Day 6 - One More Lesson

 Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; 

you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; 

and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. 

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;  the flames 

will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, 

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Isaiah 43:1-3

My journey today took me to Mesa Poleo which is located north down into a remote, back woods area. Unfortunately it took awhile before I was able to locate my destination.  I had to back track through the woods back to the highway and down to the service station in Coyote to use the phone.  No cell service when you need it unless you can shinny up a tree!  Later, when I was headed back out of those twisting, turning little mountainous, dirt roads, I took the wrong fork in the road and headed down what eventually became a narrow, icy, muddy road with no where to safety turn around and no sign of a human being.  To make it worse there wasn't any place on the side to assist in turning around without going over an embankment.  After considering my options, which were to keep going forward or go in reverse while slipping and sliding, I mustered the confidence to  turn around on the surface I did have, precarious as it might be.  Praying as I inched the car around little by little, I finally got turned around headed back to what I hoped was the way to  the main road. I was so relieved to see familiar terrain ahead of me, and finally reach the highway.  This isn't the first time I've taken the wrong turn and found myself in a pickle!  Traveling as I do I have to be prepared for the unexpected, as there can be surprises waiting  around the bend.

Each day God shows His faithfulness to me and reminds me that He is always with me.  When I become tense or lose my way He is there to calm me down and set me on the right path.  I would never have the courage to go the places I go or do the things I have to do without Him beside me all the way.  Like yesterday I have to calm myself and listen for His still, small voice, trust what I hear and obey. 

Day 5 - Just Do It

Let your light shine before men.

Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

This morning I headed out to Chama with clear weather all the way.  It's a two hour trip from my house, but I enjoy the driving time as it's good thinking and praying time.  Plus the scenery is so great.  I enjoy listening to Klove while I drive, as the music is always uplifting.  One of the daily news stories today was about a 21 year old girl who went to South Africa and was so touched by the children suffering from AIDS that she wants to return permanently to help them and to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  So many people are dying daily from this terrible disease, and many who have never accepted Him as Savior and Lord.  This young girl wants to actually do something, rather than talk about it like we often do while we're trying to gather up enough courage to make the first move. The announcer reminded us that God does not call us because we are qualified.  He only wants our willingness to act.  If we think about things too long, we begin to doubt ourselves and enthusiasm wanes.  The Bible says when God calls, He equips. So why do we hesitate?

Africa has  always tugged at my heart as well.  At a very young age I dreamed of going for the same reason, the children.  Only one thing truly stands in my way now...a passport.  Each year I make plans to go to the post office and get it done, but the doubts or other concerns always come in to distract me from the mission.  That's the way it goes in life.  We become too preoccupied or concerned about less important things to follow our heart's desire, or we worry about our abilities, our inadequacies.  And in whose eyes?  Certainly not God's!

Need is all around, even in our own back yards.  We can be light bearers anywhere, if we are willing to share our time and talents.  Even if it 's only a few minutes to visit an elderly neighbor or bake cookies to take to the nursing home.  We don't have far to look if we truly want to see. The reward comes in seeing a lonely person's eyes light up or to see a smile on a face.  Now isn't that worth a little time?  By sharing God's love each day in small ways we can be the hands and feet of Jesus rather than just thinking or talking about it. Want to put a smile on someone's face today? You might even find yourself smiling in return.

Day 4 - Just Thinkin'

God is able to provide you with every blessing in

abundance, so that having all sufficiency in 
all things at all times, you may abound in
 every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV)

The wind is blowing, it is beginning to rain and sleet a little as the storm in the more northerly regions is adrift with snow.  Tomorrow I am scheduled to travel to Chama, but the weather may have another say.  I love snow although driving it in is another matter when the powder is fresh falling.  I have this special place I love to go not too far from where I live just a little over the mountains and through the woods.  It's what I call my "thinking spot" kind of like Briar Rabbit's special spot.  I go there to hide away and crawl up in God's lap listening for direction.  It's a place of peace and quiet, simplicity and grace.  I guess it could be considered my Road to Emmaus.   

So different from my day to day life.  My hope for a productive day was met with continuing computer problems, but I discovered a way to work around it and salvage the day.  Perhaps in not allowing things not in my control to upset me, I can begin to see and use creative ways too press on in life.  When the kids were little, and things didn't always work out, my favorite expression was "modify".  My mama called it making do with what you had to work with, especially when money was short.  In our fast paced, electronic, computer age when machines fail, or we have a power outage, the world shuts down.  The creativity is gone, wasted on an instant fix philosophy.  I am grateful for the lessons I learned growing up.  I don't think there was anything my mother couldn't do, and she passed so much of her ingenuity down to me.  Because she wasn't ashamed to ask for a ride, we always had a way to get to church.  I have tried to pass these values to my children, in the hope they would choose the better way.  I know it's coming.  Promises are true.

My lesson for today is simple and will stay me in anything that comes my way tomorrow.  God's faithfulness true. 

Day 3 - The Bend in the Road

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not

on your own understanding; in all your ways

acknowledge Him, and he will make

your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

My day began with self-doubt and questioning.  I had a great night's sleep, but when the first alarm went off at 5:30 am I slapped it off for another half hour of rest.  It was so cold, and I did not want to leave the comfort of the warm flannel sheets and snug quilts.  Because I didn't get up I had a dream that left me wondering why I had it and what it meant!  Robert Duvall was even in the dream.  Yesterday I had watched the movie 7 Days in Utopia starring Robert Duvall.  It is a story about burying the lies and leaving an epitaph that's praiseworthy. At least that's my simplified version, but I still didn't know how my dream and the movie connected or if in fact they did.  It wasn't a bad dream, just a puzzling one.  All I remember about it was about being left out of a decision someone had made.  Seems like that is the way it is with me.  I'm always being left out of important decisions until they backfire.  Then I'm the one who has to come up with a rescue plan.  I guess it got me to wondering about other decisions I'd not been privy to over the years.  Where wrong choices could have been avoided. Yesterday I learned quite a bit about that, and it left me sad and a bit angry.

My day was not as productive as I had hoped it would be, as our updated computer system was not cooperating.  Nonetheless I muddled through, doing the best I could, and here I am at the close of my day.  I've been asking God what my lesson for today has really been. How can He possibly be preparing me today for the battle tomorrow?!

My phone rings, and I am once more taken aback listening to an amazing testimony, or at least the beginning of one.  Once more the words of truth have touched a heart, and although the road to renewal will be long and hard, the race is on.  When we try to live our lives doing things our way there comes a time when we get so far down the only place to go is up.  And if when you're lying flat on your face, and you decide to take the best path, you hopefully come to a place known as death to self.  It's not easy, but there is always a hand extended to help you up.  On the flip side there's the problem of living life feeling like you never quite measure up, as in my questioning everything I do or have done.  Even with dreams.  It's a journey.

I am still a bit amazed though thinking about that phone call, as in yesterday's "donkey analogy", and it leaves me humbled.  While I can say that although some victories are being won in small ways, the road ahead is still bumpy.  I'm not certain of my readiness to face another giant in the next bend in the road, but somehow I know He will equip me when I face him.  He's also showing me that it's not easy to break free from the strongholds of past regrets, as the shadows have a way of clouding the day.  The accuser will always remind us of misgivings from the past, but God is more faithful in guiding our paths if we just take the time to heed his voice along the way.

I pray my friend rests well tonight; I know I will.

 

Day 2 - Donkeys can Speak!

 We know that God causes everything to work together 
for the good of those who love God and are called 
according to His purpose for them.
Romans 8:28 (NLT)

 

Have you ever felt like your life is small?  As if it has no true purpose or meaning?  Insignificant?  I guess it is normal for one to wonder at times if anything we say or do really impacts life.  I often find myself thinking about how my life has played out thus far in relation to how I thought it was supposed to be when I was growing up.  I imagined things much differently.  I never dreamed grandiose accomplishments, just of a simple life of service to others.   And yet, regardless of the twists and turns, I feel I have lived an amazing life in ways I never dreamed possible.  I feel privileged to have walked the path of God's choosing, regardless of my mistakes.

So here I am at Day 2 of my challenge thinking about how today will prepare me for tomorrow.  Although it is early in the day I have already realized that my life does speak.  Yesterday when put to the test I was able to speak a truth that broke through the barriers of intellect and hit home.  What that tells me is that once again God can use donkeys!  In case you may not recall the Bible story, God once used Balaam's donkey to speak to him to avoid disaster.  So when the Bible says "God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow" take it to  heart.

The interesting thing about it is that I really don't remember the exact question I was asked, and I don't recall my exact response.  I just know that today I found out that God had worked one more miracle for someone I love.  So I am grateful that my life is not a "cliche" of Bible verses I have memorized as a child and use when it is convenient, but that my words are God's words of life, and my life has been seen by others. Regardless of the ups and downs, slips and falls, I have overcome and stand steadfastly planted in these truths.  My life speaks positively, so it must have value.  So I once more say, "Thank You, Father for using me in someone's life to bring purpose and meaning at a time of need.  And teach me to never doubt your love for me and to always trust you."

Tomorrow the battle will come.  How shall I respond?  We'll see.

Day 1 - Godly Perspective

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,

 whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -

think on these things."

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

The Biblical reference noted today is one I have en-grafted on my heart, trusting that in times of doubt, fear, seeming hopelessness and helplessness, I can choose to think of my circumstances or those of others around me, or I can focus on the things that bring honor to God through praise on my lips.  

Today as I began my walk through the book of Joshua I am given a monthly challenge to think about ways God is preparing me today for what will happen tomorrow.  Yesterday in my daily reading as the book of Deuteronomy ended, Moses died and Joshua was named to be his successor.  If you are a Bible scholar you may recall that Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt under amazing circumstances and displays of God's power,  en route to the promised land given to Abraham's ancestors.  Once God brought them to the edge of Canaan the people rebelled and had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years until all the older generations of those who sinned through disbelief had died.  The only two exceptions were Caleb and Joshua.  Even Moses was not allowed to enter the promised land, because he became angry at the people and did not do what God instructed him to do.  So Moses is taken to the top of Mount Nebo where God allows him to see the land of Canaan before he dies.

In trying to see how God is preparing me, working in my life today to prepare me for tomorrow, I am beginning to understand the reason behind His words "Do you trust Me? with more clarity.  Joshua was preparing his army for battle to cross over into  the land of promise and destroy the enemy's strongholds in that land.  And what does God say to him?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not look at the circumstances trust only in Me.  What we see with our natural eyes can be overwhelming, but in the spiritual perspective the victory has been won.  "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him."  (Isaiah 64:4)

I don't think there has been a day in the past two years of this adventure that I haven't testified to someone about how amazing my life has been, because God has so miraculously kept me in every circumstance of my life.  I have weathered some pretty intense storms since my move here to New Mexico in 1987, but true to His word, God has never forsaken or abandoned me.  People have, but God, never.  God never promised us an easy life as His child, but He did promise to always be there.  

At this moment I am faced with life and death issues, but I have purposed in my heart to stand still and see the victory of God.  Throughout all these years the enemy has tried to beat me down on every side, knowing my vulnerable area is where my children are involved.  The devices he uses are not new to me, but my response is critical.  I have chosen to stand, be strong and courageous, like Joshua, and know the battle is the Lord's and the victory is assured.  

Like Joshua, as he prepares his heart for battle, I seek the Lord's direction in thanksgiving for Who He is and what He has already done,  as I ready myself in prayer.

For now I leave you with these words spoken to Joshua as he knelt before the Commander-in-Chief of the Lord's Army, "Take off your shoes, for you are standing on holy ground."

Silence Speaks

Today I find myself troubled, yet convinced that all my worries can safely be entrusted to God, my one true constant.  Daily struggles continue to test my resolve to simply trust, even when there appears to be no relief, no visible proof that my prayers are being heard and help is on the way.

This week was Random Acts of Kindness week, or so I heard on the Christian station I listen to faithfully.  I had been so absorbed in my job that I really had not paid attention to the announcements until Thursday, so I hadn't really put any true thought into reaching out to anyone other than in the course of my everyday life and the work I do.  Then Friday I had the privilege of not only helping meet someone's tangible needs, but I was able to share the hope that no matter how impossible our situation becomes, we are never alone, never forsaken, and that no matter what happens we are loved unconditionally.

It shouldn't surprise me that with each encouragement I give to another I find myself smacked upside the head by yet another attack meant as a warning to back off from the true work I am placed in this earth to do or suffer the consequences.  No true surprise as I've been walking this walk for many years now, especially since I've been on my own.  The enemy knows my vulnerabilities, where he can probe his little talon into my flesh to at least momentarily paralyze me.  Those attacks usually come from those I hold most dear, those I'd bleed and give my life to save.  And sometimes it works, I weaken, and I find myself wondering why I even want to go on in this life.  I pray for death, to just be free, to end this pain and be at peace.  My soul cries out, only to hear silence, not a word, no direction, just silence.  But in that silence the panic eases, the tears cease to flow, I hear it, I feel it, I know it...He's there.  He's always there with me.  My one true constant...the lover of my soul.  My Lord reaches down, and He dries my tears, and He strengthens my soul, because He can.  He is the only one who can.  There is no other, only Him.  I've been told He's my crutch, my invisible friend, my denial of the truth. I'm criticized and called a bad mother, one who lives in denial, not wanting to accept the truth, because I choose to walk in victory, holding His hand, resting in His love, believing His truth, rather than succumbing to self pity or manipulating others.  I know the greater truth that He has power to save, power to heal, and He does it today!  So if you're struggling under a heavy weight, despairing of life itself, don't give up or give in, hold on.  He hasn't gone anywhere.  Quiet the noise of your heart and listen, feel, know the power of the silence.

Waiting is hard.  Near impossible at times.  We don't understand why things happens, tragedy strikes, love ones die or lies and accusations come.  Just cry out, let the tears flow and the hurt release.  Spend yourself, pour it out. Once the noise inside of you is released, the noise inside purges.  Then in the quiet, listen...can you hear the music, can you hear the praise as it ever gently begins to rise within your heart?  In the silence listen for that song...let the cry of your heart lift high to Him.  Sing it out, and slowly ever so slowly it begins within you...the music comes.  Can you hear it growing, building, bursting forth,  louder....with everything, with everything shout out in praise.  With all the strength you can muster, let the praise arise higher and higher.  The voices, can you hear the voices?  They're there, with your voice...rising heavenward....rising home.  Suddenly you are surrounded, and there's no more fear, no more sadness, no more tears, except those of praise.  The sincerest form of worship.  And the price is worth it.  What we endure in this life is worth it. We know and feel it as we praise.  I want you to feel it, know its strength and healing, as I do. Your life will never be the same.