FGHart

A Few Comments on Independence

Posted on July 4, 2009 by Fran Hart

Raising teenagers changed the way I look at independence. I can look back at my own quest for independence and have a clearer understanding of both sides of the equation. There’s something about breaking free from the rules and from our ties to childhood that compels many (including myself) to rebel against their parental units.

The hard lesson is that quite often the freedom that is sought, fought for and won is not really freedom. While my girls might be independent relative to their parents, they did not step out of this household and gain self-reliance. In some ways they’re getting there, yes, but each of them has relied on (or is still relying on) welfare in order to get on their feet. Currently, each of them relies on the parents of their “significant other” (whether by necessity or convenience, I can’t say).

D#1 is living with her boyfriend and his parents. She’s got a steady job with insurance! Things seem to be on track, based on the last year. She’s not raising either of her children, though. And that’s for the best.

D#2 is married and raising our youngest grandson (hurray!), living in a 1-bedroom apartment with her MIL, supplemented by food stamps.

D#3 wrapped up her 1st year of college by moving into an apartment with her girlfriend. Neither of them work. My daughter says the money she saved from the part-time job she worked for a month or so last summer…is dwindling. Admittedly, I’m leaping with both feet to the conclusion that there’s some welfare going on there. She’s the one who left home partly because we wanted her to earn some of the money for college, which we would reimburse. I guess she showed us. She’s the only one of the 3 who has not ever hit us up for anything since she left home. Is it better for her to show us she doesn’t need us? Not from where I sit.

I can’t help but find parallels between my children’s relationship with their parents and our relationship with God. God is our parental unit. God wants what’s best for us. God has given us rules that He expects us to follow. God expects us to be honest with Him and God hopes that we seek and maintain a relationship with Him. He notices when we’re away and He’s grateful when we return. The more time we spend with Him, the happier He is and the easier it is for Him to help us. If we only seek Him during times of crisis, He may be slower to respond. He may take time to figure out what’s best for us in our given situation. If we never seek Him, if we don’t need Him, if we never ask for anything, well…there’s not much He can do for us.

Meanwhile, are we relying on other gods to satisfy our needs?

Posted in adulthood, children, faith | 2 Comments

Al, Please stop killing frogs

Posted on July 3, 2009 by Fran Hart

Yet another victim of the killer cat. I walked into my office and found this poor guy spread-eagle on the floor.

I reported the situation to my dear hubby but he was busy preparing dinner. I tried to ignore the corpse while I wrapped up a few work items before the long weekend, but when Al came back to play (and perhaps nibble) I couldn’t take it. I disposed of the poor little dead thing on my own. {shudder}

Al, please…PLEASE stop killing frogs!

Posted in Alabaster | 1 Comment

Café Chat July 3rd

Posted on July 3, 2009 by Fran Hart

Today’s topic:

When it comes to an issue or truth that you believe in, maybe even feel like God revealed that truth to you; how do you respond to another Christian that might have the opposite view from you? Do you feel like the way you respond lines up with how God would want you to respond?

Over the last few years I have worked to develop a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. I’ve gone from a “Sunday Christian” to a woman who constantly seeks wisdom and discernment. Like anyone there are times when I stray, but for the most part I can honestly say that the greatest blessing for me today is seeking Him when there is no crisis in my life.

I’m providing that context to clarify how I might believe something I’m saying is “sanctioned.” There have been a few times when I have said something that needed to be said – a truth that seemed sanctioned but was not well received. As long as my words were delivered calmly and with love, and as long as I’m able to go back and revisit the discussion with a discerning heart and the words still feel sanctioned, then I feel that I’m lined up with God’s desires.

What we should not do, what we must guard against is quarreling with others.

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. (2 Timothy 23-26)

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. (James 4:1-2)

So if God is pressing on my heart and the Spirit moves me to say something, I say what needs to be said. I do my best to speak kindly with the desire to instruct. If the response is disagreement but reasonable discussion, I might spend some time clarifying my point (after a quick prayer for intercession). If the response is flat out disagreement or an emotional argument, I move on.

Posted in Cafe Chat | 1 Comment

Thirst for Wisdom

Posted on July 2, 2009 by Fran Hart

Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish. (Proverbs 18:13).

I don’t think I can expound on this – I’m tired beyond measure. Hopefully these words of wisdom are self-explanatory.

Just for fun, I’m including a random photo from the oasis.

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Monday Blueprint Madness

Posted on June 30, 2009 by Fran Hart

This is a cleverly integrated stairwell/bookcase. It appeals to me because there is no waste. This is how my life feels right now. Nothing wasted. Every minute is busy and occupied. Hopefully that which occupies my time is worthwhile. Sometimes I wonder.

I’ve been thinking about my compulsion to reach my destination rather than enjoy the journey. I’ve been taking the stairs at work (4 flights) instead of the elevator. It’s good exercise, surely. I wonder how much different the experience would be if I were climbing a stairwell lined with books. Initially, I’m sure I would slow down. My ADD nature would cause me to stop and look at titles, occasionally pulling a book off the shelf and considering its merits. I have a stack of “to-reads” to prove that I’m easily baited.

How many trips up/down the stairs would it take for me to become numb to the color, texture, thickness, height…the overwhelming variety of tempting treasures? How long before I became immune to the distraction and returned my focus to the destination? The door at the top of the stairs that takes me to my office or the door at the bottom that leads to freedom at the end of the day – they too easily become the center of my thoughts.

Life is similar. What’s next for me? What’s behind the door at the top of the stairs? I’m learning the importance of taking in my environment, considering the colors and shapes of all that surround me. Appreciating and stopping to investigate that which intrigues and titillates. Slowing down and not being in such an all-fired rush all of the time.

God, help me to enjoy the journey of this life and to stop speeding through it in my rush to my next destination. Thank you for all that you put before me to distract me and to give me pause.
Amen.

Posted in Blueprint Madness | Comments Off

Sunday’s Study: Judges 8

Posted on June 28, 2009 by Fran Hart

Gideon’s story continues with his final battle with the Midianites and his pursuit of kings Zebah and Zalmunna. When he asked the people of Succoth and Peniel for aid and they declined, he promised vindication which he later delivered.

For reasons that are not explained, Gideon melts down some of the plunder from his battles and creates an ephod – an idol. It’s a mystery to me because Gideon is presented as a righteous man, doing right by God and his people. After successfully liberating the Israelites he turns them down when they ask him to become their ruler. “The LORD is your ruler,” he says. Yet he creates an idol which becomes a snare to his family.

Are there idols in your life that snare you and draw you away from wholly worshiping God? Do you let the TV or computer rule your life – taking time away from prayer, worship and study? How about shopping or working?

Where do these activities fit into your life? How you spend your time is a reflection of what you value. None of us is perfect, but we should strive to be who God wants us to be. It takes effort, no doubt, and diligence as we guard against things (and behaviors) that can become a snare for us.

God, help us to keep You as the center of our focus. Protect us from anything and everything that traps us and distracts us. By Your grace,
Amen.

Posted in Bible, Judges, Sunday Study | Comments Off

Thirst for Wisdom

Posted on June 26, 2009 by Fran Hart

Foolish people have no desire to learn or to gain understanding from others. They delight in airing their own opinions. Have you ever been around someone who seems to talk for the sake of talking?

I’ve learned the flip side of this, which is that some want to make sure you understand their point before they will give consideration to any point you’re making. It is easier to play back their point than let them keep stating it and that often appeases their need. But sometimes that doesn’t work. You have to let them see for themselves that their point is not valid.

I’m dealing with a foolish person at work. I know that fools can learn but I don’t know how to predict when they will learn. I think I would be a fool to continue to rely on a fool.

In my search for wisdom I must accept that in heeding the wise words found in Proverbs 18:2, I must allow that if I don’t want to be a fool I may need to recognize fools for what they are and steer clear!

This image may serve as a reminder – think of the spider as a fool who ensnares others with their foolishness. If we let ourselves get caught, if in our patience we wait for the “spider” to change its ways, we can expect to lose ourselves in foolishness.

Posted in Wisdom | 2 Comments

Al, you’re wearing me out!

Posted on June 24, 2009 by Fran Hart

Yesterday, when I got home from work, I came into my office to put down my stuff and was greeted by Al (the killer cat) acting strange(r) and a mysterious fluttering noise. It didn’t take me too long to pin down the source of the fluttering noise. A small bird was flying around my office. Back and forth he went, from his perch on the shelf and another perch on a picture frame. And Al? Complaining all the while. I went and fetched my charming and helpful hubby who clarified that when he looked for the bird, he was looking on the ground. It hadn’t occurred to him that the bird had survived Al’s attention.

So – he began the game of “catch the bird”. The bird exited my office and went into the game room, eventually hiding in a window. He escaped my manly hunter-husband and flew across the room to rest on another picture frame. My studly hubby snuck up on him and caught the little birdy with his bare hands. Birdy was safely released after this brief, but action-packed drama.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Tips for Better Living

Posted on June 24, 2009 by Fran Hart

I interrupted my lap-swim because I was overtaken by the desire to capture this image. I’m reminded of the message “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance….Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:2-3,12)

I’m well into my 3rd week of swimming laps. 30 minutes every day but Wednesday. Wednesday I end up too pressed for time but I’ve been faithfully making time every other day for this commitment. Some days I’m not much in the mood for this effort at the start of the exercise, but by the end I’m feeling refreshed and always better for my persistence. Or should I say “for my perseverance”.

In life, I’m also persevering in the face of trails. I’m also seeking the elusive “silver lining” – the sense of glory that surrounds us when we not only survive but emerge triumphant after a period of trial.

Thank you, Lord, for reminding me that by keeping the faith, remaining diligent and persevering I will receive the ultimate crown in your glory. Praise your name!

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Look at what the cat dragged in

Posted on June 22, 2009 by Fran Hart

Al has been up to his usual mischief. This weekend he brought in his biggest catch yet. This snake is at least 5 feet long! Although he shows a bit of a nip on his skinny neck, he seemed to be holding up okay. Hubby released it into the wild behind our backyard. We wish him (or her) well.