Part 1: The Way of Understanding

Dear Brother,

is your life full of difficulties and temptation? 

Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. 

So let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems.  

For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete. 

 If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and he will gladly tell you, 

for he is always ready to give a  bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it.  

But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to tell you, for a doubtful mind will be as unsettled

as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind; and every decision you then make will be uncertain, 

as you turn first this way, and then that. 

If you don't ask with faith, don't expect the Lord to give you any solid answer. 

James 1:2-8

The Daily Walk Bible

From early childhood I have found comfort and strength in reading the promises of God found on the pages of His Holy Word, the Bible.  On December 25, 1959 my daddy gave me a Bible I still carry with me to this day, tattered, torn, well loved, because it was given to me by my earthly father who now sits in heaven with my eternal Father.  I used to proudly carry it with me to public school and read the words of wisdom over a loud speaker in the mornings it was my week to do so as part of the Honor Society. Those cherished moments follow me through my days now, as I remember a time when the Name of God was indeed where we, a nation, put our trust.

In the past few days words, thoughts, songs have been coming so quickly that I can scarcely get them down on paper. Something is happening to me, and I am understanding more now than I have in awhile.  I have been reading through the Bible each year for so many years I cannot remember when I first began the yearly pilgrimage through eons of time with Holy Spirit as my Guide. I realize each time I pick up my Bible, revisiting the pages, I see new revelations of truth that were not evident to me before, or forgotten. God is always so faithful to me, to us all, if we abandon our "reasoning" and simply wait on His good timing.  

In The Daily Walk Bible, the commentator for today's reading in the book of Job says, "God is committed to developing patience in your life - and one way he accomplishes that is through the crucible of problems. Remember faith in the furnace is faith that is being refined, strengthened, and deepened."  He further says in summary, "Trials are blessings when we can bless God for trials."

In this short passage today God is taking me two places,  the first the way of understanding, and the second the path of healing.  Whereas I want to touch on each point, today I will only speak of the first, the way of understanding.  My blogs have been journeys, questioning the direction God would have me take.  I have always stood firmly on scripture, trusting those favorite passages acknowledging God's faithfulness.  Such as:

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence not yet seen.

Hebrews 11:l

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own

understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him,

and He will direct your path.

Proverbs 3:5-6

But today I realize that in doubting myself, my ability to "see" and "hear" God I have been missing an important part of what it is He has been trying to teach me or rather show me along the way these past years.  Whenever I discuss my uncertainties about my journey with my Denver prayer partner, I tell her that God never changes the vision He gave me years ago. And as my heart cries out to Him for understanding about which path to take, He shows me again the same vision.  I tell Him I understand the vision, but how, dear Father, do I get from point A to Z.  And then I feel a silence, but I now understand that Holy Spirit has been speaking to me all along, and I did not hear, and I most certainly did not understand.  And now I am beginning to "see" through words I spoke to Him yesterday, which are, "You have been placing people in my life along the way who have a part to play in the plans you have given me."  And it is true!  I was sharing once again with someone about how amazing my life has been in spite of redirection, missed opportunities, and seemingly broken dreams, shattered relationships and my own illness and the illnesses of my own family.  God does indeed have a direction for me, for your lives!  And every step of the way, no matter what the cost, what the pain, He has been orchestrating the purpose He has for each of us! He does definitely make good out of every awful thing that comes into our lives, because He loves us, and He wants to prosper us, for us to be in good health.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord.

"They are plans for good and not for evil,

to give you a future and a hope."

 Jeremiah 29:11

But whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, 

the Creator of all light, and he shines

forever without change or shadow.

James 1:17

And we know that in all things God works

for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to 

his purpose.

Romans 8:28

 I am not a spontaneous person when it comes to making decisions that effect my life or those of the people I love.  For the most part every decision I have ever made over the course of my long lifetime has been to satisfy another person's nagging or putting the needs of another before the desires of my heart.  It seemed the right thing to do at the time, the honorable,  the God thing.  Maybe I have missed the boat or perhaps, and better still, I have learned more to benefit my own life and the lives of those who can learn by example.  By even making a wrong choice, or taking a side journey,  I have endured hardship, heartbreak, but learned patience, gained more compassion, more knowledge of others and more about the person I am and who God wants me to become. And it  has been worth the wait, and definitely worth the price. I am learning what it truly means to be set free, not concerned about how another views my life as walking in denial, being irresponsible when it comes to saving money for a rainy day.  Rather, I am living my life, using money to help people on their "rainy days", and God has blessed me all the more for it!  I did something!  And I am doing something with my life even if some do not see it or understand it.  God does!  And that is more than enough for me!

Don't you just hate it when an author has you hooked, by the seat of your pants, then leaves you hanging?!  Is that truly the proof of a good storyteller?  Well, I guess we'll see, as I am ending up my narrative at this point to continue on another day.  But until such time as I pick up in my story, spend some time in the word of God re-reading, listening, waiting. Maybe there's an answer you've missed in the noise of impatience or in the demands of another on how you should live your life. Wait on the Lord as the answer will surely come.

Morning!

Each day when I turn on my computer I see the most glorious screen saver photos of seaside boulders or icescapes, tunnels of snow or fields of grain or flowers, or even a simple floral stem.  Majesty. I worship His majesty!

Today I woke up in quite a bit of pain, but thanks to the faithful prayers of a friend, I now welcome this day with sunshine and smiles.  Actually, one of my nicknames is "Sunshine". Imagine that, you who really know me!  I can be a ray of sunshine to a weary soul.  Well, maybe that is pushing it a bit far!  I do tend to smile a lot, and I guess that brings out the best in a person on an otherwise dreary day.  We all have those times too.  So much more a reason to light up the world with a bit of cheer and laughter, don't you think?

Yesterday I was trying to get a giggle from a fellow slave in the field, so we were talking about our meltdown days we have endured, encouraging each other in the Lord.  Yesterday was actually a better day for me, I said, even though my quiet time in the morning started with the opening chapters of Job.  Not exactly where I would have chosen to gather strength for the day, but that was my daily read as I walk through the Bible.  God has a way of making us gain perspective on things mighty fast!  And as only He can do.  God is not only good, He is GREAT!

So this morning as I muddle through my day, I'll have a smile on my face...regardless!  Things could be worse, but for today, they're better than good!  Have a blessed day!

This Day I Will

Whoever pursues righteousness 

and unfailing love

will find life, righteousness,

and honor.

Proverbs 21:21

My reading has taken me through the book of Esther where once more God is faithful to the children of Israel in delivering them from their enemies.  As the story ends today a new holiday (holy day), the feast of Purim, is established for all to remember the provision of God.  I'm reminded of the significance of each Jewish celebration which is specific for remembering times throughout the history of the Jewish people when God delivered, protected and provided for them.  As I think over the holidays we observe in our nation's history, I realize that each has purpose and meaning far beyond what we really consider today.  To me the majority of the time I welcome holidays as times I can have time off to rest from the demands of my work days.  But in fairness to myself I do remember the significance of each, as I am aware that without God's place in our history, this nation would have crumbled already.  Today we need to realize that if we don't stand up and fight for what we hold dear, this nation will soon completely fall apart.

When I began to write this blog it was with the express intention of speaking of establishing our own Day of Purim where we thank God for His daily blessings, and we celebrate feasting, giving gifts, reaching out to our families and communities in recognition of the faithfulness of God our Father.  Perhaps if we go beyond the norm the tide of this nation's ultimate demise will turn, and once more we will enjoy freedom in democracy. People will take note, and things will change for better.

I know the signs of Christ's return are all around us in the news, in the weather, and in our own lives as we see families being split apart and the church not reaching out to the lost sleep within their own congregations.  My heart is breaking as I see the things I do every day in my job, as I encounter the hopelessness people feel.  But the wonderful thing about the work I  do is that each day I can offer hope  to each person God brings into my path, and in some small way bring comfort.

It is my prayer that we will all look beyond the scope of our personal lives and family, and take the time to really look at the faces of the people you pass today as you go to work, or shop, take your children to school.  Take the time to listen to what God is saying to your heart about the needs around you, and then have the courage to smile, say hello, and if they respond, meet the need.  I promise you that God will honor your random acts of kindness, and your life will be changed.

Thoughts

Do you ever have days where you feel you would have accomplished more if you'd stayed home, slept in, or hidden from the world?  That's my usual day!  Then there are others when you're eager to get going, only to be let down.  Still others when the most wonderful things happen, when you least expect them.  Why is it like that?  After all, aren't we to live in expectation of a supernatural day?!  Unexpected blessings come in the simplest gesture, a smile, a word of encouragement, or simply saying hello.  I was blown away yesterday from the mail I received from three people who sent me cards with notes thanking me for something I did or said. How great is that!  Especially after the intensely long day yesterday. Now I have reminders that little things matter.

Most of the time I don't remember what comes out of my mouth or what I write in a note or letter, as I try to let Holy Spirit speak through me.  I can be pretty simple in my delivery, even to the point of "open mouth, insert both feet".  I guess I am the only one with that human characteristic, eh?  As I've said before numerous times, so I'll say it again in case you haven't been listening, "God uses the foolish to confound the wise," or in more layman terms, "God uses donkeys!" How you interpret that is up to you. It could mean stubborn, willful human beings with the constitution of one of these gentle eyed critters or taken literally.  Same effect. Life can be uncertain, but there is always a miracle around the corner.

I haven't blogged lately, because I have had to regain my focus. I become distracted at times by work and circumstances in my life to the point that I can only manage to talk to God. His is the only voice I long to hear, His touch the only one I need.  I still write, just don't publish it for others to see. Much of it stays unpublished in fact. Right now I am seeking the clear path God wants me to walk.  I feel like I'm straying over to the side of the road without meaning to, struggling in some areas I thought I'd buried so deeply.  But these things have a way of surfacing and causing unsettled feelings.  Not all feelings are bad, but in my chaotic, stressful daily world, sometimes the best I can do is put one foot in front of the other very cautiously. If I don't keep my eyes in front of me looking only at His face, I will not be able to survive the day, the moment!

l laughingly tell my friends that I have my "manic" days where I'm practically bouncing off the wall I am so alive. Then there are the "under the rock" days when I am more melancholy, introspective. But that's not really who I am.  Everyone has times when they get worn thin and worn out, but it is the "Re-filler" who makes the difference. You may never have thought about Holy Spirit like that, a Re-filler, but if His function is to comfort, I'd say that He re-fills too!

Since I was a small child I've crawled into God's lap for comfort and safety.  And at almost 64 years of age I haven't outgrown it.  He's always there with open, loving, welcoming arms to love and support.  Holy Spirit, as our Comforter, walks alongside, and He never deviates from the path, even if it is not the best one.  He's that stalwart.  My mood swings, so I call them, go from reflective, introverted, and reserved to outright forthright (in your face) and sometimes comical, so when I swing it is a broad swoop. I am a very happy person the majority of the time, and I am joyful all of the time, even when I am at full swing!  I, like Paul, have learned to be content.  That is a huge thing for me.  Joy is not dependent on emotions - happiness is an emotion, whereas joy is a fruit of the Spirit.

I was sharing some things with some friends of mine recently that we have to lay down what we cannot handle and let God take our burdens.  He never meant for us to bear them. There are things we cannot change, things we cannot do.  But then there are many other things we can do, when we change our attitudes about our situations.  We can choose to live in defeat or in victory. I'm not saying it is easy as it never is, and the accuser is always lurking around to bring us down.  But remember, the battle is not ours. And it's a done deal if we remain true to the call.  He is defeated, and we are victorious!

I'm going to be starting a new book tonight called "Necessary Endings" by Dr. Henry Cloud.  I think I may have mentioned the book or alluded to it in a previous blog.  In the preface of the book, it says "While endings are a natural part of business and life, we often experience them with a sense of hesitation, sadness, resignation, or regret. But consultant, psychologist, and bestselling author Dr. Henry Cloud sees endings differently. He argues that our personal and professional lives can only improve to the degree that we can see endings as a necessary and strategic step to something better. If we cannot see endings in a positive light and execute them well, he asserts, the '"better'" will never come either in business growth or our personal lives."

I think I have some lessons to learn from this author, something to glean from his expertise, his victory over certain schools of thought. Introspection can be a good thing.  Once we set our hands to the plow, our face needs to remain forward, never looking back. Only forward to new beginnings, what lies ahead. I'll let you know what I learn!

My Place in this World

My life seems to be one of contradictions...one side strong and courageous, not afraid to take my stand and let my voice be heard, even if it is to my own demise.  On the other hand, I am an introspective, quiet, unassuming person, yet one of great strength in my feelings and passions, creative, seeing beyond what lies before me, lost in my imagination. Very opposing views, one may assume, but really, not so.

Last night I turned on Netflix to check out the movies.  Sometimes I want to see something other than my favorite "friends" that I watch over and over and over again, night after night, literally for weeks on end at times.  My imaginary children - Charles, Bailey and Schlep -  tell me, "no way, not again! Can't we watch something else?!" I'll have to tell you about my "personalities" at another time, as I know you all are wondering what I mean by "imaginary children".  No worries - I am not bouncing off the rubber walls of a rubber room - yet!  But what I mean by opposing view is this - my choices.

I dearly love what I call "kick butt", action charged movies, but I tire of having to fast forward past the colorful metaphors or blatant and often disgusting scenes that take away from the movie, in my opinion.  I wish I could cut and paste, so an otherwise good movie could be "clean" for all to see.  After all Jesus is sitting here right beside me.  But sometimes, because of the stand I make and the causes in the world that I support, I watch movies to remind me that yes, certain things do actually happen today that we want to close our minds and disregard as simple movie themes.  If you have looked at my Pinterest boards you will know that Human Trafficking is one of my causes, and I support Abolition International.  Last night I watched a movie called 6 Bullets with Jean-Claude Van Damme which speaks of this atrocious sin, this travesty of justice which is secretly protected, not only in foreign countries, but in our own back yards.  You want to close your eyes, not to think it, but if you have children and even if you do not, it exists.  I learned after years of trying so hard to protect my children that I never could.  Some things are beyond knowing, unfortunately.  My life has touched on this side, and the impact has been paralyzing at times. But I possess within myself this tenacious gene that never gives in and never gives up on myself or others.  So I will fight for the children, as I will fight for all who need a voice in this world.

Later, I watched a movie called "Miss Potter" about the life of famed author and creator of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter, and I was fascinated that my "other self" had existed in this lady's imagination and lifestyle as well.  If you watch the movie you will understand what I mean, and if either of my sons are following this blog, they will probably be grateful I do not mention their names, because I am revealing a side of myself most seldom see and most definitely would not understand.  Those of you who have met my "friends" are smiling now, I can see it mentally.  I have a creative side, much like Miss Potter, so her movie brought a smile to my face, and tears to my eyes, because her family misunderstood her, and when she found someone who did "know" her heart, he died suddenly, leaving her heart broken and alone.  But, thankfully, the story ended on a positive note, and, as it turns out in the end of the story of her life, another side of who she was within, was revealed in the legacy she left behind for others not merely in her wonderful children's stories, but in her generosity of spirit.  She truly was a "kindred spirit" and a lover of misfit toys.

Why am I sharing this with you today?  Really not sure except to say "still waters run deep" even to the point of vulnerability on the one side and willingness to die for a cause on the other. Either side death comes. Just wrapped in a different package. So I am going to be who I am, even if no one other than God understands and approves.  After all my life is His and His alone. So He can set my course; I give it to Him willingly. And even if I have to walk it alone, so be it.  I am content.

A Few Words

Hello Friends,

I was looking at my blog site, and I stumbled upon some comments made about some of my earlier posts.  I apologize about not seeing them, so please forgive me.  I have so much to learn.  It has been challenging getting started doing what I love to do...write!  I am so much better with written words. Plus it is not as easy to stick my foot in my mouth!  It has taken me awhile to understand the "lingo" that goes with blogging and just about any social media type thing, if that is what it is called.  I get invitations all the time to go to this site or that, but quite honestly, I am doing well just to post my blog on Facebook.  Now Pinterest is one thing I can do well. I just can't keep up with the emails from others who Pin.  Still I do enjoy it, albeit very addictive, along with playing games on Pogo.  I just love Poppit.  That Cactus is a hoot!  Don't laugh...some of us don't have a real life!  But I do have fun.  And I do something other than work all the time.

I have a couple of movies I bought that I am thinking of popping in and laying back to watch.  It has been a bit chilly today, and tomorrow I have time to just bunk in and break open a good book, THE Good Book!  A friend gave me a gift of a book from an author I follow, Ted Dekker.  If there are any Peretti fans out there, you will absolutely love Ted Dekker.  So thank you, my friend, Obsessed is quite an experience.  I'm almost finished, so I'll need to find another escape into the world of imagination.

Hope your weekend brings joy, laughter, sunshine, and happy jaunts!  If the weather is nice I may break out the Trek, grab my camera and back pack and hit the trail!  Have a great evening, and be sure to check out my Blog for responses to your Comments.

Happy Trails!

Make It Count

Although each day has its ups and down, disappointments, today was actually a good day!  Plus it is Thursday, so tomorrow is Friday, and then...the weekend!!  I am looking forward to some R&R or time I call "sitting in God's lap"!

I was able to get some groceries picked up in my running around and busy schedule this week, so I do not have to do that on Saturday.  I need to catch up on some reading and writing letters of encouragement to some friends who need the support.  There are always many opportunities to share a smile, a word, a prayer with another who may be going through some hard places.  We've all been there, haven't we?  Days get tough and life gets rocky, but we keep pluggin' along, as my mama always told me.  I miss my parents more each day, but I praise God that I had the time I did with them, and I especially remember the positive influence they were and continue to be in my life.  Value the time you have with your family, as it is oh so brief.

As the weekend approaches I hope I make the time to reflect on the lessons I have learned this week and apply some positive action to my life.  The more I listen to the news on the radio or come into contact with people in my everyday life, I realize more and more how fragile life is.  It is very transitory, and we are not promised tomorrow, so we need to live for today and accomplish the most we can for the cause of Christ.  People need hope, and we have the answer.  So, I challenge you, as I do myself, to make each day count!