The Correct Party Attire?

Party attire disaster! My husband and I headed to a December party to welcome a new coworker and his wife to the community. 

When I asked my husband about what to wear, he replied that the invitation had stated casual attire, which in Texas, is often the M.O. We arrived with excitement anticipating a pleasurable evening. (With covid, our attendance at parties has been limited.) As we walked up to the exquisite home on the lake with festive Christmas decorations, I realized something was not right. The hostess was dressed up. Every women in the room was dressed to the nines with their best party dress and fancy shoes. I felt like I was in rags. The entire night I just wanted to disappear. Looking back, I am surprised I did not leave. "That was cocktail attire, not casual attire," I screamed at my husband through sobs when we were back in the car heading home.

In the days that followed, as I prayed about trying to let go of my frustration, another party came to mind from Matthew 22, the parable of the wedding feast (representing Heaven). To be at the feast, each guest needed the correct attire-the wedding garment provided (representing Jesus Christ's righteousness). The Apostle Paul in Romans 3:22-23 declares, "the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ." At Christmas we celebrate with joy, the Savior of the world, the bringer of the robe of righteousness- the correct heavenly wedding party garment (Jesus righteousness). "For unto you is born this day...a Savior who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11. No more party attire disaster- thanks to Jesus and the righteousness He freely gives!"I will rejoice in the Lord...for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness." Isaiah 61:10

A Tragic Death. A Tragic Life. A Thrill of HOPE!

 A thrill of HOPE, a weary world REJOICES!

Listen to the podcast of this blogpost: https://anchor.fm/karen-sue-murdy/episodes/A-Tragic-Death--A-Tragic-Life-enqq6k

A tragic death...A couple in our community was suddenly killed in a car accident leaving behind their two young children, their parents, their students, their co-workers, their friends all who are deeply mourning the loss of their life.  A tragic death...a weary world.

A tragic life...A loved one in our family lives unfortunately with chronic traumatic encephalopathy dementia often not recognizing her children, her siblings, her neighbors, her friends all who are deeply mourning the loss of her mind. A tragic life...a weary world. 

With my finite mind, I cannot begin to understand an infinite God who sees and knows all-so much more than me. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55:8-9 I cannot understand why this healthy couple with 2 young children had to die like this...not my way. I cannot understand why my loved one with this devastating disease has to live like this...not my way. 

I also cannot understand why God sent His son, Jesus to be born to live on this earth, to die on the cross (conquering Satan and evil), and to rise again on the third day (conquering death) to be my Savior...not my ways; but wow do I REJOICE. We thank God His ways are higher than our ways and acknowledge we may never understand them. 

"A thrill of HOPE, a weary world REJOICES" a line from a beloved Christmas carol "O Holy Night" caught my attention the first week of advent as we lit the candle HOPE. As we wearily mourn both a tragic death and a tragic life, we REJOICE. We REJOICE in the HOPE this couple confidently proclaimed in life and in death and now in new life in Heaven: Jesus Christ is their Savior! We REJOICE in the HOPE my baptized loved one confidently lives. She asks me to pray with her; hums along when I sing "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow"; and declares, "Count your blessings": Jesus Christ is her Savior now and always.  

What tragedies are you struggling with in 2020? Covid? Relationships? Politics? What else? Whatever is happening in your life, may you HOPE in God- trusting that His ways are higher than your ways. 

May you experience a thrill of HOPE in spite of this weary world and REJOICE in the birth of our Savior, our eternal HOPE.

No Ornaments

No ornaments. This year there were no ornaments on our Christmas tree, except the 6 ornaments we received as presents eventually we did hang on the tree.  This summer as we were packing up for a cross country move, I gave away 4 artificial trees- 2 little ones, 2 big ones (3 inherited ones, 1 that we bought).  As December rolled around, I was wondering why in the world I gave away ALL our trees. In early December whenever I was in a store, I would glance at the trees, but really just felt overwhelmed trying to decide what to buy and trying to think about where I would eventually store this tree in my basement-less house. A new friend suggested we buy a real tree for this Christmas and then buy an artificial tree on after-Christmas sales. We liked that plan. Since we had put up an artificial tree in the recent years, our youngest son, never having had a real tree, excitedly anticipated this tree. On a very sunny warmish delightful December 15th, we trekked to a Christmas tree farm.  "We hope you are looking for a small tree because that's all we have left," the tree farm worker warned us. On December 15th, we just wanted a tree-any tree! The skinny trunk was easy to cut. The light weight tree was easy to carry into the house. The small tree was easy to set up. We dubbed our tree "our Charlie Brown Christmas tree". And we loved it! Covered in multi-colored lights, it was beautiful in our eyes, and the fresh evergreen aroma filled our new home.

We decided to wait for "the boys" to arrive home to decorate the tree with ornaments.  Our tradition has been all of us working together to put up the tree-usually the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend- and each boy would hang his special ornaments-ones we bought each year to commemorate a highlight of that year. This year the boys arrived on a staggered schedule. One of few days before Christmas; one on Christmas Eve day, and one, with his wonderful wife, a few days after Christmas. The time with the boys (& girls) home quickly filled-worshiping with special church services, visiting with extended family, exploring throughout our new city, etc. And so there never was really a good time to put up the ornaments. But our ornament-less Charlie Brown Christmas tree lighted up our house and filled it with a delightful scent. (In fact after we got the Christmas tree our newly acquired house stopped smelling like "their house" and began to smell like "our house"!) Every time I walked by our special little tree, I thought about Christmas. I was challenged to think about what Christmas really is about-the coming of our Savior as a baby...Emmanuel-"God with us".

Christmas came and went, even without ornaments.  And it was truly a special December for us. Now in January, I am reaping the benefit of EASY Christmas tear down and put away. But the message of Christmas is NOT put away. The message changes our hearts every day. "Do not be afraid...good news...for ALL (this means you) people...a Savior, Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10 With or without the ornaments!

Perspective

Just two months ago my basement was not quite filled to capacity, but pretty close, housing treasures galore!
-Two banquet tables covered with cities built of Lincoln Logs and Hot Wheels, constantly being arranged by Murdy boys and visiting boys, big and little alike!
-A huge gold column from the grand hall of "Phantom of the Opera" along with multiple other musical theater memoirs.
-The largest piece of shrink wrap you can imagine that once covered our boat (never know when you might need that😝).                              
-Papers galore and toys, some broken waiting to be used in the next project or experiment, along with shelves and shelves of beloved old books.
-Cushions and afghans of every kind that became makeshift seats for the impromptu movie projected on the wall.
-Drums, shakers, and noise makers of all sizes.
-Boxes and boxes that chronicle purchases of shoes, small appliances, keyboards, guitars, etc. that might be used to wrap a present or store something else.
-Little Tyke van, tricycles, and bicycles.
-John Deere tractors and corn planters.
-Ping pong, pool, and foosball tables.
-Guest bed, bunk bed, baby bed.
-Etc. Etc. Etc.
OH THE MEMORIES!!

But for the past seven weeks, my job has been to empty out my house! When we made the decision to move I couldn't imagine how I would ever manage to clean out the basement. Bit by bit, with the help of family and friends (a big thanks to all who helped!), slowly there was less and less left. I was ecstatic to have finished cleaning it out just in time for the last of Daniel's infamous bonfires. As the kids came over, I was excited to show off the clean basement. As I walked down the stairs with one teenager, tears streamed down her face as she mourned, "It's so sad; everything we had so much fun with is gone!" Perspective!!! After all my work, I saw clean basement. She saw end of fun times. And for a moment, I sat & cried with her!!

Perspective!! So many things in life are all about perspective. I contemplated. I was struck by an image of a cross and the perspective of that. For some, the image of Jesus on the cross was of just another person in history dying. For me the image of the cross is Jesus. Son of God, Lord of lords, my Savior, Salvation of the world!! Not only did Jesus die on that cross to pay the price of my sins, but He rose from the dead conquering death! John declares, "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name." John 20:30-31

I pray that you seek God and will have the wonderful perspective of Jesus as your Savior! What's your perspective?

Best of Times, Worst of Times

As my family travels we like to sing along with Jimmy Buffet, “These changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes, Nothing remains quite the same…” This time of year is filled with graduations, weddings, and new babies, Changes…”Nothing remains quite the same.”

Personally my family is about to experience a major change. (More on that in a later blog!!) Changes are often both the best of times and the worst of times.

I invite you to read a blog post I wrote for WLI:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” So begins “A Tale of Two Cities”. Since my high schooler was reading this classic story, I decided to read it, too. I love the way Charles Dickens masterfully creates contrasts.

“It was the best of times…” It was Christmas Eve. “It was the worst of times.” It was Grandma Barbara’s last breaths on earth. My son, along with his new bride, Leah...continue reading here http://wlicuw.org/the-best-of-times-the-worst-of-times/

When I think of change, a few lines from a verse of one of Dad’s favorite hymns, “Abide with Me” comes to my mind:

“Change and decay in all around I see;

O Thou who changest not, abide with me.”

As we go through changes, we cling to our Savior, who does not change. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrew 13:8

If you are looking for a speaker for your group, please contact me; I love to talk! Check out the link to my page on WLI Speaker’s Bureau http://wlicuw.org/profile/speaker-karen-sue-hinz-murdy/

The Women’s Leadership Institute educates, encourages, and equips women for Christian leadership in the home, church, workplace and the world. WLI’s vision is to develop capable and confident women who serve Christ, embrace their gifts in service and leadership, and mentor others to do the same. http://wlicuw.org/

Cut It OFF!?!

“Cut it Off?!”

When I am afraid,    I put my trust in you.

In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

   What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4

“Cut it off! Cut it off!” screamed the third grader in room 4 of the Emergency Room.

Earlier that day, my 4 boys and several neighborhood children were happily climbing on the play structure in our backyard.  I briefly stepped away from grilling the pork chops,and into the kitchen. Just as I commented to my husband, that the kids were all playing so nicely together, my oldest son came rushing in from the back yard. “Colin just fell and broke his arm.”

“Right, Eeyore.  I’m sure you can just tell by looking,” I contended.

“Go look for yourself,” he replied.

As I dashed outside, I saw Colin lying on the ground with what looked like 2 elbows, as a bone protruded from the middle of his lower right arm.

As my husband loaded Colin into the suburban and dashed to the ER, I called my neighbor to come over to watch the kids, so I could head to the ER, too.

Walking into the ER, I heard my son’s scream of agony and pain coming from room 4. (And I quickly requested more pain medicine for poor Colin!) Eventually the surgeon arrived and assured Colin that he would fix his arm not by cutting it off, but in surgery.

What pain causes you to plead with God to “cut it off” today?  What worry? What situation?  An illness personally or an illness of a loved one?  A relationship issue in your marriage, with a co-worker, or someone else? A difficult financial situation for you or your grown children?  Can you turn it over to the Savior? Just like Colin had to trust the doctor, can you trust in the Savior to provide exactly the care you need?  Can you trust that God, in His infinite wisdom, knows and understands more than you?  Our God, who cares for you so much more than the doctor who cared for Colin, loves you with an everlasting love. “But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting Ps.103:17.”  God loved you enough to come to this world to be your Savior.   Put your trust in God who so incredibly loves you! God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Ps. 46:1  Do not be afraid. Trust in God. Depend on the Savior.

Colin is now working on an awesome vialamp to bring light to the world. VIALAMP Read about it in the previous post or by clicking on the vialamp link above. I'm sure it is so much easier to complete his work with both arms and I'm sure he's so glad the ER staff did not listen to his pleas to "cut it off".

December Mourning...D.O.T.S.
December 2015: Dark. Dreary. Dismal. Although festive Christmas lights brightened the evenings, day after day cloudy skies reigned. No white sparkling snow. No blue skies. No sunshine.  Tragically on December 14, our son’s friend’s father committed suicide.  And a few days later, one of our friends, who had 2 young children, after only a 2 month diagnosis, lost her battle with cancer.  Now the darkness and drear penetrated not only the skies, but also our hearts! “Not now. This is the worst time of year for this, “ we cried.  But as I read this comforting verse, “He  (God) will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4, I realized,  especially now, with the Savior’s birth, we are comforted with God’s peace and hope, even in the face of death.  As I read with my son, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson, I was reminded again of how Jesus comes to earth, not in the perfection of flawless hair and clothes or shiny clean faces, but in the muck and mire of the stable. In the same way, Christ comes into the muck and mire of grief at Christmas time. And on Christmas Day, Pastor Paul Garchow declared, “Just as surely as there is an expiration date on the mayonnaise jar in your refrigerator, there is an expiration date on suffering! Christ’s coming to this earth as our Savior guarantees that when Christ comes again there will be no more suffering!”  So even as we grieve losses in December, we are reminded that suffering will not last forever. No matter how dark or dreary some days may seem, the Christmas reality truly brings hope and light for those depending on the Savior.

You are invited to

“D.O.T.S.” Depending on the Savior,

Women’s Event,

Saturday, April 23, 2016, 8 am-12pm

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 210 S. Ringold St. Janesville, WI

Revelation 21:1-5 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”