I don't know what it is about Christmas time, but apparently, it's the "feel good" e-mail forward season of the year. I don't think I've seen newly written material in ten Christmases, but I digress... Out of duty (and procrastination for the real tasks at hand), I glace through most well meaning e-mails and sometimes I even send back a polite, "Merry Christmas" greeting. I figure it's the kind, Christmas-spirited thing to do.
However, today's blog isn't necessarily about my endless e-mails. It's about a much bigger problem- a downright lie- that's circulating around the world wide web, painting a false picture of who my God is.
In one form or another, I receive these stupid forwarded stories, poems, and verses about how God has sent abusive or hurtful people into someone's life, struck another with cancer, took a child's life in a car crash, etc., all in the name of, "teaching me life's greatest lesson," or "helping me redirect my focus on Him," or even, "so that I would know his unconditional comfort and peace."
WHAT?!?! I'm calling crap on all the above mentioned. Do these writers even read the Bible?!
It sickens me when I hear people talk about all the bad things God does to (insert lesson here), and saddens me when other Christians turn around and forward this junk to others, as if it were gospel truth.
I have a big, giant, newsflash of truth: God isn't a condemning, hurtful, or otherwise spiteful God. He is faithful and just, but that doesn't make Him mean or cruel.
"Well then why do bad things happen to good people, Lindsay?" "If God is so good, why is there so much evil in the world?" "If your God is so caring, then why oh why do innocent children suffer at the hand of the big, bad world everyday?"
We live in a fallen world, full of people making very bad free-will choices. Then there's Satan who runs around planet earth everyday, "seeking whom he may devour," (1 Peter 5:8) and even "accuses them (believers) before God day and night" (Revelation 12:10). This guy is relentless!!
We could even go a step further and describe our own shortcomings, some of which end in less-than-desirable consequences, but those consequences aren't God's fault.
Let's bring some truth to the table:
Romans 8:1- Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. I could end my blog with this, and it would dispel all the above mentioned lies. God is not condemning. He doesn't send bad people, or bad diseases, or kill little kids to get back at anyone. Period.
James 1:13-17- Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, by beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. Think God is punishing you for sin? Or for ill-prioritizing? Or for not focusing on Him enough? Think again. God is a God of free-will. If you want to sin, sin. If you want to ignore Him, ignore Him. We're not robots and we can do as we wish, but we'll also pay for our own consequences. Again, not the equivalent of God-sent punishment.
Galatians 6:7- Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
John 10:10-11- The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." Does this sound like a God who sends death? Yeah, I didn't think so either. Consider the source, my friends.
Psalms 34:17-19- The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. I don't know everything there is to know about God, but I know He's not bipolar. He would not send tragedy in one moment so he could turn around comfort you in the next.
Psalm 23:1-6- The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. This sounds like the qualities of a good Father to me.
Romans 8:37-39- But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. This is my grand finale. It also happens to be my favorite verse in the entire Bible, so I may be partial. Nothing can separate us. Nothing. No sickness, no disease, no death, no bankruptcy, no divorce, no hard times, no foreclosures, no wayward children. NOTHING.
God is a God of unconditional, unfailing, undeserved, unending love, and grace, and peace, and righteousness, and truth. I leave you with this reality so I can leave you with this challenge: Don't believe the lies of the world, and don't spread the lies of the world. Be a truth seeker and let love win!
Monday, December 16, 2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
Julie and Julia vs. Lindsay and Pinterest
I, Lindsay Lee, am this day choosing of my own free will to take a wild and ridiculous plunge. I am going to attempt to learn how to cook... Sure, I can usually bake something edible if it comes out of a box with very detailed instructions, but aside from boiling water, that's the extent of my skills.
I'm not sure, but I think I may have woken up on the weird side of the bed. You know, that mouthy side that screams, "You now know the McAlisters, Panera, Soinc, and El Charro staff by name, and all those kids you juggle are probably getting tired of pizza and pancakes. Wake up, take out addict."
Pinterest is largely to blame for this endeavor. All those pins make Betty Crocker look like an amateur, while promising cookbook picture results in three simple steps. I guess I'll be the judge of that.
Thomas Edison failed a million times before he developed a working light bulb, so what's a few botched meals in my twenties? Here's to cooking, blanching, steaming, sauteing, browning, boiling, pan frying, eating, and a whole lot of dinner wine. I'm going to need it. Cheers!
I'm not sure, but I think I may have woken up on the weird side of the bed. You know, that mouthy side that screams, "You now know the McAlisters, Panera, Soinc, and El Charro staff by name, and all those kids you juggle are probably getting tired of pizza and pancakes. Wake up, take out addict."
Pinterest is largely to blame for this endeavor. All those pins make Betty Crocker look like an amateur, while promising cookbook picture results in three simple steps. I guess I'll be the judge of that.
Thomas Edison failed a million times before he developed a working light bulb, so what's a few botched meals in my twenties? Here's to cooking, blanching, steaming, sauteing, browning, boiling, pan frying, eating, and a whole lot of dinner wine. I'm going to need it. Cheers!
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
The art of the juggle
Have you ever told someone you were on your very last nerve, only to find out that you possess one hundred other nerves you've never dreamed of?
You know that moment when half the world seems to be against you and the other half claims it can't function without your immediate and uninterrupted attention? Yeah, I'm talking about those days...
For me, it's those mornings when I have two people in my office, I'm three phone calls back, fighting the payroll deadline, dealing in the international marketplace via e-mail, and then, just in time for the chaos, the insurance salesman drops in to chat about renewals. Oh, and did I mention the fax machine jammed and the ADT system went on the fritz (now, of course, the sheriff is in route to lecture me about proper use of the security system. He's going to have to take a number.).
It's the same story everywhere, just different characters. My mom friends balance kids, the check book, the dog, the dentist, and the UPS delivery man all while cooking a nutritious lunch for their clan and the neighbor kids they offered to watch when life was calmer. Then there's my retired grandma friends who volunteer for three different organizations, keep a pristine yard, nurture a luscious garden, and still keep lunch dates with the red hat society. Heck, even my rock star friends have to manage tour dates, book signings, voice lessons, and VIP cocktails. The truth is, nobody escapes the demands of life.
So, how do we cope? How do we make it to 5 o'clock, nap time, the evening rerun of Jeopardy, or the next debut album? I have the answer! Are you ready.........?
We do whatever it takes.
Right, I know. That answer was a let down, but there is truth in simplicity. I don't know how to tell you to climb your mountain, but I can cheer you on during the climb. Life happens in seconds, minutes, and hours. Those measurements add up to days, and before you know it, twenty years has passed in a flash. When I'm 105 years old, I'm not going to think back to the 29th day of May, 2013 and think about how frustrating modern technology can be. You're not going to think back to the time when the kids were young and you fed them happy meals for a week straight because you never could find time to get to the grocery store.
So, here's to you, fellow jugglers. Embrace the moment, and cherish this day. After all, we're never promised tomorrow.
You know that moment when half the world seems to be against you and the other half claims it can't function without your immediate and uninterrupted attention? Yeah, I'm talking about those days...
For me, it's those mornings when I have two people in my office, I'm three phone calls back, fighting the payroll deadline, dealing in the international marketplace via e-mail, and then, just in time for the chaos, the insurance salesman drops in to chat about renewals. Oh, and did I mention the fax machine jammed and the ADT system went on the fritz (now, of course, the sheriff is in route to lecture me about proper use of the security system. He's going to have to take a number.).
It's the same story everywhere, just different characters. My mom friends balance kids, the check book, the dog, the dentist, and the UPS delivery man all while cooking a nutritious lunch for their clan and the neighbor kids they offered to watch when life was calmer. Then there's my retired grandma friends who volunteer for three different organizations, keep a pristine yard, nurture a luscious garden, and still keep lunch dates with the red hat society. Heck, even my rock star friends have to manage tour dates, book signings, voice lessons, and VIP cocktails. The truth is, nobody escapes the demands of life.
So, how do we cope? How do we make it to 5 o'clock, nap time, the evening rerun of Jeopardy, or the next debut album? I have the answer! Are you ready.........?
We do whatever it takes.
Right, I know. That answer was a let down, but there is truth in simplicity. I don't know how to tell you to climb your mountain, but I can cheer you on during the climb. Life happens in seconds, minutes, and hours. Those measurements add up to days, and before you know it, twenty years has passed in a flash. When I'm 105 years old, I'm not going to think back to the 29th day of May, 2013 and think about how frustrating modern technology can be. You're not going to think back to the time when the kids were young and you fed them happy meals for a week straight because you never could find time to get to the grocery store.
So, here's to you, fellow jugglers. Embrace the moment, and cherish this day. After all, we're never promised tomorrow.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
What is love?
The idea of love has long baffled me.
We live in a society where love is often not distinguished from like, obsession, or enjoyment, and the word itself is thrown around so frequently that it may often be void of any true value. There's an word usage lesson here, but that's not what I'm asking you to see.
Recently, I bumped into an old acquaintance (Walmart, of all places) I hadn't seen in ten years. We chatted for a minute or two and as we walked away, this person hugs me and says, "Oh I just love you so much!" Really?
Or my strung out neighbors, for example. Every Friday night they consume too many illegal substances, he beats the tar out of her, she throws glass bottles at him, and two hours later they're caressing and proclaiming their vibrant, undying love. I beg to differ.
I can accept that humanity is flawed, and I understand we often make mistakes and even hurt the ones we love. I'm not attacking mistakes, I'm waging war on empty words. I'm challenging you to love those around you with more than your mouth. Remember that age old phrase your mother taught you?
"Actions speak louder than words, honey."
Well, mama was right. Love is a verb. "An action requiring your involvement and your active participation," as my last Pinterest find pointed out. I'm so tired of "I love you" being a obligated phrase people feel compelled to recite. Let your yes be yes and your no be no, and let your words stand behind your actions.
When we put our money where our mouth is, our families will heal. Our marriages will blossom and our children will trust us. Let love win.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
We live in a society where love is often not distinguished from like, obsession, or enjoyment, and the word itself is thrown around so frequently that it may often be void of any true value. There's an word usage lesson here, but that's not what I'm asking you to see.
Recently, I bumped into an old acquaintance (Walmart, of all places) I hadn't seen in ten years. We chatted for a minute or two and as we walked away, this person hugs me and says, "Oh I just love you so much!" Really?
Or my strung out neighbors, for example. Every Friday night they consume too many illegal substances, he beats the tar out of her, she throws glass bottles at him, and two hours later they're caressing and proclaiming their vibrant, undying love. I beg to differ.
I can accept that humanity is flawed, and I understand we often make mistakes and even hurt the ones we love. I'm not attacking mistakes, I'm waging war on empty words. I'm challenging you to love those around you with more than your mouth. Remember that age old phrase your mother taught you?
"Actions speak louder than words, honey."
Well, mama was right. Love is a verb. "An action requiring your involvement and your active participation," as my last Pinterest find pointed out. I'm so tired of "I love you" being a obligated phrase people feel compelled to recite. Let your yes be yes and your no be no, and let your words stand behind your actions.
When we put our money where our mouth is, our families will heal. Our marriages will blossom and our children will trust us. Let love win.
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Way back from yesteryear
I'm working on new material for you, my lovely readers. Until then, here's one of my favorite pieces from way back. Thankfully, none of this nonsense came to fruition, as she was later diagnosed with, "fake pregnancy." Who knew dogs could lactate due to a hormone imbalance? Anyhow, enjoy.
There's pregnant, and then there's porker!
Did you know that large breeds of dogs can have up to TWELVE puppies? Twelve. That's "doce" in Spanish, in case you didn't catch the sheer terror in my voice the first time around.
Much to my shock and dismay, Precious hasn't been so sweetly. We had a deal; if she kept her dress down I would spare her the pain of the, "snippety snip." Well, the joke's on me...at least until it's time to deliver.
Since I've had time to adjust to the fact I'm about to have a dozen more costly dependents and had to can all my pending travel arrangements, I have finally let minimal excitement set in. I mean, when is the last time you saw an ugly puppy?
In lieu of recent revelations, I've made significant changes to senorita preggo's daily diet, such as a necessary increase in caloric consumption. I've found even the most finicky eat has a soft spot for dog food smothered in warm cream of chicken soup. However, if it's cold, you can forget it.
The porker on the other hand, doesn't have the first qualm about eating three times a day. In fact, she's lobbying for a midnight snack, but I'm standing my ground. Under normal circumstances, it takes an act of Congress to get the fat little angle out of bed any time past breakfast, but make no mistake about it, break out the chicken soup and she is on her way.
So there you have it. Pregnant, porker, and soon to be pauper. Life is good.
There's pregnant, and then there's porker!
Did you know that large breeds of dogs can have up to TWELVE puppies? Twelve. That's "doce" in Spanish, in case you didn't catch the sheer terror in my voice the first time around.
Much to my shock and dismay, Precious hasn't been so sweetly. We had a deal; if she kept her dress down I would spare her the pain of the, "snippety snip." Well, the joke's on me...at least until it's time to deliver.
Since I've had time to adjust to the fact I'm about to have a dozen more costly dependents and had to can all my pending travel arrangements, I have finally let minimal excitement set in. I mean, when is the last time you saw an ugly puppy?
In lieu of recent revelations, I've made significant changes to senorita preggo's daily diet, such as a necessary increase in caloric consumption. I've found even the most finicky eat has a soft spot for dog food smothered in warm cream of chicken soup. However, if it's cold, you can forget it.
The porker on the other hand, doesn't have the first qualm about eating three times a day. In fact, she's lobbying for a midnight snack, but I'm standing my ground. Under normal circumstances, it takes an act of Congress to get the fat little angle out of bed any time past breakfast, but make no mistake about it, break out the chicken soup and she is on her way.
So there you have it. Pregnant, porker, and soon to be pauper. Life is good.
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