It looks like parts of OK may have to batten down the hatches this weekend. I realize this is more of a nautical term, but I like the way it sounds and I remember hearing the phrase often as a child. We had a very mild winter and an early spring with temps in the 80’s in March, cooling back down in April. Today’s high is predicted to reach 82 after a very cool start. I’ve been in and out several times today and it feels weird. It has already changed from overcast to sunny, from windy to calm and now back to windy and some humidity mixed in.

I am Oklahoma born and lived here until around 1960 when my mom and I moved to CA where I lived for almost 45 years. There was a lot I loved about California, but I can say it feels so good to be home. I can’t really explain why I feel this way after so many years in CA, but I knew I wanted to be here again permanently after attending a family reunion in 2004. Retirement was just the ticket we needed for us to make the change.

Make no mistake, the weather is definitely different here in OK. I believe it was the second year after moving back that it was raining harder than Larry and I had ever seen it rain. The thunder, lightening and the sheer force of the rain was astounding. It was around three in the morning and we went outside to the patio taking it all in, absolutely awe-struck. Talk about a mixture of fear and excitement!!

We have experienced some phenomenal weather since moving here. Record snowstorms, an ice storm, record rainfall and now we have also experienced more earthquakes than we ever did in CA. Go figure…..I thought we left those behind.

One of our neighbors blames all the unusual weather on us, more specifically Larry and says it is because of “California Larry”. So, Steve…my relatives from California called to say “looks like we’re in for some stormy weather”, better batten down the hatches.

When the sky turns grayish-green and it becomes eerily still, you can be sure this kid will be looking for shelter.

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Ps 46:1-3

Vulgar slang language and Acronyms

I strongly dislike hearing or reading offensive slang, to me there is no difference. If a person says the slang they may as well say the original word because that is where my mind goes even when I hear the slang and it is likely where their mind is going as well.

I find it disturbing when I hear a Christian say frigging.  “All screwed up” is another phrase I dislike, it may seem minor in comparison, even so the slang is derived from the same word.

Another thing I dislike is repugnant Acronyms such as LMFAO or ROTFLMFAO. I won’t even write what they mean, you can Google them if you are curious enough, or trust me when I say they are offensive and not something a Christian should be saying or using.

Regardless of age, young or old we should think before we speak. Our lives and our language should glorify God and encourage others. We are to be separate from the ways of the world.

Command and teach these things.  Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Tim 4:11-13

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:7-8

“Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech. 1 Peter 3:10

Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.  The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? James 3:5-11

May you be encouraged by these scriptures and make it your goal to glorify God with your words and actions.

I need spiritual cleaning as well. If I don’t read, contemplate and study Gods word regularly I feel like something is out of place. We are given instructions on living to please God. Spiritual wisdom and understanding brings about change.

Paul prays in Philippians 1:9-11 that our love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that we may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God.

Consider for spiritual renewal…… Col 3:5-11
Putting to death, ridding yourself of whatever belongs to your earthly nature:
1. Sexual immorality
2. Impurity
3. Lust
4. Evil desires
5. Greed, which is idolatry
6. Anger
7. Rage
8. Malice
9. Slander
10. Filthy language
11. Lying

Sweeping out the old and bringing in the new…which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Devote yourselves to prayer, be watchful, and be thankful. Col 4:2-3

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Col 3:15

Bring in the fruits of the Spirit…Gal 5:22-26
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self-Control
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

If spiritual cleansing is ignored, sin will creep in, darkness will take over.

Finally, encourage others!!

And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thess 5:14-18

Since this is the day of “love” what better way to rejoice in it than to reflect on God’s love and our love for each other.

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matt 22:38-39

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Ps 100:5

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.  He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him. Ps 103:8-11

But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s  children —  with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. Ps 103:17-18

For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Ps 117:2

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:5-6

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1-2

This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. 1 John 3:11-12

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8-9

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:3-4

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Col 3:12-14

I love the story because it is an excellent example of what love and kindness can do to build one up who has little or no self-esteem.

I found this particular version on Bible.org

My trip to the Kiniwata Island in the Pacific was a memorable one. Although the island was beautiful and I had an enjoyable time, the thing I remember most about my trip was the fact “Johnny Lingo gave eight cows for his wife.” I’m reminded of it every time I see a woman belittle her husband or a wife whether under her husband’s scorn. I want to say to them, “You should know why Johnny Lingo gave eight cows for his wife.”

Johnny Lingo is known throughout the islands for his skills, intelligence, and savvy. If you hire him as a guide, he will show you the best fishing spots and the best places to get pearls. Johnny is also one of the sharpest traders in the islands. He can get you the best possible deals. The people of Kiniwata all speak highly of Johnny Lingo. Yet, when they speak of him, they always smile just a little mockingly.

A couple days after my arrival to Kiniwata, I went to the manager of the guesthouse to see who he thought would be a good fishing guide. “Johnny Lingo,” said the manager. “He’s the best around. When you go shopping, let him do the bargaining. Johnny knows how to make a deal.”

“Johnny Lingo!” hooted a nearby boy. The boy rocked with laughter as he said, “Yea, Johnny can make a deal alright!”

“What’s going on?” I demanded.

“Everybody tells me to get in touch with Johnny Lingo and then they start laughing. Please, let me in on the joke.”

“Oh, the people like to laugh,” the manager said, shrugging. “Johnny’s the brightest and strongest young man in the islands. He’s also the richest for his age.”

“But …” I protested. “… if he’s all you say he is, why does everyone laugh at him behind his back?”

“Well, there is one thing. Five months ago, at fall festival, Johnny came to Kiniwata and found himself a wife. He gave her father eight cows!”

I knew enough about island customs to be impressed. A dowry of two or three cows would net a fair wife and four or five cows would net a very nice wife.

“Wow!” I said. “Eight cows! She must have beauty that takes your breath away.”

“She’s not ugly, …” he conceded with a little smile, “… but calling her ‘plain’ would definitely be a compliment. Sam Karoo, her father, was afraid he wouldn’t be able to marry her off. Instead of being stuck with her, he got eight cows for her. Isn’t that extraordinary? This price has never been paid before.”

“Yet, you called Johnny’s wife ‘plain?’ ”

“I said it would be a compliment to call her plain. She was skinny and she walked with her shoulders hunched and her head ducked. She was scared of her own shadow.”

“Well,” I said, “I guess there’s just no accounting for love.”

“True enough.” agreed the man. “That’s why the villagers grin when they talk about Johnny. They get special satisfaction from the fact the sharpest trader in the islands was bested by dull old Sam Karoo.”

“But how?”

“No one knows and everyone wonders. All of the cousins urged Sam to ask for three cows and hold out for two until he was sure Johnny would pay only one. To their surprise Johnny came to Sam Karoo and said, ‘Father of Sarita, I offer eight cows for your daughter.’ ”

“Eight cows.” I murmured. “I’d like to meet this Johnny Lingo.”

I wanted fish and pearls, so the next afternoon I went to the island of Nurabandi. As I asked directions to Johnny’s house, I noticed Johnny’s neighbors were also amused at the mention of his name. When I met the slim, serious young man I could see immediately why everyone respected his skills. However, this only reinforced my confusion over him.

As we sat in his house, he asked me, “You come here from Kiniwata?”

“Yes.”

“They speak of me on that island?”

“Yes. They say you can provide me anything I need. They say you’re intelligent, resourceful, and the sharpest trader in the islands.”

He smiled gently. “My wife is from Kiniwata.”

“Yes, I know.”

“They speak of her?”

“A little.”

“What do they say?”

“Why, just … .” The question caught me off balance. “They told me you were married at festival time.”

“Nothing more?” The curve of his eyebrows told me he knew there had to be more.

“They also say the marriage settlement was eight cows.” I paused. “They wonder why.”

“They ask that?” His eyes lighted with pleasure. “Everyone in Kiniwata knows about the eight cows?”

I nodded.

“And in Nurabandi, everyone knows it too?” His chest expanded with satisfaction. “Always and forever, when they speak of marriage settlements, it will be remembered that Johnny Lingo paid eight cows for Sarita.”

So that’s the answer, I thought: Vanity.

Just then Sarita entered the room to place flowers on the table. She stood still for a moment to smile at her husband and then left. She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. The lift of her shoulders, the tilt of her chin, and the sparkle in her eyes all spelled self-confidence and pride. Not an arrogant and haughty pride, but a confident inner beauty that radiated in her every movement.

I turned back to Johnny and found him looking at me.

“You admire her?” he murmured.

“She … she’s gorgeous.” I said. “Obviously, this is not the one everyone is talking about. She can’t be the Sarita you married on Kiniwata.”

“There’s only one Sarita. Perhaps, she doesn’t look the way you expected.”

“She doesn’t. I heard she was homely. They all make fun of you because you let yourself be cheated by Sam Karoo.”

“You think eight cows was too many?” A smile slid over his lips.

“No, but how can she be so different from the way they described her?”

Johnny said, “Think about how it must make a girl feel to know her husband paid a very low dowry for her? It must be insulting to her to know he places such little value on her. Think about how she must feel when the other women boast about the high prices their husbands paid for them. It must be embarrassing for her. I would not let this happen to my Sarita.”

“So, you paid eight cows just to make your wife happy?”

“Well, of course I wanted Sarita to be happy, but there’s more to it than that. You say she is different from what you expected. This is true. Many things can change a woman. There are things that happen on the inside and things that happen on the outside. However, the thing that matters most is how she views herself. In Kiniwata, Sarita believed she was worth nothing. As a result, that’s the value she projected. Now, she knows she is worth more than any other woman in the islands. It shows, doesn’t it?”

“Then you wanted …”

“I wanted to marry Sarita. She is the only woman I love.”

“But …” I was close to understanding.

“But,” he finished softly, “I wanted an eight-cow wife.”

How we view ourselves molds how we think, what we do and how we do it. It’s all about our self-esteem. I’m not sure I know anyone who isn’t critical of themselves; people who seemingly have everything going for them yet they never see themselves as other see them.

I have struggled with self-esteem issues since I was very young, even though I have been able to shed most of the baggage, and really, that’s exactly what it is, tons of baggage that we have allowed someone else to burden us with. Most often it is a person close to us whose approval we desperately want. We long to be loved, to be accepted, needed, to fit in.

When we are told that we are stupid, fat, ugly, worthless _______ (again, fill in the blank) we began to act in a negative manner. We begin living “down” to the other person’s view of ourselves. I find it interesting and baffling that instead of trying to prove the negativity wrong by demonstrating the opposite behavior, we began to act out the label(s) given to us. It is not the “facts” about us but rather what we believe to be true about our self.

We began to self-destruct with alcohol, drugs, extreme anger, self-mutilation, promiscuity, over-eating, the list is endless. The more we do what we hate doing, the more we do it, and if we manage to live through the self-destruction we finally hit our bottom.

The road to recovery can be long and painful if one chooses to remain a victim. I realize that may sound harsh, but our entire life is about choices.

Two critical things which helped me enormously were forgiveness and refusing to remain a victim. I have experienced despicable things in my life and the way I responded to them nearly killed me. It took me many years to realize that all of my hate and anger was not affecting the abuser at all; instead I realized it only meant they still controlled me.

We live in a society which seems to pride itself on putting others down. Demeaning others is so out of hand that it is now referred to as bullying. Elementary kids all the way to high-school are being taunted, some to the point of suicide.

We can all make a difference and hopefully someday turn things around. We can start by carefully choosing how we speak to each other. Words are powerful and they can hurt us and do severe damage to our self-esteem. Even things said in a joking manner can scar a person. Be examples, especially in front of your children. Always try to use words that build up, not tear down and teach your children the importance of using words in an encouraging way.

May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you, invigorate your work, enliven your speech.
2 Thess 2:16-17 (from THE MESSAGE)

Blessed is the soul who hears the Lord speaking within her, who receives the word of consolation from His lips. Blessed are the ears that catch the accents of divine whispering, and pay no heed to the murmurings of this world. Blessed indeed are the ears that listen, not to the voice which sounds without, but to the truth which teaches within. Blessed are the eyes which are closed to exterior things and are fixed upon those which are interior. Blessed are they who penetrate inwardly, who try daily to prepare themselves more and more to understand mysteries. Blessed are they who long to give their time to God, and who cut themselves off from the hindrances of the world.

Consider these things, my soul, and close the door of your senses, so that you can hear what the Lord your God speaks within you. “I am your salvation,” says your Beloved. “I am your peace and your life. Remain with Me and you will find peace. Dismiss all passing things and seek the eternal. What are all temporal things but snares? And what help will all creatures be able to give you if you are deserted by the Creator?” Leave all these things, therefore, and make yourself pleasing and faithful to your Creator so that you may attain to true happiness.

This is from Thomas a Kempis: The Imitation of Christ I love reading his writings as they cause inward reflection.

As I read more of the story and another question of “who is my neighbor?”, I tried to image what circumstances could compel a person to simply pass by someone in obvious distress and keep on going without stopping to help. Is it lack of compassion, fear, busyness, selfishness or perhaps a combination of all of these?

We read that we are to “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  Lk 10:27 If we don’t reach out to help those in distress is because we don’t love God, ourselves or our neighbor?

The recent story of a two year old Chinese girl who was ran over by two separate Vans and ignored by at least 18 people passing by is probably what sparked my thoughts this morning. I watched an edited video clip of the incident and all of the people who walked, bicycled, or drove by were close enough to reach out and touch the toddler. I simply cannot comprehend this lack of concern or compassion!!

The man who was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho (v. 30) was ignored by a priest and Levite, both who would have traveled the road frequently and would have been obligated to show mercy to the man who was robbed and beaten. Jews and Samaritans culturally had no love for each other, yet it is the Samaritan who stopped to help, he is the one who showed what it is to love your neighbor as yourself. And the two silver coins he gave to the innkeeper were equivalent to two days wages. The injured man was put on the Samaritan’s donkey, while the Samaritan walked.

Being a neighbor is showing the love of God to all who are in need. Love is the most excellent way and it never fails.

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb saying: “You have dwelt long enough at this mountain.”
Deuteronomy 1:6

If God allowed us to live on the “mountaintop,” we would not experience trials, but neither would we achieve any victories. The Israelites had gathered at the foot of Mount Horeb while God spoke to them and gave them His law. It was a breathtaking experience! Fire and smoke covered that awesome mountain; lightning flashed, and loud trumpet sounds pierced the air in a deafening crescendo! The ground at the food of the mountain shook, and the people trembled in fear (Exod. 19-:16-25).

As important as it was for God’s people to have this inspiring encounter with Him, their Lord had not rescued them from Egypt in order for them to settle around a mountain in the wilderness. God delivered them so that they could conquer the Promised Land. God wanted to demonstrate His power to the Israelites so that they would trust Him in their conquest of Canaan. Finally, God announced that they had been long enough at the mountain’ it was time to go to battle.

The mountain is an enticing place to set up camp. Peter, James, and John were prepared to reside on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus, but their Lord knew that a demon-possessed boy needed their assistance down below (Matt 17:4, 14-18). At times God will graciously provide you a mountaintop experience. These times come in many settings: during your time alone with Him, at a Christian conference, by reading a Christian book, or at a prayer meeting. You may wish you could spend the rest of your life basking in the glow of your encounter with God. But remember, these mountaintop encounters are God’s way of preparing you for the battles that await you.

From my devotional “Experiencing God Day-By-Day by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby.

As we are nearing fall, enjoying cooler weather, and looking ahead to shorter days I am looking back somewhat in amazement that another year is winding down.

I clearly remember in January I was relieved to have the rush of November and December behind me, anticipating and looking forward to bit of a slow down. I wondered what this new year was going to bring. January was a slow month, a doctor appointment for mom, a dental appointment for Larry, some birthdays and hair appointments. February was a lot like January.

March was more exciting, we were having some beautiful weather. We took care of our income taxes and got those out of the way, finished paying the property taxes and began planning for the Tulsa Workshop. This was our second year to attend and we were not disappointed. We truly enjoy attending, hearing great lessons, singing, renewing old acquaintances and making new friends. It’s just a great place to be!

April was a quite month and we attended our yearly family reunion in May. So many have passed on and many of the younger generation were not able to attend this year. Still, we always have a great time and plenty of good food and reminiscing throughout the day.

June (and most of the summer) keeps Larry busy with our yard and mom’s, plus all of our regular activities. Spending time with our church family, eating out, first Friday nights at the Opery, etc, etc. It’s quite amazing how many hours are spent on trips to the grocery store, post office, gas station, beauty shop and other little life necessities that grab our time. That’s just away from home. At home there are repetitive hours of cooking, cleaning, yard work (for Larry) and laundry. Since our retirement in 2004, we have commented many times wondering how we did all that we do and still worked. Ha! I guess that is a sure sign that we have slowed down.

July is a big month for birthdays in our family. Three of our girls have birthdays in July, one granddaughter and two of Larry’s sisters. Our anniversary is also in July.

What can I say about August? Well, it was just plain HOT!! Too hot to do much of anything and the hottest on record for Oklahoma. Since moving here in 2004 our neighbors seem to link all of the phenomenal weather incidences to our arrival. Things like the great ice storm, drought, snow storm blizzard, copperheads, rain for two straight months and just recently a plague of moths. They tell us they are now waiting for scorpions, toads and water to blood. All kidding aside, we are blessed with really great neighbors!!

September is one of my favorite months. I love the weather! We started walking again after several months of not doing it. Seems we go through times of burnout. I must say though, it feels really good to be walking again and it always makes me feel so much more energetic. (Also makes me realize how out of shape I am).

I read more this time of year. I just finished reading Jon Zen’s The Pastor Has No Clothes. It’s a very good book. I am currently reading Pagan Christianity, written by Frank Viola and George Barna; it too is an excellent read and very thought provoking.

October will likely be a quieter month. Perhaps we will get a couple of day trips in and get acquainted with our new truck. November and December will be whirlwind months and then, come January hopefully that sigh of relief for slowing down a bit.

Soon the leaves will be turning and I will be outside with my camera!

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.
Ps 113:3