Monthly Archives: July 2019

Distant Memory ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Matthew 6:27 (NLT)

Distant Memory

Standing in the spot from where this picture was taken, if you squint your eyes and look intently, you may be able to make out the row of windmills that line the ridge of the most distant mountain. And if the atmosphere is just right, though they’re miles away, you can sometimes even see their blades whirling and swirling as they work to capture energy from the wind.

Would it surprise you if I said that there have been times in my life when I’ve been stuck in that very spot? Oh, not physically, but rather, emotionally. You see, as much as I hate to admit it, I’m a worrier! I can be “lying down in green pastures” but instead of appreciating where I am, I’m looking off into the distant future, squinting my mind’s eye, and focusing intently on what may or may not happen down the road. My fears whirl, twirl, and churn a mile a minute and those anxious thoughts capture my energy, leaving me exhausted! Maybe you’re a little like that sometimes, too. So what’s a “windmill of worry” to do?

Plug into the One and Only True Power Source, of course!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7(NIV)

“I look up to the mountains- does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!” Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

How do we plug into God’s power? It’s all about where we’re looking, isn’t it? We need to begin to ask ourselves if we’re focusing on the mountains of potential problems we’ve created or is our focal point the Creator of all, who offers peace in every situation? I’m pretty sure we all know what we should answer and I wish I could say that I’ve reached the point in life where worry no longer demands my attention. I can’t. But, what I can tell you is that I’m not stuck gazing into the distance anymore. Through prayer and study, God is helping me and he’ll help you too, to more quickly recognize when anxious thoughts begin to spin out of control so that we can capture them before being completely blown off course. To “not be anxious about anything” is a process.  A process of trust. A process of prayer. A process of turning to God again and again and again… until that glorious day when finally, worrying will be nothing more than a distant memory!

It’s not Friday and I wrote for longer than five minutes, but I’m still linking up with the talented writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com

My hope for this blog has always been connection between you the reader and me; to help each other as we walk this journey. So, I would love to hear how you deal with times of worry in your life. If you feel led, please share your thoughts with me and others in the comments.  And I encourage you to click over and read what others have had to say about this week’s prompt “distant”.

 

 

Willing Footsteps

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“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Willing Footsteps

My seatbelt was fastened and sunglasses in place. The radio volume was up and my toes were already tapping to the beat of a Praise song. I was all set for my trip across the mountains.  Having allowed enough time to get to my destination with a little to spare, things were moving along smoothly, that is until it came into view….that unexpected, unplanned for, “BE PREPARED TO STOP” sign!

First in line, I pulled up leaving a polite distance between the flagger and the front of my car, all the while averting my eyes from the actual man standing at the sign. Turning the volume up a little more hoping to pass the time singing along to my favorite songs, I prayed I wouldn’t now be late. The chorus of the first song hadn’t even played when out of the corner of my eye I caught a movement as  the man and his sign headed my way. My hope that he was only moving out to the middle of road so others could see him, was dashed  as it became clear that my driver’s side window was his destination. Nervously, I turned the radio down, tried to swallow my panic, and pushed the button to lower my window.

His sun-leathered skin was in stark contrast to the neon green shirt he had on.  A hat, sunglasses, and beard hid most of his face from my view but couldn’t begin to conceal the smile he wore as he approached the side of my car and me. What happened next was a total surprise and changed my day! As you might guess since I’m writing about it now, it’s left a lasting impression.

“Do you know Jesus?” he boldly asked me. Once I’d confirmed that I was indeed saved and headed to Heaven some day, this unlikely Apostle shared his own story of salvation.  He also added that while he was the owner of the paving company he took every opportunity possible to stop his managerial duties so he could man the flag to tell others about Christ.

Soon, the “Follow Me” vehicle appeared and it occurred to me that following this truck would lead me out of the work zone but following the actions of the flagger, my brother in Christ, would take me right into the midst of it!

So, here’s the big question: Am I willing… Are we willing to “be prepared to stop” what we are doing in our everyday lives to share the Gospel with those around us? I’m afraid that more than once I’ve had the could have, but instead of meeting the opportunity with a smile, I hesitated for one reason or another and missed the chance. My encounter with a preaching flag man has inspired me to do a better job because my friends, there’s no doubt that sharing the Good News is the task that God has prepared for each of us:

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’ ” Mark 16:15 (NIV)

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:  Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.”
2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NIV)

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard: And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ ” Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)

There’s no way to know how many lives in addition to mine, the “Fisher of Men” I met in the middle of the road has impacted, but I’m pretty sure his work-boot clad feet look absolutely beautiful to God! I pray that you and I are willing to follow in his footsteps!

And if you’re willing, I’d love to hear about people who have inspired you with their witness.

 

 

Five Minute Friday~Take

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“Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name.” Isaiah 40:26a (NIV)

Take Time to Look Up

Perusing through the photos on my phone, I have realized that lately I’ve been looking up. A lot! Many of my recent pictures are of the sky in one form or another: bright blue, brilliant orange, soft pink, framing the moon, a backdrop for birds, and other scenes above that have captured my attention. Swiping through the images makes me wonder why I’ve been so drawn to the sky. Thinking about it I’ve realized that when I’ve taken the time to lift my eyes upward, everything else around me seems to simply fade away and for those few moments, I find peace as I’m immersed in the beauty above me.

It has occurred to me, that this attraction to the sky is really a reminder that taking time to look up should not just be a photo opportunity, but rather the way I live my daily life. I don’t know about you, but when challenged, facing a problem, or in the need of wisdom, my first reaction is usually to seek worldly solutions on my own. I mean, Google does seem to have an answer for almost everything!  I also look to those around me for advice, read a book, post, or blog that seems to address the issue, and sometimes even try to reason it out in my own little mind. In reality, there’s nothing really wrong with any of these approaches, unless that is… we allow them to block our view heavenward! Living with our sights set down here on only what the world has to offer is like trying to take a picture of the sky from beneath an umbrella. Our vision is greatly limited! **

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.  Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” Colossians 3:1-2 (NLT)

Setting our “sights on the realities of heaven” changes our perspective. When we take the time to look up: to praise, give thanks, repent, worship, seek, and pray; the things of the world begin to grow dim. We find peace as we are captivated by the beauty of grace.  And. We. Are. Changed!  And when those storm clouds fill our sky? Well, God may send us to just the right friend, guide us to a perfect reading, or bring clarity to our own thoughts.  Who knows? Maybe He’ll even use Google to help clear things up. The important thing is that now we’re looking at the world through God’s lens instead of our own and it helps us put our focus on what’s important.

So, the next time you step outside, take time to look up! Notice how the green leaves contrast against the brilliant blue. Wonder at the countless stars that light up the night. Pause as the sinking sun paints with pinks and purples. And then, look up further……..

“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.  This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)

**five minutes

Joining http://www.fiveminutefriday.com writing community to write to the prompt “Take” today. It’s always fun to see all the different directions each writer takes with the same word! Click on over and see for yourself.