Romans 12:6-8
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy according to your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
God gives each of us gifts--strengths, if you will--to enable us to serve the needs of others. These are the qualities, that because of God's empowerment, seem to come naturally to some and not to others. (A similar list is found in I Corinthians 12:4-11). Interestingly, most of these characteristics don't seem extraordinary at all, but are things we aspire to as Christians, anyway. I want to serve; I want to encourage; I want to show mercy, but not all of these things are second nature to me. Some, I have to really work at, and I very much need an example of what it looks like in real life.
I Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you havve received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.
I believe one of the main reasons God sent Jesus to live on earth for 33 years instead of just having him come here and die right away, is because we needed the example of his life to know what it looks like to live an others-centered life--to love, to serve, etc. I also believe that it is the reason he has given you to me, us to eachother. I need your example of strength to imitate in my weakness.
3 John 1:11
Dear friends, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
It was not arrogance that made the apostle Paul tell the Corinthians, "Therefore I urge you to imitate me." (I Corinthians 4:16) It was his unselfish desire to give away the gift he had received from God. When I see the spiritual strengths in you to which I aspire, I see God. I need to be a witness to your strengths. You are a gift to me!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Was It Something I Said?
Someone recently told me that I have a way with words. That could be taken in so many ways! Do you know how many times I have opened my mouth and stupid has fallen out on the floor? It dribbles down my dress and leaves a stain there and an unsightly puddle and, sometimes, even after my mouth is too-late-sealed, people are stepping around the puddle--at least it seems that way to me!
I know you want an example. Okay. The other day I was at my granddaughter Emma's soccer game. She made a rather spectacular goal and I cheered somewhat loudly and called out her name exuberantly--maybe more than once. Someone nearby commented that none of the other players on the field were receiving quite as much attention from the stands as Emma. I clarified that I was her grandmother and added that if the other players needed similar encouragement their grandmothers should have come. A nearby fan said, "I'm sure they'd like to be here if they could."
I felt thoroughly chastised. I immediately pictured elderly, perhaps bedridden, women at home pining in solitude, and longing to be cheering at this game, all the while waiting for news of how their precious grandaughter's team had fared today. I pictured forlorn hearts within the athletes on the field suffering because of the absence of their beloved grannies. I watched the game for a few more minutes sensing the silent scorn of the fan behind me who had bravely put me in my place. I couldn't stand it any longer.
I turned in my seat and got her attention. "Um, I was only jesting when I said the other grandmothers should have come," I offered. She responded that she knew that when she made her comment and waws only teasing herself.
Well, that turned out better than it might have. Communication is just such a tricky thing! I mean well. I especially err when some thought strikes me as funny--it will often just slip right out of my mouth and surprise even me! Sometimes it's a hit and sometimes it's a miss. I'm pretty good at apologies.
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man....
James 3:2
I offered." She acknowledged that she knew that, and said her reply had been a joke, too. Sadly, I had missed the humor.
Well, that turned out better than some encounters! I can't count the times I've regretted something I've said, lost sleep, questioned how it had been received, wished I could take it back, argued with myself about an apology wondering if it might be best just not to call attention to it again. I have even appealed to Ron (who has, without exception, declined to get involved) to offer an explanation on my behalf.
Who can tame the tongue? Goodness knows, I try! How very much I long to be flawless and gracious in every word I speak.
We all stumble in many ways. Any one who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check. (James 3:2)
I'm just not humble enough today to tell you my failures in keeping my whole body in check! But I want to assure you that I aspire to "only speak what it helpful for building others up according to their needs." (Ephesians 4:29). I feel another New Years' resolution coming on....
I know you want an example. Okay. The other day I was at my granddaughter Emma's soccer game. She made a rather spectacular goal and I cheered somewhat loudly and called out her name exuberantly--maybe more than once. Someone nearby commented that none of the other players on the field were receiving quite as much attention from the stands as Emma. I clarified that I was her grandmother and added that if the other players needed similar encouragement their grandmothers should have come. A nearby fan said, "I'm sure they'd like to be here if they could."
I felt thoroughly chastised. I immediately pictured elderly, perhaps bedridden, women at home pining in solitude, and longing to be cheering at this game, all the while waiting for news of how their precious grandaughter's team had fared today. I pictured forlorn hearts within the athletes on the field suffering because of the absence of their beloved grannies. I watched the game for a few more minutes sensing the silent scorn of the fan behind me who had bravely put me in my place. I couldn't stand it any longer.
I turned in my seat and got her attention. "Um, I was only jesting when I said the other grandmothers should have come," I offered. She responded that she knew that when she made her comment and waws only teasing herself.
Well, that turned out better than it might have. Communication is just such a tricky thing! I mean well. I especially err when some thought strikes me as funny--it will often just slip right out of my mouth and surprise even me! Sometimes it's a hit and sometimes it's a miss. I'm pretty good at apologies.
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man....
James 3:2
I offered." She acknowledged that she knew that, and said her reply had been a joke, too. Sadly, I had missed the humor.
Well, that turned out better than some encounters! I can't count the times I've regretted something I've said, lost sleep, questioned how it had been received, wished I could take it back, argued with myself about an apology wondering if it might be best just not to call attention to it again. I have even appealed to Ron (who has, without exception, declined to get involved) to offer an explanation on my behalf.
Who can tame the tongue? Goodness knows, I try! How very much I long to be flawless and gracious in every word I speak.
We all stumble in many ways. Any one who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check. (James 3:2)
I'm just not humble enough today to tell you my failures in keeping my whole body in check! But I want to assure you that I aspire to "only speak what it helpful for building others up according to their needs." (Ephesians 4:29). I feel another New Years' resolution coming on....
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
The Party's Over
I love all holidays and all the decor that accompanies them. Naturally, Christmas tops the list with festive trimming--the wreaths, the tree, the garlands, the candles. I almost always get it all on display the day after Thanksgiving.
But the minute the branches are hovering over an empty tree skirt, all that holiday decoration looks like clutter to me! I can't wait to get it packed away! It has rarely lasted past Dec 26th at our house. By then I am ready for miminalism and organization!
Oh, I've suffered my share of ridicule for this small compulsion! I've been called a Scrooge--to which I say a defensive, "Bah, humbug!" Time to start filling in next year's calendar, sort through the Christmas cards a see which need replies, plan the menus that will use up all the leftovers, and decide on an exercise routine for the coming year! "Martha, Martha...." I aim for Mary but I have a Martha personality. Maybe I've just landed on my new year's resolution: Be Mary in 2013.
(Luke 10:38-42)
But the minute the branches are hovering over an empty tree skirt, all that holiday decoration looks like clutter to me! I can't wait to get it packed away! It has rarely lasted past Dec 26th at our house. By then I am ready for miminalism and organization!
Oh, I've suffered my share of ridicule for this small compulsion! I've been called a Scrooge--to which I say a defensive, "Bah, humbug!" Time to start filling in next year's calendar, sort through the Christmas cards a see which need replies, plan the menus that will use up all the leftovers, and decide on an exercise routine for the coming year! "Martha, Martha...." I aim for Mary but I have a Martha personality. Maybe I've just landed on my new year's resolution: Be Mary in 2013.
(Luke 10:38-42)
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
MERRY Christmas
In my childhood my family visited my maternal grandparents every year, sometimes at Christmas. No matter the time of year, my grandmother's farewell always included: "I wish you could stay longer." She said this with the most pitiful expression on her face--almost a pout. She probably meant it as a way of expressing how much she had enjoyed our visit, but to me it felt like a joy-killing admonition.
As I got older, I would retort: "Just say, 'I'm glad you could come.' Don't make us feel bad that we're leaving too soon." This was perhaps not the most sensitive or respectful reply. It had no effect in changing her future goodbyes, anyway.
What if the Christmas story had focused on how God hated to see Jesus leave heavento come to earth rather than His joy in sending Jesus to save us? What if the brightness of the star had been replaced with the heavy daytime darkness of the crucifixion? What if the angels' song had been a dirge?
The selfless love of God is made all the more evident by His joy in this incarnation knowing what it would mean for us--blessings of intimacy, relatability, and eternity for everyone who would accept His gift.. His loss, our great gain! In that sacred birth announcement He made sure it was obvious that it was a gift for everyone--from lowly shepherds to wealthy, learned magi. What a spectacular gift! Joy to the world!
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
As I got older, I would retort: "Just say, 'I'm glad you could come.' Don't make us feel bad that we're leaving too soon." This was perhaps not the most sensitive or respectful reply. It had no effect in changing her future goodbyes, anyway.
What if the Christmas story had focused on how God hated to see Jesus leave heavento come to earth rather than His joy in sending Jesus to save us? What if the brightness of the star had been replaced with the heavy daytime darkness of the crucifixion? What if the angels' song had been a dirge?
The selfless love of God is made all the more evident by His joy in this incarnation knowing what it would mean for us--blessings of intimacy, relatability, and eternity for everyone who would accept His gift.. His loss, our great gain! In that sacred birth announcement He made sure it was obvious that it was a gift for everyone--from lowly shepherds to wealthy, learned magi. What a spectacular gift! Joy to the world!
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Monday, December 24, 2012
A Shepherd's Tale
One of my favorite writers, my daughter-in-law, Lisa Brumley, sent me this lovely account of the shepherd's experience the night Jesus was born.
It was a silent night. A cold, lonely, clear silent night. Two young shepherds kept watch over their flock far out of town. This was their favorite time of night, when the sheep settled in groups just outside the ring of light cast by their small fire, and the shepherds could rest.
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Then the dark midnight sky erupted in a blaze of light and song, as a great company of the heavenly host filled the sky, praising God and singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Heaven could not contain the angel's celebration...all the love and joy in heaven spilled out in sweet hymns of hope.
Lying in a manger? The shepherds looked at each other, then turned their gaze across the field. On a low hill, they could just barely see the small abandoned shack they occasionally used for shelter. As the bright lights faded, one star remained. The largest, brightest star they had ever seen shone over the humble hut. The shepherds did not understand, but they believed.
Across the field, Joseph held open the door for Mary so she could see the sky. She knew the angels sang for her son; she treasured this up in her heart as she held her baby close for warmth. Joseph saw the shepherds approaching, and smiled protectively as he welcomed them in.
This was no place for a mother and child, and yet the room was joyful and at peace. The shepherds crept close to see the child and were moved by the quiet, deep, soulful gaze of the baby. The shepherds were in awe. Hope had been born. Love's pure light.
As they walked back to their flock, they saw that the star remained like a peephole into heaven. In the days that followed, the shepherds watched over the young family from a distance until they were strong enough to travel.
They told everyone of what they had seen that night; all were amazed, but no one else had seen the heavenly outburst. The boys wondered at their fortune to witness such a special moment. They didn't realize that God honored the simple shepherd's heart, that innate drive to nurture and care for their flocks. The shepherds would be old men before they understood the miracle they saw that night, and that the King of kings was also The Good Shepherd.
They tended their flocks together for many years, and late at night, they would lay wide-eyed, gazing at the sky, humming the angels' song, and dreaming of when they could get a glimpse into heaven again....
It was a silent night. A cold, lonely, clear silent night. Two young shepherds kept watch over their flock far out of town. This was their favorite time of night, when the sheep settled in groups just outside the ring of light cast by their small fire, and the shepherds could rest.
Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Then the dark midnight sky erupted in a blaze of light and song, as a great company of the heavenly host filled the sky, praising God and singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Heaven could not contain the angel's celebration...all the love and joy in heaven spilled out in sweet hymns of hope.
Lying in a manger? The shepherds looked at each other, then turned their gaze across the field. On a low hill, they could just barely see the small abandoned shack they occasionally used for shelter. As the bright lights faded, one star remained. The largest, brightest star they had ever seen shone over the humble hut. The shepherds did not understand, but they believed.
Across the field, Joseph held open the door for Mary so she could see the sky. She knew the angels sang for her son; she treasured this up in her heart as she held her baby close for warmth. Joseph saw the shepherds approaching, and smiled protectively as he welcomed them in.
This was no place for a mother and child, and yet the room was joyful and at peace. The shepherds crept close to see the child and were moved by the quiet, deep, soulful gaze of the baby. The shepherds were in awe. Hope had been born. Love's pure light.
As they walked back to their flock, they saw that the star remained like a peephole into heaven. In the days that followed, the shepherds watched over the young family from a distance until they were strong enough to travel.
They told everyone of what they had seen that night; all were amazed, but no one else had seen the heavenly outburst. The boys wondered at their fortune to witness such a special moment. They didn't realize that God honored the simple shepherd's heart, that innate drive to nurture and care for their flocks. The shepherds would be old men before they understood the miracle they saw that night, and that the King of kings was also The Good Shepherd.
They tended their flocks together for many years, and late at night, they would lay wide-eyed, gazing at the sky, humming the angels' song, and dreaming of when they could get a glimpse into heaven again....
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Christmas Poetry
Last Sunday at a special Christmas service in San Diego, a young man named Lindsey Dominguez took the stage to read an original Christmas poem. His reading was preceded and followed by many impressive and inspiring performances--choirs, solos, readings, scriptures--but Lindsey alone received a spontanious standing ovation. With a little beatboxing in the background, it could have passed for a rap, but Lindsey's unaccompanied voice and his passionate delivery captured the hearts of the entire audience, young and old. He gave me permission to post it here.
The greatest challenge of any engineer,
given tool and a blank space,
is simply to create.
Like desperate ants rebuilding broken homes,
imagination and innovation run rampant.
Was it even a creation or has it always been?
So, before the architect could even pick up his pen,
a simple question makes him question the foundation:
who is the author of creation?
Before there were people scattered in every nation;
before the living oceans divided the land;
or the counting of the grains of sand;
before the depths were measured
or the mountains scaled;
before the sun was flung into space,
and the moon set to sail
on an eternal star treasure chase;
before planets were suspended from nothing,
and before a word was ever spoken,
there was something.
Within this dark unknown
lies the true place our Savior was born.
as soon as God spoke
He was given His form
for He is the Word of God,
and has always been.
He was there when she got got her name, Wisdom.
It was through this pair
that light shined into existence
and earth was given its dimensions.
Heaven, made as His dwelling place to be,
where the great Leviathan fearfully runs free;
where Love meets Faith for breakfast dates
and the Lion and Lamb enjoy dinner of honey glazed ham.
See, it was through Him
that Authority and Dominion were given their names;
that Power and Strength have stakes to claim.
It's no wonder people spoke so long of His coming
for we were in a mess,
and needed a Messiah slain.
but consider for a second the costs He had to count
to commit to pay the full price of our sins--
there was no discount--
but we often discount his sacrifice
to leave His Father and absolute perfection
to chase after an unsure election.
My vote? Hardly worth it!
But He still decided to make the purchase.
So, by no means was the manger the birthplace of our Savior,
but rather the first resurrection of its kind,
as He showed what it meant to die to yourself for the first time.
And His name shall be Immanuel,
so the world would know
that God was among us--
every prophecy spoken would come true--
even those of long ago
wouidl shift in their graves because they knew,
but the world did not
or, at least, chose not to.
At last the anxious artist
gets to visit an awaited artful masterpiece,
and neither regarded Him as master
nor gave Him peace.
Instead, they became masters
at carrying pieces with which to afflict the righteous,
unrecognized and unreceived--
don't be deceived!
He was indeed a man just like you and me,
humbled to the very nature of a servant
with a desire for nothing more.
No credit was given where credit was due.
Instead, they credited to His account abuse.
But little did they know
He was a financial guru1
He knew for every credited abuse
He could debit at least one truth.
Complicated math taught Him
your sickness plus His cloak equals healed;
His spit plus your eyes equals see;
your sins' debt plus His sacrifice equals freed!
So, He spent himself
knowing He'd only be bought
for thirty coins and a tree.
So, our balance sheets would always level out
because A=L+E:
Assets equal Liability plus Equity.
Translate that heavenly,
and Atonement equals Lord plus Everything!
For He is a miracle worker
and Redeemer.
He is the One and Only who rides a white horse
followed by Heaven's army.
His name IS Faithful, Compassionate, and Truth!
He is the Commander who fights for you!
He is the King who wages war,
and whose eyes are blazing fire!
He is the Unconditional Lover who loves you without tire!
He is a Comforter and sovereign to rule
Even in the midst of twenty dead children
in a Connecticut elementary school.
He is our Shepherd when there's no way out.
Seek Him first and He'll provide you with everything you need
without a doubt.
He is the Bread of Life so you'll never be hungry.
He is the teacher on how to handle your money.
He is the Alpha and Omega,
Beginning and End.
He is god's Son sent Begotten.
He is a gift to those without this season;
He is more than just a reason.
His words are more than just pleasing--
He is Life and life itself.
he is more than just a book on the shelf.
He is the depths of the seas
and the wisdom of an ant.
He is the innocence of a baby
and a storm's strong current.
Don't you get it?
He is All in All--
through all and with all!
He is the King of Kings;
the Cornerstone that supports this whole thing!
He is Lord of Lords.
From His mouth is a drawn sword--
I mean everlasting is His role call--
but more than anything,
He is Lord of All!
And if I could just step a foot
into the radius of the radiance of God's glory,
I know I'll be sustained by His and my love story.
Firstborn of all craeation,
and Firstborn from among the dead--
I hope to follow in His footsteps, as he said,
for His is Jesus Christ my Savior,
Living, not dead!
The greatest challenge of any engineer,
given tool and a blank space,
is simply to create.
Like desperate ants rebuilding broken homes,
imagination and innovation run rampant.
Was it even a creation or has it always been?
So, before the architect could even pick up his pen,
a simple question makes him question the foundation:
who is the author of creation?
Before there were people scattered in every nation;
before the living oceans divided the land;
or the counting of the grains of sand;
before the depths were measured
or the mountains scaled;
before the sun was flung into space,
and the moon set to sail
on an eternal star treasure chase;
before planets were suspended from nothing,
and before a word was ever spoken,
there was something.
Within this dark unknown
lies the true place our Savior was born.
as soon as God spoke
He was given His form
for He is the Word of God,
and has always been.
He was there when she got got her name, Wisdom.
It was through this pair
that light shined into existence
and earth was given its dimensions.
Heaven, made as His dwelling place to be,
where the great Leviathan fearfully runs free;
where Love meets Faith for breakfast dates
and the Lion and Lamb enjoy dinner of honey glazed ham.
See, it was through Him
that Authority and Dominion were given their names;
that Power and Strength have stakes to claim.
It's no wonder people spoke so long of His coming
for we were in a mess,
and needed a Messiah slain.
but consider for a second the costs He had to count
to commit to pay the full price of our sins--
there was no discount--
but we often discount his sacrifice
to leave His Father and absolute perfection
to chase after an unsure election.
My vote? Hardly worth it!
But He still decided to make the purchase.
So, by no means was the manger the birthplace of our Savior,
but rather the first resurrection of its kind,
as He showed what it meant to die to yourself for the first time.
And His name shall be Immanuel,
so the world would know
that God was among us--
every prophecy spoken would come true--
even those of long ago
wouidl shift in their graves because they knew,
but the world did not
or, at least, chose not to.
At last the anxious artist
gets to visit an awaited artful masterpiece,
and neither regarded Him as master
nor gave Him peace.
Instead, they became masters
at carrying pieces with which to afflict the righteous,
unrecognized and unreceived--
don't be deceived!
He was indeed a man just like you and me,
humbled to the very nature of a servant
with a desire for nothing more.
No credit was given where credit was due.
Instead, they credited to His account abuse.
But little did they know
He was a financial guru1
He knew for every credited abuse
He could debit at least one truth.
Complicated math taught Him
your sickness plus His cloak equals healed;
His spit plus your eyes equals see;
your sins' debt plus His sacrifice equals freed!
So, He spent himself
knowing He'd only be bought
for thirty coins and a tree.
So, our balance sheets would always level out
because A=L+E:
Assets equal Liability plus Equity.
Translate that heavenly,
and Atonement equals Lord plus Everything!
For He is a miracle worker
and Redeemer.
He is the One and Only who rides a white horse
followed by Heaven's army.
His name IS Faithful, Compassionate, and Truth!
He is the Commander who fights for you!
He is the King who wages war,
and whose eyes are blazing fire!
He is the Unconditional Lover who loves you without tire!
He is a Comforter and sovereign to rule
Even in the midst of twenty dead children
in a Connecticut elementary school.
He is our Shepherd when there's no way out.
Seek Him first and He'll provide you with everything you need
without a doubt.
He is the Bread of Life so you'll never be hungry.
He is the teacher on how to handle your money.
He is the Alpha and Omega,
Beginning and End.
He is god's Son sent Begotten.
He is a gift to those without this season;
He is more than just a reason.
His words are more than just pleasing--
He is Life and life itself.
he is more than just a book on the shelf.
He is the depths of the seas
and the wisdom of an ant.
He is the innocence of a baby
and a storm's strong current.
Don't you get it?
He is All in All--
through all and with all!
He is the King of Kings;
the Cornerstone that supports this whole thing!
He is Lord of Lords.
From His mouth is a drawn sword--
I mean everlasting is His role call--
but more than anything,
He is Lord of All!
And if I could just step a foot
into the radius of the radiance of God's glory,
I know I'll be sustained by His and my love story.
Firstborn of all craeation,
and Firstborn from among the dead--
I hope to follow in His footsteps, as he said,
for His is Jesus Christ my Savior,
Living, not dead!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Shoes and Resolve
I haven't yet decided what my New Year's resolutions will be, but the truth is, I make resolutions all the time. It gives me fodder for guilt. I'm really good at guilt--and really bad at keeping resolutions.
Every December I resolve to only spend money on gifts for others--nothing for myself. But then I'm out shopping all the time. I see so many things!
This year it was shoes. I wasn't even in the shoe department! But there they were in the front and middle of the store--practically blocking the front door! I do have a slight weakness for cute shoes. And these shoes were really, really cute (maybe the cutest shoes I have ever seen)! Plus, they were 20% off!!! In the ways I measure wrong, wronger, and wrongest, it would have been the wrongest possible choice to leave these shoes behind--much wronger than the wrong of breaking a resolution. I think it was a bad resolution to begin with. (I may have lost some bit of objectivity in the presence of such cute shoes)!
Which reminds me: I always resolve to exercise more. So, last month I bought a pair of walking shoes called "Shape-Ups." They have been on my feet every morning for my daily walk (except for the days I miss, which, I guess discounts the daily part of that resolution). Ron says he had such hope when I bought Shape-Ups, but my behavior hasn't improved at all and he's still waiting for me to shape up.
I agree. They aren't especially comfortable either, and the only advangtage I see in wearing them is that they make me about three inches taller. Actually, this is no advantage at all unless I happen to run into some very tall person that I want to hug. So far, not an issue. I walk so early I have never encountered anyone, tall or short, on my walks--maybe if I waited until dawn....
Maybe for 2013 I'll resolve to buy more shoes--really cute, comfortable shoes. I'm ready for some resolutions I can keep!
Every December I resolve to only spend money on gifts for others--nothing for myself. But then I'm out shopping all the time. I see so many things!
This year it was shoes. I wasn't even in the shoe department! But there they were in the front and middle of the store--practically blocking the front door! I do have a slight weakness for cute shoes. And these shoes were really, really cute (maybe the cutest shoes I have ever seen)! Plus, they were 20% off!!! In the ways I measure wrong, wronger, and wrongest, it would have been the wrongest possible choice to leave these shoes behind--much wronger than the wrong of breaking a resolution. I think it was a bad resolution to begin with. (I may have lost some bit of objectivity in the presence of such cute shoes)!
Which reminds me: I always resolve to exercise more. So, last month I bought a pair of walking shoes called "Shape-Ups." They have been on my feet every morning for my daily walk (except for the days I miss, which, I guess discounts the daily part of that resolution). Ron says he had such hope when I bought Shape-Ups, but my behavior hasn't improved at all and he's still waiting for me to shape up.
I agree. They aren't especially comfortable either, and the only advangtage I see in wearing them is that they make me about three inches taller. Actually, this is no advantage at all unless I happen to run into some very tall person that I want to hug. So far, not an issue. I walk so early I have never encountered anyone, tall or short, on my walks--maybe if I waited until dawn....
Maybe for 2013 I'll resolve to buy more shoes--really cute, comfortable shoes. I'm ready for some resolutions I can keep!
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