Day 11/31: Mirror

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“As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.” Proverbs 27:19 (NLT)

Day 11: Mirror #writetogether31days

It’s funny how differently I picture myself compared to the reflection looking back at me in the mirror. I can go along thinking time has treated me well and then, I catch a glimpse of someone I’m not always prepared for. All those features that I’ve wished I could change seem magnified to catch my attention. The lines and age spots across my face are illuminated like they’re the stars of the show. And those gray roots? Together they seem almost to glow like a neon sign saying “help needed.” Sometimes, I just can’t believe my eyes and it’s hard to love what I see.

I hate to admit it, but I can cast a critical eye on what’s mirrored in the world and those around me too. My focus may be on things I think should be changed, wrinkles in character, off-colored behavior, and it affects my perception. Then there are times when I notice that more is showing than should be and others when I wonder what’s being covered up. Sometimes, I believe my eyes too much and it makes it hard to love those I see.

“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:12-13 (NLT)

I’m learning that it’s important to remember whether looking at myself or at others, my perspective is imperfect. Maybe yours is too. Just as if looking in a mirror, we view things now in a backward-human way, not as God beholds them. One day when “we will see everything with perfect clarity,” those things that make us feel different or that we use to divide us today will be celebrated simply as unique creations. Until then, challenging as it may be, we need to open the eyes of our hearts and let God be what others see reflected back. 

“This is real love-not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.” 1 John 4:10-11 (NLT)

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It doesn’t not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)

Day 8/31: Hunger

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“The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
John 6:33(NLT)

Day 8: Hunger #writetogether31days

There are many things in the Bible I just don’t understand. You too? Recently I was on a quest to make sense of what the Word says about prayer as it related to situations in my life. I read commentaries, asked wise Christians whom I trust, went through a challenging 13 week study on prayer with a friend (without her I’d never had made it), and I actually prayed…a lot…that I’d finally get it.  I didn’t.

Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t wasted time, but what I’ve come to realize is that I had a hunger for the wrong thing. My appetite was for food for thought rather than for my soul, I desired knowledge to clarify current life circumstances rather than craving the Truth and Bread of Life. 

“So don’t worry about these things saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Matthew 6:31-33 (NLT)

I was worrying about getting it right and there’s a smorgasbord of information available: books with all the “answers” we are hungry for, experts willing to feed us what we think we want, videos, podcasts, other people (think of Job) who know the just perfect recipe to take off the edge. The problem is, and you probably know this, all that the world offers is only temporary and eventually leaves us just feeling empty again.

The lesson for me and maybe for you too is that while a diet of study is vital for our growth, it’s not necessary to understand everything before we believe. Having faith that God has a plan, that He is good, and that He provides all we need is the key ingredient to living a “full” life. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:19:

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (NLT)

When Jesus taught the disciples (and us) to pray he said, “Pray like this:….Give us this day our daily bread.” HE is the Bread we should savor daily. Trusting in Him satisfies like nothing else can. He makes sense when we lack understanding. Praise God!  I think I’m finally beginning to get it. How about you?

Day 3/31: Nourish

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Day 3: Nourish #writetogether31days

There’s no doubt that when I’m feeling depleted, empty, in need of contentment, being near water is the nourishment my soul desires. There’s a certain peace, a calm serenity I can’t explain (water people know what I mean) that comes over me the moment I am near it. Lake, ocean, pond, river, trickling stream, it doesn’t matter. When the world leaves me lacking, it is the water that replenishes.

Here’s the thing though, I’m not able to take off to the beach or lake whenever I feel like it. And as I’m sure you know, life can leave us longing for relief a lot! Looking to the mountains, desert, and yes, water to fulfill that hunger just doesn’t work day to day. So what do we do?

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.”
Psalm 23:1-3a (NIV)

Let’s read that again. (I’m a slow learner) With God, we have everything we need. In Him we find rest and solace. The green pastures and quiet waters aren’t really what our souls desire. It is HE who restores us. 

Think back to the Israelites. They escaped with very little and found themselves in a world of need. Depleted, empty, longing for relief, God sent bread from Heaven to nourish their bodies and to remind them they weren’t on their own . It is HE who restores us. “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

God didn’t stop there.  He made sure that in our day to day, las we live in this world of trouble all our needs are met too. “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’ “
John 6:35 (NIV)

Going to linger at the water’s edge is something I always look forward to doing. And I do feel refreshed when I’m there, but you and I know that feeling doesn’t last long. It is Jesus, the Bread from Heaven who truly feeds our souls. HE provides all you and I need. Whether we’re on the mountain top or in the deep valley, on still waters or in the parched desert we must remember (speaking to myself here) that it isn’t a place, or a thing, or a person that meets our needs or nourishes our souls. It is only, always Jesus.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

Day 1/31: Space

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Day 1: Space #writetogether31days

I was listening to a song the other day and the chorus began by repeating the word “nowhere” several times. It confused me a little bit because as I looked at the title, it was called “Now Here.” Of course as it went on, the chorus changed to “now here,” and it got me to thinking as I’d guess it was intended to do.

NOWHERE             NOW HERE

Opposite meanings. Same letters. The only difference? Space.

Remember the rich young ruler? He asked Jesus how to have eternal life. Jesus responded that he should follow the commandments. Replying that he’d obeyed them since he was a boy, Jesus responded:

“Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. ‘There is still one thing you haven’t done,’ he told him. ‘Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.”
Mark 10:21-22 (NLT)

Even though this ruler had good intentions, he held his possessions, his worth, the “world” so tightly to himself that there was no room for Jesus

This has me thinking even more! What about my relationship with Jesus? How about yours? It’s the exact same choice for us as it was for the sad young man. Either we have NOWHERE to squeeze Him into our lives because of all that we value OR we stop clinging to the abundance of the “world” so we can make space for Jesus to be “NOW HERE” in our everyday and into eternity.

Opposite endings. Same Jesus. The only difference? Space.

And that my friends, changes everything!

Escape ~ Five Minute Friday

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“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” Galatians 5:1 (NLT)

The Great Escape

Our middle grandson is going to be “that child.” Most every family has one. (If you know, you know!) His latest escapade found him playing cops and robbers with his brother.  He was the robber (not surprising) who’d been apprehended. This particular robber however, didn’t think the story was over and decided to attempt an escape from the cop. So, standing forty inches off the ground atop a backyard toy that was not meant to be stood upon, that child took a flying leap toward freedom. Unfortunately, he hadn’t calculated what would happen upon landing since his hands were handcuffed behind his back. You guessed it. With no way to break the fall, his face and the brick patio collided. That poor robber was quickly off to the ER.

I must admit that there have been times in my life (more than I’d like) that I’ve been “that child” in the family of God. I can totally relate to and claim these words Paul wrote, as my own:

“So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.”
Romans 7:14-15 (NLT)

Yep! I can find myself in trouble with the “law.” You too? How often do we know what it is we should do but don’t. Even more, how many times is what we shouldn’t do evident and yet, there we are doing what is wrong anyway.  I don’t know about you, but there are times I feel bound by my own sin and looking to escape. Unfortunately, this is usually when I (that child) take a flying leap on my own, only to crash head first into a hard mess. Maybe you’ve “faced” the hard stuff too. That’s when we need to rush ourselves straight to the ER, our Eternal Redeemer.

“Oh what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”
Romans 7:21-8:2 (NLT)

The doctors gave our grandson a good look-over and thankfully he only came away with easily treatable scrapes and bruises this time. He was awfully sore though, so hopefully it taught him a good lesson. I’m pretty sure about one thing, those handcuffs won’t go back on for awhile, if ever! 

There’s a lesson you and I can learn, too. Being “that child” makes us painfully aware of our sin. Thank goodness we are cared for by Jesus. He is the key that frees us. We may feel the misery of our actions, but because of Him our shackles to sin have been removed AND we never have to put them on again. 

“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”
John 8:36 (NLT)

Joining once again with http://www.fiveminutefriday.com 

Rely ~ Five Minute Friday

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“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 (NIV)

What Can We Rely On?

At the risk of sounding like my grandfather, “Back in my day, things were built to last!” For example, in the early years of our marriage we purchased a simple, ivory refrigerator. Boy did we feel like adults! Years later when we moved, it moved along with us and that fridge continued to work without a hitch for almost 30 years. 

Then, seven years ago we moved into our new house and with it came shiny, modern appliances. Would you believe that in that short time, we’ve had to have the ice maker in our refrigerator serviced on THREE different occasions? Our grandsons were here once while it wasn’t working so I’d made ice the old fashioned way. When I got the white plastic trays out of the freezer to give the boys a cube, they put their hands over their cups and said, “I want real ice!” Oh my how times have changed. But the truth is, we are spoiled and depend on our ice maker to spit out moon shaped cubes whenever we want them.

Here are a few more things I rely on:

~My cell phone to help me stay connected
~Air conditioning to combat the heat
~A key that always unlocks the door
~Our car to get me where I’m going
~The generator to provide power when there is none

What would you add? Whatever it is, guess what? Just like the 3X “new” ice maker in our refrigerator, these things on my list and yours can also, and probably will, fail. Things are dependable until they’re not.

Here’s a hard thought: People are the same. We want to trust those around us, especially the ones closest to us and in turn, they place their confidence in you and me. But, (and that’s a big but) no one is perfect and so, there comes a time when we too are reliable, until that is, we’re not. So what in the world can we rely on? The answer is nothing. There’s not one thing “in the world” that won’t let us down.

But, (and this is a bigger but) there is One, not of this world, that we can confidently put our faith in!

“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.”
Lamentations 3:22 (NIV)

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:8 (NIV)

So, here’s my new list of things to rely on:

~Jesus is our connection between Heaven and Earth
~He is the ONLY Way to avoid the “heat”
~God sent his Son to be our Key to eternal life
~Through Him, can we only be sure to get where we are going
~There is nothing that provides more power than the blood of Jesus

What would you add? Whatever it is, if it’s about Jesus, guess what? He. Will. Never. Fail!

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.”
Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)

As much as possible, you can “rely” that each week I will write along with others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com Why don’t you click on over. You won’t be disappointed.

Replace ~ Five Minute Friday

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“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save those who are lost.” Luke 19:10(NLT)

Never Too Lost

If you’ve read many of my words here you know that I am a memory hoarder. Whether it’s a photograph, hand written note, trinket, song, or just a remembrance that slides into my thoughts, I treasure them all. It’s not that I live in the past, but rather that I cherish it. 

Many years ago when my children were young, my Grandma gave them my Grandpa Frank’s leather case full of keys to play with. Soon, they were used to start a “car” and later to unlock the door to a “house.” The kids loved those keys and so, when it came time for us to leave, Grandma told my son and daughter to take the keys with them. Believe me, they were well used!

Fast forward and we now have grandsons. When putting together their toy box here I thought of those keys and added them to the other things I’d collected. Once again they became a popular source of entertainment bringing an “engine” to life, unlocking a “treasure chest,” or whatever else a little boy’s imagination could come up with. And yes, I too loved that case of keys.

At the end of a visit several years ago as I put things back in their place I realized the well-worn leather case with it’s variety of keys was missing.  I searched high and low, over and under, in and out, but never found them. It seemed they were gone forever and it made me sad to think that I’d lost not just the keys, but something that could never be replaced, the connection they were to my Grandma and Grandpa Frank.

Life is funny. Early last week out of nowhere, those keys came to mind. I don’t know why, just that I once again mourned their loss. On that very day the temperature outside was cooler than it had been in a long time and on a whim I decided I was going to do some trimming in my flower bed. As I began to work it occurred to me that I’d received some fancy clippers as a gift and wondered where they were. I began digging in my gardening/bird feeding pile in the garage and found the tool at the bottom of the heap. As I lifted them up…..are you ready for this? There, lying on the concrete floor underneath the clippers was the beloved key case! I’m not going to lie, a tear or two of joy and thanksgiving were shed. 

How those keys got there? Why I hadn’t I seen them before? I have no idea. However, I do know a reignited memory, unexpected cooler temperatures, and the thought of a gift I could use to make my job easier all lead me to a pile where those long lost keys had laid for years, under the exact tool I was looking for. Coincidence? I think not!

What a perfect lesson for me and maybe for you, too.

We can find ourselves at times in an unexpected place that we’re not even sure how we got to or how to get back from.

We’re never too lost that we won’t be found.

Life circumstances may be heaped upon us, leaving us feeling buried and unseen.

We’re never too lost that we won’t be found.

Overcome with worry and fear, we often believe we’ve lost our connection to God and that it can never be replaced.

We are never too lost that we won’t be found.

Sometimes, we are that one sheep that wanders away from the other 99, goes astray, and lose our way.

We are never too lost that we won’t be found.

“For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search and find my sheep. I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day.”
Ezekiel 34:11-12 (NLT)

Coincidence that God calls himself our Shepherd and promises to find the lost? I think not! He will look high and low, over and under, in and out, whatever it takes to bring us Home where we belong.  I don’t know about you, but I think that’s a memory worth holding on to!

Joining with the lovely group at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com . Click over to read their offerings on the prompt, “Replace.”

Leave ~ Five Minute Friday

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“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”

Waiting For Them To Leave

They’re still here. I have been waiting for them to leave for weeks now, but they just keep coming back. I’m talking about the grackles at my bird feeders which haven’t had food in them for the aforementioned weeks to try and convince those persistent, big, black birds to move on permanently, alas with no success. Not only do they swoop in and consume all the birdseed, they also keep the little, pretty birds from visiting. For one (me), who loves bird watching, this situation is discouraging!

I’ve been waiting for something else to leave too. Not just for weeks though, but rather for years and yet, they just keep coming back. I’m talking about big, dark, anxious thoughts. I try my best not to provide “food for thought” in the hope they won’t linger long. It seems to work for a while but then, they plunge right back in devouring my peace of mind while keeping the “Still Small Voice” at bay. For one (me and maybe you, too), who loves Christ, this situation is discouraging!

I know there’s nothing I can do to keep the grackles from coming around. There’s also nothing I can do about unwanted thoughts from invading my nights….nothing on my own that is.

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying pray. Let Petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)

These days I try not to look out at the empty feeders but when I hear the familiar squawk of hungry grackles I rush to the window to scare them away. Maybe one day they’ll get the message and move on. 

I’m using the same technique with those pesky middle of the night worries. When I recognize their presence instead of as I like to say, rehearsing disaster, letting one distressing thought lead to another, I’ve instead begun to immediately rush to God to pray them away. Maybe one day MY little mind will get the message and the fears and anxious thoughts will move on for good!

Until then, just as I’m picky about the birds that I feed, I’ll continue to be selective in the thoughts I entertain too:

“Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.”
Philippians 4:8 (The Message)

For one (me and maybe you, too) who loves Christ, fixing our thoughts on such things takes discouraging to encouraging; anxiety to peace. It’s wonderful when “Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” Let’s leave it all with Him.

So, the lesson for us today? Simply remember this: worrying is “for the birds!”
(Sorry, I couldn’t resist)

Watch ~ Five Minute Friday

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“Put on your new nature, created to be like God-truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:24 (NLT)

Watching for True Colors

Our two older grandsons were here for a visit last week. I’d planned activities to do with them every day. One of my favorites was something my grandma did with me when I was young.

While visiting grandma at her lake cottage, she’d send us out to gather Queen Anne’s Lace blossoms. Returning with our bouquets we’d find glasses filled with water lined up on the table and food coloring waiting for us. Each would choose a color to add to the water and then we placed our flowers into the glass. That’s when for me, the vigil began. 

As hard as I tried, I couldn’t keep myself from almost immediately stopping at the table to look for changes in my white blooms. I’d watch for any little sign that something was happening. Grandma would remind me to be patient and I’d truly try. But, my anticipation often got the best of me. 

I’ve learned that six and eight year old boys don’t share the same excitement as I had way back then….but that’s ok, I kept watch for them.

My floral activity wasn’t a total loss. The boys were actually interested in the process of it all. Quite a discussion was held about the why’s and how’s of the white flowers turning red, green, and yellow. This MiMi and ole teacher was pleased that they already knew that the stem carried the water to the leaves and flowers and that in nature, that is how a plant is nourished.

You know, it’s the same for you and me, really. As Christians, Christ, the Living Water inside each of us also supplies everything we need. And I’m realizing that nostalgic flowers aren’t the only thing I’ve been watching for change in; I’m keeping my eyes peeled for any little sign that my “colors” are different than they used to be too.

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20 (NLT)

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

So, what does old life gone, new life begun look like? Bright hues shining in dark times. Cool tones while under pressure. The longer Christ lives in us and we in Him, He will perfectly color our lives. We should become a living palette of every shade of love to those around us and beyond.

“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. We love each other because he loved us first.”
1 John 4:16-17a, 19 (NLT)

I don’t know about you, but for me the vigil has begun. I’m taking a good look at myself  for changes that paint a picture of Christ. I sure hoped they’d come more quickly…. I know God (and grandma), I’ll try and be patient but, the anticipation sure is great!

Joining with the wonderful writers at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com to write to the prompt “Watch” this week. Click over to read more!

Impulse ~ Five Minute Friday

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“All you that are righteous be glad because of what the LORD has done! Remember what the holy God has done, and give thanks to him.” Psalm 97:12 (GNT)

Look For the Joy

This picture popped up in my Timehop today and my first impulse was to quickly swipe it away. Looking, even in a glance, brought so many memories to the surface. Difficult memories, such heartache filled memories that at first I didn’t want to be reminded of, but then, just as quickly I decided to look more closely at this photo taken two years ago of my youngest grandson and me and something changed. My heartache became heartfelt gratitude.

Just two weeks prior to this picture our little one laid in a hospital bed hooked up to more tubes and wires then you can imagine fighting for his life. We were still in shock with all that had happened but as you can see, he was (and is) a miracle. In those fourteen days he’d returned to us the playful, smiling, precious boy we knew despite all he was going through. So today, that’s what I’m choosing to let this picture help me remember.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” James 1:2 (NLT)

You and I know that life IS difficult and filled with much heartache. I don’t know about you, but when I’m in the midst of it all, looking at a trial as “great joy” doesn’t come naturally. I’m learning though, that when we can go back days, months, or yes, even years and picture all that God has accomplished, the blessings received, and how far we’ve come, that despite all the suffering, joy CAN be found!

This is a hard time of year for our family as we recall the events two years ago. Our first impulse is to look away because it’s just too painful to revisit those awful days, maybe you know just how that feels too. But James, a servant of God and of Jesus reminds us to reconsider, not to turn from it, but to look more closely at what’s changed. And you know what has? We have. 

“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:3-4 (NLT)

None of us long for troubles to come our way, but when they do there’s comfort when we look to those memories from the past that pop up, focus on how God has seen us through, and noticing all the ways He transformed our weeping to rejoicing, ashes to beauty, and our heartache into joy,…

“Therefore we do not lose heart. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!”
2 Corinthians 4:16a, 17 (NLT)

I’m linking up with others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com again this week. Click over to read more.