Brenda’s Blog – January 3, 2017

“Mommy, we need to pray.”

I sat at a table eating my sandwich at Wendy’s and mentally lost in my long to-do list. A sweet little voice broke through. “Mommy, we need to pray.” I turned around to see a young boy about 4 or 5 making a matter of fact statement to his parents. “You are right, honey, let’s pray.”

I thought about the innocence of young ones and their understanding of values. His quiet leadership made me think about what lies ahead for him. His clarity will serve him well.

Then I thought about the confusion we adults create when we have “situational ethics.” We compromise when it becomes inconvenient. We cut corners when it suits us. We learn to live in the gray areas.

In Scripture we read the words, “And even a child shall lead them.” Listening to that voice made me think about the small voice of conscience which speaks to me. I want consistency in my thoughts and actions. I want to avoid arguments with myself and spend more time rejoicing in the growth I see.

I stopped by the table as I left to thank the parents for praying – and for listening to their son. That is a family training up children who will be great lights in our world. Congratulations to them for listening then taking right action. May we all live like that!

Brenda’s Blog – December 27, 2016

“Twists of Fate which brought strangers together in a life-saving event.”

The Weather Channel aired a special titled “Twists of Fate” highlighting horrendous weather-triggered emergencies which brought strangers together in dramatic ways. The situations were startling, but the “coincidences” and “twists of fate” dwarfed the impact of the experiences. They pointed out each turn which affected the outcomes – down to the smallest details.

The life-threatening stories were difficult to watch. But to see the documentary chronicle each turn and credit the fickle finger of fate prompted me to speak out loud to the TV screen (yes, I was alone in a hotel room watching this in the early morning hours). “THIS ISN’T FATE – THIS IS THE HAND OF OUR MOST HOLY, AWESOME, GRACIOUS GOD!”

This is the same God who sent Jesus as the “in the flesh” representation of the triune God. THIS was no accident, no twist of fate, no coincidence, either. We serve a purposeful God who intervenes in history and in our lives. PRAISE BE TO HIM.

Thanks, Weather Channel for giving me an opportunity to worship!

As we complete one year and begin another, let’s intentionally look for the many times we are protected, guided, and directed which feel like coincidences. Let’s enjoy seeing the hand of God in our lives. This is great joy for us and I believe for Him, as well. He loves to hear our voices of thanksgiving and what better time than that special moment we truly know is a “God-thing.”

Brenda’s Blog – December 13, 2016

“Live for what outlives you.”

Bill McKenzie, founder of Pine Cove Christian Camps, used these words as the title of his recent book. Others advise us to plant oak trees or invest in mission activities. The underlying principle is living well by investing in efforts which endure longer than your own life span.

A friend told me she is convinced grandparents and even great-grandparents who didn’t know her prayed before she was born. I agree. “Paying it forward” is a common phrase we use to consider ways to bless others who have done nothing for us. I prefer “praying it forward.” By praying for the lives of my grandchildren, their future mates, faith walks, and children I am participating in the generational connection.

Taylor University names their buildings after great people of faith rather than using them as “naming opportunities” for large donors. They certainly appreciate those who contribute to the financial well-being of the school, but they made the decision to reserve prominent nomenclature for those who served the Lord and the Body of Christ wholeheartedly, regardless of financial support. In this way, Taylor honors those who gave their lives to something which undoubtedly outlived them.

When we grew up we were urged to spend money on deposits into the memory bank, not just things which would soon lose their meaning. Wise counsel (although not always appreciated by materialistic teens!). My parents are both gone now, but the memories last. They knew how to build up an account which would outlive them.

What are you doing to establish a project that will outlive you? What deposits are you making into the lives of those yet to come? How can you join Bill McKenzie in living for what will surely outlive you?

Brenda’s Blog – November 29, 2016

“Food is essential for life therefore – make it good.”

As I stood in line at Chick-Fil-A I read the sign on the wall. The words of founder Truett Cathey made the wait more interesting.

What else is essential for living? Air, breath, shelter – certainly, but aren’t there many more things like relationships, sense of well-being, a purpose… these, too, are essential.

Recently I had a conversation with an extremely bright young woman who is exploring her purpose and her next steps. She wants to make them good; she wants them to express how essential they are. This fall we spent time with many college students who repeatedly asked us about making a difference through their lives. Unlike many news reports, we find this generation of students we meet at Christian colleges to be eager to see what God has designed for their lives. And moreover, they want to connect their experiences with opportunities to be of value to others.

The ideas of productivity and contribution are essential elements of a healthy person. We want to feel like we were put on this earth for a purpose. My Dad used to counsel young people to “find their uniqueness.” As a teenager he was given a paraphrase of Proverbs 18:16: “Take the gift that God has given, and use it, and you will stand before great men.” The actions of taking and using are vital to a productive life.

Serving others is a responsibility we can accept with joy. The more we know about our gifts, talents, skills, and passions, the better we contribute. As we focus on the essential aspects of living well, we more clearly understand that the goodness of chicken applies to all areas of our lives.

Brenda’s Blog – November 15, 2016

“Playing the small notes is optional.”

As I prepared to play at a local church service I went through a number of piano hymn arrangements. For me this is like trying on clothes. I go through dozens of pieces until one “just feels right.”

The one I selected had the right balance of dynamics, technical requirements, and emotional impact. One of the attractive elements for the chosen arrangement was the “accessories.” The melody was enhanced by runs of notes which added brilliance without losing the melody (and the hearer) in the weeds of excessive flash.

There is a fine balance between raising the emotional level through exciting bursts of runs and overwhelming the melody and message. Some arrangers think more is more and create a work that looks like a woman who totally overdoes makeup and accessories.
In life we have opportunities to create impact with the way we communicate with others. Some choose to pour on the style, putting the message in the shadows. “What did they say?” is usually the response. Others avoid any enhancement and beat the basic subject to death. “Where is the back door?” is usually the response.

We have the option of adding the zest. But it is up to us to understand how best to use gestures, phrases, humor, and eye contact as a means of moving the message, not overshadowing it. Musicians (instrumental or vocal) know when to go for the big finish and when to leave well enough alone.

Appropriateness is the critical element. Having the ability to understand each situation and judge what needs to be added or deleted is the sign of maturity. Just because you can play the small notes doesn’t mean you are required to. Just because you are verbally nimble doesn’t mean you have to use every technique at your disposal.

When we communicate whether in music, writing, or speaking we must always remember as Dad liked to say: “Speak (write, play) to express, not impress.”

Brenda’s Blog – November 1, 2016

“What has become clearer since last we met?”

Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were friends who enjoyed their conversations. With no email, phone, text, or SKYPE, they depended upon their face to face times. Therefore, when they saw each other one would ask the other: “What has become clearer since last we met?”

I told this story to a good friend I don’t see often. Recently, she came to my house and upon sitting down smiled and said, “What has become clearer?”

This presupposes intentional thought, contemplation, and growth, doesn’t it? This assumes the conversations prompted mental activity.

But this has a broader application. How about periodic personal reflection? How about a catalog of categories which require consideration? For example: financial, physical, educational, spiritual, and relational areas of one’s life? Shouldn’t we be able to sit down quarterly or certainly annually and point to clarification?

Maturity demands clarity. Muddling through with little or no understanding creates pygmies. To see is promised by Paul in the first letter to the Corinthians. He tells us we see partially as through wavy glass, but one day it will indeed be clear – it will be face to face.

Our Lord Jesus healed a blind man. When he was interrogated by the Pharisees he had a simple answer: “All I know is that once I was blind and now I see.” Shouldn’t we be able to identify some blind spots in ourselves and rejoice when clarity occurs?

Don’t be surprised if we meet and you are asked “What has become clearer?”

Brenda’s Blog – October 18, 2016

“Each student is required to have an emergency storm plan.”

As Dr. Bill Fleming, President of Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, FL, and I talked about the predicted landfall of Hurricane Matthew, he mentioned their mandatory preparedness. “We have never had to use the plans, but we know each student, faculty and staff member understands what steps to take – and have them written down.”

Matthew stayed off-shore and did minimal damage to PBA. For that we are grateful. But had it come ashore, they were ready to react safely.

Don’t we all have potential storms looming? Career changes, relationship shifts, health issues, geographical moves, spiritual temptations, emotional distress… all these come with high winds and rainy days. Some hit us with little notice, while others are predictable and we see the patterns forming.

How do we prepare? Here are just a few ideas: 1) Learn to read the cues and clues; 2) play the what if game to understand options; 3) understand personal strengths and weaknesses; 4) build a support network of wise counselors for each area of potential change; 5) seek the Lord’s face each day, readying your heart for whatever He brings; 6) believe that you will come through and 7) as my Dad always said to me, “Never lose the good of a bad experience.”

Dr. Fleming emphasized that these plans prepare the members of the PBA community with an exit strategy. Scripture tells us that our God’s hand is always on us and whatever storms of temptation beset us, He provides a way of escape. He promises He will “never leave us nor forsake us.” Leaning on Him must be the foundation of any preparation.

Stormy weather is inevitable. But an action plan allows us to operate with purpose and poise. And, the opportunity to encourage others in their storms is a benefit. “How did you do it?” is a question which will open doors for conversations and sharing of enduring truths.

Brenda’s Blog – October 4, 2016

“Come home – we miss you”

Driving down the highway, I glanced at the face on the billboard, read the message, and thought of those who installed it. The date under the picture indicated this man disappeared 15 years ago. Who was he? Why did he leave? Is he still alive? Would he ever see the invitation?

This man and those who love him were still on my mind when I pulled into a restaurant for a quick bite. It was late and the room was nearly empty. At the back snuggled in a booth, a young couple ate. They looked rough and I assumed they belonged to the motorcycle parked by the front door. In the next booth an old man sat beside his suitcase, counting out a few dollars. Caught up in my own musings, I didn’t even wonder about him. Then I heard the young man ask, “Are you traveling?” The old man told of trying to get home and not having enough money to stay overnight before “hitting the road.”

My cynical self muttered inaudibly, but immediately, the young man and woman got up. Not to leave, but to go get change for a $100 bill. Without any notice, he came back, counted out some bills and said, “Find a place to stay tonight, get something to eat, and then get home.” The young woman asked him about himself and engaged him as a person. They shook his hand, gave him their names, and slipped out.

Yes, they were on the bright yellow cycle. But they weren’t aimless – they had great purpose: doing good. It crossed my mind that perhaps two angels got a cool assignment that night – riding a bike and helping a very old man get through another night, and hopefully, home.

The old hymn says, “Come home, come home – you who are weary, come home.” I hope that man on the billboard makes it home. And I hope the old man with his suitcase gets to walk through his front door, received by those who love him.

Do you need to go home? What is stopping you? Do you need to tell someone they are welcome? Do it now.

Brenda’s Blog – September 20, 2016

“Ah, look at that hot air balloon! Such wonder; such amazement”

The head of a national bakery expressed sheer delight as he watched the ascension of the balloon. He could not keep his eyes from staring at the quiet beauty of the rising balloon. Who was this man? The head of a company which produced commercial baked goods. What was the result? A bread product known as Wonder Bread. The original packaging carried a hot air balloon icon and featured the colors of the balloon which fascinated him. A visual experience translated into a marketing message.

Where is the wonder in your life? What takes away your breath? What gives you the moment of overwhelming awe? What births unfathomable joy?

Dear friends have recently moved to the mountains of Eastern Tennessee. She told me, “I come over a rise and I am literally awe-struck. I hope I never take it for granted and get used to the view.”

When we lose the enthusiasm of wonder our balloons deflate. And who wants to live with a limp, deflated canopy?

On clear nights I stand outside and look straight up. Without city lights (or even country lights) the stars begin breaking into my vision. If I stand long enough I find myself exhaling with sheer respect and joy. Scripture tells us God has a name for each star. And He knows us by name – that inspires wonder, doesn’t it?

My challenge to each of us is to stop daily and reverently recognize the majesty of life (even in the mundane activities). There is music in the rhythm of our breathing; in the beating of our hearts; and the pulsing of circulatory system.

Let’s look for those moments of glorious gasps when we stop and momentarily transcend, traveling just a bit into the wonder-ful.

Brenda’s Blog – September 6, 2016

“Battery is low – 10% remaining – plug in now or find alternate power source.”

I play a game with my laptop – seeing which of us will run out of steam first! Being free of the power cord gives me more working environment choices, but requires me to take on the risk of power failure. When the warning comes up, I rush to gather my thoughts, get them typed, and saved.

My laptop is smarter than I for it knows when to stop. I often think how wise it would be to have a personal warning system. And how profitable it would be to have a 10% light so I don’t run on empty. Oh, to listen to my mind and body!

What are the questions to ask?

1) How is my personal operating system functioning?
2) How do I take readings on my individual battery power?
3) What causes me to push past reasonable limits?
4) Where is my ego out of whack?
5) What are the energy drains in my life?
6) How can I better allocate my energy resources for maximum productivity?
7) What fuels me? Where is my joy?
8) How well am I handling stressful situations?
9) What is my relationship to others? To God?
10) How can I install an early warning system to deter burnout?

Recently I encountered the BSOD… the dreaded Blue Screen of Death. Nothing worked and I spent the rest of the day with a technician named Joe who undoubtedly lived in Fiji! Dollars and hours later my laptop reigned victorious. I do not want to experience a physical, mental, and spiritual BSOD, so I am following the old railroad adage: “Stop, Look, and Listen” and plan to fill up my tank more frequently.