But~Five Minute Friday

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“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

This Queen Bee has a Big But

One Christmas not long ago, my mom got me these “Queen Bee” slippers. Not only did my feet slide right in comfortably, I liked to believe the title fit perfectly in my life as well. You know, in charge of my “hive,” anticipating what comes in and goes out, and with all the hard work paying off sweetly? In other words, I like to be the queen in command of everything. Maybe you already knows how that has turned out. Unfortunately, my prayer life suffers from my trying to wear the crown of control too.

When I pray, I earnestly tell God that I desire to be radically used by Him.  The words however, are usually not yet off my tongue before I feel a tightening in my chest and the next breath caught in my throat. Yep, there it is.…I know it and God definitely knows it because it’s a reoccurring reaction in my prayer time…..It’s my BIG BUT getting in the way! (Sometimes I crack myself up, haha!)

Seriously, wanting to be used by God, to hear his calling and answer is my sincere desire, BUT:  I want to do it without leaving my comfort zone, sacrificing too much, or suffering in the process.  In other words, I want to do God’s work BUT do it MY way like a “Queen Bee.” Can you relate because you also have a big but like mine?

Remember with me the “Parable of the Talents,” told in Matthew 25:14-30.  Jesus shared with his listeners a story about a man who gave his servants some of his money to take care of in his absence. Two of the servants used the money they’d been given to make more for their master.  The last servant was too afraid to take a risk…he had a “big but” if you will; and so, he buried the coins only to return what he’d been given.  I’m afraid I’m an awful lot like that third servant by offering a poor return on God’s investment.

God entrusts us with talents, time, money, and other gifts.  What we do with them is up to us. Will we use them to serve God or will we, ME, make excuses or let fear keep us from doing what He asks of us?  So, what’s a gal (or guy) with a BIG BUT to do? I don’t have it all figured out yet but here’s where I’m learning we need to start:

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.  May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on firm footing.”
Psalm 143:10 (NIV) (emphasis mine)

Did you catch that? We’re not supposed to do the work God has for us on our own. (You’d think I’d have learned this by now). It’s God’s instruction and guidance we need to depend on to make the task before us attainable. It’s also important to be willing to put one foot in front of the other and “walk the walk” through our everyday lives in preparation for all God calls us to do. 

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for
this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

I’m certainly not there yet, maybe you aren’t either, but we need to remember it won’t happen all at once. However, if we’re willing, I believe with prayer, practice, perseverance, and taking baby steps as we follow after God, our BIG buts will shrink until they disappear from our prayers all together. I look forward to that time when they’re finally “behind” me. Will you join me in praying to be willing and take the first step on our “but-free” journey of doing God’s will, God’s way, and following the true King’s lead? It’s about time I take my crown off for good. How about you?

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses
to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down,
 especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of they awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)  

Joining once again with http://www.fiveminutefriday.com writing to the prompt “But”.

Noise~Five Minute Friday

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“Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips.” Psalm 141:3

Without Love

When this young, aspiring musician received his first set of drums, he put all his energy into becoming a cymbal virtuoso. Each time he picked up his sticks he’d use them to pummel those metal discs causing the room and me to seemingly vibrate! I could only take the cymbal noise for so long though before I had to cover my ears for protection and sometimes, I’d even have to leave the room.

Being at my grandson’s “rock concert” isn’t the only time I’ve experienced too much noise.The reverberation of words written or spoken by others have also caused me to pull away. Anyone else ever have someone want you to believe what they’re saying comes from a place of care, but the reality is, they tear you down to build themselves up? 

And how about social media? Edward Bulwer-Lytton said back in the 1800’s, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” He meant it in a very positive way. In our case, it can be said that the keyboard is mightier than the sword and it’s NOT so good at all.  We just have to glance in the comment sections of our own accounts or those of someone else’s to see that when using a screen as a shield, sharp words are easy to thrust into another’s heart.

Harsh words. Clang! Derogatory words. Bang! Threatening words. Crash! The vibration of unkind words in our feeds, on TV, or between people who don’t agree on something can fill our ears, our minds and our lives. I don’t know about you, but battered by it all, I sometimes just have to block out all the noise and leave the “room”. 

“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, 

but didn’t love others, I would only be

 a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”

1 Corinthians 13:1(NLT)

Before I move on I must tell you that I have been a “noisy gong or a clanging cymbal” myself more times than I’d like to admit. Maybe not as publicly as some, but in my mind or within a small trusted circle my “sticks” have bashed someone else. Why? I wasn’t speaking out of love. And that’s what we’re missing so much of the time today isn’t it? Love for one another.

It’s difficult for me to comprehend sometimes how freely foul language, hurtful words, and provokable dialog have replaced manners, common sense, and compassion. I guess some may say that I sound old and maybe I do, but it doesn’t change the fact that noisy gongs and clanging cymbals do nothing to create harmony to the ensemble of those around us or to our own souls.

I’ve already written past the suggested five minutes and I could probably continue on for quite awhile about my worries for the world and the future world of my grandsons, but in the end I still wouldn’t have answers for how to quell the negative cacophony being broadcast around us everyday. HOWEVER, I can do something about putting my sticks down and silencing my own part in it. Want to join me and put yours down too?

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. 

Let everything you say be good and helpful, 

so that your words will be encouragement to those who hear them.

Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) 

The Bible is full of guidance about the power of the words we say and how not to use our tongue as a weapon, but, “Let everything you say be good and helpful” pretty much says it all. I desire to make this my normal rhythm and to put it into practice I’ve been trying to “skip a beat” and pause before I respond verbally or before hitting send. Believe me, I’m still a work in progress but to help I’ve been stopping to ask myself first, “Is this going to add anything positive to the conversation?” Secondly, and maybe most importantly, “Would I say this if I was standing in front of the person I’m talking about or to?” Let me tell you, the delete button has been my friend! Maybe you know exactly what I mean. 

Here’s the hard truth: it doesn’t matter how much we think we know, how deeply we believe, or how convinced we are that we’re right, if we don’t convey our message with love for one another, we’re just making a lot of noise in world already full of gongs and cymbals that are so loud we want to cover our ears. So what do we do instead? Let’s ask God to help us be music to the ears of those listening, our words spoken with this kind of love:

“Love is patient; love is kind.

Love isn’t envious, doesn’t boast, brag, or strut about.

There’s no arrogance in love; 

it’s never rude, crude, or indecent-

it’s not self-absorbed.

Love isn’t easily upset.

Love doesn’t tally wrongs or celebrate injustice;

but truth-yes-truth-is love’s delight!”

1 Corinthians 13:4-6 (The Voice)

And even when we (I) know all of this and STILL are tempted to pick up the drum sticks? I’m learning we need to ultimately let these Words inspire us to lay them back down:

“May the words of my mouth

 and the meditation of my heart

 be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”

Psalm 19:14 (NLT)

Today I am joining others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com in writing to the prompt, Noise. Click over to read more!

Second~Five Minute Friday

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“This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

Second Guessing?

Living several hours away from my grandsons keeps me from being with them as often as I’d like. It also keeps me second guessing about the impact I have on each of them, the relationship we are building. Sometimes I’m afraid that “out of sight, out of mind” is more likely than “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” If you’re a long distance grandparent like me, you know exactly how heartbreaking it can feel.

This past week I was blessed to spend five days with the boys and saw them off to school, rode along to pick them up and heard about their day, helped with homework, bath time, and read bedtime stories as the day came to an end. But, the best part of myr stay was realizing that my second guessing may be unwarranted after all.

Three boys – three reassurances. They are little things by the world’s standards, but priceless to me. Each done independently, without prompting, and out of the blue.

First: the school work shown in the photo done by our youngest the week before we arrived. If you’ll look in the bottom right hand corner you’ll see faint drawings representing “MiMi and Pop Pop outside” his shape house with him. Despite the distance, we’re on his mind.

Second: A quick response. When saying our goodnights, I told our oldest that I loved him so very much and without missing a beat he responded, “I love you most!” Now I have to tell you, that’s impossible, but what a joy that despite the distance, he thinks it is.

Third: It was our last night. I’d read the story, said the prayer, and it was time to sing the songs I’ve been singing to them since they were babies.  Usually at this time our middle rolls over, and with his back to me he settles in to sleep. But on this night, as I stood in the dark with my hands stretched between two beds, a little hand slipped into mine and held on even after the songs ended. Despite the distance, a connection has formed.

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful,
 and endures through every circumstance.
Love never fails.”
1 Corinthians 13:7-8a (NLT)

There’s another relationship I can also find myself second guessing about. I don’t know about you, but to me, Heaven seems awfully far away and because of that, it sometimes feels as if I’m out of sight and out of God’s mind. If it seems like you’re a long-distance child with lots to learn like me, you know how burdened our hearts can feel.

Thankfully, God is great at reassuring us. It’s usually in little ways the world doesn’t understand, but each one an invaluable reminder that our second guessing isn’t warranted at all. Let’s look at just a few.

First: Jesus “draws a picture” that includes us and it shows that despite the distance, we’re on His mind.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me also.
There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.
If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to
prepare a place for you? When everything is ready
I will come and get you, so that you will always
be with me where I am.”
John 14:1-3 (NLT)

Second: We know that we’re to love God with every part of our beings and we can show that love for Him in many ways, through our prayers, with our time, what we give, offering praise, but it is absolutely impossible for us to love God more than He loves us. God IS love and despite the distance, it’s a comfort to know He is.

“Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person,
though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.
But God showed his great love for us by
sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Romans 5:7-8 (NLT)

Third: I don’t know about you, but I cherish the times I receive what I like to call a “God wink.” Those times I sense His presence. Often it’s through the stories in the Bible, an answered prayer, or the lyrics of a song that come just when I need them. When you and I feel that we’re in the dark or we literally are, what a relief it is to know we are in the hands of One who will never let go. Despite the distance, we are forever connected. 

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.
Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,
neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow-
not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.”
Romans 8:38 (NLT)

This “MiMi” and “child of God who has much to learn” is so grateful to be reminded that there’s no need for second guessing, maybe you are too, because the truth for us is, when it comes to love, there is absolutely no distance it won’t go.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and
only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him
will not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 (NLT)

I’m joining the other writers over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com and writing to the prompt “Second.” I encourage you to click over to read more.

Satisfied~Five Minute Friday

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For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Gifts that Satisfy

Another Christmas is behind us now and as I reflect on it and Christmases past, I realize that there are few other times in our lives that are filled with as many expectations than there are during the holiday season. And not just any old expectations, but HIGH expectations and none so evident than those of my students each December of my teaching career.

Teaching in a small, rural school Christmas was celebrated in every classroom. Children drew a name of a classmate to buy a gift for and teachers purchased gifts for each of their students, all to be exchanged on the last day before break. The tree went up, the gifts went under, the expectations grew. 

Each year’s celebration went pretty much the same: a Christmas craft while listening to carols play, gorging on treats and pop proudly brought in by each child, and then the moment they’d not so patiently been waiting for….opening their gifts. And each year I witnessed the same reactions as my students opened the presents I’d carefully wrapped for each of them and it was rarely what I hoped for.

No matter how much thought I put into the presents I purchased, the majority of my students weren’t satisfied with what they received. You see, they pictured me as someone who would make their wishes come true, could afford to buy them the gift of their dreams, the one who would get them exactly what they wanted. And so, when the contents of the torn paper was revealed some of the kids visibly let out a sad sigh, others just slowly pushed the gift aside, and one or two every year would look at me and with disappointment ask, “Is this all?”

Those precious students I taught weren’t trying to be mean or rude; they just expected more or something different from me than they received. As I’ve pondered on this since Friday, something has occurred to me. (Surprise, surprise!) Isn’t this just the way we or maybe I should say the way I respond to what God offers? 

There’s no doubt that my prayers can often turn in to a “wish list” for God. Maybe yours can too. We know that God is all powerful and the Bible tells us over and over that He can do anything, and so we see Him as the One who can make our wishes come true, give us what our dreams are made of, and make happen exactly what we want.

Then, what we receive is revealed, and sometimes all we can do is sigh. Maybe we push it aside trying hard to ignore what we’ve received, and if you’re like me, we’ve even raise our hands to the sky and ask with disappointment, “Is this all?” More often than we’d like, we’re just not satisfied.

“Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down
from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:16-17 (NIV)

“And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit,
 because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance
with the will of God. And we know that in all things
God works for the good of those who love Him,
who havebeen called according to His purpose.
”Romans 8:27-28 (NIV)

What I’m reminded of is this: there’s a BIG difference between an imperfect teacher trying her best to give a gift that will measure up to her students’ expectations and our perfect Father who always offers us the very best. And here’s the thing, those gifts, His will, is always going to far exceed our expectations, even in our disappointment, when we truly trust the Giver. 

The truth is, I could never have satisfied the wishes of those children who passed through my classroom over the years. They didn’t understand what their desires would have really cost, the effect it would have had on my own family, or how the presents I gave were really an expression of my love and care for them. 

My friends, as we move into a new year, let’s try and remember as children of God that He’s already paid the cost for our misdirected desires, He knows the effects that will result from giving us what we wish for, and most of all, that even when we don’t understand what we find ourselves given, we can know it’s all wrapped in the only Love that will ever satisfy.

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child,
I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways
of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection
as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part;
then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love.
But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:11-13

If you’d like to read more about “Satisfied” click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com where I’ve joined with others writing to the prompt.

Flee~Five Minute Friday

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“We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete.” Hebrews 12:2a (CEV)

Looking Back

Many years ago, when I was a teenager on vacation I had the opportunity to ride in a taxi that just happened to be a station wagon. Maybe you remember the kind? It was the one where the very back seat faced looking out the rear window and that is exactly where I ended up sitting. While there was some entertainment in staring at the people in the cars behind you, I must say that looking back mostly made me feel woozy making the ride feel like it took forever.

Today, I relish my memories, photos, and keepsakes of the past but if I’m being honest with you, there are times when looking back now makes me feel sick too…that’s when I’m staring myself in the face, recalling all the times I’ve fallen short and ended up sitting in sin. Why is it that those are the ones that travel with us wherever we go?

I’ve been thinking about Lot’s wife. Sin had overtaken the place where Lot and his family lived so grievously that God couldn’t even find ten righteous people to warrant saving the city so He sent angels to help Lot and his family escape the destruction.

“With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, ‘Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.’
When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them. As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, ‘Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain. Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!’…But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.”
Genesis 19:15-17,26 (NIV)

“Flee.” “Don’t look back.”

Sounds like simple instructions, but of course, Lot’s wife chose to look back upon the sinful place behind her anyway and she immediately became fixed in that very place as a block of salt. I can sure relate. Maybe you can too. We choose to return to our past sins and often end up frozen in place, forgetting that God is so merciful to us that He sacrificed Jesus.

We’re reminded of His immense mercy throughout the Bible, but think about when Jesus encounters an adulteress who the Pharisees wanted to use to trap Jesus, however He turns the table on them and encourages the one who has no sin to throw the first stone. After they’ve all walked away, the woman is left alone with Jesus.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
John 8:11b

“Go now,” flee. “Leave your life of sin,” don’t look back. 

“Then he adds: ‘Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.’
And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place
by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain
that is, His body and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:17-23 (NIV)

“Sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary,” flee from your old ways. “Our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience,” so don’t look back.

You know? I’ve heard those backward facing seats have since been called the “death seat,” and so they no longer make them. I can see why. It’s a good thing that no one has to sit looking backward anymore. I’m learning that the same is true for our travels through life. As Christians, do we continue to sin even though we try not to? Of course. But, do we have to relive them over and over? No! Jesus sat in the “death seat” for each one of us and because of that, God remembers our failures “no more.” 

The condemned woman experienced Jesus’ loving forgiveness and he told her, as the angels told Lot and his family, and as He tells us through His sacrifice, flee beloved; and Don’t. Look. Back.

Joining this week with others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to write with the prompt “flee” in mind.

Two~Five Minute Friday

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“Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

Two or Three or Sixteen

The room set up like this stirs up a myriad of emotions. It excites me, gives me hope, makes me nervous, and reminds me once again how vulnerable I can feel. It’s around these tables where for the last six weeks I’ve gathered with 15 other women to study God’s Word. It’s something I love to do and think is so important. So why the emotional whirlwind? 

“Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.”
1 Corinthians 14:26 (NLT)

Trying to live a life following Jesus can feel lonely. That’s why being with other Christians is vital and why I look forward to being together in study. At the same time, my old habit of perfectionism and those insecurities I seem to carry around as burdens also kick in whenever I think about opening up about my faith challenges with others. What if I don’t have anything to offer that will “strengthen” them all?

“For where two or three gather together as my followers,
 I am there among you.”
Matthew 18:20 (NLT)

As usual, my thoughts are not His thoughts and my ways are not His ways. I forget that it’s not about me but IS about God.  He leads us through His Word and the words He’s given those we study. He leads us through the experiences we’ve had in our walk with Him and then can share with one another. Every week I’ve been reminded that God has brought this particular group together at this particular time because He has something important to teach us individually and collectively, using the unique perspectives we each bring to the table that help make His Word come to life. And guess what?

“So encourage each other and build each other up,
just as you are already doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)

Sharing those burdens we carry that the devil likes to use to isolate us and being vulnerable? Turns out God can use those too. Opening up in a trusted group is truly balm for our souls. We find out there are others who feel the same myriad of emotions, face the same weaknesses and challenges, and wonder too, if they have anything to offer. Vulnerability is exactly where God works. Our feebleness is where His strength shines through. And when 2, or 3, or 16 get together? Well, we are exactly where we’re supposed to be!

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do,
but encourage one another, especially now that the day of
his return is drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)

Joining with others to write to the challenging prompt, “Two” this week. To read what they came up with, click over to http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

Youth~Five Minute Friday

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“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green” Psalm 92:14 (NIV)

Yesterday was “Grandparents Day.” I thought a lot about mine throughout the day and have concluded, not for the first time, that where my grandparents are concerned, I wish as a youth I’d known then, what I do now. 

There was so much I enjoyed about visiting my Grandmas and Grandpas. I cling to those wonderful memories. But, listening to all the stories from the “olden days” and their lives then they loved to share with me when I was younger, was not among my favorite things. 

Yes, I’d sit dutifully and appear to listen, but my mind’s eye was rolling and I’d only partially pay attention telling myself that I’d heard them all before. And their advice? It didn’t seem they could possibly know about my life. Oh, how sorry I am all these years later!

I can’t count the times I’ve wished I could sit down and talk something through with my Grandma to get her perspective and guidance. Or ask my Grandpa to tell me again about his experiences as a teacher in a one room school house or to explain more about how our family tree all fits together (which was something he loved to do.) A treasured recipe, where a certain photo of us was taken, curiosity about what they’d think about the happenings in our crazy world and so much more to wonder about. Sadly, like many of us I suspect, I’ve missed out on receiving rich wisdom that was generously offered to me but unfortunately I didn’t recognize then, its importance in my life.

Guess what? As a child of God, I’ve been guilty of having the exact same reaction to His Life story. When it comes to the Bible there’ve been times when I’ve only partially paid attention because I’d heard all those familiar accounts many times before. There have been periods in my own life when I’ve even questioned what the verses could possibly have to offer about what I was going through. Just like with my Grandparents, I’ve lost out because I have not spent more time listening and learning. You too? For us, God also generously offers us His priceless wisdom and yet, we don’t always recognize how vital it is to living our very best life.

Thankfully, it’s not too late to learn from our mistakes. When we need perspective and guidance, we can go to His Word. If we want to learn from past experiences? We can read about the people who actually walked and talked with Jesus. Need a recipe for good living, to relive an important event, or wonder what in the world God would have us do in the midst of this crazy world? It’s all at our fingertips and even better, as we spend important time taking it all in, it’s being written our my hearts.

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
Romans 15:4 (NIV)

Now as a grandparent myself, I find that I enjoy telling stories from my past with my young grandsons; but I desire even more to give them hope so it’s important is that they see me immersed in all the Bible has to offer and also, that I not only share those ancient but not outdated Words with the boys, but that they see me living them, too. And one day, I pray they’ll share that with others.

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”
Psalm 71:18 (NIV)

 

Joining with others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com writing to the prompt, “Youth.” Click over to read more!

 

 

Usually~Five Minute Friday

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“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)

Recently, I visited my mom in Michigan. One evening as I sat at the kitchen table looking out the window, I had to do a double take. And even after that second glance my mind tried to convince me I wasn’t seeing what I thought I was. Featherless, blueish head. Round body with skinny legs and a full tail with the ability to fan out. You don’t usually expect to see a wild turkey in the middle of town but the evidence was there. It took me a bit to grasp what was within sight, but sure enough, a turkey family was meandering through the neighborhood headed our way.

As I think back on this, it reminds me of the disciples traveling in a boat across a stormy lake. 

“Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that the disciples get back into the boat
 and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home.
Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, the were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, ‘It’s a ghost!’ But Jesus spoke to them at once.
‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage. I am here!’”
Matthew 14:22, 24-27 (NLT)

So, like me, the disciples could see something in the distance that caused them to do a double take and their minds tried to convince them they weren’t seeing what they thought they were. Because let’s face it, we don’t usually expect to see a Man walking on top of the water! And in a storm yet! The evidence was there, however they couldn’t wrap their minds around what was within their sight. Then Peter recognized Who was walking their way. Let’s hop back in the boat for a moment….

“Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.’ ‘Yes, come,’ Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. ‘You have so little faith,’ Jesus said. Why did you doubt me?’ When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him.
‘You really are the Son of God!’ they exclaimed.”
Matthew 14:28-32 (NLT)

Listen to how The Message described what happened to Peter:

“Immediately Jesus reached for Peter and caught him.
‘O you of little faith. Why did you doubt and dance back and forth
between following Me and heeding fear:’”
Matthew 14:31(The Message)

Yikes! I don’t know about you, but I’ve done that dance many times. I’m pretty much an expert at it….and that’s not a good thing. Jesus is with us in our storms too. The problem can be though, we’re just too busy trying to figure out what to do on our own that we usually don’t see Him standing right there waiting for us to look to Him. And sure enough, when we recognize that He is Who He is, the waters don’t seem as rough as they had been.

No, we don’t usually expect to see turkeys in the middle of a college town and it was obvious those turkeys didn’t expect someone to be watching them; because once they spotted me standing in my mom’s kitchen window they scurried off in every direction looking for escape. I’m afraid that I have some of that turkey behavior in me, too. AND, I can also relate to the disciples in the boat. Maybe you can too. What’s the common denominator? Fear. I want to be more like the Peter who was willing to step out of the boat with his eyes set on Jesus, but far too often I’m more like sinking Peter. Remember the question Jesus asked in the Message translation? Why doubt and dance back and forth between Me and fear? I don’t know about you, but I do get so tired of doing that “Turkey Trot.”

“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather,
 we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
2 Corinthians 4:18

There are many times when we just can’t wrap our minds around what we see in this world. But what I’m learning is that, as we “fix our gaze” on the unseen One who is with us through every stormy (and sunny) day and who will never leave us, our “little faith” begins to grow. The evidence will be there….love, grace, forgiveness, peace, strength, and so much more. Our fears will become dimmer as we put our trust in what we see with our hearts instead of our eyes, living lives with a future with Jesus, clearly in our sights.

Defeat~Five Minute Friday

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“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he care about you.” 1 Peter 5:7

I was determined not to let defeat come out the winner this time…..

Our grandsons are growing up before my eyes and with that in mind, I decided to do a guest room make-over. I always want them to be as comfortable as they can be while they’re here so this time it meant taking the double bed out and putting in two twin beds for them to sleep in. 

Now I’m not a particularly handy gal. Patience is also not one of my strong traits so usually I might start a project and then get frustrated and easily give up, throw in the towel, and like I said above, let defeat win. But not this time! As I sat surrounded by the many pieces it was going to take to put the beds together, I was intent on seeing this job through.

And so, I lugged and tugged, fastened and tightened, lifted and shifted until….ta-da….I had one bed put together! I can’t tell you how proud I was of myself and I couldn’t wait to show my husband! I am embarrassed to tell you that when I finished I found myself laid out flat, collapsed on the floor with sweat dripping down my face. It was then, that I sheepishly decided to put the second bed together the next day. 

Once I recovered a bit from my “strenuous” undertaking I excitedly sat down on the new addition to the room. That excitement was replaced with dismay when I realized the bed was a little more wibbly-wobbly than it should have been. I’d tried my best to get all the screws tightened, but alas my own strength wasn’t enough to get the job done. Thankfully, my husband came to my rescue and solved the problem I couldn’t. And when he offered to put the second bed together for me? I was glad to accept his help.

I wonder how many times I’ve done this very thing in my spiritual life? Found myself in the midst of a problem, my life in pieces before me and was determined to not let it defeat me, intent on solving the matter all by myself. Can you relate?

We know how that turns out, don’t we? My solutions can leave me wavering, unsure what to do, and so exhausting all my energy, I usually find myself down and out. Despite how hard I try, my own strength just isn’t enough.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Put My yoke upon your shoulders-it might appear heavy at first, but it is perfectly fitted to your curves. Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart. When you are yoked to Me, your weary souls will find rest. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Voice)

When my better half walked into the guest room, picked up the tool, and offered to help complete the job, I was relieved. He didn’t leave me on my own to figure it out nor did he point out what I’d done wrong. He simply offered to share in the work and enable me to depend on his support to get the job done.

I’m reminded that it’s the same with Jesus. When we fail in our own attempts and finally take our problems to Him, He doesn’t say, “You’ve made your wobbly bed now lay in it.” No, He instead invites us to join with Him, to share our load, and accept His support with the promise of rest in Him as we work together. 

And here’s the part I really need to remember, maybe you do too. When we find ourselves looking at all the pieces of a situation spread out before us, not knowing how or if they will ever get put together the way they’re supposed to, and when we’ve done all we can on our own, Jesus is waiting. 

I’m learning that our own efforts serve to prove our weakness, so I’m asking myself and you, are we yoked with the One who offers to share all our burdens?  If not we need to be, as it’s only through HIS strength that our life can truly be secure. 

“I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

Joining in at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to write to the prompt, Defeat this week. Click over to read more!

Rewind~Five Minute Friday

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“Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:24(NLT)

Peas and Jesus

I must admit I’ve never imagined writing these words but here we go: I’ve spent the day walking around with “peas in my pants.” Yes, you read that correctly, peas in my pants. 

I awoke morning before last and when I tried to get out of bed, pain seized me with a tight grip in my low back. I laid there for a few moments trying to catch my breath and then very gingerly eventually made it up. And now, I’ve had a “hitch in my giddy-up” ever since. Thus, the bag of frozen peas stuffed in the waistband of my pants that I’ve alternated with the heating pad hoping for relief.

Here’s the thing, when I rewind my day to before the pain started I can’t find one thing I did that should have resulted in this discomfort I’m experiencing. Sweeping the floor? Watering the flowers? Surely not! The truth is though, more and more I’m finding that these days it just doesn’t take much to put my back out of alignment. One of my praying friends said teasingly that she’d ask the Lord to straighten me out. In reality that’s exactly what I need but and not just for my spine I’m afraid.

Unfortunately, as I think back it hasn’t taken much to find myself misaligned in my relationship with God either. Maybe you know this kind of pain, too. iPad before Bible. Sleep before prayer. Comfort zone before service. Complaints before praise. My list could go on and it makes me pretty uncomfortable. You too? I’m afraid a bag of frozen peas doesn’t help us in this misery does it? Thankfully though, there is a Remedy….grace.

“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)

We don’t have to “hope” for spiritual relief; it’s offered to us abundantly through Jesus. Will it come over night? Like my back, it’s not a quick fix, but just as I am regularly doing stretches to help strengthen those weak muscles, we must exercise our faith daily, depending on God’s strength to “straighten us out” over time. It takes patience for both. There’ll be good days and bad days but peas and Jesus will help eventually get me where I need to be. And friends, Jesus will get you there too!

“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us.”
Philippians 3:12-14

This post was inspired by the prompt “Rewind” over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com Click over to read more offerings.