Anticipating a Visit from the Lord

“Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God” Matthew 3:7




When my twins were babies they wouldl wake up from their naps and make little noises to alert the house of their presence. I quickly learned the meaning of the different cries from hunger to diaper change. They had one sound that was soft and short. It was a signal they needed to be picked up. They were anticipating being held, cuddled and kissed. There is something magical about loving on a baby. 



Each time I heard this sound and went into the room, they were always looking toward the door. They were never surprised that I showed up. They were simply happy that I did. Their little faces were saying, “If I look at the door long enough, mom or dad will be coming through.” Sometimes they would be standing and other times they would remain laying down and pull the bumper pad down low enough to unblock their view. Such a priceless sight!



Is our relationship with God any different? When we call on God, do we trust that He will come through the door? Do you trust that He will show up? Do we anticipate being held and comforted in His love?



Whatever we are going through, we must turn it over. It doesn’t matter what it is. We must turn to the Word. We don’t need to go person to person, asking what we should do. We need to ask God. Sometimes in desperate moments, we rely on other things to be our source. Yet, sources other than God, always come up short. Therefore we must seek Him daily for help and guidance in our lives. We have to do this on days when things are good and days when things seem bad. We must seek God when our bodies are ill and when our bodies are well. And certainly continue to praise Him through all of our issues.



Prayer Lord, here I am seeking your guidance and continued presence in my life. I pray that I continue to keep you as the center of my life. I am thankful that you are the source of my strength and not the many things that compete for my peace in You. I thank you, Lord, for your forgiveness and for you son, Jesus Christ. ~Amen

Reviving a Vision of Health

 "Life changes when you see it, not when you get it."

These are words spoken by the minister selected to speak at Spring Revival. It was simplistic in it's delivery , but most powerful. So, often we begin our day without a plan of action, an end result in mind or sometimes even expectations. Many of us awaken with thoughts of just making it through the day.
When my son was in grade school, he was assigned one of many projects for his class. There was plenty of excitement around getting the supplies needed such as a poster board, markers and tape. The written assignment seemed pretty clear outlining the teacher’s expectations. My son eagerly began to work on the project which was completed in no time. He then ushered his father and I to take part in the presentation. I could see on his face that this wasn’t a project he was necessarily proud of, but one that could get a passing grade. The project was hurriedly put together. The drawing was wasn't his best. The writing didn't pull the reader in. And there was lots of “white space” left on the poster board.

I asked my son what he thought the teacher expected as an end result. Initially, he didn’t seem to be clear. He refreshed his thoughts and looked at this presentation, this time with a clearer vision.

I have always advised the kids to envision what the end project would be and to make a smaller mock project by sketching onto graph paper or plain paper. Doing this helps to grasp the vision. Once you can see the vision, you get it. And so, we are back to redoing the project. This time, the excitement is in the air and we are expecting a different result. And guess what? He gets different results. The project is well planned and presented because the vision was clear.

The Health and Wellness Ministry at church has introduced a Biggest Loser program. One of  my visions for my life is better health. I know that my body is a temple and I am  charged with taking care of it. But in order to even accept such a challenge, I actually had to see myself at a healthier state. I had to be able to see myself cooking healthier, exercising and getting proper rest. The picture I saw was awesome and coupled with lots of support and prayer, I am excited about doing something different to get different results!

What is your vision for your life? Your ministry? Your health? Does your vision line up with God's will?

Prayer Dear Lord, I am embarking on living life differently that before. I am praying for guidance in making good healthy food choices and safe exercises. I am praying for strength to endure the challenge   and to avoid the temptations of too much junk food and unnecessary calories. Thank you God for never leaving me. Amen

God Is Greater Than This

The year 2010 was the most profound year. I remember beginning the year thinking things had to be different. The journal entries for January 1 were beginning to copy and paste themselves from year to year. My past had taken center stage in my heart and it seemed to always be in pain. I had made the pain of the past a very important part of my makeup. I remember writing feverishly as a child in my journal trying to make sense of the real and perceived harm done to me. I somehow thought because adults knew better, then they would always do better. Why else would grown people be in charge of some of my life? I learned to not trust people and to keep everyone at a safe distance.

I remember the sermons at church taking on an exciting theme which involved being radical about your praise, radical about your worship and radical about your faith. For months I felt something growing in my spirit and I knew the only way to receive what God had for me was to be open. I prayed daily for the uncomfortable feeling I got when people where in my personal space. At times I really wanted to scream!! But I trusted God will help me deal with my anxiety. I felt ashamed of this feeling because so many people around me seem to be at ease with the human touch. Once I began confessing my anxiety and my need for help, the feelings began to become less intense. I realized there was never any reason to feel shame. God never intended that I live under such a cloud created by experiences that made me feel less than the child of God I knew I was.

I felt myself feeling a little ill and a little less energetic as the months passed. But I ignored the subtle signs, took days off from work when needed and kept pushing on. My path was crossing people in my past I had long tried to forget or dismiss. It seemed these people’s names were coming up in general conversations. I would read books that reminded me of past traumas and I would hear sermons that reminded me of dramatic events in my life. I would pray, “Lord, what is happening? Why do I have to face these situations again? Why do I have to talk about life experiences? Why can’t my harden heart survive?

I felt angry because I thought I was getting to know God in a more intimate way. I thought I would put the things that were holding me back in a little box until I was ready to deal with it. Guess what? That didn’t work! My teenage and young adult years were filled with thoughts of how I thought God should deal with the people who caused me pain. And on the outside it appeared their lives were flourishing. I didn’t understand that. And since I confided in no one, I felt alone, angry and confused. These emotions will always fertilize your soul with something bad. And because the plant may grow slowly, it may slow walk you down.
I prayed earnestly for God to enter my heart so that I may forgive. My Pastor’s word from the pulpit one Sunday, “We can never have what we can not say.” I am struggling, “God must I say these things out loud?” Another sermon I heard the Pastor say, “ Worship like you care more about what God thinks!” Hmmm mmmm, Are you talking to me??

God sent His word to me in every imaginable way. The word of forgiveness was manifested in Women’s Bible Study, Mid-week Bible Study, Noon day Bible study, Sermons, Televangelists,Sunday school lessons, Watch night Services, and devotion.

I was clear this was God working on me in a mighty powerful way. I knew these were confirmations from God and my heart began a transformation. The memories I tried to suppress, I allowed to come forth. My heart was sad for the little girl lost and I cried out to God to help me. To save her! To save me! The tears from my cheeks had carved such a deep river of complex feelings over the course of my life, and each day I was swimming in this river without a life jacket! I needed God in a very real way. I felt myself drowning and the only way to open my heart to the wonderful teaching I was receiving, was to do something different, something radical, something life changing. And that was to Seek God First.
I agonized on my knees with God and laid all of this before Him. And I realize I had given my past so much power! God was greater than anything I had ever gone through! God was greater the power of my past! I realized I need to till the soil of my heart and rotate some crops. So many situations had taken residence in heart. I was blocking my own blessings! The Lord healed my heart and removed any scar tissue. I was able to bless the people who brought me harm. I realized after testimonies that my words weren’t for me. My praise wasn’t for me! My forgiving wasn’t for me! It was all for the glory and honor of the Lord.

Questions to ponder... Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? Is there some past trauma you need to let go? Are there negative events in your past that have taken center stage in your life?

Just remember God is Greater Than Anything We Go Through!

Prayer

Lord, thank you for being you! You are always there to relieve me of my load and to carry my burdens. I know the battles of the world are yours! Thank you for the gentle reminders that you alone are God.

 

Are We Listening?

Have you ever had a conversation with someone, pouring out your feelings only to realize shortly thereafter that the person heard you, but they truly were not listening?? Their response quickly alerted you to the fact that they heard something completely different. In my mind I see gremlings snatching words, turning them around, replacing periods with exclamation points!!! It amazes me to no end. If I tell my kids the house better be "straight" when I get home from work, one child may hear, " My room needs to be clean." Another child may hear, " The kitchen needs to be tidy." Yet, another my hear " The entire house needs to be immaculate". Still amazes me!!



It is so important for us to hear the words the Lord speaks to us. But we are often distracted and though we hear, many times we are not listening. The child may not receive complete instructions if he is engaged in texting, watching TV, and chatting on FB all at the same time. Your spouse may not clearly get the message if he is being a side line coach for the Redskins Sunday night and thinking endlessly about a project due on Monday morning. Your best friend may not hear your loving advise if she is sunken in a state of depression concerned about the state of her marriage.



But, the Lord offers us an umbrella to shield and protect us from these storms. When we pray and give our problems to God, and then take then back as we leave the alter, our hearts and minds remain heavy.

As a result, we attempt to drown out life with "white noises" :

*Constantly texting

*Always in conversation with something or someone

*TV is always on*

*Music is always playing

*Bad relationship to bad relationship

*Drugs and alcohol

*Illicit sex

*Overeating



Some of our actions block the voice of the Spirit. Why not truly let go and Let God? God is truly trying to tell us something! Wouldn't it be wonderful to clear our minds and truly listen so that we can act upon His direction for our lives.

What Foundation is Sustaining Your Life?

Matthew 7:24-27 (New International Version)
The Wise and Foolish Builders 24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

So often life brings thunder storms and showers in our lives. Many times we can see the skies in our lives darkening, while the storm clouds briskly race through our lives. Our storms may be the daughter who insists on making making bad relationship decisions that constantly affect her ability to focus on school. The storms may bring a deep cloud when it seems we are attending more and more Homegoing services for our loved ones. So, often many of us awaken to sunshine trying to peek through the clouds, but we become affixed still on the cloud, not on the sunshine. The clouds of anxiety, depression , separation, alcoholism, sexism, control. This list can be massive.

But God is greater than all of this!!!! I wrote those words on sticky notes 15 years ago. I placed the notes on my dresser mirror, in the bathroom, behind the door..(get the picture ). I had to remind myself of this when life's winds became unbearable. Now, those words are stitched to my heart. And I encourage people with those simple yet powerful words.

When our foundations of Faith, Hope, Love is built on Jesus Christ, we allow Him to be greater than live's storms. He will provide us with shelter and protection, if we allow Him.

God cares...do you?

God Cares

Lyrics

Sometimes I cry but why

When I have someone so near

Who cares for me

Sometimes I doubt The things I don't understand

That's when He comes and holds my hand

(Chorus) God cares all about you

And He'll be there to see you through

And when no one will comfort you He'll care about you

God cares all about you

And He'll be there when you're feeling blue

And When your life has broken you He'll care about you

This happens to be the lyrics to one of my all time favorite songs, God Cares. When things are all crazy around me and I feel as if I am invisible in plain sight, I often go to the basement to my sewing room where is it quiet. I put on this CD and on occasion hit the repeat button and work to the rhythm of that song. Things come into perspective for me.

John 3:16 (New International Version)
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 reminds me so much of what the Lord did because he cared for us. The scripture reads "He GAVE....." For me, this means love is an action. And our actions show the world what we truly care about.

Life can take us places we don't need to go and keep us longer than we need to stay. We have to make time to spend with the Lord and pray without ceasing. I am learning to keep my mind and body clear of things that are not God's will. We must consider how our lives reflect God's will.

Some questions to ask ourselves.....

Do we notice people around us who are in pain?

Do we stop and listen sometimes after asking , "How are you doing?"

Do we notice disabled shoppers in the grocery stores or retail stores?

When we notice a church member missing for weeks , do we reach out and call?

Sometimes, it is the little things...

*A smile

*A hug

*A compliment

*A phone call

Just think about it.....Someone you know has not been touched or has not heard a caring voice this week....

I remember a friend sharing with me that a lady joined the church she attends. This lady had 4 little girls. The lady didn't appear to have a lot of worldly prossession and she seemed oblivious to many who were around her. The lady attended church week and week with your daughters. One Sunday, my friends eyes caught the stare of the one of the little girls. She said the little girls looked as if she was saying to the church, " You all have to know! Can you see how we are dragging in here each week needing , desiring, and wanting the fellowship , love and help of God's people?" I never met this family, but I often think about that little girls sad eyes.

My friend decided to visit the lady and her girls and extended a hand to help as well as to get the mother in contact with services that could assist them. The mother was seamstress and was given the opportunity to begin a home business through a grant offerred through the city in which she lived! All of this from a simple act of caring.

Let's all make a committment to share a part of ourselves to show someone in need that we really. A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle ~Proverb quote

The next time we ask someone, "How are you?" Let's stop and take the time to listen and show someone that you care about what is going on in their lives. It's a small step that will lead to a

One Day at a Time

One Day At A Time

I'm only human, I'm just a woman. Help me believe in what I could be And all that I am. Show me the stairway, I have to climb. Lord for my sake, teach me to take One day at a time. Chorus: One day at a time sweet Jesus That's all I'm asking from you. Just give me the strength To do everyday what I have to do. Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus And tomorrow may never be mine. Lord help me today, show me the way One day at a time.

Remember that song? Wow, that took me back. I am reading Max Lucado's book, Traveling Light, Releasing the Burdens You Were Never Intended to Bear...The Promises of Psalm 23.

Chapter 6 of this book speaks of the " The Burden of Worry".

While I was admiring the humor in the words and the simplicity of the entire chapter, a song kept ringing in my mind. I remember hearing the words on more than one Sabbath morning when I was younger. They ring true today. Sometimes we just need a gentle reminder from the Word, a song, another sister.

I have been losing sleep lately. I find myself up at night counting sheep and stars. I realize in the morning, that whatever I was worried about was not resolved while I up thinking, worrying, thinking some more. So, finally, sleep just took over my tired body. I imagine many of us have spent countless nights worrying about situations that haven't even manifested themselves. Oh, what a waste! We can't get the time back! We can rewind to do thing differently. So, we must decide to trust in God and take one day at a time.

Matthew 6:34 (New International Version)
34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own

These words are so true! Why do we fertilize the soil of broken dreams? Why bring to life the boulders that may or may not fall into our valleys? Just something to think about.

A co-worker said to me, "I am going to forget the stress of the morning and begin my day again!" What a powerful testimony for all of us. We can begin now allowing the Lord to guide our day and place all of our worries at his feet.