I have a job. In fact I have about three or more that keep me more than busy. However, they do not pay a regular or sufficient salary. I am a housekeeper, a childcare worker for my Grandchildren, and a poet and Inspirational Speaker. Each one of these jobs have many tasks that beg to get done on a daily basis. So, why am I looking for another job?
I don't really need anything more to do. I have a list waiting and growing as I sit here. A different job will replace and limit some of what I do now, but not all. I don't like the idea of looking for employment outside of my home. It has been too many years and I've become comfortable in my present employment. I would prefer to set my own hours (I work best late at night), and plan my days according to the voice of God, not man, but I do see advantages in new employment.
The greatest advantage I see is that I can contribute to our retirement in a more substantial and regular way. Patrick and I have dreams to which we strive. If I can help make them happen it is worth the apprehension I feel about going outside my home to work.
Our dreams push me toward this search. My prayer is for God's direction and perfect and complete will to be done in me. I choose to be brave in taking this step with determination and faith.
Father, You are the Planner of my life. Your plan is good and perfect. You are my Lord and I want to do Your will in all things. The only thing is that I sometimes take my eyes off of You and look to the world to find my answers. Thanks for calling out to me as I take this path. I want to follow You and not a fading dream. Lord, I place the outcome of this in Your hands. I ask You to give me courage to proceed. I also place my passion for writing and speaking in Your hands. I know your plan and purpose for my life will be fulfilled.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Advice or Prayer
When we ask for prayer from others are we asking for advice?
There are so many times I do not ask for prayer from others because I don't want their advice. I want God to do a work in my life. As the saying goes: If I want advice I will ask for it. If I am asking for prayer I appreciate knowing my friends will pray first before sharing what they might think God is telling me.
I guess I believe that God will give me the answer because it is my problem. Yes, sometimes I won't listen, and He might need to send a messenger to make His will known, but most of the time I hear and obey. It does not seem necessary for others to jump in with advice before they pray.
I also have found myself giving advice when asked to pray. I am ashamed to say that my assumptions about others' problems were not always correct. In fact, when I think I know the answer to my own prayers I am also wrong. Assuming that I know the answer is arrogant. Because I have found myself advising before praying, and recognizing my faulty assumptions, I have decided to watch myself. I will step aside and allow God to direct my friend and myself as well.
Father, You have given us a precious gift in prayer. We communicate with YOU, the all-knowing, Good and prefect Creator. I can never compare to You in my advice and certainly, I do not know the answer You would give until I talk to You! Forgive me for being arrogant in putting my thoughts and ideas ahead of Yours. Thank You for using friends and prayer warriors to reveal Your desires when I do not listen to Your voice. Help me to grow humble before You and let You be God when someone asks me to pray.
There are so many times I do not ask for prayer from others because I don't want their advice. I want God to do a work in my life. As the saying goes: If I want advice I will ask for it. If I am asking for prayer I appreciate knowing my friends will pray first before sharing what they might think God is telling me.
I guess I believe that God will give me the answer because it is my problem. Yes, sometimes I won't listen, and He might need to send a messenger to make His will known, but most of the time I hear and obey. It does not seem necessary for others to jump in with advice before they pray.
I also have found myself giving advice when asked to pray. I am ashamed to say that my assumptions about others' problems were not always correct. In fact, when I think I know the answer to my own prayers I am also wrong. Assuming that I know the answer is arrogant. Because I have found myself advising before praying, and recognizing my faulty assumptions, I have decided to watch myself. I will step aside and allow God to direct my friend and myself as well.
Father, You have given us a precious gift in prayer. We communicate with YOU, the all-knowing, Good and prefect Creator. I can never compare to You in my advice and certainly, I do not know the answer You would give until I talk to You! Forgive me for being arrogant in putting my thoughts and ideas ahead of Yours. Thank You for using friends and prayer warriors to reveal Your desires when I do not listen to Your voice. Help me to grow humble before You and let You be God when someone asks me to pray.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Mom's Birthday
Saturday was a busy day for me. A memorial service in which I read one of my poems, a baby shower for my daughter who is expecting in September, and my Mom's 80th birthday was on my list.
I began my day thinking of my Mom. I said a prayer for her and thanked God that she is still with us. I could not be with her since she lives 3000 miles from me, but I wanted God to shower her with love, grace, and special fun. She would be enjoying a family dinner with most of her loved ones in attendance, I wanted to be there too, but there are somethings that just can't be helped. The Florida family sent flowers. She loves flowers! I am sure she would have preferred having us there, but flowers will do.
During the memorial service, I also thought of my Mom. I asked God to let me see her again before it would be her time.
The baby shower also reminded me of her. She would have been so excited to have been there! she loves babies! Mom is having the privilege of four, yes, FOUR new great grandchildren this year! She thinks they are all beautiful and smart!
Mom has been blessed to live for 80 years. She has seen many changes and she, too, has changed! She has learned many lessons life offers. I wrote a poem for her years ago and i will post it on my poetry blog. If you are interested you can read it at http://poetryimpressed.blogspot.com.
Happy Birthday, Mom! I am so happy to celebrate YOU! God has richly blessed me with you as my Mom.
Father, You are so wise and good! You have blessed my life with a Mom who has helped me to grow in loving You and loving others. Bless my mom as she gets older. Bless her with health and protection and provision for her needs. I know You love her smile just like I do...You made it just for her! Thanks!
I began my day thinking of my Mom. I said a prayer for her and thanked God that she is still with us. I could not be with her since she lives 3000 miles from me, but I wanted God to shower her with love, grace, and special fun. She would be enjoying a family dinner with most of her loved ones in attendance, I wanted to be there too, but there are somethings that just can't be helped. The Florida family sent flowers. She loves flowers! I am sure she would have preferred having us there, but flowers will do.
During the memorial service, I also thought of my Mom. I asked God to let me see her again before it would be her time.
The baby shower also reminded me of her. She would have been so excited to have been there! she loves babies! Mom is having the privilege of four, yes, FOUR new great grandchildren this year! She thinks they are all beautiful and smart!
Mom has been blessed to live for 80 years. She has seen many changes and she, too, has changed! She has learned many lessons life offers. I wrote a poem for her years ago and i will post it on my poetry blog. If you are interested you can read it at http://poetryimpressed.blogspot.com.
Happy Birthday, Mom! I am so happy to celebrate YOU! God has richly blessed me with you as my Mom.
Father, You are so wise and good! You have blessed my life with a Mom who has helped me to grow in loving You and loving others. Bless my mom as she gets older. Bless her with health and protection and provision for her needs. I know You love her smile just like I do...You made it just for her! Thanks!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Faith-Filled Dreams
Why is it so hard to let go of dreams and hold onto faith? Dreams can be difficult to attain and yet the desire for their realization tempts us over and over. We grasp for those visions and believe if only we try hard enough, it will happen. Faith, on the other hand, seems to slip away so easily from us with a simple word or circumstance.
Sometimes the loss of a dream causes a loss of faith. It is sad indeed to lose faith over worldly hopes, but we too often choose what we would see more than what we cannot see. A woman seeking the love of a man might surrender her faith to get him. A couple dreaming of a perfect home might manipulate and forget their faith in order to gain what may someday become a nightmare. There are many dreams that have the foundation of faith, but there are also those that have no support. The only way to hold onto faith is to let your dreams be rooted in a faith that is based in truth.
Faith founded on the one true God and His plan for our lives, His wisdom and great love for us, is the only sure way to find our dreams and the desires of our hearts fulfilled. Yes, I have known the sadness of losing those dreams I wanted from the world. I have also had the deep abiding joy of receiving from God's hand the things I most desire.
Father God, You have generous hands. You know my heart and You supply all my needs and most of my desires. Trusting in You is a sure foundation. Thank You for allowing me to dream big when walking hand in hand with You. Thank You for leading me into the best places....those green pastures where You shepherd me safely. I love You, Lord
Sometimes the loss of a dream causes a loss of faith. It is sad indeed to lose faith over worldly hopes, but we too often choose what we would see more than what we cannot see. A woman seeking the love of a man might surrender her faith to get him. A couple dreaming of a perfect home might manipulate and forget their faith in order to gain what may someday become a nightmare. There are many dreams that have the foundation of faith, but there are also those that have no support. The only way to hold onto faith is to let your dreams be rooted in a faith that is based in truth.
Faith founded on the one true God and His plan for our lives, His wisdom and great love for us, is the only sure way to find our dreams and the desires of our hearts fulfilled. Yes, I have known the sadness of losing those dreams I wanted from the world. I have also had the deep abiding joy of receiving from God's hand the things I most desire.
Father God, You have generous hands. You know my heart and You supply all my needs and most of my desires. Trusting in You is a sure foundation. Thank You for allowing me to dream big when walking hand in hand with You. Thank You for leading me into the best places....those green pastures where You shepherd me safely. I love You, Lord
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Face to Face
This morning as I drove to a doctor appointment, I listened to a talk show devoted to modesty. The arguments given about the state of immodesty in our country were not new to me. I kept listening hoping they would mention my own thoughts about "Modest" dressing. Though the show centered on dress for women I believe modesty is meant for both women and men.
The show host finally asked the question: "Where does relationship start?" From that he let it be known that it starts with the face. When we wear immodest clothing the eyes travel away from the face to other parts of the body. This was what I wanted to hear. Years ago I judged my children's' attire by looking and determining where my eye landed. I spoke to my daughters' often about wearing clothing that would draw they eye upwards to the face and their beautiful brown eyes. I mentioned this to my 10 year old granddaughter this past week too.
Too tight jeans, or pants hanging low so that the hand holds them up in a conspicuous place, or low cut blouses, or any distracting attire is not becoming, nor modest. Maybe I am old fashioned, but I pray the revival of our hearts will be seen in our dress. No, I don't think it necessary to remove slacks or bright colors from our wardrobe, nor do I think we need to wear our skirts around our ankles. Christians are given freedom in Christ and we are responsible to use it wisely!
Our choices should draw others to look into our eyes and see the joy and wonder of God! We should let our faces be transparent and reflect the light of Christ!
Are you wearing Christ? Are you framing His reflection with what you wear? He has earned the right to be the focus in our lives. Romans 12:1....present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him!
Holy Father, You are worthy. You deserve my concern over how others see me. Teach me to be modest, humbling myself so that You might be glorified! Thank You for living in my heart and giving me a light to show others! I love You!
The show host finally asked the question: "Where does relationship start?" From that he let it be known that it starts with the face. When we wear immodest clothing the eyes travel away from the face to other parts of the body. This was what I wanted to hear. Years ago I judged my children's' attire by looking and determining where my eye landed. I spoke to my daughters' often about wearing clothing that would draw they eye upwards to the face and their beautiful brown eyes. I mentioned this to my 10 year old granddaughter this past week too.
Too tight jeans, or pants hanging low so that the hand holds them up in a conspicuous place, or low cut blouses, or any distracting attire is not becoming, nor modest. Maybe I am old fashioned, but I pray the revival of our hearts will be seen in our dress. No, I don't think it necessary to remove slacks or bright colors from our wardrobe, nor do I think we need to wear our skirts around our ankles. Christians are given freedom in Christ and we are responsible to use it wisely!
Our choices should draw others to look into our eyes and see the joy and wonder of God! We should let our faces be transparent and reflect the light of Christ!
Are you wearing Christ? Are you framing His reflection with what you wear? He has earned the right to be the focus in our lives. Romans 12:1....present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him!
Holy Father, You are worthy. You deserve my concern over how others see me. Teach me to be modest, humbling myself so that You might be glorified! Thank You for living in my heart and giving me a light to show others! I love You!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Silence
When you don't have anything to say, do you still try to come up with something? I do sometimes, but today I just want to be silent and listen. Maybe I am waiting for you to say something. Maybe I am waiting on the Lord.
Father, Your voice is always a welcome sound to me. "Speak Lord. I love to listen to Your voice . See, Lord, here I am." (Words to an old song we sang in the Catholic church. Beautiful and I love them. )
Father, Your voice is always a welcome sound to me. "Speak Lord. I love to listen to Your voice . See, Lord, here I am." (Words to an old song we sang in the Catholic church. Beautiful and I love them. )
Monday, August 2, 2010
Asking
Today I had a big prayer request for God. I had put off asking because so many other people seemed to have greater needs than mine. It was only when I heard the Spirit of God remind me that His word says that I have not because I don't ask, and when I ask I don't ask in the right way, with the right heart. So, I asked.
I'd like to say the answer has arrived with all the bells and whistles, but it hasn't, not yet, anyway. I am expecting an answer, even if it isn't exactly what my heart desires. I won't manipulate to get my own way. I won't "claim" my answer. I won't forget that God loves me and gives good gifts to His children. I asked. I told Him all that I wanted. Now I "Claim" who He is in my life and let Him be enough for me.
Abba Father, you are the giver of all good gifts. You are wise and all knowing. You are the only one who loves me perfectly, and in Your love I can be sure that You want to bless me with my hearts desires. I am selfish at times and I want so much. I know that in the world my prayer may be seen as too much, but I know You are able. Thank You for listening to my requests. Thank You for making plans to bless me. Thank You for being all I need. I know that You will supply all my needs according to Your riches. I need to hear Your voice and see You in every circumstance. I want to be in Your presence.
I'd like to say the answer has arrived with all the bells and whistles, but it hasn't, not yet, anyway. I am expecting an answer, even if it isn't exactly what my heart desires. I won't manipulate to get my own way. I won't "claim" my answer. I won't forget that God loves me and gives good gifts to His children. I asked. I told Him all that I wanted. Now I "Claim" who He is in my life and let Him be enough for me.
Abba Father, you are the giver of all good gifts. You are wise and all knowing. You are the only one who loves me perfectly, and in Your love I can be sure that You want to bless me with my hearts desires. I am selfish at times and I want so much. I know that in the world my prayer may be seen as too much, but I know You are able. Thank You for listening to my requests. Thank You for making plans to bless me. Thank You for being all I need. I know that You will supply all my needs according to Your riches. I need to hear Your voice and see You in every circumstance. I want to be in Your presence.
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