The Object of your Obsession

     My son, Ben is home for the Memorial Day weekend holiday.  In the days prior to his arrival, phone calls made it quite obvious the he had an agenda planned for his visit.  An agenda for Ben, because of his autism, insidiously morphs itself into an obsession.  Any attempt to temper his determination is fruitless, though we have tried for all his years to do so. Though harmless, the excess of his obsession lends itself to a teaching moment that he cannot grasp. In his younger years, objects of fascination included balls, marbles, and flashlights. Presently, his desire to collect CD's is the focus -- a purchase of ten at one time which he may or may not open for two months. These were bought with money he had worked to earn in hopes of making the experience a learning one. His anger at our attempts to sway him were washed away as he was able to physically exit the store with what had preoccupied his thoughts for weeks. He was happy as a lark, freed at last from the torture caused by his desire. This procurement will give him peace for the moment, until something else captures his attention with the same fervor. The cycle is never ending.
     My prayer has been that our son could direct that determined mindset in a positive, meaningful direction--one that might further his life or the life of others. His tenacity calls upon me to inspect my own, especially in my Christian life.  Oh, to have that amount of unswerving dedication to the cause of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to be so consumed by His love and the sharing of my salvation with others. There would be no angst, only joy in achieving my heart's desire, hopefully in a cycle that is never ending in a positive light.
     What is the object of your obsession? Is furthering God's kingdom
anywhere towards the top of your list?  On your list at all?  Ben is unable to comprehend the temporary nature of the objects of his affection. This is not the case for us, yet we often persist in the acquisition of much the same-- things with no eternal value. Think on these things as you look over your own life. Strive for what truly makes a difference in life -- your relationship with the Lord, your family, the world around you. What joy awaits you there, not the walking out of Walmart with ten CD's kind of joy.  We are talking about the joy that lasts, spills over onto others, that fills the void in our hearts never leaving us searching for fulfillment in the things of this world. To God Be the glory!

The Beauty of Sacrifice

     I can only imagine the smile of delight and approval God had on his face when he crafted and and released the first bluebird into the sky. If birds can experience the feeling of jealousy, it must have occurred when that first bluebird soared into their territory.  Now, to each his own concerning a favorite bird species--not that many of you have probably pondered that question! So, call me the Crazy Bird Lady!

     I bring this up to share a recent discovery. There have been two families of bluebirds that have hatched and flown from bluebird boxes we have provided for nesting. When the little family has grown and flown, we remove the nest and clean the house for future residents. This year I noticed a difference in the nests which I suspect was caused by an unusually cold spring. The nests, which typically look like compact straw mattresses, were insulated with numerous feathers contributed by the mom and dad. It is obvious in this photograph these parents were dedicated to the warmth and comfort of their offspring. They had made a sacrifice, probably painful as they plucked away their own feathers, a testimony to their parental commitment.
     How like God to put this element of Himself, that of sacrifice, into these beautiful birds. God is  a dedicated parent who made for us the ultimate sacrifice--the Crucifixion of His son, Jesus, on a cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus withstood a horribly painful death because of His love for us and dedication to His Father. God did, Jesus did, the bluebirds did; they all sacrificed for a greater cause. We are called to do no less than this little bluebird couple. Whether it be a sacrifice of money, or time, comfort, we have been called in this world to be the hands and feet of Jesus and follow His example. When was the last time any of us actually gave of ourselves or our material belongings until it hurt--not just until it was a tad bit uncomfortable like giving up new pair of shoes or an expensive cup of coffee?
     I challenge you as I do myself to become sensitive to your surroundings and God's call for you to make sacrifices in your life for Him, for your brothers and sisters in Christ, for those beaten and
bruised by life who have fallen to the side of the road. Be a modern day Good Samaritan. "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me...I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me." (Matthew 25:35, 36, 40) To God be the Glory!

 FYI:  The photo of the nest with eggs was taken prior to the addition of feathers. Bluebirds typically lay eggs that are light blue in color. Only four to five percent lay white eggs. One of God's cool little gifts for a Crazy Bird Lady!

Out of Place

     This picture was taken on a beach in Destin, Florida.  Walking down the beach waiting for the perfect sunset picture that every tourist longs to capture, I almost stepped on this pine cone.  Its presence intrigued me.  I couldn't resist taking a quick picture before my attention returned to the rapidly setting sun. Of course, by now you know that it doesn't take much to send my brain off and running.  That was two years ago, and today I thought of that lonesome, misplaced pine cone. For the most part, I am at peace with the whole "feeling out of place" correlation.  When you take a stand for Jesus, you are often not part of the crowd, but because you have Jesus you are never alone. "And low, I am with you always, even to the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20) Praise God for His constant and unchanging love!
     But for some reason, it was difficult being the only pine cone on the beach today. Why couldn't I be one of the beautiful shells that washed ashore for a change.  Who wants to take a pine cone home from the beach! This bit of a rant stems from where God has me right now, waiting, not so patiently, for His direction, and wait is what I must do lest I miss His mater plan for my life. Yes, there is sand, however, the whole desert, wilderness experience is not what I am invoking here. Heaven forbid!  I have so much in my life to be thankful for every minute of every day. I am just having a battle with impatience, wanting the wait to be over, ready to be of service for God's kingdom.  

     Returning to my hotel, I again glanced at the lone pine cone on the sand. Then from the corner of my eye, a flash of color drew me in. Curiosity pulled me closer and another rarity was revealed to me. A cluster of yellow flowers surrounded by leaves of green sprang up from the dry, loose sand. How could it be?  I could only smile and take another photograph. God was showing me even then the unexpected beauty He can craft in a dry and lonely place. This was a confirmation of my chosen life verse,"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."  (Jeremiah 29:11)  Again, I claim this promise, but also take to heart the command and promise of the following two verses. "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all you heart." (Jeremiah 29: 12-13)  So with hope and prayer and heart devoted seeking, I await my future, my time to bloom for my Lord and Savior as He leads me in new directions. I pray that, whatever your circumstances, you also bloom where you are planted in the light of His love and with the nourishment of His word, the Bible! To God be the Glory!
 


     

Sensing God's Presence

     Last night my patio was beckoning me to sit and enjoy a time of rest and a quiet cup of coffee at and the end of a long week, a long Friday.  A gentle breeze was blowing what appeared to be rain filled clouds across the sky. In the distance lighting flashed, and out of habit I began to count...one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi...until I heard the thunder.  The final number reached is theoretically the number of miles away the storm is from my location. The rain came in slowly with the first sounds of droplets hitting the patio pavement followed by the splashing sounds of heavy rain. A light mist fell on my face and the air smelled of rain as it soaked my surroundings. I breathed in deeply and absorbed the moment. This was the first time this week I had been consciously in touch with all five senses in a positive aspect.  The sense of "feeling," with that feeling being pain, had dominated most of my week after a minor (but painful) foot surgery.

     I fear that constant, daily distractions compete for my attention and overwhelm the blessing of enjoying all that God has supplied as fodder for my five senses. Peace and relaxation that had eluded me all week were found on my patio-- the taste of a good cup of coffee, warm in my hands (with lots of creamer!), the sound of thunder and raindrops, the feeling and smell of rain, the sight of lightning flashing across the sky. It was as though God had used this storm blowing through to push my reset button and give me a heightened awareness of His presence and power, to remind me that He is here in everything, all the time. I do not need the proverbial "writing on the wall" to affirm that.  I needed but to engage my five senses, my attention and time to affirm that truth. 

   Words from a song our church youth choir sang came to me tonight, and I sang it softly to God. "I've seen it in the lightening, heard it in the thunder, and felt it in the rain.  My Lord is near me all the time.  My Lord is near me all the time."  This fact holds true whether the storm we face is one observed for enjoyment or one in which we find ourselves embroiled and thrown about in its fury.  God is still there.  "You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13) Perhaps we should include as well all five God given senses!   I pray God's blessing on you all.  To God Be the Glory!    
   
     

Living on God's Time

     Yesterday, I was privileged to have a special, new patient sit in my dental chair. Upon calling his name out into the waiting room, our eyes met.  Age made it difficult for him to easily rise from the couch on which he was seated. With my assistance, he made it to a standing position and held on as we slowly walked toward my hygiene room. With each explanation of what I was about to proceed with doing, he responded "this time" to my request for permission  As he said these words the slightest hint of a smile visited his face. I would give him a smile in return as I looked into his faded blue eyes and responded with "thank you."
     He was a model patient. For his enjoyment, I had tuned the television in my room to an old Western movie, but his eyes stayed closed and he remained silent through most of the appointment.  His daughter had accompanied him, and I called her back when the dentist began to do his exam. It was through her that I learned more about my patient of few words. In my chair sat a man of God who had been the pastor of  several Baptist churches throughout is life before retirement. He was also a World War II veteran.  He had literally lived his life for God and Country. What an honor had been mine without even knowing it!
     As I assisted him in exiting the chair, I looked into his eyes and said, "It seems as though we made it fine "this time." May I please schedule you an appointment in six months for "next time." He simply smiled, nodded, and responded "yes" to my question and to my request to give him a parting hug. "This time" with him was a moment I will always remember.  I can't wait for "next time"-- God willing.
     Speaking of time, I would be remiss if I let this moment in time pass without making this point. Time is a valuable, fragile, fleeting thing that we so often take granted, even abuse.  What if "this time," right now was the last occasion you had to hear how much God loves you. How He sent His only Son to die a terrible death on a cross so that your sins could be forgiven and you could spend eternity in heaven with Him.  How all of this is just a prayer of forgiveness and acceptance away for any one of us, no matter who you are or what you have done. We have but to turn on the television or read our local newspaper to be reminded that death is something that happens everywhere, everyday to people who had no inkling of its impending arrival.  For those people, there is no next time.  None of us is promised another day, another hour in this world.  What if  today happened to be your "last time" to make this decision and there is no "next time?" What would you do if postponement were not an option? Why consider deferring the joy, the glory that your Heavenly Father has in store for you? What are you waiting for...?
 To God Be The Glory!
   
   
   
   

Worn

     My love of listening to music often divinely opens the way for God to speak to my exact need at the moment through the words of a song that touches my heart and soul. The stresses that we all experience in life seem of late to be coming at me at an intensified force and frequency.  You all know what I mean because you, too, have been there. Maybe you are there right now. Please allow me today to share this song with you.  If you don't need it today, consider filing the message back for some moment when you will.
     God loves us so, and even in our most "worn" condition, He is by our side, holding our hand, providing the grace that we need to make it through whatever has brought us to this place. The song is simply and descriptively entitled Worn. God bless your walk with Him through your own experience. To God Be the Glory!

"Come to me all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]"  Matthew 11:28

Click on song title for the link or on the arrow on video below.

Worn by Tenth Avenue North

The Scenic Route

   My husband and daughter often laugh at the "shortcuts" I choose to take when motoring around our small town. Several weeks ago the pool of naysayers increased as I drove my co-workers back to work after lunch at my house. My internal GPS tends to take me on the quieter, more scenic routes with less traffic and stoplights. This makes the trip shorter and more enjoyable to me. They just laugh at my logic or lack thereof.
     However, this past week I was able to share with them what they had missed on "the road less traveled." Upon exiting the main highway following my usual route, something caught my eye. First, I noticed a small, plastic American flag flying from a STOP sign. Next, barely visible in the tall roadside grass, was a border made of tiny American Flags. At my first turn, a bouquet of yellow balloons flew from the side of a small bridge. As I traveled down the short side street, under a canopy of green provided by trees that had recently found new life with the return of Spring, I sighted the second flash of yellow balloons flying from a street sign. At this point, I had to see this through. Work could wait just a couple of minutes. Besides, I had saved time taking my shortcut, right?
     As I turned onto the street, just a few houses to the right, a mailbox sporting the largest bouquet of balloons yet and a "Welcome Home" sign came into view. A smile spread across my face as I passed and spoke a word of thanks to God for what this soldier had sacrificed for our country as well as his safe return. But wait! The street on which I found myself made a semi-circle back to the road I been traveling. As  I followed the road around, I was surprised to find an additional cluster of yellow balloons and a huge yellow bow adorning another home. Awesome! Not one, but two soldiers had made their way safely home. I was ecstatic for their families.
     With no more time to tarry and work waiting, I had to get moving. However, what a story I had to share with my flow of the traffic, red-light intersection friends. With all this said, let me encourage you to take the scenic route a bit more often, even if it it does add a few minutes to your jaunt.  God may have a "pearl" waiting for you, one that may put a spring in your step and a smile in your heart on what you  had expected to be another mundane day. There is also the benefit of additional moments of quiet in which to focus on God and hear his still small voice instead of navigating through a mass of cars.
     In the poem The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost ends with these words, "Two roads diverged in a woods and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." How this poem speaks to a plethora of our choices we must make, many more paramount than a drive to work! Let this post set your mind into motion for further application in your life. There is much to be said for not always following the crowd. What blessings God may have for you there!  To God Be the Glory!

   
     

Roots--The Good and the Bad

      As much as I enjoy seeing color return to the landscape in spring, the surge of new life brings with it a downside called "yard work."  Though, for me, much preferred to living and shoveling snow up north, it does take a bit of  the shine off the arrival of spring. The mowing, the weeding, the watering in the Southern summer heat are all requirements for the beautiful yard your neighbors hope you have! Why, we still honor homeowners with yard of the month where I live! Though not one of my aspirations, I would not mind being bestowed that honor.
     Spring makes its first appearance in my yard in the form of weeds in the much faded flower beds. Though green, they are not desirable and often sneak in among the existing plants as if they belong. The big weed in the picture was doing its best to mimic a pansy planted in the fall.  And so it begins! As the weeds pop up, I pluck them out.  Not fun, but necessary. Most of my weed pulling is carried out after a big rain has saturated the earth, making the ground more co-operative in turning loose of the weeds, including all of the roots. The work is in vain otherwise because weeds are such a determined, unruly lot. The slightest portion of a weed left behind gives it license to reappear, and you can be sure it will.

     Roots obviously have a positive connotation. The most beautiful plants, the most flourishing people, have a healthy root system because their roots grow deep into fertile soil or God enriched soil. In Ephesians 3:17, the Bible speaks of being rooted and grounded in God's love. But then there are the bad roots. The author of a Christian book brought this to my attention. Upon reading one particular chapter, it was apparent that I was the victim of long term, broken off but not thoroughly removed roots that kept resurfacing and wreaking havoc in my Christian life.
     My challenge is that you investigate your life's root system both good and bad. With God's help, pull any weeds of guilt, doubt, depression, self loathing, (just to name a few) up by their very roots as you fertilize your relationship with Him and hold onto His promises. This will in turn nurture healthy, deep-seated roots of the fruits of the Holy Spirit -- Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22) As Christians we are the proud owners of a garden bearing these fruits. They are a gift, but they do need cultivation.  As these fruits began to flourish, as their roots permeate our being, there is little room for those roots Satan has meant for evil in your life. However, when you least expect it, Satan will shoot up a weed, left from a root, a hurt, that has laid dormant for many years. Be on guard! I pray that your life will be so saturated with God's word and His presence that you will immediately recognize that weed, see it for what it is, and immediately pluck it, up-roots and all. Happy weeding!  To God Be the Glory!