Mental Mapping

Just pretend there is a pic here ---- I am too lazy to go get the camera and take the shot. If there were one, it would be a map with a bible overlay. Got it? Good.

The other day, I received a call from Dr. Bill Luckey, President of Lindsay Wilson College wanting to meet and talk about a leadership symposium on their campus. "Coincidentally" he and his wife will be driving through Dallas on their way to their daughter's sports tournament at Austin College. And as you may guess, I am going to be about 5 miles from their route at the same time. Fun to see divine appointments.

I was in the car when he called. We left it with --"Pick a place and we will meet you there." Simple, eh? Well, my mind went blank. I drove on to my morning at CC Young. I kept trying to picture whether they would go I 35 or 75. That doesn't sound like something worth struggling about, does it? Well, it got worse and worse. I was in agony trying to mentally picture the route. I ran to the car when it was over and grabbed the Texas map out of the side pocket as fast as I could.

Whew! 75! How could something cause so much turmoil? Why did it? Because I didn't have a map in my mind that I could access. Because I had inadequate information to deal with the situation.....so I stewed.

Where am I going with this? Life is like that. David says, "Your Word is hidden in my heart so I won't sin against you." It is like the map. When I get a picture of God's word and His direction for me, I don't have blank spots and panic attacks.
The bible is my map ---- I need it firmly in my mind as much as I needed the picture of North Texas.

Good Week

How do you take a picture of a good week? Just couldn't, so this one is without illustration.

"I want you to be safe, happy, and to do the work God has given you to do." Those were probably the last real words my Mom spoke to me before her death. This week I felt like I was doing the work God called me to do and boy, does that feed my soul.

My ladies at CC Young teach me weekly about aging with grace.....and laughter. Barbara Still is anything but still --- she is a firecracker who loves to tease. WOW! What an inspiration.

Reading to Jack Kinder this week was a particular joy. He seemed to be speaking to me even in his wordless condition. If I ever started to understand the concept of telepathic communication in heaven, it was Wednesday afternoon. No, we didn't really talk, but my spirit could feel the "amen" in his.

Thursday was filled with visits to friends with physical, emotional, and spiritual struggles. Their lives testify to the power of the risen Christ. This life is hard and only the hand of the Lord can securely carry us through.

On Friday I put on my "meeting" hat and attended the Ziglar, Inc. Advisory Board meeting. Sitting in a room with people who can teach much about problem-solving and thinking gets my juices going. The time that afternoon at Dallas Baptist University almost brought me to tears......THIS is truly the work God has given me to do. How thankful I am for it.

What is the work for today? Attending church, singing in the choir, watching football, and of course ---- taking a nap! But, it is more than that---- it is reflecting on the words of those who love me and understanding I am but one link in the chain. Leaning on those everlasting arms is not bad exercise!

Happy Birthday, Jeff

"If you go into labor on Sunday, just don't call." At my regular doctor's appointment on January 15th, these were my final instructions.
The Cowboys were playing in Super Bowl 5, you see!
Jeff, being the ever-professional Cowboys fan, watched from in utero. But he didn't help much, for they lost to Baltimore 16-13. Two days later, he was rip roaring ready to make his appearance.
Tuesday the 19th was a beautiful day....bright sunshine and unseasonably moderate temperature.
His Dad and I ran errands, took the girls to their grandmother's house, and then headed to Baylor Hospital for a very quick delivery. From the beginning, Jeff was a man who knew his mind --- and knew how to take action.
He arrived in time for Dr. Wells to get home for dinner ---how considerate.
Since then he has brought joy, wisdom, strength, support, and guidance to his old Mom. In high school we joked about his being my "P and J" --- pride and joy. That doesn't change - it just gets more real year by year.
Today he is 39. Next year I will be a mother of three 40-something people. It makes it harder to stay 60, doesn't it?
Thanks, Jeff, for a life that matters. Thank you for using your gifts to bless Anne, Jack, and every one you touch.
Happy birthday, kiddo.

The Instruction Manual

A friend here in the piney woods was in the appliance business before retirement. "Fall in love with the 'Use and Care Guide' was the advice to all new customers. This is the only way to find out all the wonderful things your new appliance will do."

Now, let me tell you. There is not one guide in my house with even the slightest hint of use or care! "But how do you know what it will do if you don't read about it?" Does it do the one thing I bought it to do? Then, I am happy. But, I am deprived, as well.

Take my digital camera, for example. A dozen icons pop up each time it is on. Do I have the faintest idea what they mean? Absolutely not. Do I know how to press the button to take the picture. Yes, and that is all I want to know. Am I limiting the enjoyment of the camera? Probably, but it doesn't bother me enough to devote hours of time reading the instructions.

You are way ahead of me on this, aren't you? God gave us a "Use and Care Guide" when He inspired the Bible. We can memorize a handful of verses and make it through life just fine. We will be equipped for basic functionality. But will I (took responsibility for this one and moved from "we") take the time to read, study, and exult in all He has built into this Christian life?

I met a man last week who has literally worn out three bibles in his 90 years. Of course, this man probably wore out the user's guide for each and every appliance he ever bought his wife!

I was taught to underline the commands in red and the promises in yellow. But, that bible long ago bit the dust. And, anyway ---- I don't need them underlined in a book --- I need them underlined in my heart.

The wonder of wonders these days is that all guides can be downloaded from websites. That is what I need to do ---- do a spiritual download ----"Thy Word have I hid in my heart" is the way David put it. This year I think I will fall in love with the Use and Care Guide given me by the one who cares so deeply and uses me despite myself --- my most holy guide.

A New Perspective

"Look, it's a deer!"
The ladies staying here this weekend on their church planning retreat raced to the window.
You all know by now about the love/hate relationship I have with the deer. They grace my yard as living sculptures, and disgrace my yard as living scavengers.
But each time new people come, I start to see them through another set of eyes. I momentarily forget their mess, their greedy chomping away at my expensive plants, and stop to see their curious personalities, their agile movements, and their total disregard of any danger I pose.
"My thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways." God clearly spoke, didn't He? Our filters need changing often. We need to see things as God sees them ---- or at least appreciate the fact His view is different.
When things don't add up, we can only assume His perspective is different. When precious friends suffer great losses, I can only confess my inadequacy to understand, then acknowledge His sovereignty.
It would probably do me good to stand for awhile to ooh and aah over the deer. God truly doesn't make any junk --- and this certainly applies to my four legged munchers.

Crawlin' Jack

When Anne broke the news to Jeff, "There are going to be three Horches in this family," he began blogging. Jeff's Journey to Fatherhood made its debut and carried us throughout the entire delivery process. Thankfully, Jeff decided to take us on the next leg of the journey.

www.thehorches.com/blog will introduce you to the world of Jack.

As a devoted and completely nutso "Gram" I faithfully follow --- sometimes telling my friends they just HAVE to see the latest Jack pics. But most times I control my grandmotherly urges.

HOWEVER, they posted a video that is a MUST SEE. I know he isn't your grandson, but your life will be richer by far after watching crawlin' Jack.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTI3KCxYNDM
Turn up the volume to get the full effect.

Ties of Love

Charlie "Tremendous" Jones was a lifetime friend of Dad's. His enthusiastic approach to life, business, and relationships often overwhelmed those he met. "I never hug women...nobody except my sweet Gloria." But, he hugged men ---- and hugged them big. His size, his personality, and love for others filled a room as he entered. And he never, never lost an opportunity to share the Gospel.

The night after Dad's memorial service, we ate alone in a Dickey's Barbecue restaurant in Dallas. We were literally the last customers and as the young man walked to unlock the door for us, Charlie stopped suddenly. He wasn't leaving until he could share the good news of Jesus.

He is in heaven with his friend Fred. I can only imagine the great experiences they are having.

After his homegoing, his daughters sent me two of his famous bow ties....he was never seen without one. They are treasures and reminders of what a life fully devoted to the work of God looks like.

This pic sits in my BWF office.....Dad on his gurney preparing to speak to 1500 people, Bill Glass, Charlie, and me.
I learned from Charlie how reading out loud enhances the impact of the content. The idea to read out loud to Dad each day came from him. One of the greatest gifts Dad and I shared.

Charlie touched hundreds of thousands throughout the world. I miss him. I learned from him and I hope to pass along the great hope of heaven he exemplified.

Sleep, Baby Jesus

One of the happiest times each year is the "unpacking of the nativities." My son, Jeff, began the collection about 32 years ago and it continues to grow. I love them for they represent travel, both by me and my friends. They each have a story for me and as I put them out, they help me recall the sweet memories.

They stay out sharing the story of Jesus until mid-January (or early February sometimes) when they get packed away to hibernate. Some stay out with me all year long because their stories are particularly poignant.

Yesterday was the "put them back in the closet" day. I dreaded wrapping all the little pieces, but as I began, I soon realized the joy of saying goodbye to them for awhile. They have their own dedicated closet and they safely abide!

The thought occurred to me ----how often do I take my relationship with Jesus, wrap it carefully in spiritual tissue paper, and safely tuck it away from my everyday life? How often do I live a life reflecting a sleeping Jesus? Shouldn't He be front and center every day of the year? Prayer closets are wonderful, but closeting my savior is a big mistake. Instead, He should be like the few nativities which have a full-time place of display in my house. He should be evident in and out of season.

Thanks, Dad

"Hey, Dad --- you would just love this event at Dallas Baptist University." Do you ever talk to people in heaven? I do --- quite regularly, actually.
Recently, a friend of Dad's gave me a sermon by Pete Briscoe on the Bema seat judgment in heaven. It focused on rewards for the work done on earth that lasts ---- the stuff that isn't wood, hay, and stubble.
When I was little (before eco-awareness), we raked leaves into great big piles and when it got bigger than we were, we lit it and savored the wonderful aroma. I am sure we knocked several holes in some layer somewhere, but it was a grand experience.
The thought of seeing most of what I did on earth piled high and ignited doesn't give me nearly the sense of awe.
On my desk is a glass square given to me by the Ziglar Corporation. It simply says, "Make today worth remembering." Isn't that another way to say, "Make today precious."
On March 1 BWF will partner with Dallas Baptist University to bring 10 men and women to their campus for an entire day of sharing about Leading with Integrity. Dad used that theme for one of his books.
As I work putting all the pieces together, I find myself talking to Dad about it --- and wishing he were here to enjoy it.
He lived his life to stretch others. We are archiving his life to stretch and bless the next generations. Kinda cool!
Bringing wisdom and hope to DBU is a worthy goal and one I hope is driven by the spirit of God, not by my wood pile.
Bringing Dad's influence to DBU is joyful and exciting. He always told me, "Brenda, there is nothing in your life a little excitement can't cure." Thanks, Dad ---- you have made that possible.
Where is your excitement? Where is God prompting you right now....not for next year, but right this very day? I know I need to keep thinking about that...and being grateful. After all, this is the Year of the Dog! :)

Safety Gates

The bars came down just as I approached the crossing. Just a few seconds more and I would have made it across before the arms blocked my way.

I sat waiting for this unbelievably long parade of transport cars to pass. Then, I thought about the implications of railroad gates.

They exist to stop progress in a dangerous direction. They are colorful, equipped with flashers, and in the way! They come down BEFORE the train arrives and even stay down for a while longer after the train is down the track.

Haven't I experienced the Holy Spirit's arms in this way? "Danger, danger, Will Robinson!" is often heard in my spirit. Sometimes I stop, look, and listen. Other times I need the prompting of the safety gate.

When my son, Jeff, was in high school and just newly driving, he called from school. "Mom, I broke the windshield on the way to school." "Jeff, how did you do this?" "Well, I think I drove through the gate at the train crossing." "You think?" Sure enough, the shattered windshield testified to his story.

It is a pain to wait as trains pass slowly by. But, it is way more painful to race them and lose. God's arms often lower in protection, letting us know one of life's locomotives is on the way and it is probably best to give it room.

Year of the DOG

2009 was the Year of the Frog: Fully Rely On God. I thought and thought about the appropriate theme for 2010. Year of the What? It had to be short enough to morph into an acronym and it had to be punchy enough to endure for a year....hmmm.

Of course, I thought about deer, squirrels (can you imagine the acronym derived from that?), and all manner of other animals, but dog seemed to work. Now, I have no mascots as of today. I need a dog to represent 2010. Any suggestions?

What does DOG stand for? That would help as you assist me in my search for the perfect canine....Decide on Gratitude.

I am big into making choices right now, so Decide seems to work. Gratitude is always one of my goals. Funny how I eventually get to gratitude (or almost always do), but not so funny how long it often takes me. I try on whining, pouting, finger-pointing, overspiritualizing, and denying many times before grabbing myself by the throat and shaking myself into a grateful condition.

What is the most grateful dog? Any suggestions are welcome.

God is good ---- He has given me two magnificent opportunities to practice just in the first 10 days of the year. A flat tire and a broken water line ----those are good ones. "Brenda, in ALL things give thanks."

I was thinking about that praise song yesterday, "Give Thanks." The opening line mystifies me...."Give thanks with a grateful heart." Can you give thanks any other way?

Well, join me this year of the DOG and aim for gratitude as attitude number one.

HGTV comes to East Texas

"Did you know you have water running down the hill?" Dotsy's sweet inquiry made it sound like something wonderful and new.... an HGTV water feature right in my very yard.
Sadly, this flooding water signified a broken pipe in our sub-freezing weather. I was totally stymied. What in the world do I do?
The water company man said he didn't come out on Sundays, but told me where the water meter was located. "You are the log house on the corner,aren't you ?" Living in a small town is wonderful, except when emergencies arise.
Then again, small towns have big-hearted neighbors who drop what they are doing, jump in their pickups, and rescue former big city girls from their own ineptness.
Of course, I have no water in the house. But, the local plumber will make a stop tomorrow, assess the damage, stop my heart with the estimate, and then go ahead and fix it ---- because he is my only hope.
The water company will add on their facility when I pay my bill. Have you ever seen a water meter whizzing so fast your eyes crossed just watching it? Entertaining until you realize those are your dollars zooming by.
Well, I figure I have one good flush in the toilet, so I am rationing my liquid intake tonight.
No picture, but just a good story. Oh, where is the spiritual application?
Nothing profound - just another example of God's goodness and protection. The woman who discovered the torrent of water in my front yard was a member of my church bringing a loaf of homemade banana bread to me as a new member of Holly Brook Baptist Church. Jehovah-Jireh means God who provides......He gave me banana bread, a sweet friend, and an awareness of the "o'er-whelming tide" as the hymnist put it.
"Be not dismayed whate'er befall ---- God will take care of you." His mercies are unceasing and His kindness unbounded.

You're in the Army Now

Andrew and I left on Christmas Day for our very own pilgrimage to Graceland. It wasn't the house, the cars, or the elaborate costumes that got his attention ----- it was the army exhibit. "Gram, where are the guns?" Ever the boy!

If Elvis hasn't permanently left the building, he will be 75 tomorrow. No chiseled jaw, or six-pack abs for him ---- no, siree....if he is in hiding in the dark recesses of someone's safe room, I imagine he is experiencing the ravages of time. Baggy and saggy - right along with the rest of us.

But, oh, what fun it was to walk through the King's house. Who in my generation hasn't heard of the green shag carpet covering floor and ceiling?

Time with Andrew is worth a king's ransom ---I took picture after picture of this grandson I love so much, knowing trips like this will rarely happen again. He will soon be too cool for that. But, his Gram will "ponder these things in her heart" and be awfully grateful.

We are Family!

On a wonderful day in Nashville, all three of my children and all six of my grandchildren gathered to play, laugh, eat, and be together ---- we came from three states. Heather and Bob brought Andrew and Bree Anna; Meredith and Brian arrived with Colby, Caden, and Colin; Jeff and Anne joined us in their hometown with Jack. My Mom used to look around a table filled with family and say, "Now, THIS is good!" How much I understood her sentiment.
Just think ---- the Marriage Feast of the Lamb will bring all believers from all corners of the globe, from all time, from all tribes and nations to celebrate. Mom will be sitting there and probably smiling as she prounounces, "Now THIS is good!"

Angels of Mercy

"Jack Kinder is in the hospital?" The volunteer at Medical City/Dallas seemed shocked as I asked for his room number. "I am in his brother's Sunday School class and sit next to Jack each week. I will walk you over." Well, "over" meant the farthest possible building from the information desk. Dad died in that hospital and I knew those halls very well, having walked them night after night- hour after hour.
"He's in ICU and I will see if we can come in," my new friend Barbara said.
How is it she was standing there at the very time I walked up? Providence!
While Dad was alive, we read together for an hour or more each day, then prayed. After he died, I volunteered to read to Jack Kinder, one of Dad's friends, each week. Jack, an international speaker, writer, and businessman, suffered a debilitating stroke in January, 1995 while speaking in Chicago. He has no speech, and is paralyzed on his entire right side. I love this time with him ---- it blesses my heart.
So, when I arrived at the rehab and heard he was hospitalized, my heart sank. I headed to Medical City and there I met Barbara White, angel of God.
We entered Jack's ICU room quietly and stood by his bed. A bleeding ulcer was trying to throw him for a loop. But, he is way tougher than anything like that. I told him, "Remember what Dad always said, Jack.....there are people who give ulcers and those who get them." He held my hand tightly and clearly understood we were there.
Before we left, I asked to pray with him - even with the nurse standing by to take blood. I put my hand on his head, and prayed for my sweet friend. With eyes closed, I heard the nurse agreeing with "yes, Jesus...." Jack was in the hands of many angels.
What are the chances of this "coincidence?" None at all. God hugged Barbara, Jack, and me yesterday with a precious time together. He blessed me with a new friend and a short time with an old one. He allowed me to lift up the name of Jesus in the Medical City ICU --- pretty cool.
God hugs are all around us. Sometimes I think "lifting holy hands" is really a child reaching up to a loving Father and saying, "Hold me ---- hold me." And hold He does!

Donuts, anyone?

Last year I gave up donuts -----(yikes, what a very few keystrokes to say that, and what an agonizing life change.) No, it wasn't a New Year's resolution ---- it was just a decision.

Yesterday I drove into Dallas for my "Ministry Wednesday." The East Texas economy must thrive on donut shops......I passed one after another and each time my empty stomach growled. Even the Cruiser wanted donuts.....I had to yank the wheel back several times as I inched past the fat pill shops.

BUT, I made it! I had a great day in Dallas, finishing up with peace and satisfaction.

Then, the dire weather forecast forced me to do a one day turn-around. By the time I arrived in Wills Point (passing 3 donut shops now safely closed for the evening), it was very dark. HMMMM --- what is that strange sound? A bumpy road? Oh, no---- a flat tire? Just at that moment I was passing the last gas station for miles and miles on pitch black roads. The Lord grabbed the back of my neck and "urged" me to turn into the station to check. YEP! A flat tire.

An ad campaign years ago ran, "Oh, thank heaven, for seven-eleven." Well, I fished out my AAA card, called, and said a prayer of thanks as she said, "Tommy's Tow Truck" will be there within an hour."

Just 10 more minutes and I would have been on my own with no lights, no easy access to tow trucks and a long wait.

Okay, where is the donut connection? THE CRUISER GOT A DONUT! Isn't that funny?

So, I am headed to Tyler for a new tire (certainly not in my January budget, of course), hoping the Cruiser's donut tire will make it another 35 miles.

God watched over me so abundantly. Immediately, I saw His hand of provision and protection. I felt like His daughter. What a good God we serve. And, how gracious He was to thump me on the head and say, "Let's not ignore this, Brenda."

I hope I remember this every time I pass one of those delectable donut shops, reminded of God's faithful love for this child.

Great Day

On New Year's Eve I made a list of must do items. I even tried to trick myself by calling them my "get to do" list, emphasizing the importance of gratitude for 2010. But, you know what ---it still felt like a bunch of stuff I failed to do in the last few weeks.

When I was young, I loved to read. I took books from the library, read them quickly, and then somehow failed to return them....they found a home under my bed. Don't ask me why, but I just didn't get the "complete the loop" gene. Well, one day the library sent an enforcer to my house and demanded I cough up all the books hidden away.

After that, I created my "under the bed" frame of mind. When things stayed on my to-do list long enough, they proudly took their place in this hall of shame.

Today I pulled out a vast number of dusty, cob-web covered items AND DID SOMETHING ABOUT THEM!

I wish I could literally lose all the weight I feel has rolled off my shoulders.

I still have two big items to go, but the pesky ones that create ulcer-like conditions in my stomach are checked off.

YAY!

Where Have You Been?

Somewhere in September I dropped out of the blogosphere, didn't I? I stopped taking pictures, finding spiritual principles in the everyday, and generally disappeared. But here I am again ---writing to you while talking to myself.
My Dad used to love quoting Emerson and Thoreau who would greet one another with, "What has become clearer since we last met?" What would you say if I asked that question?
And what answer would I give you?
1) Living at Holly Lake has brought new friends, new experiences, and a missing of old friends.
2) Life is very precious. I have 10 friends who are struggling physically. I put each one of them on a finger and when I wiggle it heavenward, then I pray for them. I drive so many miles and type so many words, they get lots and lots of prayer time.
3) It is possible to get mentally and physically lazy without structure.
4) God doesn't quit working in and on us just because we age... His purpose and plan seem to be even more alive.
Enough ---- oh, and I have learned the deer will eat anything and everything with absolutely NO REGARD for the amount of money I spent on landscaping. Next year they will have to go elsewhere for their fresh salad bar!

Adopted for Life

On December 8, 2009 Bree Anna became a forever member of the Richardson family...and my one and only granddaughter. I will later post my thoughts from that day. Just know that it brought joy, tears, and laughter to us all.