Awareness

Our church is one that prays. We gather every Saturday for a prayer service.

On Sundays, people will write prayer requests and we will pray over them during the prayer service. It’s a beautiful time to remember that everyone is going through something. People who are hurting or who are in need of healing. We have prayer requests from members, prisoners and the kids.

The ones from kids are always interesting to read. Some are wanting to do better in school or are praying for their pets. Others are thankful that they have a home, air and that they got out of school for the snow. One girl wanted courage to eat her vegetables.

But then you read one and it just immediately causes your eyes to leak.

It read, “I just want my parents to be happy.”

The child didn’t explain the situation – had someone died? Is someone ill? Did a friend hurt them with their words?

But perhaps the parents love for each other has died. Perhaps their marriage is ill. Perhaps they are hurting each other with their words – and indirectly, their child.

I think I knew my parents were mad at each other one time throughout their marriage. I am sure they were mad at many times but there was only one time when I was aware. I never went to sleep wondering if my parents loved each other.

Children are perceptible. They pick up on words, your tone and the tension.

I certainly was not a perfect parent. No one is. But I definitely want my words to speak life over my kids and grands. I want there to be no mistake that I love them – not because of what they did or didn’t do – but because of who they are. I want them to know that I want the best for them and that I pray that God will continue to reveal himself to them. I want them to know that they can talk with me and I’ll listen.

I also want them to know that I love their father and I will always choose to love them too.

Love, Thumbs and Oranges

I recently had some minor hand surgery. The bandage was less obtrusive than the one for my carpal tunnel. I had the use of four fingers but my thumb was completely wrapped.

It’s amazing how many ways you use your thumb.

Opening jars, squeezing the toothpaste tube, zipping anything, and opening the plastic storage bags.

I did as much as I could and would make adjustments as you learn to do. My mom kept asking if I needed help and what she could do for me. I kept her at bay and tried to do everything myself. (Wait…am I stubborn?)

I managed pretty well but, the one thing I just could not do was peel an orange.

My first and only attempt was a complete failure. I couldn’t use the knife properly and then I couldn’t remove the peel and just made things mushy and sticky.

Mom to the rescue. She even put it on a plate for me. Every piece was separated and whole. It was the sweetest orange ever.

I thought about this day in respect to my conversations with the Lord. He is there, waiting to help. I picture Him standing there waiting for me to ask.

But I ignore His presence and ‘power through’. I can handle that relationship, the money problems, the work issues by myself.

And sometimes I do. Until everything becomes ‘mushy and sticky’. Then I cry out in desperation. Help, Lord! Please!

What if I asked Him first? What if I prayed first? Not only in the big things but the little things too. He cares about them all.

Lord, help me with this conversation. Show me how to love people. Reveal truth and help me walk in the confidence of knowing that You are always with me. Give me words to share with others.

He always answers. It’s not always the way I think He will or in the time frame I think He should. But, He’s God and I am not. He is for me. I can trust in Him.

And so can you.

Adulting

Yes, I started this post with slang.

Adulting is an informal term to describe behavior that is seen as responsible and grown-up, if mundane and unpleasant—like bills and chores, according to Dictionary.com.

I’ve been above the age of 21 for sometime now. I should be used to it. I should be thriving in adulthood.

And sometimes, I am.

But then there are days like today. I just don’t want to (insert anything here.)

There are bills to pay, dishes to wash, dog hair to vacuum and a lot of clutter to clear. But I don’t want to.

But, I know it’s better for me if I do. It’s better for this household also.

The Apostle Paul states in Romans 7:11, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” (ESV)

I don’t like being lazy. I don’t like wasting time. But I still do.

Shift my focus!

Everything I have comes from God. Everything I need comes from Him too.

Should I ask the Lord to help me clear the clutter? Absolutely!

Should I ask the Lord to help focus me on the mundane tasks? Yes!

All with a thankful heart! Thankful that we were able to seek and receive medical attention when we needed it. Thankful that we have the dishes to serve the food that is in our refrigerator. Thankful for the clothes we have and a machine that washes them. Thankful for the dog that brings me so much joy. Thankful that I can serve Him where I am with what I have.

Have you ever thought about that? Everything we have to worship God with – our minds, bodies, voices, hands, etc. – everything we have, came from Him.

And He has more for us. So be faithful in taking care of what He has given you today. He has more for us.

Let’s get started! Are you moving yet? Here I go!

Mom’s Day

During church last night, our pastor reminded everyone that it is Mother’s Day this next Sunday. Then he asked for a show of hands of people who are the product of a praying mother. A lot of hands went up. Mine did.

But what captured my thoughts, were seeing the number of people who did not raise their hands.

I was again reminded of what a gift a praying mom is. And so, I’m reading Proverbs 31:10-31 with my mom in mind.

My dad became an overseas missionary much later in life and his health continued to decline. Mom would travel with him to help out where she could. I remember asking one time why she didn’t ask him to stop traveling. It was difficult maneuvering the airports (dad needed assistance and a wheelchair.) They were both hurting physically every time they traveled.

Mom said, “I would feel as though I were taking away his dessert.” She knew dad’s time was short and didn’t want him to miss out on possibly the best time. Verse 12, “She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”

Money seemed to always be tight but there was always enough. Sometimes, that meant that mom had to work outside the home. Verse 17, “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”

I was asked to go to a dance. She made my dress. She made several items of clothing for me – first day of school, bridesmaid, prom. Verse 19, “In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.”

She may not be as active as she once was but, she still manages to make a difference to people. She gives rides to those who need it. Gives little gifts to the grands. Cleans the kitchen. Cares for Xena, the wonder dog. Verse 20, “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”

Tim and I both know that she prays for us. She continues to support and pray for her children, their families, and others. I know that I am the product of a praying mom. I know that is a blessing and a legacy that I continue.

Verses 30-31, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Thanks, mom. For everything.

Shepherd

“The Lord is my Shepherd” is the beginning of Psalm 23.

Most people know that phrase even if they aren’t believers.

But have you ever stopped to consider the meaning of those five words?

There isn’t much sheep herding in Alabama. But, I imagine the role of the shepherd hasn’t changed much over the centuries.

Their job is to protect and care for the sheep. To make sure they are safe, to lead them to water and food. To pick them up when they fall over.

So if the Lord is MY Shepherd, then I am one of his sheep.

In W. Phillip Keller’s book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, he states, “Sheep do not ‘just take care of themselves’ as some might suppose. They require, more than any other class of livestock, endless attention and meticulous care.”

I can attest to that. When I think over my life, and just over the past week, I have required attention and care. I have been ‘redirected’ when I have gone astray.

I needed this reminder and perhaps you do too.

The Lord is My Shepherd. He leads me. Which means He knows the way to go. He is my protector. Which means I’m safe when I am near Him. I don’t have all of the answers. But I am led by the One who does.

Easy vs. Important

I believe that either the entire Bible is true, or it is completely false. So, if we start on the premise that the Bible is true, let’s look at somethings we know are true.

  • God is the creator of all things. God is for us. God has a plan for our lives. God wants our lives to be abundant in every way.
  • We have an enemy who has three moves – steal, kill and destroy. His sole purpose is to keep people from becoming Christians. Once you’ve surrendered your life to Christ, you pronounce Him Lord. After this, the enemy can only keep you in darkness. He may try to douse your light and make you less effective for the kingdom. He can’t steal your salvation but he can steal your witness or your influence.
  • Christ lives in us. We have the Holy Spirit to guide us. He helps us in all areas of our life.

Think on these statements. One or two might be applicable in your life.

It’s easy to go to church and be seen. It’s harder to serve and to take the church outside the building.

It’s easy to have a 3 minute devo that you push play for. It’s harder to study the Word and learn yourself what it means.

It’s easy to work and to do your job. It’s harder to learn something new. It can be challenging to believe that perhaps the Holy Spirit is leading you in a new direction.

It’s easy to say, “Sure – I’m doing well.” It’s harder to say, I’m hurting, struggling or are sick. It’s harder to let people in.

It’s easy to scroll social media or to watch TV. It’s harder to spend time having important conversations or being with others who need you.

It’s easy to say, “Hey!” and keep on walking. It’s harder to stop and look into the person’s eyes and ask the real questions.

It’s easy to eat the carbs and sugar. It’s harder to have a meal plan and to stick to it.

It’s easy to be in a rut. You might call it a groove or the zone. It’s simple to just do the same thing day after day. It’s harder to sit in silence, to take account of your life, to inquire the Lord’s direction.

It’s easy to say – I’ll do that tomorrow. It’s harder to eat the frog today.

Some important questions to ask yourself may be – how am I spending my time? Who is first in my life? What/who am I neglecting? Am I growing? Where am I stagnate?

I am thankful that we can always ask Jesus. We can repent and surrender our lives (mind, body and spirit) to Him again. And then by all means – ask Him what He wants us to do. Where does He want us to direct our focus? Where does He want us to change? Trust that He is for you and He is with you.

Isaiah 43:19 (NLT)

For I am about to do something new.
    See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
    I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

Time for Reflection

It is Holy Week. The week before Easter Sunday.

A time to reflect more purposefully on what Jesus did for us.

Just some things to think about. He knew what was going to happen at the end of the week. How did He spend His final week?

He got His house in order. He drove out the merchants who were selling animals for sacrifices.

He persisted in living out His calling by continuing to teach in the Temple.

He spent time with His closest friends.

He served others. He washed the feet of his disciples – including the one who would betray him.

He worshiped God (His Father) and sang a hymn.

He prayed earnestly, honestly, fervently.

If you knew you had less than a week to live, would you do any of these things?

Thank you, Lord! For living and dying for me. For continuing to teach me, being with me and loving me. In spite of all of the betrayal…all my sin. Thank you, Jesus!

(Suggestion – spend some time in the Bible this week reading about the Triumphal Entry, the clearing of the Temple, the Last Supper. Picture yourself in the story. Because you are. He did all of this for your heart. For your redemption.)

Some Days are Hard

There will be trouble. (Don’t we know it?)

I caught up with a friend the other day. She was feeling a bit blue. She had witnessed two horrendous car accidents. Another friend has a physical ailment and a family member just called off their wedding.

My mom went to lunch with some friends. She said her pastor was leaving. Some of her friends were sick. Others had uncertain futures.

I just now received a group text that someone’s family member is currently having a stroke. He had one a couple of days ago too.

There is a lot going on that is heavy. Have you ever walked into a room and could just feel the weight of everything from everyone?

The rest of the verse from John 16 states, “But take heart, because I (Jesus) have overcome the world.”

Jesus is the constant. Everything in our world goes up to down- good to hard- sunny to stormy. Jesus is the constant.

So thankful that some things never change. God loves us so much. He is in control and has a plan. He is always working even when we don’t see it. He comforts us and listens to us and holds us.

I don’t understand. But, I trust You.

Thankful

It was a beautiful Tuesday morning. Spring in Alabama.

The sky was a wonderful blue. The trees are budding along with the wisteria and azaleas.

I know for many people the pollen makes this time of year more enjoyable from inside. Thankfully, I do not suffer with allergies as others do.

We were scheduled for early morning and we were the first patients of the day. Tim had his choice of treatment chairs. They didn’t look very stylish but they recline and are heated.

Annabelle was his nurse and she was great. She and Tim bantered back and forth like they had known each other for years. When she was about to find a vein, I walked away and studied the wall.

I noticed the long hallway of similar rooms – 6 treatment chairs each. People were starting to find their spots. The room where Tim was started to fill. So many people.

Tim was there for an iron IV. Others for chemotherapy treatment.

The iron started to flow without any negative side effects. I took the time to walk outside. I walked around the building several times. It is a large building with different parking areas. I counted three available spaces. So many people.

I walked through the lobby and noticed it was full. So many people in various degrees of health. Some with support people and others by themselves. Some conditions were noticeable and others were unseen.

As I made my way back to where Tim was, I was granted access at the opposite end of that long hallway. So many people.

Some nurses were talking to Mr. Patterson. They noticed his new haircut and asked about a recent trip. He apparently is a regular.

This experience has overwhelmed me with gratitude. I am so thankful for medicine and for health care workers. People who love what they do in caring for others in a vulnerable state.

Thankful for volunteers who cheerfully give coffee, mints and chocolates to patients. Thankful for the janitor who greets everyone with a cheerful hello and good morning as she pushes her cart.

Thankful for my sweet husband who rarely complains. Thankful for health. Thankful for my body that can move.

Always be thankful. God is so very gracious.

21,335

Did you know you can find anything on the internet? It still fascinates me when I wonder about something and start researching it. I save a lot of time if I just start typing my question into the search bar.

21,335 is the number of days I have been alive.

Sometimes, it doesn’t seem like much.

There are other times when I am acutely aware of how long some of those days are.

In Psalm 39:5 David writes, “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
    Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is.”

The Lord has been constantly reminding me to use the time I have been given wisely.

I’m better at this some days more than others.

I had plenty of time to write yesterday. I had finished work and knew what I was going to make for supper. I had walked with Xena, the wonder dog. The time was available to me.

But I didn’t use it wisely. I thought I would have plenty of time this morning to write.

But then I had a rough night. Xena needed to go outside several times. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t get comfortable.

And then I did sleep after Tim left. I was so grateful. But now I’m ‘behind’ on what I thought I would be doing today.

Again, another reminder that I don’t know what the day holds, but I know Who holds the day.

I don’t know how many days I have left in this world. I know I have eternity with Jesus.

But, I have things to do now. Things God has asked me to do and given me time to do it. I need to stop trying to figure out how. I should just move forward and trust that He has already figured it out for me. I can rest knowing that God is for me. He will equip me to do what He has asked me to do.

I need to trust. I need to remind myself over and over and over again.

Use the time I have been given wisely.