The Homeless Wanderer

Psalm 119:37(MSG)
Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way.
I am a Ci-Co Girl.  (Pronounced "Sick-O".)  Have you heard of that word?  Ci-Co?  You won't find it in Webster's Dictionary.  It can only be found in "Wiser's Dictionary".  In this book there are words that I myself made up...and sense my last name is Wiser...you have....yeap you guessed it...the "Wiser's Dictionary".  Anyway, I will probably need to define this one for you, sense my dictionary has not been picked up for publishing yet.  Ci-Co Girl defines a girl who is a cross between a city girl and a country girl.

Let me expound on that.  You see, when I go to a city such as, oh let's just say Atlanta, I feel very much like a country girl.  However, when I go out to my sister's house in the country and I enter the barn and hear them say they are going to "put up hay",  I'm looking around for the cabinets to neatly stack some pieces of straw in to get them out of the way.  It is at that point that I feel very much like a city girl.  You understand?  I don't fit in either place.  I am not a savvy city girl and I'm certainly far from being an official country girl.  I'm a Ci-Co Girl.

Take, for example, my recent trip to Atlanta.  I flew in to stay with my niece.  Upon arrival at the airport, I disembarked the plane and promptly started reading the signs.  My destination was "Ground Transportation".  I had studied well before hand the lay out of this monstrous airport.  I cocked my head back and meandered down the concourse with the rest of the weary travelers.  I know I looked quite comfortable.  (I had practiced the look.)  I seemed to fit in. 

On the inside, however, I was rehearsing my route.  It went something like this....Take the next right and follow it to the tram.  Board the tram and ride it to the "ground transportation" sign.  Get off the tram and walk through the gates to the MARTA system (Atlanta's Rail System).  Saunter over to the MARTA store and nonchalantly purchase a MARTA riding card.  Swipe the card past the infrared gate opener and shuffle through the opening like you have done this a thousand times.  (That would have worked too, I might add, had I not been waiting for the wrong gate to open.  I stood there swiping and swiping my card all the while not realizing that the gate to my left was open for me!  It took the real "City Girl" behind me to politely inform me to use the other gate!)  Board the subway, flop in a chair like you own the place and ride it through down town Atlanta!  Listen carefully, while pretending to read your book, for the "Red Route" disembarking prompter.  DO NOT get off early by accident, because then I will be on the Green Route or the Gold Route.....they will take me to the wrong place!!  It was a busy place in my head that day with all of those directions floating around...let me tell you!

The bottom line in all of that was to say, that as long as I stayed on my "route", I would eventually get to my destination.  I did reach my niece's house without incident by the way.  I also had an escort (my sweet brother-in-law) who met me at the MARTA entrance to ensure my safe travel.  I looked like I belonged there, but I really didn't belong there on that subway anymore than I belong in the barn "mucking out" a stall!  (I do know what that one means....although I have never officially done it.)   

I spotted these two ducks crossing over the bridge instead
of swimming to get to the other side of the river!
  I have never seen ducks take this route!

I had to chuckle as they navigated down the stairs!

This verse prompted me to think about the word pilgrim.  At it's most basic meaning, the word pilgrim is defined as "traveler or homeless wanderer".  In the Latin orientation it refers to a "foreigner or stranger." 

We really are strangers here on earth, aren't we?  Wandering around trying to figure out where we fit in.  The thing is, that we will never "fit in" in this world if we are a child of the King.  And that's okay, because we were never meant to.  As a Christ follower I don't have to feel comfortable here on planet earth.  It's only my temporary home.  I just need to find the gifts and talents He has given me, so that I might utilize them to help His children and thereby to glorify His name on my travels. 

The best way I know to identify my gifts and talents, and therefore decrease my wandering aimlessly without purpose, is to define my convictions.  At the very core of that task is to recognize the difference between my convictions and my preferences.  My convictions are my non-negotiable core beliefs.  These convictions will be the fuel to motivate my actions and uncover any God given talents, so I can use them.  They keep me on track.  I have studied them.  I have memorized them.  I will not waiver from them.  My personal convictions are based upon the Word of God and my preferences are usually based upon the word of my flesh, so to speak.

Here are a few of my convictions:

1. I will love God before anyone or anything else and never belittle His glorious name. (Exodus 20:1-4)
2. I will Honor my parents. (Exodus 20:12)
3. I will teach my children to know, honor, and love God. (Ephesians 6:4)
4. I will treat human life as sacred from the moment of conception.  (Psalm 139:13-16)
5. I will be satisfied and grateful with what the Lord has blessed me with. (Exodus 20:17)

Lord,
Thank you for the gift of Your Word that allows my wandering through planet earth to be invigorated with purpose and a clearly defined destination.  You're all I really need to master this portion of my pilgrimage.  Please give Your confidence to each of us today and assure us that the route we are on is the one that You have placed us on.  Help us to listen carefully to Your promptings so  we will remain faithful to fulfill the journey You have designed specifically for each one of us.
In the Holy name of Jesus,
Amen

My New Plant

My "Upside Down Plant"

Psalm 119:36(MSG)
Give me a bent for Your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot.

Reading the word "bent" this morning reminded me of this phenomenal new plant I just found!  Take a look at the flower.  If you are a gardener then you probably already recognize this species as a Cyclamen Persicum, but I being a novice to the plant world, had to look up it's name.  It has to be one of the coolest things I've seen in a long time!  I hope you can tell from this picture what it's doing, but if not, then I'll tell you.  It's basically growing upside down.  The flowering portion of the plant is bent to the earth instead of up to the sun.  It's pedals open upward, but the center stays pointing down.  Completely incredible!!

I am observing it to see if bees are interested in it, because they would have to literally fly upside down to get any pollen from it.  Wouldn't that be a funny sight to behold!  Anyway, what is even more fantastic about this plant, is that even though it is upside down, once it blooms, it's pedals still grow toward the light.

There are a few conclusions I have drawn after thinking about my beautiful new plant today.  First of all, this plant that sits on my front porch, where I see it constantly on my coming and going, reminds me that God creates all of His creation so uniquely beautiful.  When I look at it, I'm also reminded that this plant that is so different in it's upside down way is still functioning quite well as a flower.  Maybe looking different is kind of special.  Perhaps I don't want to waste my time trying to look like everybody else. 

This flowering plant and today's verse also remind me that no matter what direction I find myself facing, I will always need to turn to the light of His Words and wisdom to get my nourishment and strength to carry out His plan for me.  The plant is facing down, but it's pedals are raising up to the sun.  It's not much different with me.  I'm surrounded by "loot"....or the material distractions of this world, but "my pedals" or, in this case my heart, needs to remain turned to the Son of God for my light.

Lord,
You are a creative God!  Thank you for a simple flowering plant to remind me of Your creativity.  Help me to remain turned to Your words and to put them into practice every day this week!
In the creative name of Christ,
Amen

The FREE Way

Psalm 119:35(MSG)
Guide me down the road of your commandments;  I love traveling this freeway!

Have you ever been in a hurry?  I mean a real hurry?  The kind where you're driving home and you decide to take a short cut because you just really want to get home.  I did this the other day.  I didn't have any particular reason to be in such a rush.  I was just ready to be home.  Plain and simple.

I quickly thought, "Hey, I never go this way; I think I'll try it and see if it's faster".  I wound all over the city zig~zagging and flying around corners (within the speed limit of course).  I was definitely taking the short cut....sneaking around traffic and averting several traffic lights.  I was pretty impressed with myself.  (Enter the verse about "pride cometh before a fall"...here.)  As I approached the last curve and made the turn, I saw orange fences in the road.  Huh?  No way!!  The sign in front of the barricade read in bold letters:  ROAD CLOSED.  Where were the warning signs?  Why didn't they tell me I was headed down a closed road?! 

You probably saw that coming didn't you?  Well, I didn't!  I had to come to a complete stop and turn that flying machine around.  Not only did I have to completely back track, but I had to return to the path I was on.  The usual path...the one with stop lights...traffic...the same scenery.  Ugh....  And to top it off, I was now obviously into my trip for twice the time that I would have been if I would have just stayed on track!

Reading this verse today reminds me of the road I'm on with Christ.  It's quite literally the "FREE way".  While it is true that I have to frequently fight my flesh to stay tuned into His Voice, He is always standing by with words of wisdom and direction to help me arrive at my destination.  He is that gentle voice in chaos that says, "I'm right here.  I haven't let you down in the past and I don't intend to drop you now."  He is that reassuring whisper that tells me to move when I become paralyzed.  He is that compassionate voice that says, "Reach out and help that person.  Don't be afraid."  He is that patient song that plays in myhead and allows me to display grace and mercy instead of retaliation when I've been wronged. 

Yes, Christ is guiding me every day down the road of an abundant life in Him.  It is truly the a wonderful and free way!! 

God,
When I think back to this day eighteen years ago and the birth of our son, I realize Your hand of grace in the delivery of this precious child into our family.  Your loving voice and steady words were our direction then and they remain our direction now.  Thank you for the blessing of his birth and life!  At his young age, he has already been a gift in so many ways.  It is my prayer that you will continue to illuminate our path and give us a sensitivity to Your Spirit that will enable us to bring You glory all the days of our lives!
In the Mighty name of Jesus,
Amen 

One Obedient Response

Psalm 119:34(MSG)
Give me insight so I can do what You tell me--
my whole life one long, obedient response.

They came in slowly.  As the sun shown bright across the sparkling clean floor, they trickled in one by one.  Some were walking easily without assistance, while others steadied themselves on the cold silver metal that rolled carefully in front of them.  There were also those who rode in on their scooters, navigating smoothly between tables and chairs to find their spot in the crowd.  Entering last were the more frail among them.  The victims of time and previous injury who now found themselves prisoners to the chairs with moving wheels.  Their escorts propelled them into the gaps and spaces that were left, so they could enjoy, if only for these few brief moments, a distraction from their daily routine. 

I stood quietly in the back watching the scene unfold.  After the room was filled to near capacity, in they walked.  In stark contrast to the previous entrants, they each walked with a quick and light step dressed in brilliant white collared shirts and smiles big enough to light up an entire stadium.  They unpacked their gear and quickly set up there props.  There was a confidence on each of their faces that was visible even from my vantage point quite a distance away. 

The band began to play the National Anthem.  One by one I watched these veterans stand.  Some of them were up within the first few notes, while others took nearly the entire song to rise, but those who were even remotely able to do it, stood and placed their hand over their heart.  It took my breath away to realize that these men had made a decision many years ago to serve their God and country with such allegiance that they would die for it and for one another if necessary.  The very sacrifices of these men were what had allowed me the freedom to travel to this place today and watch my son perform with his school's choir. 

Unable to stand, this gentleman tipped his hat.

I swallowed hard as I could feel the lump welling up within my throat.  I glanced over at my own father who had made the trip with me.  He, being a veteran of two wars himself, stood tall as the song continued.  I wondered how much my Dad had to give up throughout his lifetime to serve his country.  Each of these men gave an obedient response to a call.

Someone recently told me that we can learn a lot from history.  They said that history repeats itself and we are wise when we look back and gain insight from what has happened in the past, so that we don't repeat those mistakes in the future.  We have so much we can learn from these beautiful people that have a few more years of experience than we do.

I was honored and privileged to visit this Veteran's Home today.  As I left, I recognized that the building contains precious lives that have already spent most of their time in obedient service to their country and fellow men.  What a great legacy of love they will leave for us.

God,
Thank you for the gift of allowing me to visit the Veteran's Home today.  Continue to keep Your watchful eye  upon each person who lives there.  Grant each of us insight into Your plan for our life and pour out Your Spirit on us so that we can obediently respond to You our whole life!
In Christ's Name,
Amen

The Steep Course

Psalm 119:33(MSG)
God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course.

The birds are singing; the sun is shining; the grass is growing.  Spring is definitely getting an early start around here.  As I jumped onto the old green machine and carefully turned the key, I grinned at the old familiar sound I have actually grown a little fond of.  Our riding lawn mower has been with us since we moved into this house over ten years ago.  When the previous owner sold us the home, he said he would throw it in.  He sort of grinned when he said it....I think I understand now. 
You see, to mow our yard takes....well...many lessons.  I received my lessons from my sweet hubby.  He really didn't (and still doesn't) want me to take over the task of mowing  the yard, but I really do enjoy it, so I insisted that he show me the ropes.  With a great deal of reservation, he cooperated.  Now, I think there are several reasons that he would rather I not mow.  Mostly, it is because he is chivalrous and doesn't want me to be doing a "man's job".  This carries over into all areas of life with this incredible man that I have been married to for almost twenty-four years.  He opens doors for me, pumps gas for me, helps me in with the groceries, fixes this silly computer for me when it freezes, and the list goes on and on.

The other reason that he isn't really into me mowing is because our yard has some really steep hills.  "The hills are tricky," he says.  "You don't want to get sideways on a hill, or you might flip the mower over on yourself."  Well, that most certainly got my attention and I have heeded that warning ever sense.  His words still ring in my head every time I begin the descent down those hills. 

Yesterday was Monday, and I have deemed it to be the official weekly "mowing day".  I backed the mower out of the garage and whipped through half of the yard in no time flat.  Gingerly I headed down the last steep hill for the day.  As I got closer to the bottom, I had to strategically plan my turn or I would plow smack dab into the middle of one of the beautiful berms that my husband had meticulously constructed a few years back.  Oh no....had I miscalculated the angle of the slope?  It felt like I was tipping as I turned.  I quickly jerked the wheel back, but that made the course of the mower headed straight for berm...........crash!!  Right into the rocks and bush I went.  Oh boy.  I climbed off.  It was stuck.  Couldn't go back...couldn't go forward...

I started digging rocks up in an effort to move the mower.  Nope, that wasn't going to work.  I got in front of it and tried to push it up the hill.  Nope, that wasn't the solution either.  "I know what to do"...I thought.  I can call my nephew (the 6'2" marine), quick before my Hubby gets home!!  He'll know what to do!    

My sweet nephew was up for the challenge, but my Hubby made it home before the caper could be carried out.  My wonderfully observant spouse saw the evidence of the mower, well shall we say, gone "off the course".  As is so like him, he smiled at me and went right outside and took care of everything.  The mower is back in the garage and I am left with very little pride, but I am determined to return to the mowing position next Monday.  (If Mr. Hubby will let me...that is.)

God's light revealed in His creation.

I saw a billboard as I  was driving today.  It read:  "The world's source of light is the Son."  I love that!  The number one lesson I must remember to be able to stay on course, no matter how steep the slope gets,  is that Jesus Christ is my source for light.  He will illuminate my path and guide me every step of the way as I remain in Him.  What a wonderful peace and confidence this verse brings to my heart tonight!

God,
You are our source of light.  Your light shines in the darkest of places.  Help me to bring Your love to those who are desperately needing it.  Open my eyes to the needs of Your children and equip me to serve them in unselfish abandon.
In the glorious name of Jesus,
Amen