Gift of Time

It’s the holiday season. A time of thanksgiving and gift exchanging. A time for family and friends. A time of cooking and feasting. A time of running and running and running.

Today, however, I was given the gift of time. I am overwhelmed with the amount of work I have. Thankful, yet overwhelmed with the volume. I have been working on one particular file for a week! It’s a bear! Meanwhile, other files have piled up in my ‘to do’ box.

I was double checking some documents and was so close to wrapping up this file. I was so thrilled. Then it happened. The website froze and a giant Error message was displayed on the screen.

I checked my attitude and decided to be thankful for the time. I put in a load of laundry. I got something to eat (it was a bit after 11a and my stomach let me know.)

That was productive. But I also just wanted to sit in front of the TV and watch a rerun of some comedy and just vegetate. But then, I remembered Sunday’s sermon.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

God has good things in store for me. He has given me gifts and talents and wants me to use them to bring Him glory.

I have said a billion (maybe) times, “I want to write!” But then my world shifts and things get in the way and I forget my gift.

When doing the Lord’s will, expect spiritual opposition. We can always find an excuse or an obstacle to NOT do what we are to do.

2 Peter 1:3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

God has equipped his children with everything we need to live out our calling. We are called to use our gifts to point people to Christ, whether it’s 5 people or 5,000,000. We all have a sphere of influence.

The website is functional now. I can finish my work. But first, with the gift of time, I was able to work on my calling.

Use Your Ears

The other day I was chatting with a friend over coffee. We were reminiscing and laughing and thinking of younger days. We have been friends for years. Some years were closer than others.

Somehow we got on the subject of being present at big events. She always makes it a priority to go to weddings and funerals. She traveled a lot of miles over the summer just for such events.

She mentioned that she is still upset that she wasn’t able to make it my father’s funeral. I told her again that it was fine. It was in another state during a busy work season. I had no expectation of her to attend.

“You have never said you’ve forgiven me.”

Wow! That took me back. No, I’m sure I never did say I forgave her because I didn’t think there was anything to forgive. But she needed those words.

And she had been carrying this around for nine years!

I was so thankful she said something and that I could say what she needed to hear! Yes…YES, I forgive you!

When someone says they are sorry, they are looking for a response from you. Are you forgiving or dismissive, as I was with my friend? I didn’t listen to what she was saying. I didn’t see her not attending an out of state funeral during a notoriously busy time at her work as something to be sorry for. But she did. And I dismissed her.

That is not who I want to be. If I truly want to be a friend, I need to listen.

Fix your eyes.

I’ve been listening to The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale at least once a day every day for a more than a month. If you haven’t heard it, look it up. It’s worth the 32-36 minutes (depending on which version you listen to.)

In a nutshell, he reminds the listener to think. To think about the future, think about your hopes and dreams. To concentrate on good and purposeful goals.

He also challenges to do more than is necessary without expecting anything in return. To work steadily and with a good attitude. To smile and be more friendly.

I have done this for the past few weeks and I have noticed a change. I finished work ahead of schedule. I planned meals and when I would go to the store, I interacted more with friends and with strangers. A smile goes a long way.

It matters what you allow into your mind. It affects your mood, your interaction with others, your self talk and your future. Take a breath and take inventory of your day.

What was the first thing you said to yourself when you woke up this morning? There is a difference between, “I’m thankful for another day and grateful for the people in my life” vs. “Crap, it’s morning.” You can set the tone for your day by changing what goes into your mind.

You know you cannot control other people. You can only control your response. Yes! You are in control. I know that person was just rude to you in the parking lot, but it’s your choice whether to smile and walk off or engage in some hurtful verbal exchange.

This is all influenced by what you allow into your mind.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

Are you watching or listening to things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable? If not, find something else. What goes into your mind and heart is usually what comes out your mouth.

Not my plan.

A while ago, I caught myself on Saturday saying things like, “I’ll just do that tomorrow.” Laundry, cleaning, errands, whatever. But I wasn’t resting. So now Sundays are Sabbath – an intentional day of rest. I now do whatever brings me rest on Sunday. It’s been a good change for me.

So one Sunday afternoon, Tim and I had a planning session. We are entering a busy fall season. He has an EMT class once a week and a lot of homework that is due Sunday at midnight. We are both leading small groups, Tim’s class is on Monday and mine is on Tuesday. We both work, of course, and then there are other dinners and trips and fun to be had.

We went through all of the known events and sorted things. We decided when we were going to study, prepare for groups, what routines needed to shift. It was quite productive. Planning always rests my mind.

And then an hour or so later we got a phone call and everything went out the window. A crisis needed our immediate attention.

I don’t believe God laughs when we make plans, contrary to the popular quote.

Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

Planning is good and helpful and necessary. But when something comes to disrupt, how should we react? It is helpful to know that God is still in control and whatever the ‘surprise’ is, did not surprise Him. Focus on the good you can see. Be thankful.

I thanked Him this crisis happened during 21 days of prayer with our church. My focus was an intentional hour with Him everyday. I thanked Him that it happened this year and not last year. We have had friends, but we knew we needed counsel and reached out immediately. We wouldn’t have done that before.

Then I saw benefits from the crisis itself – unexpected God moments, great conversations, renewed strength, refreshment. Answered prayers.

His timing. His glory. His purpose. Reminding myself that the Lord is still in control and He is still helping and guiding and leading brought me much comfort.

I may plan my days and try to put my ducks in a row. But when an unexpected chicken or fish or squirrel appears, I know where to put my focus and find peace.

Untitled

I have been exercising my writing muscle daily since July 17, 2022. I begin with – I am a writer. Therefore I write everyday (or some variation thereof.)

For those who are novice writers, this is a big deal. Little by little, day by day getting stronger and stronger. I have enjoyed the satisfaction that this has brought me. Most of my writing (so far) is for my eyes only.

I’ve also been blogging consistently for the past few weeks. That’s another exercise that I have enjoyed. I was challenged with becoming more personal. I like it when I can get a laugh or two also.

But something is off today. I just can’t find my flow and my words are not forthcoming.

We are going to prayer service throughout the week at 6am. Although I am usually out of bed at that time, it’s different having to be dressed with shoes on. I’m overwhelmed with work and have many orders that are overdue. I am cat sitting for friends who are gone for a month. Well, actually, more like hospice cat sitting. She is 19. Laundry has piled up and my stacks are getting taller.

But, then I remember to breathe and fix my eyes. Remind myself that the Lord is my Provider and my Peace. He holds my days. I can rest in Him.

I breathe. I rest. I praise and thank God for who He is and what He has done.

Then, I write.

Lies. All lies.

The devil, our enemy, has one goal. Since he knows our salvation is secure, his goal is to make us ineffective while we are alive. If we don’t promote the Gospel and point people to Christ…if we aren’t unapologetically enthusiastic about Jesus and what He has done for us through the cross…if we aren’t seen as different from the world…the enemy has won the battle. (He still loses the big one.)

His mission is to kill, steal and destroy. He does this through lies. Jesus called him the father of lies (John 8:44.) I know this to be true. And yet, I have believed the lies for many years.

I had friends throughout school and college but when I moved, I didn’t really keep in touch. I am an introvert and used that to agree with the enemy that I didn’t need relationships. I was okay on my own. (Lie #1)

I married Tim and three teenagers. I rarely spoke life over them because I was convinced that I didn’t know what I was saying (#2) because I didn’t have any biological children.

When we would attend church, I would walk quickly by people with my head down. I would busy myself with tasks and not engage. I had nothing to offer people. (#3)

If people knew me and knew what I had done (or didn’t do) or what I said or what music I listened to or what cuss word I said, they wouldn’t want to know me. (#4) This was my lot in life – to be mediocre (#4) and to work through the condemnation (#5) that God had for me.

At our first small group in Highlands, people were hugging each other and smiling. I hated small talk and would disappear or busy myself with my phone. I could always appear pious with a Bible in my hand.

I asked one of the ladies in the group if I was going to have to become a hugger to stay in the group. I don’t like that, I said. That’s not me. She came very close to my face (all up in my personal space) and said, “I will pray for you.” Oh my goodness! I wanted to run far far away.

But I know that she did. Things didn’t shift overnight. But they did shift.

The Lord revealed to me the lies that I had believed. I found who I was in Christ and who He created me to be. Here is the truth.

I am God’s child. (John 1:12) I am complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:10) I am free from condemnation. (Romans 8:1-2) I am created in His image. (Genesis 1:27) I have a future that is good and was planned by my Creator. (Jeremiah 29:11) And another BIG one – Jesus came so that I (and you) could have life – an abundant, amazing life. Or, as The Message paraphrase states, more and better life than (I) ever dreamed of. (John 10:10)

Think on purpose the TRUTH about who you are in Christ. In Him is your confidence. This is truth. And the truth will set you free. (John 8:32.)

Self-control…what?

When I was a child, I remember going to the grocery store with mom. We would occasionally buy treats and I remember her making me wait – not only until we got home, but also until after dinner before I was able to have a cookie or two.

Now that I do the grocery shopping, I have found myself elbow deep in the treats before I even get out of the parking lot. I’m usually the only one who will partake in the treat so it’s not like anyone is getting my germs. But, seriously, I can’t even get out of the parking lot before the bag is opened.

The Bible does speak of self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 – But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. That last one gets me – especially when it comes to food.

I don’t know why it is so difficult for me to take food (chocolate) in moderation. I have fasted from it for a short while. I usually can control myself in public. But when I am alone with dark chocolate sea salt caramels – or even M & M’s, I am ravenous and lose control.

Whether it’s eating, exercising, planning, spending, internet browsing – it is easy to lose control.

But God (best words!)… He wants us to continually pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17.) We need to continue to crucify the flesh – bring it under control of the Spirit. And that requires us to be aware of what we are doing. Peter calls it being sober minded (1 Peter 5:8.)

I am learning (ever so slowly) to take inventory of my thoughts and to shift my focus to God and to pray. To communicate with God constantly. He wants me to bring EVERYTHING to Him. I have the fruit of the Spirt – one of which is self-control. Lord, help me continue to submit my flesh to Your Spirit.

The Sounds of Silence

Is your world ever completely silent?

It’s 6am and Tim has left for the office. I’m in my office with no music or screens on. But, I can still hear things.

Xena, the wonder dog, is dreaming. She makes noises that sound as if she is scared or anxious.

The refrigerator just cycled through making ice.

There is a car nearby that apparently needs to idle for awhile and then the engine needs to be revved up six or seven times before it can be driven.

And then there is mom. Let’s just say I can tell she is still in bed.

My quiet time is rarely silent. But, it is a most precious time.

A time to breathe, to think, to write, to be still. A time to praise God, thank God and ask God. Probably my most favorite time of the day.

If you are running from the time your feet hit the floor, how do you feel when you finally collapse into bed? Can your mind shut off automatically as you drift into a peaceful deep sleep where you awaken refreshed and renewed? Probably not.

And some days are like that. But even in the midst of the most hectic day, search for a time when you can get away from the noise, the screens. Even if it’s five minutes in the sunshine – just you and nature – it will refresh your soul.

You must be intentional with your time. Start with the sounds of silence.

Poop is Poop

This morning when I took Xena for a walk, it was a lovely 64 degrees. During June in Alabama, that is rare. It was wonderful!

We went to the local school and I let her off leash to sniff around and do her business. I saw where she was and made a mental note of the area. When she finished, I walked directly to the spot. Or so I thought.

I looked and looked for 20 minutes or so. I could smell it so I knew I was close but still couldn’t find it. I retraced my steps and kept looking. Xena was no help.

I prayed that the Lord would show me the poop. He does have a sense of humor.

I still looked for another five minutes. I prayed again, “Please, Lord, show me the poop!”

And there it was.

I bagged it and Xena and I made the trip home.

Now, I could have left it there by rationalizing. The kids are out of school. It wasn’t necessarily in a well-traveled part of the school grounds. It would rain…eventually.

But the truth is, poop is poop and I wouldn’t want to walk through it. I wouldn’t want anyone else to roll in it. So, I searched for it until it was found.

The Holy Spirit wants to reveal the poop in our hearts too. Search me, know me, reveal to me anything hidden in me that is not of You.

Ouch! I am full of pride. I am full of criticism. I am full of poop. These are things in my heart that if left unattended will overflow from my mouth and affect those around me.

But God! He loves me so. He reveals the depth of my sin, reminds me that He covered it with His blood. He convicts but doesn’t condemn. I am forgiven and restored. I am whole, in Jesus’ name.

Do you have poop in your heart? Are there things in your life that need to be exposed and then rooted out? Ask your Creator to reveal those things to you. Repent and change directions. He loves you too!

What to do?

What do you do when you know what to do but choose to do the other not-so-right thing?

What do you do when you know what to do but don’t want to do it?

For our initial summer small group meeting, I made brownies. Nothing special. But chocolate loveliness from a box, nonetheless. Tim cut them into bite sized pieces. I also had the obligatory fruit and vegetables.

I think maybe a carrot or two was eaten and one person took a brownie home with them.

Tim was supposed to take the brownies to work with him. I had put them in a bag and placed them near the door. But, when I entered the kitchen, that was the first thing I spotted.

Now, I told myself, “I am the righteousness of Christ. I have the fruit of the spirit – one of which is self-control.” I think they lasted an hour. Probably less. They were delicious.

Now, did I know what I was doing or was I sleep-eating? I made a conscious decision to eat every last one of them. I exercised no self control whatsoever.

I’m in good company. Like the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 7 “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” And later, “I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.”

If I want to do right but don’t, does that mean I don’t hate my sin enough? Does it mean I don’t love Jesus enough? I have wrestled with this for awhile. But if I would just continue reading in the same chapter, verse 22 “I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature, I am a slave to sin.”

Ok – so that’s it? I’m just a sinner and that’s my life so I’m always going to binge? Drink to excess? Rage? Gossip? Be foolish, lazy and mediocre?

No! Keep reading!

Chapter 8 “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”

I am free from the power of sin because I am a daughter of the King. I now have the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead living inside of me! Through the power of the Spirit, I put to death the deeds of my sinful nature.

What does this mean? I sin but am not condemned by that. I need to continue to feed that Spirit through worship, the Word and prayer so that I am led by it and not my flesh or by my feelings.

Will I ever master this? No! Why? Because on this earth and in this body, there will always be a war between my flesh and Spirit. Again, in Romans 8:23 “And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit with in us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as His adopted children, including the new bodies He has promised us.”

Here is the key thought – again, everything points us back to God, Jesus and His Spirit. “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.” (verse 26)

We aren’t left to deal with our sin and weakness on our own or with human willpower. We have the Spirit (the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead!) and we can call on Him to help us in our weakness.

Thank you, Jesus, for loving us so much. For providing a way to have communion and relationship with you. Thank you, Spirit, for helping us in our human frailty to become what You have called us to. Amen.