ARBORing Bitterness

At camp, I met a gentleman who, when not spending time with 10-year-old campers, is a professional arborist, a tree specialist.


I asked for some advice on planting trees in our front yard.  He discouraged me from one I had originally planned, saying that such foliage is prone to "boring."  Stupidly, I thought to myself, "they are beautiful; there is nothing boring about them.  Sensing my confusion, he explained that boring is when beetles dig into a tree and cause damage, often when a tree is under stress.


I asked how one might alleviate the chances of a beetle attack.  He said to keep the tree healthy - provide plenty of water, avoid physical damage including freezing, and discourage transplanting.  Also, owners should inspect the tree often for sawdust remnants and green frass (excrement) which are signs that beetles have made their way into the tree.


Such beetles can be undetected for a long time due to the fact that they are most active in the internal wood of a tree.


I could not help but see the parallel.  When are we most likely to sin?  When under stress, we leave ourselves "open" for Satan to attack our hearts and integrity.  Such unhealthy choices can go undetected by others, but it does not mean we are healthy.  There are signs of damage, but only God can do a restorative work in us.


When trees suffer from "boring", if the damage is too great, the three must be cut down in order to protect the other trees in a yard.  Fortunately for us, God's healing does not include a hatchet!


Are you hungry?  Angry? Lonely? Tired?  Are you under stress?  Are you giving Satan the opportunity to get the upper hand in your attitude?  Your circumstances?  Your life?


Don't be bored.  Literally. 


Grow in His grace and sink your roots deep in His love,


Amberly

Crown Molding

My family has been watching a television series on Netflix.  The series, albeit wrought with cheesy lines, computer-generated characters, and silliness, delights everyone in our house.  It is called "Merlin" and is loosely based on the characters of Camelot.


At this point in our viewing, Morgana, the ward of King Uther Pendragon, has plans to destroy Camelot.  The king is completely oblivious to this fact and we have had to endure her bad acting and TONS of episodes that pointed to her guilt, but the king seems not to notice.


It has been driving me crazy.  The king turns a blind eye to her evil, probably because she is his daughter (a plot twist we discover in season three).  He is inactive and weak because of his love for this woman and her charm.  It is not fair and frankly, painful.  DOES HE NOT SEE?


I feel this way sometimes in the world.  Political and church leaders who are lazy, corrupt, and deceiving others make me crazy.  Why?  Because they are permitted to continue to keep their position.  In some cases, they are promoted to higher positions despite their blatant disregard for integrity because they are charming.


The fact is, sometimes I question God.  Why?  Do You not see?   I mean, of course, I know You see.  But why are You so inactive?  Where are the lightening bolts reserved for such rotten people?


Unlike the bumbling king in our series, God is the Almighty King and He DOES see.  And He is NEVER inactive.  His heart does not blind Him, it allows Him to see things perfectly.

Psalm 33:11 "But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations."

The problem is me.  My lack of trust.  My lack of faith in His timing, His justice.


I need to remind myself every day that His grace abounds for me as well... I need to remain His humble servant or I am no better than any other.


Amberly

SURPRISE!

When my dad wanted to surprise us with something big, he would often have us close our eyes, take his hand, and follow him to the gift.  We blindly followed his voice and tug of his hand.


Once we reached the destination, he would ask us to open our eyes.  My dad was a great fan of giving gifts and he relished each response and squeal of delight.


In our house, we have had a rough couple of months.


We lost Scott's mom over the summer.  It was a great shock and blow and frankly, I am still in a bit of denial over how that vibrant, healthy, life-filled woman could be gone.


Then we received word that due to a drop in enrollment at my husband's school, his schedule has been reduced to part-time.  No benefits, no tuition breaks, no nothing.  He is crushed and I am actually hacked off.  I am trying to be the dutiful employee's wife, but I am disappointed BIG TIME.  Not in my husband, but in the situation.


And then it hit me.  God promises: "I know the plans I have for you - plans to give you a hope and a future, plans to prosper you and not to harm you...".  Notice He does not promise that WE will know the plans He has for us; it sounds like  to a giant surprise from Heaven to me. :)


Right now, I feel like we are in the dark a bit regarding our future, but this much I know: if we hold tightly to the hand of our Father, He will lead us where we need to go.


After all, my Heavenly Father is also a great fan of giving gifts....


Amberly

Holding Pattern

It is time for yet another lesson from the gym.


I know that some of you think that the best lesson from the gym is to avoid it altogether, but this last week, I learned something new.


The new trainer with whom I am working has started a new pattern in my routine.  He has incorporated a "holding pattern" in my weight training.  My workout partners and I have to "hold" in a neutral position the same amount of time we are lifting the weights.


It does not seem like this would be hard, but the holding is often more difficult than the weight lifting itself.  I am much more sore the next day after such a workout.  I am certain that I am stronger as well because of it.


This is true in my spiritual life as well.  I think "holding patterns" are MUCH harder than times of action.  I think that is why there are so many instances of the word "wait" in the Bible (129).


One such example is Psalm 27:14.   "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."


I think it is brilliant that sandwiched between the call to wait is the call to be strong.  Why?  Because the Psalmist knew it would take strength to be in a holding pattern.


Are you in a holding pattern with God?  Is He calling you to wait on Him in the situation you are currently facing? 


The process will make you stronger (and possibly a bit sore).


Amberly

Tick Tock

I love 24.


I admit it.


I know it is fraught with violence, stress, spicy language, and a high body count, but it is just so much fun.


It is fun to leave housework and the demands of the day for 42 minutes (we watch it without commercials) and whisk away to (in this season), to England to watch Jack Bauer save the day.


Genesis 6:9 "This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God."


Jack Bauer makes the most of the time he has.  Noah clearly made the most of the time he had as well; so much so that the people that lived at the same time were struck by his righteousness.


Although I will never save the day, I hope that God uses me to display His glory through a righteousness life and a life marked by a faithful walk.


Tick Tock...


Amberly

Ick on a plate

Yesterday, I found an article in the Huffington Post that talked about the 10 disgusting things we eat of which we may or may not be aware.  Secretions from the anus of beavers is one of them - seems it is used in vanilla flavored items.  I am not excited about consuming beaver ANYTHING much less  stuff from its back end.


Ugh.  I have resolved to never eat anything that might closely resemble vanilla flavored from now on.


Does this ever happen to you?  You are made aware of something and it strengthens your resolve to avoid something for a time, although often we "return to our folly" or in this case, our vanilla flavoring.


I want to be stronger than that.  I want my resolutions to be resolute.  I want all the vanilla items in my life to be legitimate.


I am glad that God never goes back on His promises.  He never resolves to do something only to fail when tempted. 


He is good.  Even when I am weak. :)

Psalm 89:2 "I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself."

Blessings!  Amberly


Just in case you are interested, the article can be found at:  Gross foods
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/gross-food-ingredients/

LENTrance

Years ago, early in my teaching assignment at a Lutheran School, I had an interesting epiphany.

On one particular day, a teaching peer was walking down the hall.  This beautiful woman was also one of my daughter's first grade teachers and I respect her like crazy.  It was my admiration for her that behooved me to let her know when something was awry.

She had a large smudge on her forehead.  It looked like pencil or dark chalk.  Right in the middle of her forehead.  Before she walked into class, I managed to get her attention and tell her about the smudge by rubbing my forehead.  She politely smiled and said, "It is Ash Wednesday".  Ugh.  How embarrassing.

After correcting me, she entered the classroom.  She said that as soon as she walked in, a beautiful blond 6 year-old (my daughter) looked up and whispered, "Mrs. Fortnum" and rubbed her forehead.

She admitted that although we are terrible Lutherans, she discovered that we are good friends that day.

Friends are willing to point out smudges and missteps.  They let you know about the broccoli in your teeth and love you enough to tell you the truth.

I am blessed to have some of those friends in my life.  Truth tellers.

The conversations we share are not always painless, but they make me stronger.

Business guru, Ken Blanchard once said, "Feedback is the breakfast of champions".

I pray that you have friends who give you feedback and make you a better person.

By the way, happy Ash Wednesday.

Amberly

AUTO-matic

It figures.

We are two weeks away from having enough money saved up to put a down payment on a new (used) car for Scott and his steering goes out.

Really?

We were driving home Friday and 1/4 of a mile from the house, it peters out.  Scott had it towed to our favorite mechanic, but since it was Friday and they only have one tech. on Saturday, we still do not know what the prognosis is...I am not looking forward to finding out how much this repair is going to cost.

Ugh!

We want to sell this car as soon as possible.  It has not been a good car (riddled with issues, etc.), but hopefully, it will perform better for someone else.  The used car we bought before that threw a rod and was rendered useless at 84,000 miles.   Let us hope that this next one is a better investment...

Then I was reminded in the sermon today that more than 80% of the world's population lives on $10 a day (globalissues.org).

How can I complain?  I am safe.  I am loved.  I have water to drink.  I have $11.37 in my wallet. I need to stop feeling sorry for myself.

Looks like a new car is the least of me worries.  I need a new attitude.

Can you relate?

Amberly

Sleep Deprivation

I had the honor of being a counselor at Hume Lake Christian Camp this weekend.  I had eight junior high girls in my cabin and once there, we enjoyed the snow, great worship, unhealthy snacks, fun games, and one another's company. 

The one thing I did NOT enjoy was the nighttime.  Despite the small windows of sleep the schedule allowed, one of the girls in my cabin refused to let me sleep.

The first morning she awoke at 5 a.m. and walked around the room until I finally mandated that she return to her bed.

The next night, she "lost" her pillow a few times and in order to find it, she turned on the main light three times (once at 1:15, once at 2:18, and once at 3:37).  I finally offered her my pillow to STOP her insanity.

I nearly got ugly.

You see, I need my sleep.  I can run a small country when I have sufficient sleep.  I cannot even run myself without sleep.

Psalm 4:8 reminds me, "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

I love that God not only promises us sleep, but rest... we need only acquiesce to His "making" us find safety in Him.

Are you having trouble sleeping?     Is it insomnia or a lack of trust?  Or a seventh grader who is restless?  No matter the cause, the solution is God's peace.

Sleep sweet.
Amberly

Beyonce upon a time

I love Siri.

Siri is the "voice" of Apple products that serves to answer questions, be a "knowledge navigator", and be a source of entertainment.

One of my students has "taught" Siri to call her "Beyonce".  Her given name is Morgan, but her favorite singer inspires her so that she wants the digital personal assistant to call her by the star's moniker.

Although Siri addresses her correctly, when Morgan asks Siri "What is my name?", Siri says, "your name is Morgan, but you wish for me to call you Beyonce".

We can pretend we are someone we are not.

We can pretend that we are a famous singer, or a mom who has it all together, or part of a perfect marriage.  We can pretend and possibly fool others, but we cannot fool God.

He knows.  He knows our name.  He knows our desires.  He knows our disappointments. He knows our struggles.

And He loves us anyway.

I need to be reminded of that today.

I have called myself many names today: defeated, overeater, disappointment.

But He calls me "beloved daughter".

That is better than anything I could train Siri to call me.

Amberly

Scone Gusto

There are homemade scones in the staff room today.

Homemade. Scones.  Did I mention that they are homemade?

Does the baker not know that I am trying to abide by my resolutions?  Do they not know how much I enjoy scones with a cup of coffee?  Are they TRYING to tempt me?

No.  They are trying to be a blessing.

This is yet another realization that life is not about me.  Never has been.  Never will be. 

The person who bakes that was no more thinking about me when they baked that plate of amazing goodness than fly, but somehow, I am a little grumpy about the whole thing.

Sometimes, when things in life go awry, people are quick to blame God, judge others, and grow bitter.  Sometimes, dare I say MOST of the time, it is not about them (or me).

It may be that God is allowing things in their life to make them stronger. (James 1:2-4)
It may be that God is using the choices of others to draw them to Him. (James 1 :2-4)
It may be that God is placing that trial in their path to help them learn to trust in Him more and in the scone less (James 1:2-4).

I am walking away from the plate of scones now...
And praying that the staff will come and eat them ALL soon (and lick the frosting off the plate as well) before I return...

Amberly

Science Not-So-Fair

Our daughter, Judah, completed her Science Fair project this week.

After much nagging, eye-rolling, scrapbook paper, cajoling, a trip to Home Depot, reminders, 3 glue sticks, two trips to Costco photo department, tears, and finally pride in watching her finish, the project was submitted yesterday.

Her project had a great premise: what type of music makes plants grow most quickly: jazz, classical, worship, silence, 80's, and Broadway tunes.

The plants were given equal amounts of sun, water, and time.

The result?  Worship and silence were the two highest achievers. 

Now, no one from "Science Fair Daily" called for an interview, but it turned out to be quite a project...and a lesson for me.

I grow most when I am listening to God's Word in music AND when I take time to just "be".  I do the first one well, but the second one is more painful than I can imagine.

If I try to be still, I TRY REALLY HARD to listen to God (I last about 6 minutes).  I then make a laundry list, start thinking of all the grading I have to do, fall asleep, and/or feel guilty that I do not sit still well.

I am a terrible listener and I am no better with God.  Ugh.

If I am going to "Unleash Joy", I should take more time to just "be still and know that He is God" (Psalm 46:10).

God's blessings on your day.  And on your stillness.

Amberly

Java Minute?

I got a new coffeemaker.

I actually received it months ago, but my inner cheapskate could not cast my old one aside because it still works. But my family cajoled me into giving the new one a try.

My old machine makes 12 cups of coffee at a time.  Since I usually only drink one cup each morning, I would drink old coffee each afternoon and the subsequent days thereafter.  I would make iced coffee out of the "old coffee".  It might gross some out, especially java snobs, but I have been doing it this way for years.

My new maker makes one cup of coffee at a time.  I use the reusable filters so that I am not spending my kids' college fund in K-cups and I truly enjoy the fresh coffee (especially because I have started drinking coffee sans creamer).

I had grown accustomed to old coffee.  Unfresh coffee.  Yesterday's (or the day before's) coffee.

I do the same thing with time with God.

I rely on memories, old lessons, worn-out sermon notes, and experiences from days gone by when fresh and exciting time with Him is just a prayer away.

God prompts me in Isaiah 43:19 "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

In order to "Unleash Joy" in 2014, I need to remember to stay thirsty for God and not settle for yesterday's portion.

Have a great week!

Amberly

Muscle Memory

Today is a big day.   My teaching schedule is in full swing: 8 Spanish classes, 1 Algebra class, and two University English classes.

But the class I am dreading is my Friday exercise class.  At 5:30 a.m.. about 15 women flock to the gym to be tortured humiliated strengthened.  We work on our abs, backsides, quads, shoulders, and core strength.  The strain of the early morning is eclipsed only by the strain of my body as it attempts to look coordinated.  Epic fail.

I have eaten loaves of bread that weigh more than most of the women in the class.  I provide the comic relief in hopes that the instructor does not notice my inability to perform all the tasks.  It never works.

I can feel my sore muscles for the rest of the weekend.  Sometimes, the soreness begins before I even make it to my car.  I often look like Yoda as I toddle to my vehicle.  Sore I Am.  Ridiculous I feel.

According to Elizabeth Quinn, exercise expert, such soreness is called "Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)... (which) is a normal response to unusual exertion and leads to greater stamina and strength as the muscles recover and build hypertrophy."

Soreness is a normal, natural response to the development of strength.  We recognize it when discussing exercise, but why does it surprise us so in life?

When most people make resolutions, they fail to anticipate the DOMS of carrying new things, stretching budgets and calendars, and pushing back old habits.

I am hoping that someday,  I will not feel the pangs of soreness on Saturday mornings.    I hope my body grows accustomed to the class and does not wail in protest.  Or maybe not.  If I stop stretching myself, I may stop getting stronger.  As I strive to "Unleash Joy" in 2014, I must embrace the idea that struggle is an ally.

And speaking of struggles, happy Monday. :)

Amberly

New Year's MESSolutions

I think it interesting that on January 1st, the day I pre-chose to kick off the year "Unleashing Joy", I rang in the new year cleaning vomit off off Legos.  Yep.  You read it right.  My life is officially awesome.

Our son has a virus that has plagued him with a cough that won't quit.  In fact, thrice now, it only "quits" after he throws up.  Bless his heart.

Scott and I are blessed.  Both of our kids are quite healthy.  Nausea is SO rare in our house, neither kid knows how to handle it.   Josiah just sits there and gets sick.  ALL. OVER. THE. PLACE.  AND. ALL. OVER. HIMSELF.  He gets paralyzed and chooses to soil himself and everything around him.

At the risk of grossing all my readers out, many of us struggle with a similar malady.  

We often get paralyzed when we are surprised by the "ick" of life.  Broken hearts, hurt feelings, disappointment, websites that don't work according to deadline, disappointing personal choices, and unstable finances can overcome us if we choose to stay put and not put our faith into action...

January 1st is the PERFECT time to decide to not get paralyzed when life gets dirty, nasty, smelly, and gross.  It is the perfect day to choose to make 2014 one of action and to truly "unleash joy"!

Will you join me???

God's richest blessings on your 2014!

Amberly