More than once since December 25th I have seen on face book or heard from the mouths of friends “I am done with Christmas!” Even I who rate in the top 5% of Americans who tend to go overboard can empathize with this feeling at the moment. Interestingly though, these words never come out of the mouths of children. Even children suffering physically or in poverty have faith and energy for Christmas long before and long after adults are exhausted! Movie classics old and new remind us of the true meaning of the season, but we can only take so much hype in our physical and emotional beings!


I was reading in Philippians chapter 2 this morning in the Message Bible and came across these words: “Do everything readily and cheerfully- no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message in to the night so I’ll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns!” That my friend is Christmas all year round! If regularly exerting our efforts to bless others is our way of life Christmas would not be such a shock to our routines. Instead it would be an extension of rejoicing in the life we live because Christ was and is and always will be the Way-the Truth- and Life! Happy New Year to All…………….

Fascination with a simple thing is all it takes to pull us out of our world even if only for a moment. The first snowflake, the icicle cluster on the lamp post pictured above, a cardinal on a snow covered branch. Perhaps for you today it might be a group of porpoise jumping in the surf or a lone butterfly landing on a flower. If we are alone we enjoy a small surge of excitement, if others are there we holler for them to share the moment. As we pull away that small miracle of life gives us a glimpse of hope for something new, something different, and something better. These pictures of things only God can do remind us we are part of a universe that is amazing and complex. Possibilities increase when we consider the miraculous. Snow is a welcome sight after staring at drab empty trees and mud for a few weeks even if you can’t get out or need to turn up the furnace. I realize that during the crash of Planet Carol I no longer saw these things. I either whizzed by too fast to notice or refused to open my eyes or touch or move. It was a very unhappy place I chose to bury myself in. During that season of my life the snow fell, the porpoise jumped, and the butterflies were landing. I missed it all only because I refused to look. By the grace of God I pray I have learned my lesson never to return to desolation.

“…and lo I am with you always. Even to the end of the world!” Matthew 28: 20b

A friend of mine has her Christmas tree done in red and white to represent the blood of Jesus that covers us and makes us clean and white as snow. A beautiful reminder that Jesus who came as a baby returned to His father having suffered a horrible death- yet the reward was a way for us to be with Him. God wants us- that is why He created us. He desires for us to be happy and enjoy the life we have been given. At this holiday season I don’t have any money. However I can spread a lot of gratefulness for God, for family and friends, for so many blessings most of the world does not have. I will sing loudly for the joy of the Lord is my strength! Just as the choirs have shown up in the malls unexpectedly singing the Hallelujah Chorus, may we who know Love show up unexpectedly to someone in frustration and despair and give them a glimpse of hope………

I cried last night. Always I cry at weddings, school plays, every graduation, but other than that tears are rare with me. Last night I cried for really no reason at all except about twenty situations that made me feel sad- hurt- disappointed and lonely. Paul cried when he wrote the Corinthian church saying there were more tears than ink on the parchment over the situation he was addressing. Jesus cried when he was in the presence of death taking a friend. He shed tears mixed with blood so severe was His cry over the cross He chose to bear for us! Comparing all of that I am tempted to say my tears were selfish and silly, but the Holy Spirit clearly is speaking even now about the depth of God’s love for me and nothing is small and silly to Him. I have seen many a child cry and no matter what the reason, the presence of tears means they are troubled in their heart and need help to fix it. I am God’s child and if my heart is troubled for any reason He is there not only wanting to fix it, but having all ability to do so- in a split second when I allow it!

We have also seen the child “turn it on” and then “turn it off” in a manipulative way. That is not what I am referring to. Usually we get caught off guard by tears that may feel embarrassing- or tears justified and we wail louder- nevertheless it is not something we planned- it just happens. Last night I allowed the Holy Spirit to minister to my heart and the tears were cleansing and left me stronger. It happened fairly quickly because I responded to His presence. I am not a pathetic person, I am a person who had allowed my foundation to crack and only the Lord has the strength I need to carry the bags of cement to the cracks, stir it and pour it in. Once He finishes I am energized to follow Him to the next thing! Luke tells about a woman who was a sinner and brought the alabaster box of ointment for Jesus and cried tears of repentance as she washed Jesus feet. Those are tears we all must cry! Perhaps I will cry more often this year or maybe not. Either way when they come I know where to turn and allow God to take them and use them for good. Tears are here to stay on the earth, but the day will come when God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes as we enter eternity with Him. For now let’s let them fall into His hands and follow Him to peace that passes all understanding and enjoy a taste of heaven here and now! We may physically and emotionally experience the hurricanes of life, but there is always a place of peace where God resides!

“…God has had it with the proud, but takes delight in just plain people…”

I Peter 5:5b Message Bible

Especially during the holidays many people want things to look their best. My husband surprised me with the beautiful greens to enhance the entrance of our home which is also my piano studio! Everyone is enjoying them and they tend to have a voice saying," Come on in -you are welcome here!".  We are just plain people and though we feel enormously blessed with our home and the things we have, our TV screen is only a 27 inch so by America’s standards we come in on the lower half of the income scale! In spite of that all through the years people have enjoyed being in our home. I know the reason is the presence of God dwelling in our house. He is love, peace and joy and you can feel Him here. There is “magic” in the air where Jesus is and people can feel it whether they recognize it as God or not.

Planet Carol of the past worked too hard to make things perfect for everyone around her. I myself missed the point. What blesses others is God himself. Keeping Him in the center of all I do is the only job I have. When the lonely or discouraged person comes it is my being prepared to share His love because I myself have proven His trustworthiness everyday that can bring them help.  It has always been my calling in this life to encourage others, especially those in the body of Christ who are struggling to find their place. We were created to share this life experience together- all those solo flights bumping into things were for naught. I for one am staying hooked into God’s command ready for assignment! Just like Clarence in “It’s a Wonderful Life” I will not for a moment think I know how to do the job, but will be a faithful companion and friend to the one who is searching for their answer gently guiding them to see God whenever I can! My house is decked out as usual this Christmas, but I have allowed others to take over the directing of activities. This Christmas I am concentrating on being healthy, rested, pleasant, and available for the things that are mine to do.  (Happy Birthday Dad- I’ve finally lightened up!)

Many families draw names this time of year-especially big ones. This is our first time to draw names and it is particularly hard on “Planet Carol Santa”! In honor of the new tradition I themed our tree “The Grinch” and hung the sign you see above. It’s all in good fun and PaPa pulled out his Lionel Train to circle the tree for the first time in a couple decades to spruce things up! I was very proud of “the family Grinch”. It has forced me to think about all the things so much more important than the stuff in our lives. Creativity carried away is just one of my many strengths that can “look like Godliness” but in reality has often pulled me away from taking time to get to know Jesus personally. Being busy doing good things does not equate with time spent getting to know intimately the one who invited me to be part of His family- forever!

Approaching a season that for many brings sad memories, publically displays their lack, or pressures them into uncomfortable situations- we planets wearing the Santa caps would do the world a favor by concentrating on building our good character. Sharing these qualities built in us by the Holy Spirit while in traffic, in line at the store, at work, or trying to get our orders at the local café. Here are a few Peter suggests we should work on (I think this might keep me busy….):

Spiritual understanding

Alert discipline

Passionate patience

Reverent wonder

Warm friendliness

Generous love

(II Peter 1:5-7)

Parents have stories to tell for there is nothing quite as wonderful as the first smile, the first word, the first step and on and on the story goes. As children grow older they begin to tell their stories and the perspective of this shared experience of growing up may come out quite differently. If you haven’t experienced your child correcting your version of an incident I guarantee you it will happen! My journey has often been too busy to pay attention to details and I must admit that many times the corrections are true.

In all the stories told few tell of humans willing to admit they are lost. The cartoon that a man will not ask for directions is absolutely true! In addition, the state of being lost (physically or spiritually) has a direct affect upon those close to us. My daughters still tell of the keen disappointment due to missing a very special birthday party when they were ten years old because I couldn’t find the house (no cell phones back then). However, children also are the most sensitive creatures- always picking up when adults in their lives are angry, sad, worried or depressed. Sadly it often robs them of their innocence. Children may feel responsible to take care of the adults in their life or even worse hide from them.

Many of you may not know where the title “Finding Planet Carol” comes from. How can you look for yourself? It sounds like searching the house for the glasses that you are wearing or the keys you are holding. Actually it is exactly that. You see I have always been someone who “directed” anyone in my world who would let me and my administrative skills are strong. Whether you liked me or not if you are part of my world that is what you expected and often relied upon. When I crashed over a year ago the directing halted and administrative skills were tossed aside. My daughter got right in my face one day and asked me, “Mom, where is Planet Carol?” I honestly replied I didn’t know. That was the day I started looking for myself. (above is the actual beginning) Here are a few things I discovered:

1. My actions do not always reflect what I mean for them to. I found that often another’s interpretation of my motivation and mine are completely different.

2. Living in pride that does not allow input from others to change our mind is a very lonely world.

3. Amazing as it is, my universe can make it just fine without me in charge.

4. Sacrifice is like fasting. If you choose to sacrifice your time, money, and energy for the Lord you should not look like a battered martyr anymore than someone fasting should be a picture of starvation. If we give all to Jesus His joy is our strength and we will walk in the wisdom of the Holy Spirit daily.

5. Planet Carol is a planet of peace that passes all understanding provided by underserved mercy straight from heaven! It’s ok for me to take time to enjoy it! After all it is a gift to me personally.

6. I’ve only just begun to find Planet Carol and I smile brighter as she becomes clearer…………..

We both jumped off the couch. Gunshot. Its pierce so loud and clear we were sure it was in the house, but we were home alone. I followed my husband around the house and stood at the door with my phone in my hand as he checked outside. It was unsettling to find nothing. Not sure what to do with our ears being the only evidence we settled back in and went on to bed. No more were the covers pulled up and another shot sent us grabbing housecoats and slippers to investigate. This time my husband went to both neighbors to check on them. Neither had heard anything. We were clearly spooked and sat up awhile speculating on what it could be, but clearly agreeing gunshot was the only definition of what we had heard. When the third shot came we called the police. I was standing inside the door watching my husband talking to the officer. He later told me the officer explained there had been a shooting a few blocks over a couple weeks back.  They were paying extra attention to our normally quiet American family friendly street. While they were talking however, I heard a fourth shot. Neither Jim nor the officer reacted continuing their conversation. I knew then it had to be in the house. I walked all around inside and ventured to the basement which I rarely do. At the bottom of the steps a more muffled shot stopped me in my tracks. I looked straight ahead at the large chest freezer. Upon opening the lid I saw huge chunks of ice in the otherwise practically empty appliance. Somehow it had been unplugged and was defrosting itself for the first time in a long time! I returned upstairs stumbling in my laughter as my husband came through the door. He of course started laughing too as I told him my discovery. We were too embarrassed to go out and tell the officer- besides it’s nice to have them on alert since there really had been a shooting.

Ice is beautiful but very heavy as our ears heard “gunshot” at the sound of it hitting the base of the freezer. Though a funny story- had I not found the source that night, we could have lived in a state of concern for days or weeks. Ice can also be smooth and fun or sharp and dangerous. It is a great example of something we are easily deceived by. Everyone who lives where winter comes has unexpectedly slipped on a walkway or in a car. Even we who are educated in the dangers get caught unaware and sadly often injured. As I orbit this year I plan to pay closer attention to the sights and sound around me. I will definately be less cocky about following my personal speculations. Our friend Peter said it well in a letter to us all long ago:

“Let me warn you therefore, beloved, that knowing these things beforehand, you should be on your guard, lest you be carried away by the error of lawless and wicked persons and fall from your own present firm condition (your own steadfastness of mind). But grow in grace (underserved favor, spiritual strength) and recognitions and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ….”   II Peter 3: 17-18a Amplified Bible

A crisp twenty dollar bill feels good in our hands these days. Right after church a family handed me one as payment on their piano account and I was pleased to get it as I needed the money to buy lunch and take my grandson to a concert that afternoon. There was a group of us standing around in the lobby after church when the bill was passed to me- all witnesses I had the money- yet five minutes later I couldn’t find it! Everyone got into the search. There were 2 bags of clothes I had been looking at someone grabbed saying it was probably in there. The children searched under tables and chairs. A friend took my purse to go through. I checked and rechecked all my pockets where the couple who gave me the money thought they saw me put it. When after all this it still didn’t appear I went into the restroom and took off my pants and shook them to make sure it hadn’t fallen somewhere unawares! I came back out flustered and my son-in law pulled out his wallet and asked it anyone had change for a twenty- he would give me ten saying so sweetly what was his was at least half mine! Of course I refused. The pastor’s wife called down to the church office and asked her husband if they had picked a twenty dollar bill off the floor on the way to count the offering! Then she looked at me and said, “…Trash?” I remembered throwing something away. She opened the can and there it was right on top. I am still being called so wealthy I throw money away!

Funny as this story may be, I can’t afford to be careless. Careless: inattentive, negligent.  As Planet Carol orbits into a second year I am considering Peter’s words to us:

“…be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure…I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have! I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live...”

2 Peter 1: 11a-12a NIV

1. I for one thank God for friends who will help when I mess up!

2. I plan to listen to friends who love me and know the Lord. I need their constant reminders of the truth of God’s love and purpose for my life.

3. I will laugh with those friends when they catch me acting out a Lucille Ball episode and lighten up knowing I am not alone!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Glamour Shot? Not. Just the “real family” sharing a very special time together! In a world where everyone wants to look thinner than they are, more “hip” than they are, more perfect than they are this candid moment is so much fun to post! May God Bless You this Thanksgiving Day and bring you peace.  Let’s catch the unique moments we experience and put them in our pockets to review on a rainy day!

“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”

Philippians 1:14

In a day where Hollywood compels us to applaud the pirate, admire the thief, believe in vampires, and fall in love with the bad guy where might the virgin have had her baby boy? Where might the kings travel from? Would Jesus have been a computer geek rather than a wood smith? Entertaining speculations though these though may be, God has always had timing in revealing Himself to us and it is perfect. Today I have been meditating on Jesus time on earth as a man.

I know he became flesh and dwelt among us. I know he experienced pain, anger, sadness, and even annoyance, but how did he do it and come out perfect with no sin? It wouldn’t be fair if it was just because he happened to be God- we are told that He walked away from all that he had and only did what the Father told him to do. He only said what the Father told him to say! So I ask again how he did that. I have concluded it is because he knew his Father. My love for God has been based more on gratefulness for all that He has done more than for Who He actually is. That was the advantage Jesus had as a human being living in the flesh. He knew His Father inside and out. He and his father were one and though his flesh pulled and stretched and ached torturing him beyond what any of us will ever know he didn’t give in because he knew His Father. We know from history that as much as the disciples loved Jesus they were all guilty of denying him – their knowledge of who He is was limited until they experienced the resurrection. It is then they came to understand more fully who He is and the Holy Spirit was able to come!

So how pathetic am I? I am wondering how Jesus might have handled Oreo cookies, entertainment, or what car might he have chosen to drive to the Passover had he come today instead of back then. I am speculating still on how he would handle the pressures of our lives today instead of wanting just to know Him! Knowing Him is knowing love. And what does perfect love do? It casts out fear, vain imaginations, and causes humility to operate in God’s presence. I need not remain pathetic. I just need to set my sights on knowing my Father. To the degree I know Him I can be part of His wonderful plan to bring us together……..(many have no positive experience with a father- I've chosen to picture ones I know around this blog knowing they cannot compare to knowing "The Father" yet can direct us)

Do What You Can Do Now With What You Have Now

While directing a prayer walk around the perimeter of the United States years back a motto cropped up adopted by our whole church, “Do what you can do now with what you have now”. It has stayed with all of us. When we desire so badly to do something and have no idea where to start or the means to make it happen so often we just drop it. This motto taught us that doing something always brought us a step closer to the goal. Many of us are affected by an economy we have no control over. I have friends who have lost homes, cars, income and have no idea what the future holds. I say we hold on to the motto and focus on what we can do rather than let any door of fear open and propel us into further disaster.

“He who refreshes will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25

Whatever I do commit to do – I do it with all my heart. “Born busy” is my excuse to everyone and I have made myself a reputation- My word is as good as George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life!” There is a lady in our church who has had the nursery every 3rd Sunday for years! It is the only thing I have ever seen her do, but we never worry about a nursery worker on the 3rd Sunday of the month because she never misses! More importantly she stays in there the entire service whether any babies come or not! She is appreciated and esteemed highly for keeping her commitment. Another example is donut selling for teen mission trips. You would get down to the last few boxes and the kids would be hungry and grumpy and you had already paid for the product and made some money so why not dump the last few? My friend and I had a strong rule no one goes home until the last box is gone- those last boxes represented the profit of our labors and we wouldn’t give that up! (We might however send her adorable 3 year old daughter to the door with those boxes!)

Doing the nursery once a month or selling donuts may seem petty to you, but the reality is in both these situations the person is doing what they can do now with what they have now! That is what brings the refreshment in the verse above. When we are refreshed we are invigorated- our hope is renewed- we are one step closer to the goal (Having a nursery worker in place every Sunday- Hearing the life changing testimony of a youth who has experienced God in a 3rd world country!) This principle applies no matter what our situation. We can keep our house or believe for another one! We can be a part of God’s plan in this world. Let’s just do something we can do and do it with all our heart! Amazing God will show up and instead of being blasted with loose meteorites we can be on track in the universe avoiding collisions as we follow God!

Celebrating One Year! Finding Planet Carol!

This week I celebrate one year of writing! One hundred and thirty blogs have been posted of more than a hundred and eighty written. Writing has been in my heart for years and I am always telling a story to whoever will listen! I am thankful God showed me how to make this dream happen and am enjoying every minute of it! One day a photo inspired the blog and from then on I was hooked. I take “odd” pictures I see a story in as well as spend an hour to find one that fits! I’ve spent all week collecting reader’s comments from the blog site, face book, and emails. Your comments have inspired me, taught me, and given me some good laughs. Today I share a few of my favorites:

“…oh dear…another one just like me! So I’m no that ‘unique’ after all! Oh well, the more the merrier, I guess…”

“I love how open you are with your life stories! I laugh with you, of course. Like you said, we’ve all got our ‘blunder stories’.”

“You are a true inspiration and many things you write about have ‘hit home’ in my life as well. They put a smile on my face and leave me feeling thankful for the blessings in my life.”

“….spelling error (2nd paragraph) and a few run on sentences in 2nd and 3rd paragraphs…)

“….excellent post. It is nice that you hold up a mirror for us to look into and see what is really what…”

“…this is quite a post. An expose of the heart. I salute you. I pray your complete success in every way on your journey as you pursue the Lord…..”

“…..I love this! This where my life is right here, right now! Let me know how to sign up for the stop, drop, and roll class- I need it too!....”

“….I think your planet should go a little to the right…or maybe to the left…aw, never mind- it seems to be fine!....”

“….mom you are nuts----this picture is hilarious!.....”

“…you went parasailing-wow I wouldn’t do that…..”

“…Nova wants to know why you took a picture of her bottom….”

“….I love this one. How true it is that life has its discomforts and disruptions. However, with God in our life there are so many blessings…..”

“…this one was precious…..still need to talk about shortening them….the viewership will never grow until they get shorter…..”

“…so transparent and beautiful! The repairs are coming along quite nicely I would say…”

“Once again you have been able to share your experiences of the day even as a rainbow reveals the beauty of the Master Artist’s Hands…..”

“….just what I needed to hear today- thanks….”

My heart is full of gratitude for you my loving and faithful readers!

Fear of love. It is a powerful axiom controlling behavior in this day and time. So many hurts and betrayals swirl around in our hearts. They are fed constantly by unresolved and impossible to resolve issues in our lives. Did I say impossible- the optimist accused of having enough mercy to try and get the devil saved? Yes. I now understand that it is possible only when both sides trust the love of the other completely. If this miracle of restoration happens we must work to keep it strong. But the work is simple. Just obey the only commandment singled out by Jesus as most important:

“…As I have loved you, so you must love one another….” John 13.34

My granddaughter’s tennis shoes are one of the pairs in the photo above. I never have had any desire to put my person on a ride that throws me around and upside down! Truly I can’t even watch (my daughter took the photo)! I think that tops the list of why I resist receiving love – what might love ask me to do? My son asked me to ride a rollercoaster on his birthday one year. I couldn’t say no on his birthday! It was a near death experience never to be repeated! However, he remembers it as a special act of love from his Mom. I wouldn’t have done it for anyone else. If I declare love for you what might you ask from me? Yet here I am confessing to be ardently in love with Jesus who said I must love you.

I am determined to deal with fear. Perhaps you would like to join me on my new rotation around the universe. We will travel it trusting Jesus love one day at a time- “...Perfect love casts out fear…” IJohn 4:18. There is no condemnation here because I am well aware of all the repairs yet to be done. Jesus loves me this I know. Sing along with me a revised version of this tune from “The King and I”……

Whenever I feel afraid

I hold my head erect

And whistle a tune of Praise

So everyone will suspect

Jesus Loves!

What’s wrong with this picture? Seeing a knife in the hands of a seven year old! What is compelling about the picture? The child’s relaxed confidence with the knife. She knows she has permission to use it. She is aware of the presence of adults who love her standing right there giving instruction. That’s what we don’t see.


In today’s world we find ourselves almost daily in situations where there is something in our hands that does not feel comfortable or safe and yet we have to do something with it.  If only Planet Carol could stay calm like this child. Calm dwells in the knowledge that we are never standing alone in our challenges. Jesus walks ahead. Often he carries us as so beautifully illustrated in the “Footprints in the Sand”. Where exactly did I get the idea that I was supposed to come up with all the answers? What I am supposed to do is be a student of the Word of God where all the answers are. I am to pay attention to the voice of the Holy Spirit that talks to me daily. A worshipper of the God who created me for His pleasure!

Complicating the simplicity of the life God planned for me caused complete function failure. I am God’s greatest creation- when the storms erupt around me I need only remember the One who said, “Peace, be still” and the wind and the waves obeyed is right here- right now- forever. I may look like Linus waiting for the great pumpkin to arrive, but in my heart I am confident that He who began a good work in me will complete it….

A dear sweet friend of mine was telling me about her trip to the dentist recently. She left early, as is her routine, but became distracted and took a wrong turn that led to another wrong turn. She pulled over to get her bearings and realized that she had left her partials she puts in every day at home. She had to go home and get her teeth before she could return to the appointment! I have loaded myself down to avoid two trips to the car and locked myself out of my house having forgotten my keys three times this year! (We now have a hidden key) Another friend of mine has quite a reputation with drive thru windows ordering at the trash can, singing into the speakers, or driving off without the food! These are not rocket scientist knowledge and skills here- just daily living!

Have you ever caught yourself driving somewhere you didn’t mean to go just because that place is in your regular routine - the car just drives there on its own? It’s truly an amazing reality how much of what we do is just routine acts. There is both stability and loneliness in that fact. Stability in that we have a life, places to go, things that make up who we are. But loneliness may swirl around our hearts as we catch glimpses of life going on within our visual scope that we have not ventured to explore or perhaps been excluded from. Recently I have become a student of lives around me watching to see responses to similar circumstances. This personal study has only confirmed we are all just like Planet Carol. We have a choice at every turn and what we choose defines us.

We are never alone in this life. Everyone has their story. Sharing these funny calamities helps us all feel perfectly normal! Yet as open as I have become there are still closed topics I will not discuss. But chances are I eventually will, because I am finding that as I allow a true friend to peek inside these private windows I find that I am not alone. There are choices I can make if I choose to receive the courage Jesus gives to all who come to Him.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13

That has been a key verse in my heart for years! When I was bemoaning about something I just couldn’t do an avid and sensitive listener asked me why couldn’t I apply Philippians 4:13 to that? Caught red handed! I chose not to. Perhaps today is the day to take the plunge and jump in.....

For those of us who are affected by a weak economy and have spent our lives living paycheck to paycheck there simply are no easy solutions. I can remember getting up at 4 am to go and make gravy at Bob Evans and coming home to three babies- twins one year old and a three year old- just in time for my husband to go to work/school. I’ve done craft shows, sold Avon, babysitting, piano lessons and things I’ve blocked out of my memory! In addition I’ve worked full-time since the twins were three-taught school ten years and then directed daycare for about 18 years. Now I run a successful piano studio from my home. My husband also works full time plus part time teaching high school and over the years has had a myriad of “extra jobs”. Now for all you successful money managers out there that want to give me a call and a lesson about how “fix” me let me just say that I have NO REGRETS! Admittedly money management is not a strength of mine, but being a blessing and enjoying life is. My husband and I have started to have weekly money meetings to work on our own “fixes” to problematic money concerns. I will not expound on any details of this plan other than to say that it may show up in a syndicated cartoon series married couples will love! However difficult this commitment is now- already it is bringing buds of hope, but more importantly reminders of blooming fields of successes in our past due to God’s faithfulness. Here are the two important decisions of this weeks meeting:

     1. Without a tithe (giving first check to God) there will be no meeting as we firmly believe this       principle in God’s Word.

    2. How can we not trust that God will guide us through this moment? There truly is no explanation for how we have enjoyed so many trips and extras over the years. On paper there is no financial reason we own our home- we bought it during the time I was changing from Childcare Director to starting my Piano Studio with no savings! What we have today exists directly because of the goodness and mercy of God. The One who gave it will direct us in keeping it!

The Bible has never been intended to be used to lift verses out of context to prove a point. I don’t believe the verse I am about to share means sit on the couch and wait for heaven to move. Our part of receiving any blessing is to live in obedience to God and there is work in that. But what comfort and joy there is to know is that as we do we experience a love beyond our understanding expressed in this verse engraved on my heart:

“And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19 Amplified Bible

While orbiting with a heart full of thankfulness today I observed some decisive behaviors of thankful people. These stood out to me:

Take time to appreciate all that is around us.                        

Hear actual words spoken and look at the speaker

Answer with sincerity and respect

Notice acts of kindness from God

Keep a blessing journal

Fuel up our minds with the Word of God

Understand others only need the love of God in us

Love unconditionally

Now is where we live                                              

Empathize with faith

Share what has been given spiritually

Share what has been given physically

Some days are just dancing days! The first kiss, the raise, the job acquired, the new born baby (or perhaps two!), but the best spontaneous dance comes when we are given a gift unexpected. One that is truly a miracle that only God can do! I remember a song I’ve taught children for years:

Oh who can make a flower?

I know I can’t can you?

Oh who can make a flower?

No one but God it’s true!

There are a thousand verses for this song for so much in life only God can do. If you are anything like me you’ve spent a lot of planet rotations trying to make something appear, change, or disappear- only to discover no one but God can do it!  Today God showed up for our family and did what we could not do! And we dance and give Him all the glory! We stand in faith doing our best to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Together we seek God to adjust our character stuffing us full of the fruit of His love and mercy. Letting patience work is hard. But longsuffering pays off building irrevocable trust in the God we love and serve.  Opening our ears wide to His voice guides us to the miracle. God moves and we dance as David danced- many join with us, but others may not approve and distance themselves from a joy they cannot understand- but we dance in awe of a living loving God who is here………………………..

“By standing firm you will gain life.” Luke 21:10 Message Bible

It was just routine- the annual check up. The kind you take along a snack and a good book as you never know how long it may take! After running a few errands I arrived needing to stop at the restroom. I asked at the check in desk and she said I could go back in a minute. Since I was going she requested that I take get a” little cup” off the table in there and bring them a sample. The minute seemed like an hour and by the time they opened the door I was running. I locked the door and turned to see the commode was at the end of the room which was oblong and about 6 feet long. I tossed my purse down and sat grateful I had made it. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the “little cups”. They were placed right by the door 6 feet away! I managed to stop and keeping my legs together did an Olympic dash for a cup- I only knocked off one of the 2 stacks. Grabbing a stray I waddled back to the commode awkwardly getting the cup in place- it quickly overflowed.

Relieved I set the cup on the handicap rail while I put myself together. Reaching for the soap I knocked the cup off. Doing a mid-air catch I managed to save about 1/8 of the contents- the rest splattered all over the room. At this point they were knocking on the door asking if I was ready. I grabbed paper towels and threw them all over the floor. Washed my hands and outside of the little cup. There was a justifiable concern about how I might smell since I wasn’t sure if the splatter hit my jeans. Staff knocked again and I calmly opened the door handing her my cup. “I hope that is enough” I said “there was a little accident. I am so sorry, but the bathroom will need attention before any one else goes in there. I heard the CNA’s 4 letter word as I was ushered into a room.

“There’s a time to laugh, and a time to cry” (Ecclesiastes 3:4).

I chose to laugh.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” Proverbs 17:22

I left the office laughing and feeling better than I had in awhile.

Planet Dad was always telling Planet Carol to lighten up. Perhaps if I had listened this time of repair and healing may have never been necessary. To all my planet friends who have their own stories let’s give ourselves permission to laugh at our blunders today! Tomorrow will come, so let's be as healthy as possible to face it……..



Complete abandon! The joy of the thought excites us. To walk away from it all and be free! This comes so easy to children pictured here by my grandchildren playing in the huge pile of leaves they raked and used blowers to make. Not pictured are PaPa who is still blowing back into the pile what flies away in their fun and Mommy (not I) lugging the rolling can full of leaves back to the creek. These children are not thinking about the homework ahead, the test tomorrow, the friend who hurt their feelings at school today, or how they are going to pay the bills this week with an empty account. That is rarely true for us as adults.

 I attempt to abandon the worries in my life by driving out of town to enjoy the scenery, visit a unique place- and this past weekend to take the grandkids on their first train ride pulled by a very old steam engine! I enjoyed kicking back and taking in the moment.  However, I never achieved the abandon the children did hanging out the windows, singing train songs and even asking the conductor if he spelled believe when he punched their ticket- to which he replied, “ If you believe it spells believe it does!”. (If you haven’t seen “The Polar Express” treat yourself this Christmas and you will fully understand the wonder in their eyes when he said that.)   As I closed my eyes to the sounds of the steam engine on the tracks it took effort to ward off thoughts that could easily have ruined the moment.

 “I have told you these things that in me you might have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

How many times have I read that verse? To the degree I believe it I can experience the abandon of life’s troubles fully in my heart. My eyes will always see the world as it is, my ears will hear the sounds of the times, but my heart can know Jesus has overcome the world! My present and my future can exist with Him…………

Only in America do you write, “all the leaves are gone….and the sky is grey…” We live with high expectations of what we can have, should have, do have and in general are just full of ourselves. My beautiful leaves I posted a picture of just a week or so ago now lay as a fluffy blanket of colors across the front yard. I decided to go out and find some perfect leaves to do something creative with. After several minutes of swishing through them I discovered there was not a flawless leaf in the bunch. The most beautiful ones still had a small hole or tear in them. I sat in them on the porch still sifting, but realizing the beauty I beheld was composed of hundred’s of leaves of which not one was perfect

Visualize humanity as the blanket for a moment. One person with scars standing alone is not an appealing sight. Though we may appreciate some things about them or empathize with obvious concerns, we are usually not compelled to jump in and share their life. Yet that same person may stand in a group of people who overall seem connected, content, enjoying relationships and in that setting we are drawn to the group possibly not noticing any scarred among them. The concept of God being three in one is impossible for most of us to grasp, yet is clearly stated in the Bible that it is so. (If you haven’t already I highly recommend reading “The Shack”. It will jar your thinking in this matter!) My point is that we were not created to stand alone. It is in our joining that we find life-love-healing and so much more. It is in the willingness to connect the good, the bad and the ugly with others who are willing to be transparent that we blossom and grow. It was in thinking I had a job to do for God that was mine alone that crashed this planet over a year ago. Repairing my connections to God and others knowing there will always be flaws surfacing in and around us that may need attention- yet not fearing they will cause rejection- has brought healing. I left all the leaves in the yard and have asked my husband not to rake them for a few more days. I want to enjoy their beauty as they shine as a whole in the sunlight.

For anyone who knows me, alcohol just never passes these lips. There are a hundred reasons I could go on about why but I have no need to bore you with my own convictions today. Let’s just suffice to say that because this is true there are several funny stories about moments (I think there are three) that it slipped pass. The first was celebrating an anniversary in a very fancy restaurant. When it came time for dessert they brought us a “House Special” which I couldn’t get enough of and went on and on about! My husband laughed the whole way home as I was not quite myself. The dessert had liquor poured over the top. The second time I had decided that perhaps a wine cooler would be ok for one night and went and bought some to pack for our overnight trip. Again I really liked it, but ended up being sick half the night. Once again my husband was laughing because what I bought was not wine coolers but some kind of beer. That has been some years back. Last week I simply could not refuse to participate in a champagne toast offered at my daughter’s new office as we celebrated her passing the bar! The rest of the day I was a bit tipsy! No one really believes that is possible, but they don’t live in my body!

I am thinking about this because I have more than 3 stories where I have been so happy in the Lord and the presence of The Holy Spirit that people have considered me drunk. A friend and I almost didn’t make it back to our hotel after a wonderful meeting with the Lord at a conference and I am sure anyone who saw us definitely thought we were plastered! It is so sad to me that in general people don’t think Christians are fun or enjoy life when the truth is the joy of the Lord brings the best buzz of the universe! It’s the rules and expectations that scare us away. Sometimes I slip into that thinking too. Yesterday I was reading John 6 around verse 40 in The Message Bible: “This is what my Father wants: that anyone who sees the Son and trusts who he is and what he does and then aligns with him will enter real life, eternal life”. I was curious about the word align so I looked it up in the dictionary. It means to arrange in a straight line. I am creative-messy-flexible-a free spirit- there was no hope for the likes of me! Someone somewhere had taught me that verse meant I had to be perfectly like Jesus- I had to do it- I had to make it happen and I have never been successful! So then I looked up straight (as an adjective): extending uniformly in one direction without bends or irregularities. Completely hopeless now I looked down and saw the definition again- straight (as a verb): to make straight. What great news! I cannot be the adjective, but Jesus is the verb- forever with me correcting my bends and irregularities so that I am able to stay aligned with Him.

I prayed a stupid prayer today. I don’t even believe in stupid prayers and always tell others no prayer is stupid. Mine was, “Lord, I need your assistance…….” The second the word assistance came out of my mouth I was repenting! That prayer meant I thought I was in charge and would God mind putting on an apron (just as my daughters wore my Mom’s homemade aprons at Christmas) and help me out! What really floored me was that if I prayed it today there is no doubt I have prayed it before. God was good to reveal my error immediately as I have come to know more than ever this past year that what I need is His Lordship; His leadership; His wisdom and guidance. Knowledge about whether or not it is His plan for me to be involved in any given situation! (It was a huge eye opener when I first heard the Lord tell me to walk away from a situation as it was none of my concern!) I used to think being a Christian was responding to every need I saw!


There is a roller coaster ride going on in the minds of many of us who are truly seeking to become one of the planets who stay the course and not stray from our God given rotation.  Every time we stray causes upset in an otherwise ordered stable universe. The question making us dizzy is this.  “Am I a worm or a son/daughter of God?” Amazingly I find there is a simple explanation. If I walk in my own strength I am a worm to be eaten or crushed. If I walk in the knowledge that He has saved me, forgiven my sins, filled me with His Holy Spirit and covered me with His blood shed for my salvation I am His son/daughter! Then I will pray, “Lead me Father and I will follow. Nothing is too hard for You!” This is the mindset that has stretched my roller coaster ride from end to end and made it a highway of grace and mercy!

No writing posted on Finding Planet Carol has elicited the response of posting this photo of the tree in my front yard bursting with the beauty of its fall color. It gave me great pleasure to share this moment with all my friends across town, in other states, and in a few cases across the ocean. Some who responded live in places where the colors of fall never come. Seeing the tree triggered memories of the past or just thoughts of what an amazing world God created. Why are we moved by this single simple image? It has nothing to do with human effort or hard work. It simply is there- a gift from God to be enjoyed. We are drawn to its beauty and like the way it sizzles our emotions as we pause a moment to take it in.

I came upon this scripture below and it has caused me to stop and meditate on this photo. My conclusion is that I have tried to become this tree everyone admires and is drawn to. For as long as I can remember it has been my desire to be someone who encourages others. The problem this verse revealed to me was I was making lots of effort to be something that in reality only God can create. Whether or not someone believes in God- the truth is they are drawn to the tree God made! If I want to be an encourager I must know that anything people are drawn to in me is a result of my allowing God to make me more like Him. The part those who observe my life want is the fruit He has produced! Finding Planet Carol is really Becoming Planet Carol as I allow God to do His creative work in my heart, mind and soul. Let’s tape this one to the computer until we really get it!

“May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation-

those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ-

for this will bring much glory and praise to God.”

Philippians 1:11 NLT

One day there will be a bestseller out there called Sweet Pea Time. A children’s story I plan to write based on my granddaughter who only has one speed- her own. She is unmoved by “Hurry up!”, “Run, we’re late!” or “Buckle your seat belt right now!” I have watched her for 7 years now and though she may change her direction, she remains in control of how fast she actually responds. Though that trait may be somewhat frustrating at times, it is also a picture of the world through a child’s eyes- a child who likes to focus on the details of wherever her mind may be at the present. What I am quick to call disobedience- closer scrutiny reveals her response to be more like God than I. He is timeless, time free. God definitely has an agenda and a plan, but the thought that a day is like a thousand years to God puts busyness and hurry into perspective.

Slowing down can be laziness no doubt about it, but it also amazingly proves to often be more productive. The turtle wins the race with the rabbit because he stays steady, focused, and undistracted. Many have been the days I am totally exhausted and at the end of the day it is hard to tell you what I was doing!  Often I was showing off like the rabbit in the race and losing in the end! I am convinced there has never been a generation who needs to consider more seriously what is truly important and focus time there before all opportunity to do so disappear. Many of us are living in the long list of things needed to be done and the piles of stuff we simply walk around overwhelmed in our inability to face the mess we’ve made. For life to become more satisfying we will have to clean up the mess to be able to live in God’s desire- that we are joyful!

“This is the day the Lord has made- let us rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24

While we are cleaning up our mess here is another verse to paste on the mirror:

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God,

you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:36

Now let me think, who can I get to help me clean up this mess, I will never be able to do it myself, nor do I want to............looks like I may need to read this again..............................

As a writer, I am moved by the words of others, sharing their passion for expressing what they are feeling. A niece of mine recently said, “I must remind myself especially now, that never have I been faced with troubles that have not given birth to opportunity.” Incredible insight for such a young person! Having experienced many troubles in my years I can attest to the truth of this statement. Life is never without bumps, curves, and even major disasters. It is the facing of each one individually that shapes our destiny. In addition, as horrific as some of the tales I could tell, there has never been a situation where I could not find someone else facing something worse. I didn’t see them as long as I lay buried under my pain, but as I came out there they would be asking for my love.

I was deeply humbled by my inability to fix myself or my situations. This created a fresh and sincere empathy in my heart for others in their pain. What a perfect opportunity to really help another! Even so, there are times my arrogance surfaces and I regress to my fixing mode. Leaving humility behind, I become the next disaster to myself or someone else! Planet Carol has a solid goal to stay in the humble place. Of course I won’t be good at it! However, there is no doubt that the effort to have my eyes see more clearly, my ears hear more accurately, and my lips speak more cautiously will keep me seeking God’s wisdom. To those who are fighting hopelessness today I share a prayer Paul prayed:

“I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13

If the early bird gets the worm, why am I so chubby? Oh, I forgot- I used to get up before the sun, but these days I am definitely more in the night owl category. Driving my husband to work today I was reminded of the freshness in the early morning that is never reproduced any other time of day. The frost sits unmelted and untouched by footprints. The glimpse of the sun rising lasts only moments before it’s full. Individual sounds are audible and we notice a dog bark, a door close, or a single car drive by. Children are even quiet at the early morning bus stop.

Perhaps I sound “old” talking this way, but I feel the opposite. Morning is the awaking to life. Most all of us are very aware of the morning rush that leaves us feeling frustrated and overwrought wondering if our kids will be marred as we toss them pop tarts. We throw them in the car hollering heartfelt I love yous even though are minds have already gone to what is going to be the result of our being late! (For all you home school Mom’s who think this doesn’t apply read it anyway- I know too many of you and getting off the home routine can cause more stress and upset than the Mom’s driving kids to school!) If we live our life stuck in routine and are convinced change is not possible that person is no longer even reading this. But if you are reading, you believe somewhere deep in your heart you have control and truly desire not to miss anything special for yourself or your family. We can choose to start our day with moments that reflect the parts of life that are the most important to us.

Here are some tips for making the morning peaceful that have worked for Planet Carol. These may not be what will work for you- but let your imagination free and change something:

1. Before you go to bed decide what is bothering you the most- dust- the email you haven’t written- unfinished work assignment- your hair needs color, etc…. Make a decision how you can fix that one thing and follow through. Believe it or not that will change the pressure level you wake up with in the morning.

2. (the least favorite) Get up 30 minutes earlier than usual (or 30 minutes before those twins wake up!)

3. Sip your wake up drink a few minutes in silence in your favorite chair before starting the routine- You deserve a minute to breathe and will handle the stress you face more calmly having had this moment rather than the 30 minutes in bed.

4. Discover a way to wake the children besides hollering, “If you don’t get up you won’t get any breakfast!” Our children can still sing all the songs on the Patriotic Mickey Mouse Record we played on the phonograph player on school mornings. My granddaughter is a different person if you sit and hug and talk a few minutes before asking her to get up.

5. Decide on outfits before you go to bed. If tomorrow is going to be extra rushed it never marred my grandkids to sleep in their school outfit as shocking as it seemed to me!

6. Have a family prayer in the car on the way to wherever you go each person taking a turn throughout the week. Have a favorite scripture you say every day- Kids love repetition and we adults need it! Don’t play the radio- sing if you want music!

7. For all you single people- pray as you start your day- peace begins with individuals who seek it sincerely in their own hearts.

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying  This is the way; walk in it."  Isaiah 30:21

Stop or Go? Linger or Hurry? What is it that is driving our decision making on a daily basis? A red stoplight generally stops someone, but not always. The yellow light really leaves the door open for individual interpretation. At a luncheon or a party what causes us to linger or hurry away? Is the stress of life for everyone so high pitched we just simply can’t allow ourselves to decide to enjoy the moment until we are fulfilled; work until we have reached our goal; linger in a conversation until each has been able to have their say; read until the climax appears; help someone until they are ready to be alone?

Granted there are responsibilities in this life and they are real. But a life ruled by responsibilities has little satisfaction because in the end the responsibilities have used us up and we no longer have definition. I know- I am the author of Finding Planet Carol. I am happy to report that finding her has been very rewarding and very freeing. I really like her and she is definitely fun to be with. Why? I have discovered that in every minute of every day there is a choice and I am free to make it. Walking closer in the presence of the Holy Spirit I find guidance in what many would consider the silliest of things for the Holy Spirit to spend His “holy time” bothering with. It is amazing how I am drawn to the lilies in the field……

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (Matt. 6:28-29)

The beauty in me is the presence and flow of God that comes through this vessel. Nothing I can do can compare to what He does when I submit to His decision each moment of the day. Others see that- others want that- others know it is not something Planet Carol accomplished, but rather they see the supernatural coming through a human.

Am I making the Holy Spirit decisions all day every day now? Nope. But when I do I feel as free and beautiful as a field of lilies (or a pot of tulips) at sunrise……………….

This morning I woke up to a text that startled me and responded before even a sip of coffee. It proved not to be bad news, but rather a huge blessing. Then I made phone calls to address health concerns. I started cleaning from the weekend in order to set up my studio for the week. Then I thought about Jesus being with me and went to the piano to worship and spend time with Him. Things were smooth after that. Reality hit me that as much as I say what I am and what I do believe- my actions speak louder than words. My day could have had a more peaceful start if only I had gotten the order right. Time with Jesus first!


It has been a lifelong challenge- partly because I hate routine and on the positive side because I know He’s there all the time even if I am not thinking straight. Either way I am robbing myself of the daily strength, joy and wisdom He has for me when I don’t have a conversation with Him early in the day. Some would question my true love for God, commitment to Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life with this honest admission. God doesn’t- He knows me. He wants to talk to me, but he won’t make me sit and listen, He is there whenever I turn my attention fully to Him.

Often I miss a very special moment the Lord had planned. I get a glimpse of what was- like looking at the photo above. It was a special moment but since it is completely out of focus I don’t get to enjoy it. Just as I have busily scurried through space thinking I was keeping the universe from falling apart I applied “my creative ideas” over the years to fix this. I even bought a 2 cup coffee pot to plug in by my bed so I didn’t even have to get out of bed to wake up enough to have some time with the Lord! Nothing worked as I am a professional circumstance excuser- I could convince you and sound perfectly and even admirably righteous about why my morning commitment is not kept daily.

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” Proverbs 24:3-4

There is always the possibility to change and the Bible says God’s mercy is new every morning. Though I will walk with the Lord all day today, tomorrow morning I will take advantage of that mercy so that His wisdom can fill me before I start- there is a rare and beautiful treasure I don’t want to miss…….

Ok. It’s time to end the Stop, Drop and Roll Class so I offer my friends the final chapter. The subject today is Roll. The pony above was a guest at Vacation Bible School this summer. He has been instructed to choose the ball from a few items on the ground. Look closely- it that really a ball? He thinks it is and agreement comes from the clapping of the crowd watching. Close inspection however quickly lets us know that there are problems with this ball that will keep it from rolling smoothly- a handle he uses to pick it up. None of us would choose this ball to play with as it obviously isn’t going to roll like a “real” ball is designed to do. As I have stopped to look closely at myself this past year I have discovered there are things attached to me that keep me from rolling out of the flames and into places that are available to enhance my life. Others watching me noticed those things and offered suggestions. God tried to stop me and make corrections- but I did not respond.


Planets are round. Some have fancy circles and colors. So, if we view Saturn and see a handle coming off the side like the pony’s ball above, it would be on the news! Everyone would see the obvious- something not normal was happening- and fear of possible repercussions on earth would spread.

There is only one way to roll- be perfectly round. And there is only one way to get there- Let God mold you. I am finding whenever I stop and spend time on the Potter’s wheel, drop all resistance to His work being done in me, only then can He toss me into my place and the rolling leads me to places that are fun! I relate to Isaiah 55:12-“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Now I truly am the smooth ball hitting its mark that everyone wants to play with……

“What age do you start a child on piano?” is a common question for me to answer. “Am I too old to learn piano?” comes in at a close 2nd. As in most things in life there is not a blanket answer, but my business is called “Happy Music Class” because as a teacher I have but one goal- that every student has a happy experience every lesson. A four year old can enjoy the exploration of the instrument and build a very solid foundation for future performance. Someone 65 can learn enough to play the “old songs” they love so much. In between there is a myriad of students- few who will go on to be concert artists, but many who will play for church, family, and themselves bringing smiles, hope, encouragement, and just plain good old fun to the listeners!


The paragraph above seemed unique to my business until this past year when I became the explorer and listener in my own life. I’ve reviewed a lot about my life and found that what was planted in my mind and heart at a young age has remained with me, but new interests and undeveloped talents still pop out today begging to be taught. Matthew 7:8 declares, “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” It is I who choose to rust or shine as Planet Carol. So I will stop and ask; drop and seek; and knock on Jesus door as I roll around putting the fire out!  It’s invigorating at any age to learn………

Ever try carrying something a bit too large or heavy for you to handle? The photo pictures determination at it’s best, but there is no doubt this drink will either be intercepted by an adult nearby or crash and spill at some point, even though he’s got it at the moment. Working with children is so funny because “they can do it” or “they already know how to do it” or “I’ve got this” and for the moment they truly do. However, usually in a short period of time the realization that you may have a better idea or that they may actually need to learn something new dawns. The hunger to discover overrides the arrogance of youth until that is mastered and then the cycle repeats itself.

Rare is the adult who is truly teachable until circumstances force a lesson. Someone said the other day they needed to hire someone willing to take instruction in stride without defense or bristling. I quickly replied I wasn’t that mature! We say we really want to learn. We even listen and take notes. But more often than not actually putting the new wisdom into practice immediately is sadly the rare exception. For some reason we are more apt to learn over time- after stumbling many times and hearing the same lesson repeated. In Luke chapter one Mary declares to the angel, “Behold he handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word”. In the same chapter she shares her rejoicing in the Lord who has given her the task of bearing God’s Son! I can hear the sarcastic remarks even from Christians who claim to believe the Bible to be God’s Word.- “If God sends an angel maybe I would respond in faith, but get real- who is going to believe I’m pregnant without a man. My life is over at 16! I don’t want to be pregnant anyway!  Come on- God wouldn’t ask me to do this!”

Fear of not being able to carry the burden is the primary reason I have not received many things that actually would have blessed me. Secondly I really don’t want to be bothered with spiritual responsibilities- I’ve got more on earth to deal with than I can handle right now. I see clearly that I have been more comfortable being on fire than submitting my life to the call of God in my heart- I refused to attend the Stop, Drop and Roll class over and over fearing that knowledge would require me to act outside my “comfort zone”. Unbelievable really. The one who plays “I Surrender All” regularly at the piano has found out I surrender when I’m comfortable. When I go for the McDonalds cup pictured above there will be tears and screaming- that cute grandson wants that drink. God won’t grab my drink out of my hand. He will simply stand there offering to take it. It will be my choice to allow Him to be in all the details of my life………………….