Iddy Biddy Boo©

“Encourage one another every day." ~ Hebrews 3:13

Lisa was an artist … she just didn’t know it yet.

As an elementary teacher for more than 30 years, she sculpted young minds by fueling their curiosity and igniting a passion for her subjects.  Even the driest subjects came to life.  When teaching reading, she revealed an adventure in every book.  There was always another way to solve a math problem, even if it meant counting on one’s toes.  And art … well it came in all shapes and sizes; colors and emotions.

Lisa emphatically believed that she was responsible for more than just academic enrichment.  She knew that great teachers can change the trajectory of kids’ lives.

She was committed to her students’ well-being both inside and outside the classroom.  By forging strong relationships, Lisa was able to affect virtually every aspect of her students’ lives, teaching them essential life lessons that would help them succeed beyond term papers and standardized tests.  She just had that ‘way’ about her; creative, compassionate and inspiring.

In return, Lisa’s students also inspired her with their ability to take risks and try new things.  That’s how real learning happens.   Their willingness to experiment, learn new skills, and participate in different activities motivated Lisa to do the same.

Such was the genesis for Iddy Biddy Boo Design.

Many people see art as something with many barriers – maybe the materials are expensive, maybe you lack enough space, or maybe you think it’s too difficult, requiring many specialized tools.

Sometimes that’s true.  But for Lisa, it began simply; a few Christmas cards for family and friends using almost nothing but paper and scissors and glue.

We have some form of paper within reach all the time, and yet we seldom think about the extraordinarily beautiful pieces of paper art that we could create with them if we ever took the time to try.  Lisa did!

Friends encouraged more designs and soon a few stores gambled by displaying her “whimsical” cards (exact photos of the original artwork).  One owner, noting the success of her sales remarked, “It’s time for more people to see what you do.”

Now nearly 150 designs later exhibited in 30 stores, Lisa’s business is thriving.  Because others encouraged her!

“Teaching first grade,” said Lisa, “brought me in touch with creative and inspirational six year olds on a daily basis.  I love seeing children bundled up in brightly colored, mismatched snow clothes.  Such lovely shapes and colors.  My goal for each piece of art is to capture that children’s sense of joy and humor.  My art has definitely been inspired by the children in my life!”

Our most lasting and fulfilling achievements are often earned by helping others fulfill theirs.  A teacher who inspired, was inspired, then was encouraged … now inspires again.  Isn’t Karma great!

Learn more about Lisa’s story and her artwork by visiting http://iddybiddyboodesign.com

Almighty Father, we live in a broken world where everything calls us toward selfishness and despair.  Teach us to invite curiosity and inspire dreams.  Today let us help others find the strength and the courage to use their gifts according to Your plan.  Amen

Old School

“With God’s mighty power working in us, we can do infinitely more than we even dreamed." ~ Ephesians 3:20

Deloris feared this day would come – the day she’d be asked not to return.  Volunteers couldn’t really be fired, just gently told that her style was no longer “in line” with that of the school’s.  As she approached the office she wondered which of the children had complained that’s she’d been too mean, expected too much or not given them enough praise.

“Grandma Dee,” was ‘old school.’  She’d been volunteering for 17 years at local schools in Nevada helping children learn to read.  In addition to helping students learn, she’s also been a role model and grandparent figure.

Her ‘tough love’ methods left some parents outraged.  Administrators felt pressure to remove her despite remarkable results.  Accountability, she believed, sharpened their minds.  Academic development required a realistic (and therefore tough) assessment of their shortcomings.

Slacking wasn’t tolerated.  Forgetting homework meant extra work.  Lack of respect met a look that could melt ceramic.  She was never physical of course, but Dee had zero tolerance for the unprepared.  Excellence came from hard work.

Over the years, this passionate 75-year-old woman watched proudly as her students grew up into young men and women right before her eyes.  She’d seen them go onto great things.

But today all that may come to an end as she cautiously entered the Principal’s office.

To Dee’s surprise, a smartly dressed woman stood there holding a dozen roses.  Her face was made up, but not overdone and her long brown hair was pulled back into a pony-tail.

“These are for you,” she said.

That young woman, Tori Chavez, had once been her student.  She’d endured a life of almost unimaginable tragedy growing up in countless foster homes.  Negative influences in her life far outweighed the good.

“You pushed me to dream bigger and achieve more than I ever imagined,” Tori continued.  “I’m running for the State Senate now.”

“You taught me that REAL love is not always pink and fluffy.  It isn’t holding hands while running through sunflower fields while wearing pretty dresses and eating chocolates.  It’s just not!”

“REAL love is tough as nails.  It’s often tarnished, scuffed and a little jagged.  Real love is losing your temper seven times and apologizing eight times.  Real love is feeling overwhelmed and exhausted at the end of the day.  It’s giving all you’ve got yet ready to give even more tomorrow.”

Their reunion inspired Grandma Dee to continue her life’s mission with renewed passion.  You see, studies show that students flourish best when constantly under a moderate amount of stress.  Overpraising kids actually makes them less confident and less motivated.  Maybe we need a little more ‘old school’ at home and in the classroom.

Father, You gave me the ability to dream, to create, to imagine.  Never let an impossible situation intimidate me.  Let it help me believe more, experience more, learn more and trust You more.  Help me understand Your dream for my life.  Amen

Holy Communion

“I’m the vine; you’re the branches.  Stay connected to me and you’ll produce much fruit." ~ John 15:5

The older she got, the more emotionally powerful the Lord's Table became to her.  Sometimes, amazing and wonderful things happened during communion.  Like today!

Jayne watched from her usual pew as the middle-age woman patiently pushed her mother in a wheelchair toward the altar.  They seemed in no hurry.  The priest would gladly have taken communion to them, but Jayne figured the older woman had too much pride to allow it.

Her hair, once a shimmering black curtain was now just a frilly white thing.  Her porcelain face had withered by time.  Eyes once so bright they could’ve saved souls, were now lost behind dark glasses – her vision gone forever.  She sat very still.  

Jayne watched this same pair every week, because every week it warmed her heart.  When they reached the front of the church, the daughter would humbly step aside and gently lift her mother’s hand so the host could be placed in it.

It was memorably inspiring; a gesture of love and respect.

After all, the daughter could’ve let her Mom put her hands out randomly allowing the priest to find them. Or she could’ve taken the host and put it in her mother’s hand herself, or even in her mouth.

That would’ve been more efficient, less time consuming.  But instead she guided her Mom’s hand to the right location, and let her mother do the rest.  The word for that is support: to help just as much as needed, and no more.

Jayne watched again in admiration as the daughter then received communion herself.  She turned the wheelchair around and returned to where they sat.

Jayne leaned back in her seat and said a prayer of thanks: for the sensitivity of one human being to another, for the dedication needed to bring the homebound to worship, and finally for the Eucharist itself.

Witnessing this simple act reminded her of the humility of Jesus – humbling Himself in order to be exalted!   This example was meant to guide our human lives.  When we humble ourselves in Christ’s name, we can trust God to bless us.

The Lord’s Supper is rich in meaning.  That’s why it’s been a prominent part of our Christian tradition throughout the centuries.  Sometimes it’s been allowed to become a lifeless ritual, done more out of habit than with meaning.  Let’s never forget that celebrating communion marks the story of Jesus, how He gave Himself completely to give us a better life, a new start, and a fresh relationship with God.

Father God, because Jesus’ body was broken for us, that His blood was shed on our behalf, we acknowledge that He bore sin, sickness, disease, sorrow, grief, fear, torment, brutality, and conflict for us. Through His sacrifice, our freedom has been bought and paid for.  We are forgiven.  We are redeemed. We are grateful.  Amen

Prayer Answered

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it’s the Lord’s purpose that prevails." ~ Prov 19:21

His eyes showed the kind of gentle concern her own father used to have.  Chuck laid his hand lightly on his wife’s shoulder, and spoke with a soft, calming voice.  “We have to keep praying for him.  That’s all we can do,” he said in a way that was more soothing than the actual words spoken.

‘Him’ was their 3-year old grandson Logan.  Their son Bradley, Logan’s dad, had tried to make it work.  Logan’s mom was a crackhead.  Despite the bravado of her earlier promise to give up drugs, she’d only managed to stay clean for a couple of days.

After a fight over her (lack of) sobriety, she’d charged at Bradley with a butcher knife and slit open his palms as he struggled against her.  He and Logan moved into a separate apartment a few blocks away.  Less than two weeks later she skipped town and disappeared.

Noting his wife’s anxiety and trying to lift her spirits, Chuck continued, “Maybe this summer we can take that European River Cruise we’ve talked about for years.”  Good health and careful retirement planning provided the opportunity for life’s next chapter – as volunteers, as helpers to friends, and as people with enough time for modest travel excursions.

Immediately, Marlene’s mood brightened as she envisioned the people they’d meet, the sights they’d see, the cultures they’d experience.  Just the slightest nudge from his suggestion and she was soaring among the clouds, off in a temporary world of reverie and contemplation.

Her fantasy was shattered by the shrill sound of her cell phone.  In an instant everything changed.

Family Services explained that Logan couldn’t live with his father anymore.  Bradley, single now and working crazy hours, was no longer an option.  Chuck and Marlene were the only chance for Logan to avoid foster care.

They became guardians for the three-year-old the very next day and their plans took a backseat to his welfare and schedule.  It wasn’t what they’d had in mind.

The two weren’t thrilled about the inconvenience, nor did they relish the uncertain length of Logan’s stay.  But they knew it was the best choice for him.  They were the only ones who could provide a healthy environment he needed right now.  The travel would have to wait, their priorities newly rearranged.

Chuck turned to Marlene.  “Well, our prayers were answered.  We just didn’t know that we were the answer.”

For the love of God!

Today there are over 2.7 million grandparent-headed families raising 5 million children.  Raising a second generation brings many rewards - providing grandkids a sense of security, spiritual growth, and loving relationships.  True love often comes with a price and seldom without sacrifice.

Thank You Lord for all the sacrifices Grandparents are enduring to make this world a better place for their grandkids.  Bring them bountiful wisdom, patience and grace.  Let them cast every worry, burden, and care upon You.  Amen

Happily Ever After

“Those who believe in Me will live even if they die." ~ John 11:25

“Daddy, will you read me a story?” she asked in a voice that defied rebuff.

The nightly ritual added ten minutes to the end of his day, when patience was low and exhaustion high.  But that’s 10 more minutes Jack felt lucky enough to spend with dear Ellie ... listening, encouraging, telling her the unspoken words that convey: “Today, right now, you are the most important thing in the world to me.”

Jack propped himself up on the bed reading a fairy tale to the sweetest child he’d ever laid eyes on.  Ellie, his 3 year old daughter, gazed up at him with adoring eyes; fixed on every word.

Ellie loved the fairytale world; they opened up a wider universe to her.  She dressed as a princess for breakfast.  She dreamed.  She sang.  She twirled.  She danced her way through her days.

Jack finished with those famous words: "And they lived happily ever after."

Her eyelids fluttered before slipping shut.  Ellie’s breaths were even and calming; the expression on her face so vulnerable and childlike.  An unexpected warmth rushed through him.  He never wanted it to end.

As he set the book aside, it occurred to Jack that the ending of the book was exactly what he sought for his innocent child.  He wanted her to "live happily ever after."

Was that too good to be true.  Happily ever after?

As adults we’ve outgrown fairytales.  We live in the real world.

Ellie’s already in a playgroup where’s she’s been called names.  Fat, ugly, stupid . . . though she was none of those.  The real world, she would soon discover, was no fairytale.

There will be times when her heart will be broken.  There will be times when she cries in grief and he can’t comfort her.  There will be times when all she feels is fear, sadness, and loneliness.

He stroked her silken hair, smiling wistfully and hoping that those times would be brief and that she’d have more joy in her life than not.  As her Dad, her exemplar, her spiritual mentor, it was his job to teach her that "happiness” doesn’t depend on how life treats you.  Happiness is something you create in your life - choice by choice; day by day.

And, if he’s completely honest with himself, Jack still believes in fairytales.

Happiness comes when your love is not a slave to circumstances.  Love brings us joy and connects us to God.  It’s love that mends broken hearts.  It’s love that heals grief.  Its love that defeats fear, allays sorrow, and soothes isolation.

Choose to love today then!  Choose to "live happily ever after, one day at a time.

Dear Father, thank You for sending us Jesus.  Thank You that He didn’t just look down … He came down.  Our Rescuer.  Our Prince.  Our Hero.  All of our dreams come true! So that we can live happily forever after.  Amen