Author: lbuth0511de28fc

Someone wise said the only people who know all about rearing kids are the ones who never had any.

I found that to be true and I'll bet you have, too.

Not long after we hold our first child any illusion that little ones effortlessly fit into our plans vanishes like a puff of smoke. Fact: Babies and children of any age change everything.

No wonder being a mom–or a dad–often feels like groping our way through a cave with barely a glimmer of light.

We stumble. We sweat fear. We pray, never quite sure we're on the right path. We never lose sight of the fact that the people we love most are depending on us.

So we carry on, loving our kids the best we can and coping the best way we know how.

Most of all we keep on praying.

It's a wonder-full, wearying way to live

Forget those "experts" and celebrity parents on TV who ooze love and joy. Somehow they conveniently forget to mention the size of their staff and how many nannies they employ.

Who hasn't watched one of those movies or TV shows where the nannies bring the oh-so-adored children in to join the the adults for a time, like 15 minutes or half an hour. (Betcha any one of us could be wise and joyful for limited time periods …)

Real-life parents mostly make do on their own. And get tired. Exhausted, really. Tired of coping. Tired of putting everyone else first.

I remember when our girls were young. I found myself in a long gray spell and couldn't put my finger on the why of it or shed the heaviness that weighed me down.

Then I ran across a rhyme

Just two lines, but they shocked me into right thinking:

Two men looked out through prison bars;

One saw mud, the other saw stars

That simple couplet spoke truth to my heart. As never before, I realized that what I "saw" and how I judged it came from inside me.

No matter what the situation, always, I choose what I focus on and how I call it. So do you.

At first I didn't like knowing that, but then I realized the power of it.

We all live our lives one moment at a time. How we see it and how we call it is up to us.

So look up and take heart

Whatever problems you face right now, however overwhelmed you may feel, you never walk alone. Not in this moment. Not in any future moment–unless you want to.

If today you need a shot of encouragement, many of us Christians especially love this Bible verse because we know by experience this promise is true:

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

So take a deep breath, smile and put on your "God-Glasses." The last chapter of your life–and your children's lives, whatever their ages–has yet to be written.

Why not choose to see what's good and focus on His mighty power within you–and them? And don't forget to thank the Giver.

Trust me, that small adjustment can make a big difference–for you personally and for your family. I know this is true because I've lived it–and it's still my daily goal.

I'm thankful for you, dear reader. Thanks for stopping by!

Lenore

About being a parent–and how we look at our lives

February 5, 2025
Maybe it's just me, but I sometimes feel ho-hum about life, even without specific complaints. How about you?

Perking up would not be hard, that is, if I got serious and dug in.

But within a week or so I always sink back into my comfortable rut and life goes on as before.

(Sigh.)

Then a simple way to make big changes dropped into my lap

One January Sunday our pastor surprised us all. After ending his sermon he asked the ushers to pass out the blank index cards he'd given them earlier, one for each person present.

Then he said, "It's time we all set priorities for the year ahead. But don't worry, I'll keep it simple.

"First number your cards, 1, 2, 3, no more. Then in 15 words or less write not what you hope will happen or what you want to happen, but what you will do to make this a better year. Use action words so you can remember. Got it? Okay, you have five minutes. Go!"

About minute four, I scribbled:

See the good

Speak the good

Do the good

(Yes, I know that's not good grammar.)

When the timer beeped he said, "Stop! Take your card home and tape it up at eye level where you can't help seeing it. Then whenever you see that card, read your words aloud and ask God's help to carry them out.

"Now let's pray: Lord, we cannot change on our own. Inspire each of us to put into action what you just planted in our minds. Make us faithful and bless our efforts, we pray. Amen."

Later that day I taped my card on "my side" of our bathroom wall mirror, all the while thinking, End of story, I'll bet.

Or maybe not

I decided to at least try, so over the next weeks every time I looked in the mirror I read my words again and prayed, "Lord, help me, please."

I didn't expect much, but God surprised me. I could not shake those words. I heard them when another driver took the parking space I just spotted.

Would I fuss and fume or would I see the good? After all, I had a few minutes to spare and a car to drive, thank God. Another parking place would open up, so why get bent out of shape?

Those ten words drummed in my mind with relationships, too, as when my friend forgot we had arranged to meet for coffee and good talk.

When she called to apologize I could play the victim or I could see the good (she simply forgot.) I could speak the good ("Oh, it's all right. I know you have a lot on your mind right now.") I could do the good by setting another time to meet and telling her how much our friendship meant to me.

I found those simple phrases even affected chance encounters, as when a clerk seemed snippy.

I could walk out angry, muttering my frustration. Or I could see the good, understanding the clerk might be distracted because of serious personal issues. I could do the good by smiling and speak the good by thanking her for her help.

I left that card on the mirror all year because it reminded me how I wanted to live my life.

And little by little, with God's help, I did change.

Here we are with fresh new calendars for a fresh new year. How will we choose to live it?

Each of us will carry different burdens as we journey on and tough times may arise, but we are never alone. When we trust in Jesus He promises to be with us, every moment of every day.

This year I want to remember words of strength like these:

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. –1 Peter 5:7

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. –Isaiah 41:10

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. —Philippians 4:13

Why not try my simple "formula" for yourself?

I'm no expert, but I pass on this "off the cuff" formula for one reason only. I know it can work if we take it to heart. (And I'm considering this a reminder/refresher for myself, too.)

See the good

Speak the good

Do the good

Wishing you all the best, dear readers, as we keep learning and growing together,

Lenore
Tired of the “Same Old, Same Old” Day After Day?

January 10, 2025
One unforgettable Sunday morning in church we sat right behind pure joy

The worship theme for the day was "Joy!" and a little girl in the row ahead of us showed us what joy looks like.

She looked much like the girl in the photo as she swayed back and forth in her polka dot dress, keeping time to the music of the worship team.

She kept smiling up at her parents and her smile lit up her face. That adorable 5-year old was lost in praise and joy.

All of us around her were smiling, too. As always, we sang the praise songs, but with (ahem) more restraint. Blame it on being all grown-up and "sensible". Experienced. Seasoned by life.

(But wouldn't it be wonderful to feel such joy every day of the week?)

Are you feeling life is one dreary round of duty after another?

We all could use a fresh infusion of joy, especially this time of year, when dark is long and daylight is short.

Still, we short-circuit that possibility by our December routines:

Impossible schedules, with Christmas programs and parties and gatherings all converging on a few dates

Never enough time

Never enough sleep

Dithering over what to have for the eat-too-much family dinner. Or if out-of-town family is visiting over Christmas, will we be hosting? And how much food will we need to prepare?

Tensions over wanting to give gifts that light up our loved ones' eyes while trying to stick to the family budget

It's time to ask ourselves what really matters?

Many of us are scurrying around, reciting to ourselves, "I-gotta-remember-to- …" Suppose we stopped for awhile and breathed in God's strength.

It helps to refocus our thoughts and fill our minds with what He says to us:

Be still, and know that I am God. -Psalm 46:10

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts. -Colossians 3:15

In quietness and trust is your strength. -Isaiah 30:15

These verses can become the music in our minds that drowns out the din and emptiness of commercialism.

Always, we have a choice of what we let take root in our minds.

Remember the reason for the season

If we look back at our lives, what stands out are the people and the love.

That's true for our children, too. Right now we can be laying down treasure in their memory banks and their hearts. Let's make it the real thing, like celebrating the birth of the Christ Child together and nestling into the warmth and love of family.

If we're preoccupied with the tinsel of cramming in all the "stuff" of the holidays we'll miss out on what really matters and they will, too. Our calmness and gentleness will help quiet our children and give them a pattern for how to live.

Joy comes from within, remember?

Jesus is the reason for the season

The angels proclaimed JOY to all the world the night Jesus was born. Remember?

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people." –Luke 2:8-10

Joy to you and joy to me.

The same joy that bubbled up in that little girl and spilled over onto the world around her.

Joy to the highest of the high and the lowest of the low

We may assume those shepherds had it easy, lolling around on picturesque green hills while their gentle sheep grazed peacefully. All they had to do was keep an eye on them.

Not true. If you've spent any time around sheep you know they're easily spooked and will run mindlessly after the first sheep that starts running.

Add in possible predators that lurk in the shadows, waiting. In 1 Samuel 17 young David tells of a shepherd's life:

“I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death."

Doesn't sound too idyllic, does it?

Every day those shepherds dealt with life and death–and they got no respect from the world. They lived with their sheep and probably smelled like them, too, coming back to their villages badly in need of soap and water and a haircut.

Yet they were the first to see and worship Jesus, except Mary and Joseph.

Whatever our difficulties, Jesus brings joy

Christians are not immune from troubles and trials, but we're never on our own.

The Apostle Peter wrote about that in 1 Peter 1. He describes how Jesus brings us joy, here from the New Living Translation, verses 8-9:

You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him, you trust him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy. Your reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

That's our reason for joy and for praise, for swaying with the music of our lives. Through whatever comes, we know Jesus is with us.

That joy can be yours.

If you're still wondering what you think about God, find a Bible and look up the Gospel of John. Read John 3:16 and think on it awhile. Ponder that the word "whoever" includes you.

You can read the familiar Christmas story in Luke, chapter 2.

JOY to you, my friends, in the dark and in the light, at Christmas and all year through!

Lenore
Are you longing for Christmas joy? Find it here

December 15, 2024
It's that time again. Time to think and to thank

Time to count up all the reasons we have to be thankful.

Even now. Even though. Even if our personal story is full of pain.

Like one young man I read about. I only have a few sentences of fact about his brief encounter with a friend, but here's how I imagine it have gone.

"Joel" suffered a freak accident that shattered his life in an instant. This once-strapping young man became a paraplegic for life.

When his best friend since childhood, "Kev," saw him for the first time he tried not to stare as he took in the finality of his buddy's situation. Joel would never walk again.

Then Kev heard himself blurt, "Isn't it strange how one day can color a whole life?"

"Yeah," Joel said and nodded. A moment later he flashed his old smile and said, "But I thank God that I still get to choose the colors."

So do you and I. Thanks-living is a matter of the mind and heart. Our every-day attitude.

Once we plug in that perspective it changes our view of life. And us. We stop bemoaning what's missing and start being glad for what is.

It helps to think about that original Thanksgiving

Start with The Mayflower. Forget modern ocean liners. This merchant ship measured only 64 feet long, about the distance from a baseball pitcher's mound to home plate. It traversed the Atlantic at a sizzling two miles an hour.

Those 102 Pilgrims were packed into the cargo hold, an area about half the size of a basketball court. Ceilings measured less than five feet high. Their group included 18 married couples and their children. Two wives were pregnant and one delivered her baby during the voyage.

For 66 days and nights they endured limited space, little privacy, poor ventilation and scanty meals because they feared running out of food..

At last, on November 11, 1620, the captain spotted Cape Cod and dropped anchor offshore in the New World.

No inns with warm rooms and cushy beds awaited them

They had only The Mayflower to provide shelter from the endless unknown that stretched before them when they looked toward land. Fear stalked them but they dare not give in.

Because The Mayflower would sail back to England in spring, the men had no choice but to row to shore every day, whatever the weather. There they worked together to build basic shelter for their group, as well as for the chickens and pigs they brought with them.

They dug graves, too. Lots of them. By that first Thanksgiving only 50 of the 102 Pilgrims who left England remained alive. Only three of the 18 married couples still had both spouses.

Let that sink in. Imagine their heavy hearts as the survivors gathered to celebrated their first harvest. They resolved to set aside their grief and together, thank God, the Giver.

He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might, He increases power.  Isaiah 40:29

Do we have what it takes to do the same?

Not one of us has or will have a perfect life. You and I, too, survive because God enables us to keep breathing and gives strength for each day.

Let's be on the alert for the good in life and be ready to acknowledge it. In people. In family members. It's always there, even in hard times.

In every situation we still get to choose our outlook and to speak the good word. No eloquence required, just the doing.

Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.  1 Thessalonians 5:11

Let's share our lessons learned

Some of us never speak of our mistakes, as if we've skated along through life with never a rough spot. This may protect our egos, but it cheats our children and grandchildren.

We can bless them by gently telling stories about our ups and downs and lessons learned–and how God brought us through. Were there times we "feasted" on Spam because we couldn't afford turkey? Pass on such tales, if only to show it's possible to rejoice and to laugh, even when life's not perfect.

Most importantly, as we share our stories, let's point to the Giver.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1

When we thank God it reminds us we're not alone–and we never were

Neither were the Pilgrims. Like us, they anguished over their pain and their losses, but they didn't camp there. They chose instead to focus on God's faithfulness through it all.

Can't we do the same?

Start with "ordinary" things like the myriad colors in trees and plants and flowers. We take all that for granted, but what if our Creator had colored all of Nature in shades of grey?

For each of us, if we truly take in what we see around us we'll understand why we can be thankful and can praise God.

Even when life disappoints us and sadness won't lift. Even when time drags on and we can't see an end to the waiting. Even then.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

Every day, let's hone in on the joy of what is, rather than to waste time yearning for "perfect."

And let's remember that you and I "choose the colors" of our lives, too, every single day.

Thanking God for you, dear unseen friend!

Lenore

Can We Give Thanks Even When Life Is Hard?

November 26, 2024
Let me pass on a lesson I learned along the way–and isn't that the way we all learn?

I'm making progress because awhile back a new friend said, "You always wear the hint of a smile. What's your secret?"

I thanked her for that delightful compliment, of course. Right then I couldn't come up with anything better than a glib "Well, I guess I have a lot to smile about."

Later on an incident from years ago popped into my head and suddenly I knew the answer to that question.

It sounds strange, but sometimes big truth comes from unlikely sources.

On that ordinary, life-changing day I was so completely focused on my list I didn't really look at the other shoppers milling around me

That is, not until one of them stopped me by tapping me on the shoulder. The tiny elderly lady looked concerned as she said, "'Excuse me, Honey, but you look so sad I had to stop. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Sad? Me? Baffled, I said something like, "I'm sorry, ma'am, but what do you mean?"

"Well, judging by the expression on your face, I figure you must be dealing with something really heavy. I'm so sorry! Just wanted to tell you things hardly ever are as bad as they seem. So cheer up, Dearie, and never, ever give up hope!"

With that she smiled again, then patted my shoulder and scurried away.

I stood there speechless

All I could think was, what on earth was she talking about?

A few steps later I ran into my reflection on a mirrored pillar near me and took a hard look. I did look, well, grim. As much as I hated to admit it to myself that little lady wasn't exaggerating.

I heard her words in my mind for days. So did the question that refused to be stilled: What do I communicate to others around me?

Always before I thought of myself as a happy person. Now I couldn't escape the obvious: That's probably not the message the people around me picked up.

What could I do?

I decided to start with the way I deliberately set my lips, even when I was alone.

Just as importantly I would pay attention to the words coming out of my mouth.

Now I had a plan. From that moment on I would

wear a happy expression

look for the good and

speak encouragement.

I soon decided that wouldn't matter unless I lived it. If I wanted this to become a habit, my new behavior had to be all day, every day.

So I paid careful attention to the expression I wore. To my surprise, before long I didn't need to remind myself so often.

I also concentrated on looking for and speaking the good. Soon that became more routine, too–but I still have to watch myself.

Always, always it's easier to sink into a down mood than to stay in an up mood.

Nothing changed, but everything changed

Before long I realized I was more fun to be around, even for myself. My same old, same old life felt happier, too.

Could it be this simple?

All I know is that old song holds some real meaning:

"Put on a happy face…and you will be happy, too."

It's not the whole truth, for sure, but it's a beginning.

Like that tiresome saying, you can't journey a thousand miles if you never take that first step.

Looking for Bible backup?

For me, "thinking good thoughts" won't keep me going for long. Here's one specific verse that speaks to the subject.

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. –Proverbs 15:

There's more, of course. Whatever our situation, we Christians always have reason to smile.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. -Romans 5:8

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. -Romans 15:13

With love and prayers,

Lenore
Found! A Simple Way to Improve Your Mood

November 12, 2024
We've all lived it. Times when we felt numb and hopeless, for whatever reason.

Right now some of us might blame it on taking in too much of what's going on around us in connection with the 2024 U.S. elections.

Angry talk, accusations and division fill the air–and every kind of media or social platform we turn to. Even friends and family members walk on eggs around each other, afraid to voice their opinions out loud.

It's fair to say it often looks and sounds more like we are the Divided States of America.

What happened to national unity?

From the beginning every American schoolkid heard over and over that the United States was the great melting pot. This was the one place on earth where it didn't matter what your name was or how much money you had. Whether you were born here or in another country and arrived via legal immigration.

No wonder the national mindset could be summed up like this:

We are Americans! We are one!

Also in that time everyone understood the truth of what we still say today: "Nobody's perfect."

Hardly anyone argued with that, being well-acquainted with their own repeated failures to keep their good resolutions.

As one old-timer put it, "Ain't no perfect people anywhere. Anytime."

Let's get our brains in gear

Let's set aside the charges and counter-charges for a moment and focus on some unique, foundational truths about our Nation:

We the citizens have the right to vote and elect our President, Vice President, Senators and Representatives and other governing officials.

We have the right to complain about those we elect at the National, State or local level of Government without fear of being dragged off to a work camp.

We have the right to work for any employer who will hire us. Own any car we can afford. Live in any house we can pay for. In any State we choose.

We are free to form our own opinions. Every single one of us, agree or disagree. Free to worship God–or remain skeptical.

This is rare. Shouldn't that fact give us the right to be proud of these United States of America?

Is America perfect? Not by a long shot. Is America more good than bad? Yes

If we focus only on the flaws in our society and in people and in our world, we cheat ourselves, our families and the people in our lives. There is so much more.

Like most Christians, I believe God put you and me right where we are, among the people in our lives. Why? Only He knows the full story. What if His purpose is so we can speak what is true and be a blessing? Here. Now.

As someone has said, if we're alive and breathing it's a sign that God still has a purpose for us. A reason to go on.

What can one person do?

Those of us who are Christians believe we are to pray for all those who are in authority, that they would have–or at least exercise–integrity and good judgment.

We all can pray that truth will prevail, in government, in education at every level, and in the hearts and minds of the people of this Nation.

Just as importantly, let's remind ourselves that ultimately, freedom is a matter of the heart and mind. As a Christian I believe this verse points the way:

[Jesus said] "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

For all of us, as clear-thinking adults, let's not get caught up in what is divisive. Rather, may we focus on what is good and right and true.

That does not mean constantly barging into conversations in an effort to ensure our opinions dominate. Rather, we are to be gentle and kind in our conversations with friends, coworkers and family members.

We cannot bring peace in the world all by ourselves, but we can be up-builders in the place where God has planted us.

NOW is the time!

If you have not registered to vote, do it NOW because the deadlines are upon us.

I implore you that between now and November 5 you would weigh the evidence and evaluate each candidate. Make up your own mind. Then be sure that you cast your vote–for your well-considered choices. Follow the instructions in your State, but get that vote in–and be sure it gets counted.

Let's not waste our privilege as citizens of this much-blessed Nation.

Humbly and lovingly,

Lenore
How Do We Get Through This Troubling Time?

October 22, 2024
Have you ever said to yourself, "I wish something would happen!"

Consider that reckless thinking. That "something" may turn out to be scary.

Take the time I did my usual breast self-exam and felt a tiny lump the size of a BB. I didn't remember feeling anything before. Next came the mammogram, then the "maybe" verdict, then the biopsy.

Boy, did that un-bore me fast!

Thanks be, the final verdict pronounced it benign.

Sometimes it's a phone call you never wanted to have

Like the morning one of our daughters, college age, called with a plaintive note in her voice, "Is Dad there? I need to talk to him… ."

If you've had young drivers of your own you can guess the reason why. This time another driver, uninsured, had rear-ended her car. That young man pushed her into the stopped car ahead of her at a busy Los Angeles intersection. Now she was scared and stranded because her car had been towed away.

Thank God that although she was shaken up, she was spared serious injuries.

In the weeks of repair time that followed the rest of us were one car short. One "benefit"–nobody at our house was bored.

More bad news came a couple of weeks later

A weighty, cream-colored envelope arrived. It bore the name and prestigious address of a Beverly Hills attorney. He wrote to inform us his firm was representing the other driver, someone with an unpronounceable name who was in the U.S. on a student visa. The bottom line of that letter? They intended to sue our daughter.

Can you imagine our outrage? Our daughter was panicked and we weren't far behind as we ran through all the what ifs that came to mind.

At last came common sense and we contacted our insurance company.

End of story.

Periods of fear and uncertainty can happen to us all

Those are the times we wish we could go back to yesterday or the day before.

Back to a day when if someone asked, "How was your day?" we could answer, "Oh, it's been just a normal day, kind of boring, really. Nothing much happened."

If we've had a lengthy string of days like that we may even feel a bit sorry for ourselves. After all, don't we deserve a bit of excitement of our own?

Been there, done that–and it never brings me joy to start going down that track.

Words to lift our spirits

I have no idea who Mary Jean Iron is, but I think her words pack a hefty meaning.

Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.

In verse 24 of Psalm 118 we find the unshakable reason to consider every day a good day:

This is the day that the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

I'm thinking these two together amount to great advice because one fact is inescapable. This day is the only day we really have.

So whatever else is going on–or not going on in our days, let's rejoice that we're still breathing, still standing. Let's thank God we're alive and celebrate every minute of every day!

Blessings and peace and joy,

Lenore

Another Same Old, Same Old Day? Then Celebrate!

September 5, 2024
How are you doing with all the uncertainties and unrest around us?

Many of us find our peace and patience running low. Nameless fears lace through every day and wake us in the night.

We tell ourselves I've always been good in a crisis. The only catch with that is that a crisis has a beginning and an end.

The situations playing out for us in the news and all around us promise to continue for a long stretch–and we know it.

That makes it worse.

How can we stay on track day-to-day?

Awhile back I ran across a yellowed newspaper clipping of a piece by long-ago columnist Frank Crane. Just reading the title took me back to when I was a young mother who struggled to keep up with the demands of our daily life.

Even so, I never missed reading a column titled, "Dr. Crane Says" in our daily newspaper because he spoke to my heart. I appreciated his practical advice and down-to-earth wisdom.

Every year or so the paper would feature his longer piece, "Just for Today" because year after year, it was his most-read column.

This piece made good sense to me then, even though it challenged me. It still does because truth never gets outdated.

Here it is in the original version:

Just for Today

Here are ten resolutions to make when you awake in the morning.

They are Just for One Day. Think of them not as a life task but as a day’s work.

These things will give you pleasure. Yet they require will power. You don’t need resolutions to do what is easy.

1. Just for Today, I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle my whole life-problem at once. I can do some things for twelve hours that would appall me if I felt I had to keep them up for a lifetime.

2. Just for Today, I will be Happy. This assumes that what Abraham Lincoln said is true, that “most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Happiness is from Within; it is not a matter of Externals.

3. Just for Today, I will Adjust myself to what Is, and not try to Adjust everything to my own desires. I will take my family, my business, and my luck as they come, and fit myself to them.

4. Just for Today, I will take care of my Body. I will exercise it, care for it, and nourish it, and not abuse it nor neglect it; so that it will be a perfect machine for my will.

5. Just for Today, I will try to strengthen my mind, I will study. I will learn something useful, I will not be a mental loafer all day. I will read something that requires effort, thought and concentration.

6. Just for Today, I will exercise my Soul. In three ways, to wit:

(a) I will do somebody a good turn and not get found out. If anybody knows of it, it will not count.

(b) I will do at least two things I don’t want to do, as William James suggests just for exercise.

(c) I will not show any one that my feelings are hurt. They may be hurt, but Today I will not show it.

7. Just for Today, I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, dress as becomingly as possible, talk low, act courteously, be liberal with flattery, criticize not one bit nor find fault with anything, and not try to regulate nor improve anybody.

8. Just for Today, I will have a Programme. I will write down just what I expect to do every hour. I may not follow it exactly, but I’ll have it. It will save me from the two pests Hurry and Indecision.

9. Just for Today, I will have a quiet half hour, all by myself, and relax. During this half hour, some time, I will think of God, so as to get a little more perspective to my life.

10. Just for Today, I will be Unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to be Happy, to enjoy what is Beautiful, to love and to believe that those I love love me.

(Copyright, 1921 by Frank Crane)

One more thing …

I never want to confine my thinking of God to only 30 minutes a day because he's not "out there" or "up there." Over and over He promises to be with us every minute of every day.

He is our loving God. Because he loved us enough to send his only Son (John 3:16) we're free to ask his help any time of the day or night. Period. Whenever we feel anxious and unsettled we can go to the Lord and let his peace quiet our hearts.

Long ago God spoke to his people through his prophet Elijah. His words still ring true for us today:

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

You and I are never alone. That's true even if we live alone. We can make it through whatever comes if we allow God's promises be our bottom line.

Trusting, too,

Lenore

Ten well-tested principles for happy living

August 13, 2024
Never think "Nobody listens to me!"

That's not true. Even if you live alone, you listen to your words. Think of the constant stream of words in your mind. That sound track plays constantly in the background.

It's as if we have an inner critic–or an inner cheerleader–that never takes a break.

Most of us have no notion when that voice took up residence.

Some trace it back to one or more individuals along the way, probably someone we wanted desperately to please.

A parent. A teacher or boss. A friend, or so we thought until …

Once we identify even just the beginning of that process it can help us understand ourselves–and others.

The lifelong influence of parents

A good friend grew up in poverty, but he went on to success in every area of his life. When asked how he managed that, "Jim" had a stock answer. "My mother always told me she knew I would do something great with my life.

"I didn't really believe her, but I figured she must know something about me that I didn't. So whenever a challenge cropped up I did the best I knew how to do and God blessed my hard work."

His mom's words–and her confidence–echoed in his mind all his days.

Because of her example he frequently spoke love and confidence to his wife and children. In the workplace Jim became known as "the spark plug" because he buoyed up those around him.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

What about us?

Our words are power-packed, too. Do you doubt that? Just think back to the last time someone's thoughtless remark cut deep and you still can't forget it.

We've all done it, haven't we? Often we spew out our frustrations on whomever is handy. Our husband or our wife–or our children. Right away we wish we could take back our words, well aware that's not the way to nurture a relationship. Or a friendship.

Then there's gossip and "sharing" without the other person's permission. Loose lips have sunk many a relationship.

Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3 NIV

Make it a habit to be a people-booster

Call to mind the last time you expressed your confidence in someone. They may have said, "Yeah, sure," and turned away. Later on you noticed they stood just a bit taller and looked quietly pleased.

Why? Just ask yourself whether you'd prefer a pat on the back or a kick in the pants.

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Romans 15:2 ESV

How do we want to be thought of?

You and I affect the present–and the future–of people we love because they care what we think.

Think how often you hear an adult–even an older adult–remark, "My mother–or my dad–always said …"

Our children care, too, even when they seem not to. Even after they're grown and well into living their own lives.

It's the same in a marriage. We either build each other up or tear each other down. The choice is always before us.

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 LNT

We affect ourselves, too

It's not complicated. Start with the certainty that no one talks to you more than you do–every moment of every day. (Yes, this goes on even when we're not aware of it.)

If I fill my mind with what's wrong or what's missing in my life, I'm on my way to a lousy day.

If I get stuck on what I wish were there in the people in my life, I find all kinds of new "evidence" to prove my point.

On the other hand, if I set out to identify what's right and good and true in life or in people, that comes through, too.

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Romans 14:19 ESV

We find what we look for

Have you ever wondered how professional photographers always manage to shoot scenic shots of pure blue skies and puffy white clouds?

It's because they use camera filters and other enhancements that enable them to screen out the smog and smoke and haze the rest of us see.

Similarly, our words and our thoughts become our "filters" and affect the way we–or others–view life.

That may sound overly simplistic, but it's a basic truth.

Similarly, all through our lives people we love and admire become "filters" which we factor in to our view of ourselves, either positively or negatively.

It's always our choice, whether our words will be kind and warm someone's heart and lift their spirits.

As usual, the Apostle Paul summed it up well:

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing . . . Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 16-18 ESV

Yes, yes, I know. None of us can live up to this standard, but wouldn't it make life better for ourselves and for those around us if we perhaps tackled one phrase of Paul's words at a time?

Wouldn't our words more likely bring smiles and encouragement as they live on in the memories of people we love?

And isn't that what we all want?

Still learning, too,

Lenore

Know the Lasting Power of Your Words

July 31, 2024
Are you weary of the constant barrage of news reports filled with angry charges and dissent?

Me, too.

Let's not get stuck there. Let's step back in our minds to before the United States of America officially existed. The population seethed with unease because this was a colony of Great Britain. For anyone to speak or act against the King's decrees could result in being charged with treason.

Still, in that setting a small group of men summoned up courage to gather in secret. They labored together for days as they hammered out the unforgettable words of our Declaration of Independence. From the first to the last they knew they were risking their lives and everything they owned.

When they signed their names it was akin to signing their own death warrants. Yet they did not flinch.

Even today their words live on

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

These were audacious words in an era when every man, woman and child within our borders was subject to a powerful Ruler and government headquartered across a vast Ocean.

The signers believed in God ("their Creator") and their Declaration of Independence makes that clear. Its adoption by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, marked the United States of America as an independent nation. It took the Revolutionary War to establish this as fact to Great Britain and the rest of the world.

Through all the unrest of that time–and so many times in our history, including today–America survives.

Leaders, then and now

Our Nation's Founders believed in God. If you doubt that, read some of their words:

"We recognize no sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus." -John Adams and John Hancock.

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." -George Washington

"[The Bible] is the rock on which our Republic rests." -Andrew Jackson

These Founders stated what they believed. No doubt they also relied on Bible verses like this:

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Instead of angst let's take each day as a gift and leave it in God's hands

Let's substitute encouraging each other for complaining and repeating our gripes and our fears to the people around us.

We know for sure this is not the first time in our Nation's history when emotions ran high and trust ran low. No doubt it won't be the last.

As we take in the news and conversations around us let's use reason and logic to evaluate individuals and current events. After all, since the beginning leadership positions have been held by imperfect people.

(That shouldn't surprise us since that's all there is to draw on.)

Finding a place of calm

The future–all of it–is in the hands of our gracious Father, who loves us with an everlasting love. We can safely rest our hearts in Bible promises like these:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

The courageous men who signed our Declaration of Independence believed this. This strong foundation of faith has carried these United States of America through many a crisis.

However flawed we may be as a Nation or as individuals, it takes nothing away from these Truths.

Choose a new perspective

Imagine how our society would change for the better if each of us made it our purpose to be a blessing to our family and friends.

Think how that would–could–change us. Our street. Our community. Our Nation.

Whatever our stage of life this could give us a sense of new Life, plus the Liberty of being free of old mindsets. Our personal pursuit of Happiness would result in good all around.

Reason to celebrate, for sure!

Praying for this Nation and for you,

Lenore

Remember: God’s got it covered

June 28, 2024