PERFECTIONISM

When it comes to perfectionism there is no harsher critic of me than me. For as long as I can remember I have longed for everything in my life to be not simply “practically perfect in every way” as Mary Poppins allowed, but my preference would be, “without flaw.”
With Christmas just past and perfection in mind, I am reminded again of the times in childhood when I received new coloring books and crayons. The alluring beauty of the photos on the front covers helped me choose colors that were as close to perfection as possible to use for the first pages of pictures I would color. Once started, I would feel devastated to have ruined the fresh, clean pages with my childish marks of imperfection. Usually I garnered the courage to start afresh on another page but I was always more than simply aware of the ruined (in my opinion at least) pages of past efforts.
It would be nice to be able to say that with age I have moved on but more honest would be to say I have perhaps mellowed a fraction. With perseverance, eventually I did learn to color to my satisfaction and pleasure…mostly. I know (and always did know) I will never be a quilter based on my desire for those corners to come together perfectly (there’s that word again). Over the years I have found other projects to create that have given me the satisfaction of near perfection, counted cross-stitch being the closest. And thankfully the computer allows me to create cards that print wonderful pictures and fonts so my imperfections don’t have to be seen until I fold and/or sign the cards.
But, real life, like the pictures I colored in the books of my youth, ends up with many daily “pages” that are filled with marks that are less-than-perfection and there are disappointments that mar the memories, sometimes causing me to feel I don’t have what it takes to keep trying new pages because I know I will smudge the fresh beauty. However, this is real life, not a coloring book, so I will try again because I know that even with my imperfections, through the blood of Christ, God helps me make those daily moments and pages as fresh as they were when they were brand new…perfect…and He will help me as I choose to continue to walk daily with Him.
1 John 1:7 states: “If we walk in the light as He is in the light we have fellowship one with the other and the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, cleanses us from all sin.”
My longing fulfilled if I but remember:
Perfectionism: Without Flaw…God’s way
© Marilyn Sue (Libby) Moore 12-30-2009

EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT

Recently I received an e-mail asking I respond to the question, “What are you thankful for?” Based on the recommended scripture, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change," (James 1:17), it didn’t take me long to come up with many answers and I’d like to share some of my reasons for thankfulness at Daily Diamonds.
It is not just at this time of year, but so often during the year...almost each Sunday when my thoughts center around Christ's death, burial and resurrection in celebration and remembrance of His supper as we are commanded to do (Luke 22:17-20,I Corinthians 11:23-26, Acts 20:7) that I thank God that Jesus was willing to come to live on this earth. That kind of boggles my mind, that He would be willing to leave Heaven...what kind of love is that? I pray that I learn to love more like that but know I am far from beginning to fathom even the smallest inkling.
Following that my thought is often coupled with how thankful I am that because Jesus came to this earth and lived an obedient life to the point of death, was raised and is at the right hand of God, and I have chosen to follow Him as God's child, I have the privilege to pray in Jesus' name! Without Jesus as my Mediator, God would still have to see me as a sin-filled being, but now instead He sees me through the blood of Christ. (Romans 8:1-4)
I am also thankful for the stories and lessons left to us of Jesus' time on this earth… His very own words and answers to some of life's questions. I can go to the Bible at any time and read the messages presented that Jesus wants me to have.
I am thankful for the people who helped teach me about Him...first my family who instilled in me that the answer for life is/was God, because as a child I always knew He was and is. Hebrews 13:7-8 says, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes, and forever.”
In summing up a few of my responsive thoughts, I am thankful that in an ever-changing world, the good and perfect gifts I was given at the beginning have been with me throughout my life and will continue to be with me right through to the end and on into glory!
What gifts I have been given! I am thankful!
© Marilyn Sue (Libby) Moore 12-17-2009

LET US REJOICE

It’s that time of year again and while many of my age have memories of folks cheerfully calling out, “Merry Christmas!” as a general greeting, such is fast becoming politically incorrect. While there is no place in the scripture that specifically tells us to commemorate the birth of Jesus at a specific time or times, as is the guidance given for remembering His death*, we, like the angels, respond in joy when we consider what the birth of our Savior meant and means to this world!
Today I had the blessing and privilege of visiting with a happy young man who has spent hours preparing his house and yard with decorative lights to celebrate the upcoming festive season. As a neighbor, I wanted him to know that I was going to appreciate his efforts so I stepped toward him from across the street as I called out, “Merry Christmas!”
He looked up with a smile as he momentarily stopped his work and said, “Merry Christmas! I’m trying to get done a little early because we’re expecting a new little one next Tuesday!”
As I stepped closer, my face must have lit up enough to challenge any number of strings of bright lights that now adorned his house when I said, “A baby? I love babies!” I then went on to explain how I was the last after three big brothers and always thought a little sister would have been a welcome addition.
He had a big grin on his face as he explained that their son, about four years old, whom I had met earlier, is really excited and wants his baby brother right now!
With encouragement to let us know if they needed us for anything and wishes for all to be well, along with smiles, we parted company for today, but I came home with thoughts of comparisons between the world this baby boy will be entering and the world entered by the One much of the world takes time to remember in December each year.
While there are world differences between then and now, just as surely as God had a plan for that Bethlehem Babe, so too, He has a plan for our neighbor’s newborn child.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them.
Psalm 139:16 (ESV)

And now, just as in that long ago, there will be rejoicing in that a child is born.

*Luke 22:17-20,I Corinthians 11:23-26, Acts 20:7
© Marilyn Sue (Libby) Moore 11-28-2009

OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND

As my friend shared her writing about her search for the perfect picture-taking opportunity of fallen autumn leaves, in my mind I walked through the falling leaves with her, and heard the crunch underfoot while looking around at all the trees while she waited for the perfect day for all the colors to be just right. In addition, I joined her in the disappointment of having to wait, knowing from past experience that one day of wind and rain could mean missing out all together on the perfect moments of ultimate color. Ah, but then, (sigh)...relief! I rejoiced with her when the perfect day and opportunity arrived when she fulfilled her heart’s desire with the photos she wanted!
As I thought on her story, I was reminded, too, that sometimes we don't get what we ask for, but that God has something else entirely planned. Sometimes, the winds and rains come swiftly and within a day the world of brilliant color is turned to drab shades of gray and brown. The crisp leaves absorb the moisture while drowning in the puddles and turn to mush in the now muddy walkways on the ground.
Still, there is often opportunity for beautiful, though simple, black and white photography in those stark branches reaching towards the sky on those gray days. It is not the gorgeous, colorful autumn scene we had pictured in our photographer minds, but sometimes God has a different scene planned beyond our close-up vision. All we have to do is be willing to open our eyes to see what else He has prepared. If we are willing to look beyond our limited frame, He will help us see what He wants us to find.
I will lift up my eyes to the hills—

From whence comes my help?

My help comes from the LORD,

Who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 NKJV

© Marilyn Sue (Libby) Moore 11-14-2009

ARE YOU MY NEIGHBOR?

This morning as I read the "Who is My Neighbor?" story of "The Good Samaritan" in Luke 10:30-37, two phrases in particular stood out. About not one, but two men, it is written that they "passed by on the other side", but about the third man on the scene it says, "He felt compassion and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him ... "etc. What about you? Me? Which character action would be ours? Would we pass by on the other side or would we have compassion and be willing to go out of our way to help bring comfort to a sufferer?
Even knowing we are not likely to come across an identical situation, as we consider the message from our Lord found in chapter 10 of Luke, can't each one of us conjure up images of possible circumstances where we might find opportunities to become involved? The choice of path is ours to follow. For example: when scurrying around to greet our friends between Bible classes and worship time on Sunday mornings, do we take time to notice the strangers in our midst or perhaps particularly that one woman who always sits all alone? Maybe she prefers that but have we asked if she would like to come sit by us so we know for sure? And, how about when you're ready to make a quick trip for that tasty special cup of coffee, do you think about offering to pick up and take the recently widowed woman or man to join you? It might take a little more of your time but to the lonely one it could help shorten a very long day.
I could go on with more examples but I am sure you can think of many instances without my help. Sometimes all it takes is opening the eyes of our hearts and becoming aware kind of as I did when I read those earlier mentioned verses that in my many years I have read many times, yet seemed to really see those phrases in a different way than ever before.
The question that started the story in the book of Luke was, "Who is my neighbor?" The question I have is: “Are we each other's neighbor?”
Marilyn Sue (Libby) Moore 10-29-2009

HE LEFT HIS HOME IN HEAVEN

He left His Home in Heaven to come to earth below.
First child in the family, His mother Mary watched Him grow.
An infant in the Temple, blessed by Simeon,
Seen by Prophetess Anna was He, too…
An old man and an 84-year-old widow…
What God gave them to view!
Mary cradled these things as she cradled her infant Son;
She pondered and she treasured them, one by one by one.
The infant grew into a toddler just as our own sons grew,
He took his first wee baby steps, there appeared a tooth, then two.
He found a bug of interest, a bird sang to Him as well,
He’d watch a cloud drift slowly by or run down a hill pell-mell!
All nature seemed to call to Him – He had a gentle way
With brothers and some sisters, too, at home in work and play.
We know how brothers love to tease their little sisters so…
Imagine that of our Lord –wouldn’t it be fun to know?
We know at twelve He went into the Temple once again
And while there for One His age He astonished learned men.
We don’t know much from there until He started His ministry,
But this we know - we know He loved and served obediently.
Within His earthly home He grew and as He grew we wonder,
What did He know - and when - Mary’s not the only one to ponder.
But Mary gift was special, that of raising God’s Only Son,
With that Gift came responsibility, what an awesome one!
And with that Gift came pain that we can only touch in thought
Because to begin to imagine all with which she dealt, we cannot.
And Jesus left His home again…this time the one down here;
He set His face; He knew His time was soon to end, ‘tis clear.
He walked among the crowds and healed so many disease-ridden;
He taught within the synagogues -- wherever He felt bidden.
Then came the time He was betrayed by one who called Him Friend,
But Jesus knew and so He said, “What you do, do quickly.”
The beginning of the end…
Into the Garden to pray went the disciples and He,
He for His disciples and for you and for me!
When the soldiers came searching for Christ he asked, “Whom do you seek?
With His answer, “I am He,” they fell down upon the knee!
He was taken and tried in a mock-trial, but the beating He was given was real…
As real as the nails used to impale Him on that tree…
The one He knew He’d hang on when He left His Home in Heaven for you and for me.
As He hung on that cross His blood dripped away
Spattering in dust puffs where the implanted cross lay.
He gave up His Glory and followed God’s plan, this Son God freely gave;
He honored His Father through life and through death, from birth right to the grave;
And now He sits by God’s right hand awaiting that Special Day
When with the words we long to hear, we will hear Him say,
“Welcome, Good and Faithful Servant, enter into the joys of the Lord,”.
It’s more than these few years on earth He lived and died and gave us…
He wants to share His heavenly home, the one He left to save us,
John 3:16 and John 15:13

© Marilyn Sue (Libby) Moore 10-1-2009

BE ALWAYS READY AND TEACH THE SAME THING

Based on Biblical teaching, my mother used to say, “We should all teach the same thing.” In I Peter 3:15 (NIV) the scripture teaches us, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” It seems eerily uncanny how often it is that I find ministers from the pulpit teaching thoughts I have recently had and shared with loved ones! How can these men be secretly invading my thoughts?
Our son and his family visited with us the weekend of the 4th of July and that Sunday morning as we gathered around the breakfast table prior to going to church services, I made the comment that I wished more people could learn to see God as “Daddy”, not Santa Claus, but Daddy. From comments I have heard there are too many people who feel God is so unreachable or high and mighty that they give up before trying. I explained that I know not everyone has had a good earthly daddy with which to compare but I have a deep desire that everyone could better understand God with the Daddy concept. The conversation ended and we went on our way, gathered for Bible Study followed by worship service. I shouldn’t have been surprised and perhaps I wasn’t but the morning’s message had a lot to do with understanding God as Daddy… just what I had been trying to get across…only my words saying the same things were not so well stated!
In the minutes between Bible Study and the worship hour yesterday, I spent some time visiting two precious sisters discussing our recent family prayers concerns. In the course of conversation I spoke of my coming to grips with the realization that it would be easy for me to cross over that line to hate some people and in that realization, I knew I needed to learn to love as God does. I said, “Pray for me.” (Maybe “hate” is too strong a word because I cannot say I have ever wished for anyone to perish in Hell.) What they didn’t know was that for a few weeks I had been praying that I learn to love more as God loves, knowing that I need to see all people more as God does. 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) tells us, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” and that includes persons I perceive as enemies as well as those who in my mind are trying to do what is best. So, after my explaining my need for learning to love as God does, what was the lesson that was preached from the pulpit? It was based on I Samuel 16:7: “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’” I sat through that lesson with full understanding of what was being taught and was able to walk away knowing that while I still needed to grow, I would always be ready to teach the same thing! And there is nothing secret in any of it. It’s all found in God’s Word.
© Marilyn Sue (Libby) Moore 8-17-09