A Time Of Reflection

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Lent is a season of repentance, reflection and taking stock of our lives. It is a time of special grace for each of us, because it is the highpoint of our year to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus ascension. It is just another way to thank God and remember our Lord Jesus and what he has done for us. And no matter how close we are to God, the season of Lent provides a great opportunity to grow closer to Him. One of the biggest mistakes that I could possibly make during this blessed time is to not take advantage of growing and becoming closer to Him!

This year I have been challenged (yes challenged!) to give up a habit that quite simply has been a monkey on my back and has overshadowed my life for years. I believe that God worked through a very good friend of mine to make a suggestion that would test my desire to please God and force me to do a lot of soul-searching. The very idea of even considering this omission from the pattern of my life is going to be a true test of my faith!  Some of the keys to succeeding and overcoming my temptation are to rely on my steadfast prayers and those of my family and friends. I will continuously call on God, and He will quickly come to my side and give me strength to overcome.  Rather than attempting to fight temptation on my own, I plan to pray and listen more so that I can find a will power which is stronger than my own.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Lent is a great time for reflection and to yield control of our lives to God. It is a time to transform ourselves and make an effort to “do something” that will allow us to grow closer to Our Lord when we celebrate His Glorious Resurrection. It is a time for me to choose to do only what is right, and to resist temptation, and prepare myself by dying to sinful ways and rising to new life with Jesus. I may suffer just a little bit during this time of refinement in my life, but my desire is to persevere with faith and adoration so that it will restore me and make me a stronger person. :)

 

“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To Him be the power forever and ever.” (l Peter 5:10)

Time To Unclutter

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." (Isaiah 26:3)

This is a brand new year to begin to focus on uncluttering all the chaos and disorder that I allow in my life. I'm talking about taking a close look at my hurried time and trying to unclutter and free up my physical, mental, and emotional space. It's going to be a slow process for me to clear my mind and release all the built up anxiety that often overcomes me. There are just simply limits and excesses of trying to think and do too many things at once at both work and home, and I am determined to save more of my energy for the things that inspire me and that I have a passion for.

"Peace I leave with you: my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

I think that many of us have so much going on in our minds that we don't hear God speaking to us and let His word get into us. His desire is for us to hear and listen to His voice and to spend time with Him. I like the following phrase of Beth Moore: "To have peace like a river is to have security and tranquility while meeting the many bumps and unexpected turns on life's journey. Peace is a submission to a trustworthy Authority, not resignation from activity." It's all about clearing the clutter from our minds, and releasing our grip on all the disorderly stuff in our lives, and giving it all to God! :)

The clutter in our minds can prevent us from feeling good and enjoying the present moment. We need to spend more time with God and with people we love, and save our energy to do the things that we really want to do and that are the most important to us. Rather than just "spinning our wheels", we need to practice letting go of our thoughts and emotions and instead enjoy the present moment wherever we are. We should all make every effort to center our attention on Christ first, rather than focusing on life's obstacles so that His peace will overcome our souls and refresh our bodies. In the end we will have more self assurance, respect and confidence, and live a simpler life! :)

First Snow

I love when the holiday season brings in the first snow. (Even though I am not a huge fan of cold weather!) Everything looks so fresh and clean, and there is a certain excitement in the air. It always reminds me of Isaiah 1:18 "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." When the snow begins to melt and we track through it, the ground no longer looks clean and pure, but rather spotted and messy. In retrospect, it's a reflection of my life when things get blotchy and blemished. Until I allow God to remove the stains from my heart and clean up the mess, my soul resembles that dirty snow covered ground. I don't have to remain permanently soiled though, because God has promised to remove disgrace and shame from my life if I am willing and obedient. Christ forgives me and removes even my most in-erasable stains.

"I have swept your offenses like a cloud, your sins like a morning mist. Return to me for I have redeemed you." (Isaiah 44:22)

Forgiveness for me has been one of the most difficult concepts to grasp in my life. This is probably why it's one of the most difficult and greatest gifts to give. Un-confessed sin in my life comes between God and me and damages my relationship with Him. I must admit my sins to God if my relationship with Him is to be restored completely. I have learned over the years (through my continuous growth in Christ) that my survival depends on the application of forgiveness for me and others. Looking back over the years and the many things that I have done or that have happened to me, I have experienced such freedom when I surrender and let go of the past and focus on the present and the possibilities of the future. When I forgive, I may not change the past-but I sure do change the future! I have witnessed Christ's forgiveness more times than I can possibly remember because I have accepted His invitation to receive His mercy freely.

The results of forgiveness are happiness! Forgiveness has always been part of God's loving nature. In Psalms 32:1-2 (The Message) it tells us to "Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be-you get a fresh start, your slate's wiped clean. Count yourself lucky-God holds nothing against you and you're holding nothing back from Him." :) I want to feel fresh and clean like the first snow, and make the choice to forgive unconditionally and bring myself one step closer to living a life of fulfillment, joy, and deep inner peace.

Where My Treasure Is

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)

I consider my self pretty materialistic; I love things! :) New stuff to wear just makes me feel better, new stuff to cook with just makes the food taste better, new linens on the bed just make me sleep better. And sometimes I just want more than I have! Although I am pretty sure that Jesus does not deny that we have these desires, I need to remember that these things I value and invest in can be gone in a minute; earthly possessions are only temporary. My desire should be to seek to please God and others, not just to please myself. I need to change my perspective and make sure that I am always investing and storing treasures in Heaven because only these treasures can last for eternity. And God has blessed me with more than enough gifts, blessings, and plenty of duties to keep me pretty busy until Jesus returns. My faith, service, and total submission to God is the only sure way to store treasures in Heaven. In addition, I need to get my priorities straight in regards to saving money; I like the comfort of knowing I have plenty "stashed" for emergencies and for the future. But I need to think beyond accumulating wealth for earthly security, and focus more on using what He has given to me to help benefit others so that I don't enter eternity empty handed! 

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant or to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (l Timothy 6:17-19)

I once heard that the definition of "Treasure in Heaven" is simply "living life with open hearts and open hands." We have to open our hearts to the poor and the weak in spirit. If we lay our hands on the intangible things in life, like being kind to others, doing good deeds, assisting the poor, and leading others to Christ, then we are creating treasures that will be sent on ahead of us to Heaven. It's often difficult to put these actions in front of our own desires and agenda, but we have to listen to God's voice (and obey Him!) when He is instructing us to give and affect the lives of those around us. This involves me to leave my comfort zone, and to quit being selfish with my time and material things. It means I have to avoid putting my schedule and "stuff" in front of what will really produce life-changing results in not only others but me!

"Heavenly Father, help us not to spend too much of our lives worrying about fancy treasures here on earth. Help us to live life Jesus' way and have true treasure in Heaven. In Jesus name-Amen! (A Children's Prayer)

Too Much Busyness

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken." (Psalm 62:1-2)

Whoever said that things start to slow down and get easier when you reach your 50's? I heard it time and again growing up, and by my mid 40's I was actually looking forward to this time in my life. However I find that I have just as much to do, and less time to do it all! I am literally so afraid of boredom that I deliberately fill any free time with activities and planned events to take advantage of every single minute of the day. I find that waking up each morning to an endless list of responsibilities and things to do can sap my energy and prevent me from focusing on what is really important. And worst of all, it probably robs me of some peace of mind and simplicity that additional praying, resting, and meditating would bring. Although I cherish, nurture, and hunger for time spent in relationships, fellowship, and multiple tasks, I constantly fall into a trap of over-scheduling, over-doing and over-committing my time.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:29-31)

Too many times I am ambushed by my own "busyness." I often forget that I need to be a good steward of my time, and that always rushing is preventing me from appreciating the day and resting in God's strength. My time belongs not only to me, but to God. And I always want more of it! After all these years, I still need to learn to manage my time to please God more, not just others or myself. God is delighted when we rest in Him, and when we do He gives us freedom from busyness, and restores our strength so that we can get through another day. Even though multitasking is very efficient, trying not to schedule too many things in one day is going to take some additional maturing and disciplining on my part, and I have to trust and rely on God to figure out how much time it really takes to accomplish all the many things I set out to do. 

Show me the stairway

I have to climb

Lord for my sake teach me to take

one day at a time.

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

Be Authentic

"If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else; for each one should carry his own load." (Galations 6:3)

I'm pretty sure one of the largest obstacles in my life has been working with and having relationships with people who are more concerned with appearances and how they are perceived by others. Although I know that there are certain situations and circumstances in which we must maintain a certain behavior or "dress" accordingly, I believe our hearts, thoughts, and attitudes should remain genuine and real. It's unfortunate to me that people are perceived more positively the more attractive or upstanding they are, however I find that their faces do not exist in reality; they often realize that "something" is missing but are never quite sure what that "something" may be. As Christians, we all need to spend our time working for Christ rather than being preoccupied with our own schedule, needs, and the perception of others.

"Be beautiful inside, in your hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." (1 Peter 3:4)

We've been discussing what our definition of "authentic discipleship" really means in our small group, and I believe it to mean having a sincere heart and genuine attitude, regardless of whether other people are around to acknowledge it or not. For so many years growing up, that was such an obstacle for me! I wanted to be recognized for every accomplishment and "good deed" I did, whether at home, church, work, or in the community. But I was missing the real reason for serving others or performing a task to the greatest of my ability. Growth, maturity, and worship have brought me a long way on living my life to please God and let my love for Him shine so that family, friends, and acquaintances can see Christ in me. I want to glow with love for Him, and to be known for a gentle and quiet beauty that comes from within which is so meaningful to God. (I still have a lot of work to do on that gentle and quiet thing!) :)

Every day I want to continue exploring who God created me to be, define and excel in my unique and authentic self, and use it to glorify Him. I want to fill my day with things that have meaning and happiness so that I can serve God and those He has chosen for me to serve.

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.

Be the living expression of God's kindness:

kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."

~Mother Teresa~

Journey Of Faith

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

There are no guarantees in this life. One minute your home is filled with happiness, the next it is filled with sorrow. One minute you are active and full of life, the next you are passive and weak. At times we feel cherished and surrounded by love, other times abandoned and isolated. It seems that life is a roller coaster of emotional ups and downs, and regardless of what inner strength you may possess there are times when these attacks wear you completely down. This is where our journey of faith starts; we must understand and be assured that God loves us and will stand by us in the good times and the bad. He is delighted in our moments of achievements and praise, and stays very near and protects us when we are vulnerable and faint.

"And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." (Romans 5:5)

When things seem to be crumbling in and around my life, I find myself needing to remember to get back to the basics and focus on the true meaning of life; simplicity in God's love and the hope for a better future. True happiness is when we draw close to the source of happiness by obeying and trusting in His assurance of protection and guidance; we will never outgrow our need for His power and leadership. When resolutions to a problem seem nowhere to be found, and I just can't seem to pull myself up from a deep hole of desolation, I know I possess a reserve of power and faith to call upon my Lord to help me meet every challenge and trial. He will hold me in His loving arms and encourage me to draw from my inner strength so that I can clearly see the light at the end of any dark tunnel.

"The Lord will keep you from all harm-He will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." (Psalm 121:17)