Yesterday my daughter shared with me some very sad news. By 2030-something there will be NO MORE BUMBLE BEES! At first I and my husband kind of laughed it off, until we saw tears welling in her eyes. She was very emotional about this because she loves nature and all living things. She was sad because she new that without bumble bees there would be no way that flowers and fruits could be pollenated; thus, terminating the beautiful tapestry of flowers all around us--and all fruit would therefore be gone as well.
She was very heart-broken that her children or grandchildren would never taste real, naturally pollenated fruit. They would never smell natural flowers or budding trees. It would be a real-life BEE MOVIE!
The cause, according to the documentary produced by NOVA, is that the pesticides we put on the fields tend to disorient the bumble bee; causing it to never return to the hive. The outcome for the bee--death! According the the show, scientist are also trying to breed a new type of bee crossed between the honey bee and the African bee; however, they are too agressive and territorial. An innocent person (or child) coming into their territory could get stung--to death!
My adult daughter was very passionate about this, understandably so. We take so much of nature for granted! We use and abuse the wonderful earth God set in motion. The Bible tells us that He takes care of nature. He takes care of the birds, the lillies, and the animals. But, we must be more responsible! Personally, I believe He will come back to get us in the Rapture before then; however, we must take care of our Earth also--Christians especially!
Why do we think of people who preach CLEAN EARTH to be "New Age?" If we truly believe that God made the Earth, the animals, and all that is on the Earth, shouldn't we take care of it the way Adam was to take care of the garden?
I believe we need to live as though Christ will be coming to get us any minute, but take care of the Earth as though He will tarry another thousand years. AND taking care of the Earth will also mean, taking care of ourselves.
I am beginning the second week of my LIFETIME CHANGE OF DIET! I came under conviction about month ago about the way I take care of God's temple (my body). So finally, I gave up simple carbs and sugars. I am eating better milk (raw milk), organic eggs, fruits, meats, lots of veggies, and drinking lots of water. So far I feel so much better! More energy, not craving food all the time. .. I could take chocolate or leave it--didn't think I'd ever get to that! I have only lost about five pounds, but I just want to improve my own well-being...not going on a diet or fad!
Taking control of my eating has helped me take control of other things in my life as well. I love doing things for God, and this is one thing I can do for Him. I don't want to be sickly. Though somethings I cannot change, I must change the things I can! I love Him more than I love cake. I want to feel energy more than I want pizza. I want to look good and feel great more than I want the pasta or potatoes or LaGondola bread.
So, I will strive to take better care of the Temple of the Holy Spirit. AND I will strive to do more for God's earth--our current dwelling place. As Kermit the Frog said, "It's not so easy being green!"
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
What Am I Doing to Make a Difference?
Today we went to look at the new clubs we are going to acquire. My daughter, Sara, was able to go with us. We talked to managers. Set new hours. Told about new ideas. Dreamed! I was quite excited, but scared! A new venture is scary, especially if you had to go through closing a business.
When we left both places, we stopped at a Chinese restaurant that Eric used to take me to when we were dating (yes, there were Chinese restaurants in the stone age!). Anyway, it was different and not nearly as nice as I remembered it 27 years ago. During the course of conversation, my daughter and I had a theological debate.
Have you ever noticed how many emotions come during a theological debate? It's not fun! I hate them! Anyhow I tried to stay out of it but no! My flesh wanted flesh. I had to prove I was right...what a wrong thing to do. Especially when your both cut from the same "debating" mold. I really should have kept my mouth shut! You would think I would have learned to just listen and pray for truth to come out rather than trying to defend God. Even Jesus didn't debate and defend himself. In fact, the Bible says "don't pick points." I hate being bull-headed!
Somehow in the course of things, I told her we have one thing in common. Despite our differences (we are so very alike), we have one commonality--we both want to make a difference in our world!
She then said, "But what difference are you making?"
OUCH! It was as though a knife seared through my heart! She had hit a very bid spot of insecurity in me. That inner whisper that says incessantly, "You can't make a difference. You have Parkinson's. It effects everything you do. You can't even think straight, let alone make a difference! You will never make a difference in the world!"
I tried to say something, but at first I could not think of anyway I make a difference in the world. All I could say was that I try! I shared that my passion is to help hurting girls and women. I want to take them comfort, peace, life, laughter, and most of all the Gospel of Jesus. But I want them to know that they are loved by a Father with a love that is unconditional. Yet, what have I done about that? What difference am I making?
When did the roles shift? As a parent of adult children, when did I stop "not caring" if they approved of me, and now I want (no, sometimes, NEED) that approval? Will we EVER meet their expectations? I was spiralling downward quickly as I sat in the backseat quietly on the way home with my sunglasses on so no one could see the tears. She was upset too. I could see her tears. I ask God to help me do no more harm to her or to His name!
Then God comforted me with memories of helping students as a teacher, teaching Sunday School, and discipling girls. But, what good is it if the one you raised (flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone) does not see it? Remember the old saying, "If a tree fell in the woods and made a loud noise, but no one heard it, did it really make the noise?" I felt like if I did all this, but my own daughter saw no benefit, then did I ever do ANYTHING that changed or helped anybody?
It was a wake-up call. Shame on me! If I did it for MY glory then man would know. But I don't do it for my glory, I want all I do to be for His glory and His alone! If I do His will, honor Him, Obey Him--then if it goes unnoticed on this earth, even by my own daughter, so what? He knows. It was for Him. I love Him. What else matters. If I am doing His will, even when no one sees then I am a succcess and will make a difference!
I did ask Him to help me find favor in my daughter's eyes. She is a phenomenal daughter who is spreading her wings in this big world and has her own insecurities. I pray for God to mend her broken heart for my insensivity today! I guess what hurt most was that I want to most of all make a difference in the life of my own children. WHAT DOES IT PROFIT A MAN TO GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD BUT LOSE HIS OWN SOUL--or in this case, children? Out of everything I've ever done I would love for my children to say I made a difference in their life. Oh, well...my life isn't over. Each day is a fresh, new beginning. As for me, I chose to ask God to allow me daily to affect my children for the good. My new goal in life: in heaven to hear my children rise up and call me blessed!
When we left both places, we stopped at a Chinese restaurant that Eric used to take me to when we were dating (yes, there were Chinese restaurants in the stone age!). Anyway, it was different and not nearly as nice as I remembered it 27 years ago. During the course of conversation, my daughter and I had a theological debate.
Have you ever noticed how many emotions come during a theological debate? It's not fun! I hate them! Anyhow I tried to stay out of it but no! My flesh wanted flesh. I had to prove I was right...what a wrong thing to do. Especially when your both cut from the same "debating" mold. I really should have kept my mouth shut! You would think I would have learned to just listen and pray for truth to come out rather than trying to defend God. Even Jesus didn't debate and defend himself. In fact, the Bible says "don't pick points." I hate being bull-headed!
Somehow in the course of things, I told her we have one thing in common. Despite our differences (we are so very alike), we have one commonality--we both want to make a difference in our world!
She then said, "But what difference are you making?"
OUCH! It was as though a knife seared through my heart! She had hit a very bid spot of insecurity in me. That inner whisper that says incessantly, "You can't make a difference. You have Parkinson's. It effects everything you do. You can't even think straight, let alone make a difference! You will never make a difference in the world!"
I tried to say something, but at first I could not think of anyway I make a difference in the world. All I could say was that I try! I shared that my passion is to help hurting girls and women. I want to take them comfort, peace, life, laughter, and most of all the Gospel of Jesus. But I want them to know that they are loved by a Father with a love that is unconditional. Yet, what have I done about that? What difference am I making?
When did the roles shift? As a parent of adult children, when did I stop "not caring" if they approved of me, and now I want (no, sometimes, NEED) that approval? Will we EVER meet their expectations? I was spiralling downward quickly as I sat in the backseat quietly on the way home with my sunglasses on so no one could see the tears. She was upset too. I could see her tears. I ask God to help me do no more harm to her or to His name!
Then God comforted me with memories of helping students as a teacher, teaching Sunday School, and discipling girls. But, what good is it if the one you raised (flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone) does not see it? Remember the old saying, "If a tree fell in the woods and made a loud noise, but no one heard it, did it really make the noise?" I felt like if I did all this, but my own daughter saw no benefit, then did I ever do ANYTHING that changed or helped anybody?
It was a wake-up call. Shame on me! If I did it for MY glory then man would know. But I don't do it for my glory, I want all I do to be for His glory and His alone! If I do His will, honor Him, Obey Him--then if it goes unnoticed on this earth, even by my own daughter, so what? He knows. It was for Him. I love Him. What else matters. If I am doing His will, even when no one sees then I am a succcess and will make a difference!
I did ask Him to help me find favor in my daughter's eyes. She is a phenomenal daughter who is spreading her wings in this big world and has her own insecurities. I pray for God to mend her broken heart for my insensivity today! I guess what hurt most was that I want to most of all make a difference in the life of my own children. WHAT DOES IT PROFIT A MAN TO GAIN THE WHOLE WORLD BUT LOSE HIS OWN SOUL--or in this case, children? Out of everything I've ever done I would love for my children to say I made a difference in their life. Oh, well...my life isn't over. Each day is a fresh, new beginning. As for me, I chose to ask God to allow me daily to affect my children for the good. My new goal in life: in heaven to hear my children rise up and call me blessed!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
MIRACLES--Just when you think it's the end
Two years ago my husband and I tried to buy five Curves franchises. We were very excited, until we found that no one would loan us over a million dollars that they were asking! So we gave it to God and waited. In the interim, my husband's job of 22 years was outsourced to India. That same year, around Christmas I had to give up my teaching job which I loved to go on disability because of a PD flairup. Suddenly, we were without the comfort that have dual incomes provide. BUT, we trusted God and prayed. We knew His promises.
A year later, two more franchises came located available 2 hours north of us. They showed much promise on paper; however, we were lied to! Both were catastophes which sent us into a financial pit. The man who sold us the clubs was a "devote Christian" and deacon of his church. However, it wasn't long until we became aware that he had misrepresented the clubs figures and outright lied to us about the financial state of the clubs.
At first, we did not understand. We had prayed and prayed before going into this venture. We asked God to slam the doors closed. Yet, it was as if a tractor beam (yes, we are TREKKIES) was pulling us into the deal. We walked through the door of the financial opportunity and was ambushed by financial nightmares!
We did not understand then, but we trusted God. We knew we had sought Him. We knew we asked him to STOP it if it was not His will. We prayed and fasted and prayed and fasted. Why would He send us into disaster?
But, we stayed faithful...remembering His promise. We let one club go back to the original owner, and we had to close one club. Unfortunately, we had lost $35,000+ from it. We have many more bills left to pay from it and will for another six months. We had spent all savings and used up all credit. Due to medical bills, insurances, taxes, etc, we did not have anything left, and our credit was ruined.
About a month ago we realized we have nothing left. There is no money for taxes, for starting my kids in school, for shoes for my son, nothing. My husband's work had really slacked, renters are late with rent, and we have one rental house without a renter. Unfortunately, we have more bills than income!
Funny thing about being God's child--He always takes care of you! In fact, some days bills would be due, no money in the account to pay. Yet, before the bank closed that day there would be enough to pay every bill! Inexpicable to those who don't know God or who rely on their own wealth!
One Monday last month I was filling in for my daughter for a short while at the Bartonville Club. The phone rang. It was the owner, Vicky, of the clubs we almost bought 2 years ago. She explained that she and her husband wanted to retire from the business. They had sold one club a year ago. However, now they were tired and had prayed for a buyer. Instead, God laid on their hearts that they were to "GIVE" the clubs to us! I was astonished. Fear from the past experience with the northern clubs made me say that I was afraid to take them, but I would call her back after talking to my husband. In my mind I thought, "AINT NO WAY!"
When I got home, I forgot about it. I didn't think my husband would EVER again want to embark on such a venture. The past experience had been excruciating. My oldest son was having lunch with us that day, and as everyone was getting up I nonchalantly, and expecting to get a laugh said, "Vicky called me today at the club, and guess what? She wants to GIVE us all four of her Curves!" I then laughed and carried dishes to the sink.
The room got very silent. "What did you say?" my husband asked. I repeated it and laughed. Except, he and my boy did NOT laugh! "Get her on the phone," he said. "This may be the financial miracle we've prayed for!"
Shocked was not the word for what I felt. I was flabbergasted! "Could he really want to embark in this adventure again? " I questioned. Sure enough, he did! And we ARE! We are actually only taking three of the locations, the fourth we are giving to our dear friends who also own two Curves!
After a month of running figures, talking to accountants, bartering with landlords, and PRAYING we feel once again God is directing us in this venture. It is scary, but He is with us. He has helped us to clear every hurdle so far. We take over operations on September 1, 2009.
Just when we thought it was the end...It is a financial MIRACLE! God is not the God of the eleventh hour...He is the God of the 11:59th hour!
A year later, two more franchises came located available 2 hours north of us. They showed much promise on paper; however, we were lied to! Both were catastophes which sent us into a financial pit. The man who sold us the clubs was a "devote Christian" and deacon of his church. However, it wasn't long until we became aware that he had misrepresented the clubs figures and outright lied to us about the financial state of the clubs.
At first, we did not understand. We had prayed and prayed before going into this venture. We asked God to slam the doors closed. Yet, it was as if a tractor beam (yes, we are TREKKIES) was pulling us into the deal. We walked through the door of the financial opportunity and was ambushed by financial nightmares!
We did not understand then, but we trusted God. We knew we had sought Him. We knew we asked him to STOP it if it was not His will. We prayed and fasted and prayed and fasted. Why would He send us into disaster?
But, we stayed faithful...remembering His promise. We let one club go back to the original owner, and we had to close one club. Unfortunately, we had lost $35,000+ from it. We have many more bills left to pay from it and will for another six months. We had spent all savings and used up all credit. Due to medical bills, insurances, taxes, etc, we did not have anything left, and our credit was ruined.
About a month ago we realized we have nothing left. There is no money for taxes, for starting my kids in school, for shoes for my son, nothing. My husband's work had really slacked, renters are late with rent, and we have one rental house without a renter. Unfortunately, we have more bills than income!
Funny thing about being God's child--He always takes care of you! In fact, some days bills would be due, no money in the account to pay. Yet, before the bank closed that day there would be enough to pay every bill! Inexpicable to those who don't know God or who rely on their own wealth!
One Monday last month I was filling in for my daughter for a short while at the Bartonville Club. The phone rang. It was the owner, Vicky, of the clubs we almost bought 2 years ago. She explained that she and her husband wanted to retire from the business. They had sold one club a year ago. However, now they were tired and had prayed for a buyer. Instead, God laid on their hearts that they were to "GIVE" the clubs to us! I was astonished. Fear from the past experience with the northern clubs made me say that I was afraid to take them, but I would call her back after talking to my husband. In my mind I thought, "AINT NO WAY!"
When I got home, I forgot about it. I didn't think my husband would EVER again want to embark on such a venture. The past experience had been excruciating. My oldest son was having lunch with us that day, and as everyone was getting up I nonchalantly, and expecting to get a laugh said, "Vicky called me today at the club, and guess what? She wants to GIVE us all four of her Curves!" I then laughed and carried dishes to the sink.
The room got very silent. "What did you say?" my husband asked. I repeated it and laughed. Except, he and my boy did NOT laugh! "Get her on the phone," he said. "This may be the financial miracle we've prayed for!"
Shocked was not the word for what I felt. I was flabbergasted! "Could he really want to embark in this adventure again? " I questioned. Sure enough, he did! And we ARE! We are actually only taking three of the locations, the fourth we are giving to our dear friends who also own two Curves!
After a month of running figures, talking to accountants, bartering with landlords, and PRAYING we feel once again God is directing us in this venture. It is scary, but He is with us. He has helped us to clear every hurdle so far. We take over operations on September 1, 2009.
Just when we thought it was the end...It is a financial MIRACLE! God is not the God of the eleventh hour...He is the God of the 11:59th hour!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
My Father's Sacrifice
Ok, now you think this is just another trite blog. Not true. Growing up my daddy worked for a factory near our home. I remember that he worked every day, all day. I don't think he ever had a sick day. I was always very self-consious of my looks as a teen. I had a horrific problem with hugh zits all over my face. Numerous people stopped me in stores at different times asking me if I had chicken pox. I was mortified. In junior high the boys would bark when I walked by. Although I was a nearly straight-A student with a contagious personality, I knew I was ugly! SO, when time came for my senior pictures came, I did not want to go!
I noticed my daddy worked a lot of overtime that year. But, somehow he always made time for mom and me. Then I was told that I had an appointment with a dermatologist who prescribed a medication to get rid of the zits. Afterwhich, I got new glasses. Then, I got six new caps on my front teeth to cover up the yellowed discoloration of the tetracycline I had to take as an infant. When I finally had my senior pix taken, I felt self-confident and actually "non-ugly."
Later, my mom told me that my "makeover" was made possible by the sacrifice my dad made by working those long hours in a hot factory to make the overtime pay. To this day, I remember his sacrificial gift and I am thankful for that! Although there are days that at the age of 45 I still do NOT feel pretty, I think of my father's love and sacrifice and then I KNOW I am beautiful because of that.
I noticed my daddy worked a lot of overtime that year. But, somehow he always made time for mom and me. Then I was told that I had an appointment with a dermatologist who prescribed a medication to get rid of the zits. Afterwhich, I got new glasses. Then, I got six new caps on my front teeth to cover up the yellowed discoloration of the tetracycline I had to take as an infant. When I finally had my senior pix taken, I felt self-confident and actually "non-ugly."
Later, my mom told me that my "makeover" was made possible by the sacrifice my dad made by working those long hours in a hot factory to make the overtime pay. To this day, I remember his sacrificial gift and I am thankful for that! Although there are days that at the age of 45 I still do NOT feel pretty, I think of my father's love and sacrifice and then I KNOW I am beautiful because of that.
Only the beginning!
Welcome to the amazing adventures of the Judd Family! Let me just take a moment to fill you in on a few details. First, twenty-seven years ago I met the most amazing man. He actually was wearing very shiny armour and rode up on a white stallion. He rode up to my side, got down from his horse told me I was the girl he had always dreamed of and searched for! He then kissed my hand, helped me on his horse and we rode off into the sunset and lived happily ever after! That's how I met my husband, ERIC JOHANN JUDD! Well, almost...
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