Come, Celebrate!

During the course of the days and weeks that are filled with the stuff of life, I tend to forget that those closest to me really do in fact, care a lot about me.  Granted, oft times the opportunity to show affection or appreciation is neither here nor there.  It's not a big deal.  I understand how detailed living in this world can be.  I get tired, misdirected and basically  lack the energy or find myself caught up in the routine of schedules and deadlines.  These things are not bad and actually are welcomed when held in the proper perspective of not neglecting balance.  We all need to find that tension and steward our time wisely.   But I do like to know some time or another that I matter, and especially to those dear to me. 

I'm no different than most others I guess.  Take for instance, the occasion of birthdays.  Our family has celebrated what seems like the whole month of August!  Mine was just yesterday.  On my birthday I like to think back over the previous year, thank the Lord for His faithfulness in all the days gone by and celebrate in a small way as I enjoy eating cake and sipping my favorite hazelnut flavored coffee. I'm kinda easy that way.  Then I sit, think about and kinda wonder what the next year will hold.  On a side note, being of the female gender, I also and especially enjoy occasional dinners out with my man, words of thanks and praise from my children and our doggys' tails wagging when I walk through the door after coming home from anywhere. 

This year's celebration was a little different for me though.  It's one that I surely will cherish in my memory for years to come.  The events that occurred were profound.  Profound in the sense that they made me feel so very special.  I wanted to share a bit of it with you, not to brag in any sense of the word, but to express how one life can be shown the love of God when we care enough to do so!  This time I was the recipient.   

Upon waking up and making myself somewhat presentable to the rest of the world, I left my mirror satisfied that I wouldn't scare anyone too much upon greeting them.  I then shuffled to our dining area and because of what my eyes beheld, found myself speechless.  I mean,  I don't think I have much to say on most occasions anyway.   I have my work cut out for me and I do it. Simple.  But when  I caught a glimpse of  what is usually our common, everyday dining area transformed into a picture of loveliness, my jaw dropped.  Literally.  Surely the flowers, china, and stemware were all meant for a queen or something.  Oh no. Not this time. I was quickly reminded by the resounding, "H a P p Y  B i R t H d A y, Mooommm!"  that rang out in sibling harmony, that this festivity was definitely prepared...just for me.  

I too, was lavished upon with thoughts of praise and adoration, if you will, from my family with both homemade and store-bought cards, a bouquet of balloons and a vase of those long-stemmed gladiolus'.  I absolutely love those!  My oldest daughter had planned and prepared a meal that resembled something us ladies would order when visiting a tea room...without the bonnets, thank you.  Then later we ventured to the mall laughing, trying on things, asking each other how this bling would look with this outfit, etc.  Lolly, lolly, lolly!    After a few hours there, our next stop was to favorite local coffeehouse where I was treated to my favorite 'Americana' cup of coffee!  Mmmm!  

In all of the nice-ities of the day, it wasn't about the lovely cards, balloons, flowers, food or the shopping, as ever so truly appreciative as I am for that aspect of celebrating the day was.   What was so profound to me, was the shear joy of relationship and the bonding that occurs in all of that stuff!  I revelled in the laughter, all of the chatter at breakfast time,  the teasing rolling of the eyes while shopping at the mall, and the many smiles that occurred inadvertently throughout the day.

In all of the wonderment that the day held for me, I look back and out of curiosity wonder if the God who created us, desires that same 'revelling' in and of relationship with us?  I would have to say indeed yes!  He made it so possible through the gift of His only Son.  The table has been set.  All of the arrangements have been taken care of.  With exceedingly more joy than could ever be rivaled in any earthly relationships,  Jesus invites you to come.  Don't be concerned about how you look when you first greet the Saviour.  Your worth and beauty will be cherished from the inside out.  Come!

What's Your Giant?

This morning  I felt saddened and overwhelmed at the effects of sin in the world. My heart was burdened for myself, family, friends and those whose lives face the giants of depression, fear, and addictions.  We all, in a sense and at times, have become enslaved to their lies.  For what felt like too long, the barrage of sorrow seemed both relentless and endless!

But the Lord brought His comfort to my spirit.  Wiping the tears from my eyes, I opened up His word and He led me to 1 Samuel 17.  Mmm-hmmm, the account of David and Goliath!


Saul said to David: 33-- "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”  Well, doesn't that just ring with encouragement? Not!


Listen, David had experience with God!  He knew of His faithfulness and His ability to deliver: 37--"The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”


Friend, what is your 'Philistine'?  May I encourage you to stand against the enemy who desires to steal(from), kill and destroy you? Don't give him the satisfaction of leaving you on the curb!  Take up the shield of faith, and move forward!


As I read on, I began to personalize the scripture. I placed MY name where David's name is recorded.  I read it like this:


45--David (LINDA) said to the Philistine (HER ENEMY, ie. fear, depression, addictions, etc.), “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46--This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47--All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 


To restate the last portion of this passage:  "...for the battle is the Lord's...".  When it's His glory that we want to reflect and reveal, I know He will bring the victory!!  

Share the Love

Ahhhh, the great outdoors!  We drink in the beauty of God's creation on a consistent basis.  But in all of it's charm, we also have a great respect for how things operate in His world. 


 For example, we wear shoes to protect our feet from possible injury. When we're going to be spending a great deal of time in the sun, it's best to wear some form of sunscreen.  In our region, not that we experience cold temperatures often, but when we do, we put a sweater on to alleviate the chills. 


So when we as a family or when the kids are going to be in the great outdoors, the expression most often used is, "be careful!"  


But how about when we get together with friends, family,or associates?  Are we just as conscientious and thoughtful?  I mean, the proverbial throwing of 'sticks and stones' can actually hurt even those who are considered the strongest of people.   I too, like to think I can handle rejection for the sake of personal convictions.  But it can be a hard,lonely place.


I know the that God loves me and that I'm significant to the One who matters most, but getting 'poked', to use a Fb term, isn't always a pleasant thing for anyone. 


God is our Maker. That is the one thing we have in common with everyone.  We all stand in need of grace and forgiveness.  If you've experienced that grace and forgiveness for yourself, why not share it with others?  If you've been on the receiving end of a cutting remark or some other form of rejection, God knows.  Let Him fill in the holes...truly, only He can.  Too, pray for the offender.  They need to know that they are loved and significant, not by putting others down, but because God loves them as well.




  

Not Just Your Ordinary Pancake

This morning I chose to make our family's favorite pancakes for breakfast. They're taken from a recipe I found years ago. I've made them so often that I don't even have to refer to the recipe anymore.  I have it memorized. I'm pretty sure you have a few family favorites like this as well.

 After breakfast I, along with the children, like to open God's word, the Bible, to read a portion and ponder it for the day. But today I decided that the booklet we usually use to assist with family devotions, was a little more than what I felt the kids could relate to.   So taking the immediate example at hand of our favorite breakfast, Psalm 34:8 came to mind.   It reads:

"Taste and see that the Lord is good;  blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him."


This became our verse for the day!  Like the yummy pancakes our family loves so much,  we need to 'taste and see that the LORD is good"!  Ultimately, even more so!

Nothing compares to His justice, His fairness, His mercy, His love, His grace, His wisdom and the host of other superlative characteristics that make up who He is.  Seriously, don't we all cry for justice when a murderer is finally taken into custody?  We long for life's situations and circumstances to be fair, don't we?  And, how about when we make a legitimate mistake,  grace is like a welcomed friend.  I think you'd agree too that to be loved is much more desireable than not (being loved).   Even in those times when we must make a decision.  Don't we want to have all of the information necessary before acting on a premise?  Sure we do!  And yet, as many good, earthly examples that we've been blessed to have, they tend to wane in light of His.

Inwardly, we honestly desire God and all that He is.   Some may call it a God-vacuum that nothing but God can quench or fulfill.  Our ultimate longings can only be met by tasting of the Lord.   By allowing me to compare my family's favorite pancakes to try and describe the goodness of the Lord,  will you then take into consideration the incr-edible satisfaction of what knowing Him is like?  I hope so!  A good starting place to become better acquainted with the Lord's delicacies (His character) would be His love letter to you, the Bible. It is filled from cover to cover of accounts of how He interacted with those who called on Him in times of need.

Now, I understand that you may forget the analogy of my family's favorite pancakes, and that's okay.  What matters most is that you take that step to open His word and sample for yourself the goodness of the Lord...blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him!

Expectations, Are They Really Worth It?

‎"We have to let Truth scream louder to our souls than the lies that have infected us." ~ Beth Moore

It's interesting how one statement like the one above can trigger a rush of thoughts to come to the surface and flood my mind with memories and the emotions associated with them. Ashamedly, I've chosen to believe numerous lies in my lifetime that I tragically thought were truths. For example, I believed that when I prayed to God He would always respond with a yes answer.  And that if I would only try harder, I could make my parents, family, employer or friends happy.  Here's a good one, that because I've placed my faith in Jesus Christ my life would be easier. Ha!

These lies were just the tip of the iceberg to the many lies I chose to believe for many years. I didn't fully realize that my own expectations were standing in the way of God's purposes and plans! It  led to much sorrow which in turn caused me to blame God when things didn't work out the way I thought they should have. Question:  Do I really know better than God?  Let me just say that I am here today, as living proof  that clearly I DO NOT!

In more recent months I've been challenged to daily confront whatever source of information that comes down the pike with the purifying Word of God. I'm choosing to trust Him in the dark, for as long as it takes for me to realize that the 'green pastures' and 'still waters'  that He leads me to, as recorded in Psalm 23, are nothing like I could ever think of or imagine !  Every day is a gift from His hand regardless of the circumstances that come with it.  He's planned it all just for me and...for you!  So buckle up, hold on tight and stand ready to be amazed!! He is God!

A Child's Prayer

I was yet humbled, again, while listening to our youngest son pray this morning. Clayton has been consistent to begin his requests to God with that precious, child-like faith that simply takes God at His word. Here's a sampling of what his prayer(s) consist of even before we start the day: 

"Dear Lord, THANK YOU for this glorious day, THANK YOU that we will not rush through our lessons today, THANK YOU for bringing Daddy home safely (this is right after Mike leaves for work), THANK YOU that we have a good day today, THANK YOU for getting us to Ben and Lindy's piano lesson today, THANK YOU....." etc., etc. (emphasis, mine).

His requests(?!) are asked with the assurance and certainty of God's intervention! He makes his requests and leaves the rest to God! I don't know about you, but I have to fall to my knees in thanks and praise for the daily examples that the Lord brings to my attention of His awesome love and desired involvement in our lives.

Today, I don't think my prayers have to go any further than, "God...thank You" ♥

Give Up? Never!

Friends, I know that many circumstances and trials in life can be difficult.  And along with these seemingly constant challenges,  may also come a ton of discouragement. Maybe even enough discouragement to literally steal our joy.  Discouragement can weigh us down to the point of even giving us the feeling of being paralyzed.  Subtle, and maybe not so subtle lies that we randomly choose to believe about the situation and ourselves, can take us way off track.

At the very moment these attacks begin to start laying there luggage down on our doorsteps, let's give them the boot!!  Oh, they may try to stay on the front porch for awhile, but that doesn't mean we have to invite them into our living rooms!  No, no! Let's stand straight and tall and only look at their ugliness from a distance, if that! Their desire is to bring harm and to steal!  We need to let that godly character grow through the struggles, yes!  But no camping allowed in our front yard if your name is Doubt, Liar or Discouragement!!

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 LOOKING UNTO JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith,"  (Hebrews 12:1-2a).

Never, never, N E V E R...give up!

Are You Troubled?

27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.” (John 12:27,28)

These words were spoken by Jesus Christ shortly before His death on the cross. Do His words surprise you? This is God's Son. Why was He 'troubled'?  While He walked on this earth with the covering of human flesh, He remained without sin and yet for the many One had to die.  He took our sins upon Himself...God hates sin.  Do you see a connection forming?  Jesus quite possibly was dreading that momentary separation from His Father for the act that what ultimately would actually bring His Father glory!

As His followers, Jesus is our supreme example of the image we are to eventually become.  Each day, each hour, minute and second offers us ample opportunity to choose whether or not we will allow Him to fashion us into His likeness.  But like our Lord, are you 'troubled', or do you fear when you sense that God is reaching for the proverbial 'sandpaper' to start the re-construction of an existing ungodly thought process, attitude or character flaw?  Just so you know, I'm right there with you!!  When God reveals those parts of me that are not bringing Him glory,  my first response is one of shame.  But He quickly wraps His loving arms of grace around me as I seek His mercy.  It is then that I can say, "Let the work begin!  Demolish those useless parts in me and fashion them anew!"

Is there a personal struggle that you want to be spared of?  Do you sincerely want to please the Father? You are in a good place!   Friend, if Jesus could acknowledge His feeling of being 'troubled', can you not also?!  But will you, like Jesus, allow God's purpose of glorifying His name work it's will through your current trial?  Who knows, maybe your example will lead others to do the same!


Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Can you smile?

Life is not all peaches and cream.  I'm sure I'd hear a few amen's on that! Though, I do think we choose to handle life's decisions, negative situations or difficulties, differently.   I personally prefer to fix things or at least, adjust my viewpoint to see things from a 'God-like' perspective in order to gain a working response to life's up's and down's.  Admittedly, it does make me sad to undergo difficult seasons when things are not changing for the better.  I would, instead, prefer more palatable events. 

For instance,  a good example to help clarify this might be to use a person who's living with cancer.  How does one make the best of that situation? For some reason, I don't see that person literally 'jumping for joy' bearing the weight of this disease! At best, a man or woman who lives daily in pain and dependent upon others for help, who would determine to live joyfully in this situation,  would have to resign to the fact that (1)  I am dying. (But then again, we all are, albeit at different rates of speed) (2)  There is no cure. (3)  God has a purpose in it.  (4)  My joy comes simply from knowing Him. (5) I will rejoice (in Him!) 

What about the outward evidence for the joy we have on the inside?  Should an outward smile determine the level of joy one has on the inside?  The joy of the Lord is our STRENGTH. If, in fact, it is. The joy of knowing Him will provide the strength to endure struggles...The smile quite possibly, or may very well be an irrelevant determining factor when bearing the pain of our affliction. But when our focus is on the Lord, that makes a smile's probability more possible!

I do not want to compare 'candy-coated' religion to a joy-filled relationship with the Lord.  I see no real fortitude in that kind of religion.  Honestly, what makes Christianity, or better, the gospel attractive to anyone?  Is it that we simply put on that  'happy face'  to mask the pain our souls are truly bearing?  Or is it because we are filled with God's Spirit that we rejoice in our trials and difficulties?  Dear ones, it is knowing that we have all of heaven at our disposal to help us overcome!  The struggle and the pain are not all there is!  Oh, it may be all there is for this life, but definitely not in the one to come!  

So let's rejoice!  Not because of the circumstances necessarily, but because as a child of God, we are filled with His presence through the person of the Holy Spirit!  Who intercedes on your behalf...For this we can and very well, should be filled with joy!  So...smile!  ( Thoughts inspired in part by Romans 8)