John 9 is the story of the man, blind from birth, that Jesus healed by making mud from His spit. I often cringe a bit when reading about that. I do wonder how Jesus performed this task.
Did He use just the tips of His fingers to mix the mud? Did He work His whole hand into it, or both hands? How dirty did Jesus get?
How did Jesus apply the healing mud pack? Did he use one or two fingers, or did He take both hands and mold the mud over the mans' eyes?
Of course, Scripture does not tell us these details. It is left to our imagination. I can imagine both ways but I like the idea that Jesus would use His entire hand to mix and mold over the mans' eyes. I like that visual because I think it would bring a sense of security and confidence to someone blind. Not seeing what was happening, I would think that a firm touch would give a sense of authority more than a light touch. I guess the important thing for me is knowing that Jesus would touch with a love and power greater than I could ever imagine!
Jesus, You are the lover of my soul! I fail to see You clearly many times during my day. I want to see but I am blinded by the world. Thank You for loving me enough to get dirty for me so that I can see. Heal my blindness and give me sight that give You all the glory!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Irritant Me
Sometimes we are called to be an irritant to others. It isn't meant to harm them it is meant to help them grow. Though I've been told that I have played that role well, I really do not like being an irritant to others.
Being an irritant to others is like being the grain of sand in the oyster. The irritation causes the oyster to do something to make the irritant something beautiful and precious. Pearls are my favorite jewel because they softly reflect the light. They seem to be a gentle warm expression of beauty! The source, though, is from a small irritable hard grain on the soft lining of the oyster.
As I examine my life and who God has created me to be I cannot help but see myself as an irritant to others. When I speak God's truth I often find the response to be harsh. I feel rejected by the one I am trying to help! I am so happy that I am not always the irritant.
I do get to be the comforter and encourager sometimes and I enjoy the warm responses to my efforts. Because it is difficult for me to accept being an irritant I confess that I have often held back God's truth from others. now that I know my purpose in being the irritant, I can accept the challenge with greater courage!
God Almighty Judge, You are Wise and You alone are Judge. I have learned to watch my tendency to judge and to relinquish that right to You alone. I confess that I have not wanted to be the instrument You have created me to be! I have not wanted to be an irritant. I want people to like me and not reject me. Today I submit my will to Yours. I have asked that it would be taken from me in the past but today I say with Jesus, "Not my will but Yours be done." Thank You for using me to help others grow, to help them turn their lives into a beautiful pearl , reflecting Your glory! Help me to do what You ask of me with joy! Teach me to be an irritant of love.
I have an appropriate poem to share here. It has also been shared on Poetry Impressed and Significant Woman blogs.
Roses
by Carolynn J. Scully
Roses grow on thorny stems, and still,
Roses are meant to give away.
There is no true intent
To prick, hurt,
Or bring to tears
With gifts of thorny roses.
Love only exchanges
Bouquets in friendship
Meant to bless
With the beauty of soft,
Spicy sweet petals.
Yet, roses grow on thorny stems, and still,
Roses are meant to give away.
Being an irritant to others is like being the grain of sand in the oyster. The irritation causes the oyster to do something to make the irritant something beautiful and precious. Pearls are my favorite jewel because they softly reflect the light. They seem to be a gentle warm expression of beauty! The source, though, is from a small irritable hard grain on the soft lining of the oyster.
As I examine my life and who God has created me to be I cannot help but see myself as an irritant to others. When I speak God's truth I often find the response to be harsh. I feel rejected by the one I am trying to help! I am so happy that I am not always the irritant.
I do get to be the comforter and encourager sometimes and I enjoy the warm responses to my efforts. Because it is difficult for me to accept being an irritant I confess that I have often held back God's truth from others. now that I know my purpose in being the irritant, I can accept the challenge with greater courage!
God Almighty Judge, You are Wise and You alone are Judge. I have learned to watch my tendency to judge and to relinquish that right to You alone. I confess that I have not wanted to be the instrument You have created me to be! I have not wanted to be an irritant. I want people to like me and not reject me. Today I submit my will to Yours. I have asked that it would be taken from me in the past but today I say with Jesus, "Not my will but Yours be done." Thank You for using me to help others grow, to help them turn their lives into a beautiful pearl , reflecting Your glory! Help me to do what You ask of me with joy! Teach me to be an irritant of love.
I have an appropriate poem to share here. It has also been shared on Poetry Impressed and Significant Woman blogs.
Roses
by Carolynn J. Scully
Roses grow on thorny stems, and still,
Roses are meant to give away.
There is no true intent
To prick, hurt,
Or bring to tears
With gifts of thorny roses.
Love only exchanges
Bouquets in friendship
Meant to bless
With the beauty of soft,
Spicy sweet petals.
Yet, roses grow on thorny stems, and still,
Roses are meant to give away.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Freedom in Christ
For a long time I lived my Christian walk bound by rules and regulations that I placed on myself. I thought I had to do many things in order to be a good Christian. church attendance, bible reading, and of course all the "Don'ts." Don't drink, smoke, dance etc. I found myself afraid to enjoy life.
I has been awhile now, but I have finally found freedom in Christ to enjoy the abundant life He offers! I am free to do anything I want! True! I can do anything I want as long as I remain in right relationship to Christ. It is an amazing feeling to enjoy life without restraint, knowing that Jesus is right there with me and certainly enjoying my delight in all the feelings and experiences He has planed for me!
Lord, You are an amazing and wonderful God! You delight me with life abundant! I realize that I often step over the line into sin with my enjoyments, but you are always faithful to bring me back to You! Thank You for making my life full and free! Help me remain close to You so that i never need to be in bondage to sin! You are my delight! In You I trust!
I has been awhile now, but I have finally found freedom in Christ to enjoy the abundant life He offers! I am free to do anything I want! True! I can do anything I want as long as I remain in right relationship to Christ. It is an amazing feeling to enjoy life without restraint, knowing that Jesus is right there with me and certainly enjoying my delight in all the feelings and experiences He has planed for me!
Lord, You are an amazing and wonderful God! You delight me with life abundant! I realize that I often step over the line into sin with my enjoyments, but you are always faithful to bring me back to You! Thank You for making my life full and free! Help me remain close to You so that i never need to be in bondage to sin! You are my delight! In You I trust!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Hours or Minutes
I came across a note I wrote a few years back. I wanted to remember something my granddaughter, Brooke, said to me.
She was waiting for something to happen and asked me how much longer. I must have told her an hour or more because she replied, "I don't like hours. I like minutes."
I am the same most of the time. I like minutes because I don't like to wait for most things. But I must admit there are times when I would like an hour or two just to slow down.
Some of the things I want to come in a minute (or less) are a response to an email, any celebration, seeing someone I have not seen in awhile, good food, getting over a cold, getting to reveal a secret, completion of chores, hugs, and so many other things.
Some things I like to spend hours doing might be, watching beautiful sunsets/sunrises, alone time, visiting with a friend, a nice bath, a good nights sleep.
God of Creation, You set the sun and moon in place to mark out our days. You are all wise and knowing. I may not understand why time seems to speed up and slow down at times but I trust that You do! It is all in Your hands and under Your control. I need the hours right now, Lord. I need to spend them with You! My minutes are going by too quickly and my hours are speeding through the hour glass. Teach me to number not only my days but also my hours and minutes!
She was waiting for something to happen and asked me how much longer. I must have told her an hour or more because she replied, "I don't like hours. I like minutes."
I am the same most of the time. I like minutes because I don't like to wait for most things. But I must admit there are times when I would like an hour or two just to slow down.
Some of the things I want to come in a minute (or less) are a response to an email, any celebration, seeing someone I have not seen in awhile, good food, getting over a cold, getting to reveal a secret, completion of chores, hugs, and so many other things.
Some things I like to spend hours doing might be, watching beautiful sunsets/sunrises, alone time, visiting with a friend, a nice bath, a good nights sleep.
God of Creation, You set the sun and moon in place to mark out our days. You are all wise and knowing. I may not understand why time seems to speed up and slow down at times but I trust that You do! It is all in Your hands and under Your control. I need the hours right now, Lord. I need to spend them with You! My minutes are going by too quickly and my hours are speeding through the hour glass. Teach me to number not only my days but also my hours and minutes!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Before I Die
What do you want to do before you die?
That is a question posed by many people. Some go so far as to write out a list of things to do before they die. I've watched a show called Buried Life that is dedicated to fulfilling the "Before I die" lists. So I've wondered what I would write on my list.
Dreams are elusive. They are not easy to write in permanent ink. Ink makes them real and frightening. What would happen if I wrote my list and then laid it aside never reaching for those amazing moments that I dream about? It may not make a difference, but then it could make all the difference.
I think I need to make a list!
Living God, You are an amazing adventurer! You not only invite me to explore Your creation and discover the abundant blessings of living life fully, but You also join in the adventure! You became a man, experiencing all that life holds! You join Yourself to me through Your Holy Spirit and ask me to risk and reach into unknown areas and live! You began the adventure of creation. Seeking and knowing You is an adventure. you are the planner and the completer of all my adventures! I will let You help me write my list!!
That is a question posed by many people. Some go so far as to write out a list of things to do before they die. I've watched a show called Buried Life that is dedicated to fulfilling the "Before I die" lists. So I've wondered what I would write on my list.
Dreams are elusive. They are not easy to write in permanent ink. Ink makes them real and frightening. What would happen if I wrote my list and then laid it aside never reaching for those amazing moments that I dream about? It may not make a difference, but then it could make all the difference.
I think I need to make a list!
Living God, You are an amazing adventurer! You not only invite me to explore Your creation and discover the abundant blessings of living life fully, but You also join in the adventure! You became a man, experiencing all that life holds! You join Yourself to me through Your Holy Spirit and ask me to risk and reach into unknown areas and live! You began the adventure of creation. Seeking and knowing You is an adventure. you are the planner and the completer of all my adventures! I will let You help me write my list!!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
I've Said It Before
I've said it before and will say it again. I would love to see myself from behind the eyes of others.
Though I need affirmation and feedback from people (maybe more than others), I desire most to be able to see myself from behind the eyes of my Heavenly Father.
What does He see from my actions? What do my actions tell Him? My trust in Him? My belief in who He is? Yes, He sees the heart but what do my actions reveal to Him? To others?
I often feel like the pottery piece shown last night at our Significant Woman class. It was a beautiful vase with a heart design. A large gash splits the vase down the center. I feel vulnerable, wounded and incapable of being of use to the one who holds me in His hands.
Father, You can use any willing vessel. I am willing, but flawed! What can I do for You? What do I have to offer Your kingdom? To whom shall I take Your message? How do I go when they don't call? How do I tell when they won't hear? How do I reach when the doors are closed or my resources limited? Teach me,Lord to follow the direction Your finger points! Teach me to do and leave the results up to You! Teach me to trust You in the risk. Teach me the magnitude of small steps. Teach me!
Though I need affirmation and feedback from people (maybe more than others), I desire most to be able to see myself from behind the eyes of my Heavenly Father.
What does He see from my actions? What do my actions tell Him? My trust in Him? My belief in who He is? Yes, He sees the heart but what do my actions reveal to Him? To others?
I often feel like the pottery piece shown last night at our Significant Woman class. It was a beautiful vase with a heart design. A large gash splits the vase down the center. I feel vulnerable, wounded and incapable of being of use to the one who holds me in His hands.
Father, You can use any willing vessel. I am willing, but flawed! What can I do for You? What do I have to offer Your kingdom? To whom shall I take Your message? How do I go when they don't call? How do I tell when they won't hear? How do I reach when the doors are closed or my resources limited? Teach me,Lord to follow the direction Your finger points! Teach me to do and leave the results up to You! Teach me to trust You in the risk. Teach me the magnitude of small steps. Teach me!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Mission Statement
Years ago I wrote a mission statement stating the following:
My Mission is to communicate God's truth to families in creative ways;
To put aside my wisdom, strength, and riches so I may understand and know the Lord God of kindness, justice, and righteousness, and to build my family on that understanding and knowledge;
To write in order to strengthen, support, encourage, and celebrate family relationships in loving one another.
Recently, I have rewritten my mission statement, simplifying so that my focus is clear and precise.
MY MISSION:
To communicate God's truth to families, helping to strengthen, encourage, and celebrate their relationships with God and others in inspirational and creative ways through writing and speaking.
Father in Heaven, you alone know the purpose and plan for my life. You reveal it to me through Your word, Your, Spirit and Your people. This statement that I have made is only a glimpse of what You have for me. You continually open my eyes to what You call me to do. I want to be faithful to You and Your calling. If I am amiss in my vision correct me. Set me on the straight and narrow path to complete the work you have for me to do!
My Mission is to communicate God's truth to families in creative ways;
To put aside my wisdom, strength, and riches so I may understand and know the Lord God of kindness, justice, and righteousness, and to build my family on that understanding and knowledge;
To write in order to strengthen, support, encourage, and celebrate family relationships in loving one another.
Recently, I have rewritten my mission statement, simplifying so that my focus is clear and precise.
MY MISSION:
To communicate God's truth to families, helping to strengthen, encourage, and celebrate their relationships with God and others in inspirational and creative ways through writing and speaking.
Father in Heaven, you alone know the purpose and plan for my life. You reveal it to me through Your word, Your, Spirit and Your people. This statement that I have made is only a glimpse of what You have for me. You continually open my eyes to what You call me to do. I want to be faithful to You and Your calling. If I am amiss in my vision correct me. Set me on the straight and narrow path to complete the work you have for me to do!
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