A Tribute and a Challenge (Part 2)

Never give up; you never know until you try.

In part 1, I wrote about my dear friend Bill, who was like a dad to me. He died November 7, 2011, leaving me grief-stricken yet blessed for having known him.

Like any father and daughter, Bill and I had our bad moments, but I always knew that he would be there for me no matter what, like when I returned to school in 2004 after my husband’s death. I broke my left ankle just a few weeks into the semester, and Dad and Bill took turns transporting me to and from the local Community College for my twice-weekly classes.

Bill and I had some precious, sacred time together in his last days, making sure that we had everything right between us. I tried to keep my emotions in check, wanting to keep him from feeling uncomfortable, and I succeeded for the most part. I told him that I would make him proud, acknowledging that I knew he was already proud of me, but that I would continue moving forward, reaching for my goals.

At the memorial service, we all laughed as we shared a few stories about the man we all knew to be so tough yet so tender. We smiled and nodded our heads in fond remembrance and cried in grief. Still, we sighed in relief that our dear loved one is suffering no more, because he left the pain behind when he left this world and went into God’s waiting arms. Bill’s nephew Jason officiated, celebrating Bill’s reconciliation with God and challenging us all to avoid hypocrisy in our lives.

And therein is the “challenge” part of this post. May we all “walk the walk” if we profess to be Christians. We can’t do it ourselves, in our own strength, but Jesus can and will help us if we ask. He won’t force Himself on us, but He will come running if we ask.

Still On Hiatus

Never give up; you never know until you try.

Hello, dear readers.  I know it's been ages since I talked with you.  I'm still on hiatus, but I hope to be back with you soon.  Personal issues are still taking up all my energy, so I ask that you remember me in your prayers.

With gratitude and love,

Jacline

More From MountainWings

Never give up; you never know until you try.

Once again, I quote an issue of MountainWings:

Hard To Beat
===========

It's hard to beat a person who never gives up.

~Babe Ruth~

Refuse to give up, and you will eventually triumph!  Just remember that your idea of triumph and God's may be vastly different, but since He's the one in charge and knows what's best, you WILL triumph!

http://mountainwings.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=56cdd86c581eb86e6f41d9540&id=7fa6ef4f4f&e=ca4409480a

 

 

Crickets and Scorpions--Courtesy of MountainWings

Never give up; you never know until you try.

Here's another MountainWings issue that spoke to me:

Crickets and Scorpions
===================

I usually spend time in prayer at five a.m. each morning.

 

I shall relay a lesson that God taught me very dramatically

during one of those early morning sessions.

 

I pray in a closet that is actually the vocal booth of our

former home music studio. It is soundproof.

 

As I entered clad only in shorts, I heard the sound of a cricket

chirping. There in the shadow, I saw the cricket.

It was very close to where I sit on the floor each day.

 

"Sit down and don't bother the cricket,"

I heard a soft voice speak in my spirit.

 

I obeyed.

 

I turned out the light and sat in total darkness and silence.

 

I felt something crawl up on my leg.

 

"Don't bother the cricket," I heard the voice say again,

"I am trying to teach you something."

 

"You need to learn to distinguish the difference between

crickets and scorpions in life. Don't bother the cricket."

 

The cricket crawled. It is an eerie feeling to say the least.

I wasn't afraid of the cricket. I knew it couldn't harm me.

It wouldn't bite, sting, or even so much as scratch me.

 

It was just a highly annoying and extremely icky feeling.

A cricket crawling all over you.

 

I let the cricket crawl for almost a minute until I couldn't

stand it anymore. I brushed the cricket off, turned on the light,

picked it up in my hand, and took it outside and let it go.

 

I understood what God was trying to show me.

Life has scorpions and crickets.

 

Scorpions are the things that can hurt us; things that are truly

destructive and dangerous. Crickets are the things that have

absolutely no power to hurt us, they are just irritating.

They get on our nerves; they try our patience.

 

I saw things differently after emerging from prayer that day.

 

I realized that the vast majority of the things that really

irked me

 

...were crickets.

 

The vast majority of the things that irk you

 

...are crickets.

 

Don't bother the crickets

and don't let the crickets bother you.

 

 

~A MountainWings Original~ 

http://www.mountainwings.com

Easier said than done, huh folks?

Twas The Day After Christmas--Courtesy of Mountainwings

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I've shared several issues of MountainWings daily thoughts over the years, and here's another one I recently received in my inbox:

Twas The Day After Christmas

Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house,

Every creature was hurtin' even the mouse.

The toys were all broken, their batteries dead;

Santa passed out, with some ice on his head.

 

Wrapping and ribbons just covered the floor,

While upstairs the family continued to snore.

 

And I in my T-shirt, new Reeboks and jeans,

I went into the kitchen and started to clean.

 

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the sink to see what was the matter.

 

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the curtains, and threw up the sash.

 

When what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a little white truck, with an oversized mirror.

 

The driver was smiling, so lively and grand;

The patch on his jacket said "U.S. POSTMAN."

 

With a handful of bills, he grinned like a fox.

Then quickly he stuffed them into our mailbox.

 

Bill after bill, after bill, they still came.

Whistling and shouting he called them by name:

"Now Dillard's, now Broadway's, now Penny's and Sears

Here's Robinson's, Levitz's and Target's and Mervyn's.

To the tip or your limit, every store, every mall,

Now chargeaway-chargeaway-chargeaway all!"

 

He whooped and he whistled as he finished his work.

He filled up the box, and then turned with a jerk.

He sprang to his truck and he drove down the road,

Driving much faster with just half a load.

 

Then I heard him exclaim with great holiday cheer,

"ENJOY WHAT YOU BOUGHT.......

 

YOU'LL BE PAYING ALL YEAR!"

 

~Author Unknown~

 

Check out MountainWings for yourself!

 

http://mountainwings.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=56cdd86c581eb86e6f41d9540&id=ec600601a4&e=ca4409480a

Closed Doors

Never give up; you never know until you try.

Here we go again!  I haven't posted in several weeks because I've once again found that I had nothing new to say.  It seems as if I've been on this treadmill forever, trying every "trick" I can think of, as well as ones others have suggested.  I'm running up against nothing but closed doors, and it's getting on my last nerve! 
The other day, after I literally vented a Charlie Brown-style, "Ahhhhhhhh!" I prayed aloud, "Lord, who is slamming these doors--you or Satan?"  I'm still waiting for the answer to that one, but the bottom line is that doors are closed.  I'm left praying, doing what I can, and claiming the biblical promise that if I keep knocking, a door will open.  My poor knuckles are raw at this point, but I'm not giving up!

Comfort Those Who Mourn

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I recently found myself in the middle of one of those "interruptions" that upon reflection seems to have been a "divine appointment."  Suffice it to say that I wasn't even "supposed" to be where I was, when I was, but that "circumstances" had me in a place where I encountered a young woman grieving a recent loss. 

I was minding my business, mentally running through my "to do" list when I passed her in a store.  Being one of those people who likes to speak to complete strangers and share a smile and a moment of sunshine, I complimented her outfit and said I hoped she was having a great day.  She candidly noted that she wasn't and wilted before my eyes.  I hugged her until she calmed, assuring her that she would be okay, even if circumstances might suck for a while.  She thanked me for listening and apologized for crying; I said, "Any time," and we parted.

As I left, I thanked God for the opportunity to share a tiny glimmer of love with someone in despair.  I was glad I could offer a little comfort, and I've continued to offer prayers for her and her family as they learn to live without the precious soul they lost.

Lest you think I'm some super-spiritual, always-in-tune-with-God marvel, I'll tell you right now: don't.  I noticed that dear lady, but I wonder how many others there have been in need whom I haven't seen.  I'm sure there have been many, because I know there have been many people who have either failed to see my pain or failed to make themselves available to help in even a small way.  I know it's a cliché, but I've felt alone in a crowded room. 

Sometimes we don't know what to say to someone who's hurting and don't want to say the wrong thing.  Sometimes we're too busy to take the time.  The people who take time to reach out really don't know how much good they can be doing, simply by listening, offering a hug, and sharing a few words of encouragement.  I can think of several people God has used to brighten my blacker-than-black day over the years, and I want to be one He uses to brighten others' day.  Especially those in mourning.       

 

Weeping and Reaping--Again

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I was talking with a friend about how sometimes it seems as if we'll never see improvement in a situation that has seemingly caused nothing but excruciating headaches for as long as we can remember.  We toil; we pray; we gnash our teeth.   
The child gets into still more trouble; the profit margin goes from barely-there to nonexistent and keeps dropping; those stubborn pounds won't go away and bring friends into the party.  As I've written before, we've all been there, and it can be tempting to think God has forgotten us when we've been there forever and think we'll never get out.

I still believe one of the "tricks" is to never give up.  Hold onto God, your friend, your teddy bear.  Remember that God sees you and cares.  He sees your tears.   http://biblehub.com/psalms/56-8.htm

Keep going, and eventually, you'll see progress.  http://biblehub.com/galatians/6-9.htm

I believe the other "trick" is to view "progress" on God's terms and not yours. 
Sometimes, "just" having peace about a situation is progress.

What's Up With That?!

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I learned something Tuesday that I'm not sure what to make of.  Some people might think it's a good thing, but I'm in analysis mode, trying to digest what it all means and what to do about it.  The news was something like when you get one of those "back-handed compliments" like, "You look so good since you lost weight!"  (Yes, I have lost weight; and no, that isn't what I'm talking about.  I used that "compliment" as an example.)

So, dear readers, I leave you with my question of the day: How long does it usually take you to discern who is really talking to you (God, Satan, or people) when surprising comments, events, or news makes you seriously rethink your opinion of and/or approach to something?

Success--Again

Never give up; you never know until you try.

A recent post on one of my Linkedin group discussions was about what one piece of advice we'd give people who wanted to "achieve success."  In my response, I noted that my first response would be that there is no "one thing," because "success" requires several activities and mindsets.  (I didn't even address the fact that different people define "success" differently!)  I also stated that my second response is that if I had to choose, maybe the "one thing" I would advise is to be true to yourself, which still requires more than one activity, because you must first know who you are.  Convoluted, much?

Ah--another of my favorite topics!  Knowing and being true to yourself can be hard in a world where you're told who you are and aren't; who you should be and shouldn't; and who you can be and can't.  (As someone in transition, trust me on this; I know from whence I speak!) 

My advice is to learn who God says you are and to be that person, regardless of who tries to remold you, because God knows what He's doing.  He made you a certain way for a reason.  Embrace who you are!  That's true success!     

Lumosity

Never give up; you never know until you try.

As you know if you've read or even scanned my blog any time in recent months, I'm looking for a job.  It's a disheartening, confusing, demeaning process that can make the strongest of us resort to thumb-sucking, sobbing, tantrum-throwing, and quitting altogether. 

I own up to at least one of the above, but I refuse to give up.  God didn't put me here and equip me with the abilities that I have for me to crawl in a hole somewhere.  I know that someone, somewhere, will appreciate and use my abilities and not just stick me somewhere doing a job that I can do in my sleep, for pay that wouldn't support the average tween.  I just have to keep looking.

I was going over my agenda for the week, having spent (wasted) several hours in fruitless job-searching activities, when I checked out "Lumosity," which I'd seen on television.  As I figured, it is in part a fee-based program, but there are free games, as well.  I don't know about the claims of "train your brain," but it did offer a few-minute respite from my negative-thinking spiral.  Check it out!

  http://www.lumosity.com/

 

Confusion

Never give up; you never know until you try.

We've all been there--so confused that if someone were to ask our name, we would have to think a minute before giving it.  I've seen it in my students, and I've felt it myself when faced with a multi-faceted problem that seemed to defy all attempts to solve it.  We all hate that feeling.  We like being in control or at least having the illusion of control.

What I frequently tell my students and remind myself is that eventually the confusion clears and understanding comes if we stay with something long enough.  I think it often means leaving the "problem" alone for a while and focusing on something else.  It's hard to "get" the answer when we're churning like a boiling pot.  Focusing on something else allows our previous lessons learned to come to the surface and help us with the situation at hand.  Then, while we're cleaning the house, or working on vocabulary lessons, or just sitting quietly, resting our minds, we "suddenly" understand the steps to solving the math problem, or what to do about our unruly child, or where to search for a job. 

As a friend in human resources development said to me recently, the key is persistence. 

You Gotta Love Words!

Never give up; you never know until you try.


I've said it before, and I'm saying it again: I love words!  Words are my "thing!"  One obscure or under-used word leads me to another, as well as to double-checking the definitions, which leads me to another word, and another . . . Please; somebody stop me! 

I sent someone an e-mail recently that was so long that I self-deprecatingly noted that it was like reading "War & Peace."  Then I observed that commenting on the length and thoroughness could be construed as an example of my sardonic wit.  You can guess what I did next.  Yep--I checked the dictionary for the definition of "sardonic," discovering that it has a decidedly more negative connotation than I meant, but I went with it, anyway. 

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sardonic?s=t

I noticed the word origin notation, which said that the word is an alteration of one that refers to a plant that, when eaten, causes convulsive laughter and death.  My juices were really going by this point, so I googled "kill with laughter," and I ran across some interesting results.  Try it!  You might have as much fun as I did!  Or not.  You might have a less twisted, dark sense of humor than I do. 

Fame At Any Cost

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I recently caught part of an episode of the game show "Family Feud" that started me to thinking about fame & fortune.  The question called for the contestants to name a celebrity they were completely tired of hearing about and who they wish would just go away.  The answers included people famous for being famous and those whose most recent activities have made them infamous for being in legal trouble due to substance abuse.

I've observed before that it seems all a person has to do to be rich, famous, or both in today's world is to have a complete lack of self-respect--to consistently do outlandish (illegal, immoral, or both) things & be sure that it's reported to as many people as possible. 

I hope I'm never so starved for attention that I resort to getting it in such a negative, self-destructive way.  I hope I'm never referred to as someone who people wish would just go away. . . unless they wish I'd go away because God is using me to try to turn their attention toward Him, but that's another post for another day.

What Do You Think?

Never give up; you never know until you try.

I read a book recently that addressed the introvert/extrovert topic and found myself feeling completely vindicated.  I've often felt that the world seems geared toward extroverts and paints introverts as backward, weird, even lazy.  I've felt that American society, in particular, coerces introverts into going against their (our) true nature.
The book, "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking," by former corporate lawyer Susan Cain, argues that introverts are unfairly maligned, and I agree. 

Check out the article, and give the book a try.  If you're an extrovert, maybe you'll understand us introverts a little better.  If you're an introvert, you might just find yourself feeling a little vindicated, as I did.


http://finance.yahoo.com/news/how-an-introvert-can-be-happier--act-like-an-extrovert--175713001.html

Redemption

Never give up; you never know until you try.

This past weekend, my church family and I spent many happy hours celebrating our centennial.  We ate, drank (tea, lemonade, soft drinks,) played games, sang, and  thanked God for allowing us to be a family and for using us for His glory.

We felt some sadness amidst the revelry as we remembered those who aren't with us now, and we looked hopefully forward to what lies ahead for us in this world and the next.

I felt a special warmth Sunday as I realized the date, somewhat marred in my mind by a personal tragedy many years ago, has now been redeemed by an historic celebration that will stay forever in my heart and mind.  A memory of death and fear has been overshadowed by a memory of life and love.  Don't get me wrong; God has comforted me and brought healing since that tragic day so long ago, but as the anniversary has rolled around each year, the events that transpired that day have flitted across my mind.  Next year, as mid-July approaches, I'll be transported back to this year and the memory of smiles, hugs, laughter, and redemption. 
 

Dependence Day

Never give up; you never know until you try.

No, that's not a typo in the title.  Americans celebrate Independence Day this July 4, but I'm extra mindful this year of how dependent I am on God. 

We humans like to think we're in control, and we try to be in control, but it's an illusion.  Sometimes when we whine like children, God lets us have our way to show us that His way really is best.  We have the illusion of control, but we're only getting our way because God allows it.  Then, when we make a mess of things, we cry to Him to help us.  Oh, how patient He is!

This Independence Day, I'm trying to be less whiny and more trusting, and celebrate my dependence on God.

Change

Never give up; you never know until you try.


This week, I'm sharing another MountainWings.  It's about we should question the status quo and not just follow along blindly, never questioning why things are the way they are.  I believe we need to question, now more than ever, because despite more technology, educational attainment, and more riches than ever before, we seem to have more problems than solutions.  Enjoy, everyone, this bit of food for thought, courtesy of MountainWings.

http://www.mountainwings.com/past/3239.htm

Have Some Tea

Never give up; you never know until you try.

There's a quote, attributed to several people, that compares people to tea bags, asserting that like teabags, we grow stronger in hot water and don't know how strong we are until we're in hot water.

I'm always telling people that they're stronger than they know, and I've had people say that to me during or after a crisis situation.  I guess when we're tunneled in, hunkered down, trying to navigate through something tough, we can be so in "survival mode" that we wonder if we're strong enough to meet the challenge. 

Henry David Thoreau is quoted as saying, "It's not what you look at that matters; it's what you see."

I believe that, but I guess we've all been in places so scary that we not only didn't feel how strong we were, we didn't feel able to see anything except the issue we were trying to survive devolving into something even worse. 

Sometimes options are all around, and we're so caught up in fear, frustration, and/or fatigue that we miss them.  When that happens, stop and have a cup of tea.  Take a few deep breaths and ponder how much you're like the beverage you're drinking. 

Speed and Pace-Setting, Courtesy of "Mountain Wings"

Never give up; you never know until you try.

As I've noted before, I subscribe to several e-mail devotionals.  "Mountain Wings" is one of them, and a recent one spoke to me so much that I thought I'd share it. 

http://www.mountainwings.com/past/3230.htm