Worst or Best?

Did the punishment fit the crime? I do not remember anymore, but the "crime" was bad enough that Dad was called upon to help, which was rare. (He preferred "Sugar Dad" and not "The Heavy".)

The punishment:cell phone taken away from the teenager...That was the worst!

When my husband took away that flip phone, he hid it in a "special spot". The "special spot" was so special, a little later when it was time to retrieve the phone, he could not recollect exactly where it was. About a month later, the phone was recovered.

At first, as my son recalls, it seemed absolutely horrible to be without his phone and seemingly cut off from his friends. But as time went on, he realized how freeing it was to not be connected to the world. He puttered around the basement. He toyed with new ideas. He explored beyond the usual. 

Later he described that time as one of the best months of his life. During those days, he started making artistic journals using antiqued parchment paper and unique clasps. Little did he know that God was preparing him for what would eventually become an exciting career of building a company - designing and crafting personalized journals, binders, portfolios, and other exquisite leather products...MurdyCreativeCo

Out of what seemed a dark time, God used for good.

On Good Friday when Jesus was being crucified, the disciples of Jesus must have felt like that was the worst, absolutely horrible. But it was the best...Jesus was being sacrificed to pay the price of mankind's sins. Not only did Jesus die to pay for our sins, but He also arose on Easter conquering death.  

Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. ALLELUIA! 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

Out of what seemed a dark time, God used for good.

What are times in your life that seemed absolutely horrible, but as you look back, you can see the Hand of God using it for good in your life and the life of others? Maybe you are going through a dark season now. Memorize and cling to this verse: "And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Blood and Seasons

As blood gushed out of my son's head, "Not again!" I cried. We had friends over to celebrate my 35th birthday and I was about to cut and enjoy my delectable birthday cake. Everyone sang happy birthday to me, as I quickly cut the chocolate cake, but no leisurely enjoying. Instead off to Urgent Care we raced.

It all began on a beautiful sunny day in late October. My future lawn mowers were only 3 and 5 years old, so I was the one mowing our large yard. (As an exercise physiologist by trade, no riding lawn mower, only embracing all the functional exercise while pushing the mower.) I had only one quick section to finish before we were heading in for F.O.B.-"flat on your bunk" napping or reading or whatever as long as you were quiet and on your bed. Suddenly the boys started screaming. I said a quick prayer, "Lord, just one more short row to finish. Please help the boys stop fighting."  As I turned to shush the boys' battle, I freaked out. Markus had a huge gash with blood flowing freely from his forehead. "Oh no! My child is going to be brain damaged!" I thought, as I saw deep into his head. Quickly I grabbed a handful of towels for for him to hold on his wound, whoosed the boys into the van, and rushed to Urgent Care. (My memory is that on the way I called my doctor husband to get our surgeon neighbor who worked down the hall to meet us in U.C, but since that was before cell phone, maybe I just called from our home phone before leaving?!) 

Even though they put in several layers of stitches, thankfully the wound was not all the way into his brain as I imagined, and the doctors assured me there was no brain damage. My poor son, who was just trying to help by moving our pool off the lawn, was hurting big time. (He had picked up our plastic baby pool to move it off the grass, but it was too heavy for him to control and his forehead slammed into the cement half wall on the edge of our patio as he was pulled down.)

Jump forward several weeks to my birthday. my son had his stitches removed in the morning. Towards the end of my birthday dinner, the boys had been excused from the table to go play until we were ready for birthday cake. Once again, I heard the boys scream and turned to look as my five year old came toward me with a huge gash and blood flowing freely from his forehead. Yikes! "Boys, what happened?" My son indignantly replied that his brother would not give him a hug so he head bonked him.

Through the years, with four sons I had four lawn mowers, who had more than their fair share of blood and broken bones. They would outbid each other to get the job of mowing the lawn. (Lawn mowing was a paid chore in our household.) The boys all took great pride in keeping the yard looking good. Lawn art became a thing at our house- mowing into the grass graduation years and initials in May, a big cross at confirmation, olympic rings, "welcome back", etc.

Now my boys are off. I am back to mowing the lawn and every time, I cry...I remember the season of raising boys with great joy, but also with sadness that those days are over. Although my husband and I are on to a new season of life that also brings great joys, sometimes I just have to cry.  (Now my sweet husband often mows the lawn to get his exercise.)

For all of you parents in the season of children at home, remember this is a season...maybe blood and broken bones, hugs and kisses, sleepless nights, cheering, angst, laughter, training your children, and so many things. Enjoy-this is just a season, that may seem long, but flies by quickly. Ask for help-empty nesters understand the intensity of child rearing and would love to be extra hands and support for you.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 talks about seasons. "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under Heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance."

As I was writing this blog post, thinking about the title, it reminded me of Lent, the current season of the church year. I cry with sadness and great joy! This season we think of Jesus, the son of God, who came to fulfill the law and be the perfect sacrifice to pay the price of all our wrongs, by dying on the cross after a bloody beating.  With great joy, I thank Jesus that He paid the price of my sins on the cross and look forward to Easter when Jesus arose conquering death. All believers in Jesus will get to live in Heaven-a perfect place where "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall be mourning nor crying
, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4. Wow, what a season of no blood and great joy!

As we celebrate this season of Lent and Easter, sadness and great joy, I encourage you to be in church to worship and be strengthened by God's Word and a community of believers-Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday. If you do not have a church home, please reach out to me and I will help you find a church home. I want to see you in Heaven some day. Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE.

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/