Friends, I am driven to write this morning, and really don't know what I am going to write about. I can tell you this, wherever the Lord is leading me, I want to go there! Lately it seems that everything I read or listen to speaks to moving on. Are you like me? I grab hold of something and don't want to let go - and that's not always a good thing!
This morning the word going through my thoughts is change. We women are guilty of using that word a lot - I'm going to change the way I eat. I am going to get healthy and start working out. I'm going to change my hair - color, cut, style. I am going to change and become something different. That's not the change I am talking about here. Let's talk about changing to be who God has created us to be. Most of us probably DO need to change the way we eat and start working out, but when Jesus called His disciples, he simply said, "Come, follow me." He didn't say, "Lose fifteen pounds so I can use you." Neither did He say, "You really need a makeover. New hair, new makeup, new clothes....then I can send you out to do my work."
What do we need to change? Those of you who know me may or may not know about my tattoo. In case you don't, I have a pretty butterfly on the top of my left foot. I love using the butterfly to speak about what God has done in my life. He literally transformed me. Changed me from living a dark, defeated life to living a life of hope. When I tell the story I often say, "God changed me from a worm crawling through the dirt to a beautiful creature full of color and grace." The question I have to ask today is: am I really walking an undefeated path of life? I don't think so.
Sometimes I get bogged down and stuck in defeat. It's easy to look back and remember what it is I used to do, how I used to think, or choices I consistently made. I know the Bible says Satan is prowling around looking for ways to attack me and pointing out my past is an easy way to cause me pain. I also know I have a defense, and that is Jesus! He has given me armour to wear so that I can stand against the fiery darts that Satan hurls at me. You see? I really do need to change what I'm wearing and put on my armour every day! Am I carrying a chip on my shoulder or am I carrying my shield of faith to stop the fiery darts that Satan hurls my way? (Look up the armour of God in your Bible in Ephesians, chapter 6.)
Along with that wonderful armour, isn't it equally wonderful that we are promised a fresh start every day? The Bible tells us that God's mercies are new every morning! Now, that should make you shout!! When this day ends and I look back over it, I will realize I didn't get everything just right. I wasn't as kind as I really should have been. I wasted time that I could have been helping a friend or talking to a shut-in on the phone. I didn't speak out for my savior. Whatever it is that makes you feel like a failure, it's ok. Tomorrow really IS a new day! Glory Hallelujah!
Walking on, I choose to follow the Lord. Where will He lead me? I don't know. What will He call on me to do? I don't know. What I do know is I am going where He leads. Currently I am reading a book about two college students who left school and lived on the streets for five months. Right here in America they gave up everything, literally, to experience the reality of homelessness. The more I read the more I am forced to examine my own heart. How far am I willing to go with Jesus? Is He going to tell me to live on the streets of Chattanooga for five months? I don't think so. What will I do if He does? I don't know! Maybe a better question is will I be willing to look straight in the eyes of the next homeless person I pass and say a kind word?
My friends, I want to encourage you today. Walk on with Jesus. The road you travel will be full of new and exciting things if you are willing to look around and fully experience the journey. It's time to let go of those things we consistently hold onto that keep us bogged down and hinder us from living as God intends for us to. Will you go?
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
Out With the Old - Renewed Every Day
Can you believe 2012 is here?! I guess I am getting old because the years are passing so quickly. Looking back, 2011 has been an eventful year. I visited Haiti twice. The last time I was there I told the children I would have to return to see them because they had such a big piece of my heart. I think particularly of a beautiful teenager named Sophlyn. Her soft, shy smile is contagious! She wrote in my journal that she had never known she was pretty or that anyone loved her. Unimaginable? Not really.
My first visit in January to Haiti showed me horrific destruction and the way people had been forced to survive. Then came the April tornado here at home. My own town was destroyed, the economy deeply impacted. People were homeless overnight and lives were lost. The next morning my husband was at work, of course since he works for the power company, and I faced a challenge. I didn't yet know where the tornado had hit, or that there actually had been one, but I knew we had heavy winds the night before. I had to check the fence - were there trees down? Are the cows still inside that fence? Oh, I hoped they were!!
So, I donned my rain boots, jeans, and grabbed my cell phone. I walked around the fence, taking pictures and sending them to my hubby so he could assess the situation. Thankfully there was only the top of a tree across one small piece of fence. A friend came to clean it up and temporarily make some repairs. I was SO grateful. At the time I didn't know that the tornado had wiped out the houses on the other side of the ridge from me. As the day went on and phone calls came, I realized exactly how much I had to be thankful for.
The morning I returned from my second trip to Haiti, my daughter left to spend two weeks in Togo, West Africa. On my way home, a friend called to say she had found us a house for my mother-in-law. We had been looking for a long time. We even thought we had found the perfect house once. Somehow, though, the deal on that perfect house never seemed to work out. God had another plan. Today she is settled into what really is the perfect house. It's close, we can see it from our own home, and she has really good neighbors.
My mom made it through the first year without my dad. When he was alive, I didn't really talk to them much, just checked in now and again. Now I talk to her every day. (Pardon me while I take a break - it's that time of night.)
My first visit in January to Haiti showed me horrific destruction and the way people had been forced to survive. Then came the April tornado here at home. My own town was destroyed, the economy deeply impacted. People were homeless overnight and lives were lost. The next morning my husband was at work, of course since he works for the power company, and I faced a challenge. I didn't yet know where the tornado had hit, or that there actually had been one, but I knew we had heavy winds the night before. I had to check the fence - were there trees down? Are the cows still inside that fence? Oh, I hoped they were!!
So, I donned my rain boots, jeans, and grabbed my cell phone. I walked around the fence, taking pictures and sending them to my hubby so he could assess the situation. Thankfully there was only the top of a tree across one small piece of fence. A friend came to clean it up and temporarily make some repairs. I was SO grateful. At the time I didn't know that the tornado had wiped out the houses on the other side of the ridge from me. As the day went on and phone calls came, I realized exactly how much I had to be thankful for.
The morning I returned from my second trip to Haiti, my daughter left to spend two weeks in Togo, West Africa. On my way home, a friend called to say she had found us a house for my mother-in-law. We had been looking for a long time. We even thought we had found the perfect house once. Somehow, though, the deal on that perfect house never seemed to work out. God had another plan. Today she is settled into what really is the perfect house. It's close, we can see it from our own home, and she has really good neighbors.
My mom made it through the first year without my dad. When he was alive, I didn't really talk to them much, just checked in now and again. Now I talk to her every day. (Pardon me while I take a break - it's that time of night.)
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The Christmas Tree
I LOVE CHRISTMAS! The lights, the trees, the nativity scenes, the music....chocolate, laughter, parties, and even a little shopping! As the weather turns a little gloomy and the night comes earlier and earlier, the bright lights cheer me up. It is tradition that we drive around one night during the season to look at the decorated houses. We always go to downtown Chattanooga with some friends to look at the EPB windows and the Blue Cross windows with a stop a Starbucks in between. Christmas Eve we are at church, and Christmas day brings time with family and my mom's famous coconut cake.
Maybe it's because the year that we got married we almost didn't get a Christmas tree that now I have trees everywhere. Little ones, bigger ones, all special in their own way. The little wire tree on my kitchen table is colorful and bright. The tree in the front room is rigged to stand up since it is so old the stand broke. If there were a tree upstairs this year, it would have all the ornaments that tell the story of our life along with all the ornaments children have given to me over the years. The living room tree is formal, and the tree in our bedroom is actually in the way.
Next year I am going to simplify. Even though I love the trees, I struggle with the fact that I have way too many trees and some people don't have one at all. I went into two homes this Christmas where the young mom's couldn't afford a Christmas tree. It broke my heart. It made me stop to think about what Christmas really is about and what we have let it become.
Red and green, silver and gold, dreams of snow and mistletoe....carols by the fire, steaming cocoa, and sugar plums dancing in our heads.....Santas, snowmen, penquins, and polar bears....time with family and friends, candlelight services at church, the Nutcracker ballet...shopping and shopping and shopping!
My friend, I don't know who coined the phrase, but let's not forget, "Jesus IS the reason for the season." Honestly, in the last few weeks, in all the hurrying to get things done, worrying if I got everyone a gift they would like, trying to keep the house clean, I was blessed to receive a Christmas CD in the mail. The songs brought me back to center. My thoughts were refocused on Jesus, and the reason we celebrate this thing called Christmas. It's About the Cross. That song is on the CD I received, and it has spoken volumes to me. Christmas is the beginning of a beautiful love story. Jesus loved me enough to leave his throne in heaven, be born in a stable, laid in the straw, and grow up as a man to face brutal torture and death. Glory to God in the highest!
I am so thankful that we have this time of year. It forces us to think about giving. I love to give gifts (even though I get stressed out by the shopping). This year I had the honor of giving to a new friend. She is at a hard point in life and needed a little help. The smile on her face and the light in her eyes when she saw my meager offering for her family is still warming my heart today.
I think of the name given to our Lord, Emmanuel - God with us. In our Sunday morning Bible study we talked about that name. God right here with us implies a relationship. Relationship implies conversation, and then someone sent me a You Tube link about an eight month old deaf baby who, through a cochlear implant, was hearing his momma's voice for the first time. I watched it over and over. I wondered if that is how Jesus feels when I call his name. The look of wonder and awe on that baby's face keeps rerunning through my mind. It prompts me to call out "Jesus." I want the focus of my Christmas to be on WHY we celebrate, not what we DO to celebrate.
Next year there will be fewer trees at the Million home. Some of these will be given away to young mom's who won't be able to afford one. Sure, we will celebrate - REALLY CELEBRATE! Jesus IS the reason for the season, and this family has come together to agree to put the focus on Him.
Merry Christmas!
Maybe it's because the year that we got married we almost didn't get a Christmas tree that now I have trees everywhere. Little ones, bigger ones, all special in their own way. The little wire tree on my kitchen table is colorful and bright. The tree in the front room is rigged to stand up since it is so old the stand broke. If there were a tree upstairs this year, it would have all the ornaments that tell the story of our life along with all the ornaments children have given to me over the years. The living room tree is formal, and the tree in our bedroom is actually in the way.
Next year I am going to simplify. Even though I love the trees, I struggle with the fact that I have way too many trees and some people don't have one at all. I went into two homes this Christmas where the young mom's couldn't afford a Christmas tree. It broke my heart. It made me stop to think about what Christmas really is about and what we have let it become.
Red and green, silver and gold, dreams of snow and mistletoe....carols by the fire, steaming cocoa, and sugar plums dancing in our heads.....Santas, snowmen, penquins, and polar bears....time with family and friends, candlelight services at church, the Nutcracker ballet...shopping and shopping and shopping!
My friend, I don't know who coined the phrase, but let's not forget, "Jesus IS the reason for the season." Honestly, in the last few weeks, in all the hurrying to get things done, worrying if I got everyone a gift they would like, trying to keep the house clean, I was blessed to receive a Christmas CD in the mail. The songs brought me back to center. My thoughts were refocused on Jesus, and the reason we celebrate this thing called Christmas. It's About the Cross. That song is on the CD I received, and it has spoken volumes to me. Christmas is the beginning of a beautiful love story. Jesus loved me enough to leave his throne in heaven, be born in a stable, laid in the straw, and grow up as a man to face brutal torture and death. Glory to God in the highest!
I am so thankful that we have this time of year. It forces us to think about giving. I love to give gifts (even though I get stressed out by the shopping). This year I had the honor of giving to a new friend. She is at a hard point in life and needed a little help. The smile on her face and the light in her eyes when she saw my meager offering for her family is still warming my heart today.
I think of the name given to our Lord, Emmanuel - God with us. In our Sunday morning Bible study we talked about that name. God right here with us implies a relationship. Relationship implies conversation, and then someone sent me a You Tube link about an eight month old deaf baby who, through a cochlear implant, was hearing his momma's voice for the first time. I watched it over and over. I wondered if that is how Jesus feels when I call his name. The look of wonder and awe on that baby's face keeps rerunning through my mind. It prompts me to call out "Jesus." I want the focus of my Christmas to be on WHY we celebrate, not what we DO to celebrate.
Next year there will be fewer trees at the Million home. Some of these will be given away to young mom's who won't be able to afford one. Sure, we will celebrate - REALLY CELEBRATE! Jesus IS the reason for the season, and this family has come together to agree to put the focus on Him.
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
What to do?
Why is it that I can't keep things put away? It seems that no matter how many times I clean house, fold clothes, pick up stuff, dust furniture, or wash the dishes, there is always something to be done. You know that feeling when you finally get the dishwasher turned on only to straighten up and see one more glass on the counter? Argh, the frustration of it all! I try. I try to keep things done. Tonight we are going to work on putting the boxes from the Christmas decorations back in the attic. I will pick up dirty clothes and take them to the hamper, unload the dishes, and give the dog a bath. Then I will start all over tomorrow.
Sometimes I wonder why bother? Do I really need to make the bed when I am going to be sleeping in it again tonight anyway? YES!!! You see, I can't stand the wrinkled sheets. They bunch up and peel off the corners during the night. My husband pulls the blankets one way and I pull the sheet the other way. By morning it's a jumbled mess. When I lie down tonight I want everything to be smooth and comfortable, welcoming me to a restful night of sleep.
I think of that bed and it reminds me that there is sin in my life that needs to be confessed. The Lord is waiting to smooth out the wrinkles and jumbled mess I make of my life each day. Sin. It creeps into my thoughts and actions. I twist and turn and wrinkle things up. The problem I have is that I don't always take the time to get this mess straighted out before tucking myself in at night. Unconfessed sin continues to jumble up my life.
Why not confess? Why not fall on my face before God and cry out for mercy? Why continue to carry on this way? Oh, wow. Those words that kept coming up over and over this summer are here again now. Pride. Apathy. Either I think too highly of myself and don't see my need to be forgiven, or I just don't care. Honestly, it's a little of both.
I hate to admit I am wrong. I hate to admit that I said hateful words, reacted in anger, delayed or avoided reaching out to that one person who needed me most today. I hate to admit that I sinned. That doesn't make it not true, though. Actually, I must say those words Paul said long ago - surely I am the chief of all sinners.
I also must admit that far too often I just don't care. Not only do I not care, I don't even know I don't care. I move through the minutes of my day unaware of broken hearts or lonely people. There is so much on my calendar that I don't make time to look around and see who it is that needs a word of encouragement or a shoulder to cry on. Who am I avoiding that needs to know someone cares?
Isaiah says: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Hallelujah! Phillip Yancey says about this passage: God is actually describing his eagerness to forgive. The same God who created the heavens and the earth has the power to bridge the great chasm that separates him from his creatures. He will reconcile, he will forgive, no matter what obstacles his prodigal children put in the way.
I stumble over many obstacles all day long. Praise the Lord that He is eager to forgive! When I seek His forgiveness, my twisted, wrinkled, and jumbled mess is neat, smooth, and clean because I surrender to His will. First John says that God is faithful to forgive my sin when I confess it to Him. Just like making the bed each morning, I daily make time to come before Him to seek His face and forgiveness. In doing so, I am able to step into the day and serve the One who graciously allows me to live transformed.
Sometimes I wonder why bother? Do I really need to make the bed when I am going to be sleeping in it again tonight anyway? YES!!! You see, I can't stand the wrinkled sheets. They bunch up and peel off the corners during the night. My husband pulls the blankets one way and I pull the sheet the other way. By morning it's a jumbled mess. When I lie down tonight I want everything to be smooth and comfortable, welcoming me to a restful night of sleep.
I think of that bed and it reminds me that there is sin in my life that needs to be confessed. The Lord is waiting to smooth out the wrinkles and jumbled mess I make of my life each day. Sin. It creeps into my thoughts and actions. I twist and turn and wrinkle things up. The problem I have is that I don't always take the time to get this mess straighted out before tucking myself in at night. Unconfessed sin continues to jumble up my life.
Why not confess? Why not fall on my face before God and cry out for mercy? Why continue to carry on this way? Oh, wow. Those words that kept coming up over and over this summer are here again now. Pride. Apathy. Either I think too highly of myself and don't see my need to be forgiven, or I just don't care. Honestly, it's a little of both.
I hate to admit I am wrong. I hate to admit that I said hateful words, reacted in anger, delayed or avoided reaching out to that one person who needed me most today. I hate to admit that I sinned. That doesn't make it not true, though. Actually, I must say those words Paul said long ago - surely I am the chief of all sinners.
I also must admit that far too often I just don't care. Not only do I not care, I don't even know I don't care. I move through the minutes of my day unaware of broken hearts or lonely people. There is so much on my calendar that I don't make time to look around and see who it is that needs a word of encouragement or a shoulder to cry on. Who am I avoiding that needs to know someone cares?
Isaiah says: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Hallelujah! Phillip Yancey says about this passage: God is actually describing his eagerness to forgive. The same God who created the heavens and the earth has the power to bridge the great chasm that separates him from his creatures. He will reconcile, he will forgive, no matter what obstacles his prodigal children put in the way.
I stumble over many obstacles all day long. Praise the Lord that He is eager to forgive! When I seek His forgiveness, my twisted, wrinkled, and jumbled mess is neat, smooth, and clean because I surrender to His will. First John says that God is faithful to forgive my sin when I confess it to Him. Just like making the bed each morning, I daily make time to come before Him to seek His face and forgiveness. In doing so, I am able to step into the day and serve the One who graciously allows me to live transformed.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
'Tis the Season
Thanksgiving has come and gone. We had a few days at home with our beautiful daughter and got the house decorated for Christmas. Following tradition, we went to my mom's for lunch and ate dinner wtih my husband's mother. It was nice to be home, sleep late, and take care of things that needed to be done. Even though the Christmas lights are up, it's still November, so I want to think about giving thanks.
Jehovah. Messiah. That's the name of my God! This morning at church we sang that song. We learned it last week, and this week I soaked it in. My greatest blessing is that I can say those words with confidence. Thanks to my cousin who approached me almost 30 years ago about the sad things she saw in me. When she asked me why I was living the way I was, I simply said, "I'm not sure there really is a God." She didn't react in shock. She did not condemn me. She simply looked at me and said, "I am going to be praying for you." Thanks to those prayers, today I can say that Jehovah is my God! I am so blesed to have my precious family. My husband is always supportive and quick to take care of me. He works hard to provide a warm and safe home. He is focused on serving God. I couldn't ask for a better man to spend my life with.
Then there is our daughter. I tell people often that God amazed me with her. She is devoted to her Lord and seeks to live her life for Him. Her love for people is pure, and she gives all she has to give.
I am so thankful for the wonderful group of ladies in my Sunday morning class. The support and encouragement they give me melts my heart. These are women who are serving God and stepping out to do things for Him. I enter their presence often feeling inadequate and out-of-place. I leave them always feeling loved and encouraged. They allow me to follow the path God has laid before me and they constantly remind me of how wonderful He is.
There are so MANY things to praise God for, so I am going make my list. I hope that it inspires you to appreciate and thank God for your blessings. Here goes: home, my new pillow, sitting and enjoying the Christmas lights, laughing with friends, hearing how my mom spends her day, random texts from Caitlin, seeing grateful faces, my job, the way Jack gets so excited to see us, living where I can experience four seasons, missionary friends around the world, new friends in Haiti, Kokou and his family, excitement of a little girl at the mall, the Great physician, my back porch, herbal tea, Jeep rides, the aroma of homemade soup on a cold and rainy night, medicine, a new house for my mother-in-law, growing friendships, Mexican food and Johnny, family heritage, Christmas cards, looking forward to coconut cake at Christmas, a reliable vehicle, owning a Bible without fear.....
I could go on and on. Maybe the list was varied enough that it encourages your thoughts. I have taken so much for granted. My trips to Haiti remind me daily of the things I enjoy as routine of life. Dear friend, please take a few minutes to reflect on what God has given you. When you make your list I hope you include the gift Jesus gave you on the cross.
Vicki
Jehovah. Messiah. That's the name of my God! This morning at church we sang that song. We learned it last week, and this week I soaked it in. My greatest blessing is that I can say those words with confidence. Thanks to my cousin who approached me almost 30 years ago about the sad things she saw in me. When she asked me why I was living the way I was, I simply said, "I'm not sure there really is a God." She didn't react in shock. She did not condemn me. She simply looked at me and said, "I am going to be praying for you." Thanks to those prayers, today I can say that Jehovah is my God! I am so blesed to have my precious family. My husband is always supportive and quick to take care of me. He works hard to provide a warm and safe home. He is focused on serving God. I couldn't ask for a better man to spend my life with.
Then there is our daughter. I tell people often that God amazed me with her. She is devoted to her Lord and seeks to live her life for Him. Her love for people is pure, and she gives all she has to give.
I am so thankful for the wonderful group of ladies in my Sunday morning class. The support and encouragement they give me melts my heart. These are women who are serving God and stepping out to do things for Him. I enter their presence often feeling inadequate and out-of-place. I leave them always feeling loved and encouraged. They allow me to follow the path God has laid before me and they constantly remind me of how wonderful He is.
There are so MANY things to praise God for, so I am going make my list. I hope that it inspires you to appreciate and thank God for your blessings. Here goes: home, my new pillow, sitting and enjoying the Christmas lights, laughing with friends, hearing how my mom spends her day, random texts from Caitlin, seeing grateful faces, my job, the way Jack gets so excited to see us, living where I can experience four seasons, missionary friends around the world, new friends in Haiti, Kokou and his family, excitement of a little girl at the mall, the Great physician, my back porch, herbal tea, Jeep rides, the aroma of homemade soup on a cold and rainy night, medicine, a new house for my mother-in-law, growing friendships, Mexican food and Johnny, family heritage, Christmas cards, looking forward to coconut cake at Christmas, a reliable vehicle, owning a Bible without fear.....
I could go on and on. Maybe the list was varied enough that it encourages your thoughts. I have taken so much for granted. My trips to Haiti remind me daily of the things I enjoy as routine of life. Dear friend, please take a few minutes to reflect on what God has given you. When you make your list I hope you include the gift Jesus gave you on the cross.
Vicki
Monday, October 24, 2011
I Ran One Day
I have decided to become a runner! Outrageous, yet obtainable. Crazy? Maybe. As a child I was never athletic. Clumsy is a better description. I remember when I convinced my parents to let me play softball. "All" the other girls were, afterall. Oh, I was so proud of my red T-shirt with "Road Runners" printed across the front. I can still smell the leather of my new glove. The glories of being on a team!
The glories of being on a team were short-lived. It didn't take long for the coaches to realize I could neither hit nor catch a ball. So, they sent me out to the side with an older boy to practice catching and throwing. What was meant to be helpful became an embarrassment. Singled out, not because of ability, my inability was clear to all.
As the decades have passed since that summer long ago, I have never joined another sports team. I have envied those who are able to play a sport or dance with beautiful grace. Walking has been my great attempt to be physically active.
One year ago my doctor asked what I would like to see myself doing at this time this year. My answer: I want to run a 5K. I've thought about it. Really! I have even run little patches of my occasional walks. Suddenly, though, I realized a year has passed, and though my thoughts have run all around the idea, my body hasn't. Time is wasting. It's time to act.
I downloaded an app for my iPhone. Bought the thing to wear it on my arm. Bought new shoes. And I ran one day. It was fun! By the end of that first session I was exhausted! By the time we drove back home my legs were sore! (Yes, for you runners, I did stretch.) Three days a week is all it says to run, and for that I am grateful! To be honest, this morning I wasn't sure my body would move that way today. God must have seen my weakness, for He gave me something else.
My husband and I are at Sloppy Floyd Park to escape the busyness of life at home. This is a beautiful place with several hiking trails. We set off this morning to go to the old Marble Mine. The sun was warm enough, but not hot. The leaves were full of color. The hike was fun,not hard, a pleasant time of chatting and walking. Then we rounded the curve. Uphill. Straight up. Mt. Everest up! I was determined to make it.
About half-way up Connally asked if I wanted to stop. No! I was sure that if I stopped I would never start again. It was tough. It was worth it. At the top of my Mt. Everest was the old marble mine. A quiet, cool pond greeted us at the mouth of the cave. The park service had even built a bench there and bridges to we could get closer to the tunnels (which are blocked off). It was an oasis, a place of solitude to enjoy on a beautiful October day.
After a little while of looking around and making pictures we headed back. Back at the Jeep I was thrilled about the morning. Even though the trail was called Marble Mine Trail, we had no idea we would find such a beautiful place. In the process I had pushed myself to keep going even though I wasn't sure I could make it. I didn't need to run, and my body felt strong.
Second Corinthians 12:9 says God's strength is made perfect in my weakness. He is giving me grace each day. When I finally start to walk and run He give me breath. He moves my legs. He even got me up that steep trail!
You see, I want to reach the 5K goal so badly because I know I can't do it alone. Only by the grace of God will it happen. This gal who couldn't run as a child, who hasn't ever been a physically active person, knows that taking care of this old body is important. I need to be healthy and strong to continue serving my Lord. I want to be able to work where people are hurting and need help. There is much to be done and I want to be on the front lines!
Why running? Like I said before, because I know I can't do it alone. The benfit? A healthier body. The glory? It all belongs to Jesus! The lesson? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! (Philippians 4:13)
I hestiated to use that verse here, but it's true. Isn't it wonderful that the word ALL really means ALL when you read it in the Bible? Whatever it is you are facing and having difficulty with - Running. Sickness. Unemployment. Family. Education. Losing weight. Fill in your blank _______________________. I can - YOU can - do it! You can do it because Jesus Christ gives you the strength to do it. When the verse says, "Strengthens me," it means, "to put power in." It reminds me of a light bulb - just a glass bubble with some filaments inside until I flip a switch, but when the power is put into it, it shines!
I did run the day after that hike. I am so glad God blessed me with an uphill challenge to see some of His beautiful creation. In facing that challenge I got to work muscles that gave me more energy and helped me grow stronger. That next day was damp and dreary and cold. I knew if I didn't do something I would face defeat, so I plugged in the treadmill, grabbed my iPhone and started walking. At the end of 30 minutes I had not only completed day two, but had a stronger faith in God. He had proven His word and given me strength, physical strength to do it!
Yesterday I said to my mom, "Well, I did day two of my 5K training." She asked, "Who got you into that?" Not really the response I was looking for, but OK. It's a good question. Why AM I doing this? What is the purpose? I could keep walking and be healthy. I could keep going just like I am. Rushing around and squeezing in a little time to hopefully walk a couple of days each week. Here's why:
There is more out there than I take advantage of. God has bigger plans for me than doing "just enough." I want to learn to step out in faith to try to do the things I never thought I could. I want to run the race set before me with endurance. I want to face the life He wants me to live knowing that all the effort it takes, in all the hard moments when I really want to give up, I have (in Christ) the determination to keep going.
One day soon I will cross a finish line and complete at 5K run. What a day that will be! One day I ran, and one day I will see the result.
What about you, friend? Spiritually speaking the finish line is the end of this physical life. Are you growing in Christ? Have you even started running the race He put you here for? Like Esther, we are here at this place in time for a moment such as this. Dont miss out. Don't keep "getting by." Surrender your life to Christ. Allow Him to be your Lord. Face the challenges He puts before you. Never give up - even on the dreary days.
You see, when I cross the finish line of my first race I want to hear my family and friends rejoice and say, "You did it!" When I cross the line from my earthly life to heaven, I want to hear God say, "Well done."
The glories of being on a team were short-lived. It didn't take long for the coaches to realize I could neither hit nor catch a ball. So, they sent me out to the side with an older boy to practice catching and throwing. What was meant to be helpful became an embarrassment. Singled out, not because of ability, my inability was clear to all.
As the decades have passed since that summer long ago, I have never joined another sports team. I have envied those who are able to play a sport or dance with beautiful grace. Walking has been my great attempt to be physically active.
One year ago my doctor asked what I would like to see myself doing at this time this year. My answer: I want to run a 5K. I've thought about it. Really! I have even run little patches of my occasional walks. Suddenly, though, I realized a year has passed, and though my thoughts have run all around the idea, my body hasn't. Time is wasting. It's time to act.
I downloaded an app for my iPhone. Bought the thing to wear it on my arm. Bought new shoes. And I ran one day. It was fun! By the end of that first session I was exhausted! By the time we drove back home my legs were sore! (Yes, for you runners, I did stretch.) Three days a week is all it says to run, and for that I am grateful! To be honest, this morning I wasn't sure my body would move that way today. God must have seen my weakness, for He gave me something else.
My husband and I are at Sloppy Floyd Park to escape the busyness of life at home. This is a beautiful place with several hiking trails. We set off this morning to go to the old Marble Mine. The sun was warm enough, but not hot. The leaves were full of color. The hike was fun,not hard, a pleasant time of chatting and walking. Then we rounded the curve. Uphill. Straight up. Mt. Everest up! I was determined to make it.
About half-way up Connally asked if I wanted to stop. No! I was sure that if I stopped I would never start again. It was tough. It was worth it. At the top of my Mt. Everest was the old marble mine. A quiet, cool pond greeted us at the mouth of the cave. The park service had even built a bench there and bridges to we could get closer to the tunnels (which are blocked off). It was an oasis, a place of solitude to enjoy on a beautiful October day.
After a little while of looking around and making pictures we headed back. Back at the Jeep I was thrilled about the morning. Even though the trail was called Marble Mine Trail, we had no idea we would find such a beautiful place. In the process I had pushed myself to keep going even though I wasn't sure I could make it. I didn't need to run, and my body felt strong.
Second Corinthians 12:9 says God's strength is made perfect in my weakness. He is giving me grace each day. When I finally start to walk and run He give me breath. He moves my legs. He even got me up that steep trail!
You see, I want to reach the 5K goal so badly because I know I can't do it alone. Only by the grace of God will it happen. This gal who couldn't run as a child, who hasn't ever been a physically active person, knows that taking care of this old body is important. I need to be healthy and strong to continue serving my Lord. I want to be able to work where people are hurting and need help. There is much to be done and I want to be on the front lines!
Why running? Like I said before, because I know I can't do it alone. The benfit? A healthier body. The glory? It all belongs to Jesus! The lesson? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! (Philippians 4:13)
I hestiated to use that verse here, but it's true. Isn't it wonderful that the word ALL really means ALL when you read it in the Bible? Whatever it is you are facing and having difficulty with - Running. Sickness. Unemployment. Family. Education. Losing weight. Fill in your blank _______________________. I can - YOU can - do it! You can do it because Jesus Christ gives you the strength to do it. When the verse says, "Strengthens me," it means, "to put power in." It reminds me of a light bulb - just a glass bubble with some filaments inside until I flip a switch, but when the power is put into it, it shines!
I did run the day after that hike. I am so glad God blessed me with an uphill challenge to see some of His beautiful creation. In facing that challenge I got to work muscles that gave me more energy and helped me grow stronger. That next day was damp and dreary and cold. I knew if I didn't do something I would face defeat, so I plugged in the treadmill, grabbed my iPhone and started walking. At the end of 30 minutes I had not only completed day two, but had a stronger faith in God. He had proven His word and given me strength, physical strength to do it!
Yesterday I said to my mom, "Well, I did day two of my 5K training." She asked, "Who got you into that?" Not really the response I was looking for, but OK. It's a good question. Why AM I doing this? What is the purpose? I could keep walking and be healthy. I could keep going just like I am. Rushing around and squeezing in a little time to hopefully walk a couple of days each week. Here's why:
There is more out there than I take advantage of. God has bigger plans for me than doing "just enough." I want to learn to step out in faith to try to do the things I never thought I could. I want to run the race set before me with endurance. I want to face the life He wants me to live knowing that all the effort it takes, in all the hard moments when I really want to give up, I have (in Christ) the determination to keep going.
One day soon I will cross a finish line and complete at 5K run. What a day that will be! One day I ran, and one day I will see the result.
What about you, friend? Spiritually speaking the finish line is the end of this physical life. Are you growing in Christ? Have you even started running the race He put you here for? Like Esther, we are here at this place in time for a moment such as this. Dont miss out. Don't keep "getting by." Surrender your life to Christ. Allow Him to be your Lord. Face the challenges He puts before you. Never give up - even on the dreary days.
You see, when I cross the finish line of my first race I want to hear my family and friends rejoice and say, "You did it!" When I cross the line from my earthly life to heaven, I want to hear God say, "Well done."
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Wasted Days and Wasted Nights
Make the best use of your time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16
How much time do you waste each day? It's a good and important question. Answering it truthfully may not be easy. Now that the days are shorter I am trying to be more careful of what I do after 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is hard to get "it all" done.
For over two weeks, my husband and I have been running ourselves to the point of exhaustion. Thank goodness for DVR because we haven't been home to watch NCIS! Unfortunately, life doesn't have a DVR to store precious moments to live out later. Time is an important issue for me. And God knows that.
Some things just have to happen. Job. Laundry. Mowing grass (well, one or two more times this year). Some things are easier to leave undone, but usually the person that is impacted by those things is me. Obligation, or maybe guilt, drives me a lot of the time. Who will do it if I don't? A better question is, am I doing (this thing) out of a sense of duty or out of love?
What bothers me about being so busy is all the wasted time. Running around, taking care of this and that, leaves me frazzled and fatiqued. In two weeks we have grabbed whatever food we drove passed and inhaled it so as to save time for all the stuff we are doing.
We have been talking a lot at our church lately about having a heart to serve others. I am neglecting my family to hurry and serve other people. It's time for me to take back some time. This past Sunday our ladies class talked about the little things we do daily that serve the people close to us. I need to cook a meal for my husband. Poor Caitlin came home for a long weekend and never got a home-cooked meal.
The things we have been doing are necessary. They are important. However, I think it is crazy to keep going like this and miss time that can't be reclaimed. Beginning now I am going to make a concentrated effort to give my family some of my time every day. I know I have to be realistic and admit that I probably won't cook a meal every night. We do have things in our lives that require a lot of our time. Maybe I should watch that "Almost Homemade" show!
Seriously, I don't want to miss anymore time. I have too many blessings to rush around taking them for granted or ignoring them altogether. God has given me people to love and who love me more than I deserve. Yes, I do want to be sure I am reaching out to share the love of Christ in big and small ways with all the people who come into my life each day. Yes, I do want to be sure I am reaching in to share the love of Christ in big and small ways with the people who live in my home.
As the song goes, time keeps on slippin' into the future. What are you missing? You can't push the the rewind button on the DVR in real life. Don't let another minute pass you by unlived. Guard your time so that you enjoy friendships. Plan your day so that mundane tasks get done and you have time to sit and talk - even if for just a few minutes. Decide what you are going to do to minister...to strangers and to your closest and dearest family and friends. We don't have time to waste!
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