It is Tuesday afternoon. I have come home from work on time, but will be going back for parent orientation. It is so quiet here! Jack (our dog) is asleep on his pillow. The ceiling fan is humming and literally, that is all I hear. It has been a wonderful few minutes. Precious time.
Recently I picked up a book I read several years ago. I enjoyed it then, and now I am using it for a daily devotional, even though it really isn't meant to be. Last week I reached a point in the book that made me lay it aside for a while. It requires time, and since it is the first of a very busy school year, I wanted to wait until I have lots of time to direct to this chapter. The author raised the question, "What are your life dreams and goals?" Now, that would be easy enough to skip over, but since I am using this book the way I am, I cannot skip over it. She goes on to say, "I encourage getting away for an entire day of envisioning and recapturing those 'shelved' aspirations. Allow yourself to dream again!"
I plan to do that. If not for a whole day, at least for several hours. Why? When I read that it made me think. At my age life has become very routine. Work, study, laundry, church, sleep, work, study, laundry, church, sleep.... well, you get the idea, basically just survival mode. I began to wonder, do I have any dreams? I went back to the beginning of the chapter and read these words, "Without goals in mind you may find yourself spending way too much time and energy on the things in life that are actually the least important to you."
Now I have two questions to answer. First, do I have any dreams, and if I do, what are they? Second, What unimportant things are draining my time and energy? Ugh. This is going to require some soul searching!
Why am I telling you all this? To encourage you. You see, God made us with a purpose. He created me different from you. He gave me unique talents, abilities, thoughts, and ideas. He intended for me to live - did you see that word? L I V E, not simply exist. He gifted me with my very own special gifts that I should be living out, not sitting on!
To identify my goals, I first have to identify my passions. What gets me going? As my friend Jenn would say, what makes me come alive? You know, gets me excited, goosebumps and all? Answering those questions requires honesty and time. This weekend I am making the time to sit down with my journal and my colorful pens. The weather is going to be perfect, so I am going outside - maybe even to Red Clay! I'll take Jack and let me soak up the sun while I delve into the depths of my being and discover what dreams and goals I really have.
I'll let you know what I find out!
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Sunday, July 28, 2013
After Haiti
We have been back home for one week. I can't seem to get rested. It was different this year. Harder.
Looking back at my pictures (there are lots and lots of them on my FB page) I become even more aware of the ways God used us and blessed us. Three years after The Earthquake, the front wall of the church in Dano is finally back up. Assuming, that is, that the men in Haiti were able to finish what we didn't get done. We ran out of supplies but they were still working when we left. The Pastor's Conference led by our own Pastor Sterling was intense and full of great fellowship. My third time teaching the women of Haiti was the best time I have had so far.
In Dano we were told there wouldn't be any women to come for the conference. Thirteen women showed up! We had a wonderful, very close time of sitting together and sharing from God's word. My friend, Lucien, translates for me, and he is always encouraging and fun to be with. When we got back to the city we spoke to over 100 men and women at the church on Thursday night. That was the night that I knew without doubt that I was exactly where God planned for me to be, doing exactly what God planned for me to be doing, and enjoying doing it more than I ever have before.
It was a very emotional and heavy trip for me this time. I don't know why. Before I left here there was some medical drama here at home. Maybe that sent me off with a buried burden. As I went, I knew in the depths of my soul that there would be a test for me. And there was. But God got me through. When I was talking to my daughter last week and said, "That would almost cause me to not go again," her response was, "Really?"
(Insert sarcastic tone of voice.) And again, "Really?" No. Not really.
I will go. I look forward to next July and can't wait to get back!
What was different this time? We had church every night while in the village. On Monday night, two young men accepted Christ. On Tuesday night, our pastor prayed for healing for two women with ailments. They were back the next night healed! There were over a dozen children express a desire to accept Christ at the children's service on Wednesday. After church Wednesday night another lady prayed to accept Christ. Jesus was busy this trip! Before we have just gone to do work. This time souls were saved and lives were changed.
On Tuesday night after our team had finished dinner, we had a lot of food left. I was alone in the dining room. My friend Nahum, who is Haitian, came in and said, "Vicki, are we finished? Will anyone want more? If not, they have told me there are two boys here who are hungry. Could we give them this?" I said sure and that I would be happy to serve them. When he returned, Nahum had a look of surprise on his face. He said to me, "I didn't know who it was." That night I had the extreme honor of serving left-over rice and whatever else we had, I honestly can't remember, to the two young men who had accepted Jesus the night before. They had on the same clothes as the night before, but they were clean. They had looks of appreciation on their faces, and even though we couldn't communicate through language, the love of Jesus leapt all boundaries as I offered them all that the Americans had left. They ate it all. It was a lot. Then they came to church and sang and worshiped with abandon.
As you remember this story, will you pray for Joshua and Jonah? Here is a picture to help you remember. Can you see the glow on their faces? Life after Haiti? Forever changed. They are. I am. Praise the Lord!
Looking back at my pictures (there are lots and lots of them on my FB page) I become even more aware of the ways God used us and blessed us. Three years after The Earthquake, the front wall of the church in Dano is finally back up. Assuming, that is, that the men in Haiti were able to finish what we didn't get done. We ran out of supplies but they were still working when we left. The Pastor's Conference led by our own Pastor Sterling was intense and full of great fellowship. My third time teaching the women of Haiti was the best time I have had so far.
(Insert sarcastic tone of voice.) And again, "Really?" No. Not really.
I will go. I look forward to next July and can't wait to get back!
What was different this time? We had church every night while in the village. On Monday night, two young men accepted Christ. On Tuesday night, our pastor prayed for healing for two women with ailments. They were back the next night healed! There were over a dozen children express a desire to accept Christ at the children's service on Wednesday. After church Wednesday night another lady prayed to accept Christ. Jesus was busy this trip! Before we have just gone to do work. This time souls were saved and lives were changed.
On Tuesday night after our team had finished dinner, we had a lot of food left. I was alone in the dining room. My friend Nahum, who is Haitian, came in and said, "Vicki, are we finished? Will anyone want more? If not, they have told me there are two boys here who are hungry. Could we give them this?" I said sure and that I would be happy to serve them. When he returned, Nahum had a look of surprise on his face. He said to me, "I didn't know who it was." That night I had the extreme honor of serving left-over rice and whatever else we had, I honestly can't remember, to the two young men who had accepted Jesus the night before. They had on the same clothes as the night before, but they were clean. They had looks of appreciation on their faces, and even though we couldn't communicate through language, the love of Jesus leapt all boundaries as I offered them all that the Americans had left. They ate it all. It was a lot. Then they came to church and sang and worshiped with abandon.
As you remember this story, will you pray for Joshua and Jonah? Here is a picture to help you remember. Can you see the glow on their faces? Life after Haiti? Forever changed. They are. I am. Praise the Lord!Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Wilson
I will write more about my trip to Haiti later, but today I want to tell you about Wilson. We took our two friends, Moses and Wilson with us to Dano. Dano is the village where we went to work last week. It is isolated and remote, a beautiful place to spend a few days. These two young men work hard at the orphanage in Port au Prince cooking and providing anything we need when we are there. They needed a break and a time to rest. There were women in Dano to do the cooking and providing.
Even though we can't communicate with them because of language barriers, it is sweet to walk around and hear your name called only to turn and see a huge smile aimed your way. The hugs they give will crush your ribs. The love they have for us is evident in the way they seek to serve.
On our last night in Dano I watched Wilson prepare fresh Mango for us. He had a bowl of water and put the two fruits in it. Gently, ever so gently, he put his hand in the bowl and rubbed the water over the fruit for several minutes. Then he peeled it and cut it into slices, covering it with a paper towel until he passed it around for us to eat. He was there to serve. He never assumed the fruit was for him. He was doing this for us. (Of course, we shared.) He did it with obvious love and care.
During the week Wilson would come from behind, link his arm into mine and say my name. We would laugh and talk, somehow understanding one another and getting our message across. I sat with him on the bus ride back to the city. It's a rough ride up and down that mountain. At one point I heard Wilson call my name as he placed his hand on top of my head and push me down so that the tree limb coming through the window did not slap me in the face. When I needed my contact solution to clean grit out of my eye, he dug for my backpack and found it for me. I have to tell you it was funny to see his reaction as he called for Moses to look as I removed that contact from my eye. I heard three words in what he said that I understood: Moses, Vicki, contact. The looks on their faces were priceless!
Anyway, as we were saying our goodbyes on Friday night he said, "When you come back you will not see me here. I live with my mother now." The most natural thing in the world is to see those kids who work so hard to cook and clean. They are always there. They are the first people we see when we get off the bus. Why does that have to change? He began to cry and I did too. He told us how much we had meant to him over our visits there. I wonder if he will ever know how much he has meant to us. The good news is that he is in college and studying business. He had a statistics book that he was studying last week. Wilson is smart. He is steady. He will succeed.
Change is hard. There were many changes in Haiti last week. Most of the children had gone home for the summer. Some will return for school in the fall. Many will not. While I am thrilled for Wilson that he has graduated high school and is attending college, I am jealous that he will not be there next July. Then I wonder how hard it will be for Moses. He is there alone now without his constant companions. All of them are gone right now. Will they return in September?
I am very thankful for Facebook! As soon as Wilson accepts my friend request we will be able to keep in touch. Well, I am going to have to learn to read and write Creole, but maybe Google can help with that! And I am going to hope that he will do next year what he did this year -come spend a few days with Moses when the Americans from Shelter Church come to Haiti. May God bless these two special men.
Even though we can't communicate with them because of language barriers, it is sweet to walk around and hear your name called only to turn and see a huge smile aimed your way. The hugs they give will crush your ribs. The love they have for us is evident in the way they seek to serve.
On our last night in Dano I watched Wilson prepare fresh Mango for us. He had a bowl of water and put the two fruits in it. Gently, ever so gently, he put his hand in the bowl and rubbed the water over the fruit for several minutes. Then he peeled it and cut it into slices, covering it with a paper towel until he passed it around for us to eat. He was there to serve. He never assumed the fruit was for him. He was doing this for us. (Of course, we shared.) He did it with obvious love and care.
During the week Wilson would come from behind, link his arm into mine and say my name. We would laugh and talk, somehow understanding one another and getting our message across. I sat with him on the bus ride back to the city. It's a rough ride up and down that mountain. At one point I heard Wilson call my name as he placed his hand on top of my head and push me down so that the tree limb coming through the window did not slap me in the face. When I needed my contact solution to clean grit out of my eye, he dug for my backpack and found it for me. I have to tell you it was funny to see his reaction as he called for Moses to look as I removed that contact from my eye. I heard three words in what he said that I understood: Moses, Vicki, contact. The looks on their faces were priceless!
Anyway, as we were saying our goodbyes on Friday night he said, "When you come back you will not see me here. I live with my mother now." The most natural thing in the world is to see those kids who work so hard to cook and clean. They are always there. They are the first people we see when we get off the bus. Why does that have to change? He began to cry and I did too. He told us how much we had meant to him over our visits there. I wonder if he will ever know how much he has meant to us. The good news is that he is in college and studying business. He had a statistics book that he was studying last week. Wilson is smart. He is steady. He will succeed.
Me with Wilson (R) and Moses (L)
Change is hard. There were many changes in Haiti last week. Most of the children had gone home for the summer. Some will return for school in the fall. Many will not. While I am thrilled for Wilson that he has graduated high school and is attending college, I am jealous that he will not be there next July. Then I wonder how hard it will be for Moses. He is there alone now without his constant companions. All of them are gone right now. Will they return in September?
I am very thankful for Facebook! As soon as Wilson accepts my friend request we will be able to keep in touch. Well, I am going to have to learn to read and write Creole, but maybe Google can help with that! And I am going to hope that he will do next year what he did this year -come spend a few days with Moses when the Americans from Shelter Church come to Haiti. May God bless these two special men.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Will You Remember Me?
Have you ever wondered how you will be remembered or even if you will be remembered at all? The last few days have brought sweet memories of a wonderful lady. I knew her as a child, she mentored me as a young woman. She left a mark on my life. Throughout life I think of her occasionally, when I drive by her home or read a good book. When I pack for a mission trip, or even when I iron. Who is she?
Frances Armour. This woman who got a third grade education and no more went on to become one of the foremost librarians in the Hamilton County Baptist Association. She read every book, or had it read by a trusted reader, that went on the shelf of her library. She was called upon to train librarians across Tennessee. She loved a good book and kept detailed records about all that she touched.
As a young child I remember going into her library to check out a book. My favorites were the series on missionaries. Stories about people who had given their lives to go to someplace remote or far away to share the name of Jesus. Even as I write I can see the covers of the books with the pictures of people whose names I can't recall. I remember the excitement of getting to take that book home to read and learn about what they were doing. I remember thinking, I want to be a missionary.
Later in life, I was honored to work alongside Mrs. Armour. She became a dear friend. She taught me how to manage a library. I appreciated all she taught me. Though I did not have a desire to run a library for the rest of my life, the lessons were applicable to living. She expected things to be done right. Pay attention to the detail. Stand up for what you believe. Do not put anything on the shelf that you would be embarrassed for someone to read. The list goes on and on.
Today I live out the desire she allowed to blossom way back then. Each week as she would say, "This book is about...." somehow I knew she was opening the door to a beautiful new world for me. In just three short weeks I will travel to Haiti for my fourth time. I get to teach the women there and equip them for their own mission trip to the remote regions of their own country. I will spend the week in a village where white people are rarely seen (perhaps only once before.) I will get to sleep on an air mattress in a mosquito tent and may not even get to bathe all week. We're hoping there will be a latrine. Still, I can't wait! The people there have become family. Their daily struggle to survive yet maintain joy unspeakable is more than inspirational.
So, why the memories? She bought the cover for my ironing board when I got married twenty-eight years ago. I had to replace it yesterday. It was hard. Like throwing away a piece of her.
It all led me to ask myself, what have I done that people will remember? Have I inspired anyone to serve Jesus?
Thank you, Frances Armour!
Frances Armour. This woman who got a third grade education and no more went on to become one of the foremost librarians in the Hamilton County Baptist Association. She read every book, or had it read by a trusted reader, that went on the shelf of her library. She was called upon to train librarians across Tennessee. She loved a good book and kept detailed records about all that she touched.
As a young child I remember going into her library to check out a book. My favorites were the series on missionaries. Stories about people who had given their lives to go to someplace remote or far away to share the name of Jesus. Even as I write I can see the covers of the books with the pictures of people whose names I can't recall. I remember the excitement of getting to take that book home to read and learn about what they were doing. I remember thinking, I want to be a missionary.
Later in life, I was honored to work alongside Mrs. Armour. She became a dear friend. She taught me how to manage a library. I appreciated all she taught me. Though I did not have a desire to run a library for the rest of my life, the lessons were applicable to living. She expected things to be done right. Pay attention to the detail. Stand up for what you believe. Do not put anything on the shelf that you would be embarrassed for someone to read. The list goes on and on.
Today I live out the desire she allowed to blossom way back then. Each week as she would say, "This book is about...." somehow I knew she was opening the door to a beautiful new world for me. In just three short weeks I will travel to Haiti for my fourth time. I get to teach the women there and equip them for their own mission trip to the remote regions of their own country. I will spend the week in a village where white people are rarely seen (perhaps only once before.) I will get to sleep on an air mattress in a mosquito tent and may not even get to bathe all week. We're hoping there will be a latrine. Still, I can't wait! The people there have become family. Their daily struggle to survive yet maintain joy unspeakable is more than inspirational.
So, why the memories? She bought the cover for my ironing board when I got married twenty-eight years ago. I had to replace it yesterday. It was hard. Like throwing away a piece of her.
It all led me to ask myself, what have I done that people will remember? Have I inspired anyone to serve Jesus?
Thank you, Frances Armour!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
A Fresh Start
As you can see, I have changed the look of my blog. It's time for a change. I was just playing around with the settings and found this color scheme. It made me happy, and it matched my butterfly, so here it is. Nothing else has changed, really. My welcome statement should change only to say that it has now been thirty years since I met Jesus. Otherwise, the new look is basically some spring cleaning and fresh decorations. I hope you like it.
Today is the first day of my summer vacation. It is perfect. The breeze is blowing in some rain, so I am sitting in my favorite spot on my back porch.
As the clouds gather in, the birds get more active. They are flying around and looking for food, singing loudly. Jack has gone inside to his pillow and is curled up for a long nap. And here I am enjoying the day.
I came across the most interesting statement in my Bible this morning. I've always loved the rain, sitting on the porch and feeling the breeze rush over me, watching the clouds gather and form into a summer shower or a full-blown storm. I think I feel the presence of God more in times like that. In Exodus, while God was giving Moses the commandments, the people of Israel were seeing and hearing what was happening. God had covered the mountain with a thick cloud. His glory was just too much for them. They stood below listening to the thunder and watching the lightening flash. They heard the trumpet and saw the smoke....and they were afraid. So, they said to Moses, YOU tell us what's going on, don't let God speak to us so we don't die.
Then, these words: "The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was." I WANT TO GO WHERE GOD IS! I don't want to be the one standing far off while you and everyone else goes where God is. I don't want to miss out on what God is doing or even refuse to listen to him on a personal level. In the words of Samuel, "Speak, Lord, for your servant hears."
I am going to listen intently to know what God is telling me. I am going to move and go where he is. It's more than spring cleaning and freshening up, it's a purposeful walk so as not to miss out on the things God has planned for me.
The rain cloud you see in the picture above just passed over. With it a brief shower and stronger wind. Behind it? Clear blue sky and sunshine.
What about you? Are you interested in listening to God or are you just waiting for someone else to tell you what they know about him? Have you missed out on a wonderful opportunity to serve because you didn't want to enter the cloud? Have you been there, totally in awe of his glory? Will you leave a comment and let us know how you have met with God and seen his glory? It's time to start Living Transformed.
Today is the first day of my summer vacation. It is perfect. The breeze is blowing in some rain, so I am sitting in my favorite spot on my back porch.
As the clouds gather in, the birds get more active. They are flying around and looking for food, singing loudly. Jack has gone inside to his pillow and is curled up for a long nap. And here I am enjoying the day.
I came across the most interesting statement in my Bible this morning. I've always loved the rain, sitting on the porch and feeling the breeze rush over me, watching the clouds gather and form into a summer shower or a full-blown storm. I think I feel the presence of God more in times like that. In Exodus, while God was giving Moses the commandments, the people of Israel were seeing and hearing what was happening. God had covered the mountain with a thick cloud. His glory was just too much for them. They stood below listening to the thunder and watching the lightening flash. They heard the trumpet and saw the smoke....and they were afraid. So, they said to Moses, YOU tell us what's going on, don't let God speak to us so we don't die.
Then, these words: "The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was." I WANT TO GO WHERE GOD IS! I don't want to be the one standing far off while you and everyone else goes where God is. I don't want to miss out on what God is doing or even refuse to listen to him on a personal level. In the words of Samuel, "Speak, Lord, for your servant hears."
I am going to listen intently to know what God is telling me. I am going to move and go where he is. It's more than spring cleaning and freshening up, it's a purposeful walk so as not to miss out on the things God has planned for me.
The rain cloud you see in the picture above just passed over. With it a brief shower and stronger wind. Behind it? Clear blue sky and sunshine.
What about you? Are you interested in listening to God or are you just waiting for someone else to tell you what they know about him? Have you missed out on a wonderful opportunity to serve because you didn't want to enter the cloud? Have you been there, totally in awe of his glory? Will you leave a comment and let us know how you have met with God and seen his glory? It's time to start Living Transformed.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Open Wide My Horizons
He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!" And God granted him his request. I Chronicles 4:10
Commonly we call it 'The Prayer of Jabez.' Books and Bible studies have been written about it. Sermons have been preached on it. Songs are sung about it. For the last few days one line of a MercyMe song has been running through my mind over and over and over. "...open wide my horizons to share your name."
Maybe it's because of the new focus of our church. We are asking our members to invite at least one person to church each week. We have cards to hand to people. We are becoming aware of the people around us and making a conscious effort to share Jesus with them.
This week I became acutely aware of how limited my world is when I made a quick trip to Staples. As I drove up, I wondered what was going on; it looked like they were knocking down part of the front wall of the store. I walked in and realized it has been a long time since I was there last. The store is smaller and totally reorganized. I walked in the door thinking I knew exactly where I needed to go to get what I wanted. Frankly, I wasn't even paying attention to where I was walking until I looked up and noticed that the cash registers were not where they used to be.
I had to regroup. I had to look for signs to find the item I was looking for. I had to reorient myself and rethink what I was doing. I found what I wanted and had a nice chat with the cashier as she processed my purchases.
Then my brother called and asked me to run to the high school and pick up his son. No problem. I enjoy my little bit of time with my nephews on days like this. It was especially nice this time since Chris looked over and said, "This is a nice surprise," when I drove up.
Back to the topic....what struck me about the trip down to Ringgold was the fields that have been plowed. Fresh, rich earth is ready to plant. New fencing separates fields. A farm just down the road from us has gotten a face-lift. It's so close to home. Yet, I had not driven by there in what is apparently a long time.
This question came to mind: If I am asking God to expand my horizons, how can I expect that to happen when I continue to stay close inside my self-imposed boundaries and never venture out in the world?
If you are like me, you see the same people every day. You go to the same places every day. You might go to work or school and then home again. My day begins before daylight and I can't wait to get home at 3:00. Well, I do come to Panera some to meet friends, study, and write, but when I am here I don't talk to strangers.
I am too caught up in my routine. I need to get out more often and see what's going on the world around me. There's a lot of stuff happening out there and I am missing it.
How is God prompting you? I have found it so easy this week to talk to new people. Usually I leave the conversation to someone else. This week, though, I enjoyed a sweet conversation with that young woman at Staples who noticed my work badge and asked if I knew her cousin who had attended my school. Yesterday I had a nice chat with a lady as we rode in the elevator and walked to the parking lot together. Today I ran into a friend at Panera who invited me to join her for a few minutes. I sat down and we talked for thirty minutes! (Even though I really came here to blog, I am so glad my routine got interrupted and that I ran into her!)
I'm truly amazed, and those of you who really know me will understand. I'm not the person who runs up to the new person in the room. Years ago I would let me friend, Dee Dee, talk to the new people at church because she loved to ask questions and get to know people. She could ask people anything and they would tell her. I struggled just asking people their name. Then I would let her tell me a little bit about them and I would gradually venture into a short conversation with them. I've never been good at asking the right questions to get to know someone.
Until now. It seems like God is opening up a new world to me. He is broadening my horizons and giving me peace and security to go to the edge. I've enjoyed talking with people this week. Not about work or school or family or the weather....Interesting things, real conversation.
I want you to know this blog post surprises me. I am loving what I am seeing God do. It's exciting to be aware of His hand and to know He is doing a work in your own life. So, I wonder, what's on your horizon? Are you asking God to open it wide? Or, are you caught up in your own little world, missing out on the life that is going on around you. Friend, get up and get moving. Go where the Lord leads and let him show you some great and marvelous things!
Commonly we call it 'The Prayer of Jabez.' Books and Bible studies have been written about it. Sermons have been preached on it. Songs are sung about it. For the last few days one line of a MercyMe song has been running through my mind over and over and over. "...open wide my horizons to share your name."
Maybe it's because of the new focus of our church. We are asking our members to invite at least one person to church each week. We have cards to hand to people. We are becoming aware of the people around us and making a conscious effort to share Jesus with them.
This week I became acutely aware of how limited my world is when I made a quick trip to Staples. As I drove up, I wondered what was going on; it looked like they were knocking down part of the front wall of the store. I walked in and realized it has been a long time since I was there last. The store is smaller and totally reorganized. I walked in the door thinking I knew exactly where I needed to go to get what I wanted. Frankly, I wasn't even paying attention to where I was walking until I looked up and noticed that the cash registers were not where they used to be.
I had to regroup. I had to look for signs to find the item I was looking for. I had to reorient myself and rethink what I was doing. I found what I wanted and had a nice chat with the cashier as she processed my purchases.
Then my brother called and asked me to run to the high school and pick up his son. No problem. I enjoy my little bit of time with my nephews on days like this. It was especially nice this time since Chris looked over and said, "This is a nice surprise," when I drove up.
Back to the topic....what struck me about the trip down to Ringgold was the fields that have been plowed. Fresh, rich earth is ready to plant. New fencing separates fields. A farm just down the road from us has gotten a face-lift. It's so close to home. Yet, I had not driven by there in what is apparently a long time.
This question came to mind: If I am asking God to expand my horizons, how can I expect that to happen when I continue to stay close inside my self-imposed boundaries and never venture out in the world?
If you are like me, you see the same people every day. You go to the same places every day. You might go to work or school and then home again. My day begins before daylight and I can't wait to get home at 3:00. Well, I do come to Panera some to meet friends, study, and write, but when I am here I don't talk to strangers.
I am too caught up in my routine. I need to get out more often and see what's going on the world around me. There's a lot of stuff happening out there and I am missing it.
How is God prompting you? I have found it so easy this week to talk to new people. Usually I leave the conversation to someone else. This week, though, I enjoyed a sweet conversation with that young woman at Staples who noticed my work badge and asked if I knew her cousin who had attended my school. Yesterday I had a nice chat with a lady as we rode in the elevator and walked to the parking lot together. Today I ran into a friend at Panera who invited me to join her for a few minutes. I sat down and we talked for thirty minutes! (Even though I really came here to blog, I am so glad my routine got interrupted and that I ran into her!)
I'm truly amazed, and those of you who really know me will understand. I'm not the person who runs up to the new person in the room. Years ago I would let me friend, Dee Dee, talk to the new people at church because she loved to ask questions and get to know people. She could ask people anything and they would tell her. I struggled just asking people their name. Then I would let her tell me a little bit about them and I would gradually venture into a short conversation with them. I've never been good at asking the right questions to get to know someone.
Until now. It seems like God is opening up a new world to me. He is broadening my horizons and giving me peace and security to go to the edge. I've enjoyed talking with people this week. Not about work or school or family or the weather....Interesting things, real conversation.
I want you to know this blog post surprises me. I am loving what I am seeing God do. It's exciting to be aware of His hand and to know He is doing a work in your own life. So, I wonder, what's on your horizon? Are you asking God to open it wide? Or, are you caught up in your own little world, missing out on the life that is going on around you. Friend, get up and get moving. Go where the Lord leads and let him show you some great and marvelous things!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Nerves!
This is where I wish I were today. This beautiful path is high atop Lookout Mountain, headed down to Sunset Rock. Doesn't it look peaceful and welcoming? Can't you imagine that it is a place to sit and talk with the Lord? A place to escape the craziness of life and sit at the feet of Jesus?
Do you ever need to escape? Today my family is waiting for an answer to an important question. It's so hard to wait! I have carried my phone with me every step I have taken for two days. Waiting for it to ring. Waiting to hear what I desperately want to hear. Still I wait.
For the last few days we have been extra busy. There is so much to do! We have been painting and working to get things ready for the opening of our new church which is coming up in just a little over a week. It's one of those times in life when we run home long enough to change clothes and grab a bite to eat somewhere along the way. It's exciting. I don't want to miss a minute of it. I'm tired.
I need to sit down along the path and talk with the Lord. It's so easy to get caught up in fear and worry when you are waiting for an answer from the Lord. It's so easy to be busy doing things for our church, for our family, for our work....and it's even more easy to neglect time to drink from the living water provided to us, to sit in the garden and talk with the Lord. Today I have turned on Pandora and poured through the Psalms. "His steadfast love endures forever....His steadfast love endures forever....His steadfast love endures forever."
No matter what. No matter where I am. No matter how busy life becomes. No matter what is troubling my heart. God's love never fails.
Today I had to face the question, what if God doesn't answer my prayer the way I am pleading him to answer? Frankly, I don't want to think about it. I don't like the prospect of what that would mean. I can't imagine what it would mean. If his answer is "no" will I stand firm and proclaim, "His steadfast love endures forever?"
If his answer is "no" my heart will hurt. I won't understand. I will ask him why. Yet, like the song says, "I will praise you in this storm, and I will lift my hands, for you are who you are....though my heart is torn, I will praise you in this storm.:
Well, two days have passed since I wrote the paragraphs above. We got our answer from the Lord. He heard our cries and graciously granted our plea, and he is even providing more than we imagined. There was crying, screaming, and even some shouting. Celebrating the mercy of our Father. Celebrating his affirmation that the path we were walking was indeed the path he had set before us.
I can't help but be reminded that my heavenly Father, the God who created this universe, loves me. He gave me this beautiful verse this morning.....
God saw the people of Israel - and God knew. Exodus 2:25
What are you going through today? God knows. He knows. You may have to wait, but rest assured that he knows. His steadfast love endures forever. Even when you feel forgotten, he loves you and knows. You may have to wait, and if you do - praise him in the storm...because he knows.
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