If My People

 

Each day life changes as the world waits anxiously for a turn in our current state of emergency. Many people are sick and countless more are fearful not knowing what to expect. Today we heard that the schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year as our leaders continue to battle the unseen enemy crippling our nation and world. Many have lost their jobs and are buckling under that stress wondering how they will be able to make ends meet. Many others are volunteering their time to help people in distress in whatever way they can to make life a little easier. We all have something we can do.

As I listen to reports each day of the steps being taken by our leaders to combat the disease, I am encouraged to hear our President ask our nation to pray. I believe that prayer is the best thing that we can do. If we are truly a nation under God, then He is the one to seek in our time of need. God is looking for those who will stand in the gap. I am reminded of Ezekiel 22:30 where God says:

"I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall

and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so

I would not have to destroy it, but I found none."

It was a relief to hear that Congress agreed on legislation today that will bring relief to many who are struggling financially. Many times it takes something like this threat to the welfare of all for people to get along and work together for the common good. It is sad that it takes a crisis for this to happen. I continue to ask God to break my heart for what breaks His, and I ask Him to show me things is my life that are not pleasing to Him. I want my life to line up with His word. I want to live the better life Jesus taught us how to live. In John 16:33 Jesus comforts His disciples by telling them, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Today as I studied 2 Samuel 11-14, I read the account of King David's err in judgment when he took his eyes off God and sinned with Bathsheba setting in motion a chain of events. As the author puts it: "David's reign was marked by material wealth, military success, social prestige, and the promise of future prosperity. But in David's heart, a steady erosion was taking place in his ability to withstand temptation - a spiritual slide away from God prompted by an undisciplined life of passion, polygamy, and idle pleasure. When the moment of temptation came, David had no power to resist, and the rest is history."  When God used Nathan the prophet to confront David with his sin, David responded in humility and repentance. He acknowledged that first and foremost he had sinned against God. God forgave David, and we see Bathsheba's son Solomon listed in the lineage of Christ. God is looking for men like David who are quick to repent and restore their fellowship with God.

Throughout history God has been faithful to answer the prayers of repentant men and women who humble themselves and cry out to Him. He's waiting now. I am thankful that there are men of courage who will stand up and ask for prayer, admitting that we need God not just at this time, but all the time. I am answering the call, and I pray you are also.

As We Wait

I love listening to the sound of birds singing in the early morning as the sun rises over the mountains. A gentle breeze plays a sweet melody on my wind chimes as the sun illuminates my day. Even the discordant, relentless buzzing in my head cannot distract me from the music of nature I love.

I've always enjoyed mountain biking. The scenery is magical as I fearlessly whiz along the paths. The air stirs and rustles the trees, and the harmonies blend into a beautiful symphony as all of nature joins into the chorus. Music always awakens the wonder within me, whether it comes from a radio, a concert, or my imagination. God fills me up, and my cup runs over!

Even at a time like now where many are staying home, we can still enjoy the sights, sounds, smells of nature just by opening a window or cracking a shade letting in light. Light always dispels darkness. One of my favorite movies is August Rush about a young musical prodigy who hears music in all the sounds and sights around him - kids playing basketball, traffic, voices, dogs barking, or wind blowing over a field of wheat.

My Mornings with Jesus devotional reminded me of the magical moments gifted to us each day. The author shares,

"My commute has become special as I savor the sounds around

me and realize that the sound of humanity is a gift from God,

just like birdsong or a babbling brook. I hear Jesus speaking

to me in this diverse human chorus, and I marvel at His

beauty and wisdom." 

-Elizabeth Berne DeGear

So take the time to listen today. Jesus communicates with us in many ways. Just listen!

Lessons I'm Learning - 2

Today is my day off, so I am home resting. I keep hearing that I am one of the vulnerable ones since I'm in that senior age category and my autoimmune system is a risk factor. But I don't feel like I'm compromised. But, since I'm still working, I need to ensure the safety of my clients as well as my daughter's, so I am laying low today.

I've been asking the Lord to teach me what I need to learn and how to apply the lessons learned in the way in which I conduct my life, including speech, actions, and attitudes. Previously I've mentioned the importance of letting people know how important they are, especially during this crisis. Being kind and having an attitude of gratitude towards others. Being available and sharing encouragement. Now that tighter restrictions have been set many more people will become afraid and anxious. It's important to reassure one another and give hope. We can't pray and ask for miracles if we don't believe they will happen. Today I was reminded of God's faithfulness by a quotation from O. Hallesby:

"If we pray for anything according to the will

 of God, we already have what we pray for the moment 

we ask it. We do not know exactly when it will arrive; but we 

have learned to know God through the Spirit of God, and have 

learned to leave this in His hands,  and to live just as happily 

whether the answer arrives immediately or later."

Before they call, I will answer, and while they

are yet speaking, I will hear.

Isaiah 65:24

Life is definitely slowing down because of necessity, and it allows time to consider many things. The hoarding of certain items, toilet paper being the primary thing, has made me think about how much we waste as Americans. Speaking for myself, I have been noticing for quite some time how much food that goes bad before I eat it. Not because of an over abundance, as I don't keep very much food on hand. I live very simply and prefer soups, stews or casseroles that last more than one day. Since I work it makes it easier for me to eat sensibly without much fuss in preparation. I live alone, so it make sense. Still, I tend to let fresh vegetables and fruits go to waste by not eating them on time. I'm trying to change that habit.

I'm also learning that one roll of toilet paper goes a long way when it is used sensibly. After having to stand in line one morning in order to buy a package, I gained a better perspective of how things really are when the world is in an uproar. I have had an equally difficult time finding some staple goods, but I believe that is getting better. After all I really don't need that much for myself.

I'm sure I have much more to learn as the days go on. I want to grow in this experience, as I believe there's a purpose for every thing we endure in this life. My life has been an example of how the Lord  relentlessly pursues to fulfill His purpose. I am trying to keep learning and growing each day. Thankfully I still have time, and God is very patient and kind with me.

I hope things are going well with you as we journey along.

Lessons I'm Learning

Yesterday I wrote about the challenges I have been facing during this time of crisis in our world. I was reminded by a friend that having an attitude of gratitude is something we all need to show in our actions daily, especially now.

Whereas I have trying to thank all the front liners for standing strong, not quitting, but continuing on to serve us. It takes great courage to stand in the face of the enemy. I also want to thank those who have valiantly stood with me and my daughter over the years whether it be front lines or behind the scenes. We have continued to have support up to this day, and I know that it will continue, because that is what love is all about. Those who support her tangibly are a little busy right now, because they are part of the front line. But I remain grateful, because I know they hold my daughter and me in their prayers and thoughts...always, as we do them.

So thank you friends for your love and support, not only to my daughter and me, but to all those you serve as you and your families endure the days ahead. We hold you in prayer as well, and we are forever grateful!

Stay well and safe!!

Fear No More

I am reminded today of Queen Esther. When her people faced annihilation, she put aside her fear, fasted and prayed and met the enemy face on. She was placed in the palace as the wife of the enemy king by the Lord for such a time to fulfill His purpose. God does things like that, even today. He makes preparation.

Several weeks ago I had a dream. I've been struggling with fear, guilt, shame for a long, long time. My counselor has been interested in my crazy dreams in an attempt to find a pattern. This dream, however, was different. I was in a store, and there were several circles on the floor. Children were coming up and placing things into the circles. I could not see any tangible objects in their hands. One boy needed to leave, as he had someone waiting outside. I told him he still had something left to do. So he put what appeared to be a stuffed animal on the door as a sign to the one who was waiting that he was still inside. It was at that time my alarm clock went off, so I woke up.  The first words from my mouth were, "Lord, what was that all about!!" I closed my eyes, and I saw the store door open and I saw a child holding the hand of an adult leave the store. I opened my eyes, got up to walk to the kitchen, and I heard God clearly say, "Fear no more!" I was reminded of Psalm 23 and the words, "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me...." Since that time I have been abnormally fearless and at peace. Over the past two weeks it has been as if God has been telling me that I needed to get rid of the garbage I have been holding on to and do what I have been called to do at "such a time as this."

I have been part of an intercessory prayer group for many years. Assignments arrive about every three months, and I must say that I feel very inadequate when it comes to prayer these days. But as Max Lucado reminded me in a recent quotation, "All of us have a donkey." I am also reminded that God used a donkey to speak to Balaam when he was doing something contrary to God's command.
Many times in my life I have felt so inadequate, fearful of not being "good enough," or not measuring up to a challenge. Gideon, whom God called "a mighty man of God" was cowering in a winepress stomping down his grain, hiding from the Midianites, at the time the angel of the Lord said those words. After Elijah had killed all the prophets of Baal in a mighty show of God's power, he bailed, depressed, afraid, and feeling forsaken, when he learned that Queen Jezebel had a contract out on his life, so to speak. Fear is a natural response to danger and feelings of inadequacy. But God said, "Fear no more!"

I feel that God is personally saying to me, "Linda, get your act together, I need you to do something."  So, that is exactly what I have been trying to do. These are difficult days, with many people sick and afraid. I believe that fear is a greater threat than the virus itself. Fear is exhausting. I believe in caution, but panic is never the correct response, and there has been widespread panic, hoarding, and unnecessary fear.

My daughter has a compromised immune system, so her exposure to anyone is limited routinely. She also has a very limited list of foods she is able to eat. So, imagine how difficult it has been to attempt to find food and chemically free personal items for her at this time. I have had to shop almost every day just to find dry beans, rice, and hydrogen peroxide. Thankfully, the vegetables she can eat have been abundant. Plus, I am making it a point to shop sensibly, rather than hoarding food. Since she lives about 100 miles from me, and only one person in her town is able to help her now, I will have to make the trek more often to ensure she has adequate food on hand. If the lady loses her job, then she has no reason to leave her home to go into town. Life may become more interesting, if that happens. I am also working part-time with two older seniors four days a week, so they are counting on me. Whereas I have always followed safe hygiene practices on the job and as part of my daily routine, the additional safety precautions, plus my daily foraging, have made life more challenging. But it hasn't been all that bad, and I limit public exposure to after hours. Although I have felt the stress, I have been trying to remain cheerful and courteous, and I must say that the people in my neck of the woods have reciprocated in kind. Whereas life is sometimes seemingly not so good, life is still good, we just have to pay attention.

What's our real part of all of this? Well, I'd say prayer. One thing I know and am reminded of each day is that God IS in control. Always. So, we need to stand in prayer together, knowing that this will pass. When Abraham and Moses prayed and cried out to God on behalf of His people, He answered. And He will respond to our prayers as well. This is our call to arms. Pray! Believe! Trust! God is faithful. Always!!

 

A Monumental Life

"Reliability. It's the bread and butter characteristic
of achievement. It's the shared ingredient behind
retirement pens, Hall of Fame awards, and golden
anniversaries. It is the quality that produces not
momentary heroics but monumental lives."

Max Lucado, God Came Near

A few mornings ago I was privileged to spend an hour with a young lady whom I feel is destined for greatness. Not necessarily in the realm of financial gain, but in her humanitarian efforts. She is a very calm, quiet, soft-spoken person with a heart of compassion and healing in her hands. She just graduated with a degree in nursing, and she will soon begin her first job as a nurse. The area of the hospital in which she will be working is difficult, but in her previous work as a caregiver, she is well-prepared to minister to the emotional needs as well as the physical ones.

Max Lucado, in an excerpt from his book God Came Near, speaks of "monumental lives." Those people who show up each day and get the job done, because they are reliable, trustworthy, and dedicated. Regardless of whether they love, or even like, their jobs or not. They do the best they can do, regardless, and try to present positivity, rather than negativity, in the workplace. Prior to my retirement I served as a case manager. I did not choose this career, I literally fell into the job. I was drafted for a higher position than the one for which I applied, based on my experience. I was so down on myself at the time, but God has always had His hand on my life, and He has strategically placed people in my path who see value in me when all I see are the mistakes. I think that's why the desire of my heart is to help other people, those who, like me, are alone. Those, like me, who have felt devalued, worthless, and hopelessly lost or stuck. Those who cry out to the Lord, who, seemingly, does not hear their pleas! Discouraged, they walk down the darkened path, do what they feel they must do to survive. But I want to see change from this endless spiral into hopelessness for the broken into hope. I dream of a home where the discarded and lonely can find a place to call home. Home means shelter, safety, nourishment, health, and healing. Much more, kindness, acceptance, love - above all love. God does hear our prayers, sees our hearts, and He inspires us and prepares the way for dreams to become realities. All is needed is to take one step, then another, trusting God to lead the way.

I'm blogging again. My daily journals are flowing with things I've encountered on the journey - fresh insight and some revelation. It's been a difficult tug-of-war, but praise and gratitude to my Abba Father keeps my focus on the goal. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but for Today, my favorite day as Winnie the Pooh puts it, I will walk step-by-step. If I fall, He'll pick me up, dust me off, and I will begin again. I want a monumental life in His service. I choose Jesus!

Sandcastles & Best Laid Plans

 "Days come and go. Seasons ebb and flow.

Every sunrise which becomes a sunset whispers the secret, 

"Time will take away your sandcastle."

Max Lucado

And the Angels were Silent

For the past thirty minutes I have been playing, whiling away the minutes on Pinterest. It really is a nice, relaxing, altogether fun pastime that more people ought to indulge. When I have much on my mind, which is often, and I don't want to deal with it, also often, I tend to sidetrack a bit until the wind stops blowing, and the space between my ears calms down. This New Year started as a whirlwind for me, and an ever-growing "list" of "to-dos." Not resolutions, mind you, just things that needed to be prioritized. This week was well-planned out, but everything has gone awry thus far, so my head is spinning. Snoopy and Winnie the Pooh help me focus a bit more clearly...and laugh hysterically. For a brief period of time I am a child again, laughing, enjoying the moment at play. Not a bad way to spend a morning or a life. My imagination keeps me going many days. I am after all a dreamer, a writer, and "a picture is worth a thousand words."

When January rolled in rather quickly for me, I was in a dither about my word for the year that I wanted to be my focus, to keep me in line with my hopes. After wrestling with God about "well-laid plans," I knew instinctively that my word is "Surrender." In fact, that is my goal, my purpose for my life. I can control nothing! This week thus far has proven that fact clearly. And, honestly, I don't want to control anything. I want my dependence to be on my Abba Father who never fails me. Worrying about "what if" has driven me nuts, so much so that I can't assimilate written messages. I cannot rush, change, or deviate from certain circumstances that have been set into motion, so I need to focus on what I can do today, in the moment, and do it faithfully and completely. God is in control, not me! If I trust Him to direct my path, then I need to trust Him.

So, I am making daily attempts to ride the wave of life and not to fear if the current shifts beneath me or even if the undercurrent drags me under. I've been there, done that in life and not just metaphorically. Very unpleasant being pulled under and dragged down, then up, then down again, with not a soul around to help. But I survived then, and I most certainly will survive anything I face today...and tomorrow...until my race is done. As Paul so aptly puts in in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NLT): "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me - the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing." That's what I want - to be found faithful, to hear the words "well done."

I love parables and metaphors. In the quotation from Max Lucado at the beginning of this blog, he used "sandcastles" as a metaphor for life. The scripture he used with this quotation was not the one I immediately thought, but it definitely had the same meaning. In Matthew 6:20-21 Jesus says: "Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." 

Each day I thank God for what each day brings, and I try to see everything that happens as a lesson to teach me, train and prepare me for the next step in my journey. I refuse to see negatives and allow them to attempt to steal my joy. I have my ups and downs, but I am purposeful in my desire to have an attitude of gratitude no matter what presents itself on a daily basis. Although there have been days, sometimes several in a row, where the only reason I get up is to go to work, because it is expected of me, I still get up. I still keep going. I am being faithful to what God has for me to do at that time, on that day. I am a survivor. Weekends can be harder, because I am usually not working, and although I love to attend church, and praising the Lord is how I lift myself from the miry pit, there are times when it is a struggle. But, I thank God for Flatirons Church. The senior pastor and his staff are not afraid to admit that they struggle with life's challenges. We are imperfect, but we love Jesus. I love ragamuffins. I am one. Brennan Manning defines a "Ragamuffin" as follows: “Ragamuffins are the unsung assembly of saved sinners who are little in their own sight and aware of their brokenness and powerlessness before God. A ragamuffin knows he’s only a beggar at the door of God’s mercy.” For me, embracing this truth allows me to have more compassion and love for my fellow man. We are all imperfect. No Christian has arrived. Jesus loves us. Plain and simple. To quote Rich Mullins, "God's already knocked out by us." He looks at us, and He sees Jesus.

Some people are always trying to tell me that God has forgiven me, so I need to forgive myself. I finally realized that it is impossible to forgive myself, because forgiveness costs. Jesus has already paid that price for me. He died for my sins. Otherwise, I would not need a Savior. It can be a tough one to wrap your brain around, but try to do it. It will save you a lot of shaming and quilting yourself. Believe me, I know. I have regrets in life, but I am forgiven. Thank You, Jesus, for giving Your life for mine. Now I need to focus on finishing the race, keeping the faith. I want my life to be well-lived, not a sandcastle washing away in the tides.