I look back over my many years and realize that I have sold myself short on many occasions. I have told myself and others "I can't" when the truth was I really gave up too soon. I gave up on math, history, memorization, writing, and other efforts.
I learned from my son, Joseph, that I could learn algebra. Homeschooling him in math made me learn, even though he seemed to already know how to do it. I learned from him that I could figure it out. I am still not fast or always right but I understand the concepts.
I gave up on history until I began to study the bible. Reading the history of God's people lit a fire inside me to understand the story of mankind. I still get mixed up on dates, but I am learning new stories from around the world and of influential people. I find I understand what is happening now when I know what has happened in the past. Here is a secret I've found: People have not changed much. Our world has changed with inventions but people seem to still struggle with the same issues.
Memorization was never something I excelled in, but remembering God's word is important to me so I have learned to put the word into my mind and heart. I have not succeeded in memorizing chapters or books, but the treasures I have gathered in my storehouse are so helpful in my prayer life and my walk of faith.
I never thought I was a writer. I loved to write but, I only recently have called myself an author and poet. I continue to learn and grow in this field and may never become an expert. I can do better and so I will keep trying.
These little stories illustrate the power we have to learn. Self-education should be part of our education plan for all students. In fact, I believe each student has as their main job to self-educate with the help of good mentors to lead and guide, not force feed. Learning is a lifetime endeavor. When we teach children that they are to only know or seek to learn what is presented to them we take away the joy of learning.
My parents instilled in us a love of learning. I purposefully tried to do the same in my children. I hope my children are doing the same for my grandchildren.
I believe God wants us to love learning as well. He gave us curiosity and imagination. We only need to supply the self-discipline and the awe from all we discover.
Creator God, Giver of all that amazes and intrigues us, You are to be praised for Your work of creation. Forgive us when we sell ourselves short and fail to see the wonders You placed here for our delight and pleasure. Thank You for not being boring. Thank You for expanding our knowledge every day! Help us to use the gifts of curiosity and imagination so we might discover Your creation and in the process more of You and ourselves. Amen.
Showing posts with label power. Show all posts
Showing posts with label power. Show all posts
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Proverbs Eighteen
Proverbs 18:8 The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.
I love the whispered words of my Heavenly Father when He shares His love for me. I am strengthened by the whispered words of encouragement that my Savior and Friend, Jesus, gives when reminding me that He really does understand how hard the world is towards those who trust in God alone. I am filled with hope when the Holy Spirit whispers words of guidance or even correction. I truly love the voice of God speaking into my life!
There is power in a whisper. When I want my husband or even my little grandchildren to listen to me, a whisper becomes my loud speaker. For some odd reason a whisper commands the other person to be quiet and really take notice. I don't use my soft voice often enough!
Elijah was a man of God.God told him to go to the mount and stand before the Lord. "And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave." (I Kings 19:11-13 ESV)
The Lord spoke in a "Thin silence" as the Hebrew words translated as "...a still small voice." This is the voice God uses to work deep into our souls. He uses this "thin silence" to make known His power in a gentle way. It is this voice that I long to hear every day. It is this voice that makes me know I am loved and safe. Only His voice can whisper those delicious morsels that go deep into the inner parts of me.
Holy and Most Powerful God, You are my joy and my delight! You veil Your power in quiet whispers so that I can know Your powerful love and protection. Forgive me when I turn my ear away from You, the only One in whom I can trust. Thank You for never turning away from me. Thank you for Your whispers of love, strength, encouragement, hope and correction! You are so wonderful! Open my ears that I might hear. Open my eyes that I might see. Open my mouth that I might repeat Your goodness to others!
I love the whispered words of my Heavenly Father when He shares His love for me. I am strengthened by the whispered words of encouragement that my Savior and Friend, Jesus, gives when reminding me that He really does understand how hard the world is towards those who trust in God alone. I am filled with hope when the Holy Spirit whispers words of guidance or even correction. I truly love the voice of God speaking into my life!
There is power in a whisper. When I want my husband or even my little grandchildren to listen to me, a whisper becomes my loud speaker. For some odd reason a whisper commands the other person to be quiet and really take notice. I don't use my soft voice often enough!
Elijah was a man of God.God told him to go to the mount and stand before the Lord. "And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave." (I Kings 19:11-13 ESV)
The Lord spoke in a "Thin silence" as the Hebrew words translated as "...a still small voice." This is the voice God uses to work deep into our souls. He uses this "thin silence" to make known His power in a gentle way. It is this voice that I long to hear every day. It is this voice that makes me know I am loved and safe. Only His voice can whisper those delicious morsels that go deep into the inner parts of me.
Holy and Most Powerful God, You are my joy and my delight! You veil Your power in quiet whispers so that I can know Your powerful love and protection. Forgive me when I turn my ear away from You, the only One in whom I can trust. Thank You for never turning away from me. Thank you for Your whispers of love, strength, encouragement, hope and correction! You are so wonderful! Open my ears that I might hear. Open my eyes that I might see. Open my mouth that I might repeat Your goodness to others!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The world is a strong magnet for my attentions. I don't want it to be, but it is. I truly desire God to be the strongest pull for my love and obedience and attention.
I am learning after many many failures and some victories that though the world and God both draw me to them, it is my choice of which to turn. In some ways that gives me power that I never thought I had. I have the power to turn away from god and His love and goodness. I also have power to turn away from evil and all of its enticements.
It all starts with my mind. What I fill my mind with will determine the direction I turn. If i fill my mind with the worlds thoughts, visions and desires I will turn to the world. If I fill my mind with God's word and His love and truth, I will turn to Him. If i can memorize the jingles on commercials and remember all the happenings on the latest shows, I can memorize scripture and learn about who God is.
The thought for the day is: I have no excuse!
God of Love, You have given me freedom and choice. You have set me free to love You or turn away without a care. You offer me everything that You are and have. I have no excuse! I cannot explain away my sin. I am able to learn from You and to put Your wisdom into my mind and heart. You have changed me and I give You all I have and all that I am today! I love You!
I am learning after many many failures and some victories that though the world and God both draw me to them, it is my choice of which to turn. In some ways that gives me power that I never thought I had. I have the power to turn away from god and His love and goodness. I also have power to turn away from evil and all of its enticements.
It all starts with my mind. What I fill my mind with will determine the direction I turn. If i fill my mind with the worlds thoughts, visions and desires I will turn to the world. If I fill my mind with God's word and His love and truth, I will turn to Him. If i can memorize the jingles on commercials and remember all the happenings on the latest shows, I can memorize scripture and learn about who God is.
The thought for the day is: I have no excuse!
God of Love, You have given me freedom and choice. You have set me free to love You or turn away without a care. You offer me everything that You are and have. I have no excuse! I cannot explain away my sin. I am able to learn from You and to put Your wisdom into my mind and heart. You have changed me and I give You all I have and all that I am today! I love You!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Speak, Lord!
I have told my family many times that I love to hear Gods' voice. It is most comforting and most exciting to me knowing He is with me. Knowing God, who spoke the world into being and has breathed life into me, would want to share His plans and His wisdom with me is intoxicating!
I am awakened from my routine slumbers when His whisper brings alive the task , my surroundings, or a word. Like a jump-out-of-bed morning, I am aware of His presence and my mind is awake to His word! I can be anywhere because He is everywhere. I can be doing anything because He lives within me. His word is power: Power to guide, power to change power to resurrect, power to calm the storms, power to renew and heal.
God of Power and Might, who spoke into being all that I see all that I am, I am listening for Your voice. Speak Lord, here I am!
I am awakened from my routine slumbers when His whisper brings alive the task , my surroundings, or a word. Like a jump-out-of-bed morning, I am aware of His presence and my mind is awake to His word! I can be anywhere because He is everywhere. I can be doing anything because He lives within me. His word is power: Power to guide, power to change power to resurrect, power to calm the storms, power to renew and heal.
God of Power and Might, who spoke into being all that I see all that I am, I am listening for Your voice. Speak Lord, here I am!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Potential
What potential do I possess? That is a question posed to me during church yesterday. It got me to thinking.
The word potential implies a possible power. Within each of us God has placed a possibility to do something. We possess a power within us that can make a difference in the lives of others if only it is released. We each have potential!
What is my potential? I have had moments when I was certain, but most often I struggle to not only find my potential but to experience it! I guess the experiencing is most important. It is in the doing that potential is transformed into power. In the release it is no longer a possibility but a sure thing!
Recently a couple of young people have approached me about their potential. They are searching for their power and purpose. I had to admit that I, too, am searching again for my power and purpose, my potential. So how are we to find it? Prayer is a wonderful beginning. After prayer we should push through our doubts and fears and practice what we know we are able to do. In that practicing we may peer into our potential and release the power inside of us, the power of God that is unique to us.
It is time to pray, push through, and practice. May our steps of faith provide the spark that will ignite our potential into the power You, Lord, have given me. May the world know You through me!
The word potential implies a possible power. Within each of us God has placed a possibility to do something. We possess a power within us that can make a difference in the lives of others if only it is released. We each have potential!
What is my potential? I have had moments when I was certain, but most often I struggle to not only find my potential but to experience it! I guess the experiencing is most important. It is in the doing that potential is transformed into power. In the release it is no longer a possibility but a sure thing!
Recently a couple of young people have approached me about their potential. They are searching for their power and purpose. I had to admit that I, too, am searching again for my power and purpose, my potential. So how are we to find it? Prayer is a wonderful beginning. After prayer we should push through our doubts and fears and practice what we know we are able to do. In that practicing we may peer into our potential and release the power inside of us, the power of God that is unique to us.
It is time to pray, push through, and practice. May our steps of faith provide the spark that will ignite our potential into the power You, Lord, have given me. May the world know You through me!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Power Words
There are times when I choose my words very carefully. Other times I throw out whatever my mind is thinking. Seldom do I realize the power of my words until long after they were said or written.
Some times the effect of our words can be funny, like when I mispronounce a word or use words that others do not understand. That actually happened to me as a new bride (although it was my husbands word that was misunderstood). I would fix dinner and ask him how it was. He almost always said "Pretty good." He did not use it as an exclamation so I considered it to be only an average meal. So , the next night I would try harder with the same resulting evaluation. I began to feel hurt. I also felt guilty for not being able to please him. It wasn't until I asked where his "Pretty good" fell on a scale of 1 to 10 that I found out his "Pretty good" was my "Excellent!" His words had power over me and my unspoken words also held power over our relationship.
There are other times when my words have been offered with the best of intentions but with harsh consequences. Last Thanksgiving I was busy taking picture of family in various groupings. I called my sister, her husband and my sisters children over for a picture, not knowing that not including my brother-in-laws adult children in this particular picture would create a deep wedge in our relationship. Months later I learned through the grape vine that his avoidance of me was because of that one picture. Though I had next called the rest of the family together the damage was already done. I apologized and we are now back to being buddies. He did not realize what my true intentions were. My words and actions were not intended to hurt. But they did.
I expect power from my words when I pray over and think through them as when I write a letter, article, or poem. Disappointment can seep into my soul when these heartfelt words bring no reaction or just a cursory "How nice." I can also be surprised and taken back when the power of my communication results in an outburst from the other person. The truth communicated is not meant to cause harm or set in motion a tidal wave of events that pour out trouble and confusion and guilt. It is these times, when my heavily mined words are not treasured or looked upon as valuable for understanding, that I consider holding back in the future.
To close off my thoughts from others is dishonest. No, I am not one who speaks out every thought in my head, or insists that people hear and agree with me on every point, but I do like to be allowed my opinion, just like everyone does. If I stay silent, others will think I agree with them even if I don't. If I stay silent I am also not being true to myself. The truth is I must speak out with understanding caution and in love.
When I speak out, I must understand that people may misunderstand my intentions and/or what I've tried to say. I must try to be cautious in laying everything on the line knowing that there may be a ripple that will last a long time if not forever. Of course there should always be hope that the ripple will draw the listeners and those affected to a better place. Above all I should have love in my heart so that the words of truth are spoken in love and for the best of the hearer. This does not mean that the words can't sting or that the listener will perceive the love behind the words, but my heart will be right before God, who knows my intentions.
Above all, the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart should be pleasing to my Lord and my God. With that in proper order, I am free to speak for that is what I have been called to do.
Some times the effect of our words can be funny, like when I mispronounce a word or use words that others do not understand. That actually happened to me as a new bride (although it was my husbands word that was misunderstood). I would fix dinner and ask him how it was. He almost always said "Pretty good." He did not use it as an exclamation so I considered it to be only an average meal. So , the next night I would try harder with the same resulting evaluation. I began to feel hurt. I also felt guilty for not being able to please him. It wasn't until I asked where his "Pretty good" fell on a scale of 1 to 10 that I found out his "Pretty good" was my "Excellent!" His words had power over me and my unspoken words also held power over our relationship.
There are other times when my words have been offered with the best of intentions but with harsh consequences. Last Thanksgiving I was busy taking picture of family in various groupings. I called my sister, her husband and my sisters children over for a picture, not knowing that not including my brother-in-laws adult children in this particular picture would create a deep wedge in our relationship. Months later I learned through the grape vine that his avoidance of me was because of that one picture. Though I had next called the rest of the family together the damage was already done. I apologized and we are now back to being buddies. He did not realize what my true intentions were. My words and actions were not intended to hurt. But they did.
I expect power from my words when I pray over and think through them as when I write a letter, article, or poem. Disappointment can seep into my soul when these heartfelt words bring no reaction or just a cursory "How nice." I can also be surprised and taken back when the power of my communication results in an outburst from the other person. The truth communicated is not meant to cause harm or set in motion a tidal wave of events that pour out trouble and confusion and guilt. It is these times, when my heavily mined words are not treasured or looked upon as valuable for understanding, that I consider holding back in the future.
To close off my thoughts from others is dishonest. No, I am not one who speaks out every thought in my head, or insists that people hear and agree with me on every point, but I do like to be allowed my opinion, just like everyone does. If I stay silent, others will think I agree with them even if I don't. If I stay silent I am also not being true to myself. The truth is I must speak out with understanding caution and in love.
When I speak out, I must understand that people may misunderstand my intentions and/or what I've tried to say. I must try to be cautious in laying everything on the line knowing that there may be a ripple that will last a long time if not forever. Of course there should always be hope that the ripple will draw the listeners and those affected to a better place. Above all I should have love in my heart so that the words of truth are spoken in love and for the best of the hearer. This does not mean that the words can't sting or that the listener will perceive the love behind the words, but my heart will be right before God, who knows my intentions.
Above all, the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart should be pleasing to my Lord and my God. With that in proper order, I am free to speak for that is what I have been called to do.
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