Please visit me at http://www.grace-devotions.blogspot.com/ for a reminder!
Also, please drop in to http://www.write2ignite.wordpress.com/ !!! If you are interested in writing for children, this site is an absolute must!!! Check it out! You might recognize the blogger of the week. :)
Praying God's richest of blessings on your day!!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Beautiful Feet
"Everything is permissible-but not everything is beneficial." 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV)
(First of all, I must admit that I've been quibbling a bit with God for the last couple of days over this post. He won't let go!)
A lot of people don't like feet. I'm not particularly fond of feet. However, as I was smoothing on my sunless tanning lotion the other morning, I thought, "I've got pretty feet." It seems they are the only part of my body not showing unsightly signs of aging...other than those crazy hairs that have erupted on my toes and that one little spot on the top of my foot. Where did they come from??? Fortunately a razor can remedy that! So yeah, other than the minor hair situation, my feet look pretty good! Somehow they escaped the wrinkles, bulges, blotches, and age spots that have invaded the rest of my skin. So back to the lotion rubbing...as I worked to apply the tanner evenly, I couldn't help but think how lovely my feet would look with a real tan. I'm heading to the beach soon, so that is a real possibility. But I know better.
You see, I've witnessed a 24 year old beauty deal with the devastation of melanoma...her first year of marriage spent agonizing with the side-effects of cancer treatment, dealing with fear of never being able to have children, or even losing her life. By the grace of God, she lives...just as beautiful as ever...has two precious children...and is cancer free.
Sadly, I've also seen my husband's 27 year old cousin battle valiantly against her melanoma...and lose the fight...an untimely death that her doctor's said was caused by years of over-exposure to the sun...and in tanning beds.
My daughters have been raised to slather on the sunscreen...and never step foot in a tanning bed. Hopefully their skin will stay healthier and more beautiful than mine.
As I pondered getting that real tan on my feet, the verse above came to mind.
Lots of things are permissible...but not beneficial. We need to consider all the ways we treat our bodies...foods or drinks that we ingest...proper exercise or the lack thereof. It is critical to be discerning with what we allow in our minds...from TV, the internet, music, books...and to be careful of the places we go. We need to be mindful of the Holy Spirit that indwells our earthly tent, and honor His presence. We must realize the effects of our witness and the impact it has on others.
As Romans 10:15 says, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Let's be certain as we walk this Christian journey, and share the best news ever...that of Jesus Christ...to live lives worthy of His calling us to be His own! Let's aspire to have "beautiful feet"!
Lord, thank You for the miraculous work You performed in knitting our bodies in our mother's womb. Help us to care for them as You would have us to. Protect our minds...our hearts...our witness. We love You!
(First of all, I must admit that I've been quibbling a bit with God for the last couple of days over this post. He won't let go!)
A lot of people don't like feet. I'm not particularly fond of feet. However, as I was smoothing on my sunless tanning lotion the other morning, I thought, "I've got pretty feet." It seems they are the only part of my body not showing unsightly signs of aging...other than those crazy hairs that have erupted on my toes and that one little spot on the top of my foot. Where did they come from??? Fortunately a razor can remedy that! So yeah, other than the minor hair situation, my feet look pretty good! Somehow they escaped the wrinkles, bulges, blotches, and age spots that have invaded the rest of my skin. So back to the lotion rubbing...as I worked to apply the tanner evenly, I couldn't help but think how lovely my feet would look with a real tan. I'm heading to the beach soon, so that is a real possibility. But I know better.
You see, I've witnessed a 24 year old beauty deal with the devastation of melanoma...her first year of marriage spent agonizing with the side-effects of cancer treatment, dealing with fear of never being able to have children, or even losing her life. By the grace of God, she lives...just as beautiful as ever...has two precious children...and is cancer free.
Sadly, I've also seen my husband's 27 year old cousin battle valiantly against her melanoma...and lose the fight...an untimely death that her doctor's said was caused by years of over-exposure to the sun...and in tanning beds.
My daughters have been raised to slather on the sunscreen...and never step foot in a tanning bed. Hopefully their skin will stay healthier and more beautiful than mine.
As I pondered getting that real tan on my feet, the verse above came to mind.
Lots of things are permissible...but not beneficial. We need to consider all the ways we treat our bodies...foods or drinks that we ingest...proper exercise or the lack thereof. It is critical to be discerning with what we allow in our minds...from TV, the internet, music, books...and to be careful of the places we go. We need to be mindful of the Holy Spirit that indwells our earthly tent, and honor His presence. We must realize the effects of our witness and the impact it has on others.
As Romans 10:15 says, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Let's be certain as we walk this Christian journey, and share the best news ever...that of Jesus Christ...to live lives worthy of His calling us to be His own! Let's aspire to have "beautiful feet"!
Lord, thank You for the miraculous work You performed in knitting our bodies in our mother's womb. Help us to care for them as You would have us to. Protect our minds...our hearts...our witness. We love You!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Squirrels Welcome?
In a quaint shop in Hendersonville, NC, there is the most darling little garden statue that says "Squirrels Welcome". Although it was very cute, I thought, "I beg to differ!" We have gone to great measures to keep the squirrels off of our bird feeders. The defense has even been heightened since we caught them gulping the "nectar" from the hummingbird feeder! Of all the nerve!!! I walked out the back door recently to find the hummingbird feeder and the suet cage on the ground, and the acrylic disc (installed to prevent pole climbing) askew. The creak of the door caused five squirrels to dash across the back yard, up the retaining wall, and into the nearest trees. Just the day before I had put the gun back inside...the BB gun, that is. I didn't think it was good for it to stay out in the heat...and thoughts of "what the neighbors think" about something rifle-esque being on our screened in porch had circled through my mind. Those critters were off and gone before I had time to retrieve my weapon!
This morning I opened the blinds to see a squirrel perfectly steadied, his hind feet curled around the wrought iron, his tail aiding his stability, and his little hands reaching into the bird feeder...enjoying seed after seed. I couldn't help it. I just stood there and watched...such cute little ears, and so finely tuned...dainty hands, although bearing pointy claws...diminutive innocent, yet highly observant eyes...such talent in the balancing act he had going on....Something welled up inside me. I think it was compassion. And for that moment, I thought, "Okay. Squirrels Welcome." Yes, for that moment.
I may get the gun back out tomorrow.
I don't really have a verse to go with this. Maybe "The earth is the LORD's and everything in it...." Psalm 24:1a. I'm leaning toward letting you make your own spiritual application...or not. I just had to write...as writers sometimes do!
As goes the prayer that I learned as a child, "Thank you for the world so sweet. Thank you for the food we eat. Thank you for the birds that sing. Thank you, God, for everything." Even squirrels.
This morning I opened the blinds to see a squirrel perfectly steadied, his hind feet curled around the wrought iron, his tail aiding his stability, and his little hands reaching into the bird feeder...enjoying seed after seed. I couldn't help it. I just stood there and watched...such cute little ears, and so finely tuned...dainty hands, although bearing pointy claws...diminutive innocent, yet highly observant eyes...such talent in the balancing act he had going on....Something welled up inside me. I think it was compassion. And for that moment, I thought, "Okay. Squirrels Welcome." Yes, for that moment.
I may get the gun back out tomorrow.
I don't really have a verse to go with this. Maybe "The earth is the LORD's and everything in it...." Psalm 24:1a. I'm leaning toward letting you make your own spiritual application...or not. I just had to write...as writers sometimes do!
As goes the prayer that I learned as a child, "Thank you for the world so sweet. Thank you for the food we eat. Thank you for the birds that sing. Thank you, God, for everything." Even squirrels.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Go Ahead! Eat Dessert First!!
"When Your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight...." Jeremiah 15:16 (NIV)
The thought actually occurred to me. I should go ahead and order my dessert...first. Maybe have a little taste before the meal...a little during...and surely at the end, so that I could keep that luscious memory for as long as possible.
We were at Famous Louise's Rock House restaurant in Linville Falls, NC. We go there every time we head up to the mountains. Their homemade vegetable soup and entrees are truly "comfort food," home-style cooking...yummy pot roast, barbecue (two sauce choices...tomato based, aahh so sweet...and vinegar based), meatloaf..lots of variety on their menu, with some Calabash style seafood (and "riverfood"...via freshwater trout), Italian dishes, burgers, and so on. We enjoy the main course. But we go for the pie!!! Baked fresh daily pie!!! Homemade crust pie!!! Peach, Apple, Blueberry, Blackberry, Strawberry & Rhubarb, and a Mixed Berry Pie!!! Peach is my favorite, Blueberry is my hubby's favorite, and Apple is the number one choice for the girls. John and the girls like ice cream with theirs. Not me. I don't want anything to mess with the pure perfection of that pie.
Yeah...well...so we finished up our meal, and our server said, "Would anyone care for dessert?" And we were like, "OH Yes!!" She said, "What would you like? I just need to let you know that we are out of the peach." I said, "Excuse me!!! What did you say?? She said, "We don't have any peach pie. I just ate the last piece." I said, "I think I'm going to cry." Yes, I really said that...out loud. Everyone else went ahead and ordered their faves. Half-heartedly I settled for blackberry pie. While I ate it, I tried to focus on the positives. It remotely reminded me of my Grandmother's blackberry...remotely...and that really made me kind of sad, longing for days gone by, when she was able to cook and enjoy the company of family...and my Grandy was still with us...and how the Fourth of July was one of his favorite holidays. I couldn't even finish the last bite...well until my daughter reprimanded me for even thinking of leaving a smidgen of crust in that bowl.
Yeah, so this is random...and not life-changing. I probably won't ever actually order dessert first...well...only at Famous Louise's if it looks like there's a possibility of the peach pie running out.
But it did prompt a spiritual connection to surface. I do believe that we should begin our day with dessert for the soul. Before the day begins, we need a taste of His presence...some time in His Word...some time spent in prayer. Go ahead! Eat dessert first!!
"How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
Lord, draw us to You each morning...first...before the hustle and bustle of our day begins. Help us to yearn for the sweetness of Your presence and the bliss of Your Words to us. We love you!
The thought actually occurred to me. I should go ahead and order my dessert...first. Maybe have a little taste before the meal...a little during...and surely at the end, so that I could keep that luscious memory for as long as possible.
We were at Famous Louise's Rock House restaurant in Linville Falls, NC. We go there every time we head up to the mountains. Their homemade vegetable soup and entrees are truly "comfort food," home-style cooking...yummy pot roast, barbecue (two sauce choices...tomato based, aahh so sweet...and vinegar based), meatloaf..lots of variety on their menu, with some Calabash style seafood (and "riverfood"...via freshwater trout), Italian dishes, burgers, and so on. We enjoy the main course. But we go for the pie!!! Baked fresh daily pie!!! Homemade crust pie!!! Peach, Apple, Blueberry, Blackberry, Strawberry & Rhubarb, and a Mixed Berry Pie!!! Peach is my favorite, Blueberry is my hubby's favorite, and Apple is the number one choice for the girls. John and the girls like ice cream with theirs. Not me. I don't want anything to mess with the pure perfection of that pie.
Yeah...well...so we finished up our meal, and our server said, "Would anyone care for dessert?" And we were like, "OH Yes!!" She said, "What would you like? I just need to let you know that we are out of the peach." I said, "Excuse me!!! What did you say?? She said, "We don't have any peach pie. I just ate the last piece." I said, "I think I'm going to cry." Yes, I really said that...out loud. Everyone else went ahead and ordered their faves. Half-heartedly I settled for blackberry pie. While I ate it, I tried to focus on the positives. It remotely reminded me of my Grandmother's blackberry...remotely...and that really made me kind of sad, longing for days gone by, when she was able to cook and enjoy the company of family...and my Grandy was still with us...and how the Fourth of July was one of his favorite holidays. I couldn't even finish the last bite...well until my daughter reprimanded me for even thinking of leaving a smidgen of crust in that bowl.
Yeah, so this is random...and not life-changing. I probably won't ever actually order dessert first...well...only at Famous Louise's if it looks like there's a possibility of the peach pie running out.
But it did prompt a spiritual connection to surface. I do believe that we should begin our day with dessert for the soul. Before the day begins, we need a taste of His presence...some time in His Word...some time spent in prayer. Go ahead! Eat dessert first!!
"How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
Lord, draw us to You each morning...first...before the hustle and bustle of our day begins. Help us to yearn for the sweetness of Your presence and the bliss of Your Words to us. We love you!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Rough Roads...Reality and Refinement
"The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth." Luke 3:5b (NIV)
The tripod on the roadside held a neon orange, diamond-shaped sign that displayed the words ROUGH ROAD AHEAD. It was right. Our vehicle jiggled, jolted, bumped and bounced...as did the passengers inside...as we rode through the construction zone. Then we reached the place where brand new pavement began...the transformation of that section complete...aaahh, so smooth.
I couldn't help but think, as we passed that way, how the variations in that asphalt compare to the course of our lives.
You know how you go over that section where the workers have ripped off the former covering of the road and gotten down to the layer that looks all squiggly, with wavy ridges that can make your tires skid a little? Don't you feel that some days you are "living" in that zone? You feel slightly out of control, unable to get firm footing. You waver in the uncomfortableness.
Then there are those big bumps...often complete with their own warning signs...yes, another tripod bearing neon-blazing beacon that simply screams, "BUMP"! You better take note! You've been forewarned. The blow feels like it could surely flatten your tire...and rearrange your vertebrae! That happens in life too...events that knock the wind right out of us...feel as if they could "take us out"!
Next comes that steamy, tar-y stench that surrounds you, with heat that rises and penetrates right into your vehicle. And the gravel that flicks up all over your car's undersides and fenders...leaving traces that will remain until you scrub them off. Ever feel like you've been poured right into the heat of that asphalt producing incinerator?? Or covered with the debris from the fallout of life taking place around you?
You are not alone. We have all been down that avenue. It's not easy. But take heart. There will be smooth roads ahead. And our perseverance is not in vain.
In James 1:12, we read, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." Earlier in that passage, James said, "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (v.4) And remember that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
As I said before, you are not alone. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3
"May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Father God, please help us! We understand that this journey called life is wrought with difficult passages...and cool resting places. We know that You are the God of them both. Lord, we are yielding ourselves to Your refinement, believing that You will also provide times of refreshing and rejuvenation. Help us to persevere. We trust You to make the rough places smooth...to complete the work that You began in us. We love you, Lord!
The tripod on the roadside held a neon orange, diamond-shaped sign that displayed the words ROUGH ROAD AHEAD. It was right. Our vehicle jiggled, jolted, bumped and bounced...as did the passengers inside...as we rode through the construction zone. Then we reached the place where brand new pavement began...the transformation of that section complete...aaahh, so smooth.
I couldn't help but think, as we passed that way, how the variations in that asphalt compare to the course of our lives.
You know how you go over that section where the workers have ripped off the former covering of the road and gotten down to the layer that looks all squiggly, with wavy ridges that can make your tires skid a little? Don't you feel that some days you are "living" in that zone? You feel slightly out of control, unable to get firm footing. You waver in the uncomfortableness.
Then there are those big bumps...often complete with their own warning signs...yes, another tripod bearing neon-blazing beacon that simply screams, "BUMP"! You better take note! You've been forewarned. The blow feels like it could surely flatten your tire...and rearrange your vertebrae! That happens in life too...events that knock the wind right out of us...feel as if they could "take us out"!
Next comes that steamy, tar-y stench that surrounds you, with heat that rises and penetrates right into your vehicle. And the gravel that flicks up all over your car's undersides and fenders...leaving traces that will remain until you scrub them off. Ever feel like you've been poured right into the heat of that asphalt producing incinerator?? Or covered with the debris from the fallout of life taking place around you?
You are not alone. We have all been down that avenue. It's not easy. But take heart. There will be smooth roads ahead. And our perseverance is not in vain.
In James 1:12, we read, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." Earlier in that passage, James said, "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (v.4) And remember that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
As I said before, you are not alone. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3
"May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance." 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Father God, please help us! We understand that this journey called life is wrought with difficult passages...and cool resting places. We know that You are the God of them both. Lord, we are yielding ourselves to Your refinement, believing that You will also provide times of refreshing and rejuvenation. Help us to persevere. We trust You to make the rough places smooth...to complete the work that You began in us. We love you, Lord!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Pursued...By the Lover of My Soul
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV)
Last night I said it right out loud. I had a witness...my husband. I said that I needed to get on a better schedule. With the end of the school year and the beginning of summer, I've fallen into a pattern of staying up late (so not me!) and sleeping late (mmmm, liked that part). The problem was that so much of my most productive part of the day...mornings for me...was being wasted. One of the things that I love so much about summer is leisurely morning time in the Word. I was missing some of the best of that...quiet time before anyone else is up...time when it's just me and God...well and my faithful companion, Cocoa, my little daschund. Yeah, so I said those words, and obviously my hubby wasn't the only one to hear them. God did. And I think He considered it to be a prayer...and He answered! I woke up around 4:30, laid in bed, so nice and cozy...prayed for my family, my pastor, my friends...then I knew I had to do it. I had to get up! God had some things to show me, some things to tell me. I'm so glad I didn't miss the rising of the sun, the songs of praise that the birds raised, the breeze that enveloped me as if it was the arms of God Himself. And then as I opened His Word, he spoke...as the lover of my soul...His whispers of love for me.
I went first to my daily reading in my One Year Chronological Bible, (Yes! I finally caught up!) which I enjoy with my sister of the heart, Wendy, my sweet Mama, and my dear friend, Gloria. At first I was a little disappointed when I saw that the reading would be from The Song of Songs...not what I usually consider to be my favorite manna from the Word. The book of The Song of Songs (or The Song of Solomon) is often preached as a human love story, a romantic encounter...yet sometimes comical to me, when expressing his sentiments about his lover's beauty by comparing her hair to a flock of goats and her teeth to a flock of sheep just shorn. But, as I read in my Disciple's Study Bible introduction, "Later traditions of Judaism and Christianity have used allegorical and typological methods of interpretation to extend the meaning of the Song of Songs to God's love with His people and Christ's love for the church." I read it fresh and with a new perspective...and experienced a love that filled my soul!
This morning "I slept, but my heart was awake, when I heard [the lover of my soul] knocking and calling." (v. 5:2) He said, "Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one! Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!" (vs.2:10-13) He reminded me that "[I] have captured [His] heart..." I am His "treasure, [His] bride." (v. 4:9) He loves me. He loves you. He pursues us...passionately...morning by morning. Let's hear His call and Arise!
Lord, Your love is beyond our comprehension. Help us to not only catch a glimpse of the heights and depths of your love, but to see it boldly and clearly and believe it with all of our hearts!
My blogger friends, this morning, I felt that God was also calling me to begin something...that I approach with some fear and trembling, afraid that I won't do it justice...or complete the tasks...but I obeyed today...before this blog post. I started yet another blog...one for brief daily devotions. Pray for me to continue the obedience, to be consistent, to yield to Him. I hope to be much more committed to that daily nugget than I am to this more lengthy writing. Take a peek at Grace for Today-Daily Devotional!!
Last night I said it right out loud. I had a witness...my husband. I said that I needed to get on a better schedule. With the end of the school year and the beginning of summer, I've fallen into a pattern of staying up late (so not me!) and sleeping late (mmmm, liked that part). The problem was that so much of my most productive part of the day...mornings for me...was being wasted. One of the things that I love so much about summer is leisurely morning time in the Word. I was missing some of the best of that...quiet time before anyone else is up...time when it's just me and God...well and my faithful companion, Cocoa, my little daschund. Yeah, so I said those words, and obviously my hubby wasn't the only one to hear them. God did. And I think He considered it to be a prayer...and He answered! I woke up around 4:30, laid in bed, so nice and cozy...prayed for my family, my pastor, my friends...then I knew I had to do it. I had to get up! God had some things to show me, some things to tell me. I'm so glad I didn't miss the rising of the sun, the songs of praise that the birds raised, the breeze that enveloped me as if it was the arms of God Himself. And then as I opened His Word, he spoke...as the lover of my soul...His whispers of love for me.
I went first to my daily reading in my One Year Chronological Bible, (Yes! I finally caught up!) which I enjoy with my sister of the heart, Wendy, my sweet Mama, and my dear friend, Gloria. At first I was a little disappointed when I saw that the reading would be from The Song of Songs...not what I usually consider to be my favorite manna from the Word. The book of The Song of Songs (or The Song of Solomon) is often preached as a human love story, a romantic encounter...yet sometimes comical to me, when expressing his sentiments about his lover's beauty by comparing her hair to a flock of goats and her teeth to a flock of sheep just shorn. But, as I read in my Disciple's Study Bible introduction, "Later traditions of Judaism and Christianity have used allegorical and typological methods of interpretation to extend the meaning of the Song of Songs to God's love with His people and Christ's love for the church." I read it fresh and with a new perspective...and experienced a love that filled my soul!
This morning "I slept, but my heart was awake, when I heard [the lover of my soul] knocking and calling." (v. 5:2) He said, "Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one! Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!" (vs.2:10-13) He reminded me that "[I] have captured [His] heart..." I am His "treasure, [His] bride." (v. 4:9) He loves me. He loves you. He pursues us...passionately...morning by morning. Let's hear His call and Arise!
Lord, Your love is beyond our comprehension. Help us to not only catch a glimpse of the heights and depths of your love, but to see it boldly and clearly and believe it with all of our hearts!
My blogger friends, this morning, I felt that God was also calling me to begin something...that I approach with some fear and trembling, afraid that I won't do it justice...or complete the tasks...but I obeyed today...before this blog post. I started yet another blog...one for brief daily devotions. Pray for me to continue the obedience, to be consistent, to yield to Him. I hope to be much more committed to that daily nugget than I am to this more lengthy writing. Take a peek at Grace for Today-Daily Devotional!!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Lessons from an IPOD...a camera...a computer
"Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life." Proverbs 4:13 (NIV)
My sweet husband gave me an IPOD for my birthday. That was back in October. I still don't know how to use it. With the help of my 10 year old, I have enjoyed some of the music that my 23 year old downloaded...or uploaded...whichever you do...to it. I came across the instructions yesterday as I was looking through a drawer (that's right beside my recliner...close at hand, because I always meant to read them). I hope to get to them soon.
That same generous husband bought me a camera a couple of years back...before a family trip to New York City. I have probably about 1500 pictures on that little disk-y thing that you put in it. I have printed a few...up- or downloaded some...again with the help of my daughters. I do know how to use the delete button on it. I've managed to take some really good pictures...but all on the same setting, because I didn't read the instruction booklet. I think it is in the cabinet in my den. I have actually taken the booklet with me on a couple of trips, really intending to read it.
I was given my laptop by an amazing group of parents at a school where I taught a few years back. They were thrilled to be an avenue of provision on my journey to becoming a writer. I'm embarrassed to say that the instruction book is "somewhere"...unread...I really thought I'd get to it. As with the IPOD and the camera, my precious daughters have taught me how to do most of what I know how to do...including setting up my blogsite.
I have three amazing tools available to enhance my life, preserve memories, equip me for tasks. They are effective...and used often, well, except the IPOD...I've really got to learn how to use that thing! Yes, I enjoy them, but could use them to their full potential if I would just take the time to read the instruction books.
You know, the most important instruction book is God's Word. It won't tell me how to work my IPOD, camera, or computer...but it does tell me to heed instruction. I think a lot of times we keep our Bibles close by...planning to read them, but perhaps not being intentional about it. I must confess something. I started out the year reading through the Chronological Bible led by my dear sister in Christ, Wendy Pope at Proverbs 31 ministries (her link is on my favorite blog list). I was mostly consistent until a few weeks ago when some areas of my life turned a little upside down. I know in my head that when things go crazy God's Word is the thing you need. However, I let busy-ness...the pit...and reality TV (to escape my own!) rob me of the encouragement I needed. I was even reminded by my Mama and my precious friend, Gloria (who knows all about how to use her camera) of the way God was speaking right to my needs...but I still got behind. Now I still went to church. I still had my devotion time each day. I even went to the Women of Joy conference...God's plan way before I knew that would be just what I needed. But in all of those days I missed God's words to me...His voice of encouragement and call to persevere...to be encouraged...to have joy. I pledge today to start my program of catching up and getting back on track so that I don't miss what He has to say to me.
This morning as I read from a beautiful devotion book that my daughters gave me for Mother's Day, this message was driven home. It is from Sarah Young's book Jesus Calling.
"I, the Creator of the universe, am with you and for you. What more could you need? When you feel some lack, it is because you are not connecting with Me at a deep level. I offer abundant Life; your part is to trust Me, refusing to worry about anything.
It is not so much adverse events that make you anxious as it is your thoughts about those events. Your mind engages in efforts to take control of a situation, to bring about the result you desire. Your thoughts close in on the problem like ravenous wolves. Determined to make things go your way, you forget that I am in charge of your life. The only remedy is to switch your focus from the problem to My Presence. Stop all your striving, and watch to see what I will do. I am the Lord!"
The most important instruction that I need is to seek Him first. (Matt. 6:33) In His Word He teaches me how to love...to forgive...to pray...to endure...to trust...the importance of Godly presence and counsel of friends. I'm thankful to have a lot of His Words hidden in my heart...and Christian music playing in my head...to speak to me at all times, even when I'm not being faithful to spending quality time in His Word.
I've gotta run...to the Father...to His Word. I've got some catching up to do!
Father God, thank You for Your Word. Help me to daily "Accept instruction from [Your] mouth and lay [Your] words upon my heart." Job 22:22 (NIV) My hope is in You.
My sweet husband gave me an IPOD for my birthday. That was back in October. I still don't know how to use it. With the help of my 10 year old, I have enjoyed some of the music that my 23 year old downloaded...or uploaded...whichever you do...to it. I came across the instructions yesterday as I was looking through a drawer (that's right beside my recliner...close at hand, because I always meant to read them). I hope to get to them soon.
That same generous husband bought me a camera a couple of years back...before a family trip to New York City. I have probably about 1500 pictures on that little disk-y thing that you put in it. I have printed a few...up- or downloaded some...again with the help of my daughters. I do know how to use the delete button on it. I've managed to take some really good pictures...but all on the same setting, because I didn't read the instruction booklet. I think it is in the cabinet in my den. I have actually taken the booklet with me on a couple of trips, really intending to read it.
I was given my laptop by an amazing group of parents at a school where I taught a few years back. They were thrilled to be an avenue of provision on my journey to becoming a writer. I'm embarrassed to say that the instruction book is "somewhere"...unread...I really thought I'd get to it. As with the IPOD and the camera, my precious daughters have taught me how to do most of what I know how to do...including setting up my blogsite.
I have three amazing tools available to enhance my life, preserve memories, equip me for tasks. They are effective...and used often, well, except the IPOD...I've really got to learn how to use that thing! Yes, I enjoy them, but could use them to their full potential if I would just take the time to read the instruction books.
You know, the most important instruction book is God's Word. It won't tell me how to work my IPOD, camera, or computer...but it does tell me to heed instruction. I think a lot of times we keep our Bibles close by...planning to read them, but perhaps not being intentional about it. I must confess something. I started out the year reading through the Chronological Bible led by my dear sister in Christ, Wendy Pope at Proverbs 31 ministries (her link is on my favorite blog list). I was mostly consistent until a few weeks ago when some areas of my life turned a little upside down. I know in my head that when things go crazy God's Word is the thing you need. However, I let busy-ness...the pit...and reality TV (to escape my own!) rob me of the encouragement I needed. I was even reminded by my Mama and my precious friend, Gloria (who knows all about how to use her camera) of the way God was speaking right to my needs...but I still got behind. Now I still went to church. I still had my devotion time each day. I even went to the Women of Joy conference...God's plan way before I knew that would be just what I needed. But in all of those days I missed God's words to me...His voice of encouragement and call to persevere...to be encouraged...to have joy. I pledge today to start my program of catching up and getting back on track so that I don't miss what He has to say to me.
This morning as I read from a beautiful devotion book that my daughters gave me for Mother's Day, this message was driven home. It is from Sarah Young's book Jesus Calling.
"I, the Creator of the universe, am with you and for you. What more could you need? When you feel some lack, it is because you are not connecting with Me at a deep level. I offer abundant Life; your part is to trust Me, refusing to worry about anything.
It is not so much adverse events that make you anxious as it is your thoughts about those events. Your mind engages in efforts to take control of a situation, to bring about the result you desire. Your thoughts close in on the problem like ravenous wolves. Determined to make things go your way, you forget that I am in charge of your life. The only remedy is to switch your focus from the problem to My Presence. Stop all your striving, and watch to see what I will do. I am the Lord!"
The most important instruction that I need is to seek Him first. (Matt. 6:33) In His Word He teaches me how to love...to forgive...to pray...to endure...to trust...the importance of Godly presence and counsel of friends. I'm thankful to have a lot of His Words hidden in my heart...and Christian music playing in my head...to speak to me at all times, even when I'm not being faithful to spending quality time in His Word.
I've gotta run...to the Father...to His Word. I've got some catching up to do!
Father God, thank You for Your Word. Help me to daily "Accept instruction from [Your] mouth and lay [Your] words upon my heart." Job 22:22 (NIV) My hope is in You.
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