Magnitude of a Moment

You may have heard it said, "Today is a gift, that is why it's called the present". Each morning that we arise, is a gift, it's not guaranteed and inevitably there will be a day the sun rises yet we stay asleep.

Today I woke before the sun to take on a strenuous exercise class. I didn't necessarily feel thankful as I woke up seeing that it was 4:30 am, but God spoke to me on my drive home as I came up to stop and go traffic. Listening to one of my favorite songs, sun roof open, tapping along with the beat and slowly inching forward I began to see the familiar flashing lights of an ambulance. My heart sunk as it was my turn to pass the wreckage along the center divide of the 680 freeway.

The vehicle was unrecognizable, and surely if someone survived it would have had to be a complete miracle. The entire automobile was crushed flat, lying diagonally on its side, surrounded by medical personnel working vigorously to disengage any potential survivors. As the only logical thing I could think to do, I began to pray for the driver and possible passengers, for their families, and for all who were viewing this tragedy.

For the Passer by-er's would an incident like this reignite their conscience and spirit? Cause them to ponder the magnitude of each moment? Or would they simply be frustrated due to the inconvenience of traffic and step on the accelerator to make up for lost minutes in their commute?

It only takes a moment for something to change the course of our eternity. A moment holds great potential. Each moment has the possibility to be magnificent or mundane. Each day we are given, we have the opportunity to make it magnanimous or monotonous. Living with the courage to be intentional about the use of your time, your life, your actions and responses, gives you an edge, a sharpness that renders respect and dignity. By consciously living out each moment it forces us to be present, and aware, using every opportunity to it's greatest potential. Our most dignified heroines are those who had the courage to give of themselves for the greater good of their surrounding populace; the courage to use their moments to unknowingly pave the path for many future descendants to follow.

It's a mental battle to precisely focus on each moment but it's worth the war. Setting our eyes too far ahead will have us constantly overlooking the gifts that are the present.


"Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless---cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything".
1 Peter 4:7-11(The Message----Bible in Contemporary English)


"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms"
1 Peter 4:7-10(NIV)

Something to Consider

It's tough to be a woman of character and integrity, one who values themselves and their family, one who nurtures and encourages, one who knows when and how to set boundaries. American culture, specifically in the California bay area, has provided images and interpretations of what a 'woman' should be, but this is not who I desire to be.

This ideal woman has narrow margins. She should be capable of delivering peak performance at all times, including at her high ranking job, with her husband, with her children, the home should be neat and tidy, and most emphasis is placed upon her physique...Of course she should be a size 2 and have a flat stomach and tight buns.

Now there is nothing wrong with taking care of your physique, don't misinterpret me ladies. Health should be number two on your chart just below your spiritual life. Everything else will build upon these two factors. Seeing the rapid degradation of character and value for self, in both men and women, though leads me to believe we need to get back to issues of the soul. When it comes down to the reality of our human frailty and our lack of power to predestine our individual lives, it's time to do some soul searching. There is a fine balance between personal power and development and our spiritual journey--in fact I would argue, you may not successfully have one without the other. Rather then popping Xanax like breath mints, it's time to go to that uncomfortable place and find TRUTH.

We aren't all fashioned to be the next Miss America, or the top CEO of a fortune 500. We aren't all gifted to do Martha Stewart makeovers, or be the next Mrs. Cleaver. Truth tells us, find God, Acknowledge His power over/in/through the life he has given you, Accept it(the most challenging part), and He will reveal who He has designed you to be.

This is the type of woman I desire to be...my modern version is noted with the ---:)

The Good Wife

A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing
----21st century version--she dresses well;), and can handle sewing on a button---
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises
----She is not fearful of new territory and keeps the married life exciting----
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it, then, with the money she's put aside, plants a garden.
----She wisely invests in areas that will reap reward/return----
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
----She doesn't stay in her PJ's all day and she completes her duties with enthusiasm----
She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
----perseverance----
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in home making.
----She does what it takes to make a house a home...she shops at Target----
She's quick to assist anyone in need , reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are mended&ready to wear.
----She makes sure her family is put together----
She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
----She purchases clothing that accentuates her beauty----
Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knit to the dress shops.
----She puts her talent to good use and donates to the less fortunate----
Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.
----She doesn't allow her kids to sleep until 2 and is not a friend of laziness----
Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many woman have done wonderful things but you've outclasses them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Adorn her life with praises!


The collective version of Proverbs 31.