GROWING SEEDS: The Real Meaning of Baptism

 

 A few weeks ago, as I sat on the handicapped pew with my Beloved in this precious church, I heard Pastor Cotten say something that shook me to my core.  He said, "Remember Your Baptism".  I didn't hear another word he said after that. 

I sat there struggling to remember the details of my Baptism.  I was 12.....I remember my parents saying it was "time" for me to be baptized....I remember standing at the front of the church with several of my friends facing the congregation and agreeing to the 28 fundamental beliefs of the church I grew up in.......but what disturbs me now, was I don't remember feeling anything..."special".  Being baptized to me then was like moving from the Children's Class to the Youth Class.  It was expected.  It was the next step.  It was what you did when you were 12.

This memory has been haunting me.  Did the sheer act of putting on the white robe, stepping into the waters of that baptismal tank, holding my nose and hearing the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost" save me?  I assumed at the time it did.....and it would be many years before I realized it actually didn't.  I wasn't saved when I was 12.  I'm pretty sure it happened when I was 48....in my living room....sitting in my favorite chair....early one morning, reading about how all Jesus really wanted from me was a relationship.  It was when I felt the pain of the scars on his hands and feet that morning like they were my own.  It was when I heard Him tell me I was His and He was mine. 

I've lived the bulk of my life assuming I was "saved" when in reality, I never "knew" God.  I knew "of" God.   I knew facts and figures, but I didn't know Him personally. 

But I'm proud to say today, with enormous tears of gratitude in my eyes, that I do now know Him personally...and He knows me!  It is my sincerest belief that my salvation wasn't based on being submerged in a pool of water....but maybe....just maybe....our baptism is our "new-parent" gift to God after He birthed us the gift of Life.

GROWING SEEDS: The Yellow Brick Road to Home

 

The Yellow Brick Road To Home

The Wizard of Oz.  Now THERE'S a movie I love to watch!  A hundred years ago when I was 10, it would come on once a year.  Those were the days before VCR's and DVR's and being able to record 16 shows all at the same time.  You actually had to be present when it came on and there was no fast-forwarding through commercials.  Bathroom breaks were scheduled and I would be ready with popcorn, blanket and my favorite spot on the sofa two hours before it was scheduled to come on.  Every - Single - Time.

There's something about flying over the rainbow.....dropping smack down in a new beautiful world....and starting the journey to find Home.  Having to walk an unfamiliar road and meeting the brainless scarecrows, the heartless people who have rusted from much rain in their lives, and the cowardly lions who carry fear in their heart everywhere they go.

It always reminds me that my journey on this earth is just that........a journey.  It's a bleep on the radar in the whole story of my eternity.  I have been the scarecrow.....scatterbrained, making bizarre choices without the guidance of God......and I have been the heartless tin man as I passed people up needing help, time and time again....and I have carried fear in that most coveted of places next to my heart. 

But I long to be Dorothy......always looking ahead.....to the Finish Line....Heaven.  The FAITH to know that if I just keep walking....if I just keep pressing on and keep my eye on the Prize and stop focusing on the road I'm walking and concentrate instead on the destination, one day I will top a hill and I will see it.  Home.  I long for Home.  I long in a way that brings tears to my eyes and a desperation in the deepest parts of my soul.  I can't wait to get Home. 

Some day I'll wake up where the clouds are far behind me

Where troubles melt like lemon drops,

Way above the chimney tops

That's where you'll find me

GROWING SEEDS: I Want You To Learn A New Habit

 

"I want you to learn a new habit. 

Try saying, "I TRUST You, Jesus" in response to whatever happens to you. 
When you view events from this perspective - through the LIGHT of My universal Presence -
FEAR loses its grip on you." 
Sarah Young

When we moved into our first of two temporary houses last year, although we were warm, comfortable and grateful, I couldn't shake this nagging feeling that "something" was missing.  It wasn't till three weeks into our stay that I went looking for Q-tips in our storage unit, and I saw it...that "something" missing.

There, amongst the sofas, tables and beds, was a floor lamp.  A simple, unattractive lamp I had once purchased from the Salvation Army that had stood by my side every day for years, illuminating my Bible in the mornings and providing light as I poured words into my blogs and church bulletin articles.  I dragged it to the temporary house and sat it down right next to a chair I had been using for my morning quiet time.  There are no words to express the JOY I felt when I turned this lamp on.  It provided warmth, not just to the room, but to me.  Almost like......it gave me life....it gave me HOPE.

"A lamp is just a piece of furniture until its plugged into a power source. 
When light emanates from that lamp, it brings forth more than light. 
It brings forth clarity, even life, into the room. " 
Kristi Watts

I remember looking at that lamp from every angle.....even from outside on the deck through the window.....and feeling pure joy.  Fear of the unknown was replaced with joy from the light of His presence.  Like a warm blanket on a cold day, I felt His amazing companionship in the light from that lamp.  He had gifted me with this tiny piece of Home......

It's the same way when we read the pages of His Word.....we feel His "Light" embracing us....warming us.....giving us hope.  We stand up taller, we speak a little louder and we walk more confidently....because we're no longer afraid of the dark....we're walking in the Light.

"I am the Light of the world. 
Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life." 
John 8:12

GROWING SEEDS: I Want You To Learn A New Habit

 

"I want you to learn a new habit. 

Try saying, "I TRUST You, Jesus" in response to whatever happens to you. 
When you view events from this perspective - through the LIGHT of My universal Presence -
FEAR loses its grip on you." 
Sarah Young

When we moved into our first of two temporary houses last year, although we were warm, comfortable and grateful, I couldn't shake this nagging feeling that "something" was missing.  It wasn't till three weeks into our stay that I went looking for Q-tips in our storage unit, and I saw it...that "something" missing.

There, amongst the sofas, tables and beds, was a floor lamp.  A simple, unattractive lamp I had once purchased from the Salvation Army that had stood by my side every day for years, illuminating my Bible in the mornings and providing light as I poured words into my blogs and church bulletin articles.  I dragged it to the temporary house and sat it down right next to a chair I had been using for my morning quiet time.  There are no words to express the JOY I felt when I turned this lamp on.  It provided warmth, not just to the room, but to me.  Almost like......it gave me life....it gave me HOPE.

"A lamp is just a piece of furniture until its plugged into a power source. 
When light emanates from that lamp, it brings forth more than light. 
It brings forth clarity, even life, into the room. " 
Kristi Watts

I remember looking at that lamp from every angle.....even from outside on the deck through the window.....and feeling pure joy.  Fear of the unknown was replaced with joy from the light of His presence.  Like a warm blanket on a cold day, I felt His amazing companionship in the light from that lamp.  He had gifted me with this tiny piece of Home......

It's the same way when we read the pages of His Word.....we feel His "Light" embracing us....warming us.....giving us hope.  We stand up taller, we speak a little louder and we walk more confidently....because we're no longer afraid of the dark....we're walking in the Light.

"I am the Light of the world. 
Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life." 
John 8:12

GROWING SEEDS: "Do You Have A Spare Chair?"

 

Do You Have A Spare Chair?

The time between Christmas and New Years' Day has, for many years, been one of the most stressful weeks of the year for me.  It's the time of year when I hear from Mr. Stein, the CPA; a man of whom....I've been terrified of.

I don't know why.  Just am.  Maybe it's my insecurity as the Bookkeeper of everything financial both for our company and personal dealings.  Maybe it's because I was trained to be an insurance agent and not a bookkeeper, and when he mentions words like "Retained Earnings", he says it in a way that suggests I should know what he's talking about.  Yes.....I start stressing and dreading this last week in December......in October.

After years of breaking into a sweat when seeing his face pop up on my cell, I needed to do something about this fear of our Jewish CPA.  So four years ago, I decided to spend a little time on these nobby knees in the closet before the scheduled phone conversation, and chat with God about this anxiety.  Who knows, I reasoned, maybe God had some helpful hints He could throw my way.....

He did.

As I said "Amen" and moved out of the closet and into the home office, I sat down at the desk and prepared for "the" call.  I knew God was with me on this.....I knew He longed for me to have peace.....and I knew He was standing next to me....

......so I pulled Him up a chair.

Yep, grabbed an empty chair from the corner of the room and placed it smack-dab next to mine and designated it "Jesus' Chair".  Now, every time I start to feel anxious or nervous during the conversation with Mr. Stein, I look over at Jesus' Chair and see Him smiling back at me with those eyes that say, "I'm right here, Liz....there's no need to fear.  Together...we can handle Mr. Stein." 

"Together......we can handle ANYTHING!"

The fears have been replaced by a wonderful friendship with Mr. Stein and no longer rules our conversations.   I simply bring my Consultant when we meet and now, my Jewish CPA never forgets to ask me, "Is Jesus sitting down?"

"I know the Lord is always with me. 
I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me."
Psalm 16:8

Merry Christmas from The Etheridges

As I'm typing this to you, it is pouring outside..... The lightening and thunder and pounding-on-the-roof rain is a constant reminder of a year ago.  Not that I'm counting, but we are 3 days, 12 hours away from that fateful day.....and here come the rains.

At one of the Water District meetings I attended earlier this past year, a man whose house had also flooded, stood up and said, "I don't want to be considered the Poster-Boy for Flood Victims."  I squirmed in my seat....felt a sting that I had possibly made myself just that.....the Poster-Girl for Flood Victims.  After all, I had Blogged about this flood most every day for weeks and months and allowed everyone-and-their-mother to walk through the muddy water with us.

Those man's words, whether he realized it or not, were wise words.  Yes, I still feel deep anxiety every time it rains....wake from sleep at the clap of thunder and pray till the rains stop....have friends who start praying for the Etheridge's every-single-time it rains....so I guess we really are the Poster-Family for Flood Victims....like it or not.

But I also hope we are the Poster-Family of God.....remembering the enormous grief He must have felt to allow His only Son to leave the comfort of Heaven, knowing full well the pain He would eventually endure....just to rescue you and me from the flood of life on this earth.   It's proof He loves us just as much.

He was the Poster-Boy of GRACE.

Merry CHRISTmas.......we hope you enjoy our Video-Christmas Card.....

Merry Christmas from The Etheridge's

(Click on Link)

Rain Always Brings Growth

 Rain Always Brings Growth.....

11-28-2022 & 11-28-2016

 2022

 

As I opened up this place called Facebook.....a place of Memories and History.....of Joy and Grief....I see this staring back at me from 2016.

"There is no FEAR in letting tears come. Sadness is a GIFT to avoid the nothingness of numbness, and all hard places need water.

Grief is a GIFT, and after a rain of tears, there is always more of you than there was before the tears.…

See more

 2016

I woke to the wind howling... the rain pouring out of the sky like a hard sobbing cry this morning.....Today marks the 1-year anniversary of the beginning of a month-of-floods for this little family of ours....

 

"There is no fear in letting tears come. Sadness is a GIFT to avoid the nothingness of numbness, and all hard places need water. Grief is a GIFT, and after a rain of tears, there is always more of you than before. What seems to be undoing you can ultimately remake you." 

 

(Ann VosKamp, "The Broken Way")

 

Rain always brings growth.......

When 109 becomes 1 Again

I woke to the sound of rain and thunder this morning...first "real" rain since late Spring.  I prepared my coffee and stood on the back porch in the dark for a few minutes......enjoying the coolness of the air and the flashes of light screaming across the sky.

It was almost like the skies had something important to say about this day ahead.......

As I look at the new Christmas tree we put up today....a whole 144 hours before Thanksgiving....I see the red cardinals scattered throughout this new tree.....a tree that replaced the old Christmas tree which is now making its home at the bottom of Lake Cypress Springs so fresh crappy will have a place to live next year.  And I can't help but think about my cardinal-loving Mom and a Christmas this year without my Jewell.....my 109 year old Meals on Wheels friend.....family really......who, as of today.....this very day at around 10:45 am.... arrived Home.  She limped to the Finish Line after a very exhausting long run.  She was most assuredly met there by her handsome-Jimmy-Dean-Look-Alike husband Roger.....her Mom and her Dad who thought she hung the moon.....along with her grandpa- the-postman she loved dearly.....and hundreds...if not thousands....of family and friends who loved her from the deepest part of their souls.  What she didn't realize until 10:45 am this morning was that she made a difference.....a huge difference....on a lot of lives. 

She made a difference in my life.

In all the years I knew Jewell (June) Clay; in all the times she was asked how she was feeling or if she hurt anywhere.....her answer never changed: "I'm fine....I don't hurt at all.  I'm happy right where I am".  109 years old.....weeks away from being 110....and she was fine right where she was.

Three weeks ago, I was visiting her in her home and felt led to turn on my phone recorder...something I'd done many times before.  I asked her one question, "Would you want to be 16 again?"  She tilted her head as if to think about that for a moment and said, "I'm satisfied right where I am".

https://youtu.be/xDaCsmddFSc

I would venture to say Jewel knew she was close to the Finish Line....that she could see it ahead ...it was in-sight.  She might have even heard Roger encouraging her on....."Just a little further, Honey.....you're almost there....I'm waiting for you." 

Thank you Jewell....for slowing down and walking with me awhile on this earth.  

I am a better person from knowing you.  

Now go.....RUN to the party that is waiting for you.....your birthday number just started over......

Life's Shell Game.....

What you discover about life’s shell game 

is that it’s hardest to follow the pea when you’re the pea. 

~Robert Brault

A little over a week ago, my friend Pam and I jumped in the Jeep and headed to the southern most part of Dallas.....a 2-hour drive from our East Texas home......to stand in a line of Christian ladies just like us....so we could look eye-to-eye into the beautiful eyes of Ann VosKamp.

I met Ann three years ago....not literally...but in the pages of her book 1000 Gifts.  It changed my life.  I felt the axis of my world shift ever so slightly to the right and a strange sense of Peace took over where Fear used to live.  I love this woman.  Like...I LITERALLY love this woman.  And here I was....getting to meet her face to face.  It was better than meeting Elton John.

It was just the day before meeting Ann, Chuck and I had taken a little bit of East Texas with us when we made the same 2-hour trip into downtown Dallas to UTSW.  We were meeting with Dr. Hornberger....Chuck's urologist.  We didn't realize until we were well on our way that we had dressed alike that day.  We looked like two country bumpkins coming to the "big city" in our bright red flannel shirts.  We laughed (although he was asleep when I snapped this picture...LOL).....

There was more red going on that day than just on our flannel shirts, though......there was internal bleeding...there was soul-bleeding.....there was "I-hope-this-isn't-what-I-think-it-is" bleeding from our hearts.

But it was what we feared.  Cancer....with a capital C.  It's difficult even writing that 6-letter word to you.....

 It's Fall....and I remember something I read Ann say three years ago ....."Count the blessings of this life.....number them....write them down."  So I grab my journal I've been writing in....I open straight up to #423 in my Thanksgiving Journal...."Thank You, Lord, for the season of Fall.....the beauty just before the rest of Winter."

"You defeat your dark when Thanksgiving is your default. 
It is in the dark that God is passing by."

Ann VosKamp

And I must admit, it's hard sometimes to not look up into the heavens and ask "Why??  Haven't we been through enough this year, Lord?  Why?"

And then He gently reminds me of the scripture I just painted on the freshly sheetrocked living room wall as He meets me on the dock each morning and we sip our coffee together....waiting in anticipation for the gift of a sunrise He hands me when the sun clips the tops of the trees over the Carmichael's house.....

"When you go thru deep waters, Liz,

I will be with you."

Isaiah 43:2

 

And I trust Him....cause He sees tomorrow....I just see my feet.

Keeping Our Heads Above Water - Final Chapter

From my Prayer Journal, December 28, 2015, 4:45 am

"Oh Father.....You have chosen to let us climb a mountain the past 24 hours.  I have no doubt You have a very good reason for this climb....whether it strengthens our legs....or strengthens others who are watching.  I don't know.....but we have just gone through almost 24 hours of solid rain....hard rain...mad rain....EVIL rain.  Like the ruler of this earth is furious and shoving this in our face and saying, "See?  See?...Where is your God now?"  

I wrote this in my prayer journal on this very computer I'm writing to you today in the early morning hours of Monday, December 28, 2015.  The four of us (the dog, the cat, Charlie and I) were heaped up on the bed....and it was still raining.....hard.

....But I don't turn my back...I don't take my eyes off You...and I wonder if Peter was scared walking on that water 2000 years ago even though he had his eyes focused on You?  I wonder cause I'm so scared right now.  It's been one of the longest, most horrific nights of my life....and You and I have talked all night long.....not a wink of sleep as I watched the water pour in every crevice of this beautiful house I am simply a tenant of.  This is Your house...not mine.  I have heard things banging into the outside of this house.....things falling on the inside of this house as the water....the thick, muddy water, and I'm actually terrified to see what outside looks like when dawn comes.....

Its not been until recently I have been able to read back over what I wrote that night.  I knew it would be hard and I knew I haven't been the most stable emotionally lately....mountains of tears that have built up over these past 8 months have been falling as fast and hard as the rains were that night.  I think my tear bucket is full and there's been no place for them to go but out my eyes and down my face.....I think they are relief tears.

.....You, the Landlord, have allowed this to happen to a piece of property You own.....and I know....I KNOW...you can turn this tragedy into good.  And I'm going to keep my eyes open....wide open....looking and waiting for that miracle.  Cause I know when its darkest.....Your Light shines brightest.  So as I sit here in the bed....an island really...surrounded by almost a foot of water....with my beloved Charlie....my Molly and Kruger huddled together in this tiny bed....we are together...we are safe...we will be okay.  Cause there is a blessing in all of this somewhere.....

YES.....a thousand blessings in this mess.  And sharing this with you is one of them.   But I won't lie.....it's hard to share this with you cause that means I'm reliving it and reliving it means more tears and more tears means there's an ugly mess going on behind these words.

.....We are surrounded by water on all sides....and I'm surprised we aren't floating away.  Be with us as we wait for dawn....for first light to see if our boathouse is still out there.....I could see that the water is up to the top handrail of the ramp out back and that was hours ago.....Be with us, Father....be with us......
 

I'm watching the sun come up as I share these words with you from our boat dock this morning.  The sun is staring me in the face right this second.....and I glance to my left and see the house that has scriptures written all over its hidden studs....thousands of prayers prayed over it and I see the answer to my prayer I prayed that night 8 months ago.....Cause there is a blessing in all of this somewhere.....and the blessing was...YOU.  You prayed, you cried, you ached right alongside us this year.  Many of you helped us with your hands, with your pocketbooks, with your knowledge, with your faith.  And we are beyond grateful.  Beyond Grateful.

We aren't finished with this journey just yet.....but close....so close we can see the white space at the end of the last paragraph of this chapter. 

And God used YOU to help Keep Our Heads Above Water......You.  You were the blessing He had planned all along.