Definitions And Busy-Bodies

People who really know me well, know that I don't pretend to be *plain* in the most literal sense of the word. However, people who I encounter routinely, such as; neighbors, the mail-man, coworkers, etc.. would describe me as very conservative, and somewhat religious, especially my mail-man, since he see's all the Christian literature I subscribe to. But he's a nice guy and doesn't give me a hard time:-)

I have many *Plain* Anabaptist friends, because this is where my journey has led me. They all pretty much accept this as fact: "It is what it is".

So I'll get directly to the point: Some people need to mind their own business. There are people on the internet who like to pose as *plain*, and have a pretty harsh opinion of anyone who doesn't measure up to their standards. They may wear a covering, or suspenders, given the gender, and belong to 30 different plain groups. But the problem is; that doesn't make them a Christian. That's a heart issue. And meddling in other peoples affairs is only an open admission to a serious character flaw.

There are also people I have gotten to know over the internet that I've become very fond of over the years. Some genuinely know me. I am who I am. I have vascilated over the years as I have tried to find my *happy place* with God, and who hasn't? I have also spent too much time trying to please people, verses God.

Please pray for all the lonely people who have nothing better to do than judge people who post innocently on Yahoo Groups, Myspace & Facebook. It seems that once someone figures out what 1 Corinthains 11, & Titus 2 is about, many make a mission in life to show others their superior knowledge and condemn anyone who second guesses themselves or the advice given, ad nauseum, of those who have been enlightened.

How is that making the Love Of Christ attractive to seekers?

I am amazed that lonely, bitter people gravitate towards such dark, negative behavior, when there is a heavenly bounty of love just waiting to be poured upon them for simply loving thy neighbor.

And although I have blogged about this numerous times, I am still confused as to why people feel the need to monitor other people on the internet, let alone have very, very strong opinions about those who may not be led in the same direction?

I understand perfection. I understand Godliness, but not everyone is lead in the same direction at the same time. People are flawed! (Another blog, another time), and God uses those flaws to bring us to His throne, when we bend our will to His. However, you can look Godly on the outside, and still not be Godly on the inside.

What happened to "Get thee behind me satan?" Why do we not control our impulses just as we are biblically instructed? (Or at least try?)

Before we point a finger, lets remember we all fall short...

In Christ,

Kelly

Relying On Each Other

Star and Minnie Lou have become unlikely companinions this week. Star and her brother Hutch were from the same litter. When he died this week, I feared mostly for Star.

Hutch was the quiet, almost stoic dog who protected his home. Star is kind of a silly, sweet dog with a touch of ADD. (Look, there's a squirrel!) Both lived mostly outside unless the weather was bad. They were both trained to behave inside, but at 80+ lbs, were happier romping around our half acre backyard.

Minnie Lou is the inside dog, who's job it is to alert me of suspicious noises in the night (or so she thinks).

Scott suggested I leave Star inside for a few days to help adjust to Hutch's absence. What a great idea! I left her in Friday while I worked, wondering how she would do. My answer was immediate upon opening up the door. Both Star and Minnie Lou were side by side to greet me. They haven't separated since.

It's a good thing, having those you can rely on. Death, even in an animal can be upsetting, and even a shock. How reassuring it is to know that regardless of the circumstance, you have those who care about you, and will be there for you to see you through the hard times.

Maybe I'm a little fixated on my dogs??? It's possible, but I see that I need to draw closer to those around me and let them know they are appreciated more. I also need to remember I can rely on them as well.

Troubles come in many forms, not just death. Our society is so obcessed with material wealth, that I wonder if most are aware of what really makes one rich? It isn't money, because money cannot take away cancer, blindness, or bitterness. But to have family, and the support that comes with it is something money cannot buy. It's a treasure that is too often not sought until it's too late, or taken for granted when we focus our desires on what the world has to offer.

May we be thankful, even grateful to God for the little blessings each day, for the compassion of friends, and the joy of family.

Hutch 2006-2009 RIP

Such a good pup. Be at peace my friend.

Euthenasia- It's Not For Everyone

Tomorrow I will meet my husband at the Veteranarians Office to have our beloved Rottweiler *Hutch* put down. (Hutch in picture at right, with sister Star)

This descision has been a tough one. Hutch ate something toxic (we will never know what) and has Acute Kidney Failure. I've been keeping him alive since December on a homemade concoction of pumpkin, yogurt, barley grass, and vitamins. He does eat bread, chicken, and occasionally a prescription dog food, however he has dropped nearly 30 lbs.. In addition to the diet, I give him Sub-Q injections of Normal Saline daily. Sadly, he is not thriving. He's lost most muscle mass and is shaky just standing in one place.


I've talked to people about Euthenasia, and I get mixed responses. Some say they would never do something *like that* to their animal. Other people seem to think I should have put him down months ago, due to the stress of the situation, and the financial upkeep of the process.


Scott and I came to the conclusion that we would keep him comfortable for as long as possible, whatever that means? Dogs do not show pain like humans do. It's hard to know when they are in pain. Obviously, we decided to wing it.


At last visit to the Vet, Hutch's bloodwork showed a BUN level of 9. (40+ is healthy). The Vet said it is rare to see a dog up and around like Hutch is with that lack of kidney production. She said it's Cats that usually hang on and refuse to let go.


I realized Hutch was hanging on, because of all his good traits, he is obediant above all. Here I have been, day in and day out telling him to try to eat, try to fight, C'Mon buddy, you can do it! He's not supposed to BE alive according to his bloodwork. But Hutch lives to please us. So, we are going to put our selfishness aside tomarrow and let him rest. He's worked so hard, for so long. He deserves to be pain free.


Frankly, I'm not looking for approval on the subject. Those who believe they would never make this choice have either been lucky enough to have a dog go in their sleep, never been in the situation to know first hand, or keep the animal regardless of the pain its in. I can't bear to see him suffer anymore. Is this choice the right one? I don't know... It's the right one for us. I can't say that it would be the right choice for everyone. Each situation is different. If I could be there with him 24-7, maybe I would chooce differently? I am just guessing. I put Muttley down because she was howling in pain for hours. I just can't bear to witness pointless suffering, so I rushed her to the animal ER and I've never regretted it. It was the last act of kindness I would be able to give her. Hutch deserves no less.


The thought that; I could probably keep him going for another month or two flits across my mind about every 20 minutes, but because my husband travels, if he were to die at home, I couldn't bury him. It's just too big of a task. So this is the best solution for us. It breaks our hearts to know he has less than 24 hours to live... and so sad to see him go. But there is peace in knowing he won't hurt anymore, and he's not living for the sake of pleasing us. He stopped playing several months ago, and spends most his days just sleeping.

Keep us in your prayers. It's a hard choice to make. But I believe, childish as it sounds, that Hutch will be reunited with Muttley, and Landry, and Friday... all the dogs that have passed on before. And if heaven is even one smidgeon as grand as I believe it is, there is plenty of room for our pets there too.

In Him,

Kelly

Don't Tell ME What To Do!

Some days I have difficulty with my flesh. I want to please myself and find myself wondering what is legalism and what isn't? Most of the time, I argue with myself find a loophole for my comfort zone.

In the 80's, the term *legalism* emerged. It swept through churches across the world and suddenly; we were free from any rules. Is that what the Bible actually teaches? Anyone?

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works" (1 Timothy 2:9-10).

This is New Testament teaching. So HOW do we validate what is legalistic and what is modest?

The word modesty is from the Greek term kosmios. It means: orderly, well-arranged, decent, modest, harmonious arrangement, adornment. This Greek word also appears in the Septuagint (Ecclesiastes 12:9) and is translated "set in order" and is applied to Solomon's proverbs. Kosmios is derived from kosmos which means: order, regular disposition, ornament, decoration, embellishment, adorning and is used, among other ways, of the world on which we live (Matthew 13:35; Mark 16:15). Kosmos is used of modest attire and translated as "adorning" in 1 Peter 3:3.
"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel."

It's pretty obvious to me that God desires a pure heart in His believers. But as my Mennonite Preacher and friend recently commented; "A cape dress or suspenders will not get you into heaven". So WHY this either or mentality? Why is there not balance? When did it become acceptable to wear shorts, spaghetti straps or push up bras to church??? Why do some who do dress modestly scorn anyone who doesn't dress like them?

Here is why: God wants you to pray and figure this all out yourself. He wants us to read the Bible and apply it liberally, but not to the point that you believe your clothing merits a ticket to the Pearly Gates. The Bible doesn't teach that Grace=Loopholes and no accountability. Not at all. Grace is the what bridges the gap between what you truly understand and what you don't. Not everyone is convicted at the same time, over the same issues. Some are convicted strongly over issues that you may rarely consider. I genuinely believe that a person feeding the poor, loving the unlovely, helping the widows, etc.. is more in tune with what is biblical, even if she is wearing pants. The issue of modesty has simply been ignored, or overlooked.

*If* you are someone with a rebellious nature, you don't like being told what to do. Period. Rules are always questioned. But the Bible has pretty clear answers. Be cautious of accusing those convicted in dress of being legalistic. And those convicted, be patient and do not judge those who don't share the same exact convictions.

Perhaps you don't understand what the big deal is?? Lust. That's the big deal. And our society is selling lust in many pretty packages. Men are visual creatures and the problem is in all of our minds. If we go to church showing off our figures as women, or if men go into assembly LOOKING for the slightest provocation... our hearts are not following Gods.

Lust is a sin which especially men are cautioned in Scripture to avoid; is it any more praiseworthy for women to dress provocatively and excite lust? Lust is viewed by our Lord as adultery only not yet enacted (Matthew 5:28). Lust is a sin for which souls will be lost (Titus 2:12; Romans 6:23; James 1:14, 15; 1 Peter 2:11).

This is serious stuff.


So before you dish out the term: *Legalistic*, just so you don't have to follow a rule or abide by a rule... pray about it first. Be cautious using the term, because the Bible does have applications in the New Testament. And yes, Jesus came to set us free, but not free to do whatever we want and call it "Grace".

Let Me Call You Sweetheart

In a sermon I heard not long ago, a Mennonite Preacher recalled how his own Grandparents behaved towards each other, even in their old age. He said; "They were so kind, and loving towards each other... like two old *sweethearts*. He went on to describe their behavior towards each other as *unselfish, tender, and thoughtful*.


I've put a lot of thought into the subject of marraige and aging since that sermon. Ok, let me be direct; I've put a lot of thought about MY marriage and aging since then! This verse immediatley comes to mind:

EPH 5:22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.


That sounds very balanced and equal to me. My Grandmother quoted it as; "Wives, show all respect to your husbands, and husbands likewise!"... of course she was paraphrasing. But it sure makes sense.


I'm watching my parents and in-laws age. I can sense the defiance they all posess at becoming *the elderly*, just as they watched their parents do the same. But something my family all has come to treasure in their golden years is their relationship with their spouse. They become cemented over time, and stand together as a united front against what time ebbs away. And most of all; they are loving & respectful towards each other. It is a blessing to witness this love, open affection, and know it doesn't have to be lost just because ones hair turns gray, or crows feet appear.


I admit; it must be a struggle to keep your inner sweetheart alive, when your challenged with physical and maybe some mental decline. But in keeping that reverence for each other, you have something that noone can take from you. As a couple you retain a lively part of your youth, simply by holding hands, or giving your spouse a peck on the cheek. I cannot imagine a day when I would not feel loved, and valued from such actions, can you? May we all press on, and love our spouses with the same enthusiasm now and tomarrow as we did when we first married. Let us be known as *those old sweethearts* to our children, so they may do the same. Amen?

Keeping It Real *Simplicity*

The issue of *SIMPLICITY* keeps coming up over and over in my life. Simplicity is the sister to *CONTENTMENT*, and together they equal: *HAPPINESS* in the most genuine form.

I rarely buy anything for my home, and when I do, it's heavily discounted. I admit it; I'm not just frugal, I'm downright cheap. If you visited my home, you might be tempted to think I intended to decorate. Actually, it evolved over the course of my many years, and is accumulations of gifts from friends, inherited artwork from long-dead relatives, or stellar finds at the local Goodwill. I am an opportunist where deals are concerned and love to shop at flea markets.

I have a pretty home and comfy surroundings. But if I had to live in a tent, I would make it comfy too. I would find joy in the sunrise, in my health, in the ability to breath and pray for others. Our society preaches MORE! MORE! MORE!, but I believe that is a lie. Over my 40-some-odd years of living, I have aquired a lot. But the *stuff* I have isn't all of a use to me. Would it be to someone else??? This is the question I am struggling with.

Even the most humble home today seems extravagant compared to the homes of average Americans 40 years ago. What most would consider a *rent-house* or at best a *starter home* would have been the average abode for a family of 4-6 in 1968. One bathroom, small closets, and about 12oo square feet was the norm. Look at us now. When I hear stories of people with walk in pantries, heated toilet seats, and closets as big as my guestroom, it amazes me. I understand there is no sin in being wealthy, but it amazes me regardless! We seem to need so much room to hold so much STUFF!

I once offered my brother a set of ornamental tables that had belonged to our Mother. He rejected them and I couldn't understand why? Later my Aunt passed. I inherited more *knick-knacks* and *stuff* that had belonged to her and held sentimental value. As I tried to pack it all in my already cluttered home, I realized he wasn't refusing Mothers memory. He was trying to keep his balance. I now understand. But the question of what to keep and what to give away isn't so simple. If I give away something useless but pretty, am I just enabling someone else? I hope not. And there is nothing wrong with having something pretty, like a picture, or a piece of art. Although I admit my favorite pictures are 20 years old, and made from macaroni and crayon.

I have friends who also share my passion for simplicity and contentment. They inspire me daily with their choices to be happy... so find beauty in God, and His creations. We share our thoughts on the little things that bring us joy. This in itself is a wonder to me.

On the other hand, I know of people who wear simplicity as if they were shackled to it... as if it was a burden. Even though they have more than enough to eat, a roof over their heads, and their health, they whine, moan and lament about their lot in life. As if they have been victimized by society,... as if they are the butt of a cruel joke. I do not understand this mentality. Many of these people I speak of are lazy. They have *expectations* that society should provide for them.

I suspect television is the reason so many are so unsatisfied. It's a gadget, just like a computer, or telephone, or wheel for that matter. But it can be abused. The message sent out is: What you have isn't good enough.... you need the newest version of __________, and it doesn't matter that what you already have isn't worn out. Just buy it. We need to be careful what our little eyes see.

Have you heard of; *Peace Pilgrim*?

She walked to bring attention to simplicity and peace.

http://www.peacepilgrim.com/

Now, as I purge my collection of *stuff* I will try to keep what is sufficient.. what is purposeful, and utilitarian. I will also keep some of my mothers belongings, what brings back good memories, and let go of the rest. I will find contentment in that which serves to bring me closer to God, what feeds my body and soul, and leave behind that which diverts my attention from God to what the worlds deems as desirable.

I also will not compare what I have to what others have, more or less. We all walk daily on our journey heavenward, and have different trials, successes, and convictions. I would hope that those who have more than us give a fair amount away. I hope those who have less, never do without what they need, and I pray that I we all do our share to help each other. A person could have lots of money, but still be lonely. A poor person could have their health, while a rich person can't buy it back. Mostly, I wish for my loved ones; contentment. You do not see a U-Haul behind a hearse.

Find you peace in God and your contentment in your ability to help others.. in the simple joys that are present in daily life.

Longfellow said it well:

How beautiful is the rain!

After the dust & heat, In the broad & fiery street,

In the narrow lane; How beautiful is the rain!

How it clatters along the roofs,

Like the tramp of hoofs;

How it gushes & struggles out

From the throat of the overflowing spout.

Isn't that an example of an overlooked joy?

Have fun finding yours.

Blessings