Determination

2 Kings 13:14-19
Elisha had become sick with the illness of which he would die. Then Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over his face, and said, "O my father, my father, the chariots of Israel and their horsemen!" And Elisha said to him, "Take a bow and some arrows." So he took himself a bow and some arrows. Then he said to the king of Israel, "Put your hand on the bow." So he put his hand on it, and Elisha put his hands on the king's hands. And he said, "Open the east window"; and he opened it. Then Elisha said, "Shoot"; and he shot. And he said, "The arrow of the Lord's deliverance and the arrow of deliverance from Syria; for you must strike the Syrians at Aphek till you have destroyed them." Then he said, "Take the arrows"; so he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, "Strike the ground"; so he struck three times, and stopped. And the man of God was angry with him, and said, "You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck Syria till you had destroyed it! But now you will strike Syria only three times."

A friend called me today with the above verses, wanting an explanation. I love this. She perseveres, and asks and asks, until she hears what she needs in order to truly comprehend what it is that is being said. She doesn't give up. She doesn't take NO for an answer...she truly wants to hear what the Lord may be saying to her. sigh. I should be so bold sometimes. She really pushes me...to know. To learn. I am truly thankful for her in my life.

As I read these verses, seeking to understand and find a way to relate what I understood...I was humbled. I love when the Lord uses someone to reveal His words to me. I have heard Him say: "be quick to obey." "Humble yourself in My sight." "I have loved you with an everlasting love." Today He reminded me to be determined..work hard...at defeating the enemy in my camp. Not to expect it to just dissipate: I must really WORK at denying my flesh. To simply turn my back to my sin is to ignore it's importance, it's weight, in my life and on my heart. To ignore is to allow it to grow into a giant. To ignore is to forget the power of the cross, and all I have to be thankful for. Repentance, Salvation, Forgiveness. Joash had no great desire to work to kill his enemy - he wanted him to simply go away. Problem: the enemy that isn't vanquished becomes stronger, better equipped, more determined to have it's way. And is much harder to route completely.

On this day of the year, more than others, I am thankful for forgiveness. For the faithfulness of my Father and Savior. For mercy.

Mat

I was HERE...and it was really wonderful.
Thanks, Lord, for music.

Backwards Bash

We celebrated Faith's 11th birthday with a fun "backwards" party. We hung meatballs and pasta, cheese and crackers from the ceiling.




We decorated chef's aprons with puff paints




We served wacky food: this is meatloaf topped with mashed potatoes.












We served "spaghetti and meatballs" for cake. It was actually red velvet cake topped with butter-cream frosting and Oreo/cream cheese meatballs.








What a great time we had...memories to last a lifetime!

A picture, a sound

A picture of: a runaway slave (Old Testament times), who thinks her wants and ways are the only ones that matter. She's in the marketplace, looking around. Nothing that meets her eye really satisfies her desires, yet she keeps running to the same, familiar places.

Selah.

Visions are such revealing things...

Oh, to put my Master's wants and ways before my own every time. To lose self. For my battle with grace and justice to be clearly applied to myself: that I would accept His grace and forgiveness without casually dismissing its greatness. To know true repentance in response to that grace. To remember the depth of the greatest love that ever lived, and that it lived and died for me. To serve wholly - with all my heart and all my strength

A sound of: Christmas. A hammer striking a nail, repeatedly.

Yes, angels sang to welcome Him...really, they sang to let us know that He was here. To announce His presence. He came in response to our need. My need. He left glory for a sin-soaked world full of rejection and hate that crucified Him. As it was so aptly put: Jesus went dumpster-diving. He dove, that I might know true repentance in response to grace.


Lord, thank you that you love the prodigal.

O Lord, You lift up my head!
Praise YOUR holy name!

I received this in a "fortune" Cookie:
"It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well."

Funny where wisdom comes from...we surely have to be careful to weigh everything through the fine sifting of the Word of God.

I certainly enjoyed this one, though. Just WHO writes these little gems, anyway???

Look Up

What to do when sadness overwhelms you? When depression wants to grab hold and stay? When the past creeps back in and sets you back years? When all the old emotions, fears, and anger rear their ugly faces and stare at you in the mirror?

Pray. Pour out your soul before the Lord. Whom better to understand your feelings? He loves that person or persons more than you ever could. He is the Comforter.


Pause. Hold your tongue until a proper time and proper attitude to discuss the situation. A heart of love and a motivation to heal the breach not beach the relationship. A soft answer turns away wrath.

Trust. God works all things together for good, to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose. Put your hope in Him.

We can't do this with our eyes fixed on us. Look up - See His eyes fixed upon you. He loves you.

Bebo

I was feeling kinda blue today, and turned to my old friend, Bebo Norman. His voice soothes my soul and reminds me of truths that I may have forgotten to remember. He speaks, and I remember: praise, worship, and thankfulness.

Thank you, Lord, for the tools You have given us to bring us constantly back into fellowship with You. I am constantly touched and awed by Your great love for me.

Be still, My daughter

Be still, My daughter

September 4, 2009

The word for today is kindness. Oh, how to be patient and kind amidst a mess?!

YOUR words to me: sweetness and light.


Then she said, "Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out;
Ruth 3:18a (NKJV)

'Take heed, and be quiet; do not fear or be fainthearted Isaiah 7:4a (NKJV)

I will be still, and know that You are God.

15 For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: "In returning and rest you shall be saved;
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength."

Isaiah 30:15 (NKJV)

Danger

August 23

an excerpt from Flashbang, Mark Steele, p 181-182

You do the same things over and over again. That's not working things out. That's keeping them stale. You can't allow something to fade away and then be angry it's gone.

I would be happy to bring you a miracle, but what you asked for was to be fixed.
~I don't understand. A miracle would fix it.
Certainly. But if you don't change, the same habits will lead to the same paralysis all over again. If you want permanent health, then you will have to change. For you to change it will require a process, not a miracle.
~There's danger involved.
There's always danger involved. This time I allowed you to see it.
~This is a little shocking.
Moments of honesty always are. So the question remains: would you rather have a quick fix or would you rather change? Would you rather be fed miraculously while lost in the wilderness or grow your own food in the land I have promised you?

Miracles are easy, change is hard. Lord, I desire change. Please don't let me settle for a miracle.

Boldly Vulnerable

August 12

an excerpt from Flashbang, Mark Steele, p. 132/133
"It is actual truth that changes others. Actual truth coming out of ourselves, not orchestrated truth. Not "just enough truth" but the whole enchilada. Does this mean every person needs to see every wart and blemish inside of me? No, it does not...I have to be open to the fact that He may ask that I reveal some of my flaws and hurts to those I least want to when I least want to do it. That is
36 the difference between a grenade and a flashbang. A flashbang only lets out what is impressive while a grenade throws every bit of itself out there when the pin is pulled... This is about being open to God saying "this truth to this person right now."

2 Tim 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
The answer to every question is that God has given me a sound mind to accomplish His will. He will empower me to say what needs to be said when it needs to be done. His Spirit will reveal what I need as I try to rest in His leading. The body and mind are for His good pleasure and purpose.
2 Tim 1:9 (GOD) has saved (me) and called (me) witha holy calling, not according to (my) works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to (me) in Christ Jesus before time began.

Father, thank you for speaking to me, not only in Your Word, but in the words of others. Their experiences, their hurts, their vulnerability. I am learning this lesson: how to be transparent while still giving You glory at all times. How to be vulnerable without losing my sense of worth. Not every story to every person - yet to be bold to share the deep hurts and mistakes when called to - to be truly accountable to an inner circle.

New path, old friend

An old friend of Heather's is getting married tonight ~

What precious thoughts that provokes: singing practice on the way to the Christmas play. Meals on wheels. Camping with 103 temp and not telling me because she didn't want to have to leave. Jr. High Camp in the mountains. Getting ready for Bible College in England. It strikes me that this child / woman has been a part of our lives since we joined our church. Her family was one of the first to bring us a meal when I was very ill. Her mom knowingly brought her children when delivering the meal, knowing that I had a daughter who was probably bored and scared. Her mom helped me feel welcome my first time at Women's Retreat. This young lady was always a phone-call away when Heather needed a companion, even if they hadn't spoken for quite some time. She always felt like a welcome addition, even more, a family member. Much like a cousin that lives not too far away and just makes themselves at home whenever they show up. I have loved watching her grow, mature, find her callings, make mistakes and learn from them, become a young woman. She is truly precious to me.

I love her choice (actually, God's choice for her) for a mate. He's a great guy, totally suited to her personality. As she is suited to his. I love most that God had a plan for her - and kept her on that path to bring her to this place of joy. She could have turned aside. Settled for less than God's best for her. She certainly had opportunities. She chose the hard part - said no to the easy and kept her eyes fixed on Jesus.

I look forward to tonight - the culmination of a dream and the beginning of a new lifestyle.

I look forward to the day I will celebrate God's choices for my daughters. Until then, I celebrate the marriages of her best friends. The ones who chose to travel the path with her, and continue in the paths chosen for them.

What a great God!

Mindset

Rom 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

What is your mindset today? Does it run in ruts, jagged with dryness and monotony? Does it run over the same tired ground, fixed on the same perceptions and judgments? We have the choice to be refreshed by the Spirit on a daily, moment by moment basis. We can be led by the flesh, or led by the Spirit. The two do NOT operate simultaneously. We can take each day's experiences and allow them to run like water down the ruts of our past, or we can allow the Spirit to channel them into the new life, and new way of thinking, that we received at salvation. It takes some practice. A lifetime of practice. Oh, but the delight of a new way of seeing people, experiences, "accidents", insults, and injuries. We can chose to learn, to forgive unconditionally, to pour out grace.

All in the Spirit.

Looking Forward

Just made our reservations for our 25th Anniversary trip. I am SO excited!! A whole week alone with my honey, beautiful scenery, and hopefully very little cooking.
He sure takes good care of me!

Impart Grace

Ahh, the tongue. James 3:6 And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. We all know the dangers of a loose tongue - we've been burned to a crisp at times by a wayward tongue. If we were to stop at this verse in James, we would be forever lost. I LOVE that God gives us a choice: cursing or blessing. We can proceed with necessary edification and soothe another. A verse keeps coming to mind: a soft answer turns away wrath (prov 15:1a. This is so very true when speaking or correcting my children. They do NOT respond well to loud voices and harsh tones. They seem to be particularly sensitive to them. In the Spirit, I have the choice not only to speak softly and bestow a blessing, but to THINK this way also. WOW. I am finding more and more lately that my thoughts are returning to remembering the Word, and it's power. I see and hear myself more and more having these thoughts, and it humbles me. Refreshes me. Reminds me of the love of my Savior.

Ranch Time

Faith went to camp this past week at Rocking Horse Ranch.

She really hit her stride here! She came home every afternoon filthy, wet (water-games), and beaming. What a marvelous place this is - and what a change in our child. This organization takes in abused and neglected horses, and rehabilitates them by bringing in during the year "at risk" youth. They teach the horses to trust again, and the children the value of character: trust, love, patience, and hope. What a sweet setup! We had the privilege to go for a week and see the miracles they perform when they bring in a few school-age children for a week of camp for a treat.




Faith found a good friend in "Cody" - a horse she says is "a good boy, mom!" During the showcase on Friday, we got to watch her lead this horse through an obstacle course, then ride him through again. Her counselor/trainer told us that she had "perfect execution." Good job, Faith! It was a delight to watch her encourage this horse, take gentle control, and conquer a few fears.





Mail Call!






After that, we were treated to a time of "line dancing" - they learned 3 different dances and showed us them all. What fun stomping in the dirt, doing improvisation, and showing off their acting abilities! Good, clean fun.


We finished the course of the evening with a lovely BBQ dinner, then a tour of the facility and of course a meet and greet with your favorite horses.




After all was said, done, danced, and ridden, we found this to be a great place. Faith learned so much about herself, her gifts and talents, and took on some new challenges she may never have tried without it. I'm so glad God provided the means, the place, and people to bless us all so very much. We sure look forward to coming back again...soon!

Wings

I'm so proud of Heather.

She's stepping out in faith on a venture quite different than the past, taking on new responsibilities and new people, and going with little direction. I know that fear could easily overwhelm her...as she gets more and more details, the more the enemy of her soul would like to distract, dismay and discourage her. She is standing strong ~ to be more precise, she is kneeling strong. I know she is covering herself in prayer. I am often found convicted by her remarks, her wisdom, her convictions. I know she's ready.

It is so good to have her here, yet I know that the Lord has so much bigger and broader things to take her to, and see her through.

My heart is glad for her. I love to see her spread her wings, and fly.

2 Hands

Father, grant me an undivided heart.

Day in the Park

Heather and I had some fun with her camera while awaiting the Bridal Shower Bonanza for her friend Donna last weekend. Thought you'd like a peek at the things we do to kill time in a public place. (I only posted the flattering ones)




She's a silly girl, and I love her to death. You would have to appreciate the fact that I abhor my picture being taken, as I seldom like anything that the camera produces when it is pointed in my direction. Somehow, I expect to appear differently than the image my mirror gives. Go figure.

Visitation

My parents are here visiting, and I am reminded how much I really like them. How much fun we have just laughing...old jokes, new puns, sweet times. I know most people think I am much like my mother. I see so many ways in which we are quite different. and yet...the things we share are remarkable. intimate. worthy.

I love having them here. (sweet sigh)

First Showing

I got to see a wondrous sight today - my daughter's art hanging in a gallery. Wow.

As I wandered about, looking here and there, I must admit to being cautious. You never know what you will see in an art gallery: nude paintings that are graphic, lewd poses, twisted sculptures that reveal too many illicit medications, or just plain bad art. Sometimes I get surprised with something sweet, poignant, or just plain funny. Lately, though, not so much. It seems that the minds of so many have become so jaded and worn, they can only find things to criticize or debauch, instead of things to motivate and entrance. Today was no exception.

This was an art gallery at the college she attends. Much of the art was from students that had been in classes for several semesters. Frankly, just to be allowed to display there was an honor. When she applied (strongly encouraged by her teacher) we were totally thrilled. She is, after all, only in her second semester of photography class. We love her photography. She has a way of making something simple leap out of the photo and grab your heart. This was something simple: hands. Her grandmother's hands. Yet the message they offered was deep. There is such beauty revealed in these simple black and white photographs, it causes you to pause and wonder: what story are my hands telling? You'll have to decide for yourself what the story is when you see them - that's the beauty of art. You can participate. Which is why I am so leery when entering a gallery - I may not wish to participate in what is being offered. I am after all supposed to be sanctified, am I not? Anyway, to be encouraged to apply was amazing. To be chosen to be shown, and have a chance at an award: breathtaking.

So here I was, wandering around, secretly trying to see if anyone saw what I did hanging on the wall behind the reception desk. MY daughter's artwork. Next to what some might think was similar work, but it lacked the depth, precision, and story that hers offered. No competition. And while I didn't find that hers had won an award, I was no less touched and awed by the fact that it hung there. Her first showing. Splendid, I might add. As I walked away, I wondered how such art is rated. If by the heart, then hers had first place.

In HIS light

He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. John 5:35

I was thinking about how we can be so content to shine in the light of another - a good sermon, good worship, praying with another. These are all good things, but not the needful thing. The needful thing is to spend such sweet time in the presence of Jesus ourselves, that WE shine. Truly, it is Jesus who shines in us - yet when we spend time with Him in prayer, in the Word, in meditation of His Word, we get to shine. We get to be the light, the vessel that overflows with joy and the Spirit.

I don't want to be content to rejoice in another's light, but to BE light myself.

Distracted Disciple

Watch this, then we'll talk:





Retreat is in 2 weeks. I told someone that I didn't think I could wait that long for a touch from Jesus. I got to praying, and thinking about what I'm holding back, what I'm keeping in reserve, how I got to be in this place. I figured out that it doesn't really matter. What matters is what I'm going to do about it.

Repent.

How about you? How's the flame inside you for Jesus? A spark, and ember, or a full-on bonfire? Are you living your life as if Jesus is returning TODAY? Or are you putting off until tomorrow what you should have accomplished last week?

Well, it's time obedience and praise were the first things on my list. Not to mention more time in fellowship with the One who owns me body, soul and spirit. Remembering that I have been bought with a price, redeemed. Ransomed. Raised from the dead to new life.

Now, to live it! Fervent Love in action.

Carpet machines and power washers

So, I'm standing here with a rented carpet cleaner in one hand, a power cord in the other, contemplating spots. Spots on my carpet. Spots that I find rather disheartening, because no matter what I treat them with or how hard I scrub, they always surface again. Disgusting.

I began thinking about me, my spots. The behaviors I choose, the attitudes, the downright rebellion I choose to live in. Let's call it what it is: sin. Disturbing.

Which leads me to consider Jesus. HE is the only real cure for spots. He alone can make them disappear - be truly clean. And He does, with His blood. His purposeful, determined, death. His suffering and pain make me wholly clean again. How thankful I am that these spots, these sins, never surface again! Once forgiven, they are "power-washed" away.

Thanks for the spots in my carpet, Father. For leading me to consider the stains, and the cures. While ones on my carpet may be disheartening, the cure for the other is redeeming.

Thank You, Jesus, for Easter.

Of Geraniums and Geography

I was picking dead leaves off the geranium plant my mom gave me before she left, looking at this funny plant and trying to see it as she did. I'm not a big geranium fan. In fact, I let my sister take most of them and kept just this one. It's been hanging in my 'green house' for almost a week now, and I was noticing how the branches (?) have changed direction, reaching toward the new sunlight. And then I saw it. The first bloom - a small white flower with a hint of purple inside. I had such a sense of wonder - this plant had been shoved in the back of a car. Piled up with other plants. Rattled around on a dirt road, then an asphalt highway and driven at a fast pace to reach another house. Shoved around and mangled a little as it's previous porch-mates were chosen or reorganized. Then, off to it's final destination. Hung by it's chain in the garden area and watered (much out of pity) and left to see what would happen.

It bloomed.

It helps me when I think about my parents. I would love to see how they are faring - see what they see and feel as they get their details settled, house put down, furniture arranged. I would like to see how the changes affect them - temperature, humidity, geography, culture. They, too, have been rattled around trying to make decisions. Packing away treasures, and giving away treasures. Final chores, final purchases, final sales, final farewells. Then scooting down the road in a breakneck pace to make it before the moving truck arrives with items to help them feel at home.

I have a feeling they are doing much as my geranium. Adjusting to the new light. Spreading their branches. And...peeping underneath, blooming.

It's a great comfort to me that the Light is the same. The same Jesus is with them there as was with them here. The same warmth holds them, waters them, feeds them, and enjoys their blooming.

Welcome home, both of you. The geranium, and the parents. May you both enjoy your new geography for many years to come.

Sadly Monday

It's Monday, and I already miss my mom.


I have spent a week getting ready for her to leave. She and my dad are moving to Alabama this week, which I knew was coming. It's funny how you can have information, know a date, and still not be involved in the actual happening. I spent a week that way. Working hard on getting a blanket made - a photo quilt full of memories for them to take with them. I think there's a tear in every tiny stitch. My mom has been my friend my whole life - something I have always treasured, something I have always stood on. No matter how far I have wanted to go sometimes, I have always had that reassurance that she would be there when I returned. Well, now it's her turn to go. With no returning - that's the part I struggle with.



It's Monday, and I already miss my dad.

He's the guy I met when I was 18, who taught me that it's ok to be me. That I had value that men could appreciate (if they were smart!) He makes me laugh. He makes me want to be better than I am. I have been blessed to see him go from an unrepentant sinner to a loving man who puts Jesus first and his family a very close second. He's our guardian, and no Doberman Pinscher could out-protect him!

I guess my heart is having a time figuring the difference between a funeral, and a good-bye party. They seem awfully similar.

I am going to choose the better part. The rock that my mom has always been for me, she learned from standing on THE Rock, Jesus. She has always welcomed the prodigals in our family home, as the Father does. Her friendship and warmth is found in Him, and she just passes it along. My protector is ultimately God, although He has given me a great example in my dad, that came with a bear hug and a smile. My comforter: the Holy Spirit, who has led my parents for years and continues to guide us all.


I thank God that He gave me such parents. I needed them. I pray that He blesses their every step, that He uses them mightily wherever they go, and they find all they need in Him day by day. Lord willing, we will visit. Often. Until then, God will be with us all.

An Oldie, but a Goodie

I wrote this a long time ago, it seemed fitting to post it now.

Too Hard To Serve

Mal 1:13 NLT
You say, `It's too hard to serve the Lord,' and you turn up your noses at His commands," says the Lord Almighty. "Think of it! Animals that are stolen and mutilated, crippled and sick-presented as offerings! Should I accept from you such offerings as these?" asks the Lord.


This cut me to the quick this morning. You see, I had a conversation with someone just the night before about how we make compromises with the areas of weakness (sin) in our lives. It just seems too hard to drive that enemy out of the land. So, we get comfortable. We decide it isn't all that bad - we're not hurting anyone. We're not openly blaspheming God. We're not murdering or anything like that. We make excuses. We decide that it really isn't something God wants us to conquer today.

I know. I was shown a giant in my life that needs addressing. In fact, I've been shown it a few times. And, to be honest, I did try to chase it out. Funny thing about those giants, though. You really have to get to know them head-on in order to see them for what they are. Get to know the hold they really have on the land. See all the ways they are cheating you out of a safe home and a good harvest. We don't really want to pay tribute to these encroachers, do we? Somehow, I just seem to run out of steam, or desire, or just plain attention.

I forget the reason why I am to drive the enemy, or giants, from my life. For how do I offer myself as a sacrifice of worship to my God and King if I am full of the blemish of repetitive sin? How can He accept me if I am putting this thing before Him in priority and importance? It is a slap in His lovely face! I know He is merciful to me. I know it well!

And so... I will begin. I will identify fully this giant. This enemy of my soul. I will persevere, by the great grace of God, to slay this evil thing that I let come between me and my King. I will ~ for I want to be that sweet-smelling aroma that reaches to bless my Savior. I know there is no power or even thought in and of myself to do this task. It is in the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God that I will overcome. In His power and might - I will serve.

Choosing Wisdom

'Redeem the time.'

'Bring everything to God.'

'Be timely.'

'You are more than a judge.'




I have looked back lately at my walk, and this is a short list of some of the things I remember the Lord speaking to me. The last was rather amusing, because it came in a dream and I NEVER remember my dreams. This one is sticking, though, and I am busy pondering it. I am delighting that I hear His voice. I am wondering what the next weeks will hold. I seem to be invited to help in some new areas, and truly delighting in each endeavor. I LOVE to help out! My heart wasn't in it for a spell, but I believe the Lord has turned the light on again and is saying: " Here are things you can do now. Choose."

I want to use the words He has spoken, and choose wisely. Redeeming the time I struggle with. I am not a good person when it comes to everyday duties. I procastinate. I forget how long something may take. Mostly, I just get sidetracked easily. When I am doing something at church, however, that seems to be a different matter. Oh, that I would really get that everything I do is to be unto the Lord!

Bring everything to God is another one. I often go about the day-to-day activities and forget that He is here, wanting me to bring it all to Him as a sacrifice of worship. It's easy to pray about serving the body for an event - somehow this housework stuff just doesn't seem like an event. He wants to be part of everything I do, and I am an independent cuss sometimes.

Be timely. Love that one! Timely with...encouraging words for a struggling student. Correction for a poor choice. When to praise the dog - when to ignore the dog. When to greet my spouse and ask questions, when to let him be to recover from a hard day. So many details, so much that just isn't about me.

You're not just a judge - can't really define that one well, yet. I remember Deborah sitting under the tree and Mamre, and people coming to her to settle disputes and for wisdom. I remember her going with Barak because he lacked conviction without her. Just not sure how it all applies to me, or what I am to do with it. But God...He will reveal it in it's perfect time. Blessedly, He is keeping it fresh in my memory and close in my prayer time.

I rejoice to hear the voice of my Savior.
I love that the light is on, and pray that it glows from inside me.
Now....to choose.



Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established;
By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
Proverbs 24:3,4

Revelation

"You are not a problem to be fixed. You are a work of art being revealed".

I heard this line this morning on the way home from running errands, and it struck me so powerfully. God is revealing a work. Not just a foundation, or a warehouse, or a tilt-up concrete storage unit. He is revealing a work of art. ME.

Eph 2:7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

In God's amazing grace, He pours out riches upon us. The amazing part: He is revealing a work of art. He is in the process of revealing Himself in us, His glory. Now, isn't that worth striving for? Enduring for? Persevering for? AMEN, it is! I don't have to be looking for the finished work yet - if I were I would be sadly disappointed. The finished product isn't here yet. You see, He's not finished with me yet. Oh, how I do look forward to it, though. You see, I know what it will look like. I have an inside view. Come closer, I'll tell you. (whisper) It's God's glory in me!!! I will be like JESUS! OH!!!! Won't that be wondrous to behold?! Until then, I get to watch Him reveal the work of art that He is making. I get to become more lovely, every day as I allow Him to mold and change me. As I quit fighting the work of His hands. As I listen to the hammer and the feel the sandpaper. I must admit, sometimes it is painful. Sometimes I don't want to change. Sometimes I want the path that changes me to be easy, not a rocky uphill climb with huge thorns and snowstorms and rock slides to trip me up. The valleys can be so low. The hill so high to climb.

I can't wait to see the final work...sigh.

Hermit Crabs

I had become one. A hermit crab, I mean. I'm not really sure how it happened, I just looked up one afternoon and realized I was one.

My husband thought I was depressed.
Not sure what my kids thought.

I lacked motion. I wanted to be home. Stay home. Be with the kids, not with my friends. No coffee dates. No dinner out. No lunches or bagels or coffee. Just home.

It came to me later. A check. A quiet voice. A scratch at my shell, as it were.
I had allowed the cares of this world to still His voice, and allowed my thoughts to turn inward instead of upward.

Then, after a meeting with a precious saint, I got hold of the real problem: my heart had grown cool toward my King. I had forgotten to praise. Now, I am not normally a depressed person. I don't have major emotional outbursts or highs and lows. I am generally joyful. Kinda like that crab that just goes about it's business and keeps on moving along. Yet I had let my joy slip away, and didn't even notice it's passing. Praise God for that saint, that listened to my heart and didn't judge me. She simply agreed that my assessment was correct, and pointed up.

I'm glad crabs aren't all hermits. I'm really glad that hermit crabs don't stay in the same shell and refuse to move onto better homes, better pastures. I am even more glad that I, too have moved on. Praise is so sweet! God's Word so rich. Now, I look up.

Simple Basics

Rubenstein, the great musician, once said, "If I omit practice one day, I notice it; if two days, my friends notice it; if three days, the public notice it." It is the old doctrine, "Practice makes perfect." We must continue believing, continue praying, continue doing His will. Suppose along any line of art, one should cease practicing, we know what the result would be. If we would only use the same quality of common sense in our religion that we use in our everyday life, we should go on to perfection. Streams in the Dessert

Prayer. The simplest of the Christian basics, yet the one we so easily dismiss. We don't see the answer as we supposed, or we don't see it as a need that requires prayer. Or, we just don't stay focused. Whatever the reason, the answer is clear. Pray. Whether you don't take the situation seriously, or you seriously don't understand your deep need for communication with your Lord - you are lacking.

Every situation requires prayer. Getting up in the morning- and what you may face. Having coffee, or not. Which way to get to work/school/the gym. When to speak to the child's teacher. When to speak to your spouse about that thing in the garage/check book/doctor's office. What to say to that friend/co-worker/clerk/rude driver. What to make for dinner.

I am finding this to be more truth than I have realized before. More needful each moment. More precious. More challenging. God wants me for Himself. He wants to have fellowship with me, more communication. He wants to find me listening. Talking, sharing. See, the funny part in all this, is God. He desired communication with me. Fellowship. with Me.

The more I pray, the more I find to pray about. The greater the need to be in conversation with my King. It's a wonderful circle, pray. A blessed one. One I need more and more as the world turns and each moment passes.

I invite you to incorporate more into your day, and see what happens. How it changes you (and me) as we get ahold of God's heart, and allow Him to get ahold of ours.

Contrasts and Comparisons

I am amazed:

At the fervor people get into over a game. Football, Baseball, Basketball, Golf...really, it's a game. It should comprise fun, exercise, camaraderie, and a small amount of healthy competition. It's a GAME, folks.

At the lack of enthusiasm to get up in the morning to attend church. It nourishes the soul, lifts the heart, wakens the mind, and gets a proper perspective on ourselves and life - not to mention GOD. If we can scream and provide food for a game, why not provide our voices in worship and food for our soul?

My desire

It's a new year. No new resolutions - I don't do that stuff. I figure, if you're gonna make a promise to change, you shouldn't wait until New Year's. It's probably stuff you already should have been doing anyway. Not that I don't want to better myself. I do. It's just that I have discovered that I really can't change me. Only God can, and He does it in His own time. I love that. He can't be hurried, and He's never late. Not for one second, either way.

HE is on the throne. Yesterday, today, and forever. How comforting that thought is! I can't control a thing, and when I try I only mess it up anyway.

My part in all this is to be open and willing to be changed. Conformed, really. His goal remains the same: conform me into the image of Christ. Oh, some days there seems to be so much in me in need of conforming! sigh. Keeping my eyes on the prize: the upward call of Jesus in my life. That is what change is all about.