Phoenix

I am a Southern Oregon native. A graduate of a class with less then a hundred students, I was blessed to grow up in the heart of a small town. This map dot just north of the California border will forever be my home. Though I live in Los Angeles now, my home and my heart are still in Oregon. This town that as a youth I tried so desperately to escape is where my roots still lay grounded. Phoenix Oregon. Often mistaken for Arizona, this little towns name serves symbolic to my life.
The legend of the Phoenix bird is that of one’s destiny. The bird with its beautiful golden wings was said to regenerate when hurt or wounded. At the end of its life-cycle the bird builds a nest in which it lays, that is then ignited by flames and the Phoenix is then reduced to ashes. Out of the destruction a new Phoenix arises destined to live.
Literal flames have engulfed thousands of acres in Southern California causing great devastation to many families. Pictures of the fiery flames served as cover shots for newspapers across the world. People have lost their homes, treasures and hope.
I find myself lost in thoughts of deeper devastation. Millions of people all over the world suffer from their own daily torment. Whether it is an addiction, a loss, a hurt or a circumstance we all have felt at one point or another under fire. Flames so overwhelming that no hope seemed to be in sight.
Maybe today your world is aflame. Your home, your treasure, even who you are may feel lost. Out of the pits of despair you can find hope. Like bird that is given life through death, you too are promised new beginning. No fire is too big to be extinguished. Whatever affliction you may face, rest assured that you don’t have to face the fire alone.
The price for your life has been paid. From death He brought you life. He will pull you from the ashes and you can be new again.
“For God so loved the world that he gave is one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Cry

We all have experienced loss at one point or another in our life. Whether it was the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a business deal, or even a dream, the heartache that follows is inevitable. The healing process for some takes days, months and even years. Sometimes in the midst of an ordinary day, those bottled up emotions can get the best of us. It is times like those, when the best thing to do it cry. Grieving is a natural process to help us overcome our circumstances. Last week was my time to cry.
It was as simple as a phone call from a distant stranger. Her voice was warm and loving and her words took me back to a reality I have managed to avoid for the last few months. It was an effortless hello followed by a few choice words of heartfelt encouragement. She knew her. She loved her. She too missed her.
My grandma, as crazy and flamboyant as she was, served as an undeniable light in this world. Her laughter was contagious, her support genuine, and timing inconvenient yet perfect all in one. I am reminded of her through smells of gardenia and cigarettes, aquamarine stones, pink nail polish, Olive Garden, and the 700 Club. She was the voice of reassurance when my dreams seemed too far from my reach, and the long distance hug I needed when this world would try to bring me down. Every birthday, holiday and minor life event was celebrated in her cards, which would then be proceeded by a tearful phone call. Today, in the middle of a busy morning, the voice of distant friend pulled on the strings of my heart and reminded me that my dreams weren’t laid to rest with my grandma.
The rest of my day was accompanied by tears, joyful memories and faith that no one is ever forgotten. We all have experienced loss. Let each tear that falls bring you closer to healing.
“Blessed are those who mourn. They will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

Seasons

Summer has quickly faded into the cool days of autumn. Trees are trading the bright green colors of summer for beautiful yellow and orange leaves that will soon fall from the branches that created them onto the ground we walk on. Mornings bring with them early signs of winter, as the evening sky’s darkness drags on, almost encouraging us to stay in bed. The sunny days of summer are disappearing, and colder darker days lay ahead. The seasons are changing. Each day is like a masterful work of art, and we are the guest of honor. It’s strange to see how the world is always evolving, yet it continues to stay the same. Each year we experience seasons. The bright warm colors of summer, transform into the golden designs of fall. Naked trees lay almost to rest under the white blankets of winter, anxiously waiting to be awakened by the refreshing rain of spring. With each raindrop comes new life, just in time for yet another glowing summer. Each season comes as a reminder that ever part of our lives serves a purpose. Each change brings with it the promise of better days. We are always growing and changing. You may feel as though you are stuck in the darkest day of winter, but know that to every thing there is a season.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”

Rain

An Oregon native, I am a self proclaimed expert on rain. Not only in a literal sense, but symbolically as well. Over the years, I have learned an important lesson about the rain. No matter how hard the rain comes down, at some point it always comes to an end, and the sun comes out again. This last week Los Angeles County was surprised by a two day rain storm. The rain served as a parallel to my life, as I underwent a storm of my own. Like the old saying goes, “when it rains, it pours”. We all experience stormy weather in our lives. Sometimes the rain I feel is in truth the tears that stain my heart. Dark cloud will often monopolize our skies, and more times then not we will be flooded by overwhelming circumstances. Natural disasters are inevitable. Don’t let circumstances beyond one’s control drown you. In due time, the storm will soon end. Look to the sky for the silver lining, and tomorrows forecast may just be sunshine.
"Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven." Psalms 107:28-30

Fixing the Roof

Extreme Home Makeover is one of my favorite tv shows. Every Sunday night my mom calls and together we cry, and rejoice with each family that is blessed with their new home. We have a bit of a soft spot for these families, because our home is in dire need of its own makeover. Everything about our little farm house seems to be falling apart. It is such a mess that it isn’t something a little elbow grease and paint can fix. Getting started is a huge challenge, as each task involves three others projects just to get started. For example, we need to put in new floors. We can’t put in the new floors until we fix the fireplace. Every time it rains, water leaks from the fireplace onto the floor. Now this is when things get a little more complicated. We can’t fix the fireplace until we fix the roof. The roof is ultimately what is causing the leak. I love Extreme Home Makeover because the crew shows up, sends off the family, and in just one week the family returns to a beautiful new home. If only life were so simple. We all have our own dilemmas that we face. Like my parents home, not all are easy to fix. If you feel overwhelmed by your problems take them on one at a time. We can’t fix our house over night, but we can fix the roof.

Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.
Ezra 10:4

Light Bulbs

In 1879 Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. It was a small piece of glass that illuminated light. This invention profoundly changed human existence. One man gave the gift of light to a dark world. It is funny to think how such a small delicate piece of glass can hold such an incredible source of energy inside of it. What I find even more ironic is that the delicate, piece of glass that makes up a light bulb is protected by only a thin piece of cardboard when purchased. Now if you were to buy a small memory chip for your camera, it is wrapped in several layers of hard plastic and is almost impossible to get to once it has been purchased. I think we treat our hearts the same way we do our light bulbs. Our heart serves as an incredible source of light. Every heart beat brings with it life. Our passion, desires, love and hurts all stem to the root of our heart. Like a fragile piece of glass we wander around this world almost unprotected. We are the light. If a light bulb can make its way from the factory to the store, and the store to our homes with out breaking, we too can persevere. If a thin piece of cardboard can protect a light bulb, imagine what the creator of the Universe can do for you.
“In the same way, let our light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Are We There Yet?

I have heard before that patience is a virtue; however, if you told me that when I was a little girl crammed in between my two brothers in my parents 1970s Pontiac Lemans on a 10 ½ hour drive to Disneyland, I’m no sure I would have been very receptive. I have learned that the amount of patience a child has is usually equal to their age. As we grow up we learn that good things come to those who wait. Life is a journey, not a destination, and we are all just a work in progress. Yet, how often do we find ourselves asking God, “Are we there yet?” Like little kids driving down the road called life, we often lose sight of the adventure in the journey. We focus on the long road ahead, and complain when things get uncomfortable. My most treasured memories of our first family vacation aren’t those of us in Disneyland, but rather the unplanned stops and detours that made our trip unforgettable. Life is like a never ending road trip, it is up to us to enjoy the ride.

"It is good to have an end to journey towards;but it is the journey that matters, in the end."
Ursula K. LeGuin

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."
Psalm 32:8-10