Growing in Grace

By Marty Norman –

The spiritual journey is long. With each step we move one step closer or one step farther from the image of Christ. It is only through God’s grace and mercy that we grow.

Over and over the scripture explains that God is in the business of refining and purifying. John tells us that nothing is impossible for our God and Romans that God will make something good out of everything. It is normal for him to place each of us in the refiner’s fire because he is working on perfecting the final product.

For the past two months I have been in the refiner’s fire. Recently I moved my mom from the home that she has lived in for 45 years to a retirement home. To say that this experience was a test of character is an understatement.

The situation was clear. Although she is extremely active, everyone agreed that it was time. She was the one who broached the subject and initiated the transfer. None of us were prepared for the emotional and physical drain that would result from this endeavor.

The exercise began as a move; it quickly morphed into a memory walk. As we carefully combed each cabinet and drawer, I experienced the dismantlement of a lifetime -eighty-seven years of memories; eighty-seven years of life. Pictures, scrapbooks, mementos, pieces of furniture, clothing, dishes and serving pieces, each with a story, each with a memory attached. It was mind boggling. I had no idea some of my mom’s journey.

The most amazing part was that she knew what each piece or fragment represented. She remembered each story with clarity. She had written and carefully taped the story of each picture and piece of furniture on the back. Her life was played out before me in a drama I could not have imagined. I saw her as the lead role in a way I had never seen before.

The move lasted way too long and was started way too early. I was exhausted. But for my mom it was too short with not enough time. It made me wonder how much time one has to review and clean out a lifetime?

I learned a lot about my mom over the past two months. I learned a lot about myself. I learned to be patient when it took three hours to clean out or pack a cabinet, and I knew I could have done it in thirty minutes. I learned how much she loved her family as she laid awake nights thinking about which member to give each item. I could have distributed them in minutes, but the process took days. I observed the immense pleasure she received as she gifted the items. I watched the joy of the receiver. I saw with precision how well she knew each of us and how much this all meant to her. I learned to slow myself down, to match each step to hers as I allowed dignity and time to close this chapter of her book.

Did I grow in grace? You bet!  Was I refined and purified along the way?  Without a doubt!  But experiencing and watching my mom’s life flash before her eyes I learned about her refinement. Her life lessons are experiences I will treasure for the rest of my days.

Did God speak? You bet he did. But most of all he accomplished the impossible in his time while honoring her timetable? Everything turned out for the best, probably because we mutually respected and allowed the other’s journey as we grew in the grace of a loving father.

I am so grateful for this time of growing in his grace. But most of all I will make changes in my own preparations accordingly because of this experience.

Marty Norman is a wife, mother, and grandmother of five, who lives in Fort Worth, Texas.  She is the author of “Generation G – Advice for Savvy Grandmothers Who Will Never Go Gray.” You can learn more about her at:   www.martynorman.com, http://martynorman.blogspot.com, http://savvygrandmothers.blogspot.com.

Fitness and Risks

By Don Otis –

This past week has seen me in the ER twice for activities related to fitness.

I reached the summit of 14,005’ Mt. of the Holy Cross near Vail, Colorado recently, but ran into trouble on the way down. I fell on a steep ridge while descending and split my head open. God in His mercy had two EMTs there within minutes with a triage kit to stop the bleeding. What are the odds of such care well above 13,000 feet? Seven stitches later I was ready to board a flight to Spokane the next day. Within 48-hours of landing I was completing a 12-mile mountain bike ride in North Idaho. Then, unexpectedly, I was attacked by a pit bull. A second trip to the ER as the dog bit deep into my calf muscle.

If you run, walk, hike, or ride you know the risks posed by dogs that protect their territory. In general, they are territorial and will leave you alone after you pass their property. You learn to avoid certain breeds, not the least of which is Pit Bulls or Rottweilers. You would be foolish not to. But the majority of risks we face are not from falls or dogs.

There is an old saying about life, investments, and relationships. I have quoted the adage, “No risk, no reward,” many times. Still, there are risks every time we venture outdoors. We also risk injury each time we get in our car or take a flight. We accept the risks as part of life. We also accept certain risks if we want to remain healthy and fit. If we are wise, we do everything we can to mitigate risks. Sometimes, no matter what we do, something unexpected happens along the way.

Nancy is one of my clients. She is 69-years-old. Nancy and her husband were ranchers in Arizona before she was thrown from her horse and partially paralyzed. It happens. She is now doing what she can to remain healthy. She says, “I hope one day I can throw these crutches away!” I like her attitude. She doesn’t give up in spite of the trauma she faced that changed her life.

When I was first learning to drive, my dad used to tell me to drive like a coward. Driving defensively is something we learn. We don’t really expect to put ourselves at risk by walking or riding through our neighborhoods. If you venture out, wear protective clothing that makes you easier to see. Avoid dusk or after dark if possible. Be aware of your surroundings. Unless you are at a gym, don’t wear an iPod or other music device. You put yourself at greater risk by doing so.  If you are hiking or biking a longer distance, carry an emergency kit. Even if you are running, walking or hiking in a nearby park, avoid dogs that are off leash. Stop, move off the side of the trail or walkway and give them plenty of space.

As I think about the attack, I should have dismounted my bike and used it to shield me. In general, dogs like to chase. Avoid neighborhoods or parks where dogs are off leash or vicious. Call your local law enforcement or animal control to report loose dogs. You may be protecting a child or elderly person by doing so.

We can stay inside the safety and comfort of our homes, but it is so much more fun to get outside and enjoy nature. Finally, if you do you exercise outside; it is always best to have someone with you. Stay safe. Stay smart.

Don S. Otis is am ACE Certified personal trainer, the author of Keeping Fit after 40 and Whisker Rubs: Developing the Masculine Identity. He is the president of Veritas Communications, a Christian publicity agency based in Canon City, Colorado. You can contact him at don@veritasincorporated.com.

Final Note

By Caro Jackson –

Our trip is over but one of the best ways to end it was spending a night at Palo Dura Canyon in the Panhandle near Canyon, Texas. We left a day early and were sad because we weren’t able to spend a couple of days with the major portion of Front Street. We set out for the first time in two cars as I was following Don home for a change and not riding in the passenger seat. We left at 6:30 a.m., just as the eastern sky was getting light, and headed south toward Alamosa with only one small pass to cross. May I just say that any pass in total fog makes me feel as though I am driving off the edge of the world. La Veta Pass was shrouded in a fog that I can only compare with an old Sherlock Holmes movie and I had no idea whether I was following anyone. Breaking out into the light of day was a gift from above.

The remainder of the day was spent with a book on tape where I almost resented Don calling to check in with me! But I did insist that we take the slight detour and head to Palo Dura for our stop that night. We were practically the only campers there, so we got an awesome spot in one of the areas. Now,  a slight cold front had come through and the air was very chilly—unusually so for August—but we were happy to have it. Along with the cool front came the clouds, which, of course, meant that the sunset would be a nonissue on the bright orange and red cliffs surrounding us. This was almost a slap in the face of my artistic endeavors! We made the drive around the park catching some of the vistas with the camera, and lo and behold the sun came out and the colors of the cliffs and the shadows strengthened, and my final day was rewarded with eye popping oranges and reds contrasted with bright greens, a result of recent rains. We relished the last rays of the day reminiscing about the last two months but looking forward to returning home and family. We arose early before the sunrise and departed with the first rays of the morning coming up behind us. I should have stayed for that part of the day, but the pull of home was strong, and besides, I had to finish this book before I got home or I would have to sit in the car until I did!

Having finally unpacked the trailer and mowed the head high grass in Doss and having traded in one car and a truck for a new truck, I headed to Fort Worth to help with Caroline (such a sacrifice) as she was under the weather. Wade had just finished a 60+ race in Wichita Falls, Blair was out of town and coming home sick as well, and Ann had been on grandmother duty overtime. Caroline will be one year old tomorrow and has totally stolen my heart, because she is a “people” now and we have rolled on the floor, read the same page on one book over and over, been to the zoo, and shared squashed banana together. What more could I ask for? Roaming the countryside is a gift for the eye, but holding my granddaughter and seeing her smile is a gift to the heart. We are blessed with great friends and great families. God is indeed good!

Starting Anew

By Cami Checketts –

I love the fresh autumn air! There’s a feeling of starting again, becoming organized, finishing up those projects it was too hot to do all summer, eating homegrown produce, getting on a schedule, and hopefully fitting an exercise routine into that schedule.

As most of you know, I had a baby last month. Being on a schedule is still a bit out of reach for me, but once I hit that six-week postpartum mark it’s time to at least attempt some semblance of organization, revisit my former life and hopefully someday fit in those old jeans (it is horrid to still be wearing maternity clothes after the baby is born!).

But getting back into an exercise routine is not easy. I’ve been shocked by how painful it is. When you’re in shape and exercise vigorously, it hurts but it’s a productive, feel-good kind of hurt. When you’re out of shape and/or recovering from something, this exercise-induced hurt is a miserable, I-want-to-sit-down-on-the-side-of-the-road-and-call-my-husband-to-come-get-me kind of hurt. I keep promising myself, and I want to promise any of you who are just starting out, that it will get easier. Someday it will feel good to push myself again. But how do you get to that point?

Motivation – First of all we need the motivation. That part seems easy to me. I’m very motivated to lose the pregnancy weight, to fit into my clothes again, to feel good, to be healthy for myself and my children (most especially my baby who gets all his nutrients from Mom right now). There are plenty of reasons or motivators to get into shape and eat healthy, but if you’re like me I’m gung-ho in the morning, but by mid-afternoon I’m justifying why I need some cookies or ice cream. “The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41 KJV). So how do we keep that motivation strong in our minds and get through the tough times when exercise hurts or we don’t have time to fit it in… or we really, really need a slice of chocolate pound cake?

Promises – I make promises to myself. If I work out four days a week, I get to sit down on Friday afternoon and read a good book (if I can talk the boys into it). If I hit my water goal every day, I can get specialty lemonade on my Saturday night date. If I eat five fruits and veggies each day, I can have a treat (because if I say, “absolutely no treats,” the entire family suffers).

Deals – Another thing that really helps me is to make deals with other people. Promise your friend that you’ll meet at the gym or go on a walk each morning. If one of you flakes, you have to take your friend to lunch or she has to babysit your toddler for a few hours. Husbands work great for deals. When I hit my “normal” weight, my husband has money set aside for me to go shopping for new clothes. (If I could just figure out where he hid it!)

Help – Turn to the source Who cares about you in all aspects of your life. It’s not wrong to pray for help and strength to be healthy. The Lord wants us to take care of ourselves and feel good; doing so means we can serve and love His other children more.

I hope that you can all enjoy this beautiful time of year and that you will use my suggestions for positive motivation to improve your health in some way.

Cami Checketts is a wife, mother of four boys, exercise scientist, and author. Her latest book, The Sister Pact, is in stores now. www.camichecketts.com

Alone at Midnight

By Jane Thornton –

Gaze darting hither and thither, I stretched my lids as wide as possible. Midnight, alone in my bedroom. In the basement.

I’d been fine while huddled under the covers reading. But frequent yawns nagged me to get some sleep. School would come bright and early. As soon as I laid my novel on the bedstand, fear whispered in my ear.

Shadows thickened. Something rattled in the hallway. My drowsiness vanished and nerves screamed to take cover. Just outside my door on the right, loomed the cavern of the staircase. To the left lurked the fearsome portal to the dangers of the outdoors during the witching hour.

My choices were slim. To find haven with my parents, I’d have to scramble up the dark steps and traverse the length of the house, which included wall-to-wall, gaping windows. My sister’s room was much nearer, but I’d have to pass the outside door. Neither option appealed. Still, I needed to be near a live, breathing person. If I didn’t find refuge, my heart would burst from my chest.

I gathered all my nerve (and my teddy bear). Taking a gulp of air and holding it to sustain me through my flight, I leapt from my bed and clambered across the landing, throwing a wild glance at the outside door. I skidded around the corner and raced for Nancy’s room. Slithering to a stop (on the side of the bed farthest from the door), I panted and tapped my soundly sleeping sister’s shoulder.

“Nan,” I hissed. “Can I get in bed with you?” I poised with my fingers already grasping the blanket.

“No.” The muffled voice was grumpy.

“Please!” Tears choked my throat as I begged. “I won’t take up much room, I promise.”

After much pleading, combined with threats, she grudgingly allowed me three inches on the edge of the mattress. I lay with my hand literally dangling to floor to support most of my weight. But I was satisfied to feel safe.

Over the years, I have been blessed to have little legitimate cause for real terror. A couple of brushes with Peeping Toms encompass the extent of the menace I’ve faced. Most of my scares have been experienced vicariously with characters of books.

Snuggled securely in my armchair, I like to ponder how I would react to a true threat. Forgetting my hysterical reactions to eyes at the window and bumps in the night, I prefer to give myself credit for great potential bravery. I look ahead to the worst that could happen and imagine I could handle it.

My confidence and logic might not hold up in the heat of the moment – if I ever have to face it. But even if I melt into a quivering puddle of incoherency, my faith rests on a kernel of truth. Whatever I face, God will be with me. And when all perils end, I will be with Him.

“Because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5b-6)

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