Too Funny

On my way to work this morning I saw this sign belonging to a local restaurant:

New employee incentive plan -- work or get fired. Now hiring.

Kind of makes me believe the employees they're replacing didn't like the incentive plan. I think this makes me laugh so much because when I worked in corporate America and had several employees, it was practically an act of Congress to fire them. You know, fear of lawsuits.

One time I was trying to fire an employee not only because her performance was poor, but she also missed almost as many days as she worked. I was seriously asked by my field HR rep, "does she know she's supposed to work every day?" WHAT? Are you kidding me? Despite my many objections to what full time means and how I inherited her when I took the job, I had to admit in the end that "no, I have not had that exact conversation with her." I guess I didn't realize I would need to.

But I did. I was told I had to have such a conversation with her and then email her asking for confirmation of such conversation because we lived in different states. Then I had to begin the process again. It was agonizingly difficult. After that, every time I hired someone I'd make a point of saying "okay, this job is full time. That means you work Monday - Friday. You can do that 7-4, 8-5, or 9-6. But you must work those days and those hours." Then I made it part of the offer letter. I still think it's hilarious.

If I ever have employees again, I think I will incorporate the sentence from the business sign.

Happy Notes

As I look around my cubicle I realize I have somewhere around a dozen happy notes hanging around. It makes the workday bearable when I see a menagerie of words from people I know love me and care about my life. Here's a few snippets:

"We are proud of you!!"

"You are beautiful and amazing!"

"You are special - don't ever doubt or forget that."

"A kindred spirit..."

"Thinking of you."

"Praying you through today...I know it will be tough."

And so many more. The tears sting my eyes even as I type the words above. When I got in Monday I had not 1, but 2 notes left after I escaped on Friday. One was from Peter and it starts with "Hi buddy" and ends with "love, your buddy". This is special with Peter and I because he calls me buddy but drags it out for 5 syllables. Plus he raises his eyebrows as he looks at me. Makes me laugh every time (so, now the tears are gone and the smiles are there). The other was from Lindsay who met some people here to go to a concert and it's just a happy note. Smiley face, a heart, and big "HI!" What a great way to start a Monday.

So as I look at all these, I realize what a wonderful opportunity it is to encourage people this way. A couple people in my life are really good at it but I go in spurts. In our Bible study video last week, Beth Moore shared that she had a friend who said "you know, I'm always thinking notes." She is not alone - I believe many of us think notes, we intend to send them, but we never do. And we all know what they say about good intentions. We were admonished to go beyond thinking them to writing them down and putting them in the mail or dropping them by.

I've learned that when God puts someone on my heart out of the blue, I'm probably supposed to call them, drop a line, or pray for them. Frequently it's a combination of those. I'm getting better and really learning from those around me who do this so well but I'm not there.

Maybe this will inspire or encourage you to do the same. It matters. Some days it matters a lot.

Sincerity & Obedience

Yesterday Steve preached a sermon entitled "The Peril of the Ark" using 2 Samuel 6:1-11 as his primary text. His main points were:

1) Human ways of doing God's work eventually fail.

2) Sincerity is no substitution for obedience.

3) Our anger and fear keep God from blessing us.

I was particularly entranced with point #2. He pointed out that David was sincere in his desire to bring the ark to Jerusalem but he was not obedient in the process God demanded for transporting the ark (See Numbers 4). The end result of this attempt was tragedy. Utter failure. Uzzah was sincerely trying to help when he reached up to steady the ark. In the end he was struck dead because of disobedience. Steve also told the story of a surgeon in Minnesota who was sincere when he operated on a man with cancer in his kidney. But his sincerity did not help a bit when it was later discovered he removed the wrong kidney.

I think this is where we sometimes get stuck. We serve with sincerity but are we serving in obedience to what God has called us to do? We give with sincerity but is it with obedience to what God has told us to give? We can be sincere until the cows come home but if it's not under the umbrella of obedience, it doesn't matter a bit. Consider how God penned it through the prophet Isaiah (if you aren't familiar with this story, it's fascinating to read it all to see what happened that leads up to this in 1 Samuel 15):

But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. ~ 1 Samuel 15:22-23 (emphasis mine)

Obedience. Such an important although under-emphasized concept in today's church. Good word, Steve. Thanks

Shopping With Peter

My Wednesdays with Peter event yesterday ended up being at the mall. We planned on Pompey's Pillar but it was hot and smokey so we switched gears. Peter had actually called me in the morning and said he'd buy lunch at "the salad place" aka Salad Creations. He loves that place! Let's be honest, I'm a pretty big fan too.

So, then we headed to the mall. I started buying Erica school clothes when she was 10 or 11 so it's only fair to do the same for Mr. P, right? He's a lot of fun to shop with because he has such a definite sense of his own style and is actually quite stylish. I'm pretty sure he gets that from my brother.

He asks me the strangest questions too. Yesterday he said, "Aunt Julie, do you think Uncle Steve is icy, lukewarm, or hot?" I immediately answered "Oh, he's hot alright!" Even though he protested and said something along the lines of "eeeewwwww", it still didn't deter the little dude.

But mostly, we laugh. He told me he loves that I think he's funny and believe me, he really hams it up. And I revel in every minute of it. I really wish I always would have had the same outlook I do now on what's really important in life.

Peter with his latest fave - a turkey wrap:

Peter browsing:

Whew - after all that, we needed a break. Fortunately Dillard's had a couple of chairs set up in the aisle for us to rest in. Did we look weird? Probably..especially when I started taking pictures. Did we care? Not so much!

An Afternoon With Mia

Tuesday I had the privilege of a few hours with Mia and Kristin. The little tyke is coming up on 3 months and really filling out weighing almost 9 pounds! KB is thrilled to see her chubby cheeks and I have to admit they look good on her! She was sleeping contentedly in my arms about the time I was ready to leave and I tried to take her with me. Kristin said "go ahead, you'll be back in 3 hours when it's time to eat."

Mia giggles and makes so many faces. She's mastered the art of frowning and furrowing. As usual I was just mesmerized with what a beautiful gift she is and how every life is so very precious to God.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. ~ Psalm 139:13-16a

Thank you, God, for the beautiful life of Mia. And thanks, Kristin, for sharing her, even for a few hours!

Two Days...Two Words

Steve and I have been earnestly praying about something lately. And yesterday I got a word from God on it. Steve is still waiting for his and knowing how God works, they will absolutely match if we've both discerned correctly. If not, it's back to our knees.

Today I got another word. Last night I overheard a very small portion of a conversation. I was trying very hard NOT to hear it because quite honestly, it really wasn't any of my business. Steve was meeting with his guys in the dining room and I was keeping myself busy cleaning, ironing, and then watching television--all within the confines of our bedroom. Mostly I was oblivious but then I caught this sliver and it sent me over the edge. The problem is that because I didn't hear it in context, I wasn't exactly right in my assumption. I should have known better. Even had I been right, it was still not my place to say anything. But I did -- later when it was just Steve and I.

Of course I was convicted in my quiet time this morning. Had I not been, I would be concerned. I just stopped and said "God, why do you put up with me?" I know I've asked that of him (and Steve) a million times. "Because I love you," he replied. So then I asked "But why?" I was blown away by the truth of the answer but because it's such a personal treasure, I am hiding it in my heart to ponder on. It's just for me today.

So my plea to you is that you wait on the Lord until he gives you a word. I believe we can get a word from God every day if we just open the scriptures. It might take a while to get an answer to a particular situation but don't give up...and while you're waiting, soak in all the other words he has for you in the process. When you finally do get an answer to that one ongoing request, if it isn't what you wanted how will you respond? That is the real test. Don't turn away. Don't get angry. Trust God to do what is best for you.

Rest

Man, we've been running all week and we just returned from the airport where we dropped off the luggage and said goodbye to our missions team. Not surprisingly, I was quite choked up. As I said in my post a few days ago, they blessed our socks off and added so much to our new little church.

Last night at the end of VBS I noticed this sweet little girl standing in the aisle with tears streaming down her face. I knelt down beside her and asked what was wrong. She gave me a big hug and said "I want to come back! I want to see it again!" I talked to her for a minute and then her grandmother took her by the hand and off they went to get an ice cream sandwich. That did the trick -- she left it good spirits after that.

But I get what she was saying. It's been an exhausting week but a good week. As much as I feel relief that it's over and we can rest, I enjoyed those 50 kids running all over the place.

I've got a million things to do today yet I'm content just to sit in the recliner for a minute, reflect on what God did in our midst this past week, and rest....even if just for a moment. In my head I'm recalling Matthew 11:28:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

I'll take it, Lord, I'll take it!

The Other Side

This week has been a ride. It is weeks like this that make my jaw drop as I watch the mighty life-changing power of my Savior.

To watch Steve relate to the kids at VBS and almost instinctively do things that make kids adore him is truly amazing. No, he's not the same man I married--he looks a lot the same but indeed he is a very different man in Christ today than the day I married him.

VBS has brought out the bizarre-o in him. A few years ago I would have said "Uh, no, Steve would NEVER do that" and yet night after night I have to eat those words. I'm just so thrilled to have the camera and video going! But the kids just love it and they flock to him. I've challenged (encouraged maybe) him to do the same on Sunday. We'll see.

It's all worth it for the one young girl who prayed to receive Christ last night. And for the others who are asking questions too. Even if there are no others this week, she is so worth it. One life, changed forever, eternity with Christ.

Even if it takes this:

Missions Team

We have been unbelievably blessed this week with the presence of a missions team. They arrived from Tennessee on Saturday and have spent their days serving us, the community of Laurel, and helping out in VBS.

Talk about being humbled. These 13 people are spending their vacation time and money to sow seeds in a community they will likely not be in when God brings the harvest. As 1 Corinthians 6:3 says, they are sowing seeds, someone else will water, but God will bring the increase.

Every morning they are out in the community talking to whoever will talk back to them, and leaving information on the doors of others. They are not ringing doorbells or being intrusive, they are just making their presence known and loving who they can. On Sunday they ended up bringing someone from the hotel to church with them!

In the afternoons they are working on the remodel of the pastor's office, then they make dinner for the VBS workers and fill in whatever slot they can during the evening. They are tired but continue on. They are gracious, selfless, and giving. They are serving us well but more importantly, they are serving God well and we just get to be the recipients.

The thing is, we don't have to be a part of a missions team to serve others. We should all be serving those in our communities, and yes, even those within our church walls. Nobody gets a free pass on this one.

VBS Extravaganza

It's been several years since I've been part of VBS (vacation bible school). Generally my work schedule has prohibited me from participating on any level. But, this year at Calvary we're trying it at night and with the exception of this evening, I will be one of the many working adults.

VBS is close to Steve's heart because it was during a VBS, at the age of 5, that he accepted Christ as his Savior. And the rest, as they say, is history. Our curriculum / theme this year is "Outrigger Island". Living God's unshakable truth based on Psalm 86:11. The church is decked out with island items, the snacks are island themed, and the music is full of bongos. It's fantastic.

Last night I was most enthralled with the energy in the room during the worship rally, in particular that of the 3's - pre-K. Those kids are amazing. I know they'll learn the songs (because we do them over...and over...and over) but until they do, they just dance around all over the place. It's fabulous! During the closing rally Steve asked them "what did you learn about tonight?" They all screamed "JESUS!"

I wonder what would happen if adults allowed themselves such freedom in worship? I'm working up a devotional on this one so it's on my heart a lot lately. What if? What if we didn't care what those around us thought? What if we offered God the Old Testament kind of praise? What if?

Centennial Block Party

On the 4th we had our second annual block party for the community. Below is an article I wrote for the MTSBC magazine. It pretty much sums up the event so there's no reason to say it any differently here!

The year was 1908. The ball dropped for the first time on New Year’s Eve in New York City; Mother’s day was observed for the first time; the Boy Scouts began; the first Model T was produced; the Chicago Cubs won the World Series…and Laurel, MT was born. Celebrating 100 years should be worthy of a huge party. Maybe a parade. Maybe even a day filled with prizes, refreshments, games, crafts, and better yet, all of this for free.

On July 4, led by Pastor Steve Lortz and headed up by Amy Jeffery, Calvary Baptist Church held its second annual block party, this year in conjunction with Laurel’s Centennial Celebration. Staffed by volunteers, we were able to serve over 300 people from the Laurel community. With temperatures close to 100 degrees, the waterslide was the hit of the day, followed closely by the jousting and boxing. Basketball, an obstacle course, and games for smaller children were available as well.

We gave out 160 bags of cotton candy, 200 sno cones, and 120 ice cream sandwiches. Our creative activities included caricatures and clay pot painting. At the end of the day we had over 100 registrations for door prizes and many registrations for VBS.

Most importantly were the seeds sown that will enable us to share the love of Christ in the months to come. Many we talked to were appreciative of this event but one comment stood out above the rest. After having attended our block party and VBS last year, a non-Christian family with virtually no church background joined us again this year. The mother said:

“My girls are asking questions about who Jesus is that I cannot answer, so I am relieved to know they are excited about vacation Bible school so they can learn more about Christ.”

That one sentence encapsulates the purpose for the event and makes all the preparations and expended energy worth it. Without a doubt this event glorified God, showed people we love and care about them, and pointed lost men, women, and children to the cross of Christ. What a great gift for a centenarian.

Here a couple of shots of the event.......I didn't want to publicize anyone's kids without their permission so I will go with the old standbys here and trust you'd want the same for your kiddos (even though I have some great pics!)

Steve leading the way on the waterslide...this one was fun and I tried it as well:

Steve and a friend jousting. Being ever the great sport, Steve proceeded to pummel those he knocked down (which was everyone by the way):

The 4th With the Fam

Obviously I love the 4th of July and there are many reasons for that. Chief among them is the family. There are a few holidays designated to some of us as "our" holiday. My brother's is the 4th of July. He suddenly turns into this little boy again, eyes all a-glitter because of the fireworks. He grills up a mean BBQ, we play some volleyball or softball (which is a riot), we ride the 4-wheelers or Peter's go-cart, then the fire is stoked for s'mores, and as it begins to grow dark, out come the fireworks. Boxes and bags of them. I swear he budgets for this all year long! The show begins.

I've been banned from lighting anything or even being near anyone who lights anything. One sparkler bomb and I'm labeled for life.....the pop bottle rocket incident was NOT my fault--I was 100% the victim of men (read "boys") not thinking.

As I watch from a safely-distanced chair, I always reflect on how great it is to gather as a family, to really enjoy each other, uh, most of the time anyway, and to have somewhere I am free to be my weird self. And they mostly love me anyway. The thing about families is that there is so much history be it good, bad, or ugly. But coming through all those things together is what binds us forever.

I made an analogy to my Bible study girls last night that even though we might drive each other crazy, when the chips are down and things matter, my family is a tight unit. A hedge of protection around each other when necessary. And it's beautiful.

Erica asked Steve to do this weird face thing that is popular among her friends:

Peter and Edward heading to light something (sure, Peter gets to and he's only 10).

Erica - smiling because she can I guess. Or did I tell her to?

A coupe of shots of the cool fireworks:

Back Porch Sittin'

As I type that title the Alan Jackson song is running through my brain..."where I come from a lot of front porch sittin'...working hard to make a livin'...where I come from". Only in my case I'm thinking about back porch sittin'. Mostly because that is exactly what mom and I did last night.

When I was a kid my parents would retreat to the back porch in the summer after we were in bed. I think it was a relief to finally have a quiet house. It was this mysterious thing for adults and I couldn't wait to get old enough to stay up and drink tea on the patio. And then there was the "summer of chicken sandwiches" with my dad. Ah, such fond memories.

Summer nights in Montana are hard to beat and last night was no exception. Still light at 9:30 and the temperature was perfect. But instead of tea, we had a.....can you guess? A hot-n-tot! Sorry Lindsay!!! I called my mom about 5:30 to see what she was doing and then told her I'd be by about 8 with diet hot-n-tots in tow. We just sat and talked, sipped our soda, and soaked in the beauty around us.

I'll never get used to the fact that dad isn't there. I subconsciously wait for him to come out the door or to hear him working in the garage. Obviously I know it's not going to happen but I can hear all the sounds and if I dig back far enough, I can even smell the oil in the garage.

And in the meantime, I will enjoy every second with my momma, never taking for granted that she is still with us. May she feel this way about me:

May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice! ~ Proverbs 23:25

Others See It First

Something jumped out at me from the pages of my Bible study this week. It comes from Psalms 126.

(1) When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. (2) Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." (3) The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

In particular it's the last sentence of verse 2. The nations around Israel recognized the Lord had done great things for them - apparently before they noticed for themselves. When I read it, the emphasis in my head goes like this:

(v2) "The Lord has done great things for them." (v3) The Lord has done great things for us...

It's almost as if "you're right, God really has done great things for me." Why is it that those around us frequently see the great things God has done for us before we do? I think it's because when we're in a season of sifting, trial, or in captivity, we aren't looking. Other times we don't want to look because then we can't continue to feel slighted or sorry for ourselves.

When we've got an attitude of gratefulness, it's hard to wallow in self-pity and even more difficult to think we've been left off the blessing train.

Just something to think on for today. I really need to re-direct my thoughts because I'm still out of sorts and had a minor meltdown last night. The thing that catapulted me was so insignificant and I know it's not the real issue but I just stood in the kitchen and cried. After a hug from Steve I moved to the chair and cried some more. Maybe I just need to cry. That's not so bad, really.

Out of Sorts

Have you ever been out of sorts for a reason you can't readily identify? That's how I feel today. I shouldn't be - I started my day (a beautiful-perfect-temperature-kind of morning) on the deck with a fruit smoothie and the Word of God. Does it get any better than that? I guess so - I had 2 furry friends with me too.

I desperately wanted to hear from God on 2 things weighing heavily on me but I got nothing on either of those. Maybe that's why I'm antsy today. I wanted to stay there until I did but then there's this thing called work and I had to get moving.

And then I feel extremely frustrated but again, can't identify why. To top it off, my feelings were just really hurt and I know I have to take the high road and not say anything about it. I also can't say anything about the reasons for that decision which is probably leading to more frustration. And some anger too.

I just really want to be alone today. Just me and God. And preferably a stream or river.

"Cause for Concern"

What a great weekend! Lots to talk about with the block party, the 4th with the fam, and a great sermon yesterday but I want to post some pictures which are currently tucked away on my laptop which Steve is using.

So, for now, I will relay a conversation between Peter and I during last week's "Wednesdays with Peter" activity. I can't exactly post too much about what we did because it involves Christmas presents.

So, we'd just left the salad place and were running some errands. I proceeded to do some funny in-the-car-waiting-in-traffic stuff which is really only funny to those in the car at the time. I won't even attempt to recreate for purposes of this post. Usually Peter thinks I'm hilarious (and I do him as well). Upon hearing no laughter I looked over at him to see this befuddled look on his face as he shook his head. He said:

P: Aunt Julie, sometimes your behavior is disturbing!"

J: Disturbing? What do you mean disturbing?

P: It's just cause for concern, that's all.

All I could do is laugh. I mean, really, he's only 10. What does he know anyway? So, that night I told Steve about it and very nonchalantly he said "yeah, I can see that." HHHMMM, I sense a pattern. Could it be confined only to men?

Happy Monday!

Happy Birthday America!

One of the most exciting things we did while stationed at Quantico was to visit the National Archives. It was a deeply meaningful, somber experience. The halls were eerily quiet as we took our turn and passed in front of each document. It took my breath away to think of the significance of each document and I was silent out of complete reverence and awe. A couple of years ago we topped our DC adventures off with a historical tour of Boston where much of this culminated as well.

Below is a picture of the original Declaration and believe me when I tell you it looks a little better in person. (It is faded badly because of the poor preservation techniques during the 19th century. The second image is taken from the engraving made by printer William J. Stone in 1823 and is the most frequently reproduced version. Today this priceless document is maintained under the most exacting archival conditions possible.*)

(*Taken from http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration.html)

Freedom's Existence

Freedom cannot exist without sacrifice. Our spiritual freedom came with Christ's sacrifice. Our national freedom has historically required sacrifice and that will continue to be the case if we want to remain free. The sacrifice is best seen the lives of many "who more than self their country loved" (taken from America by Samuel Francis Smith). I'm not just referring to those who have fallen in battle but those who have lived through it too. They are all due our utmost respect. We must never forget.

Responsibility is the word that really comes to my mind and it comes in so many forms. We must vote, we must be informed, we must work to change what we can and in the end stand united. But most importantly, we must pray for a return to our roots.

Our great modern Republic. May those who seek the blessings of its institutions and the protection of its flag remember the obligations they impose. ~Ulysses S. Grant

We have enjoyed so much freedom for so long that we are perhaps in danger of forgetting how much blood it cost to establish the Bill of Rights. ~Felix Frankfurter

We dare not forget that we are the heirs of that first revolution. ~John F. Kennedy

If you are ashamed to stand by your colors, you had better seek another flag. ~Author Unknown

Patriotism, A Lifetime Pursuit

Remember the months following September 11, 2001? Everyone was so patriotic, American flags were everywhere and trying to find one in a store was nearly impossible. As a nation we were wounded and we rallied together to fight back. We began a hard course, one that would take years to complete -- not weeks or months. We were told in advance that this would not be quick or easy. Yet so many have forgotten. Where did all those patriots go?

I think Adlai Stevenson summed it up well:

"What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times? I venture to suggest that what we mean is a sense of national responsibility ... a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime."

The Source of Freedom

I was prepared to have my own musings of freedom and patriotism throughout the week but then Steve went and wrote an amazing blog on the true source of freedom so all I'm going to do is recommend popping over there for a read.

To whet your appetite, here is a sentence from his entry on June 30th (his entry for today has great quotes from John Adams too):

Freedom is not a right given to us by the constitution. Even before the constitution existed there was freedom and even if the constitution is destroyed freedom will exist. It is not a something which can be given and taken away by any man or group of men. It is not something which can be purchased or won.