Jesus...said to them,"Peace be with you." John 20:19
As I said yesterday, no golf. I have two days, yesterday and today, to get ready for another trip. This one is a cruise. As I get terribly seasick I am getting ready with some apprehension. I have tried every drug made by man from the time I was 3 years old to handle this problem. Maybe I'll lose some weight on this trip, instead of the opposite!
I am trying hard not to lose my cool. I have my check list and the one from the cruise line, both of which I am doing a good job following. They help to keep me from running around like a chicken with it's head off. So far so good. I haven't snapped at the husband nor yelled at the three dogs under my feet.
Jesus gives us peace for everyday of our lives if we will let him. His presence at our side can keep us centered and calm no matter what. I believe we have to ask for it and stay focused on it. Do I have a checklist for doing this? You better believe I do. I read my devotional every morning first thing. Then I go to my favorite blogs listed over there on the right side. These are followed by prayer. If I'm on a trip with no computer then I skip the blogs, which I hate to do. I gather my peace. Breathe it in and out. Then during the day when I get frazzled, I remember a word or phrase from the morning that God has placed in my mind. Breathe it in and out. I let God put me in God's kingdom, out of the hassle, problems and worry.
It works, trust me. Take Jesus' peace and live in it. Let it roll around you, let it fill you. Remember, God loves you more than you can ever understand. He gives you peace.
Please hold that peace until I get back and we talk again. In the mean time try those sites I have listed, but remember to come back here. I'll miss you if you don't!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Grumble,Grumble, Grumble
"...for he has heard your grumbling." Exodus 16:9
I love the word grumble. It is fun to say over and over. It is a word that hits the spot. You can feel it in your belly. I remember the first time I read Exodus 16 and found the grumbling Israelites. I think it was one of the first times the Bible really became real to me, really spoke to me. These people grumbled, that really struck me. They were so blessed, yet they grumbled. Go read the chapter. Now... do you grumble like that? Put your name in place of theirs and read it. "In the desert Lucinda grumbled."
In the airport, Lucinda grumbled...when she got home, Lucinda grumbled...when she saw the dirty clothes pile, Lucinda grumbled...when she thought about leaving again in two days for another week long trip, Lucinda grumbled. NO GOLF for two weeks...Lucinda GRUMBLED. What an ungrateful person.
I am so blessed. I was free to go visit family who lives a continent away. I spent wonderful time with them. I came home to three dogs and a husband who missed me. I have a home and things to get dusty and messed up. I get to go on a cruise for one week. I am healthy and have time to play golf. I have a church and great friends. What is my problem ??? Why in the world do I grumble? Because I get so wrapped up in all of the afore mentioned "stuff" that I forget where it all comes from. I am a grumbly Israelite.
So what do I do. Just what I did this morning...I got out the Bible and read Exodus 16. Now all day today I will ask myself..."Do you want to be a grumbly Israelite? No? Then start praising God for all the blessing that have flowed to you." And I do and will.
I love the word grumble. It is fun to say over and over. It is a word that hits the spot. You can feel it in your belly. I remember the first time I read Exodus 16 and found the grumbling Israelites. I think it was one of the first times the Bible really became real to me, really spoke to me. These people grumbled, that really struck me. They were so blessed, yet they grumbled. Go read the chapter. Now... do you grumble like that? Put your name in place of theirs and read it. "In the desert Lucinda grumbled."
In the airport, Lucinda grumbled...when she got home, Lucinda grumbled...when she saw the dirty clothes pile, Lucinda grumbled...when she thought about leaving again in two days for another week long trip, Lucinda grumbled. NO GOLF for two weeks...Lucinda GRUMBLED. What an ungrateful person.
I am so blessed. I was free to go visit family who lives a continent away. I spent wonderful time with them. I came home to three dogs and a husband who missed me. I have a home and things to get dusty and messed up. I get to go on a cruise for one week. I am healthy and have time to play golf. I have a church and great friends. What is my problem ??? Why in the world do I grumble? Because I get so wrapped up in all of the afore mentioned "stuff" that I forget where it all comes from. I am a grumbly Israelite.
So what do I do. Just what I did this morning...I got out the Bible and read Exodus 16. Now all day today I will ask myself..."Do you want to be a grumbly Israelite? No? Then start praising God for all the blessing that have flowed to you." And I do and will.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Short Trip
May God bless all of you and keep you safe. I will be gone for a week visiting family. See you when I get back.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Emptied
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus...emptied...humbled...obedient.... Philippians 2:5,7-8
Over the weekend we played in a golf tournament with another couple. Didn't do too badly, came in third. Could we have done better? Yes. How? I could have listened to advice. How is that for confession on a Monday morning? My putting is horrible right now. Did my spouse offer help? Yes. Was he correct? Yes. Did I listen? I am sure you can fill in the answer to that! I was not humble, nor was I obedient. I could not empty myself of "my way".
I don't care if it is golf advice, medical advice, cooking or parenting tips, if you don't put the ego aside you are not going to learn. If we cannot do the little things, how can we do the big important things? We have to train ourselves at all levels to be open to advice and change. If you want help you have to let it flow from the source of that help and you have to be open to let the flow come into you.
God is so available. Always there to help, teach, lead. We can learn from everything around us, from everyone around us. However, if we are not empty of our own ego, our tight hold on our way, we cannot have room to let God in. If we are not humble enough to accept the right leading it won't flow into us. And if we are not obedient enough to listen and put it into use we will never change.
To me that is what wisdom is all about; having the mind of Christ. We can have the mind of Christ. We can...if we empty our minds of our truth and fill it with God's truth. From the small to the All. Empty...Listen...be humbly obedient.
Over the weekend we played in a golf tournament with another couple. Didn't do too badly, came in third. Could we have done better? Yes. How? I could have listened to advice. How is that for confession on a Monday morning? My putting is horrible right now. Did my spouse offer help? Yes. Was he correct? Yes. Did I listen? I am sure you can fill in the answer to that! I was not humble, nor was I obedient. I could not empty myself of "my way".
I don't care if it is golf advice, medical advice, cooking or parenting tips, if you don't put the ego aside you are not going to learn. If we cannot do the little things, how can we do the big important things? We have to train ourselves at all levels to be open to advice and change. If you want help you have to let it flow from the source of that help and you have to be open to let the flow come into you.
God is so available. Always there to help, teach, lead. We can learn from everything around us, from everyone around us. However, if we are not empty of our own ego, our tight hold on our way, we cannot have room to let God in. If we are not humble enough to accept the right leading it won't flow into us. And if we are not obedient enough to listen and put it into use we will never change.
To me that is what wisdom is all about; having the mind of Christ. We can have the mind of Christ. We can...if we empty our minds of our truth and fill it with God's truth. From the small to the All. Empty...Listen...be humbly obedient.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Palm Sunday
"Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" Mark 11:9
Palm Sunday. I hope you are having a beautiful Palm Sunday, rejoicing that we have Christ entering our lives. Whether he comes into your life on a donkey, through a friend, from a book, in the middle of the day or dark of night...HOSANNA !! He is here and accessible. You can approach him at anytime, in any place. He is there and wants you to find him. It doesn't have to be on a public road with people all around you shouting. Just sit still and look and listen with all your heart and he is there.
If you are in a situation that means you cannot go out from your home, shout your Hosannas by yourself, he will hear. By the way if you are not able to get out and sometimes feel as if you have no work to do in the Kingdom, remember you can always pray. While reading the paper get into the habit of praying for the people you read about. Take the crane accident in New York. Those families need your prayer for peace and healing. The people who saw the tragedy need your prayers. God has put people around them to help them, pray that their eyes are open to see and ears clear to find the help.
Cloudy and windy here. A good day to get in my chair and settle into a book. I am going to finish The Last Week by Marcus Borg and John Crossan. It is an excellent book about Jesus' last week in Jerusalem. Based on the story found in Mark, it takes day-by-day account of the week leading to Easter.
Palm Sunday. I hope you are having a beautiful Palm Sunday, rejoicing that we have Christ entering our lives. Whether he comes into your life on a donkey, through a friend, from a book, in the middle of the day or dark of night...HOSANNA !! He is here and accessible. You can approach him at anytime, in any place. He is there and wants you to find him. It doesn't have to be on a public road with people all around you shouting. Just sit still and look and listen with all your heart and he is there.
If you are in a situation that means you cannot go out from your home, shout your Hosannas by yourself, he will hear. By the way if you are not able to get out and sometimes feel as if you have no work to do in the Kingdom, remember you can always pray. While reading the paper get into the habit of praying for the people you read about. Take the crane accident in New York. Those families need your prayer for peace and healing. The people who saw the tragedy need your prayers. God has put people around them to help them, pray that their eyes are open to see and ears clear to find the help.
Cloudy and windy here. A good day to get in my chair and settle into a book. I am going to finish The Last Week by Marcus Borg and John Crossan. It is an excellent book about Jesus' last week in Jerusalem. Based on the story found in Mark, it takes day-by-day account of the week leading to Easter.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Pray
And pray in the Spirit in all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18
We are in the middle of the WAC Conference basketball tournament. Our lady's and men's teams have won their first round games and are on to the next ones. Sitting in the middle of that many folks is a perfect time to pray. No not, "God let my team win", but an opportunity for all kinds of prayer. Prayer for the health and safety of the players and coaches. Prayer for the souls of all those in the building. If you see an argument or some rude behavior, that is a perfect time to pray for peace and understanding. Praise good behavior and acts of kindness that you see. Ask the Holy Spirit to touch any and all hearts that need the comfort of God.
Many people and many chances for prayer. The next time you are in a large, or even small crowd, remember there is always a need for prayer. Soon it will become a habit that you have developed. Help bring God's love into the natural world around you.
We are in the middle of the WAC Conference basketball tournament. Our lady's and men's teams have won their first round games and are on to the next ones. Sitting in the middle of that many folks is a perfect time to pray. No not, "God let my team win", but an opportunity for all kinds of prayer. Prayer for the health and safety of the players and coaches. Prayer for the souls of all those in the building. If you see an argument or some rude behavior, that is a perfect time to pray for peace and understanding. Praise good behavior and acts of kindness that you see. Ask the Holy Spirit to touch any and all hearts that need the comfort of God.
Many people and many chances for prayer. The next time you are in a large, or even small crowd, remember there is always a need for prayer. Soon it will become a habit that you have developed. Help bring God's love into the natural world around you.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Practice
My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. Ezekiel 33:31
They have been improving the driving range at the course. A new, long strip of that fake grass has been laid down. It is pretty smooth and you don't take divots. I can go up there and spend an hour (well, maybe 30 minutes) and hit some pretty good shots. As they say, I get my groove going. Smooth and easy, up in the air, far out there. Then I get to the first tee and...hmmm. What happens between the practice tee and the first tee???
I read the Bible, go to church, read my favorite devotionals every morning. I am in the groove. I know what to do. I know what Jesus would do. Then I get out into the real world and...hummm. What happens? Why can't I put into practice all that I know I should be doing. Why am I not always generous, why do I have trouble loving some of my neighbors? Why can I not always turn the other cheek? I'm not saying I don't do some things right, I'm not a complete mess. I think it is because I do not often remember to live in the present. Pay complete, close attention to what I am doing right in this moment. I find when I am totally aware of myself and my actions I can practice what I know is God's will for my life. I can forgive, be generous, helpful, witness, and love those that seem a mite unlovable. I will continue to put more and more of God's message to practice. My life sure will be better. I will find my groove out in the world.
They have been improving the driving range at the course. A new, long strip of that fake grass has been laid down. It is pretty smooth and you don't take divots. I can go up there and spend an hour (well, maybe 30 minutes) and hit some pretty good shots. As they say, I get my groove going. Smooth and easy, up in the air, far out there. Then I get to the first tee and...hmmm. What happens between the practice tee and the first tee???
I read the Bible, go to church, read my favorite devotionals every morning. I am in the groove. I know what to do. I know what Jesus would do. Then I get out into the real world and...hummm. What happens? Why can't I put into practice all that I know I should be doing. Why am I not always generous, why do I have trouble loving some of my neighbors? Why can I not always turn the other cheek? I'm not saying I don't do some things right, I'm not a complete mess. I think it is because I do not often remember to live in the present. Pay complete, close attention to what I am doing right in this moment. I find when I am totally aware of myself and my actions I can practice what I know is God's will for my life. I can forgive, be generous, helpful, witness, and love those that seem a mite unlovable. I will continue to put more and more of God's message to practice. My life sure will be better. I will find my groove out in the world.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Forgiveness
You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call on you. Psalm 86:5
Computer connection has been down until now! However, golf was on yesterday. Well maybe not on, as in on target or on the spot, just on like I was there. Had some great shots and putts, had some average shots and putts...had some....need I say more. All was not beautiful in golf land yesterday. Just about the time I think I have it all together, up comes a really stinky shot. Just cruising along thinking I'm ready for the tour (Judy will holler at that) when wham, here comes the swing that looks like a windmill at 40 knots. I could make you cry over some of my putts, you would feel so sorry for me! I feel so sorry for myself. Then sorry is not enough, the old temper jumps up and bites. Then I get mad at myself, and start to fume...then...well I might as well pack it in to the club house, because I cannot forget the last shot or last hole. The more I beat myself up, the worse the situation gets.
We have been talking about getting rid of some of our divots, repairing some of our faults. Well, one of the first things we have to do as we look at our life is forgive ourselves. As we look closely at the mistakes we have made, sins we have let into our lives, stupid things that we have done, we have to realize that we are human. We are going to do dumb things, we are going to sin whether we like it or not. But, we cannot dwell on them. We cannot let them mess with our minds, like a bad golf shot, so much that they effect our next move. We have to forgive ourselves, ask God for forgiveness, and then move on. Not nearly as easy as it sounds, but doable. We are made in God's image. God is forgiving, loving and good. We can be forgiving, loving and good. When we forgive ourselves, love ourselves, then we can move on knowing we are alright to take the next shot. Once you forgive...forget. Pick up your bag and play on.
Computer connection has been down until now! However, golf was on yesterday. Well maybe not on, as in on target or on the spot, just on like I was there. Had some great shots and putts, had some average shots and putts...had some....need I say more. All was not beautiful in golf land yesterday. Just about the time I think I have it all together, up comes a really stinky shot. Just cruising along thinking I'm ready for the tour (Judy will holler at that) when wham, here comes the swing that looks like a windmill at 40 knots. I could make you cry over some of my putts, you would feel so sorry for me! I feel so sorry for myself. Then sorry is not enough, the old temper jumps up and bites. Then I get mad at myself, and start to fume...then...well I might as well pack it in to the club house, because I cannot forget the last shot or last hole. The more I beat myself up, the worse the situation gets.
We have been talking about getting rid of some of our divots, repairing some of our faults. Well, one of the first things we have to do as we look at our life is forgive ourselves. As we look closely at the mistakes we have made, sins we have let into our lives, stupid things that we have done, we have to realize that we are human. We are going to do dumb things, we are going to sin whether we like it or not. But, we cannot dwell on them. We cannot let them mess with our minds, like a bad golf shot, so much that they effect our next move. We have to forgive ourselves, ask God for forgiveness, and then move on. Not nearly as easy as it sounds, but doable. We are made in God's image. God is forgiving, loving and good. We can be forgiving, loving and good. When we forgive ourselves, love ourselves, then we can move on knowing we are alright to take the next shot. Once you forgive...forget. Pick up your bag and play on.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Help
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:10
Yesterday afternoon the golf maintenance group at our golf course planned a Divot Party. Players were to sign up, go out on the course and fill divots with a sand-seed mixture. Divots, for those of you who don't play golf, are gouges in the beautiful green grass that you make when your golf club plows through it while you are trying to make contact with the ball. For this work they were to be treated with free burgers and all the trimmings. My husband and I were just going to play 9 holes with another couple and go home. Well, the other couple signed us up for the party. It was a cool afternoon, but the wind made it down right chilly. A couple of times the wind took hold of the sand and seed we were pouring in the divots and poured them in our faces! There were many divots marring what should be beautiful green fairways. However, with all the participants, it didn't take too long. A lot of laughter, teasing about what other golfers had sneaked onto our course and made all these divots?? We were sure we had not done this much damage. Then we were fed. Good fun, good food, great fellowship.
Now, weren't we talking about repair just a couple of days ago? As I filled in and repaired those divots, I could see we were fixing a lot of damage. It was going so smoothly because we were not trying to do it on our own. When you start that plowing up of your heart, repairing the ground, you do not have to do it alone. First, you have the Holy Spirit sent to you as counselor. Send your prayers on the wings of the Spirit, ask for help and guidance. Second, look around you, God has already placed in your life people who want to help, who will help if you give them a chance. We are in this life as social beings, God never wanted us to go it alone. Look, someone is there ready to help, to listen, to care, to love. Believe me you are not as alone as you think you are. It might not be whom you expect. Like our golfing friends, someone may have already signed you up. In prayer, ask for your eyes to be opened so you can see who your helper is. The friend is there, let them help you up. Together it goes better.
Yesterday afternoon the golf maintenance group at our golf course planned a Divot Party. Players were to sign up, go out on the course and fill divots with a sand-seed mixture. Divots, for those of you who don't play golf, are gouges in the beautiful green grass that you make when your golf club plows through it while you are trying to make contact with the ball. For this work they were to be treated with free burgers and all the trimmings. My husband and I were just going to play 9 holes with another couple and go home. Well, the other couple signed us up for the party. It was a cool afternoon, but the wind made it down right chilly. A couple of times the wind took hold of the sand and seed we were pouring in the divots and poured them in our faces! There were many divots marring what should be beautiful green fairways. However, with all the participants, it didn't take too long. A lot of laughter, teasing about what other golfers had sneaked onto our course and made all these divots?? We were sure we had not done this much damage. Then we were fed. Good fun, good food, great fellowship.
Now, weren't we talking about repair just a couple of days ago? As I filled in and repaired those divots, I could see we were fixing a lot of damage. It was going so smoothly because we were not trying to do it on our own. When you start that plowing up of your heart, repairing the ground, you do not have to do it alone. First, you have the Holy Spirit sent to you as counselor. Send your prayers on the wings of the Spirit, ask for help and guidance. Second, look around you, God has already placed in your life people who want to help, who will help if you give them a chance. We are in this life as social beings, God never wanted us to go it alone. Look, someone is there ready to help, to listen, to care, to love. Believe me you are not as alone as you think you are. It might not be whom you expect. Like our golfing friends, someone may have already signed you up. In prayer, ask for your eyes to be opened so you can see who your helper is. The friend is there, let them help you up. Together it goes better.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Plow it Up
"Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among the thorns." Jeremiah 4:3
They are tearing up parts of our golf course. Different holes have different problems. Bugs, residue from watering, bad choice in seed, lack of proper fertilizer, all caused problems. Some of the work is on the surface, some of it requires deep plugs being stamped out of the ground. Some parts of the course are roped off, others you can still play on. It is a mess, however, it has to be done. Nobody likes it, but the course will die off if the work is not done.
Jeremiah warned the people that God was telling them to plow up their ground, don't plant among the thorns. Just like our hearts. We need to dig out the bugs, stamp out bad memories we love to cling onto, get out the hoe and break up the big clods of ground that block the way for a smooth path toward God's will. It hurts, sometimes it is heavy going. Prayer is the place to do this work. Quiet time with your creator. Get still, take a look in your heart for a bug. Where did it come from, is it worth keeping if it keeps you from hearing God? Pluck it out of the ground, look at it all around. Is it a big, nasty looking thing or a little one just getting started? Your soul doesn't want you to have it around. Pray that your Spirit will help you get rid of this part of you.
Some ground needs a lot of work, months to clear it. Some little patches can be dug up in a few minutes. Done in truth and honesty, prayer and love, you can have a smoother path to doing God's will in your life. Remember as you do this ground repair that God really loves you and wants you to love yourself. We all have ground under repair, or should. You are not alone in that.
They are tearing up parts of our golf course. Different holes have different problems. Bugs, residue from watering, bad choice in seed, lack of proper fertilizer, all caused problems. Some of the work is on the surface, some of it requires deep plugs being stamped out of the ground. Some parts of the course are roped off, others you can still play on. It is a mess, however, it has to be done. Nobody likes it, but the course will die off if the work is not done.
Jeremiah warned the people that God was telling them to plow up their ground, don't plant among the thorns. Just like our hearts. We need to dig out the bugs, stamp out bad memories we love to cling onto, get out the hoe and break up the big clods of ground that block the way for a smooth path toward God's will. It hurts, sometimes it is heavy going. Prayer is the place to do this work. Quiet time with your creator. Get still, take a look in your heart for a bug. Where did it come from, is it worth keeping if it keeps you from hearing God? Pluck it out of the ground, look at it all around. Is it a big, nasty looking thing or a little one just getting started? Your soul doesn't want you to have it around. Pray that your Spirit will help you get rid of this part of you.
Some ground needs a lot of work, months to clear it. Some little patches can be dug up in a few minutes. Done in truth and honesty, prayer and love, you can have a smoother path to doing God's will in your life. Remember as you do this ground repair that God really loves you and wants you to love yourself. We all have ground under repair, or should. You are not alone in that.
Friday, March 7, 2008
World Day of Prayer
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19
Do not forget today is the day for the world to pray ! If you cannot go to a service, please pray at home. If you don't know how to pray or where to start, go to your Bible index and look up the word prayer. Use one you find there and then add your own.
It would be amazing if together you and I and all our fellow sisters and brothers of the world asked for the Maker's healing for the world. How healing it would be if we all felt the love of God in our hearts today. Then, by the Spirit, poured it out to each other.
May you be Blessed and covered by prayer and God's love today.
Do not forget today is the day for the world to pray ! If you cannot go to a service, please pray at home. If you don't know how to pray or where to start, go to your Bible index and look up the word prayer. Use one you find there and then add your own.
It would be amazing if together you and I and all our fellow sisters and brothers of the world asked for the Maker's healing for the world. How healing it would be if we all felt the love of God in our hearts today. Then, by the Spirit, poured it out to each other.
May you be Blessed and covered by prayer and God's love today.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Again With The Blessings
...there will be showers of blessing. Ezekiel 34:26
Did you have a blessed day yesterday? I sure did. Every grumble squelched with a blessing counted. Now, here is my question...when we take a day out to do something like we did yesterday and it works so beautifully, why do we think it is a "special" day, why don't we make it the norm? Why don't we get into the habit of having everyday be one that we count our blessings all day long? Doesn't this come under the idea of "walk your talk"? We know God blesses us with our very breath. We wake up to a blessing every morning just to be alive.
So let's put into practice what we started yesterday. Up to a challenge? Let's see how many days we can keep this going. Grumble=instant blessing. Maybe we can add an extra twist today. The blessings we are grateful for have to be specific...none of that general stuff like "I am thankful for my family". Let's narrow it down. OK, ready... set... go...Have a God filled day.
Did you have a blessed day yesterday? I sure did. Every grumble squelched with a blessing counted. Now, here is my question...when we take a day out to do something like we did yesterday and it works so beautifully, why do we think it is a "special" day, why don't we make it the norm? Why don't we get into the habit of having everyday be one that we count our blessings all day long? Doesn't this come under the idea of "walk your talk"? We know God blesses us with our very breath. We wake up to a blessing every morning just to be alive.
So let's put into practice what we started yesterday. Up to a challenge? Let's see how many days we can keep this going. Grumble=instant blessing. Maybe we can add an extra twist today. The blessings we are grateful for have to be specific...none of that general stuff like "I am thankful for my family". Let's narrow it down. OK, ready... set... go...Have a God filled day.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Blessed Day
Abraham was now old and well advanced in years, and the Lord blessed him in every way. Genesis 24:1
Old Abraham had an amazing life, filled with ups and downs. But, he was faithful and listened to the Lord.
Let's do an experiment today. (Some of you are probably farther along on your walk than some of us and do this everyday!) Let's have a day of counting our blessings. After you read this take a moment and make a start on a list of ways you have been blessed. Then, as you go through the day, add to it. At the very moment you start to feel a little grumpy, stressed, miffed, put upon or out of sorts, immediately think of a blessing and thank the Lord for it, write it down. If you have a moment of fun, laughter, see a beautiful sight, hear from a friend, thank the Lord for it and write it down. I am thinking we will have a long, beautiful list by the end of the day and a much better day to boot.
I'll start...miffed: my husband just walked out the door to play golf (really, not two minutes ago!). I have no golf plans for the day. Blessing: It is a beautiful sunshiny day with little wind, the sky is so blue it makes you wish you were a painter. Thank you Lord for sight.
Are we ever in for a beautiful day !!! Let me know how it goes.
Old Abraham had an amazing life, filled with ups and downs. But, he was faithful and listened to the Lord.
Let's do an experiment today. (Some of you are probably farther along on your walk than some of us and do this everyday!) Let's have a day of counting our blessings. After you read this take a moment and make a start on a list of ways you have been blessed. Then, as you go through the day, add to it. At the very moment you start to feel a little grumpy, stressed, miffed, put upon or out of sorts, immediately think of a blessing and thank the Lord for it, write it down. If you have a moment of fun, laughter, see a beautiful sight, hear from a friend, thank the Lord for it and write it down. I am thinking we will have a long, beautiful list by the end of the day and a much better day to boot.
I'll start...miffed: my husband just walked out the door to play golf (really, not two minutes ago!). I have no golf plans for the day. Blessing: It is a beautiful sunshiny day with little wind, the sky is so blue it makes you wish you were a painter. Thank you Lord for sight.
Are we ever in for a beautiful day !!! Let me know how it goes.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Placement Life
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21
The course I play golf on calls for you to place your shots carefully, so as to have the best advantage for the next shot. You can get into a lot of trouble if you stray off to the right or left. My husband is constantly reminding me to pick my landing area carefully. I, on the other hand, have a tendency to just let it rip, with little thought of placement. Now, needless to say when I do it my husband's way my score is a lot lower. It's usually a good round when he is there to remind me to think about where I want to go. Problem is I don't always play with him. When he is not around I really try to hear him in my ear reminding me "placement, think". When I carry him in my head to the course I have an easier time.
God is like that. If you carry God along in your head and heart, life gets a lot easier and better. God will tell you where to place your trust, your love, your time and it will be in the right spot. The right way is there, place your heart in it and walk.
The course I play golf on calls for you to place your shots carefully, so as to have the best advantage for the next shot. You can get into a lot of trouble if you stray off to the right or left. My husband is constantly reminding me to pick my landing area carefully. I, on the other hand, have a tendency to just let it rip, with little thought of placement. Now, needless to say when I do it my husband's way my score is a lot lower. It's usually a good round when he is there to remind me to think about where I want to go. Problem is I don't always play with him. When he is not around I really try to hear him in my ear reminding me "placement, think". When I carry him in my head to the course I have an easier time.
God is like that. If you carry God along in your head and heart, life gets a lot easier and better. God will tell you where to place your trust, your love, your time and it will be in the right spot. The right way is there, place your heart in it and walk.
Monday, March 3, 2008
The Chair
The Lord Almighty is with us;...
Be still, and know that I am God;
Psalm 46:7,10
OK, so the golf wasn't really too good. Maybe I let a little potty mouth word slip out. Smiling, my husband suggested I should spend some time in my study chair when we get home. Sometimes I react somewhat harshly to a problem or a situation or a word. (Love those words little and somewhat, my family might add some others !). When I have one of those reactions someone usually smiles and suggests the Chair. My friends refer to it as my prayer chair. "Can you go to the prayer chair for this or that?" they call and ask. My chair, on the sun porch, is my place of refuge, study, all sorts of prayer. I can do these things other places, and do, but it is my favorite and most peaceful place.
The first time someone suggested I needed to go to my chair, I was mildly insulted and hurt. "What do you mean, go to my chair? I'm fine, you are the one who made me mad. You are the one who started this." Now I know they are aware I have lost my peace, my reserve of calm, and I need to gather it back. Plus, now they say it with a smile and I know they believe in the interior work I do in my chair. Usually I send myself to my chair.
My chair is a place to be still, to listen for God. To empty myself of those reactions. To gather my peace. It is also the place I read all those books God has put in my way, to study the Word. To pray.
Do you have a place? If not, I highly suggest you carve one out. A chair, a step or spot on the deck, a corner of the couch. If the rooms are too busy or noisy at your house and you cannot leave the family, go into the closet and shut the door. I've done that before! Get a pillow and sit on the floor in that closet. Just find a place you can spend some time listening, reading, praying. You don't have to start with a long strech of time or a long list of reactions. Just let God know you are there, waiting. The Lord Almighty is with you already.
Be still, and know that I am God;
Psalm 46:7,10
OK, so the golf wasn't really too good. Maybe I let a little potty mouth word slip out. Smiling, my husband suggested I should spend some time in my study chair when we get home. Sometimes I react somewhat harshly to a problem or a situation or a word. (Love those words little and somewhat, my family might add some others !). When I have one of those reactions someone usually smiles and suggests the Chair. My friends refer to it as my prayer chair. "Can you go to the prayer chair for this or that?" they call and ask. My chair, on the sun porch, is my place of refuge, study, all sorts of prayer. I can do these things other places, and do, but it is my favorite and most peaceful place.
The first time someone suggested I needed to go to my chair, I was mildly insulted and hurt. "What do you mean, go to my chair? I'm fine, you are the one who made me mad. You are the one who started this." Now I know they are aware I have lost my peace, my reserve of calm, and I need to gather it back. Plus, now they say it with a smile and I know they believe in the interior work I do in my chair. Usually I send myself to my chair.
My chair is a place to be still, to listen for God. To empty myself of those reactions. To gather my peace. It is also the place I read all those books God has put in my way, to study the Word. To pray.
Do you have a place? If not, I highly suggest you carve one out. A chair, a step or spot on the deck, a corner of the couch. If the rooms are too busy or noisy at your house and you cannot leave the family, go into the closet and shut the door. I've done that before! Get a pillow and sit on the floor in that closet. Just find a place you can spend some time listening, reading, praying. You don't have to start with a long strech of time or a long list of reactions. Just let God know you are there, waiting. The Lord Almighty is with you already.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
World Day of Prayer
Today's message is to remind you that next Friday, March 7th is the day for worldwide prayer. This is an ecumenical movement of women and men who come together for a common day of prayer. I pray there is one close to you. This is a good time to invite a friend along. This year it is the country of Guyana who developed the theme God's Wisdom Provides New Understanding.
For more information about WDP visit their web site at http://www.wdpusa.org/.
If you cannot make it to a local service or find one in your area, please join us in prayer from your own home. Let the earth shine with the light of millions of prayers!
For more information about WDP visit their web site at http://www.wdpusa.org/.
If you cannot make it to a local service or find one in your area, please join us in prayer from your own home. Let the earth shine with the light of millions of prayers!
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Not A Coincidence
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34,35.
Last evening's party with the golf group was just too much fun for words. We always laugh so hard my stomach muscles hurt the following morning. I truly love this group and all the individuals that make it up. I believe it is not a coincidence we have formed such a loving bond.
I have been involved in three prayer groups in the last 10 years. After my initial meeting with each group I got in the car to go home and was struck with a real feeling of love for each person in that specific prayer group. I had an instantaneous connection through love to these people. I cared about them, their lives, their families. It was an amazing feeling. Even though we have moved far away from two of these groups in land miles, we are still close in heart miles.
There are no coincidences with God's love. I felt a connection to my golfing buddies the first Thursday we played together. Sisters. Friday night's group has three added sisters. We care about each other. We are a group for a reason. We don't always see the reason immediately. But we will.
Has someone new come into your life recently? Maybe the last month or two. At work, school, church...golf? Not a coincidence. You have been given a blessing. Take a moment...name that person...breath their name in and out...thank God for them. Wonder why God put them in your life. Believe me it is no coincidence.
Last evening's party with the golf group was just too much fun for words. We always laugh so hard my stomach muscles hurt the following morning. I truly love this group and all the individuals that make it up. I believe it is not a coincidence we have formed such a loving bond.
I have been involved in three prayer groups in the last 10 years. After my initial meeting with each group I got in the car to go home and was struck with a real feeling of love for each person in that specific prayer group. I had an instantaneous connection through love to these people. I cared about them, their lives, their families. It was an amazing feeling. Even though we have moved far away from two of these groups in land miles, we are still close in heart miles.
There are no coincidences with God's love. I felt a connection to my golfing buddies the first Thursday we played together. Sisters. Friday night's group has three added sisters. We care about each other. We are a group for a reason. We don't always see the reason immediately. But we will.
Has someone new come into your life recently? Maybe the last month or two. At work, school, church...golf? Not a coincidence. You have been given a blessing. Take a moment...name that person...breath their name in and out...thank God for them. Wonder why God put them in your life. Believe me it is no coincidence.
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