Searching...

Searching…
One....two... three...
                Hide -n- seek. It’s child’s play, and we all know how it works. One person counts (without looking!!), and all the others run to their assumed “spots” to hide. They wait, sit tight, and try not to move a muscle whilst the “seeker” comes to find them.
                Lately, I’ve realized that this whole hide -n- seek madness is no longer reserved for child’s play. Rather, it’s become a reality in my life. At times, I feel like everyone’s found their assumed “spots” in life. They’re settled in, and they’re just waiting there. Sitting tight. Not changing a single thing or making a single muscle’s move. Yet, I’m still role-playing as the “seeker.” While, no, I’m not necessarily trying to “seek” out everyone else and disturb them from their comfort places, I do somewhat feel like I’m the only one left on this end of the “game.” Seeking. Searching. Curious to know what’s next on the horizon of my life. Feeling like everything’s up-in-the-air. Not satisfied to sit tight, I’m ready to move. Move away. Move forward.  Just. Move. Or. Change. Something. Bottom line is this: I don’t have it all mapped out. And that frightens me. Because, you see, I used to. I used to have it ALL mapped out. And while life didn’t turn out according to how I planned, at least I HAD a plan. The train didn’t always stay on the tracks I’d made, but at least I knew what the surrounding landscape looked like. Or so I thought. But, now? I feel like I’m out in a desert somewhere. Searching… seeking…waiting…counting as the time passes by… four… five… six…seven…
                After chatting with some Lynchburg friends and visiting some friends in Florida for Spring Break, I find that I’m not alone. People everywhere are “searching” for something. And I’m not just talking about “worldly” people who are searching for the Saviour. I’m talking about good, solid, godly people who simply want…something different. Something greater. Something to break up the daily routines of their everyday lives. Something that lingers when all else fades. Something that defines them and gives them worth. Something… that springs forth HOPE. In themselves. In others. In the world around them. Something. Real. Something. Authentic.
                And through these thoughts and conversations and inward “attitudes” and now facebook note babblings, I realize that I’m not lost in the proverbial “desert” of life. I haven’t been left at the last train stop at the end of the tracks. I haven’t been the “seeker” in this massive reality-sized version of hide-n-seek game. No. I’m giving myself far too much credit. In fact, the very opposite is true. I’m not the “seeker,” after all.  I’m, in many ways, the one in hiding. I don’t go out on “limbs” or step out in faith nearly enough because I’m fearful of what the outcomes might look like. Yet, I’m completely restless in my “hiding spot” because I was never designed to stay that way. I was made for something far greater.
                 Life's ill-deemed “interruptions.” They’re not in my plans. They’re bigger than me. They’re the “this-can-never-become-reality” type dreams. The “could-this-happen-to-me?”-sized visions. And the God-sized Hopes that reach the Heavenlies and remind me that something so lofty should be left in the hands of a more-than-able and capable God. Although I have no clue what all may “interrupt” my life in the next stages of it, I can boldly say it’s time. I’m done with pretending that I’m the only one “unsettled.” I’ve quit believing the nonsense that I’m the only one searching. And I’ve come to realize, that all along, in the midst of it all, I must reckon with two facts of life:
#1. No matter what, fall deeply and madly in love with Jesus. A little more. Every day.
#2. As time passes, the counting in the game will near that magic number ten….And when it does, no matter which “side” of the game I find myself on, I must be ready for those sweet six words that strike a never-ending spark of excitement in each of us: “READY OR NOT, HERE I COME!”
Are you ready?
The “game” is on.

Our Despicably, Disposable Lives

September 6, 2010

So, my house started smelling like bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S. and I soon realized that the trash just had to go.
Then, I had these thoughts....

When you hear the word "disposable," what do you think of?

A mother of little ones might think Diapers.

Or Lunchables.

Or Paper Towels.

Ok, you get the idea. We all use disposable items in our lives. They aren't always bad. In fact, they're quite nice. Convenient. Not complicated. In some ways, recyclable. Easy-to-do-away-with. Disposable.

My dear (and often inaccurate) friend, Wikipedia actually got it right when it defined disposable as being "A product designed for cheapness and short-term convenience rather than medium- to long-term durability."

Disposable items often do have their place in our lives. But would you be surprised if I said we've taken this concept of "disposable. nice. convenient. easy-to-do-away-with." and  disposabilized things that shouldn't be disposable.

We've disposabilized things like... (stop and think about each one as you read them)
Trust.

Faith.

Integrity.

Purity.

Honesty.

Loyalty.

Friendships.

Relationships.

Dating.

Marriages.

Quiet time spent alone with the Lord.

Bible studies.

Prayer lives.

Mission trips.

Life dreams and visions.

The list could go on and on and on.

I wrote this just to get you (and me) thinking.
Think about the things in your life.
Go through the junk.
Prioritize what's right and good and acceptable.
Concentrate on what truly matters.
Dispose of what doesn't.
But when you take out the trash, be careful:
What you dispose of should make you desperately more in love with Jesus and the fullness of abundant life that He alone can offer.
 By the same token, what you dispose of shouldn't make others find you "despicable" to be around.

May our lives be sweet-smelling savors of blessings to others and thankfulness to our Saviour, and not a stench of bananas to the world.

p.s. I took out the trash, and my house no longer smells like bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S. (For all you Gwen Stefani fans.)

Love is in the Air.

October 18, 2010
So, apparently, this fall, two things are in the air.
Love.
-and-
Allergens.
No joke. Seemingly, everyone I know is finding the love of their lives, getting engaged, or finding out they’re pregnant.
While most are catching this thing called “love” that’s in the air, I’m finding myself catching onto the latter of the two - allergies.
 I haven’t been ultra-sick lately. My allergy issues seem to come and go. But I recently noticed there was a problem when “Claritin” became the number two staple item on my weekly grocery list – right underneath “milk.” Eeeee. #whatsagirltodo
Since I’ve become a pro at “catching allergies” (as if it were some accomplishment to check off of a “to-do” list), I figured I could move on to accomplishing Fall season objective number two: falling in love. But hold up. It’s not what you think.
I’m not overly anxious to meet the love of my life, marry, and ride off into the sunset of my “happily ever after.” While it’s not a bad idea (at all) in theory, I do know what “they” say is true: “When you fall in love with someone, it changes everything.” And quite honestly (and semi-selfishly), I’m not so sure I want my “everything” to change. Nor do I think I’m quite ready for all of that. At least, not this week.
But, I’m not anti-love either.
When the time is right. When the place is right. When the person is right. When the season in life is right. When God’s clearly in the midst of orchestrating it all….
I want to fall in love.
I totally do.
I want to fall madly and deeply in love.

Spiritually speaking, I want to fall in love too.
Madly and deeply in love.  With Him.
The one Who pursues me. Without end. Without measure. Without conditions.
The One I know all about and long to know more of. His character. His ways. His feelings towards me. The future He has in mind for me. The assurance that I have in that He only has good in store for me. The fact I know He’ll never leave me or forsake me.
You see, God’s been pursuing me ever-so-fervently for quite some time now, and I’ve been so busy with this thing called “life” that I haven’t slowed down long enough to pay attention to Him.
But lately, He’s been taking extra measures to get my attention. He’s been using a variety of circumstances, people, and resources to get my attention and focus my heart’s energy in the right place. Some of which (to name a few) are Clayton King’s book “Dying to Live” (read it!), Hillsong’s “At the Cross” lyrics/song (look it up!) , and Priscilla Shirer’s Bible study on the abundance and ability of God (do it).
And as soon as I realized what was happening and what He’s up to in my life, I realized that the whole falling-in-love thing can happen so quickly and easily that it’s almost scary….
Because. It’s. simply. up. to. me. to accept. His. offer.
Like a child with a homemade cut-out heart in hand, His love letter (though it took a long time to write) is finished and waiting for me to read it. (even if I can already guess what it’s going to say)
Like a middle school boy in the midst of an awkward eighth-grade formal, His invitation to dance is out there and eagerly awaiting me to step out in faith and join Him. (even if I don’t know what steps to take)
Like the cliché college grad bending down on one knee, His promises are announced and awaiting my acceptance to live in the fullness of them. (even if the thought of the future scares-me-to-death)
Like a senior citizen who’s been married for fifty-seven years, His love is rooted in not how much it cost Him, but in how very much I’m worth in His eyes. (even when I oftentimes take Him and His love for granted)
The DTR’s been had.
The ball’s in my court.
The choice to fall in love with Him remains to be mine for the taking.
And it’s yours, too.
Are you ready?
Because falling in love with Him…
 …will definitely change your everything.

The "look" says it all...

November 30, 2010
I noticed something today.
Something quite interesting.
Informative.
Humorous, even.
Something quite powerful, actually.
As some of my dear students were “cutting up” today, I simply glanced across the room and shot out “the look.”
You know what “look” I’m talking about.
It’s the teacher “look.”
The mom “look.”
The stranger’s “I-don’t-care-who-yo-momma-is,-but-you-best-straighten-yourself-up look.”
We’ve all gotten it at some point in our lives.
(Ahem. Some still do.)
Though each “look” may vary in sight, they all carry the same poignant message.
And we all know – without verbalizing anything – exactly what that message is.
And you know what? That look. It always works. Always.
It worked with my mom and me when I was growing up.
I’m sure it worked with her and her mom.
And it most definitely worked today in the classroom.
Even if behavior doesn’t change immediately, something changes on the inside. A message is sent. A decision is made. Consequences – either good or bad – soon follow.
It’s not the raised eyebrows, the pursed lips, or the ever-so-slight tilting/shaking of the head that gets the unsuspecting receiver’s attention.  No.
Rather, it’s the pre-existing relationship that makes all the difference when “the look” is delivered.
Do we all agree that much is true?
Good.
Hop over to this line of thinking with me for just a moment.
In the Christian life, we’ve been told, taught, and preached at to seek the face of God.
With those thoughts in mind tonight and the day’s events slowly fading into another school day memory, I wonder what “looks” – both good and bad – God sends our way? Now, before I go on, let me clarify… I’m not trying – in any way – to simplify God down to our human terms.  I’m using a form of personification for a moment to show that though we’re not equal with God, He chooses to relate with us.
 These “looks” God gives, I suppose, may be different for each one of His children and may vary from circumstance to circumstance depending upon what message needs to be sent, but the point is this: serious messages are sometimes conveyed in silent ways. in timely ways. in powerful ways. in ways that require just a “look” to be sure.  That’s why it’s important to seek His face. To get His messages. To know His ways. To build our relationship with Him so much that we know exactly what His “look” means.
I look forward to hearing what messages He sends your way. Could be interesting. Informative. Humorous, even. But no doubt, whatever message is sent, it’ll be powerful. So, get ready.
Join me in doing whatever it takes to seek His face more often.

Teen Spirit

January 17, 2011
Teen Spirit
Don’t you wish we all had Teen Spirit?
No, I’m not talking about the fruity-smelling deodorant for pre-teen girls that was oh-so-popular in the 90’s.
I’m talking about the spirit many teens have.
Let’s face it: they do some pretty crazy and ridiculous stuff, sometimes.
And they do it because they lack a few things…. discretion, common sense, an ever-present momma to tell them “no.”
But another thing they lack is a sense of fear.  Like Taylor Swift’s song, they’re (seemingly) fearless.
But as the hands on the grow-up time clock move forward, many obstacles and realities of life steal away their ability to be naturally fearless.
Relationships disappoint.
Finances dissipate.
Health disintegrates.
Life doesn’t go according to (how they) planned.
Thus, expectations drop.
Dreams die.
Vision disappears.
And fear begins to set up camp in their little hearts and lives.
The Bible tells us that God does not give a spirit of fear, but I know He’s more than sovereign to use the fear in our lives for His glory and our ultimate good.
I know this first-hand because lately I’ve been struggling with fear by the truckloads.
One of my favorite pastors in the all the world, the pastor at First Baptist in Jacksonville, Mac Brunson, once said, “Fear flees when it’s confronted by faith.”
Since I’m finishing my master’s this semester, another “chapter” of my life is all-too-quickly coming to a close.
I’m asking God to help guide me onto what He has in store for me next.
But fear keeps creeping in.
Please pray with me that God will strengthen the child-like faith that resides inside of me.
And restore to me the fearless teen spirit I so long to have when facing the inevitable difficulties and realities of life.
A band I recently noticed (Dutton) said it best this way: "You are good when blessings are falling all around me, good when troubles arise, You are good when I feel an overflow of mercy, good when my cup is dry."
God is good.
He will more than take care of you.
And He will more than take care of me.
Let’s remember His goodness, His trustworthiness, His sovereignty, and His ability to make all things work together for good. Today and always.
Many decisions await us.

Why a blog?

I love to write. There's something freeing about it. Something special. Something unique. Something that allows me to express what I'm thinking, feeling, and how God is moving me through the daily ins and outs of my life's routines. I typically draw spiritual lessons from the "mundaneness" of everyday life, and posts all of my babblings onto Facebook.

I'll be the first to admit it. I spend a ridiculous amount of time on Facebook. #I'mworkingonthat
In attempts to share just a little bit of what God's teaching me on a regular basis combined with the fact that my earthly Daddy inspires me and encourages me more than anything to write, I started this blog. Hence, the name "a girl and her daddy."

On some occasions, you'll see my posts along with my dad's well-timed, wisdom-packed responses to them. But, in most instances, you'll simply see the inner workings of who I am through my writings. I hope my writing encourages you, gives you a fresh sense of perspective, and mostly, inspires you to become the woman or man that God's uniquely designed you to be.

-Rosemary :)

My Dad's Response to "The Automaticity of a Child"

Why would the little boy think to push the button? Did his Mom teach him about it, or maybe he saw someone else do it and believed he could to. (Other people are watching what you are doing)

So why push the button? (Replace the button with faith as needed)
1) There is a door too big for the boy to open by himself. But by the button the door will open.
2) The boy needs to go inside. The door is between him and inside. It must be opened. Couldn't find a brick so tried the button.
3) Other people need to go in. The boy can help them by using the button to open the door for them.
4) The boy can use the button to do what it would take a man to do.
5) The boy enjoys the blast of cold/warm air each time the door opens.
6) The boy opens the door so he can receive the praises of the people around him.
7) Little boys are made to push buttons. It is just something inside them that they can not control.
8) Let's face it, seeing big doors open by pushing a button is just exciting. I'm thinking about finding a button to push myself.


The boy did not wake up that mourning planning to push the button. But when he saw it he ran to push it. Then, after the doors opens, he went and never though about the button again. And why would he? That button is only for that door.

Love you, push the button today
Daddy

The Automaticity of a Child

Disclaimer: I have no children of my own. All of the story that follows is based off of my experience with children through teaching, years of babysitting, and observance of others' children. For those of you with children, please enjoy what you are about to read. …. Or, correct me if I’m wrong. I still have MUCH to learn.

The Automaticity of a Child
I observed something this morning that sure did make me smile.
As I was walking into Thomas Road’s “Main Street” to get to LCA today in the wee hours of the morning, a little kindergarten-aged boy rrrraaaannnn up in front of me and pushed the button for the automatic doors to open. His little face got SO excited that the door automatically opened for him, and even more so, because HE was the one to push the button that was as big as the palm of his hand. The way he lit up at that moment was absolutely precious to say the least. His eagerness for the day excited me, and for a brief moment in time, my mind wandered into thoughts of “oh, to have precious little squirts of my own one day….after all, who doesn’t want an excuse to go through the automatic doors?!” Then, as I continued to walk through the hallways, I thought more about my morning’s adventure and the little one that brought it to me.
I wondered why he was so fascinated by that automatic door….and then it struck me:
He was fascinated because the door is so much like him.
It’s automatic.
Children are automatic in a LOT of ways.

1. They have automatic energy. – No one says to kids, “Come here, let me show you how to be crazily, bounce-you-off-the-walls energetic.” It’s innate.
2. They have automatic disorganization. – No one says to kids, “Come here, can you messy up this cleanness a bit?” It just happens.
3. They have automatic short attention spans. – No one says to kids, “Can you stop sitting still for just one moment and start wandering all over the live-long day?” It gets ‘em every time.

Simply put, children are automatic. They’re solar-powered by day, and battery-charged by night.
But being automatic doesn’t ALWAYS have to be a bad thing, you know.
Children also exhibit TONS of automatically, inherently good traits as well.
Such as,

1. They have automatic trust. Children trust until other people inadvertently teach them – through hurtful words, actions, or attitudes – to distrust.
2. They have automatic forgiveness. One minute they’re fussing and arguing with one another, the next moment they’re back to wearing each others’ Silly Bandz BFF charm bracelets. (Ohhhh, there’s an idea I don’t think anyone’s thought of yet! I’m patenting that one…. done and done.)
3. They have automatic love.  It never ceases to amaze me what kids will do to show you they love you. Some write notes, some draw pictures, some try to give up their snacks under the guise of “I don’t like this kind any way,” some hug, and some just come out and say it, “I LOVE YOU.” In short, some kids would bring the stars down out of Heaven, if they could, for the people they love.
4. Finally, just like my little friend who pushed the button for the automatic door this morning, children have automatic faith in things bigger than themselves. They don’t struggle to do the work some adults do (i.e. open doors), simply because they have the faith to let something bigger than them handle the job, they are not afraid of what others think of them for doing so, and they’re simply yet completely absorbed and delighted by just sitting back and watching the whole process. Why do you think Jesus instructed us to have child-like faith? Because so many things about children are automatic. As should our faith be.

          If we truly believed everything we said we did about God, His unique plan for our lives, and His goodness toward us, [correction, ahem. – if I truly believed everything I said I did about God, His unique plan for MY life, and His ultimate goodness toward ME] I think I’d be working to open up far less doors in my life. I’d leave the work in His hands more often, and I’d be more-than-delighted to sit back and watch the whole process unfold.

If only my faith could be compared with the automaticity of a child…..