Bear ~ Write 28 Days

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“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:7(ESV)

Bear

Taking a photo walk in the woods I spotted something I couldn’t identify. Thinking at first that it was a dead animal I hesitated to venture any closer. Realizing (a little later than I should have) that I held a zoom lens in my hand, I focused in on the mysterious find. To my surprise it was a Teddy Bear with no clue as to how it got there.

A sense of sadness overtook me as I looked through the view finder. What was meant to be loved and cherished was instead laying in the midst of decaying leaves, a most unexpected place, abandoned and alone and it hit close to home.

Maybe you, like me, at one time or another have found yourself in a situation you never anticipated you’d be in: illness, betrayal, finances, failures, any of those things that can leave us laid out flat. Our comfortable lives suddenly fall to pieces and instead of sensing God’s love, we find ourselves lonely and feeling forsaken.

“The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;”
Psalm 34:17-18a (NLT)

When we are surprised by life with no idea how we got where we are, the Psalmist reminds us that unlike the poor bear in the woods, WE are not on our own. God is near, and when we call to him, He hears and binds our hearts with His love.

I don’t have any idea who that bear belongs to, but because of Jesus we each can know to Whom we belong and we can be sure that He’ll never fail or abandon us. Yes, there may be times we feel lost and alone but my friends God sees us and He knows exactly where we are.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Luke 19:10(NLT)

Unique ~ Write 28 Days

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“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)

Unique

A lot of my beach time used to be spent wandering up and down the shoreline seeking that perfect, flawless, fancy shell, a treasure to take home.  I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that finding one is rare. What is in abundance though, are the chipped and battered, flawed shells I used to leave behind. For a long time I missed the beauty in their collective imperfections. Until that is, I saw them in a new way, through the lens of my camera.

We can see ourselves a little like my sea shell search, walking around trying to appear perfect but instead finding that we are flawed with sin, battered by disappointment, our confidence chipped away. It’s easy to feel overlooked, left behind, that we have nothing to offer compared to others, and believe that the chance we could be used by God is rare.

“The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, ‘I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,’ that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, ‘ I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,’ would that make it any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.”
1 Corinthians 12:12, 14-17, 22 (NLT)

God doesn’t see us the way we see ourselves. He’s given each of us unique qualities, talents, quirks, and gifts to be used to help each other and show Christ to the world. There are always things that we don’t like about ourselves, but what we perceive as weak and useless, God recognizes as “the most necessary.” 

Looking at others and ourselves in a new way, through the lens of God, helps us recognize what we may have missed. We need each other. Where you are strong I may be weak. My gift could compliment your idea. Each of us has something different to offer. Are we perfect? No, but we don’t need to be. When we come together as the body of Christ our collective imperfections are made beautiful by reflecting the love of the One who is perfect. Each of us has an important part to play in helping those who wander find not what they’re seeking, but what they’ve missed. Now that my friends, is the true treasure that leads us Home!

“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of the body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Ephesians 4:16 (NLT)

Voice ~ Write 28 Days

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“Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.” Psalm 95:1

Voice

Music moves me. In church, at home, in my car, wherever I am, the beat causes my head to bob, hands to raise, and my toes to tap, sometimes without me even knowing I’m doing it. But it’s not just a reaction with motion that I have to music, it is one of e-motion, too. A song can  bring me to tears, take me back in time, brighten a gloomy day, and some, well they send me straight to my knees. Music to me, is a language of love.

Some of my most treasured times as a MiMi are when I’m singing to my young grandsons as I tuck them into bed at night . We have our standards: “You Are My Sunshine,” “Jesus Loves Me,” Away in the Manger,” and the last one I leave them with is the old Barney song, “I Love You, You Love Me.” The notes are not always on key and sometimes I forget some of the words but, each one sung over them is a little expression from my voice to their hearts of a very big love. And when they sing along? Well, that’s when my heart overflows!

“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

Maybe you’re like me and have nights when you lie awake reliving the things that went wrong in your day or are full of fear about what tomorrow might bring. This verse is for us! God is with us, He takes delight in us despite our mistakes; He calms our fears. And then…God will rejoice over us with joyful songs. God, our Savior, singing, over each of us! A Holy expression of love. Tears? Hands raised? Fall to my knees? All. Of. The. Above.

Isn’t it amazing how the Bible shows God’s VERY BIG love for us in simple, relatable ways like  singing songs, just as I do with my grandsons? We may not hear God’s actual singing voice (if we do I’m sure it won’t be off key) but, if we listen carefully we can hear him in the lilt of a birdsong, the melody of children’s laughter, the harmony of loved ones gathered round, the rhythm of the waves, or in the beat of our own hearts. God’s music is the ultimate language of love and it makes me want to sing along. Will you join in?

“He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.”
Psalm 40:3a (NLT)

Facts ~ Write 28 Days

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“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10


Simple Facts

Trivial Pursuit is not my game of choice. The few times I’ve attempted to play it has only confirmed what I’ve always known; I do not have a mind for facts. Dates, boundaries, formulas, achievements and the like, all just slip through my little brain like water through a sieve. 

“Simpleminded” is more how I would describe myself. Oh, I was able to answer a few ( but very few) questions, such as, “What is the name of the bear that resides in Jelly Stone Park?” Yes, that was actually on a card I drew. And of course, “Yogi” slipped confidently from my eager lips. Let’s just say I didn’t come in first because that my friends, is the caliber of information that resides in my head.

“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 (NIV)

Thank goodness the plan for salvation is not complicated and our pursuit of God is not based on formulas we must adhere to, achievements we must make, boundaries that keep us out, or dates we must meet. It is offered in a way that each of us can understand and recall.

Victory is simple. Confidently answering God’s call to believe Jesus is His Son who died for our sins is all we need to do to have eternal life with Him. Then my friends, everything that’s important will forever reside in our hearts. Because of God’s love, we win! Now, that’s a fact I’ll always remember! How about you?

Happy Valentine’s Day!

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

 

Sheep ~ Write 28 Days

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“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1 (ESV)

Sheep

“Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”
Psalm 100:3 (NIV)

Adjusting from city life to country life wasn’t always easy. As a matter of fact, sometimes it was downright painful. The farm family I first stayed with taught me a lot, but the farmer himself believed in letting me learn on my own. Let me give you an example:

Being a witness to baby animals being born was something I never dreamed I’d do. I was especially taken with the lambs. Wanting one to know and trust me was my goal and so, each day after teaching school I’d change into my “farm” clothes and head to the barn for a metal scoop full of shelled corn. Slowly, I’d open the gate to the sheep pen and ease my way in.

“Little Buck” was my choice to make a pet and slowly but surely my plan began to work.  I’d shake the corn so it rattled in the scoop and call his name. When he’d come within reach I’d offer him the corn. Before too long I could shake the kernels on my way to the paddock and by the time I’d get to the gate Buck would be there to greet me. The farmer stood back and watched.

Over time I decided to go a step further and when Buck reached his tongue for the treat, I lifted the scoop and patted my chest. Was I proud when soon he began jumping up on me with glee to get his corn. The farmer smiled.

Life, as life often does got in the way of my visits to sit among the sheep. Buck grew into a handsome fellow. One beautiful evening I was on the farm for supper and decided to give him a visit. As always, I gathered a scoop of corn and walked through the gate giving it a shake. Before I finished calling his name, Buck the not so little sheep came running. See where this is going? Sure enough, he’d remembered everything I’d “taught” him and with exuberance my pet jumped up and knocked me off my feet and directly onto my rear in a matter of seconds. The farmer laughed with gusto. 

The Psalmist reminds us that God made us to be the sheep of His pasture, but it doesn’t stop there. The familiar 23rd Psalm also tells us that the LORD is our Shepherd. As I think back on my class in sheep school, instead of getting to know and trust me, my sheep only saw the corn in my hand. God doesn’t want us forming a habit of running to Him to see what He will give us or to leap at anything that sounds good. Having a Shepherd makes all the difference because it is about relationship, spending time getting to know one another, and about caring.

Psalm 23 goes on to say that because the LORD is our Shepherd we lack nothing. He knows our every need and provides when we require rest, long for refreshment, or seek soul nourishment. God guides us, is ever present in trouble, pulls us back in the fold when we’ve gotten ourselves lost, and He is our true source of comfort. 

God knows us by name. “We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.” How will we respond when He calls? 

Nesting ~ Write 28 Days

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“How precious is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7(NIV)


Nesting

“For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.”
Psalm 61:3-4 (NIV)

Each year when nesting season arrives I’m always amazed at the skill that goes into preparing the empty bird house I hang on a branch into the perfect place to lay eggs and raise a brood. Sticks of the right size, shape, and texture are chosen then woven tightly together into a fortress for the family. Second hand shopping comes next with castoff string, feathers, cloth, or whatever’s available being collected to use as lining in the nest for added comfort and insulation. This process takes a while as things go in and others come out until the new dwelling place is ready to welcome its precious inhabitants. 

Not too long ago my grand-“chicks” did the same thing. I provided the empty “tent” and they went to work making it exactly as they wanted it. They placed chairs in precise positions to keep unwanted visitors out. Blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and a myriad of toys were hauled in to make the space familiar and comfortable. (Not much was brought back out-they do like their stuff!) Finally, after much positioning and repositioning their private refuge from the world was ready for its occupants. 

That nesting desire is in all of us, I think. There’s something inside that urges us to search for a place of retreat and rest, somewhere we feel comfortable and protected. As I ponder this, it occurs to me that for we who dwell in this far from perfect world, perhaps what we long for isn’t actually a where but rather a Who. 

The Psalmist reminds us, and I don’t know about you but I often need it, that GOD is our refuge. HE is our fortress. HE is where we find shelter. When trouble comes, sorrow fills, fear threatens, and anything else we may be wanting to escape from, HE is our stronghold. Through prayer, Scripture, and worship we find our way to Him. He’s ready. He’s got us covered. God, is waiting to welcome us home.

Raft ~ Write 28 Days

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“Then he asked them, ‘Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?'” Mark 4:40 (NLT)

Raft⁣
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“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. What a blessing was that stillness as he brought them safely into harbor!” Psalm 107:28-30 (NLT)⁣
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Gripping tightly to what feels like nothing, my emotions toss me to and fro. Fear washes over me. Unanchored, I’ve lost sight of the shore in a storm of my own creation. Sinking fast like a small raft on the raging sea, waves of doubt begin to pull me under. Ever found yourself in a similar situation?⁣
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The truth? This has unfortunately been my go-to voyage in tough times, but I really thought I was now better prepared for the storms of life. After all, my family has just come through a downpour of devastating news, broken hearts, exhaustion, and fear, We also experienced God’s peace, His presence, grace, and mercy. He guided us when we couldn’t see a way. He heard our cries and prayers. I saw firsthand what God can do, so how am I now back on that sinking raft lost and afraid?⁣
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Let’s for a moment get in the boat with the Disciples. Everyone takes their seats relieved to be crossing to the other side. Jesus rests. Suddenly, a fierce storm blows in and waves crash into the boat. Can you see what happens next? Sinking fear takes over. Peace is lost. Sound familiar?⁣
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Like me, and I would guess you, the Disciples also witnessed what Jesus could do. He was in their midst and yet, waves of doubt washed over them as they shouted, “Don’t you care?” (My cry of distress exactly) Back in that boat Jesus calms the storm, the Disciples question who this man is, and Jesus questions their faith. It’s the last part that really gets me.⁣
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The Bible is full of those who’s faith falters like ours often does. From them we learn that it takes time (maybe a lifetime) traveling with Jesus to help us not get back on that rickety raft but instead, to call on the One who quiets the waves and calms the storm within us. It’s in that stillness we find relief knowing soon cross safely to the other side.
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Ordinary ~ Write 28 Days

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“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

Ordinary

“This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 (ESV)

Putting on my glasses helps me see better, but not as well as by putting on years. Age has offered me a new way to look at my days and it’s now clear to me that not one of them is ordinary!

Oh sure, I often do the same ole things, in the same ole ways, in the same ole places, but stop for a moment with me and think about it. There’s nothing ordinary about waking up to a new day, even if it is to the same things. Life teaches us through the years that instead, it’s an extravagant gift many don’t receive. Realizing this, now has me seeking the “extraordinary” in the midst of my “normal”.

Maybe like me, you’ve been through something that has opened your eyes to the truth that God places remarkable little things for us to find, even when the way is very dark. He puts them for us to notice in our “same ole” too, as reminders of His extravagant love. A smile, a letter, the unexpected beauty in nature (I love those), a parking spot, or even getting in the short check-out line at the store. They’re always there and the list is endless.

Recently, I heard a line in a song that said, “If you want to see the sunshine, you just have to open the blinds.” Here’s the thing, we can let ourselves walk around blinded by the idea that our lives are ordinary, or, we can open our eyes and look for the extraordinary in them. Will you join me in making it a goal to try and wake each morning as the Psalmist, rejoicing because God has given us another day? I’m learning it helps us to see more clearly God’s handiwork in all the little things He has just for us. And when we spot them? There’s only one thing to do: “Let us rejoice and be glad in it!”

Longing ~ Write 28 Days

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“Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again.'” John 4:13-14a (NLT)

Longing

“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.”
Psalm 42:1 (NLT)

For as long as I can remember I’ve been drawn to the water. Stream, river, pond, lake, or ocean, it doesn’t matter. The truth be told, I’ve even been known to seek out a puddle after the rain to satisfy the persistent longing I feel.

Have you felt it too? That unoccupied space somewhere deep within and leaves you wanting?

How we seek to fill that void is different for each of us and we need to be careful because we’re vulnerable to looking in the wrong places and at the wrong things to rid ourselves of the emptiness. 

While there’s nothing wrong with a desire for the peace, contentment, and refuge I find near water (replace this with your own version), do I, do you, so long for what God provides in the same way? The Psalmist says, just like a deer thirsts for a drink of water, his soul thirsts for God. Are we seeking God to satisfy our longings as much or even more than we do earthly solutions?

Here’s what I’m learning about longing:

The more we go to God with our emptiness for His fulfillment, the less we desire those things we’ve attempted to use on our own. Do you have a depleted, parched soul? I know it happens to me. Before we plan to do something about it, let’s remember to “so” long for God’s refreshment first, letting Him be the biggest desire of our heart.

Trial ~ Five Minute Friday

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What Do You Plead?

“How do you plead?” My own pounding heart is the only sound I hear as I lift my head, eyes filled with condemnation meeting mine. Movements ever so slight catch my attention as hands move to pockets filled with stones. 

“How do you plead?” This trial would certainly be short. How could it not be? Haven’t I done what I shouldn’t, left undone what I should? My thoughts and words alone prove to be strong evidence of my iniquity. Breathing is impossible with the realization that there’s nothing I can do to save myself now.

“How do you plead?” Turning to the One sitting in the judgement seat I’m surprised to see nothing but love in his face. Falling to my knees, the only word that could escapes my tightened throat as a whisper, “Guilty.” And in that very moment my life was forever changed as the verdict was read: “You are forgiven.”

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 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 of our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God id this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.” Romans 3:23-26 (NLT)

How do YOU plead?

I’m so grateful you’ve joined me here today. I’ve joined with others, like I enjoy doing on Fridays, writing to the prompt “Trial” over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com You can click over to read more. I pray this might cause you to think a little about your own trial and Who is presiding over it.