Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NIV)
Lord, this is a verse I didn't expect to jump out at me this morning but I see Your wisdom in it. First I arrive home last night at 8:15 to find paramedics in front of my house. I had to park at my neighbors to come see what was happening. Randy was having jaw and chest pains and because he was alone he called for help.
By the time I arrived the pain was pretty much gone and he would not let them take him for more tests. He had a Dr appointment already set up and his EKG didn't show any problem. I promised them I wouldn't leave him alone and called work friends and explained that I would be in late the next day.
The other issue is worry over my 'daughter' who is choosing to spend time with old friends who have pulled her into their drug lifestyle in the past and I am worried that she will have a lapse. My heart is breaking and yet only God can intervene and have positive results.
We have no idea when our time is up and I do not want to waste the time I have left worrying or being broken by loss. So God I give you my day. Keep my eyes on You and Your loving ways. Use me if You wish, but never leave my side.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Psalm 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance. Psalm 33:12
God chose Abraham and the nation who would be His decendents Israel. Jerusalem is His Holy City. Even though Israel has stood and fallen many times we see God's faithfulness unfold through history -even now while they consider themselves a nation- not a religious nation.
America thought for years it could put on this mantle and act like and talk like and be the example of a nation who put God as a priority. Problem is we have become like Israel tolerating and accomodating what godless people wanted-thinking we can co-exist. The truth is when you love and serve God you cannot be quiet about certain issues and now we make them uncomfortable and the tide is rising against us. They are joining hands and purposes and standing together like a wall to shut up the 'church'. Now we are told we aren't politically correct because we point at say abortion and discuss that no one has a 'right' to take away life. We are haters because we care about an unborn child as opposed to the wishes of the 'mother'.
When I was young I heard adults speak of the persecution to come and no one believes it any more but I say the stage is quietly being set, we are not seen as upholding Biblical principles, we are perceived as the ones who won't let people just do their own thing and be silent.
I am not usually very political in my writing, but watching the large issues which are looming in our society and the tone that Christians are intolerant, bigots and haters is opening doors that we thought would never be opened here in America.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Psalm 142:3
When my spirit grows faint within me, it is You who knows my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me. Psa 142:3
In all the things I do, after all the people who are pressing for more work, more decisions and more of my energy, I at times become worn out. There are times my body is so tired I can not remember my to do list. There are things I set aside for a more important deadline and before I know it is buried under other projects and a week goes by.
I need to remind myself constantly that it is the Lord who knows my way and will give me wisdom and strength for each day.
Matthew 6:33-34-- But seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Putting the Lord first is not checking off my list, devotions and prayer but those things done with meditation and total awareness. This is not what 'we do' but 'Who' we are talking with and listening to. To start the day with the Lord before other people or projects are clamoring for our attention gives us a clear mind and heart to handle those things which do come up.
When I put the Lord first in my life, I really don't have to worry about someone else's traps for me. I will walk through it and become stronger or He will lead me around and their plan will hurt them instead.
What a Wonderful God You are!!!!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Seasons or Seasoning
I lost someone this week-end who had become very special to me. No, she did not die, but she is moving and our relationship will not be the same. So as I talked with the Lord, I was crying about how I feel I have had a great amount of loss in my life. Sometimes I meet someone and the connection happens so quickly and deeply that you can be amazed. Actually that is what I call a soul-mate, the connection is unexplainable. Though most of the time this term is used in a romantic connotation even there people are saying they are one. You have this wonderful, delightful friendship and in a blink it changes-someone moves, job changes, or relationship changes lots of things can happen. It is not bad or evil, just change.
So back to my conversation with the Lord, it is like seasons. Some things and some people are just for a season. The snow has melted and now your time out doors will not be sledding or ice-skating, but becomes tennis or surfing. Nothing bad-just different and hanging on or throwing a tantrum only makes you miserable it won’t change the weather at all.
As I pondered this I began- to think instead of seasoning- those people or circumstances who bring flavor and spice to our life. Jesus said we should be salt. You know-that bag of chips that calls you somehow they just keep going down your throat and then what-you are thirsty. Our purpose is to show that Christ makes such a difference in our life and they get thirsty for some living water too. Then I am struck by the idea that maybe He put them in my path to ‘season’ me.
Lately I have come to recognize how ‘sheltered’ my life in Christ. I have troubles, I have pain but I know where to run. I do not receive a ‘pass’ and the storm has to go by me. I have peace, I can ask for wisdom and grace and strength to walk my path. I was sharing with a mom who has some serious issues going on with her children and she looked at me like ‘what planet did you come from-I need real help, now.’
I can see how my answers sound easy and like God is a genie in a bottle but it is so much more. The cost is high, He wants you so turn your life over to Him, and most of us just want a solution for ‘this’ problem not a God on the throne of our life. I know sometimes I feel like they think I am offering so little, but let us face it there is only one answer and Jesus is His name.
All I know is when I have a crying day or week-end and I don’t even know what will fix me-I am grateful for the love of Christ. I love how those who really are soul-mates know how to hug and cry with you-not give their opinions.
I am a very blessed woman!
So back to my conversation with the Lord, it is like seasons. Some things and some people are just for a season. The snow has melted and now your time out doors will not be sledding or ice-skating, but becomes tennis or surfing. Nothing bad-just different and hanging on or throwing a tantrum only makes you miserable it won’t change the weather at all.
As I pondered this I began- to think instead of seasoning- those people or circumstances who bring flavor and spice to our life. Jesus said we should be salt. You know-that bag of chips that calls you somehow they just keep going down your throat and then what-you are thirsty. Our purpose is to show that Christ makes such a difference in our life and they get thirsty for some living water too. Then I am struck by the idea that maybe He put them in my path to ‘season’ me.
Lately I have come to recognize how ‘sheltered’ my life in Christ. I have troubles, I have pain but I know where to run. I do not receive a ‘pass’ and the storm has to go by me. I have peace, I can ask for wisdom and grace and strength to walk my path. I was sharing with a mom who has some serious issues going on with her children and she looked at me like ‘what planet did you come from-I need real help, now.’
I can see how my answers sound easy and like God is a genie in a bottle but it is so much more. The cost is high, He wants you so turn your life over to Him, and most of us just want a solution for ‘this’ problem not a God on the throne of our life. I know sometimes I feel like they think I am offering so little, but let us face it there is only one answer and Jesus is His name.
All I know is when I have a crying day or week-end and I don’t even know what will fix me-I am grateful for the love of Christ. I love how those who really are soul-mates know how to hug and cry with you-not give their opinions.
I am a very blessed woman!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
That old saying is easier to say and think than it is to live. We come up with excuses, 'I'm not judging, I'm a fruit inspector'. Or question, ‘how can I help my fellow travelers if I don't spot where they are missing the mark and get them back on track’.
Recently I heard the story of someone who has not worked except fill-in jobs since I have known him which is a couple of years. I thought he was just one of those guys who has decided that the opportunity to have a good time, smoke a little weed, drink a little and just make enough to get by. I have seen a lot of this attitude and our economic conditions only adds to the excuses. I like this guy because he is in the life of a good friend but I understand her frustration at his lack of drive to achieve and to be working toward a future.
The story I heard was how he was a businessman with teams of employees and projects from LA to San Diego. He was a careful planner, followed weather conditions because they affected his business. In a short span of time despite his careful attention, some bizarre weather conditions affected this whole area. He was roofing 3 different shopping malls and because of the damages even though he had insurance he lost everything. His wife was unfaithful and he lost his family and soon he was left living with friends and working when it came up.
I was appalled at myself for writing a scenario about his life that had nothing to do with reality. A person who needs encouragement, understanding and my prayers received none of that from me.
I don't see this man often but now he is a part of my prayer time. Perhaps someday I can relate to him in a deeper way but until then he has my respect and my sympathy, not my disdain.
Something we need to all remember-everyone has a story. Not knowing the story can cause us to be judgmental and put a distance between us that is not honoring to God. Jesus took the time to talk with a woman He should not have by the standards of the culture and He changed her life and the rest of the town. He touched the unclean, called life to the dead and not to be a rebel but to honor His Father and the ultimate purpose He came for-restoration and healing.
Recently I heard the story of someone who has not worked except fill-in jobs since I have known him which is a couple of years. I thought he was just one of those guys who has decided that the opportunity to have a good time, smoke a little weed, drink a little and just make enough to get by. I have seen a lot of this attitude and our economic conditions only adds to the excuses. I like this guy because he is in the life of a good friend but I understand her frustration at his lack of drive to achieve and to be working toward a future.
The story I heard was how he was a businessman with teams of employees and projects from LA to San Diego. He was a careful planner, followed weather conditions because they affected his business. In a short span of time despite his careful attention, some bizarre weather conditions affected this whole area. He was roofing 3 different shopping malls and because of the damages even though he had insurance he lost everything. His wife was unfaithful and he lost his family and soon he was left living with friends and working when it came up.
I was appalled at myself for writing a scenario about his life that had nothing to do with reality. A person who needs encouragement, understanding and my prayers received none of that from me.
I don't see this man often but now he is a part of my prayer time. Perhaps someday I can relate to him in a deeper way but until then he has my respect and my sympathy, not my disdain.
Something we need to all remember-everyone has a story. Not knowing the story can cause us to be judgmental and put a distance between us that is not honoring to God. Jesus took the time to talk with a woman He should not have by the standards of the culture and He changed her life and the rest of the town. He touched the unclean, called life to the dead and not to be a rebel but to honor His Father and the ultimate purpose He came for-restoration and healing.
Intentional
Intentional: done purposely. Intention: determination to do a specified thing or act in a specified manner, anything intended or planned.
As a writer I like words and that means sometimes a word catches my imagination and I not only look up the meaning and different uses but I work on that word in my mind, a meditation if you will. A few years ago when my worries were less looming and I did this on a regular basis the last word I had begun working on was Intentional. I even made a bracelet at that time which had a lot of my favorite words and this was the last one.
My thinking at that time, and has proved out by the last few years, is if you are not living an intentional life, you are probably living a passive, doing what is next on the list life. It can become a pattern to live re-actively. To keep moving based on what is happening around you from the good events to the handling of a crisis. This leaves me feeling not only out of control but a life that is subject to events and eventually I think a sense of martyrdom or a victim profile slowly became my mindset.
Being intentional in lifestyle does not mean you won’t have situations that were unplanned for or that take you in directions you had no desire to go. There are many other people who influence and affect our days. The weather, economic conditions, fires, earthquakes many things are out of our control but our outlook will make all the difference in whether we shine or sink.
I think what I am looking for in ‘intentional’ being a life word is a sense of purpose that may change ‘shades’ but will dig deeper for the important things in life not be put aside.
Such as my relationship with God, He isn’t in my life to follow my dreams and wishes.
He actually has a plan and it is the BIG picture, how I finish my race not the going to LA should I take the 10 or the 60. Don’t misunderstand me I am not saying God doesn’t care about the details, He loves the conversation to make that choice but it isn’t the point of my life.
So what is the point. My daily walk of course, my focus on the things which are important to Him and demonstrated by Jesus while He was here on earth. Taking people where they were and giving them hope and meeting the needs which would hopefully encourage them to seek the light that reveals the truth and the way to Father.
As a writer I like words and that means sometimes a word catches my imagination and I not only look up the meaning and different uses but I work on that word in my mind, a meditation if you will. A few years ago when my worries were less looming and I did this on a regular basis the last word I had begun working on was Intentional. I even made a bracelet at that time which had a lot of my favorite words and this was the last one.
My thinking at that time, and has proved out by the last few years, is if you are not living an intentional life, you are probably living a passive, doing what is next on the list life. It can become a pattern to live re-actively. To keep moving based on what is happening around you from the good events to the handling of a crisis. This leaves me feeling not only out of control but a life that is subject to events and eventually I think a sense of martyrdom or a victim profile slowly became my mindset.
Being intentional in lifestyle does not mean you won’t have situations that were unplanned for or that take you in directions you had no desire to go. There are many other people who influence and affect our days. The weather, economic conditions, fires, earthquakes many things are out of our control but our outlook will make all the difference in whether we shine or sink.
I think what I am looking for in ‘intentional’ being a life word is a sense of purpose that may change ‘shades’ but will dig deeper for the important things in life not be put aside.
Such as my relationship with God, He isn’t in my life to follow my dreams and wishes.
He actually has a plan and it is the BIG picture, how I finish my race not the going to LA should I take the 10 or the 60. Don’t misunderstand me I am not saying God doesn’t care about the details, He loves the conversation to make that choice but it isn’t the point of my life.
So what is the point. My daily walk of course, my focus on the things which are important to Him and demonstrated by Jesus while He was here on earth. Taking people where they were and giving them hope and meeting the needs which would hopefully encourage them to seek the light that reveals the truth and the way to Father.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Missional Challenge Luke Chapter 3
I have spent a couple of days chewing on this chapter. The only mention of Jesus is His baptism, the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, and His Father’s acknowledgment. What I spent time on was why Jesus was baptized. John was teaching repentance and forgiveness of sins and this was not the issue with Jesus.
So then I wondered if it was merely the example He needed to set. ‘Do this because this is the model I have set for you.’ I do this as well; make decisions at times based on leading by example. This is real obvious when it applies to the parent-child relationship. Sometimes I listen to parents discuss their decisions and they decide not to drink so my kids won’t drink. The question is does that mean you would drink if you weren’t being an example. Then you have the pain of watching a child drink anyway because they aren’t you. They decided to make their own choice for their own life. We also need to make our decisions based on following the Lord not trying to manipulate someone’s behavior. We are supposed to be living this life not acting as we think a ‘Christian’ should be behaving.
Jesus was identifying with the redemptive work He came to earth to fulfill. We need cleansing and to have a ‘marker’ of turning from our old life to a new life. He really understood what this action meant. He did it because it was right and pleasing thing to do before His Father.
So then I wondered if it was merely the example He needed to set. ‘Do this because this is the model I have set for you.’ I do this as well; make decisions at times based on leading by example. This is real obvious when it applies to the parent-child relationship. Sometimes I listen to parents discuss their decisions and they decide not to drink so my kids won’t drink. The question is does that mean you would drink if you weren’t being an example. Then you have the pain of watching a child drink anyway because they aren’t you. They decided to make their own choice for their own life. We also need to make our decisions based on following the Lord not trying to manipulate someone’s behavior. We are supposed to be living this life not acting as we think a ‘Christian’ should be behaving.
Jesus was identifying with the redemptive work He came to earth to fulfill. We need cleansing and to have a ‘marker’ of turning from our old life to a new life. He really understood what this action meant. He did it because it was right and pleasing thing to do before His Father.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
