I recently discovered and watched for the first time an old Jimmy Stewart movie, "You Can't Take It With You." Filmed in 1938 and filled with symbolism, the movie focuses on a family who has found ways to live life doing what they love. Each has given up their individual rat races in society and instead chosen to use the talents with which God has blessed them to create a happier, more meaningful life for themselves. They are each learning to live life in their sweet spot. And while the "Home Sweet Home" sign falls off the wall each time someone passes or a door is slammed, it becomes obvious early in the film that this home is indeed a sweet, albeit somewhat unusual, place to live.
When invited to join them in their eccentric lifestyle, Mr. Poppins, an accountant by day/talented inventor by night, (and no relation to Mary) thinks as most of us would think. He asks the question, "But how would I live? Who takes care of you?" To which Grandpa, the patriarch of the Vanderhoff family, responds in faith, "The same One that takes care of the lilies of the field." Mr.Poppins soon decides that he will join them so that he can pursue life as a full-time inventor, and he declares as he leaves his accounting job, "The die is cast. I'm a lily."
While there is not an overwhelming presence of dialogue in the film concerning their faith, it's clear in the prayers Grandpa Vanderhoff offers at mealtime that he has a personal relationship with God. And it's obviously this faith and trust in God from which he draws the strength and determination to live the life he feels God has called him to live.
We could learn alot from Grandpa Vanderhoff and Mr. Poppins. The faith that they demonstrate in their lives is remarkable. Their belief that God will provide for their needs is unwavering. And their literal translation of the scripture should be an example for all of us. Jesus promised to take care of the needs of the crowd as He preached the sermon on the mount. "Consider the lilies of the field and how they grow. They toil not; neither do they spin... and if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you."
Make no mistake, scripture is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Just as His promise was true at the Sermon on the Mount, it was still true for Grandpa Vanderhoff and Mr. Poppins in 1938, and it still stands true for us today. All we have to do is believe it as they did. We need only to become a lily.
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today." ~ Matthew 6:25-34
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Just Wait Until Morning!
You know the old saying, "It's always darkest before the dawn." And you know its true. The darkest time of night is just before sunrise. It's also the coldest time of night. The meteorologists' low temperatures for the day most often occur just before sunrise. I don't know about you, but I don't like the dark. The only thing the dark is good for is sleeping. And I most certainly don't like the cold. Cool I can take. Cold, no thank you.
So I'm extremely grateful that although it can get very dark and very cold some mornings, we have the promise that the sun is coming up, the air will become warmer, and a new day will be upon us. The morning glow of the sun will start to beam down and it's radiant heat will cause the temperature to rise.
Just as our every day begins this way, our lives can have this renewed beginning as well. We often travel through dark and cold times in our lives. And often just when we think they can't be any darker or any colder, our world seems to become totally pitch black and ice cold. Unlike the nighttime, we often don't know how we got to these dark places in our lives. We don't understand why we're in the midst of them. But just like the nighttime, we have the same promise....morning is coming.
If our faith is in Christ...if it is TRULY in Him...and we trust in Him, listen to Him, obey Him, and wait on Him...our morning will come. It's not always an easy process. Some nighttimes are much longer and much colder than others. But if our focus remains on God's love for us and His unwavering promise to never leave us nor forsake us, we can rest assured that our morning will come. And the light and the warmth that accompany it will be unlike any other.
"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." ~ Psalm 30:5
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." ~ James 1:2-4
So I'm extremely grateful that although it can get very dark and very cold some mornings, we have the promise that the sun is coming up, the air will become warmer, and a new day will be upon us. The morning glow of the sun will start to beam down and it's radiant heat will cause the temperature to rise.
Just as our every day begins this way, our lives can have this renewed beginning as well. We often travel through dark and cold times in our lives. And often just when we think they can't be any darker or any colder, our world seems to become totally pitch black and ice cold. Unlike the nighttime, we often don't know how we got to these dark places in our lives. We don't understand why we're in the midst of them. But just like the nighttime, we have the same promise....morning is coming.
If our faith is in Christ...if it is TRULY in Him...and we trust in Him, listen to Him, obey Him, and wait on Him...our morning will come. It's not always an easy process. Some nighttimes are much longer and much colder than others. But if our focus remains on God's love for us and His unwavering promise to never leave us nor forsake us, we can rest assured that our morning will come. And the light and the warmth that accompany it will be unlike any other.
"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." ~ Psalm 30:5
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." ~ James 1:2-4
Thursday, September 22, 2011
What's On Your Agenda?
"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." ~ Proverbs 3:6 (NKJV)
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." ~ Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Do you have an agenda? A "to do" list? Perhaps you have a set of goals. Some may be short-term. Others long term. If you own or run a business, chances are you have a set business plan with a future outlook. Where you want to be in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years. You may even have the same type of plan for your personal life.
Whether your agenda is a long term one or just a list of things you need to get done today, ask yourself this: "How did I go about making this list?" Did you spend time in prayer before mapping it out? Did you search God's Word for instruction and wisdom? Perhaps not if your list seems trivial like getting a gallon of milk and dropping off the dry cleaning. But did it ever occur to you to ask God's guidance for even the smallest of agendas? Sure you might spend time in prayer before mapping out a 10-year plan, but do you think of talking to Him about your everyday errands?
Think He doesn't care about your everyday, menial tasks? Nothing could be further from the truth. Go back to the top and look at the first scripture. It says we are to acknowledge God in everything. The Bible tells us that God cares about every minute of our every day, not just the major events in our lives. He wants to be a part of our everyday lives, not just involved in the "important" stuff. To Him, every day is important.
So the next time you make out a shopping list or write down a "to do" list or map out a long-term financial plan, invite God to be a part of the process. Ask Him to show you what you need. Ask Him what He would have you to do. Ask Him to guide you and protect you along the way. It's the only way to assure your agenda is in sync with His.
"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." ~ Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Do you have an agenda? A "to do" list? Perhaps you have a set of goals. Some may be short-term. Others long term. If you own or run a business, chances are you have a set business plan with a future outlook. Where you want to be in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years. You may even have the same type of plan for your personal life.
Whether your agenda is a long term one or just a list of things you need to get done today, ask yourself this: "How did I go about making this list?" Did you spend time in prayer before mapping it out? Did you search God's Word for instruction and wisdom? Perhaps not if your list seems trivial like getting a gallon of milk and dropping off the dry cleaning. But did it ever occur to you to ask God's guidance for even the smallest of agendas? Sure you might spend time in prayer before mapping out a 10-year plan, but do you think of talking to Him about your everyday errands?
Think He doesn't care about your everyday, menial tasks? Nothing could be further from the truth. Go back to the top and look at the first scripture. It says we are to acknowledge God in everything. The Bible tells us that God cares about every minute of our every day, not just the major events in our lives. He wants to be a part of our everyday lives, not just involved in the "important" stuff. To Him, every day is important.
So the next time you make out a shopping list or write down a "to do" list or map out a long-term financial plan, invite God to be a part of the process. Ask Him to show you what you need. Ask Him what He would have you to do. Ask Him to guide you and protect you along the way. It's the only way to assure your agenda is in sync with His.
Monday, September 19, 2011
You Are What You...Hear??
We all know the saying, "You are what you eat." In a lot of ways I guess it's true. If you eat big, you will eventually be big. And if you eat little, you'll become little. If you eat healthy, you'll stay healthy. But if your meals are filled with foods that are bad for you...not so much. And what if the meaning was literal? I'd be clucking around and scratching at the ground, because chicken is what I eat more than anything. And at least one of my limbs would be pasta. My kids would be chickens, too - but they'd be Chick-fil-A chickens...with waffle fries for feet.
But what if we changed the last word of that phrase from 'eat' to 'hear.' "You are what you hear." Think about it. What do you listen to? Your kids screaming, "Mommy, Mommy!" Your husband or significant other calling you, "Sweetie," or "Darling." Both of these can be considered terms of endearment and can leave us feeling endeared and loved. But what if you have to listen to your boss all day long in your ear telling you what to do, how to do it, and that that you're doing it all wrong. Does that make you feel appreciated and respected? Not so much. Probably makes you feel more like a slave and leaves you wondering if you're good enough to do the job. It's very interesting how the things we hear can affect us in such monumental ways.
No, you can't always choose what you hear. You can't tell your boss to shutup, you don't want to listen to him anymore. And you can't tell your husband and kids to only speak when they are going to use those endearing terms. You can't control what others say or how they say it. But there are alot of times when you can control what you hear.
The Bible reminds us over and over to listen to the truth, and follow it. Seek out sound advice and obey it. Listen to wisdom and gain understanding. My last post was entitled, "Shut Up And Listen." The only thing is, we have to be mindful of what it is we're listening to. Just like with what we eat, if we're listening to junk, we're going to turn into junk. If we're listening to bad advice, we're going to get into trouble. But if we listen to wisdom, listen to the Truth, and listen to the very voice of God, we can never go wrong.
"Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise." ~ Proverbs 19:20
"...Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts..."
~ Psalm 95:7,8
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does." ~ James 1:19-25
But what if we changed the last word of that phrase from 'eat' to 'hear.' "You are what you hear." Think about it. What do you listen to? Your kids screaming, "Mommy, Mommy!" Your husband or significant other calling you, "Sweetie," or "Darling." Both of these can be considered terms of endearment and can leave us feeling endeared and loved. But what if you have to listen to your boss all day long in your ear telling you what to do, how to do it, and that that you're doing it all wrong. Does that make you feel appreciated and respected? Not so much. Probably makes you feel more like a slave and leaves you wondering if you're good enough to do the job. It's very interesting how the things we hear can affect us in such monumental ways.
No, you can't always choose what you hear. You can't tell your boss to shutup, you don't want to listen to him anymore. And you can't tell your husband and kids to only speak when they are going to use those endearing terms. You can't control what others say or how they say it. But there are alot of times when you can control what you hear.
The Bible reminds us over and over to listen to the truth, and follow it. Seek out sound advice and obey it. Listen to wisdom and gain understanding. My last post was entitled, "Shut Up And Listen." The only thing is, we have to be mindful of what it is we're listening to. Just like with what we eat, if we're listening to junk, we're going to turn into junk. If we're listening to bad advice, we're going to get into trouble. But if we listen to wisdom, listen to the Truth, and listen to the very voice of God, we can never go wrong.
"Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise." ~ Proverbs 19:20
"...Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts..."
~ Psalm 95:7,8
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does." ~ James 1:19-25
Friday, September 16, 2011
Shut Up And Listen!
That's it for today - the title says it all. I tried to write this morning. I chose from one of several topics and ideas I have jotted down and gave it my best shot. But it didn't happen. It became very obvious very quickly that it wasn't meant to be. It wasn't what God wanted me doing today.
How do I know? Because when I'm writing when and what He wants me to write, the words just flow. I'm amazed every morning at how easily the words come and how quickly my thoughts are completed and laid out there on the page. My fingers hit the keyboard and take off. I'm not in control. Literally. It's Him doing the talking and the writing, He's just using my fingers to get the words across.
But this morning was different. The words didn't come. The paragraphs didn't flow. I was laboring over what to say, how to say it and how I was going to make the connection between my earthly example and God's Heavenly meaning. It became very obvious very quickly that today God was saying, "Just shut up and listen!" So that's what I'm doing. I'm listening and not writing. My goal for today is to be still and be quiet and just listen. Maybe it should be yours, too.
"Be still, and know that I am God..." ~ Psalm 46:10
"... in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength..." ~ Isaiah 30:15
How do I know? Because when I'm writing when and what He wants me to write, the words just flow. I'm amazed every morning at how easily the words come and how quickly my thoughts are completed and laid out there on the page. My fingers hit the keyboard and take off. I'm not in control. Literally. It's Him doing the talking and the writing, He's just using my fingers to get the words across.
But this morning was different. The words didn't come. The paragraphs didn't flow. I was laboring over what to say, how to say it and how I was going to make the connection between my earthly example and God's Heavenly meaning. It became very obvious very quickly that today God was saying, "Just shut up and listen!" So that's what I'm doing. I'm listening and not writing. My goal for today is to be still and be quiet and just listen. Maybe it should be yours, too.
"Be still, and know that I am God..." ~ Psalm 46:10
"... in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength..." ~ Isaiah 30:15
Thursday, September 15, 2011
On The Outside Looking In
Our dog and cat both like to sit outside on our back porch and look in through the french doors. When they're both outside together, they are fine. But when the cat is in but the dog is out, the dog gets a look on her face of jealousy and hurt. Like she's saying, "Why does he get accepted in when I have to stay out?" She will sit at the door and stare in and watch every move the cat makes. She hates being all alone on the outside looking in.
Don't we hate being left out, too? Do you remember the days in elementary school when the team captains had to choose teams in P.E.? Do you remember fearing that you wouldn't get chosen? Or how about when a classmate was throwing a party, and it seemed like you were the last one to get an invitation. It would stink to show up at school on Monday to hear all of your friends talking about what a great time they'd had together over the weekend, but you hadn't been invited to join in the fun.
As adults are we any better about ostracizing those around us? Maybe we don't do it intentionally but aren't we prone to stay within our little groups? Within our comfort zones? Perhaps we're reluctant to reach out and include others we wouldn't normally include because we're afraid they'll reject us. Or perhaps we just don't want to cause waves - its just easier to stick with those that we're comfortable with. Or we tell ourselves we just don't have the time for one more friend.
But what if that one person you're not including, not inviting, not recognizing, is the one person that needs you the most? What if they're the one that never got picked in P.E. or never got invited to the party that all of their classmates were attending? As Christians we have to remember that we are the only Jesus that some people will ever see. So ask yourself the popular question - What would Jesus do? You know what He would do. He'd reach out to them. He'd invite them. He'd include them. He'd wrap His loving arms around them and leave them with no doubt that they'd never be left out again.
Is there someone you've been avoiding approaching? Perhaps there is someone God has laid on your heart for you to reach out to and you've been putting it off? If not, ask Him to show you someone. Chances are there's someone closer than you think. And you can be the difference they so desperately need. You can be the one that puts an end to their being on the outside looking in.
"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." ~ Proverbs 18:24
Don't we hate being left out, too? Do you remember the days in elementary school when the team captains had to choose teams in P.E.? Do you remember fearing that you wouldn't get chosen? Or how about when a classmate was throwing a party, and it seemed like you were the last one to get an invitation. It would stink to show up at school on Monday to hear all of your friends talking about what a great time they'd had together over the weekend, but you hadn't been invited to join in the fun.
As adults are we any better about ostracizing those around us? Maybe we don't do it intentionally but aren't we prone to stay within our little groups? Within our comfort zones? Perhaps we're reluctant to reach out and include others we wouldn't normally include because we're afraid they'll reject us. Or perhaps we just don't want to cause waves - its just easier to stick with those that we're comfortable with. Or we tell ourselves we just don't have the time for one more friend.
But what if that one person you're not including, not inviting, not recognizing, is the one person that needs you the most? What if they're the one that never got picked in P.E. or never got invited to the party that all of their classmates were attending? As Christians we have to remember that we are the only Jesus that some people will ever see. So ask yourself the popular question - What would Jesus do? You know what He would do. He'd reach out to them. He'd invite them. He'd include them. He'd wrap His loving arms around them and leave them with no doubt that they'd never be left out again.
Is there someone you've been avoiding approaching? Perhaps there is someone God has laid on your heart for you to reach out to and you've been putting it off? If not, ask Him to show you someone. Chances are there's someone closer than you think. And you can be the difference they so desperately need. You can be the one that puts an end to their being on the outside looking in.
"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." ~ Proverbs 18:24
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Do You Remember?
Coming off of a weekend full of memorial tributes to 9/11 got me to thinking about our memory and the things we remember. It struck me Sunday morning as the new 9/11 Memorial was being dedicated and the Memorial Service was being held that September 11 will always be a day of remembrance. And it should be. But something else that struck me was when President Obama was reading from Psalm 46. I was glad he was reading it, but I couldn't help but wonder how many other days a year he reads from the Bible. While that particular scripture was very fitting and very appropriate for the activities of the day on Sunday, aren't other scriptures just as appropriate and applicable the other 364 days of the year?
It's easy for us to turn to God when we need comfort in our healing. We remember to cry to Him when we need rest from our pain and when we need peace in our sadness. It's easy for us to remember that He died for us and rose again on Easter Sunday. It's easy to remember that Jesus was born as a mortal man into a sinful world on Christmas. It's easy to remember to be thankful for all of our blessings on Thanksgiving. But what do we remember the rest of the year?
Do we only reach for our Bibles when we need a certain passage for a special occasion? Do we run to Psalm 23 only when someone is near death? Do we recite John 3:16 only when we're doubting our salvation? If so, we're missing out on all of the guidance and promises that God offers for each and every day. Do we only pray when we're in dire need of something? If we do we're missing out on a personal relationship with God and are neglecting ourselves the pleasure and joy that comes from truly knowing Him. Do we fail to remember the sacrifices He made on our behalf? If we do we're taking our salvation for granted.
I'm grateful that scripture reading and prayer were a part of the 9/11 ceremonies. This country needs prayer and needs to hear the Word of God now more than ever before. But what about the rest of the year? Did you pray for the families of the victims in a special church service on Sunday, but forgot to make time for God yesterday? Do you offer up a prayer of Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November but are too busy rushing to all the Christmas sales or watching football games the day after to make time for God? Do you read the Christmas Story from Luke every year because it's family tradition, but by the New Year your Bible - like alot of your Christmas presents - is already gathering dust? Do you remember God on special occasions but forget Him the rest of the time?
Some prayer and some time in the Word is better than nothing, but daily prayer and daily time in the Word is life changing.
"Give us day by day our daily bread." ~ Luke 11:3
"Pray without ceasing." ~ I Thessalonians 5:17
It's easy for us to turn to God when we need comfort in our healing. We remember to cry to Him when we need rest from our pain and when we need peace in our sadness. It's easy for us to remember that He died for us and rose again on Easter Sunday. It's easy to remember that Jesus was born as a mortal man into a sinful world on Christmas. It's easy to remember to be thankful for all of our blessings on Thanksgiving. But what do we remember the rest of the year?
Do we only reach for our Bibles when we need a certain passage for a special occasion? Do we run to Psalm 23 only when someone is near death? Do we recite John 3:16 only when we're doubting our salvation? If so, we're missing out on all of the guidance and promises that God offers for each and every day. Do we only pray when we're in dire need of something? If we do we're missing out on a personal relationship with God and are neglecting ourselves the pleasure and joy that comes from truly knowing Him. Do we fail to remember the sacrifices He made on our behalf? If we do we're taking our salvation for granted.
I'm grateful that scripture reading and prayer were a part of the 9/11 ceremonies. This country needs prayer and needs to hear the Word of God now more than ever before. But what about the rest of the year? Did you pray for the families of the victims in a special church service on Sunday, but forgot to make time for God yesterday? Do you offer up a prayer of Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November but are too busy rushing to all the Christmas sales or watching football games the day after to make time for God? Do you read the Christmas Story from Luke every year because it's family tradition, but by the New Year your Bible - like alot of your Christmas presents - is already gathering dust? Do you remember God on special occasions but forget Him the rest of the time?
Some prayer and some time in the Word is better than nothing, but daily prayer and daily time in the Word is life changing.
"Give us day by day our daily bread." ~ Luke 11:3
"Pray without ceasing." ~ I Thessalonians 5:17
Monday, September 12, 2011
20/20
The old saying that hindsight is 20/20 is so true. How easy it is to look back at something you may not have understood at the time it was happening and see the meaning later down the road. Or haven't you been able to realize why something happened the way that it happened once it was all over? You may not have understood why you were going through the circumstances you were faced with at the time, but they may become very clear later on. And haven't you said, "If I had known then what I know now, I would have done that differently, or I would have said this instead of that, or I wouldn't have gone there at all."
While it's true that our hindsight can become much more clear later down the road, it's also true that our foresight can have clarity as well. No, I'm not necessarily saying that you can develop a clear picture of what your future will be. Nor am I saying that you can develop the gift of prophesy like Isaiah. But I am saying that with God at the center of your life, you can have the peace of knowing that your future is secure. You can have the foresight to know that all things will be worked together for good.
No, you may not know every detail. You may not know where your next job will come from or how many grandchildren you are going to have. You may not can know what hardships you may face in the coming years or what successes you may achieve. But you can know that your needs will be met, your salvation is secured, and your life will be filled with blessings untold.
The old hymn, " I Know Who Holds Tomorrow" sums it up nicely:
I don't know about tomorrow;
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to grey.
I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said.
And today I'll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.
I don't know about tomorrow;
It may bring me poverty.
But the one who feeds the sparrow,
Is the one who stands by me.
And the path that is my portion
May be through the flame or flood;
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood.
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand...
Jeremiah tells us that God knows the plans He has for us. He knows everything about us. Past, present and future. He knows how every second of our every day will be played out before we ever wake up. He knows how many grandchildren we're going to have. He knows the kinds of hardships and successes we'll encounter. He has the plans for our future laid out already. He knows tomorrow. And our foresight into those tomorrows can be 20/20 if only we'll give them to Him.
While it's true that our hindsight can become much more clear later down the road, it's also true that our foresight can have clarity as well. No, I'm not necessarily saying that you can develop a clear picture of what your future will be. Nor am I saying that you can develop the gift of prophesy like Isaiah. But I am saying that with God at the center of your life, you can have the peace of knowing that your future is secure. You can have the foresight to know that all things will be worked together for good.
No, you may not know every detail. You may not know where your next job will come from or how many grandchildren you are going to have. You may not can know what hardships you may face in the coming years or what successes you may achieve. But you can know that your needs will be met, your salvation is secured, and your life will be filled with blessings untold.
The old hymn, " I Know Who Holds Tomorrow" sums it up nicely:
I don't know about tomorrow;
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to grey.
I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said.
And today I'll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.
I don't know about tomorrow;
It may bring me poverty.
But the one who feeds the sparrow,
Is the one who stands by me.
And the path that is my portion
May be through the flame or flood;
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood.
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand...
Jeremiah tells us that God knows the plans He has for us. He knows everything about us. Past, present and future. He knows how every second of our every day will be played out before we ever wake up. He knows how many grandchildren we're going to have. He knows the kinds of hardships and successes we'll encounter. He has the plans for our future laid out already. He knows tomorrow. And our foresight into those tomorrows can be 20/20 if only we'll give them to Him.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." ~ Matthew 6:25-34
"I Know Who Holds Tomorrow" - Alison Krauss and The Cox Family
http://youtu.be/PWKZVbG9egQ
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." ~ Matthew 6:25-34
"I Know Who Holds Tomorrow" - Alison Krauss and The Cox Family
http://youtu.be/PWKZVbG9egQ
Friday, September 9, 2011
It is Well With My Soul
One of my most favorite women in the world, my Aunt Janice, had a video posted on her Facebook wall yesterday of a group singing "It is Well With My Soul." I've included the link at the end of the blog for you to watch if you want. I encourage you to do so. The harmony in these young voices is incredible.
We've all heard the song. If you've been in church most of your life, you've sang it literally hundreds of times. Probably most of the time without even giving thought to the true meaning behind the words. But I'm going to ask you to stop for just a moment and think about those words. Specifically the title. It is Well With My Soul. What is the definition of 'well'? And what does it mean to be well - truly well - with your soul?
Dictionary.com's definition of the word 'well' used as an adjective as it is in the title is this:
1. in good health; sound in body and mind:
2. satisfactory, pleasing, or good:
3. proper, fitting, or gratifying:
4. in a satisfactory position; well-off:
My son's student dictionary gives the adjective definition as: "Healthy, strong, fit."
And good old Merriam-Webster offers the following:
1a : prosperous, well-off
b : being in satisfactory condition or circumstances
2: being in good standing or favor
3: satisfactory, pleasing
4: advisable, desirable
5a : free or recovered from infirmity or disease : healthy
b : completely cured or healed
6: pleasing or satisfactory in appearance
7: being a cause for thankfulness : fortunate
Wanting to dig a little deeper, I went to Dictionary.com's thesaurus - a site that I enjoy and put to use on a regular basis. It suggests these synonyms for 'well': able-bodied, alive and kicking, blooming, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, chipper, fine, fit, flourishing, fresh, great, hale, hardy, hearty, husky, in good health, in the pink, right, right as rain, robust, sane, solid as a rock, sound, strong, strong as an ox, together, trim, up to par, vigorous, whole, wholesome, wrapped tight
Stop for a moment and think about these definitions. Then interject some of the definitions and synonyms in place of the word 'well' in the title. You might come up with:
It is pleasing with my soul, it is healthy with my soul, or it is great with my soul.
But let's take it one step further. Replace 'my' with your name. So you'll come up with something like this:
It is right as rain with Monica's soul. WHOA! That's quite a statement, huh? Or what about this one...I think it's my favorite: It is solid as a rock with Monica's soul. Man, what a proclamation! What an incredible declaration that makes. But it's true. As long as I lean on God's promises and rely on His Word every single day, I can humbly proclaim that my soul is as solid as a rock. Unwavering, unfailing, solid.
No matter how you choose to say it, the end result is the same. With Jesus Christ as our Rock and our Foundation for life, no matter what happens to us...no matter what trials and tribulations we may face...no matter how discouraged, disheartened or displeased we may be...we can stand firmly on His Word and say, "It is well with my soul."
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." ~ Isaiah 41:10-13
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." ~ Psalm 46:1
"In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." ~ Psalm 62:7
It is Well With My Soul by Daves Highway:
http://www.godvine.com/Daves-Highway-Sings-It-Is-Well-With-My-Soul-441.html
We've all heard the song. If you've been in church most of your life, you've sang it literally hundreds of times. Probably most of the time without even giving thought to the true meaning behind the words. But I'm going to ask you to stop for just a moment and think about those words. Specifically the title. It is Well With My Soul. What is the definition of 'well'? And what does it mean to be well - truly well - with your soul?
Dictionary.com's definition of the word 'well' used as an adjective as it is in the title is this:
1. in good health; sound in body and mind:
2. satisfactory, pleasing, or good:
3. proper, fitting, or gratifying:
4. in a satisfactory position; well-off:
My son's student dictionary gives the adjective definition as: "Healthy, strong, fit."
And good old Merriam-Webster offers the following:
1a : prosperous, well-off
b : being in satisfactory condition or circumstances
2: being in good standing or favor
3: satisfactory, pleasing
4: advisable, desirable
5a : free or recovered from infirmity or disease : healthy
b : completely cured or healed
6: pleasing or satisfactory in appearance
7: being a cause for thankfulness : fortunate
Wanting to dig a little deeper, I went to Dictionary.com's thesaurus - a site that I enjoy and put to use on a regular basis. It suggests these synonyms for 'well': able-bodied, alive and kicking, blooming, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, chipper, fine, fit, flourishing, fresh, great, hale, hardy, hearty, husky, in good health, in the pink, right, right as rain, robust, sane, solid as a rock, sound, strong, strong as an ox, together, trim, up to par, vigorous, whole, wholesome, wrapped tight
Stop for a moment and think about these definitions. Then interject some of the definitions and synonyms in place of the word 'well' in the title. You might come up with:
It is pleasing with my soul, it is healthy with my soul, or it is great with my soul.
But let's take it one step further. Replace 'my' with your name. So you'll come up with something like this:
It is right as rain with Monica's soul. WHOA! That's quite a statement, huh? Or what about this one...I think it's my favorite: It is solid as a rock with Monica's soul. Man, what a proclamation! What an incredible declaration that makes. But it's true. As long as I lean on God's promises and rely on His Word every single day, I can humbly proclaim that my soul is as solid as a rock. Unwavering, unfailing, solid.
No matter how you choose to say it, the end result is the same. With Jesus Christ as our Rock and our Foundation for life, no matter what happens to us...no matter what trials and tribulations we may face...no matter how discouraged, disheartened or displeased we may be...we can stand firmly on His Word and say, "It is well with my soul."
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." ~ Isaiah 41:10-13
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." ~ Psalm 46:1
"In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God." ~ Psalm 62:7
It is Well With My Soul by Daves Highway:
http://www.godvine.com/Daves-Highway-Sings-It-Is-Well-With-My-Soul-441.html
Thursday, September 8, 2011
A Penny For Your Thoughts
Okay, so it's true - I'm not going to give you a penny. But still - what are you thinking about? Why are you thinking that? How does what you think affect your spirit? Your attitude? Your day? Those around you?
You've heard the old saying, "Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become your character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny."
How true that is. And how true it is that our lives could be different - oh so different - if only we changed our thoughts. A Bible study I was involved in a few years ago stressed the importance of taking every thought captive for Christ. The goal is to give consideration to every single thought that comes into your mind and decide what to do with it before just acting on it. Some of us just spit out whatever we think. If we think it, we say it. Like the broken lemonade machine, we need a better filter!
Do you think it would make a difference if we would take every thought captive, mull over it, consider it and if it's not a good thought, reject it? You bet it would! If it's something that needs to be rejected, we shouldn't let it stay on our mind. We shouldn't give it another second's thought. And we certainly shouldn't allow it the opportunity to become words.
Joyce Meyer wrote a book a few years ago called, "Battlefield of the Mind." In it, she makes the statement, ""You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind." Basically saying that if our thoughts are negative, our words, our attitude and our entire demeanor will become negative. That darkness will seep into every portion of our life. But if we do away with those negative thoughts and think on good things, on positive things, it can change our life as well - but for the better.
If we would stop and think about what we're thinking about, it could make a huge impact on our lives - and probably someone else's life, too.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." ~ Philippians 4:8
You've heard the old saying, "Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become your character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny."
How true that is. And how true it is that our lives could be different - oh so different - if only we changed our thoughts. A Bible study I was involved in a few years ago stressed the importance of taking every thought captive for Christ. The goal is to give consideration to every single thought that comes into your mind and decide what to do with it before just acting on it. Some of us just spit out whatever we think. If we think it, we say it. Like the broken lemonade machine, we need a better filter!
Do you think it would make a difference if we would take every thought captive, mull over it, consider it and if it's not a good thought, reject it? You bet it would! If it's something that needs to be rejected, we shouldn't let it stay on our mind. We shouldn't give it another second's thought. And we certainly shouldn't allow it the opportunity to become words.
Joyce Meyer wrote a book a few years ago called, "Battlefield of the Mind." In it, she makes the statement, ""You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind." Basically saying that if our thoughts are negative, our words, our attitude and our entire demeanor will become negative. That darkness will seep into every portion of our life. But if we do away with those negative thoughts and think on good things, on positive things, it can change our life as well - but for the better.
If we would stop and think about what we're thinking about, it could make a huge impact on our lives - and probably someone else's life, too.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." ~ Philippians 4:8
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
My Pleasure
A certain fast food chain enforces customer service more than any other it seems. With certain terminology as referring to diners as guests instead of customers, and saying "My Pleasure" instead of "You're welcome, " they have the market cornered on customer service. They stress to their employees the importance of making a guest feel welcomed and going the extra mile to make their dining experience a pleasant one, in the hopes that they'll remember it and return. And it works! It's not surprising that this restaurant was founded on Christian principles by a devout Christian man who instilled a certain work ethic and attitude of service in all of his employees. The chain has grown substantially since its humble beginning in 1946, but that work ethic and the keen eye for service still remains. If you live in the South, I'm sure by now you've figured out that I'm talking about Chick-fil-A.
My teenage daughter has been blessed by being able to begin her working career at Chick-fil-A. I can think of no other establishment - fast food or otherwise - that would teach and instill in her the morals and values of work ethic and service that Chick-fil-A provides. And being closed every Sunday to allow their employees time to worship and spend with their families is yet another example of their Godly foundation. She loves her job - as much as any teenager can love a job anyway! And she's worked there long enough now that the high standards that are required at work have become second nature to her. The term, "My pleasure" is established in her vocabulary. It's become habit, and she says it all the time without even realizing it. So much so that she often gets teased about it. But what a wonderful habit to have!
How different would our lives be if we genuinely took pleasure in serving others? When someone asks for a favor, don't we often mumble and complain about having to take time out of our schedules to do it? When we are asked to serve at church, don't we sometimes feel more inconvenienced than blessed? Or when we see a certain number pop up on our caller ID, don't we think, "Oh no, not her again! Wonder what she wants this time!" Doing for others, giving of our time, serving others, and especially serving Christ should be a pleasure, not a chore.
The great thing is that when we serve with the right attitude, with the mindset that we are going to enjoy what we're doing for others, in the end we will be blessed just as much if not more so than the person we're doing for. Being able to give of our time and talents to serve should be a blessing to us as well, and if we're doing it with the right approach, it will be. Sure we all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and wonder sometimes if we've put too much on our plates. Maybe we've signed our name on one volunteer sheet too many. We've said "yes," too many times. It can be very easy to get stressed by all we've got to do sometimes. But if we remember why we're doing what we're doing in the first place, and especially Who we're doing for, the joy will come and those tasks will soon turn into blessings.
And when someone offers or tries to do something for you - let them. If you don't you're robbing them of their blessing by not allowing them to serve you. Sometimes we get too proud and say, "I don't need them to do that. I don't need anyone taking care of me or doing me any favors. I can do it myself." Well maybe you can do it all by yourself. Maybe you're the very first person in the history of the world to go through life without needing anything from anyone else. What a sad life that must be! But maybe, just maybe, you're like the rest of us who can't do it all on our own. We need people. We need each other. We need help. Even if we don't need exactly what someone is offering at the exact time they are offering it, if we accept it with a grateful and humble heart, we will be blessed and will in turn allow them the opportunity to be blessed as well. And when are we ever not in need of a blessing?
So the next time you offer to do something for someone, or the next time you add your name to that infamous volunteer sign-up sheet, smile and say, "My pleasure." And if it truly is, get ready for a blessing!
"Serve the Lord with gladness..." Psalm 100:2a (KJV)
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." ~ 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NIV)
My teenage daughter has been blessed by being able to begin her working career at Chick-fil-A. I can think of no other establishment - fast food or otherwise - that would teach and instill in her the morals and values of work ethic and service that Chick-fil-A provides. And being closed every Sunday to allow their employees time to worship and spend with their families is yet another example of their Godly foundation. She loves her job - as much as any teenager can love a job anyway! And she's worked there long enough now that the high standards that are required at work have become second nature to her. The term, "My pleasure" is established in her vocabulary. It's become habit, and she says it all the time without even realizing it. So much so that she often gets teased about it. But what a wonderful habit to have!
How different would our lives be if we genuinely took pleasure in serving others? When someone asks for a favor, don't we often mumble and complain about having to take time out of our schedules to do it? When we are asked to serve at church, don't we sometimes feel more inconvenienced than blessed? Or when we see a certain number pop up on our caller ID, don't we think, "Oh no, not her again! Wonder what she wants this time!" Doing for others, giving of our time, serving others, and especially serving Christ should be a pleasure, not a chore.
The great thing is that when we serve with the right attitude, with the mindset that we are going to enjoy what we're doing for others, in the end we will be blessed just as much if not more so than the person we're doing for. Being able to give of our time and talents to serve should be a blessing to us as well, and if we're doing it with the right approach, it will be. Sure we all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and wonder sometimes if we've put too much on our plates. Maybe we've signed our name on one volunteer sheet too many. We've said "yes," too many times. It can be very easy to get stressed by all we've got to do sometimes. But if we remember why we're doing what we're doing in the first place, and especially Who we're doing for, the joy will come and those tasks will soon turn into blessings.
And when someone offers or tries to do something for you - let them. If you don't you're robbing them of their blessing by not allowing them to serve you. Sometimes we get too proud and say, "I don't need them to do that. I don't need anyone taking care of me or doing me any favors. I can do it myself." Well maybe you can do it all by yourself. Maybe you're the very first person in the history of the world to go through life without needing anything from anyone else. What a sad life that must be! But maybe, just maybe, you're like the rest of us who can't do it all on our own. We need people. We need each other. We need help. Even if we don't need exactly what someone is offering at the exact time they are offering it, if we accept it with a grateful and humble heart, we will be blessed and will in turn allow them the opportunity to be blessed as well. And when are we ever not in need of a blessing?
So the next time you offer to do something for someone, or the next time you add your name to that infamous volunteer sign-up sheet, smile and say, "My pleasure." And if it truly is, get ready for a blessing!
"Serve the Lord with gladness..." Psalm 100:2a (KJV)
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." ~ 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NIV)
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Just Enough
My son Tucker is a drummer. He's always shown some musical interest and he's always had rhythm; he even won a county-wide rhythm competition in the 4th grade. So I wasn't really surprised a few years ago when he decided he wanted to play the drums. And still today, at 14 years old, he absolutely loves it. Even more so than when he first showed an interest. And he is constantly drumming. With drum sticks, with pencils, with his hands...on his legs, on the table, on the dashboard in the car...everywhere he goes he drums.
Since yesterday was a holiday, Tucker was invited to go to Tallahassee with a friend and his family. He slept over at his friend's house Sunday night and they took off for Tallahassee sometime yesterday morning. Not knowing exactly what they were going to be doing in Tallahassee, he only took $30 of his cash stash "just in case." Tucker doesn't like to spend money, but you just never know what might come up. He knew they were going to Tallahassee and he had an idea they were going shopping. What he didn't know is that they would be going to a music store, which would have the exact items he needed for his percussion class - a practice pad and a new set of drum sticks. (Note: Hereafter I will attempt to sound cool like Tucker and refer to his drumsticks as merely "sticks.")
This is where my knowledge grows dim. I can call them "sticks," because that's what he does - but that's about it. I'm drum ignorant. Give me a piano keyboard and I'm good to go, but I know absolutely nothing about drums. The two things I do know is that 1. Tucker loves them, and 2. They are loud! So much so that he has his own "man cave" in our backyard, thanks to his wonderful PaPa! He can go down there and drum and bang to his heart's content without disturbing the rest of our household.
So when he said he needed new sticks for his percussion class, I was confused. He already had sticks. Lots of sticks. But unbeknownst to me, there are all different types and sizes of sticks. And none of the ones he already had were the certain size and type he needed for percussion class. He also needed a practice pad. Again, I was clueless. I had no idea what a practice pad was, but I was excited when I found out that it's a rubber pad that he can beat with the sticks during practice instead of actually beating on the drum. Or the desk. Or the kitchen counter. Or the dashboard in the car. Or the coffee table. Or the ..... you get my point. The rubber on the practice pad muffles the sound of the drum sticks. That practice pad might just be my new best friend!
And there they were - in that music store in Tallahassee that he didn't know he was going to. There were the size sticks he needed and there was the practice pad he needed. And there Tucker was, with his $30, "just in case." This is where it gets good - because I almost let him leave with $27. I know that's an odd amount, but it's what he had in his pocket at the time. But on the way to drop him off at his friend's house Sunday night, I made him trade me two $1 bills for a five so he'd have an even $30. He thought that was a pretty good trade! I now know that it was a God thing. God told me to send him with $30, not $27. We didn't know he'd be going to the music store, but God knew. We didn't know he'd find just what he needed, but God knew. And we didn't know that three dollars would make a lot of difference, but the sticks and the practice pad he needed came to a grand total of $29 with tax. He would have been short had he went with his original $27. He wouldn't have had enough. We didn't know that taking three dollars more would make such a difference. But God knew. And since he took $30 and not $27, he had just enough.
Isn't it awesome that God is always that way with us, no matter what it is? Isn't it incredible that He allows us just enough at just the time we need it? Hasn't He promised time and time again that He will always meet our needs if we let Him?
Just enough mercy.
Just enough grace.
Just enough forgiveness.
Just enough.
It's all we need.
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'" ~ 2Corinthians 12:9
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him." ~ Lamentations 3:22-25
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" ~ Matthew 6:25-27
Since yesterday was a holiday, Tucker was invited to go to Tallahassee with a friend and his family. He slept over at his friend's house Sunday night and they took off for Tallahassee sometime yesterday morning. Not knowing exactly what they were going to be doing in Tallahassee, he only took $30 of his cash stash "just in case." Tucker doesn't like to spend money, but you just never know what might come up. He knew they were going to Tallahassee and he had an idea they were going shopping. What he didn't know is that they would be going to a music store, which would have the exact items he needed for his percussion class - a practice pad and a new set of drum sticks. (Note: Hereafter I will attempt to sound cool like Tucker and refer to his drumsticks as merely "sticks.")
This is where my knowledge grows dim. I can call them "sticks," because that's what he does - but that's about it. I'm drum ignorant. Give me a piano keyboard and I'm good to go, but I know absolutely nothing about drums. The two things I do know is that 1. Tucker loves them, and 2. They are loud! So much so that he has his own "man cave" in our backyard, thanks to his wonderful PaPa! He can go down there and drum and bang to his heart's content without disturbing the rest of our household.
So when he said he needed new sticks for his percussion class, I was confused. He already had sticks. Lots of sticks. But unbeknownst to me, there are all different types and sizes of sticks. And none of the ones he already had were the certain size and type he needed for percussion class. He also needed a practice pad. Again, I was clueless. I had no idea what a practice pad was, but I was excited when I found out that it's a rubber pad that he can beat with the sticks during practice instead of actually beating on the drum. Or the desk. Or the kitchen counter. Or the dashboard in the car. Or the coffee table. Or the ..... you get my point. The rubber on the practice pad muffles the sound of the drum sticks. That practice pad might just be my new best friend!
And there they were - in that music store in Tallahassee that he didn't know he was going to. There were the size sticks he needed and there was the practice pad he needed. And there Tucker was, with his $30, "just in case." This is where it gets good - because I almost let him leave with $27. I know that's an odd amount, but it's what he had in his pocket at the time. But on the way to drop him off at his friend's house Sunday night, I made him trade me two $1 bills for a five so he'd have an even $30. He thought that was a pretty good trade! I now know that it was a God thing. God told me to send him with $30, not $27. We didn't know he'd be going to the music store, but God knew. We didn't know he'd find just what he needed, but God knew. And we didn't know that three dollars would make a lot of difference, but the sticks and the practice pad he needed came to a grand total of $29 with tax. He would have been short had he went with his original $27. He wouldn't have had enough. We didn't know that taking three dollars more would make such a difference. But God knew. And since he took $30 and not $27, he had just enough.
Isn't it awesome that God is always that way with us, no matter what it is? Isn't it incredible that He allows us just enough at just the time we need it? Hasn't He promised time and time again that He will always meet our needs if we let Him?
Just enough mercy.
Just enough grace.
Just enough forgiveness.
Just enough.
It's all we need.
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'" ~ 2Corinthians 12:9
"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him." ~ Lamentations 3:22-25
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" ~ Matthew 6:25-27
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Does This Attitude Make My Butt Look Big?
What do you think would happen if we spent as much time checking our attitude as we spend checking out ourselves in the mirror? How would our days be different if we worked on our attitude and outlook as much as we work on our hair, makeup and wardrobe before leaving the house each day?
We (especially we women) spend so much time, effort and money on our outward physical appearance. Getting our hair cut, colored, curled, straightened. Having our nails filed, painted, tipped. Choosing just the right shade of lipstick, lipgloss, lipbalm. And forget trying to pick out an outfit. The amount of time some of us spend on our appearance each day is ridiculous. And for what? So we can "impress" someone? So we can be attractive? And for whom?
Yes, it's true that man looks - and more often than not judges - our outer appearance. Trust me, I know. If I'm ever in shorts or a skirt, it's quickly obvious to anyone who sees me that I'm wearing a prosthesis. For 36 years I've gotten the looks and the stares. I've heard the whispers and I've seen the pointing fingers. Our outward appearance is what people see first and often use to sum us up before they've ever even met us. And yes, that's why we spend so much time and money on our physical appearance. We want to look good.
But while man sees our outward appearance, God sees our heart. He looks beyond our hairstyle and makeup and sees what's on our heart and in our minds. He sees so much more than our cosmetics and prosthetics. He sees the real us. So why then don't we spend as much time primping our attitude and manicuring our mindset as we spend picking out our outfit? We don't have time for that, we tell ourselves. Well, no - not after we've spent an hour trying to get our lip pencil line perfectly straight and assuring that our mascara isn't smeared! But time with God shouldnt' come after we've completed all of our other tasks. It should be first and foremost in our minds and on our schedules.
God's opinion of us is the only opinion that truly matters. We shouldn't care if someone thinks our haircut isn't flattering, or if a certain skirt makes our hips look wider than they really are. Yet we spend so much time on these physical matters and are often slack when it comes to spending time with God working on our attitude. I'm not saying you should go out without makeup. And I'm not saying you shouldn't wear nice clothes. The Bible teaches us to adorn ourselves. Wives should make themselves beautiful for their husbands. But all the more so we should make our minds beautiful for Christ. What good does it do us (or those around us) if we're impeccably dressed, our hair and makeup are perfect, our jewelry is sparkling, but our attitude stinks? We can be absolutely gorgeous on the outside, but if we're dark and dirty and ugly on the inside what are we accomplishing?
Remember, man looks on the outer appearance but God looks on the heart. So the next time you start to ask, "How do I look?" or "Does this dress make my butt look big?", ask yourself first how your attitude is making you look. And remember which one matters the most.
"The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” ~ I Samuel 16:7
"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." ~ Ephesians 4:22-24
We (especially we women) spend so much time, effort and money on our outward physical appearance. Getting our hair cut, colored, curled, straightened. Having our nails filed, painted, tipped. Choosing just the right shade of lipstick, lipgloss, lipbalm. And forget trying to pick out an outfit. The amount of time some of us spend on our appearance each day is ridiculous. And for what? So we can "impress" someone? So we can be attractive? And for whom?
Yes, it's true that man looks - and more often than not judges - our outer appearance. Trust me, I know. If I'm ever in shorts or a skirt, it's quickly obvious to anyone who sees me that I'm wearing a prosthesis. For 36 years I've gotten the looks and the stares. I've heard the whispers and I've seen the pointing fingers. Our outward appearance is what people see first and often use to sum us up before they've ever even met us. And yes, that's why we spend so much time and money on our physical appearance. We want to look good.
But while man sees our outward appearance, God sees our heart. He looks beyond our hairstyle and makeup and sees what's on our heart and in our minds. He sees so much more than our cosmetics and prosthetics. He sees the real us. So why then don't we spend as much time primping our attitude and manicuring our mindset as we spend picking out our outfit? We don't have time for that, we tell ourselves. Well, no - not after we've spent an hour trying to get our lip pencil line perfectly straight and assuring that our mascara isn't smeared! But time with God shouldnt' come after we've completed all of our other tasks. It should be first and foremost in our minds and on our schedules.
God's opinion of us is the only opinion that truly matters. We shouldn't care if someone thinks our haircut isn't flattering, or if a certain skirt makes our hips look wider than they really are. Yet we spend so much time on these physical matters and are often slack when it comes to spending time with God working on our attitude. I'm not saying you should go out without makeup. And I'm not saying you shouldn't wear nice clothes. The Bible teaches us to adorn ourselves. Wives should make themselves beautiful for their husbands. But all the more so we should make our minds beautiful for Christ. What good does it do us (or those around us) if we're impeccably dressed, our hair and makeup are perfect, our jewelry is sparkling, but our attitude stinks? We can be absolutely gorgeous on the outside, but if we're dark and dirty and ugly on the inside what are we accomplishing?
Remember, man looks on the outer appearance but God looks on the heart. So the next time you start to ask, "How do I look?" or "Does this dress make my butt look big?", ask yourself first how your attitude is making you look. And remember which one matters the most.
"The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” ~ I Samuel 16:7
"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." ~ Ephesians 4:22-24
Friday, September 2, 2011
Have You Lost Your Voice?
Both of my kids have been fighting summer colds over the past week. Coughing, snorting, sneezing, sore throats, low grade fevers...it's been pretty miserable around our house. Yesterday my daughter's body finally succumbed to the strain and her voice decided to make a quick departure. Sometime yesterday morning her voice packed up and left. She was silenced...straining to make even the slightest peep. No singing for her for the next few days! We're just grateful for the upcoming long holiday weekend which will hopefully give her time to recover.
Emilee's sudden bout of silence got me to thinking about what makes us lose our voice. Sure, her vocal chords have been strained these past few weeks since school started. She's singing more than she's ever sang before, she's tired, and I'm sure her immune system is low. All of this combined with the nasty cold that showed up at our house this week apparently created the perfect combination for a bout of laryngitis. Her voice has checked out. Her physical voice at least. But what about our spiritual voices? What keeps us silent? What causes us to develop spiritual laryngitis?
Is it fear of what others will think? Perhaps. Do we want to 'fit in?' Probably. Do we worry about how taking a stand for what we believe will make us look? Most likely. We all want to be accepted by those around us. But we should be more concerned with being accepted by God. We need to be cautious of what we don't say as much as what we do say. And in the same manner, we should be aware of not only what we say, but also how we say it.
A good friend recently cited a quote that I think is quite fitting here. She teaches first grade and its a motto she strives to live up to in her classroom. "Children may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel." I think this is true of all people, not just children. We may not remember the specific words that broke our heart, but we remember the broken heart. And on the flip side, we may not remember verbatim what was said that made us feel so very loved and important in someone's life, but we remember the feeling. Alot of time the manner in which we speak is so much more important than the words coming out of our mouth.
Proverbs 18:21 says that the tongue has the power of life and death. It can heal or destroy. Used in the wrong way it can cause great harm and destruction. It is definitely a powerful thing. But we shouldn't be afraid of using it, as long as we're doing so in the right way. Proverbs 12:18 states that the tongue of the wise brings healing. That's the kind of tongue waving we need to be doing. We need to tame it - bite it if you have to - in order to keep it from doing harm. But we should never be so concerned with what others' think that we become silent and miss an opportunity to share God's love.
Watch what you say. Watch how you say it. Shut up when you need to. But don't be afraid to shout at the appropriate time, either. Just don't develop a case of spiritual laryngitis.
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer" ~ Psalm 19:14
Emilee's sudden bout of silence got me to thinking about what makes us lose our voice. Sure, her vocal chords have been strained these past few weeks since school started. She's singing more than she's ever sang before, she's tired, and I'm sure her immune system is low. All of this combined with the nasty cold that showed up at our house this week apparently created the perfect combination for a bout of laryngitis. Her voice has checked out. Her physical voice at least. But what about our spiritual voices? What keeps us silent? What causes us to develop spiritual laryngitis?
Is it fear of what others will think? Perhaps. Do we want to 'fit in?' Probably. Do we worry about how taking a stand for what we believe will make us look? Most likely. We all want to be accepted by those around us. But we should be more concerned with being accepted by God. We need to be cautious of what we don't say as much as what we do say. And in the same manner, we should be aware of not only what we say, but also how we say it.
A good friend recently cited a quote that I think is quite fitting here. She teaches first grade and its a motto she strives to live up to in her classroom. "Children may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel." I think this is true of all people, not just children. We may not remember the specific words that broke our heart, but we remember the broken heart. And on the flip side, we may not remember verbatim what was said that made us feel so very loved and important in someone's life, but we remember the feeling. Alot of time the manner in which we speak is so much more important than the words coming out of our mouth.
Proverbs 18:21 says that the tongue has the power of life and death. It can heal or destroy. Used in the wrong way it can cause great harm and destruction. It is definitely a powerful thing. But we shouldn't be afraid of using it, as long as we're doing so in the right way. Proverbs 12:18 states that the tongue of the wise brings healing. That's the kind of tongue waving we need to be doing. We need to tame it - bite it if you have to - in order to keep it from doing harm. But we should never be so concerned with what others' think that we become silent and miss an opportunity to share God's love.
Watch what you say. Watch how you say it. Shut up when you need to. But don't be afraid to shout at the appropriate time, either. Just don't develop a case of spiritual laryngitis.
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer" ~ Psalm 19:14
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Great To See You Again!
Have you seen all of the reunion shows that are on television these days? One guy, called The Locator, searches to find lost loved ones and reunites them on the show. Another show called Searching For... does the same thing, but with a woman conducting the search. They are so interesting to me and I get so wrapped up in those programs. I have a weird affection for seeing people's reactions in different types of situations and the reactions of the people on these shows when they find their lost loved ones are so intriguing to me. If I see one of the shows coming on, I can't help but grab a box of kleenex and sit back to watch. I love a good reaction, but I especially love a good reunion.
Next weekend our local high school choir will be hosting an alumni reunion. As an alumni of the choir, and also as the mother of a current choir member, I'm really looking forward to the gathering. It's going to be fun to see old choir buddies and it will great to see the former choir director from my high school days as well. An added bonus to the reunion is that the alumni, along with the current choir, will be singing the National Anthem at our high school's homecoming football game. The reunion is going to be great, but getting to sing next to my daughter will be icing on the cake! Reuniting with old friends and making new memories at the same time - that's what a reunion is all about, right?
This year our church celebrates it's centennial anniversary. 100 years of family, history and service will be observed on our annual Homecoming Sunday in October. We've been making preparations all year and have undergone a massive sanctuary remodel as a part of the celebration. Former pastors, prior members, family and friends will gather to celebrate this milestone in our church's history. It's going to be a great big reunion and we're all so excited to see everyone and have everyone reunited and back with us.
And remember when you first discovered Facebook? MAN! Talk about a reunion! There were new names and faces popping up every day. People you hadn't thought of in years. Decades even. And suddenly you were reunited with them all. Remember how exciting it was to be able to find friends you hadn't heard from in ages?
Family reunions, class reunions, alumni associations, Homecoming Sundays, Facebook...we all love a good reunion, don't we? It's wonderful to see friends and family we haven't seen in a long time and it's fun to visit with and catch up with those we don't get to see very often.
As great as these reunions on earth are, can you imagine what it's going to be like to be reunited with our loved ones in Heaven? Tomorrow will be 38 years since my grandfather passed away. I was 2 years old. I have no memory of him and have only seen a few pictures of him through the years. But I have no doubt that I will recognize him in Heaven, and I eagerly look forward to being reunited with him, along with the rest of my grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who are already there as well. What a reunion that will be! What a wonderful promise God has given us to be able to be reunited with our loved ones in Heaven. What a Glad Reunion Day!
Glad Reunion Day
http://youtu.be/E_NmQfZ86lI
Next weekend our local high school choir will be hosting an alumni reunion. As an alumni of the choir, and also as the mother of a current choir member, I'm really looking forward to the gathering. It's going to be fun to see old choir buddies and it will great to see the former choir director from my high school days as well. An added bonus to the reunion is that the alumni, along with the current choir, will be singing the National Anthem at our high school's homecoming football game. The reunion is going to be great, but getting to sing next to my daughter will be icing on the cake! Reuniting with old friends and making new memories at the same time - that's what a reunion is all about, right?
This year our church celebrates it's centennial anniversary. 100 years of family, history and service will be observed on our annual Homecoming Sunday in October. We've been making preparations all year and have undergone a massive sanctuary remodel as a part of the celebration. Former pastors, prior members, family and friends will gather to celebrate this milestone in our church's history. It's going to be a great big reunion and we're all so excited to see everyone and have everyone reunited and back with us.
And remember when you first discovered Facebook? MAN! Talk about a reunion! There were new names and faces popping up every day. People you hadn't thought of in years. Decades even. And suddenly you were reunited with them all. Remember how exciting it was to be able to find friends you hadn't heard from in ages?
Family reunions, class reunions, alumni associations, Homecoming Sundays, Facebook...we all love a good reunion, don't we? It's wonderful to see friends and family we haven't seen in a long time and it's fun to visit with and catch up with those we don't get to see very often.
As great as these reunions on earth are, can you imagine what it's going to be like to be reunited with our loved ones in Heaven? Tomorrow will be 38 years since my grandfather passed away. I was 2 years old. I have no memory of him and have only seen a few pictures of him through the years. But I have no doubt that I will recognize him in Heaven, and I eagerly look forward to being reunited with him, along with the rest of my grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who are already there as well. What a reunion that will be! What a wonderful promise God has given us to be able to be reunited with our loved ones in Heaven. What a Glad Reunion Day!
Glad Reunion Day
http://youtu.be/E_NmQfZ86lI
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