Country dogs & fires

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. 

Carry the mat-Texas football!

Thankfully, Saturday morning I knew what direction to take this week with my column.  Before I crawled out of bed, I exchanged texts with a fellow football momma.  Her son was injured Friday; and sadly this injury will keep him out for the rest of the year.  Luckily, he is in 11^th grade and will play again.  Supporting his team from the sidelines though will seem like eternity.  His mom claimed that others would have to “carry the mat” for him.  Tears fell down my face when I read her words. 

I love that our football program yearly adopts a motto and verse.  “Keep it simple” will never lose its pizazz.  This year, the theme is “carry the mat.”  It comes from Luke 5:18-20 and says “Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus.  When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up onto the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd right in front of Jesus.” 

Now I get “carry the mat.”  Other football families have seen signs of this “mat” phenomenon I bet.  The Word never hits us all the same or means the same thing, but for Believers-it is real.  The Word is personal and meets us individually to offer help with whatever situation we are in.

Carry the mat is about friendship.  My car is under the weather.  Twice last week I asked a friend/co-worker to give me a ride.  She did not mind, and in a way-carried my mat.  When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, a fellow teacher completed my gifted and talented testing.  She carried my mat.   

A few years later when I found my home in the library, my co-worker’s mother became ill.  I joyfully carried her mat and managed to keep the doors open for check out and classes.  She needed to spend every second possible with her mother.  Was I glad when she returned?  Absolutely!  Was I glad that I could somewhat carry her mat?  Absolutely! 

There is one common denominator in this “mat” thing.  We must connect with other people in order for it to happen.  We cannot carry a friend’s mat if we live isolated, friendless.  We must do life with others in order to cart their burdens, their mats. 

The pendulum in America seems to be leaning towards negativity and hatred.  The friction often makes me feel like I should just keep to myself and disconnect to stay safe and secure.  However, because of my personality and the Holy Spirit living in me, I cannot.  Relationships and people must be priority.  If not, how can we ever carry the mat or have our mats carried?

The particular, injured football player mentioned plays on the offensive line with my son.  The night my son’s defensive jersey was stripped off and replaced with 77, this young man and the Coach Bachtel gave him a quick tutorial on what to do.  I captured it on camera.  Google taught me that offensive lineman who cannot receive a forward pass must wear a number between 50 and 79, thus the 77. 

With this precious guy down, his mom said someone will have to carry his mat.  It suddenly all made sense.  Whether it be on the field, the office, at home, or at the grocery store-carry someone’s mat this week.  If you are down, in need, allow someone to carry your mat.   

Perfect Sunday

Writing today is somewhat challenging.  Determined to be in the sun after two weeks of extreme cloudiness, I brought my laptop to the back porch in search of sunshine and vitamin D.  Quickly, the “tickle bees” found me.  They are swarming around me like I am a piece of unwrapped Halloween candy leftover in a plastic, orange Jack-o-lantern.  My husband is talented though.  He utilizes his cap and swats them every time I scream for help. 

However, he will soon head off to fill up a deer feeder, and I will be left alone without any protection.  I call him B; therefore, when I scream “bee” no one else listens.  I refuse to offer up my setting though.  I love fall, and it is finally here!

Today has been one of those perfect days.  Nothing about life is really flawless or perfect at all, but today was really nice.  My teenage sons went to church with me.  I climbed up on a chair, without injury, and hung the last few pieces of paper that I needed to hang before the book fair begins at my school tomorrow. I grocery shopped alone and stocked up on all of the essentials.  My husband cooked a massive pot of chili.  To top it all off, I took the dogs for a ride around here, and I am nearly caught up on laundry. 

Really though…church today was amazing.  I laughed out loud, took notes, and somehow everything came together and really encouraged me.  My Pastor talked about how we come to church with our happy faces on, answer everyone we come into contact with saying that life is great, knowing that we are truthfully falling apart.  His advice about this façade we all wear so well was to “be a part of a group where I can know others and be known by them.”

I thankfully can say that I have those people!  I do timelessly wear a smile and give the obvious “I am great nod,” but God has given me a small group of women to bear my soul to and to admit often that all is not well.  We all need that! 

I jotted down numerous questions during the sermon:   Do I take up my cross and live daily showing it, knowing that Jesus paid it all on the cross?  Do others see God in me?  Does my life point others to Jesus?  If I really follow Jesus and join Him, what will it cost me?  What needs to go from my life?  What needs to stay?  Many challenges in life came to mind. 

Maybe we need to avoid the distractions, like how my daughter just started screaming because she caught her newly highlighted hair on fire with a candle. 

Maybe we need to not give up so easily, like how I had to bring the laptop inside because the bees were attacking me. 

Maybe we need to spend more time in the Word and less with technology, like how today blessed me being in church and hearing the truth.

One of my favorite songs as a child was “Leaning On the Everlasting Arms.”  We sang it today. 

It says “What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on the everlasting arms, What a blessedness, what a peace of mine, Leaning on the everlasting arms” 

Today made me think…perhaps I have been trying to stand up alone, do too much with 

Pioneer Woman

We have several ongoing battles here in the Monico household at all times.   Chances are, if you live under the same roof with more than one person, you feel my pain and also juggle personalities, preferences, hormones, and moods.  Getting along takes work!  Anyone who says differently is a liar or in denial. 

One of our weekend battles is over what my husband watches on television in the early morning hours when I am still trying to sleep. I gladly assume the night watch and typically stay up until all of the Monicos are home safe and sound.  Because of my early mornings spent in the recliner monitoring locations on my phone and reminding kids about curfews, I sleep in on Saturday and Sunday.  I was once a morning person.  That changed when my firstborn started driving.   

My hubby somehow stays on schedule.  His internal alarm clock goes off by 6, and he is up!  He gets his favorite coffee cup, fills it up, and then comes back to bed to watch the food channel or a hunting show.  He is an excellent cook and always in search of new recipes. I like some of his shows, but am not a fan of Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. 

Please forgive my negativity, but she irks me.  Her “lodge” is always perfect and her kids behave.  Her Jack Russell never runs off and eats chickens or goats for entertainment.  She effortlessly throws together elaborate parties and adores Lad- her perfect, cowboy husband at all times! 

My closest circle of friends can attest to my Ree issues.  I sometimes pretend to be her and send them phone recorded videos about my pitiful leftovers, crazy dogs, and disobedient kids here at the Monico “lodge.” 

Even in Abilene last Sunday when I woke up later than usual, I heard Ree.  My hubby went down to breakfast without me.  I felt right at home though because I caught her familiar voice blaring from the television.  I didn’t grab my glasses. I knew even without looking she was wearing a colorful blouse, smiling, and cooking. 

Today proved to be no different.  I set the alarm for church, but made the wrong decision and continued to hit snooze.  When I finally woke up, I heard Ree as usual and hubby was nowhere to be found. 

She was cooking comfort food though and actually caught my attention.  I woke up!   Her version of comfort food was chicken and dumplings, with cinnamon toast.   I love both!  My Mammaw made the most delicious chicken and dumplings ever.  My Dad taught me to make cinnamon toast.  I love butter and sugar. Thank God, my metabolism is fast enough to deal with both.  If not, I would be in trouble. 

Ree got me thinking about comfort food and “comfort” in general.  We all crave relief and ease.  Maybe comfort comes with certain foods, blankets, perfectly worn sweatshirts, positive people, or even  routines that seem reassuring because they are the norm. 

However, comfort “things” can also be negative!  I was convicted this morning that my comforts have recently not been good for me or pleasing to God.   I have been looking for wellbeing in all the wrong places.  We all have our “go-to” places and things that make us feel good.  The Lord reminded me today that I need to go to Him and only to Him. 

Matthew 11:28 says “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This verse gives Believers ultimate comfort and perfect rest in Jesus!  Join me this week and honestly, wholeheartedly go to Jesus for all of your comfort and security.   

Restroom

I mentioned my schedule recently. Three or four nights a week, I settle in with my popcorn and Diet Coke at a football stadium or gym.   Yesterday I spent the entire day at a softball field in Abilene.  Please forgive me for where I am taking you this week. We are going to the bathroom!

I confess.  I drink large quantities of water.  Aside from my personal trips to the restroom, I work at an elementary school and escort three classes a day to the bathroom. I believe in procedures.  We form a girl line and a boy line.  Three kids enter at a time.  I instruct my little friends to use the restroom, wash hands, and get a drink.  After that, they sit down “crisscross, apple sauce” forming one line and show me they are ready to walk back to the library.  

I remind my students if they chose not to take care of “business” at the proper time, I will be so sad when they ask later; and I tell them no. I love my job!  I thank God for blessing me with so many kids to love, great books to read, and valuable life lessons to teach.

I prayed for the Lord to show me this week specifically what to write about.  As usual, He answered my prayer.  His reply came yesterday when I walked into the ladies restroom at the Hardin Simmons softball stadium.  

This particular restroom was sparkling clean and cold.  The air conditioner must have been set on a really low temperature. (I made a note to self when it warmed up in the spring to camp out in the restroom.)  Both of the doors were closed.  I knew a player from the opposing team went into one stall.  I thought the other one was occupied too, so I assumed my position waiting in line. 

Another mom walked into the restroom and got in line behind me.  We conversed about the good weather. I suddenly caught a glimpse of the second stall and realized that maybe the door was closed, but that it was unoccupied.  I scooted over and did the casual, bend down slightly, and peak under the stall thing…vacant!  I waited for no reason. 

I assumed incorrectly. Where is “Buc-ee’s” when you need ‘em and their fancy red, green door lock system?  I waited and waited for my turn, without knowing that it was my turn!  Ladies reading feel my pain.  Men have no clue! 

Let me attempt to bridge the gap here.  We often sit right outside of our own personal “promised land.” We pause one step away from victory and the very next thing God has in store for us.  We wait, we even wait in line, when there is no line!  We sit and stay, when God is saying “Come on in, here is your blessing.”  He must wonder why we wait.   

Deuteronomy 12:10 says “But you will cross the Jordan and settle into the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and he will give you rest from all of your enemies so that you will live in safety.” 

The Israelites wandered for forty years in the wilderness.  I honestly do not have forty years to mosey around.  Join me this week please, pretty please.  Take the next step.  Remind others to take it too.  God keeps His promises. He is faithful.  The door is open.  We, as individuals, chose to wait and linger for no reason.  Take the next step this week and walk towards the Lord.  Claim the rest and security He has promised. 

Old one!

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.

catching up!

I have lots of stuff on my mind today.  Thankfully, my mind has room to have “something” on it.  My college daughter suckered me into editing two of her essays that were due sooner than later and worth a major part of her grade.  Her God-given talents lie in speaking and not writing; therefore, my evenings have been consumed with editing.  Coincidentally, today is her nineteenth birthday. 

Other than keeping my brain busy with grammar, it has been quite blah!  Maybe… I am in a mid-forties slump.  It could be the “need to shop for Christmas-but don’t have any extra money slump.”   However, my slump is most likely though due to a personal pity party that has resulted from my own sin and not always adjusting well to this season of life.  Several factors usually contribute to where we find ourselves, if we are honest.  Most of life is spent saying we are good, when we are really not good.   

Today I said “I am good” and really meant it.  My “good” began with a decent night’s rest.  Teenagers mess up my weekend sleep patterns.  Sadly, weekend sleep patterns often lead to weekday tiredness and naps. 

This morning, I decided I was going to church and by school to get ready for “The Polar Express” before I even got out of bed.  I cooked a massive amount of breakfast and slid out alone.  I left four girls sleeping and a crew of boys, my two included, out in the woods hunting.  A call from the birthday girl nearly made me sad because I was not going to see her, but I persevered.  I drove on!  

Church began with the lighting of the first advent candle, representing hope, by one of my favorite families.  I felt sorry for myself because I was alone.  There was a little boy in his shorts and boots sitting right in front of me.  He reached up to grab his mom’s hand.  She reached down to grasp his hand, but that was not enough for him.  He then reached up with both of his arms signaling for her to hold him.  She did.  He was finally satisfied when he was in her arms and with his spare hand holding onto his dad’s shirt sleeve.  I felt the tears coming!  My boys now pick me up.  Time is fleeting!  I cleaned my glasses and controlled myself.  (Am I the only one who battles this stuff or has the courage to share it?)

I then heard a familiar, soft cough in the back of the sanctuary.  Her cough, her voice has always brought me comfort.  I smiled.  I looked up and focused on the beautiful Christmas tree I have loved since I was a little girl. God has a way of always bringing us peace and joy! 

The children’s choir sang. I loved watching my little friends.  One in particular means the world to me.  His mom is battling cancer, but smiles and sings, trusts, proclaims the Good News!   Children are so heartwarming and full of hope!  We should be more like kids. 

I thought about how I was greeted at the door by one of my Dad’s friends.  I felt loved.  The funny thing though is that the love I felt this morning was not just possible at this “one” church.  I could have gone to another one, or two, or even three or four around town. 

Why is this true?  Churches bicker just like schools, homes, businesses, and councils.   Matthew 18:20 offers us a truth though.  It says “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in their midst.” 

Gather this month.  Gather and be encouraged.  We all need it!