Perception of Reality-A Wake Up call

Reflecting back on yesterday, I realize the tremendous sacrifice made by those who served in harm's way. I wasn't in harm's way when I served back in the 1980's, yet I can still relate to their experiences. I know the feeling of being so far away from everything and everyone you know. I know the pressure put on young shoulders to perform. Sometimes the perception of reality doesn't match up with the raw reality of seeing it yourself. Thankfully I've never experienced the pain and loss that so many of our young soldiers have. It is definitely a wake up call when you realize for the first time that the young woman or young man standing so proudly next to you could be in the line of fire.

One young woman spoke of her experiences as an army nurse at Walter Reed during the Memorial Day ceremony yesterday. I saw her smiling face, and couldn't help but admire her courage. She has to deal with the emotions and the trauma of many wounded service personnel in her job. I could tell that she felt privileged to be able to help and proud of the sacrifices made. It made me wonder what I would do in her place. I know that I am squeamish when it comes to blood, and seeing all the suffering would probably make me want to run and hide. I do think we all need to wake up. Our perception is distorted if we think that our young service men and women are not giving their all. The sad part is that sometimes it seems as if it's not worth it.

Rapture-What happened?

There was too much hype. Billboards and signs graced the landscape about the time. It didn't come. Many disappointed. Many more mock. They don't understand what they consider an obsession. How could they understand? No. I don't believe there is a set time that one can know. I do believe in God's word and in its promises. I won't stop believing because the Rapture didn't happen when Harold Camping and his followers said it would. Yes, I can see what's happening because of his false teaching. Yet I can't help thinking that many grasped the shiny future Camping dangled before them. They wanted to believe. Who can blame them? Not I.

With all the destruction and desolation happening, it is no wonder that some are wishing and hoping that they will be taken away from it. I can't blame them for that either. I sometimes wish it myself. My heart aches for the hundreds and thousands affected by the tornadoes. It is frightening. You pray. You thank God that you are still alive. You watch the news and your heart sinks with sorrow and pain. Who wouldn't want to get away from that?

God's timing is perfect. You may wish with your whole heart and soul to be taken away. Then you look around you, realizing that there are still so many that need to hear the saving words and experience the hope that the Lord has given you.

Digging and revealing secrets

I am blessed. Finding so much information is heady, yet overwhelming. I realize how rich our history is as I uncover more and more. Sometimes I feel like my head is going to explode with all the facts. I dig deep, but not deep enough. There is so much to learn! I have to go slow and take time to "digest" it all. I am excited.

It is a scary feeling, knowing that what you're digging up will affect lives. I have to believe though that it's a good thing to know about the past. Revealing secrets can be frightening. You don't know what you are going to find once you start digging around.

Hidden treasure can be found anywhere. I realize that I need to take the time to dig through the dross that has been accumulating. Maybe I will realize that what I've tried to hold onto wasn't worth holding onto and let go. I know I need to.

Too rushed to take time to thank God

Often I find myself pulled in different directions, trying to sort things out. It's hard to stop and thank God. Yet I must. There are so many things to be thankful for and so many things that I need to go to God to answer. I know he has the answers. I sometimes wish I wasn't so rushed. It is a choice. I know that. Still I feel overwhelmed and saddened by everything that is going on. Some will probably say that this is the end.

I see them every day. Their signs anger me. Only the Lord knows when he will bring the last judgment on this old world. I can't confront them. That, I'm sure, would only add fuel to the fire. I step back, and have to thank God for the food he's providing. I can't think about what some are saying. I have to stop worrying about the "what ifs and what could be" and start praising God.

My heart bleeds for the ones suffering through the massive floods in the mid west part of the country. I feel torn in two by those who are picking up the pieces of their lives in the South. I know we have been blessed here. I know that I need to stop and thank God for his protection and provision.

Busy time

Feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything that is going on. It has been a busy time for me. I haven't had too much time to reflect and step back. Maybe that's a good thing. So many bad things happen you can't really fathom all of it or make any sense of it. My heart aches for the people in Alabama whose houses and businesses were totally destroyed by monster tornadoes last week. Then an evil nemesis met his doom on Sunday. I can't say that I'm sad or joyful. I wasn't personally affected by his actions. He will have to account for them with God. I think that is the whole point. So many of us don't understand. They rejoice in the moment.

I can't. Too many have lost their lives. Too many will forget, thinking that now that the nemesis is dead that things will go back to what they were. Yet I know they won't. I have a feeling that we have let the "genie" out of the bottle with this death. Maybe I'm wrong. I hope I am.

There is reason to celebrate. It is the same one we've had all along...that God cares enough for us to send his son to die in our place. That he cares enough to raise him from the dead and listen as he pleads for our souls. That the Lord will bring us home to be with him. That I can celebrate...because his promises are true.