Everyday Thoughts for Your
Everyday Life.
Does the Butterfly Bring Us a Message?
July 24th, 2010 by stephanie
A few weeks ago I was sitting in a glass lobby and noticed a butterfly alight on the door outside. I can’t say as I have seen that happen before. Or, if I had, not sure why this particular occasion stuck with me. A week later, as I was pulling up to a stop light, I noticed a butterfly land on the passenger side window. Again, I took notice. Since then, I have had numerous other butterfly sitings. So, I knew it was time to pull out the laptop. Perhaps it was simply Butterfly season?
As many of you may already know, the butterfly is quite symbolic to many peoples and cutltures. Apparently, the Mandarin Chinese say the insect symbolizes long life. 70 years, actually. They also feel it is telling of young men in love.
The Japanese see it as a sign for young maidens and marital bliss.
In Germany, butterflies having once hovered around the butter churn became known as “stealers of the cream”.
Greeks saw the butterfly as a symbol of the soul. They even considered white butterflies as the souls of those who had passed away and gone on to the great beyond.
In Western culture, the creature has become a symbol of Freedom.
According to a Blackfoot Indian, the butterfly brings us our dreams. A tribal member might say after the fire burns low and the people began to make up their beds about the lodge, ‘Well, let us go to bed and see what news the butterfly will bring?” Interestingly, The Native American Indians also use a cross, similar to a Maltese cross, as a sign for the butterfly.
Which brings us to the topic of the butterfly and its connection to the Resurrection in the Christian realm. I was surprised to learn that butterflies were actually engraved in the stones of many a Christian’s tomb centuries ago. A sign that the person who had, having died and entered the tomb, had now departed their earthly cocoon only to have experienced release into life eternal.
Regardless of your particular thoughts on butterflies, one thing we can all agree on is that they truly symbolize change. A massive transition. From an, earthbound groveling worm to a free-flying, creature of beauty.
In truth? I’d love to think something wonderful is heading my way. But for now, it’s enough to be reminded of the freedom I do cherish and enjoy. Both here on my native soil and the freedom that I will someday enjoy in heaven above.
Just my thoughts. Yours?
S.
JUNE 6. D-DAY. May we never forget.
June 6th, 2010 by stephanie
Back by request. May we remember…
Sitting in a hotel room that lay on the coast of England, the allied commander, known as Eisenhower, knew that a small window of opportunity was all that he had with which to work. Weather was terrible. But if it broke, as they had been notified it might, 150,000 Allied soldiers would be deployed to land on the shores of Normandy.
“An invading army had not crossed the unpredictable, dangerous English Channel since 1688 — and once the massive force set out, there was no turning back. The 5000-vessel armada stretched as far as the eye could see, transporting over 150,000 men and nearly 30,000 vehicles across the channel to the French beaches. Six parachute regiments — over 13,000 men — were flown from nine British airfields in over 800 planes. More than 300 planes dropped 13,000 bombs over coastal Normandy immediately in advance of the invasion.” (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/dday/sfeature/sf_info.html)
Paratroopers would drop at 1am. Would the weather hold? At a height of only 300 feet. In the dark. The wet. Think fast.
Men in PT boats would race toward shore. Many would get close. Some would fall short. As soldiers poured out, the 70 pound packs would sink and drown many who thought the sand lay directly beneath.
By nightfall, more than 9,000 Allied soldiers would be dead or wounded, but more than 100,000 would make it ashore, securing French coastal villages previously held hostage by Hitler’s regime.
These were depression kids. The scrappy boys that had learned to make it on their own. Those innate tricks of survival. Could there be a better training ground to prepare them for the impossible? Amidst perilous conditions? And a ruthless world tyrant to boot? Truly, a fearful task.
Those who made it through the depression learned to have a great deal of resilience and learned how to make due with what they had or could find. Older men today, if you spend time with them, are proof still that people back then were able to make the most amazing things our of the littlest stuff. What they were able to come up with was nothing short of impressive. No wonder we call them The Greatest Generation. Shaped by The Great Depression
One vet, Jim Norene, a member of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, had come alone for one last anniversary, despite having stage-four advanced cancer. Though gravely ill, he was determined to make it back to France for the 65th anniversary of D-Day. Just one more time. After he landed (in a fashion much different then his first landing), he was able to visit the American cemetery the evening before Saturday’s ceremony. Jim never made it to the ceremony, that night, he passed away in his sleep.
This man, who returned to remember and honor his buddies would not have wanted it any other way. How poignant that he was able to return to the same shores where he and his pals had said good bye only to have the ironic privilege of rejoining them from the same soil that had prematurely taken their very young lives. Now, this ailing veteran and his band of brothers could truly rest in peace. Together.
May we remember.
S.
Did You Decorate a Soldier’s Grave Today?
May 31st, 2010 by stephanie
I remember as a young girl, my mom would tell me, “You were born on traditional Memorial Day.” She said that due to the fact that Memorial Day used to be May 30. (And that day just so happens to be my birthday.)
But then, the government decided to make it a federal holiday, and employees got a new 3 day weekend to add to their calendar. Thus, the last Monday in May officially became Memorial Day.
Even before that, Memorial Day was known by another name. It was called “Decoration Day”. And if you are over the age of 50, you remember what that day meant.
My grandmother tells me that she grew up observing Decoration Day. And, as her father was a vet of the Spanish American War, and her brothers were vets of WWII, well, it meant something.
So, just what was Decoration Day? Glad you asked:
Memorial Day (originally called Decoration Day) is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings. Quite a few cities and towns actually claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. But it’s hard to tell the origin.
Women’s groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War. And there is actually a hymn (published in 1867, “Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping” by Nella L. Sweet) that was dedicated “To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead” (source see: Duke University’s Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920).
While Waterloo N.Y. won the honored position as declared birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove the real origins of the day.
And there you have it.
For more info (I know who you folks are!) here’s a source:
Memorial Day
Wishing you a happy Memorial Day. And well, a very happy birthday to me.
S.
It’s Just So…Surreal.
May 4th, 2010 by stephanie
That’s the statement I keep hearing over and over again. Each time I look at a new email or text message, it’s news of loss. And it can be hard to take. If you haven’t yet heard, Nashville, TN received 3 months of rain in a 48 hour period this past weekend. And the city and surrounding regions paid a dear price.
At the end of my subdivision is a branch of the Cumberland River. And so I wait.
In the meantime, many around me are experiencing a major change in their life plans. They had no idea they’d be without home, and many too, without cars this week.
It’s a good thing those folks aren’t too tied to their worldly possessions. But that fact never takes away the pain of loss, the shock, and the hassle of inconvenience. For some, it’s the reality of starting over.
It reminded me of some verses in the old book of Habakkuk. A gentle reminder that this life really isn’t all there is. And too, that the things we acquire while here are just that: things to help us in our earthly journey, and at times, things that bring us joy during said adventure.
With that, here are some words, penned thousands of years ago, that also remind us: things happen. And sometimes, they aren’t what we were expecting. They aren’t welcome, and they can leave us feeling as if we are living in a very surreal existence.
Hab. 3:17 Though the fig tree should not blossom
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail
And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
Hab. 3:18 Yet I will exult in the LORD,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
Hab. 3:19 The Lord GOD is my strength,
And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet,
And makes me walk on my high places.
Selah.
Stephanie
But Sunday was Coming…
April 3rd, 2010 by stephanie
Holy Week. Day 7. Saturday. (The Jewish Sabbath)
In the grave.
That’s where Christ was on this day. Stone cold. Deathly silent.
It was the Sabbath. No work would be done. A day of complete rest for God’s chosen people. Thus, the rush to have Jesus prepared for burial and placed in the tomb by sunset Friday night when the Sabbath officially would begin.
Luke 23:54-56
It was the preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. Now the women who had come with Him out of Galilee followed, and saw the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
Meanwhile, back at the the roman palace, the Jewish leaders, who should have been resting and worshiping at home, were anything but quiet…
Matt. 27:62-66
¶ Now on the next day, the day after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, and said, “Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’ “Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.”
Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.”
And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.
and…
Matt. 28:11-15 “Now while they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ “And if this should come to the governor’s ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble.”
And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews, and is to this day.”
They knew Jesus had powers. They were terrified He would rise. How interesting that they thought a stone would keep Him, the Creator of the Universe, in the grave.
Not a sound was heard from the tomb. But Sunday was coming…
S.
Verses for Today:
Matt 27:62-66
Luke 23:56
And for extra credit, you studious types can enjoy these!
1 Peter 3:18-33 and 4:6
It’s Good Friday.
April 2nd, 2010 by stephanie
Holy Week. Day 6.
I started a new tradition last year. And I’ve been looking forward to it all week. My first plan of action for today is to head out, with the Judge in tow of course, and make the trek toPanera Bread. They have the BEST Hot Cross Buns and they will only have them through Easter Sunday. So, off I will go! To not only keep my new Good Friday tradition, but to enjoy a yummy treat.
Sure, I make it sound like Good Friday is all about the food, but you and I both know the cross on those holiday buns are simply to remind us of what happened on this day more than 2,000 years ago.
Basically, in the middle of the night, (Thursday night) Roman soldiers accosted Jesus. They arrested him then drug him to a trumped up, illegal trial by the Jewish leadership that was held in the wee hours of the morning. After that, He was brutally beaten.Passed between Herod and Pilate, he was finally handed over for the most brutal torture – crucifixion. Where he was hung between two thieves. (By the way, did you catch that? They crucified thieves! Today, pedophiles and murderers enjoy prisons. But I digress…)
Jesus was put on the cross close to 9:00 am in the morning and hung there most of the day. At noon, the sky grew dark, and there was an earthquake. Close to 3:00 pm, He gave up His spirit and died. One of my favorite parts, that you don’t hear much about, is that graves opened when that happened and the bodies (not spirits mind you. See: Soma-Gk.) of the saints came out and visited loved ones. If you don’t believe me check this out.
Matt. 27:52-53 The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.
That is just too cool! It was a very full and powerful day. Don’t let it go by without taking a moment to pause and revisit this amazing event.
I know we are all busy, but may I encourage you to read Matthew chapter 27 today.
In Remembrance of Him.
S.
Verses for Today:
Matt 27:1-61
Mark 15:1-47
Luke 22: 66- 23:55
John 18:28-42
The Best Laid Plans of Ice and Men.
February 18th, 2010 by stephanie
The Olympic flame hadn’t even been lit. As the news poured across the wires, the world sat stunned. A 19-year old athlete, whose father had been a medal-winning olympian for the old Soviet Union, was gone. A horrible crash during a practice run on the Luge track had taken his young life. Shock ensued. Was it an eerie omen?
That same night, one of the four caldrons, that were set to light the Olympic flame during the Opening Ceremonies, malfuntioned. Wayne Gretsky, the great one, waited, wondering what move to make next.
The Outdoor Olympic Flame had issues too. At a press conference, a Canadian TV reporter inquired as to why the flame had been placed behind “a ratty-looking prison-camp fence.” Apparently, the Globe and Mail newspapers chimed in and referred to the new Olympic city as old Berlin.
If you aren’t aware, the flame is a pretty big deal. People come from all over the world to experience it. A spokeswoman for the organizing committee responded to the public fury and outcry, ” Perhaps we did underestimate the degree to which people would want to get close to it.”
The local paper addressed the head of the Vancouver Games: “Mr. Furlong, tear down this fence!”
But there was more.
20,000 standing-room only tickets for the snowboarding venue had to be voided. Fans had fallen between the bales of hay under the melting layers of “trucked-in” snow. They were assured refunds. But those who made the trek up the mountain anyway to see events, were met with blinding snow.
The Winter venue was taking quite a ribbing: “Welcome to the Vancouver Summer Olympics”.
Timing issues hit the biathlon events. A Swedish woman was held up at her start gate for 14 seconds, while two of the men started too early.
The word “incompetence” began echoing throughout the valleys below.
The competition schedule wasn’t fairing any better:
– The Men’s Super-Combined, in the mountains at Whistler, was postponed due to an overnight snowstorm.
– The Snowboardcross Finals were rescheduled as well.
– Women’s Downhill training, which had been postponed repeatedly earlier in the Olympics due to wet weather that ruined the snow–was canceled. Each day of delayed training gave multimedal favorite Lindsey Vonn, who had badly bruised her right shin on 2/5/10, time enough to heal. But for everyone else, the delays wore thin.
It didn’t stop there.
At the Luge Track, a spigot went off, spraying a section near the finish. The German racer waited two minutes before she was finally able to take her run.
At the speedskating venue, the resurfacing machine malfunctioned and left the ice in piles of slush and full of dips with water. A replacement Zamboni, specifically designed for the size of a speedskating oval, had to be hauled in from an entire province over in Calgary.
Then, during a free concert, a barricade collapsed sending nine people to the hospital. The concert was called off as well as the fireworks display.
All this, and it was only Day 5!!!
Vancouver landed the honor of becoming an Olympics venue years ago. Planning and preparation had been in the works for many, many months. But try as they might, things happen. Sometimes, the very people and places we count on just don’t come through as we hoped for or planned.
In fairness, it’s not just these ill-fated Winter Olympics of 2010 that experience trials and tribulation. You and I too, may have the best of intentions. We work earnestly for months, if not years, only to, at times, have the best laid plans fall at our feet like a shattered crystal goblet.
Should we plan? Yes. Work? You bet. Sometimes, however, our own personal efforts just aren’t enough. Outside factors intrude and we’re left holding the bag. We need to realize that life happens. And when it does, all will be watching to see what we do with the pieces. No matter who is at fault. Who we truly are will be known to all as they watch us either rise from the proverbial ashes or crawl under the pile of glass and cry.
It reminds me of a verse from the book of James: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit’. You do not know what your life will be like tomorrow…”
Just my thoughts.
S.
What’s That on Your Forehead?
February 17th, 2010 by stephanie
I will never forget one particular day while routinely tuning in to catch the evening news, I caught a glimpse of a U.S. Senator who was being interviewed. What wasn’t routine was the black smudge on his forehead that I kept inadvertently trying to wipe off the TV screen. Then it hit me: Today is Ash Wednesday.
In case today catches you a bit by surprise, perhaps this bit of information will spare you an awkward moment with that colleague or person on the street that you might encounter. Tip: Today is Ash Wednedsay. People go to church, and the priest makes the sign of the cross on their forehead–with ashes.
For those of you still feeling a little left out, here are some talking points for you on the significance and traditions of this day:
- The Ashes are made from burned palm fronds (leftovers from last year’s Palm Sunday).
- Today is the first day of Lent.
- It is also known as Day of Ashes: dies cinerum (day of ashes) in the Roman Missal.
- It is the Wednesday after Quinquagesima Sunday (say that three times out loud as fast as you can). What does it mean? Basically, 50 days before Easter!
- Ash Wednesday is 40 days before Good Friday.
- Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation.
- It is the day after Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras).
There. Feeling smarter already? Now, just think of the conversations this information can get you into. Some of you are saying, “Hmmmm, I might pass on that offer, but thanks.”
For you braver types, here’s the deal. In the Bible, Ashes signify mourning. And too, when in angst, people would tear their clothes and put ashes on their head (i.e.:1 Samuel 4:12, Esther 4:1).
Ashes also symbolize how the sinner feels when he stands before and acknowledges the all-just God.
And too, there is a verse in the book of Genesis that reminds us of the shortness of our lives, ”Remember, man, that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.” (you know, the old “ashes to ashes dust to dust” thing.)
So there you have it. Ash Wednesday brings to remembrance these things:
1. You and I are sinners (but saved by the action of Christ on the cross).
2. God is all powerful, just, and holy (we are not).
3. Life is short. Make the most of it (not just physically, and mentally, but spiritually, too).
So just think. You now have the next 40 days of Lent to ponder these very things and other points of life. But most importantly than that, if you see folks today with a dark smudge on their foreheads (in the shape of a cross), you will at least now hopefully not walk up to them and say, “Hey, you have something on your forehead.”
Just my thoughts,
S.
When Snow Day turns to Show Day.
January 31st, 2010 by stephanie
As I hung up the phone, the message of, ‘We’re good to go. Please come,” was all I needed to confirm that it was time to head for the car. But as soon as I pulled out of the driveway, the heavens opened and a surprise unfolded. As I turned the corner to head downtown, the most beautiful snowfall began to not just flurry but descend in tufts, and with quite a fury.
Safely pulling into the parking space at my destination, I noticed a message come into my phone. Retrieving the voicemail, I heard these words: “Stephanie, go ahead and stay at home.” Really? I mused. Because I am at the top of your uncovered parking garage and it’s icing over. You told me to leave and I did! Sigh.
With that I backed out and began my trek home. Usually the journey from Music Row takes about 20 minutes but on this day, it took an hour. At one point, I even lost traction in traffic, but a miraculous escape route suddenly appeared. It had been a close call, but I returned home unscathed.
If you’re like me, despite the near miss, snow days are sent from God. I love to be “snowed in”. It means, baking and reading and cleaning and my favorite of all — watching movies. Luckily, this particular weekend, I hit the proverbial jackpot. As I dug out the recipe for Cinnamon Rolls, I experimented with the bread machine while watching (believe it or not for the first time) The Fugitive. After that “rush”, I was in movie mode. The next film was to be Space Cowboys. Yet again, another movie I’d managed to miss. With my family’s rich history as civilian workers at Edwards Air Force Base (and during the amazing Space Race era at that) I was glued.
But it was the next flick that really got the best of me — Behind Enemy Lines with Owen Wilson. (Really? Who knew!). I’d managed to never see that one as well. When the previews resulted in a “Ah, that’s related to the Scott O’Grady story), I settled in for the long haul. Recalling those horrific days in the 90s, while we as Americans waited and prayed for the return or “our” pilot– I had to watch. Even if it wasn’t the ‘real story’ per se.
If you don’t know the true ordeal suffered by Capatin O’Grady after ejecting from his F-16 into hostile Bosnian territory, you must check out the video clip below. The fact that he survived in hiding, literally feet away (at moments) from those who sought to put a bullet through his head, while surviving on ants and rain water, is beyond amazing. Even when those glorious Marines swept in to save the day, at the last second, they fell under heart stopping gun and artillery fire.
The point? If you and I are here today, safe and unscathed, and, well, we are…we have to accept the fact that, well, there is a plan. Even when it doesn’t feel like it. I was in a two lane with oncoming traffic when my car lost control on the ice. How did that sudden “escape” open up? Scott should never have made it back to safety. His plane was blown apart. His parachute should have burned and not even opened. He should have been hunted down and captured by the enemy. He could have died of dehydration or, the barrage of bullets and gunfire to boot. But he didn’t. He’s still here. And again, so are you and I.
Regardless of your circumstances, though we may not fully understand the “whys” in life, I’m not so sure we need to really worry about trying to figure or understand it all. I think, what might be a better use of our time, is realizing that something can, and will, be accomplished–by you and me. And whatever that “it” is, it will be due in part to the talents and design that you and I possess.
With that, here is a quote I found from Scott that I hope will be of encouragement to you today.
It wasn’t the reward that mattered or the recognition you might harvest. It was your depth of commitment, your quality of service, these were the things that counted in a life. When you gave purely, the honor came in the giving, and that was honor enough. – Scott O’Grady
Whatever you have to to do or give today–do it well, and give it your all.
Just my thoughts,
S.
Lived to tell…
January 17th, 2010 by stephanie
As I watched the CNN correspondent wrap up his story of the morning’s events, the most fascinating part of the moment to me was when he threw it back (as they say in t the biz) to the anchor at the news desk. What intrigued me most was that he was reporting about the morning church services that the Haitians had held while were living out the nightmare. It wasn’t a mosque, it wasn’t a synagogue, it was a church report. On CNN? Interesting. To the chagrin of many, and the anchor at the news desk, as I would soon witness, those that were leading the service apparently were calling out to God declaring that the disaster was in fact God’s hand of judgment on their sins
I was stunned. And, the female cable news anchor was not amused, I could tell. In fact, as the on the scene reporter signed off and handed it back to her, the camera caught her with an almost irritated, dumbfounded look of disbelief. She wasn’t sure she liked the report and she didn’t know what to say. It was awkward to say the least.
As I continued to watch, it struck me: these people, in the midst of horror, were meeting in the rubble of their church, singing praises to God, reading from the Scriptures and stating publicly that this week’s trauma was God’s hand in response to their sins.
In truth, it’s not what we moderns are used to hearing these days. That type of talk is what the ancients believed and heralded. Not us intellectual, techno types. But, it was so. And the report continued inspite of the oddness.
You can imagine my surprise, when I opened up my devoional for the day and read these words from the book of Isaiah 38:17:
Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.
But it didn’t stop there. I read on:
1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1John 1:10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Mic. 7:18 ¶ Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance? ¶ You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.
Jonah 2:7 ¶ “When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, LORD,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.
Psa. 40:1 ¶ I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
Psa. 40:2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
With that said, myriads of Americans, as well as other souls from abroad are reaching out to this country, whose government never planned for, nor could handle, this type of catastrophe. God knew it was coming. And if His people in Haiti feel He is speaking to their culture and people, then so be it. But you and I know, those who survived this horrific event are loved by Him. And they are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Just my thoughts.
Yours?
S.
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