Reading the Small Print

Reality is setting in.  It's pretty clear that I'm getting older.  As I sat in the exam room listening to thousands of patients being told, "You need bifocals or reading glasses," when I worked part-time for an ophthalmologist for seven years, those days seemed in the far future for me.  I would scribe the diagnosis on the chart:  presbyopia, which means the inability of the lens to focus.  Yes, it seemed very far away for me in my life.  Not so any more.   In fact, that diagnosis for me seems very near or actually "here".

Saturday my daughter and I went shopping out of town.  She let me choose lunch for the day and I chose an Italian restaurant that we hadn't been to in a long time.  I knew exactly what I wanted to eat, but she wasn't sure.  As I flipped through the menu, I noticed that my favorite dish also came as a family meal.  It was only $7.49, so I asked her if she wanted to share.  I was so surprised that the price was so cheap, but thought we might splurge on dessert somewhere later on in the day.  I checked the price again, just to be sure.  The portion said it would serve 2-3 people.  "What a bargain!", I proudly thought to myself.

Our meal came and it was delicious.  It served us and we even got a to-go box to put leftovers in to take home.  The waitress brought the bill.  Much to my surprise, instead of the meal being around $10, it was almost $30!  I told my daughter how much it was and how much I thought it was supposed to be.  I reasoned that it must have been my mistake, that it must have really been $7.49 per person; however, with that reasoning, it still should have been less than $20.  I asked the waitress if I could see a menu because I didn't think the meal was that much.  She gladly brought a menu to me and even stood there to see what the problem might be.  Sadly, that was when I realized that the problem was me - my eyes to be exact!  What I thought was $7.49 was really 27.49!  No dollar sign in front!  (My daughter reminded me later that menus don't usually have dollar signs.  Thank you for that tip, Lauren.  I'll remember that the next time I make a $20 mistake. :) 

So, the waitress apologized for the amount.  I reassured her over and over that it was my fault and that I was just proving to myself I was getting old and needing reading glasses very soon.  She laughed and probably thought that was in the long, distant future for her....just like I used to do!

I paid my bill and left a generous tip!  I didn't want to appear cheap, of course! (ha ha!)

Sometimes it's hard to read the small print.  Sometimes we fail to see the small print.  The small print can get us in trouble, just like it did for me.

The Bible is full of lots of words....lots of small words and lots of big words....but all inspired words of God.  The font or type of a Bible may be small, but the message is big and of utmost importance.  God doesn't hide anything from us.  He doesn't want us to miss anything in His Word. 

My presbyopia reminded me of how many in the world actually choose to neglect or fail to focus on His Word.  They either take what they hear from others or maybe by written accounts of men and women, but don't actually read the Word for themselves.  They have spiritual presbyopia.  They neglect to focus on their spiritual lives.  However, no over-the-counter reading glasses or addition of bifocals to their contacts or glasses will help with this problem.  The only cure is to open the Word for themselves.  To open their eyes and focus on what God's Word has to say to them.

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

Matthew 6:22-23

After my daughter and I left the restaurant, do you know what we did?  We went looking for me a cute pair of over-the-counter reading glasses.  If I'm going to be needing them soon....they might as well be cute, right!? :) (or maybe I'll just take one contact out and do mono-vision. hmmmmmmm)

The Chronicles of Biscuit - The Haircut & the Confession

The Chronicles of Biscuit:  Stories about our youngest son, Tyler, whose nickname is Biscuit.

Saturday night our three boys were getting their clothes out and ready for the next morning's worship.  We had company spending the night and figured Sunday morning would be a little more hectic with eleven people getting dressed, so asked them to get everything ready in advance.  My husband, Joe, was studying in our bedroom (he was preaching out of town the next morning).  I was in the living room with our two older boys, and he sent me a text that said, "Biscuit has picked out all of his clothes and has them on.  You should let him wear it." 

After reading the text, I became a little concerned about what Biscuit might look like when he came into the living room.  I warned Biscuit's older brothers that no matter what he had on, they could not laugh because it would hurt his feelings. 

In a few minutes, Biscuit came into the living room....all dressed up and hair fixed in a spiked mohawk-type style.  I quickly glanced at the older brothers, reminding them of the "deal" of no laughing.  It was kind of hard not to, but none of us did.  Biscuit beamed with pride as he showed me his "duds" and hairstyle.

Biscuit had on a lime green, orange, white, and blue plaid, long-sleeved, button-down shirt, a yellow and navy striped clip-on tie, and a navy suit jacket and navy suit pants....as well as the spikey-mohawk hair style that he had obviously worked on very diligently. 

Biscuit asked me, "Can I wear it?"  Years ago I would have said no.  I would have tried to explain that the plaid shirt and yellow striped tie didn't match, but now I said, "Yes."  I said yes because everyone in town or out of town that knows Biscuit would know that he picked out his attire all on his own.  They would know, without a doubt, that I wouldn't have picked out the mismatched items.  They would also know that it really doesn't matter if it matched or not.  Biscuit was pleased and was showing his independence and that is what mattered.

The next morning arrived and Biscuit quickly got dressed.  He redid his spiky mohawk.  We all went to Bible class and worship.  After that we had a potluck dinner (yum) with our church family. 

Biscuit was in line for the dinner standing by his sister and a few of her visiting guests.  When I walked up to them, Biscuit held up his arms as if he was surrendering.  Biscuit started saying, "Mom, I sinned.  I cut my hair with scissors because I didn't like this part right here (pointing to the front part of his hair line).  I shouldn't have done it and I confess.  Please forgive me."

I talked to Biscuit about his haircut and why it was wrong to cut it, (safety, didn't need it, etc.) but I also told Biscuit that I forgave him.   Biscuit knew he shouldn't have done it, and he admitted it. At the time I actually couldn't even tell he had cut it, but when it is down and not spiked up, it shows.  I haven't mentioned the haircut since then.  He'll get a reminder about the issue every time he looks at his hair in the mirror.

Biscuit learned a lesson that day.  Yes, he learned that he shouldn't have cut his hair on his own, but he also learned a valuable lesson about admitting wrong, confessing wrong, and receiving forgiveness.  As Christians, our sin doesn't just hurt us and it can also hurt others; however, most importantly, it hurts God.  It separates us from God.  Admitting sin and confessing it shows that we are acknowledging our imperfections, but relying on the One who can perfect us.  God will forgive us.  Jesus' blood sanctifies us.

In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.

Ephesians 1:7

Parenting is great and unique way to show God's love to our children.  There are times when they need and deserve discipline and they get it, but then they are forgiven.  There are other times when they need and deserve discipline, but then they are not punished....only forgiven.  Sometimes they get pardoned. 

God does the very same thing with His children.  Some times He disciplines.  Some times He pardons.  All the time He forgives when we ask Him.

For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.

Hebrews 12:6

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

A Little Boy Named Teddy

Note from Lori:  We're having a lesson series this week on "Home Sweet Home".  Last night the preacher read this story.  It is very touching and will make you think.  Sometimes we give up on people when we shouldn't.  Why?  Because God never gives up on us!  He never gives up on anyone!

You may have someone like "Teddy" in your life. Use the time you have to influence and encourage that person to become what God knows they can be, instead of giving up and being frustrated with them.

This story is written by Tony Campolo.

It seems that there was a lady named Jean Thompson and when she stood in front of her fifth-grade class on the very first day of school in the fall, she told the children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her pupils and said that she loved them all the same, that she would treat them all alike. And that was impossible because there in front of her, slumped in his seat on the third row, was a boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed he didn't play well with the other children, that his clothes were unkempt and that he constantly needed a bath. Add to it the fact Teddy was unpleasant. As the school year went by it got to the point that she would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold 'X's and then marking the 'F' at the top of the paper biggest of all.

Because Teddy was a sullen little boy, nobody else seemed to enjoy him, either. Now at the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's records and because of things, put Teddy's off until the absolute last. But, when she opened his file, she was in for a surprise.

His first-grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright, inquisitive child with a ready laugh. He does work neatly and has good manners...he is a joy to be around."

His second-grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student and is well-liked by his classmates -- but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."

His third-grade teacher wrote, "Teddy continues to work hard, but his mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken."

Teddy's fourth-grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and sometime sleeps in class. He is tardy and could become a problem."

By now Mrs. Thompson realized the problem, but Christmas was coming fast. It was all she could do, with the school play and all, until the day before the holidays began and she was suddenly forced to focus on Teddy Stoddard on that last day before the vacation would begin. Her children brought her presents, all in gay ribbon and bright paper, except for Teddy's, which was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper of a scissored grocery bag.

Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents and some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet, with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one-quarter full of cologne. She stifled the laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and she dabbed some of the perfume behind the other wrist.

At the end of the day, as the other children joyously raced from the room, Teddy Stoddard stayed behind, just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my mom used to." As soon as Teddy left, Mrs. Thompson knelt at her desk and there, after the last day of school before Christmas, she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading and writing and speaking. Instead, she began to teach children. And Jean Thompson paid particular attention to one they all called "Teddy".

As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded and, on days that there would be an important test, Mrs. Thompson would remember that cologne. By the end of the year he had become one of the smartest children in the class and...well, he had also become the "pet" of the teacher who had once vowed to love all of her children exactly the same.

A year later she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that of all the teachers he'd had in elementary school, she was his favorite.

Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. And then he wrote that as he finished high school, third in his class, she was still his favorite teacher of all time.

Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, that he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would graduate from college with the highest of honors. He assured Mrs. Thompson she was still his favorite teacher.

Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still his favorite teacher, but that now his name was a little longer. And the letter was signed, "Theodore F. Stoddard, M.D."

The story doesn't end there. You see, there was yet another letter that Spring. Teddy said that...well, that he'd met this girl and was to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering...well, if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the pew usually reserved for the mother of the groom.

Most people overlook a child's heart when it is buried under pain. Take the time to give a wounded child your love and he will learn to love the world. Love is very powerful. Use it's power wisely and someone will be the better for it.

Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

More Birthday Celebrations....

Although Lauren spent her real birthday with the Texas Rangers in Arlington, we had her family party a few days later.  She decorated for the occasion herself.....hence all of the Rangers' "stuff"!

Grammy (my mother-in-law) made Lauren's cake.  Didn't she do a terrific job???!!!  So cute, and I think the Rangers' organization might be calling her soon!  After the party, we froze part of the cake for the next part of her celebration.....

...a weekend long slumber party! 

 Unfortunately this picture is without one girl who had to leave early.  Some of these girls are local friends and some are from out of town.  They all met at our Bible camp several years ago and have been friends ever since.  It was fun for them to get together for a fun-filled weekend. 

A special part of their time together was that the girls all were able to go to Bible class and worship Sunday morning, as well as fellowship luncheon that day.  On a side note, that's 11 people getting dressed and ready on our house that morning and no one was late.  That's success! :)

Good friends!  Great weekend!

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17

QMCC Ladies Fall Retreat

The 32nd Annual QMCC (Quartz Mountain Christian Camp) Ladies' Fall Retreat was held this past weekend.  It was a great time of worship, fellowship, and fun for all who were in attendance.

This year's theme was "In PURSE-uit of Holiness" with the play on words to use a purse decorating theme.

There were lots of purses everywhere - going along with the brown and turquoise color scheme.

This was Friday night's delicious meal.  The plates are so pretty!  (Not really that sturdy, but pretty :).  I like the square plates, don't you?

This year's t-shirt design was so cute!  I commented that each year's shirt is my favorite!

Bookmarks were made and handed out to those in attendance.

I can't post about QMCC without a picture of the cabins I grew up sleeping in when I attended camp in my growing up years.  The little "A" frame still brings back a lot of memories. It's the only one left on the QMCC grounds and this is one that was actually my cabin many times.

One of the newer cabins is shown here, right at sunrise, so it's in the dark.  They are nice....with bathrooms in them, as well as air conditioning...something we didn't have in the "A" frames!

Craft time at the retreat was especially fun.  This craft consisted of totes being decorated with ribbons, buttons, paint, flowers, jewels, trims, and a lot more.  So neat watching everyone create their own, unique project!

More crafting....

One of the finished totes...with a PURSE theme!

Another decorated tote...with buttons, a flower, and scriptures.

Friends decorating...

Another craft was using scrapbook papers and scriptures.  Very cute and fun! (This photo was with my camera, so looks really yellow.)

The retreat was an uplifting time spent together with sisters in Christ growing closer to each other and closer to God.

Each of the four speakers talked about holiness and shared God's Word in thier own unique way...encouraging each one there to continue to strive to pursue holiness in her own life.  It's always amazing to give one topic to four people and see how they use God's Word to portray the message in their own way.  

 The singing was beautiful! Hearing women sing together in that way is a sweet, sweet sound!  It makes me think of the singing that will be in Heaven!  (of course, men's voices are nice, too....but just neat to hear a bunch of ladies singing alone some times.)

Thank you to all who helped with the retreat this year, who attended the retreat, and who have volunteered to help with next years retreat.  It will be here before we know it!  (I'd better get busy! :)