Living in the Now

Today this is the post I submitted on a Facebook page I manage for teens in our area.  This page is designed as a place where they can vent and air their ‘dirty laundry’ rather than putting it out on their Facebook pages for all to see.  Many youth are  very wounded by things and people in their lives and are slowly, but surely learning of God’s love for them.  Its taken months of experiencing His word and love through our youth ministry leaders for them to get their heads around the fact that He really does love them and will never stop loving them!  They tend to define themselves by their pasts and that is not how He sees them at all!  Our goal is to help them stop stumbling over the events of their pasts and live in His future for them!

I think many of us struggle with this.  As life’s troubles bombard us, we wonder how a loving God can let this happen.  There are no easy answers to this question.  Yes, He sees the big picture and knows things that we don’t know- how this can be used for good in our lives and/or the lives of others. I’ve seen that happen over and over in my own life and wouldn’t undo any of those trials because they’ve caused me to grow so incredibly much.  Don’t get me wrong, tho- I wouldn’t want to live them over again!   But knowing all of this doesn’t really help when we are in the midst of the trial.  All we can do then is lean on Him, let Him hold us up, and persevere through the trial.  When the storm is over, we can then emerge strengthened and with a new depth of character.

Paul had a key to this in Philippians 3:13-14 when he said this:

 But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

That may not be exactly the context of the text at that point, but those verses have given me comfort in bad times, reminding me that this life is a race of sorts- I’m outrunning Satan and the things he puts in my life to keep me away from God!  Nothing he throws at me can separate me from God unless I let it.  When God allows these things in my life, I can rest assured that He has a purpose even when I can’t see it.

Events in our past can surely shape us, but they don’t need to define us!  Look for the silver lining- it may be a journey to find it, but it is always there.  Some we may not even find until we  get to Heaven, but they are always there, for we are told in Romans 8:28

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Go in His peace today!

The Empty Pickle Jar

I’m sure most of you have already heard the empty jar story, but this is my very favorite version- watch til the end and you will see why!

10 Rules For a Happy Day

10 Rules for a Happy Day- Author Unknown

I hope you enjoy these 10 rules for a happy day.  What a great philosophy of life. If we all lived by these rules, what a different world this would be! (Today I am going to break the format I usually use with this blog. Rather than add my thoughts at the end of the unknown author’s entry, I am going to interject Bible verses that came to my mind while reading the rules.)

10 RULES FOR A HAPPY DAY- Author Unknown

1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK:
If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind… I will not respond in a like manner. (Matthew 5:39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.)

2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY “ENEMY:”
If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask GOD to bless that individual. I understand the “enemy” could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or stranger. (Matthew 5:44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you)

3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY:
I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip. (Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.)

4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE:
I will find ways to help share the burden of another person. (Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.)

5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE:
I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way. (Forgiveness can be very hard, but here is the verse that helps me when it is the hardest: Romans 12:20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Maybe it is the thought of the burning coals on his head that helps the most, even if they are burning coals of kindness:)

6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE, BUT I WILL DO IT SECRETLY:
I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another. (Matthew 6:3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing)

7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WISH TO BE TREATED:
I will practice the golden rule – “Do unto others as I would have them do unto me” – with everyone I encounter. (Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.)

8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE WHO IS DISCOURAGED:
My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling with life. (I Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.)

9. TODAY I WILL NURTURE MY BODY:
I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank GOD for my body. (I Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.)

10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY:
I will spend a little more time in prayer today: I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to GOD’s voice!!! (Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God)

“But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and hope of salvation as a helmet.”
1 Thessalonians 5:8

Have a blessed day!

Nov 26: A Thanksgiving Story

 

Today’s story may not be a traditional story about the Thanksgiving holiday, but it is definitely a story about Thanksgiving. Enjoy!

A Thanksgiving Story- author unknown

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: “I am blind, please help.”

There were only a few coins in the hat.

A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.

Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were.

The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, “Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?”

The man said, “I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way.” I wrote: “Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it.”

Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people that they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?

Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively. When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear.
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The Bible has so much to say about the topic of thanksgiving -not the holiday, of course, but the habit of giving thanks in all our circumstances. I am reminded again of my student who was talking with me about the concept of people either seeing a glass as half full or as half empty. He was confused about the meaning behind it, that of an optimistic or pessimistic viewpoint. He thought the whole concept was ridiculous, both literally and figuratively, because his philosophy was that if the glass (or life) was half empty, you just drank it and filled it back up. I thought that was a marvelous life philosophy!

I think that is also the concept behind one of the most well-known Scriptures about giving thanks. We find it in James 1:2-4. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The words ‘give thanks’ are not directly used, but I think the implication is there. It reminds me also of the popular saying: ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ Definitely a rewrite of the moral of today’s story, isn’t it?

So this season of thanksgiving, look for the reasons to smile even in the midst of reasons to cry.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

God’s Letter

 

Usually I start my blog with a story and then tie in my thoughts on the spiritual impact or message of the story, but today’s letter says it all, so I’ll just let it speak to you. Please feel free to post your thoughts afterwards, I’d love to hear from you! Have a blessed day! Karen

God’s Letter- Author Unknown

My child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you (Psalm 139:1). I know when you sit down and when you rise up (Psalm 139:2). I am familiar with your ways (Psalm 139:3). Even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matt 10:29-31) for you were made in my image (Genesis 1:27). In me you live and move and have your being (Acts 17:28) for you are my offspring (Acts 17:28).

I knew you even before you were conceived (Jeremiah 1:4-5). I chose you even before I planned creation (Ephesians 1:11-12). You were not a mistake; all your days are written in my book (Psalm 139:15-16). I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live (Acts 17:26). You were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). I knit you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13) and brought you forth on the day you were born (Psalm 71:6).

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me (John 8:41-44). I am not distant and angry, but I am the complete expression of love (1 John 4:16), and it is my desire to lavish my love on you (1 John 3:1). I offer you more than your earthly father ever could (Matthew 7:11) for I am the perfect father (Matthew 5:48). Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand (James 1:17) for I am your provider, and I meet all your needs (Matthew 6:31-33)

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) Because I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3), my thoughts toward you are as countless as the sand on the seashore (Psalm 139:17-18) and I rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). I will never stop doing good to you (Jeremiah 32:40) for you are my treasured possession (Exodus 19:5). I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul (Jeremiah 32:41).

I want to show you great and marvelous things (Jeremiah 33:3). If you seek me with all you heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4:29). Delight in me, and I will give you the desires of you heart (Psalm 37:4) for it is I who gave you those desires (Philippians 2:13).

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine (Ephesians 3:20) for I am your greatest encourager (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). I am also the father who comforts you in all your troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you (Psalm 34:18). As a Shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close you my heart (Isaiah 40:11).

One day, I will wipe away every tear from your eyes (Revelation 21:3-4), and I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth (Revelation 21:3-4). I am your father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus (John 17:26). He is the exact representation of my being (Hebrews 1:3). He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you (Romans 8:31) and to tell you that I am not counting your sins (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

Jesus died so that you could be reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you (1 John 4:10). I gave up everything I loved so that I might gain your love (Romans 8:31-32). If you receive the gift of my son, Jesus, you receive me (1 John 2:23), and nothing will ever separate you from my love again (Romans 8:38-39).

Come home, and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen (Luke 15:7). I have always been your father and will always be your father (Ephesians 3:14-15).

My question is, will you be my child (John 1:1-13)?

I am waiting for you (Luke 15:11-32).

Love,
Your Dad, Almighty God

L

Have you been feeling spiritually parched and dry lately?  Maybe you, like me, don’t even realize this is the issue, but you have a restlessness or and unsettledness deep inside.  Nothing is really wrong, but nothing is really right either.  That has been my experience lately until I had a wonderful and amazing encounter this morning!

Life has been crazy lately, in a good way, but crazy busy nonetheless.  Although I have spent time with God daily, I have spent only snippets of time with Him, so today was extra special because I had nothing scheduled until afternoon.  So, I made my favorite honey, cinnamon, green tea concoction and sat down for Tea Time with the Father.  This is something I used to do daily, but had gotten out of the habit as life’s events became all consuming and I put them first, thinking that was the only way I could get everything done.

I have been working through the alphabet writing praises to Him (sadly, I started this over a year ago, intending to work on it every day until I reached Z) – my praise letter today was ‘N.’  Because there is ‘N’othing more important to me than Him, this was an easy activity.

My next activity was a daily devotional book.  I barely made it past the title for today and the verse.  “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”  I like to read aloud since I am talking to Him during these times.  After reading the verse, the first sentences of the lesson were, “God wants a face-to-face relationship with you, a divine romance that He initiates.  You respond to His overtures of love by drawing near and pursuing Him.”  I couldn’t even read that second sentence all the way through as I was overcome by His love for me.  He was saying to me, “I’ve been waiting for Tea Time, Daughter!  I have missed this time with you!”  I sat for several minutes basking in His love and weeping with joy.  Why, oh, why did I let life’s busyness deprive me of this cherished time?!

The amazing and awesome thing is that even when I wander from Him, put Him on a back burner, give Him the leftover time in my day, His love for me never fails.  He never turns from me and is alway patiently waiting for that day when I come back to spend Tea Time with Him.  What an amazing God.

If you are experiencing that dry unexplained dreariness of life without time with Him, I encourage you to adopt your own version of Tea Time- you will be blessed, as I am!

Have a blessed day!

 

You Have Just Experienced Grace

Experience Grace   Author Unknown

I left work early so I could have some uninterrupted study time right before the final in my Youth Issues class. When I got to class, everybody was doing their last minute studying. The teacher came in and said he would review with us for just a little bit before the test. We went through the review, most of it right on the study guide, but there were some things he was reviewing that I had never heard of. When questioned about it, he said that they were in the book and we were responsible for everything in the book. We couldn’t really argue with that.  Finally it was time to take the test.

“Leave them face down on the desk until everyone has one and I’ll tell you to start,” our professor instructed.

When we turned them over dreading the ordeal to come, every answer on the test was filled in! The bottom of the last page said the following:  “This is the end of the Final Exam. All the answers on your test are correct. You will receive an ‘A’ on the final exam. The reason you passed the test is because the creator of the test took it for you. All the work you did in preparation for this test did not help you get the A. You have just experienced…grace.”

He then went around the room and asked each student individually, “What is your grade? Do you deserve the grade you are receiving? How much did all your studying for this exam help you achieve your final grade?”

Now, I am not a crier by any stretch of the imagination, but I had to fight back tears when answering those questions and thinking about how the Creator has passed the test for me.  Discussion afterward went like this: “I have tried to teach you all semester that you are a recipient of grace. I’ve tried to communicate to you that you need to demonstrate this gift as you work with young people.  Don’t hammer them; they are not the enemy. Help them, for they will carry on your ministry if it is full of GRACE!”

Talking about how some of us had probably studied hours and some just a few minutes, but had all received the same grade, he pointed to a story Jesus told in Matthew 20. The owner of a vineyard hired people to work in his field and agreed to pay them a certain amount. Several different times during the day, he hired more workers. When it was time to pay them, they all received the same amount. When the ones who had been hired first thing in the morning began complaining, the boss said, “Should you be angry because I am kind?” (Matthew 20:15).

The teacher said he had never done this kind of final before and probably would never do it again, but because of the content of many of our class discussions, he felt like we needed to experience grace.  Have you thanked your Creator today because of the grace you have experienced?

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If I am honest, the answer to that question, most days anyway, would have to be ‘no.’  I am so often rushing through my days, too busy to stop and think of such things.  But when I do take the time to stop and think of what my Creator has done for me, I am overcome with awe.  To think of that amazing grace can bring me to my knees in gratitude, and it should!

John 1:17 reminds us that  “the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”  Before Christ, everyone had to make atonement for their own sins, over and over and over again.  But Christ paid that debt once and for all.  Amazing!  As the song says, “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound!”

My prayer today, for myself as well as for you, is to show that grace to everyone I encounter in much the same way as the professor did in today’s story.  Let me give ice cream to those who ruffle my feathers.  Let me show grace to the cranky, mercy to the mean and love to the unlovable.  I should, because He shows it to me when I am much the same as they are!

Have a blessed day!

One day last summer,  I was unable to post a blog because we had no power.  I usually begin my work day using my blog time as a portion of my time with God, plugging into the Source.  It is such an amazing way to begin a day.  Yesterday, I pulled up my little battery operated lantern and did some devotional time, but it wasn’t quite the same.  I didn’t feel completely ‘plugged in’ without the ability to power up my computer and spend time here also.  It got me thinking about being ‘plugged in’ to God on a daily basis.  While searching for a story along those lines, I found the following blog by a woman name Sara Manowski.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Plugged In

By Sarah Malanowski on July 30, 2013 • ( 2 Comments )

Last week, the power went out at my house.  I spent 2 and a half hours without power and wasn’t sure when it was coming back on again.  My son Zion and I spent some time outside because it was a little cooler and lighter.  While sitting out on our deck… I got to thinking… What if the spiritual power in my life went out?  Then I thought, it does go out every time I step away from the Word.  Every time I think I can do something on my own.  Every time I walk away and ignore God’s guidance.  The power that God wants to give me vanishes every time I separate myself from Him.

In John 15:5, Jesus puts it like this…

“I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do NOTHING.”

We only have power when we are connected to the source.  We can’t produce fruit without the life giving sap that runs through Jesus.  What does a life with power look like?  Well, I think it looks like three things.

1.  Love in Action

“Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.”  ~1 Corinthians 13:4-8

2.  Thoughts in Check

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”  ~Philippians 4:8

3.  Character in Balance

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”  ~Galatians 5:22-23

Okay, so if this is what a life of power looks like.  What does one look like without power?  Let’s see…

A life without power looks impatient, unkind, envious, boastful, proud, rude, self-seeking, easily angered, keeps a record of wrongs, delights in evil, ignores the truth, never protects others, never trusts, never hopes, and never perseveres!  A life without power is a life without love!  We cannot love others without first loving God and understanding His love for us.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”  ~1 John 4:7-8

A life without power looks chaotic.  Quite possibly the thought life of someone who isn’t plugged in to God’s Word could look a little like this…

A life filled with worry, anxiety, false claims, assumptions, hateful thoughts, fear, pride, anger, frustration, and gossip.  Your mind is a powerful tool.  It can be filled with things that glorify God or things that diminish the power of God.  You have a choice every day with every thought to choose life or death.  What thought patterns will you choose?  Will you choose thoughts that produce life or thoughts that bring about death for you and others?

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  ~2 Corinthians 10:5

A life without power is a fruitless life.  A fruitless life looks a little like this…

A life of hateful moments, misery, war, impatience, unkindness, immorality, unfaithful lifestyle, harsh behavior, and lack of control.  A life like this looks pretty similar to the world around us.  We are called to look different!  We are called to be set apart for the Lord.  Our lives should not look like the lives of those who don’t know Jesus.  Our lives should be filled with fruit and we should be reflecting Christ in every interaction we have.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.  Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.  But the mans who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does.”  ~James 1:22-25

So after taking a look at all this…  What’s the verdict?  Are you plugged in?  Are you receiving the power that only God can give?  If not, I encourage you to get into the Word.  Soak up God’s Truth and let it transform the way you live life.  May God’s Word come alive in you and may you experience the freedom of living charged up!  Filled up with God’s abundant grace!  And ready to be a dispenser of love to all those you come in contact with.

Dear Father God, I desire to do Your will.  I know that I can’t even attempt that if I’m not plugged into You.  Lord, I need the life-giving sap that only comes from being plugged into the Word of God.  Please help me to be diligent in my times with You and help me live a disciplined life for Your glory! 

Have a blessed day!

The Invisible

Relationships

Today, to close out the discussions on relationships, I thought I’d share some quotes I found online- they cement the discussions we have had this week!

“When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are.”
― Donald Miller

“I want to be in a relationship where you telling me you love me is just a ceremonious validation of what you already show me.”
― Steve Maraboli

Trust is to human relationships what faith is to gospel living. It is the beginning place, the foundation upon which more can be built. Where trust is, love can flourish.

Barbara Smith

You don’t develop courage by being happy in your relationships everyday. You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.

Epicurus

Assumptions are the termites of relationships.

Henry Winkler

Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.

Stephen Covey

People are not perfect… very often the relationships that are strongest are those where people have worked through big crises, but they’ve had to work through them. So the challenge to us is to work through that.

Patricia Hewitt

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring – all of which have the potential to turn a life around.  Read The 5 Love Languages.

Quotes from  Everyday Life Lessons:

1. The most beautiful thing is to see a person you love smiling.  And even more beautiful is knowing that you are the reason behind it.
2. Choose your relationships wisely.  It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company.
3. Being alone does not mean you are lonely, and being lonely does not mean you are alone.
4. Fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.
5. Love means giving someone the chance to hurt you, but trusting them not to.
6. You know you’ve found true love when you catch yourself falling in love with the same person over and over again.
7. Don’t wait for the right person to come into your life.  Rather, be the right person to come to someone’s life

Proverbs 17:27
A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

Proverbs 12:18
Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

James 1:19
My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.

Proverbs 18:13
What a shame, what folly, to give advice before listening to the facts

Colossians 3:19
And you husbands must love your wives and never treat them harshly.

Ephesians 4:26
And “don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry.

Proverbs 14:29
Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.

May we all grow more and more in our abilities to apply these concepts to the relationships in our lives, whether they be romantic, work-related, child-parent, or any of the other interactions we have with others!

Have a blessed day!