Whichever Way the Wind Blows~

Just a quick story that happened the other day....

I was doing my usual jog on the bike path, and stopped for a drink at the drinking fountain, so graciously provided by a service group in the village. I was really hot, thirsty, and that water was looking good! There was a strong wind blowing, which was nice for cooling off, but when I turned the fountain on, the force of the wind coming against the water arc blew it backwards, making it really difficult to get a good drink.

I was a little exasperated until I figured out that if I leaned way forward and turned my back to the wind, it blocked it enough to allow the water to come out as it should, and that way I could actually get a decent drink. As water quenched my parched mouth and throat, I began to think about the parallel of the Lord Jesus being the Water of Life, as He described Himself to the woman at the well.

You know, I understand that, because Jesus has quenched my spiritual thirst in a way that nothing else ever could. But, He doesn't force Himself down my throat, so to speak. In order to benefit from the Water of Life, I have to make the decision to drink, and beyond that, to block the obstructions that so readily get in my way. There are any number of things that change the direction that I need to take in order to fully imbibe the life of Christ. Busyness, a desire to do things that are more entertaining, distractions from family or friends-all of these things seem to change the direction of that life-giving water, and if I don't position myself correctly by closing them off, I am unable to receive from Him.

Just a reminder to myself that while Jesus gives me all that I need, it's my responsibility to take it in (or to block the wind) in order to partake of His daily gifts of sustenance.

First things first

My American Eagle necklace

I should know that when I ask the Lord to take over my day and show me HIS agenda, that He is most definitely not going to miss an opportunity to do just that, especially since He must get a tad annoyed when I stick to my own so often without even thinking of asking Him how he wants me to spend the hours and minutes in my day.

Today, after having been away on vacation for a week, I felt a compulsive need to clean the entire house. In fact, after getting home over the weekend, I could hardly wait for Monday to get here so that I could get going! During my quiet time this morning, I did give the Lord permission to plan my day, but was pretty darn sure that He wanted my house clean as much as I did, so wasn't too worried about a change in plans. While zipping from room to room collecting trash, stripping beds, etc., I saw a pile of dress shirts still in their wrappers that I had brought home from the mall for my hubby. I HATE getting those shirts out of their wrappers, unpinning the zillions of pins that they use to secure the shirt (why is that???), unbuttoning the buttons over and around the tags that are twisted by string around said buttons, and then finding yet more cardboard in the neck, body, etc. that I thought I had already removed. I was hoping that Bob would unwrap those suckers over the weekend, but nope, there they were. Then I also noticed the new pants that I had bought him that needed to be hemmed before he can wear them. Can I tell you that I like hemming pants to about the same degree that I enjoy going through a root canal? Not to mention that I saw several clean shirts hanging by the wardrobe that needed to be ironed.

But, there was the still small voice in my mind that reminded me that I should be putting first things first, which in this case would be getting Bob's wardrobe in order ASAP so that he would be able to wear his new clothes. Sigh. Double big sigh.

Before finishing this story, I need to take you back lots of years to a time when we had returned home from vacation, and I realized that we were out of dog food. I ran to the store and bought several cans of whatever it was that our schnauzer, Bogey, was consuming at the time. I opened the first can, and to my disgust, it was filled with a blue bag of what looked to be gel of some sort. I was so ticked, and rushed downstairs to find Bob and spout off about the fact that no one did their job right anymore, as evidenced right here with this particular can of dog food. Now Bob, being the investigative type, immediately pulled out the bag of gel, and wrapped up inside was *gasp* a beautiful mint edition American Eagle gold coin! Me, who never wins anything, winning a very valuable coin in a can of dog food of all things! Long story short, my in-laws had given me a lovely gold chain and so after fitting the coin in a bezel, it became my favorite necklace. It did cause a dilemma for me, as I had a nice cross that I often wore, and when I wore the coin instead, I always was a little apprehensive that I was choosing mammon over the Lord. :) But, that didn't stop me from wearing it anyway.

Last year, I was switching over jewelry from my old box to a new one, and realized that my coin necklace was nowhere to be found. I hunted high and low, as did Bob, but no necklace anywhere. We scratched our heads, puzzled it over together, and looked again, but it had just disappeared! I was sad, but decided that somehow it had been misplaced and hopefully I would find it again one day.

Back to the main story. As I finished up hemming pants, unwrapping shirts, and then ironing ones that were already clean, I was getting ready to close up our ironing board into the space where it is recessed into the wall. Catching a glimpse of something shiny laying on a little ledge at the bottom of the recession, I peeked down under the board to see what it was. You know, don't you? Yep, there it was in all its shiny glory...my coin necklace!!! After calling Bob to whoop it up with him, I realized something. By putting first things first, that is, keeping my priorities of serving others before myself, God had given me the most wonderful reward!

Now we all know that every time we step out in service to others we don't get tangible rewards. But this weekend I had been thinking a lot about how important it is to let our husbands know that we treasure them and that they are first in our hearts when it comes to human relationships, even before our kids. So it doesn't surprise me that God grabbed this opportunity to show me that He does, indeed, desire for me to treat my guy as though he is the most valuable gift from the Lord to me. And the reward is even better than finding something materially valuable that has been lost. The reward is that you keep something of eternal value from ever becoming lost, that is, your relationship with your husband, who is your special gift from the Lord. Everyone in agreement, say Amen!!!

What to do when you don't know what to do...

I always pick a scripture for each member of my family, including myself, at the beginning of the new year. I then make a laminated prayer card with a picture of each member and their scripture so that I can pray for them regularly. This year, the scripture that I picked for myself is:
"Wait for the Lord, and keep His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land." ~Ps. 37:34
I love this verse for me at this point in my life, because I am one of those persons who feels validated by accomplishing things that are measurable, and right now, that is just not happening. At least in the way of Christian Service and Ministry. Notice that I capitalized those words, mainly because in my mind, and in the minds of many others, those words define ways that we serve the Lord that are obvious, and as I said already, measurable. As in:
~Today I had a prayer team meeting and we were able to set lots of goals for the year.
~Today I helped to serve dinner at Water's Edge Outreach to lots of hungry boys and girls.
~Today I taught a Bible study to many women who are eager to learn from God's Word.

Am I being clear here about what I mean as far as serving the Lord by wearing lots of hats in Christian Service and Ministry? I love those labels such as "Prayer Team Leader" or "Director of College Ministries" or "Titus 2 Women's Ministry Leader". The reason I love them is because they give me a real sense of what I am accomplishing and I can check off of my "to do for the Lord" list any number of things that look substantive.

The only problem is, there are times in my life (and yours) when I am not able for any number of reasons to rack up points in the "Service for the Lord" column in those ways. And when that happens, I struggle with a sense of worth and value in my own eyes, although I know that isn't right. At this point in time, I feel strongly that the Lord is urging me to stay in a quiet place of availability for those who might need me, primarily family and friends, for any number of reasons. To avoid getting involved in anything that requires my time and attention on a scheduled basis so that I am free to help out wherever I'm needed. Also, free to take more time in sitting at His feet (which I'm having a hard time doing, because I am a DO-ER, not a SITTER), and praying, and meditating.

I went for several months trying to figure out what I should be doing in the way of ministry since I had experienced a change in my circumstances that had closed several doors. Rather than jump into the first, or second, or even third thing that came along, I decided to just wait and pray and see what the Lord might want me to do for Him, rather than me telling Him what I ought to be doing. I claimed that verse from the Psalms, and am feeling better all the time about having waited rather than jumping into any number of things with both feet. A Christian Service and Ministry opportunity just arose recently with the local MOPS group that I am very excited about, and I am so glad that I am able to say yes because I have the time available to do so.

So when you're not sure what you should be doing to serve the Lord, remember that every part of your life can be a service to Him. Folding laundry, writing notes of encouragement to someone who might need it, ironing shirts for your husband, playing in the park with your kids, sitting at the Lord's feet in prayer or just in listening mode, all these are things that are sacrifices of love that the Lord receives as an offering poured out before Him. Just wait, and He will open the doors. If you open them yourself and get ahead of Him, you just might run into some brick walls, and that's a lot more painful than sitting and waiting.

One Thing!

I decided a couple of weeks ago that I needed to make a few lifestyle changes, but also knew that they would need to be simple and easy. I am getting to the point, sadly, where it is very hard to teach an old dog new tricks, as we old dogs have tried most of them already and rarely have they become daily habits.

I am a fairly disciplined gal, but find that I often start "something" and then life gets in the way, and since it hasn't become part of my routine to the extent that I do it without even thinking (like brushing my teeth, taking my vitamins, etc.), that "something" just disappears into oblivion. So, having prayed recently for help with some new healthy endeavors, I came up with the idea of adding to or tweaking my normal fitness steps by making a list of "One Things" that I could do on a daily basis. These "One Things" would have to be uncomplicated, quick, easy to remember, and fit into any part of my day. They would need to be in addition to the disciplines that I already do regularly, which are an hour of walking or jogging, a time of devotion and worship, and then just the normal daily chores that go along with keeping a home and family in good running order.

So, here is the list of "One Things" that I came up with, and that I can recite without looking at my cheat sheet that is on my counter to remind me just in case I forget~

ONE set of sit-ups
ONE dose of fruits and veggies (5-6 servings)
ONE serving of water for cleansing and hydrating (6-8oz. glass 8X per day)
ONE apple
ONE playtime of @15 minutes with the doggies

Remember, this is in addition to the normal walking workout and the attempts to eat in a healthy manner every day.

I have been doing pretty well with following through on each one, but if I miss one, I generally have done the others, so at least I'm hitting about 90%. I figure that if I do these things regularly, they will become habit forming.

I'll let you know how I'm doing after a few more weeks. Are there some simple "One Things" that you could incorporate into your day that might add up to some major changes in your life? Let me know what you think!

"...one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 3:13-14

Perfect Timing...When God keeps me waiting

Yesterday I decided to go on a long walk because the day was gorgeous, spring in all its glory was popping out all over the place, and I was tired of sitting still! I headed out the door, checked in with my hubby who was fooling around with his small plane at the airport, and we agreed that he would meet me later and pick me up so that I could take a long walk in the same direction and not have to loop back.

The views were just stunning on every stretch of my hike. This particular spring seems to have sprung from the perfect combination of temperatures, moisture, snow cover and whatever else it takes to make the kind of profusion of blossoms on trees and flowers that we are experiencing this year. I just couldn't take it all in as I would have liked. I wanted to see every single tree, every single view, every single flower and not miss one single thing. There was actually an ache in my heart as I realized how limited my vision is, and how brief this season of the year appears to be to color-starved eyes like mine. Even so, I was savoring to the max the visuals and the sounds and smells, and loving every minute of my walk. I was breathing praises of thanksgiving to the Lord for legs that still work, arms that still swing, eyes that still see, and other senses that work just fine and dandy at this point in my life.

And then, after completing a good part of the distance that I had planned to walk, a little hunger pang set in, which I dismissed for the moment. Then a sense that maybe I was going to need a bathroom stop before long started to poke its way into my conscious thoughts. I made a quick call to Bob, and he didn't pick up, but I knew he would call me back before long, so didn't worry.
Sure enough, he came through, and we agreed to meet in a "little bit", with him coming for me by heading in my direction from the opposite way. He would see me, stop, and I would hop in.

I walked, I walked some more, and became increasingly aware that I was having a major low blood sugar issue beginning to rear its ugly head. The need for a bathroom wasn't helping much either, and I started to check my watch every couple of minutes. Where was he? Hadn't he said he would be here soon? His "soon" was different than my "soon", obviously. I debated eating a stale granola bar in my fanny pack (yes, you younger readers, I DO use a fanny pack and I wouldn't be without it, so make fun of me all you want!). But Bob and I were going to dinner at one of my favorite spots, and I didn't want to ruin my appetite with this lousy little bar.

So, I started praying that God would show me His definition of being on time, rather than mine. I prayed that He would show me His perfect timing for me through this example of Bob coming to the rescue at the perfect moment. It seems that I have been waiting for an awful lot of things lately through prayer and hoping for answers that just haven't appeared as yet. So, I asked God to teach me a lesson about waiting and expecting Him to come through in what He knows to be the perfect time, not in what I consider it to be.

Every time I would approach a new intersection, I would eagerly look for his car to pull in just as I got there. Nope, just not happening. Over and over again I was disappointed as I would cross a spot that would have been a great place for him to pull over and pick me up. Getting hungrier and hungrier and grouchier and grouchier, I tried calling him again, but it went right to voicemail, of course. Just like my prayers seem to do sometimes. I was nearly out of sidewalk, and was going to have to turn around, but I knew I was going to have to eat that dumb bar if I was to keep walking. Sigh. I pulled it out with distaste, began to tear the wrapper, when the phone rang! It was Bob, and he came through just in the nick of time! He was just a minute or two away, so I happily tucked the bar back into the pack, and waited for that last minute knowing that all was going to be well. After pulling alongside and picking me up, I refrained from any comments except that I was hungry and needed to eat now!! We then headed to town for my favorite fast food in Granville, Greek Eats, and I have to say I may never have enjoyed a gyro as much as I did at that moment.

Always overwhelmed, always surprised, always grateful when I experience God's rescue, often in the nick of time. Which is always just perfect (in hindsight, of course.)

"We have waited for You eagerly; Your name, even Your memory, is the desire of our hearts." ~Isaiah 26:8

From God, with Love

I was reminded recently of how much I need to remember that all things that come into my life are from God's providing and gracious hands. I especially like to think of that in terms of the "good" things that come, even though I know that He allows not so good things as well.

The reminder came through something that Brooke, my 2 year old granddaughter brought to my attention. I had commented to her that I liked the sweater that she was wearing. She promptly pointed to the sweater, then to me, and said "Mimi". That's the name that the kiddos call me, and knowing that Brooke is a girl of few (very few) words, I had to stop and think of what she meant. The "Aha!" moment came when I recalled that her mommy had told me that almost everything she puts on, she attributes to having been a gift from "Mimi". I do buy the kid a lot, I confess, because...well, just because! The fact that she recalls which things come from me is pretty amazing, though, considering the size of her wardrobe.

This gentle nudge from the Lord was enough to cause me to "Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow", as I right away made the connection with the importance of my recognition of all that God has given to me, and then the telling of it. "I love your haircut, Mary": "God". (He gave me the money to pay for it)...... "Just love your house, Mary": "God". (He found it for us and then provided the means to buy it)......"You're a good writer, Mary": "God". (He inspires me and then gives me the words to say) And on and on it goes.

Now the things that you DON'T like about me, well, they're not His fault. Just because He gives doesn't mean I always receive with the right spirit or attitude. So, just pray for me. I want every blessing from Heaven to be something that causes onlookers to give the glory to the One who sent it.

"Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow." ~James 1:17