Use It or Lose It

Use It or Lose It

The CEO of a prestigious magazine that covered positive real-life stories from local, regional, and world events was called away to help start a new publication in another town. Being unsure of when he might return, he met with three staff writers to give them instructions regarding what each one’s responsibility would be for the next three months. Each one was given a specific writing assignment according to their abilities.

The first writer was to write a feature article for each month related to world events. The second writer was to write a regional human-interest article each month, and the third writer’s assignment was to write an article each month focused on a local event in the community.

Each writer knew their CEO was very particular about articles submitted to
the magazine and often rejected those he didn’t approve. He expected the quality of the work to reflect company policies, keep pace within the publishing world, relate to readers; and at the same time increase circulation to more readers and increase revenue.

Three months later the CEO returned and called a meeting with the writers to discuss the work they had done.

Writer one spoke first: “Each month I searched current events to see what was happening in business, education, and society as a whole and reported on the one thing that might be of interest to the majority of our readers. At the end of three months, our circulation increased twenty percent.”

The CEO responded, “Great job, because you did well with these articles I am promoting you to the chief editor.”

Writer two reported: “I watched for news stories each month, stories about people who went out of their way to help others, both friends and strangers, even at the risk of physical harm or financial loss. At the end of the three months, there was a notable increase in social interaction in our local area with people helping in areas where volunteers were needed like shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks.”

The CEO responded: “You’ve done well. By making these needs known you
have shown how we can be a blessing and encouragement to others giving
them hope. I am giving you a monthly column for writing about social concerns in our area and abroad and how others can get involved.”

Writer three hesitantly responded: “Well, I didn’t write anything on local events. When I looked at what events were happening in our area each month I felt none of them would have been up to your standards. All of them were small events. Knowing you would not think them worthy of interest to most people it wouldn’t increase your readership or benefit you financially. Therefore, I refrained from writing any articles but instead left room for more important articles.”

The CEO responded: “You are a disgrace to the writing profession and will be fired and escorted out of the building. Your job will be given to another who is willing to use his writing ability to help others even if there is risk involved or no guarantee of a benefit to him. You judged me to be critical of events too small to bother with yet you did a disservice to our community by not providing information about events, many of which were done specifically to support and enhance the community itself. You should have looked closer at the events to see the purpose and impact they might have on the community and choose one that would have the largest benefit for most people to write, it would have helped some. But because you wrote about none many may have missed out because they weren’t aware of it.”

God has entrusted each of us with certain gifts and abilities and has a plan for us to use them to serve others and His Kingdom. He provides opportunities for us to use them no matter what ability it is, big or small, it doesn’t matter.
What matters is that we step out in faith and use it. The impact God is looking for isn’t popularity, wealth, or power for us. It is an impact that will honor Christ as we obey and use what we have to share His message of love, hope, and salvation. Then the Lord will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

How are you using the gifts and abilities today in your local church and in your community?

Where has God given you opportunities to serve using your gifts and abilities?

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. I Peter 4:10 ESV

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galationa 6:10

My Morning Prayer

Perspective Versus Perception

This is a repost from July 2017. A reminder to self. We all need them from time to time.

Ever felt like you really had nothing to offer? Everyone around you seems to be moving ahead in the world and you can’t even move your way into a better job or any job, a better car, or a nicer place to live.

You say to yourself, “This is just my lot in life and I just have to learn to live with it. For many, to many years this was my perspective on life.

I would tell myself there are the haves and the have-nots and that is just the way life is. I saw myself as unimportant in the grand scheme of life. Having an average appearance, straight brown hair, brown eyes and  painfully shy and insecure. Nope, nothing exceptional about me.

Living in a dysfunctional family, in a rented house, wearing outdated clothes from Sally’s Boutique (Salvation Army) and riding in an old beat up car. I wasn’t exactly a sought after individual by my peers. Oh, I made a few friends and did fair in school but there were no extra curricular activities (ECAs) other than chorus for a year in Jr high (I think it was required?). I found my own ECA’s. with others in my own league, the-down-and-outers league (Not a reflection on the person of my friends, just my perception of where we all were in life at the time). One thing I did like was dancing and was told I was pretty good at it by some. I had a brief glimmer of hope that I might become a professional choreographer, but alas, I was told later in my teen years that my legs were to short to be a professional dancer. Chalk it off as another flaw!

My perception through all of these experiences was that I didn’t have anything of value to offer therefore could expect little in the way of return or success. This brought about years of just settling for less than God’s best. And also became a good excuse for not trying to do better. Yup, that’s where it takes you!

You see our perception, how we see ourselves and our abilities, has a definite effect on our perspective, the outcome that we expect. And the outcome we expect will, more than likely be the outcome we get.

If we perceive ourselves as victims, we will expect to be a victimized by others so we don’t trust.

If we perceive ourselves as  failures we don’t expect to succeed therefore we don’t try.

If we perceive there is no way out of a relationship, a financial crisis, or a struggle with self control  in some area then we expect nothing will change and we give up, we lose hope.

In the Bible we see a perfect example of how perception affects perspective and visa-versa. God promised Abraham that He would give his offspring the land of Canaan in Genesis 12:7, 17:1-8 and again reminded Moses and the Israelites of His promise in Exodus 3:7-8.

But when the time came to prepare to enter the promised land the twelve members of the reconnaissance team, sent out by Moses to scope out the land, came back with conflicting recommendations. Oh, they all agreed it was for sure a land that “flowed with milk and honey” and they even brought back a sample of the beautiful fruit that was there. But ten of the twelve quickly followed up with; “However  (a fancier word for but), the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large….we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.” God said He would give them the land but they let fear take control of their perspective and it kept them from claiming the promised land.

Yet two of the twelve were ready to take the giants on! These two, Joshua and Caleb, saw their God as much bigger than those they saw in the land. God said that He was going to give them the land and they believed He would do just that. Most will remember the name of the two, but who remembers the name of the other ten?

The difference in the two reports was not accuracy in what all twelve saw but in their perception of how they saw it in light of their own understanding. The two believing their God could and would keep His promise trusted Him with the difficulties they might face. The ten could only see defeat, forgetting God’s promises to “give” them the land.

The good news is that a change in our perception can also change our perspective and a changed perspective can change our life, our world! When we can look at Scripture and study it we begin to see God’s perception of us and that is a real game changer!

We see that God sees potential in us and we begin to believe things can change.

We understand “in the world we will have trouble” but also are promised that God has overcome the world and will be with us, therefore if we can believe and have courage to change. (John 16:33 – NIV)

We begin to see in hind-site how God has been working behind the scenes in our lives and can believe His promise that He will never leave us or forsake us. Even if we fall He will pick us up.  (Hebrews 13:5-6)

We can even believe that we “can do all things through Christ who is our strength”, so we step out in faith and try. (Philippians 4:23)

If we perceive God is good, and He is, and we believe He keeps His promises, and He does, then we can have faith and believe that He will. For we know that God can do all things; no plan of His can be thwarted (Job 42:2).

“For nothing is impossible for God.” (Luke 1:37)

Yes, we remember the rejection and pain we have experienced at the hands of others or as a result of our own choices in life, but we can believe God loves us, forgives us and promises to restores us, and He does.

Steven Furtick writes in his book: Crash the Chatterbox – Hearing God’s Voice Above All the Others: “The Enemy can’t do a thing to diminish God’s promises – that ability is decidedly beyond the limits of his power. So instead he lures you into places where your perspective of God’s promises will be diminished.”

For Adam and Eve it was near a the tree of life, the very tree God had forbidden them to eat from.  (It’s never a good idea to get that close to forbidden fruit!) Genesis 3:1-7

For the ten spies it was a land of giants. (There are giants in every land.) (Numbers 13:31-33)

For  Elijah it was seclusion in a cave. (We can’t hide from God) (1 Kings 19:1-14)

Where has he been luring you? Has the Enemy taken you places in your own head or heart that are altering your perception of who God is and who you are in Him?

Are you close to forbidden fruit, fearing the giants, or hiding from God in seclusion?

Go to the quiet place and listen for God’s voice. Read His Word and search out His promises. Read about how much He loves you and longs to help you become all He has for you to be. Tell him about your fears, insecurities, anxieties.

He is waiting for you, even pursuing you. In all these things He is able to bring you into a better place, for your good and His glory! Seek Him!!

“This Old House”

 

 

If you are a DIY TV addict like me you will more than likely remember, first a magazine, called “This Old House” which in more recent years is better know by the TV show of the same name.

Having a large family and a pretty small income our family lived most of our years in two story fixer uppers. I attribute the start of my DIY addiction to those years. However it didn’t start during those years. All that time I had been hoping to have a new home one day that didn’t need any work done. After all the kids left home I finally got my wish  and we were able to build a new home with everything on one floor, functionality, comfort and all new, just the way I wanted it!

Yet something was missing ?

After several years the new house began to show some wear and the realization of how much work it was going to be to keep it looking new hit me. I thought back to the old fixer uppers. Once they were new, functional for their day and comfortable for large families. But over years of wear and tear they needed to be taken care of and updated in order to keep them that way for the generations who would come to make a home there later. Some of the work we tried to do by ourselves but when we were in over our heads we had to call in the experts.

The stress of many seasons of wind and weather were evident on the outside of each house but the foundations were still strong.  The old houses had a lot of character but also needed a lot of care and updating to return them to at least some of their former beauty. But a closer look revealed that it was in the aging of the house and the wear and tear it carried that it’s  character was built. And I realized it was the character of the house I was missing most in that new house.

Although, in the process, the houses sometimes changed in their form and function  they remained faithful in their purpose, to provide a safe and comfortable home for our family.  We put a lot of time and energy in those old houses in order to keep them functioning to meet our growing needs and though they continued to creek and groan at times they remained true to their purpose.

As we moved from one house to the next, only to start the work of fixing and updating again, the house we left behind would be taken up by another who would continue to care for and update to meet their own needs. But as long as the house was cared for it remained stable,with it’s foundation strong and ready to continue in its purpose for yet another season, another generation.        

I turned 70 this year and I was awakened to the similarities between myself and those old houses. As I have moved from one season in my life to the next the wind and storms of this life have left this old house weary and worn at times, but along the way they were, unknown to me, building  character in me. As I moved from one season to the next another generation would come and build on, repair and update the foundations I had left behind.

This old house was once new as well, created by God in my mother’s womb with a purpose. The care and maintenance of this house was taken up by my parents from infancy through adolescence. Their care began to mold me and shape me, sometimes in positive ways and sometimes not so much. But, as a young adult the care of this house and the work of maintaining it fell to me.  At first it was exciting. I had it all youth, energy and freedom to make my own choices, There were those times of struggles and uncertainty but after 19 years of marriage, having 5 children and having a good job, I had arrived, I had all I wanted.

But something was still missing!

The house and all that was in it began to deteriorate and life and maintenance as usual was no longer able to keep it together. I needed help. I needed the expert builder and restorer of broken things to come in and do a complete “gut job” and remodel  on this house.

Since that day when I surrendered this house and all of it’s rooms to Jesus Christ, He has been doing an amazing repair, and update on me. He is making me new inside and outside. He has assured me that what will change on the outside is actions and reactions that come from what He is changing on the inside in my heart and mind. He is using all the bumps and bruises and all the wear and tear over the years to build His character in me. Though my body is wasting away my spirit is renewed day by day!

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  (2 Corinthians 4:16)

My foundation has remained strong because it is built on Jesus Christ. Over the years my form and functions have changed (especially my form) as daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and now great grandmother. But my purpose has not. From the day I was born it is to love the Lord God with all my heart, soul, body and strength and love my neighbor as myself. I have not always been faithful to that purpose but the purpose was always the same and God has remained faithful to me.

I still like to watch “This Old House” on occasion but now I live in a nice mobile home that needs little maintenance. Now I am looking forward to that new body and a mansion in heaven, neither of which will ever see decay from the cares of this life.

What an amazing journey living in this house is and I wouldn’t trade one day of it because of where it has brought me and where it is yet to take me. I have been changed in times of blessing and even more in those times of struggle. And the character that is being produced in me is the very character of Jesus.

By faith, like Abraham,  I dwell in this land, an heir with past, present and future believers who have the same promises from God, the same promises that are available to all who will trust Christ. I am now waiting for my purpose to be fulfilled and to go to my home in that city “which has foundations whose builder and maker are God! ”   (see Hebrews 11:8-10) But until it is His time for me I will continue the work in and through this old house for God’s glory and praise!

“The Road Back”

I don’t know if you have you ever felt a call from God to do something that ignited a passion in you, but I got that call several years ago. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t get a phone call from God or even hear an audible voice. However, I am convinced it came through a series of things orchestrated by God.

Through a class on writing using the book Write His Answers – by Marlene Bagnull and taught by Lori Hoose; as well as prayer and conversations with trusted Christian friends and writers, I felt confirmation that God wanted me to write. Not just write, but to write for Him. I had done some writing; college papers, a eulogy, and daily in my journal and I liked writing. So, starting with a great deal of enthusiasm and feeling sure this was the place in the world where God meant for me to minister, I decided to become a writer.

The little writing I had done in the past had brought some good feedback, but nothing big for sure. Since writing words of encouragement that directed others to seek God and His call on their lives was the goal, I started a blog in order to reach a larger audience, which resulted in the one I’m writing from now.  It was well received and there was much encouragement and even some positive feedback.

But then there came some bumps in the road along the way to fulfilling that calling and I began to wonder; “Was I mistaken?” “I don’t feel inspired today.” “Not as many readers this week or positive comments?” “Was it just wishful thinking  or misplaced enthusiasm?” Doubt began to creep in and soon it became a dreaded chore instead of a passion. Now what?  I had told everyone it was God’s call and it appeared I was failing and losing my desire to continue. Gradually the work of writing declined until there were months that would go by without anything happening at all.

Yet all this time thoughts of writing kept knocking at my door.

In the meanwhile, I decided I must have made a mistake and chose to seek a different ministry. As a matter of fact I tried multiple ministries, including a year and four weeks in Georgia working at a children’s home. Let me clarify that the work at the children’s home was definitely ordained by God but had a double purpose. My husband and I were blessed serving there and I would do it again. It afforded a lot of time evenings and weekends to walk the campus in quiet meditation. It was during that time that God began to reveal the things I needed to see and hear. I was taken to the woodshed for correction but also taken into His lap with His arms around me for comfort and love.

I began to realize I was really just keeping busy so I could say “I am too busy, I don’t have time to write. After all, there are my family obligations and my church obligations.” Then, “What about my friends and housework, laundry, groceries & meals, and the dog, what about the poor helpless dog, who is going to take care of the dog if I don’t! O, dear Lord you know how busy I am!!!” In reality now I believe that the underlying problem was the fear of failure and the fear of not measuring up as a writer. If I could just keep busy enough I wouldn’t be expected to write.

Sound ridiculous? It is sad but true. Fear is likely the number one thing that keeps us from answering God’s call on our lives and busyness may be number two. When God places a call on our lives it isn’t a suggestion it is part of His plan and purpose for us. A perfect plan when orchestrated by Him.

I began that journey back to where I had taken a wrong turn, but still I couldn’t seem to get back on track. It is hard to go back when you have been gone so long! I lacked inspiration and motivation. After much prayer and counsel with a close friend I received a call from another close friend. She had just called to catch up on how we were now that we were back from Georgia. Then in the middle of the conversation she asked me, “Are you writing? I haven’t seen anything for a while on your blog.” I explained, “I haven’t really had time.” As soon as we were off the phone I felt convicted and that statement has stayed with me ever since, both hers and mine.

God reminded me He had not removed the call to write but if I chose not to be obedient He would call another, and I would lose the blessing of seeing Him work through this gift He had given me. Someone else would receive it. Another confirmation for me, that some may choose to write but for those of us who are called to write for Him, and don’t, it is not a choice it is disobedience.

So bear with me dear blogging friends and family. I am back and ready to share more views from the Bird House. With our family growing every year there are a lot of stories to tell and lessons to learn here and I will be sharing as we learn and grow together.

It is good to be back!

God has a plan and a call for every one of us. We only need to seek Him and He will reveal it to us and we can trust that He will supply all we need to answer the call. The road may not always be easy and we will have bumps and maybe even some bruises along the way but God will be with us to the end of the road. Are you missing out on a blessing because you have chosen to take another road?

He is calling you to use the gifts and abilities He has given you, whatever they are, “to the praise of His glory”.

“In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory.” (Ephesians 1:11-12)

Therefore pray then, “that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”                                                                                                                2 Thessalonians 1:11- 12 (NIV)

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Ephesians 4:1 (NIV)

 

You Never Have Nothing To Write

 

3/24/18

“You Never Have Nothing To Write”

 

I once read a quote, though I can’t remember where, that said, “You never have nothing to write.” As a beginning writer that made sense to me because after all there is always something you can write about. There are flowers, animals, jobs, weather, opinions (oh how there are opinions), politics, family, love, sorrow, successes, failures and so much more.

So here I am today sitting at my keyboard and my mind is blank. I have nothing to write!

I love to write and it brings me joy. I say that I believe writing is what I am called to do and I have had folks tell me I should write, but, I haven’t written since July. Maybe I have the dreaded “writer’s block”? Maybe I am not called to write?

Or could it be that I have always had trouble seeing myself as a writer. I love to read and there are so many great Christian authors out there already. What could I possibly offer that they haven’t. When I am sitting writing I often think of other things I feel I should be doing and scold myself for wasting time. How can I be called to write and have nothing to write?

Yet when I write it is always a worthwhile effort. Even if it benefits no one else but me, the writer.  There is value in writing; in sharing  thoughts and experiences both for the writer and for those who can relate to and learn from the stories shared. My goal in writing is to encourage others who may have had the same struggles that I have and to share how God has brought me through each one. And there are plenty of those to share.

Well, as I am pondering here on my laptop I have reached almost 400 words (love that word count). I will wind this exercise up by sharing my insight into all of this. It turns out that it is true, “You never have nothing to write” so just start writing. That’s what I did today.

So, I will write to practice the skill, I will write to share experiences, I will write to encourage others, and write for the sheer joy of writing. I will write because there is always something to write about!

 

“Let There Be Light”

“People who walked in darkness have seen a great light” Isaiah 9:3

As a child, and even into adulthood, I had a very real fear of the dark. Sharing a bedroom with my sister was a great comfort to me at bedtime until I was seven and we moved to a larger home where we four children all had our own room. My sister and brother were ex-tactic, but I was horrified.

It was great during the daytime to have my own space but I dreaded bedtime. For awhile my sister would let me come in at night to sleep with her but it wore thin pretty fast. She was three years older than I and wanted her “privacy” so she complained to my folks, who then said I needed to stay in my own bed. Oh, they tried to console me by assuring me there was nothing to be afraid of because they were right downstairs if I needed them but this was little consolation. Downstairs was a long ways off for a little girl afraid of the dark. It didn’t help that there was a big maple tree outside my widow and after dark, especially when the wind blew, its shadow moved in front of my window. My imagination ran wild and I was certain there was a witch in the tree, looking in my window and just waiting for me to fall asleep. I would not get back up for any reason until morning because I was afraid if I put my legs over the edge of the bed the witch or something else would be under the bed and grab my legs.

Just before it would get dark I would turn the light on in my room and  check my closet and under my bed before turning off the light to get into bed.I am not sure what I would have done if someone was there, but that dilemma didn’t cross my mind at the time. As soon as the light was off  I would make a beeline for the bed, jump onto the bed, and get the covers over me. Because everyone knows if the covers are over you no one can get you. That routine would stay with me for many years, some of it, even into my adult life if I was alone at night.

I have since gotten over this terrible fear, well mostly anyway (I still check the closets sometimes if I’m home alone). As a matter of fact I like my room as dark as I can get it at night when I go to bed. There have been a few nights when I’ve been alone and there was still a little underlying anxiety at night and I have also been known to have some grandkids spend the night a few times because I didn’t want to be alone at night.

But on a brighter note, no pun intended, it goes without saying, over all I love the light!!

 I am a morning person and feel the most productive in the daytime. I love lots of windows in my house and I want all my curtains open during the day to let as much light in as possible. And I love the feel of the sunshine on my face.

Light reveals where we are.

Light shows us the path in front of us.

Light gives us our directional bearings, rising in the east and setting in the west and the stars guided sailors long before directional equipment came along.

Light warms us and creates beautiful sunrises, sunsets and rainbows for our pleasure.

It even affects our health as the sunshine provides us with vitamin D and not enough light can cause depression and seasonal affect disorder.

Light is one of our greatest blessings, the first of all God created,  and he said “it was good” (Gen.1:3-4) Light is available 24/7 to some degree.

“Then God made two great lights the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also.” (Gen. 1:16)

We take this blessing of light for granite most of the time. It isn’t until we are in the darkness and can’t find our way that we search for the light and appreciate what a blessing it is when we find it.

Darkness is great when we sleep or in a movie theater but when functioning in our daily activities, trying to do them in the dark can be a problem. When we walk in the darkness we often lose our sense of direction and even lose our way. We try to feel our way through the darkness often stumbling over obstacles in our path. We may feel like the darkness is closing in on us or makes us feel cold.

 Responses to the light often depend on how long and how deeply one has been in the darkness. After a long time in darkness the light is harsh at first and we guard out eyes from too much all at once. Even watching those leaving a dark movie theater and into the daylight we see them shield there eyes until they adjust to the light.

Walking in spiritual darkness is the most dangerous of all. When we try to find our way through this world in the darkness we lose our way, we stumble and fall. We may try to find our way through the darkness by following our feelings but like the path in front of us in the darkness things we can’t see may change the course and our feelings change with them. Soon we feel the darkness closing in on us and don’t know which way to go.

Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before the darkness overtakes you.The man who walks in dark does not know where he is going”. (John 12:35 NIV)

When God reveals his light to those living and wandering in  darkness it can seem harsh at first as it reveals where we are in our sin. And their may be guarding and shielding against the light in the beginning. It can be, as it was with Paul, downright blinding (Acts 9:3-9). But as we walk out of the darkness toward the light we will see Jesus who is the light of the world offering us a way to never have to live in or fear of the darkness again.

Unlike light made by man, the Creator’s light is: Perfect, spoken into existence, made and perfected in two days, always reliable, purposeful, perfect in timing,   it relies on no man, it’s free and available to all mankind, it controls the climate-warmth by day and cool by night, seasons, vegetation’s growth, length of days and light and darkness, it is always there, a sure thing, and provides energy.

God not only spoke the light for the world into existence, “God is light; in Him there is no darkness.” (1 John 1:5)

Then Jesus spoke to them again saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”  (John 8:12 NKJ)

Are you walking in darkness, in the shadows or are you walking in the light?

If your walking in darkness ask God to shine His light and show you the path out of the darkness. He is waiting to hear from you.

If your walking in the light of Christ let that light shine for those around you who may be  walking in darkness that they may see the light of Christ and be saved through it.

 

Looking For A Leader

Over the last year young and old of every race and every religion have been looking for a leader. This past years election cycle will probably go down in history as the most unusual election cycle in our nation.

The election is over now but as I think about all the different opinions I see that everyone is really looking for the same thing.

We are looking for a leader who is radically different.

A leader who will:

* stand up to the establishment

* Look out for the needs of the masses as well as the individual and provide for those needs.

* Put the needs of others ahead of their own comfort

* Give all people real hope and change for a better future

* Provide a resting place where people can feel safe and secure

* Provide justice and mercy, fairness and forgiveness

We all want a someone with a proven track record in all of the above. Someone whose plans, when followed, never failed.

Sounds impossible but that leader we are looking for has been right in front of us for over 2000 years. The most radical leader of all time, who has never been equaled – not even close. It is Jesus Christ!

“In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”                                                                                                                                                                 John 1:1

He is not an establishment figure

His message was and still is definitely one of hope and change

He never wavers in the truth and exposes the lies

He knows our every need and has the ability to meet every need and His resources are unlimited

His desire is to reach out to and meet the needs of every person of every race, gender and nation

He is always just and fair

He has a purpose and plan for every life and there are multitudes who have followed Him and give testimony to the details and outcomes of the plans in real-time for years.

His “super pack” was twelve men who spoke truth, His truth. They served and took care of others ahead of their own needs. They defended the weak, widowed and orphans. This super pack stood firm in their faith and in the truth even where there was personal insult and injury, standing up against the establishment for what was right and what was truth.

We have a new president-elect now who will soon take over to lead our country and we should be praying for him as he leads. Things are still somewhat unsettled and probably will continue to be even into the next election. It will always be that way with men!

But no matter what our political views are, with God we can always have that hope and change we long for. Christ is the Leader of leaders, the King of kings. Christ alone can bring us the peace we need in this crazy world we live in if we will follow Him.

He is the only leader I  know with the perfect resume.

Why not follow the Leader!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phony Ponies and Brass Rings

Have you, like Dennis, ever found yourself on one of those rides that are fun but don’t really get you anywhere. I can think of several: the Merry-Go-Round, the Ferris Wheel, the Tilt-A-Whirl or the pony rides at the fair where the ponies are harnessed together and just travel in a circle. Or, in these days, it may be watching reality shows, (that are anything but reality) or gaming on the TV,  the computer or a cell phone. All of these can be exciting, tickle our tummies, give us a thrill and a rush of adrenaline. And we may even get the elusive brass ring on one of those trips around on the carousel or reach level 377 on one of the games. I think my husband has about 3 million dollars in play money in his Poker Mafia account right now. If only  that were a reality!

Then the ride comes to a stop, and the show or game is over. The excitement begins to fade and we may be left feeling a little dizzy or maybe a little nauseated from the spinning. It was so much fun but soon the thrill is gone and we are off looking for the next fun ride, game or reality show. When it’s all said and done we have had a lot of fun but haven’t actually gotten anywhere.

Now don’t get me wrong, I always loved the thrill of a fun ride as much as the next person and I like a little TV entertainment and a good “Words With Friends” or “Trivia Crack” game. A trip to an amusement park is a lot of fun and I have had many of those trips to parks and fairs that have provided  many great family memories. But when we leave we are exhausted and can’t wait to get home and get some rest. Even fun can be exhausting!

The problem begins when we don’t know when to get off the phony pony or realize the brass ring is only a souvenir and not the answer to our future. At some point the park closes and the lights go out and we have to go home. The show is over, we reach the max level and/or the max number of points in the game. But in our own real world, called the game of life, nothing changes. We make no advances where life really matters, we have nothing to show that matters in the game of life which will include eternity.

The problem is when we keep going in circles and never leave the “Amusement Park”. When we  become obsessed with always looking for the next exciting ride that will offer us a big thrill or a bigger prize; the next level to be conquer,  more points  to earn. We find we are still alternating between the  merry-go-rounds and the roller coasters in life but without the brass rings, the prizes or the points.

And so what’s a person to do?

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, All play and no work makes Jack a mere toy“.  (Maria Edgeworth)

The answer? Balance and all things in moderation!

The Bible makes it clear that God wants us to enjoy life and work hard to have a productive life here and that will extend into eternity.

 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (Genesis 2:15)

Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Genesis 2:3)

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 8:15 NIV)

Are you a little our of balance these days? Maybe it isn’t to much play but maybe it’s to much work?

Are you spending more time with the phony ponies and reaching for the brass rings than striving for the prizes that will last?

The little Dennis cartoon above has given me food for thought and called me to do some evaluating in this area for sure!

How about you?

 

 

3 Essential Truths of Prayer: Reclaiming Ancient Paths – Seedbed

David Hull shares three essential truths of prayer that are guaranteed to change the way you view your prayer life.

Source: 3 Essential Truths of Prayer: Reclaiming Ancient Paths – Seedbed