Tuesday, August 27, 2013

One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus

Remember that old song?  One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus?

One day at a time, sweet Jesus
That's all I'm asking from you.
Just give me the strength
To do everyday what I have to do.

Yesterday's gone, sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine.
Lord help me today, show me the way
One day at a time. 
 I love that.

Just one day.  Or maybe one hour.  Even better one minute.  Just give me one more.

It's like the prayer I used to utter every morning:  "Lord, may I today gladly, happily accept whatever comes my way."

Gladly accept. 

Happily accept.

I usually can accept when things go the way they should go.  I can accept people for who and what they are, deal with things that cross my path, etc.

However.

When I am targeted for whatever reason, I get a troubled feeling and it's more difficult to focus on acceptance.   My need for justice rears it's ugly head.  I want to explain "my side" and deflect the sword - which has actually never fallen.

I am trying to ACCEPT that JUSTICE has it's own time and place.  Eventually each of us will stand before our creator and answer for what we've done.  I know where I've failed and what I'll be asked.  I am not looking forward to that event.  But I also know that I have learned and grown away from that person who is fearful of that event.  I am wiser and better.

Can you say the same?

God blesss,
Kari

Sunday, August 25, 2013

High and Lifted Up

Three times in the last month I have left a religious service feeling high and lifted up.

The first time was at a wedding for which I was both coordinating and playing the piano.  Fr Tim officiated, and he was a complete and TOTAL delight.  Complete.  He had a twinkle in his eye.  He connected with people in the pews.  He made the bride and groom - the actual ministers of the sacrament - central.  He was awesome.  He was what the Church needs right now.

The second time was at this morning's Masses.  We had a visiting priest who really, really loves the Lord.  He was talking a language I understood AND he called me to action. Am I in a position requiring discipline or am I in a position requiring relief?  I am going to think about that for a few days.

Finally, we attended the Convocation at Jakob's school.  All I can say is that I am SOOOOOOO thankful he is where he is.  Doesn't God always put us where we belong?  Jakob is in a place where the theme of the year is "Walk in Love" from Ephesians 5:2. Yes!  Walk in Love. 

High.  And lifted up.

I have not felt so connected with the Lord for a little more than two years.  I missed it.

Thank you, Lord Jesus

Kari

Monday, August 19, 2013

The Lying Game

Sometimes we lie.

All of us.

As a musician, I've said, "Oh, I hate that song."  What I meant was, "You couldn't sing that song." 

Did I hate that song?  Yes, I did.  In that moment, with those people, it was a bad song. 

I don't think that matters.  Talent and the ability to adapt that talent is fuel for another fire.

We all lie.

I won't again.

That will get me in trouble.  It will cause me grief.  It will haunt me.

Still.

I am going to tell the truth.  Jesus did.

Even though the truth has rarely helped me.  It didn't help Jesus either. 

You know what?  Sometimes lies hurt people.  I'm the victim of that many times over.  So was Jesus.

However, when the lies are complete falsehood, I believe that taking a stand is right.  So did Jesus.

My first truth? 

Everyone lies.  

(I wish I would have known that LONG, LONG ago.)

Friday, August 9, 2013

That Worry Thing

I am prone to worry.  Actually I am prone to worry about nearly everything AND fear of disapproval.

And yet, with all that's going on, last Thursday while dining with my darling friend J, I had a moment when I recognized my worry and fear for what they were and decided to trust in God's perfect love and in God's perfect plan for me. 

What a relief! 

There's a sort on non-debatey debate online about whether or not God urges us to avoid worry 365 times in the Bible.  I don't really care about the debate.  I don't really care whether there are 365 urgings.  I don't really care about the non-debatey debate.  Still, I read a ton of articles focused on worry and on God's love letter to us (yes, the Bible).  And you know what?  I'm not going to worry again - at least for now.  If God said it once, that's enough for me. 

"Fear not.  I am with you."

Peace feels good.