Thanks A LOT

On Sunday, a group of friends and I packed about 50 lunches and headed downtown to find homeless people.

We stopped at the first place and, sadly, found ourselves disappointed that we ran out of people before we ran out of lunches (the irony was not lost on us!).  People seemed genuinely thankful, though.

We stopped at various parks, with limited success.

We finally drove down streets and stopped people to ask if they needed a lunch.  When we had only a few lunches left, I saw a man sitting on the curb with his head between his knees.  I stopped and asked if he needed a lunch.  He seemed really pleased.  When I turned back around from the car with his lunch, there were four more people who had heard my question.  I did not see them before.  I only had one bag left, so I grabbed it.  My friend Megin grabbed some water and carrots and followed me.

One of the men grew belligerent.  He discovered that I did not have enough lunches for him.  He said, "You got me all excited and then you don't have anything (although he took water). I want to cry.  God bless you FOR NOTHING."   He even refused the offer of a package of carrots.

We left deflated.  We left disappointed.  And frankly, I was a little mad.

I was frustrated by the audacity of that man.  He brought us NOTHING.  He deserved NOTHING.  He got a bottle of water.  He threw a tantrum and refused that which we had to offer, albeit small.

I have done the same thing with God.  I have thrown a "tantrum" when I do not get that which I think I "deserve" or should get.  I bring NOTHING to the table, yet have the audacity to turn up my nose to the things God graciously offers.  He provides everything and lovingly shares that which I need.

Ouch.

If I am to have Joy to Go, I best be thankful for everything I am given and even the things I am not...

Beggars can't be choosers.  But by God's grace, they can come to the Banquet in Glory anyway.

Amberly

Joy Party

I love parties.

Recently, we were invited to a gala/ birthday party/ benefit in Hollywood.  It was hosted by a friend from high school and he is in the entertainment business.  His guests included: Tony award winners, Emmy award winning actors, performers, producers, directors, Hugh Hefnerites, recording artists, and two dorky Bakersfield yahoos.

It was so fun to dress up.  It was so fun to stand next to my very handsome husband in his tux.  It was great to celebrate my high school friend, see others from my past, and rub shoulders with the elite.  However, I have NEVER been so thankful to take off shoes in all my born days!

Hanging around stars does not make me a celebrity.  Wearing fancy clothes does not make me a Tony award winner.  Wearing beautiful, albeit crippling, shoes does not give me a Hollywood address.

Such connections are moot, but sharing company with the joyful CAN, however, increase one's joy.

Are you feeling empty?  Deflated?  Even a little sad?

I highly recommend group therapy.  Not necessarily the kind with a professional facilitator (although that may help), but instead, surrounding oneself with a support system. Not people who will allow you to wallow in self-pity by bashing others or gossiping, but instead, find others who have joy grounded in Christ and ask for some help.

If we are going to take "Joy to Go", we need to seek the face of God and ask for support from others.  It may not be easy or comfortable, but it will be well worth the journey.

And fortunately, it does not have to include uncomfortable shoes.

Walk on,

Amberly

Epic Blog Fail

I am a bad, bad blogger...

Please forgive the egregious black hole of entries over the past two weeks.  I finished my half marathon and then went right into the final week of production of "Sound of Music" at Bakersfield Christian High School.

At the other end, I am, well, exhausted.  But in a good way.

I watched my daughter shine, my husband's vision for a great high school production come to fruition,  and my son eat his way through yet another growth spurt.

I also had 1000 papers to grade.  I had a student at the University at which I teach submit a paper that was high in unoriginality.  When I questioned the student about it, this person admitted to "just wanting to get done". Have you ever felt that way?  Have you ever just wanted to rush through the "stuff" of life so life could truly begin?

I do not want to live life that way.  I want to have "joy to go" through my day, through my heart, through my relationships, but when it gets busy, it also becomes more hard to stay true to that sentiment.

How can I remind myself to relish every moment?

Any ideas?

Amberly

It's All About the BLING

Well, I successfully completed my first half marathon on Saturday. I walked 13.1 miles through hills, past three Starbucks, with people attempting to break world records, around photographers, and alongside six Elvi (that is the plural of Elvis), and all under 3 and a half hours. I kept apologizing to my walking partner, Debbie when I lost the desire to jog about an hour in. My body is not used to running downhill; my shins, back, and feet were already beginning to tire. She kept reminding me that the goal was just to finish. And finish we did. We crossed the finish line. Our names were announced over the loudspeaker and we received our HUGE rewards. They were rap-star sized star medals that might need to be filed as deadly weapons in certain circles. It was fatigue intermingled with elation. My family, who wrote encouraging notes for me to read while on the 13.1 miles, greeted me at the door with squeals and cheers. But when they saw the medal, they gasped. It was fun to put it on and relive the moment of receiving it over again. I admit it. I am shallow. I love rewards. I loved sticker charts as a kid. I love pay bonuses for a job well done. I love thank you notes and hugs. I love celebration dinners (too much, thus the need to start training for a half marathon!). I thought it so perfect that the next day was Easter. What a perfect juxtaposition! Jesus "ran" the ultimate race on our behalf. His only rewards were to fulfill the will of God and reconcile un unholy people to a holy God. But that was enough for Him. No bling. No medal. No awards ceremony. I want to be more like Jesus. I want to be motivated not by the temporary reward but instead by the desire to do the will of God which is eternal. "Therefore, since we have been surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race set our before us and let us keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of God." - Hebrews 12:1 and 2 Happy running! Amberly