Tag: God

Hevel

This morning I read the first half of Ecclesiastes. It can be quite depressing if you don’t know the rest of the story.

In the original Hebrew, the word ‘hevel’ was used throughout this book. It’s translated as meaningless in my version. But using a word picture, it is more aptly described as a fog or a thick vapor or smoke. It appears solid, firm and sustainable but, ultimately it is not. You can’t hold it and it eventually disappears.

The author of Ecclesiastes claims that everything in life is hevel. The rich and the poor, the wise and the foolish, the family and the single all reach the same end – death. So why bother?

Because we do know the end of the story. This world is not all there is. There is more.

We work not to just earn money. We work to please the Lord.

We raise a family not to just pass on our heritage. We have a family to please the Lord.

We serve others not to puff ourselves up. We serve to please the Lord.

If the Lord is our focus for everything we do, nothing we do is in vain.

Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 reads, “And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life – this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.” (New Living Translation)

Imagine being so busy enjoying living that you don’t waste time regurgitating the past regrets or failures. It takes focused attention – not on ourselves but on Him.

I want to be that person who enjoys life. I can be that person. You can too. Do you know the One who loves you more than you can imagine? The One who created a purpose and then created you to fulfill that purpose? The One who paid for your sins – past, present and future? If not, let me tell you about Him and let’s walk in this freedom together.

To Fear or To Not

I did a scary thing this week.

It wasn’t sky diving or acting on stage.

I didn’t speak in front of 1000 people or dance in the spotlight. (If I did the latter, that would be scary for ALL involved.)

And if I told you what I did, you wouldn’t think much of it. In fact, you probably wouldn’t think it scary at all.

For Joshua, stepping into the role he had only seen Moses do, must have been scary. In Exodus 34, it says that no one had ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.

Those are some big shoes to fill!

Joshua was told over and over again that the Lord was with him. The Lord told Joshua that he would lead the people to the promised land (Joshua 1:6.) No ifs, ands or buts…Joshua and the people would go into the promised land.

And Joshua was told multiple times to not be afraid or discouraged. But, being human and about to walk into the unknown, I’m sure he was.

I believe I know what the Lord has told me to do. I believe He is with me. I believe that what God initiates, He will sustain.

And yet, I fear. I think at the root is the fear of men and women. Sigh….

So once again, I am reminded that God is with me as He was with Joshua. If God is for me, who can be against me? He is a good Father. He will never leave me. If I continue to walk with Him, He will show me whether to go the the left or the right. I will remind myself of this constantly.

So yes, I fear. But I continue to do scary things. But not because I muster up my will and put my big girl pants on.

But because greater is He that is in me that he that is in the world. I’m on a mission.

You are too. Let’s move together and do the scary things. Let’s change our worlds. All for His glory.

;

It was a mostly normal week. Work. Supper. Sleep (or at least try.) Repeat.

But there was something looming. Two events were approaching on the same day and we didn’t know what to expect. They were on the calendar just waiting to arrive.

I had a lot of questions surrounding the first event. I didn’t know who was attending or what the expectations were. We were invited, given an address and a starting time.

I asked a lot of questions – some just in my head and some to Tim. He responded constantly with “I don’t know” or “All I know is this place at this time.”

We prayed for our attitudes and expectations. We prayed against the enemy and the ‘what if’ scenarios in our heads.

Prayers for the people involved – for blessing and understanding and agreement.

And then it was time.

The hype leading up to the first event was definitely more stress-filled than the event itself. It turned out to be a nice time. Nothing major in the positive and nothing major in the negative.

The second event contained a lot of unknowns too. We didn’t know who would be there or what the format would be. Again, we were given and address and a time. And we knew there would be food.

But we also knew the theme – worship.

Oh, what a sweet time that was.

The worship leader began with prayer. He commented that whatever we walked in the room with – discouragement, unanswered questions, hurt, trust issues, pain – whatever – we could give it to Jesus and just worship Him.

I know I walked in with all of that. I walk with most of that stuff and more on a daily basis. I lay it at the cross and then immediately go back and pick it up again.

Why is that? Discouragement, unanswered questions, hurt, trust issues, pain.

But NEVER from Jesus.

During worship, I tried to keep my focus on God alone. When I was able, it was a sweet time.

A young man, a pre-teen young man, said he thought about the evening as a semicolon. I didn’t understand at first either.

A semicolon separates (and then joins) two distinct thoughts. The weight of my world is heavy at times; I can always lift my eyes to God and worship Him.

The first part of that sentence causes my head and shoulders to droop. After the semicolon, I look up with hope and anticipation. There is peace.

When you have discouragement, unanswered questions, hurt, trust issues, and pain, pause for a moment and put a semicolon in your mind. Then change the narrative in your head by refocusing the direction of your thoughts. Focus it on the only One who is the Source for answers, peace and healing.

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.)

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.