Scripture: Jeremiah 31:1-14
Do you find love stories irresistible? I do! A good romance includes laughter, joy, heart ache, and of course, love. If you enjoy a good romance, then grab a cup of coffee or tea and keep reading. You’re in for a treat!
This story begins in the 1940’s, a time in our history when young men from across America left the comforts of home to serve in World War II. The prospect of leaving for war must have been terrifying, but one young man named Ken Jensen found comfort in receiving letters from his hometown in western Minnesota. When letters arrived from a certain young lady named Lillian, they were especially sweet!
As Ken and Lil’s letters traveled back and forth across the miles, an intimate friendship began. That friendship grew into love and Ken and Lil were married on July 19, 1946. Their love story continued as they raised five children together. Life wasn’t always easy, but their commitment to each other and love for God helped them navigate the joys and trials of life.
During a typical wedding ceremony, most people repeat the vows, “For better or worse, in sickness and in health, ‘till death do us part.” Most of us cannot imagine the “worse” part or the “sickness” part unless it becomes reality. Ken and Lil experienced both health and sickness. However, with God’s strength, even the adversity of illness could not diminish their love.
Lil suffered from memory loss during the later years of her life. Sometimes she would remember her children and Ken when they came to visit, but eventually her memory slipped farther and farther away. Even Lil’s fading memory couldn’t weaken Ken’s love for her. In the three years that Lil was in a memory care center, Ken visited her faithfully every day except three, and that was because he was too sick to leave the house.
He loved her with his whole heart until the day she died at age 86. I had the privilege of witnessing this love story since Ken and Lil are my grandpa and grandma. As I watched my grandpa lovingly care for his wife of 65 years until the day she met Jesus, a thought entered my mind, “Oh, to be loved like that.”
My next though was, “I am loved like that!” In Jeremiah 31:3, the LORD says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” The LORD loves us in a love story for the ages! As much as I witnessed a beautiful example of love between my grandpa and grandma, my Heavenly Father loves me even more than my earthly mind can imagine.
With our limited human minds, we think we know what love is. Our heart melts as we watch a romantic movie or experience the emotions earthly love can bring. But to be loved with an everlasting love? To think that God draws us with loving-kindness? It’s beyond what our minds can fathom. Now that’s a true love story!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us with an everlasting love. Thank you for showing us what true love is by sending Your son Jesus to earth as a sacrifice for our sins. Thank you for giving us our very own love story.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
From Pagers to Siri
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 14:8-17
It’s crazy to think about how our methods of communication have changed over the years. This will probably date me a little, but when I got my first job out of college, I was given a pager. Yes, a pager! I thought I was so cool! Sometimes I’d have to go out of the office for work, and the pager made it possible for work to reach me if necessary.
My job was to help film video programs about environmental resources, so when I was paged, I was usually in the middle of a forest or wetland. As you can guess, finding a telephone to call back to work usually took awhile. However, the pager was my method of communication at that time in my life.
A few years ago I got my own cell phone – talk about moving up in the world! The direct and immediate communication the cell phone provided was amazing. When we got unlimited texting, I was amazed at how I could text people a message and usually get an instantaneous response.
Now there’s something called “Siri” on iPhone 4S. If you ask Siri something, Siri understands what you say, knows what you mean, and even talks back. You can ask Siri, “Where can I find a good cheeseburger,” and Siri will list off the restaurants in your area that serve cheeseburgers.
Sometimes we forget we have our own Siri already in place. It’s called prayer. Any time of the day or night, we can call on God and He will answer us. (No cell phone service required!) Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” While Siri is one of the latest and greatest wonders in modern communication, God has had and always will have the corner on the communication market!
In the Old Testament, David and God often had personal conversations. Think about that for a minute! I’m talking about personal communication with the living God! Here’s one example of their dialogue in 1 Chronicles 14:8-17:
David asked God, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”
The LORD replied, “Yes, go ahead, I will hand them over to you.”
David asked God for direction and God answered him. Now that’s better than any pager, text message, or Siri. If man-made Siri can listen and understand you, how much more can the God who created you listen and understand you when you call on Him?
Prayer: God, You created me and You know me better than any person or phone ever could. I want to keep the lines of communication open between us. I promise to go to You for advice and I believe that You will listen to me and answer my prayers. Thank you for caring about me and loving me enough to provide a way for me to talk to You.
It’s crazy to think about how our methods of communication have changed over the years. This will probably date me a little, but when I got my first job out of college, I was given a pager. Yes, a pager! I thought I was so cool! Sometimes I’d have to go out of the office for work, and the pager made it possible for work to reach me if necessary.
My job was to help film video programs about environmental resources, so when I was paged, I was usually in the middle of a forest or wetland. As you can guess, finding a telephone to call back to work usually took awhile. However, the pager was my method of communication at that time in my life.
A few years ago I got my own cell phone – talk about moving up in the world! The direct and immediate communication the cell phone provided was amazing. When we got unlimited texting, I was amazed at how I could text people a message and usually get an instantaneous response.
Now there’s something called “Siri” on iPhone 4S. If you ask Siri something, Siri understands what you say, knows what you mean, and even talks back. You can ask Siri, “Where can I find a good cheeseburger,” and Siri will list off the restaurants in your area that serve cheeseburgers.
Sometimes we forget we have our own Siri already in place. It’s called prayer. Any time of the day or night, we can call on God and He will answer us. (No cell phone service required!) Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” While Siri is one of the latest and greatest wonders in modern communication, God has had and always will have the corner on the communication market!
In the Old Testament, David and God often had personal conversations. Think about that for a minute! I’m talking about personal communication with the living God! Here’s one example of their dialogue in 1 Chronicles 14:8-17:
David asked God, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”
The LORD replied, “Yes, go ahead, I will hand them over to you.”
David asked God for direction and God answered him. Now that’s better than any pager, text message, or Siri. If man-made Siri can listen and understand you, how much more can the God who created you listen and understand you when you call on Him?
Prayer: God, You created me and You know me better than any person or phone ever could. I want to keep the lines of communication open between us. I promise to go to You for advice and I believe that You will listen to me and answer my prayers. Thank you for caring about me and loving me enough to provide a way for me to talk to You.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Running on Empty
Scripture: Colossians 1:24-2:7
Here’s a little questions to start your day - how do you view the world? (Maybe you should have a cup of coffee before you answer this one!) Do you see a glass as half full or half empty? I hate to admit it, but I usually see the glass as half empty. It’s an area where I struggle, and I’m learning to depend on God’s Word for the truth regarding my perceptions about life.
I once heard someone compare a glass of water to how we feel about our lives. When our glass is full, we have something to give to others. We can pour a little out and still have something left to satisfy our needs. When our glass is running low, every drop of water we pour out drains sustenance from our bodies.
Some of the things that fill our glass include kind words, time with God, healthy relationships, positive work environments, an unhealthy church and encouraging friendships. Some things that drain our glass are bitterness, unforgiveness, stress, busyness, an unhealthy church environment, illness, lack of time with God, finances, unhealthy relationships, etc.
How full is your glass right now? There have been times in my life when my glass has been full to the point of overflowing. I’ve had plenty of mental, emotional and physical energy to invest in others without draining my glass. Lately, however, my glass is running on empty.
The lyrics to a song by Britt Nicole profoundly describe my deepest desire, “Jesus, I just want to be found by You.” I want and need Jesus to fill my glass. I am going to a women’s conference this weekend and it couldn’t have come at a better time! Heavenly Father, I humbly request you to “Fill ‘er up!”
Prayer: Jesus, oh, Jesus, I just want to be found by You. Please fill my glass with You so that I may overflow to those around me. I want to praise You and love You no matter where life has taken me. I love You and ask You to fill me with Yourself.
Here’s a little questions to start your day - how do you view the world? (Maybe you should have a cup of coffee before you answer this one!) Do you see a glass as half full or half empty? I hate to admit it, but I usually see the glass as half empty. It’s an area where I struggle, and I’m learning to depend on God’s Word for the truth regarding my perceptions about life.
I once heard someone compare a glass of water to how we feel about our lives. When our glass is full, we have something to give to others. We can pour a little out and still have something left to satisfy our needs. When our glass is running low, every drop of water we pour out drains sustenance from our bodies.
Some of the things that fill our glass include kind words, time with God, healthy relationships, positive work environments, an unhealthy church and encouraging friendships. Some things that drain our glass are bitterness, unforgiveness, stress, busyness, an unhealthy church environment, illness, lack of time with God, finances, unhealthy relationships, etc.
How full is your glass right now? There have been times in my life when my glass has been full to the point of overflowing. I’ve had plenty of mental, emotional and physical energy to invest in others without draining my glass. Lately, however, my glass is running on empty.
The lyrics to a song by Britt Nicole profoundly describe my deepest desire, “Jesus, I just want to be found by You.” I want and need Jesus to fill my glass. I am going to a women’s conference this weekend and it couldn’t have come at a better time! Heavenly Father, I humbly request you to “Fill ‘er up!”
Prayer: Jesus, oh, Jesus, I just want to be found by You. Please fill my glass with You so that I may overflow to those around me. I want to praise You and love You no matter where life has taken me. I love You and ask You to fill me with Yourself.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Who Do I Think I Am?
Scripture: Romans 14:1-8
Quite a few years ago I was in a Bible study with some friends. As we were sharing prayer requests, I decided to put myself out there and share a struggle of mine. “Please pray for me because I have a hard time not judging other people,” I said.
I might as well have said, “Please pray for me because I’m a serial axe murderer.”
You could’ve heard a pin drop in the room and I realized then and there that the subject of judging others must be taboo in the Christian world. I’ve felt convicted for a long time to address this topic, so I’m going to address this personal struggle of mine – maybe it’s a struggle you share, too.
If we take a good look at ourselves – a deep look, we would probably all have to admit that we have been guilty of judging others at some point in time. I’ve been on both ends of judgement. I’ve judged others and I’ve been judged. Neither spot is a good place to be.
This morning my son handed me his Teen Study Bible which was open to a devotional called, “Don’t Judge.” It pointed to Romans 14:1-8, so I read this passage. Paul makes it clear that as Christians, we are not to judge other Christians about disputable matters. I believe Paul is talking about matters that are not violating God’s laws in Scripture.
Christians, though we are supposed to be filled with the same grace extended by God through Jesus, are often the first to judge. If we are convicted about something, we can easily fall into the trap of thinking that everyone around us should be convicted about that same thing.
In this Romans passage, Paul cuts to the chase about judging others. He says, “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”
In Gretchyn’s Paraphrase Bible (GPB – ha!), this verse would read, “Who do you think you are judging other people? Only God can judge. So, zip it and let the Holy Spirit do His work.” Do you think I’m going to get a paraphrase Bible published any time soon? Me either!
When we are tempted to judge someone about a disputable matter, we need to take a big, huge, gigantic step back. By judging others, we are really saying that we know the will of God in someone’s life better than the Holy Spirit. Is that truly a place we want to be?
Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for all of the wasted time I've spent judging others. Holy Spirit, please convict me when I am starting to judge someone else and remind me that You are the judge; not me! I don’t want to cause dissention in the church body. I want to encourage others and not judge them. Thank you for the example You set of grace through Your Son Jesus. I want to extend grace to others just as You extended grace to me!
Quite a few years ago I was in a Bible study with some friends. As we were sharing prayer requests, I decided to put myself out there and share a struggle of mine. “Please pray for me because I have a hard time not judging other people,” I said.
I might as well have said, “Please pray for me because I’m a serial axe murderer.”
You could’ve heard a pin drop in the room and I realized then and there that the subject of judging others must be taboo in the Christian world. I’ve felt convicted for a long time to address this topic, so I’m going to address this personal struggle of mine – maybe it’s a struggle you share, too.
If we take a good look at ourselves – a deep look, we would probably all have to admit that we have been guilty of judging others at some point in time. I’ve been on both ends of judgement. I’ve judged others and I’ve been judged. Neither spot is a good place to be.
This morning my son handed me his Teen Study Bible which was open to a devotional called, “Don’t Judge.” It pointed to Romans 14:1-8, so I read this passage. Paul makes it clear that as Christians, we are not to judge other Christians about disputable matters. I believe Paul is talking about matters that are not violating God’s laws in Scripture.
Christians, though we are supposed to be filled with the same grace extended by God through Jesus, are often the first to judge. If we are convicted about something, we can easily fall into the trap of thinking that everyone around us should be convicted about that same thing.
In this Romans passage, Paul cuts to the chase about judging others. He says, “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”
In Gretchyn’s Paraphrase Bible (GPB – ha!), this verse would read, “Who do you think you are judging other people? Only God can judge. So, zip it and let the Holy Spirit do His work.” Do you think I’m going to get a paraphrase Bible published any time soon? Me either!
When we are tempted to judge someone about a disputable matter, we need to take a big, huge, gigantic step back. By judging others, we are really saying that we know the will of God in someone’s life better than the Holy Spirit. Is that truly a place we want to be?
Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for all of the wasted time I've spent judging others. Holy Spirit, please convict me when I am starting to judge someone else and remind me that You are the judge; not me! I don’t want to cause dissention in the church body. I want to encourage others and not judge them. Thank you for the example You set of grace through Your Son Jesus. I want to extend grace to others just as You extended grace to me!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
More Questions Than Answers
Scripture: Judges 13-16
It’s about time I post on this blog! Some of you have mentioned that I haven’t written lately. I miss writing posts! Unfortunately, my new homeschooling schedule leaves precious little time (or mental energy!) to write. However, I plan to start posting more often.
Another reason I haven’t written lately is that my Bible reading has been leaving me with more questions than answers. Do you ever find that to be true?
Take the story of Samson for instance. I don’t get it! This man is supposed to be a judge for Israel, yet his life leaves a lot to be desired.
For starters, he definitely has a weakness for the wrong women. Samson was attracted to a Philistine (a tribe who oppressed the Israelites for forty years). Samson was determined to marry this woman and told His dad, “I want to marry her. Get her for me.” In other words, I want what I want and I want it now!
In a strange turn of events soon after they were married, Samson left his wife and went back to live with his father and mother. Later, when he decided he wanted her back, he found out she was given in marriage to the best man at his wedding. Then Samson did what any rational man would do in this situation – he tied torches on the tails of 300 foxes and burned down grain fields that belonged to the Philistines.
Of course the Philistines came after Samson, looking for revenge. Scripture says the Spirit of the LORD came upon Samson and he used the jawbone of a donkey to kill 1,000 Philistines. Then he boasted about it. The following Scripture says that Samson spent a night in the town of Gaza and slept with a prostitute.
As I’m reading these chapters in Judges, my finite mind is trying to reconcile the fact that Samson is a judge - and womanizer. He’s a Nazirite (he took a vow to be set apart for God's service) who's filled with rage and anger. Can you see why I have more questions than answers?
The beginning of the end for Samson is when he falls in love with a woman named Delilah. I guess you could say that she was the death of him. But even in his death, God used Samson for His purposes.
My pea-sized brain is trying to understand the mind of God and I’m coming up short – go figure! What I’m realizing through the life of Samson is that God can use anyone He pleases to accomplish His purposes. Who am I to question that fact?
Prayer: God, Your ways are not my ways and Your thoughts are not my thoughts. I acknowledge that You have plans to use us for Your glory despite our faults. Please take my failures and my weak areas and use them for Your glory. I am humbled that You love me and have a purpose for my life.
It’s about time I post on this blog! Some of you have mentioned that I haven’t written lately. I miss writing posts! Unfortunately, my new homeschooling schedule leaves precious little time (or mental energy!) to write. However, I plan to start posting more often.
Another reason I haven’t written lately is that my Bible reading has been leaving me with more questions than answers. Do you ever find that to be true?
Take the story of Samson for instance. I don’t get it! This man is supposed to be a judge for Israel, yet his life leaves a lot to be desired.
For starters, he definitely has a weakness for the wrong women. Samson was attracted to a Philistine (a tribe who oppressed the Israelites for forty years). Samson was determined to marry this woman and told His dad, “I want to marry her. Get her for me.” In other words, I want what I want and I want it now!
In a strange turn of events soon after they were married, Samson left his wife and went back to live with his father and mother. Later, when he decided he wanted her back, he found out she was given in marriage to the best man at his wedding. Then Samson did what any rational man would do in this situation – he tied torches on the tails of 300 foxes and burned down grain fields that belonged to the Philistines.
Of course the Philistines came after Samson, looking for revenge. Scripture says the Spirit of the LORD came upon Samson and he used the jawbone of a donkey to kill 1,000 Philistines. Then he boasted about it. The following Scripture says that Samson spent a night in the town of Gaza and slept with a prostitute.
As I’m reading these chapters in Judges, my finite mind is trying to reconcile the fact that Samson is a judge - and womanizer. He’s a Nazirite (he took a vow to be set apart for God's service) who's filled with rage and anger. Can you see why I have more questions than answers?
The beginning of the end for Samson is when he falls in love with a woman named Delilah. I guess you could say that she was the death of him. But even in his death, God used Samson for His purposes.
My pea-sized brain is trying to understand the mind of God and I’m coming up short – go figure! What I’m realizing through the life of Samson is that God can use anyone He pleases to accomplish His purposes. Who am I to question that fact?
Prayer: God, Your ways are not my ways and Your thoughts are not my thoughts. I acknowledge that You have plans to use us for Your glory despite our faults. Please take my failures and my weak areas and use them for Your glory. I am humbled that You love me and have a purpose for my life.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Just Like Joshua
Have you ever found yourself in the process of starting something new? It may be a new job, a new baby, a new school year, a new volunteer role or some other new undertaking. What feelings are you experiencing? You may be dealing with self doubt, fear, excitement, anticipation and more!
That’s where I’m at right now in my life. There are three pretty big changes coming up for me. First, I’m starting to homeschool my kids in a couple of weeks. Second, I’m taking on a co-coordinator position for our church’s Wednesday night 4th and 5th grade girls group. Third, I’m starting the process of putting together a devotional book and getting it published.
If you’re in the process of starting a new adventure like me, then you can relate to the rollercoaster of emotions I experience. One day I’m bursting with hope and anticipation. The next day when my kids are fighting and I can’t find any homeschool curriculum, I’m filled with fear and doubt.
During these times of apprehension, I need to cling to the promises of God’s Word. He’s led me to these changes in my life, so I need to believe that He will bring me through them for His glory. I was reading Joshua 1:1-9, where God is speaking to Joshua after he takes over Moses’ job. Joshua had big shoes to fill and I’m guessing he felt a little inadequate. God had some powerful words for Joshua and these same words apply to us in new situations we face.
“Be strong and courageous.” (v. 6)
“Be strong and very courageous.” (v. 7)
“This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (v. 9)
If God is calling you to enter a new chapter in your life, remember these verses and claim them. If you are following His will for your life, rest assured that He promises to be with you every step of the way.
Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9
Prayer: Dear Lord, I feel a little like Joshua right now. I am feeling ______________ about _______________ (situation). I know You were with Joshua after Moses died, and I am claiming the same words You spoke to Joshua for my own life. Today I am trusting in Your promise that You will be with me wherever I go. I will choose to be strong and courageous.
That’s where I’m at right now in my life. There are three pretty big changes coming up for me. First, I’m starting to homeschool my kids in a couple of weeks. Second, I’m taking on a co-coordinator position for our church’s Wednesday night 4th and 5th grade girls group. Third, I’m starting the process of putting together a devotional book and getting it published.
If you’re in the process of starting a new adventure like me, then you can relate to the rollercoaster of emotions I experience. One day I’m bursting with hope and anticipation. The next day when my kids are fighting and I can’t find any homeschool curriculum, I’m filled with fear and doubt.
During these times of apprehension, I need to cling to the promises of God’s Word. He’s led me to these changes in my life, so I need to believe that He will bring me through them for His glory. I was reading Joshua 1:1-9, where God is speaking to Joshua after he takes over Moses’ job. Joshua had big shoes to fill and I’m guessing he felt a little inadequate. God had some powerful words for Joshua and these same words apply to us in new situations we face.
“Be strong and courageous.” (v. 6)
“Be strong and very courageous.” (v. 7)
“This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (v. 9)
If God is calling you to enter a new chapter in your life, remember these verses and claim them. If you are following His will for your life, rest assured that He promises to be with you every step of the way.
Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9
Prayer: Dear Lord, I feel a little like Joshua right now. I am feeling ______________ about _______________ (situation). I know You were with Joshua after Moses died, and I am claiming the same words You spoke to Joshua for my own life. Today I am trusting in Your promise that You will be with me wherever I go. I will choose to be strong and courageous.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Cool Car Conversation Continued
The last blog entry ended with my son asking me how God spoke to me about home schooling. I had paused to clear my head so that I could explain my answer in the best way possible. I know what you’re thinking and you’re right – I was also buying time!
During my silence, I thought back to the situations that led us to choose homeschooling. I truly believe that God ordained each one.
“Well,” I began slowly, “First God opened our hearts to homeschooling through Shalyn’s interest in it. I really never thought we’d home school you, too.”
“Next God put people in our lives who really made us think about the benefits of home school. Sometimes God uses other people who are following Christ to lead us in the right direction,“ I said. “God also used His Word to show me the importance of passing His laws from generation to generation. Every time I read the phrase ‘generation to generation’ in the Bible, I felt God telling me that He wanted me to be the one to teach you and Shalyn. That phrase kept popping up in my devotions and I couldn’t ignore the fact that God was speaking to me.”
“God also spoke to me through prayer. While dad and I were contemplating whether or not to home school you, we both prayed a lot. I brought up some of my specific doubts to God. After each doubt I expressed to God, I strongly felt Him telling me to have faith in our decision to home school,” I said.
“What is that like?” he asked.
“Well, you know how your conscience tells you not to do something bad or to do something that’s good? It’s kind of like that when the Holy Spirit talks to you. He prompts you sometimes quietly and sometimes loudly! When I brought many different doubts about home schooling you before Him, He quietly said to my heart, ‘I’ve already told you what to do, now do it and trust Me.’” I said.
Again there was silence, but it was okay. This silence was a “thinking” silence. A “processing” silence. I would like to think it was also an “accepting” silence, but I don’t know if Caleb’s ready to let God change his heart about home schooling quite yet. God’s timing is not my timing. For now He provided me with the opportunity for a cool conversation with Caleb.
Scripture: Exodus 31:16; Exodus 35:20-22 (willing hearts); Exodus 40:12-15
Prayer: Lord, in Your Word You say You want willing hearts. May our hearts be open to whatever You have planned for us. We love You and want to serve You. Please show us how to pass Your Word from generation to generation.
During my silence, I thought back to the situations that led us to choose homeschooling. I truly believe that God ordained each one.
“Well,” I began slowly, “First God opened our hearts to homeschooling through Shalyn’s interest in it. I really never thought we’d home school you, too.”
“Next God put people in our lives who really made us think about the benefits of home school. Sometimes God uses other people who are following Christ to lead us in the right direction,“ I said. “God also used His Word to show me the importance of passing His laws from generation to generation. Every time I read the phrase ‘generation to generation’ in the Bible, I felt God telling me that He wanted me to be the one to teach you and Shalyn. That phrase kept popping up in my devotions and I couldn’t ignore the fact that God was speaking to me.”
“God also spoke to me through prayer. While dad and I were contemplating whether or not to home school you, we both prayed a lot. I brought up some of my specific doubts to God. After each doubt I expressed to God, I strongly felt Him telling me to have faith in our decision to home school,” I said.
“What is that like?” he asked.
“Well, you know how your conscience tells you not to do something bad or to do something that’s good? It’s kind of like that when the Holy Spirit talks to you. He prompts you sometimes quietly and sometimes loudly! When I brought many different doubts about home schooling you before Him, He quietly said to my heart, ‘I’ve already told you what to do, now do it and trust Me.’” I said.
Again there was silence, but it was okay. This silence was a “thinking” silence. A “processing” silence. I would like to think it was also an “accepting” silence, but I don’t know if Caleb’s ready to let God change his heart about home schooling quite yet. God’s timing is not my timing. For now He provided me with the opportunity for a cool conversation with Caleb.
Scripture: Exodus 31:16; Exodus 35:20-22 (willing hearts); Exodus 40:12-15
Prayer: Lord, in Your Word You say You want willing hearts. May our hearts be open to whatever You have planned for us. We love You and want to serve You. Please show us how to pass Your Word from generation to generation.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Cool Car Conversation
Sometimes car trips provide a great opportunity for unexpected in-depth conversations. In the confined space of a car, there's a unique feeling of safety that makes people feel comfortable to talk. This was the case for my son, Caleb, and me yesterday.
As we traveled the two hours home from our cabin, he and I had a rare opportunity to talk without interruption. For half of the drive I listened to him talk about subjects that interest him. After listening and asking him questions about topics ranging from football to pencil toppers, I broached the subject of homeschooling.
Just as I expected, the car suddenly became quiet. You see, Caleb does not want to be home schooled. He says he will miss his friends and that he loves everything about public school – even the bus ride! He was extremely disappointed when my husband and I first broke the news to him.
After a few moments of silence passed, he asked me again why he “has” to home school.
Again, silence flooded the vehicle. Should I give him the patented, “Because your dad and I say so” answer, or should I lay it on the line for him?
Since he was stuck with me for another hour, I decided to lay it on the line.
I told him that his dad and I never really had the intention of home schooling. God has worked in our lives this year to bring us to this decision. When his sister, Shalyn, got sick last winter, she continually asked to be home schooled. I admitted to Caleb that I never thought seriously about home schooling until that point. But as my husband and I started praying about it, God opened both of our hearts to the idea.
At first, we thought we would only home school Shalyn, but soon it became obvious that we were supposed to home school Caleb as well. We knew this decision would not go over well with him, but we decided that since God had definitely led us to home school, we needed to make this unpopular decision as his parents.
I decided to press the issue further, since he was stuck with me and all! I told Caleb that it would be disobedient to God if we didn’t home school him. I told him that God had told both his dad and me that this was the right decision for our family. He then asked me a great question. He asked, “How do you know when God is talking to you, because I’ve never actually heard Him?”
Silence again. Now that is a loaded question if I’ve ever heard one! I wanted to respond to him, not by patronizing him or giving him trite answers. I wanted to truly tell him how God speaks to us. I decided that with God’s help I would lay it on the line again! The final part of our conversation will be posted soon!
Scripture: Exodus 27:20-21; Exodus 30:17-21 (*Note the phrase “generation to generation” used in both passages.)
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for Your perfect timing. You work on our hearts and soften them to be ready to do exactly what You ask of us. We want to be ready and willing and open to the plans You have for our lives. Please help us to trust You and to take a step of faith, even when we can’t see the path ahead.
As we traveled the two hours home from our cabin, he and I had a rare opportunity to talk without interruption. For half of the drive I listened to him talk about subjects that interest him. After listening and asking him questions about topics ranging from football to pencil toppers, I broached the subject of homeschooling.
Just as I expected, the car suddenly became quiet. You see, Caleb does not want to be home schooled. He says he will miss his friends and that he loves everything about public school – even the bus ride! He was extremely disappointed when my husband and I first broke the news to him.
After a few moments of silence passed, he asked me again why he “has” to home school.
Again, silence flooded the vehicle. Should I give him the patented, “Because your dad and I say so” answer, or should I lay it on the line for him?
Since he was stuck with me for another hour, I decided to lay it on the line.
I told him that his dad and I never really had the intention of home schooling. God has worked in our lives this year to bring us to this decision. When his sister, Shalyn, got sick last winter, she continually asked to be home schooled. I admitted to Caleb that I never thought seriously about home schooling until that point. But as my husband and I started praying about it, God opened both of our hearts to the idea.
At first, we thought we would only home school Shalyn, but soon it became obvious that we were supposed to home school Caleb as well. We knew this decision would not go over well with him, but we decided that since God had definitely led us to home school, we needed to make this unpopular decision as his parents.
I decided to press the issue further, since he was stuck with me and all! I told Caleb that it would be disobedient to God if we didn’t home school him. I told him that God had told both his dad and me that this was the right decision for our family. He then asked me a great question. He asked, “How do you know when God is talking to you, because I’ve never actually heard Him?”
Silence again. Now that is a loaded question if I’ve ever heard one! I wanted to respond to him, not by patronizing him or giving him trite answers. I wanted to truly tell him how God speaks to us. I decided that with God’s help I would lay it on the line again! The final part of our conversation will be posted soon!
Scripture: Exodus 27:20-21; Exodus 30:17-21 (*Note the phrase “generation to generation” used in both passages.)
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for Your perfect timing. You work on our hearts and soften them to be ready to do exactly what You ask of us. We want to be ready and willing and open to the plans You have for our lives. Please help us to trust You and to take a step of faith, even when we can’t see the path ahead.
Friday, July 29, 2011
How Did I Get Here?
Do you ever take a long, hard look at your life and wonder, “How did I get here?” You probably ask yourself that question because you never expected your life to turn out the way it did. No matter whether you’ve been following God’s plan for your life up to this point or if you’ve made your own choices … here you are!
Since we’ve decided to home school, I’ve been asked a similar question quite often. The question is usually phrased something like this, “What made you decide to home school?” It’s a good question. For someone like me who’s much better at writing than speaking, it’s a difficult one to answer eloquently. Usually I have to pause, take a deep breath and collect my thoughts.
How did I get here?
The first thoughts of home schooling entered my mind when my kids were still toddlers. I dreamed of taking a vacation with them to all of the educational sights in our nation. We could take a long trip and see the Liberty Bell, the Washington Monument, Hershey’s Chocolate World and all of the other important reminders of our nation’s history! In order to take a long trip like this, I realized we’d probably have to home school someday.
Those thoughts slowly dissipated, however, when we enrolled our son in kindergarten at public school. Two years later our daughter started school. All of a sudden six years went by and thoughts of home schooling were few and far between. When my husband and I did talk about home schooling, we agreed it was great for some families, but not for our family.
Then the Lord started to change my heart this winter. I didn’t even realize He was doing it! It was a very covert operation! The Lord really does have a sense of humor and He knows my personality doesn’t acclimate to change easily. So in His loving kindness, He started gently putting thoughts of homeschooling in my mind.
Over the years the Lord has taught me that He gives us what we need in His timing, not our timing. In my next blog entry, I will describe the events that led us to choose home schooling. Let’s just say that God is very creative and leave it at that for now!
Scripture: Psalm 23:1-3
Prayer: God, Your ways are higher than our ways and Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Thank you for guiding us down the paths You have planned for us. We want to honor You by following Your paths and not going our own way. We love You and want to follow where You want to lead us.
Since we’ve decided to home school, I’ve been asked a similar question quite often. The question is usually phrased something like this, “What made you decide to home school?” It’s a good question. For someone like me who’s much better at writing than speaking, it’s a difficult one to answer eloquently. Usually I have to pause, take a deep breath and collect my thoughts.
How did I get here?
The first thoughts of home schooling entered my mind when my kids were still toddlers. I dreamed of taking a vacation with them to all of the educational sights in our nation. We could take a long trip and see the Liberty Bell, the Washington Monument, Hershey’s Chocolate World and all of the other important reminders of our nation’s history! In order to take a long trip like this, I realized we’d probably have to home school someday.
Those thoughts slowly dissipated, however, when we enrolled our son in kindergarten at public school. Two years later our daughter started school. All of a sudden six years went by and thoughts of home schooling were few and far between. When my husband and I did talk about home schooling, we agreed it was great for some families, but not for our family.
Then the Lord started to change my heart this winter. I didn’t even realize He was doing it! It was a very covert operation! The Lord really does have a sense of humor and He knows my personality doesn’t acclimate to change easily. So in His loving kindness, He started gently putting thoughts of homeschooling in my mind.
Over the years the Lord has taught me that He gives us what we need in His timing, not our timing. In my next blog entry, I will describe the events that led us to choose home schooling. Let’s just say that God is very creative and leave it at that for now!
Scripture: Psalm 23:1-3
Prayer: God, Your ways are higher than our ways and Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Thank you for guiding us down the paths You have planned for us. We want to honor You by following Your paths and not going our own way. We love You and want to follow where You want to lead us.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
An Unexpected Journey
As I look back over the last seven months, I can see God’s hand working in the lives of my family. I never would have expected the outcome, however.
As I look forward to the future, I am excited and scared to death at the same time. I am excited because I know God has led us to this new journey, but I am scared to death because we will be traveling new paths and any type of change doesn’t sit well with my personality. I am a consistent-type person, not a change-type person!
This year the Lord has decided that He’s going to shake up our family a bit. He’s shown both my husband and I that we need to home school our fourth-grade daughter and our sixth-grade son. In later blog entries I will unravel the details of how God changed our hearts and brought us to this path. It’s been a crazy ride, but sometimes God takes us down windy, bumpy roads to lead us to the path He’s designed for us.
When we see these crazy paths ahead of us, we can choose to follow God in faith or to take our own course. In my own life, I’ve found that option number two never works! This time I chose option number one.
Talk about a windy, bumpy road - Moses was born a Hebrew, but he was raised as the son of an Egyptian Pharaoh’s daughter. When he grew up, the Lord asked him to lead the oppressed and enslaved Hebrews out of Egypt.
Moses could’ve said, “No thanks. I’m done with Egypt and I’m staying away from them for good!”
However, he eventually followed God’s path and did many great things for the Lord.
There is more to my story, which I will explain in the next blog entry. There is much to tell. There are “God sightings,” joys, fears and even some tears. I can’t wait to share this journey with you.
Scripture: Exodus 3:1-22
Prayer: Lord, our human nature tells us to take control of our lives. However, when we do that, we almost always mess up! We acknowledge that fact and yet we struggle between wanting to control our lives and giving them over to You. Today we acknowledge that Your way is always best. You never said Your way would be easy, but it’s the BEST way! Thank you for having plans to prosper us and not to harm us … plans to give us a hope and a future!
As I look forward to the future, I am excited and scared to death at the same time. I am excited because I know God has led us to this new journey, but I am scared to death because we will be traveling new paths and any type of change doesn’t sit well with my personality. I am a consistent-type person, not a change-type person!
This year the Lord has decided that He’s going to shake up our family a bit. He’s shown both my husband and I that we need to home school our fourth-grade daughter and our sixth-grade son. In later blog entries I will unravel the details of how God changed our hearts and brought us to this path. It’s been a crazy ride, but sometimes God takes us down windy, bumpy roads to lead us to the path He’s designed for us.
When we see these crazy paths ahead of us, we can choose to follow God in faith or to take our own course. In my own life, I’ve found that option number two never works! This time I chose option number one.
Talk about a windy, bumpy road - Moses was born a Hebrew, but he was raised as the son of an Egyptian Pharaoh’s daughter. When he grew up, the Lord asked him to lead the oppressed and enslaved Hebrews out of Egypt.
Moses could’ve said, “No thanks. I’m done with Egypt and I’m staying away from them for good!”
However, he eventually followed God’s path and did many great things for the Lord.
There is more to my story, which I will explain in the next blog entry. There is much to tell. There are “God sightings,” joys, fears and even some tears. I can’t wait to share this journey with you.
Scripture: Exodus 3:1-22
Prayer: Lord, our human nature tells us to take control of our lives. However, when we do that, we almost always mess up! We acknowledge that fact and yet we struggle between wanting to control our lives and giving them over to You. Today we acknowledge that Your way is always best. You never said Your way would be easy, but it’s the BEST way! Thank you for having plans to prosper us and not to harm us … plans to give us a hope and a future!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Baby, Baby!
I just love baby dedications. A few times during the year our church sets aside part of the regular Sunday morning service to dedicate babies to God. It’s fun because you never know how those little ones are going to behave. As our pastor takes the babies in his arms one by one, I always watch closely to see how they will react to him. Sometimes they play with his mustache, sometimes they are content and other times they get scared and start to cry.
No matter how they react, the pastor always prays over the baby and its parents. I love watching each family commit to raise their child in a godly home and promise to teach them about Christ’s love.
However, what I love most about baby dedications is when the pastor turns to the congregation and asks us if we are willing to live a life that will point these children to the Lord. He asks if we are willing to be part of the group of people who will ultimately help these children come to know Jesus in a personal way.
Each time there is a baby dedication, it is a time of personal reflection for me. It’s a time for me to recommit my life to the Lord as I realize that I have an important job to do – not only for my own family – but for the kids in our congregation and community. You see, it’s not only each individual family’s job to point their children to Christ, it’s the responsibility of the entire church body.
My devotions right now are taking me through the book of Leviticus. It’s a strange book to read, full of rules and regulations for the Israelites. However, one phrase stood out today – “generation to generation.” The Lord is clear that what He’s telling them is not just for them at that one point in time; it’s to be passed on from generation to generation.
Just as the Israelites were responsible to pass their laws, customs and traditions to future generations, today we are responsible to pass our love for the Lord and knowledge of His Word to the children around us.
There are so many ways to encourage kids in our community. To name a few; you can coach a little league team, volunteer at church in the kids program, help at a VBS, volunteer in a school classroom, buy some lemonade from the kids down the street, write a note of encouragement to a child you know, attend a program, school play or sporting event of a child in your community to support their talents. You can also financially support a child in another country, pray for them and correspond with them. All of the examples I just listed are ones that I’ve seen people in my community do.
Don’t forget, kids are always watching you. Most often they’re watching your actions. If they look up to you and they see you doing something inappropriate, they will think it’s ok for them to do it, too. This week, ask God for a specific way that you can impact future generations.
Scripture: Leviticus 23:9-14
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we know you love children dearly. While your Son lived on earth, he took extra time to talk to the children whom He met. We want to follow Your example and show extra love to children. Please show us how we can do this. Holy Spirit, please lead us to the area of service where we can help children grow to love You more. We want to live our lives so that children have an example of how to love You. Amen
No matter how they react, the pastor always prays over the baby and its parents. I love watching each family commit to raise their child in a godly home and promise to teach them about Christ’s love.
However, what I love most about baby dedications is when the pastor turns to the congregation and asks us if we are willing to live a life that will point these children to the Lord. He asks if we are willing to be part of the group of people who will ultimately help these children come to know Jesus in a personal way.
Each time there is a baby dedication, it is a time of personal reflection for me. It’s a time for me to recommit my life to the Lord as I realize that I have an important job to do – not only for my own family – but for the kids in our congregation and community. You see, it’s not only each individual family’s job to point their children to Christ, it’s the responsibility of the entire church body.
My devotions right now are taking me through the book of Leviticus. It’s a strange book to read, full of rules and regulations for the Israelites. However, one phrase stood out today – “generation to generation.” The Lord is clear that what He’s telling them is not just for them at that one point in time; it’s to be passed on from generation to generation.
Just as the Israelites were responsible to pass their laws, customs and traditions to future generations, today we are responsible to pass our love for the Lord and knowledge of His Word to the children around us.
There are so many ways to encourage kids in our community. To name a few; you can coach a little league team, volunteer at church in the kids program, help at a VBS, volunteer in a school classroom, buy some lemonade from the kids down the street, write a note of encouragement to a child you know, attend a program, school play or sporting event of a child in your community to support their talents. You can also financially support a child in another country, pray for them and correspond with them. All of the examples I just listed are ones that I’ve seen people in my community do.
Don’t forget, kids are always watching you. Most often they’re watching your actions. If they look up to you and they see you doing something inappropriate, they will think it’s ok for them to do it, too. This week, ask God for a specific way that you can impact future generations.
Scripture: Leviticus 23:9-14
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we know you love children dearly. While your Son lived on earth, he took extra time to talk to the children whom He met. We want to follow Your example and show extra love to children. Please show us how we can do this. Holy Spirit, please lead us to the area of service where we can help children grow to love You more. We want to live our lives so that children have an example of how to love You. Amen
Monday, June 6, 2011
Fast Food gods
Life in America is definitely lived at a fast pace. We want what we want and we want it now! If you don’t believe me, just listen to some of the names of the local businesses in my area. Quick Clean Car Wash. Quick Mart. Quick Fix Massage Shop. Kwik Trip (gas station). Express Window Cleaning. Express Employment Professionals. Express Care. Fast Signs.
Do I even want to experience a “quick massage” or “express care”? Is an “express employment professional” really someone I want to hire?
If I’m being honest, I perpetuate this constant drive for quick results in my daily life. I get frustrated when my computer can’t run five programs at once. The other day I was actually berating my computer out loud (I bet you would have liked to hear that)! Yesterday when I came upon cars that were only going the speed limit, I looked for an opportunity to pass them. At the grocery store I always pace the isles looking for the shortest line. At McDonald’s this weekend I had to wait 10 minutes for my food and it seemed like an eternity.
I think you get the point! This morning as I read my devotions, I was surprised to see that the children of Israel also acted impatiently. When Moses was receiving the 10 Commandments, they decided they didn’t want to wait for him. Exodus 32:1 says that when the people of Israel saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they complained to Aaron. They said, “Makes us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.”
Allow me to paraphrase, “We are tired of waiting. We want fast-food gods and we want them now. We don’t care if the one true God has led us out of slavery and captivity and is taking us to the Promised Land. If God won’t do what we want right now, we just can’t be bothered to wait. Make us some false gods.”
We have to be careful that we don’t expect God to produce results for us like the quick results we expect at McDonald’s or the instant cash machine. God is not our express teller. God will answer us in His timing and His timing is always best. God wants us to be faithful to Him in prayer and patient in waiting for Him to answer.
Don’t get caught up in the fast food mentality when it comes to your relationship with God. We can’t develop a deep and lasting relationship with the Lord if we don’t spend quality time with Him. In other words, we can’t expect a Timber Lodge steak at Burger King. There’s no such thing as a fast food God.
Scripture: Exodus 32:1-29
Prayer: Oh, God, we know that You want to have a relationship with us. You sent Your Son Jesus to take on our sins so that we can know You personally. Please forgive us for taking You for granted. Forgive us for wanting a deep relationship with You, but not putting in the time to read Your Word and get to know You better. We don’t want to know you in a “fast food” way. We want to wait patiently to listen for You to speak to us.
Do I even want to experience a “quick massage” or “express care”? Is an “express employment professional” really someone I want to hire?
If I’m being honest, I perpetuate this constant drive for quick results in my daily life. I get frustrated when my computer can’t run five programs at once. The other day I was actually berating my computer out loud (I bet you would have liked to hear that)! Yesterday when I came upon cars that were only going the speed limit, I looked for an opportunity to pass them. At the grocery store I always pace the isles looking for the shortest line. At McDonald’s this weekend I had to wait 10 minutes for my food and it seemed like an eternity.
I think you get the point! This morning as I read my devotions, I was surprised to see that the children of Israel also acted impatiently. When Moses was receiving the 10 Commandments, they decided they didn’t want to wait for him. Exodus 32:1 says that when the people of Israel saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they complained to Aaron. They said, “Makes us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.”
Allow me to paraphrase, “We are tired of waiting. We want fast-food gods and we want them now. We don’t care if the one true God has led us out of slavery and captivity and is taking us to the Promised Land. If God won’t do what we want right now, we just can’t be bothered to wait. Make us some false gods.”
We have to be careful that we don’t expect God to produce results for us like the quick results we expect at McDonald’s or the instant cash machine. God is not our express teller. God will answer us in His timing and His timing is always best. God wants us to be faithful to Him in prayer and patient in waiting for Him to answer.
Don’t get caught up in the fast food mentality when it comes to your relationship with God. We can’t develop a deep and lasting relationship with the Lord if we don’t spend quality time with Him. In other words, we can’t expect a Timber Lodge steak at Burger King. There’s no such thing as a fast food God.
Scripture: Exodus 32:1-29
Prayer: Oh, God, we know that You want to have a relationship with us. You sent Your Son Jesus to take on our sins so that we can know You personally. Please forgive us for taking You for granted. Forgive us for wanting a deep relationship with You, but not putting in the time to read Your Word and get to know You better. We don’t want to know you in a “fast food” way. We want to wait patiently to listen for You to speak to us.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Where’s the Rest?
Last week was busy around our house. I’m sure you can relate to that. Activities, meetings, work and the responsibilities of everyday life seemed to take up every spare minute in the week. We were looking forward to a long Memorial Day weekend and hopefully an extra day to relax.
While I would classify the weekend as extremely fun, it was not necessarily relaxing. We enjoyed spending time with family and working on projects at our cabin, but when I got home I found myself exhausted.
We had experienced a strange weekend to say the least. Let me give you a brief recap. On our way up to the cabin (my husband’s first time pulling a trailer or boat) the boat cover flew off and we quickly needed to shift everything from the boat to our already full cars. We had to pull off to the side of a two-lane road with no shoulder and my heart raced as cars whizzed dangerously close. Did I mention it was raining?
The next day our brother-in-law helped us get the boat in the water, helped us figure out how to work the boat lift and helped us fix the boat cover that broke the night before. We were beyond excited to take the boat for a spin, so we loaded into the boat headed out on the water. The engine sputtered, but we kept going. We weren’t going to let a little sputtering ruin our first boat ride! Within minutes, we felt the boat hit something (we found out later it was a sunken island) and shredded our prop. Soon we were loading the boat back on the trailer and heading for the repair shop.
Ahhhh. Finally it was Sunday! We could go to church and fellowship with other believers. However, as we pulled into the church parking lot, we noticed something was wrong. The parking lot was full, but no one was milling around. As we entered the church we were surprised to see the pastor giving already giving the sermon. I looked at my bulletin and realized that this was the week that the time of service changed to half an hour earlier, which meant we were very late.
When I was reading my devotions this week, I realized why I came home so tired out from the weekend. It was not because of these situations I just mentioned – they are actually pretty funny now that I think back. I was tired because I didn’t take time to rest. In Exodus 20, God told the Israelites that they should work for six days and on the seventh they should rest. God followed this example when He created the world. He created the world in six days and on the seventh He rested.
God knew what He was doing when He created us. He didn’t create our bodies to go, go, go and never take a break. He created us to work hard and then take time away from work to regain our strength and focus on Him. I can see now that I wasn’t following God’s plan for my week. Sometimes we may even need to schedule rest into our week. If we don’t take time out of our week to dedicate to the Lord and give our bodies a break, God may ask us, “Where’s the rest?”
Scripture: Exodus 20:1-21
Prayer: Dear God, when You created the world. You set the example of how to work hard and how to rest. You want us to dedicate time out of each week to spend with You. We want to follow Your example and give our bodies time to relax and recuperate from the work week. Please forgive us for the times when we don’t follow this plan and overextend ourselves. Thank you for setting the example of how our weeks should look.
While I would classify the weekend as extremely fun, it was not necessarily relaxing. We enjoyed spending time with family and working on projects at our cabin, but when I got home I found myself exhausted.
We had experienced a strange weekend to say the least. Let me give you a brief recap. On our way up to the cabin (my husband’s first time pulling a trailer or boat) the boat cover flew off and we quickly needed to shift everything from the boat to our already full cars. We had to pull off to the side of a two-lane road with no shoulder and my heart raced as cars whizzed dangerously close. Did I mention it was raining?
The next day our brother-in-law helped us get the boat in the water, helped us figure out how to work the boat lift and helped us fix the boat cover that broke the night before. We were beyond excited to take the boat for a spin, so we loaded into the boat headed out on the water. The engine sputtered, but we kept going. We weren’t going to let a little sputtering ruin our first boat ride! Within minutes, we felt the boat hit something (we found out later it was a sunken island) and shredded our prop. Soon we were loading the boat back on the trailer and heading for the repair shop.
Ahhhh. Finally it was Sunday! We could go to church and fellowship with other believers. However, as we pulled into the church parking lot, we noticed something was wrong. The parking lot was full, but no one was milling around. As we entered the church we were surprised to see the pastor giving already giving the sermon. I looked at my bulletin and realized that this was the week that the time of service changed to half an hour earlier, which meant we were very late.
When I was reading my devotions this week, I realized why I came home so tired out from the weekend. It was not because of these situations I just mentioned – they are actually pretty funny now that I think back. I was tired because I didn’t take time to rest. In Exodus 20, God told the Israelites that they should work for six days and on the seventh they should rest. God followed this example when He created the world. He created the world in six days and on the seventh He rested.
God knew what He was doing when He created us. He didn’t create our bodies to go, go, go and never take a break. He created us to work hard and then take time away from work to regain our strength and focus on Him. I can see now that I wasn’t following God’s plan for my week. Sometimes we may even need to schedule rest into our week. If we don’t take time out of our week to dedicate to the Lord and give our bodies a break, God may ask us, “Where’s the rest?”
Scripture: Exodus 20:1-21
Prayer: Dear God, when You created the world. You set the example of how to work hard and how to rest. You want us to dedicate time out of each week to spend with You. We want to follow Your example and give our bodies time to relax and recuperate from the work week. Please forgive us for the times when we don’t follow this plan and overextend ourselves. Thank you for setting the example of how our weeks should look.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Thursdays with Wayne
Almost a year and a half ago now I spent my first Thursday with Wayne. Wayne and I were two very different people, yet we had one thing in common – time. My kids were both in school, so I had spare time during the day. Wayne had ALS and had just stopped working, which also freed up his daily schedule. When I found out that Wayne needed help a few hours a week, I decided to volunteer for the job.
At first I thought it might be awkward – a stay-at-home mom fixing lunch for a middle-aged man. I also thought conversation could be strained. Would we talk about his illness or would there be an elephant in the room? I soon found there was no cause for worry because Wayne made me feel right at home the minute I walked in his door. His surprising candor about his illness and imminent death stomped out any elephant I could’ve imagined.
When I first volunteered to spend time at Wayne’s, we had decided to read books together. We did end up reading through a couple of Christian books, but we usually did more talking than reading! It was hard to get much reading in when I asked a lot of questions and Wayne told a lot of stories!
As Wayne’s illness progressed, our time together stretched from a few hours to a full day. We would drink coffee, eat breakfast and lunch, and then Wayne would rest and I would go home. When we weren’t eating a meal or drinking coffee, we would discuss. I loved to listen to Wayne share his unique perspective on life. I admired how he lived life to the fullest and always had a positive attitude, even though he had every right to be negative about the cruel disease that was ravaging his body.
During our time together God allowed both good and bad things into his life. I watched him closely, and saw that he never blamed God or wished that his life was different. I hope if I was ever in a situation like that, I would be as faithful to God as Wayne was.
You’ve probably noticed that I’ve written this entry in the past tense. That’s because Wayne went to “meet Jesus,” as my daughter says, a few days ago. Today is the first Thursday after his death. My calendar for today still reads “Wayne.” It was my day to visit – and thankfully I’ll be spending one last Thursday with Wayne. Today is his “Celebration of Life.” There will be a visitation, a service and a praise team singing songs that Wayne chose himself.
Today we will celebrate a life well-lived. We will celebrate a man who stared a horrible disease in the face and fought back with all of his might. Personally, I will celebrate my friend and brother in Christ. Wayne, today I will remember the precious gift you gave me – the gift of Thursdays - the gift of your time.
Scripture: James 1:2-5
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of time. Please help us to remember that our time can be given as a gift to others. Help us to leave time in our schedules to be there for others. Thank you for the example Wayne set as he was faithful to you during both the good and bad times he experienced. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
At first I thought it might be awkward – a stay-at-home mom fixing lunch for a middle-aged man. I also thought conversation could be strained. Would we talk about his illness or would there be an elephant in the room? I soon found there was no cause for worry because Wayne made me feel right at home the minute I walked in his door. His surprising candor about his illness and imminent death stomped out any elephant I could’ve imagined.
When I first volunteered to spend time at Wayne’s, we had decided to read books together. We did end up reading through a couple of Christian books, but we usually did more talking than reading! It was hard to get much reading in when I asked a lot of questions and Wayne told a lot of stories!
As Wayne’s illness progressed, our time together stretched from a few hours to a full day. We would drink coffee, eat breakfast and lunch, and then Wayne would rest and I would go home. When we weren’t eating a meal or drinking coffee, we would discuss. I loved to listen to Wayne share his unique perspective on life. I admired how he lived life to the fullest and always had a positive attitude, even though he had every right to be negative about the cruel disease that was ravaging his body.
During our time together God allowed both good and bad things into his life. I watched him closely, and saw that he never blamed God or wished that his life was different. I hope if I was ever in a situation like that, I would be as faithful to God as Wayne was.
You’ve probably noticed that I’ve written this entry in the past tense. That’s because Wayne went to “meet Jesus,” as my daughter says, a few days ago. Today is the first Thursday after his death. My calendar for today still reads “Wayne.” It was my day to visit – and thankfully I’ll be spending one last Thursday with Wayne. Today is his “Celebration of Life.” There will be a visitation, a service and a praise team singing songs that Wayne chose himself.
Today we will celebrate a life well-lived. We will celebrate a man who stared a horrible disease in the face and fought back with all of his might. Personally, I will celebrate my friend and brother in Christ. Wayne, today I will remember the precious gift you gave me – the gift of Thursdays - the gift of your time.
Scripture: James 1:2-5
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of time. Please help us to remember that our time can be given as a gift to others. Help us to leave time in our schedules to be there for others. Thank you for the example Wayne set as he was faithful to you during both the good and bad times he experienced. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Don’t Skip a Step!
This is a little embarrassing to admit, but sometimes I try to run up the stairs and I miss a step. You can imagine what happens next! I trip and fall in the most awkward way. I should have watched where I was going so I didn’t miss a step.
It’s the same with our Christian walk. There are steps to follow. If we miss a step, we may find ourselves sprawled out on the stairs, so to speak! For example would you want someone who completed a CPR class to perform heart surgery on you? Probably not! First you’d want them to go through years of proper medical training and then you might feel more comfortable letting them crack your chest open.
Deuteronomy 11:18-20 spells out the steps we should take as a follower of Christ. First we must study the Bible and get to know God in a personal way. We need to carve out time for Him in our daily lives through Scripture reading and prayer. Verse 18 says, “Fix these words of mine on your hearts and minds; tie them on your hands and bind them on your foreheads!” Isn’t that a great word picture of the importance of personally learning God’s word?
The next step is to teach what we’ve learned to our children – in other words – bring what you’re learning spiritually into your family life. Verse 19 says, “Teach these words (Scripture) to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and get up.” That’s pretty much all of the time! Basically, you should be putting God’s word into practice throughout the day.
When you have started a habit of studying God’s word on your own and you are bringing it to your family, then you are ready to go into the world. Verse 20 says, “Write (Scripture) on the doorframes of your houses and your gates.” This can mean that you serve in your community and throughout the world.
Sometimes in our Christian walk it’s tempting to run too fast and skip a step. Take it from me – it’s no fun to lie on the stairs in pain. It’s so worth it to take the Christian life one step at a time.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 11:18-25
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to die on the cross so that we might have a personal relationship with You. We want to get to know You better through searching Your word daily. Please give us knowledge and insight to share in our homes with our family so that they may also grow in You. When we are ready, please show us how we can reach our community and world for You. We love you! Amen
It’s the same with our Christian walk. There are steps to follow. If we miss a step, we may find ourselves sprawled out on the stairs, so to speak! For example would you want someone who completed a CPR class to perform heart surgery on you? Probably not! First you’d want them to go through years of proper medical training and then you might feel more comfortable letting them crack your chest open.
Deuteronomy 11:18-20 spells out the steps we should take as a follower of Christ. First we must study the Bible and get to know God in a personal way. We need to carve out time for Him in our daily lives through Scripture reading and prayer. Verse 18 says, “Fix these words of mine on your hearts and minds; tie them on your hands and bind them on your foreheads!” Isn’t that a great word picture of the importance of personally learning God’s word?
The next step is to teach what we’ve learned to our children – in other words – bring what you’re learning spiritually into your family life. Verse 19 says, “Teach these words (Scripture) to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and get up.” That’s pretty much all of the time! Basically, you should be putting God’s word into practice throughout the day.
When you have started a habit of studying God’s word on your own and you are bringing it to your family, then you are ready to go into the world. Verse 20 says, “Write (Scripture) on the doorframes of your houses and your gates.” This can mean that you serve in your community and throughout the world.
Sometimes in our Christian walk it’s tempting to run too fast and skip a step. Take it from me – it’s no fun to lie on the stairs in pain. It’s so worth it to take the Christian life one step at a time.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 11:18-25
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to die on the cross so that we might have a personal relationship with You. We want to get to know You better through searching Your word daily. Please give us knowledge and insight to share in our homes with our family so that they may also grow in You. When we are ready, please show us how we can reach our community and world for You. We love you! Amen
Friday, May 13, 2011
Sit in the Dirt
The other day I was talking to my friend who is part of a small group at church. She told me that their last small group meeting was spent at a wake for one of their member’s dad. Usually small group meetings include snacks, games, dinner and Bible studies, so I was a little taken back when she told me they went to a wake!
She told me that the fact that their group attended the wake meant a lot to the person whose dad passed away. Their attendance had shown support and love to their friend who had just experienced a tough loss.
Through this situation, I was reminded that we don’t always have to say exactly the right words to someone who’s struggling. Sometimes it’s enough just for us to be a listening ear. It’s enough just to be there for them.
As I was reading in Job today, I was reminded that Job was a man who had lost everything. He lost everything he owned and everyone who was dear to him. He also suffered physically with terrible boils from head to toe. This man was about as low as anyone could go.
Job’s wife suggested he curse God and die! Now there’s a good example of a time when someone should’ve just kept their mouth shut! Job’s response was to say that it’s not right just to accept only good things from God and nothing bad.
While Job is in the midst of his grieving and suffering, three of his friends decided to come to him to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar (just thought you’d want to know in case you’re looking for baby names). When these three men saw Job from a distance, Scripture says they hardly recognized him.
The next part of the story is very poignant. Job 2:12 says they wailed loudly, tore their robes and threw dust over their heads. Then it says they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights! Can you imagine sitting with someone and grieving with them for seven days? I love what the next verse says, “No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.”
Don’t you just get a kick out of that picture? Imagine four grown men sitting on the dirty ground in torn clothing, probably smelly after not showering for seven days. Now that’s sympathy! I especially love the part where Scripture says that they didn’t say a word. Of course if they were women, they might have only lasted a day or so without talking!
This story is a good example for us. When people around us are hurting, we don’t have to know exactly what to say, but we can listen. It’s actually a freeing concept for me, since I’ve been known to say the wrong thing once or twice! Our presence can be enough. However, try not to go seven days without a shower, or they may ask you to leave!
Scripture: Job 1-2:13
Prayer: Lord, it’s hard to watch people we care about suffer. We want to fix their situation so they don’t have to hurt anymore. However, You have shown us through the example of Job and his friends that sometimes we just need to be available to listen. We just need to listen and let You do the rest. Help us to rest in You for our needs and for the needs of others around us.
She told me that the fact that their group attended the wake meant a lot to the person whose dad passed away. Their attendance had shown support and love to their friend who had just experienced a tough loss.
Through this situation, I was reminded that we don’t always have to say exactly the right words to someone who’s struggling. Sometimes it’s enough just for us to be a listening ear. It’s enough just to be there for them.
As I was reading in Job today, I was reminded that Job was a man who had lost everything. He lost everything he owned and everyone who was dear to him. He also suffered physically with terrible boils from head to toe. This man was about as low as anyone could go.
Job’s wife suggested he curse God and die! Now there’s a good example of a time when someone should’ve just kept their mouth shut! Job’s response was to say that it’s not right just to accept only good things from God and nothing bad.
While Job is in the midst of his grieving and suffering, three of his friends decided to come to him to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar (just thought you’d want to know in case you’re looking for baby names). When these three men saw Job from a distance, Scripture says they hardly recognized him.
The next part of the story is very poignant. Job 2:12 says they wailed loudly, tore their robes and threw dust over their heads. Then it says they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights! Can you imagine sitting with someone and grieving with them for seven days? I love what the next verse says, “No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.”
Don’t you just get a kick out of that picture? Imagine four grown men sitting on the dirty ground in torn clothing, probably smelly after not showering for seven days. Now that’s sympathy! I especially love the part where Scripture says that they didn’t say a word. Of course if they were women, they might have only lasted a day or so without talking!
This story is a good example for us. When people around us are hurting, we don’t have to know exactly what to say, but we can listen. It’s actually a freeing concept for me, since I’ve been known to say the wrong thing once or twice! Our presence can be enough. However, try not to go seven days without a shower, or they may ask you to leave!
Scripture: Job 1-2:13
Prayer: Lord, it’s hard to watch people we care about suffer. We want to fix their situation so they don’t have to hurt anymore. However, You have shown us through the example of Job and his friends that sometimes we just need to be available to listen. We just need to listen and let You do the rest. Help us to rest in You for our needs and for the needs of others around us.
Monday, May 9, 2011
A Special Gift
Yesterday was Mother’s Day. My family took me out for lunch and then shopping. I used the day to my advantage – even making them shop at a home store with me. As I was browsing, my daughter and husband mysteriously disappeared. When we left the store, my daughter presented me with a pink-jeweled-butterfly hanging decoration that she purchased with her own money.
It’s not the gift itself that I love so much as the fact that she spent her own money on me. This little jewel butterfly is hanging above my computer so that I can remember the manner in which it was purchased out of love.
Our final stop for the day was Target. My daughter said she had $16 and some change to spend, so we stood in the toy isle picking out what she could afford. She chose three small toys and we headed to check out. Her total came to $16.34, but as she counted her money, she found she only had $13. I told her she needed to choose a toy to put back. To my surprise, she quickly chose one of the toys and payed for the other two.
On the way home, I figured out why she didn’t have enough money to buy her toys. It was because she had spent some of her money on me. Suddenly the gift meant even more to me because I realized she had to sacrifice a new toy to give me my decoration.
I was reminded of the widow in Luke 21 who gave all she had. She was very poor, yet she gave sacrificially. When we give out of our poverty, we display the truest form of sacrificial giving. This widow gave all of her money and in doing so, she chose to live by faith, expecting that God would meet her daily needs.
This story made me think about my own life. Am I giving out of my excess or am I giving sacrificially? When I set aside myself and my needs and wants to help others, then I am giving sacrificially. God wants all of our lives, not just the surplus. He wants us to give so that we have to trust Him to meet our needs. How is God prompting you to give sacrificially – your time, finances, possessions, reaching out to someone? Pray that He will show you where and how He wants you to give.
Scripture: Luke 21:1-4
Prayer: Even thought the widow in Luke only gave a small amount of money, You say that she gave more than those who were wealthy. We want to surrender to Your will and give out of a heart of sacrifice; not out of our surplus. Thank you for giving us the example of this widow. Please show us where we can give sacrificially to our family, our community and our world.
It’s not the gift itself that I love so much as the fact that she spent her own money on me. This little jewel butterfly is hanging above my computer so that I can remember the manner in which it was purchased out of love.
Our final stop for the day was Target. My daughter said she had $16 and some change to spend, so we stood in the toy isle picking out what she could afford. She chose three small toys and we headed to check out. Her total came to $16.34, but as she counted her money, she found she only had $13. I told her she needed to choose a toy to put back. To my surprise, she quickly chose one of the toys and payed for the other two.
On the way home, I figured out why she didn’t have enough money to buy her toys. It was because she had spent some of her money on me. Suddenly the gift meant even more to me because I realized she had to sacrifice a new toy to give me my decoration.
I was reminded of the widow in Luke 21 who gave all she had. She was very poor, yet she gave sacrificially. When we give out of our poverty, we display the truest form of sacrificial giving. This widow gave all of her money and in doing so, she chose to live by faith, expecting that God would meet her daily needs.
This story made me think about my own life. Am I giving out of my excess or am I giving sacrificially? When I set aside myself and my needs and wants to help others, then I am giving sacrificially. God wants all of our lives, not just the surplus. He wants us to give so that we have to trust Him to meet our needs. How is God prompting you to give sacrificially – your time, finances, possessions, reaching out to someone? Pray that He will show you where and how He wants you to give.
Scripture: Luke 21:1-4
Prayer: Even thought the widow in Luke only gave a small amount of money, You say that she gave more than those who were wealthy. We want to surrender to Your will and give out of a heart of sacrifice; not out of our surplus. Thank you for giving us the example of this widow. Please show us where we can give sacrificially to our family, our community and our world.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Like to be Liked
I like being liked. Do you know what I mean? I wish I didn’t care what other people think of me, but I do. I am a firstborn, people-pleaser person. I don’t especially love this about myself, but it’s true.
The older I get, the more I realize that I can’t and won’t please everyone. But, that doesn’t stop me from trying! Ok, just a little humor there (very little?). Seriously, I am realizing that not everyone is going to like me all of the time, and I’m dealing with that fact.
This morning I was struggling in this area and feeling discouraged. Then I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me, quietly asking me, “Who are you trying to please?” I had to stop and think about that. Whose love and acceptance do I want?
When I try to please other people, my intentions are misguided. When I try to please God, I am heading in the right direction.
If I am following God’s will, then it really doesn’t matter if other people like me all of the time. This is easier said than done – especially if you’re a people pleaser person like me. God’s acceptance is what should be important to me. My security and sense of worth should come from Him, not others.
Sometimes when we follow God’s will for our lives, it is not easy. People may not agree with our choices. Following God’s plan is not always popular. We may disappoint people who do not understand our decisions.
Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” His is the only opinion that matters.
I don’t like that I like to be liked. But, if I like to be liked by the One who first loved me, that is the key.
Scripture: Romans 8:28-39
Prayer: Lord, You know that as humans we struggle with acceptance. We want other people to think highly of us when the only One we should care about is You. We want to seek You daily and spend time with You so that our focus will be on You and not people. We know that when we seek You with all of our hearts, You will find us and meet us. Thank you for that promise.
The older I get, the more I realize that I can’t and won’t please everyone. But, that doesn’t stop me from trying! Ok, just a little humor there (very little?). Seriously, I am realizing that not everyone is going to like me all of the time, and I’m dealing with that fact.
This morning I was struggling in this area and feeling discouraged. Then I felt the Holy Spirit nudging me, quietly asking me, “Who are you trying to please?” I had to stop and think about that. Whose love and acceptance do I want?
When I try to please other people, my intentions are misguided. When I try to please God, I am heading in the right direction.
If I am following God’s will, then it really doesn’t matter if other people like me all of the time. This is easier said than done – especially if you’re a people pleaser person like me. God’s acceptance is what should be important to me. My security and sense of worth should come from Him, not others.
Sometimes when we follow God’s will for our lives, it is not easy. People may not agree with our choices. Following God’s plan is not always popular. We may disappoint people who do not understand our decisions.
Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” His is the only opinion that matters.
I don’t like that I like to be liked. But, if I like to be liked by the One who first loved me, that is the key.
Scripture: Romans 8:28-39
Prayer: Lord, You know that as humans we struggle with acceptance. We want other people to think highly of us when the only One we should care about is You. We want to seek You daily and spend time with You so that our focus will be on You and not people. We know that when we seek You with all of our hearts, You will find us and meet us. Thank you for that promise.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The Nerve of Some People!
I can’t believe the nerve of some people – telling God what to do. That takes guts, nerve and stupidity all rolled up into one!
Abraham’s servant told God what to do. Of all the nerve! It all started when Abraham told his oldest servant, the man in charge of his whole household, to find his son Isaac a wife. Now that’s a tall order! The servant hesitantly agreed (like he had a choice!) and traveled to Abraham’s homeland to find his son a wife.
Can you imagine what was going through the servant’s mind as he made his journey? “Why did Abraham choose me for this job? Isn’t this a little above and beyond my job description? Why didn’t I put in for early retirement?” It’s easy to see why this servant may have been a little stressed out when he reached his destination.
So he does what any stressed-out guy would do – he gives God instructions. (Maybe it should have been the other way around – God giving him the instructions – but we’ll give him some grace because of his stress level.) As he sits by the well outside of town, he lays out his plan that God should follow. His plan is almost comical.
He says, “O LORD … See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a girl, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’ – let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac.”
That took a lot of nerve, laying out a specific plan for God. Let’s see what happened next.
Before he finished praying, a young woman named Rebekah came out with her water jar and filled it. The servant asked her for some water from her jar. She replied, “Drink, my lord … I’ll draw water for your camels, too.”
Bingo! Ding, ding, ding … we have a winner!
However, the servant wasn’t so sure. The Scripture says the servant watched her in silence, wondering whether or not the LORD had made his journey successful.
Really? Let me get this straight. The servant lays out a specific plan for God, watches as God answers his prayer – to the letter, and then wonders if she is the right one? My first reaction after reading this passage was, “Duh!” Of course she’s the one!
Then I thought about how many times God has answered my prayers and it took me a while to realize it. How many times has He answered me and I forgot to thank Him? How many times have I gone on with my life without giving proper thanks and credit to Him? Of all the nerve!
In the end, the servant does give praise to God, and he bowed down and worshiped Him. Let’s remember to keep our eyes open to where God is working and to give Him the glory for answered prayer.
Scripture: Genesis 24:1-27
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all of the times You’ve answered our prayers. You work in our lives so often and we want to notice all of the great ways You provide for us every day. Thank you for what you’ve done in our lives today and this week. I specifically want to say thanks for …
Abraham’s servant told God what to do. Of all the nerve! It all started when Abraham told his oldest servant, the man in charge of his whole household, to find his son Isaac a wife. Now that’s a tall order! The servant hesitantly agreed (like he had a choice!) and traveled to Abraham’s homeland to find his son a wife.
Can you imagine what was going through the servant’s mind as he made his journey? “Why did Abraham choose me for this job? Isn’t this a little above and beyond my job description? Why didn’t I put in for early retirement?” It’s easy to see why this servant may have been a little stressed out when he reached his destination.
So he does what any stressed-out guy would do – he gives God instructions. (Maybe it should have been the other way around – God giving him the instructions – but we’ll give him some grace because of his stress level.) As he sits by the well outside of town, he lays out his plan that God should follow. His plan is almost comical.
He says, “O LORD … See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a girl, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’ – let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac.”
That took a lot of nerve, laying out a specific plan for God. Let’s see what happened next.
Before he finished praying, a young woman named Rebekah came out with her water jar and filled it. The servant asked her for some water from her jar. She replied, “Drink, my lord … I’ll draw water for your camels, too.”
Bingo! Ding, ding, ding … we have a winner!
However, the servant wasn’t so sure. The Scripture says the servant watched her in silence, wondering whether or not the LORD had made his journey successful.
Really? Let me get this straight. The servant lays out a specific plan for God, watches as God answers his prayer – to the letter, and then wonders if she is the right one? My first reaction after reading this passage was, “Duh!” Of course she’s the one!
Then I thought about how many times God has answered my prayers and it took me a while to realize it. How many times has He answered me and I forgot to thank Him? How many times have I gone on with my life without giving proper thanks and credit to Him? Of all the nerve!
In the end, the servant does give praise to God, and he bowed down and worshiped Him. Let’s remember to keep our eyes open to where God is working and to give Him the glory for answered prayer.
Scripture: Genesis 24:1-27
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for all of the times You’ve answered our prayers. You work in our lives so often and we want to notice all of the great ways You provide for us every day. Thank you for what you’ve done in our lives today and this week. I specifically want to say thanks for …
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Celebrate 50!
The other day as I entered a new blog post, feelings of joy and accomplishment washed over me. The reason for this happines was that I had reached the "50 mark," meaning I had written over 50 blog posts! Never in my life did I ever think I'd write a blog, much less write 50 posts!
However, when I checked the date of when my blog began, my happiness was short lived. January of 2010. I did the math and realized that I had written about one blog post a week. My heart sank. My goal was to write two posts a week. The elation I felt a few minutes ago quickly turned to disappointment and frustration.
Degrading thoughts swam in my head. "I should have met my goal. Why didn't I try harder? What a failure!"
In the midst of my emotional bruising session, the Lord brought a devotion I'd written for a shower to my mind. Ironically, it was about grace! At the shower I had shared that none of us are perfect as wives, moms or friends, and that we need to give ourselves grace. I guess when I wrote that for a baby shower, I wasn't expecting it to also ring true in my life.
Instead of beating myself up, I should have been happy about the 50 posts I was able to write. That's 50 times God has helped me relate Biblical truth to daily life. And, it's a lot of seeking His Word in the process, which has been an awesome step for me.
The fact that I am even writing a blog is through the grace of God. I can honestly say that He has inspired each one. I may not have reached my goal this year, but I'm not giving up. With God's power and His grace I will keep on writing, even if it's only once a week, because God's power is made perfect in my weakness. He can still use one blog a week for His glory!
I don't know what God's timing is for me with my writing. It seems like it's going more slowly than I want, but since God set the example of giving me grace, I'm going to give myself grace, too. I'm going to celebrate 50!
Scripture: 2 Cor. 12:7-10; 2 Peter 3:18
Prayer: Lord, everything good in our lives is by Your grace. May we follow the example You set with grace - giving free and unmerited favor to a sinful humanity - and give grace to others. We want to give grace to ourselves, our family, our neighbors (everyone else!). Lord, we want to remember to give You thanks for everything good in our lives!
However, when I checked the date of when my blog began, my happiness was short lived. January of 2010. I did the math and realized that I had written about one blog post a week. My heart sank. My goal was to write two posts a week. The elation I felt a few minutes ago quickly turned to disappointment and frustration.
Degrading thoughts swam in my head. "I should have met my goal. Why didn't I try harder? What a failure!"
In the midst of my emotional bruising session, the Lord brought a devotion I'd written for a shower to my mind. Ironically, it was about grace! At the shower I had shared that none of us are perfect as wives, moms or friends, and that we need to give ourselves grace. I guess when I wrote that for a baby shower, I wasn't expecting it to also ring true in my life.
Instead of beating myself up, I should have been happy about the 50 posts I was able to write. That's 50 times God has helped me relate Biblical truth to daily life. And, it's a lot of seeking His Word in the process, which has been an awesome step for me.
The fact that I am even writing a blog is through the grace of God. I can honestly say that He has inspired each one. I may not have reached my goal this year, but I'm not giving up. With God's power and His grace I will keep on writing, even if it's only once a week, because God's power is made perfect in my weakness. He can still use one blog a week for His glory!
I don't know what God's timing is for me with my writing. It seems like it's going more slowly than I want, but since God set the example of giving me grace, I'm going to give myself grace, too. I'm going to celebrate 50!
Scripture: 2 Cor. 12:7-10; 2 Peter 3:18
Prayer: Lord, everything good in our lives is by Your grace. May we follow the example You set with grace - giving free and unmerited favor to a sinful humanity - and give grace to others. We want to give grace to ourselves, our family, our neighbors (everyone else!). Lord, we want to remember to give You thanks for everything good in our lives!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Step Away from the Chocolate
One day when my daughter was around five years old, she came into my office with a face full of chocolate. We both knew she had not asked for permission to eat candy.
Fully knowing the answer, I asked her, “Did you just eat a Milky Way?”
“No,” she answered, very seriously. I could see she was holding the wrapper and the uneaten portion of the candy bar in her little hands.
“Then where did you get that?” I asked as I pointed toward the candy in her hand.
Without missing a beat, she looked down incredulously at her hand and replied in a shocked voice, “How did that get there?”
Even now I am laughing as I remember this story. Her disobedience began by eating the chocolate and continued on with a lie to try and cover it up.
There’s a similar situation in Genesis 4. Cain, a farmer, presented some of his crops as a gift to God when he should have given the best of his crops. In comparison, Cain’s brother Able, a shepherd, brought the best of his firstborn lambs to offer God.
The LORD accepted Able’s gift, but He did not accept Cain’s gift. This made Cain so frustrated that he attacked his brother and killed him. When God asked Cain where Able was, Cain lied by pretending he didn’t know. What had started out with the sin of disobedience had turned into murder and lying.
My daughter was foolish to think I wouldn’t see the chocolate evidence “written” all over her face and Cain was foolish to think the Lord wouldn’t know he offered God a cheap gift, murdered his brother and then lied about it. Genesis 4:7 says, “Sin is crouching at your door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” If we don’t subdue the first sin, other sins will start to control us.
Don’t take that first bite of the Milky Way. God can see the chocolate on your face!
Scripture: Genesis 4:1-12
Prayer: Lord, after reading this passage in Genesis, we can see how one sin breeds other sins. After we fall into sin, it can easily control us and become our master. We want to say “no” to each sin and temptation in our lives. We want to be aware of sin so that we can stop it before it even begins.
Fully knowing the answer, I asked her, “Did you just eat a Milky Way?”
“No,” she answered, very seriously. I could see she was holding the wrapper and the uneaten portion of the candy bar in her little hands.
“Then where did you get that?” I asked as I pointed toward the candy in her hand.
Without missing a beat, she looked down incredulously at her hand and replied in a shocked voice, “How did that get there?”
Even now I am laughing as I remember this story. Her disobedience began by eating the chocolate and continued on with a lie to try and cover it up.
There’s a similar situation in Genesis 4. Cain, a farmer, presented some of his crops as a gift to God when he should have given the best of his crops. In comparison, Cain’s brother Able, a shepherd, brought the best of his firstborn lambs to offer God.
The LORD accepted Able’s gift, but He did not accept Cain’s gift. This made Cain so frustrated that he attacked his brother and killed him. When God asked Cain where Able was, Cain lied by pretending he didn’t know. What had started out with the sin of disobedience had turned into murder and lying.
My daughter was foolish to think I wouldn’t see the chocolate evidence “written” all over her face and Cain was foolish to think the Lord wouldn’t know he offered God a cheap gift, murdered his brother and then lied about it. Genesis 4:7 says, “Sin is crouching at your door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” If we don’t subdue the first sin, other sins will start to control us.
Don’t take that first bite of the Milky Way. God can see the chocolate on your face!
Scripture: Genesis 4:1-12
Prayer: Lord, after reading this passage in Genesis, we can see how one sin breeds other sins. After we fall into sin, it can easily control us and become our master. We want to say “no” to each sin and temptation in our lives. We want to be aware of sin so that we can stop it before it even begins.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Squashing the “What Ifs”
I guess you could say that my daughter has had issues going to school. In kindergarten, she claimed she couldn’t find her classroom and frequently asked the principal or secretary for an escort. Thankfully they were accommodating!
In first grade she would go outside and stand in line for the bus. I stood in our entryway, eagerly awaiting what would happen next. Some days at the last possible second, she would turn around and run back to the house. When she got to the door and the bus pulled away, she would say, “I have a stomach ache.”
It was so frustrating! I didn’t want to make a sick child go to school, but I didn’t want to get “played” either! Her stomach aches didn’t usually amount to anything serious, so I’d end up driving her in to school.
Now she’s in third grade and she’s been having stomach aches again. For the past month, off and on, she’ll tell me her stomach and throat hurt and that she doesn’t want to go to school. At first I still made her go, but when her complaints were consistent for a few weeks, I started to wonder if something more serious was going on.
I took her to the doctor and she tested positive for strep throat. She took a round of antibiotics, but still there wasn’t much improvement. She was missing 2-3 days of school per week. The doctors did a mono test that came back negative. The situation was baffling me.
My mind started going down roads it should never travel. The “what ifs” started to run rampant through my mind and I started letting fear take control. One evening when anxiety was especially strong, the Lord brought Psalm 56:3 to mind, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” I repeated that verse over and over in my mind to help calm the “what ifs.”
The next day I saw a friend who shared that he had applied for a job and was waiting to hear the response. The company said they’d get back to him in a week. I asked him how he was doing and he replied, “It’s a chance for me to trust God for another week.”
Boy did I feel convicted! I could be viewing my daughter’s mysterious illness as a chance to trust God for another day, another week or another month. How often does God ask us to depend on Him? Do we view those times as opportunities to trust God for another week, day, year … sometimes another minute? Will we let the “what ifs” take over or will we trust in God?
Scripture: Psalm 56
Prayer: God, You are the one who has the best plan for our lives. Please forgive us for trying to take matters into our own hands. Please take our fear and anxiety and turn it into trust. We believe that You are sovereign, which means supreme in power and authority. We believe that You have plans to prosper us and not to harm us … plans to give us a hope and a future! We want to trust in You, not dwell on the “what ifs”!
In first grade she would go outside and stand in line for the bus. I stood in our entryway, eagerly awaiting what would happen next. Some days at the last possible second, she would turn around and run back to the house. When she got to the door and the bus pulled away, she would say, “I have a stomach ache.”
It was so frustrating! I didn’t want to make a sick child go to school, but I didn’t want to get “played” either! Her stomach aches didn’t usually amount to anything serious, so I’d end up driving her in to school.
Now she’s in third grade and she’s been having stomach aches again. For the past month, off and on, she’ll tell me her stomach and throat hurt and that she doesn’t want to go to school. At first I still made her go, but when her complaints were consistent for a few weeks, I started to wonder if something more serious was going on.
I took her to the doctor and she tested positive for strep throat. She took a round of antibiotics, but still there wasn’t much improvement. She was missing 2-3 days of school per week. The doctors did a mono test that came back negative. The situation was baffling me.
My mind started going down roads it should never travel. The “what ifs” started to run rampant through my mind and I started letting fear take control. One evening when anxiety was especially strong, the Lord brought Psalm 56:3 to mind, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” I repeated that verse over and over in my mind to help calm the “what ifs.”
The next day I saw a friend who shared that he had applied for a job and was waiting to hear the response. The company said they’d get back to him in a week. I asked him how he was doing and he replied, “It’s a chance for me to trust God for another week.”
Boy did I feel convicted! I could be viewing my daughter’s mysterious illness as a chance to trust God for another day, another week or another month. How often does God ask us to depend on Him? Do we view those times as opportunities to trust God for another week, day, year … sometimes another minute? Will we let the “what ifs” take over or will we trust in God?
Scripture: Psalm 56
Prayer: God, You are the one who has the best plan for our lives. Please forgive us for trying to take matters into our own hands. Please take our fear and anxiety and turn it into trust. We believe that You are sovereign, which means supreme in power and authority. We believe that You have plans to prosper us and not to harm us … plans to give us a hope and a future! We want to trust in You, not dwell on the “what ifs”!
Monday, March 14, 2011
My Mentor(s)
I don’t know everything. I like to think I do, but really I don’t. This fact of life became glaringly obvious after high school. That was when I first realized that I didn’t know it all.
As I grew older, I watched other people in my life become more intelligent. For example, my parents weren’t very smart when I was in high school, but when I went to college they got a lot more intelligent.
I have to wonder … did they really get smarter, or did I finally realize that I didn’t know everything?
No matter how it happened, the need for wise people in my life became evident. I desired a mentor to guide me along life’s path. I longed for someone to take me by the hand and lead me through life. Unfortunately, finding a mentor was easier said than done for me.
I’ve tried not to take it personally, but I have never found a mentor. I prayed about finding one. I even begged God for one. Once I took a big step of faith and asked someone to be my mentor, but it didn’t work out.
Before you feel too badly for me or wonder what on earth could be so wrong with me that no one would mentor me, let me share how God provided for this need in my life.
Instead of giving me that one mentor I prayed about, God gave me multiple mentors. There may not be one specific person devoted to me; yet God has blessed me with many people who guide me and encourage me. Right now I can think of friends in my life who inspire me, teach me, share Godly wisdom with me, listen to me and give me sound advice.
In my ignorance I asked God for a mentor, but He chose to answer my request more abundantly than I could have imagined. I am so thankful that God knows me better than I know myself. He is so much smarter than I am! (Duh!)
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12; Prov. 13:20; Prov. 11:30
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that You place wise people in our lives to guide us. You know us better than we know ourselves, and we trust You to give us what we need … and who we need! Right now we want to thank You for the people in our lives who mentor us. Please continue to direct us to wise mentors who are seeking You.
As I grew older, I watched other people in my life become more intelligent. For example, my parents weren’t very smart when I was in high school, but when I went to college they got a lot more intelligent.
I have to wonder … did they really get smarter, or did I finally realize that I didn’t know everything?
No matter how it happened, the need for wise people in my life became evident. I desired a mentor to guide me along life’s path. I longed for someone to take me by the hand and lead me through life. Unfortunately, finding a mentor was easier said than done for me.
I’ve tried not to take it personally, but I have never found a mentor. I prayed about finding one. I even begged God for one. Once I took a big step of faith and asked someone to be my mentor, but it didn’t work out.
Before you feel too badly for me or wonder what on earth could be so wrong with me that no one would mentor me, let me share how God provided for this need in my life.
Instead of giving me that one mentor I prayed about, God gave me multiple mentors. There may not be one specific person devoted to me; yet God has blessed me with many people who guide me and encourage me. Right now I can think of friends in my life who inspire me, teach me, share Godly wisdom with me, listen to me and give me sound advice.
In my ignorance I asked God for a mentor, but He chose to answer my request more abundantly than I could have imagined. I am so thankful that God knows me better than I know myself. He is so much smarter than I am! (Duh!)
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12; Prov. 13:20; Prov. 11:30
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that You place wise people in our lives to guide us. You know us better than we know ourselves, and we trust You to give us what we need … and who we need! Right now we want to thank You for the people in our lives who mentor us. Please continue to direct us to wise mentors who are seeking You.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Can I Give You a Pedicure?
Have you ever had a pedicure? If you have, then you know how heavenly they feel. But have you ever thought about the person giving the pedicure? Their job is to wash dirty, sweaty, smelly, calloused, ugly feet. They soak, scrub, buff, sand and clip, transforming these filthy body parts from grimy to clean.
When Jesus lived on earth, washing a guest’s feet was a job for a household servant. Imagine how dirty feet were in Bible times. Servants must have scraped layer upon layer of dirt from the guest's feet. Even the posture of cleaning feet – bending low – displays humility.
Knowing these cultural facts makes it even more surprising to read in John 13 that Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. He lowered Himself to the position of a servant. What were the disciples feeling when their Lord and Teacher humbly washed their filthy feet?
When Jesus finished the Bible-time pedicure, He said, “Now that I have washed your feet, you should wash one another’s feet … I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master.”
Jesus was telling his disciples in no uncertain terms that they should serve others. We also must accept this call. Does this mean we should go from house to house with a basin of warm water and some foot scrub? While our neighbors would probably love it, I think Jesus meant that we should serve others according to their needs.
Serving others can take on many forms. You can pray, send a note, bring a meal, donate your time, go on a missions trip, give financially, watch someone’s kids, help at a homeless shelter, become a foster parent – the list could go on forever. There are so many ways to wash feet!
Whose feet does God want you to wash? How does God want you to give a pedicure to someone in need? Let’s follow Christ’s example and wash someone’s feet today.
Scripture: John 13:1-17
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for setting the example of serving others by washing Your disciple’s feet. We want to follow Your command of serving others. Please show us a need that we can meet. We want to humbly serve others. We want to wash feet.
When Jesus lived on earth, washing a guest’s feet was a job for a household servant. Imagine how dirty feet were in Bible times. Servants must have scraped layer upon layer of dirt from the guest's feet. Even the posture of cleaning feet – bending low – displays humility.
Knowing these cultural facts makes it even more surprising to read in John 13 that Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. He lowered Himself to the position of a servant. What were the disciples feeling when their Lord and Teacher humbly washed their filthy feet?
When Jesus finished the Bible-time pedicure, He said, “Now that I have washed your feet, you should wash one another’s feet … I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master.”
Jesus was telling his disciples in no uncertain terms that they should serve others. We also must accept this call. Does this mean we should go from house to house with a basin of warm water and some foot scrub? While our neighbors would probably love it, I think Jesus meant that we should serve others according to their needs.
Serving others can take on many forms. You can pray, send a note, bring a meal, donate your time, go on a missions trip, give financially, watch someone’s kids, help at a homeless shelter, become a foster parent – the list could go on forever. There are so many ways to wash feet!
Whose feet does God want you to wash? How does God want you to give a pedicure to someone in need? Let’s follow Christ’s example and wash someone’s feet today.
Scripture: John 13:1-17
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for setting the example of serving others by washing Your disciple’s feet. We want to follow Your command of serving others. Please show us a need that we can meet. We want to humbly serve others. We want to wash feet.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Emotional Connection
This weekend I get to attend a women’s retreat with a friend who is the keynote speaker. To help her prepare for the week, I am praying for her and for the women attending the retreat. There are about 30 women planning to attend. Thirty women! That’s a lot of estrogen in one place!
As I pray for each woman, I can’t help but consider their individual lives. I don’t know anything about them – their backgrounds, their hurts, their current situations, their needs, their joys, their struggles – I don’t know, but God knows.
When 30 women get together, there are bound to be a wide variety of thoughts, feeling and emotions. Today as I read in the book of John, I was encouraged to read that Jesus experienced powerful emotions during His time on earth.
John chapter 11 recounts the story of Lazarus’ death and the grief that his sisters Mary & Martha experienced. When Jesus saw Mary weeping in sadness over the death of her brother, the Bible says that Jesus “was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” A few verses later it says that Jesus wept.
Isn’t it amazing that we serve a God who understands our emotions? His own Son walked on this earth and experienced the same feelings we do. He saw His friends in pain and wept. He loved them so much that it hurt Him to watch them suffer.
Some of the women coming to the retreat this weekend have undoubtedly experienced pain and heartache. Some of them are probably dealing with tough situations in life even now. Thankfully, Jesus not only knows the intricate emotions each woman will bring to the retreat; He has experienced similar emotions Himself.
Verse 38 says, “Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb.” He then raised Lazarus from the dead. This story is a great testimony of Jesus’ deep love for us. The pain and suffering Mary and Martha endured touched Him in a powerful way and He walked along side of them, feeling their pain as His own. He wants to do the same for us today.
Scripture: John 11:1-44
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to earth. As we read the story about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, we see the tenderness Jesus felt for Mary and Martha. Thank you that this same tenderness is available to us as we experience difficult times in our lives. Thank you for being a God who cares about us in such a personal way.
As I pray for each woman, I can’t help but consider their individual lives. I don’t know anything about them – their backgrounds, their hurts, their current situations, their needs, their joys, their struggles – I don’t know, but God knows.
When 30 women get together, there are bound to be a wide variety of thoughts, feeling and emotions. Today as I read in the book of John, I was encouraged to read that Jesus experienced powerful emotions during His time on earth.
John chapter 11 recounts the story of Lazarus’ death and the grief that his sisters Mary & Martha experienced. When Jesus saw Mary weeping in sadness over the death of her brother, the Bible says that Jesus “was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” A few verses later it says that Jesus wept.
Isn’t it amazing that we serve a God who understands our emotions? His own Son walked on this earth and experienced the same feelings we do. He saw His friends in pain and wept. He loved them so much that it hurt Him to watch them suffer.
Some of the women coming to the retreat this weekend have undoubtedly experienced pain and heartache. Some of them are probably dealing with tough situations in life even now. Thankfully, Jesus not only knows the intricate emotions each woman will bring to the retreat; He has experienced similar emotions Himself.
Verse 38 says, “Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb.” He then raised Lazarus from the dead. This story is a great testimony of Jesus’ deep love for us. The pain and suffering Mary and Martha endured touched Him in a powerful way and He walked along side of them, feeling their pain as His own. He wants to do the same for us today.
Scripture: John 11:1-44
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Your Son Jesus to earth. As we read the story about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, we see the tenderness Jesus felt for Mary and Martha. Thank you that this same tenderness is available to us as we experience difficult times in our lives. Thank you for being a God who cares about us in such a personal way.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Letters from Mary Fran
The first time I met Mary Fran Larson was around 10 years ago. She had just moved to town with her husband and three sons. She came to Bible study at my house and I was amazed that such a tiny person could exude such a large amount of positive enthusiasm.
The more I got to know Mary, the more she made me want to follow Christ’s command to love and serve others. She was always bringing food to someone in need, helping younger moms through life or sending out prayer requests through the prayer chain. However, the most personal way she touched my heart was by showing love to my daughter Shalyn.
Mary often sent (and still sends) Shalyn (age 8) a note in the mail. Most of the notes are brief and written on ordinary paper, but Miss Mary always makes them special. She usually decorates each note and mailing envelope with stickers or ribbon. These simple letters mean the world to Shalyn, who even started a “card collection” from Mary Larson.
Every so often we have Mary over for tea. Shalyn sets the table with pretty tea cups and lots of treats. They sit and talk and eat, but most importantly, Mary invests in Shalyn’s life.
Mary has a special place in Shalyn’s heart because she spends time caring about her and making her feel special. The time Mary spends making my little girl feel loved and valuable makes my heart swell with thankfulness.
Mary’s thoughtfulness inspired me to find a little girl I could encourage. Last week I sent a note to a little girl from church telling her that I thought she was special and wonderful. I put stickers on the envelope and inside the card (following Mary’s example). Then I sent a card to Mary Fran Larson. I even decorated the envelope with heart stickers. She said it made her smile!
You see, Mary has the gift of encouragement and she is using her gift to glorify God. I am so thankful for people like Mary who take an active role in showing Christ’s love to others. Is there someone (it could be a child, teenager or adult) you can think of who could use a note of encouragement today? Take the time to send them some snail mail – it may become part of their card collection!
Scripture: Hebrews 3:13
Prayer: Lord, in Your Word You tell us to encourage each other daily. We want to obey You by lifting each other up. We want to encourage each other in our daily lives. May we follow You as we build each other up in our faith. Please show us a specific person today who we can build up with our words or with a letter. We want our love for You to extend to others.
The more I got to know Mary, the more she made me want to follow Christ’s command to love and serve others. She was always bringing food to someone in need, helping younger moms through life or sending out prayer requests through the prayer chain. However, the most personal way she touched my heart was by showing love to my daughter Shalyn.
Mary often sent (and still sends) Shalyn (age 8) a note in the mail. Most of the notes are brief and written on ordinary paper, but Miss Mary always makes them special. She usually decorates each note and mailing envelope with stickers or ribbon. These simple letters mean the world to Shalyn, who even started a “card collection” from Mary Larson.
Every so often we have Mary over for tea. Shalyn sets the table with pretty tea cups and lots of treats. They sit and talk and eat, but most importantly, Mary invests in Shalyn’s life.
Mary has a special place in Shalyn’s heart because she spends time caring about her and making her feel special. The time Mary spends making my little girl feel loved and valuable makes my heart swell with thankfulness.
Mary’s thoughtfulness inspired me to find a little girl I could encourage. Last week I sent a note to a little girl from church telling her that I thought she was special and wonderful. I put stickers on the envelope and inside the card (following Mary’s example). Then I sent a card to Mary Fran Larson. I even decorated the envelope with heart stickers. She said it made her smile!
You see, Mary has the gift of encouragement and she is using her gift to glorify God. I am so thankful for people like Mary who take an active role in showing Christ’s love to others. Is there someone (it could be a child, teenager or adult) you can think of who could use a note of encouragement today? Take the time to send them some snail mail – it may become part of their card collection!
Scripture: Hebrews 3:13
Prayer: Lord, in Your Word You tell us to encourage each other daily. We want to obey You by lifting each other up. We want to encourage each other in our daily lives. May we follow You as we build each other up in our faith. Please show us a specific person today who we can build up with our words or with a letter. We want our love for You to extend to others.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
It’s Hard to Share – Even for Adults!
Did you know that Minnesota is called the “Land of 10,000 lakes?” Some people (Minnesotans, of course) say that 10,000 is actually a conservative estimate. That’s a lot of lakes! This past year my husband and I were able to buy a small cabin on a lake – our own little weekend retreat.
I envisioned our family of four “getting away from it all.” My dreams for the cabin included my husband spending less time on his computer and phone and more time with the kids and me. I thought about all the special times we would spend fishing, playing games and roasting marshmallows for s’mores.
My husband, however, had a different “dream” for the cabin. Soon after the purchase was finalized, he began listing off all the people he planned to invite to the cabin. It seemed that his dream was to spend time at the cabin with pretty much everyone under the sun.
Since I’m somewhat of an introvert, you can imagine what that did to my anxiety level. As I thought about his dream I started to panic. I envisioned myself cooking, cleaning, hosting, more cooking, entertaining and then going to the store to buy groceries so I could cook some more!
His dream of sharing our cabin was invading my dream of privacy and family time (it’s hard to read a book or play a game when you’re so busy cooking)!
In Mark 10, Jesus speaks to a rich young man. He tells the young man to sell everything he has, give it to the poor and then come follow Jesus. The Bible says the man’s face fell and he went away sad because he had great wealth.
How does this relate to our cabin? The Lord is the one who blessed us with a cabin. But instead of wanting to use it to bless others, I wanted to keep it for myself. I Timothy 6:10 says that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It’s not wrong to have a cabin, but loving it so much that I wanted to keep it to myself was wrong.
If we own any material possession that we can’t bear to lose, then we probably shouldn’t own it. If we own a material possession that we aren’t willing to share with others, then we probably shouldn’t own it – whether it’s a car, television, cabin, home, etc. Think of it this way; if God asked us to share it, would we?
Scripture: I Timothy 6:6-10; Mark 10:17-31
Prayer: Jesus, I know You expect me to put You first in my life. Please show me if there are any material possessions in my life that I could not bear to lose. I want to put You ahead of anything I own. I do not want to love money more than You. Please show many anything in my life that is hindering me from serving You.
I envisioned our family of four “getting away from it all.” My dreams for the cabin included my husband spending less time on his computer and phone and more time with the kids and me. I thought about all the special times we would spend fishing, playing games and roasting marshmallows for s’mores.
My husband, however, had a different “dream” for the cabin. Soon after the purchase was finalized, he began listing off all the people he planned to invite to the cabin. It seemed that his dream was to spend time at the cabin with pretty much everyone under the sun.
Since I’m somewhat of an introvert, you can imagine what that did to my anxiety level. As I thought about his dream I started to panic. I envisioned myself cooking, cleaning, hosting, more cooking, entertaining and then going to the store to buy groceries so I could cook some more!
His dream of sharing our cabin was invading my dream of privacy and family time (it’s hard to read a book or play a game when you’re so busy cooking)!
In Mark 10, Jesus speaks to a rich young man. He tells the young man to sell everything he has, give it to the poor and then come follow Jesus. The Bible says the man’s face fell and he went away sad because he had great wealth.
How does this relate to our cabin? The Lord is the one who blessed us with a cabin. But instead of wanting to use it to bless others, I wanted to keep it for myself. I Timothy 6:10 says that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It’s not wrong to have a cabin, but loving it so much that I wanted to keep it to myself was wrong.
If we own any material possession that we can’t bear to lose, then we probably shouldn’t own it. If we own a material possession that we aren’t willing to share with others, then we probably shouldn’t own it – whether it’s a car, television, cabin, home, etc. Think of it this way; if God asked us to share it, would we?
Scripture: I Timothy 6:6-10; Mark 10:17-31
Prayer: Jesus, I know You expect me to put You first in my life. Please show me if there are any material possessions in my life that I could not bear to lose. I want to put You ahead of anything I own. I do not want to love money more than You. Please show many anything in my life that is hindering me from serving You.
Friday, February 18, 2011
10 Bad Days
On a recent trip I met a remarkable bellman. He was one of those people who exuded positive energy, and I could feel that energy the minute he stepped on the elevator with me.
As we rode together, he started to tell me about his job and why it was important for him to do it with excellence. He explained that if people didn’t like the service at the hotel, they wouldn’t come back. I could tell he really cared about doing his job well.
He was one of the most upbeat people I’ve ever met, even though his job must have included dealing with crabby customers on a daily basis. He could have just greeted me with a pleasant “hello,” yet he chose to go a step further. He chose to strike up a friendly conversation with me and made my day a little brighter in the process. Positive enthusiasm for life radiated from the smile on his face.
As we exited the elevator, he stepped aside and told me his secret. He said he only allows himself to have 10 bad days a year! He said when one of his days starts to head down a negative path, he stops to decide whether or not he wants to use up one of his bad days. After he thinks it over, he often ends up changing his attitude.
I felt God prompting me to take the conversation one step further, so I explained that I believed God was in charge of all of our good days and bad days.
His face brightened and he enthusiastically agreed with me. I could tell that there was a deeper, more spiritual reason behind his happiness.
This man’s positive approach could work for anyone. Bad situations might not look so bleak if we would only allow ourselves 10 bad days per year. Taking this approach could change our lives. It would force us to reprioritize. And, we would have 355 good days a year!
Scripture: Isaiah 55
Prayer: Lord, I want to go out in joy each day, just like You suggest in Isaiah 55. I want to live my life in the joy of Your salvation. I want to thank you for all You’ve done for me and to choose to live my life in appreciation of Your love. I want to exude Your love so that others may see that You are the reason for the smile on my face and my positive attitude.
As we rode together, he started to tell me about his job and why it was important for him to do it with excellence. He explained that if people didn’t like the service at the hotel, they wouldn’t come back. I could tell he really cared about doing his job well.
He was one of the most upbeat people I’ve ever met, even though his job must have included dealing with crabby customers on a daily basis. He could have just greeted me with a pleasant “hello,” yet he chose to go a step further. He chose to strike up a friendly conversation with me and made my day a little brighter in the process. Positive enthusiasm for life radiated from the smile on his face.
As we exited the elevator, he stepped aside and told me his secret. He said he only allows himself to have 10 bad days a year! He said when one of his days starts to head down a negative path, he stops to decide whether or not he wants to use up one of his bad days. After he thinks it over, he often ends up changing his attitude.
I felt God prompting me to take the conversation one step further, so I explained that I believed God was in charge of all of our good days and bad days.
His face brightened and he enthusiastically agreed with me. I could tell that there was a deeper, more spiritual reason behind his happiness.
This man’s positive approach could work for anyone. Bad situations might not look so bleak if we would only allow ourselves 10 bad days per year. Taking this approach could change our lives. It would force us to reprioritize. And, we would have 355 good days a year!
Scripture: Isaiah 55
Prayer: Lord, I want to go out in joy each day, just like You suggest in Isaiah 55. I want to live my life in the joy of Your salvation. I want to thank you for all You’ve done for me and to choose to live my life in appreciation of Your love. I want to exude Your love so that others may see that You are the reason for the smile on my face and my positive attitude.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Good Gifts
Today is Valentine’s Day. Some people think this holiday is a big scheme by Hallmark, Target, Walmart and floral shops to swindle money out of the general public. Other people believe it’s the perfect time to show someone you love that you care for them.
Personally, I enjoy using Valentine’s Day to remind my family that they are special to me. After all, it’s the only day of the year when my son asks for pink, heart-shaped pancakes! My daughter loved the fluffy white bear I set in her room after she fell asleep and my husband enjoyed his red licorice with everyone at the office (at least that’s what he was supposed to do with it!).
It was very ironic that our family’s morning devotions included reading John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” I believe the day God sent Jesus into the world is the true Valentine’s Day.
According to Wikipedia, February 14 is a day to celebrate love and affection between intimate (someone associated in close, personal relations) companions. Kids bring candy to pass out at school to show their friends they care about them. As adults, we give flowers, gifts or cards as a way of expressing our love and affection.
However, it doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day for God to express His love toward us. He shows us He loves us every day of the year. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (I John 3:1)
Jesus said to us in Matthew 22:37-39, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Take time today to love the Lord your God by spending time in His Word and in prayer. Then take extra time today to show love to someone around you. It can be a family member, a cashier at the gas station, an actual neighbor or anyone else that you encounter today. If you’re one of those people who thinks Valentine’s Day is a sham, just remember that kind words are free! You don’t even have to acknowledge “Heart Day.” You can simply tell someone to, “Have a good day.”
If you do celebrate this red/pink/heart-shaped/Cupid’s arrow shooting/candy conversation heart-eating/chocolate-loaded holiday, then “Happy Valentine’s Day” to you!
Scripture: I Corinthians 13
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for Your unconditional love toward me. While I was still a sinner, You sent your Son Jesus Christ to die for me. I want to follow Your greatest commandment, which is to love You with all of my heart, soul and mind. Please show me through Your Holy Spirit how I can love You completely. I also want to love my neighbors as myself. Please open my eyes to the needs of other hurting people so that I may show Your love to them in tangible ways. I love You!
Personally, I enjoy using Valentine’s Day to remind my family that they are special to me. After all, it’s the only day of the year when my son asks for pink, heart-shaped pancakes! My daughter loved the fluffy white bear I set in her room after she fell asleep and my husband enjoyed his red licorice with everyone at the office (at least that’s what he was supposed to do with it!).
It was very ironic that our family’s morning devotions included reading John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” I believe the day God sent Jesus into the world is the true Valentine’s Day.
According to Wikipedia, February 14 is a day to celebrate love and affection between intimate (someone associated in close, personal relations) companions. Kids bring candy to pass out at school to show their friends they care about them. As adults, we give flowers, gifts or cards as a way of expressing our love and affection.
However, it doesn’t have to be Valentine’s Day for God to express His love toward us. He shows us He loves us every day of the year. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (I John 3:1)
Jesus said to us in Matthew 22:37-39, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Take time today to love the Lord your God by spending time in His Word and in prayer. Then take extra time today to show love to someone around you. It can be a family member, a cashier at the gas station, an actual neighbor or anyone else that you encounter today. If you’re one of those people who thinks Valentine’s Day is a sham, just remember that kind words are free! You don’t even have to acknowledge “Heart Day.” You can simply tell someone to, “Have a good day.”
If you do celebrate this red/pink/heart-shaped/Cupid’s arrow shooting/candy conversation heart-eating/chocolate-loaded holiday, then “Happy Valentine’s Day” to you!
Scripture: I Corinthians 13
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for Your unconditional love toward me. While I was still a sinner, You sent your Son Jesus Christ to die for me. I want to follow Your greatest commandment, which is to love You with all of my heart, soul and mind. Please show me through Your Holy Spirit how I can love You completely. I also want to love my neighbors as myself. Please open my eyes to the needs of other hurting people so that I may show Your love to them in tangible ways. I love You!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Why Do We Have Big Buts?
Moses had a big but. Actually, Moses had three big buts. Before this starts going downhill, let me explain what I mean.
In Exodus 3 God revealed Himself to Moses in the form of a burning bush. That in itself is an amazing feat, and yet Moses seemed unimpressed. When the Lord told him (through the fiery bush, remember) that He wanted Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses basically replied, “But, God …”
His first “but” came when he asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” God patiently responded, “I will be with you.”
Moses had a second “but.” He asked God, “What should I do if the people ask me who sent me?” God definitively answered, “Tell them, I AM has sent me to you.” The Lord followed this statement with specific instructions and a well-laid plan for Moses to follow.
Even after the well-laid plan and God’s appearance through a burning bush, Moses had another “but.” He said to God, “But God, I’m not a good public speaker.”
This morning I nervously anticipated an appointment to speak at a MOPS group. I had a list of “buts” running through my mind before I left home. But I’m not good at speaking in public. But the women might think I’m boring, weird or even nuts (though this may actually be true). But I might not connect with them. Lots of big buts!
This morning the Lord showed me the same answer He gave Moses thousands of years ago – after his third “but.” “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now GO; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say” (Exodus 4:11-12).
Needless to say, I got in my car and left! How can I say no when God directly promises to meet my needs by helping me speak and telling me what to say? God wants to turn our “buts” into “You can do it through Me!”
Scripture: Exodus 3 & 4
Prayer: Lord, thank you for Your promises of support that are just as valid today as they were many years ago. You have proven that You love us and will always carry us through difficult situations. Thank you for being a God who is compassionate and patient with us. You are amazing and wonderful!
In Exodus 3 God revealed Himself to Moses in the form of a burning bush. That in itself is an amazing feat, and yet Moses seemed unimpressed. When the Lord told him (through the fiery bush, remember) that He wanted Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses basically replied, “But, God …”
His first “but” came when he asked God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” God patiently responded, “I will be with you.”
Moses had a second “but.” He asked God, “What should I do if the people ask me who sent me?” God definitively answered, “Tell them, I AM has sent me to you.” The Lord followed this statement with specific instructions and a well-laid plan for Moses to follow.
Even after the well-laid plan and God’s appearance through a burning bush, Moses had another “but.” He said to God, “But God, I’m not a good public speaker.”
This morning I nervously anticipated an appointment to speak at a MOPS group. I had a list of “buts” running through my mind before I left home. But I’m not good at speaking in public. But the women might think I’m boring, weird or even nuts (though this may actually be true). But I might not connect with them. Lots of big buts!
This morning the Lord showed me the same answer He gave Moses thousands of years ago – after his third “but.” “Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now GO; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say” (Exodus 4:11-12).
Needless to say, I got in my car and left! How can I say no when God directly promises to meet my needs by helping me speak and telling me what to say? God wants to turn our “buts” into “You can do it through Me!”
Scripture: Exodus 3 & 4
Prayer: Lord, thank you for Your promises of support that are just as valid today as they were many years ago. You have proven that You love us and will always carry us through difficult situations. Thank you for being a God who is compassionate and patient with us. You are amazing and wonderful!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Boomerang
You’re probably familiar with the “flying tool” known as the boomerang. Right now you might be picturing it in your mind, since its “V” shape is very distinct. According to Wikipedia, the most common type is called a returning boomerang. It’s designed to travel on an elliptical path and return directly to its point of origin.
This week I’ve realized that the boomerang can accurately represent periods of time in our relationship with God. Right now some of my friends are in the midst of hard-hitting trials. Maybe you are experiencing an extremely difficult situation right now, or maybe you’re praying someone else through a tough time. You may feel like crying or even screaming out to God.
The writer of Psalm 74 did just that. Asaph (or possibly one of his descendants) was obviously frustrated as he openly shared his bold, honest feelings with God. He said, “(v.1) Why have you rejected us forever, O God?” Wow, can you believe He asked God that question? Don’t hold back, Asaph! Tell us how you really feel!
When I was in my early 20s, I was in a Bible study about prayer. The book taught us that we can lay it all on the line with God – even our most raw emotions – because He can take it. This doesn’t give us the right to be disrespectful or doubt God’s plan for our lives. However, it means we can come openly to God and share our deepest fears, desires, frustrations and heartaches. The God who created us can also handle our emotions.
Like throwing a boomerang, we can cast our burdens on God. Just as the boomerang always returns to its original point, we must also come back to praising God in the midst of our circumstances. We must cast our cares on Him and then return to praise.
In Psalm 75 Asaph says, “(v. 1) We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for Your Name is near; men tell of Your wonderful deeds. (v. 9) As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob.”
Scripture: Psalm 74 & 75
Prayer: I Peter 5:7 says to “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Lord, I want to be honest with you about my feelings, realizing that you have the best plan in mind for my life. I don’t know why bad things happen, but I know that You can work all things together for good. During hard times, I will trust in You.
This week I’ve realized that the boomerang can accurately represent periods of time in our relationship with God. Right now some of my friends are in the midst of hard-hitting trials. Maybe you are experiencing an extremely difficult situation right now, or maybe you’re praying someone else through a tough time. You may feel like crying or even screaming out to God.
The writer of Psalm 74 did just that. Asaph (or possibly one of his descendants) was obviously frustrated as he openly shared his bold, honest feelings with God. He said, “(v.1) Why have you rejected us forever, O God?” Wow, can you believe He asked God that question? Don’t hold back, Asaph! Tell us how you really feel!
When I was in my early 20s, I was in a Bible study about prayer. The book taught us that we can lay it all on the line with God – even our most raw emotions – because He can take it. This doesn’t give us the right to be disrespectful or doubt God’s plan for our lives. However, it means we can come openly to God and share our deepest fears, desires, frustrations and heartaches. The God who created us can also handle our emotions.
Like throwing a boomerang, we can cast our burdens on God. Just as the boomerang always returns to its original point, we must also come back to praising God in the midst of our circumstances. We must cast our cares on Him and then return to praise.
In Psalm 75 Asaph says, “(v. 1) We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for Your Name is near; men tell of Your wonderful deeds. (v. 9) As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob.”
Scripture: Psalm 74 & 75
Prayer: I Peter 5:7 says to “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Lord, I want to be honest with you about my feelings, realizing that you have the best plan in mind for my life. I don’t know why bad things happen, but I know that You can work all things together for good. During hard times, I will trust in You.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Is it More Blessed to Give or to Receive?
One of the first verses I learned as a child was Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The message of this verse is an important one – serving others should be an integral part of our daily lives. Scripture reiterates this command and Jesus’ life is the greatest example of service in the history of the world.
Then how can I ask the question, “Is it more blessed to give or to receive?”
The reason I ask it is to make us think. It is important to give of ourselves, yet it is also important to receive. There are times in our lives when we need to receive graciously from others. This is not always an easy thing to do. When others help us, our natural tendency is to want to give back an equal portion of what they’ve given us.
This week I needed to accept help from a friend. She lovingly took many hours out of her busy week to help me with an emergency project at my home. I wanted to make her dinner or buy her a gift certificate to help “compensate” for the extra time she spent helping me. When I asked her when I could bring her family dinner, she told me, “Gretchyn, if you bring me dinner I really will be mad at you! Just accept my help and say ‘thank you.’”
Those were powerful words. It was humbling for me to accept her help and not give her anything in return, but in the process I learned a valuable lesson. Sometimes we are supposed to sacrificially give, and other times we are supposed to graciously receive.
Christ offered us the free gift of eternal life and all we need to do to spend eternity with Him is to receive it. God wants us to accept the gift of his Son. When we accept Jesus into our lives, we naturally start wanting to share His love with others – that’s where the giving comes in.
Maybe I can answer my first question with another question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” What I’m trying to say is that while Scripture tells us it is more blessed to give than to receive, God has asked us to do both.
Scripture: Acts 20:35, Matthew 10:8, John 1:12, I Timothy 1:15-16
Prayer: Lord, Your Word says it is more blessed to give than to receive. I know You want me to share my time and talents to help others. I want to see needs around me and serve others out of a heart of love for You. I also realize that I need to receive help when others want to bless me. Please show me how to be a sacrificial giver and also a gracious receiver.
Then how can I ask the question, “Is it more blessed to give or to receive?”
The reason I ask it is to make us think. It is important to give of ourselves, yet it is also important to receive. There are times in our lives when we need to receive graciously from others. This is not always an easy thing to do. When others help us, our natural tendency is to want to give back an equal portion of what they’ve given us.
This week I needed to accept help from a friend. She lovingly took many hours out of her busy week to help me with an emergency project at my home. I wanted to make her dinner or buy her a gift certificate to help “compensate” for the extra time she spent helping me. When I asked her when I could bring her family dinner, she told me, “Gretchyn, if you bring me dinner I really will be mad at you! Just accept my help and say ‘thank you.’”
Those were powerful words. It was humbling for me to accept her help and not give her anything in return, but in the process I learned a valuable lesson. Sometimes we are supposed to sacrificially give, and other times we are supposed to graciously receive.
Christ offered us the free gift of eternal life and all we need to do to spend eternity with Him is to receive it. God wants us to accept the gift of his Son. When we accept Jesus into our lives, we naturally start wanting to share His love with others – that’s where the giving comes in.
Maybe I can answer my first question with another question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” What I’m trying to say is that while Scripture tells us it is more blessed to give than to receive, God has asked us to do both.
Scripture: Acts 20:35, Matthew 10:8, John 1:12, I Timothy 1:15-16
Prayer: Lord, Your Word says it is more blessed to give than to receive. I know You want me to share my time and talents to help others. I want to see needs around me and serve others out of a heart of love for You. I also realize that I need to receive help when others want to bless me. Please show me how to be a sacrificial giver and also a gracious receiver.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Following a Plow
The other day I wrote about following God’s light, even when He is moving too slowly or to quickly for our liking.
Personally, I can best relate my life at this moment to following the slow snowplow. I'll back up a little so I can better explain what I mean.
For many years when my kids were little, they needed me constantly. They needed me to change their diapers, wipe their noses, clean up their spills, tie their shoes, buckle their car seats, etc., etc. During this time I also helped found and coordinate a MOPS group, which required much of my time and energy. I have to admit that during those years I felt like I was following the fast-moving semi truck - and I was barely keeping up!
Now my kids are in school and I am not in a leadership position. My job is to stay at home, take care of the household tasks and get the kids to their activities. I am helping in a few areas at church in support roles.
I wouldn’t trade my life for anything, but I have to admit that I am wired as someone who takes charge and leads. This season of support makes me feel like I’m following a snowplow.
The other night when I was driving behind the plow, I was frustrated. I wanted to get past him. I kept looking ahead to see if it was safe to pass. Eventually I did pass him, something my husband did not appreciate when I told him about it later. He said that I should never pass a snowplow because it’s unsafe. I guess my impatience got the better of me!
Right now, it’s hard for me not to look ahead and want to speed up my life. I know that God has placed me in this “slow” season of life and ordained the activities I’m supporting. I need to trust Him and not try to look ahead and pass up the plans He has for my life right now!
Where are you in life right now? Are you behind a snowplow or a semi? Is God taking you down His path too quickly or are you going at what seems to be a snail’s pace? No matter what speed you are traveling at right now, set your mind on seeking God’s will for your life. Spend time with Him so that you can learn to be content with the speed of your life.
Scripture: John 1:35-50; 8:12
Prayer: Lord, sometimes it’s scary to follow You. You choose to take me down roads more rapidly that I would like. Or, sometimes You lead me down a road slowly, and in my impatience I want to jump ahead of Your will. Please help me to be content traveling through life at Your speed. I realize that everything You do is for a reason. You have great plans for me and I don’t want to miss those plans! I acknowledge that following You means traveling at the speed You set for me and I am willing to travel at Your pace!
Personally, I can best relate my life at this moment to following the slow snowplow. I'll back up a little so I can better explain what I mean.
For many years when my kids were little, they needed me constantly. They needed me to change their diapers, wipe their noses, clean up their spills, tie their shoes, buckle their car seats, etc., etc. During this time I also helped found and coordinate a MOPS group, which required much of my time and energy. I have to admit that during those years I felt like I was following the fast-moving semi truck - and I was barely keeping up!
Now my kids are in school and I am not in a leadership position. My job is to stay at home, take care of the household tasks and get the kids to their activities. I am helping in a few areas at church in support roles.
I wouldn’t trade my life for anything, but I have to admit that I am wired as someone who takes charge and leads. This season of support makes me feel like I’m following a snowplow.
The other night when I was driving behind the plow, I was frustrated. I wanted to get past him. I kept looking ahead to see if it was safe to pass. Eventually I did pass him, something my husband did not appreciate when I told him about it later. He said that I should never pass a snowplow because it’s unsafe. I guess my impatience got the better of me!
Right now, it’s hard for me not to look ahead and want to speed up my life. I know that God has placed me in this “slow” season of life and ordained the activities I’m supporting. I need to trust Him and not try to look ahead and pass up the plans He has for my life right now!
Where are you in life right now? Are you behind a snowplow or a semi? Is God taking you down His path too quickly or are you going at what seems to be a snail’s pace? No matter what speed you are traveling at right now, set your mind on seeking God’s will for your life. Spend time with Him so that you can learn to be content with the speed of your life.
Scripture: John 1:35-50; 8:12
Prayer: Lord, sometimes it’s scary to follow You. You choose to take me down roads more rapidly that I would like. Or, sometimes You lead me down a road slowly, and in my impatience I want to jump ahead of Your will. Please help me to be content traveling through life at Your speed. I realize that everything You do is for a reason. You have great plans for me and I don’t want to miss those plans! I acknowledge that following You means traveling at the speed You set for me and I am willing to travel at Your pace!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Bright Red Lights
Driving on snowy & icy roads is something everyone from Minnesota has to learn, and a few nights ago my own driving skills were put to the test.
It was snowing and windy - a bad combination for safe traveling. Reluctantly, I pulled out onto a two-lane highway behind a semi-truck. I didn’t want to follow the semi because I thought it would be going too slowly for my taste. However, it was the opposite. The semi was speeding along on the icy roads. Since it was difficult to see the road, my only hope was to follow the truck’s bright red taillights.
Ironically, the same truck that had frustrated me a few minutes earlier was now providing light to guide my way home.
As I struggled to keep up, I thought about those lights in relation to me following God. As I follow Him, there are times in my life when I feel like He is going too fast for me to keep up. I was reminded that during those times, I need to just focus on the Light and follow close to Him.
Finally I turned off onto a county road. I was relieved that I could now drive at a comfortable speed. This road was also more secluded and it was lined with trees to block the wind. I started settling in for a more relaxing drive home. Unfortunately, my relaxation was short-lived.
Soon I saw red flashing lights in the distance. As I got closer, I realized that these lights shined off the back of a snowplow. A very slow-moving snowplow! At this point I really just wanted to get home, so the slow-moving vehicle perturbed me.
Then a smile came to my face as I once again realized the irony of my situation.
First I had been forced to follow bright red lights that were going too fast. Now I had to follow bright red flashing lights that were going too slow. God sure does have a sense of humor and He was definitely trying to drive home (no pun intended) a point to me that night!
The point was that I need to follow God’s light. Sometimes He may take me down roads more quickly than I would like. Other times, He will take me on a path that seems painfully slow. Either way, I need to follow His light and seek His will. I need to trust that His lighted path is the right one for me.
Scripture: I John 1
Prayer: Dear God, I want to follow the road you want me to travel. I want to follow You no matter whether it seems I am going too fast or too slow. During these times, I want to trust You and follow Your light so that I know I am where You want me to be. Help me to trust in Your timing for my life and to follow You. I know that Your Word says in I John 1:5 that “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” I believe in You and I believe that You are light.
It was snowing and windy - a bad combination for safe traveling. Reluctantly, I pulled out onto a two-lane highway behind a semi-truck. I didn’t want to follow the semi because I thought it would be going too slowly for my taste. However, it was the opposite. The semi was speeding along on the icy roads. Since it was difficult to see the road, my only hope was to follow the truck’s bright red taillights.
Ironically, the same truck that had frustrated me a few minutes earlier was now providing light to guide my way home.
As I struggled to keep up, I thought about those lights in relation to me following God. As I follow Him, there are times in my life when I feel like He is going too fast for me to keep up. I was reminded that during those times, I need to just focus on the Light and follow close to Him.
Finally I turned off onto a county road. I was relieved that I could now drive at a comfortable speed. This road was also more secluded and it was lined with trees to block the wind. I started settling in for a more relaxing drive home. Unfortunately, my relaxation was short-lived.
Soon I saw red flashing lights in the distance. As I got closer, I realized that these lights shined off the back of a snowplow. A very slow-moving snowplow! At this point I really just wanted to get home, so the slow-moving vehicle perturbed me.
Then a smile came to my face as I once again realized the irony of my situation.
First I had been forced to follow bright red lights that were going too fast. Now I had to follow bright red flashing lights that were going too slow. God sure does have a sense of humor and He was definitely trying to drive home (no pun intended) a point to me that night!
The point was that I need to follow God’s light. Sometimes He may take me down roads more quickly than I would like. Other times, He will take me on a path that seems painfully slow. Either way, I need to follow His light and seek His will. I need to trust that His lighted path is the right one for me.
Scripture: I John 1
Prayer: Dear God, I want to follow the road you want me to travel. I want to follow You no matter whether it seems I am going too fast or too slow. During these times, I want to trust You and follow Your light so that I know I am where You want me to be. Help me to trust in Your timing for my life and to follow You. I know that Your Word says in I John 1:5 that “God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” I believe in You and I believe that You are light.
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