Tag Archives: Writing Together for 31 Days

Day 27/31: Strive

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“But God has shown us how much he loves us-it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (GNT)

Day 27: Strive #writetogether31days #fiveminutefriday

Looking back on most of my life, if you’d ask what I did best, my answer would quickly be “strive.” Trying hard somehow became as natural for me as breathing. But there’s more…I didn’t just want to be the best student, daughter,  teacher, wife, mother, church member, etc. I wanted to be the perfect one. I couldn’t stand the thought of making a mistake. Well, we all know how well that’s worked out.

Somehow I thought that if I put in the time, followed the rules, checked off the lists, did all the things, my working hard would result in finally feeling successful, accepted, and worthy of love. The harder I tried, the more it seemed I messed up, and then, I tried even harder. It. Was. Exhausting! Have you been there?

This way of thinking even spilled over into my Christian life and so, I made every effort to be the the “good girl” I determined I needed to be.  The thought of letting God down could overwhelm me and in turn I filled my already full schedule with more to-do’s to satisfy what I believed He expected of me. But like Paul in Romans 7:15, I did not understand myself because what I wanted to do I did not do, but what I hated to do, I did. Pursuing perfection was doing me in!

“For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (GNT)

The truth is, I always knew it was impossible to be perfect (although it didn’t stop me from trying), but what a relief it was to learn the real Truth: that I didn’t need to be perfect at all. It was as if I heard God saying, “Cindy, stop trying so hard.”

It’s difficult for us humans to accept that it isn’t all about us. (I have to remind myself more often than I’d like.) But, no matter what wonderful things we accomplish, how intelligent, generous, kind we are, how many rules we follow, or how much we love others, the reality is, we can never be good enough, do enough, or be enough to get to Heaven. Jesus is the only Way. And my friends, He is all we should strive after; because as it can only be, one day, through Him we’ll find that perfection forevermore. 

“Christ, however, offered one sacrifice for sins, an offering that is effective forever, and then he sat down at the right side of God. With one sacrifice, then, he has made perfect forever those who are purified from sin.”
Hebrews 10:12,14 (GNT)

Day 26/31: Home

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“we have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.” 2 Corinthians 5:1b (NLT)

Day 26: Home #writetogether31days

This is one of my favorite places. It’s the halfway point between my house and my mom’s so I stay here often. It’s kinda funny though, when I check in on my way up, the clerk will ask where I’m headed. So, I say, “Home to Michigan.” But then, when I’m traveling back and she asks, I reply, “Home to West Virginia.”

Born in Michigan, it is also where I spent my teenage years and went to college. I still have family and friends there who I visit whenever I can. I moved to West Virginia for my first teaching job. That was 41 years ago. I have family and friends here who I do everyday life with. 

So where is home? Is it where we’re from? Or, is it where we are?

I’ve lived in several homes in my lifetime. There are treasured memories, assorted stories, and achieved milestones attached to each one. I’ve loved them all and yet, this subtle feeling of being a little out of place, a bit of discontent, a longing for something else has always been present. You too? I’ve learned and I sometimes still need to be reminded that as Christians, we’re supposed to feel this way because the truth is, for us, Home is where we’re going.

“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.”
Hebrews 13:14 (NLT)

“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”
Philippians 3:20 (NLT)

“Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 5:8 (NLT)

I don’t know about you, but there are days that I stand and look up to Heaven saying, “Come, Lord Jesus, come!” And of course, there are times when I plead for just a bit longer here on this earth. We don’t know when Jesus will return. We don’t need to, but we are supposed to be ready for the move. 

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 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)

Where is home? Here in the world, it’s with the ones we love, but one day we will be Home with the One who loves us into eternity. So, maybe the next time someone asks me where I’m headed I’ll smile and say, “Home to Heaven.” What a day of rejoicing that will be!

Day 25/31: Discover

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

Day 25: Discover #writetogether31days

Feeding people makes me happy and this is my most recent new offering. Cooking and baking are definitely my love language. Because of that, I really enjoy discovering new recipes to prepare and share. There are certain things I look for though, for example, number of ingredients. The more one requires, the less likely I am to try it. Plus, those ingredients must also be things I have on hand or at least am familiar with. Simple directions are also a must. No complicated, many steps, takes a long time dish for me. When all these things come together, I know it’s a recipe worth keeping.

You’d think that if I use these things to find the perfect recipe, I’d do the same when seeking Perfect Jesus. The truth is however, that I often do the exact opposite. There are times when I believe that the “ingredients” that go into making me, me, just aren’t sufficient, that more are required. Plus, they’re too bland, not unusual or stand out as they should. The voice inside my head, I’m guessing you might know the one I mean, tells my heart I’m not smart enough, kind enough, generous enough, good enough, or any other “enough.”

Sometimes I think I must follow a complex set of steps like: praying the “right way,” reading my Bible more, taking on more responsibility at church, you get the picture. Creating a long list of to-do’s equals busyness which in my little mind will make me more pleasing to Him.

“Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.’ But the Lord said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:39-42 (NLT)

Gosh, I need this reminder.  I wonder if you might too. Feeding people is what Jesus is all about. So, He’s telling Martha, and us, that less is more. Worrying about too many details keeps us from creating and enjoying something special with Him.

Few, familiar, simple. Those are what I look for when searching for and keeping recipes. When we find ourselves at Jesus’ feet like Mary was, we discover it is the same: few concerns (One really), a familiarity to savor, and love given simply and lavishly. This recipe for Life is always and forever worth seeking, keeping, and sharing!

Day 20: Clarify

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Day 20: Clarify #writetogether31days
Five Minute Friday

Have you ever wished that God would just tell you what to do in a voice you could understand? Recently I was working in my comforting, dimly lit church sanctuary. It’s one of my favorite spots to be in and a place of peace for me, but this particular day I was really wrestling with a decision weighing on my heart. Knowing what God wanted me to do wasn’t clear and going back and forth in my mind between both options just seemed to confuse me even more.
I. Needed. Things. Clarified!

And so, I sat down in “my pew,” looked up at the large painting of Jesus’ face that many small churches have hanging over the pulpit, and said aloud, “Would You please just turn Your head to look at me and tell me what You’d have me do?” (I’ve told you before that I’m a wacky one!) Then, I stared into those kind, painted eyes and waited. I’m guessing you won’t be surprised to learn that our Jesus painting did not speak to me. My husband said it was probably a good thing because if Jesus had done as I asked, I’d have probably keeled over right then and there. And so after a bit, I got up and went back to the tasks I had yet to complete. But, this is NOT the end of the story!

My struggle was between going to see a person who over the past 52 years has hurt me many times and despite my attempts at staying connected chose over and over not to be involved in my life and now was asking to see me or not going at all which is what “I” was leaning toward. Believe it or not, it’s only been in the last couple of years that I’ve finally made peace with the whole sad, heartbreaking situation and I have been comfortable with the thought of not ever seeing him again. That person is my dad.

Maybe you can see my dilemma. I wanted to follow God’s command to honor my father even though he’s only been father in blood and name, not relationship. I also wanted to support my two younger sisters who’d already decided they were going to make the trip. On the other hand, I didn’t want to step back into the unhealthy dynamic that’s been my life with him, plus I had many other reasons for me not to go as well, of which I presented each of (passionately I might add) to God.

Ask for clarity and you get it #1…Each time I added a reason not to go, a reoccurring thought kept coming to my mind: “It’s not all about you.” (I must admit I’m not a fan of this, haha.)

Ask for clarity and you get it #2…During this same time I was doing a ladies’ Bible study and during our weekly get-together after my “talk with the painting,” the author, Kelly Minter spoke through her DVD in depth about obedience and love for God. She said, “Obedience is built on sacrifice.” (again, not a fan!)  And, “Our desires for what we want need to become less than our desire to obey God.” AND, “Obedience is built on what God wants to give us.” (I was beginning to get the message whether I really truly wanted it or not.)

Ask for clarity and you get it #3…Just a few days later in the same study I came to a “personal response” question. Are you ready? (I wasn’t) This is what it asked: “Who do you need to see face to face? Ask the Holy Spirit to bring someone to mind who needs you or whom you may need. IT MAY REQUIRE AIRFARE.

Jesus may not have turned his painted head toward me when I asked, but He sure has spoken!  I still don’t want to go, but you know what? I have such a peace about it being the right thing that I’ve decided to make the trip anyway. 

Oh, one more thing. Even after knowing that I was being led to go, me being me decided to follow Gideon’s lead and test the Answer I received.  Gideon used a fleece, asking for it to be dry when everything else was wet and then for it to be wet when everything else was dry. (Judges 6:36-40) I used plane flights and seats to prove it to myself to be true. So, I decided if there was a flight that I could take that wouldn’t require me to spend an extra night at the airport (rural living) on both ends AND I could have an aisle seat on all the planes, then I’d know I was really meant to go.

Ask for clarity and you get it #4 (even when you test God)-Mid-morning flights each way are booked and aisle seats chosen on all of them. 

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
James 1:5 (NLT)

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

For those of you who have made it this far I thank you for hanging with me in this long story I never really intended to share. I guess what I want to leave you with is this, first, know (speaking to myself, too) that even when it doesn’t feel like it, we will hear the voice of God. Maybe not through a speaking painting obviously, but in the many different ways He uses to help us understand. We simply need to always be watching and listening. 

And finally, be ready. Because with God:

Ask for clarity and you get it!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

Day 16: Promise

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“Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79(NLT)

Day 16: Promise #writetogether31days

There are mornings I just don’t want to get out of bed. You too? I’m at an age where sleep is hard to come by some nights and my body aches in places it never did before making rolling out more difficult, so pulling the covers over my head despite light filtering through the blinds can seem more desirable than getting up. But, I’m also old enough to have learned that no matter the circumstances surrounding me, how I feel, or what I desire, the promise of a new day is a precious gift.

“This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 (NLT)

It’s not always easy to face those days that come after our darkest nights, but I’ve found that in God’s backward world, it’s in the midst of them that the Light shines most brightly. Being offered the chance to be a blessing to someone else on my “bad days,” often ends up blessing me more! It’s amazing that when I have felt so alone and could barely face climbing out of bed, a song, devotion, or conversation has reminded me that Jesus sacrificially left us so that He could make a Way for us to never be alone. And, more often than not, on those terrible, no good, very bad days when all I want to do is grumble, the wise words of my beloved neighbor come to mind, “count your blessings.” And she was right; gratitude rises above grumbling!

Whether it dawns with challenges, heartache, loneliness, stress, aches and pains, or any of the other things that can lurk in the dark, a new day also always brings to light opportunities for us to bless others, share the Good News, and many reasons to be grateful. Yes, God has taught and continues to teach me that no matter how it dawns or sets, the promise of a new day is always a precious gift!

“Yet I dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Lamentations 3:21-23 (NLT)

 

Day 8/31: Hunger

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“The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
John 6:33(NLT)

Day 8: Hunger #writetogether31days

There are many things in the Bible I just don’t understand. You too? Recently I was on a quest to make sense of what the Word says about prayer as it related to situations in my life. I read commentaries, asked wise Christians whom I trust, went through a challenging 13 week study on prayer with a friend (without her I’d never had made it), and I actually prayed…a lot…that I’d finally get it.  I didn’t.

Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t wasted time, but what I’ve come to realize is that I had a hunger for the wrong thing. My appetite was for food for thought rather than for my soul, I desired knowledge to clarify current life circumstances rather than craving the Truth and Bread of Life. 

“So don’t worry about these things saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Matthew 6:31-33 (NLT)

I was worrying about getting it right and there’s a smorgasbord of information available: books with all the “answers” we are hungry for, experts willing to feed us what we think we want, videos, podcasts, other people (think of Job) who know the just perfect recipe to take off the edge. The problem is, and you probably know this, all that the world offers is only temporary and eventually leaves us just feeling empty again.

The lesson for me and maybe for you too is that while a diet of study is vital for our growth, it’s not necessary to understand everything before we believe. Having faith that God has a plan, that He is good, and that He provides all we need is the key ingredient to living a “full” life. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:19:

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

When Jesus taught the disciples (and us) to pray he said, “Pray like this:….Give us this day our daily bread.” HE is the Bread we should savor daily. Trusting in Him satisfies like nothing else can. He makes sense when we lack understanding. Praise God!  I think I’m finally beginning to get it. How about you?

Day 3/31: Nourish

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Day 3: Nourish #writetogether31days

There’s no doubt that when I’m feeling depleted, empty, in need of contentment, being near water is the nourishment my soul desires. There’s a certain peace, a calm serenity I can’t explain (water people know what I mean) that comes over me the moment I am near it. Lake, ocean, pond, river, trickling stream, it doesn’t matter. When the world leaves me lacking, it is the water that replenishes.

Here’s the thing though, I’m not able to take off to the beach or lake whenever I feel like it. And as I’m sure you know, life can leave us longing for relief a lot! Looking to the mountains, desert, and yes, water to fulfill that hunger just doesn’t work day to day. So what do we do?

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.”
Psalm 23:1-3a (NIV)

Let’s read that again. (I’m a slow learner) With God, we have everything we need. In Him we find rest and solace. The green pastures and quiet waters aren’t really what our souls desire. It is HE who restores us. 

Think back to the Israelites. They escaped with very little and found themselves in a world of need. Depleted, empty, longing for relief, God sent bread from Heaven to nourish their bodies and to remind them they weren’t on their own . It is HE who restores us. “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

God didn’t stop there.  He made sure that in our day to day, las we live in this world of trouble all our needs are met too. “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’ “
John 6:35 (NIV)

Going to linger at the water’s edge is something I always look forward to doing. And I do feel refreshed when I’m there, but you and I know that feeling doesn’t last long. It is Jesus, the Bread from Heaven who truly feeds our souls. HE provides all you and I need. Whether we’re on the mountain top or in the deep valley, on still waters or in the parched desert we must remember (speaking to myself here) that it isn’t a place, or a thing, or a person that meets our needs or nourishes our souls. It is only, always Jesus.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”