What a Week!

Last week was a reminder that we really aren't in control. The control I'm responsible for is my attitude.  Yes, attitude. It would have been easy to cry out, "Not fair." But it wouldn't have changed a thing. It would have made the situation more difficult.

Last week: Rachel left for Haiti for a week to help on the surgery team. Agape had a filming assignment for school (which involved 2 full days).  He also had class and work at school. It wasn't the greatest timing to have sick kids all week, and no school 2 days...very interesting. When I saw the bumps in the road, I realized I would not plan one other thing all week except babysit. I was thankful for books to read, not only for them but for me, too. The Lady Bug and Memory games were used a lot. No need to ask if I won memory...have you ever played memory with a 6 year old...dear me...she wins every game.

"All things work together for good to those who love God" so what good was it? None of the little ones had to go to the doctor. I never got sick along with them. In the whispers of the Spirit, God reminded me that He was here with us. He had it all under control. And He did.

By the end of the week, I wasn't sure I'd know how to relate to an adult, but when that test came I think I passed.

Be thankful in all things...

God bless you

"Honey, Did You Hear What I Said?"

I've been thinking the past few days of my response to God. For instance, as I read the scriptures, am I really listening? Do I really concentrate and give Him my full attention? It is sad, but there are many times I'm distracted. Thinking of things I need to do, places I want to go, and people I should talk to. Oh, the list goes on and on.

Reading through the Old Testament, people had the same problem. God would speak, would call them, and they would not listen. I wonder if God felt like taking them by the shoulder and shaking them, "Would you please look at me and listen to what I am saying?" Does this sound familiar?

We want our children to listen. Stop what they are doing and give us their full attention. So difficult. But let's take it a step further, for those of  us who are married. What about those times when you know  you told your husband the plan, and a few days later, "Why didn't you tell me this?" The normal response from us, as a wife, is "Honey, I did tell you, but you were on the computer, or watching a ball game, or..." Whatever the case may be. We know they weren't paying attention. It is frustrating to us. We want our husband to  pay attention when we talk to them.

They don't really intend to shut us out, well maybe sometimes they do. But do they not realize how much we'd like their full attention? Maybe God allows this so that we can know how God feels when He speaks to our heart and we just don't listen. We have our own agenda. We do have our Bible open, but while we are reading, we plan our dinner meal, make our grocery list, answer the phone....so many interruptions.

God gives us the rules. God shows us the way. We just don't listen. We are "busy." How would my life be different if I really listened when He speaks.

I wonder if Patrick heard me when I said "I need those signatures and forms filled out?" I wonder....I'll know when he returns home. :))

Help me to listen, Lord.
God bless you

Favorite Color

Promise and Nate are at the table making valentine cards. Then I heard Nate say, "I'm going to make one for God and Jesus, then when I go to heaven I will take it to them." There was a pause, "But I don't know what their favorite color is."

He wanted to make the best for God and Jesus. How often have my sacrifices been second best? I found his statement profound. Oh yes, a child at play but wanting to give Jesus what He likes best. Am I more interested in what Jesus likes best, or is it more important to have what I like best and then ask Him to bless it. A bit turned around in my thinking.

What is the offering that I lay on the altar? Is it a sacrifice, or just a little thinking to appease God with what I have given? God is not to be fooled. He sees into my heart, even the deep recesses of my heart. Yes, even those areas that I would rather hide from His eyes. But not to be. I cannot hide anything from Him. Not because He wants to destroy me or embarrass me, but because He loves me so much. He knows what it is I need for contentment.

When I give second-best, I am not happy. I know that small convicting voice that nudges me to give my all. Oh but self, but me, wants it my way. But I can't have His way if my way stands in the way.

What is your favorite color, Jesus? I want to give my best for you.

God bless you

Almost

Have you ever thought of the many "almosts" in our lives? I was almost late for work/school. I almost missed my flight? I almost failed the exam. I almost went to the altar Sunday after the message. Then the scariest of all...

"I almost just DIED!! Along with my nephew lil Nate!! We were walking into school when a senile old lady slammed on her gas in the parking lot, did a donut, and smashed into a parked delivery truck, in front of which Nate and I were standing. Scariest moment ever!! Thanks to the gracious Lord and my mongoose-like reflexes, no one was harmed! Within a nanosecond, I had lil Nate resting safely in my bosom between the grasp of my arms as I whisked us both out of harms way. It was legendary but I'm still shaking like a boss!" (Agape's experience this morning)

Then a flash-back: Patrick and I almost died in the quake. We almost didn't have a way out of Haiti in time. Patrick almost died in the hospital.

But one thing for sure. God never has an almost!! He never is almost too late. Almost too busy. Almost too tired. Almost too early. No, God is never Almost. He is always faithful, good, right and for sure, never late! He never almost forgets. He remembers you and me. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Not almost the same, He is the same!

All morning the song, I Will Rise, has been "humming" through my mind. And we will rise the moment He calls our name. Not almost rise...we will rise.

God bless you

I Can Do Nothing

John 15:5..."without me you can do nothing."
Well, that puts me in my place when I think I'm doing quite well. If there is anything of value accomplished in me, it isn't really me but Jesus in me. When will I ever learn that flesh just gets in the way all the time. It is truly my enemy.

We really are helpless creatures. If Jesus recognized His need of the Father, how much more do I need to realize that I am helpless without Him. I can't breathe without Him. I can't make my heart beat. Oh yes, the doctor can shock it to make it beat, but again, without God's will and power to do so, hearts would not beat.

Think of a baby, then a toddler, then a child, teen, and adult. During the growing process, we as parents, teach our child to do many things. We can teach a child to walk, talk, eat, play, read, write, etc. But we cannot teach its lungs to breathe, or the heart to beat. We can't teach its brain to think. Our bodies are so intricately designed. There is not one thing about me that the Father doesn't know.

So since I can't do anything without Him, I realize I need to ask Him what it is I am to do, then obey and my work will be blessed. Rather than making my plans, telling God what I am going to do, then ask Him to bless it. Does this make sense?

And this is what I was trying to digest when I couldn't sleep last night. What is God doing around me, so that I can join in the work. There are some upcoming activities that I really am not excited about, until last night. Just perhaps God is working in these activities and wants me to be a part of the work. I'll pray for a right attitude.

Without Him, I can do nothing. But with Him, I can change the world, my little world, that is.

God bless you