Perfection?

Where did the idea of perfection come from? When did we embrace the lie?

God knows we're human - He created us

Our goal is persistence not perfection!

I will miss the Olympics after Saturday. I love watching it all. I noticed something this time. There is a genuine appreciation by the participants of just being in the stadium. There's an honest thankfulness to be included in the race!

The athletes state "giving their all" in representing:

country

coaches

family

supporters





They also stress striving for "personal best". That discipline and focus is necessary to reach the goal of victory. Years of practice and training resulting in peak performance is needed.

Paul, in his writings often uses athletic competitions in comparison to our Christian walk. He encourages us to keep our eye on the goal, to run the race.

Is he saying run it perfectly? No, just do it!
 As days,  months and years go by . . . our spiritual muscles become stronger.

Time spent in the presence of Jesus molds our heart into His image.

 God is already pleased with us! He rejoices in the faltering steps of His "newborns", the mad dashes of His "teenagers", the solid race of His trained runners! We are forgiven and accepted in the Beloved!

Perfect? Not yet.

"Get Real" Bad News

"Get Real" Got a phone call this morning.

One of those you really don't want. Right in the middle of your comfortable routine. All is well and the sun is shining. You answer the call and are plunged into a grey day, the sun is gone and dark clouds are threatening.

"God, help me" you cry, "give me words, pour out Your wisdom!" and He does!

After the call you pray. Your heart hurts for dear ones beginning a journey that will forever change their lives. You pray for each heart touched by the ripples of the event. You pray for comfort and healing. Praising God for holding them close, cradling them in His arms and giving peace.

I read recently that growth is like a birth - painful, bloody, messy. These dear ones hit a mighty growth spurt today. All involved will stretch beyond themselves. I pray their roots will dig deep into the Living Waters and reach high their branches to touch the face of God!

Sometimes He calms the storm, more often He calms His child!

Philippians 4:19 - "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Thought it was Friday!

Thought it was Friday! Opened my eyes and nope, it's Monday. Where did this weekend go?
Time flies faster now that I am my mother's age, ha. Funny how you think of people as certain ages.  I remember clearly the day Daddy turned 50. We traveled south on  A1A to visit friends in Boca Raton. They lived in a lovely pink stucco home close to the beach. Wow, my Daddy was 50 years old . . . now, well, let's say I know how he felt and then some.

When I think of "the boys" I see them sleeping in the back of the van as we head to Canada, playing in the pool at mom and dad's apartment building, jumping off the cliffs at Joy camp, fishing  as we drift in the canoe on the lake listening to the Loons . . . graduations, band competitions, plays and football. Seems strange to see them grown, married, daddies . . . where did the time go?

Don't get me wrong, I am so very proud of the men these "boys" are now. I love the women they chose and the precious grandchildren gifted to us. It's just hard to believe minutes, hours, days, suddenly years slipped by to now.

I close my eyes and the waves are hitting the sandy beach in Florida, the sea gulls are loudly calling to each other, the transistor radio is playing "Sugar, Sugar" and salty, warm breezes are tickling my skin. There's sand between my toes and I smell baby oil! The fearsome foursome are laughing and joking as we  slather ourselves with oil to bake in the sun. Great times, special memories.

"Time stops for no man"

So today I will:

Cherish those I love

Enjoy each moment

Praise my God who knows and loves me

Smile more