Monthly Archives: November 2009

Thanksgiving, the fork in the road

November 25, 2009

What is the miracle of Thanksgiving? It is the grafting of two peoples together, the Pilgrims and the Indians, as further evidence of the covenant that allowed the Gentiles to become a living part of the people of God.

Our thankfulness is for the abundance that the Lord provides, even when we are in the darkest and most desperate places and circumstances. Even so, His abundance is there. Just as there is more grace where there has been the most sin, when times seem the most hopeless, abundance is in the greatest supply.

Christians have been lamenting the assault on Christmas for years now, as Christmas parties, pageants and images disappear from the school systems; crying foul as the Christmas tree is banned from the public square while other symbols of religion are allowed.

Stores have been lambasted for choosing “Happy Holidays” over “Merry Christmas.” I, too, have been dismayed and affronted by such actions.

Now, in the cool clear light of a Thanksgiving-eve sunrise, I am not appalled, I am not sad, I am not mournful, I am not annoyed – I am blessed. Why?

Because it is now obvious, so obvious that I marvel I didn’t get it until now, that such happenings are part of the plan and I fall on the side with the God of the Bible, the only place I ever want to be.

There is only one reason for Thanksgiving, and that is to speak our gratitude to God for the blessing that is America. Thanksgiving is evidence that we were set apart as a people from the moral decline of Europe to enjoy a fresh, although brief, period of unrestrained, scriptural, and glorious relationship with the Lord. For a time the earthly balance between God and evil was heavily and visibly on the side of the angels. The citizens of the new world basked in His grace.

What a brilliant opportunity the holidays present for the family of God. If ever there was an obvious fork in the road, this is it. One street leads to the elevation of human greed, avarice, dissipation, and worship of self. The other leads to a more dimly lit, quieter lane that eventually leads to the narrowest of gates.

What does the shopping orgy known as Black Friday have to do with recognizing the abundant grace and mercy of God as He provides for our needs and offers the opportunity of family membership to those not born into it by human blood?

What He offered was His own blood to make up for that not already flowing in our earthly veins.

Thanksgiving is a day set aside to gather the family and be grateful in unison. It is an opportunity to teach the children, revere the elders and remember that even if our present circumstance is not one of material bounty, there is abundance yet in that we are on the right path.

If for no other reason on earth, the family of God through the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ, can celebrate the fact that we progress toward the narrow gate left open for us by Jesus Christ as He entered Glory. It stands open yet today. Entry is assured. We have the Victory.

Be thankful. Share with others in the family the abundance of love and grace during this holiday time. If you find yourself worrying about the shopping, the cooking and who is using what greeting, I would ask you to stop, look around and check your bearings.

Which way did you go at the fork in the road?

Posted in: Christian Relationships, Understanding Life – 6 Comments

Is America still blessable?

November 21, 2009

One of my favorite patriotic songs is “God Bless America.” But is she still blessable? The evidence of a country once united under God is fast disappearing from the landscape, both politically and literally. As the evidence diminishes so does our unity.

The cross has been removed from many places where it once heralded the connection between our people and the true Founder of our land. The Ten Commandments have been removed from the public squares of the coastal cities and are threatened on civic greens in the Biblebelt itself. The pulse of the heartland of the United States is growing ever more irregular and faint, as a warning of the spread of heart disease in the body that is America.

What is a distinctive symptom of the spiritual disease spreading across our nation? Tolerance.

The parable of the Prodigal Son found in the fifteenth chapter of Luke is very instructive as we seek to answer the question, “Is America still blessable.”

The prodigal son returned home powerless, penniless, disgraced; wanting nothing more than servant status – a significant move up the food chain from where his errant ways had delivered him. The company he kept in his foolishness included harlots, drunkards and spendthrifts. All were fools and all his fellows in sin.

Upon returning home the prodigal’s father welcomed him back with joy and outstretched arms. What is most instructive is who was not welcomed with him in this blessed homecoming. The son returned humbled and alone. Not one harlot, one drunkard or even one spendthrift accompanied him.

American ‘tolerance’ as it is being preached today would suggest that if the prodigal son were to return home full of attitude, wanting to move his profligate self into Dad’s house along with his retinue of fools and harlots, then a spirit of tolerance would require Dad to submit to living with what was personally abhorrent to him. And not only sharing his roof, but providing food, a stylish wardrobe, electronics and spending money. Anything less would be mean-spirited and intolerant.

This is not how the story goes in my Bible. The prodigal son came back to his father’s house with remorse, apology and with no expectation other than the hope of his daily bread in payment of daily labor. The son returned in a right spirit, and as a metaphor for the awesome forgiveness show us by our Father, he was welcomed home, regaining as a gift his full status of beloved son.

Tolerance is not supporting and endorsing another person’s choices. It is allowing them the freedom to succeed or fail as a result of their own decisions without either our assistance or resistance.

Spiritual disease defines tolerance as the duty of the many to support the whims of the few. Tolerance presented in such a light also defines tyranny. This path of progressive tolerance follows a similar errant path to the one that lead to the slaughter of the goose that laid the golden eggs in the famous children’s fable.

So, is America still blessable? I shudder to consider the consequences if the answer is “no.” There is, however, good news. Even if the USA is no longer blessable, as individuals we are entitled to consideration apart from the nation of our citizenship.

You are the prodigal son walking up the path to the home you fled in search of self-satisfaction. What is on your heart as you catch the first glimpse of your father?

Posted in: Christian Relationships, Politics - the real world, Understanding Life – 5 Comments

Not a prophet in your own land?

November 19, 2009

I think the design of the Lord is such that we must have at least one place in our lives where do not shine as brightly as others. Without such a place of leanness we would doubtless be tempted to grow an ego large enough to fit a true 10-gallon Stetson.

Many people amaze us with their insight, character, grace or success. But you know there is at least one place where they are either unremarkable or perhaps even an area where they under perform.

Jesus Christ was no exception to this rule, how could we think it possible that we could slip through its cracks? We can’t. The beginning of His ministry included temptation by Satan. As His travels wound back through home territory He was only regarded as the carpenter’s son; you know, Mary’s boy.

I believe it is another example of grace that we have places where folks don’t see us as anything special in the great scheme of things. Evidence of the personal tragedy that accompanies a person who starts to believe their own great press abounds in Hollywood and the world of professional sports. It is repeated in the ranks of famous preachers as well when they topple from their pulpits in disgrace.

The more we are held in high esteem by others the greater the temptation becomes to think we really are more special than the next guy. Winning a prestigious award for career success, being honored for high intelligence, or even the Nobel Peace Prize only means that our commonness isn’t in that particular place. Okay, the Peace Prize crack was indulgent, so I won’t travel any further down that road, but it does prove my point…

Be grateful as you acknowledge the places where you don’t shine, where you are simply appreciated and loved for being nothing more than you.

Posted in: Christian Relationships, Understanding Life – 2 Comments

The delight of a balanced day…

November 14, 2009

Today was one of those wonderful days. We drank our pot of coffee before getting out of bed then went about our morning routines; I to my study, my husband out to feed three barn cats and front pasture horses.

Two new chapters seemed to write themselves, and then I went out into the beautiful late autumn morning to feed the barn horses and one more needy cat. The grass is still green, the trees still wear most of their leaves and the sun was just barely on the lacy side of bright as it began the day’s journey from east to west.

Back in from the barn I grabbed another cup of coffee and returned to my desk for real study time. Each new day is a gift and today was no exception. Having been dismissed from lessons, we both headed to the barn to saddle up.

Three-year-old Swizzle had a bit of an issue, got locked up, and for the first time I rode her through what had always resulted in a rodeo-worthy bucking fit in the past. Swizzle has finally learned to “hear” me when she freezes mentally. Her trust in me seems to have exceeded her need to express herself when she gets stuck. After a few moments she sighed, relaxed, and off we went. Our time together was well spent, we had a delightful spin around the pasture to cool down and I think we claimed higher ground.

After all the horses got some attention we turned them out for the day. Baber got the tractor and went out to do some re-leveling in the front pasture. I cleaned the barn. I love cleaning the barn. We don’t always have enough time to give each horse every day, but I feel better about that when I make certain their houses are clean, neat, comfortable and fresh when they return at dusk.

So far the day has included rewarding work in my study, a bit of scriptural revelation, success with Swizzle, shared minutes with the other horses, the daily horse-keeping chores and we’re only just past noon!

After a lunch break Baber went back out again and so did I. My dog and at least two cats kept me company as I primed and painted the new kicker, bracing and welds on front gate improvements. Imagine being out in short sleeves and shorts in the middle of November. Does it get better than this?

Our two new geldings came over to see if I needed their supervision while I painted. I scratched their ears and faces over the fence and assured them I had it under control.

Okay, the three loads of laundry wasn’t all that rewarding or exciting, but clean clothes are a necessity. I went back to the study and finally finished a few tasks that had been sitting there giving me the eye for the past week or so.

My husband, our three dogs, and I took a togetherness break to sit on the deck looking at our horses grazing or playing in the pasture. The shadows were getting pretty long and it would soon be time to let the horses back in for dinner and rest in their cozy bedrooms.

All the important aspects of my life played well with each other today. There’s no need to mention the additional details that would not be of the least bit interest to anyone else, but to me this day was a crown of jewels that left no setting unfilled.

I wish for you all delightfully balanced days, with work, play, love, learning and peace – all in each 24-hour span.

Posted in: Christian Relationships, For the love of Horses, Understanding Life – 4 Comments

What is the message of Abraham and Isaac?

November 11, 2009

Recently I was asked to review a new book by a well-known author. The author, in my opinion, drew a number of conclusions that were scholarly but did not share a message I could endorse. Beginning in his first chapter with the story of Abraham and Isaac the author went off course. I was lead again to the twenty-second chapter of Genesis today and thus this entry.

The author of the book I reviewed believes that God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac as a method of correction. Genesis 22:1 clearly states, “God tested Abraham.” We do not test proficiency as a means of correction, but rather as a barometer that allows us to gauge the extent of our progress.

Abraham was the recognized beginning of two things, the foundation by covenant of a people of God and the genesis of righteousness by faith. God’s test was of Abraham’s faith.

What was the test of faith that resulted in the Abrahamic Covenant? It was faith that God is who He says He is and that He can do what He says He can do. Even if Abraham sacrificed his only son Isaac, he was convinced that God could and would raise Isaac from the dead to begin the lineage of descendants he was promised.

God provides. This is the message of Abraham.

Isaac asked his father where the lamb was for the burnt offering. Abraham replied that God would provide the lamb. He did. Abraham called the place where he built the alter, “The Lord Will Provide.”

By faith we have been gathered into the family of God. By His provision of the lamb, God’s only son, we are free to pursue the path that leads to the narrow gate to Heaven. Before Christ’s death and resurrection that gate was shut, sealed, and no human could open it. Until Jesus.

Jesus Christ opened the narrow gate when He entered glory and it remains open today waiting for each of us to Enter In.

Posted in: Christian Relationships, Understanding Life – 2 Comments

How special are your special days?

November 10, 2009

Today is my husband and my twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. I suppose many couples would have planned a large celebration with family and friends. How many folks make the big marriage milestones anymore? Although it would be a wonderful reason to party, we’re staying home.

Each of us had a previous marriage, so adding up our years together is especially satisfying. And to think, it all started with a dachshund. For those of you who don’t know the story I’ll hit the highlights. When I met Baber I had NO desire to marry again. My life was full and rewarding with my dog, Snooker, my career and many friends.

Snooker, however, had other plans. She always made a quick and permanent evaluation of anyone I dated. Some she tolerated, some she shunned, but in most cases she was just polite. Until Larry Baber.

Snooker recognized something special about him. Of course, she was right. Sometimes animals are way more perceptive that we simple humans. The bottom line is she decided she must have him for a dad. She was obvious. Baber returned the affection. The day came when he said he had an important question to ask me. The question was, “Can I adopt Snooker?” My answer was, “It’s a package deal.”

Why don’t we make a bigger event of this day? For the same reason we don’t make a big deal about Christmas. While we frequently speak about such ‘special days’ the day itself is barely differentiated from the one before and the one after.

The magic of anniversaries and the miracle of Christmas are contained within the quality of the relationships they represent. Our walk with Christ is a daily delight. Our marriage is celebrated on each day of the year, not just a special one.

If you find yourself waiting for the dates circled in red on your calendar in order to have a special day, perhaps you need to consider just how special your relationships are to you. Don’t misunderstand, we’ve been looking forward to today for twenty-five years, but the day itself is no different than yesterday except we are just a bit more grateful to our Lord for providing us such a blessing.

How special are your special days? We are only guaranteed today. Make each one special with those you love.

Posted in: Christian Relationships, Understanding Life – 2 Comments

If you ever wondered just how amazing a gray horse can be…

November 8, 2009

Here is a wonderful video that shows the amazing, amazing, amazing possibility of relationship with man and horse. Click on the link to Patches here:

Patches the Amazing Gray

Posted in: For the love of Horses, Understanding Life – No Comments

It’s unanimous – everyone is over committed

November 6, 2009

I did my last business seminar a couple of weeks ago. I was a panelist at the Women in the Horse Industry conference this week. Seminar participants, conference attendees, my friends and associates all bring the same issue to our conversations – overcommitment and lackluster performance; too much stress and not enough joy.

The answer is to limit the number of irons you have in the fire and make the most of what remains. You cannot experience limitless vision if you do not limit your mission.

Read that sentence again. If you do not limit the realm you call your own, you hog-tie your potential for attaining higher and higher peaks in performance and experience. Pretend for a moment you are an octopus. You have arms with tentacles extending out from your core. As you add each new arm (area of interest or work) the others atrophy to allow for the new member. The more arms you have the weaker each becomes.

The number of hours in a day will never exceed 24. The amount of energy you have to exert will always be limited. Set priorities. Determine what is truly important. Decide where you want to make a difference. Concentrate. Be disciplined. Succeed.

Everyone is overloaded. We have all been over committed. The only way out is to set limits. In the same way love and education are only enhanced the more we share them, so our success is only greater when we limit the areas in which we participate.

You have no concept of the freedom and expansive vision that is yours once you limit the areas you work in. Family? Business? Faith? Horses?

Find your place. Occupy it. Claim victory!

Posted in: Business Excellence, Christian Relationships, Understanding Life – 4 Comments

Off to Kentucky tomorrow

November 1, 2009

We are flying off to Louisville, KY tomorrow for a Women in the Horse Industry Conference. I’m going to be on a panel the first day while my husband scopes out Churchill Downs. After the sessions the second day he’ll take me on a tour of the home of the Kentucky Derby.

It’s been a couple of years since we’ve flown. I’m looking forward to meeting lots of new folks and watching the ponies run, but not as excited about the airport part.

Many things in life are like oreo cookies. One way to look at them is two delicious bookends surrounding a wonderful center. Another view is that the part we like is imprisoned between two tough outer shells.

Sometimes travel seems like the latter; frustrating issues and frequent delays getting to our destination and then home again encasing the delight of the visit inbetween.

The trick is to school our outlook, to make the journey itself a positive (delicious bookends) rather than a dread.So, we’ll leave plenty of time to get to the airport; make a point of truly noticing the folks we meet and taking advantage of the opportunity to speak with many; open our eyes to the beauty in a “garden” different from our own.

Perhaps I’ll have something to share when the first side of the oreo is twisted off and we are in Louisville. In the meantime, be blessed.

Posted in: Understanding Life – No Comments