Joy in the journey

"For light is our affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." 2 Corinthians 4:17

I was stuck, and I knew it.

S-striving
T-to
U-uncover
C-crisises that are
K-killing me.

The moment I began looking around rather than dealing with the problem at hand was the indicator. I had become very interested in the flaws of others and wanted to pick at the specks I saw in their eyes, rather than dealing with the beam in my own. Restless as a cat in a cage, I paced back and forth trying to ignore the truth gnawing at my soul.  God, in His graciousness, wouldn't allow me to escape, but gently herded me to the place where He helped me sort through the things that were causing me anguish.

It's a difficult truth to acknowledge there are still places where I get stuck.  I much prefer putting time into painting a canvas or other creative things, rather than sorting through the places in my home that bring up emotional junk. But having made the decision to purge the unnecessary from my life and home, dealing with the uncomfortable is part of the process. The past few years have been quite the tumultuous journey with many situations where we simply dealt with the moment and moved on. Life was busy and it was simply a matter of survival. Now that I have retired, life has slowed a bit, allowing more time to find more permanent solutions to things which have been given a temporary fix. I want to properly address things that have become less valuable and burdensome.

It sounds good, and even  has a drawing effect.   Massive amounts of stuff we've acquired from family members who have died over the past few years need to be sorted through and given appropriate valuation. But within those things are memories and emotions that are sometimes difficult to bear. Uncomfortable or not, it was time to begin.

Aware that I was not going to do well without properly preparing, I called in my prayer warriors for support. Courage was needed and I knew I could count on these faithful friends to lift me up in prayer. Once the request was sent out, I slowly began working through the most demanding of the projects. As I worked, I was also able to sort through many of the fears and frustrations I had initially tried to avoid. A weight lifted off my shoulders as I methodically worked through the issues, recognizing God's gracious timing in all of it.

There's still a lot of road ahead of me, and judging from what I've experienced today, lots to continue to sort through.  But with each step I take towards the goal that God has set for me, the lighter the burden becomes and more joyous the journey.

I pray that each of you will be able to find joy in your journey as well.

                                                       ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." Philippians 3:12

The Well-Dressed Soul

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long suffering, bearing with one another.  If anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all things, put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were also called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly with all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymn and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to the Father.” Colossians 3:12-17

“Put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints- “Ephesians 6:11-18

Most of us wouldn’t consider going out in the cold without some type of protection against the elements, yet daily many of us fail to properly dress for our spiritual journey. Although familiar with the passages about the full armor in Ephesians, it isn’t always our first thought of the day. When an arrow pierces our hearts, we are suddenly made aware of our error, and then quickly scramble to “suit up” for battle.

But what other types of spiritual “clothing” should we put on?

A quick look at Colossians 3 reminds us to put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, longsuffering, meekness, and above all, to put on love.

I find it compelling that we are reminded how we should walk in the Spirit. It is a definitive act of consciousness.

Just as I wouldn’t want to go out into the cold without the proper clothing, I should be equally concerned about having a well-dressed soul.

Having determined to live purposefully in the coming year, I must choose daily to dress properly for the journey the Lord has for me. In addition to putting on the full armor each day, I choose to put on the garments of the royal daughter of the King. This Princess Warrior will choose the clothing of grace; tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, and above all love.

I know in doing so, my heart will be protected, and my soul appropriately dressed.

I pray that each of you will find the royal garments in your wardrobe as well.

Where will this year take you?

" A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

Proverbs 16:9NKJV

Today marks the beginning of a new year and a new decade. It seems that in less than a blink of an eye, ten years have passed.

This morning as I was sitting with my husband talking over the events of the past year and trying to set some reasonable goals for the coming year, I couldn't help but sigh over how quickly time seems to pass lately. I know in part it is because we are aging and we are more profoundly aware of the limited time we have to make a positive impact on the lives of our children, grandchildren and others around us. Yet in speaking with those who are much younger, I hear the same lament that time is rapidly slipping away.

Perhaps it is because we have so much "instant access" to almost everything. Rarely do we wait for any length of time for most things these days. Certainly there are some places where there are delays, but more and more we see rapid response to most everything.

It makes waiting difficult.

But waiting is good.

It teaches patience, resilience and trust.

Learning to trust the path the Lord has laid is a journey filled with times where these qualities get tested and tried frequently.

As I sit back and evaluate the things I have learned in the past year, and make an effort to organize my time effectively for the new year, I am grateful that I have a Shepherd Who will lead me. Far too often I have wandered on the road of my own plans, only to find myself frustrated. Whenever I have chosen to follow Him though, my journey has been one of joy and immense contentment and peace.

And so today, as I filled out the calendar for the coming year, and gaze into the unknown future, I am thankful for the knowledge that it is all in God's hands and I can trust Him in every way.  Although I don't know with certainty what the future holds, I have absolute assurance Who holds it.

It is into His warm embrace I lean into, and sigh another sigh. 
This time one of complete peace.

May this coming year find you following Jesus ever more closely, and may His peace abound in your lives.

Will you answer the door?

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Jesus as quoted in Revelation 3:20-22

As I sit at the computer to write this, I have had to collect my emotions several times. Too much of the world had invaded my quiet space. Taking a moment to read God's word, breathe in the fragrance of the Holy Spirit and listen to the soothing sounds as He speaks to my soul always helps.

Perhaps you haven't notice, but this world is a mess. Not a moment goes by that some atrocity isn't played out bearing witness to man's inhumanity to man. It's been a problem for centuries, but we have a much broader view because of today's technology. It's sad to realize that even though we have made amazing advancements, we still lack the ability to see so much.

In the ladies Bible study that I attend regularly, we have been studying 1 Peter.  Even though I have read it countless times, our line by line study has brought new and deeper revelation. The writer of the study has encouraged us to dig deeply into God's word and examine it carefully. When we take the time to really look at something, we can learn a lot.

Part of the reason for this post today is my frustration with those who choose not to see or hear.  It is God's mercy that reminds me that they are spiritually blind and deaf, and to pray for them.  You see, friends of mine were recently on a college campus nearby, sharing the gospel in the open. Their message of God's redemptive plan, wasn't well received. One of our young believing  friends who was on campus at the time, was appalled at the obnoxious and rude behavior of many who heard the message. I know it grieves her heart for her generation..as it should all of us. Far too many want their ears tickled with messages of prosperity and the "right" to do their own thing.  Sadly it is the message they are receiving again and again.

No one likes to hear the truth that this life is temporal and there will be a judgment for how we lived it. No one likes to be told their behavior is sinful and separates them from their Creator. No one wants to be held accountable.

But just because you don't like the message, doesn't mean it needs not to be told.

Paul of Tarsus knew this when he warned believers in 2 Timothy 4:3&4 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." It sounds a lot like society today, doesn't it? In the previous verse he was exhorting the church to "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2)

You see, Paul knew what it was like to have a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, and he wanted to make sure others didn't miss the opportunity. (For more information on this read Acts 9)
It should be the same for each one of us who calls ourselves a Christian.

There are still so many who do not know the truth, and they are perishing in their sin.

The clock is ticking.
Jesus is coming back.
But this time, not as a babe in the manger, but as King of kings and Lord of lords.

For now, He stands at the door and knocks on the heart of all who are willing to hear.

Will you answer?

Hallowe'en verses Reformation Day

"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."...."Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." ~Jesus as recorded in John 8:31,32 &36

Today is October 31, 2019. Traditionally called Hallowe'en or all Hallows eve, the day before all saints day, another day of traditions for many.

But today, everything has changed for me.

Today I learned that October 31st is called Reformation Day, in remembrance of when Martin Luther, a professor of moral law,  nailed his theses to the door of the castle church, disputing the sale by clergy of "plenary indulgences" which were believed by the purchaser to reduce the temporal punishment in purgatory for sins committed by the purchaser or loved ones. In other words, people were being led to believe they could "buy" God's forgiveness. Luther claimed (as Scripture supports) that the repentance required by Christ must be demonstrated by genuine change of heart by the individual (internal) not just the outward expression of sorrow.
He also went on to translate the Scriptures into German, making it available to the common man for the first time, giving them opportunity to study the Scriptures for themselves and no longer hear just what the priests taught.

Now there is much I could say about this, but for today I want to focus on how interesting it is, that traditionally as a nation, we recognize Hallowe'en rather than Reformation Day. Although traditions can be good in helping us remember important things, they can also become prisons that prevent us from seeing the broader view.

If we go with the "tradition" that keeps us thinking that we must do the work to "earn" or "buy" God's forgiveness, then we remain in bondage to our sins. But if we read the Word for ourselves and allow God's truth to penetrate our hearts, then we realize there is nothing we can do to earn God's favor or forgiveness. "There is none righteous, no, not one." (Romans 3:10 )"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."(Romans 3:23)

I personally am very grateful that Martin Luther saw the necessity of making the effort to nail his theses to the door of the church that created the reformation so that I can read God's word for myself. I am even more grateful for the knowledge that my sins were nailed to the cross when Jesus bore them for me, and obeyed the Father, even when it meant being nailed to that cross for MY sins...for ALL of our sins.

It changes the way I approach life.

Tonight I will join my brother's and sister's in Christ as we reach into the community with our Lighthouse ministry, handing out candy, coffee and hot chocolate. I will enter into conversation with as many as I am able to share with them the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But this year I feel just a little more prepared on how to start those conversations.  Instead of talking about the fun the kids are having at Hallowe'en, I think I may start the with the statement "Happy Reformation Day.  Are you familiar with what it is?"

For more information on Reformation Day and Luther's Theses:
https;//www.ligonier.org/blog/what-reformation-day-all-about?https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninety-five_Theses

Never Forget

Today marks the eighteenth anniversary of the day that radically changed America. I will never forget the horror of watching the live feed as one of our own jets slammed into the Twin Towers in New York, or the shock wave that flooded our nation. 
How could this be happening to us?

Suddenly everything changed.

The safety I had felt moments before was wiped away, and doubt and concern for the future began to flood my mind.  Our daughter and her husband were expecting their first child, and I wondered what type of world this child was being born into. The safe harbor of America no longer seemed as safe.

The numbness of shock filled our nation as we began to grapple with the reality that an attack had been carried out so brutally. The days following, there was a feeling of horror, and yet a sense of unity that strengthened us in spite of the fact that our safety had been compromised. American flags quickly sold out and were proudly displayed on homes, store fronts and car windows. People openly prayed for our nation and one another, beseeching God to take care of us.

United we stand became a key phrase, and we vowed to never forget.
For a time we were faithful to that vow, and worked diligently to keep our nation united.

But how quickly we seem to have forgotten.

I know there will be many reports on the airways today about the anniversary, but there will also be the news of a nation that has become severely divided because of politics. Where we were once strongly concerned about protecting one another and the value of human life, we have seemingly forgotten what makes American life different from other countries. Freedom of speech has become license to be abusive towards others and "rights" have become a battering tool in the hand of many.

What happened to compassion? When did we forget?

When did we stop praying for one another?

Today as I kissed my nearly 18 year old granddaughter good-bye when her mama picked her up (she'd stayed the night with us) and hugged and kissed my daughter, I again prayed God would watch over them and my other children and grandchildren. I asked Him to protect them and grant them wisdom and discernment for their journey. I don't know what the future holds.

None of us do.

But I do know Who holds the future, and He promised me He has a plan for our lives, a plan, not for destruction, but one of hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) He's promised that He will never leave or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5), and that He will never forget me. "I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands" Isaiah 49:16

It is into that promise that I build my future and hope, and pray for those I love.

It is to Him that I beseech for mercy for our nation, and a return for those who seem to have lost their way.

May we be faithful and diligent to keep our promises.
 #neverforget

Our storyline

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:34

It's been awhile since I've posted anything. Life has a tendency to rumble forward quickly these days. I can hardly believe we're a little over three months out from the end of 2019. Time truly moves faster the older I get.

I vividly remember bemoaning the long wait over something to my father when I was little. Smiling at me, he gently instructed me of the importance of waiting patiently, and told me how time would move more quickly the older I got. Of course, I didn't believe him then, but certainly do now. Learning to embrace the moments as they are and living them well has been a valuable journey.

Recently I've begun research for a story I'd like to write, and seeing how many changes have taken place in a little over 100 years has caused me to look even more carefully about how I spend my days. Trying to make a believable timeline made the reality of the swift passage and massive changes over a short period of time come jarringly into focus.

The fictional story may or may not get written, but every day my story is played out. More quickly than I even know, my time here on earth will be nothing more than a memory. The question arises; how will the story of my life impact others?

It is a question I often ponder and pray that the path I have cut in my journey will lead others to the Lord Jesus Christ Whom I love more than life itself. If that is all I ever accomplish, it is enough.

May He be ever glorified in all I say and do, and may each of you carefully consider the path you lay for others to follow.