November 5, 2007
Living Water
One day last summer a friend told me she had a dream. We were standing in a line together to go into a place for prayer. She said I stepped out of the line and dove into a swimming pool fully clothed. I got out and dove back in over and over. She tried to get me "back in line" but the Lord told her she needed to do what I was doing.
My eyes filled with tears. I told her that morning I'd been feeling overwhelmed with my work responsibilities. I thought about what I wished I could be doing. When I was 13, my parents had a swimming pool installed. On a hot day, I sometimes had it to myself for a few minutes. I would take a deep breath and I would dive in and just float, revelling in the refreshment of the cool water, the quiet, the weightlessness. I closed my eyes, remembering the delight of it, and I asked God if I would ever experience such quiet enveloping peace again. Then He reminded me "He leads me besides still water"(Psalm 23:2b). I can sit beside it, wade in slowly or I can dive in. He IS the source of the waters of life. (Rev. 22:1) I can fall into Him and be refreshed. Her dream which preceded my memories and my question that morning was confirmation of His answer to me. He knew what I needed before I even asked!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
October 15, 2007
Doing Good
"Let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."(Galatians 6:9)
I found myself needing fresh vision and inspiration so I asked God to refresh me. He gave me this verse. It's so easy to become complacent. Sometimes the needs are overwhelming. Sometimes I feel fear and even the ugly self-pity of depression.
Today this verse grabbed me. I am useful for my Lord. I am His hands, His feet, His mouthpiece. But it's up to me to act.In the sweet little church where my son and I first met Christ, there was a large carved plaque over the door leading out of the church. It said "YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE MISSION FIELD". It may be closer than that. I determine today that as arise in the morning, as my feet hit the floor I am entering the mission field.
Doing Good
"Let us not become weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."(Galatians 6:9)
I found myself needing fresh vision and inspiration so I asked God to refresh me. He gave me this verse. It's so easy to become complacent. Sometimes the needs are overwhelming. Sometimes I feel fear and even the ugly self-pity of depression.
Today this verse grabbed me. I am useful for my Lord. I am His hands, His feet, His mouthpiece. But it's up to me to act.In the sweet little church where my son and I first met Christ, there was a large carved plaque over the door leading out of the church. It said "YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE MISSION FIELD". It may be closer than that. I determine today that as arise in the morning, as my feet hit the floor I am entering the mission field.
October 4, 2007
God's Perspective
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8
Years ago we put our house up for sale in Missouri. It seemed a hopeless venture in a tough market. I knew my husband expected me to go back to work once we moved but I prayed - I'd pleaded with God - that I would be able to stay at home at least until my infant daughter started school. For 4 years we tried to sell our home. I was so tired of keeping our home ready for showings. My children's rooms were kept spotless as we stood ready to get out of the way of the realtors at a moment's notice. I prayed and prayed for that "right" buyer. I thought God had forgotten us. After nearly 5 years we sold our home.
When we finally made it to Prescott I enrolled in real estate school(which all those years on the market had prepared me for). I passed my class and as I awaited receipt of my license by mail, I prepared my daughter for kindergarten. My license finally arrived - dated August 22, 1981. My son's 10th birthday. My daughter's first day of school!
God answered both of my prayers for the right buyer and that I stay with my children until they were both in school) according to His perfect timing. And one I hadn't thought to ask for. He prepared me with career training.
If we listen to the world we will hear: "we deserve a break", "we're worth it" and "just do it"! But the Word teaches that when we put ourselves aside, we get a glimpse of God's eternal plan. When we get the focus off ourselves- our trials, our failures, our suffering - when we remember "it's not about me" - the Holy Spirit becomes clearer and brighter. And not only are we buoyed by the joy and peace that replaces our self centeredness. But others are drawn to the hope that is in us.
Are you experiencing a trial? Is there a decision that's out of your control? Are you watching the suffering of a loved one? Have you experienced rejection? Have you lost your job? Are the bills piling up? Are you feeling discouraged? Do health issues have you feeling fearful? Take heart - God is still on His throne. There is nowhere where He is not. Whatever we face, He knows. He knows how this experience will be used for your good and His glory for those who know Him. Looking back, I am grateful that my ways are not His ways.
God's Perspective
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8
Years ago we put our house up for sale in Missouri. It seemed a hopeless venture in a tough market. I knew my husband expected me to go back to work once we moved but I prayed - I'd pleaded with God - that I would be able to stay at home at least until my infant daughter started school. For 4 years we tried to sell our home. I was so tired of keeping our home ready for showings. My children's rooms were kept spotless as we stood ready to get out of the way of the realtors at a moment's notice. I prayed and prayed for that "right" buyer. I thought God had forgotten us. After nearly 5 years we sold our home.
When we finally made it to Prescott I enrolled in real estate school(which all those years on the market had prepared me for). I passed my class and as I awaited receipt of my license by mail, I prepared my daughter for kindergarten. My license finally arrived - dated August 22, 1981. My son's 10th birthday. My daughter's first day of school!
God answered both of my prayers for the right buyer and that I stay with my children until they were both in school) according to His perfect timing. And one I hadn't thought to ask for. He prepared me with career training.
If we listen to the world we will hear: "we deserve a break", "we're worth it" and "just do it"! But the Word teaches that when we put ourselves aside, we get a glimpse of God's eternal plan. When we get the focus off ourselves- our trials, our failures, our suffering - when we remember "it's not about me" - the Holy Spirit becomes clearer and brighter. And not only are we buoyed by the joy and peace that replaces our self centeredness. But others are drawn to the hope that is in us.
Are you experiencing a trial? Is there a decision that's out of your control? Are you watching the suffering of a loved one? Have you experienced rejection? Have you lost your job? Are the bills piling up? Are you feeling discouraged? Do health issues have you feeling fearful? Take heart - God is still on His throne. There is nowhere where He is not. Whatever we face, He knows. He knows how this experience will be used for your good and His glory for those who know Him. Looking back, I am grateful that my ways are not His ways.
September 20, 2007
Follow Jesus
Jesus said: "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19
Ask Father today to give you the faith to take up your cross and follow Him. "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" Matthew 16:25-26a
Is He calling you deeper into Himself?
Follow me and I will make you,
Make you speak my words with power,
Make you vessels of My mercy,
Make you helpful every hour.
Follow Me and I will make you.....
Make you what you cannot be -
Make you loving, trustful, godly,
Make you even just like Me.
I used to delight in the way my daughter followed me around the house. I called her my little shadow. She desired nothing more than to stick close to me - watching me, asking questions and just being wherever I was. It's such a picture of how we are to follow Jesus - watching Him, questioning Him and sharing our thoughts, seeking His opinion and just being close to him.
Father, may each of us draw close and follow You. Increase our faith and fill us with the simple trust of a child to follow You....to want only to walk in Your shadow.
Follow Jesus
Jesus said: "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19
Ask Father today to give you the faith to take up your cross and follow Him. "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" Matthew 16:25-26a
Is He calling you deeper into Himself?
Follow me and I will make you,
Make you speak my words with power,
Make you vessels of My mercy,
Make you helpful every hour.
Follow Me and I will make you.....
Make you what you cannot be -
Make you loving, trustful, godly,
Make you even just like Me.
I used to delight in the way my daughter followed me around the house. I called her my little shadow. She desired nothing more than to stick close to me - watching me, asking questions and just being wherever I was. It's such a picture of how we are to follow Jesus - watching Him, questioning Him and sharing our thoughts, seeking His opinion and just being close to him.
Father, may each of us draw close and follow You. Increase our faith and fill us with the simple trust of a child to follow You....to want only to walk in Your shadow.
September 14, 2007
Multitaskaholic - an Aside
True confessions. Okay, I admit it. I am a multitasking maniac.I work a Soduku while I'm brushing my teeth.Talking on the phone and driving is automatic. In fact there are a great multitude of possibilities when driving. All long distance driving includes books on tape for me. Who has time to read?
Actually, I read myself to sleep every night! While listening to sleep music of course. Did I mention I have several books going at once. I never used to! I was a one-at-a-time book reader forever. There's just so much to read!
I listen to talk radio while I'm getting dressed every morning.And I don't know what I'd do without my Blackberry - it enables me to read and respond to email, review contracts and juggle my calendar all while enjoying a relaxing ballgame with my husband.
In fact, today's world of automation from electric toothbrushes to PDAs (personal data assistants for those of you who are blessedly unaware) screams multitask! And I gleefully hollar back YESSIREE! After all how can we expect to have our cake and eat it too unless we are juggling two or more balls at a time?
The truth is - doing just one-thing-at-a-time has come to feel like a colossal waste of time to me. How can slowing down ever become an option when I can't get it all done now despite my high level multitasking skills?
Multitaskaholic - an Aside
True confessions. Okay, I admit it. I am a multitasking maniac.I work a Soduku while I'm brushing my teeth.Talking on the phone and driving is automatic. In fact there are a great multitude of possibilities when driving. All long distance driving includes books on tape for me. Who has time to read?
Actually, I read myself to sleep every night! While listening to sleep music of course. Did I mention I have several books going at once. I never used to! I was a one-at-a-time book reader forever. There's just so much to read!
I listen to talk radio while I'm getting dressed every morning.And I don't know what I'd do without my Blackberry - it enables me to read and respond to email, review contracts and juggle my calendar all while enjoying a relaxing ballgame with my husband.
In fact, today's world of automation from electric toothbrushes to PDAs (personal data assistants for those of you who are blessedly unaware) screams multitask! And I gleefully hollar back YESSIREE! After all how can we expect to have our cake and eat it too unless we are juggling two or more balls at a time?
The truth is - doing just one-thing-at-a-time has come to feel like a colossal waste of time to me. How can slowing down ever become an option when I can't get it all done now despite my high level multitasking skills?
September 14, 2007 Rest
Jesus said: "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27.
It's so easy in this fast pace, multi-tasking world to get caught up in the busy-ness of life. In an age of two-income families, it's nearly impossible to set aside an entire day of rest. And yet God commanded it and He did so for our own benefit! On our day off - we find ourselves doing housecleaning, yard work, running the kids around, catching up on email or any of a myriad of activities. When is the last time you took a whole day and did nothing?
The Pharisees went too far so that cooking(though even the cook deserves a break) or even picking an apple off a tree was considered work. But we have taken it too far the other way. We are consumed with guilt when we do find that rare time with nothing scheduled. God Himself ordained it! One day of guilt-free rest! Take a nap, take a walk, read a book, go on a pic-nic. One day of rest to do......absolutely......nothing!God made the Sabbath - a day of rest - just for you, His beloved. One day to stop and smell the roses!
Jesus said: "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27.
It's so easy in this fast pace, multi-tasking world to get caught up in the busy-ness of life. In an age of two-income families, it's nearly impossible to set aside an entire day of rest. And yet God commanded it and He did so for our own benefit! On our day off - we find ourselves doing housecleaning, yard work, running the kids around, catching up on email or any of a myriad of activities. When is the last time you took a whole day and did nothing?
The Pharisees went too far so that cooking(though even the cook deserves a break) or even picking an apple off a tree was considered work. But we have taken it too far the other way. We are consumed with guilt when we do find that rare time with nothing scheduled. God Himself ordained it! One day of guilt-free rest! Take a nap, take a walk, read a book, go on a pic-nic. One day of rest to do......absolutely......nothing!God made the Sabbath - a day of rest - just for you, His beloved. One day to stop and smell the roses!
September 7th, 2007 Worry
As problems piled up like mountains around us this week, my husband and I talked, planned and projected how to deal with one in particular. It's interesting because this one problem was only a potential problem. Indeed, it was very likely that nothing would come of our concerns. Yet we devoted hours to strategizing over this "what if".
There were numerous other things that required our attention but we'd become so consumed with this one - fretting, planning and rethinking our plan. In effect, not only did we waste our time, we were completely robbed of our peace. I found this verse calling to me: Jesus said "Do not borrow trouble from tomorrow for tomorrow will take care of itself. Today has enough trouble of it's own." Matthew 6:34
Do you ever find yourself worrying over things that have not yet happened? I'm not speaking of things that may require advance preparation but something that is not yet an issue. Anyone who has stayed up waiting for their teenager to come home and played out all their deepest fears will know what I mean. Or perhaps you've waited for test results and worried what they might bring. Whatever the outcome, what good did your worrying add? Not one iota.
Worry is a stumbling block to peace. When we learn to trust all our tomorrows to Him, the result is a deep secure peace. He alone knows what our future will bring and He will be there with us whatever comes. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways ackowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."
As problems piled up like mountains around us this week, my husband and I talked, planned and projected how to deal with one in particular. It's interesting because this one problem was only a potential problem. Indeed, it was very likely that nothing would come of our concerns. Yet we devoted hours to strategizing over this "what if".
There were numerous other things that required our attention but we'd become so consumed with this one - fretting, planning and rethinking our plan. In effect, not only did we waste our time, we were completely robbed of our peace. I found this verse calling to me: Jesus said "Do not borrow trouble from tomorrow for tomorrow will take care of itself. Today has enough trouble of it's own." Matthew 6:34
Do you ever find yourself worrying over things that have not yet happened? I'm not speaking of things that may require advance preparation but something that is not yet an issue. Anyone who has stayed up waiting for their teenager to come home and played out all their deepest fears will know what I mean. Or perhaps you've waited for test results and worried what they might bring. Whatever the outcome, what good did your worrying add? Not one iota.
Worry is a stumbling block to peace. When we learn to trust all our tomorrows to Him, the result is a deep secure peace. He alone knows what our future will bring and He will be there with us whatever comes. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways ackowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."
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