Tag: jesus

Steak and Oatmeal

I’ve mentioned before that my eyes are becoming weaker. Sometimes I wear a pair of reading glasses when I’m just doing stuff around the house. I really should wear them more often in the kitchen.

I like steak. My sweet husband Tim would prefer to have steak at every meal when he isn’t eating Mexican. I enjoy the treat every now and then.

I also enjoy oatmeal with cinnamon and blueberries. Just a splash of almond milk (or whatever milk is in the fridge.) It warms me.

The other day I was preparing some oatmeal. The oats were in the bowl and I picked up what I thought was cinnamon. I could tell as soon as I sprinkled some that it was not. It was steak seasoning. Garlic, pepper, salt…. Nothing you want in your oatmeal.

I hadn’t sprinkled much. It would have been easy to just remove the tainted oats. I could even see where the seasoning was if I had put on my glasses.

But I didn’t.

I reasoned that it wasn’t that much. I added extra cinnamon and some honey just to be sure I wouldn’t be able to taste the steak seasoning.

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that it tasted awful. It was a nasty combination of mushy oats with garlic and honey.

And yet, I ate it. I was hungry and thought that it would eventually get better.

It didn’t. I finally dumped a spoonful or two into the garbage. But I had eaten nearly the entire bowl.

Why did I continue to scoop the disgusting concoction into my mouth?

I think it was because I stopped thinking. I was going through the motions and wasn’t thinking on purpose.

There were multiple opportunities for me to get rid of the root of the nasty taste in my oatmeal. But I didn’t take them. The best time, of course, would have been when I first discovered my error.

And so it is with my sin. When I say something that is hurtful, rude, or gossip, I should stop immediately. I need to recognize it for what it is and apologize. I should remove the tainted oats.

When I do something ‘in secret,’ I often try to cover my actions with lies. I tell one lie after another. I should just be honest from the beginning. Then I wouldn’t have to remember which lie I told to whom.

How often do I try to cover it up? I try to make it more pleasant by heaping sweet and pleasant things on top of it. Or I ignore the problem and just go through the motions of living.

That’s not how I want to live. I am a daughter of the Most High God. My life is to reflect Christ. I need to change.

Oh, Holy Spirit! Search me! Point out anything that isn’t of You and convict me. Then change me with more of You and less of me. Help me to immediately remove the tainted oats in my life.

Just Saying…

I am someone who wants to use words- both written and spoken- to build others up. When friends share something that I have written to encourage others, it confirms this desire.

Whew! I’ve said some words over the past week that were not encouraging nor profitable to anyone. I have gossiped.

Such an ugly word. But, by definition, did I *really* gossip?

Cambridge Dictionary defines gossip as “casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true.”

I had a casual conversation (check) and said something about someone else (check.)

Someone I trust told me what this person said. I’m sure the statement was true. (Not check.)

So did I really gossip?

Let’s go to the Bible. (Eeek!)

In James 4:11 and Colossians 3:8, it talks of slander. It’s spreading rumor or lies to purposely damage. I did not do that.

Or did I?

It wasn’t a lie. However, would I have said it if the original speaker were present? Why did I say it? To make someone laugh? To be “in the know?”

Did what I say uplift the other person? No. I had mocked them. It made them appear petty or ignorant or unkind.

It made ME petty, ignorant and unkind. *ouch*

As soon as it came out of my mouth, I was convicted. (Thank you, Holy Spirit.)

A couple of days later, I found the one I had spoken to and pulled her aside. I confessed my sin of ‘saying something I shouldn’t have said.’ She knew what I meant.

She said, “Thank you for saying that. I have been struggling with gossip lately too.”

Wait – I just said something I shouldn’t have. Oooo, she named it as gossip.

And she was right.

And then the next day, I did it again.

I have some work to do. It definitely starts with being aware of what comes out of my mouth.

And things that come out of my mouth start with my thoughts.

Philippians 4:8 – 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.

Thank you, God, for forgiveness. Thank you, Spirit, for conviction. Thank you, Jesus, for your example.

Help Me to See

As my age increases, my eyesight decreases and I can’t stand it.

My friend needed glasses at an earlier age and she tried to explain to me what she saw. At that time, I didn’t understand everything being in a constant state of blurriness.

And now I do.

When I first put on my new prescription glasses, it was amazing to see things so sharply. Everything had an edge to it.

Without the glasses, I could maneuver and get by. With the glasses, I see the colors and shapes and details so much better. It adds beauty in my life that I didn’t know was missing.

I thought about this richness as I was reading Leviticus this morning.

There are rules, festivals, and sacrifices – so many sacrifices! The movie version of the ark is gold and shiny. After reading this book, I can only see it dripping in blood.

There is so much detail in the description of the sacrifices – who, what, when, how answered over and over again. I do not know how the priests kept it straight! Do I pour the blood – or sprinkle the blood? Which finger do I use? Is this for the sin offering? The guilt offering? For my sins? The peoples sins?

I have asked God to open my eyes and to let me see what He wants me to see when I read His word. Some things have come into focus.

God reminded the people again and again that He was the Lord, the One who brought them out of Egypt. He reminded them that they were chosen and they were to live differently than the people around them. They were to offer sacrifices to Him only. The sacrificed animal was to be perfect and without blemish.

Jesus was the final perfect sacrifice. One without sin who was sacrificed for my sins. His blood was splattered for my transgressions.

I think the Lord is showing me through Leviticus that on my own, I cannot atone for my sins. No matter how good I think I am or how clean I am, I am not able to pay for my own sins. Because I am not perfect.

But God. He made a way for you and me to be in a right relationship with Him. Jesus stepped in for us and was offered as the final and complete sacrifice for our sins. My sins are paid for – past, present and future.

When I focus in on this detail, I am overwhelmed at the love He has for me. I am so grateful and marvel at the detail, the beauty of this.

Do you know this beauty, this love? He made a way for us all to have eternal life with Him. Thank you, Jesus!

Truth

Psalm 33:4 For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.

Our grandson memorized this verse for school.

It struck me how succinct and complete it was.

Fifteen words that have massive significance.

Everything in Scripture is true. It’s timeless. It’s not fresh one day and then rotten the next. It’s applicable to our current situation and will be again years from now.

We can trust what God does. What He does cannot counter who God is – His character. He is for you. He alone is worthy. He thinks about you constantly and longs for a relationship with you.

He never promises everything that happens in this world will make sense to us. It will not always be logical to our human minds. We may have wanted (prayed for) another route or solution to the problem.

But if the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything He does to be consistent with His character, then what do we have to worry about? (Matthew 6:25-34) We can cast our cares on Him because He cares for us! (1 Peter 5:7) He is the Shepherd and is guiding us! (Psalm 23) No hair falls from our head that He doesn’t know about! (Matthew 10:30) He has redeemed our lives from the pit and sets us firmly on a rock! (Psalm 40:2)

Hallelujah!

Just Thinking

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worth of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

That is what God’s Word says we are to think about. But how often do we think about things that aren’t on this list.

I love a good cop/lawyer show. I like to try to figure out who did what and how they are going to capture the offender. And then during the trial, I listen to both sides argue their points. It makes for a fascinating drama.

However, when I stop to think about the crime committed, I realize its impact. Sometimes it’s shown as it happens. In those moments, I am watching someone being hurt, abused, mistreated, etc.

None of those things are on the Philippians list.

I also love a good ‘family’ comedy show. Something with witty banter and quirky characters.

But, when I really listen to the dialogue, I discover several issues. There is a lack of respect for authority. Jealousy exists among friends. The father is sometimes depicted as inept and the children run the home.

Those things are not commendable nor excellent. I definitely do not want to praise that situation.

I am taking a hard look at things I watch and read.

I asked the Holy Spirit to reveal things to me that displease Him. Goodness, it’s humbling.

There isn’t any condemnation because that is from the enemy. But I am definitely feeling convicted.

I know what to do. Ask for forgiveness. Thank Him for forgiveness. And move on.

Think about something else. God, I am in awe of you. Of how You love me.

Be the One

Our church is in the final week of 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. We meet at 6a weekdays and at 9a on Saturdays.

The focus today was to intercede for the Church. We welcomed two churches from Ecuador who were joining us online. Ecuador! Amazon Jungle?!?! How bizarre is that?

A friend texted and asked how do churches in the Amazon find out about 21 Days?

Someone told them.

The same way that I heard about Jesus. The same way that you did. Someone told us.

Be that person. Be the one.

After the service, a friend picked up trash in the auditorium. Not because she had to. But because she was someone who would get that.

Have you ever thought that? When you don’t pick up something or put something back in it’s correct home, “Well, someone will get that.”

Be that person. Be the one.

I read a story about a young lady navigating her wheel chair through the clothing section in a store. She was having a bad day.

A small child walked up to her and with enthusiasm told her how lovely her hair was.

Be that person. Be the one.

Be the person who encourages another. Be the one who leaves the place better than what it was. Be the one who tells others about the love of Jesus.

Be that person.

Stubborn and Unforgiving

Those two words describe people I know.

They also describe me.

I don’t like this part of myself. I want to be quick to forgive and to move on. And outwardly, I think I appear so.

But y’all, my heart is not always so. If truth be told, I wrestle with this more than I should. Definitely more than I need to.

I have been forgiven much. My Savior paid for my sins – past, present, and future – by dying on the cross for me. Why do I think I have the audacity to not forgive someone who hurt me? Someone who mistreated me or said something about me that wasn’t true?

This same Savior paid for everyone’s sins the same way – even the people who hurt me. I say everyone is redeemable. But do I believe it?

I have asked the Holy Spirit to point out things in my life that need to change, things that don’t align with who I am in Christ’s righteousness and things that are sinful and dishonoring to Him. Well, He’s done it. Again. I’ve gone around this mountain a time or three hundred.

Lord, thank you for being faithful and to keep pursuing me. I repent of not forgiving others and for being stubborn. Thank you for covering my sins and for pruning me once again. I forgive others. Please help me mean it in my heart and to walk it out in my speech and actions.

Alright – moving on!

Things Change

My retreat week has been quite uneventful. It’s been great. Very slow-moving. But things for others have changed. And sometimes it was quite quickly.

One man was doing his job – just as he had done for many years. But this day didn’t end like the others. He was struck by a vehicle and died.

I wonder about his wife. Did he kiss her goodbye that morning or because it was so early, did he let her sleep? Did they have lunch plans later that day or a vacation planned?

I wonder about the person who was driving the vehicle. What is he feeling?

People in California had to pack quickly and evacuate because of fires. What about their families, friends, pets, homes? Did they grab their pictures?

A person my age had a stroke. How has his life changed? A young person had a virus that landed him in the hospital for days. What has been going on in his mind?

Tim had minor surgery this week. Everything went as planned and we ended the day eating supper together and laughing. Other people received different news.

Oh, how do people do life without knowing that God is in control…that there is a plan and a purpose for pain? It’s hard sometimes even when we know that God is working. But there is comfort and peace that comes with that knowledge.

Peace isn’t the absence of pain or trouble or hurt. It is the very presence of Jesus in the midst of all that. Invite His presence into every area of your life. Every area – even the pain, the hurt, the doubts.

Oh, thank you, Lord. We don’t understand but, we trust in You. You are working – even when we don’t see it.

Where Do I Begin?

It’s 2025 and I am beginning the year with a me and Jesus retreat! (Please, forgive the grammar.)

I’ve looked forward to this for months and I am finally here. I packed nearly everything, said goodbye to the family (Xena, the wonder dog, was sulking) and drove for just an hour or so and made it without incident.

There are 18 steps to the door of this little apartment. I tried not to over pack. I did bring several bags of food. But, I thought it would be smart to bring the giant suitcase with just a few clothes and then pack the paint supplies, the canvases, the books, journals and my favorite slippers. 18 steps. Multiple times. I was tired when I finally got inside and locked the door.

I plugged in the little Christmas tree and lit my new candle. I unpacked and everything is neat and orderly.

I took a shower (first one today – and since I won’t be seeing anyone, it may be the only one for a few days.) I am certainly relaxed now.

How do I begin this time with my Father? How do I create the ‘right’ atmosphere for me to hear from Him?

I am extremely grateful. I thank Him for safe travel, for food, for heat, for peace and quiet. I thank Him for a husband who doesn’t mind me going off by myself, for my church being broadcast over the internet. I thank Him for being right here all of the time.

I have plans for this retreat. Plans to write, to walk, to exercise, to complete a puzzle. Plans to paint and to nap and to sit on the balcony and just look at the view.

But my top priority is to connect with Jesus and to see what His plans for me are. You don’t have to be in a special place or have things in order to connect with Him.

You just need a willing heart, open ears and to be still.

Start with gratitude. Tell Him you love Him. Just start.

Love or Self-Preservation

How many times do you extend yourself to others who either don’t respond at all or don’t respond in a positive way?

You may remember that our family is fractured. (See post “The Day After” from November 2023.) This is always magnified by the holidays.

I spoke with my pastor’s wife. She has family hardships too. What?!?! Pastor’s families aren’t picture perfect? That may surprise some but, as a pastor’s kid, I can tell you they aren’t. Everyone has issues – whether they are apparent or not.

But God is sovereign.

We often extend invitations. However, many times we either get zero response or a definitive NO. How many times do we keep reaching out?

How many times do we keep being hopeful only to end up disappointed?

We are called to be like Jesus. We are to compare ourselves to Him alone.

He kept asking, kept loving, kept forgiving. And He knew their hearts!

I want to know the highs and lows and everything in between in my families lives. I want to live life with them and not on separate islands. I want them to know Jesus and to have a relationship with Him. I want them to know how much they are loved.

So, we continue to reach out, to invite, to ask questions. As a wise woman once told me, “We can give (people) love. We just cannot dictate how they receive it.”

By the way, we did get two yes responses this year! We are hopeful for more.