Dot to dot

When I was in grade school, I loved to color. I also enjoyed completing word find puzzles. I still work word finds the same.  I search through every line up and down, column by column until I find a word.  Circling a sought after word and marking it off of the word bank is very satisfying.  Crosswords proved to be more challenging, and still are.  Dot to Dots are my all-time favorite. 

When a dot to dot starts to transpire into what it is meant to be, it is phenomenal.  Maybe the dot to dot process is somewhat like the caterpillar to butterfly process; however, scientific transformations are not my focus this week.   

When you begin a dot to dot, you place your pencil carefully on the first dot and draw a line to the next one and so on.  You continue this tedious process without really knowing what you will end up with.  You trust that the dots will connect and form something, but the something is unknown until what is on paper makes a connection with something in your mind. 

When the “something” appears out of nothing, you feel silly that you did not recognize it in the first place.  It requires going dot by dot, step by step, and staying in order.  You sure can use up a good eraser on a dot to dot if you are not careful.

This week I witnessed a real-life “dot to dot.”  When Hurricane Harvey hit our neighbors down south, many of them came this way for shelter. One family in particular sucked me in right off of the bat. I have mentioned them before.

Julie, her three small children, parents, and big dogs stayed at the LaQuinta.  I wondered the first time I saw her Dad wearing a Fairfield Eagle shirt if he was a volunteer or an evacuee.

After meeting Julie and coloring with her kids, I connected the dots and loved them.  Fairfield coaches donated a slew of Eagle shirts to the local hotels.  Her Dad was not an Eagle, but he soon became an Eagle because we helped them.  It suddenly all made sense.

Julie saw a Facebook post back in January about us selling shirts to benefit a Fairfield teacher battling cancer.  The shirts said “Fairfield Eagles…Fearless, faith, and family.”  She immediately placed an order.  She said she had to support the wonderful community that supported her.

When I mailed Julie the shirts, it clicked with me. I saw such a beautiful dot to dot that God had perfectly created.  Julie had never met Mrs. J.  They were total strangers, but God worked in Julie’s life through total strangers here in Fairfield.  Strangers in our community fed her, clothed her, and even paid for her hotel rooms.  Our community started the dot to dot.  Julie in turn connected the next dot and donated money to a cancer patient here in our town. 

Only the LORD can connect dots between total strangers.  Juile and her family in West Columbia will proudly wear their new Eagle shirts.  Mrs. J. benefited from the profits of the t-shirt drive.  I received a gigantic dose of encouragement from recognizing what God orchestrated. 

Be encouraged this week.  The world seems to be falling apart, but there is hope.  Hope can be found in the pages of your Bible.  Isaiah 41:18-19 says “I will open rivers on the bare heights and springs in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water and dry land a fountains of water.”

 

Friends

I am blessed that I knew my great-grandparents.  My great-grandmother was a spirited, hard-working, strong woman.  She managed a gigantic pea patch, a slew of guineas, chickens, and a pantry that was nearly the size of my bedroom.  The pantry was massive because it stored canned goods, bags of flour, and necessary supplies in case “hard times” came again.  She also had drawers full of nightgowns, robes, and other gift items that we gave her.  She saved them for tough times too.  Even though she was quite well-off, the depression left its mark on her. 

I have a friend at work who reminds me so much of my great-grandmother.  She is handy and can fix anything herself.  She saves for hard times as well.  She may keep a coat for a year or two before she wears it and sometimes has such an old soul that I wonder if she belongs in this century. 

She walked into the library last week and told me a tall tale that topped them all.  She informed me that she was freezing something that had been bothering her.  I assumed this was a medical issue; therefore, it would be “frozen” by a physician.  Silly me for assuming.  I was wrong. 

What my dear friend meant was that she was taking a picture of her “issue” and freezing it, like literally putting it in a Ziploc, adding water into another Ziploc and putting it in the freezer. 

I was speechless.  Never had I heard of “freezing” a problem.  Evidently this is a way of dealing with life’s difficulties.  It was recommended to me that thawing out the problem was not a smart move either.  Once frozen, keep frozen. 

If taking a picture of something worrisome or writing it on a piece of paper and freezing it can offer closure and peace, I am all for it.  Carrying around negativity will do nothing but worry and weigh us down.  I am convinced that my bout with cancer was related to emotional toxicity I allowed into my life.  Thankfully, God healed me of cancer and more! 

I prayed with a friend once who was fed up with the pain that she carried around for years.  After we prayed, we talked about putting a rock on the guilt and giving it to God once and for all.  She needed a visual.  She left her pain “under” the rock with the help of Jesus and moved forward. 

Once at the closing of a retreat, the speaker asked us to write something specific that we needed to let go and bring it to the altar.  She placed an urn for us to deposit our items in and lit them on fire.  We burned our sufferings as a representation of giving them to God. 

Nothing happens without reason. I believe my conversation about “freezing” worrisome things at work has significance, the first one being to make me laugh uncontrollably!  I still am laughing, but there is a deeper meaning too. 

It is Biblical to get rid of junk.  Most junk is sin or leads to sin.  Jesus Christ came to earth, lived, and died to free us all. 

Isaiah 43:18-19 says “Forget not the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”   

Grab a Ziploc freezer bag, a rock, or get to an altar this week.  God is doing a new thing.  It is time to let go of the old. 

Bush

I am not a political person at all.  My only political claim to fame was helping my Dad and my Cousin in  local elections. I helped them not because of political agendas or affiliations, but because I love them. 

However, my daughter lives and breathes politics.  She knows her stuff too.  A retired politician, and now owner of the “Grilled Cheese Bar”, in Washington D.C. offered her one piece of advice that stuck with her I think.  He advised her to not talk unless she could back up what she was saying.  Oh, she does that well!

I say this because my intentions with this column are not politically motivated, but stem from my love of family and perhaps pearls, although I do not own a proper pearl necklace or even a set of pearl earrings. 

The passing of Barbara Bush caused quite a stir the past few days. I did not personally have the time to watch the funeral or even much of the news coverage.  I was occupied with prom happenings.  Two of my kids attended the Fairfield prom.  The hours and amount of money spent on this particular event are not worth mentioning.  I will only say that I took a good nap today and recovered much of my sanity and needed rest.

One quote from Mrs. Bush popped up several times on social media. It really seems simple, but is quite profound. “Your success as a family…our success as a nation…depends not on what happens in the White House, but on what happens inside your own house.”

My own house…I often laugh out loud and wonder what someone would think if they were a fly on the wall inside of our house.  We come and go, but when we are all home, it is quite a show and far from perfect.  We fuss and fight.  Thankfully though, we also laugh and play jokes on each other.   

Today when my husband was attempting to install a new dishwasher, he pretending like I shocked him. His acting skills are not the best, but I fell for it.  He asked me to press the start button to make sure he flipped the right switch to disconnect the electricity.  When I hit the button, he managed to scream at just the right time.  We both laughed uncontrollable.  We sometimes forget to laugh in the constant care and chaos of taking care of our family. 

This Barbara Bush quote means something to me because my heart too is tied to my family and my house. My house is my favorite place in the whole world.  I have walked on a glacier in Alaska, ventured to the top of the Eiffel tower, and made my way around the canals of Venice, but nothing compares to the comfort of being home.

I personally believe the LORD loves our homes and our families more than anything else too.  The family is the core of creation; therefore, the family is under attack by the enemy constantly.  How can we possibly make it these days when raising kids, managing a home, and staying married seems impossible?

Psalm 121 offers some advice.  “I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Ask the Lord for help this week.  Look to Him, the Maker of heaven and earth, the Maker of your home.  Give thanks if your home is peaceful and calm at the moment.  Pray and call out to Jesus your home is anything but peaceful and calm.

Brazos and his chest

Life for me is predictable.  I know that may sound comical since there are six of us here.  My husband’s job is stable. I begin year four this August at the elementary in the library.  I flit around and have a great deal of fun everywhere I go, but I do not take many risks.  My kids are involved in various activities, but two of them drive and move around independently.  

Confession…I partner with a few moms on a daily basis.  We take kids here and there without even asking for permission.  We go into each other’s homes without asking.  We help ourselves to whatever food is on the counter.  It is beautiful! 

With this being said, today totally threw me for a loop. I mean a complete, 360 loop…like riding the Shock Wave at Six Flags over Texas.   Those two loops are nothing to mess with!

My sixteen year old son started working last summer. Last year was different though. I drove him to work every morning and picked him every night.  This year, he drives himself. My only job is to confirm he is awake.  I also cook his breakfast.  When I hear his truck pull out of the driveway, I say a prayer for him and go back to bed.  God created Him to work!

A few days ago, he summoned me into his room and showed me a spot on his chest that was swollen and sore.  I self-prescribed some antibiotics we had on hand and applied some cream. 

Last night we reassessed the situation and knew we needed to see a doctor and get proper care.  My motto is “It’s fine.”  However, half way through the needle, the lancing, and the obvious pain he endured – It was NOT FINE.  I was anything but fine.  I was sweating profusely and about to hit the ground. Fainting is not uncommon to me, but this one was totally unexpected, unpredictable!    

When he flinched, I flinched.  When a tear slid down his cheek, one slid down mine too.  The pain completely overtook me, and I ended up sick. Right before I hit the ground, I knew to ask to a real coke or an orange juice.  I needed sugar, real sugar.  The doctor called for the nurse and she brought me a Coke and some peanuts.

My illness was not physical, but originated from emotions too.  It was about love.  I love my son so much that seeing him in pain literally made me sick.  I prayed.  I told myself to take deep breaths, but nothing worked.  He was in pain.   I was too.

Thankfully, we made it home.  The sugar in the Coke worked.  He is good now, and I am too.  However, my heart still hurts a bit. Today reminded me of the love I feel for him and my other three kids.  It is unexplainable.  Mothers reading this know what I mean.  We feel the pain of our children.  Words cannot do the mother and child relationship justice. 

Possible the only other relationship that comes close even close was when God allowed his only son, Jesus, to live and then die on the cross for our sins.

My thoughts and feelings today can in no way compare to the amazing, unfailing, unending sacrifice that the Lord made for us all. 

Zephaniah 3:17 describes this love.  It says “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with his singing.”

Love is powerful.  God’s love is the most powerful.  Let Him sing over you this week and be blessed! 

Belle and armadillo

My summer thus far has revolved around kids, dogs, and my kitchen.  The dogs are hot and usually hide underneath a vehicle in the carport.  The kids are back and forth and thankfully – behaving nicely.  We all slept under the same roof last night.  That was rare!  My husband, during the school year, assumes the role of chef.  I humbly attempt to take back over when summer comes.  I am a decent cook.  I even enjoy it…when I have time. 

I spent this afternoon at the lake.  I soaked up some sun and listened to my kid’s random conversations.  The greatest way to gauge how your kids are doing is to hang out in close proximity, remain silent, and just listen. 

My son walked up to join the girls and warned me to not to let “Salty” near me.  She evidently rolled in a dead armadillo. Right about the time I made a mental note to avoid her, I spotted our other dogs with something in her mouth.  She was wagging her tail and bringing the object closer to us.

Belle, the oldest of the pack and typically the wisest, picked up the armadillo Salty enjoyed and proudly lagged it around like a big bone. Right before I harshly warned her not to bring it my way, she dropped it.  Before I could call her name, she dropped to the ground, joyfully turned on her back - plopping right on the armadillo and rolling back and forth over it. 

I thought to myself…how stupid are dogs?  Are they complete idiots to roll in dead objects and even transport them closer to home before they indulge themselves?  Immediately the Lord drew an arrow in my mind from what the dogs had done to what I sometimes do with my own life and my own sin.

To be brutally honest, some sin we just fall into without much warning.  We pass it along our daily path and plummet into it.  We run into someone or something that trips us up and causes us to fall.  This was the case of Salty.  The armadillo was there, she wanted it; therefore, she covered herself in it.  This type of sin could also be iniquities, things we lean towards naturally.  This category of sin might be generational in nature, caused by a tendency.  I struggle in this area. 

There are other sins though that remind me of Belle and her “pet” armadillo.  She was much more intentional.  She proudly picked up the dead object, brought it closer to home, and then happily pampered herself with it.  Sometimes with sin, we do this too.  We seek after what we selfishly want and plot to obtain it. 

Luckily, there is hope for both situations.  We can repent.  We can ask for forgiveness and turn from our sins.  For those of us who doubt that we have the power to do so, Romans 8: 37-39 offers some hope.  “No, in all of these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all of creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Dear friends, know this week that the Word is true.  The Word is for you.  The words Paul wrote in Romans are for you.  Take them to heart, have hope, and know that nothing can separate you from the love of Jesus.  Sin must be dealt with.  Sin can be dealt with.  Jesus died for our sins. 

400 meters

Time flies when you are having fun or when you have four kids really close in age!  Basketball season is coming to a close.  Track, baseball, and softball season are fast approaching us though.  The enjoyable, lazy nights of winter where we all gather around the warm fireplace bored without much to do are history. 

Looking towards the future, my youngest two kids today had a lengthy discussion about track.  They predicted what their weekday afternoons will soon be like, knowing  to expect running, throwing, and weights.

Throwing the shot and discus are my son’s all-time favorites.  Sister thinks she may join him in those events.  Who knows?   

It seems that my kids and I have one thing in common though when it comes to track and field.  We  agree that the 400 meter race is the hardest of all.  Neither of them want to compete in that specific event, but it is very useful for conditioning and popular among coaches to get everyone in shape. 

I kept on washing dishes and listening as they compared sob stories on how miserable the infamous 400 meters had made each of them.  It seems simple enough to run a single lap around the track, right?  How hard can it be?  A mile is four laps.  That should be one of the most challenging races and the topic of conversation, but we agreed that is was not and did not even mention the 1600 meters. 

Evidently, Bosque and Blaise both have strategies to survive the 400 meter dash.  (I laugh at how it is called a dash…the 400 dash is only a dash for some.)  It was never a dash for me.  It was a run, a jog, now if I go too fast, could end up being a crawl. 

Bosque said that he runs as fast as he can around the first curve.  He slows down on the straight away to regain some stamina for the last curve and tries to kick it back up a notch for the last 100 dash.  He said the last curve was the hardest though by far.  Blaise bragged that she was pretty strong on the whole race, but agreed the last curve seemed to last forever and killed her. 

At that point of their conversation, I chimed in.  Back in the day when I was in high school, we often said that a “monkey jumped on your back” on the last curve. Our coaches would yell for us to “throw the monkey off and kick.”  The last curve of the 400 meters caused me so much pain and distress that I still remember it.  It was brutal.  I detested the “monkey” that slowed me down.

I shared my memories with the kids.  They were impressed that I knew what they were talking about.  We moaned and groaned together about the final turn!  My high school track days ended 29 years ago.  I still run for amusement; however, I do not push through the last curve.   

The 400 meter dash evidently has not changed.  Our family tradition of Super Bowl ribs has not changed either, and I sure am glad it remains the same.

 I often think life is like a race really. Somedays it feels like a 400 meter dash, somedays shorter, and somedays it seems like a treacherous long distance two mile run. 

Hebrews 13:8 goes along with our track conversation and reminds me that somethings remain the same.  It says “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”  I sure am glad!  I need a constant in this ever-changing life!  My constant is Jesus Christ.  What about you?

Colorado

Sunday a week ago I took off on the longest road trip to date with all four of my kids.  We pulled out of the driveway at 3:30 a.m. with our sights set on Manitou Springs, Colorado and arrived by late afternoon. We checked into our hotel and headed out on an adventure to find some dinner. 

The town was charming. Colorado Springs may surround it, but they are as different as Paris, Texas and Paris, France.  Manitou Springs actually reminded me my days in Europe. Every storefront tells a story and seemingly invites you in.  Places like Manitou are special and unforgettable. 

Denver was our home away from home.  My oldest daughter played softball, but we still had time for fun…the most fun perhaps being the cooler weather and the mountains. 

After a few days though, I missed my husband. I missed my dogs. I even missed my house, but managed to block it all out and cherish the time away with my crew.  I may never have all four of them to myself again for an entire week, so I loved it while it lasted!

And then…the voyage home.  It was treacherous.  When we reached Amarillo, we voted to make it to Dallas.  (I would not recommend this to anyone who does not love coffee and have a strong bladder.) 

I drove and drove.  I prayed and prayed.  Just like Motel 6, the Monicos, my in laws,  left the light on for us until 3:30 in the morning.

Today on the last leg of our trip, I journeyed down memory lane back to when my kids were little.  I was outnumbered then too, but overwhelmingly determined to get out.   Loading up the Suburban and getting them all buckled in was a beating! I needed a serious nap by the time I got us all ready.  However, I poured myself a cup of coffee and hit the road.

Dallas seemed so far back then. I mastered the art of driving with one hand and somehow reached back with my other arm to feed a baby or to plug a mouth with a pacifier.  (No wonder I now frequent the chiropractor.) 

It was only 90 miles away, but seemed like eternity.   Standard procedure was a fresh diaper or trip to the potty before we left our house.  I recall one horrific trip into the McDonald’s bathroom in Ennis. I was the guilty party.  I held Blaise in my arms and used the restroom.  Banner was in the stall with us. She probably had to button my pants.   I have no clue what I did with the boys, but we made it. 

Today was different though.  That is what hit me!  Dallas to Fairfield was the easiest drive in the world.   The distance has not changed, but my view of the drive has changed over the past 12 years since I first drove it with my tribe.  My circumstances have changed, not the distance.  My tribe grew up! 

Sometimes though we cannot change our circumstances, and then life is really all about perspective. My favorite book to read and reread in the summer is “One Thousand Gifts” by Ann Voskamp.  She writes “The practice of giving thanks…eucharisteo…this is the way we practice the presence of God, stay present to His presence, and it is always a practice of the eyes.  We don’t have to change what we see. Only the way we see.” 

I shed a few tears this week over the majesty of the mountains in Colorado.  Pike’s Peak seems to reach the heavens, but you cannot stay up there forever. Likewise, ups and downs in life are inevitable.   The key is the way we see the mountains and valleys.  Choose this week to see them both as a blessing!

Old Dodge

This is an old journal entry I found from 2012.  It proves to be very significant now that Brazos has his driving permit and will get his license next year.

Brazos just turned 11.  He loves George Jones, Tom T. Hall, and his Dad's old pick-ups. The green Dodge is a 1990 model. Braz has big plans to drive it to high school. He said this week that he will never sell his Dad's old trucks. He even went so far as to say that HIS kids better not sell them! He wants the trucks to be here forever. "Can I take them to heaven, Mom?" he asked me yesterday.

I had to break it to him that he can't take anything to heaven. Then I changed my anything to...there is one thing we CAN take with us to heaven I believe: the people we have told about Jesus. We can take them.

When we share the love of Jesus with others and they too invite Him into their hearts, we are in a way taking them with us to heaven. Our relationships with people are the only thing that really will outlast this earth.

John 15:16 says "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit- fruit that will last."

Share something with someone today that will last! A smile, a word of encouragement, a verse, an invitation to a CHRISTmas celebration, an apology, a second chance, a bit of your time to show you care. Show someone Jesus today. Be Jesus today to someone! That is guaranteed to last!

Oh, and if God is making a room in heaven right now for my son, I believe it will be full of old pick-ups; however, the trucks will MEET Brazos there. He will not take them with him!

It is now 2017 and a lot has changed around here.  I have changed a lot, some positive and some negative if I am completely honest.  My kids have grown up.  They are bigger and stronger than me, both physically and mentally in some areas. 

One of the things that has remained the same is how Brazos loves his Dad’s old Dodge.  When he gets his license in the Fall, the green Dodge will be his first vehicle.  We run our errands in it now.  I used to drive him around.  Now…he drives me.

I still remind him and my other kids about the truths I wrote many years ago in this journal entry.  We are active and more in the community than ever.  Just for old time’s sake, I will repeat them again.

Share something with someone today that will last! A smile, a word of encouragement, a verse, an invitation to a CHRISTmas celebration or a church service, an apology, a second chance, a bit of your time to show you care. Show someone Jesus today. Be Jesus today to someone! That is guaranteed to last! 

I pray this week that we all will bear fruit that will last and show someone else the LOVE of Jesus Christ.  Time sure is passing quickly…be blessed this week and be a blessing! 

The lambs

Our family increased by three the week after Spring Break when the lambs for the county fair moved in.  The kids named them Butch, Festus, and Winchester.

I showed lambs and heifers when I was a kid too.  I remember well the walking, feeding, and one fight in particular I had with my brother over who was going to carry the bucket of water out to the pen.  We both got spankings.

The county fair and camping out at the Emmons camp was the highlight of my year.  One of the reasons we loved it was the animal judging.  The real reason we loved the fair though was the meeting and mingling that took place over the five days and five nights. 

You see, boys and girls from all over the county came together dolled up and cleaned up in their best western attire.  Everyone tended to collide right in front of the Ferris wheel or over by the show pen, and it was fun!

Back to present tense…our kids work hard with their projects.  One may feed in the morning and one may feed at night, but they all individually walk and work with their lambs.  There is no substitute for knowing and nurturing your own animal. 

Brazos, the oldest one involved here, really has developed a knack for setting up his lamb and showmanship. He coaches his younger siblings and sometimes even takes their lambs into his own hands to “show” them what to do.

He demonstrates and then passes the lamb back to its rightful owner. My job is usually includes standing outside of the pen, keeping my shoes free of poop, and offering encouragement. 

We had a hiccup this week.  Blaise, the youngest of our fair participants, was as sick as a dog.  She spent three days in her Dad’s chair sipping on Ginger Ale, taking medicine, and trying to hold down crackers.  Obviously, she did not work with her lamb because of her illness.

Last night when Blaise was well enough to get back to business, her lamb acted like a fool! After three work sessions, we are nearly back to the point that Blaise can control her animal.  The time away from her sheep made a difference….and not a positive one.    

Her lamb does not responding to her like it did last week, and it is not just the lamb.  Blaise feels more frustration than joy and excitement.  It is going to take time!  Thank God we have a few more days until show time. 

This county fair project relates to most “projects” in life.  Anything that we want to do good in takes time, dedication, and work!  When we neglect our assignment, there will be consequences.  Often too…others can help out, but nothing can substitute for us personally connecting with our task and our own hard work. 

This is true for our relationship with the LORD too.  Others can pray for us and teach us, but the time we spend alone in Word and with our heavenly Father must be done personally. We must show up, there are substitutions or a way to pass the buck to someone else.    

In John 3:3, Jesus said “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”  Much like with the lamb, nothing can take the place of you personally connecting with your Father. Spend time with Him this week.  

Are you born again?  If so, spend some time this week with your Father.  If not, call on the name of Jesus, you will be saved; however, no one can do it for you.  You must call out to Him. 

washer and dryer

We broke down last week and bought a new washer and dryer.  You must know that I have a great deal of respect for the household items around here that assist me in cleaning.  My vacuum…Oh, it is such a hard worker!  My Swifter…I feel so sorry for it!  My washer and dryer…If they only knew what they were signing up for, they would have never chosen to live here at the Monico house.  It is a tough gig.

My washer and dryer help me with three to four loads of laundry a day.  I do not dare boast about my floors or my bathrooms, but I can brag about my laundry.  When a Monico takes off an article of clothing, they know that the next day it will be back in their room fresh, clean, and ready to wear. 

My old washer and dryer were really worn out.  I did not truly know how bad they were until I used my new ones.  The washer was barely spinning. I should have known something was wrong when the spin cycle woke us all up. It often sounded like a freight train.  The dryer never dried with only one cycle. It always took two or three.  I thought I was just overloading them; however, it was really that they needed to retire.

My new washer and dryer are so efficient that I am totally amazed!  Laundry is fun!  Laundry is quick and easy!  How did I ever settle for less?  Why did I live for a few months with a washer and dryer that were totally not up to par?

Honestly, I settle for less all of the time.   A local businessman shared something last week with a friend that stuck with me.  She told him that she had to go see her Mom at the nursing home and he said “No, you don’t have to go and see her, but you get to go see her.”

I sometimes think and even say that I have to go to the ballfield or that I have to do the dishes.  That is really a lie.  I am settling for less, settling for a lie.  I do not have to do anything at all, but I get to do these things. I am alive, well, and able to pack the car for another game or wash another dirty plate.  It is a blessing that my house is full of kids and that my hubby cooks for us.  I get to do these things!   Dishes are good, laundry is good, and life is a gift! 

A ten year clear check-up at Baylor Dallas this week reminded me of this again.  We should not take our health or our lives for granted.  I met a lady while at Baylor with breast cancer who was struggling and glad to be alive.  On the contrary, I left there well with a clean bill of health and no need to return again.  Others are not that blessed.

James 4:14 says “You do not know what will happen tomorrow!  Your life is like a mist.  You can see it for a short time, but then it goes away.” 

I strongly suggest we live life today to the fullest, that we love the LORD with all of our heart, soul, mind, and that we fully understand that today is a gift! We do not HAVE to do anything at all, but we GET to do it.

Auto parts store

I went on a real adventure Saturday afternoon.  My husband sent me on an errand.  The objective was simple.  I was given a spark plug and told to get another spark plug just like it at the auto parts store. 

Auto parts stores on Saturday afternoon are very busy.  On this particular day, there were local townsfolk shopping for batteries and such, but there were also several people just passing through town who encountered trouble and needed help. 

There were two men in need of a carburetor.  Luckily, the gentleman at the counter had the exact carburetor they needed; however, there was evidently nobody in town to replace the old one.  The men got busy on their phones and tried to find the closest place that could help them.  They decided on Madisonville and set out as advised, without their air turned off and their fingers crossed, to hopefully make it to their destination. Another woman was stranded I guess because a tow truck came and towed her out of the parking lot.

My task seemed simple compared to all of theirs.  The kind lady looked at my spark plug and quickly searched for a match on her computer.  She found one and sent me on my way. 

When I got home and proudly showed it to my husband, he immediately knew it was the wrong one.  I could have given up at that point and let him go to town like he offered, but I did not.  I accepted the challenge, hopped back in the car, and headed back to town. 

Round two:  Upon closer inspection, the spark plug that had been used in our old Chevy was an after-market one.  There was not an exact match, but I got one that would work. 

I laughed as usual at the fiasco I found myself in.  I mean…me at the auto parts store, two times, talking spark plugs, yet not having a clue what I was talking about.  I obviously did not have any background knowledge of spark plugs to use as a reference point. I did not even know if I was on the right track or not.  I was clueless!  All I could do was laugh and “act” the part.

There are obviously things in life that are more important and crucial to me than spark plugs.  I can fully accept not knowing random truck parts.  I don’t even want to know about truck parts.  However, there are things I cannot accept knowing nothing about, such as having a good marriage, raising decent children, how to make my school better, how to help my community, etc. 

Most of all though, I want to know more about living a life that pleases the LORD and points others in the right direction, in HIS direction.  Even if I openly admit that life as a Christian is not perfect and that sin sure can get the best of me, I know without a doubt that walking hand in hand with Jesus Christ is the only way to go.  Jesus is peace, joy, and an abundance of everything good!  He is life.

If I want to know more about living a life pleasing to God, I will have to intentionally study the Word, listen to Christian music, pray, and spend time with the Lord.  Nothing good is going to come to me via osmosis.  My walk with the Lord does not just affect me either.  It is a ripple effect that touches my husband, children, students, and others in my community.   

In Acts 4:13 Luke writes about Peter and John “they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” 

My goal this week is to be with Jesus.  Join me. 

Pick-up

The Monico crew is beginning round two of baseball and softball this week.  Sadly, both of my high school players are finished.  I mourned the end of their seasons and caught myself thinking…what now?  Even though my daughter will play softball for most of the summer and my son will individually work here on his baseball skills, there is nothing like supporting your kids and their high school teammates. 

Round two begins for us officially though because the younger two Monicos play their first games this week.  There has been some fierce instruction the past few days in the backyard.  Luckily, my only job is to fetch stray balls.  The dogs and I stay busy trying to keep up with Blaise and her pitching. 

Yesterday, I had a date with just Bosque and Blaise.  We spent the afternoon in Dallas getting Bosque outfitted and ready for the year.  It was a quick, successful, and expensive trip to his favorite store, Dick’s Sporting Goods.  We made a pit stop at Starbucks on the way home, so my day was complete! 

At one point when we were barreling south down I-45, we came upon a pick-up truck packed completely full of mattresses and boxes.  The truck bed was jam-packed and moving slowly with its hazards on.  A smaller car followed closely behind it with its hazards on as well. 

I thought to myself, as we zoomed past them, that I sure was glad they were cautiously creeping along, because if they lost their load, it would be a mess!  The construction along I-45 is already is a fiasco.  I cannot even imagine what kind of a delay travelers might face with mattresses and home goods everywhere.

The thought occurred to me as we passed the truck that we all move slower when we are bogged down.  Carrying a heavy load always means more labored movement.  That is true for vehicles and it is true for us.  In Psalm 38:4 David says “For my iniquities are gone over my head; As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me.” 

Sin always makes me feel YUCK!  It zaps my energy, creativity, and joy.  I move slower and think slower when I get myself in a bind.  I feel weighed down and like I am carrying a heavier load than normal when I am out of fellowship with the LORD and living in disobedience.  I also feel alone!

Luckily, the truck had another vehicle traveling right behind it.  The driver of that car had two jobs I assume.  The first job was to operate her own car.  Her second job was to watch the load that was in front of her and make sure that it did not shift or start to move.  The shifting of just one box could have been disastrous.  It was important that everything remained strapped on stayed put. 

That is NOT true for us and sin.  We need NOT keep old junk strapped on and carry it around like a heavy burden.  Sin does not need to stay put!  Sin needs to go!  

Psalm 38 gets worse as it goes on.  David is violently troubled by his own sin, but cries out to the LORD at the end.  Verse 21 and 22 say “LORD, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God.  Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.” 

Just like David, we can ask the LORD to help us this week.  Call out to your Lord and Savior. Forgiveness begins with Him.  Why carry such a load? 

Bubs and the fire

I feel sorry for our dogs when we all head back to school and work on Mondays.  They must be downright lonely and bored to tears.  Over the weekend, we typically entertain a houseful of kids who play basketball, ride four wheelers, fish, and come in and out of the house constantly.  The dogs tag along with them step for step and love our “everyone is welcome” way of life. 

Last night, my fifteen year old son and a few of his friends lit a small bonfire down by the lake.  They selected a perfect location.  My table by the front window was ideal for supervising them.  I enjoyed the warmth of my own fire in the house.  Their bonfire put out sufficient light so I could see them.  My job was easy. 

Before it was time for me to crank up the “taxi” and “uber” everyone home, the crew came up to eat.  As customary, I had plenty of snacks on hand.  The boys will eat anything and everything that does not eat them first.  I never even thought about the dogs.  I assumed the threesome followed the kids home, but one was missing. 

If you read my column often, you can guess which one it was.  It was Bubs!  His nickname should be  M.I.A.  It was time for us to drive everyone home; therefore, I reluctantly left the house and left him on the loose.  I pictured him in my mind several counties away following the scent of something irresistible. 

When we got home, Brazos made a round on his four-wheeler, but returned home empty handed.  We sat down to warm up by the fire one more time before we headed down the hallway for bed.   Brazos remembered when they parked the Ranger, they walked in the shop to get a drink.  I did not offer to go and look. I was not responsible, and it was cold.  Brazos headed out again. 

Thankfully, Bubs walked in right behind him. He looked pooped.  I fussed at him as usual.

He looked up at me innocently though, seeming to say…I just followed them into the shop.  True enough, he followed the crowd and got locked up. He nearly also got locked out of the house for the night too!   (This sounds like an episode of the t.v. series COPS.) 

Conversations that take place in our home regularly could be appropriately applied to this scenario with Bubs “following” the crowd.  We explain to our kids that you can be in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong crowd and get into big trouble!  Following the crowd may be fun, but it may not be right!  I encourage them to proceed with caution and “Just say No” when in doubt. 

Unlike Bubs, who followed the crowd in the shop, I must admit that most of the trouble I found growing up, I discovered 100% on my own.  (Still true today, this is not just past tense) I would like to blame someone else, but it would be a lie!

I guess a good rule of thumb is NOT to follow our own fleshly desires and not follow to the crowd! IF we are looking for a person to follow, the only one worthy is Jesus.  If we are looking for an instruction book that covers it all, it is the Bible.   John 8:12 says “Again Jesus spoke to them saying, ‘I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” 

Whether we walk in darkness or in light depends on who we follow.  Follow Jesus this week. 

New car

As usual, it is Sunday afternoon and I just sat down to begin my column.  Writing helps me conclude my week and get ready for the next one.  You might say I wrap up my thoughts as I type.  Writing serves as my therapy. I discovered it in fourth grade.  Spending time on Sundays here at my laptop is such a treat. 

Sundays are not all “rainbows and unicorns” though.  They can be difficult.  Today proved to be just that!  Someone explain to me how the Monico children are never tardy to school, but on Sundays we struggle to get out of the door on time for church.  The answer is simple:  spiritual warfare.  The enemy would love for us to give up on church, family time, and everything else good that can happen on Sundays. 

I woke up today and thought…what a beautiful Sunday.  The cooler air seems to have pushed out the humidity. Thank goodness! Everything is green, and the birds are singing. 

Looking out of our front window towards the lake, I just witnessed a lovely sight too unfolding right before my eyes.  Three Monicos were outside walking their lambs together.  They took turns letting one lamb go so it could run across the lake dam and meet the others.  At first, I thought one lamb broke loose, but then I realized they were working as a team to get the job done.  How great life is when we work together!  (No, it does not always happen here with any of us.)

Yesterday my hubby and I spent the day in Dallas shopping for a new car.  He researched all week and was ready to deal before we ever stepped foot into the first dealership.  We decided on a Honda again.  The process could have been easy, should have been easy; however, it took the entire day and four dealerships before we were satisfied on our end. 

I kept on thinking as we traveled from one Honda place to another Honda place …why can’t these Honda people just work together?   I drew the conclusion at one point, suffering from pure exhaustion, that if they worked together more and competed less, they might sell more cars.  I mean…a Honda is a Honda.  What is the big deal?  Evidently it is a big deal because we got a much better price at the last place.

My conclusion that Honda dealerships ought to work together and that the Monico kids sure do get more done when they work together relates to other things too.  Churches, schools, businesses, organizations, and etc. all need to compete less and support each other more.

I was blessed today to visit my former church to speak to a group of Seniors at lunch.  I felt totally at peace to gather with my brothers and sisters for the lunch hour, even though I spent the morning in another church across town.  No matter church we attend, you might say…we are all selling the same thing, and it is Jesus!  There is no need for competition among churches, but a huge need to share the love of Jesus Christ.

Schools are all selling education.  We need not compete!  Service organizations “sell” compassion and service; therefore, there is no room for rivalry. 

Sounds good, but working together has always been hard.  In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul wrote “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” 

This week strive to work together, look out for others, and love others.  You will be BLESSED.

Berry picking

Last night I did a good deed, not that I am bragging or anything!   I walked over and turned off the water on the berries for my hubby. I still had on my shoes and there was no reason not to lend a helping hand. I also absolutely love making, baking, and especially eating fresh berry cobbler.  Hopefully, I earned a nice batch of berries on down the road. 

When I reached the water faucet, I utilized one of the greatest lessons my Dad ever taught me.  “Righty, tighty, lefty loosey.”  The practical tip comes in handy on nearly a daily basis. 

My Dad also taught me how to drive a golf cart at some point during my childhood.  One night I must have begged to park it in the garage. I say begged because I cannot imagine him intentionally asking me to do such a thing.  I do not remember the details, but I do recall what happened when I ever so gently crashed the golf cart into the garage wall.  It just so happened that the point of impact was at the water faucet, and water went everywhere. 

When you first learn a new skill, it is natural to want to do it all of the time. In this case, I probably only knew the basics of driving and took it “one notch too far.”  (Oh, I wish I could say that my driving record improved, but I would be lying.)

This one “One notch too far” concept is one that I notice often in life and especially with my family.  One of my children is a natural leader, but one notch too far makes her bossy and controlling.  At a young age, one of my boys was an analytical, deep thinker.  However, anxiety took over when he could not keep his thinking balanced and turn it off.  One of my crew is laid back; however, laid back can lazy when it is not managed and goes one notch too far. 

I battle several of these issues too.  If you look up “peacemaker” in the dictionary, you might find a picture of me there smiling and wearing a glorious halo.  That makes me sound so spiritual and wonderful, right?  I often quote Matthew 5:9.  It says “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called Children of God.” 

Could the trait I proudly embrace ever be negative?  The sad truth is that being a peacemaker and allowing it to go one notch too far turned me into a people pleaser, and being a people pleaser is horrible.  It is a never ending pursuit, because pleasing everyone is impossible.  It is also rooted in insecurity!  (Gosh, I sure did hang up my own spiritual halo quickly.)

I hold no degree in theology or philosophy, but perhaps our greatest God-given strength, intended for good and Kingdom work can be our downfall.  If pushed one notch too far by the Enemy or by our own selfish pursuits, our flesh takes over.  What a waste!

It has been a gradual process to get my people pleasing tendencies back on the right track.  I constantly have to keep myself in check with the help of the Lord.  Romans 8:6 says “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” 

Our minds are constantly at war.  The war rages to pull us from a life controlled by the Spirit to a life controlled by our own desires and inclinations.  Be aware this week of your “One notch too far” tendencies.  A relationship with Jesus is the only hope for balance! Seek Him and be blessed! 

 

FCA and Fridays

Friday mornings are one of my favorite times of the week.  I hang out with a bunch of junior high kids at Fellowship of Christian Athletes, otherwise known as F.C.A.  We gather in the gym at 7:30 for a few minutes.

 Kids volunteer most of the time and share what the LORD has laid on their heart.  They typically pair up and lead as a team. It is quite amazing to sit there on the gym floor and listen as they minister to their peers.  Their courage impresses me to say the least.  I do sit on the floor with the students, Indian style, as we used to call it when I was in grade school.  The proper term now is “criss-cross apple sauce.”  It takes me a few minutes to get up off of the gym floor, but I usually can count on a kid or two to grab my hand and pull me up. 

Something happens in school buildings a few weeks after Spring Break…and that “something” is bad!  Nearly everyone gets lazy and starts acting like the year is over, when it is not over at all!  We as educators and students still have a lot to accomplish. 

Our F.C.A. attendance has even been down. On a particular week in late March, I went into the girl’s locker room and started pulling girls out.  The “regulars” were not even being regular!  I let them know real quickly that I was not afraid to hunt them down. 

I happened to be teaching this particular day and the Lord totally took me in a direction I had not planned.  I gave the kids and adults in the room a good, old fashioned pep talk about how we still had to come together and meet!  I pleaded with them to keep on coming, keep on working, and that every single one of them mattered to Jesus and to our group.  Teenagers often feel invisible.  I wanted them to know that without a doubt each and every one of them was significant. 

I thought of the parable in Luke 15:4 when Jesus poses the question “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.  Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” 

I sent one kiddo over to the corner isolated from the group.  I left the group and walked towards her, showing them how Jesus will search us out individually like the parable teaches.  I brought the young lady back with me, illustrating how Jesus will even bring us back when we go astray. 

I took it to another level and sent Michelle, my volunteer, out through the middle of the crowd, across the gym from where I was.  Again, I walked towards her.  This time, totally led by the Lord, I explained to the kids that one sheep had drifted again; however, Jesus was going to get her.  When I got to Michelle, I asked her to fall down.  She did, but I picked her up.  At this point, she had drifted, fallen down, and needed help to get back to the group.  I assumed the role of Jesus and did just what He does so often.  I picked her up and carried her back to the crowd on my back.  That sure does resonate with me.

Today, being Easter, and I woke up thinking how grateful I was that Jesus died for an unworthy person like me.  Without Him, I would be such a mess!  He came to seek and save what was lost. That includes me.  That includes you. 

One thing leads to another

I read one of my favorite books to a group of kids last week at reading camp.  I absolutely love watching the eyes of little ones light up when they hear a story for the first time.  They usually lean in to get closer to the book to seemingly absorb every detail possible.   Storytime is the main reason I love working in a library. 

I still  believe in the power of storytelling. By that I mean… a real story told by a real human being, not a computer or phone.  It may sound cliché, but books can come to life! 

Last week we journeyed through several genres and made sure we had fun along the way.  “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” by Laura Numeroff was one of our top picks.  One thing leads to another with the mouse in this circular tale.  

The mouse gets a cookie, then he wants milk, then a straw, then a mirror to check for a milk mustache. The story goes on and on until it circles back to him wanting a cookie.  In another version, there is a mouse who wants a muffin.  This leads to apple juice, his Grandmother’s sweater, and so on. I saw several eyes roll at the ridiculousness of the characters not controling their own thinking, desires, and actions.

I laughed with my group last week, but I also wanted to cry!  I realized as I read “If You Give a Pig a Pancake” that I was somewhat like the character in the book.   One thing has led to another, as it typically does in the spring with my family!  My thoughts and actions have been moving quickly…leaving me a bit dizzy from so much going on and finally desperately in need of rest. 

Therefore, I planned a day of NOTHING!  By this I mean an intentional, guilt-free day of rest.

My rest began yesterday morning.  I dropped off my son and work at 7:00 and snuck by the donut store to buy an apple fritter.  A warm apple fritter and a cold glass of milk have always been among my favorite indulgences.  Something about the apple flavor, texture, and the sweetness of it all combined puts a smile on my face and puts me in a carbohydrate coma. 

My plan worked. I rested and slept. I sat in my husband’s chair and sipped my coffee. I relaxed more.  I did absolutely nothing until early afternoon.  Then I was ready to get up, and I l felt so much better.   I was back! 

I looked back over the blur of the past few months.  High school softball lead to high school baseball, which lead to prom, homework, and standardized tests.  More school work led to Project Graduation, which led to numerous end of the year activities and awards ceremonies.  Little league softball and baseball began, the school year ended, and that took us right into the county fair.  We closed out the fair with Father’s Day, and I started reading camp. 

By the time reading camp concluded, I was tired!  I do not regret a single second I spent in bleachers, the car, the library, or at the fairgrounds; however, every season has an end.  My spring is complete. I now am officially in slow, summer mode. 

Mark 6 tells the story of Jesus going, going, and going.  After feeding the five thousand, Jesus told his disciples in verse 31 “Come with me by yourself to a quiet place and get some rest.” 

I believe in living life to the fullest. I also believe in rest!  Join me this week and do both. 

Passion?

This week I was reminded on a trip home from Dallas what happens when a God-given passion comes alive.   Let me back up.  The oldest Monico, big sister, one who often takes the lead if she is given the slightest chance, joined the political realms of life several years ago.  The election got her attention.  The debates enticed her. Her bedroom suddenly was transformed into American Flags and propaganda supporting her favorite candidate. 

Her excitement was fun to watch.  She attempted time and time again to carry on conversations with us about what was going on in D.C. and around the world, but nobody here had a clue! Her knowledge surpassed us quickly. 

My husband and I vote.  We are proud Americans and equally proud Texans; however, our constitutional aspirations cease there.  What transpired within our daughter was not because she was following in our footsteps.  It was like God created her to dive into what was going on with her local, state, and national government.  When she talks politics, she comes alive.  It is all passion.  I know that one day God will provide her with a job that taps into the gifts and passions He gave her. 

I fell absolutely love with writing when I was in third grade. It is still my passion.  I currently am sitting in a room full of family members.  By this, I mean extended family, plus the six of us who reside here.  One kid is playing a ukulele, my husband is loudly cooking stir-fry in his wok, several of my loved ones are sharing keto recipes, and one of the dogs is barking.  In the midst of the chaos, I am writing and as happy as can be.  God made me for this! 

My other passion is kids!  When I read out loud in the library, I come alive!  Thankfully, my pastor asked for me teach the children’s sermon today.  I enjoyed every second of being up there with my little buddies.  Tomorrow I will begin teaching summer school.  Although that means I will be forced to wake up much earlier than usual and skip my nap, I am thrilled about getting back into the groove of school.  Sporting events around town also “fill my cup.”  Seeing my kid’s peers, FCA students, and kids I previously taught gives me with energy and puts me on a natural high.  It is not just me! 

Back to my oldest.  She flew into Love Field late Thursday night. I picked her up, already feeling a bit tired and weary from the drive and my delicious Mexican food dinner with girlfriends.  When she got in the car and started telling me stories about her week, I woke back up.  Her enthusiasm rubbed off on me.  It was contagious.  I considered visiting Starbucks on the way home, but no longer needed to make a coffee stop. 

We can’t just stop here though with our zeal.  Our passion cannot just be related to politics, jobs, sports teams, or hobbies that get us going!  Our passion, as Believers in Christ, must be Jesus. 

No matter where we work, play, study, and live, we must show love to everyone we meet and then point, giving all of the credit to Jesus.  Adding this task to your to-do list may seem overwhelming.  The focus of my kid’s message today was 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.  It is a good, simple way for us all to start.  It says “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”   

Get out this week.  Be kind.  Show love, give thanks, and pray continually!  Be ready to tell someone about Jesus Christ.  Let Him be your passion!