Figurative Language: Along these Lines -By Karla

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Alike in our Randomness

Donna and I are so alike in many ways. I love words and their origins as well as she. Figurative Language: Hope You Are All Ears. In fact, I like to Google many things and people to discover interesting facts. If someone peeked into our Google searches, they would crack up! Our quests do not show much of anything along similar lines: One minute we are investigating the story behind The Beatles’ song, “Come Together”, and later trying to find out if “Hey you guys!” was really in the Electric Company’s opening.

Many Different Lines

When thinking of my bi-monthly blog subject, an idea popped into my head swiftly. However, when I began googling my line of thinking, I became distracted by the number of phrases that contain the word line. One idiom phrase with the word “line” popped up, and I was like a racehorse behind a gate ready to bolt.

Out of Line & Crossing the Line

I was forever getting a out of line. Mother LOVED to shop though she did not always buy much. Once Julie, my youngest sister, and I were with Mom at Loveman’s department store. She was searching for new housecoats in the children’s area. Finding a white, terry cloth one in my size complete with a belt, Mom made me try it on to make sure I had growing room. Thus, she began looking for one to match for Julie to wear because she loved her girls to coordinate. Boredom overcame me, and silliness set it. I vividly remember being inspired to begin kicking as if I were in a tournament with the karate kid complete with wax on, wax off. Julie followed suit, and our hands were chopping all clothes in sight. One look from Mom led us to know we had crossed the line! 

Walking a Fine Line, One the Line, & in the Firing Line

Of course, that is not the only time Julie and I walked a fine line. Our baths caused our butts to be on the line more than once. Strawberry Suave shampoo allowed us to transform our hair into Martha Washington’s wig and Santa Claus’s beard regularly. Other times, we slid from the back slant of the tub. We had lathered it until it was slippery, and with our legs crossed, we made the ride last as long as possible! Mom would stomp into the bathroom and nearly slip on the linoleum floor splashed from soapy suds. Our wet behinds stung all the more in the firing line! 

Draw a line

At night, I had to draw a line in the bed. Julie loved to tickle me! When I got tired, I got cranky and still do. She paid little attention to my line and would continue to poke and wiggle her fingers into my boney sides until she made me laugh. 

Party Lines, Hold the Line, & Hang Up the Line

In the 70’s, Nana and Granddaddy had a party line. My sisters and I stayed with them often, so when we wanted to call Mom to ask a question or just say hey, we had to follow Nana’s instructions. “Remember, Girls, your granddaddy and me share our line with the people up the road. So, quietly pick up the receiver, and see if anyone’s already on the phone. If no one is there, hold the line, and we will call your mom. But, if Mrs. Bessie is on, hang up the line ever so lightly. We don’t want to eavesdrop on her, even though she does it to me sometimes.” 

Educational Lines

As a teacher over the last 28 years, I have noticed numerous lines as well. If I had a penny for every time I have said, “Line up, get in line, or stay in line,” I would be a quadbillionaire! “Don’t give me that line” are words some kids have heard from me at times as if I am going to buy their lines “hook, line, and sinker”! In my top desk drawer, there is a small sign that reads, “Danger, you are walking a thin line,” that I quietly lay on students’ desks from time to time when they need a quiet reminder to get it together.

As a middle school teacher, I have a theme of encouragement in my classroom. I want students to choose the line of least resistance in life. 

Life Lesson Lines that I Share

  • Even though there are times you will step out of line, the bottom line is to always respect yourself.
  • Find your line in the sand and be true to yourself.
  • When life becomes too overwhelming, don’t cast your line so far ahead that you fill yourself with anxiety. Deal with today, taking one step at a time.
  • Line your pockets with good deeds, not money.
  • Drop a line to say thank you to make others feel appreciated.
  • Toe the line at school and in your future jobs to work your way up the line.
  • Remember there is a fine line between need and want. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you can reasonably afford your purchases.

End of the Line

As for you and me, we must realize we will all come to the end of the line one day. Flatlined! Where will we find ourselves? On the front lines for eternity. I don’t know about you, but when my life is over and my destination is on the line, I will be headed up the line toward my Creator for I have chosen the One, True God to be my master.

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Starting Over –by Donna

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Starting over is not always easy. It is frustrating to be in the middle of something and realize it’s not working, leaving you to go back to square one. Like when you type that really long text to a friend, then you notice you forgot to hit send. But when you go back, it is gone! Then you have to start all over again.

As a teacher, I see this often. A child may turn in a paper, and it is clear they did not understand what to do. Many times the assignment is a cut and paste, so the glue has dried, and there is no way to correct it. When I explain to the student it has to be redone, I usually get one of three reactions. Some students will angrily crush up their paper, throw it down and stomp back to the seat to sulk a few minutes. They do it over, but with no joy. The second is the one who fights the tears. They have worked so hard, only to see their work trashed. But, they go back and try again. They make sure to take it slow and steady this time, ensuring they don’t make the same mistake twice. Then there’s the third type of reaction. These are the children who say “Oh, I get it now”, and take it as a challenge. Excitedly, they realize the opportunity to do it over.

A Difficult Process

Adults sometimes find themselves in this scenario when it’s no fault of their own. It might be starting over with finances, new relationships, or new jobs. Over the past few years, I have watched a lot of people trying to start anew in some aspect of life. As an adult, I too have discovered, it is a difficult process. We think we have our future all planned out, however for various reasons, we find ourselves back at a starting block. When it’s time to take that first step into the new, we often react just as the students do.

Like the Angry Child

Thus, sometimes we get angry. I should not have to be doing this. This is a result of someone else’s choices. Why did I have to be put in this situation? We stew about it, and that is okay. But anything that stews too long, becomes mush. If we let our minds and hearts become mushy with negativity and worry, we will start over lacking joy. We will constantly be looking for the next mistake. We will always be reflecting on what was wrong instead of looking for what is right. Instead, look to Him. God will provide a starting line. In His omniscient power, He will not only be running beside you, but also be in front leading and behind pushing, all at the same time.

Like the Child in Tears

Other times we find ourselves being the child with the tears. It is so hard to watch long-term plans and accomplishments fall apart. Fear and heartbreak causes us to start over at a snail’s pace. We may move slowly because we don’t want to make the same mistakes and have yet another do over. Perhaps, the fear could be that we don’t believe we are worthy of a second chance. There is also the possibility that we are scared, worrying about what others think? However, God sees us as valuable. Shouldn’t His opinion be held in higher esteem than any others. When we measure ourselves against someone else’s standards, we set ourselves up for failure.

Like the “I Get It” Child

Remember the child who says “Oh, I get it now”, and takes it as a challenge, excited to have the opportunity to do it over?

We often have to be like the first two students before we can say, “Oh, I get it now”, taking the situation as an opportunity for renewal. God isn’t going to just leave you where you are. He will provide ways for you to overcome and move on. He will equip you and make you strong.

Get angry if you must, have a good cry, but allow God to move you forward. The times when you’ll learn the most from life will often be the times when you’ve been the most disappointed. However, do not put a period where God has put a comma. God is not done, and your story isn’t over. 

In the words of Danny Gokey’s Song: “ ‘Cause your story’s far from over, and your journey’s just begun.”

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Guidance: Need Glasses? -Karla

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I can’t hit the broadside of a barn, and that’s not much of an exaggeration. As a child, I spent hours trying to get the ball through the net instead of just tapping the backboard. I had little success, but I really did not know why it was so difficult for me.

In fifth grade, Mrs. McCarter was one of my beloved teachers. However, she unintentionally mortified me the day she called on me to read the words projected onto the screen from the film strip. Growing up, I struggled with reading, but that day’s issue was not caused by the words themselves. I began stumbling to read, attempting to have some dignity. However, Mrs. McCarter stopped me dead in my tracks! “Karla, can you see the words?” She questioned me loudly—because I think she was shocked. I was sitting in the front row! I had no idea that the letters were blurry to me because I never realized others could see differently than I did.

Poor Vision Clouds our Thoughts

Isn’t that the way we are in life at times? Successfully navigating through our day to day is not always an easy task. We think we can see with 20/20 vision when making decisions in how we act and how we react. However, many times our poor vision clouds our thoughts. Decision-making doesn’t rank up there among my favorite things to do. Often, I find myself walking forward without guidance, or taking the time to process and clearly view what is ahead.  

Some routes are crowded with many people making the decision to move in the direction that appears obvious. However, how can I know the amount of brush and briars that lay ahead if I have judged my course by its popularity? Yet, often I choose this avenue finding myself tangled within its snares. Trapped, I am left wishing I had taken the time to look for pitfalls before my journey began.

I Need Guidance

Some of life’s situations leave me at a standstill gazing up at the scarecrow. Unlike Oz with only two trails, that lead to a great destination, my options seem too many to choose from. I want that straw man to point out the perfect path for my travels. I want it to be that simple—just walk forward until the road forks—have the brainless bag of fluff show me where to merge. Plenty of times, I have done just that! My vision was blurred and I allowed others, who show no proof of triumph skills, to influence my wanderings. Then I did not watch where I was going and proceeded until I strayed, from the desired path God had for my life.

I think the best guidance is found in Matthew 7:14 (ESV): “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

Where is the way to this gate?

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” John 14:6

The narrow path is not always easy and far less popular. Though there is no road on this earth that is totally free of brambles, I have learned the narrow path gives us more peace because it is where God wants us to be.

It’s an E!

Mom practically drug me to the eye doctor, and Mrs. McCarter was right! The optometrist presented another filmstrip that I couldn’t read. He kept scrolling and scrolling the crank producing larger and larger letters for me to see. Mom sat in the parent chair totally stunned. When no other film could be fed through the machine, I sheepishly shared, “Well, it’s an E, but only because I know the E is the largest letter on an eye chart.”

For the first eleven years of my life I walked around in a distorted and blurred world while hindrances were piled in my paths. Glasses became my lifesaver! Likewise, God’s Holy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

For without God’s guidance we are blind, but in reading His word and following His ways, we now can see!

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God’s Directions: International Harvester- by Donna

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Self-confidence is not a strength of mine. Last year I decided that once a month, I was going to do something I had never done before. A few of the things I have accomplished are: participating in a 5K (I walked!), going to the beach alone, and riding an escalator. (Now I don’t mean the normal way; I rode down on the side rail.) Perhaps the most surprising thing I did was karoke. Karla and I sang “Wild Thing, you make my heart sing… ” at a church Valentine banquet.

This weekend I was at my older brother’s house. He had to leave around lunch to bale hay. Wishing he had some help, he half-jokingly said, “I don’t reckon you could help bale? Can you drive a tractor?” Well, when opportunity presents itself, take it. There’s a first time for everything.

Following Directions

To begin with, he named the various parts of the tractor. I pretty much blocked it all out except the KILL switch. That one sounded important, in case of an emergency. Next, he TOLD me what to do. As he described my mission, I felt overwhelmed. I am a visual learner. “Show me; don’t tell me.” So, he did. I stood on the edge of the tractor’s running board while he drove around the field. He showed me how to maneuver the lift and when the hay rake needed to go up and down. He explained that we were moving the hay into rows and it was important to keep the rows straight. Straight rows make it easier to bale. After completing two laps, he jumped off the tractor, and I sat behind the wheel. He headed across the field, got on the other tractor, and left me to fly solo. 

I putted along, replaying his instructions in my head. Now, when was I supposed to turn around and retrace the row? How soon do I drop the hay rake after turning? I worried I was going to screw up. Sometimes as I looked behind me, I smiled at my nice straight rows. But other times I would glance back and see what looked like a large, golden snake!

God’s Directions

Driving in nature for four hours gave me a lot of time to think. I thought about how this process is like life. Like my brother who was giving me guidance, God gives us direction in life. We travel along the straight path He intends for us. But sometimes we look back at life and wonder how our path got so crooked! I worried that my brother would be disappointed at the rows that were squiggly, but he was patient, and encouraging. “You’re doing good!” God is the same way. He doesn’t expect perfection. He expects us to listen to his instructions and try our best to stay on the straight path.

Hold On Tight

After cutting a flat portion, we moved on to the larger, unsteady side of the field. He motioned for me to stop. He hopped in the driver’s seat of MY tractor, and I again stood on the running board to watch. This ride wasn’t as smooth, and I was holding on for dear life at times. When we drove over a slanted area, I worried the tractor would flip. My brother reassured me as he simply replied, “it won’t.” Doesn’t God do the same for us? When the ride of life becomes bumpy, he takes the wheel for a while. Even though it seems scary at times, we must trust he knows what He is doing. We have two choices: hold on to His hand or let go. Now as I stood holding on tightly, I thought of the alternative. If I get tired and let go, I will either fall forward and be run over by the wheel or fall backward and be torn to shreds by the hay rake. Holding tight was the better choice, as it is with God.

My brother kept driving for a while. I began to get tired of waiting and standing. I wanted control of the wheel. Why isn’t he letting me drive? Around and around we went. But when I stopped wanting to take control and just looked around, I took in the beauty I was missing. Sometimes God just lets you ride along enjoying his blessings; giving you time to refresh in Him.

Trust God

When I was back in the driver’s seat, I was relaxed. The second time was easier. I bounced around while singing “International Harvester” in my head. To begin with, every dip seemed like a valley and every small hill a mountain. But I began to trust the path. When you first start walking with God, the ups and downs may seem so extreme. But when you get used to trusting Him, the highs and lows don’t seem so magnified. You can roll with the punches.

Sometimes God will put you in a situation you weren’t prepared for. I was sporting my new, cute sandals and my manicured toes. I had on a nice summer outfit, makeup, and contacts. In the end, my feet were sunburned, my makeup was smeared, my contacts itched, and my clothes covered in dust. But sometimes you have to get down and dirty to get where God wants you to be in life.

In the end, it didn’t matter how straight or squiggly the rows I worked were, or how fluffy or scattered the hay was. They all resulted in a beautiful hay bale that was going to go to good use. It could be nourishment for cows, decorations for homes, fun hayrides for kids, or many other things. No matter how many straight or curvy rows you have in life, God can make something beautiful, and He can use you.

As the day ended and I hopped off the tractor, my brother said, “I give you an 80.”  Not too shabby for a first try! I’ll take it! (I may have been counted off for lifting the hay bale too high, while sitting on a slope, which could have flipped the tractor, which scared my brother to death!)

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Listening to God: Follow the Leader—by Karla

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The Game

This game is not my favorite! I always felt like there was too much pressure on me to “think up” something everyone would want to do. Then I would have to hope they were following me and enjoying the actions. It’s not like I had eyes in the back of my head (like Mom did) to see people’s facial expressions. Yes, I liked words of affirmation, or at least looks of affirmation and still do! 

Birth Order

You might be familiar with some reports of birth order studies and the middle child. Third among four girls in my family, I am a peacemaker. I think I got a double dosage. My adult dad had nicknames for us: Lynn (The Boss), Gail (The Planner), me (The Sweet One), and Julie (The Princess). These names so fit us! 

Growing up, I did not have to worry about being a leader much because The Boss did her job very well. Though we kid her often, she did and does her job effortlessly. Next in line is The Planner, and my, my…she is an expert at her job too. With the two of them ahead of me in line, I learned to follow well. (By the way, The Princess’ job is performed perfectly.)

As my girls were in their young years, I directed the preschool choir. Let me say that I use the word “directed” mighty loosely. My duties consisted of finding fun little songs about Jesus, singing them with the kids, banging on a few instruments now and then, making movements to music, and praying with them. (Side note: My favorite request was praying for a Mom’s nose.)

Preschool Choir

One Wednesday evening, we were playing Follow the Leader. My job was to lead the kids around the room moving to the various instrument sounds. I turned my head slightly making sure the kids were repeating my actions. To my dismay, one boy had his hand in front of his face. Perplexed, I watched him trying to figure out what he was doing. Low and behold! He was attempting to protect himself from the possibility of my big butt trying to smush him! (Another reason why the game was never my favorite –even as an adult.)

Mom taught us the importance of being a team. She often declared, “Girls, we will make it or break it as a team.” Teams consist of leaders and followers, without both, there is no team. Mom ingrained the importance of being a good follower, one who cares, maintains, listens to directions, and supports! 

Mom’s Words

I cannot imagine being a single mom of four when we were all in our teenage years. There must have been many days when fret and frustration would almost overtake her. During these times, Mom exclaimed another one of her frequent saying of “Get behind me, Satan.” 

One of my favorite attention grabbing, church signs reads, “If you give Satan an inch, he will take over as your ruler.” I want to be a good follower, but not one of Satan’s. No one I know purposely says or acts in a way that allows Satan to take charge! But in my lifetime, I have known many who have unconsciously permitted Satan to acquire them one act at a time.

Following the One, True Leader

In a time where sin runs rampantly, we cannot consent to casually walking along, meandering here and there. We must proceed with diligence—asking God to be our leader. Then, we must follow The Ultimate Leader!

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Live for Today: Time is My Friend- by Donna

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Years ago at a family reunion, Karla and I were talking about middle school (which was called junior high then) band and chorus. She was a member of the marching Rebels, playing the mellophone and I was in chorus. Now just because I was a member does not mean I can sing well. But I love music and I love to sing (but only when no one is around). I told her about a song we sang that year called, “Time is My Friend”. She asked me to sing it for her. So, I said I would if no one was around. So we snuck behind the house. After my rendition, she smiled. “Sing it again, it’s beautiful. Please sing it again.” So, I sang it again while she gazed at me like I was Fraulein Maria and she was a Von Trapp child. We still laugh about that moment to this day. It was so stupidly silly. 

Friend or Enemy?

Recently, I wondered if time really is our friend. Maybe it is an enemy. Aging isn’t a fun process. My heart is drawn to elderly people I see when I am out running errands. I see some bent over, trying to walk through the store. Others struggle with their cane across the parking lot or hands shaking uncontrollably as they place their items on the conveyor belt. I watch my daddy with Alzheimer’s as time slowly dissolves pieces of his memory.

My cousin and I went to lunch Sunday. As we enjoyed a three hour meal catching up, inevitably the conversation at one point turned to us pointing out our gray hairs and increased number of wrinkles. We went as far as discussing that we wish we were more fond of needles, because we would be tempted to try Botox! I have another cousin, who is near my age, who is having hip replacement surgery this summer. I finally gave up and got contacts because I was tired of walking around with reading glasses on my head. (Turned out I needed bifocals!) Are we really at this point in life; our bodies going downhill? Moses was lucky. Deuteronomy 34:7, “Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone (NIV).

Back in Time

Another reason I wonder if time is a foe is you cannot get it back. My daughter and I went to the Cave Spring park the other day, just to relax and hang out. While she fell asleep under the shade tree, I sat and watched. Several children were wading in the cold creek and a birthday party was taking place under a pavilion. A sadness crept across me. When my children were young, we spent many a day at this park. It was the home of birthday parties, egg hunts, end of year school celebrations, fall festivals for school, jump rope and chorus performances, and the list could go on. I wished I could go back in time. Not just because I miss my kids being young, but because “what could I have done differently?” I watch them as young adults experiencing this new “adulting” stage of life and all its struggles.

My mama always said, “the older you kids get the more I worry about y’all.” At the time I thought “say it isn’t so” as I worried about a swallowed penny, a busted lip, or an infected ear. As usual Mama was correct. I long for the days when they, like the children I was watching, ran barefoot in the creek, splashing, laughing, without a care in the world. But time does not allow us to go backward.

Make the Best Use of Time

Good times or bad–there is no returning. The past can not be changed. Do not let your mind dwell, trying to determine how you could have better prepared them for the challenges of adulthood. This is a waste of time. Reminisce on the good times. Ephesians 5:16 “Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

James 4:13-14 states, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (NIV)

Look at the time set ahead of you. Thank God for each new day. The time that matters is the moment that is happening now. Make each day count. Let time be your friend. 

Time is My Friend

Time is my friend, for every time we meet

                    the time we spend is tender and sweet.

         Sweet songs to sing and pretty word to rhyme

                    And memories that cling thanks to time

Quiet paths to walk and long talks to talk

     And tall hills to climb and mountains of time

      And then time to go for everything must end

                     I’ll see you soon I know,

                     Knowing time is my friend, my friend.

                                      —Leslie Bricusse

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Pandemic Guidelines: Separated -By Karla

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Graduation Seating

As I looked upon a graduation field, I saw the candidates were adhering to the pandemic guidelines with chairs spaced the correct distance. Noticing the parents in the stands, they were spread appropriately six feet apart too. While the students were presented with their diplomas, I observed the principal and students elbow bump rather than shaking hands. Although their faces were masked, their pride was conveyed in their stride. Only my nephew’s mom and dad were allowed in the stadium. The rest of the family was left watching on a TV in the front yard of my sister’s house with space between our chairs. 

Sci-Fi?

All this separation. I keep feeling like we are in a sci-fi movie. Everyone standing and sitting far from each other adorning masks to block “the sickness”. Every good movie has a villain. In my imagination, this one is a huge metal-made, silver dinosaur-looking monster invading our planet with a virus that will destroy the world as we know it. 

The Real Enemy

Presently, we are guarding ourselves against the enemy, Covid-19. However, how well are we at guarding ourselves against the true enemy, Satan, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). His desire is to completely separate us from God.

We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23), and these sins separate us from God (Isaiah 59:2).

Satan separates us from God by confusing us about what is right and wrong. At times, we let the world’s culture define what is and isn’t sin. Truth is found in God’s word, not trends of the times. How will we know the truth if we spend more time with worldly things than in the presence of God? We don’t get to choose what is sin in God’s eyes, and we cannot rationalize sin into “right”. Oh, we try justifying what we have done by comparing our actions to others’, minimizing its wrongness, avoiding what is true, or blaming our actions on others. However, sin is sin to God! 

Ultimate Separation

Many believe we are Christians because we know who God is, but there is more. God longs for a relationship with us. In Matthew 7:22-23 the ultimate separation is foretold, “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ 

I don’t know about you, but I am NOT loving this separated life. I miss hugging on my family and patting my students on the shoulder, and I do not like sitting six feet apart and wearing a mask that keeps others from seeing me smile. But when I sin, I am separating myself from God. He cannot hug on me in the way He wants because I have separated myself from Him. God is the one being we do not have to stay 6 feet from, it is our choice as to how close we get to him?

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Thoughts: Can You Hear Me Now? -Karla

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Donna was having the tires rotated and balanced. She sat outside enjoying the sunshine while she waited. What better way to kill time than to call her BFF, share some thoughts and shoot the breeze?When my phone rang, I paused from my house cleaning to sit a spell (as Nana would have said), so we could catch up with the last 24 hours of our lives.

What Happened?

After chit-chatting casually about current quarantine dilemmas and on-line school challenges and successes, she broke into another conversation. The topic was one that only besties would share. I listened intently as she unfolded the details. All of a sudden, I could not hear her. The call was not dropped. Clearly, she was there; I could hear noises in the background.

“Donna, can you hear me? Donna? What are those noises? Did you drop your phone?“ Maybe her phone broke. “Donna? Hello? Can you hear me?” This is weird; I hear male voices in the background. “Hello, where are you? Can you hear me now?” I laughed mocking the older Verizon commercial. 

With no reply, I shrugged my shoulders and hung up. That was one of the weirdest phone call issues I have ever had. Where did she go? It wasn’t like the call dropped. Hmmmm. Hopefully, she’ll call back; she was just getting to the good stuff. Maybe I should try to call her back?

Don’t Call Back

As the familiar “you have a text message” ding came through, I read, “DON’T call back.” Now my mind was totally intrigued as I was left dangling wanting to know the rest of the story and why I couldn’t call back with a capital DON’T! What had happened with her phone?

Within 15 minutes, my phone rang. Neither of us could hardly get a word in as we tried to recall the events of the mishap. I snorted when Donna revealed, “Oh my gosh, Karla! Apparently when my car was cranked, my phone automatically connected to my car speaker. They guys in the shop were listening to our entire conversation!!” 

“Wait, they just heard what we were talking about! Can they still hear us now? ”

“No, that is why I told you to wait so that I could disconnect it from the car.” 

She continued with the story, as now we were safe from outside ears. However, it was not without hoots of laughter because we were continuously visualizing the mechanics’ faces as they were listening to the beginnings of our conversation.

God Hears Our Thoughts

When I got off the phone, I was still chuckling! I believe the truth that someone is always listening, but I don’t think it is usually mechanics. Rather, it is God. He hears everything we say; in fact, he hears everything we think!

Many of us grew up hearing, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” We tend to think that as long as we didn’t say it out loud, we did nothing wrong. But your thoughts are heard. Matthew 12: 25 “Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them… Luke 6:8 “But Jesus knew what they were thinking…” Matthew 9:4 “knowing their thoughts, Jesus said…”; these are just a few examples of Jesus’ all knowing power.

God knows everything about us. 

Psalms 139:2- 3 (NIV) You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

I think God is not listening to be nosey. Rather, He listens because He cares. 

Yes, we often remember to curb our words, realizing they should not be spoken, but God would love us to go one step further and be aware of our thoughts. So, that they will both honor God.

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Struggling Children: When in Doubt, Let Them Paddle it Out -by Donna

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I have watched ladies sob when the Titanic sank, and Jack slowly disappeared into the ocean or during Ghost when Patrick Swayze went to the light and faded away. I love those movies, but they do not bring out emotion in me, like a dog movie can. Give me Marley and Me or White Fang, and you will see my tears. 

During quarantine, my daughter and I have been walking her dog around a nearby lake. One morning as we stepped onto the path, we simultaneously noticed something black in the water following the geese and ducks. “It’s a dog!” I yelled!

The house I used to live in had a small lake and for several years we had a black lab. So, it was not surprising to see this. But as I approached the family, who was watching the dog, I became concerned. The woman was on the phone saying, “But I can’t swim!” She was standing with a pregnant lady and two small children. When we got within twenty feet, one of the little girls ran toward me in a panic. 

“Can you swim?”

“Yes, I can.” I smiled.

“Save our dog; he’s drowning!”

 I wasn’t worried until I talked to the lady on the phone. The woman called out to her daughter, “Boundaries. Six feet back.” She apologized for her daughter’s close proximity and then began telling me the events. “He has been swimming an hour! He won’t come back.”

How Long Can He Swim?

The dog was far out in the thirty-six-acre lake, and his head was barely above water. So, I watched and wondered. How long can this dog keep swimming? If that woman wasn’t exaggerating in the midst of her panic, he’s been out there an hour. That’s a long time! Dogs are smart, but when he gets exhausted, can he realize how far the swim back will be?

Several people had stopped walking and were gazing at the dog. While the family whistled and called, I began to worry. At times, his head would go down and only his snout was visible. My daughter frantically asked, “Are we going to just stand here and let it drown?”

“No, but I’m not sure what to do?” Having a big heart for dogs, desperation had already been building inside me. And he was swimming further out!

“We have a kayak!” She reminded me.

A Possible Plan

We went back to the car, drove the five minutes home and tried to see if the Kayak would fit in my small car. But the paddle was nowhere to be found, so that plan was out. I started back out the door, but saw two floats that belonged to my son in the laundry room. I grabbed one. 

As I walked back around the lake, holding a float and leash, I thought, can I do this if I have to. Am I strong enough to pull out a sixty-pound dog — if necessary? It’s been over thirty years since I was a lifeguard.

The little girl ran toward me with excitement. “You have a float! You’re going to save him!”

I turned to the woman asking, “Is he a friendly dog?”

As people continued to whistle, to our delight, he began swimming back. But when he was almost to shore, a goose honked and around he turned. He swam and swam. When he was far out, he gave a bark here and there. 

Wait

Is he calling for help? It was agonizing to watch him swim around and around in circles, and then his head submerged briefly. I could take it no longer. As I started to take my shoes off, I heard a man behind me call out, “Wait.” 

I turned and saw a man standing with his dog. “He is struggling, but he is strong.”

“They said he’s been out there an hour! And his head went under a minute ago!” I desperately whined.

“You can’t see underneath. His legs are still strong. I can tell by his stride in the water.”

So, I stood hugging my float feeling helpless but hoped the man knew what he was talking about. He stood with me for a while, but at some point, I turned around, and he was gone. Oh my gosh! Where did he go? He’s supposed to be watching and letting me know when the struggle is real? 

About five minutes later, he suddenly reappeared and stated, “I was watching from my window. He’s still strong.” 

He sensed my extreme anxiety over the situation and said, “If someone has to go in, I’ll go.”

“If someone has to go in, I will.”

Later at home as I pondered the day’s events, I smiled as I recalled how the dog emerged from the lake and the excitement on the families faces. I thought about how the dog scenario was so much like life as a parent and even as a teacher. Watching a child (no matter the age) struggle is so difficult. You want to step in and rescue them. But often we just need to stand on the shore to encourage and cheer them on. They will make it.

The man who stood behind me was like God, metaphorically speaking. God is watching our children struggle too. He wants to remind us, we can’t see what is happening below the surface. We just see the struggle on their faces. They are often stronger than we give them credit. At times we may feel like God has disappeared and left us alone with the problem. But like the man who was watching from his window, He is still there. Perhaps the most important thing is, “If someone has to go in, I will!” Deuteronomy 31:8 states “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you…” 

The dog made it in, though tired and wet. When our children go through struggles, they may come out weary, but the struggles help them grow. As hard as it is, we must sometimes sit back, encourage, and resist the temptation to jump in and save them. If we do, they may miss the lessons learned and the opportunity of growth to help them avoid making the same mistake twice.

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Enough- by Karla

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I do not mean to dis the shoe industry, but I was driving to school a month or so ago when I heard a radio personality discussing the new kind of tennis shoes that tie themselves! Really? Yep, they are rechargeable by placing them on a special pad every ten or so days.

When I heard about the self-tying tennis shoes, I thought, “Who is their target audience?” I surmised the interested group might be parents of young kids, athletes, and older people who have a difficult time bending over.

 I truly do understand there are some who would benefit from this shoe, and I mean no disrespect to those individuals, but I thought about the general public and how we do not need those. Are they a need for most? Absolutely not, yet many will purchase. Why? I believe because Americans just can’t seem to understand “enough”.

Very and Really

 As a middle school teacher, I know I have had enough of several things. Why is it that when one person gets permission to go to the restroom, another ten need to go? Another example is the use of the word very. You know you’ve seen it. “I want to get a dog very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very much.” Occasionally, the kid will slot the word very for the word really:”I really, really, really, really, really want a dog.” I am thankful for elementary teachers who have helped kids learn the verys and reallys are a little too much. I guess somewhere along the way some elementary teachers had had enough! I now notice that as kids get older they move away from using very over and over to capitalizing an entire word. Like the example below:

Capitalizing

My poor little dog Lily. I BACKED OVER her one cool, fall morning. I was in a HURRY, and I do NOT think she heard my car crank. She was hurt BADLY, and I thought she was going to DIE! It was a LONG recovery, but for the most part, she is FINE. Because of the accident, she often has bathroom problems. YUCK! When I leave my house almost EVERY morning, I find a BIG SURPRISE on my front porch. UGH! It is kind of GROSS! I LOVE her, but I have certainly seen ENOUGH of DOG POOP on my porch to last me a LIFETIME!

Enough is Enough

Speaking of the word enough…If I had a nickel for every time Mom  said, “Okay, girls! Enough is enough,” I would be quite wealthy. Maybe even ENOUGH to buy some of those shoes! My interpretation of Mom’s familiar saying was “Karla, you had better find your stop button fast!” So, I did in those moments because Mom was serious about the line between playing around and when it was time to stop! Though the limits may be unclear at times, there is much importance in learning when to draw the line. Those words have helped me develop an internal stop.

By the way, the phrase, “I’m not feeling well ENOUGH to…” was a no go with my mom also. She would say, “Well, get up. Wash your face and brush your teeth. Then you’ll feel better. Even if you don’t feel good ENOUGH to do all you need to, you can feel good ENOUGH to do some things.”

More Than Enough

God knows I struggle with the enough button with certain foods. Yes, I am going here…Put some GOOD OLE, garden fresh vegetables and cornbread in front of me, and I can eat until I realize I have had MORE than enough. Perhaps, you know the feeling? It is not just vegetables. I sure LOVE cousin Marlene’s coconut pies, Aunt Anna’s chocolate delight, and my Nana’s—- oatmeal brownies, rice crispy treats, $300 cake, and Ophie pound cake! Sometimes, the ONLY enough button I have with these scrumptious treats is when I arrive late in getting to the dish and it is almost gone.

God’s Enough

I think God has some ENOUGHS also. I am sure He has had enough of our BAD CHOICES. But, He never says, I’ve had enough of YOU!

Because when it comes right down to it: 

GOD never tires of us bringing our PROBLEMS to Him in prayer.  

And WE can NEVER get ENOUGH of HIS WORD, HIS LOVE, and HIS FELLOWSHIP!

(Bold words are another way kids love to show emphasis in their writing.)

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