Posts filed under 'Spiritual Walk'
My mom needed a ride to the doctor’s office, but I needed to get some work done. It was easier to just pack up some of my work and take it with me than to try and create a different way to get her to the doctor. When I walked into the doctor’s office, I was greeted by the smile of a friend I hadn’t seen in two years. It was a pure joy to visit with her and it was the reason I needed to take my mother on that day.
The other morning the kids all woke up early and they all had to spend time with me before I left for my meeting. All the distractions got me out the door later than I had planned. Two miles from our home I came across a serious wreck. If I had been on MY schedule then I would have be in the wreck instead of just driving by it. There was a reason I needed to be with my kids that morning for that time.
Not too long ago I was stuck in the doctor’s office waiting room. Surprisingly, the office was running way behind. By being on time for my appointment, I had an hour to pass before going back. I struck up a conversation with the lady sitting next to me. We shared stories that were filled with humor and uplifting ends. A few months after our visit, I passed her in the grocery story. She stopped me to explain how that time together had given her the motivation to push on through the bitter times she had been experiencing. There was a reason I was at THAT doctor in THAT chair and they were running behind.
There is a purpose for every moment of my life. There are times when I need to be lifted or helped and there are other times when I am there to do the lifting. Sometimes I see the reason and try to ignore it. Sometimes I just miss what is in front of my face. But there are those times that I see and embrace and even understand why I am where I am. There is always a reason.
February 14th, 2008
Weight has always been an issue in my life and in my home growing up. Today it is one of the first subjects discussed even though we only see each other about once a year. What diet or program we might currently be on and what we are eating or not eating.
After the birth of my second child I tried everything I could think of to lose weight. I bought (and actually did) a small library of exercise videos. I cut my fat and calories. Nothing happened. Then I found a Christian Program that helped me view food in a whole new light. I quit dieting and quit weighing and the weight seemed to pour off.
My last pregnancy brought the weight back in spades! Now it’s a fight between doing what I know to do and doing what I’m going to do – which seems to be a recurring theme through out much of my life.
My issue is not with calories or fat grams. My issue is with the heart. It has idolized food over all other things. It would treasure the times alone with food (when the family would be someone where else and it could eat the meal with no one to disturb it). It didn’t want to share food with any one for any reason.
I have started retraining my heart to love what is right above the food. I am breaking the habit of selfishness by making moments to share with others, by making food a time together so that the people become more important than the food.
Like any bad habit that we form over many years, breaking the food habit is not easy or over night. Every morning I am declaring out loud (and with enthusiasm) that the weight is gone and the habit broken. I am following up the words with regular exercise and by giving away eating alone.
With a positive attitude, the right mind set, and action, you can have, be or do what ever you desire!
February 4th, 2008
It’s time I started a happy journal. There needs to be a place where I record all of my blessings for the day – no matter how big or how small. Like the time I was going to eat some cookies (even though I had just finished lunch and WASN’T hungry) and the phone rang. Instead of eating, I spent 10 minutes listening to a lady explain how God wanted to use her in this community. I did not go back to the cookies.
There was a time when I would jot these things down in my prayer journal, but they seem to get lost in my whining 
, and besides, it was usually on the great big blessings that I even bothered to write down.
While I’m out running errands today, I’m going to stop at the office supply store and get me a new journal. Every night before I go to sleep I will take a few minutes to jot down all the nice things and wonderful blessings that happened that day (like the kids cleaning up with out being asked or the hubby doing the dishes without complaining or the amazing sunset).
The great thing about keeping all of my happy moments together is that they will be easy to reference when things are hard. Despite all of my positive mental attitude and happy go lucky nature, I still have days when I just don’t want to do anything but be. Having a happy journal could be the jolt I need to get me back on the track to success.
January 10th, 2008
I am not where I am supposed to be, but at least I am not where I was.
Today, most people would refer to me as passive. If I am wronged, I will seek to correct it, but it will not steal my peace and joy. If I can’t resolve it then I trust that God will. It’s amazing how capable He is.
For me, submission is about doing what I know to do without expecting anything in return. Just the other day, my husband said he wished he felt like doing things around the house when he got home from work. My mind wanted to comment, but fortunately my spirit prevailed. I said nothing. My words can not change how he acts or what he does. If scripture tells us anything it’s that a nagging wife is unbearable. It may not seem like nagging to you, but believe me when I tell you he has a different perspective!
I am sweeping up, cleaning the sink, straightening my desk, all before I go to bed at night. Some days it is easier to do what I know to do despite or in spite of what my husband may or may not do. Some days I want to throw the broom at him. As I push ahead and try to live by example, all the while NOT expecting anything from anyone except my God, it gets a little easier.
Now that I know that I can do what I need to do, I intend to work on my consistency. It doesn’t matter how many times I say it or write it, it all comes back to me doing what I know to do and doing it consistently. It helps when I have accountability so I’m going to try something new. I’ll use the comment section to keep a running report of how I’m doing. It could be that telling on myself is all the encouragement I need.
December 28th, 2007
“You need to get your priorities straight. The church needs to be up here in your life.” As he said this, the pastor pulled my hand up over my head. He was in the midst of a verbal wrist slap over my not coming to a special dinner that was coming up. I was in the midst of shocked silence.
Later that night, I thought about the idea of service. Was the pastor right? Did I have my priorities crooked? It seemed to me that the service was what he had been referring to. After all, the special dinner required my doing lots of cooking. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that most of the leaders I had encountered consider service being at the church whenever the doors were opened. It’s all about church. Otherwise, my priorities are misplaced.
Raising three boys (including a toddler who wants to get into anything and has the cunning and willingness to try), home schooling the older boys, and beginning two new careers takes plenty of time. When I add in all the church services, bible studies, woman’s groups, drama teams, and special services it’s no wonder that my time seems to just get sucked away.
“Be still and know that I am God.” Recently these words began to press on my heart. How long had it been since I was just still with God? I knew it had been at least as long as my oldest son was old. Small boys don’t typically give you time to be still.
A book I was reading at the time suggested I pray and ask God to help me find time to be with Him and then to look for His response. If I had understood what my request was going to require, I might have passed. Oblivious to what it meant, I asked God for time together.
The next morning at promptly 4:45 am, that’s actually in the morning BEFORE the sun rises, my husband began slapping my shoulder – repeatedly. “What are you doing?” I managed to ask without yelling.
“My arm was asleep,” was his muttered reply before falling back to sleep. He wasn’t even aware of what he had done.
Sitting in bed, now wide awake, I suddenly remember my request. I thanked God for the time that we would have, but I requested a different delivery system for the future.
That was the beginning of unique wakeups by my Father. One morning had the cat knocking over a dish before running in to the room to jump on me. Another morning had my oldest son yelling in his sleep. The most unique was the morning, just before sunrise, when a squirrel was dangling from my birdfeeder causing it to bang into my window.
Each time, I recognized the answer to my request. No one in my household is a morning person, so first thing in the morning gives me plenty of opportunities to be alone with God. During these hours, I write in my journal, read scripture, do a bible study, or sometimes I just watch the sunrise and listen.
It is through this quiet time with my Father that I have realized that activities are not the answer or the reason. Now I take a moment to ask “do you want this for my life” before I agree to do things. For me, it’s not about what I do; it’s all about Who I know.
December 17th, 2007
Hearing from God is not just for special, select individuals. God desires that each and every one of His children have a personal and intimate relationship that allows them to communicate with Him freely. But hearing from God does require that we take “self” out of the equation.
To open your ears to the words of God, you have to be willing. Pray that the Holy Spirit will open your ears. Spend time in the Word so that you recognize it when you hear it.
Expect an answer. Listen for a response from God in the scripture that you read, in the bible study that you are doing, or in the weekly sermon. Listen to your words with your children or FROM your children. God’s revelation often comes from unexpected places. At least you won’t have to deal with talking shrubbery.
Learn how to make the connection. When you pray and hear a response then ask for wisdom to connect the dots. I was working in my garden one day (a great time for me to talk with God) pulling weeds and working through some other issues. “Lord, I just need you to let me know that I’m going the right way.” Later that day, on three different occasions, I had someone tell me that I had grown spiritual, or that they looked up to my spiritual walk, or just gave me a pat on the back to tell me I was doing a good job. God answered my prayer.
Hearing from God is only the first step. Once you know that part, your part is to respond. God doesn’t show you something or tell you something just for fun. He has a purpose in mind. Noah wasn’t just supposed to build a boat; he was supposed to save the human race. Joseph wasn’t just supposed to interpret a couple of dreams; he was supposed to save two nations from destruction by famine. Responding with obedience to what God has shown you allows Him to accomplish through you what He desires to do.
And it is GOD that will accomplish what He wants to do. Recently, I set out to save a local, historical chapel. Everyone else had given up, but I was moved to do it. I prayed about what I could do. There was no money in our own budget to save the building. I committed to God that I would write fundraising letters and send out news releases, and I would trust Him to do the rest. No one stepped up and offered to pay. Only one newspaper even gave the story print time. I pushed on, speaking to groups and government officials, trying to find a way to save the building.
After a particularly long weekend, I got an email that said the church had been saved. Because of the article that was printed in just one paper, a new church (that had asked for the building four years before and had been turned down) had asked to move the building. We worked with them, they secured the funding, and the building is already on wheels and getting ready to roll.
It wasn’t how I would have done it, but it was exactly how God did it. He doesn’t ask us to understand it all. He just asks us to respond with obedience and to trust Him to do the rest.
Being able to hear from God is a gift that we have all received. If I can get beyond all my predetermined ideals and habits and focus on His word, then I open up the conduit for communication.
Pray. Watch. Listen. Respond. Trust.
God wants to use you. What’s your next step?
December 14th, 2007
Growing up with a big brother can be tough – especially when you are a girl. I am 3 ½ years younger than my brother. That means when he was a senior, I was a freshman. To make matters more difficult, he ran around with several of the guys from the football team. Technically, I had LOTS of big brothers (and no dates) when I was a freshman.
It wasn’t all bad. Those guys watched over me and protected me. No matter what the situation might be, I knew it would be okay. They had my back and that was comforting.
This morning while I was reading scripture it struck me that Jesus is my big brother. I had never looked at it like that before, but it’s true. He was the first born (making him the oldest) of many heirs (meaning me). It gave me a warm fuzzy feeling and a new understanding of how he is my advocate. It’s nice to know that one who has such great power has so much concern for my life.
I remember something else about my earthly brother. As the years crept passed and we were no longer forced (because of age and living arrangements) to be around each other, we drifted apart. Although he would still be there if I called, the relationship is not the same – mainly because I haven’t invested in it.
My relationship with Jesus is the same. He will always be there for me, but I may not feel comfortable calling out if I haven’t spent time on the relationship. It is my investment that shows Him how valuable His investment is.
It all comes back to a personal relationship. Without that, you are just strangers.
November 28th, 2007
The pastor at First United Methodist Church was on fire. “We are in this world, but not of it.” He was calling me peculiar, but I don’t know if he realized it yet. I’m not supposed to be normal. I’m designed to stand out – to point to a better way. He recently took a sabbatical, and the fire and passion and the heart he returned with, to help the congregation find their uniqueness in Christ, it really showing through. Last week he talked about how God wants me to experience the fullness of HIS joy. This week, he had the steps to get me there.
1. Jesus must be the authority in my life. The pastor was talking about becoming a Christian – the moment when you turn your life over to Christ. The day of rebirth. As he spoke, I wondered if I truly accept His authority. Some days (and for most situations) I would say definitively yes. There are those times when I want to be in charge – regardless of what it might cost. I think I still have a ways to go before I can honestly answer that Jesus is the authority in my life.
2. With new life comes new purpose and direction. The pastor asked me to examine my life and see what has changed. Eight years ago, I would probably say not much. I have been trying to find God’s place for me and God’s way of doing things. I’m reaching for that new purpose – most days.
3. Things lose their importance. The more I change, the more my idea of what is important changed. I keep a list of my needs, wants, and desires tucked away in my journal. Every month (or every couple of months) I rewrite my list. It seems that the more I grow, the more things shift from needs all the way down to desires.
4. People grow in importance. I was a stubborn child (some might even suggest that streak still runs through me – although I would argue with that). As my life continues to switch, my need to control and always be right diminishes – and the feelings and life of the people around become the important things.
5. Money becomes away to help. Instead of looking at what I want or need, I begin to look beyond myself. Money becomes a way to help others and expand the purpose and direction that I have been guided in.
6. Peace and joy come from a focus beyond self. As I see the purpose and direction, and I put people above things, I find a sense of peace and joy that can no longer be disturbed by circumstance.
7. A new life requires new ways. Old habits will have to die (some times a slow and painful death). New habits will be formed to take their place. I’m finally beginning to see that this is one of those processes that will be ongoing.
8. To know the purpose and direction, I have to know the Person. The only way to know anyone is to spend time with Him. I need to have time each day for prayer (talking with God) and study (learning His word).
9. The more I know the map, the more I will use it. The Word of God must become so ingrained in my heart and mind that it becomes the default direction.
10. Last, and most certainly not least, I have to have a firm understanding and grasp on where I am headed – in an eternal sense. (I can’t help but imagine how blessed my life would be if I could come to this firm of an understanding for all the promises of God).
The pastor was using his own guideline based on John Wesley’s 10 things that happen in your life at the point of regeneration. I think it’s a good start, and one of those sermons that I will be referring to again and again. There is so much that I need to do and learn to live the life that God desires for me. One thing is certain, God’s ultimate goal for me is that I live a life that complete reflects who HE is.
November 12th, 2007
Every church facility I have ever attended had players – actors even. These are the people who wear the right clothes, know the traditions and customs, and have just the right words for the right moment. Some of them even know the scripture inside out. They play the part of churchgoer like their lives depend on it.
Unfortunately for them, they don’t know the Playwright.
In modern usage, the word “hypocrite” has come to mean a pretense of virtue or piety. Scripturally, it was used to describe stage actors – people playing a part and wearing a costume. If you really look hard at the church today you will see that the biblical description applies so much stronger.
The hypocrites in the church aren’t trying to be better than the person next to them – at least not for the most part. They are just trying to do what and how they PERCEIVE their actions and words need to be to be “right.” Maybe they grew up watching grandma cross her self or saying “amen” at a certain point in a sermon. Maybe they were brought up with a church uniform – suit and tie or dress suit with hat. What ever the custom or tradition or action, they do it now because this is what church people do.
The world is watching the performance and it’s not giving the church very good ratings. That would be bad enough in and of its self. But it is far from the worst of it. The truly sad thing is that by focusing on the hypocrisy (putting on the masks and the costumes and playing a part), people miss out on the relationship. It is the relationship that makes the life here and now worth living.
November 11th, 2007
Being peculiar is becoming the “in thing”. I run across more references to the word peculiar than almost any other descriptive word out there. Everyone wants to be trendy and original. Some people are falling short of the calling.
There are those that worry being peculiar will become normal mostly because of all the attention it is getting. But true peculiar people will never fall into the normal realm. By shear default, they aren’t normal – no matter what normal may be.
I have always been peculiar. It is a matter of finding my own beat and following it. The longer I go, the more I find other people bopping along to their own beat right along with me. Just today I was at a blog that talked about the scripture calling us to be a peculiar people. It made me smile. I LOVE that scripture. I love anything that points out my abnormalities are not really all that abnormal after all.
Being peculiar isn’t about following a formula or a trend. You can’t become peculiar by watching the people around you and doing what they do – you’ll just look weird. To truly become peculiar, you have to listen to the still small whisper and follow it each and every step of the way.
October 31st, 2007
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