Grace and Peace … A Needed Encouragement

“Grace and peace be unto you …”

These words are popular ancient Greek and Hebrew greetings and yet are still so welcomed and needed today!  Isn’t it interesting how much we can learn from history?  Thousands of years ago, people were looking for peace in their struggle-filled lives and here we are today, 2011, still searching for those same valued commodities in our own life, grace and peace.  Although I don’t have all the answers, I do acknowledge that I have confirmed in my own life that much peace is found when grace is extended.

When trying to obtain a working definition of the word “grace” I searched the dictionary and discovered the following words used to describe grace: “elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action; a pleasing or attractive quality or endowment; favor or goodwill; a manifestation of favor; mercy;  pardon.”

Note the highlighted words … grace is “a beautiful action that has a pleasing quality of goodwill and a manifestation of favor, mercy and pardon.”  In a world that seems to be spinning out of control – especially when we have totally blown it – grace is what each of us desire.  Grace extended is a free gift and we each have the opportunity to give and receive grace on a daily basis.  True grace is found when it is offered unconditionally and undeserved.  The next time we find ourselves in a situation where we have every right to retaliate or execute punishment, why not consider extending a measure of grace instead?  Think about the encouragement this gift of grace offers and difference it can make in the lives of those around us.

There is a quote that goes something like this:  “To whom much is given, much is required.”  We each have so much for which we should be grateful. We literally receive a measure of grace on a daily basis, whether we realize it or not.  We have received enough grace to last a lifetime and yet some of us are often hesitant to extend and share this same grace with those around us.

I recently received an email from a cousin.  It was one of those that seems to be forwarded through cyberspace and if I’m honest, when I see these type of emails in my inbox, I often hesitate taking the time to read them all, but this particular time I decided this one would be read – “After all, it is from an out-of-state family member and there might actually be a personal note attached….”  Truthfully,  there wasn’t a personal note attached, and no, I did not forward it to anyone else, but it did give me some “food for thought.”  I had already been pondering “Grace and Peace” and the email just added another important aspect to my thought process: It is called “When Your Hut Is On Fire”:

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited  island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned  the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.   Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to  protect himself from the elements and to store his few possessions.  One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything  was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, ‘God!  How could you do this to me?’

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching  the island! It had come to rescue him! ‘How did you know I was here?’  asked the weary man of his rescuers. ‘We saw your smoke signal,’ they  replied.

The Moral of This Story:  It’s easy to get discouraged when things are going bad,  but we shouldn’t lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the  midst of our pain and suffering.

Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.   P.S. You may want to consider passing this on, because you never  know who feels as if their hut is on fire today….

Until next time … May your life be filled with Grace and Peace!

 

Wanna KISS?

Another year has come and gone . . . Did you finish well? Perhaps you are ready for a fresh start? That is what a new year brings: a chance to start all over, make some needed changes, and even perhaps continue the direction we’ve been heading with an extra little push. It is like the snow we recently experienced. It was exciting for us because it isn’t the “norm” here in Georgia. We, unlike many other states, don’t even own snow blowers and snow plows! Most of our little “Georgia Peaches” use makeshift sleds, trash can lids, cardboard, etc. to play in the snow. Typically, a couple of times a year we are lucky to have just enough snow to throw a few snowballs and make a wimpy-looking snowman. Then two or three days later, there isn’t a sign of snow anywhere! The difference is, it is beautiful, enticing and enjoyable for us because it isn’t overwhelming! It is a simple pleasure.

That is where we find ourselves today, at the start of this new year. A fresh fallen snow . . . a clean slate . . . a new beginning! I believe the key to being able to enjoy this new year, become more productive and successful in each area of our endeavors is to K.I.S.S. the old goodbye and welcome this new year with a great, big, juicy, K.I.S.S. Yes, I do mean “Keep It Simple Sweetie!” (In our home of young children, the word “stupid” isn’t permitted.)

By nature, I have the tendency to want to “do it all” and I am a dreamer. In fact, one of my many weaknesses is to dream big, start with a huge bang and then burn out before I have completed my project, tire of it quickly, or realize that I have once again over-committed. I find I “delegate” it to someone else, procrastinate, or just move onto the next big dream. I am trying to learn to take smaller servings and not to attempt to eat the entire pie myself! I want to continue savoring life without overindulging. I am discovering the best way to live this way is to simplify. If I dream it, I will make bite-size plans on how to obtain it or I will leave it for another time. There will be fresh snow again later and maybe next time I will be able to see my own snow angel and know that I have left a positive – and perhaps even glorious – impression on the world around me!

It is fine to dream; the world could use a few more positive dreamers. But it is time for each of us to K.I.S.S. and make-up!!

 

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Oh, joy to the world, it is finally Christmas time again! We love this opportunity to celebrate – any excuse for a party and this one lasts for a whole month!! Each of us have our own unique ways of extolling the hope and joy this holiday brings. For us, it once again begins with simplicity. How thankful we are that we can share in this celebration without having to submit to the bondage of over-commitment and stress. It is difficult though and we have made a deliberate attempt at keeping it simple this year. You see, it hasn’t always been that way…. If the truth is known, there are too many wasted years in the past where the Christmas party in our hearts was replaced with a pity party. There was the loneliness of an empty nest and/or an empty heart, too many empty hours spent on the job instead of with those who desire our presence – not just our presents, and then, of course, too much money spent on gifts that were not as appreciated as we had hoped – bought on credit or with money from an account that was empty also. Not this year though, there will be no more emptiness for us. Since it is a new Christmas season, we have the opportunity to start over and do it “right” this year! Now if we could just figure out what is “right” for us….

Our family has chosen a more simple Christmas this year. We have intentionally said “no thank you, not this year” to some of the rituals and gatherings. We began our celebrating with decorating our tree. There are so many ornaments that bring with them so many memories. We also took a lunch break while decorating and watched one of our favorite family Christmas movies, The Polar Express. (Don’t forget the hot chocolate….) We do enjoy the warm glow of the lights and the warmth of a fire in the fireplace – even though this year we have gas logs. We are also focusing on the true meaning of Christmas, not just traditions, but on the One who instituted Christmas through His birth in a lowly manger. He was the first Christmas gift and we have chosen to accept His gift! We are reminded of this “gift” and sing of it through Christmas carols. Probably one of our most loved Christmas traditions remains the music. We love singing Christmas carols together, listening to them on the radio in our van, and playing our CDs throughout the day in our home. Music seems to lift our spirits and causes our hearts to rejoice. “Mary Did You Know” by Mark Lowry and “Oh Holy Night” are just a couple of our favorites Christmas carols. Our son, Joey, would say not to forget “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” and Uncle Tom would encourage us to listen to Mannheim Steamroller. We all are as different as the music to which we enjoy listening. However, have you ever heard someone else humming, singing or whistling a tune and a few minutes later find yourself humming the same song? If we have a song in our heart, it can be “contagious”! Sometimes our song is calming, soft, and slow while at other times our heart’s song is loud and joyous. The point is to keep the music flowing all year long. Whatever our heart song is today, we still long to spread love and cheer wherever we go. Remember, even if you “can’t carry a tune in a bucket,” you can still “make a joyful noise”! So let us wish you a Merry Christmas and encourage you with the words to an older Christmas song by Larnelle Harris that still speaks volumes today – if we will just take the time to listen:

All Year Long

He braced the old ladder with all of his might
And shouted, Dad, have no fear
As I stretched high to store the stockings and trim
In the attic for another year
We were busily packing our Christmas away
While singing a carol we knew
When I heard my son in innocence inquire
Do we store away Jesus too

I smiled at my boy as again I explainGod’s longing to reconcile
How He gave to the world the gift of new life
When His yearning became Mary’s child
Though surrounded by all of man’s goods we embrace
The hope of that Bethlehem night
We will never store this blessed gift away
With the tinsel and colored lights

 

(Chorus)
All year long
We must worship day by day
All year long
Tis the season to obey
May the Christmas tree lights
And the sleigh rides at night
Remind us all to stay in God’s presence
All year long

 

Christmas Cards

Inside: May you have a blessed Christmas!

Inside: May your days be merry and bright!

Inside: Warm wishes for a holiday season
filled with wonder and joy!

Blank inside

Blank inside

Blank inside

 

Are You Listening to Me?

I can remember as a child my parents watching a television show call Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. and how one of the show’s main characters, Sargent Carter, would often yell “I can’t hear you!” Suddenly, there was the sound of laughter, both on the TV and in our den. There are some days when it feels like the world is shouting back at me “I can’t hear you!” and it doesn’t seem quite so funny any more…

It does not matter how young or old, we all still want to know that people care enough to listen. I sometimes find myself having to apologize to my husband or one of my sons by saying “Sorry, but I wasn’t paying attention; start over, please!” We don’t always need to agree and we don’t always speak to persuade. Perhaps we hope to inform, encourage or just make our opinion known. Nonetheless, our ultimate goal is to be heard.

While we have your attention, why not check out our 5-Alive section on 5 Ways to Encourage Others by Becoming a Better Listener. We can each become a better listener because we all have at least one person in our life – our child, spouse, in-law, grandparent, boss, parent, neighbor, or friend – who desperately wants to be heard and yes, we do mean really heard! Why not try a little harder today to be a better listener to those around you?

So, having said that… we’d love to hear from you! How can we encourage you? Is there someone in your life you would like to encourage? Do you need some suggestions? Better yet, do you have any tips you can share on ways to encourage others? You are important to us and we value your feedback. No, we’re not desperate; and we haven’t run out of theme ideas for our blog yet, we would just like to hear from you! Are you really listening? If so, leave us a comment, or click here to send us an e-mail.

 

Reaching Out

5-Alive: Keeping Encouragement Alive By Becoming A Better Listener

 

1. Eye Contact: “Look at me when I talking to you!” How many times did you hear your parents say that when you were a child? Their point was they knew you were paying better attention when you were making eye contact. That principle still hasn’t changed. When listening to others, stop what you are doing and focus; no more multitasking, texting, answering phone calls, etc. Make others feel like they are the only one alive at that moment – no one else matters.

2. Body Language: If you are indeed focused and paying attention to someone, let them know it! When looking at the definition of listening in a dictionary, we find “giving attention with the ear”; how about giving complete attention with the entire body? Lean in, nod, give a physical touch if appropriate, e.g., a pat on the back or on a hand, give a hug, knuckles, hi-five, etc. Remember, facial expressions are also a key to communication.

3. Mind Your Manners: Yes, it is true: God gave us one mouth and two ears for a reason! It is twice as hard to listen as it is to open our mouth and speak. When we interrupt, we are not only being rude, we are disregarding others’ feelings and thoughts. They feel and are being treated as insignificant. Remember, “It is not about me…” so don’t be planning what you will say next when the opportunity arises. We need to remind ourselves that this is a conversation, not court – we do not always need to prepare a rebuttal! If we must respond, wait until asked or until there is a pause in the conversation.

4. Show Interest: When it is actually appropriate for us to speak, we need to show interest in what they are saying, provide support, and show respect. Be open-minded and don’t be too quick to form opinions or be judgmental. Listen to learn. Remember, we do not always have to agree, but we can always learn something new by listening. Repeat back what you believe they were saying. Ask open-ended questions to clarify. However, don’t interrogate, but rather attempt to feel and show empathy. Find out what their expectations are. Inquire if there is something you can do to help?

5. Re-Affirm: Don’t just hear the words, listen for the real message. When we offer affirmation,we are giving support and admiration; we confirm that others’ thoughts and opinions are valid and important; and finally we motivate, encourage and influence others in a positive manner.

 

Cards

     Inside: Thanks for being such a good listener.

     Inside: I am here for you, to listen and in some small way to bring you comfort knowing that I care.

     Inside: Thanks for listening. You heard “between the words” to know what I really said. I feel so much better now. Thank you!

     Inside: A special friend is always there with a cup of coffee and a listening ear. Someone who makes a perfect day even better, just by sharing it. You have been just that sort of friend to me, and I hope we have many more wonderful afternoons to spend, just being friends.

     Inside: Thanks for listening, seeing and understanding! Thanks for being my friend…

     Inside: I’m here to listen anytime you need me.

     Inside: I’m right here by your side if you need me.

     Inside: Thank you for being there for me when I needed to pour my heart out

     Inside: Blank

 

Encourage Our Troops

As Independence Day quickly approaches, our thoughts are drawn to those who help protect our cherished liberty. Every day, men and women – sons and daughters, husbands and wives, best friends and admired loved ones – choose to put their life in danger to support something they feel so passionately about: freedom!  This month’s blog is dedicated to those brave men and women with heartfelt gratitude. Our goal for July is to inspire each of us to find at least one way to encourage an active soldier and/or their family.

Rather than expound upon our personal feelings and in an effort to honor those currently deployed, we have asked two friends to share what it is like to be the mother or wife of an active soldier. We do not want you to feel sympathy for them, but preferably you will experience empathy and a call to action!  The first excerpt is from our friend, Patty.

What is it like to be the parent of a soldier deployed in Afghanistan? There are so many different facets to this experience. I have to say that the first thing I felt was pride that I have a son that chose to defend our wonderful country. This pride is the good kind… helps me get thru the hard times. Every day I feel the pain of looking into Ricky’s eyes for the last time when we said goodbye, hoping that I would get to look into them again in a year. It is a pain I can’t describe as a mother. My heart carries that hurt around 24 hours a day. My first moments of the day, the last at night and when I wake in the middle of the night, my thoughts go to him. But then I begin to pray, and the Lord brings me peace. Hearing Ricky’s voice brings great joy to our house… except when he calls and tells us of the loss of a fellow soldier. His voice is small and we cry along with him. We can understand what that family is going to be going thru, and we pray fervently for them. It takes a while to recover from news like that. As the months wear on, we are completely humbled by the grace of our wonderful God. He has surrounded us with His people who pray diligently for Ricky. We are amazed! Our family, friends and neighbors give us hugs when we need them and prayers all the time. Ricky has been bombarded with care packages. This is what shows him how we all miss him and support him. Does time make it easier? No. Only God can carry us thru this year. Only 3 more months…

Next, we have asked our friend, Rachel, what it is like to be the wife of a career soldier:

I have learned many hard, yet valuable lessons in the four years I have been dubbed a military wife. Aftershave does not travel well in care packages, telephone calls from my husband do not come as often as I would like and the months without him pass more slowly than molasses on a cold winter’s day. Birthdays without him mean more cake for me, the lawn mower definitely needs a tune-up and the remote control is a wonderful accessory to have. The price of these lessons, though, is the sacrifice of the time, memories, hugs, kisses and companionship. My husband has chosen this career path, and our family sees the effects of this daily. He missed our daughter’s first words, her first time rolling over, her first Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries and the little parts of our days that truly mean so much. God has used these trials to teach me and mold my heart, to show me that He alone is my light and my salvation.

Throughout all of the trials, both my own and in my marriage, prevails a sense of peace, strength and hope. There is a calm serenity in knowing that I can support my husband, be his prayer warrior and encourage him through my gestures, words and prayers. My heart is full, in turn, because of the encouragement of loved ones in my times of loneliness and sadness. A kind word, a note or a hug can brighten my darkest hours. This outpouring of love I continue to receive helps strengthen me for my husband. Instead of focusing on my fears and worry, I am encouraged to remember that God is in control. “Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

I will continue to miss my husband fiercely and wish he were here for all of this, my life and our daughter’s. However, I rest calmly and peacefully in the knowledge that we are following God’s path for us as best we can. I will be faithful in prayer, encourage with my words and be sure to send lots of homemade cakes. I make a conscious decision every day to choose to look at the positives in our situation – my husband is defending our country, we are following God’s plan for our lives, and I have a whole lot less laundry to do when he is gone. 

“ …May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other” (Genesis 31:49).

Although Patty and Rachel both responded with such pride, love, and even a bit of humor, there is still loneliness, concern and a void left in their heart and lives. Ricky and Sean are true heros. We continue to be free because they, and other men and women like them, are so brave!  We owe them support, honor and gratitude. These soldiers and their families are making sacrifices daily in order to make a difference for our country. We each can make a difference too!  They need our prayers and encouragement. In our 5-Alive section, we will provide ideas of ways to encourage active soldiers and their families. Perhaps as a way to celebrate July 4th this year, you will join us in making a difference in the life of a soldier – who is currently making a difference in this world for you.

 

Reaching Out

Preface: This month we are featuring two 5-Alive applications: one for the military families, and the other for the deployed service men and women. Additionally, we have included some specific “How To” tips. Although this section is longer than our typical 5-Alive segments, we do trust you will continue to find this practical and helpful.

5-Alive: Keeping Encouragement Alive For Military Families

(A quick note to the Military Spouse: make a list of ways others can help and when the offer comes, instead of saying “no,” perhaps you might choose to say “not right now or yet” because if you continuously reject others, the offers will more than likely stop as well. Let others share in the privilege of serving their country by helping you and your family!)  

1. Bring a movie and popcorn to their house for a movie night – break up the monotony for the entire family.
2. Bake cookies/ brownies for the family, and sit and eat them with the family. Better yet, bring an entire meal and join them for dinner. Be sure to include lots of conversation and encouragement. (It is easy to feel alone when your “other half” is missing.)
3. Offer to do one of the typical “opposite-role” tasks. (e.g., if the husband is deployed, offer to help with the yard work, clean the gutters, small repairs, heavy lifting, auto oil change, taking the autos to be serviced or repaired, etc. If the wife is deployed, make a meal and/or arrange to have meals delivered, offer to clean the house or pay to have cleaned, mending, help plan a child’s birthday party, offer to help decorate or shop for gifts at Christmas, etc.) The point isn’t that the remaining partner could not do all of these tasks themselves, but the objective is to try and make their life seem a bit more easy.
4. Send a note or card thanking them for the daily sacrifices they too make.
5. Ask someone about their service member, and remind them that you are praying for their loved one.

And an extra: Offer to babysit the service member’s child(ren) so the remaining parent can relax – maybe even overnight!

5-Alive: Keeping Encouragement Alive For Deployed Military Personnel

1. Send copies of their local newspaper and newsletters/bulletins from church and neighborhood. They enjoy reading everything that goes on at home.
2. Send care packages. Below you will find lots of ideas and suggestions for care packages including how to ship them.
3. Take pictures of family/ friends/ church members holding flags/ wearing red, white and blue. Then have them make or sign a card for the service member. Even children can get involved by drawing and coloring pictures! Include home videos on disc.
4. Celebrate special occasions. Remember their birthday and holidays. Perhaps “throw a party” by not only sending the card, but also the party plates/napkins, decorations, and a cake to share. Don’t bake? No worries! There are websites such as www.bakemeawish.com that ships cakes overseas! Remember, some service men and women receive no mail or packages year round….
5. Print Bible verses and encouraging notes on a pillow case for the service member. Perhaps have children “decorate” a t-shirt. (Just be sure to use permanent ink!)

Sending a Care Package

Go to usps.com and click on “Order Supplies” in the middle of the page. Then, click on “Flat-Rate” boxes. Select the size you would like to order (this is free; the USPS will deliver them to your front door!) Then, click on the “forms” page. Click on “customs declaration and dispatch note.” A flat-rate box and customs form are what you will need to send a care package.If you do not wish to order shipping supplies online, any post office will have them, but you will have to ask for them, as they are not given out in the lobby. Each size flat-rate box is a specific price based on the size of the box, not the weight. Stuff as much as you can into one box, to get more “bang for your buck,” so to speak.

Ideas for Care Packages

• Send themed care packages (Mexican themed, candy themed, game themed, toiletry themed)
• Homemade cakes (bakes & ships easily in large coffee cans) and cookies (cookies ship well in recycled Pringles chip cans)
• Little Debbie cakes, donuts, brownies (pre-packaged), Girl Scout cookies
• Comforts of Home- gel insoles for shoes, foot powder, chap stick, sun block (lotion form- put it in a ziploc), a fleece blanket, pillow cases, baby/hand wipes, eye drops, deodorant, nice shampoo & conditioner, and plastic applicator tampons. Do not send cash. If you send a phone card, make sure it is an international card.
• Drinks: Kool-aid mix, Gatorade mix, tea bags, instant coffee, plastic container for mixing and measuring, lemonade mix, powdered hot chocolate, marshmallows
• Fun stuff- Board games, batteries, small handheld games, crossword puzzles, pens, disposable cameras, magazines, books – even books on tape, book light
• Non-microwave meals, Bowl Appetite dinners, cup-o-soup, measuring cup (for hot water), instant oatmeal or grits, dry cereal (small, individual boxes), granola bars, cereal bars, power bars
• Snacks- Slim Jims, crackers, potted meat, Velveeta cheese, crackers, bagged chips, cookies, tuna, Triscuits, Lunchables (that don’t have to be refrigerated), candy (that won’t melt), snack cakes, graham crackers, pretzels, licorice, bubble gum, nuts, applesauce, fruit cups, trail mix, Tabasco sauce, plastic jars of peanut butter, Fluff.

A few extra tips:

• Do not send any candy that will melt, such as chocolate.
• To be safe, wrap things like shampoo/ body wash in foil and a Ziploc bag.
• Do not send aerosols or anything in a spray can, such as perfume, deodorant, sun block, bug spray, etc. Send the kind that comes in a squirt bottle instead.
• Send a lot of everything! They can always share with friends.
• Include hand-written notes, as these are most precious!

Think of what you would like to have if you were thousands of miles away from the comforts of home and pack with lots of love!

 

Cards for Military Families

Click on a card to see larger version and/or to order.

  Inside verse: Our land is free, because your loved one is so brave! We thank you so much for the sacrifices your family makes every day and we are praying for your loved one’s quick and safe return!

   Inside verse: In your sacrifice of this precious time of your life by supporting your loved one’s service to our country, you have also served. For this, we are forever grateful. Thank you for your service!

   Inside verse: In appreciation of your family’s personal sacrifice for freedom. Your son’s brave service is why we can call this the land of the free and the home of the brave.

To see more “Support Our Troops” cards, click here.