Missed Opportunities

As I grow older, I begin to grasp the meanings of events  I did not understand when I was in the moment.  Looking back at dinner conversations, I see missed opportunities. I failed to grasp the moment. I failed to say what was on my heart.

I have regrets. I wish I had said this… I could have helped… I did not speak forcefully enough, I wish I had challenged that assertion, I needed to be more open about my struggles, sacrifices I did not make… and so goes the list.

As I have struggled with issues, God has gently guided me back to His Word. It is here, that God points to examples of people who failed, missed the mark, and sinned. It is here; in God’s word I find hope and forgiveness.

I also have a new resolve. Not to miss opportunities. Again, God's word gives  perfect guidance. 

 “Be very careful, then how you live - not as the unwise but as the wise, making the most of every opportunity for the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord will is. Do not be drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit.

Ephesians 5: 15-18 (New International Version)

Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit.

Monday Musings

Musing about music

“Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful gifts that God has given us. “

Martin Luther

Oh, I agree! I need to fill my life with more music.  Listening to music, it is able to lift my mood, inspire me, move me, make me move, and make me weep.  Over the weekend, I was filled with beautiful music.at the Macy’s Music Festival in Cincinnati.

 Jill Scott has an incredible voice! Did I know that Charlie Wilson was so extraordinary? No, but now, I know.  I was comforted by KEM’s music. I was thrilled by his testimony of God’s deliverance. Both Kem and Charlie Wilson shared about God’s love and their deliverance by God from drugs and alcohol.

I also had to endure screeching, screaming, and some incredibly loud music.  I saw some outrageous outfits.  I also had one moment of sheer terror.  In between acts, there was a fight. From the suite view, I saw people running, chairs flying, and shirts torn in two. I thank God, that every person was scanned for weapons before entering the stadium. What if guns had been involved in the fight?   In less that a minute, the police handcuffed the men and escorted them out of the stadium.

I rarely attend concerts.  The lyrics and message behind some of today’s popular music makes me feel uncomfortable. Some music degrades women and men. Most importantly, it is rare to hear voices like Jill Scott and Kem every day. God has gifted them with special talents.

Sitting in the stadium, I reminded of how some music is able to take us to a different place. It replaces the ordinary. I love sitting in church experiencing worship. Worship music allows me transcends the ordinary to experience the extraordinary by focusing on the eternal God. 

 

Pet of the week, Jake

Jake is the pet of the week. Golden Retrievers continue to be one of the most popular pets according to the American Kennel Association. It is to easy to understand why this breed remains so popular. They are loving, loyal, and intelligent. 

I met Jake and his owner last week while we were at one of the Farmer's Markets in Omaha. I could not resist in taking several pictures. 

Now listen Jake...

Ok, now that your listening.

Ready for your picture, say cheese. 

Telephone Conversations

As women of a certain age, we often find our conversations drifting to discussion of health. We share our experiences.  When useful, we recommend doctors and discuss prescriptions. I used to hate  having those conversations. Now it seems inevitable that some concerns about health will surface in our chats. Instead of dreading those moments, I make mental notes. Who knows when I will need to use or give advice?

We do not shrink from the hard topics of life. Sometimes I need a little push. I want to hold back. Then, I dive in. Who can I trust?  Sadly, some folks I don't trust.   Thankfully, God has given me the gift of a few trusted friends.

As our telephone chat  begins to wind down, God guides our talk. We share  from God's word. Then I look up a verse… Then my friend reads from her Bible.  What is talking so long? She explains, "My Bible is in Latin." She takes a moment then shares.

 As I share my heart…missed opportunities, miscommunication, failures, and missteps. God gently reminds me of examples from the Bible.  I am reminded of God faithfulness and promise of forgiveness. We trust God’s infallible word. We end our conversation with verses from the book of Romans… these  comforting words are for Christians.

Romans 8:34-39

New Living Translation (NLT)

34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”[a]) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Monday Musings

  Musing about museums … 

 “Summer is a great time to visit art museums, which offer the refreshing rinse of swimming pools – only instead of cool water, you immerse yourself in art."

Jerry Saltz

Last week I visited the Joslyn Museum in Omaha.
The temporary exhibition Paris and the Allure of Color.
This museum is the principal fine arts museum in Nebraska.
Check out  details here : Fine Art in Nebraska
I was able to take pictures of some of the work in the permanent collection.

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