Author: Glenna S. Edwards

Glenna S. Edwards (1972- ) is the author of Rainbow Bed and Mr. Emotions & Friends. Most recently, she is releasing Surrender on the Trail one chapter and podcast at a time.

GRATITUDE WALK

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Sometimes I focus too much on challenges ahead or on things I want to happen. While I’m all for big goals and dreams, my mind and body slows down or trips over my bigger dream when I should focus on what I can accomplish today. What task can I do today that will ultimately help get me closer to the dream I seek?

Am I anxious and worried about what I haven’t done yet instead of relaxing and working on the tasks at hand? Do I do nothing when I could be doing something? Occasionally I shut down when I should get busy. And sometimes fear leads me to work on the less important tasks instead of focusing on what I know must be priority.

One calming exercise for me is to take a Gratitude Walk around the house (or anywhere). I thank God for things like laundry detergent, clothes, heat, family, pets, food, a quality vacuum cleaner, etc. You name it, there is so much to be thankful for.

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Once I give thanks, I make my to-do list. I ask God to help me complete what can be done today and He can take care of the big goal in His time. Then it’s my turn to get busy.

Don’t let your mind or anxiety slow you down. Greater things are yet to come…one grateful step at a time.

Glenna

THE GARBAGE IS FULL

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Pet peeve alert. And a disclaimer alert. –As in, what I’m about to tell you is something I witness that bothers me, but I also struggle with this topic too. I humbly share the following metaphor and follow up information. See if you can relate also.

First, the metaphor: I don’t like garbage to pile up in my vehicle. It does not bother me if other people fill their cars with garbage, but every time I pull into my driveway or a parking lot with a trash can, I try to toss the garbage. I do not sweep or wipe out my vehicle nearly enough, but the garbage must go daily.

Last week I was eager to clear my trash when I noticed that every garbage can in the parking lot was overflowing. If I had tried to add my trash, then I only would have added to the overflow situation. The garbage cans were full. My trash would have to wait.

This life moment reminded me of how sometimes people go through a heavy mess of stuff in their life. Sometimes a person is so overflowing that their pain is obvious. That person may choose to share their troubles with you.

Here’s the pet peeve part: when someone begins to share what is ailing them I think we need to be careful not to add to their garbage. Jumping in to tell someone a story about our own lives, interrupting the other person, trumping them with a nearly similar story…all of that is usually not a good idea–at least not a good idea in that initial sharing time. How much better is it when we simply seek to be present for the other person? How rare is it for anyone to feel heard all the way? –For someone to speak and to be allowed to finish their thought?

I’m not saying that we never share when we have something in common with the other person’s issue. I’m just saying that if someone’s garbage is full, then don’t add to it. Maybe you send them an encouraging word later. Maybe you tell them at a later time that you may be able to relate to their story. Or maybe you simply give the other person the gift of listening and leave it at that.

Occasionally I struggle with this area too. After an exchange passes I may think, “Why did I feel the need to share that in response? What was my motive?”

If our motives are to be there for others and not add to their garbage, then usually the answer is to be present, to be quiet and truly listen.

Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things you have….

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God….

May we be a good listener for others.
May we be blessed with good listeners when we need them.
May we know the difference and the right timing for both.

Glenna

FORGIVENESS – YOU CAN’T EARN IT, BUT YOU CAN GIVE IT

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One time a therapist asked me, “So when are you going to forgive them?”

I replied, “I do. Every morning of every day.” I paused. Then said, “And someday I won’t have to think about forgiving them anymore.”

The therapist gave me a look that I interpreted as, Ok then. Carry on.

Seems like an extreme moment in some respects and it was for me. Fortunately I’ve reached a time now when I hardly ever think about the situation which brought me to that moment. I suppose I’ve arrived at the “forget” part of “forgive and forget.” I’ll take it.

Forgive and forget rarely happens at the same time for most people. I see folks deal with hurt and struggles regarding forgiveness over and over each year.

Humans. Seems like we like to carry baggage around sometimes. I am learning to travel lighter and lighter and to forgive quickly–try to!

The song Who You Are by Unspoken is one of my favorite songs about forgiveness.

Have you ever known someone who wants to stay mad, wants to hold onto their hurt, wants to punish someone into apologizing and then still won’t forgive them? That is a sad and difficult place because even if someone did say or wants to say sorry the other person refuses their attempt.

I know sometimes people need time. So give them their time. All you can do is apologize and hope/pray for the best.

Forgive yourself too. Give forgiveness and release yourself from the pain. Forgiveness is a process.

Aren’t we lucky that Jesus doesn’t hold grudges?

Imagine if Jesus said, “What? I die in sacrifice for you and you still mess up? I’m not talking to you. I’m going to bully you, punish you, tell everyone I know about how you wronged me. I’m not even going to look at you.” Imagine.

But that’s not how Jesus is. He forgives 70 x 7 (Matthew 18:21-22). He says love your enemies (Matthew 5:44). He says we are to love one another (John 13:34).

The Bible is filled with good advice about forgiveness…and all that wisdom is easy to forget about when we are mad. Put away the anger. Draw life from His Word.

Here’s a link to: Who You Are. I adore the lyrics.

Enjoy.

Peace,

Glenna

LET IT GO, LET IT GO, LET IT GO….

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Hold the phone. Today I cleaned out my clothing drawers. Goodness, that was an eye opener.

After years of sifting through my kids’ clothes to keep them in season and in the correct size, it was time to clean out my own overflowing drawers. To neat and tidy people out there and to the neat and tidy person I dream of being, I apologize that I’ve failed to do a thorough job for myself until now.

I was shocked to find…the strapless bra I wore to prom (starting to turn yellow), the bustier I wore under my wedding dress (was my waist really ever that tiny?), multiple slips two sizes too small (does anyone wear those anymore?!), girdles (ewww) that my mom used to buy me even though I didn’t want them, maternity yoga-like pants from the first pregnancy, plus painting shirts and shorts from multiple projects ago that for some reason I chose to wash and store!!??? We’re talking 24 years worth of why-on-earth-did-I-save-that-stuff!

I found myself singing “Let it go, Let it go, Let it go” to the tune of “Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow….”

The old things made it hard for me to close my drawers. Keeping items I don’t need held me back from finding the newer clothing I do need.

This experience made me think of all the things we store in our minds for no good reason too–not just clothes and aging undergarments.

Don’t we do the same thing with hurt feelings, bad memories and the occasional grudge toward someone? Are the drawers of our minds overflowing sometimes? I’m afraid so.

But in the Bible, God references letting go of the old quite often. A few examples:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. Isaiah 43:18

Maybe we need to make a list of thoughts we hold onto that are not helpful. Write the list and then rip it up asking God to remove the hurt. Or maybe each morning we could ask God to refresh our minds with new thoughts and new energy so that we are not held back in any way because of the past. Amen?

I’m looking forward to a fresh 2013. My drawers are cleanned out! Now I’m heading upstairs to tackle my closet (ouch!). Cleansing and refreshing is a process, one that is possible when I put in the time and seek God’s wisdom. He makes all things new.

Happy New Year!

Glenna

THE MONDAY AFTER

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I wonder how many parents are struggling to send their kids to school today?

How many of us wish it was time for Christmas break to begin so we could have a few extra days to catch our breath?

Like many parents out there, I could use more time to absorb the shocking Newtown, CT news before sending my children back to school. My heart grieves the reality of the unthinkable. I do not know how the families of the loved ones lost can stand up or breath without sobbing right now. And I weep just thinking of them.

In a short while I’m supposed to drop my kids off at two different schools. I’ve thought about my safety concerns at each building; every hallway and classroom. My logic tells me not to worry, but how, how do you not worry? This is not any normal day. This is The Monday After–the first school day after elementary students and teachers lost their lives in a gruesome, sick way. Innocent and gone.

My youngest picked this weekend to tell me that his teacher says you can skip the “under God” part of the Pledge of Allegiance if you want. “Under God” is not required. Really? Wow. I understand and respect the reasons why. But this scares me.

Perhaps we adults who do pray and who do believe in “one nation, under God” can do a better job of praying for our children. I’m going to set an alarm on my phone so that every Monday through Friday I will be reminded at 7am to pray for children in our broken country and in the world.

“Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.”

Protect the innocent. Begin with prayer. There’s much more we can do, but consistent prayers of protection is a good start. Please join me in setting your alarm for 7am and pray for children daily.

Sincerely,

Glenna

O LITTLE TOWN

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Last Sunday I gained a sweet perspective.

That morning it was raining and dreary outside. 

I served at the kids check-in desk at 8am for our church.  Then I jumped in the van and drove to my friend’s church because she would be speaking at 10am.  Wow, she did an amazing job (more about that another time I hope). 

Then I jumped back in the van and drove to our church to meet my family so we could worship together at 11:30am.

The distance between the two churches is 5 miles.  As I drove that dark morning, I saw various churches along the way.  Big churches, small churches, tiny churches, a church that meets in a high school….Baptist, Catholic, Apostolic, Non-denominational, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist….  I could go on. 

At each location cars and umbrellas gathered along with the people who call that place their church.  Seeing people find their way to fellowship reminded me how brilliant God is. 

God knows we humans are very opinionated.  He made room for tweaks in the system so-to-speak.  Various churches offer a way for people to love and serve Him within a tradition; a choice in how you worship, a way for people to choose their church family. 

I took time to pray for those churches and people.  Fact is, if everyone went to their home church of choice then every seat would be filled and perhaps every need would have a way to be filled as well.  It’s a stretch thought, but I like the idea of worship, fellowship and needs being met.

Church families can share Light despite darkness and rain. Perhaps church is one of the most original self-help resources.

May you enjoy and contribute to the home you call church,

Glenna

UNSEEN PAIN

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Last Thursday I did not see the stout Ford Mustang before it hit the back of my Chevy mini-van tank, but I felt the impact.  Wham! 

A testament to both vehicles, neither seemed to be damaged other than the scratches on my bumper.  I did not see major indentions or anything to worry about.  My van is a decade old and has suffered several bumps, bruises and crunches along the way.  This was the van’s hardest hit event, though, by far.

At first I was just glad that I was hit and not the hitter.  You know what I mean?  The other driver and I went our separate ways.  I was delighted neither driver was hurt and I was eager to get on with my day. 

I felt good, but as the hours to follow passed, then I began to feel the pain of whiplash.  Ouch.  My head, neck, back, leg…I could go on…all ached.  And I felt nauseous.  My friend who is a physical therapist called with a list of do’s and don’ts which I appreciated.  I followed her list that night and next day.

It took a couple of days until I began to feel better, but during this time I was reminded of the concept of unseen pain.

How many people are walking around experiencing the whiplash of life?  We’re going into the holiday season which can be a mixed bag of emotions.  Think about the people you know who lost a loved one this year or had surgery or is a caregiver, etc. 

Who looks like they are carrying on with their day, but may be in pain?  Who is grieving rejection or a major change in their life routine?

Basically, who could use your encouragement?  If you feel led to, then send an extra card, e-mail or text to friends who might need an extra reason to smile.  You can make someone’s day better simply by letting them know you care.

May we have an encouraging spirit this holiday season,

Glenna

HOPE FRIENDS

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I like people, all kinds of people.  I enjoy learning about a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

You might think this would mean that once I have a friend, then we would be friends forever, but that is not reality.

Reality is that some friendships come and go in life…for all kinds of reasons.

One time in college a guy broke up with me because he said I was “too nice”.  He “needs someone more like his mother.”  Interesting.

In my twenties, there was a woman in the office who I nearly worshiped.  I thought she was great and considered naming my unborn child after her (good thing I had a boy).  One day she was done with me and gave me a poem about how friendships are for a season or reason and rarely forever.  Alrighty then.

In my thirties, one week after my mother’s funeral, a girlfriend I loved and trusted gave me an “8 things that have to change about you” list.  Oh boy.  My favorite line item was “you’ll be friends with anybody and that’s not ok with me.”  Absorbed.  Noted.

And now the debacle of 2012, welcome to year one of being in my forties.  Someone I care deeply about misjudged the intentions of a situation.  Kindness was intended, but she did not see it that way.  She got mad.  I offered to listen to her perspective–maybe I’d learn something–but she refused.  This hurts and I suppose she hurts too.  Some relationships can grow stronger after overcoming conflict, but that’s usually not possible if friends refuse to process.

The Bible is clear about what to do when conflict arises:  you go to that person and try to work it out (Matthew 18:15).  And there’s more verses of instruction to follow, but sometimes things have to be given time.  And like the poem (ouch) says, some friendships are not forever. 

You know that movie and book He’s Just Not That Into You?  Well, I think that phrase can apply to realizations we all have about relationships from time to time.

The above examples are from my life, but I imagine you can think of examples from your life.  Yes?  No?  Oh goodness, please don’t tell me I’m alone in these experiences!

Often I witness other rocky relationships and think of a sermon we heard once about Hope Friends and how to identify a Hope Friend. 

Pastor Mecum reviewed Romans 5:1-5.  In those verses you’ll find encouragement regarding the patience and experience you gain when going through tough times.  His sermon focus was that “hope does not disappoint” and you can assess every relationship based on two Hope Friend principles:

1.  Person of Faith – Is your friend a person of faith?  Do they have a faith approach to life?  Do they live beyond what they can see?  Do they hope for the best?

2.  Person of Praise – Is your friend someone who will find ways to praise (be positive) even when times are challenging?  Do they encourage you or bring you down?

If you think of all your friends, how many have both qualities?  It’s eye-opening to think about, isn’t it?  

Then take one more step and assess yourself.  Am I a person who offers faith and praise or do I struggle in one or both areas?  Which area do I need to work on the most?

Perhaps we all struggle in these areas from time to time, but being a Hope Friend despite my flaws is what I aim to be.  And I am grateful for the Hope Friends (and Family) in my life!  Yes, I still have friends believe it or not!

May we all strive to be the best Hope Friends we can.

Blessings to you and yours,

Glenna

ASK GOD; THE STORY OF MY FLIGHT WITH DAVID

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Last week I was blessed to go to a conference out of town.  The conference was incredible; however, the two flights on the way to Boston were “eventful”.

Flight One:  The couple sitting next to me vomited into a cup the whole flight.  Gross.  They had to get replacement cups a couple of times.  Yep.  Yuck.  Thoughts of movies like Contagion came to mind.  The row of people in front of me was obviously sick with colds.  Snot, sneezing, watery eyes. 

Are you still with me?  I wouldn’t blame you for running.  At the time I wanted to run too, but there was nowhere to go!  Every seat was full. 

Flight Two:  The pilot announced that we had a mechanical.  We sat at the gate on another full flight for 40 minutes until the issue was resolved and the flying part of the flight began.  On this flight I sat next to a man who looked like he may have had a rough life so far, but he is not puking or sneezing so I’m good to go, I thought.  His rosy face looked like someone who might have issues with alcohol and I may have smelled similar indicators.  I cautioned myself not to judge.  He seemed quiet and I imagined we would get along swell in the serenity of our silence.

Until he was no longer quiet. 

I was playing a game of chess on my Nook® when he observed my (lack of) chess skills.  Side note:  I have not won a chess game against our 10 year old for over 10 months.  My seat buddy began to provide several chess tips that I plan to try at home.

And then he began to share stories from his life–a lot of stories.

I should point out that I really do enjoy hearing stories from people.  I believe that every story counts and is interesting.  I like to listen.  I liked listening to him.

But there are moments when you meet a talkative stranger when you pause to wonder if once the faucet is running…if it will ever stop running.  You feel me?

Logically I knew the flight would end one way or another, but I was in stranger land and there were many acres to hear about.  The more comfortable he became, the closer he was to me and occasionally he would rub my arm.  Meanwhile, spit flew from his mouth several times to land mostly on my arm.

I felt that uneasy trapped feeling.  That’s when the thought entered my mind you better ask God what to do with this situation. 

So I did:  God, what do you want me to do?  What does this man need from me?

My immediate reply thoughts which may have been answers straight from above were:  He is lonely.  Encourage him.  And my next thought was And somehow tell him that God is there for him and he should–if he feels he needs to–catch up on his relationship with God.

Oh, man.  My throat gets dry and my stomach nervous when I feel the need to mention God to a total stranger!

The life stories played on.  He used to own a title agency and lost his business.  When he was a kid his family moved around a lot.  He currently does not have a home.  He flies to work for a couple weeks for a car promotion company and then returns to crash on various friends’ couches.  He lived in Florida for a while, but has decided he no longer is a fan of the state.  He was picked up for a crime he didn’t commit and spent time in jail.  Before going to jail he spent five awful days in a prison van picking up other prisoners.  He never had kids, but wishes he had.  I could go on….

I was at a loss for words until the pilot asked us to prepare for landing.  I asked my stranger friend, “What is your name?”

He said, “David.”

“Ohhh,” I replied and shared my name too.

“Nice to meet you,” David said.

I shared, “You know…in the Bible, David reinvented himself several times.  He wasn’t just about killing the giant and then life was peachy.  David endured a lot.  He made mistakes.  He bounced back.”

David’s eyes seemed to brighten.  “I forgot about that.  You’re right.”

“I bet you’re in the middle of reinventing yourself too.  Correct?”

“Yes.  I am.  But I’ve been away from God for a long time.  I’ve been thinking about getting back in touch with God and maybe going to church.”

“Good for you,” I agreed.  “God is just a prayer away.  He’s here for you today.  And you’re wise about church–that would be a good place for fellowship and to grow in wisdom.”

Before we left the plane, David determined that he would reconnect with God and with a church he had been thinking about going to visit. 

David also stated that he had been wishing for encouragement that day.

You never know who you’ll meet any given day.  And how many times do we not know what to say? 

I’m going to ask God more often what to do.

I do not have all the answers, but I know who does.

Love,

Glenna

I HAD NO IDEA

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This week I have been reading the book Heaven Is For Real.  I’m reading it because the Burpo family (who the story is about) is going to visit our church in a few weeks. 

For a couple years now, friends have suggested I read Heaven Is For Real, but I have resisted.  I’ve said things like, “No thanks.  I don’t want to cry” or “I don’t want to read something that will make me sad especially if it is about a child who goes to heaven”–even if the child comes back to earth I feared that might be more than I could handle.

But now the Burpos are coming to town.  So I read it.  And it was eye-opening.

Most noteworthy for me is the multiple rainbows that Colton Burpo saw in heaven and the book’s reference to Revelation 21:19-20 where the rainbow colors of heaven are described.

Rainbows in heaven?  –How did I miss that all these years?!  I’ve heard about gold and pearly gates (the very next verse!  Revelation 21:21), but I missed the rainbows.  And how did I write and publish a book referencing a rainbow bed in heaven 3-4 years ago without knowing this Bible fact? 

I certainly knew about a rainbow in the Noah’s Ark story, but I did not know about rainbows in heaven.  –I probably should note here that another book I’ve been avoiding is the book of Revelation!  I need to get over that avoidance issue too, but ever since I saw the movie A Thief In the Night at way too early of an age (parents, don’t scare your children!) I have not felt the need to read the last chapter of the Bible.  We all have issues of some kind, amen?  Now you know a couple of mine.

In 2008 our kindergartener told us not to worry because his mamaw/my mom who passed away is sleeping on a rainbow bed.  I found his words to be very comforting in our time of grief.

So comforting that I wrote a book about it.  His perspective was sweet.  Kind.  Helpful.

And now?!  Now I’m still comforted, but I’m wondering what did our 5 year old son see back then?  What was happening in his line of sight?  I’m beginning to understand that the eyes of a child see more than we grown ups can imagine. 

Let’s listen carefully to those young minds who are open to the world and perhaps open to the blessings of heaven too.

Peace,

Glenna

Books:  Heaven Is For Real, Rainbow Bed:  a child’s perspective on coping with grief