A Letter to my Son as He Graduates

Dear Son, 

You graduate next week. It's such an incredible milestone that is one of many you'll experience in your lifetime. Your Dad and I are so proud of all you've accomplished!

Son, it simply amazes me that we've reached this day in your life, as I could almost swear it was only yesterday we grew our family to four with the addition of you. Dad and I were absolutely thrilled to introduce you to your brother and the rest of our clan. As we experience this moment with you, we can scarcely believe the rapid pace that brought us here!

We've had such high expectations for you. You've risen and far exceeded all of them with great success. We love hearing about your goals and plans for your life; and even more so, we love watching you achieve them. Your passion for life and zest for adventure are some of your greatest assets. Hang on to those as you speed forward into your future. 

As you set new goals, you will find some will take more steps than others; and some will need you to stop and look before moving forward again. Each move will provide you with valuable lessons. Though you probably feel you already have life firmly figured out right now, I want to give you a few tips before you embark on your next journey. 

Go to class. Even though we know there will be days you'd rather be mountain biking & spending time outdoors, go to class. We've invested in you and your future. You're preparing for your future. Going to class will assure you are ready when your future becomes your present. 

Your Dad has worked hard to give you a stable home and encouraging environment. He is such a good example of what a Dad should be, and he's the only other person I know who loves you as much as I love you. Be sure to tell him, "I love you, Dad!" every once in awhile.

Our relationship is going to change. You're entering a new and exciting era of your life, even though you'll be living at home. As you learn to fly, I'll learn to let you go. Some days are going to be a challenge for both of us, as you spread your wings, and I adjust to your new come-and-go schedule. We'll probably make a few mistakes along the way. Just remember, I always have the best intentions. PS...my advice is pretty spot-on most of the time! :)

Continue to grow, stand firm in your faith, and read your Bible. Your great-Grandma told you Bible stands for 
Basic Information Before Leaving Earth. She was right. It is and will always be your Life-Line. As you leave a comfortable group of friends, who pretty much believe the same things you do, you are going to find those beliefs challenged. As you find your place in the world, remember who you are, and Whose you are. You are a child of the Most High God; a living, breathing miracle created in His image for His Glory. When life is going in a direction you didn't plan, cling to this.

When life seems hard, remember, you're not meant to go backwards. Put one foot in front of the other, and keep looking ahead. Life is a journey that only goes in a forward-moving direction. 

We are here when you need us. We want this next year to be the best ever for you. As you figure out what career you want and which path to take, we hope you remember you can discuss anything with us. Even though you'll be living at home, don't forget to hug your Momma's neck every once in a while!

Son, we cannot wait to see where God takes you on your journey! And no matter what...

We will always love you. 

1st Day of School

Last Day of School

Cheese and Crackers

I'm a visual person. It's one of the reasons I create WordArt from Biblegateway's Verse of the Day. I study the verse a bit, usually with a few different translations; and an image will come to mind. "Seeing" the verse, helps my heart to remember it. Today's verse is an ode to one of my favorite and often used phrases. 

You see, I have a terrible vice...I sometimes swear...like a sailor.

It's an awful habit brought on from years of practice, dating back to my tween years when I first learned to verbalize 4-letter words with my classmates at recess. It felt kinda naughty, but exhilarating all at the same time. Ah, the Enemy knew just where to grasp hold of me!

I'm working on my mouth, and living in the South has helped. 

You can turn simple, everyday words into a pointed phrase everyone will immediately understand; plus, the funny use of simple words diffuses the moment into something a bit lighthearted. 

I've developed a few to use instead of the obscene language of my youth. 

With that in mind, when Colossians 3:13 popped up on my screen from Biblegateway's front page this morning, I knew exactly the image to use. Forgiveness doesn't always seem the easy path. No matter the intention, it seems someone will find a reason to be offended. 

Does it make sense to you? Do you know the phrase that came to my mind?

NLT via Biblegateway.com

When I'm exasperated by a person or situation, instead of swearing, I now say:

"That really cheeses my crackers!"

Today, when someone cheese your crackers, frosts your cookies, or knocks you over with a feather, take a breath and give them a pass. Think of the wise words and simple truth stated in Colossians 3:13.

Free your heart from the angst of being offended. 

Show them kindness and love.

By doing so...you will show the world your Jesus. 

What is your favorite phrase?

A Simple, yet Transforming Gift this Season

I originally posted this idea in 2014, on my former blog, Seams Inspired.

I've been thinking about many friends who could use a little love in their lives, 

so thought I'd share it again here just in case you need a quick gift this Christmas Season.

Two Dollars, Two Hours, Transform a Life

This idea has been pressing my heart for a few months.

It all started late last summer when I met a precious teen girl. She'd give bits and snippets about her life to me, her vivacious zeal drawing me in and causing remembrances of my youth when anything seemed possible. You remember those moments of wanting to emerge from the group? To stand out from the crowd and show the world you're a unique individual.

It's hard to be different

when you want to be accepted by your peers.

Her story is not mine to share, so I won't go into the details. I only know from the moment I met her, I felt compelled to pour love onto her and into her heart. She needs to know how beautiful she is, how unconditionally loved she is, how her uniqueness is celebrated by Him. 

I'm almost ashamed to admit how long I've been hearing Him telling me to do this. It's been months. I finally took the time to act on His prompt.

This project won't take much money or much time to complete, yet its heart effects will last a lifetime.

Pretty Container & Colorful Index Cards
$1 each from Dollar Tree

With the help of Biblegateway, I searched for Bible verses that had 'LORD says' in them. There are hundreds. While many won't apply because they are used by the prophets and seem woeful, there are more than enough for this project. 

Next I searched 'LOVE' followed by 'GRACE'. In under 2 hours, my intentions of having a month's worth of bible 'He Loves Me' verses was fulfilled. Actually, I was enjoying the process so much, I lost count while writing, and ended up with over 40 cards. 

Each card is handwritten with one verse and a catch. To make it truly personal, the person's name is inserted into the verse. Sometimes I think we forget the Bible is one giant Love Note written to each of us individually. For this reason, I believe it's incredibly important to personalize the verses as well as write them by hand. I know typing them up might seem quicker or easier, but taking the time...under 2 hours...to write by hand exemplifies you care.

~ Love Always, God

And something I didn't expect happened along the way of creating this little love basket of notes. 

As I wrote out cards,
I had my own heart-transforming connection with Him. 

I realized again His love, His grace, His peace; and THAT my friends, is priceless.

This Season, how will you show

others they are loved?

If you'd like to create your own version of the LOVE ALWAYS cards,

here's a little FREE PDF 'cheat sheet' you can download:

 Love Always, God

A Letter to My Graduating Son

Our eldest officially graduates on Thursday. As commencement draws near, I've been thinking about the last thirteen years of his life as he progressed through kindergarten up until now. Taking a cue from Sher Bailey, I used the opportunity to collect those thoughts and write them down to share with him at a dinner celebrating the graduating seniors from our church. With his permission, I am sharing it with you. 

Dear Son,

You graduate this week. Wow! What a milestone. I almost have no words to describe the amazing and incredible feelings we have, so I will simply say we are so proud we of you and this moment in your life.

Did you ever think it would arrive this soon? I know your Dad and I sure didn't. It truly seems only yesterday we were bringing you home from the hospital, placing you in your crib, and staring at one another with a “What do we do with him now?” look upon our faces. This time in our lives, watching you graduate from high school, has crept up and surprised us with its rapidity!

Son, we know you are going to surpass any expectation of succeeding, because you've always been a great success. You set goals and achieve each of them. Some have taken more steps than others, and some needed a step back before moving forward again; however, you learned from any errors and met your goals. Though you probably feel you already have life firmly figured out right now, I want to give you a few tips before you embark on your college journey.

Go to class. Even though we know there will be days you don't want to drag yourself out of bed, get up and go. We've invested in you and your future. You're preparing for your future. Going to class will assure you are ready when your future becomes your present. 

Your Dad has worked hard to give you a stable home and encouraging environment. He is such a good example of what a Dad should be, and he's the only other person I know who loves you as much as I love you. Be sure to call him, not text, to say 'Hello' and 'Thanks, Pop!' every once in awhile.

When you get homesick, get a low grade, or get your heart broken, you might think you should leave school behind and just come home. Except for overnight or a weekend, don't do it. You're not meant to go backwards. Put one foot in front of the other, and keep looking ahead. Life is a journey that only goes in a forward-moving direction.

Our relationship is going to change. You've entered a new and exciting era of your life. You're learning to fly, and I'm learning to let you go. It's going to be a challenge for both of us, and we'll probably make a few mistakes along the way. Just remember, I always have the best intentions. PS...my advice is pretty spot-on most of the time!

Read your Bible. Your great-Grandma told you Bible stands for Basic Information Before Leaving Earth. She was right. It is and will always be your Life-Line.

Hold on to your beliefs, Son. You are leaving a place where most everyone who surrounds you believes the same things you do. You are going to find those beliefs challenged as you find your place in the world. Remember who you are, and Whose you are. You are a child of the Most High God; a living, breathing miracle created in His image for His Glory. When life is going in a direction you didn't plan, cling to this.

We're always here if you need us. You can call us day or night, even if it's just 'cause you want to hear our voices. And come home every once in awhile so your Momma can hug your neck!

Son, we cannot wait to see where God takes you on your life journey! And no matter what...

We will always love you. 

Our Family Changed Today

We had a stunning and unexpected loss in our family this weekend. My sister-in-law, Lisa, experienced a massive coronary Friday afternoon, and her young body was removed from life support yesterday morning. Our family changed today, and I'm not sure how to put my feelings into words. 

Instead, I will share my memories...

Larri & Lisa - Our first fun adventure, New Year's Eve 1990!

The first time I met Lisa was at a Christmas gathering 25 years ago. Tim and I had been dating a little over a month, and he had invited me to Christmas dinner with his family. Lisa came right up to me and gave me a hug and a beautiful, welcoming smile. Later in the evening, the family began exchanging gifts. They were a raucous and lively bunch, full of laughter. As I took in the scene, Lisa approached and handed me a small package. She said, "Timmy told me he was bringing you today, and I didn't want you to feel left out. Merry Christmas." 

And that is the Lisa I've always known. 

She always put others before herself. She had a true servant's heart. She was the hardest worker I have ever seen. At every family gathering, she was the first to pitch in to clean up after us, not quitting until the job was finished. She had a tenacity and inner-strength few of us will ever reach in our own lives. 

As I fast-forward my memories, I stop to remember a moment before her first child was born. One Sunday afternoon, after the family had gathered for dinner; we decided to make a quick trip into town. We stole away on the premise of needing something before the grocery closed, but we were really on a secret mission to grab a chili dog from Hardee's. Those were Lisa's favorites. She had such a craving for those! We giggled as she ordered not one, but two. After all, she said, she might need another before morning. I wonder how many chili dogs were consumed during her pregnancies. They certainly didn't affect the beauty of those children.

At the birth of each of her children, Lisa remained generous. I've not known another new-Momma who would share the first quiet moments outside the bounds of immediate family. I held each of her babies within their first hours of life. Each time, Lisa smiled with joy, as she shared that moment with us. She wanted us to experience that joy with her. 

Her selfless attitude brought our family together,

and has given me one of the most precious memories of my life. 

Through the years, as we raised our families, Lisa continued with her generous and selfless spirit. She would call when her garden was in full production, and invite us to share in the bounty. She loved to work in that soil! She would become animated as she described what was growing in each row; and she'd lick her lips in anticipation of those luscious tomatoes that would soon be on the vine. Our family was nourished body and soul from Lisa's generous nature. 

I honestly cannot remember a time when Lisa put herself first. From her husband to her children to anyone, Lisa truly loved on others with a generous heart. She is the example of how to love the person before you. 

God had a special plan when He brought Lisa into my life, and I cling to the hope of seeing her again one day soon. I remember her telling me about being saved as young girl, and inviting her parents to her baptism. Years later, when she expressed interest in the Bible, I gifted her one. We spent an afternoon pouring over the verses she wanted to know where to find. She had a hunger for His Word. 

Lisa will forever be emblazoned on my heart. I am grateful God sent her into our lives to show us how to serve and love. I look forward to seeing her beautiful smile in heaven. But for now...

Oh, how I am going to miss my sister-friend. 

Lisa Ferguson Manos
1963-2016

Love - Verse 13

1 Corinthians 13:13

We've reached the end of the LOVE verses today. Paul has explained how everything in this life, even our spiritual gifts, are completely useless and meaningless without LOVE. He completes the passage by assuring us of what will last forever:  

FAITH ~ HOPE ~ LOVE

The greatest of all? It's LOVE, friends.

No matter what happens in your life, 

there will ALWAYS be LOVE waiting for you.

Grab hold of it, and then pass it on to someone who needs the LIFE-line. How do we/I accomplish that? We/I just remember to 

LOVE the Person Before Me

In closing out this series, I'd like to share my favorite recitation of 1 Corinthians 13. Take 3 minutes and soak up the passage as presented by The Backyard Bard. It will enrich your perspective of exactly what Paul was trying to tell the church of Corinth, as well as us in this present day.

How Will You LOVE Others Today?

Love - Verse 12

1 Corinthians 13:12

Today's reflection comes from David Guzik's commentary. It is so spot-on, I feel no need regurgitate it in my own words. Read on...

Paul is using this term to describe complete, unhindered fellowship with God. 1 John 3:2 tells us when we get to heaven, we shall see Him as He is. There will be no more barriers to our relationship with God.

For now we see in a mirror: This speaks again to the perfect fellowship with God we will have one day. Today, when we look in a good mirror, the image is clear. But in the ancient world, mirrors were made out of polished metal, and the image was always unclear and somewhat distorted. We see Jesus now only in a dim, unclear way, but one day we will see Him with perfect clarity. We will know just as I also am known.

When we get to heaven, we will have a really clear vision of the Lord.

We couldn't handle this greater knowledge on this side of eternity.

God knows everything about me; this is how I also am known. But in heaven, I will know God as perfectly as I can; I will know just as I also am known. It doesn't mean I will be all-knowing as God is, but it means I will know Him as perfectly as I can.

How does this verse pertain to love? We can share it and this hope with others! Today, let's all just take a moment to

Love the Person Before Me

How will you LOVE others today? 

Love - Verse 11

1 Corinthians 13:11

While studying these verses, I read somewhere that if you pick this chapter apart too much, it loses its beauty. Have I been too analytical? I certainly hope you don't think so! For me, I've found the verses to resonate within my spirit as I've soaked in His word. 

In verse eleven, Paul is not telling us we have little use for the spiritual gifts upon spiritual maturity. He is making us aware that love is permanent, while the gifts are temporary. 

Commentary from David Guzik:

Childish things are appropriate for children, and the gifts are appropriate for our present time. But the gifts of the Holy Spirit will not be appropriate forever.

The time to use our spiritual gifts is now. The time to love is now and forever. Today, I challenge you and me to 

LOVE the Person Before Me

How will you LOVE others today?

Love - Verses 9 & 10

1 Corinthians 13:9-10

I'm dwelling on the 'time of perfection' today. I interpret this to mean Jesus. He is the Perfect One.

The time will come for His return, and it is soon. He is the epitome of LOVE. He shows me how to 

LOVE the Person Before Me

How will you LOVE others today?

LOVE - Verse 8

1 Corinthians 13:8

The things of this earth, and even the gifts of the Spirit are temporary. This earth will one day be no longer. At some point, the gift of prophecy will be unnecessary, because the prophecies will be fulfilled at Christ's Return. Even unknown languages (speaking in tongues) and special knowledge will be fruitless, and not needed. But love...

LOVE will last forever!

LOVE - it is more valuable, more durable than any gift, any language, any knowledge, any thing. Love will be here when all else is gone. Remember when I asked you to replace the word 'LOVE' with 'JESUS' in our last post? Do that again, here.

JESUS will last forever!

That exclamation point not only tells us this is important to understand; it also gives us reason to shout it out and be happy! Jesus will be here when all else is gone. When life has you down, dwell on this thought. He is forever...and He is here now.

I find this verse invigorating. It encourages me to remember today I am going to:

LOVE the Person Before Me

How will you LOVE others today?

LOVE - Verse 7

1 Corinthians 13:7

Verse 7 is the one which makes my heart swell and my spirit soar. When my life feels at its breaking point, this is the verse to which I cling, because I can easily replace the word 'LOVE' for 'JESUS.'

JESUS never gives up on me.

JESUS never loses faith in me.

JESUS is always hopeful of me.

JESUS endures through every circumstance for me.

This verse gives me strength of spirit to keep moving forward. But what if I were to replace 'LOVE' with my name? Replace it with your name. Does the verse then speak truth? 

Charles Spurgeon has quite a few gems to glean from his commentary of 1 Corinthians 13. 

"Love does not ask to have an easy life of it: self-love makes that her aim. Love denies herself, sacrifices herself, that she may win victories for God, and hers shall be no tinsel crown."

He also likened the love qualities of verse seven to 'soldiers against evil.'

Evil is such a strong enemy, it comes at us again and again. First, we face evil with patience, for love bears all things. "Let the injury be inflicted, we will forgive it, and not be provoked: even seventy times seven will we bear in silence." If this isn't enough, we battle evil with faith, for love believes all things. We look to God and His promises and we believe them. If this is not enough, we overcome a third time by hope, for love hopes all things. "We rest in expectation that gentleness will win, and that long-suffering will wear out malice, for we look for the ultimate victory of everything that is true and gracious." Finally, we finish the battle with perseverance, for love endures all things. "We abide faithful to our resolve to love, we will not be irritated unto unkindness, we will not be perverted from generous, all-forgiving affection, and so we win the battle by steadfast non-resistance. Yes, brethren, and love conquers on all four sides.... What a brave mode of battle this is! Is not love a man of war? Is it not invincible?"

It's a daily battle to love, isn't it? There are going to be stumbling blocks each and every day; however, we have One who will never give up, never lose faith, will always be hopeful. 

He will ALWAYS ENDURE

THROUGH EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE.

He has shown us the way. He has given us reason to hope. He has shown us how to  

LOVE the Person Before Me

That we might point others to Him. Just for today, dwell on this:  

love (Jesus) is all we need.

How will you LOVE others today?

Love - Verse 6

1 Corinthians 13:6

Have you ever had a snarky thought enter your mind when you've learned someone you didn't like has fallen from grace? You may have thought, "He got what he deserved," or "That knocked the wind out of her sails!" 

Paul makes it very clear in verse 6, we are not to celebrate another's iniquity, or adikia.

This is not LOVE. 

ἀδικία is the Greek word for 'unrighteousness of heart and life.' It is rooted in two words which combined mean 'one who violates justice' (adikos) and 'Christ' (Alpha). 

When we delight in a person's failure, we are glorifying sin. We are revelling in the violation against Christ and rejoicing in what He died for on that cross. 

Ouch.

Does this eye-opener step on your toes and bruise your heart as much as it does mine? I have good news. The GOOD NEWS...

TRUTH WINS OUT.

No matter how long the fall, what is true in any matter under consideration...His LOVE, will always win out. His LOVE will always cover it. His LOVE will always be waiting to catch you. 

Now that, my friends, is something to rejoice. Today, let's celebrate Truth. Find someone to share the Truth. When life has beaten them down, remind them there is a fall-back plan for their life. Remember it's a new day to

LOVE the Person Before Me

How will you LOVE others today?

Love - Verse 5

1 Corinthians 13:5

Again, we're faced with the bluntness of Paul's words as he personifies love. Have you noticed the traits of love (and what love is not) are exactly those of the One who loves you most? 

For someone who lived in the same time as Jesus,

yet never followed Him before His death at the cross; 

Paul certainly knew Jesus and His love. 

Let's dig in to today's verses, and continue learning about what love is not:

Does not demand its own way - Self-centered or Others-centered is a choice. We either look out for others, or choose to put our own interests first. 

Is not irritable - The King Jimmy translation replaces irritable with 'easily provoked;' however, 'easily' is not in the original Greek context. Adam Clarke's commentary gives further explanation:

"When the man who possesses this love gives way to provocation, he loses the balance of his soul, and grieves the Spirit of God… surely if he get embittered against his neighbour, he does not love him as himself"

Keeps no record of being wronged - We're talking grudges here, friends. Instead of clinging to the past, and the wrongs committed against us, we are to put those hurts away. Let it go. Let God. Let Love cover it. 

Today, I challenge you (and myself) to put others first, and to be genuinely pleasant, letting the minutia of life roll off and roll on, not holding any of it in our memory banks. Today, I choose to 

LOVE the Person Before Me

How will you LOVE others today?

Love - Verse 4

1 Corinthians 13:4

Last post, we examined the beginning of this chapter, and why Paul needed to address the church of Corinth. There was dissension among the people. Pride was standing in the way of shining Christ's light. That never happens in this day and age. <insert sarcasm> 

While the spiritual gifts we've been given are important, they are meaningless without love.

The next verses in chapter 13 will show us exactly what love looks like. 

Patient - makrothyméō is 'to be of long spirit; not to lose heart; persevere bravely in enduring misfortunes and troubles.'  As a parent, I can relate to this word on so many levels! I'm sure Paul purposely wrote this as the first description of love with good reason. 

Kind - chrésteuomai is this long Greek word derived from a root word meaning 'by the help of anyone.' We know when kindness is given to us. Kindness from others makes the recipient and the bestower feel good.

Without mincing words, Paul describes what love is. He follows up with what love is not. 

Not Jealous - zēloō - this Greek word meaning 'to burn with zeal' is rooted in a base word meaning 'to boil.' Jealousy, or envy, does make us burn with desire or boil over in anger when someone has what we want. This is not love.

Not Boastful - perpereuomai - means 'a self display, employing rhetorical embellishments in extolling one's self excessively.' We've all been around braggarts. They are annoying, boorish, and obnoxious. To boast one's self, does nothing more than to push others away. This is not love.

Not Proud - physioō - is Greek for 'to be puffed up, or to bear one's self loftily,' I personally feel this is the most important of  the 'not love' attributes. Pride is also Satan's ultimate tool for keeping us separated from God. We simply cannot hold ourselves in higher esteem than one beside us. We are all equal in God's eyes. This is not love.

Not Rude - aschēmoneō - first, this word is actually tacked onto the beginning of verse 5; however, in my little Type-A brain it fits better here, because it completes the sentence. This Greek word means 'to act unbecomingly.' Digging a little deeper, it means 'to prepare disgrace.' It is an intentional act meant to hurt another. This is not love.

It's amazing to me how one sentence can give me so much to chew on for not just a day, but a lifetime. All these love attributes can be achieved, though not on my own. I cannot endure without God. Keeping my eyes on Him reminds me where my focus belongs. 

When my heart is full of Him, 

I can spill the overflow &

LOVE the person before me.

How will you love others today?