A Christian Society

C.S. Lewis said, “We should never get a Christian society unless most of us became Christian individuals.”  What is it to be a Christian individual?  To be honest I didn’t think that is what I’d be searching for this year since I have been a “Christian individual” for the last 9 years, but time and time again the Holy Spirit reminds me of the basics.  I’ve realized that I don’t need a revelation of a code however a gentle reminder of what being Christ like truly means.  Most sensible teachers don’t invent new ideas on how be moral they simply remind us how to treat others, submit to God, and of course deny ourselves lusts of the flesh; ones who create new ways are who we must be leery of.  

“Treat others as you wish to be treated.”, that is the golden rule--we should all know, and strive to live by.  Which means when we see someone in need don’t walk past, but  be the good Samaritan.  How that is defined is entirely up to each individual, but what it does not mean is to remain disconnected from the needs of others.  Practically speaking our society often dines out, but rarely finishes the dish.  Upon receiving the left overs instead of going home and sticking them in the fridge why don’t we venture outside and proactively search for someone who is in need of an enjoyable meal?  Although it is a bit of a sacrifice of time the act is extremely rewarding.  The Bible encourages us by saying, “Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) 

How about a coach who takes on a basketball team who has little to no talent, and teaches them the fundamentals, and in a few months he has a team who can possibly win a few games possibly even a championship.  The coach now experiences a level of joy that no one can fully understand because he did not become weary yet he persevered.  He continued teaching and coaching each team member how to dribble, play defense, slid their feet, ect.  In turn his reward was found in their faces as they developed confidence on the court.  Bottom-line no one cannot win without the basics, so why do we as Christians try to encourage others to adopt our way of thinking without first explaining the heart of Jesus.    There is a song that I once sung while attending Mass and the line that I remember to this day is, “And they will know we are Christians by our love by our love, yes they will know we are Christians by our love.”  That is the bases of the Golden Rule.  Love.  When you operate out of love towards everyone people will see the heart of Jesus and inquire of your different treatment.  Empty words and action cannot redeem the world, but once our words and actions are met with love we’re able to connect the dots in their hearts.  Thus bringing the harvest to the one who deserves all the Praise, Glory, and Honor forever and ever.  Amen.

Beauty School Dropout...

It was another rainy evening in Ville D'Avray, and I was feeling a bit inspired. Now I see the thought bubble pop up above your head asking, what is she being inspired to do?  Is it to write, sing, draw, or to paint a beautiful portrait replacing the Mona Lisa?  To answer your thought bubble it was none of the previously mentioned.  I was simply inspired to cut my bangs.

I make this next statement with the utmost humble spirit.  I am a very talented individual.  I can skip, ride a bike, roller blade, blow bubbles with gum, and I've even mastered the art of tying my shoes.  However, there is one skill unmastered--cutting hair.  A few years ago a friend of mine entrusted me with a pair of scissors and her hair.  After making a few cuts here and there I muttered under my breath the dreaded words "Oh crap".  After realizing there was no was way under the blue sky I was capable of fixing her once beautiful brunette locks--her more skilled sister took over.  Not learning my lesson I attempted to cut a boys hair.  My thought process was this...boys have shorter hair...must be easier.  NO, it isn't.  I ended up giving him a proper military buzz, but even that is a stretch.  

Before these memories came back to me I quickly ran downstairs to fetch some scissors; I was on a mission!  Once they were in hand I hurried upstairs being careful not to run because as children we were taught not to do so.  (I put that little piece of wisdom in there because I'm a nanny trying to instill those sorts of things to two beautiful girls)  I walk straight into the bathroom, comb my bangs, tie my hair back, and CUT.  My hand had moved before my mind could map out the course the scissors were supposed to take.  It was too late.  I looked in the sink to see the rather long fallen soldiers.  Slowly I allowed my gaze to peer into the mirror only to see my uneven bangs whose shortest hair was about 2 inches long.  

I now own a hat.

Let this be a reminder to all who "feel inspired" on another rainy day.

Pause, and just breathe

Is it just me, or does everyone have that special trick to make all the cares in the world to disappear?  Since being in France mine has been a cup of English Breakfast tea with milk of course. Speaking of milk - its not fresh here.  I mean you can buy it fresh, but normally its purchased warm and on a shelf verse being chilled in a cooler.  Anyways, so back to my 'get away' trick.  I put this to good use after my first day working....

Monday - 6:00 am - my alarm goes off and I bounce out of bed; I was full of excitement and courage.  I get ready and head out the door to catch my 7:55 train.  As most of you know my hair is naturally curly, and even a hint of humidity makes my hair a bit wavy.  WELL anyways I walk outside and its snowing - which wouldn't matter if I had brought my hat and gloves with me from Colorado, but since I was a little stressed trying to get out of Nelson and Judy's - I forgot them.  I take my route to the train station with my hair fully exposed to the snow oh and not to mention wearing high healed boots (it was my first day and I wanted to look cute :) ) Upon arriving to the station I check to make sure my train is on schedule, and I find out it isn't!!!  I then hear people talking and repeating "grave" which basically means the trains and the rest of the transportation systems in France are on strike.  The first train arrives and it was so full that I couldn't even fight my way on, so I had to wait another 20 min for the next train.  

Finally I got to Winoc's train station - and start my short walk to his flat.  Well as my luck would have it - I got lost.  I mean I had only been to his flat once, and it wasn't even by foot.  I walk in circles then decided to attempt my little to no French skills, and ask for directions.  My only choice was the Police station which was right in front to me, so I try getting in.  I say try because I didn't know you had to push a button THEN open the door!!  WOW!  I then find out she, and she being the cop, doesn't speak English.  Back to the street I go, and somehow by the grace of God I found my way.  Finally I was somewhere that was somewhat familiar.  

After a very VERY long day taking care of an extremely sick little french girl - I head back home.   Once I walk through my door I head straight to the kitchen and brew my English Breakfast tea.  While leaning against the counter holding my hot cup of tea - I pause and just breathe.  Allowing the crazy and yet very funny day to drift away...

So, if you don't have a special way of allowing your cares fade away - consider mine on loan to.  Enjoy!