the business of dying... the hope of living

As many of you may already know, last week my Grandfather passed on into glory. It did not come as a shock as he had suffered a stroke in early February and was under hospice care. In fact, in the last two years of Grandpa's life his body just started shutting down - preparing him (and us) for his ultimate debut into heaven.

My last memory of Grandpa (before the full effects of dementia and Alzheimer's kicked in) was of him standing before our family on Christmas day and sharing with us how much God had blessed his life. This was a man whose focus was on Jesus... whose hope was in the Lord... whose eternity was secure in God's grace. This was a man whose life was about love... he loved his wife, his family, his friends... but most of all, he loved his Master. Yes, I remember the heart attitude behind Grandpa's last Christmas speech and the appreciation he carried for a Savior that had proven faithful. I remember thinking with awe, "WOW! What a testimony!" For it was one of those monumental, defining moments of time that will forever surface in my mind each and every Christmas hereafter.

Anyway, this Friday I accompanied my grandmother and other family members to the funeral parlor to wrap up all the loose ends relating to Grandpa's passing. My grandparents have always been very, very frugal individuals and had predetermined many years before that they wanted their bodies donated to science. All arrangements and costs had been taken care of long ago, so our visit on Friday was to finalize Grandpa's final wishes and wrap up any paperwork required by the powers that be.

So, there we sat around the desk of a very sympathetic funeral director who checked off the many details surrounding my grandfather's past. He ran down his list confirming as much information as possible: Name of the deceased... check. Address of the deceased... check. Social Security Number of the deceased... check. Former occupation of the deceased... check. Remaining survivors of the deceased... check. Final wishes of the deceased... check.... etc. etc. etc.

As I watched my grandmother and family members answer the questions posed by the funeral director, I started reflecting: here before us was the business of dying... the final details that follow one's passing. Whether any one of us chooses to acknowledge it or not, someone at sometime will likely be answering these questions about each of our lives... about each of our deaths here on earth.

On my behalf, it is likely that someone will sit before a funeral director or coroner and confirm what they knew about me, Victoria Anderson. They will decide upon the wording for my obituary. They will review and summarize the basic identifying factors about my existence. Everything that will be agreed upon within this meeting will be reported within the confines of a simple 8x10 piece of paper and signed by the witnesses present. They will come to an agreement that the information pertaining to my life was accurately documented, and that I am no longer alive on this planet... that Victoria Anderson no longer exists in this earthly realm. Finally, they will decide what to do with my bodily remains. They will determine whether to hold a memorial in my honor. They will ration out my worldly possessions. Then... after that, my story will conclude and life will go on... without me. A sobering thought, don't you think? Especially when we are soooo consumed with ourselves. Especially when all that is happening today seems to overshadow anything else. But the truth is, both you and I will one day die. Every soul that has been or will be cannot avoid or escape this outcome. We each have a predetermined date with destiny and will, indeed, meet death face-to-face.

While considering all this, I went back to that last Christmas when Grandpa made his speech. I thought about what he actually said. He did not summarize the same details the funeral director concluded. No, Grandpa's life held more than the documentation of an earthly address or factual information. Grandpa's life was important to him because it included the blessing of Jesus. He trusted the words of his Savior. Because of Christ, he lived joyfully in the now of everyday and rejoiced in the hope of what an eternity in God's presence promised. That last Christmas, Grandpa thankfully took note of what God had already granted him, and paced himself toward faithfully reaching the glory that awaited.

So, as I sit here this morning writing to you this blog, I find myself going over the real check list to remember about my Grandfather: Here lived a simple man.... check. A man consumed with sin in need of a Savior... check. A man who followed the call of Christ and trusted Him as Lord over his life... check. A man who now rejoices in the presence of his faithful Redeemer... check. A man who followed THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE directly into the arms of The Almighty... check. Here lived a man who confessed with his mouth and believed in his heart that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. Death has come, but fortunately this ordinary man was saved from destruction. His sin was forgiven. His life redeemed. He was purchased by the blood of the Lamb at Calvary and is now in the living, healthy presence of JESUS forever! Here is a man whose faith has been rewarded with the glorious hope of living... with the presence of pure, holy LOVE! Here is a man alive, new, free! CHECK!!!

Friends, death on this earth is a certainty. Life here is brief. And each of our days are numbered. For this world is temporary... fleeting... finite. Despite all that seems so important in your day-to-day... in your moment-to-moment... do not miss what really matters. Do not overlook WHO really counts! Do you have the hope of salvation? Do you know the love of the Redeemer? Are you following THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE? Are you with JESUS?

I pray that you may know the hope of living in His glory forever. May your life point all those you encounter to seek after His grace. May those who witness your living testimony stop in awe and recognize Jesus in every step, every breath, every moment. With Christ, may you enjoy your new LIFE today and every day hereafter!

"It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth... Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10 & 12)

"God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)

"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. For, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" (Romans 10:9-10, 13)

"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:16-17, 38-39)

"I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1-2)

Blessings!
Blog Posting Written By Victoria Anderson

it all started with a Star Trek jacket

Yesterday morning, as I was blow drying my hair and "primping" for the day, the doorbell rang and a package was delivered. Before I go on, let me just say who doesn't love getting a new package in the morning? Even if you know in advance what the parcel may contain, it still seems like a little gift from the delivery man, doesn't it?

Anyway, that was the case for me... I knew what this package contained. For last week I had ordered the cutest knit jacket from one of my favorite online stores. It was one of those items I just HAD to have because it had a unique collar and came in a peacock green-blue color that I absolutely love. Since I've been losing weight, I decided that I could periodically splurge on a special, new piece of clothing from time-to-time as my size proved to be shrinking. So yesterday, the first NEW article of clothing arrived.

I was so excited, I couldn't wait to try it on and wear it. Rather than wait for an important event or particular occasion, I immediately put my new jacket on and headed out the door to our office. Once I arrived at work, my husband took one look at me and said, "That coat looks like something out of Star Trek."

Wait... what? Star Trek? I'll have you know that this coat is ALL THE RAGE! (...according to the world of Victoria) This coat is COOL! He agreed that he liked the color and then teased me a little more with one last, "Beam me up, Scotty." Then he prodded me to get to work. And that was that.

While acclimating myself to my office and thinking about how men just don't get it, I started to get a strong urge. An urge to forgo jumping back into my work and instead going online to order the same jacket in the color black. I could justify the extra purchase because I'd wear the black version at my Grandfather's memorial service this upcoming Saturday. Yes, yes... I NEEDED the jacket in black. Nothing else I owned would do.

To my computer I ran and quickly logged on to order another knit jacket - this time in black. Ahhh, good. Got it... and the last one in my size. Now that's done. Now I really must get to work. But wait, I could really use a new pair of shoes to go along with my new black jacket. And while I'm at it, I could get a new bag to match. No, no. I must work. I must get these to do's finished. I'll think about all that later. But not too much later, because time is of the essence.

For the remainder of the day, all I could think about was what I still "needed" to get. New shoes and a bag. New shoes and a bag. I didn't even think about the many, many pairs of shoes I already own, or the endless amount of bag options collecting dust in my closet. No, I just thought about why a NEW pair of shoes and a NEW bag were a good idea. New shoes and a bag. New shoes and a bag... this is where the mind of Victoria was focused on March 9, 2010.

By the time I got home, the first place I went to was my computer. I was ready to shop til' I dropped! Never mind my budget or other financial responsibilities... all I could think about was BUYING! I didn't know exactly what I'd end up with... shoes, a bag, maybe even a new necklace.... it didn't matter, I just knew that I was in NEED OF MORE. And the more I started surfing the Internet, the more ideas and items I saw that I desperately needed. Surely I could justify their purchase... you know, for Grandpa's memorial and all.

Sigh.

Thankfully, the Holy Spirit got a hold of me. At one point, I glanced down at the sleeve of my knit jacket and remembered how much I really like it's peacock color. Then I realized that in less than eight hours, the jacket was already "so yesterday" to me. It was no longer new. In fact, Chuck was right... it really did look like a Star Trek top! (I'm sooo not cool!)

Mind you, my new black jacket, however, was on it's way... and it was still fresh in my mind. IT was something to get excited about! Then I heard God's still, small voice ask me, "Victoria, why is the black jacket cool and the peacock jacket so yesterday?"

Well, it's simple Lord... the black one hasn't yet been delivered. It is not in my possession yet. But when I get it, all will be fine. I'll have everything I need.

"But Victoria... it is the SAME jacket! Just a different color. And am I not all that you need?"

I sat there a minute blank faced. What the heck is wrong with me?

I immediately got up and went to my closet and looked at all the shoes and bags and clothes the Lord has lovingly provided to me throughout my adult life. Then I gulped. What kind of psycho needs another pair of black shoes when she already owns at least seven pairs? SEVEN PAIRS!!! And don't even get me started on how many bags I have. If I never bought another purse, I would still have more than enough to accommodate every outfit that I could possibly come up with for the rest of my life! While some folks in other countries (heck, in my country) are struggling for food and shelter, I'm obsessing about another new bag? Tell me, what is wrong with this picture?

When I realized how hungry my need to consume stuff had become (in less than a full day, mind you), I became embarrassed before my King. Now, I know it is not a sin to look cute in a new jacket... or to reward yourself for weight loss when you have the means to do so. But my urge to GET MORE MORE MORE was no longer about that. No, Satan had convinced me that I didn't have enough. He even used my Grandfather's passing as a means to justify that I needed more stuff. (What a jerk!) That evil enemy managed to persuade and redirect my focus. And I took the bait! As a result, my appetite was no longer about praising Jesus for an accomplishment resulting in His strength and guidance. No, my eyes were clouded with the cobwebs of new clothes... new shoes... and a new bag. So much so, that the thought of these items completely monopolized my mind for the greater part of yesterday. Rather than praising Jesus and meditating on His words and His way, I was looking to varying department stores for their thrilling forms of temporary fulfillment. How pathetic! If God hadn't stepped in, I would have likely ended up buying all sorts of nonsense that I really don't need and can't afford. And I'm confident that just like my Star Trek jacket, each item purchased would lose their novelty in less than a few hours. How ridiculous.

The psalmist prayed it best, "Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word." (Psalm 119:37) Yes, Lord. Turn my eyes away from these worthless things... let's get me back into your living word NOW!

Yesterday carried a great lesson for me. Among the many issues noted about my sinful appetite to consume and hoard more than I will ever need... most importantly, yesterday God's intervention made me rethink the whole idea of rewarding myself with fancy clothing when I see significant weight loss from my body. Rather than distract myself with more stuff (which is really weight in a different format), I think it would best honor Jesus if I gave those funds to someone who really does NEED. Sure, I'll still have to purchase some smaller sizes to clothe myself... but not in two different colors. Not with matching shoes, bags, jewelry. No, I have enough. He's given me MORE THAN ENOUGH. All those things, though exciting at first, are really worthless trinkets. They will one day collect dust. They will one day BECOME dust. No, nothing can compare to the blessing and honor of my Redeemer! Yes, He was right... He is ALL that I really need.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

(Words by Helen H. Lemmel, 1922)

I don't know about you, but it is clear to me how quickly I can lose focus on what really matters and become a selfish, hungry monster. Without my Savior and His focus... without His eyes to guide me, my appetite to feed my own fleshly longings would never be satisfied. In fact, my corrupt nature would overpower me so that I could not think straight. It is clear that to really LIVE, we must stop submitting to the enemy's distractions and allow Jesus to fill us up and preserve us rather than continue binding ourselves to this sinful world. Let's direct our hunger toward God's infinite faithfulness. For every new morning is a gift from The Master and a sign of His eternal love and presence in our lives. (Now that's a gift worth receiving!!!)

I am thankful for the many lessons that God brought to the forefront yesterday. I am grateful that He loves me enough to stop me in my tracks and expose my sin so that I can repent and be set free in His grace again and again. How great is the love of our Almighty Father in Heaven who only wants what is truly best for us? He is soooooo wonderful and good to His children. His way is the only way to lasting peace. Praise be His glorious Name forever and ever and ever! Hallelujah, I am free and I have more than enough. Precious Father. Sweet Jesus. Holy, Holy Spirit. YOU are my all in all. Amen!

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Blessings, ladies!

Blog Post Written By Victoria Anderson

memories of Mel

On Thursday, March 4th at 6:30 p.m. my stepdad and Victoria’s grandfather, Mel, went to be with the Lord at 93 years of age. He’s someone I wish you all could have known. Anyone who knew Mel would have wonderful anecdotes to tell you about him, but for now I just want to share a few of my memories.

Mel and Mom married when I was 16 years old. We moved into a new home and began life as a new family. Within the year there was another member who joined our group. After being an only child for so long, I couldn’t believe I finally had a baby sister, Debbie, and was she ever the joy of our lives. I also gained an older stepbrother, Mel’s son, Duke. Interestingly, Debbie was born the same night as Duke’s wedding rehearsal and dinner. Mom asked me if I would represent her at Duke’s wedding the next day. I was thrilled to attend.

Mel came to know Jesus as his Savior and Lord. As time went by, I noticed he no longer practiced certain lifestyle habits. One day I asked him how he could just stop these practices cold turkey. He said, “Bevie, when the Holy Spirit tells you to do something, you do it!” And that was that! What a profound impression that made on my teenage mind. From then on Mel was committed to serving Jesus and was very active in church ministering in several different capacities. After he retired, Mel and Mom enjoyed working together on many church projects.

Mel loved to play golf and was out on the greens as early as possible on Saturday mornings. When he wasn’t on the course, he would practice putting on the driveway or in the living room during the winter months. One of his proudest moments came when he made an officially recorded hole-in-one. After his 18 holes of golf, Mel joined Mom and they would go for their Saturday bike ride through the suburbs. When they returned home, Mel would mow the lawn and do yard work. Both he and Mom were very physically fit and were able to enjoy walking and exercising together up until two years ago. I don’t know how many hundreds of Bible verses Mel memorized while exercising.

Mom was a loving stay-at-home mother and always kept a beautiful, organized home. Mel contributed greatly by doing Mom’s painting and wallpapering projects as well as performing any necessary repairs and maintenance.

Just as there wasn’t a person who didn’t like Mel, there wasn’t a food group that Mel didn’t enjoy eating. He loved to get together with family, relatives, and friends which also meant there would be lots of good food.

Mel always treated me as his own flesh and blood. I knew he loved me, would have done anything for me, and was always there for me quietly cheering me on in any of my endeavors. Our first Christmas together, his present to Mom was a beautiful cashmere sweater. I was wowed. But when I opened his gift to me I was flabbergasted! He had also given me a cashmere sweater. I felt like a teenage princess. When Mel was president of his transportation fraternity, he asked me if I would type up the reports and paperwork for the group. I can’t tell you how important and wonderful it made me feel that he would entrust me with the responsibility. Years later after I was married and my husband’s health problems increased, Mel and Mom were always available to take care of Scott and Victoria when we had to rush to the hospital for medical emergencies. I remember several times tracking down the folks to restaurants where they left their meals to come help us. At one point, it was evident we needed more reliable transportation and Mel said to Mom, “Honey, buy the kids a new car!” When I expressed an interest in going to Israel, Mel said to Mom, “Honey, send Bev on the Bible Lands Tour!” Of course, I couldn’t accept such generosity but I share these incidents to give you an idea of what a wonderful, generous, loving person Mel was to me.

By the time my sister married and had her family, the folks were retired. After breakfast and mall walking, they would go over to her house to help in any way possible. As an example, when it was time to replace all the windows in the house, Mel took on the enormous task of staining and varnishing each one before they were installed. Because Debbie’s husband had a very busy job with teaching and extracurricular activities, Mel would take care of the yard work and home maintenance. Mom would do the laundry and help Debbie with projects. While Debbie and her husband were on vacation one year, Mom and Mel decided to help complete painting the entire interior of their house. When the grandchildren were little, we would all enjoy getting together each week with Mel and Mom for lunch and other activities.

I remember Mel recounting some of his life experiences. During the Depression it was difficult to find work to put food on the table for a family with five children. So Mel, as a teenager and the oldest sibling stood in lines with many others waiting for the chance to be hired. When it was finally his turn at the head of the line, he was asked what he could do. He looked at the workers on the other side of the fence and said, “I can do what they’re doing.” During World War II, Mel served as a Marine throughout the Pacific including Iwo Jima. At one point, so far from home, Mel learned his brother was in the area. I can’t even imagine what a joyous, yet bittersweet, reunion that must have been! In her later years, as it became more difficult for Mel’s mother to care for herself, Mel and his brothers and sister helped her in their own special ways. Mel regularly visited her and cleaned her apartment.

Mel and Mom were always together. I can count on one hand the times they were apart for any length of time. Even when Mel went out-of-state for three months to facilitate a new plant opening, Mom went along with her portable sewing machine and preschool Debbie. When they could no longer live together, it was made all the more poignant by their loving displays of affection when Mom visited Mel in the nursing home.

Two years ago at our Christmas gathering, Mel got up and told us all how much he loved his wife and family and how grateful he was to the Lord for the life he had been given. It was a precious, unforgettable moment! From that time on, Mel deteriorated into dementia and physical disability. After several hospital stays last year, it became necessary for him to live in a nursing home. February 13th, he suffered a stroke that paralyzed his right side and made one of the last things he could enjoy - eating - very difficult. Then March 4th, this devoted husband, proud father, doting grandfather and great-grandfather, and caring brother and uncle was released from his imprisonment and brought into the glorious presence of his Lord and Savior whom he loved and served with all his heart.

I am so grateful and honored to have shared 51 wonderful years with Mel, my Dad-at-heart. His kindness, generosity, encouragement, and love of Jesus have made an indelible impression on my life. Of this wonderful man it can be said he fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith. And now there is in store for him the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to him and to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Tim. 4:7-8)

Finally Home

by Don Wyrtzen

When surrounded by the blackness of the darkest night
Oh how lonely death can be.
At the end of this long tunnel is a shining light,
For death is swallowed up in victory!

Just think of stepping on shore
And finding it heaven
Of touching a hand and finding it God’s
Of breathing new air and finding it celestial
Of waking up in glory and finding it home.

Blog Posting Written by Momba (Beverly Drong - Victoria's mother)

reveille: a wake-up call to LOVE

On Saturday, my family and I were blessed to enjoy a 1 year birthday party to celebrate the life of my first cousin's daughter, Reveille. Yes... Reveille!!! What a great name, huh? And it is an appropriate name since this little sweetheart has proven to be a huge "wake up call" for our entire family to trust God more and more.

You see, Revielle was born early and has endured more medical challenges/surgeries/treatments than most people will face in a lifetime. (Note: Reveille was born with challenges such as spina bifida, downs syndrome, and a club foot.) However, God continues to prove that all things are possible in Jesus Name and that His grace is always sufficient and, in fact, abundant! We will rejoice as He continues to use Reveille's life to reveal how loving He really is. I cannot begin to share how many smiles this little princess has brought to our whole family! We all pray for her well-being every day... for she is such a blessing! God is indeed GOOD!

Happy Birthday, Reveille!!!

Anyway, at one point during the party, I sat with my Aunt Ruthie and caught up on the happenings of our sassy Rev's life. During our conversation, my cousin, Jon (Rev's father), came over to share some important news with my aunt (his mother). He leaned over and started to whisper in her ear. While he was doing this, I happened to notice that my Uncle Larry (Ruthie's husband) was watching across the crowded room for Ruthie's reaction. You see, Jon had just told my uncle the same news only a moment earlier.

Once Jon whispered into my aunt's ear, suddenly her eyes began to swell up and a big grin enraptured her face. She could not have held back her joy if she wanted to. Something wonderful was happening! Something BIG was brewing!

The very instant Ruthie's facial expression changed, I watched my Uncle Larry's eyes fill with tears as he laughed/cried while watching and sharing in his lovely wife's joyful reaction. It was a beautiful moment between them both. A moment that took place across a busy room full of friends and family. A moment where they never spoke one sentence to each other, but were rejoicing together in heart and mind. Yes, there was love in that moment. There was love in those emotions. There was love in that look.

So by now, I'm sure you are asking what was Jon's news? Well, turns out that my cousin and his beautiful wife may be expecting baby #2!!! Nine months from now, we may all be enjoying another little arrival to join the ranks of our crazy family!!! YEA!

Congrats Jon, Heather and little Reveille!

Since returning home from the party, I have not been able to stop thinking about my aunt and uncle's silent moment of joy when they heard that they would be grandparents again. The experience got me thinking about the divine blessing of marriage... the joy of being "one" with a lifelong mate and choosing to sacrifice our whole heart to love that special person with everything we've got. When we place ourselves in the shoes of our spouse and live our lives in tune to their experiences, needs and feelings, no words or distance can hold back such shared intimacy or closeness. Yes, the experience between my aunt and uncle reminded me of how wonderful marriage can be when two people share EVERYTHING together - rejoicing and praising God through their victories, and praying and trusting their Redeemer through their trials. In a glimpse... in a simple moment of time, I was able to witness a lifetime of partnership and commitment between two wonderful role models. Through the lives of my aunt and uncle, I was able to see what true love really produces.

So, as we wrap up another Valentine's Day and move on with our day-to-day lives, I encourage every DW to hear this important wake-up call. I challenge you to not only consider your earthly relationships, but more importantly your covenant relationship that is shared between Almighty God and His holy church. As devoted followers of Jesus Christ, we are His beloved bride. In Him, we can enjoy a deep, spiritual oneness with a Savior that has sacrificed His whole heart to love us with everything He's got. And as scripture confirms, nothing can separate us from His commitment to stay intimately close and to love us forever.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

Wake up, and seek only His face through a crowded, corrupt world. Know the heart of the ONE who loves you the most. He promises to walk through every circumstance with you... every moment... every emotion. Look for Him always and allow others to witness the eternal partnership you share with the ultimate, holy role model - JESUS! See what the love of the King of kings will produce! I promise you it will be BIG! It will be ABUNDANT! It will be SO GOOD that we will be unable to contain our joy when we finally see His complete glory face-to-face!

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5)

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Blessings!

~Victoria

mastering my waffle maker

I have mastered my waffle maker. HA!

I know, it seems like a silly thing, doesn't it. I mean, what grown woman can't make a waffle maker work correctly? (Ahem. I'm raising my hand now.) That would be me. It's true. For approximately one year, my waffle maker and I have endured a rocky, almost non-existent relationship together.

It all started late December 2008, when my brother, Scott, (and his lovely family) decided to surprise me with a fancy schmancy waffle maker as a Christmas present. You see, Chuck and I have traveled all over the globe for work and pleasure, and Scott once heard me comment that my favorite breakfast to order while out "on the road" was a freshly-made Belgium waffle. (By the way, did you know that you can enjoy a Belgium waffle for free at certain hotels offering a complimentary breakfast? I've noticed that those waffles in particular always seem to taste better. Hmmm... it must be the added ingredient of "free" in em'. LOL!)

Anyway, my sweet, big brother got it into his head to gift me a waffle maker last Christmas so that I might enjoy the delights of freshly made waffles in the comfort of my own home. Easy peasy, right? WRONG! I could not get that darn machine to work right. It was terrible. It would seep and spatter batter out the sides of the machine and all over my kitchen counter. The little portion of batter that remained, did not cook up thick and fluffy like the hotels had so lovingly prepared. No, these waffles were... well, chewy. EWE! CHEWY WAFFLES - YUCK!!!

Needless to say, after determining that the waffle maker had declared war against me, I did what any normal red-blooded American woman would do with an uncooperative waffle maker... I put it on the shelf and walked away. We would not share our future together, that ole waffle maker and me. In fact, in my opinion, that crazy machine proved to be no gift at all. Instead, I considered it an annoyance. I vowed never to lose sleep over my waffle maker and the savory delights it promised. No, the waffle maker was too good to be true. So I would move on... without the waffles I love.

So, fast forward to December 2009... a year later. My brother has come to town for his regularly scheduled holiday visit, and our families have decided to meet at a nearby restaurant to enjoy breakfast and badinage together. After ordering my breakfast (a Belgium waffle with strawberries), my brother turned to me and asked, "So, how have you enjoyed the waffle maker we got you, Vic?"

Thump. My heart dropped. What do I do? Do I tell him the truth or change the subject? I love my brother and never want to hurt or insult him. But since he did ask me directly, and since I always want to be honest and open, I choose curtain #1 and answered. "Scott, I love that you got me a waffle maker, but I'm soooo frustrated with your gift. It won't work for me." With that, I saw a little sadness behind my brother's eyes. Lovingly he looked back at me and said, "That's ok, Vic. Maybe I can help you get it working the next time I'm in town. I know how much you love a good waffle." (What a great guy, huh?)

A week or so later, while still thinking about the hurt in my brother's eyes, I decided it was time to go at it again with my nemesis, the waffle maker. However, this time I would be more prepared. I decided to place a large cookie sheet under the machine to catch the anticipated pool of batter that would surely seep and splatter all over. I measured out my ingredients precisely. And this time, rather than skimming through the instructions on the outside of the machine's accompanying box, I decided to patiently read through the entire user manual and follow it's directions to the letter. "Enjoying the perfect waffle" became my one and only focus. I was on a mission... a mission to make a waffle - and to make it right!

Once I was certain all the steps were complete and all the settings correct, I poured the batter and closed the lid. Suddenly, steam started coming out the sides of the machine... but thankfully no batter! Within minutes a yummy aroma began to fill the room. WHAT? Was I making a waffle!!!??? I WAS!!! And it smelled GOOD! I could hardly wait to enjoy it! And when I did enjoy it, it wasn't chewy. No, it was thick and crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.... PERFECT! My taste buds had secured a first class ticket to YUMSVILLE USA! (Insert Handel's Hallelujah Chorus here.) I had mastered the waffle maker! WOO HOO!

Life is like that. Here we are, believers who claim title to God's gift of grace, Jesus Christ. We begin our new life at the ready... a people who are lovingly promised a full and abundant life through a Savior who wants to spend eternity with us... with a God who wants us to enjoy His glory and richness up close and personal.

Upon first receiving His gift of eternal life, we become excited... thrilled that He is now our own to savor and enjoy personally... intimately. But then the trials come. Suddenly we realize that we must face the seeping and spattering danger of sin all around us while still attempting to model a Messiah who lived holy.

Inevitably, Satan will try to convince us that our new relationship with The Almighty is not working out as planned - for it is impossible to live like Jesus. Sacrifice is sooo hard. Servanthood is sooo challenging.

We determine that God's way of doing things is too difficult and His word too complex to understand. So we close up our Bible and place it on the shelf. In turn, we close up our hearts and relax in a generic spiritual security that "at least we are saved from eternal death."

Finally, due to our own neglect, our relationship with God becomes stagnant. Sure, we outwardly carry the title of "Christian" but no longer pursue the dream of actually being close to Christ or enjoy all that He has promised us.... the gladness that we are supposed to be rejoicing in each day we draw breath.

So, we share our home alongside a patient, loving King filled with saddened eyes and waiting for us to return to Him. For He knows how much we could enjoy His goodness. He knows that He can lead us to find true contentment, wholeness and peace. If only we would be willing to take the necessary steps to deeply know Him. If only we would offer up all our effort to read through His instructions, retain the information, and follow His teachings to the letter. If only we would not give into the first sign of trouble, but instead allow Him every opportunity to showcase His glory, allowing us to be blessed beyond measure with His sweet aroma of grace.

This is the grace that He freely prepared for us to receive. Why? Because He loves us. This is the gift of LIFE that He wishes for each of us to enjoy as we live triumphantly and fully satisfied under His covering. This is not a Savior at war against us. No, He is not our enemy. Rather, this is Jesus who longs to be our Comforter, our Ally, our greatest Friend. This is the mighty God who wants to give us ALL the desires of our heart! He wants our cups to overflow in His bounty.

Once I took the necessary time to read, understand, and follow the instructions of my waffle maker, I mastered the art of making perfect, delectable waffles and have enjoyed them ever since. The same is true spiritually. We must take the necessary time to seek the Lord... to read, understand, and follow His holy word so that we can fully know our Master and enjoy His abundance today, tomorrow... FOREVER.

Ladies, I challenge you to seek after the LIFE God has planned for you and longs for you to enjoy in His Name. Do not be discouraged by the trials of this earth. Instead, return to Him and KNOW His promises thoroughly - always trusting that His word is reliable and good. He has provided us with His useful "user's manual" to refer to regularly so that we may succeed on our mission and live triumphantly and fully satisfied in His presence. God wants to abundantly provide and sustain us - if only we would welcome Him and follow His guidance. Trust me when I tell you, there is no One greater than our Lord. There is no One more beautiful than our Savior. There is no One more perfect than our Creator and King of the universe! We are complete and secure and loved beyond all measure if we are abiding safely in Him.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. (John 15:4-11 King James Version)

Ladies, let's keep our hearts and minds focused on the mission of following Christ alone. Let's enjoy the scrumptious Manna of Heaven that He has lovingly provided to us each and every new day.

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath. (Deuteronomy 4:29-31)

Hallelujah! For our Redeemer LIVES! Seek Him and enjoy these truths. Find Him and enjoy His love! Believe in Him and enjoy LIFE! His abundance is unending. His grace is complete.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
Blessings!

Blog Post Written By Victoria Anderson

the formula for a happy marriage

Recently, Chuck and I invited my cousin Christopher and his wife, Ingrid, over for an impromptu dinner where I cooked parmesan tilapia, asparagus and potatoes, finishing with a yummy (but healthy) pear crisp for dessert. After dinner, we moved downstairs to our family room to play Wii bowling amongst other Wii games.

Throughout the evening, no matter how well Ingrid would bowl, Christopher would compliment her and lift her up. If Ingrid bowled a strike, Christopher would celebrate her achievement. If Ingrid bowled a gutter ball, Christopher would tell her how much he loved her and how beautiful she was to him. No matter how successful or unsuccessful Ingrid's gaming abilities proved, Christopher made sure to extend his full attention to his lovely wife while encouraging her to keep on. And Ingrid, filled to the brim with Christopher's love, responded in like. It was a wonderful relationship to witness.

After the party was over, Chuck and I were reflecting on the evening. I commented on how nice it was to see another husband who openly revered his wife rather than ignore or talk down to her. Equally so, it was wonderful to see a wife receive her husband's love and treasure him without focusing on his faults and/or being discontent with something about his character. In a world peppered with divorce and marital strife, such a relationship is indeed a rarity.

Yes, our evening with Christopher and Ingrid proved delightful and inspiring. It was a small but significant testament to what real love should look like between a husband and wife. In fact, it made me start to think about how I receive Chuck... not only in social gatherings, but overall.

Do I remember to show him respect and honor his headship? Do I make a point to share with him how much I treasure who he is in ways that he can see, hear, taste, feel, etc.? Do I love him more than I love pointing out his sin or finding fault in his character? Am I content to leave his shortcomings aside and give his life over to God to protect and influence? In fact, do I pray for him? Do I support him and care for him enough to frequently point out God's goodness in our lives? Do I share biblical truth with him regularly? Do I set a good example by living and speaking to and about him as my Savior would? Do I inform him of what I need or desire without playing games or complicating matters? Do I choose my words wisely rather than poisoning the air with nagging or excessive talking? Do I manage my emotions and remain fair and non-judgemental in our dealings? Do I intentionally make myself as attractive as possible for his sake rather than others? Do I always receive him and speak romantically to him while actively guarding and warning him against others who may wish to see him fall away from God's grace? Have I taken the time to learn about what he is interested in? Do I care about the things He cares about? Is he the most important person in my life, second only to Christ? Have I sacrificed myself for his sake, just as my Savior did for me? Do I reject and stand against his sin, but love Him more than I love my own self? Am I willing to lay down my own hopes, dreams, expectations in order to help my husband grow closer to The Almighty? And whether he chooses to receive me or not... whether he loves me in return... whether he holds true to his role or maintains his responsibility as the head of our household... do I still show up every day with a holy resolve to be his co-pilot... his helpmate?

We are told in Ephesians 5 to submit to our husbands the same way we submit our lives to the Lord. "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit their lives to their husbands in everything." In short, God clearly instructs wives to respect and submit to their husbands.

Now, I know in reading this, many women will come ready to argue against the men that have failed them in their role as husband. Many will spit venom at me for using the word "submit". But, to be fair, let's consider the husbands role too. Scripture says, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church - for we are members of his body. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery - but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself." (Ephesians 5:25-33a)

When I read the Lord's command to husbands in Ephesians, all I see is submission. Husbands must love their wives. They must give themselves up so that they are able to help their wife become more and more holy. They must give her the room to become radiant, dripping in Jesus' beauty. They must treat their wives as they would treat themselves... caring for her, loving her, cleaving to her. Yes, it seems to me that both husbands and wives are bound by the same set of rules in how we are to relate to one another... how we were meant to treat one another... how we are to lay down our lives sacrificially for one another and uphold Jesus as our primary role model - - not only in our marriages... but in our lives.

This is the formula for a happy marriage - a biblical partnership. However, when one party does not hold up their end of submission and sacrifice, it does not mean that God's perfect plan should be thrown out the window. No, God has a reason for every marriage... for every life. To turn from His prescribed way and drop the ball on our covenant to Him and each other (irrespective of our spouse's actions) is unhealthy. Think about it... where would we be if our Savior dropped the ball on us whenever we didn't deliver? No, that is not how Jesus treats us... so it should not be how we treat our mates. No matter what we do, Jesus will ALWAYS seek after His beloved. Jesus loves us. He will always love us and will always strive for us to be with Him. Period. Without Jesus' faithfulness, we would be doomed to death and corruption. Without our Savior, we would be lost and hopeless. No, Jesus clearly hates hates hates divorce and division. Jesus is about building relationships. Jesus is about intimacy and closeness with God and each other. Why else would he emphasize the first two commandments to love God first and to love each other as we would love ourselves? Jesus shows up engaged and at the ready to be our spiritual helpmate. He is on our side always. If we "bowl a strike" and succeed in His Name, He celebrates our achievement with us. If we fall short and "bowl a gutter ball", He still holds true and tells us how much He loves us... how beautiful and precious we are to Him. Jesus' love for us is unconditional and His commitment to us is eternal. Jesus will always help us, encourage us, and teach us how to get closer and closer to The Almighty Father. His is the example we must follow and mirror. When we recognize this... when we follow His way... when we are filled to the brim with His secure love and leadership, we can become living witnesses and showcase His unchanging love to our spouses, our families, our friends, our co-workers, our world.

The questions shown above that both Chuck and I now regularly ask concerning our own marriage, are honest questions that all husbands and wives should biblically seek and sacrificially respond to daily. They are building blocks for each of us to measure our hearts independently and as a partnership while we seek to follow God's selfless way of life.

Ladies, I encourage every married DW to consider how you submit to your spouse. How you love and respect them. Ask yourself, does your husband see Jesus' delightful and inspiring way of life when he witnesses your own words or deeds? Are you a living testimony that represents your Redeemer's sacrificial heart and eternal commitment? Do you love your closest neighbor, your spouse, as you would love yourself? Are you resolved to lay down your life to serve the person you once claimed as your best friend... the one you swore before God to be bound to in marriage while living on this earth? For that is what marriage is - a holy union of two people living as one and representing God's love and union to His church. If you claim Jesus as your Heavenly Husband, should you not mirror His love to your earthly husband?

Please think about it. Please act on it. Please, please follow Jesus way and live it.

Love you all! Blessings!

Blog Post Written By Victoria Anderson

Copyright © 2010 The Devoted Woman, A Non Profit Corporation

mancala

Many of you have already visited The Devoted Woman Website and have read my dedication made in loving memory to my dear Grandmother who passed away in 2008. However, I wanted to share with you something that happened as frequent as this past month where my grandmother's life and love once again blessed me.

You see, over a decade ago when Chuck and I first got married, Grandma bought us a beautiful African stone game called Mancala. Upon receiving her gift, my hubby and I thanked Grandma for thinking of us and included it with the many different board games we both brought into our new marriage. However, as the years passed, we never seemed to find the time to play Grandma's Mancala game.

For years, I would notice the box sitting in our family room game cabinet. Sometimes, I would take the game out of it's box and admire the workmanship of it's beautiful base and smooth stones, but never would I actually stop and learn how to play the game. At times, I even considered re-gifting it so that someone else could enjoy Mancala. Fortunately, I could never bring myself to do that... mainly because I knew my Grandmother always bought gifts with great purpose and gave much thought to those that would be receiving her offering. I also knew that back in the day, when my Grandfather was still alive, he and my Grandmother would enjoy playing games together, as a couple, just about every singe day of their marriage. Long before the days of video games and what-not, Grandma and Grandpa always had a new game to recommend. Whether a board game, card game or domino game, our family would take note to learn whatever they endorsed... because the game would always prove to be the most FUN!

Over this past holiday, Chuck and I had to go into the office and wait for an important package to be delivered for one of our key customer accounts. Mind you, it was a day that our entire office was originally supposed to be on holiday. In fact, the business was technically closed between Christmas and the New Year. So of course, neither one of us wanted to return into work. We'd rather be home playing, relaxing. But, since Chuck runs the office, we had to go in and take care of the matter. To make us drag our heels all the more, it turned out to be a day when our area received a few inches of snow. We knew the ETA of our oversees shipment would surely be delayed as our delivery driver would be battling slippery road conditions. With the understanding that we would be sitting there for some time, Chuck and I decided to make it a game/movie day - just the two of us goofing off in the office. My hubby setup a projector to his laptop that would play movies on a white board screen in our conference room. It was clever and fun to grab a few board games, some popcorn for munching, and enjoy a "secret" play day together as we "holed up" at work. As you have probably surmised, one of the games we grabbed was Grandma's Mancala game.

Determined to finally learn it, we sat down and played a few practice rounds while referring back to it's instructions. After a few wins on either side, Chuck and I realized how much we absolutely loved playing the game together. Since that day, Mancala has been given a predominant place of status in the center of our dining table. Chuck and I go to great lengths to find time to creatively fit in a game between cooking times, phone calls, etc. We have downloaded a Mancala application to both our phones so we can also play whenever we are waiting on hold, in line at the bank, passing halftime of a football game, etc. etc. etc. We love Mancala!

Thank you, Grandma!

Yesterday, I was reading the words of Jesus in Luke 18 during my devotions. I paused when I got to verse 17 because it reminded me of this whole Mancala story.

I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. (Luke 18:17)

Now, I know you are wondering, how on earth does that relate to the Mancala story, Victoria? Well, I got to thinking about Jesus words and how a little child receives a gift they truly want. How they rip off the wrapping paper with gusto and start singing and dancing around the room in delight when they realize it is really theirs. How they jump in head first to know everything there is to know about the gift and center all their time around enjoying it. I thought about this, and then I thought about how Chuck and I first received Grandma's gift of Mancala. How we acknowledged it, said thank you for it, but never really got into it. How we allowed it to sit on the shelf and collect dust rather than spend time enjoying it.

Ladies, please think about Jesus words again, "Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." This is a very specific way that Christ expects us to receive His gift and follow His way. Like a little child - with enthusiasm, gusto and commitment. As I picture the many children on earth who ripped open a Christmas present this past holiday... who sang and danced around their homes with delight over what they had received... who called all their friends to brag about the great gift they could call their own... I wonder, how do we receive the kingdom of God? How do we receive His word, His truth, His promise? Do we jump in head first and center all our time learning it, living it, enjoying it, sharing the news of it? Or do we simply acknowledge the gift... thank Him for the gift... then quietly place His life-giving offering on the shelf to collect dust?

Only until we actually open it up, rejoice, and make it the central part of our lives... and only until we share our enthusiasm and delight, acknowledging the gift to all others we meet, will we truly be like a little child receiving the kingdom of God. I mean, come on... this is Jesus gift to all mankind that promises eternity in His complete goodness!!! Only until we dust off our Bibles and dive into His word with full-on gusto, consuming every section and enjoying His way of life as our own, will we enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.

Jesus bought us the gift of life with great purpose and gave much thought to those that would be receiving His offering. Let's not thoughtlessly acknowledge Him only to sit Him up on a spiritually dead shelf. Instead, let's receive His Precious Name in our hearts. Let's rejoice in Him being our own. Let's learn every aspect of His eternal words and follow His way of life to the letter. Let's receive His merciful, glorious gift... like little children.

This is the day that our Lord has made... TODAY! Let's remember to receive His gracious, perfect gift TODAY. Let's rejoice in it and be glad TODAY. Let's share it with everyone we meet TODAY. Let's use it, know it, and make it the central part of our life... like a little child - with enthusiasm, gusto and commitment... and let's do so TODAY!

Thank you, Jesus!

I am grateful to my dear Grandmother for this unexpected reminder! I'm sure when she purchased Mancala, she never imagined it becoming a means to bring me closer to my King. Nor would she have ever thought that this simple game would be used by God as a tool to share the Savior with thousands online. How great is our Lord, ladies? How magnificent is His timing?

Today, I am smiling as I picture Grandma rejoicing, singing, dancing in heaven this very moment as I type. I cannot wait to one day share alongside her the greatest gift of all... the physical presence of our Redeemer! The blessing of knowing face-to-face our Almighty King!

Thank you, Jesus, for this hope. Thank you sooo much, precious, precious Lord! Blessed be Your name forever!

Blessings!

~Victoria

filtered lips

Over the weekend, Chuck and I stopped into our local cell phone store to talk with our sales guy, Frankie, about an issue Chuck was having with his cell phone. Mind you, my husband talks for a living on his cell phone. In fact, he cannot easily do his job without it. He sells to customers and communicates to our European partners about engineering specs and technical details just about every single day while he travels heavily throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

However, recently after upgrading to this new phone, every five or so calls Chuck would experience a garbled reception where he could not hear his caller (but the caller could still hear Chuck). Because I also own the same phone but have never experienced this problem, we were both perplexed as to what was wrong. So, as we were out-n-about the other day, I suggested we stop into the cell phone store to see if they could offer some answers.

While there, Chuck began to explain to Frankie his issue and the actions he had already taken on his own to troubleshoot the matter. He rebooted the system. He changed out the SIM card. He updated all software, etc. Still nothing seemed to fix the problem. Fortunately, Frankie had an idea that will likely resolve the issue. So this week, Chuck is testing to see if Frankie's suggestion will fix the matter. Yea. A simple story, right? Hmmmm. Well, let me tell you the part of the story that included my involvement.

You see, on Saturday, Chuck and I had decided to go out and enjoy a "date day" together. During that time, we planned to run errands, price shop for a new washer/dryer (ours is dying a slow death and will have to be replaced), enjoy some sushi at one of our favorite restaurant while watching football on their big screen TV, perhaps see a movie, etc. Although we had been hit with twelve inches of snow earlier that week (I love Chicago), the roads had already been cleared and the bright sun was inviting us to poke our heads out and enjoy a weekend about town.

Generally, I'm pretty closed lip as an individual. But this weekend, I was so excited to be with Chuck that my enthusiasm go the better of me and made me like a little kid with much to say - rambling on and on without a filter. About thirty minutes into our day together, I realized that I had turned into a chatterbox. However I could not (or would not) stop myself from commenting on any given topic, instructing him where and how to drive, interrupting him, or talking over him (because my stories seemed more important than his to share). Soon, my gracious and patient husband's eyes finally glazed over. Let's face it, the guy stood no chance to get a word in edgewise. In retrospect, I wish I had just shut up. But alas, the ramblings of a overbearing, selfish wife on her day off got the better of me.

By the time we arrived at the cell phone store, Chuck had reached his boiling point. While trying to explain his issues to Frankie, my poor hubby would have to deal with me jumping in and taking over the conversation. (Real annoying, right!?) Finally, Chuck stopped talking, put his hand on my arm, and right in front of Frankie, God and everybody simply and calmly said, "Vic, you need to stop talking. Let me handle this."

Embarrassed. Corrected. Guilty.

If I could only put a lock on my mouth. How often do I forget that my husband also has a voice and, HELLO, is in charge and perfectly capable!? How often do I selfishly rush him through his thoughts so that I can get out what I want to say? How often do I fail to just listen and actually hear this wonderful, intelligent, supportive, hard-working man rather than monopolizing, or even worse, mothering him through a conversation. Who do I think I am?

Later, after the cell phone store... after my apology... after taking a time out break and allowing me to regroup and repent, Chuck said the most profound thing to me. He shared this, "There is a big difference between listening to someone and waiting to speak." Was he ever right. I spend the first part of our day together unfiltered and unkind. I was controlling, selfish and overbearing... allowing my emotions and temporary feelings to drive my conversations, rather than allowing Jesus to rule my words, thoughts and actions.

Instead of being meek like Jesus, I was acting more like Chuck's "trippy" cell phone - forcing only my voice over the airwaves while garbling out all others. No, Jesus would not have selfishly interrupted Chuck. He would not have disrespected Chuck's capability to handle matters. He would not have monopolized or mothered him through simple conversations and trivial matters. Rather, Jesus would be gracious, attentive, loving, calm, content and interested in every word that Chuck had to share. He would have showed up ready to relate, love and help out when necessary. He would have kept a relaxed day off... well, relaxed and enjoyable.

Ladies, how often do we forget to filter our lips with Christ? How frequently do we treat those we love with unwavering respect and interest? How many times do we selfishly demand control or attention without taking care to honor another's capabilities or position? Furthermore, how many times are we too busy waiting to speak, rather than listening to what our Almighty Father is trying to say through other people He has placed into our lives? Are we so caught up in our own selves that we can't hear Him... that we can't respect His authority... that we can't let Him handle things without our meddling or two cents being volunteered?

This Saturday, Jesus reminded me about being meek and quiet. He reminded me how important it is - not only as a person, but especially as a wife. Being meek, means being kind, gentle, humble, patient. It means allowing the peace of Christ to filter your lips, your thoughts, your heart. Although it was hard to hear, I am so blessed to receive this reminder. I am equally thankful for a wise husband who is willing to lovingly help and correct me when I need it. Through him, God continues to teach me, mold me, change me. For this I am grateful.

So, as I continue to grow in Christ... I am equally charged to challenge you to think about your own life... your own tongue. Are your lips filtered with Jesus? Does your character mirror Christ's meekness? Is your spirit quiet and at peace to leave the trivial things in His capable hands? I encourage you to please think on these things.

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (Proverbs 15:2)

But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. (Psalm 37:11)

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. (Proverbs 10:19)

Blessings!

~Victoria

submit and rest, putting on love because our God is good

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. (Colossians 3:12-18)

Recently, Chuck and I were able to pull over from our busy schedules and stop to enjoy a week's vacation between the Christmas and New Year holidays. In that time, we have enjoyed relaxing together, sleeping in, and visiting with many family and friends. We have cooked together, played games together, enjoyed several movies, engaged in long discussions and snuggle sessions, and have even managed to go a few days without leaving the comfort of our pajamas. It has been a lovely time of calmness and replenishment while enjoying time away from our regular day-to-day work and travel schedules.

However, during this much-needed down time, I found it interesting that in the beginning of our week off together, whenever I truly started to relax and take a breath, Satan made every attempt to try and convince me that my husband was a disappointment. He began to point out little things that had not yet been addressed in the house... a window shade that needed re-hanging in our bedroom, a doorway transition strip that needed repair, a shelf that needed re-enforcing, etc. etc. etc. He stirred up trouble within me by pointing the finger of blame at my honey, Chuck... who was (in the enemy's estimation) clearly relaxing TOO MUCH. Satan argued that my hubby should pick up the slack and do more chores over our vacation. Of course, the idea that Chuck should be deprived of his time off by a discontent, nagging wife was ridiculous, but still the enemy tried to persuade me otherwise.

Please know that my husband is a very, very devoted man and hard worker. He always steps in to help me (sometimes when I don't even ask) and in truth, I am grateful that he is soooo attentive to meet my needs. There have actually been days where he was unable to move forward because my heart was troubled and his first priority was to make sure I was ok. He is so great.

On an average work day, Chuck is usually awake at a very early hour conducting business over the phone with our day job's overseas sales partners and engineers. He is both technically and socially savvy and uses his gifts to provide electronic testing solutions to companies throughout North America all the while earning enough money to put food on our table, clothe us, and even spoil our family with a few luxuries from time-to-time. The thought that Chuck does not contribute, or the idea that he is uninterested in advancing our family's well-being, is really absurd... but still the enemy came a'knocking and tried to invade my heart - subtly whispering his list of complaints and pointing out things in our home in need of repair or attention.

Fortunately, before we started our vacation, the Lord had reminded me of the verses above from Colossians and had also given me this verse to meditate on: Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. (Psalm 116:7)

And it is true... the Lord has been good to me. He has given me salvation! He has granted me access into His kingdom! What do I need to complain about?

Thankfully, God exposed the enemy's intention to redirect my attention toward worthless issues, and I was able to identify Satan's scheme and pray through any discontentment. The end result: instead of ripping my husband to shreds and ruining his well-deserved time off, I was able to look at him in love while throwing a blanket over his cold feet as he reclined in his chair and watched football (snoozing between plays and unconsciously scratching our beagle's tummy). I was grateful to let go and enjoy a peace-filled time with my family and friends without sweating the small stuff. I chose to keep my focus on my marriage and the health of the man I love... a relationship way more important to me than any possession. Thank you, Lord, for you have been good to me!

Sometimes I loose sight of what is truly important. I hate to admit it, but sometimes my attention is incorrectly directed toward property over people. Sometimes I forget to let peace rule in my heart and fail to submit to the needs of those I should be loving. I'm grateful that the Lord gave me such a reminder this past week. I'm equally thankful that the enemy did not win such a stupid battle... that I was a conqueror because I had God's word in my heart and followed the wisdom of my Master. Because of this, our marriage was strengthened and unified over vacation. In fact, last night Chuck and I enjoyed time sitting together in our living room just being thankful for one another and the lovely, peaceful week God had blessed us with. How thankful I am that I did not sour this time with meaningless issues, discontentment and complaining. Thank you, Lord, for allowing your word to dwell richly in me and teach me to submit to my husband's needs. Thank you for once again clothing my heart with your compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Without You, I would be an ugly, awful wretch. Jesus you are beautiful. I love reflecting your beauty to others.

Ladies, whether single or married, let's not give into Satan and expect the world to revolve around us. Let us lay aside all forms of selfishness and unrealistic expectations over trivial things and worldly trinkets. For all we have... all we enjoy on this earth has been given to us by God and is a gift from our Redeemer. Let us give up our preconceived timetables and expectancies and simply love one another as Christ has loved us. For God has granted us eternal life through Jesus and continues to provide for all our needs. He is always good to us. He is always faithful. Let's strive to enjoy life together and completely relax in the perfect presence of our King. Let's not receive Satan's ridiculous lies that are intended to turn us against each other... for that evil snake is really our true enemy. Instead, let's cover our hearts in Jesus' warm words of love - reclining in His presence and savoring His promise that He is always enough. Vacate with me into the arms of our wonderful Master. Let's allow Him to restore our souls for His Name's sake! Amen, dear Jesus! AMEN!

Blessings!

~Victoria

"ho-cho" and the art of being nice

Yesterday afternoon, I had a massage scheduled with Nadia... the best masseuse in the entire universe. (It's really true!)

I have been going to Nadia as long as I can remember and have always been blessed by her gift to lesson the knots in my neck and make my aching back stop aching! She is a gorgeous person inside and out and talented beyond measure!

Anyway, during the course of the massage and our "catching-up", Nadia and I began talking about Christmas, staying warm, and ultimately... hot chocolate (ho-cho). You see, I love hot, HOT chocolate. I was explaining that my all-time favorite "ho-cho" was the kind made from REAL chocolate and seasoned with a little chili pepper. (Really, I highly recommend it!) From there we started to evaluate who currently made the best "ho-cho" in town.

After my massage was over, I was scheduled to get a mani/pedicure in the attached salon. (Come on, I want to be somewhat presentable over the holidays to my extended family and friends... you know, for pictures, etc.) While sitting in a big, comfy chair as the technicians worked on my nails, in walked Nadia who had run out to her favorite "ho-cho" vendor and picked up a cup for me to enjoy!!! Really, how sweet is she, people? SWEET!!!

This brings me to the purpose of my post. How hard is it for all of us to just be nice to each other? To love one another? To go out of our way and treat people well? Nadia's cup of "ho-cho" was a gift that I can pay forward to another by spreading the love I have in Jesus, and all that He continues to bless me with. This world needs that kind of thoughtfulness. And, it is how we are called to live in Christ!

So, today I challenge you to go buy a cup of "ho-cho" for someone. Or go hug someone. Or go tell someone what you appreciate about them. Let's follow Nadia's kind and loving example and just be nice to each other... because we can!... because it is the right thing to do!

Yes, Christmas is a great time to get started, but I say let's continue the good will toward men even after the holidays are over. Let's always practice the art of being nice... ALWAYS!

Thanks, Nadia, for always being a blessing to me! I love you, sweetie! Merry Christmas to you and yours! You are wonderful!

XOX!

~Victoria

who really wins the argument?

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. ~Proverbs 25:11

When my husband, Chuck, and I were married, I never thought that we would ever have any problems, quarrels or disagreements. I imagined a perfect life together. We could not possibly be one of those couples who fought over petty differences -we had too much fun being together. Then, reality set in and we had our first disagreement. My first instinct was to defend myself and start complaining and disputing about all the things I felt he could improve upon. I established my argument and was ready to attack full on. In my mind, it was war, and I strategically began to formulate my plan of how I would end up the victor.

Oh, how we love to argue. How we love to be the winner. How we want to always be the one who is ALWAYS right. Unfortunately, I was not right. Even worse - I didn't have the right attitude about how to trust and relate to the man I betrothed my whole life to.

Wisely, my husband did know better. He calmly and rationally sat me down and gave me the statement of the century. It was so profound and wonderful that I think all loving husbands should make it a priority - a code to live by - and a common theme to communicate to their wives....

He said, "Vicki, I'm not disagreeing with you because I'm mad or want to hurt you.... I love you. I'm disagreeing with you because I want what is best for you. I am not your enemy. You are the most important person on earth to me. So please get it out of your mind that I am against you and listen to what I am saying because my intentions are based in love."

Wow. How do you fight that? How do you win a battle against an "enemy" that is really your greatest ally? Because I disagreed with a stupid detail, I had given into Satan's lie that somehow Chuck was against me and I had to WIN a battle. All I was doing was complaining and preparing a big dispute - rather than trusting God and the man he gave me to marry. How often do we do this? How often do we get so caught up with our argument that we can't see past ourselves to the people we love? I mean really, what is more important....if the laundry is folded and put away, if the TV is turned off, if the toothpaste cap is screwed back onto the tube - OR - if we have a supportive, growing relationship with one another?

By no means am I suggesting that you don't share your cares and concerns with one another. By no means do I mean putting yourself in a "doormat" position. But come on. We are not always right. In fact, I find that I'm usually wrong but too proud to admit it. The only person who really wins when we argue against one another is Satan. I don't want Satan to win anything when it comes to my relationships - do you? Instead of disputing with one another, let's approach all things in love. As we learn to love one another as God commands, we learn to look beyond our selfishness and care about each other's well being.

So, give your attitude a check-up the next time you feel your blood boiling over a matter with your spouse, family member or friend. Is it really THAT important in the grand scheme of life for you to WIN the fight? Or, are you willing to let God use the experience as an opportunity to share and relate better with one another without drama or war being waged?

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault. ~Philippians 2:14-15
Blessings!

~Victoria

a joyful smile

"Frown and you frown alone, but smile and the whole world smiles with you."

Don't you love a true, genuine smile that showcases joy? Smiling: it is such a simple thing to do and can be communicated without saying even one single word. Even if someone has woken up on the wrong side of the bed, a joyful smile can help change the most hopeless outlook. Who can deny the power of Christ behind every joyful smile?  Indeed, it is wonderfully contagious!  HE is wonderfully contagious!!!

Did you know that when someone is smiling they are able to impact and change the moods of others as well as alter the attitudes of people in general... making everyone happier.  In short, a joyful smile shares the positive hope of Jesus, and, in turn, causes others to smile back. It is certain, those who smile a lot are more desirable to keep company with because their outlook projects an encouraging and motivating approach to living.

Smiling can help prevent stress, looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed. In fact, smiling has been shown to actually help our immune system to function better. It reduces blood pressure, releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. A smile provides a natural reaction that makes us feel better as well as aids us in warding off depression.

Yes, a smile can truly affect lives. So, let's show off that wonderful facial grace!  Let's smile, dear Christians, because we have Jesus to smile about!!!  WOO HOO!

XOX!

Victoria

© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson

in a dry and weary land

Today, Chuck and I spent the afternoon sitting with a family member as she underwent chemotherapy treatment. During the course of my lifetime, I have been around all forms of medical patients and in many health care environments due my own physical handicaps, family disabilities, and critical care situations. However, this has been my first exposure to witness cancer treatment up close.

While entering the treatment center, I noticed that there were hospital recliners spaced three feet apart from one another in a large communal room. Sitting in each seat was a person undergoing their treatment, receiving a custom recipe of medicine to aid them in their fight. We walked to the back of the room where our party waited for their dosage to be administered. While waiting, I couldn't help but look around the room and study the faces of patients nearby. There were all types of individuals... young, old, male, female... every ethnicity... every walk of life. Some looked as healthy as anyone you'd pass by on the street. Some did not. All were fighting to survive.

As we sat with our family member, she began to get sleepy and dozed in and out during the course of her treatment (which is not uncommon). Fortunately, we were already blessed to know from her last round of tests that her cancer is officially gone. She must return for three more treatments, but then she is good to go. Praise God.

However, sitting two chairs over from us was a woman who was clearly not as fortunate. She was about my age. Her hair was completely gone. Her body was frail and worn down. Her spirit was clearly deflated. She sat in the corner with the curtain half drawn... all alone. I could not help but wonder about the status of this woman's health, hope, and eternal home as her feeble presence and lack of companionship caught my heart's attention. I wanted to hug her and shower her with everything I could share about Jesus. But it was clear that she was in no position to receive any visitors... she was just too weak to speak. So, I did the only thing I knew to do while sitting beside her... I prayed.

At one point, her face turned completely blood-red because she was not able to breathe and her nausea (a side effect from the chemo) was overpowering all the energy she had to give. The nurses immediately rushed to her side with oxygen while summoning the nearby doctors to come STAT! Suddenly there where ten to twelve medical professionals hovering around and doing all they could for this poor woman. Frantically, the curtain around her closed as moans of her agony reverberated across the room. It was intense and heartbreaking all at the same time.

While still in shock from what was taking place, I scanned the room once more to see the reaction of others. I looked again at the faces of each patient and their visiting family and friends. Strangely enough, no one raised an eyebrow. No one showed emotion. No one had any kind of reaction. It was as if this woman didn't exist... as if everyone who had just witnessed her struggle felt completely indifferent and/or numb to her situation.

By the end of our visit, the woman's vitals had stabled, but I could not fathom how she would be strong enough to get home on her own. Her health was that bad. She was asleep from exhaustion and curled up in her reclined chair... her i.v. still attached and dispensing the final dose of chemo treatment for the day. The hospital staff was monitoring her status and remained at the ready if the situation again became grim.

I left exhausted and heavy burdened for each soul there, for I had spent the afternoon praying for every face I saw... but especially for this particular woman. While we drove home, I continued to think about the events of the day. Then, the Holy Spirit gave me this thought...

How often do we ignore the struggles of those barely making it who are in desperate, dire need? How frequently do we as Christians look around the room but fail to display any emotion or care to the existence of those nearby... those who are drowning in such despair that they can hardly gasp for breath because they are too exhausted and weak from the plague of sin and the strongholds of Satan?

DW's, we are women who are to represent the love of Christ to the lost, and I fear that we have forgotten the importance of sacrificially taking the focus off ourselves and looking into the faces of those who are worse off. I am greatly troubled that we frequently fail to acknowledge those curled up and stripped down to nothing... those in need of comfort... those who need Jesus. Have we become so numb and desensitized that we no longer acknowledge the existence of those lost and their need for our prayers and comfort? Have we accepted defeat from the overwhelming presence of sin in this world that we no longer are willing to stand up for the sake of Christ's cause? Have we selfishly thought, "At least I'm saved by grace," but beyond that, have we given up the hope, the honor to be used by God to turn the eyes of others toward Christ?

I urge you to consider how frequently you share the message of our Messiah to the lost and dying of this world. Consider how regularly you discuss God's love to those outside your comfortable Christian circles. Let us no longer overlook those who are alone. Let us no longer do nothing when we so clearly can do something. Let us spread the gospel as the churches did in the days following Jesus resurrection. Let us go into all the world and show them His love... to the sick, to the weary, to the poor, to the needy, to the widows, to the orphans, to the hungry, to the helpless... let us give them the message... the meaning... the hope we have found in our Savior and King.

Ladies, let us share with others the refreshment that God gave David while in the desert of Judah, "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands." (Psalm 63:1-4)

Blessings!

P.S. Today, please pray for all the cancer patients throughout the world who are suffering and struggling to survive. Lord Jesus... save them, heal them. Use our lives to touch their hearts. We praise Your name in all situations, our gracious Heavenly King. Amen.

Thomas Aquinas once said, "Pray as though it depends on God. Act as though it depends on you."