I feel as if I am knee deep in calendars! I have purchased new calendars for different purposes. I have also been setting up a computerized calendar to remind me of important events. Making sure important appointments, and celebrations are listed on the right calendar and then making sure others will know what they need to know about my schedule is crazy right now! I hope once I get it organized things will go smoothly.
I bought one too many calendars this year. It happened on purpose because I like to have a pretty calendar in my bedroom. I had bought one from the Christian book store, but when I browsed another store I found a beautiful artistic one to replace it. I don't really want to get rid of the Christian bookstore calendar, filled with coupons as well as uplifting sayings, but I have no where to put it! So much for trying to simplify my life!
Our modern calendars can schedule us to the minute if we choose. In previous times the calendar revolved around the month and the yearly cycles. That seems very simple to me, but I do not live in a simple time.
God is not limited to a calendar. His time is always perfect. His day is like a 1000 years and His 1000 years is like a day. Even so, He is the one who gave us the phases of the moon and the chart of constellations in the sky. He is the author of our days, weeks, months and years. Could it be that He, being an eternal being without time constraints, has decreed that we, His creation, should live within these time boundaries until we finally go to live with Him in heaven?
I believe that children, though they fight against them, really want boundaries imposed on them. When they are fenced in they know they are safe from the dangers beyond. People know they are loved when they are not allowed to hurt themselves or others by their actions. Maybe our time constraints are Gods' fences to keep us within His safety. Isn't that what happened when He sent Adam and Eve out of the garden?
God did not want man to live forever with their sin. Removing the access to the Tree of Life and setting them outside into the world God let time, seasons and eventually calendars limit sins' expansion. Time limits are another expression of Gods' love.
Eternal Father, You are timeless! Thank You for taking time to save us from our sins. Thank You for entering into our time and being present with us. You are beyond time. You never count our days in impatience. You gently wait for the perfect time to reveal Yourself to us! I see Your hand in the passing of seasons, in the movement of time through my life. You are my timeless Timekeeper! Thank You!
Showing posts with label Time. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Time. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Week Before New Years
There are times when the week between Christmas and New Years Day is like climbing a mountain. I strain for the next day to get here, bogged down in lists of things I want to do before the new calendar begins. Cleaning up from Christmas and cleaning away the old years paperwork top my list. Each day I tackle another chore, and each day it seems as if I have progressed only slightly. The New Year arrives with me worn out and never organized enough.
Then there are other times when the week zips by me like a down hill sled! I race to catch up to all the things I want to get done in time for the clock to strike twelve. I never get organized until about February! Like my Dad used to always say, "The faster I go the behinder I get!"
I don't know which kind of week before New Years I prefer. Both are heading in the same direction. Both eventually get me to a place of semi organization. Maybe the way I get there tells me a little bit of how my year will be.
If I start the year in a race that goes in circles my year could dance rings around me, and I would need to find the discipline to stop the merry-go-round and hop off. If I step into the New Year certain I am on the right track, then I need to keep my focus and not let those pesky dancers on the sidelines, grab me into the dance half way through the year. Both demand discipline. The question is where do I get it?
I have, in the past, been able to rustle up some discipline of my own. I push myself and demand my life to be in order. But I have found that the discipline of simply obeying God is all I need. Whatever happens this week before New Years should be in line with His plan for me. That means that if I find time to organize I should. If I find outside influences taking my time and speeding me toward the countdown clock then I should relax and enjoy the ride, all the while while using what time I do have wisely.
Father of Endless Ages, You hold time in Your hands. Time continues towards eternity, and You are Eternal God! Thank You for the times of my life. Thank You for the changing seasons and the times I can start new. Forgive me for the time I waste in trivial and selfish pursuits. Redeem the time that passes too quickly and make my days fill up with Your plans. Teach me to number my days, Lord.
Then there are other times when the week zips by me like a down hill sled! I race to catch up to all the things I want to get done in time for the clock to strike twelve. I never get organized until about February! Like my Dad used to always say, "The faster I go the behinder I get!"
I don't know which kind of week before New Years I prefer. Both are heading in the same direction. Both eventually get me to a place of semi organization. Maybe the way I get there tells me a little bit of how my year will be.
If I start the year in a race that goes in circles my year could dance rings around me, and I would need to find the discipline to stop the merry-go-round and hop off. If I step into the New Year certain I am on the right track, then I need to keep my focus and not let those pesky dancers on the sidelines, grab me into the dance half way through the year. Both demand discipline. The question is where do I get it?
I have, in the past, been able to rustle up some discipline of my own. I push myself and demand my life to be in order. But I have found that the discipline of simply obeying God is all I need. Whatever happens this week before New Years should be in line with His plan for me. That means that if I find time to organize I should. If I find outside influences taking my time and speeding me toward the countdown clock then I should relax and enjoy the ride, all the while while using what time I do have wisely.
Father of Endless Ages, You hold time in Your hands. Time continues towards eternity, and You are Eternal God! Thank You for the times of my life. Thank You for the changing seasons and the times I can start new. Forgive me for the time I waste in trivial and selfish pursuits. Redeem the time that passes too quickly and make my days fill up with Your plans. Teach me to number my days, Lord.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Time
An on line friend of mine has said that "There is enough time to do all that God wants you to do." That gives me hope!
Enough time! That is almost a foreign concept isn't it? I am always making the excuse that I just don't have enough time. So, what is the truth? Do I have enough time or not? Is the key in the phrase, "To do what God wants me to do?"
There are times when I am overburdened with needs, problems, and chores as well as all of the things I want to do! But are all those things part of God's plan for my life?
God's word reveals that there is a season and a time for everything God wants me to do. There is a time to be born, die, plant, pluck up, kill, heal, weep, laugh, mourn, dance, cast away and gather stones, embrace and refrain from embracing, seek, lose, keep, throw away, tear, sew, be quiet, speak, love, hate, make war, and be at peace. (see Eccl. 3) He has given us time. He has given us purpose. He has given enough time to fulfill our purpose.
The question is, how am I using my time? Good question.
Eternal Father, You are the time Keeper. You are the bestower of purpose. You wait patiently and provide abundantly. I run out of time only when I am not in Your will. I have enough time when I stay focused on Your plan for my life. Thank You for time. Thank You for life abundant! Thank You for using me to accomplish Your will on earth! You are more than enough for me!
Enough time! That is almost a foreign concept isn't it? I am always making the excuse that I just don't have enough time. So, what is the truth? Do I have enough time or not? Is the key in the phrase, "To do what God wants me to do?"
There are times when I am overburdened with needs, problems, and chores as well as all of the things I want to do! But are all those things part of God's plan for my life?
God's word reveals that there is a season and a time for everything God wants me to do. There is a time to be born, die, plant, pluck up, kill, heal, weep, laugh, mourn, dance, cast away and gather stones, embrace and refrain from embracing, seek, lose, keep, throw away, tear, sew, be quiet, speak, love, hate, make war, and be at peace. (see Eccl. 3) He has given us time. He has given us purpose. He has given enough time to fulfill our purpose.
The question is, how am I using my time? Good question.
Eternal Father, You are the time Keeper. You are the bestower of purpose. You wait patiently and provide abundantly. I run out of time only when I am not in Your will. I have enough time when I stay focused on Your plan for my life. Thank You for time. Thank You for life abundant! Thank You for using me to accomplish Your will on earth! You are more than enough for me!
Friday, April 3, 2009
In a Minute
We all know that our lives can change in just one minute. Accidents, diagnosis of a serious illness, a relationship broken. These examples all seem to be circumstance driven. What about the changes we can make by our choice? It only takes a minute.
Have you ever heard of the "Would you rather..." game? You ask each person questions like would you rather be a fish or swing on a star? The person answering must be truthful for this to be an insightful game. In playing this game I think of questions that look down the future and ask things like, "Would you rather be a martyr for your beliefs or be carried away in the rapture?" It is quite obvious what most of us would choose, but do we really understand that a relationship with God gives God the right to interrupt our plans any time He wishes?
The one moment of God speaks to us, directing us down a certain path He has planned, could be a defining moment in our lives. Whatever the path, we can be certain it will be an adventure beyond our imagination if we embrace it fully. God does want the very best for us. We can trust Him. Our job is to respond and follow Him down the path marked with our name written in His blood!
Eternal God, who is timeless and all knowing, each of my minutes are in Your hand when I choose to allow You to be my Lord. Teach me to number my minutes as well as my days so that i might live a life fully in Your presence!
Have you ever heard of the "Would you rather..." game? You ask each person questions like would you rather be a fish or swing on a star? The person answering must be truthful for this to be an insightful game. In playing this game I think of questions that look down the future and ask things like, "Would you rather be a martyr for your beliefs or be carried away in the rapture?" It is quite obvious what most of us would choose, but do we really understand that a relationship with God gives God the right to interrupt our plans any time He wishes?
The one moment of God speaks to us, directing us down a certain path He has planned, could be a defining moment in our lives. Whatever the path, we can be certain it will be an adventure beyond our imagination if we embrace it fully. God does want the very best for us. We can trust Him. Our job is to respond and follow Him down the path marked with our name written in His blood!
Eternal God, who is timeless and all knowing, each of my minutes are in Your hand when I choose to allow You to be my Lord. Teach me to number my minutes as well as my days so that i might live a life fully in Your presence!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Taking the Time
Take time to enjoy a sunset or sunrise. Yesterday my granddaughters were out playing and ran in excitedly yelling at me. "Grommers! You have to come see the sky!" They were so excited that I didn't hesitate but grabbed a jacket and headed outside.
WOW! It was magnificent! I immediately shouted out to God. I praised Him for the beauty and the wonderful blessing it was to see His light shine. I then ran in side to get my camera.
The neighbor kids heard me praising God and asked what that was all about. My granddaughter Paige explained it to them and they then joined me in telling God how beautiful He painted the sky! What joy to hear little ones shout his praise!
What are you taking time to do? Maybe enjoying God's majestic creation of your body? Or maybe taking time to read His word and discovering the treasure that lies within each verse!
Take time! It is a gift.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Time to Listen
I have a Christmas Caroling clock. Each hour it chimes a different Christmas song. The first few days of hearing it I am surprised and delighted to think about the song and the words reminding me to celebrate with joy! My attitude is lifted by those sweet chimes.
It isn't long, though, before I tune out those sweet refrains and ignore the joy they offer. My attitude is one of hurry and finish my list of things to do. I don't stop and enjoy the moment! How very sad for me, and for those to whom I want to be a witness . Time passes by so swiftly and I can miss those little prize moments when God whispers to me. Could He be offering me His love, joy and peace in the middle of a hectic and sometimes difficult life?
It seems to me that is exactly what He did when He came 2000+ years ago! He announced the times through a star and angels. He whispered His coming through the starry night and shouted His arrival through the chorus of angels. Do I listen for His quiet voice or do I ignore it and forget He is near?
He is near! He is here in my heart! He lives in me! The music only reminds me that it is time to listen! I need to hear His voice! Not only during Christmas, but all year through!
It isn't long, though, before I tune out those sweet refrains and ignore the joy they offer. My attitude is one of hurry and finish my list of things to do. I don't stop and enjoy the moment! How very sad for me, and for those to whom I want to be a witness . Time passes by so swiftly and I can miss those little prize moments when God whispers to me. Could He be offering me His love, joy and peace in the middle of a hectic and sometimes difficult life?
It seems to me that is exactly what He did when He came 2000+ years ago! He announced the times through a star and angels. He whispered His coming through the starry night and shouted His arrival through the chorus of angels. Do I listen for His quiet voice or do I ignore it and forget He is near?
He is near! He is here in my heart! He lives in me! The music only reminds me that it is time to listen! I need to hear His voice! Not only during Christmas, but all year through!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Love
How does God want to be loved? Is strict obedience to His law the way He receives love from us? Or is there a way that brings us really close to God's heart, the essence of who He is: LOVE?
Love to me implies a relationship. Relationship is built on time, talk and truth. Learning to have relationship with God involves the Trinity:Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Taking time to be with someone is an act of love. It is not necessary to do anything. Love lets us "Be" with each other. God is I AM. He is with us always and present in our present.
Communication can be a deep well that satisfies and refreshes our relationships. Without the intimate conversations love cannot grow. God is THE WORD. He reveals Himself to us and draws us deeper into His heart of love by sharing precious promises, and truths with us.
Honesty is a strong foundation on which love is built. God is the way, THE TRUTH, and the life. Without His truth we would be lost in the trap of tthe Father of Lies. Gods' truth frees, cleanses, and restores.
God is LOVE. We, His children, are called to love. So, how does God want to be loved? I think He desires relationship. He wants us to take time to be with Him, talk to Him intimately, and open ourselves up to His truth (The only way He can be!)
God loves me, He chooses me, He pursues me, He rescues me, He washes me in His freeing truth. I love God, choosing him and pursuing Him. Lord, Help me love others the same. (Part of this list comes from the book "Black" by Ted Dekker. P.118-119)
Love to me implies a relationship. Relationship is built on time, talk and truth. Learning to have relationship with God involves the Trinity:Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Taking time to be with someone is an act of love. It is not necessary to do anything. Love lets us "Be" with each other. God is I AM. He is with us always and present in our present.
Communication can be a deep well that satisfies and refreshes our relationships. Without the intimate conversations love cannot grow. God is THE WORD. He reveals Himself to us and draws us deeper into His heart of love by sharing precious promises, and truths with us.
Honesty is a strong foundation on which love is built. God is the way, THE TRUTH, and the life. Without His truth we would be lost in the trap of tthe Father of Lies. Gods' truth frees, cleanses, and restores.
God is LOVE. We, His children, are called to love. So, how does God want to be loved? I think He desires relationship. He wants us to take time to be with Him, talk to Him intimately, and open ourselves up to His truth (The only way He can be!)
God loves me, He chooses me, He pursues me, He rescues me, He washes me in His freeing truth. I love God, choosing him and pursuing Him. Lord, Help me love others the same. (Part of this list comes from the book "Black" by Ted Dekker. P.118-119)
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