Category: God

The Grinch in the Target parking lot

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Today I went to Target. 

It was my *one* outing for the day…
So it was A. Big. Deal.
I got all dressed up in same the outfit I wear most winter days.
I even put on mascara (not while driving tho, as I am sometimes often guilty of doing in slow traffic, at red lights, etc… hey, don’t judge me)… but rather, in the Target parking lot. Yes. even better.
Selah was “relaxing” the minute we made it to the coffee shop drive thru.
“Mommy, I’m just gonna relax for a minute…”

Since she was out like a light, I had a few moments of alone time, sipping my coffee, in my cold van, in the Target parking lot. I know, I know, you *wish* you had my life!

But before I parked, I observed the Grinch… 
It had snowed all morning, and Target was bustling with busy holiday shoppers, so the parking lot was a picture of patience and parking lot etiquette by most of the drivers. That is, except one. 

I drove down the line of cars, , ready to pounce on the perfect parking spot up front. I waited calmly as a big truck in front of me backed into his spot and BAM! The spot closest to the entrance, next to the big truck, opened up. I know, I know you *wish* you had my luck!

Still waiting on the big truck (which took several tries to back into his spot), the Grinch slowly pulled up behind me and BAM! She squeezed past me, and went around my car, nearly hitting the front of the big truck still backing in and cutting off another customer leaving Target walking to her car, nearly hitting her, while weaving around other customers, to the handicap parking spot she had her eye on.

As I pull into my awesome best spot ever, I glance at the big truck driver and we both shrug our shoulders agreeing the Grinch lady was nuts, and I exhale, relieved he didn’t take any longer to back into his spot… poor thing, I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but it took him quite a while. He was simply trying to land a best parking spot ever too.

Then I met eyes with the woman who had just had her toes almost driven over. I rolled down my window and asked if she was okay. Thankfully she was. We both shook our heads in disbelief that someone (not naming any names – Grinch) could be so ignorant of others…

I sat there in my parked van, shaking my head, waiting for the Grinch to make her next move. In those few moments, my mind raced at her rudeness. Her ignorance. Her neglect. I had to hold my tongue resisting the urge to yell at her. Immediately, I was convicted. How many times have I been so selfish? In a hurry, rushing past anyone in path, blinded to those in need.

The Grinch made her next move. Her car had a handicap sticker, but she walked quickly and spat on the ground with no regard, as she bolted toward the Target entrance.

My heart began to judge again. I didn’t know her story, but I was observing so much about her…
I was torn between wanting to talk with her, ask her why the hurry, yet frustrated with her actions.
And her actions never affected me, directly.


Even in the Target parking lot. We all deserve respect. We all deserve the best spot ever. 

Humans are strange creatures. We can become even stranger around the holidays. Sometimes even turning into the Grinch… selfish and joyless. 

Christmas time can be all about the gifts we receive…
We do need gifts. 
We need the gifts God wants to give us ~ the fruits of His Spirit ~ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control… {Galatians 5:22-23}

The fruits of the Spirit are a gift from God and for God’s glory.
They shift our focus toward God and the needs of others.

What are you asking for this Christmas? 
I’m asking for more of God’s Gifts ~ the fruits of His Spirit.
And if I run into another Grinch this Christmas season, I hope and pray I can share these gifts with them.

*Thank you for reading! Please feel free to share, comment on, and follow the blog 🙂 In Him, Leslie

Giving Thanks in *all* circumstances {even the tough ones…}

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The day has come and gone to give thanks.
December does not carry the expectation of giving homage for that. one. day.

but Thanksgiving is more than a Thursday, it is a lifestyle.

The scent of turkey and stuffing has dwindled.
Full of goodness, the pounds have been gained.
The dishes are washed up and put away after holding the delightful meal.
Loved ones have gone back to work, school, or their own home, some miles away.
Murmurs echo… ‘Who were the Pilgrims?’

The flood of thankfulness on social media has all but vanished…
and we are left with a decision. 
To give thanks in *all* circumstances {even the tough ones…}
To give thanks *all* the time {even when it is no longer Thanksgiving…}

When the tingly thankful touchy turkey feelings have diminished, and we are left with the reality of going back to work, school, chores, appliances breaking down, car trouble, stressing about money, caught up in Christmas drama, kids screaming, spouses arguing, sickness, depression, loneliness, losing loved ones, missing family far away … we are left with a decision.

When the voices shout ‘You are entitled! 
There is a whisper … Give Thanks. 
When the stores scream ‘Buy this!’
There is a pull … Give Thanks.
When the culture displays ‘It’s all about YOU!’
There is a draw … Give Thanks.
We live as if we are entitled to everything.
We glorify selfishness and call it success. 
We expect good things because we are ‘good people’.
The truth is – we do not deserve anything. I pray we will be content.
The truth is – selflessness is honorable. I pray we will be humble.
The truth is – ‘good people’ do not exist. I pray we will be grateful people. 

Give Thanks in *all* circumstances {even the tough ones…} 
When you are angry.
When you are full of hope.
When you are worrying.
When you are full of worship.
When you are weeping.
When you are full of joy.
When you are drowning.
When you are walking.  
When you are empty.
When you are fulfilled.
When you are sowing.
When you are reaping.
When you are in bondage.
When you are fully free.
When you are existing.
When you are fully living.
When you are scraping.
When you are fully thriving.
When you are dying.
When you are fully renewed. 
When you are lost.
When you are fully found. 

Give Thanks Always.
and this is tough to truly live, but. we. can.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in *all* circumstances {for this is the *will of God* in Christ Jesus for you}.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18

 In Him, Leslie 

how’s the weather?

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He gives the sunshine and the cloudy days.

the phone rings.
a familiar voice.
moments of chatter.
then.
there’s the silence.
the long, awkward pause.
the conversation on hold.
only temporarily.
a simple question breaks the silence.

how’s the weather? 

where we live?
in Ohio?
it’s snowing.

where they live?
in the Philippines?
it’s blowing.

blowing a hole in their lives.
bringing a void of life and dragging it down unto death.
a typhoon of destruction swept thru and changed. life. forever.

how’s the weather?
what kind of question is that?
when there’s conversational space to be filled and nothing else better to say, it’s a fill-in-the blank question that lingers, awaiting the most simple answer. it is what it is.
how’s the weather?

and our response…
a cool breeze, with sunny skies, spirits are high.
or…
the clouds hang low, the cold clings to our bones and depression moans.

how’s the weather?
we can complain about it.
we can care about it.
we can compare about it.

but…
we can’t control it.
we can’t control it. 

and when we see the devastation covering the news stations… there’s the reminder… what remains is the truth there is so much we. can’t. control.

we plan out the day // organized // ordered // ordained // how we want our lives to be…
we set out for the day // with the plans // the ideas // the schedules we’ve made…
when at the root of our lives, there is so much we have no control over.

we are not in control. 

The Creator Is.
The Creator God.

He gives the sunshine and the cloudy days.

and we respond.
to the sunshine, the clouds, and the typhoon.

we can give.
we can pray.
we can hope.
we can respond.

at the root of our lives, we have control over our response. 
how will we weather… the weather? 

…

Our hearts cry out in anguish over the lives lost and suffering surrounding the Philippines.
Mere words can not adequately express our sorrow.
Our prayer is for the mystery to be revealed and understood… whether in a desert, or a typhoon, hope joy and peace can be found. 

“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be on their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” 
Isaiah 35:10

In Him, Leslie

Halloween

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Boo. 

It’s that time of year for costumes, candy corn and creepers to come out of the closet.  

Orange lights are blazing and fake spiders are spinning webs all over my neighborhood while kids everywhere are gearing up for the night of their lives, dressing up and skipping from door to door asking their stranger neighbors for candy which will eventually lead to the demise of their teeth.
aaaand…It’s that time of year for some of us to debate about whether or not we will allow our kids to trick-or-treat gather and hoard loads of candy they receive from the stranger neighbors.

In years past our family has celebrated 10-31 as just another day where we hibernate making our home into a cave from the hours of 6-8pm. We close all the doors, turn off all our lights, lay on the floor and tell our kids not to make a peep. So no one will know we are home.

Low and behold, we would still get knocks on our front door. Our neighbors weren’t fooled. The darkness and silence didn’t stop them from knocking on the door. Still, we ignored them.

We have also avoided the neighborhood trick-or-treat dilemma by truly leaving the house and attending a harvest party or trunk-or-treat at our church.

This year our family is doing something different. We are hosting a party in our garage and decorating with a carnival atmosphere. We are dressing up, passing out candy and popcorn. We hope to engage with our neighbors beyond the ring of the doorbell, opening the creaky door, hearing trick-or-treat and flashing them a smile while throwing candy in their bag. We hope to see our neighbors hidden under costumes, masks and makeup. We hope to invite our neighbors into our lives and begin to know them beyond the facade of fun.

Hmmm… but our family doesn’t even like Halloween. Our kids don’t even care about costumes (well, sometimes they dress up), or candy (well, sometimes they eat it), or creepers (well, never). We don’t even consider 10-31 a holiday. It’ll be just another manic Thursday… oooh wee oh.  (You’ll get that reference later)

So. You might love Halloween, you might hate Halloween, or you might fall somewhere in between. I don’t care. 
What I do care about is considering the craze of Halloween. 
This year, consider…

Consider the candy. 
Can we pass out healthy candy? Well, no. It doesn’t exist. But don’t freak out about what your passing out. And consider what your kids are receiving. Our kids know their candy limits. We usually throw most of it away by Thanksgiving. What a waste. Consider the waste and limit the intake.

Consider the costumes.
Seriously, consider the costumes. Their cost. Their effort. Their energy. Most people have already planned or purchased their costumes by now… but if not, consider recycling something you already have. Consider a costume swap. Consider what you allow your kids to dress up as. Are they appropriate costumes? Okay, I’d better stop there or I’ll be labeled as (gasp) judgmental (if I haven’t already).

Consider your convictions.
10-31 is just another day for some. They give it no more thought past buying the costumes and the candy. For others, it is greatly debated whether or not they will be involved a little, a lot, or at all. At what level are you celebrating Halloween? Consider what it means to celebrate this day. You can google the meaning behind the roots of this particular day and the celebrations of its origins. Consider your convictions. Don’t do something or buy candy and dress your kids up, just because everyone else is doing it. Maybe you need a night to shut off the lights, and lay silent on your living room floor.  Maybe you love spending your money on costumes and candy.  Maybe your family is being called to take a greater part in your community beggars night.

Consider the craze.
There is a craze in anticipation of 10-31, with sales close to the shopping craze of Christmas. Nothing is worth stressing over. Especially this day of the week we call Thursday. So Consider… 
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colosisans 3:17 

In Him, Leslie
…
What are your plans on 10-31?

 

Strict Parents

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yes.

we are those parents.
the ones who won’t allow their children to watch certain movies. even some cartoon movies. 
the ones who won’t allow their children to play by themselves in the front yard. (sorry. don’t even trust the ice cream truck).
the ones who won’t allow them to have dessert until after they eat their vegetables. every. single. day. (thankfully they actually like vegetables…and dessert).
the ones who won’t allow them to go into public restrooms by themselves. no way.
the ones who won’t allow their bedroom doors to be closed. especially when friends are over.
the ones who won’t allow them to have their own cell phone. or computer. or television.
the ones who won’t allow them to have an intagram, facebook or any other social media account. until they are (at least) 30 years old. 
the ones who won’t allow their children to have sleep overs. (with the exception of very rare occasions). 
we are those parents. 
the hyper parents. 
the over-protective parents.
the controlling parents.
the boundary setting parents.
the strict parents. 
yes. we are. 

most of the time, we feel like our family is out of this world, like we don’t belong here. [and we don’t]. 
we don’t live under a rock. or wear amish clothing. 
call us old fashion.
call us weird and different.
we are living opposite of mainstream culture. and glad to be.
when i was in the 5th grade, my parents allowed me to have a sleep over [after i begged them]. a small group of my girlfriends came over and the fun began. later, we went into my room and closed the door. unbeknownst to me, a few of the girls had invited over a few boys (one of them was my neighbor) to my house. my bedroom was at the front of our house with two slender windows. the next thing i know, they are in my front yard, tapping on my window, sneaking into my bedroom, thru the window. it happened so fast, i didn’t know what to do. i was internally panicked. i felt uncomfortable, but didn’t have the guts to kick them out. 
thankfully, my mom did. 
she knew. she came to my door and knocked, “Leslie, I’ve made some popcorn. Come and help me with it.” 
whew. she came to my rescue. 
she came in the way of grace, compassion and care. 
she knew.
she knew i was uncomfortable with the boys being there. 
she knew it was not my idea. 
she trusted me enough to know it would never happen again.
she took me out of my room so i would not be embarrassed when she confronted me about the boys being there. 
she then cleared them out and made them go home. 
she bore the weight of the whining and complaining from the girls whom (i thought) were my friends.
freedom was not my being allowed to have a sleep over with boys sneaking in my room and us girls being able to do whatever we wanted. 
in one bold move, my mom showed me what rescue and true freedom look like. 

so yes. 
we are the parents who won’t allow our children to have or attend sleep overs. (with very rare exceptions).
we gladly rock the label of strict parents. 
we know our kids. we communicate constantly. we answer their endless ‘why’ questions… to help them understand the fullness of our decisions. we are protecting our family and our home. kids need boundaries. our kids are not being denied freedom. they are freely living under grace-filled guidelines. deep levels of trust, honor and respect are being built between us.  
even as adults, we need a rescuer. we need a protector. we need JESUS. and we need to be parents who will protect and set boundaries. no one else will be that for our children. in HIM, rescue, boundaries and protection will bring true freedom. a freedom that comes from death and brings forth a life we can truly, freely live.   
In Him, Leslie
*It’s your ball – What are your thoughts on strict parenting? Please share…