Home Improvement

 

1/31/2022

Hebrews 3:4 "For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God."

I spend a lot of time watching home makeover shows on HGTV. I really like to see the process of renovation and the final results. My husband does not agree with me and thinks they are as boring as watching paint dry (no pun intended). I think I, like many people who love these shows, live vicariously though the idea of what can be. The hosts and crews tear everything down and then build it back up. All the old ugliness and rot is repaired and made like new. It takes some time, but the "after" makeover scenes of the homes are usually beautifully perfect. They are enviable. 

I am like these homes that get renovated, because I am for sure a fixer upper. I am always under construction. Different "rooms" of my body, mind, and soul are under constant renovation. The world and my selfishness take a toll. I, thankfully, have the Master Carpenter doing the work on me. Jesus takes the ugly areas of my life, or the ones in need of repair, and He rebuilds them from the ground up. I am a project that will never be perfect until I see Him face to face. Until then, I will yield to the vision of the Master Builder, who rebuilds all of my brokenness. 

Discouraged Vent

1/30/2022

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."

My son is a writer. He has four books currently published. He writes fiction novels that are, for the most part, family friendly. He has poured so much of himself into his work, as all authors do. He advertises them on all his social media outlets, and is beginning to go to conventions -- Covid permitting. He has sold a lot more of his works than I have of my first published Blooms study, but they are not yet "best sellers." Unfortunately, neither of us can even get many of our family and friends to support our work in this way, and we have both, at times, been quite saddened and discouraged by this lack of interest in our work. Even now, as I continue to write Blooms, I only usually have a few readers, and only one person who regularly comments. Thank you, Linda, love you. My husband and I have pleaded with family and people we know to help us promote our son's work, and to a lesser degree mine, but that call has largely gone unanswered. 

So, my son and I are both currently at a crossroads. I will not speak for him any further, but I will speak for myself here. I am losing steam in my writing. It is like being an athlete who has worked hard and trained, but has no one cheering them on when the big match or game comes. Think of that classic image of someone coming to the end of a race and winning only to hear crickets chirping in the background. 

My son is also an actor, and he knows what it is like to walk onto a stage at the end of a curtain call and hear thunderous applause. The audience not only supports the play and actors by purchasing a ticket, but also by the ovation that they give for a job well done. It is the same with any pursuit of art, be it painting, music, or the written word. They all need an audience to live outside the minds of their creators. This is what all artists live for.

Writing a book, to me, is nothing short of a miracle. I tell my son this all the time. The commitment of time it takes, the creativity, the hard work and revisions are all part of a literary birth. Most parents want to share their babies with others and have their little miracle oohed and awed over. Writers have that same deep desire for their work. To know that someone is interacting with your story or study and being entertained, challenged, or inspired is such a profound blessing. For fiction writers, it means your characters are alive in someone's world, and for non-fiction writers, it means that you have conveyed an idea or truth that has helped someone gain knowledge.  

In this blog, I reflect on the most read and important book ever written. It is truly the most important book in my or my son's life. It speaks truth deep into our souls and tells us how much we mean to its Author. Now we both need to seek out its wisdom and truth for our continuing journeys; for we know that our God will certainly never let us fall. No matter how others may disappoint us, He never will.

Light the Way

1/29/2022 

Psalm 46:10 "He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth'"

This morning, during out devotional time, my husband and I read in Acts about the Pillar of Fire that guided the Israelites through the desert. When it moved, so did they. If it stayed still, so did they. It was a very clear and tangible sign about what God wanted and where He was leading them. 

All day, I was thinking how much I would LOVE to have that same kind of pillar; something that would let me know I was moving when God wanted me to or stay when He didn't. I guess we all would. Can you imagine? Like, say, a neon sign that always points to what you should be doing. This would be so wonderful, as I often struggle with discernment. So much of the time I get in the way of God's plan, and it is always pretty evident when that happens. 

The times I do not stray are the ones where I am in a healthy place emotionally and deeply connected to God spiritually. Those times, the Holy Spirit's leading is so strong that I can almost hear an audible voice directing me. Once I lose that heavenly focus, everything gets all muddy again. It is those times that things get out of shape and wonky. The solution is always to be still, pray, and wait. Praying is never an issue for me, but the other two I definitely need work in those areas. One thing I know for certain: the God of the universe loves me, and He will never leave or forsake me. 

Action Required

 

1/28/2022

James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." 

I am not sure if I have mentioned this, but I live in Maine. It is a very beautiful state with interesting people. Just this evening, I was watching a show on the new Magnolia Network -  you know that Waco couple's new network - called The Lost Kitchen. It is about a VERY exclusive, yet down to earth, restaurant in Freedom, Maine. Freedom is a tiny town with a population of just over 700. The woman who started the restaurant, Erin French, shared her story in the first episode; and a very powerful story it is. To say she had her share of setbacks would be putting it mildly. To say that she is like a phoenix that rose from the ashes is a pretty accurate description. She struggled and struggled, but kept moving forward letting her passion for cooking and the connection she makes with people through that act spur hew onward. It is her love language for sure. 

Watching this first show made me very emotional. I found myself tearing up or outright crying through most of it. I think it hit a deep chord with me. This woman, who is 15 years my junior, found her way. I, remarkably, am still looking for mine. I also have someone very close to me, and again much younger, who is also, like Erin, trying to follow his passion and make a way for himself in the world. It is NOT an easy thing to take the road less traveled, for sure. So, listening to her story reminded me of him, and I wanted to shout out, "IT IS POSSIBLE!"

Now, I know that there are verses about nothing being impossible with God, but the trick there is discerning what path He wants you to go down and stay on. When you are not seeing results from hard work after a while, you start to question everything. This is not uncommon, I know, and staying the course takes boatloads of faith and patience. I know my loved one and I have very different approaches to our separate paths; where he prays and keeps plugging right along, no matter how hard it gets, I tend to gas out and retreat. Unfortunately, we are are getting very much the same result. 

Then, through a random TV choice I made, I heard God's encouragement through someone else's story. Testimony is like that: it is meant to challenge and encourage. So this evening, I am feeling exactly that, and I am recharged and ready once again to act. I feel the blessing just out of reach for both of us, and I am so looking forward to a time that he, and I, and can also share that faith and perseverance is the way. Our testimonies, however, will lift the name of Jesus high; for it is only through Him that anything is possible. 

Psalm 20: 1-5 "May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings, May he give you the desire of your heart, and make all of your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant you all your requests."                    

Stop, drop and pray

1/27/2022

Job 6:24 "Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray."

In my long journey with Jesus, I have tried to wrestle control from Him far too many times. I do not do this consciously, for if I really thought about my actions I would realize that I am not doing the right thing . When things aren't going well I often try to fix everything without taking a short pause to breathe, pray, and bring the situation before Jesus. I get easily twirled up and emotional. I strategize, talk things through, and try to make a plan. I also overthink; boy do I overthink. Part of this is my having OCD, and part of it is just human nature. All of it, however, is not seeking God's intervention, guidance, or will.  

I did just that thing tonight. I am trying to help relieve stress for people I love, so I spent an hour doing research on a topic. I sent it off to the people that need to make a decision while having no pull or sway myself. The issue doesn't actually even affect me, but I feel compelled to "help". I, once again did so out of my own strength without stopping, dropping, and praying. Nope, I just barreled through without so much as a second's pause. I have no say or control over the outcome, but I try to take the wheel and direct the course anyway. The interesting part of all this is that I wrote the first paragraph of this blog BEFORE I turned back into the OCD queen.

I was actively going to encourage you all to take time to bring everything before God, and I didn't even do it myself. I guess this is a area of much needed work in my life. I need to concentrate on being more mindful about this blind spot I have; for it usually ends in nothing but a wreck. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is always there to gently redirect me and, when I listen, set me on a new path. To God be the glory. 

I am, as always and forever, a work in progress. 

Family

 

1/26/2022

1 Peter 4:8 "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." ESV

Ephesians 3:14-15 "Fort this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family on earth and in heaven is named." ESV

I love my family. I am blessed to be able to say that when so many people cannot. My husband, son, and pup mean the world to me. I am so blessed that I get to share this journey of life with them every day. I honestly realize how precious time with them is. 

I also am blessed to be close to my extended family. My siblings and I laugh together, cry together, debate one another, and enjoy spending time with each other. We one another very much. This has even filtered down to the nieces and nephews. Again, such a blessing that I know too many families do not have. I am sure that our strong base of faith given to us by our parents is a major reason for this bond we share. We are also quick to forgive, for forgiveness is key to all healthy relationships. Jesus, our Savior, is the model of ultimate forgiveness. 

In a few months we are traveling south to go to our nephew's wedding. We are so excited to celebrate this special time in his life with him. We are also happy that family we have not seen in a long time, both do to distance and Covid, are going to all be there. The logistics of where to stay and who is coming when are a bit crazy, but I'm sure when we all get there it will be great!

This focus on family got me thinking about our brothers and sisters in Christ, and how we can be very close and connected to people who are not from our bloodline. Sometimes these people stand in for your actual family. I know this has been true for me. We have lived away from family for almost our entire marriage and most of my son's life. Our church families in every body we have belonged to filled this specific void in our lives. It is true that they do not hold our history like your blood family does, but they speak the common language of faith. This is what binds all believers together around the world. 

No one could every replace my family, but I am grateful that God has brought people into our life that have cared for us in times of need and celebrated with us in times of joy. Having both, I am doubly blessed. 

Only Jesus

 1/25/2022

James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

How do you help someone you love who is hurting, when there is very little you can do for them in a practical way? It is so difficult to watch someone you love struggle for any reason, whether it is brought on by their own decisions or by events or situations beyond their control. Being an empathic person, I feel other's pain very deeply. However, being a person with a very specific kind of OCD, I ALWAYS am compelled to try to help. Often, there is really nothing I can actually do beside listen, try to give good council, and pray. Prayer, obviously, being the most important of the three. However, with all those things I put forth I very rarely see an immediate change for my loved one. The hardest lesson for me to have learned, and to be mindful about, is that I cannot do the work for anyone else. I cannot practice patience, have forward motion, gain inward positivity or strength; least of all I cannot have faith in God for anyone else. Really, all I can do is try to model these things in my own life. Through my own brokenness, or maybe because of it, I can strive to help others see the depth and breadth Jesus' love for them. Jesus is the only way!

Crucified with Christ

01-24-2022

Crucified with Christ

Good Evening. It's Randy here. Tonight my lovely wife is not feeling well, so she is allowing me to guest write for her. This is a huge step for her. She has not once asked anyone to fill in for her before, as she feels called by God to write to you. 

Tonight, my son and I were reading from Galatians. Chapter 2, verse 20 reads, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." This verse and those surrounding it have been made into the chorus of a popular song in the Christian world. We sing it in our church some Sundays. It's a catchy tune, the music is powerful, and I feel built-up, inspired, and full when singing it. But when we're done and the next song comes along or our Pastor starts preaching, those words are lost. It might just be me, I'll admit, but sometimes I feel like the man that looks at himself in the mirror, turns away, and immediately forgets what he looks like. But I digress. What does it mean to be crucified with Christ? That I no longer live? But Christ lives in me?

Jesus said, "Take up your cross and follow me." He knew what his path was, even before those who plotted against him knew: Crucifixion, one of the most painful ways to die. But it wasn't the pain that brought salvation; It was the sacrifice. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul wasn't saying, "I have died in a painful way"; rather, he was talking about sacrifice. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for our (my) sins. The verse above could well read, "I have paid the ultimate sacrifice with Christ and consequently I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." For unlike Christ, we have not been resurrected, yet. This is, of course, a metaphor. Paul was very much alive when he wrote this letter. And yet, what we as readers know is that the life Paul lived prior to his conversion was completely opposite of where he wound up. His old life was gone, dead, sacrificed. He now lived to serve the Living God. It was Christ living in Paul that made the difference.

When I look back at my life, I am ashamed at how long I have claimed to be a Christian and how little of that time was spent living out my salvation. It must be hundreds of people that would never have known I was a Christian by the way I lived in the world. I was not crucified with Christ as evidenced by my walk. Decades ago I actually had a  co-worker say he never would have guessed I went to church, let alone was a Christian, because I was not behaving like one at work. Humbling, to say the least. Thankfully, God endured my behavior in the desert, and now I can claim, as did Paul, Christ lives in me! 

How about you? Can you, like Paul, say your old self/life is dead, sacrificed with Christ? Can you say without doubt that Christ lives in you? If you can, then all praise goes to Him that loved you so much He was willing to sacrifice His life for you. If you cannot, maybe it's time you prayed the prayer of salvation. Confess your sins to the God of the universe and invite Jesus to be your Savior.  Only you can do this. No matter how much I love my wife and son, I could not gain salvation for them through any prayer, action or sacrifice of mine. It had to be their own choice. Thankfully, they too can claim they are crucified with Christ, and they no longer live, but Christ lives in them.

I will end this the way our pastor ends each service. You are loved! God, who created the universe loves you! 

To All The World

\

1/23/2022

Mark 16:15 "And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole of creation'"

We have a unique opportunity during this period of our history. Technology has opened up the world in ways it has never been before. We can post things on social media - and many of us do - but how are we using this powerful source? Many people use it innocently by posting sweet pictures of babies, puppies, and kittens. Some people use it as a place to share recipes and DIY ideas, while others share special moments in life or memories. Then other people use it as a platform. There has been a lot of harshness and division because of these often more inflammatory uploads, which are frequently political in nature or, more recently, about everything that surrounds Covid. 

We, as believers, have a new opportunity to Proclaim the Gospel through this medium. Some people are already doing that by, again, posting short verses or memes, but is there a more powerful application for us as individual disciples of Jesus? Churches have certainly embraced online services during the lock-down and beyond. This enables us to share our church services to those we know all over the country or the world. We have learned to worship together as a body while we are apart. 

Video streaming platforms are another way to share the Gospel. I have seen many people do this, although I cannot say everything I have seen has been free of judgment. I certainly have listened to my share of Christian music artists on these platforms as well. Music is another powerful way to share the Good News with others. I, obviously, have chosen to write a blog to share my testimony and the truth of God's immense love for His creation, and the redeeming sacrifice of our Savior Jesus. I am also feeling called to begin something else in this area. Stay tuned. 

Just some food for thought: Is there any way, perchance, that you can reach others through technology? It is both a terrifying and exhilarating time to be a follower of Jesus. 

Gloomly to Grateful

 1/22/2022

1 Peter 5:10 "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."

My Covid-wall hitting continues. For the past few days, the walls of the house that I love have been closing in on me. The days have been extremely cold, which isn't helping much. I woke up today to sunshine and a negative 3 degrees, and the gloom of being indoors another day hit me. I stared down the gloom road once again. I was crabby and just felt off. I should have been happy that I would be able to spend this day with my husband doing some home projects that we had planned, but I just couldn't seem to rise to the occasion. We even did our morning devotional and I wasn't focused, and that is just not like me at all. Even my little pup is not herself because she has not been able to go out and burn off her excess energy. Poor baby.

As I sat wallowing today, a memory with a strong visual came to me, and I was so ashamed of myself. I am feeling trapped, when really I could go anywhere I want to. I am able bodied, I have a car, I have means, so I could leave my home even if only for a drive. This sad and powerfully strong vision I had was of my mother, and how she lived the last 5 years of her life. She was truly trapped. After following a massive stroke, she was left paralyzed on one side of her body and much too weak to reclaim any true use of the other. She lived those years in a long term care facility, confined first to a wheelchair and then to a bed. Occasionally, after the first year, we would take her out when we could, but she did not have the freedom to just go anywhere independently. She had her down days too, but her spirit and her faith were rock solid. She rarely complained, even through daily pain and suffering. Most days, she would share the love of Jesus with everyone that walked into her small world. She was then, as she is now, my hero and my example of how to live a life in submission to Jesus, no matter the circumstances, . 

As these thoughts came rushing in, feelings of grief, sorrow, and guilt began to overwhelm me. God has blessed me abundantly during these past few difficult years. I have all of my needs met, my family and I have been healthy and safe, and I am free to move around as I wish. Although difficult, these memories of my mother brought back my grateful heart. God often uses memories of my past to check me and bring me back to gratefulness. 

I am sure I will have other down days - we all do - but I am going to try to to honor my God by focusing on His blessings, the most profound of which is His grace, mercy, and forgiveness. 

I am always, a work in progress.

Short & Powerful

 1/21/2022

Hebrews 6:7 "Ground that drinks up the rain falling on it repeatedly, and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God."

This morning, while scrolling through Facebook, I saw a post called Two Minute Sermon. A friend of mine left a comment on the post, so I was able to see it too. It is a new daily mini-sermon given by the Reverend Ben at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. These two minutes really packed a spiritual punch for me, and it got me thinking how messages hours long are not the only way. Sometimes a tidbit of truth and wisdom given is a lot to chew on spiritually. It gives you something clear to meditate on and pray about.

Years ago, my family used to attend a church that had a very learned Pastor. He clearly knew the Bible, its history, and had studied all kinds of commentaries and books relating to both. This church was, like most, full of very scarred, imperfect, and loving people; which is what drew us in and kept us there. Sunday services, however, were LONG! I'm not talking the type of long where there is an extended time of worship or prayer, no; I am talking the kind of LONG where the Pastor gives a message with so many points that you get lost. Well, at least I did. It is like his outline was 3 parts long with multiple sub-topics below. They were more like a doctoral theology class then a sermon. Unfortunately, I often got lost and did not gain very much from them. I am, of course, just speaking for myself. 

So, after listening to this sermon bite this morning, I was filled with "yes and amen". It spoke to me all day long. Reverend Ben talks of what is planted in our souls. How we are being formed by the relationships, events, and actions of our lives. Do we fill ourselves up with nourishment from God, or are we focusing on the pain, sorrow, hatred, and division of this world? What seeds are we sowing? 

Even though I had joined my husband in our regular morning devotion time, I was grateful that God led me to another bit to chew on and consider as I moved though my day. Reverend Ben's short sermon was a blessing to my soul. His kind and gentle countenance just added to the power of the message for me. It also reminded me that, often times, I only need to read a couple verses of scripture to be challenged or encouraged deep down in my spirit. I guess, truly, I have a simple faith. 

*Here is a link to Reverend Ben's Two Minute Sermon. I hope it blesses you just as much as it did me. 

https://www.standrewschesco.org/post/introducing-two-minute-sermons?fbclid=IwAR2ufzxfaZJ2t7_1WyiD3hQtYz0tNfBFISThkxqWdZUp4zfHwJaGO2emPRM

No Mercy

1/20/2022

Psalm 43:1 "Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people, from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me."

I usually do not comment much on pop culture, but I feel like what I am going to address has much deeper ramifications. So, I am not one much for "reality" TV, unless it is a home makeover show or sometimes a cooking show. However, on Thursday evenings, when they air, I enjoy a little show called Bringing Up Bates. It is a show about a VERY large (and still growing) family from Tennessee. They are Christians, and they do not shy away from speaking about their faith or their moral convictions. Now, to be fair, sometimes it is like watching paint dry because it is not at all salacious like most media. The older daughters all courted while chaperoned before they married. The father owns a tree service and pastors a small church. A couple of the sons often do mission work in Haiti.There is no foul language or ugliness. Ten years ago it was about raising a passel of kids, and now it is about watching those children marry and begin families and careers of their own. It is a show about family, clean fun, and faith. 

Now the controversy. Bringing Up Bates new season is filmed and in the can, as they say, and was slated to air in February. A few days ago, it was announced that UpTV, which has carried the show for years, has cancelled it. The official reason given was that the network is "moving to more scripted programming." This announcement comes on the heals of some non-Bates like behavior. Now, these issues, while not truly horrific, could possibly be offensive to some people. Is this enough of a reason to cancel their show? This action is not anything new, especially during this time of cancel culture. Freedom of speech in our country has never been more in jeopardy. 

So the network mounted a case against the Bates, is all that I can see being true. Possibly this was to keep their sponsors. So my question to the UPtv executives, whose streaming channel is called Up Faith and Family, is: what about forgiveness and grace? If they are producing faith forward programming, shouldn't they be an extending mercy? I would have been "Up" lifted if they had decided to keep the show on and release a statement like, "We all are sinners and fall short of the of the glory of God, therefore we are leading with love and mercy towards the Bates family for any unfortunate decisions or missteps they have made. We will forgive just as Christ has forgiven us." Even though the Bates have been accused on social media of being fake, the families official response to this news was full of grace and gratitude, and that touched my heart.

So, now I have to ask myself: is this about a single innocent reality show, or is this an attack on faith itself? It is evident with every public prayer being silenced and every reference to or representation of Christian faith being stricken from communal areas. Will churches be far behind? Now, we know that as believers, we will be persecuted. "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12) We are living in a time of deep division, where people are refusing to even listen to a different point of view from their own. I actually had someone say that to me just yesterday, They stated strongly that they know what they believe and no one is going to change their mind about anything, and that they were not even willing to listen. I have had fellow believers that "unfriend" people on social media for the same reason. Where is the grace? If we cannot have it for our neighbor, then we cannot expect a company like UPtv to do so. 

Children of the most high, we need to start standing up against the oppression that is happening to believers in our world. We need to boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel, devote ourselves to prayer, and stand firmly in our faith, all while wrapping what we do in mercy, grace, and love. It feels as if the final battle against the prince of this world is here, dear ones, but we are on the winning team. Jesus has overcome the world. 

Ephesians 6:12 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Go

 1/19/2022

I live in New England, and have for most of my adult life. Some people love the winters here, but I am not one of those people. Today, as I was driving- no, crawling- home from work as it was 15 degrees and snowing (which was falling on already icy roads), I thought to myself, "Why do we live here again?" I ask myself that a lot, although I know Who brought us here and Who keeps us here. God obviously still has things for us to do. 

A little over five years ago, my husband was looking for another job. He needed to do so for his health. We were trying to get back to our home state of New Jersey, but nothing was coming through for him there. He did have a promising prospect in Pennsylvania, but that did not pan out. So, after living in rural New Hampshire for 19 years, God sent us all the way up to Maine. I thought we were being asked to go too far. I can be such a bratty child kicking the dirt sometimes. 

I recently started reading The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected by Nik Ripkin. Now, he was a man who was asked to really go far, and experience some truly awful things in war torn and famine ravaged Somalia during the '90's. The pictures he paints through his words are unthinkable and heartbreaking. He and his wife were called to go to a place that not many people dared. He mentions that some secular relief organizations and for-profit companies were beginning to enter at that time, but that the faith-based community was afraid it was to dangerous for them to enter. The following is a very challenging and upsetting quote from the book. "How is it, I wondered, that so many people are willing to die for financial or humanitarian reasons while many Christian groups insist on waiting until it is safe to obey Jesus' command to "Go" unto all the world?" Oh my heart. This man and his wife saw nothing but need, and they could not get the people of God motivated or even challenged to help. Sigh.

This got me thinking about how I have largely cloistered myself away during Covid. I am still open to any opportunity God sends my way to share His Word, but I am certainly not seeking out those opportunities. My reason is exactly the same as those faith-based organizations that refused to help Nik and his mission; it isn't safe. BAM! Another truth smacking me right in the kisser. 

Could I still be out in the world while taking the needed precautions to protect my family and those around me? Aren't there people still doing that every day as well as throughout the pandemic? Am I ready to trust God in all things and venture back out into the world for those in need? He clearly is speaking to me, and I am getting that familiar Holy Spirit tap. 

Again, what if God's people collectively did not walk in fear of anything that is happening in our world right now, and we were ready and willing to "GO"? What if?

I Am Isreal

1/18/2022

Acts 13:18 "He endured their conduct for about forty years in the dessert."

Wow, did this one verse during our morning devotions hit me like a truck! Wham! God "endured their conduct". After He brought them out of bondage, the Israelites still didn't comply with God's law. Boy, how many of us can say that with our own parents? They gave us food, shelter, safety, a faith base (if we were so blessed), and love among countless other things. Most of us - at some point, anyway - went against their rules and wisdom; some to a greater degree than others. Yes, most parents endured their children's poor behavior, and they loved us despite it even if that was through discipline This is, of course, what God did for the Israelites, and it is what He does for us as well. No matter how much He did for them, they still disobeyed and didn't listen, and I do exactly the same. I am a willful child. Yet, He endures my behavior with love, grace, mercy, and sometimes correction. This behavior has been true since the beginning of time. 

The chapter goes on to say that God, after enduring His chosen people's transgressions, bestowed land upon them and great leaders rose from their ranks ,of which one was King David. "Then the people asked for a king, and he gave them Saul son of Kish, of the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled for forty years. After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: 'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.' From this man's descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as he promised." (Acts 13:21-23 NIV) Jesus, God's only Son and the Savior of the world, came thorough these people that were not always the best of children. Finally, almost 500 years later, David, a man after God's own heart, helped to change God's chosen ones into people of faith. Certainly, King David himself was also far from perfect. We must remember always, however, that through this line of willful and disobedient people came our Savior Jesus. 

It starts with me. Every movement or act of goodness begins with an individual. In the Bible, David was one of these people, and there are so many others. Men and women who walked in faith and lived by God's law no matter the circumstances or consequences. These were not extraordinary people with superpowers, they were merely people who wanted to please their Heavenly Father. Imagine if that was my singular goal as a believer? What would happen to the world if I was a person after God;s own heart, and did everything He says? What if we all were, and did? It would transform the entire world. So, what am I waiting for? Hasn't God endured enough of my weak faith? 

Voice of Truth

1/17/2022

John 16:13 "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come." ESV

I am a truth seeker and a truth sayer; almost, one might say, to a fault. In my youth, I was known to have a bit of a temper (just ask my younger brother) and I could certainly tell a white lie without a thought or concern. I never did get into big web building sort of lies, however, and for that I am grateful; those will catch up to you every time. After I yielded my life to Christ, both my temper and my ability to lie pretty much left me and never returned. This was not something I prayed about or asked for, it was just God's grace. 

I am one of those people who will not even lie about a surprise party. I will omit information, if need be, but I will also creatively answer any probing questions just so there is no deception. I don't think anyone likes to be lied to, but with me it cuts deep. Even when the lie is to spare my feelings, or about telling me what I may want to hear because of my anxiety disorder, it just hurts me. 

Often, people lie because they want to save themselves from ridicule, embarrassment, or responsibility; this has been my experience, at least. I am sure I have done this in the past as well. Satan, of course, is the author of lies. Let's face it, lying truly is his most powerful tool. It is a destroyer of so much in our world and in our personal lives. Even though I do not lie to others, I often listen to the evil one's lies, and that is why I battle a fear mind. I also often listen to those subversive whispers of being less than, or thinking I am just an awful person who is lacking in faith. Yup, the author of lies knows just where to hit and how hard. This is definitely an area of weakness for me, and one that I must continue releasing to Jesus, as well as having my armor fully in place for battle. 

Think about our world today concerning everything from politics, to religion, to the pandemic. Most people don't know what to believe. Out of that concern comes division and mistrust, which is exactly what the evil one wants. He is, has been, and will always be the destroyer. He is the one we are ultimately battling and not each other, but we have lost sight of that truth. 

Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  (John 14:6 ESV) I like to say a modified version of this verse, Jesus is my way, my truth, and my life. The truth I seek is in God's word, and it will never ever let me down, for it is all I need to know truth. John 17:17 "Sanctify them in truth; your word is truth." (ESV)  I guess I feel it is my sacred duty as a disciple of Jesus to speak truth, regardless of the outcome. I should always do so by wrapping my words in love as it says in God's Word. Ephesians 4:15 "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ" (ESV) 

If it is an area of struggle for you, please pray and seek out verses about truth in the Bible, meditating on them for guidance and strength. Psalm 86:11 "Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name." (ESV)

Lost Time

1/16/2022

2 Corinthians 12:9 "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ will rest upon me."

Yesterday, I reached my Covid saturation point. It was a rough day. I woke up this morning grieving. I was feeling the profound loss of precious time with those I love. I have been blessed to have both my husband and my son with me throughout the duration of this ongoing pandemic, and we have had a few times when we went out into the world or saw friends and family, but those moments have been few and far between. Honestly, most of those events took place during that short 2021 summer window when the CDC said vaccinated people could shed their masks, and it looked like things would start getting back to normal. We were even careful during that time by what little we did outside. At the time, it was emotionally uplifting, but it was not enough to have a lasting effect before we were once again masked and distancing. 

Today, I am feeling a deep loss of precious time. I am grieving. I miss my extended family, I miss my friends, and I miss attending church and worshiping with fellow believers. I miss the connection of being in God's word with His people. I miss how I would be uplifted, challenged, and blessed. I miss hugging people, and being there in times of crisis and joy. I miss being mindful of the individual instead of concentrating on a virus I cannot control. 

My feelings of invisibility, that I have had since I was a young child, have bubbled up again. I have disappeared out of people's lives, and they have rightfully moved on. This has happened more times than I can count on my journey, but usually it is because our family has moved away. Now it is because I have been MIA for almost two years from people's lives. This is time I can never get back. 

I often "joke" that we are all living out the movie Groundhog's Day. My issue is, unlike the main character in the film, I have largely not taken this time of quiet sameness to improve myself in any way. I have not learned a new skill or affected someone's life for the better. I have hunkered down. The worst part is that, because of my approach to Covid, my husband and son have also locked down their lives in order to keep me balanced. When I shared with my husband that I had hit the Covid wall yesterday, he told me he had hit that same wall a long time again. After saying that, he shared that he then got up and went right over the wall and is on the other side. Alas, I am not quite ready to climb over that intimidating wall. I know, however, that Jesus will give me strength to do so, or He will lift me into the palm of His hand and carry me over. For when I am weak, He is strong. 

It is, after all, always darkest before the dawn. 

All For One Or Not?

 1/15/2022

Deuteronomy 31:8 "It is the Lord that goes before you. He will be with you; and not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." 

Today was a tough day. I know y'all understand, because during this extended time of Covid-craziness we have all had them. I found myself losing steam today while my husband and I were out at BJ's doing our bulk run. Home for me has become a fortress and sanctuary as well as a prison, while being anywhere out in the world causes the OCD monster to rear up inside me. We are still wearing masks, but many people are not. Where my husband just maneuvers the world normally even while masked, my "spidey-senses" are raging all the time. I notice everything in the outside world right now, and I mean EVERYTHING. Honestly, it is so exhausting. If a person is not masked, or if their mask is under their nose, or if someone is coming our way and not concerned about keeping their (or our) Covid 6-foot space bubble, I am always acutely aware. 

Today, while driving home, I mentioned to my husband that I think it would be nice if everyone had respect right now for one another as far as distancing goes, weather masked or unmasked. This simple statement caused a robust conversation and then guilt on my part. Prior to this crazy pandemic, I had always smiled at people and chatted with anyone who was willing to interact. Usually, those times of contact made me feel blessed and uplifted. Now I walk around like someone always trying to circumvent some sort of toxic zone, but the thing I am avoiding is carried and transmitted by other people. This is where it all breaks down.

As believers, we are supposed to be in the world ministering to and loving others. Sure, this can be done over the phone or on Facetime or Zoom, but after all this time, it's clear that this isn't enough. I realized today that instead of loving others and greeting them with a smile or kind word, I was feeling a slight contempt for them if they were not being as vigilant as I was being. Boy, doesn't this kind of thing just make the evil one rejoice and take a victory lap! I think he has taken a lot of those during this unusual and elongated time of collective struggle.

The interesting thing to me is that we have all experienced this difficult time together globally, yet instead of bringing us together in a common fight and purpose, it has divided us so dramatically. Even the most kind and gentle people I know are VERY angry at the side (vaxxer or non-vaxxer) they do no align themselves with. I have not verbally expressed any of those feelings, but my actions sometimes do. How did we get here? Why aren't we banding together like we do in times of war? After all, aren't we all being attacked by the same little microscopic enemy? Aren't we all concerned for our loved ones? Aren't we all feeling the same level of weariness? Aren't we all just trying to get to the end of this awful time in one piece?

I will admit that I wrapped so much prayer around this issue for such a along time, but other than praying for safety and an end to the pandemic, even I have grown weary in prayer. However, am I not, as a disciple of Jesus, called to be in the world but not of it? Am I following the crowd and listening to the loudest voices full of contradiction, fear, and vitriol, or am I seeking Jesus' guidance and God's Word for how to keep moving forward? 

Lord Jesus, please help and guide me during this time, and help and guide Your other children that are so very tired. Help us all to submit to Your will and Your way, and keep us open to every lesson You want us to learn. Please help me find my way back to loving my neighbor and sharing the Gospel with others. Amen. 

Psalm 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

Jekyll and Hyde

 1/14/2022

Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

My son and I are watching a 2015 BBC production called Jekyll and Hyde. It is a one season series, and it is very well done indeed. The lead actor does not actually have a physical change when he changes between the two characters; he instead mainly uses his voice, physicality, and facial expression. I must say his performance is extremely effective and compelling. The story, of course, has a classic "man against man" theme and the eternal struggle of good vs. evil. Although we are only halfway through, I would highly recommend it. 

After watching an episode today, I got to thinking about how we all have a little Jekyll and Hyde in us. I know I sure do. There is the me that knows I should concentrate on "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable..." (Philippians 4:8), and sometimes I succeed. Then there are times when, sadly, I don't. I may not go full-out Hyde, but I can get ornery and crabby. I can be demanding and, unfortunately, let the evil one push my buttons. That never ends well. The truth is, I do not have to drink a potion to have the "not so nice" part of me come out. No, I just have to take my eyes off of Jesus, and then the destroyer does the rest. The interesting part is that, although I also do not undergo a physical change like the classic Hyde character does, my voice and body language do, like in the series. Unkind words definitely sound different than loving ones when I speak them. Anger or frustration changes the look in my eyes and on my face. Body language also reveals when I am not concentrating on those attributes that the Bible tells me to. 

I know for sure that when I am walking in the light, love, and grace of my Savior, and concentrating on His will and way for my life, my Jekyll side is firmly in place. This is because I feel a Holy Spirit tap leading me and guiding me. My Hyde side, unfortunately, is always waiting in the shadows for the exact moment I take my focus off of Jesus. The only antidote is to turn once again to God and seek His forgiveness and strength. A relationship with Jesus IS the antidote. 

I am, as always, a work in progress. 

Road Block Ahead or A Detour

1/13/2022

John 15:19 "If you were of the world, the word would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefor the world hates you." ESV

Today, for the first time in a long time, I questioned whether I could do what God is calling me to while doing my secular job. Now, the organization I work for is mission-based, and was started by an ecumenical group of ladies over 50 years ago. I feel that faith is baked right into everything we do. That has always struck me as beautiful, and I feel humbled to be a small part of their legacy. 

I have felt, and have been given, a lot of freedom to share the Gospel with others and support people emotionally and spiritually as needed. The truth, however, is that it is not what I get paid for. So, how do I strike that balance between ministering to people when God opens a door at work, and keeping my commitment to get my work completed in a timely fashion? I am not in a critical needs profession, like emergency medicine, firefighter, or police officer, so my deadlines are often somewhat fluid. I know that those other professions would not allow time to evangelize, although I am sure there is a lot of praying involved. The question is, how do I continue? My last job was at a K-8 public school, and although I loved working there, I was not allowed to share the Good News openly. My actions had to speak for me in this area. 

So, today certain events occurred that will change my efforts moving forward. It is too much to go into here, but a conversation I had today has certainly given me pause and has called me into prayer and seeking God's Word for guidance. Be in the world, not of it. One thing I said during work to someone today is that I should just find a job where I can talk about God, faith, and scripture all the time. Unfortunately, I do not have the background or anything to recommend me to do so. That is just my desire because I would be free to share instead of having a job (which I am very grateful for) that is task oriented. As I have said previously, God is the one Who enables us to share the Gospel with others, but again, the world has its own ideas. (Linda, I am really envying how you get to spend your days sharing the love of Jesus and His saving grace with your students!)

I am so humbled that, in this place I work, God has opened several doors of opportunity for me to share and grow. Yet now, I am not sure if that anointed time is drawing to a close or if the evil one is manipulating the situation and causing doubt. I know we, as believers, are all charged to share the Gospel with others; it is our highest calling. Is God bringing this area of my life in a different direction, or does He have more for me to do? It is time for warrior prayers to be wrapped around this situation. 

We can't all have jobs that are centered on spreading the Gospel, because we need to fill all kinds of careers to make our word work. So how do we, as believers, go about our most important call? In this volatile and uncertain time in our world, being a neighborhood missionary is so important, but is becoming more and more difficult in cancel culture. We certainly have our work cut out for us, but we are, and always will be, on the winning team. 

Beautiful Helper

1/12/2022

Psalm 90:17 "Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands." ESV

I have never been beautiful, although I come from a family of real lookers. Throughout junior high and high school, I had awful inferiority issues and low self-worth. That is when my mom and aunt started using the word "exotic" to describe me. I am anything but exotic-looking with pasty skin and, for most of my life, red hair. I know they were trying to be nice to me and not make me feel worse than I did, but it didn't really make me feel better. You see, I have two older sisters who are truly beautiful. (I have two brothers also, but they don't quite factor into this story.) I am not being biased in an "I think that because I love them" kind of way. Nope, everyone who has ever seen them agrees. I, on the other hand, was a skinny, awkward kid with a mop of unruly curly hair; I was just funny-looking. It's difficult to be the youngest in this kind of scenario. Oh yes, eventually I learned about makeup and hair products and those helped, but I still never could achieve real beauty. 

One feature that I would often get compliments on, oddly enough, were my hands. In my upper teens my nails were always painted and a perfect length, and, as I already mentioned, I have very pale skin. I remember some people actually telling me I should be a hand model. Strange, I know, but it was something that made me feel a little better about myself. I never did pursue that area, but I think about it now and then. There is actually a crazy Seinfeld episode where George gets noticed for his hands and starts modeling watches and such, The strongest image I still have from that one show was of George walking around everywhere with oven mittens on to protect his valuable assets. Of course it goes horribly wrong, as his life always did. 

Today, I looked down at my hands, as I often do. As a person with OCD, my hands have become a bit of a focus and a problem. Over the last 10 years they have changed dramatically. My once model worthy hands are dry, ravaged, and raw. I have actually damaged them so badly that my fingerprints can no longer be detected. (Yes, I could be a cat burglar, but I don't really like cats. Bud-dump-bump-ching! Sorry.) When I was ill, the evil one used my hands against me to lock me in fear, but now I see them as nothing but a beautiful true gift from God. 

Anyway, I got to thinking today about hands and all they can accomplish. They may be our most functionally practical part of the body. That first time a baby grabs a parent's finger is a magical moment. Holding hands with someone you want to protect, or walking hand in hand with someone you love. We largely care for one another with our hands though cooking, cleaning, dressing, doing projects, practicing medicine,etc. We create art and music with them. We write letters, stories, and blogs with our hands. We can give a gentle touch or a gesture of caution or humor with them. Some people communicate entirely with their hands. You can also pull someone in for a big hug, which is one of my favorite things. The best thing of all is that it doesn't matter if your hands are beautiful enough to model, dry and weathered from washing, are very young, or have lived a long and storied life; they can always be used to help someone.

Our bodies are miraculous machines, designed by the Creator of the universe. Once redeemed, they are a vessel of the Holy Spirit. Even concentrating our thoughts on a part as utilitarian as the often overlooked hand, we can see the majesty of our Savior and Lord. These two blessed parts of the body also open the greatest, most read, and profound book in all the world; the Word of God. With our hands, we can reach out and love our neighbors and each other. We can reverently entwine them together in prayer. We can lift them in praise to our Savior.  

Psalm 134:2 "Lift up your hands to the holy place and praise the Lord." ESV

Prepper or Prepared

1/11/2022

Acts 28:31 "Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance." ESV

Some believers are currently talking a lot about the End Times. I know people who are just recognizing some of the signs in our world right now, but I also know other people who are preparing for it. People seeing a correlation between world events has happened many times throughout history, though. Of course, it has not happened yet. 

I have someone in my life who has challenged me to think about what I would do if this were the End Times and I had to fight for my family and my faith. She and her husband are armed and have supplies on hand to be able to hunker down and try to survive. It is kind of like what we all did in the spring of 2020, when we started stocking up on food and supplies like never before. I actually know several people who would be considered "preppers". In my world, these people all have someone in the family who has served in the military. Certainly, they have seen what hell on earth is like. 

When I think about the End Times, I just consider if my faith is strong enough to stand boldly against anyone trying to censor the reading of God's Word or the shuttering of churches. Will I be able to die for the message of the Gospel as that first group of believers and missionaries? Will I be able to withstand torture or imprisonment, like those in the early church?

It is clear that our voices as believers are being silenced by those who cry out that our faith is judgmental and unloving. This, unfortunately, is a very true experience for some people if they have come across a believer who does not lead with love, grace, and mercy. I know from my own experience with God's people, though, that there are so many Christians whose only desire is to love their neighbor and share the precious treasure of redemption and and eternal life though the cross of Calvary. 

So, in these uncertain and fragile times in the world, what if that was our only mission? What if everything in our lives were steeped and surrounded by God's word? What if, instead of preparing for what may be coming, we do our best with today? What if our every thought and action honored God in the eyes of the unbeliever? What if our faith was bold and loudly proclaimed but wrapped in love? What if we led lives that showed that we truly believe in the transforming power of yielding to Jesus? What if we started now, then would we be ready for what is to come? 

Do Everything...

 

1/10/2022

Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do work heartily, as if for the for the Lord not for men."ESV

Who do I work for? In the world's view, I would work for a non-profit literacy organization. In my view, I work for God. How am I doing with that personal objective? Do I give as much time and attention to working for God every day as I do my job? I'm sorry to admit that I fail in that area a lot of the time. My spirit is willing, but my flesh is very weak. I am trying to stay aware of the doors God is opening before me, only with Holy Spirit insight, and be bold when walking through them, only with Holy Spirit power. That is the key, isn't it? Seeking God and His will and way. 

Last night, my husband and I had a long talk about how we are doing. We admitted we have both been a little off lately. I'm sure we are not alone in this feeling at all. He, primarily, is overwhelmed with his job, as there is a big transition looming for him. He puts in a lot of hours for his regular job, a non-profit life fight organization, and he also works a DAR for the FAA. Yeah, both are important and can be stressful. I am just weary of Covid and everything that surrounds that issue. 

This morning, we decided that we will recommit to approaching EVERYTHING to honor God and be living witnesses to those around us. This will not be easy; it never is, because we get in the way with our stress or feelings. We both continue to be works in progress. Thankfully, with God, all things are possible.

Smaller World

1/9/2022

Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how to stir one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day draw near." ESV

A little over ten years ago, my world had shrunk to the size of my house. I stopped going out and interacting with people outside my family, and  barely even with them. Truth be told, my world had become so minuscule that I was truly living alone in my fear mind. It was a place of such sadness and loneliness that, after I recovered, I vowed never to go again. Then in 2020, COVID-19 hit the world with a mighty force. 

As I was preparing to watch my church's online service this morning, it hit me how small my world has become once again. I have not seen my family or friends in a long time. The only place I ever go is to work, and there I am alone most of the day as well. My husband does most of the grocery shopping. I even did 95% of my Christmas shopping online.
As the service started this morning I thought about the two times my husband and I ventured back in person before Delta surged, with Omicron looming on the horizon. It had been so long that some people did not recognize me with my grown out hair and my masked face. It had felt so wonderful to be gathered with fellow believers in worship. 

Then this morning Pastor Dan was taking about the continued difficulty the Elders have trying to serve the congregation in this unusual time. He then quoted fellow Pastor Brad, who said, "Sometimes, when things don't go right, all we need is God's people and God's Word." Powerful words indeed. Pastor Dan went on to preach about the importance of being in God's word, which was a wonderful message as always.

What struck me, though, was the part of Pastor Brad's quote about needing God's people. That is where my lack is right now. I have been almost completely outside of fellowship for almost two years. My family had been an active part of this warm and loving body of believers, and then locked ourselves in our non-Covid fortress waiting for the enemy to pass by. The truth is, this microscopic enemy is not passing by and probably never will. My world is small again even though I pledged to never let it be.

So, now what? I am in my Bible and in prayer daily. Those areas of my life, thankfully, have increased since Covid, but what about that other important part of being a believer, the one where we are ministering to each other in fellowship? Is my caution around this evil little monster going to continue keeping me and my family away from our Christian brothers and sister much longer? I am certainly mourning time lost with those dear to me. Is it time to release this all into God's hands? 

I miss my tribe.

Note: This comment was so loving and lifted my weary soul to the sky. I wanted to share it because there is not just truth there for me, and Mrs Groh, but for us all. The more we reach out, read God's word, and connect in any way we are battling back the evil one with Holy Spirit power! Thank you, Mrs Groh, for your encouragement and your support. I am truly grateful for you every day. You keep on doing the the work of the Lord as well with all your faith, energy, compassion, kindness, and love. Like you said, "HE KNOWS." Love you too. 

MRS. GROH 5B commented on "Smaller World"

Yesterday

Lehann although the world is feeling small again, you are not shut off and secluded like you were 10 years ago. You have answered a call and with your blog you are reaching others. It may not be the physical feel or connection like we all need but rest assured you have a voice in a world that needs more of Jesus' message. I miss going to mass but I'm not ready to go back yet. I felt such joy being back but again I am not going now. The Evil One is at work, but think about how you said your faith has never been stronger and deeper because of Covid, THAT"S A BLESSING. 

*Read the rest of these beautiful words under the comment section.  

After Christmas Inspiration

1/8/2022

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave is one and only Son, that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." ESV

We did our annual Christmas de-decorating today. It is a lot of work, but we were ready to get the house back to its pre-Christmas condition. Our live tree was so dry that when we took it through the living room it sounded like a rain stick. We had a lot of needles to clean up, for sure, but we did laugh about it. (Our tree had actually stopped taking up water well before Christmas day.) 

We had a snowstorm yesterday, so as my husband was clearing snow this morning, I gathered up the house decorations that we put all over and arranged them on the kitchen island. I have discovered that this is very helpful to the process. As I was lifting ducks, snowmen, candles, trees, and all manner of kooky items off shelves and walls, I looked at one item differently than I ever had. We have many nativities all around our house. but one wall hanging depicts Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus together. I was thinking how much I love it and how sad I always am when it is packed away every year. Then I realized I didn't have to. Why couldn't I keep this beautiful image of the birth of my Savior up year-round? My husband and I have many crosses, verses, and items that reflect our faith surrounding us in every room; we have everything but a nativity. So now, that sculptural wall hanging will reside with the carved bust we have of Jesus', and our crucifixion/resurrection cross. 

I wonder why so many of us only break out our nativities when we celebrate the birth of Jesus? I know that, today, I have changed my thinking around this act. Why shouldn't I concentrate on all of the parts of my Savior's life; the wonder of Christ's birth, glory of His ministry, deep sorrow of His death, and majesty of His resurrection. From now on our nativity will stay out all year long. I am grateful when God gives me these small times of clarity and frees me to do the unconventional. Maybe I will start a movement, #freeyournativity365.

Enabled

1/7/2022

I make blankets. To be more precise, I crochet blankets. Now, to be honest, I do not know how to crochet; I totally wing it. Does this make my blanket making any less authentic, or do I make them with any less desire or love than people who actually have skill in this area? I don’t think so. Are they warm? Sometimes too much I think. Am I motivated to gift them to people I care about. Sure am. Do I give them excitedly? Always. Just because I have never been trained, or have the same abilities as other people who crochet, it doesn’t mean I can’t or shouldn’t. Isn’t this the same with spreading the Gospel?

My husband and I have been reading the book of Acts in the morning during our joint devotional time. Acts is, obviously, very appropriately titled. Think about it. It is the only book title of the New Testament lets us know something is being done. This is about a group of committed followers of Jesus ministering and bringing the good news of hope and salvation to Jew and Gentile alike. They did this no matter the personal cost. These believers had no experience and nothing to recommend them as great teachers or preachers. They were no longer confused about the teaching and mission of Jesus, because they had the power of the Holy Spirit guiding them.  

I, as a believer, may not have formal teaching, but I have God’s Holy Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. All I need to do is submit to my Savior and be willing to walk through the doors of opportunity He opens. After all, I am only enabled to do so by Him.

 If I have a desire to serve and bring the Good News of Jesus’ saving grace to others, does it make me less authentic in doing so than a theologian? I have witnessed a loving, sincerely devout person with a simple faith do more for the kingdom of God than all the faith-based books and studies out there combined. As I said earlier, just because I have never been trained, or have the same abilities as other people who crochet, it doesn’t mean I can’t or shouldn’t. Isn’t this the same with spreading the Gospel?

Blessing in Black and White

 

1/6/2022

Proverbs 12:10 "The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel." NIV

It is always so interesting to me how God uses situations we never expect to change our lives. This can happen many ways, of course, but in my world the change came in the form of a black-and-white puppy. She became a part of our family several months ago and has turned everything in our lives upside down. She has brought back to us the unconditional love that only an animal can, and has been teaching us how to be patient in very different ways. 

For me, one of the most unexpected things is that she is encouraging activity, as she is a very active little girl herself. She requires plenty of play times and several walks every day. We each take turns (well, most of the time) walking her, and it has had a great effect overall. I have been struggling with getting back to a normal routine of minimal activity, and I have gained weight during this time of fear and uncertainty. It is interesting how we seem to be able to rise to the occasion for others, in this case our pup, when we have a difficult time doing it for ourselves. I have had deep spiritual wrestling in this area of my life. I know God's plan is for all of us to take care of our earthly vessels, but I fail in that area a lot of the time. God sent this little furry ball of energy to our family for many reasons, but one of them is definitely to improve our health and well-being, and certainly increase our joy. I tell you, dogs are angels wrapped in fur, and our blessing is black-and-white.