Someone has said silence is golden. I am finding out that it is true. I reserve part of my day to sit in silence, work in silence, and rest in silence. Silence is refreshing and renewing!
Our world fights silence. We have media of all kinds blasting at us at all times. We need to make a determined effort to visit ourselves and our Father God in the silence. It is not easy to turn off the phone, radio, t.v. and computer. It is not easy to find time away from the noise of family, friends, coworkers, etc. It takes courage to walk away to a silent place, because that is when we hear the things we have been trying to shut out with the noise.
In the silence we hear our own thoughts much clearer. We hear the whispers of God, and in silence, we feel deeper emotions. Silence has a sound. It is the voice of simple truth if we sit with God. Another truth is that we must silence our own thoughts and words in order to hear the still small voice of our Heavenly Father.
Hearing Gods' voice is one of the most delightful treasures in my life. In the silence He speaks words of love, encouragement, hope and direction. We need the silence to wrap around us so that we may hear His precious voice.
It is time to turn off the noise. There will be another time to hear the music, speak out, and listen to the world, but now is the time to enjoy the gift of silence.
Father, You hear my whispers to You in the dark of night. You sit in silence waiting for me to join You in a time of refreshing and renewal. Your voice is all I want and I choose to turn away from the world in order to hear Your voice. Thank You for loving me in the quiet places and in the chaos of noise. Thank You for letting me go deeper into Your heart when the hush falls over me. Speak silence into my life and heart that I might know You more! I love You, Lord!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Simplicity
I have been cleaning out closets, drawers and hidden spaces for weeks now. The job seems to grow more than diminish. I am finding that I have a mountain of paper to conquer. Just like any mountain it takes one step at a time to reach the top!
The more I delve into my task, the more I crave simplicity. I want to minimize the clutter. I want to throw away that which serves no useful purpose. I want to live smaller. I do not want to give up the richness of the written word, nor do I want to close myself off from the beauty that enriches my soul. but I do want to make it possible to really see the beauty and richness of life's blessings. I cannot do it when there is so much, and it becomes hidden under trivial things.
So, I plod my way through all the mess. I sort, organize, throw away and minimize. I have a long, long way to go. My road to simplicity is lined with litter from my past desires to hold on to what I thought was good. It is paved with good intentions. It is traveled slowly and one step at a time.
Father in Heaven, I imagine Your home in heaven to be simple beauty. I want that here as best I can. There is much for me to do to get where I want to be. I want Your strength, Your grace, and Your wisdom to guide me in this pursuit! Thank You for Your Spirit that draws me closer to heaven and calls me to simplicity!
The more I delve into my task, the more I crave simplicity. I want to minimize the clutter. I want to throw away that which serves no useful purpose. I want to live smaller. I do not want to give up the richness of the written word, nor do I want to close myself off from the beauty that enriches my soul. but I do want to make it possible to really see the beauty and richness of life's blessings. I cannot do it when there is so much, and it becomes hidden under trivial things.
So, I plod my way through all the mess. I sort, organize, throw away and minimize. I have a long, long way to go. My road to simplicity is lined with litter from my past desires to hold on to what I thought was good. It is paved with good intentions. It is traveled slowly and one step at a time.
Father in Heaven, I imagine Your home in heaven to be simple beauty. I want that here as best I can. There is much for me to do to get where I want to be. I want Your strength, Your grace, and Your wisdom to guide me in this pursuit! Thank You for Your Spirit that draws me closer to heaven and calls me to simplicity!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Spiritual Warfare
We have an enemy that is unseen. We may not see his person, but we certainly know he exists and intends to do evil towards us. We hear his voice tempting us to join him in the evil he plans for ourselves, our families and others. The world does his bidding without much thought. As Christians we must recognize who is setting a plan before us and resist the Evil Ones' enticement no matter how convincing he makes it.
The knowledge that we have an unseen enemy can be frightening, but knowing that we have a Greater God to turn to for help is empowering. God is love and there is great power in love. It is our strongest weapon against evil. No good can come by trying to defeat evil with more evil.
Last night I caught the last part of a show on tv. I think it was Primetime. They were discussing that there are some people who have a certain type of brain function (or lack thereof) that are predisposed to murder. Studies seem to conclude that DNA and brain activity can be factors in determining why some people commit murder after seemingly living a normal life.
The most interesting part about the show was that the researcher began to talk to his mother, who encouraged him to study his family history. It seems his father had a linage of murderers on his family tree, including Lizzie Bordon. He then did studies on himself, his mother, wife and children. The results were surprising in that only one person had the genetic and brain function the same as those of killers he had studied. He had both residing in himself.
Why had he not exhibited the traits seen in the lives of those he studied? He knew there had to be a mitigating factor. He determined that it was the overwhelming love he experienced as a child and as an adult. He was drenched in the love of his family. The power of love successfully overcame his seemingly evil tendencies. He did not mention a spiritual source of the love given but certainly God is the God of all true love experiences.
So what does this have to do with me and you? I think it speaks clearly about the need for love in our lives if we are to overcome the temptations of the Evil One. We must have an unlimited source of love. We must have God!
God You are Love. You are the Source and Power of Love in the world. You are the only defense against the enemy who seeks to steal kill and destroy us. Lord, I want to love, but I so often fail to love purely or to love the unlovable. Thank You for proving to me that it is possible to love those who do not deserve it. Thank You for demonstrating love that comes from choosing not feeling. Help me to love. Let me be a vessel to pour Your love out to a hurting world. I need You and I need Your love!
The knowledge that we have an unseen enemy can be frightening, but knowing that we have a Greater God to turn to for help is empowering. God is love and there is great power in love. It is our strongest weapon against evil. No good can come by trying to defeat evil with more evil.
Last night I caught the last part of a show on tv. I think it was Primetime. They were discussing that there are some people who have a certain type of brain function (or lack thereof) that are predisposed to murder. Studies seem to conclude that DNA and brain activity can be factors in determining why some people commit murder after seemingly living a normal life.
The most interesting part about the show was that the researcher began to talk to his mother, who encouraged him to study his family history. It seems his father had a linage of murderers on his family tree, including Lizzie Bordon. He then did studies on himself, his mother, wife and children. The results were surprising in that only one person had the genetic and brain function the same as those of killers he had studied. He had both residing in himself.
Why had he not exhibited the traits seen in the lives of those he studied? He knew there had to be a mitigating factor. He determined that it was the overwhelming love he experienced as a child and as an adult. He was drenched in the love of his family. The power of love successfully overcame his seemingly evil tendencies. He did not mention a spiritual source of the love given but certainly God is the God of all true love experiences.
So what does this have to do with me and you? I think it speaks clearly about the need for love in our lives if we are to overcome the temptations of the Evil One. We must have an unlimited source of love. We must have God!
God You are Love. You are the Source and Power of Love in the world. You are the only defense against the enemy who seeks to steal kill and destroy us. Lord, I want to love, but I so often fail to love purely or to love the unlovable. Thank You for proving to me that it is possible to love those who do not deserve it. Thank You for demonstrating love that comes from choosing not feeling. Help me to love. Let me be a vessel to pour Your love out to a hurting world. I need You and I need Your love!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Telling Myself the Truth
"Am I judgemental?" was a question posed by a young woman who has high standards. I can't read the intentions of her heart, but my answer to her included my own experience with judging others. Her response revealed that she was not willing to even accept the possibility that she might be something she did not want to be. She asked a question to which she did not want an honest answer, even if the answer came from herself.
Sin likes to hide in the darkness. The truth may lie hidden under the false humility of asking a question we really don't intend to answer truthfully. We do not want to see ourselves as we are because our "High standards" do not permit that failure in our lives. The shadows of pretense successfully mask the truth, and our sin is not dealt with completely.
Sin is like the tiny thread that dangles from a seam. If we care for it immediately destruction is avoided. If we ignore it there will come a day when the garment is unwearable. Sin is like a stain on a favorite dress. It needs to be attended to with the proper cleaner for that particular stain. Left unaddressed the stain becomes harder to remove.
Honesty with ourselves is the first step toward freedom from sin. If we cannot say we sin, there is no offer of forgiveness and grace. If we think we can decide for ourselves what is right and wrong we wear the mantel of humanism. Where do we find the truth that we must tell ourselves? We find it in God's Word and through his Holy Spirit. It is HIS standard, not our own that we need with which to compare our selves. The light of His Word shining on our lives will spotlight the sin in us. We then have a choice to run and hide behind the mask we wear, or tell ourselves the truth and begin the change.
Light of the World, You are Truth and Mercy. You are the Grace I seek. You are the only way to holiness. My sins are many. I fail often to allow truth to open my eyes before damage to myself and others. Thank You, Father, for being persistent in calling me to repentance. I need Your voice to reveal truth to me so that I might tell myself the truth and make the right decision to change.
Sin likes to hide in the darkness. The truth may lie hidden under the false humility of asking a question we really don't intend to answer truthfully. We do not want to see ourselves as we are because our "High standards" do not permit that failure in our lives. The shadows of pretense successfully mask the truth, and our sin is not dealt with completely.
Sin is like the tiny thread that dangles from a seam. If we care for it immediately destruction is avoided. If we ignore it there will come a day when the garment is unwearable. Sin is like a stain on a favorite dress. It needs to be attended to with the proper cleaner for that particular stain. Left unaddressed the stain becomes harder to remove.
Honesty with ourselves is the first step toward freedom from sin. If we cannot say we sin, there is no offer of forgiveness and grace. If we think we can decide for ourselves what is right and wrong we wear the mantel of humanism. Where do we find the truth that we must tell ourselves? We find it in God's Word and through his Holy Spirit. It is HIS standard, not our own that we need with which to compare our selves. The light of His Word shining on our lives will spotlight the sin in us. We then have a choice to run and hide behind the mask we wear, or tell ourselves the truth and begin the change.
Light of the World, You are Truth and Mercy. You are the Grace I seek. You are the only way to holiness. My sins are many. I fail often to allow truth to open my eyes before damage to myself and others. Thank You, Father, for being persistent in calling me to repentance. I need Your voice to reveal truth to me so that I might tell myself the truth and make the right decision to change.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Vote with Joy
Voting can be a stressful activity. No one likes the attack ads, but often it is all we are offered to make our decision at the polling place. Researching the candidates takes time and effort that many of us do not easily find in our busy days. Who do we believe? Who can we trust with the business of running our beloved country? Our lives are affected by our choices for generations to come. Voting is important! It is a responsibility we cannot ignore. It is a privilege we can lose if we do not use it wisely!
I just came back from voting in the primaries. It is the first, and I believe the most important step for the voters to be involved in fully. I spent much time visiting websites, reading up on candidates, and talking to others about their choices and ideas. The process has been long and sometimes irritating when watching the reputation soiling ads over and over again. But the day is here. It is time to rejoice in the process that sits at the core of our country's freedoms.
I love to vote at the voting booth on Election Day. It is a ceremony of freedom. It is a celebration of my rights, responsibility, and privilege! I dress the part by wearing one of my many patriotic shirts. I go early so that everyone will see that I have my "I voted" sticker proudly displayed on my shirt. I do it all prayerfully and with joy!
Father God, You are the author of Freedom and Liberty. You created us to live in freedom and yet, we placed ourselves in bondage to sin. It is because of You that we desire and seek freedom wherever it might be found. Thank You for allowing me to live in a country founded on the liberties You secure for us in Christ. Thank You for the process of voting. We need You to guide our hearts and our hands as we choose. We choose to rejoice in it all! Bless America today, Lord!
I just came back from voting in the primaries. It is the first, and I believe the most important step for the voters to be involved in fully. I spent much time visiting websites, reading up on candidates, and talking to others about their choices and ideas. The process has been long and sometimes irritating when watching the reputation soiling ads over and over again. But the day is here. It is time to rejoice in the process that sits at the core of our country's freedoms.
I love to vote at the voting booth on Election Day. It is a ceremony of freedom. It is a celebration of my rights, responsibility, and privilege! I dress the part by wearing one of my many patriotic shirts. I go early so that everyone will see that I have my "I voted" sticker proudly displayed on my shirt. I do it all prayerfully and with joy!
Father God, You are the author of Freedom and Liberty. You created us to live in freedom and yet, we placed ourselves in bondage to sin. It is because of You that we desire and seek freedom wherever it might be found. Thank You for allowing me to live in a country founded on the liberties You secure for us in Christ. Thank You for the process of voting. We need You to guide our hearts and our hands as we choose. We choose to rejoice in it all! Bless America today, Lord!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Birthdays & Other Celebrations
We celebrated three birthdays this weekend. Two were enjoyed long distance and one was with our family here! We also celebrated the great start to the cheer leading and gymnastics seasons for our granddaughters! Our grandman, Scott is starting preschool today so we marked his big step with a party. It was a busy, smiling weekend! We have a great reason to rejoice because the family we put the spot light on are loved greatly!
Patrick's sister, Crystal, turned_____ * on Saturday, August 21. She lives in south Florida so we did not get to see her but greetings were sent, via mail, Facebook and phone. Crystal is a caregiver for her husband, Alan. She is kind and loving to him even when it is hard for her. She is a grand hostess when people come to visit. Crystal has a shining brilliant heart filled with love.
My sister, Chris, also had a birthday Saturday. It was her _____ * birthday! Living in Colorado left us miles apart for her celebration, but again we made use of all methods to let her know we loved her and we are happy she is in the family. Chris is a gifted writer and creative mind. she has spent her entire career working for the people of her church. The hours she spends teaching, administrating and doing it all with a flair is amazing! Everyone would be blessed to have her on their team!
Our Son-in-law, Cliff, celebrated his birthday here with us. Actually today is his _____* birthday. The family joined to sing and share cake and ice cream for him last night. It was noisy and fun and tasty! I am glad all the cake is gone! Cliff is a prankster, creative mind, and hard worker. He is a tough Dad when he needs to be, but oh so gentle too.
Paige hit all her stunts at the preseason football warm up games. She is a flier this year and her petite size as well as her showmanship, make her perfect for that role. She loves the crowd. She works hard both at practice and at home so she can be her best. Paige will shine on the field this year!
Brooke surprised us all with the improvements she has made over the past six weeks at her new gym! She spruced up each routine and improved her scores! Brooke seems to practice all the time. She sets goals and masters them. She will be amazing at the meets this year!
Grandman Scott, has started preschool today. I enjoyed putting puzzles together with him last night and though I would ask about school and he would just say, "No," I know he will love it! I will miss him though!
The fun thing about watching our loved ones reach milestones is that we go through a milestone also. We grow and become new as our loved ones reach those special moments. We let go. We learn. We follow their lead. We pray more. We are changed.
Today I am sharing my family and their milestones with you. I am also offering you the insight that I, too, am reaching for milestones. Some, like letting go of my time with Grandman Scott, change me more than others, but they all bring me close to God in prayer.
Father, you are the head of my family. You created each of us and brought us together in special ways. You are the One who makes the perfect plan for our lives and You offer that plan to us. You do not force Your will, but allow us to accept it freely. I don't always allow that same freedom for my family, but I want to be more like You in that way. Thank You for modeling for me the best way to love and live with each other. I need You to lead me through these milestones!
( * ages have been withheld to avoid any problems with loved ones.)
Patrick's sister, Crystal, turned_____ * on Saturday, August 21. She lives in south Florida so we did not get to see her but greetings were sent, via mail, Facebook and phone. Crystal is a caregiver for her husband, Alan. She is kind and loving to him even when it is hard for her. She is a grand hostess when people come to visit. Crystal has a shining brilliant heart filled with love.
My sister, Chris, also had a birthday Saturday. It was her _____ * birthday! Living in Colorado left us miles apart for her celebration, but again we made use of all methods to let her know we loved her and we are happy she is in the family. Chris is a gifted writer and creative mind. she has spent her entire career working for the people of her church. The hours she spends teaching, administrating and doing it all with a flair is amazing! Everyone would be blessed to have her on their team!
Our Son-in-law, Cliff, celebrated his birthday here with us. Actually today is his _____* birthday. The family joined to sing and share cake and ice cream for him last night. It was noisy and fun and tasty! I am glad all the cake is gone! Cliff is a prankster, creative mind, and hard worker. He is a tough Dad when he needs to be, but oh so gentle too.
Paige hit all her stunts at the preseason football warm up games. She is a flier this year and her petite size as well as her showmanship, make her perfect for that role. She loves the crowd. She works hard both at practice and at home so she can be her best. Paige will shine on the field this year!
Brooke surprised us all with the improvements she has made over the past six weeks at her new gym! She spruced up each routine and improved her scores! Brooke seems to practice all the time. She sets goals and masters them. She will be amazing at the meets this year!
Grandman Scott, has started preschool today. I enjoyed putting puzzles together with him last night and though I would ask about school and he would just say, "No," I know he will love it! I will miss him though!
The fun thing about watching our loved ones reach milestones is that we go through a milestone also. We grow and become new as our loved ones reach those special moments. We let go. We learn. We follow their lead. We pray more. We are changed.
Today I am sharing my family and their milestones with you. I am also offering you the insight that I, too, am reaching for milestones. Some, like letting go of my time with Grandman Scott, change me more than others, but they all bring me close to God in prayer.
Father, you are the head of my family. You created each of us and brought us together in special ways. You are the One who makes the perfect plan for our lives and You offer that plan to us. You do not force Your will, but allow us to accept it freely. I don't always allow that same freedom for my family, but I want to be more like You in that way. Thank You for modeling for me the best way to love and live with each other. I need You to lead me through these milestones!
( * ages have been withheld to avoid any problems with loved ones.)
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!
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