Sunday, August 24, 2008

New Beginnings


If you carefully obey all the commands I am giving you today, and if you love the Lord your God and serve him with all your heart and soul, then he will send the rains in their proper seasons—the early and late rains—so you can bring in your harvests of grain, new wine, and olive oil. Deuteronomy 11:13-14 (NLT)

The last few days of summer always seem to be jam-packed with to-do lists mingled with an underlying current of nervous anticipation. Even as I listen to reports of uniforms, lunchboxes, and new teachers from to my two grandgirlies, there is still that urgency to get in one more day of swimming. Tori starts first grade and is a bit apprehensive. She loved kindergarten but anxiously approaches a full day of class and homework assignments each night. Kate, a seasoned student entering third grade, loves school and can hardly wait. Would you believe that my daughter had the same teacher as Kate will have when she was in the fifth grade? Where does the time go? New beginnings generate excitement for all of us. In the desert, October is the start of our season, after the return of the snowbirds. Even now, I am ready to begin something new. God promised us that the seasons of our life would be prosperous if we obey His commands. My girlies will soon learn the meaning of following directions and the consequences of not paying attention. The Master Teacher also gives me homework assignments and I want my report card to reflect obedience. As my girlies complete their homework each night, I know that I must read His Word and spend time in prayer so that I will hear His instructions. And when I do, He promises that He will send the rains so that for there will be a harvest of love symbolized in the grain, the new wine of truth, and olive oil of gladness. So, are you ready to head out the door? Lunchbox? Notebook? Bible?

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Phone Call


The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 (NLT) 

I stopped by to visit with a friend the other day and we began chatting about the mechanics of a devotional time. Some of us have been Christians for a long time and others are babies in Christ but all of us need and want that special time with the Lord. So why is it a struggle? The distractions vary but the result is the same – it doesn’t happen. We also noted that in times of stress or trouble, we make it a priority but when life is good, other things gobble up that time. Another obstacle is the various "shoulds" we put on ourselves, as it "should" be in the morning for an hour. I remember, as a young teen, trying to get up before school to read my Bible and finding myself yawning the entire time. Not one verse penetrated my foggy brain. It took many years and plenty of "do overs" before I realized that God just wants to see me, to spend time with me, to love me. He loves it any time I sit down to talk to Him. I encouraged my friend not to be so hard on herself and find a time that works for her. She sent me an email today, "Yesterday morning I got to thinking -- when you call someone to say hello, they don't care if the conversation is not an hour long -- they are just glad to hear your voice! Hope God feels that way too." Remember that last phone call from your grandchild? When I hear "Hello, Nana," I drop everything to talk to her and spend time listening to all she has to tell me. Our Heavenly Father responds the same way…He is right there when we call.

Friday, August 15, 2008

What to do?


In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. Ephesians 4:1-2 (The Message)


Sometimes it is such a struggle to discern what God wants me to do. This fall, our Bible Study will address this very issue. But in the meantime, Paul reminds me that sitting around is not an option. I must continue to walk—even if I don't feel like running—down the road of my life. There are moments when I believe that God has called me to speak. But, no speaking gigs are on the horizon. Other times, I know I need to write down the story whether for my own use or to comfort someone else. But, what do I do with it and how do I get it out? I am confident that the life experiences that each of us encounters are given for a reason…and most likely not just for us. I never would have imagined the need to know about divorce, or heart attacks, or depression. I know what it feels like to have life fall apart and feel so alone. But I also know that without the breaking of my heart and restoration that only Christ can give, I would not be the person I am today. His forgiveness covered the shame and embarrassment and gave me hope. I find that moments of joy and peace multiply when I listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit rather than wandering down the path to nowhere. So I guess I better get going, one step at a time, and do what I know to do today. God will take care of tomorrow.


Monday, August 11, 2008

Wishing

For I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11b-14 (NLB)
 
My quiet, ordered house temporarily vanished last week as I found myself stepping gingerly around toys, books, crayons, stuffed horses, and special blankets scattered throughout. The annual visit with our grandgirlies was upon us and it was great fun. From horseback riding lessons to swimming to shopping, we tackled all with gusto. Even a ride on the golf cart was a new experience for my three girls. New restaurants, shopping malls, even a trip to get a haircut were adventures. But when you are six or eight, it feels like it is all ending too soon. Several times during the week, I heard a little voice say, "I wish we could do this again. Can we do it tomorrow?" Or "I wish I could do what my sister just did." I chuckled when my daughter asked them as only a mother can, "do you want a piece of pie or the whole pie?" They knew that meant that they should be happy with what they had rather than "wishing" for something they would not get. How many times do follow that same drill? Rather than being thankful for the lovely home, reliable car, good health, or great friends, we look across the street and envy our neighbor. We complain and whine making it difficult for anyone to meet our needs…even our Heavenly Father. I know there are times when He must just shake his head as I continue to ask for the same things over and over. The apostle Paul gave us good advice when he encouraged us to be content with whatever we have. However, I notice that even Paul had to learn contentment just as we work to teach our girls..and maybe ourselves. However, the good news is that it is mission possible. Christ is the answer and He is the one who gives us the strength to live each day without "wishing."