Some Things I've Learned

Yesterday I turned forty-seven years old. Or as my husband put it, three years away from the big five Oh. (For which he was promptly smacked.)

As I grow older these are some of the things I have learned.

As much as I love presents, it has become very easy for me to put off the instant gratification of tearing into a gift. In fact, I asked that gifts be delayed. I now know what it means to be patient and wait for the really good stuff that is coming soon.

I have learned that no matter where I am, or what my circumstances are, after God my family is the single most important thing to me. We could be living in a mansion or in a hut and as long as they are with me, I will find occasions to smile. Material things may be convenient, and may even bring a certain amount of pleasure, but nothing compares to hearing my loved ones’ voices and seeing their faces.

I have learned that mistakes are inevitable. It’s what you do afterward that really matters. I used to be a perfectionist. The key phrase in that sentence is “used to be”, as in past tense. My husband picked up a post card tonight that I use for handing out at events. He commented on how professional they look. My thought was, would I have it any other way? Yet, even in my quest for excellence, I have learned that perfection is too lofty a goal; it is unrealistic and impossible for mere mortals to experience. Excellence on the other hand is quite nice…and quite attainable. Learning from mistakes is what carries us onward to excellence.

I have learned that our dream is our own, no one else’s. We have to own it, develop it, work toward it and achieve it. No one will do it for us. No one will believe in us if we do not believe in ourselves. And even then, they may not believe in us. I have learned it doesn’t matter if anyone else believes because as long as we are walking in God’s will for our lives…and we believe it…with work and persistence, we can achieve it.

I have learned that others may have to make their own mistakes. I cannot remove the obstacles for them. I cannot save them from themselves. They must experience pain and roadblocks to grow. It is the way of life. As much as I want to reach out and pull them from the muck, I cannot. I must let them live, through the good and bad.

I have learned I don’t have all the answers. When I was eighteen and I knew everything, I wished for a platform so I could enlighten the world. Now, at forty-seven, I have a platform. Now, instead of shouting my opinions, I write and speak from the heart of God. My opinions no longer matter. Everything I do now is to further His kingdom, not my own.

I also know that in the next forty-seven years, should the Lord allow me to remain on this earth, I will learn many, many more lessons.

Blessings,
Darlene Shortridge

He's Not An Either/Or God!

I really don’t think clearly when I’m sick. My brain is scattered. Sometimes I talk in circles. Sometimes I think in circles. I apologize for this ahead of time when I speak with anyone about anything I should be aware of, educated about or well versed enough to discuss. It’s like my brain is hanging out the sign “Out to Lunch.”

On Tuesday I went on a hot date with my husband. First we ate some dinner, which was delicious. We were celebrating Danny’s release of his Tips on Tips program. Then we went pricing food for kid’s jam. Yeah, we’re cool like that. After getting kicked out of Sam’s (who knew they closed at 8:30?) we headed to Walmart. Almost to the end of our little pricing expedition, my throat went crazy. I had a hard time breathing and I couldn’t speak. My nose started running and I could feel the drainage in the back of my throat.

Danny grabbed me a quick drink and after downing several swallows, I could at least talk. I chalked the whole episode up to sinuses. By that evening my mouth was in intense pain. We have no dental insurance so as I was mentally adding up all the available money I could get my hands on, I was making a deal with God. At that point my throat was scratchy as well. Still thinking allergies/sinuses.

My deal, Lord, You know we can’t afford a dentist right now. I’ll handle the sore throat, allergies, all the yuck etc. but please heal my mouth.

I gargled with salt water. Checked out my stash of essential oils. Numbed my mouth with Orajel and went to bed.

The next morning, Wednesday, I woke up with zero mouth pain. But my throat was in full throttle forward. It was hard to swallow. I winced with saliva let alone food. And I thought, now this I can handle.

On day three I woke up in even more pain. And this thought crossed my mind. Why does God have to be an either/or God? Is He not capable of being an “everything” God? And why do I feel I need to make deals with Him anyway? When my own children are sick do I make deals with them to take away the greater illness and instead make them suffer with a bout of the flu? No. I wouldn’t want that for my children now why do I think God would want that for me?

Matthew 7:9-11 says this: “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

He is more capable than we give Him credit for. I’m done making deals with God and I’m going to approach His throne with confidence that He wants the best for me. Not seconds, not leftovers, not rummage sale quality, but the best!

Lord, I come boldly before your throne. I ask that you heal me in the name of Jesus. I pray that the enemy would be held at bay and that all my energy would be restored so I might glorify you in all that I must do. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July!

Yeah, I know I’m a day early, but I have 37 people coming to celebrate what’s left of our freedom and time has slipped away from me. So, this is going to be short and sweet and to the point.

The fourth of July used to illicit a puffed up pride in me, one that said, I’m an American and I live in the best country in the world. Our country has started a downward spiral and I’m not sure she’ll ever recover. It makes me sad to see our values and morals being flushed. Yep, I’m a bit pessimistic these days.

Then again, the Lord would have spared Sodom and Gomorrah if only there were ten righteous. Maybe there is hope. Maybe.

Then again, maybe God is as sick of it as I am and is coming back soon.

We’re going to celebrate tomorrow. Not so much for pride in what our country has become, but in remembrance of what she once was.

Had dinner with our pastors last night…and we pretty much came to the conclusion that Christ’s return is imminent. It has to be.

Enjoy your family, your friends and remember what once was. That should be enough to put a smile on your face.

Blessings,
Darlene Shortridge, Author of fiction that makes a difference