Quilts

I suppose my Southern upbringing has a lot to do with it, but I have always been intrigued by quilts and the quilting process.  There's nothing quite as lovely as a patchwork quilt that has been delicately stitched by hand.  In my home, quilts are found everywhere and are in use year round.  Without over-analyzing things, when I feel the weight of a quilt on top of me, I know that I am safe, relaxed, loved, and at home.

My father's mother was an avid quilter during her lifetime.  She pieced the tops by hand from scraps of material.  During the fall and winter months, an enormous quilting frame replaced her dining room table.  This woman whom we called "Big Mother" supplied warmth to all her children during her lifetime.  Each of her grandchildren were the recipients of one of her handcrafted masterpieces.  Despite any other feelings about Big Mother, one had to respect the artistry and dedication each quilt represented.

Last spring, I traveled to Hawaii and saw the traditional quilts made by the natives.  Although I desperately wanted to purchase one, practicality won out and I returned to the Mainland with only a print of a few of the quilt symbols used by the Hawaiians. 

As you have seen from my earlier post, I am a fan of needlework.  I think my appreciation for quilting goes beyond the technique alone.

Quilts tell stories.  The Hawaiian quilts use specific icons to share the story.  In the South, the message is conveyed through the pattern, the materials employed, and the stitches themselves.  Some of my favorite quilts now grace the beds of my family.  Their geometric patterns are reminders of life's consistency and the promise of hope.

In a similar manner, quilts are reminders of our past.  One of my favorite pieces is now tattered and rarely used in an effort to preserve it.  It is not prized because of its hideous orange color, but because of my fond memories from childhood of rolling up in the soft patchwork and exploring a world limited only by my imagination.  Other pieces hold memories of illness and painful losses.  All of them are a quiet, comforting reminder that wherever I may roam, there will always be a place that I can call home.

As a fitting tribute to my Big Mother, I am including a few photos of some of my favorite quilts.  They may not be of great material worth, but to my family, they are a treasured heritage and a reminder of who we are.

Roadtrip Anyone?

I love to travel.  Doesn't matter whether I'm going to the mountains or the beach, visiting friends or spending time alone.  Give me a few days off and I am making a run for it.  Give me half a chance and I'll find a way to make a trip happen.

I first discovered my passion for the open road during college.  Attending school in southern California gave me lots of opportunities to see new things.  It also meant that I would spend a few weeks every year driving cross-country to be home with my family.  These trips gave me confidence that I am self-sufficient and taught me that some of the greatest memories are not found at the final destination, but on the journey.

When do I travel?  I tend to make a trip whenever I begin to feel overwhelmed and that I can't take it anymore.  When I travel, though, I rarely am resting.  I am trying to fit in as much as I possibly can while I'm away.  I can rest at home;  I have to get away to play.

It's time for another trip.  It will not surprise many of you to hear that I am going to Los Angeles for a few days next month.  I'll be seeing friends from school and making new friends as well.  Most importantly, I'll be escaping the regular routine of my life.  The fall is such a busy season for me;  this annual trip is the way I survive.

I'm grabbing my map, suitcase, and sleeping bag and getting ready.  It may be a short trip and might be the only time I can get away for a while, but I'm going back to the place I left my heart...and I'm already counting down the days!

Daniel Reflections - Chapter 3

This week's study focused on the familiar story of the three Hebrew children that faced a furnace since they refused to bow to the King's golden image.  I have known the story since childhood and have taught it to kids on numerous occasions.  This week, I saw the story in a way I had never considered.

I don't think I had ever fully realized the faith displayed by the Hebrews.  To stand up with integrity while facing the threat of a roaring furnace took confidence.  I suppose Beth Moore best sums it up when she shows us how these men understood that God was able to deliver them from the fire, or to deliver them by the fire safely into His arms.  Certainly they were hoping for escape.  The alternative was not as bad as it would first appear.  It seems they had overlooked a third option:  God could deliver them through the fire.  Thankfully -- for them and for us -- that's precisely what He did, too!

I see a problem approaching and beg God to deliver me.  When He doesn't, often I begin to feel hopeless.  How blessed to see things from a fresh perspective.  God sometimes permits me to face fires so He can bring me through them and strengthen my faith.  How do we get to this point of view?  We must not neglect to see the mini-miracles God performs along the way.

In Daniel 3, we focus our attention on the huge miracle of the Hebrews coming out of the fire.  Too often, while looking for the big deliverance, we miss seeing God's hand at work.  Did you ever see the miracle that they boys survived their journey to the mouth of the furnace?  It killed the soldiers who led them to their doom, yet they survived.  Coincidence?  Certainly not.  It's an example of a mini-miracle of God.  It's not accompanied by applause or lightning, but if we take notice of it, our faith and resolve are strengthened as we wait for God to bring us through the fire.

I continue to find myself in the middle of my own fiery furnace.  This situation seems to be burning hotter than anything else I have faced and it feels as though I've been waiting for God to show up for a really long time.  This week, I have been encouraged, knowing that I'm not waiting on Him.  Instead, I know that He is already with me in the middle of my fire and is bringing me through it.  So now I'm learning to look for His mini-miracles as I wait for my ultimate deliverance.  In the meantime, I choose to walk around in this furnace with my Lord.  I may not be out of the fire yet, but my Spirit is free because He is with me and I don't have to face the fire alone.

Knick Knacks

In my home, every nook and cranny is filled with some sort of knick knack.  I have always detested those two words because of their sound as well as what they signify.  I never understood WHY anyone would collect random items that held no significance.  My parents have gathered many knick knacks over the years.

Dad's items of choice are bottles of various types and salt-and-pepper shakers.   The bottles are the most frustrating to me.  We have six pack cases of unopened soft drinks that are identical in style and not entirely out of the ordinary.  Why keep all six?  Doesn't one hold its place in the collection?  The salt-and-pepper shakers come in all varieties as well.  Dad has everything from cows and milk jugs to snowmen and Aunt Jemima.  I admit that I have added to this collection myself; not knowing what else to give my Dad, I brought back a set of hula dancers from Hawaii last spring.

Mom's collections are cyclical.  We went through the "shadow box" period -- anything that was in miniature form was something she wanted.  I think she finally came to her senses when she had to take everything out and dust the boxes as well as each minute item.  My family later went through geese season.  There were ceramic birds everywhere:  in the bathroom, on the kitchen counter, and randomly sitting in the living room floor in front of the television.  The birds have migrated north although a few of them still have nests in our home and simply refuse to leave.

While I have tried to avoid my parents' compulsion for knick-knacks, I must confess that I have picked up their habit of collecting.  I have two collections:  decorative plates and various poster prints.  Fortunately, my collections are rather small at this time.  I have 3 plates that are hidden at the back of the corner shelf in the dining room -- a catch-all space in the house.  So far, I have managed to keep the plates specified to those that are related to musical themes.  The prints are simply things that I like.  Most of them are either framed prints of shows that I have done or places that I have visited.  I do look forward to the day that I have my own home where I can display this more sizable collection in an appropriate way.

I suppose knick-knacks tell a story in themselves.  They reveal a bit of the collector's story while holding treasured memories that can be passed down for generations to come.  Perhaps it's time I spend an afternoon revisiting my parents' knick-knacks and listening to the stories associated with each of them.

Waiting, Ever Waiting

Patience is not one of my greatest virtues.  I despise waiting for people who are late to appointments.  Nothing irritates me more than waiting for someone to do things they have committed to do.  When I sit at my computer, I want it to start up faster, perform quicker, and virtually stay a step ahead of me.  I know it's impractical, but I try to follow through as soon as I can once I make a decision and I want everyone and everything else in my life to do the same.  Making the decision is not something I rush;  I want to know what I'm committing to before agreeing to anything.

I was reminded of my impatience last Friday when I made a return visit to my Alma mater.  I decided to attend my first piano studio class since graduating in 2009.  I was going because I had run into Madame Professor earlier in the week to learn that she had completed the recommendation letter I requested immediately after graduation.

I wasn't surprised that the process had taken nearly two years to complete.  Madame was never known for her punctuality.  Most of her piano students came to learn that it was pointless to arrive at any lesson on time.  She would never be ready to begin.  For several years, I consistently had lessons at the beginning of her day -- normally around 2pm.  What this meant was that I would park my butt on the floor outside her office and get in 30 minutes of reading before she arrived for my lesson.

On Friday, I stayed after class to catch up and ask about the recommendation.  Imagine my shock (Can you hear the sarcasm dripping from that word choice?) to learn that it was at her house and she was preparing to go out of town for a week.  Thankfully, I have other recommendations on file, so I am able to laugh at the absurdity of the situation.

I suggested that she simply mail the letter to me.  I told her I would scan it here so I would have an electronic form readily available.  When Madame asked if I would be able to do that easily, I had to bite my tongue!  Whether I have a scanner or not, I am confident that it will be easier to generate an electronic copy since obtaining the hard copy has been such an adventure.

So here I am -- continuing to wait.  Oh well, it's just part of life, I suppose.  I'll wait for her to return from her journey to the Northeast, call her at home the evening before going BACK to studio class, and try the whole process all over again!

Thoughts from Daniel 2

After completing week two of Beth Moore's Daniel, my heart is filled with worship and my mind is stretched by all the history I've encountered.  As I think over all that I have learned, three points rise to the surface.

1.  "Rule for victorious living:  when the stakes are high, bow low."  (Beth Moore, Daniel, 37)  Daniel's life was on the line if he could not tell the King exactly what he had dreamed and what it meant.  Rather than fretting, Daniel recognized the Source of all knowledge and took the situation to God in prayer.  Oh, that I would grasp this truth wholeheartedly!  Life will be so much better when I stop worrying about how to fix things and run with my concerns to the One who has designed a perfect plan for me!

2.  "There is a God in Heaven..." (Daniel 2:28)  When asked to tell the king what was revealed, Daniel was careful to explain that the revelation came from God and not from His own insight.  When a person performs in any way -- whether interpreting a dream or playing a musical instrument -- the response of many observers is to focus on the individual's skills.  Like Daniel, I want to make sure that praise for anything I do or say goes straight to the Heavenly Father, the Words and the Music of my song of praise.  I am merely an instrument chosen to share the Song with the world.

3.  Victory is certain!  In Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the statue is awesome and terrifying.  In the end, the statue is completely destroyed by the Rock not cut by human hands.  The statue represents various kingdoms of the earth -- many of which were oppressive to the people of God.  Society continues to persecute believers on every hand.  The good news is that victory is certain!  We don't know when, but we do know WHO!  In the middle of all my turmoil and stress, may I remember that Christ's return is imminent and that He will bring justice and peace.  My heart cries, "Even so, Lord Jesus, COME!"

Looking for Laughter

When's the last time you enjoyed a side-splitting case of laughter?  I'm not talking about a chuckle of amusement or a school girl giggle.  What I'm referring to is uncontainable, rolling laughter rising from the depths of your being.  For far too many of us, I fear that it's been long overdue.

Laughter releases tension from the body.  It often comes when we accept the fact that we have taken ourselves too seriously.  Laughing is a sure sign of joyfulness and is highly contagious.  Quite simply, laughter makes us feel good.

Since it's such a pleasant experience, why do we sometimes permit ourselves to go so long without experiencing it?  We become obsessed with the demands of our lives, never feeling as though it is permissible to simply let our hair down, relax, and give over to the joyful sound of a hearty guffaw.

It's been too long since I've enjoyed a laugh -- more than just a passing moment's snicker -- but a laugh that encompasses my entire being.  Tomorrow I will conduct an in-depth search in pursuit of this missing element.  I am confident that I will find it because I will seek it out with impassioned determination.  I will rediscover laughter and I will be the better for its return to my life just in the nick of time.

What's in a Name?

One of the first decisions parents make in the life of a child is what name the child will carry for the rest of his life.  Many times parents select a name that has special significance in their family, carrying the parents' hopes and dreams for this newborn's future.

The name given to me by my parents is Kennith Terrell.  For many years I despised my name.  The unusual spelling of my first name created difficult circumstances on a regular basis.  My middle name, however, was always the major culprit of my misgivings about my name.  I did not (and continue to not) like it;  I do not find it unique and enchanting.  To my ear, it sounds as though I should be sitting in a rocking chair on the back porch of a shanty nursing a piece of hay in my teeth while holding a nondescript brown jug of liquid courage in my hand.

My perception of my name is not the same as that of my parents.  I was named after two Godly men that were important in the early years of my family:  Kennith Staggs and Terrell Bishop.  If I recall the stories accurately, both of these men were pastors at the church my family attended before relocating to the Memphis area shortly after my birth.  Over the years, I have been introduced to my namesakes but have never had the good fortune to develop a legitimate relationship with either of them.  By naming me after them, my parents forever linked me to these men and established their deep respect for both Kennith and Terrell.

By naming me Kennith Terrell, my parents were also giving voice to their hopes for my future.  In choosing my name, my parents were expressing their hope that I would live my life in such a way to bring honor to God and point a dying world to the Savior.  I don't know that their hopes included me being actively involved in ministry, but I find it interesting that I am following in the footsteps of the men from whom I take my name.

In ancient societies, children's names held specific meanings.  While the names continue to retain meaning, it is less often a major consideration today.  My first name means "Handsome One."  Even though that wasn't why the name was selected for me, it is good to know that my parents got that aspect of my name right, too!

In our society, our name continues to have a specific meaning, but its meaning is associated with our personal reputation.  Depending upon when you met me in life and how we first interacted, the name Kennith Freeman may mean "loyal friend"; "trusted confidant"; "scholar"; "teacher"; "pianist"; or "hard worker."  The truth of the situation is that our actions daily redefine our name's meaning.  I have to constantly guard my actions to make sure my name is meaning what I want it to in my corner of the world.

What meaning does your name have in your family and among your colleagues?  Reflect on the reasons your parents chose your name and how it has impacted your life.  Regardless of what your name means to those who know you now, find comfort in the fact that you can begin to redefine the meaning of your name by your actions today.  That's good news in my book!

I Choose Joy!

It appears as though my writing over the last few days has been leading to this post.  I awoke this morning and realized that I'm tired of the emotions that I have been experiencing recently.  After some thoughtful and prayerful meditation, I looked at myself in the mirror and simply said, "I choose joy."  This post will primarily serve as a personal reminder of the truths I learned today; in the process, I hope that they will act as a source of encouragement to you as well.

Stuff happens.  It's that simple.  Life comes at me with its good times and bad.  Friends will fail, opportunities will pass me by, dreams will be shattered, and I will be offended.  Like it or not, it's simply how the world works.  These things are beyond my control.  Rather than emphasizing what I am powerless to change, I want to focus on what I can do.

I choose joy!  My response to situations is the key to how circumstances effect me.  If I focus on the negative things against which I am powerless, I will respond with a negative attitude.  When I find the positive aspects of every situation, I will begin to respond in a more joyful manner.  Even as I write this now, I admit that it seems overly simplistic, almost a "pie-in-the-sky" approach to life.  Yet there is a Biblical parallel.  In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses tells the people "I'm calling for Heaven and earth to give witness against you this very day.  I'm offering you the choice of life and death.  You can choose either blessings or curses.  But I want you to choose life."  (Deuteronomy 30:19, NIrV)  It's really that simple.  In every situation, our response is a choice we can make.  Making that choice, however, is dependant upon our focus.

A Matter of Focus.  So what will you focus on:  the situation that brings you down or the One who promises to be with you always?  Will you allow the betraying lies of a formerly-trusted colleague to tear you apart or focus on the One who declared Himself as Truth that came to bring you freedom?  Rather than fretting over the missed opportunity that could have fulfilled my dreams, I choose to trust in the One who declares that He has plans for me that will bring me success and hope for years to come (Jeremiah 29:11). 

Check your focus with me today.  Let's agree together to keep our eyes on Jesus and allow His joy to become the source of our strength in the most difficult times (Nehemiah 8:10).

The Daily Grind: Drudgery or Dynamite?

Like most people, my days are filled with work.  My work day might appear different as I wear lots of hats and travel to various workplaces throughout the week.  I assure you, however, that my work can also be a drudgery sometimes.  Imagine regularly fielding questions about when you are finally going to get a real job.  I won't make this post a soapbox about the legitimacy of my profession even though these constantly expressed sentiments are often both frustrating and insulting.

The question I want to explore here is about pleasure in the workplace.  Is it possible to move things from drudgery to dynamite?  I understand that bad days are inevitable and are par for the course.  What I'm talking about are when days stretch into weeks and months that are filled with dread and irritability at the prospect of going to work.  Circumstances -- especially people that you must interact with on the job -- are beyond your ability to change.  The only thing that you can realistically change is you -- your attitude, your choices, and your spirit.  Is it enough?  Can these changes take the drab job to a dynamite one?

I have been frustrated with my work situation for some time.  It's tough trying to balance three part-time jobs, especially when I feel as though I have to leave for the next job as soon as I begin to accomplish things at the first one.  The problem is further compounded when it feels as though my expertise is questioned by those who are significantly less qualified.  I long for the day that I have a full-time position instead of three part-time jobs.

So what's a guy to do in the meantime?  Up to this point, I have chosen to grin and bear it, accepting the impact that the ignorance of others can have upon me.  Now I'm realizing that a more proactive approach is both appropriate and acceptable.  I can express my opinions professionally and with authority without developing a bad attitude.  That's something I can control.  How?  By insuring that I am taking care of myself spiritually and emotionally.  I have a tendency to want everyone to like me.  Here's a news flash for you -- THEY DON'T!  They never have and they never will.  I can either perform my job with mediocrity to save their fragile egos from being offended or I can perform the tasks that I have been hired to do with the greatest level of excellence I can muster.  If you know me very well, you know that excellence in all things drives me.  If you want to send me packing, stifle my input -- especially in areas that I can make significant and insightful contributions.

When I push myself to be the very best, I find excitement and joy in the challenge.  Often I have wondered how I would know when it's time to move on professionally.  I thought the answer lay in my happiness; now I am thinking that the challenge is more important.  In the midst of difficult circumstances, I can find happiness as I am allowed to challenge myself to be all that I was created to be.  Once that creative freedom is taken away from me or significantly shut down, that's when it's time to move on and find my next opportunity for growth and happiness in my career.

Pursuing Integrity

As you may recall from last week's posts, I have begun a personal Bible study based on the book of Daniel. Beth Moore's teaching and writing are excellent, so I don't intend to summarize her work. What I will do is make a few comments on points that have stood out to me and share where my thoughts went as I studied Daniel 1.

The first thing that grabbed my attention is how powerfully this study is mixing with the ministry that's going on at my home church right now. Hang on a minute and you'll see the connection I'm making. In Isaiah 39, we read of King Hezekiah showing all the treasures of Judah to King Baladan of Babylon. Hezekiah's pride was motivating his actions; as a result of his pride, Isaiah prophesied that the day would come when the treasures of Judah would be taken by Babylon.

Remember the post about Joseph in the pit? Joseph's prideful actions landed him in a heap of trouble. If both Joseph and Hezekiah paid dire consequences because of their prideful actions, is it really surprising that pride can be the root of many of the problems we get ourselves into today? Definitely something worth considering!

Once in Babylonian captivity, Daniel and his young friends were taught the culture and traditions of Babylon. . . as well as the best the land had to offer. Daniel denied himself the choice foods of the King's table because consuming these ceremonially unclean foods would have been in violation of God's laws. Furthermore, sharing a meal signified friendship and acceptance. That was not a message that Daniel wanted to send to his captor.

Can you imagine the pressure Daniel and the three Hebrew children must have felt? It seems to me that these four boys were not the only ones being trained for the King's service at the time. This seems to be supported by Daniel 1:10 when the King's official asked Daniel, "Why should [the King] see you looking worse than the other young men your age?" While other boys – probably even other young Judean captives – were choosing to enjoy the pleasures of Babylon, Daniel and his friends displayed great integrity by saying "no" despite the prevailing consensus that surrounded them.

Do I have that same level of integrity? How often do I find myself skirting around issues, choosing to accept the comfortable (although somewhat questionable) action rather than standing for right in the midst of opposition? Sadly, I must confess that it happens more often than I want to admit. I have been indoctrinated by the modern Babylon that I live in to believe that such choices are acceptable.

Daniel was not some super-human. He simply resolved within himself that he would be faithful in the midst of a faithless society. Daniel 1 does not suggest that he refused the training and education that the Babylonian society offered. Education and knowledge are not presented as a source of evil. Rather, it appears that Daniel embraced learning of all kinds while filtering it through the foundation of his faith. This was extremely beautiful to me as a lover of learning. Beth Moore makes this point so eloquently:

Whatever Babylon taught them, God interpreted to them. They learned the language, literature, and customs all right, but only so God could use them in the midst of it. They read the language of their culture with the lens of God. Thereby, they became culturally relevant without becoming spiritually irrelevant. Against all odds, they retained a God-centered worldview so that ultimately the world could view their God. [Beth Moore, Daniel (Nashville: LifeWay Press, 2006), 26.]

At the beginning of this new week of Bible study, my prayer is that I will be both culturally and spiritually relevant so that the world I encounter daily might see Jesus in me.

The Need for Affirmation

At some point, everyone needs to be told that they are doing a good job. When we think of affirmation, our minds most often go to our work in our chosen profession and the need for positive reinforcement from our superiors. While such affirmations are desirable, I have found this week that affirmation from our peers as well as those who are under our authority can sometimes be even more rewarding.

Earlier this week, I shared a meal with a friend who serves tirelessly in my local church. They are consistently willing to do anything that is asked of them. What I did not realize was that they were feeling that their work really was not making a significant impact on our church family. What a pleasure it was to share with them the impact that I saw their actions making. As we talked, I noticed that their eyes gleamed with tears as they were given this unsolicited feedback on a job well-done. Were they working in order to receive accolades? Certainly not. Now that they know someone has noticed their efforts and has affirmed that they are making a difference, I have seen their attitude change. I expect that it will be easier for them to choose to take on new responsibilities when asked in the future. Everyone wants to know that they are making a difference!

This week, I was affirmed in an unexpected way. Before my music appreciation classes began, one of my students commented on how annoyed she became by her fellow students who consistently asked questions that had just been answered in lecture. She proceeded to express that she was certain that it had to be frustrating to me as well. However, according to her, I display grace and patience in these situations with my students. The affirming student may never fully understand how powerful her words were. After a rough and restless night, I was not feeling graceful or patient on that morning. Her kind affirmation reminded me that there are those I serve daily who appreciate my efforts. I gathered my strength, refocused my thoughts, and had a wonderful day with my students – all because she took the chance to speak positively into the life of another person.

My blogging has also been affected by receiving affirmation. I don't have many followers on my blog, so I thought that very few people were actually reading my posts and that they were essentially only for my personal benefit and enjoyment. Then I heard from a friend how much she enjoyed reading my writing and missed them when I didn't post. Talk about a boost to the ego! I know I'm not writing the Great American Novel, but knowing that someone is reading my posts is certainly an encouragement to always give my best effort.

Think of a time that you received some much needed affirmation. Remember how good it felt to get that unsolicited praise? Do you recall how your productivity sky-rocketed? Recollect how your energy for your task was renewed as a result of the positive feedback. Share that gift with someone this week. Make note of the effort they are making in some area and send them an email or card – or give them a call – and let them know that you appreciate all they are doing! Sit back and notice the impact your affirmation makes. Not only will their efforts continue, but you will see them serving with a new level of confidence and joy. You'll feel pretty good about yourself, too, knowing that your words impacted someone in such a significant way. Give it a try today…you'll be glad you did!

Reader’s Block

Do you find yourself experiencing difficulty from time to time doing tasks that you know are beneficial to you? I am in one of those periods now, but it's been dragging on a bit longer than I would like. The issue is what I lovingly call "reader's block." Like writer's block, it is the inability to complete any reading task that I begin. It's frustrating for a number of reasons. First – and most importantly – I honestly love to read. There have been very few times since graduating from high school that I have not had my nose in a book. I believe that reading stretches the mind, introduces you to new ideas, and entertains the imagination. I have made efforts to pass my love for reading to those dearest to me in my family; thankfully, I can count four others (Mom, Patsy, Jacqs, and Kristian) that share the reading bug with me.

When I am actively reading, I will normally complete a novel in about 5 days. Sadly, things are not at that place at the moment and haven't been for some time. Summer is normally a season of incredible reading and enjoyment. This year, I have only read 3 books since July 1; the last of them was completed on August 2. (Yes, I can be very detailed about these dates. I set a reading goal for myself each year as part of my New Year's resolutions and keep a list of the works I read. You'll probably see a complete list of my readings at the end of the year here on the blog.)

It's disturbing to me that I haven't finished a book in over a month. It's not that I haven't tried. Actually, I have started four separate books since that time, but nothing is able to grab my attention. I've gone into non-fiction, inspiration, and beach reads….nothing works. I know that the last month has been stressful for me; that's part of the reason I am so upset that I'm not reading! Reading a good book transports me to a different place where someone else's problems become the focus of my thoughts rather than the reality of my own life. In a way, I guess you can call it an escapist tendency.

What do you do when you find yourself wanting to complete a task, knowing that it will be beneficial to you, but still can't find the motivation to complete it? I'm getting so desperate at the moment that I may even try to read *gasp* science fiction!

For now, I'm going to watch a little television, get ready for tonight's recital, and hopefully find a new book to start that might bring this reading drought to an end.

Mining the Depths

Last night I finally began a new Bible study. I have now begun my journey into 12 weeks of study in Beth Moore's Daniel. For those of you who are convinced that Beth Moore's Bible studies are only for women, I challenge you to reconsider. While it is true that her studies are presented in a women's ministry format live, I have found that relatively little of the material is directly solely at women. Regardless of whether you choose to participate in a Beth Moore study or some other Bible study, hear the encouragement here: GET INTO BIBLE STUDY!

Last week while teaching my music appreciation class, it became clear that my students were not applying themselves to study outside of the classroom. I reprimanded them rather harshly, informing them that if they waited until the last minute, they would not be able to absorb all the information and would not perform well when the test came around. As I sat by myself later that day and allowed my mind to reflect on what I had said, my spirit was quickened and I began to feel convicted. It was as though God Himself were saying to me, "What a hypocrite! You expect more from your students that you are willing to commit yourself. You aren't devoting yourself to study of My Word in preparation for life's testings." The thought was clear and could not be missed; I was neglecting an important part of my life and it had to be corrected.

While I continued to think about my personal Bible study, I tried to justify myself. I was faithfully reading my Bible daily and praying. Why was I feeling this need for deeper study? Then it dawned on me. I don't expect my students to simply read their textbook in a casual manner and call that "studying." Just as I expect my students to pour over the text, grapple with its difficult passages, and seek out understanding and application, so God expects the same thing from my study of His Word. As a final blow to my attempted justification, I recalled that II Timothy 2:15 is not an optional instruction; we are commanded to study the Word of God in order to be approved by Him as workers that don't stand in His presence in shame. Something had to change….and it had to happen quickly.

I could go into a detailed explanation of WHY I chose this particular study at this time or the benefits of having a teacher (even one housed on a DVD), but I will just say that I realized that I needed to mine the depths of my Bible and find what new treasures await me there. I'm looking forward to spending some quality time in the Old Testament book of Daniel where I'll explore what it means to live a life of integrity in a world that supports anything but personal integrity. Why don't you join me on my adventure by making a personal commitment to increasing your level of study for the next three months? I have a feeling that if we do it, we will be changed for the better. All I know is that I'm ready for the dive……

Resting from Labor

I trust that you all had a very enjoyable Labor Day surrounded by friends, family, and food.  In the midst of a very busy time, the holiday was the perfect break for me.

Whenever my family gets together, you can rest assured that there will be food -- and lots of it!  During the summer months, Dad is often found outside, grilling all types of treats.  Yesterday's menu featured steak and chicken along with various sausages.  To complete the table, Mom added twice-baked potatoes, rolls, and a Heath Bar cake.  Our refrigerator is stocked to capacity with all the leftovers.

In an unexpected turn of events, I found myself with limited mobility due to some problems with my back.  Rather than spending time in the kitchen and at the piano, I parked it in Dad's recliner with the heating pad and Tylenol close at hand.

Since I was forced to sit still, there was little to occupy my mind.  I know myself.  If I think about things or begin to make plans, I become restless and irritated.  I did make use of my time though.  Since learning the art of cross-stitching as a third grader, I have always enjoyed creating pictures with needle and thread.  Normally I keep this information to myself since such activities are not considered masculine by many in the Bible Belt.  You can imagine the comments and teasing I have endured over the years.  Anyway, the movement of the thread through the fabric has always been relaxing to me and something to keep my hands busy when I need some time away from the piano.  I also like watching the image emerge from nothingness - a visual representation of a piano piece's development.

So -- just for the fun of it -- I am including a few images of some cross-stitch pieces I've completed over the years as well as a snapshot of the status of my current project.  Hope you enjoy looking at them half as much as I have enjoyed making them.

Here's my prized possession:  a Thomas Kinkade English garden.

My family is especially fond of this piece. Framed as a unit, I took photos of each half so you can see some of the details as well.

And now....for the moment of the truth.....the work in progress!  It's the beginning of a Thanksgiving sampler.  Not much to see at the moment, but you'll see where things are at the moment.

Good News In the Pit

Last Sunday, Pastor brought a great word about Life in the Pit that was based upon the Biblical account of Joseph's life found in the book of Genesis. Throughout the week, I have found myself returning to this familiar story and considering its implications to my life. I wanted to share with you a bit of what I have come to understand.

The pits are a part of life. No matter how much we would like to avoid finding ourselves in these unpleasant times, all of us will spend some time in the pit. While our time in the pit may be the result of another's actions, most often we will find that we are responsible (at least partly) for the circumstances that led us into the pit. I must admit that I struggled with this idea at first. As I looked at the life of Joseph, I never thought that Joseph had any real responsibility in his brother's actions. As I continued to ponder the story, however, I came to see that there may have been some pride in Joseph's life that drove his brothers to tossing him in the pit. His colorful coat was a constant reminder to the other eleven brothers that Joseph was the favored one – the one on whom Jacob lavished his gifts. No wonder the brothers were jealous of Joseph! Joseph didn't make any effort to ease their anger either; he wore the coat every chance he got. The brightly colored coat is probably why his brothers were able to recognize him as he approached from a distance. (see Gen. 37:18)

Life is sometimes a roller coaster. As we look at Joseph's life as a whole, it becomes clear that his circumstances shifted from extreme highs to the deepest lows. Consider these highpoints of this story. He is favored by his father and received a treasured gift. This makes his brothers so jealous that they throw him in a dry cistern. When he finally escapes the pit, he is sold into slavery in Egypt. His master is kind to him, but the master's wife lies about Joseph and he lands in prison. While in prison, he receives favor with the jailer and the respect of the other inmates. Sadly, they forget all about Joseph when they are finally released from jail. Can this be real? Joseph's emotional state could have easily been tossed about with each new situation. He could have easily fallen into depression and thrown a huge pity party for himself. I think Joseph discovered something else – a secret – while he spent time in the various pits that plagued his life.

Even in the pits, there is good news! This revelation has meant the world to me this week and I hope it will be a source of encouragement for you too. The writer of Genesis constantly points out some shimmer of hope when describing Joseph's circumstances. Notice these verses from the narrative; emphasis has been added by me. "They [his brothers] took him and threw him into a cistern. Now the cistern was empty; there was not water in it." (Gen 37:24) "Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar….bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him here. The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered…." (Gen. 39:1-2) "But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." (Gen. 39:21) It would have been so easy for Joseph to simply focus on the negative aspects of his circumstances. Rather, Joseph chose to notice the positive aspects of his situations. Sure he was sitting in a pit, but at least he wasn't going to drown there since there was no water! Yes, he was a slave, but he was prospering while in Potiphar's house. If we can learn from Joseph and focus our attention on the positive aspects, even the most dreadful situations become hopeful.

My mind immediately traveled back to the life of the Apostle Paul. Paul was plagued throughout his life by a "thorn in the flesh." This unnamed trouble could easily be considered a lingering pit in the life of Paul. While he prayed repeatedly for the Lord to remove the pit, God chose not to give Paul the answer for which he hoped. Rather, God gave Paul these words of comfort and endurance: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (II Corinthians 12:9) What a peaceful thought! Even while Joseph was in the pit, God's ever-sufficient grace was present, making his circumstances bearable. The same promise holds true in our circumstances. In our deepest points of despair, our Heavenly Father promises that He does not desert us and makes our load light. I pray that Paul's response may become my personal song as I face life's pits: "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (II Corinthians 12:10)