. They refused. Stunned, Mark and I  jumped in the back of the pastor’s car and headed to Hartford. Once in the back seat of the car, the tears came and came hard.  The whole way there we sat crying and praying in our hearts that God would keep him safe. I have to admit here and now that I was doubting God!  I was afraid that God would remain silent when we needed Him most.  I prayed, “God, I sing about You.  I have believed in You.  But it is in this dark hour that I need you most.  Are you there?  Are you listening?  Don’t leave us here alone!  Show me you are listening!”  Then God spoke…perhaps you’d call it a whisper but it was clear to my heart.  As I ended my prayer we were taking the hospital exit.  When we did, we found ourselves on HUDSON STREET – the street in front of the hospital!  Now, this could’ve been Brown Street or Washington Street or Magnolia Street but it was HUDSON STREET!  I knew God was saying to my heart, “This is all part of my plan. This is where Hudson needs to be.”

We arrived at ICU and believe it or not, we had lost no time.  They were wheeling Hudson into a room as we arrived.   They hooked him up to all kinds of machines.  Again, talking a lot of doctor jargon I didn’t understand. So, I looked for some kind of assurance from the doctors that he was all right and this is something they had seen a lot. I watched their faces.  The assurance didn’t come.  In fact, it seemed they were just taking a stab in the dark to try to get him stabilized.  There was even talk of a blood transfusion. And he just lay there. No struggle at all.

A nurse escorted us away from Hudson while they worked and told us to go and rest in this closet like room.   Almost in shock, we followed her, shut the door, got down on the cots and began to pray. I kept telling myself, “The ICU is the best place for Hudson and there is nothing more I can do but pray.”  I had to trust the doctors.  I had to trust God with what little trust I had in me.   After I had prayed and cried all that I could, I decided to go back to Hudson’s room and just sit.  Finally, in the middle of the night, a ray of hope.  Hudson began to fuss a little. This was very good. He was responding to the medication.

I noticed a TV/VCR in the hall and asked if I could wheel it in next to his bed. I also asked if they had any Veggie Tales videos. That’s Hudson’s favorite. Whenever we would play the videos at home, he would dance and sway in his seat.  He loves Veggie Tales.  The nurse replied, “We’ve got Barney, and Blues Clues…etc.” I said I really needed Veggie Tales. She sent someone to look for one for me and encouraged me to get some sleep.  She told me that Hudson was resting and regaining his strength.  She said he would need a rested mommy when he became more alert.  Feeling reassured that things were looking up, I headed back to the little room to try to get some sleep. I slept for about 2 ½ hours.

As I returned to Hudson’s room, the nurse excitedly ran up to me and said, “Hey, we found the Veggie Tales on another floor and as soon as I put it in, Hudson stopped fussing, opened his eyes and started watching the video!” She told everyone on the floor. She couldn’t believe that the video would grab his attention like it did.  Needless to say, we saw A LOT of Veggie Tales this week.

It’s funny, because we were there for a week and people were bringing us Veggie Tale Videos.   We played them around the clock and so many times during our hospital stay, God has used these videos to speak to me. One song said, “God’s way is the best way. That’s why I know, He loves me so. God’s way is the best way, and that’s the way for me.” Another said, “The battle is not ours. We look to God above, for He will guide us safely through and guard us with His love. I will not be afraid. I will not run and hide. For there is nothing I can’t face when God is at my side.” Funny how you can learn God’s truth from little cartoon vegetables.

By noon, Monday Hudson was moved to a regular room. The rest of our time was focused on recovery and a diagnosis. From the beginning, the doctors suspected a metabolic disease. On Wednesday, their suspicions were confirmed. Hudson has MCADD.  It just so happened that the head geneticist on staff at this Connecticut hospital was one of the few who have studied this disease and knew the indicators for it.  He explained to me that many doctors are still learning about this disease and how it affects children.  Consequently, many children have gone undiagnosed and the results have always been tragic.

We learned from the geneticist team that this disease can be fatal. One in four children with MCADD die and many suffer from mental retardation. We also learned that 1 in 40 people are carriers and Mark and I are BOTH that 1 in 40.  The danger is in not knowing your child has it. MCADD (Medium Chain Acyl-coa Dehydrogenase Deficiency) is a rare condition in which the child doesn’t produce the medium chain enzyme in the liver to break down fat for energy. When children are sick, they need to break down their fat stores for energy and MCADD children just don’t have the ability to do so. 1 in 10,000 children have MCADD.  But the doctors assured us that now that we were out of the initial crisis, we can move forward confidently by reacting to Hudson’s viral illnesses with precautions in place.

The doctors who would visit us throughout the week were constantly saying  ”I don’t think you know how lucky you are that your son is alive.” Or “You are so lucky things turned out the way they did.”

I thought to myself, I wouldn’t want to leave such a weighty burden in the hands of luck!   I needed more.  I needed a loving God who hears my prayers and acts on my behalf.  All during this nightmare, I felt God in a sense cradling me as I would my own children.  He was so patient with me and loving.  He did not react harshly to my questions and anger.  He did not punish me for my  fears.  He simply whispered in each moment of need, “I am with you and I AM!”

During Hudson’s final examination, prior to discharge, the doctors warned us that the 12 blood sugar could very possibly have affected Hudson and caused permanent neurological damage.  They would not know the extent of the damage until Hudson is tested at the age of 2.  I did notice that he was no longer babbling or talking.  No “ma-ma” or “da-da”.  It was possible he had experienced damage but I decided in my mind, “We will cross that bridge when we come to it. And we won’t cross it alone.”

We were discharged from the hospital in CT and sent to AI Dupont Children’s Hospital in Delaware. After consulting with the Geneticists there, we were able to come home.

I sit here this Friday evening, on our first day home, and I realize we’ve traded a week of our lives for a better glimpse of who God is. Looking back on the week and the tragedy we had come through, we saw God’s hand at every turn.

• He prompted us to go to the ER when had made up our minds to head home.
• He gave us a doctor who studied and knew how to diagnose MCADD
• He gave us Hudson Street
• He provided a pastor friend who drove us at midnight to the hospital and taxied us around as needed.
• He encouraged us through messages from the strangest places – like the Veggie Tales videos
• He gave us friends all over the country contacting us and telling us they are praying.

After all that has taken place I am able to gain strength and hope for the future from Jeremiah 29:11 Says, “For I (God) know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”  I always thought it was up to me to keep my children from harm.  That I would be the one to “not let anything bad happen to them!”  Then I found myself here where everything was out of my control.  Here in this helpless barren place I found that  I cannot…But God CAN!  God showed me, even death has no power over a child in His hand.  I am tired.  I am depleted.  But God is my strength!  What a lesson I’ve learned!

God is good and because He is good, life is good.
Thank you for your prayers.

Love, Tammy

Just as a word of update.  Hudson suffered slight developmental delays from the low blood sugar up until he was almost three years of age.  I am happy to say that he has caught up with his peers in every area of testing and is a thriving 9 year old.  He has MCADD but he’s living symptom free. Hudson is my miracle.  The miracle through Hudson’s battle with MCADD is wonderful. Yes!  But the miracle in my heart is even bigger to me. God has used Hudson’s disease to cure me from the disease of doubt.  I gave my heart to God as a girl and He continues to prove His love to me daily in battles big and small.  Through all of this I can confidently say, “HE IS FAITHFUL!”

MY CUP OF TEA

I mentioned on Facebook that I am postponing the Jeggings blog post until next week.  There I will announce the winner of the free pair of Maurice Jeggings.  So, today, I am offering as my give-away a devotional book that is actually out of print.  It’s called “A Very Present Help”.  This book has been paramount in helping me to put perspective on the hard things I face in life.  I have been buying copies on Amazon and giving them to friends going through hardship over the years.  I cannot describe to you the healing ointment this book has often been to life wounds I’ve experienced.  The writer is the late Amy Carmichael whose story has been an inspiring reminder for me as she shares insights from God through her own suffering.  Probably my favorite devotional book of all time – and specific to people going through suffering.  Simply comment on today’s blog and you can be entered to win the drawing for a copy of this book.

And this weeks blog post winner is (chosen by random generator) - Sandi Campbell – please contact us with your mailing information and we will get your gift right out to you!

]]> http://luminositypad.com/wordpress/2012/02/14/tammy-on-tuesday-i-will-fear-no-evil/feed/ 16 http://luminositypad.com/wordpress/2012/02/14/tammy-on-tuesday-i-will-fear-no-evil/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/LuminosityPhotographyDesign/~3/yCbLo1yNl5E/ http://luminositypad.com/wordpress/2012/02/07/tammy-on-tuesday-gotta-take-this-call/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:20:39 +0000 admin http://luminositypad.com/wordpress/?p=2436

Imagine with me that we lived in a kingdom ruled by a wonderfully mighty and gentle King.  This powerful King has put an end to the domineering tyrants of ages past.  He generously supplies for the needs of all the citizens of His kingdom.  To be honest, I’ve grown accustom to His generosity.  In fact, just between us, I sometimes feel a sense of entitlement.  Boy what a great King He is!

One day, I go out to my mailbox and find that I have received an invitation to His courts, simply because He wants to offer me His kindness and His attention.  Wow!  Talk about adding excitement to an otherwise hum-drum day!

The day arrives and I’ve been busy.  No time to freshen up, it’s going to have to be “come as you are”.  I walk into the courtyard and see a beautiful garden beyond description.  I see couriers going about their business dressed in their finest and I look down at my sweat shirt, slippers and pj pants.  

(Do you know I can sometimes go a whole day in my pj pants and slippers?) 

Today, however, I guess I should’ve reconsidered on the wardrobe choice!  But getting the kids out the door, making lunches and signing home work agendas, at least I’m here.  Right?  Oh, and my hair. Should’ve taken the time to fix it like I do when I’m going somewhere special.  Maybe a little mascara, a little makeup. Oh, well. No sense crying over spilt milk.  Uneasiness creeps in.

 I walk through the illustrious garden and into the throne room.  This place is AMAZING!  And there He is, the King on His throne.  He is smiling at me and waving me near.  He seems eager to visit with me.

Now a well formed knot has grown in my stomach and I am feeling quite inappropriate for such an occasion!  How could I be so insensitive to this grand invitation!?  I run my hand through my hair and straighten my sweatshirt.  I drop my head as I approach His throne.  Looking down I see my slippers, and I’m now kicking myself that I didn’t put on regular shoes!

If I were the King, I would say,

“Come back when you are more respectful. 

Come back when you are more presentable. 

Come back when you are serious about visiting with me!”

But when I look at His face, His eyes are gentle.  Looks as though He will take whatever I will give Him.  He doesn’t even seem fazed by my inappropriate arrival.  

All of the sudden a digital tone cuts the air.  Uh, oh.  I’d notice that ringtone anywhere.  Where did I put my phone?  Sweatshirt pocket?  Is one of the kids sick?  Maybe my husband needs me.  I wonder who it is?  It’ll just take a minute!  

“Just ONE moment, Your Majesty.  I’m so sorry, but I’ve got to take this.  I’ll be really quick, really I will.”  

I lift the phone to my ear and as I do I notice I’ve missed three texts while I’ve been here?  How did that happen?  I’d better just take a quick glance when I end this call.

 ”Hello?”…

 …And so there I stand in the throne room of the King, cell phone to my ear while He waits.  

 All of the sudden the vision of me on my phone in the presence of the waiting King strikes me and space and time stand still!  

In my mind I’m screaming, “Tammy, what are you doing?!  How can you take such advantage of the King’s love and patience!  You don’t deserve to be standing here!  It’s a disgrace! There are others who would come to the King in their finest, savoring every moment, lingering at His feet and look at you! “ 

Humiliated at my behavior, I drop my phone and begin to turn for the door and  run from the throne room.  But then I hear the booming voice of the King – WAIT!  DON’T GO!  Humbled and ashamed I cannot ignore the gentle tone of His voice or His invitation to stay.  I return to His throne and fall to my knees.  “I’m sorry, King, that I didn’t take your invitation more serious.  I’m sorry I was only willing to give you a portion of my time and attention.  You have been so patient.  Why, why would you even care to spend time with someone so distracted and ungrateful?!  

The King speaks softly, “Because I love you and I love your fellowship!”  Please come and visit again tomorrow!” 

What?!?! You’re inviting me back? 

The King replied, “Yes, and you’re invited every day there after!  I have so much to show you and share with you!”   

Timidly I returned to the King and quietly sat at His feet.  His wise words fell on my like gentle rain going down to the deep arid places of my heart.  He spoke words of comfort and hope. I noticed my cares and attention to the trivial began to fade into the back ground.  I felt nourished in the deepest parts of me.  What a sweet delight it was!

As I left the palace, I was humbly aware of how I had arrived – in my selfishness, my ungratefulness, my distractedness. But I left feeling “full” - like an orphan who has just enjoyed her first Thanksgiving dinner.  

Tomorrow will be different!  I want to give the loving patient King my very best - my full attention and appreciation. I will look forward to a chance to come again and do this “right”.

After all, the King will be waiting. 

_______________

Many years ago I heard the phrase, “Time spent with God is time well spent.”  I have made it a habit in my life to look for quiet time alone with God – usually in the mornings.  I will spend time in prayer and reading God’s Word.

I wrote this story to express how I often approach my quiet time with the Lord. I am guilty of rushing in without any regard to the fact that I’m spending time with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  I’ve realized lately I need to ignore the phone, find a quiet place and give God my full attention.  Now, I am fully aware that it’s not about externals. God does not expect me to put on my best outfit before coming into His presence.  It’s about coming with an open and willing heart, free from distractions.  I’m grateful He is a God of mercy and love.  And knowing this I want to give Him my best!

MY CUP OF TEA

Okay, there has been such a wonderful response to the Maurice’s Jeggings post I wrote a while back, that I have planned a wonderful giveaway.  I’ve been contacted by many of you who have purchased Maurice’s Jeggings for yourself saying you really loved them like I do.  Those of you who will e-mail me a photo of yourself in your Maurice’s Jeggings will be entered to win a brand new pair of jeggings for yourself or a friend.  You can e-mail me your at tammy@luminosityonline.com.

Please note that I intend to create a photo gallery for all of my Maurice Jegging fans and will include it in next week’s blog post.

You will have 1 week to post your photo of you in your jeggings.  It doesn’t have to be fancy.  A cell phone photo will do just fine.  Just get your picture to me and I’ll put your name in the drawing.  Entries must be submitted by midnight, February 13th.  The winner will be announced on next week’s post!

• Sleep over?– Who ever sleeps!?
• Bowling? – She’s seven and can’t really bowl.  I’m pretty sure none of her friends are avid bowlers either.  It would be fun I guess but would be over too quickly.
• The soft-play entertainment place here in town?  Too expensive.
• Traditional party at my home?  That would mean I’d have to clean.

Well…then it dawned on me!  (I’m almost embarrassed to say that it didn’t cross my mind sooner.) How about a “GLAMOUR GIRL, Photo Shoot, Birthday Bash” at our studio?!  When Sophie heard the idea she was ecstatic!  She made up a list of guests that included her cousins and closest playmates.  Then we got planning.

We were blessed to have a beautiful, sunny day.  When the girls arrived at 2pm, we had each of them go to “wardrobe”.  Once they found their favorite look, they went to hair and make-up.   They were able to watch the transformation in a large mirror as we turned them in to little models for their photo shoot.  I think my favorite moments in the day were the ones where I was able to watch the girls smile as we doted on them.  Once the shoot was done, we sang Happy Birthday to Sophie and opened gifts.

Stephanie and I made tasty treats inspired by Pinterest and I made a four layer cake with my mom’s homemade butter icing.  As they left, each of the girls took home an adorable frame that will soon be filled with a picture from their photo shoot.   Here are some of the highlights from the party.

Highlights!

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Back in 1976, in Spokane, Washington, a track & field event was held for the Special Olympics.  Contestants from across the state had come to compete in this event.  The starter pistol sounded and the race was on.

Shortly after the runners set out, a contestant took a tumble.  Most of the other contenders continued on toward the finish line but two runners did the unthinkable.  They stopped and returned to help the one who had fallen get back up.  On lookers watched wondering what what was going on.  As it became apparent that the two simply would not leave this contestant behind, the crowds began to cheer.   The three competitors crossed the finish line together… in last place.  Although the race had ended, the applause continued for quite some time.  Interestingly, the celebration was not so much for the winner as it was for the show of benevolence between these three contestants.

As I try to envision this all unfolding, my heart is warmed and I smile; but two things really stick out to me about this story.

First of all, not everyone stopped to help.

Okay, it’s only fair to say, it WAS a race.  The others were just doing what they were supposed to.  They weren’t “expected” to stop and help.  But, the two that stopped obviously saw the race from a different perspective.

 And the same is true with life. We are all just trying to finish strong, Right?  Can you blame a person for keeping their eyes on the finish line and not looking back?  Maybe not.  

But maybe winning isn’t what life’s really about…  

 Maybe the ones who are truly winning this race called life are the ones who are bringing everyone along with them!  

My second thought about the story is this – The act of kindness is what made the race memorable.  This story is from 1976 and it’s still being told today – 35 years later.  But people aren’t talking about who won.  In fact, as I researched the story a bit I found that no names were mentioned at all – just the story of the selfless act of two young runners.  Does it matter who they were?  I’m sure it did to the person they helped.

What is it about seeing someone do the unthinkable (like forfeiting the chance at winning for themselves in order to help another) that warms our hearts and gives us a sense of deep appreciating for such acts?  Perhaps because it’s not the norm.

Lately, God is challenging me to live OUTSIDE the norm.

The Bible says in Ecc. 4:9-10 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 

Are you too busy running the race to look around and see someone who needs your help to get back up?

My hand is raised. I am guilty of it.  I’ve had a competitive nature since as early as I can remember.  I love to win.  But keeping my eyes on the finish line is exactly what can keep me from being aware of the fallen people around me.  And maybe that’s not winning at all.

Is there someone within your reach that could use a little help getting back on their feet?

• Maybe you could sacrifice some time to watch their children.
• Maybe you could provide a meal or a bag of groceries.
• Maybe you could write a letter or e-mail to encourage them.
• Maybe you could speak on their behalf.
• Maybe you could put a STOP to the gossip.

Whatever you do, don’t leave them while they are down.  You may be the only one in their path to lend a hand and help them up.

MY CUP OF TEA …this week is actually a book a friend reminded me of just yesterday.  It’s called, “The Prodigal God” by Timothy Keller.  This book is one of my favorites!

Newsweek called New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller a “C.S. Lewis for the twenty-first century” in a feature on his first book, The Reason for God. In that book, he offered a rational explanation for why we should believe in God. Now, in The Prodigal God, Keller takes his trademark intellectual approach to understanding Christianity and uses the parable of the Prodigal Son to reveal an unexpected message of hope and salvation. Within that parable, Jesus reveals God’s prodigal grace toward both the irreligious and the moralistic. This book will challenge both the devout and skeptics to see Christianity in a whole new way.

You can enter to win this week’s drawing and your own copy of “The Prodigal God” simply by commenting on today’s blog post.

And the winner is, chosen by random generator, Heather Pancake!  Heather, please contact us so we can get your copy of  ”The Prodigal God” out to you!

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The other day, my daughter Abby was working on her math homework.  She is learning measurements  (centimeter, decimeter, deca, hecta, etc).  I noticed she had drawn a line on her homework page.  It was wobbly and bent.  When I read the instructions to the word problem it said:

~ Take a ruler and measure out 3.5 cm to see if it is more or less that 2 inches.~

Looking at the crooked line she had drawn, I asked her…”Abby where’s the ruler you used to measure?”

She started mumbling something about finger digits and holding up her hand to show how her fingertip is roughly the size of an inch.  In her mind, her measurement seemed “good enough”.

Immediately I thought to myself…Okay, hold the phone. Abby’s math teacher is a “by the book” kinda woman.   Fingertip measurements were not gonna fly!  “Good enough” as Abby termed it, would not be “good enough” for her teacher. 

I took a deep breath and realized this was a teachable moment.  The fact of the matter is that there IS an accurate, measurable answer to the problem.  I said, “Abby if you want the answer, the right answer, you must use the right standard.”  When Abby returned with the ruler, we found that she was way off on her guesstimation.  And, in case you didn’t know, two inches IS, in fact, longer than 3.5 cm.

At that moment God spoke to my heart.   “How often have you done the very same thing?”  Looks like this was MY teachable moment.

How often had I gone about my life just accepting what’s “good enough?”

Do you want to know what is the enemy of “what’s best” in and for your life? 

…What’s good enough.

God doesn’t want just “what’s good enough” for me.  He wants the very best for me.  That’s why He has given me a standard for living.  I can find the truth about every choice for my life in His Word, the Bible.   I don’t have to settle for “good enough.”

God tells us in Isaiah 45: 19, “I publicly proclaim bold promises (I love that – it is so absolute).  I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner.  I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found.  I, the Lord, speak only what is true and declare only what is right.”

He is the Author of truth.   He is the source of our answers.  And His thoughts have been recorded for us to live by.  The Standard – The Best.

Settling for “good enough” can have a range of consequences.   On a small scale, the consequences are just a nuisance when things don’t turn out the way we plan.

For instance…I can’t tell you how many times I’ve guesstimated on the size to cut a piece of wrapping paper, only to find that the edges don’t meet.   I know…you’ve done it too, Right?   You would think I’d learn by now but it happened just this past Christmas several times.  And I’m left with a handful of extra pieces that you can’t wrap anything in.

On a larger scale the consequences of settling for “good enough” can have an even greater impact.  I can miss out on the blessings of God simply by settling for what’s “good enough” in this world.

Think of an area in your life that you would qualify as “good enough”.  Go ahead. Be honest.  What I know for sure is that God doesn’t want you to settle on “good enough” for that particular thing.  He has something better.  Are you willing to trust Him for it?  If you are, ask Him to make what’s “good enough” in your life “His best”.  Ask Him to show you how to measure that particular issue by His standard.

Today, it’s my desire to evaluate my life to see where I’ve settled for “good enough.” Whether it be relationship issues, parenting issues, money issues, moral issues – you name it – God offers me a better standard to live by.  He offers me His Best!

MY CUP OF TEA

Today I want to share something I consider a favorite in the kitchen.  I love soup and when I need a quick lunch at my desk, I will heat up Pacific Natural Foods Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato soup.  It comes in a carton so you don’t get that metal taste.  I add a pinch of salt and eat it with crackers.  I love it!  In fact, I’m going to have a bowl for lunch.  I’ve tried just one other flavor from Pacific, but this is my favorite so far.  If you would like to try this soup, comment on today’s blog and you will be entered a drawing win your own carton (4 servings) to enjoy!

And the winner of this delicious soup is…(chosen by random generator)…Sue Sweeney!  Please contact us so we can get it to you!