Monday, July 31, 2006

Giant Flashlight

James 1:5 (NLT) If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. God is very specific in his instructions to us. However, I am the one that blows it by fretting and trying to figure out how to run my life my way. I would rather focus on the finish line, but God is more interested in the process than the ultimate goal. He wants us to learn to turn to Him the entire time – not just at the beginning when we want something or at the end when we might remember to thank Him. He wants to teach us how to trust Him each step of the way, whether it is over the jagged rocks or along the smooth path. He will never overstep the boundaries we put up but patiently waits for us to invite Him into the process. So don’t forget to consult with the Master the next time you need some help. He has the giant flashlight!

Friday, July 28, 2006

Character Part 2

Go with the flow, don’t make waves, just let it go, no big deal – sound familiar? Maybe you have even said or thought it yourself occasionally. It is easier to follow the crowd to make a problem disappear than to take the lonely hard position. However, character stands up when tested – even to the point of pain. Gen. Charles C. Krulak, Commandant of the Marine Corps got it right when he said, “The true test of character comes when the chips are down, when your gut starts to turn, when the sweat starts to form on your brow, when you know the decision you are about to make may not be popular ... but it must be made. That's when your true character is exposed.” We don’t have the same luxury enjoyed by previous generations where moral conduct, good manners, and respect for the law and property are supported by parents, neighbors, churches, and even the government. Our children and grandchildren’s security and future compel us to get involved. I encourage you to pay attention to the local news, go to a school board or town council meeting, attend a candidate forum, and don’t forget to vote. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT) reads, Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. It is not easy or fun but character demands it and then you, too, will make a difference.
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Character Part 1

One thing often leads to another when you are doing a google search on the Internet. I was looking for a particular quote on the subject of “character” and in the process found many more and it started me thinking. The one I was looking for is, “One test of character and virtue is what a person does when no one else is watching” by ethicist, William F. May. Yet Theodore Roosevelt’s comment that “Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike” resonated as the turmoil in our world plays out on the TV. So what is “character"? Character is defined as the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. Most of us are unable to do anything about the events in the Middle East other than pray. Each morning we get a new quota of 24 hours to spend yet how we choose to spend these hours reveals our character. Many will do just about anything to make more money, gain prestige, and have the good life. However, it is impossible to buy more hours in a day to do it. God describes how he looks at what we do every day in 1 Corinthians 3: 12-13 (NLT): Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. I want my time to count for the kingdom and not be wasted. The frenzied hustle of the move is beginning to wind down and I have a few moments to think about choosing activities of the gold, silver, and jewels quality. Summer is half over and the Fall brings new opportunities. Any plans?

Friday, July 21, 2006

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Dangerous Times

We are living in dangerous times. 9/11 brought to the attention of Americans how vulnerable we are against terrorists. Now I turn on the TV and see pictures of the devastation in the Middle East. The age-old disputes in that region have erupted in fighting, bombings, and loss of life in this recent flare-up. The tiny country of Israel has the eyes of the world on it. I visited this country several years ago and was amazed at its small size and dry, barren land, yet it is the center of our faith. I don’t know the solution to the enmity between these families but the problem started thousands of years ago and will not be settled easily. Pray for wisdom for world leaders. Yet, with all the chaos and destruction, we know that God is in control. His divine hand wrote in Isaiah 26: 3-4 (NLT), You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock. This is our hope…believe it.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Do NOTHING

With the house coming together, the extreme fatigue has lessened and I finally had time to sit down and read a magazine last night. After the last two weeks, the title of the first article caught my attention, " The Rewards of Relaxation,” by Margaret Renkl. It was a fascinating read about the differences between the relaxation techniques of men and women. Men come home from a horrendous day at the office and sit in front of the TV, motionless, for hours, doing nothing. NOTHING. When was the last time you sat down in front of the TV and just watched TV? Invariably, this is the time to fold the laundry, straighten up the toybox, read a magazine, or do needlework. “Women, and particularly mothers, are capable of activating several areas of the brain simultaneously,” says Marianne J. Legato, M.D., “far more than is the case with men.” However, we do ourselves a great disservice by all this constant activity in the areas of our health, creativity, relationships, and spiritual well-being. God’s desire is for us to quit striving and seek Him: Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders. Job 37:14. Another reminder echoes in Psalm 46:10a, Be still, and know that I am God. If the stress of constant busyness, herding children from one activity to another, or the never ending list of to-do’s keep us from time to be alone and quiet, we will not hear the still small voice of God’s leading in our lives. Take the advice we give our children – sit still!

Saturday, July 8, 2006

Problems

It has been one of those weeks – even though it was a short one. A new house is never completely done when you move in. We had workers swarming through our home each day fixing, adjusting, repairing, replacing, or just inspecting. At one time on Friday, four plumbers’ trucks were parked in front of our house. During the week, one problem became so contentions that I took charge, sent out of flurry of emails, and made several phone calls. I was going to make sure that I was not ignored or dismissed. Notice all the emphasis on “I.” Quickly, the stress of the move came crashing down, affecting all areas of my life, yet the still small voice of God met me right at my core:

Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7

I realized that this was not my problem – I would let it go. The daily decision to let God be in control of my life is often a challenge but when I do, it makes life more peaceful and enjoyable. And you know what? All of those plumbers' trucks … they took care of the problem.

Tuesday, July 4, 2006

The Red, White, and Blue

Each family celebrates different holidays during the course of the year but in our house, the 4th rates right up there with Christmas. I love the festivities – from hometown parades with flags waving by young and old to yummy backyard barbeques with family and friends. Of course, the day must end with the oohs and ahs of fireworks. Freedom is something we must cherish, not take for granted, and pass on to our grandchildren. Today, we see all over the world the efforts to attain freedom and independence just as our country fought for so many years ago. In our nation, a debate rages about war, freedom and democracy but let’s put all that aside today and thank God for our many blessings and celebrate the joy of independence and the freedom given to each citizen in the United States of America. Happy 4th of July!